lunes, 16 de enero de 2017

viernes, 13 de enero de 2017

Husband & wife duo The Baylor Project to release highly debut album “The Journey”



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Soulful.  Melodic.  Authentic. Jazz music. THE BAYLOR PROJECT
Be A Light proudly announces the February 10 release of “The Journey”, the debut album from visionary duo The Baylor Project. Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, Marcus and Jean Baylor’s highly anticipated collaboration showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical.

Joining Marcus and Jean on their self-produced debut is an expansive assemblage of top-notch collaborators including pianists Allyn Johnson and Shedrick Mitchell, guitarists RayfieldRay RayHolloman and Marvin Sewell, bassists Dezron Douglas, Chris Smith, David “DJ” Ginyard and Corcoran Holt, percussionists Pablo Batista and Aaron Draper, tenor saxophonists Keith Loftis and Bob Mintzer, trumpeters Freddie Hendrix and Keyon Harrold, trombonist Stafford Hunter and harpist Brandee Younger.

As the children of Pastors, Marcus and Jean's musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of gospel, blues, soul, and jazz to make it’s mark. On ”The Journey”, listeners are taken on a comprehensive musical journey that showcases as much versatility as it does virtuosity. A world-class drummer, Marcus’ creativity and innovative storytelling ability expose his seasoned improvisation and musicianship. Jean, with her agile mezzo-soprano range, combines a fresh, whimsical, approach to phrasing with clever musicality resulting in soul-hugging vocal purity. Released around Valentine’s Day in February, “The Journey” has as much to do with the The Baylor’s 15 years of loving one another as it does with Black History Month. Their first feature recording together embodies the true spirit of love while also paying homage to their musical roots and those of the African American experience.

“The Journey is a true reflection of our childhood, the musical and cultural influence of the African American Church, and all the things that have become a part of our creative fabric from then until now,” says Jean. As co-creators of their label Be A Light, Marcus and Jean served as the sole producers of “The Journey”. “As producers, we were involved in every aspect of the project from inception to completion,” says Marcus, adding, “...from songwriting, arranging and collaborating with great musicians to cultivate the sound we heard in our heads, we loved having the autonomy to create music from the inside out.”

Anchored by their exceptional band, The Baylor Project made their live debut in 2013 at Smoke Jazz Club to critical acclaim. Such a success, they were extended an invitation to remain in residency at Smoke for the coming year. “Performing on a regular basis not only gave us the opportunity to evolve as a band, but to build a buzz and anticipation for The Baylor Project,” says Marcus. The buzz was certainly built; word-of-mouth brought packed houses at the famed Blue Note, Apollo Music Café, and DC’s Blues Alley, leading to performances in premiere jazz festivals across the United States and Europe—a glamorous arrival for two people from humble beginnings. Marcus is a native of Ferguson, MO and Jean, a native of Moorestown, New Jersey.  Both grew up in a tradition that imprinted itself upon their craft.

It is apropo that it was their craft that brought them together back in 2000. It was then that Jean was set to perform at a showcase and found herself in need of a new drummer.  On a fellow musician’s referral, Marcus and Jean were connected for the first time through music.  As a close friend tells the story, Marcus fell in love with her that night on stage.


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With “The Journey,” the Baylor Project showcases their outstanding versatility with a dynamic collection of original compositions, newly arranged standards and reimagined hymns. Upon pressing play, listeners are transported into the heart of the black experience: inside a little church in the mountains of West Virginia built by Jean’s ancestors, hands are clapping, feet are stomping on time tested hardwood floors, and voices testify to the power of prayer in song. “Block Party” is the joyful introduction to the Baylor Project rife with the church blues and jazz improvisation.


What follows is the Baylor’s signature arrangement of the stalwart hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and their lush arrangement of the Herbie Hancock classic “Tell Me A Story”, which is enhanced by original lyrics penned by Jean.

A restorative hymn for healing and forgiveness begins the original composition “Again” which then gives way to a full swing orchestration with horns and strings featuring explosive solos. On the following track, the Baylors present a beautifully moody arrangement of the Gershwin classic “Summertime” with the lush stylings of harpist Brandee Younger, thus providing a remarkable remedy for the familiar. On “Afro Blue”, listeners are filled with an open palette of sound that brings forth a sincere spiritual offering of faith, strength and resolve. Afro Blue is a journey in and of itself through the collage of solos that express a deep connection to their cultural roots.
An interesting surprise, penultimate tune “Laugh and Move On” is a tribute to a simpler time in music.

“This song reminds me of an era in music that focused on telling a story with a lot of soul and some good ole’ fashioned singing about letting the tough times roll off your back,” says Jean.

Likened to an aria, Jean’s beautiful and sometimes haunting vocal arrangement is sung over Marcus’ dramatic drum solo on the final track “Journey”. Vacillating in and out of tempo and bound only to the rhythm of the soul, the two dance together telling their stories. Intertwined with voices of their personal lineage that give audible accounts of the discovery of their musical gifts, it is the perfect ending to the story and cleverly circles listeners right back to the beginning.
“We want to inspire, foster hope and ultimately, bridge the gap between generations in our culture,” says Marcus. With “The Journey’’, The Baylor project does just that. They are relatable, they are virtuosic, and for these reasons they captivate listeners and packed houses alike. "The Journey” pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in so doing; they generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, and feel good music.

To celebrate the release of “The Journey”, The Baylor Project will be embarking on a tour:


February 9-11: South in Philadelphia 
February 13: The Blue Note in New York City
February 15: Blues Alley in Washington, DC

April 29: Art of the Cool Festival, Durham North Carolina 


MORE ABOUT THE BAYLOR PROJECT:
"The Baylor Project" is an innovative collaboration merging the talents and creativity of this dynamic husband and wife duo, Marcus and Jean Baylor. Both artists have established themselves in the music community, Marcus as a jazz musician having toured and recorded with Kenny Garrett, John Scofield, Cassandra Wilson, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride and as a long-time member of the Grammy Award Winning, Yellowjackets. Jean first established herself in R&B as a platinum selling recording artist and later emerged in jazz having recorded and toured with Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller, Yellowjackets, Jimmy Greene and legends, Harold Mabern and Buster Williams. The Baylor Project was founded in 2013.




MANAGEMENT:
Gail Boyd, Gail Boyd Management


PUBLICITY:
Lydia Liebman, Lydia Liebman Promotions


RECORD LABEL:
Be A Light

www.jazzglobalbeat.blogspot.com
jazzglobalbeat@gmail.com 

lunes, 9 de enero de 2017

sábado, 7 de enero de 2017

Today and tomorrow APAP SHOWCASES, New York!!

APAP SHOWCASES 

2 DAYS. 20+ BANDS.

JAZZ NON STOP

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2017
STARTING AT 12:30 P.M.

YAMAHA ARTIST SERVICES
689 FIFTH AVENUE, 3RD FL.
entrance on 54th Street
NEW YORK, NY 

Visit me at APAP
Americas Hall I, Booth 1403
 
 
Matthew Whitaker
Set Time: 1pm
Presented by:  PassionMusic-Michelle Taylor
 
Musician, composer and arranger, Matthew Whitaker will demonstrate why he is in demand, why jazz taste makers and those in the know are talking about him and why Yamaha just endorsed him, making him the youngest pianist ever to have been added to their roster of elite artists. Matthew and his quartet will perform jazz classics and original material.
 
News Flash!  Matthew was the first place winner on Showtime at the Apollo hosted by Steve Harvey on Fox TV!
 

 
The Singular Sarah Vaughan
Andy Milne & LaTanya Hall
Set Times: 1:30pm & 3pm
 
Pianist Andy Milne and vocalist LaTanya Hall celebrate the life of Sarah Vaughan.  From her earliest hits to her later adventurous forays, Milne and Hall plumb the depths of Sarah's musical legacy in this personal exploration of the divine one. Veterans of the mainstream and creative jazz and pop scenes, the husband/wife team offer an intimate portrayal.
 
Andy and LaTanya repeat their performance at 3:00
 

 
 
 
 
Tony Tixier
Set Time:  2:00 
 
His second CD "Dream Pursuit" was called "a revelation" by Jazz Magazine.  French born Pianist Tony Tixier will soon release his third album featuring Karl McComas-Reichl and Tommy Crane. Now a resident of New York, Tony and his trio have already toured internationally as well as throughout the United States.  Tony stands out as a critically acclaimed composer both with jazz as well as classical compositions.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Barb Jungr and John McDaniel Sing the Beatles
Set Time: 2:30
 
"One of the best nightclub singers in the world" Time Out New York.  Multi award winning British vocalist performs with Broadway giant John McDaniel (Emmy, Tony and Grammy awards) in their acclaimed Beatles collection.  "There are two astute minds at work here.  Jungr's "thinking person's cabaret" approach...McDaniel's taut piano arrangements...rise to the challenge adding bold harmonic and rhythmic twists."  Sunday Times, London
 
 
 
 
Laurence Hobgood presents "tesseterra"
Set Time: 3:30 to 4:20
 
Grammy (R) winner and Yamaha Artist, virtuoso pianist and master composer/arranger Laurence Hobgood presents "tesseterra", his exciting new program for jazz trio and string quartet.  Audiences have been wowed by these "reimagined standards" from Cole Porter to Sting, Hoagy Carmichael to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder, the pairing of Laurence's world class trio and string quartet is a winner!

 
 
 
 
 
 
Barb Jungr & Matt Baker Sing "Sting"
Set Time: 4:30
 
Barb  previews a new set of Sting songs with rising star jazz pianist Matt Baker.  "Barb Jungr's art makes a grand argument for her being the most innovative singers in jazz since Cassandra Wilson". All About Jazz.  "Exquisite"  Jazz Times. About Matt:  "The Australian Piano Whiz"  New York Times.  "Swings confidently, full of clever reharmonizations and hip syncopation".  Jazz Times
 
 
 
 
 
The Baylor Project
Set Time: 5:00 
 
A husband. A wife.  An astonshing debut.  Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, Marcus and Jean Baylor's highly anticipated collaboration showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical union.  As the children of Pastors, Marcus and Jean's musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of gospel, blues, soul and jazz to make its mark.  Their album,"The Journey" will be released February 10, 2017.
 
 
 
 
 
Humanity Quartet
Set Time:  5:30
 
Brainchild of world renowned drummer/percussionist Leon Parker, the Humanity Quartet, featuring Sean Smith (b), Joel Frahm (s) and Peter Bernstein (g), is a uniquely cooperative jazz ensemble comprised of a special generation of musicians who celebrate having known each other and sharing music together for 30 years.
 
 
 
 
 
SHOWCASE OF TREMENDOUS ARTISTS
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2017
STARTING AT 3:00 P.M.

HILTON HOTEL, NYC
53rd & SIXTH AVENUE
REGENT PARLOR, SECOND FLOOR

Brubeck Brothers
Set Time: 3pm
 
Chris & Dan Brubeck have been making music together nearly all their lives.  Drummer Dan and Bassist/Trombonist Chris have played a variety of styles in many groups, with their father and their dynamic Brubeck Brothers Quartet, with Guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb.  The BBQ's style is rooted in straight ahead jazz, but their concerts reveal an inherent ability to explore odd time signatures while integrating the influences of Funk, Blues & World Music.
 
 
 
 
 
Christine Tobin
Set Time: 3:30pm

The Irish born, multi-award winning vocalist & composer is now based in New York, having been an integral part of the London scene for many years.  Her unique, rich sound was described by the Guardian as 'Tobin's 24 carat voice'.  Her expressive range acknowledges finely acquired folk, jazz and 20th century classical influences.  She can be junkyard blues philosopher, or snappy beat seductress, a conduit for exquisite zen-like harmonies, or reflective Americana.
 
 
Polly Gibbons
Set Time: 4pm
 
British Jazz/Soul vocalist and composer, Polly Gibbons, makes her APAP Debut performing material chosen from her second CD forRESONANCE RECORDS (2017 Spring Release). She just completed two major tours in the UK as the Support Act for both George Benson and Gladys Knight, including two performances with these icons at Royal Albert Hall in London.  "...this one is a Star!"  Johnny Mandel

Polly repeats her performance at 7:00 
 
 
 
Kathy Kosins
Set Time: 4:30pm

"Uncovered Soul" is catapulting Detroit singer Kathy Kosins from mainstream jazz to groove-oriented soul.  The songs on the album represent the musical landscape of 60s and 70s Detroit.  And the fact that she is supported by Gregory Porter's producer Kamau Kenyatta only makes this effort even more exciting and enthralling.  With him at her side, she let's her soul and groove basics run free.
 
 
 
 
Eugenie Jones
Set Time: 5pm
 
Winner, NW Vocalist of the Year, NW Recording of the Year, and &JazzWeek Top 50 Artist, Eugenie Jones, brings her "smoke and satin" vocals to the stage!  Join us for captivating renditions of the classics you love & original straight ahead tunes that have earned Jones critical acclaim as a gifted storyteller & authentic, mainstream songress.  
 
 

 
 
Julie Michels
Set Time: 5:30pm
 
This consummate storyteller...jazz vocalist Julie Michels previews her upcoming release of the"Lyle Lovett Project".  Produced by Mark Ruffin and supported by world renown jazz musicians, Lovett's music takes a decidely "jazzy" turn. Known for her jazz adaptations from many different styles, join Julie Michaels at her APAP showcase for a preview.  This music really "swings'.
 
 
 
 
Royal Bopsters
Set Time: 6pm
 
The Royal Bopsters Project is a multi-generational "Vocalese Summit" uniting singers Holli Ross, Amy London, Dylan Pramuk and Pete McGuinness.  Their Motema Recordsrelease earned 4 1/2 stars in Downbeat Magazine, hitting many Top CD lists of 215 and earning international acclaim.  With artistry that speaks for itself, the Royal Bopsters are joined by Special Guest Bob Dorough for their "certain to thrill" APAP showcase.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ron McCurdy
Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz
Set Time: 6:30pm
 
Ron McCurdy's Jazz Quartet and multimedia presentation of Langston Hughes' epic jazz poem "Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods of Jazz" was voted "Live Experience of the Year" at the 2016 Jazz FM Awards (London,UK).  With a message that resonates as strongly today as ever - it's a fabulous celebration of Jazz music, spoken word and visuals.  A "must-see" show.
 
 
 
 
Polly Gibbons
Set Time: 7pm
 
British Jazz/Soul vocalist and composer, Polly Gibbons, makes her APAP Debut performing material chosen from her second CD forRESONANCE RECORDS (2017 Spring Release). She just completed two major tours in the UK as the Support Act for both George Benson and Gladys Knight, including two performances with these icons at Royal Albert Hall in London.  "...this one is a Star!"  Johnny Mandel
 
 
 
 
 
Breckerville
Set Time: 7:30pm
 
Breckerville is a unique jazz sextet dedicated to celebrating the music of the Brecker Brothers, trumpeter Randy and the late great saxophonist Michael.  Collectively their music has transcended the boundaries of contemporary jazz forever.  Breckerville continues to push the musical boundaries by embellishing on their compositions through Jazz Education events and concert performances.
 
 
 
 
Antoinette Montague Experience
Set Time: 8pm
 
"Antoinette is a musical force of nature...her message of love, unity and soul brought the crowd to their feet at the 2016 Charlie Parker Festival, because they recognized they had met the Great Jazz Woman, and that their spirits had been truly rescued."  Marion Cowings
 
 
 
 
Don Braden
Set Time: 8:30pm
 
Tenor Saxophonist Don Braden will present works from his upcoming album entitled, "Earth, Wind and Wonder" featuring songs from the songbooks of both Earth, Wind and Fire and Stevie Wonder.  Always a crowd pleaser, Don uses his incredible musicianship to arrange these songs into contemporary jazz standards.
 
 
 
Matthew Whitaker
Set Time: 9pm
 
Musician, composer and arranger, Matthew Whitaker will demonstrate during his APAP showcase, why he is in demand, why jazz taste makers and those in the know are talking about him and why Yamaha just endorsed him, making him the youngest pianist ever to have been added to their roster of elite artists. Matthew and his quartet will perform jazz classics and original material.
 
 
 
Alexis Morrast
Set Time: 9:30pm
 
15 year old phenomena, youngest of six, began singing at the age of three in Church.  Quickly her love for music grew adding different genres from country, blues, R&B, Neo Soul, jazz and pop; helping to distinguish her voice that is textured and pure, reflecting some of the all time greats with a style and sound she has made her own.  Alexis and her trio are a composition of melodious music!
 
 
 
Oakland Stroke
Set Time: 10pm
 
Experience the sound and soul of Tower of Power! Oakland Stroke recreates the sound and soul of fabled Bay Area band, Tower of Power.  Hear TOP classics like: You're Still a Young Man, Down to he Nightclub, You've Got to Funkifize, and many more. Oakland Stroke is a smokin' 10 piece band, including a 5 man horn section, the same lineup Tower of Power uses live to this day.  
 
 
 
Marisa Ronstadt
Set Time: 10:30pm
 
Marisa Ronstadt hails from a talented family based in Arizona whose name was made famous by her cousin, the multiplatinum recording artist, Linda Ronstadt.  A performer at the age of seven, Marisa's musical tastes are rooted in mariachi, R&B, soul, and rock, but like many Mexican-American's raised in the U.S. her influences range from Lola Bertran and Pedro Infante to the Beatles and Marvin Gaye.
 
 
 
 
 
Igor Butman Orchestra
Set Time: 11pm
 
The Igor Butman Big Band, an outfit of virtuosos... display their mastery of post-Dizzy Gillespie jazz orchestra language, rendering both bright numbers and ballads with the precision, flair and swing of the Atomic-era Basie Band on steroids and a "We will crush you" attitude reminiscent of the better editions of the Buddy Rich Orchestra.
 
 
 
 
GAIL BOYD ARTIST MANAGEMENT

GAIL BOYD, PRESIDENT
SKIP NORRIS, DIRECTOR OF BOOKING
FULVIA ORLANDO, DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
PRIETTA BOOKER, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
EAT. SLEEP. JAZZ. REPEAT.

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