meandthestereo » jazz

The Night Roy Came to DC!

Luxi Lauri — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:56 +0000

Roy Hargrove

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJNN-YmaJ8I

Roy Hargrove is a music sensation. His albums define the true creativity that Jazz can express. He has used hip-hop and funk, as well as R&B artists to contribute to this American Art Form. You will find that Roy has been playing the trumpet ever since he was a little boy. He has been influenced by the greats, like Wynton Marsalis and David “Fathead” Newman. He has performed with legends such as Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Common, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, and John Mayer among many others. You will hear a lot of these artists on his recordings.

The RH Factor’s “Hard Groove” is one of my favorite albums; this was actually the first Roy recording I had ever heard. One song that I can’t stop listening too is called “Kwah/Home”, featuring Anthony Hamilton. His sounds have such full eccentric sounding chords that always manage to evolve. He is very soulful, and any true lover of music will enjoy Roy Hargrove. When I first heard he was coming to Blues Alley in DC, I was excited. When my friend and I got there, the line was practically around the corner. We had to wait a good while before they let us in. Blues Alley is known as one of the top performance venues for Jazz artists, so I felt glad that I was able to attend this event. Our seats were right in the front, because my friend actually knows Roy and has had the opportunity to play with him. The scene inside was very intimate, the place is only but so big, so everyone was able to see the stage. The audience was in awe of his performance. Each song gave them a chance to give him a warm and full applause. This night the music was truly straight ahead jazz with a little bit of funk at the end. He allowed guest musicians to come and perform with his band. His band members include: Justin Robinson (sax), Jonathan Batiste (piano), Ameen Saleem (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums). Each musician on stage was able to carry their own show if allowed; their solos were full of rhythms, distinct melodies, and dissonant harmonies. I truly had a great night seeing and hearing this wonderful art form at it’s best.

If you do not know Roy Hargrove’s music you must begin your journey now!!!

More info about Roy Hargrove: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/royhargrove

Artist of the Week – Albert Rivera

Luxi Lauri — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:55:24 +0000

Who – Albert Rivera

Originally From – Bronx New York

Music Style – Jazz

Instruments – Tenor and Soprano Saxophone

School - Attended LaGuardia H.S. of Music and Art and Performing Arts “Fame”, New School University Jazz and Cotemporary Program

Most Popular Performance Venues – York’s Smalls Jazz Club, Sweet Rhythm, Zinc Bar, Cleopatra’s Needle, and the River Room of Harlem

Album – “Re-Introduction”

When I think of the music of Albert Rivera, it reminds me of being at the mountain top looking over the horizon. His music is very powerful and full of emotion. Albert’s album has a new sound that lets the listener know how far jazz has evolved and has not lost its way. It’s important that we have dedicated Jazz musicians dedicated to keeping this music alive. The sound of the saxophone is very smooth and articulate and it blends well with his choice of players for the piano, drums and bass. “My Way of Sayin’ It” is my favorite track on the album, because it really shows his personality and passion. His dexterity and timing are uncontrollable.

I have had the honor to attend high school with Albert, and I have seen where his journey with jazz music began. Being in the different bands at school allows you to have the opportunity and exposure to grow as a musician. He is truly on his way to becoming one of the greats. The sound of his quartet is electrifying; they have so much energy and have been performing together for a long time. Mr. Rivera is well known around New York City and in the jazz community. He is constantly traveling and keeping a busy performance schedule.

I look forward to his next album.

For more go to – http://www.albertriverajazz.com/music

Live Music on U Street in DC!

Luxi Lauri — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:00:03 +0000

Awesome place for chili!

Living in DC has many perks: The White House, Smithsonian Museums, Georgetown, and most of all, the Music. Jazz, R&B, Go-Go, Hip Hop, Latin, Classical, it’s all in Washington DC. There are so many good places to go and hear live music, especially on U St. It does not matter what day of the week it is, you will always find a broad selection on this side of town. U Street is the center of Washington’s music scene, with the Lincoln Theatre, Howard Theatre, Bohemian Caverns, and other clubs and historic jazz venues.

U Street has a collection of shops, restaurants, nightclubs, galleries, and residences located along a nine-block stretch of U Street in NW Washington DC. It extends from 9th Street on to 18^th Street and Florida Ave. On Mondays through Thursdays you can visit Club Pure, Jo Jo’s Restaurant and Bar, or HR 57, and listen to a variety of music. On Friday thru Sunday, you can check out Café Nema, Twins Jazz Lounge, Indulge, Station 9, Bohemian Caverns, Utopia Bar and Grill and if you don’t mind traveling further than U Street, visit the 18^th Street Lounge. There are also specific groups that perform on certain nights. On Thursdays, The Young Lions give a great show at Café Nema. On Fridays you have the Collector’s Edition at Utopia Bar and Grill, Saturdays are the Twins Jazz Lounge to hear local and national touring jazz greats, and if you want to hear some Go-Go, visit Indulge on Sundays. It really does not matter when or where you go because there will always be an artist performing there.

A wonderful view of U St.

Source

If you would like to check out these places visit the links below:

http://dc.about.com/od/washingtondcnightclubs/tp/UStreetNightclubs.htm

http://www.dcjazz.com