In October of 2015, Gerald Veasley's Unscripted Jazz Series was launched in Philadelphia at SOUTH, an upscale jazz club, and restaurant.
Since then, Gerald and his wife and business partner, Roxanne have curated over 200 nights featuring leading artists in contemporary jazz. The lineup of guest artists has included Peter White, Alex Bugnon, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Keiko Matsui, Rick Braun, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Nnenna Freelon, to name a few. The weekly series which blurs the lines between straight ahead, soul, and smooth, has been received enthusiastically by fans and artists alike.
The concept of the series grew out of Gerald’s long-term stints as a bass player with two giants in contemporary jazz Grover Washington, Jr. and Joe Zawinul. He noted that even though his mentors continual pushed the music forward, they never lost an appreciation for the jazz icons who paved the way. When presented with the opportunity to curate music at SOUTH by its owner, Robert Bynum, Gerald created the Unscripted Jazz Series. The success of the series has confirmed his belief that contemporary jazz artists welcome the chance to stretch beyond boundaries.
The series has recently been expanded to include Latin jazz, presenting Pablo Batista and his Latin Jazz Ensemble at SOUTH. Pablo is a master percussionist who has worked with many significant artists including Eddie Palmieri, Alicia Keys, Grover Washington, Jr., and Dianne Reeves. Pablo Batista’s six-piece group has been paired with exciting guest artists: Conrad Herwig, Nestor Torres, Freddie Hendrix, and Nina Rodriguez.
Bringing the concept to the PDX festival is the next extension of the Unscripted brand. Given the festival’s track record of presenting groundbreaking emerging artists as well top-flight established entertainers, Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jazz at PDX will be a night to remember.
Born out of a no-name Seattle basement, High Pulp has been taking the Pacific Northwest by storm. What they first brewed down there is a monstrosity - a high-octane jazz, funk, hip-hop, punk, psychedelic cocktail with foul odors and a bitter taste. It’s chewy too. The addicts call it BAD JUICE and their warning is clear: DO NOT CONSUME. IT WILL MAKE YOU SICK.
How did it come to this? In March of 2017, High Pulp began playing weekly shows at Seattle’s historic jazz club The Royal Room. As the collective took shape and grew together, so did the hype. There’s nothing better than a weekly gig to experimentally develop a new genre - “Future Funk Fusion” in this case. Since then High Pulp has performed Seattle’s most prolific venues and festivals including Showbox Market, Neumos, The Nectar Lounge, The Tractor, The Crocodile, Upstream Music Festival, BAMF, and Big Bldg Bash.
In January of 2018, High Pulp entered the studio with sound engineer Jason Gray of the Polyrhythmics to record their debut album "Bad Juice”. Featuring 8 tracks, this album whisks the listener through a Bad-Juice-induced stupor of euphoria and narcosis. When at any given moment High Pulp drops into a heavy groove on this record, in the next moment the hallucination is shattered. From those shattered remains the next beat develops forward to the next fiery peak, and the cycle continues.
“It’s hard to imagine throwing on this LP and feeling anything less than joy. From the pink flamingos on the cover to the buoyant, flashy grooves embedded in each song, Bad Juice is the soundtrack to your carefree, balmy summer nights. It’s a call to arms for Seattleites to toss away their coffee cups (compost, preferably) and trade up for a tiki drink of their choice. From the magnetic flutter of “Hookai” and the deliciously greasy tribute to local fried Chicken chain “Ezell’s,” the band does their best to encapsulate an endorphin rush through their music.” - KEXP
The Euge Organ Trio is a groove oriented, soul-jazz group hailing out of Portland, Oregon. The group is sure to keep audiences both moving to the groove and
eagerly anticipating whatever might come next out of their
free-spirited improvisational approach.
Chris Bullock is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. The expressive nature of his music and playing is a testament to his artistic diversity. Chris is a longtime member of the genre-bending ensemble, Snarky Puppy. With this group, he has received three Grammy awards and maintains an active schedule performing for audiences all over the world. Chris resides in Brooklyn, NY where he balances his time leading his solo project, playing live shows with a diverse range of artists, and performing in studio sessions.
Originally from Asheville, NC, Chris’ musical obsession began as a child with early interests in the Beach Boys, hip-hop cassettes, and learning the clarinet and electric guitar. Over time the saxophone became central to his music making.
Chris is currently finishing his first solo album of all new, original music. This album is a hybrid of sorts that combines elements of Chris’ woodwinds, live jazz, and electronic music and production. His interest in hip-hop and electronic music has pushed him into exploring new creative ventures that include DJ’ing, beat making, and production.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Chris has performed with a variety of artists including David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Lalah Hathaway, Charlie Hunter, Chris Thile, Eric Harland, Phish, and Soulive. In addition to his work as a live musician, Chris is also an educator and clinician. He received music degrees from East Carolina University, Michigan State University, and studied at the University of North Texas. Chris Bullock plays D’addario reeds, YamahaFX pedals.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Over the past 10 years, Seth Walker has become recognized as one of the most revered modern roots artists in the United States; a three dimensional talent who combines a gift for melody and lyric alongside a rich, Gospel-drenched, Southern-inflected voice with a true blue knack for getting around on the guitar. His latest studio album, Gotta Get Back, produced by Jano Rix of The Wood Brothers, and its companion release, Live At Mauch Chunk Opera House, further expand upon this reputation.
Growing up on a commune in rural North Carolina, the son of classically trained musicians, Seth Walker played cello long before discovering the six-string in his 20s. When his introduction to the blues came via his Uncle Landon Walker, who was both a musician and disc jockey, his fate was forever sealed. Instantaneously, Seth was looking to artists like T-Bone Walker, Snooks Eaglin, and B.B. King as a wellspring of endless inspiration. The rest is history. He’s released seven albums between 1997 and 2015; breaking into the Top 20 of the Americana charts and receiving praise from NPR, American Songwriter, No Depression and Blues Revue, among others.
In addition to extensive recording and songwriting pursuits, Seth is consistently touring and performing at venues and festivals around the world. Along with headline shows, he's been invited to open for The Mavericks, The Wood Brothers, Raul Malo, Paul Thorn and Ruthie Foster, among others.
Seth Walker is currently splitting his time between New Orleans and New York City after reviously residing in Austin and Nashville. He’s used those experiences wisely, soaking up the sounds and absorbing the musical lineage of these varied places. With a bluesman’s respect for roots and tradition, coupled with an appreciation for—and successful melding of—contemporary songwriting, Seth sublimely incorporates a range of styles with warmth and grace. Perhaps Country Standard Time said it best: “If you subscribe to the Big Tent theory of Americana, then Seth Walker –with his blend of blues, gospel, pop, R&B, rock, and a dash of country—just might be your poster boy.”
Flip Side is a multigenerational medley of family and friends! Their sound ranges from sultry jazz, to down-home country blues, with a toss of original tunes and pop radio sensations! They play music to dance to, to cry to, and to take home and make love to! Flip Side will be featuring vocalists and dance artists from Feral Dance Crew!
We are the Stumptown Jazz Project. Our Jazz/Funk fusion is a direct result of the Portland Oregon music scene. Some of our roots grow as deep as the early 70's. Youth is represented in our sound as well. We are very diverse in that we each select several tunes to insure that everyone's musical personality is reflected in our performances. The end result is a fun, exciting, well rounded, and very diverse show.
ERNEST FREDERICK SR. (BASS) 🎶
🎶NATHAN SEAMAN (GUITAR) 🎶
🎶PHIL PEREZ(FLUTE) 🎶
🎶CLYDE ANTHONY BEAVERS (DRUMS) 🎶
🎶DEVON DiPIOLO(KEYBOARDS)🎶
🎶DANIEL BLUNCK(SAX)
Featuring local comedy legends such as
Wendy Weiss
Daja Monae
Lance Edwards
Headliner- Hannibal Thompson
Hannibal has been pursuing his dream of becoming a comedian/Actor since he was a young boy. He's been performing and studying acting, drama, sketch, and stand-up comedy since he was eight years old. The California native has worked with such comedy heavyweights as Mark Curry, Sinbad, and Bill Bellamy and graced the stage at clubs all over the world including Four USO Comedy tours in 2015-2019 in countries like Korea, Japan and Kuwait. 4 tours of western Canada. Comedy clubs including L.A.'s historic Comedy Store, San Francisco's Purple Onion, Caroline's on Broadway in New York City and multiple Improv comedy clubs accross the U.S.
Hannibal starred in the YEAR 2017 film “The American Dream,” On AmazonPrime as well as played the lead role in several commercials. He credits a childhood of watching comedy giants like Eddie Murphy, Will Smith, Red Foxx, Bernie Mac, Keenon Ivory Wayans, and Richard Pryor with influencing his comedic style and propelling his dreams.
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Amendola Vs. Blades“The breadth of what we do is so wide we don't have to think about it,” says longtime Bay Area drummer Scott Amendola, when talking about fellow local organistWil Blades--the other half of the dynamic music duo known as Amendola vs. Blades. “The cool thing is we can play swingin’ old school jazz, funk and rock, African music, to playing free.” Such dynamic range would prove challenging for any band, let alone one consisting merely of eight limbs, two analog keyboards and a drumkit. But it’s a challenge the two friends have eagerly met gig after gig since their auspicious first show together, a performance of Duke Ellington’s “Far East Suite” as an organ and drums arrangement, ten years ago. “It’s all about keeping it fresh,” adds Amendola. “And keeping the audience engaged.” And keeping audiences sonically freshened and engaged throughout their ever-evolving decade-long stint hasn’t been a problem for this uncanny duo, who’ve imprinted plenty of nondescript juke joints: the High Sierra Music Festival, SF Jazz, and the iconic Fillmore, alike with their slithery sound, enough to make stalwart critics like the SF Chronicle’s Joel Selvin squawk: "As for Wil Blades and Scott Amendola, these two Young Turks of the San Francisco jazz scene are bringing the organ-drum duo into the 21st century."
And during this century, if you wanted to experience Amendola vs. Blades, you’d have to be one of the many thousands who’ve steadily showed up at one of their live duo adventures. Sure, you may have seen and/or heard these two in-demand session players as bandleaders in their own right, or as distinguished sidemen with the likes ofNels Cline, Charlie Hunter, John Zorn, Mike Patton, John Scofield, Idris Muhammad, Bernard Purdie, or Dr. Lonnie Smith.But if you wanted an album of just the two of them facing off as they do, literally on stage--you’d have to wait. Until now.Finally, Scott Amendola and Wil Blades bring us their long-anticipated debut album—Greatest Hits—on Sazi Records.
Recorded over two nights in front of an intimate audience in a downtown Oakland club in June of last year, Greatest Hits is comprised of seven originals, tunes that had initially been composed and recorded by Scott and Wil for other projects. Depending who you ask,the album title could perhaps be construed as a mini-sampler of what’s to come, or perhaps a facetious statement of what was. The germ for the album took shape nearly two years ago. Adds Scott, “We always talked about it, but our schedules never lined up due to both of us being heavily on the road. As other projects ended, we actually had time to take it seriously.” Blades adds, “The thing about live recording was double-fold. For us playing as a duo is very loose and fun, so the best way to capture that was live--the vibe of a studio can make you feel restrained under pressure. A loose gig is a better representation of how we play our stuff, which is improvising.”
BIO: Dandu's music is inspired by jazz, hip-hop, funk, and progressive rock; resulting in a sound that can be best described as wonky groove music. The Denver based trio consists of Dylan Johnson (drums), Ben Weirich (piano and synthesizers), and Sean Dandurand (bass guitar). The musicians have been playing together for over 5 years in multiple ensembles, logging in over 300 shows together, and playing such iconic venues as Chautauqua Auditorium, Bluebird Theater, and Boulder Theater. They've shared the stage with Victor Wooten, John Scofield, Thundercat, John Medeski, Jack DeJohnette, Dennis Chambers, Cory Henry, The Bad Plus, Jacob Collier, Tera Melos, and many other musical greats.
Human Ottoman is a power trio of electric cello, vibraphone, drum-set from Portland, Oregon.
Susan Lucia (drums) and Grayson Fiske (vibraphone) started the project in 2013. Human Ottoman has created a repertoire of raucous, rhythmically dynamic music which combines their enthusiasm for music of all cultures with modern genre-mashing sensibilities, characterized most of all by their unique instrumentation. From brain-crashing cello solos and atomic vibraphone drops to drum solos that scholars are still struggling to understand, Human Ottoman is bringing polyrhythmic rock to the masses
Hosted by : 3rd Twin with DJ PanAm & DJ Wicked feat: David Barber
Featuring Portland's next wave of musical talent, including
Charlie Brown III on Keys
Cory Limuaco on Drums
Matt Holmes on Bass
Jeff Chilton on Trombone
Chang Park on Trumpet
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Treneti Brown-vocalist, bassist, intuitive musician. Treneti’s path of awakening the muse within came from much time spent alone in the woods learning to play bass and sing by listening the vibrations of the plants and meditating with the stars. Her musical messages come from a deep connection with the Earth and the Cosmos, she is a rainbow bridge. Treneti is well known for her work as a sound healing artist and has shared musical medicine in both North and Central America. With her band, Treneti brings soul music that pulls up the primordial rhythms the Earth and down the celestial tones of the cosmos anchoring them both right in the center of the heart.
Evan Bartholomew has been performing electronic music for nearly 20 years as Bluetech, Evan Marc and Invisible Allies (with Kilowatts). As an an internationally recognized touring music producer with over 27 album / EP releases and a seasoned portfolio of video game and film scoring credits, Bluetech is a master of analog and
modular sound synthesis and DSP audio manipulation. He brings a passion for sound design and cutting edge audio exploration into all the work he touches. His music transcends the constructs normally associated with a calculated “electronic artist,” pursuing music with meaning and purpose
with downtempo, future bass and progressive electronic music, rife with emotional intent and poly-rhythmic percussion. Bluetech began his training as a classically trained pianist at a young age, and has explored his craft as a DJ, musician, film composer, record producer and label owner. His work has evolved to include his roots in classical composition and ear for nomadic harmonic progressions and a deep awareness of music as a kinetic force with body moving beat mechanics. Working as a solo artist, as well as a producer, he has written scores for film & television (CSI: Miami, Scared Sacred, Occupy Love, Albedo Absolute, various television commercials), video games (Comet Crash 2 – forthcoming PS4) and virtual reality installations (MicrodoseVR). In addition to music, Evan has established a reputation as an accomplished graphic designer, illustrator, and 3D animator through both his personal work and commissions for clients (Microsoft, Austin City Limited, City Of Seattle). Bluetech has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally, having shared stages with such acts as The Glitch Mob, The Orb, Bassnectar, Ott, Juno Reactor and many more. Bluetech’s latest album “4 Horsemen of the Electrocalypse: The Black Horse” is an analog and modular based composition, in the same vein that he explored with his previous two albums “The Red Horse” and “The White Horse,” both released in 2016. Ranging from dark Detroit influenced electro, synthfunk, to more melodic techno explorations, this release pushes forward Bluetech’s unique analog based approach to sound and music production.
Elliott Young and Showtime is a Portland based band that has been in the scene for just over two years but has quickly established itself as one of the North West's premier Funk, Soul and RnB groups with infectious groove and great vocals and harmonies. The ensemble features the Aretha Franklin inspired vocal stylings of Tracey Jenkins along with the soulful singing of Elliott Young who toured internationally as a member of the world famous Coasters. The rhythm section consists of four seasoned professional musicians each with decades of live performance experience who bring an energized show guaranteed to get you on the dance floor.
Join us at JLR for a night of smooth jazz with 2 of Portland''s best jazz vovalists, Rebecca Kilgore & Paula Byrne!
Also featuring Randy Porter on keys and Tom Gilson on bass www.PaulaByrneMusic.com
"If this band appeared in New York City, they'd be a sensation!" That was guitar great--and one-time Mel Brown bandmate--George Benson's reaction after hearing the Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group open for him in 2003. This true all-star band has been a sensation for a long time—including a 20-year run on Thursdays at Portland’s Jimmy Mak’s (The Oregonian dubbed them “Jimmy Mak’s signature group”). A collective resume that reads like a "Who's Who" of NW jazz, blues, and soul, this group has the talent and confidence to be completely spontaneous--from their blistering solos to their improvised arrangements and segues.
MEL BROWN -- An Oregon icon, has been labeled the "Gentleman of Jazz," with a career spanning a half century. The city of Portland proclaimed June 22, 1989 "Mel Brown Day" in recognition of Mel's achievements as a musician and educator, receiving the Governor's Arts Award in 2002. Mel first made his mark as a Motown staff drummer, recording and touring with the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, and many others. He subsequently spent ten years working with Diana Ross and other pop acts before giving up the road in 1991 and returning home to his first love: jazz. Mel has been a fixture in Portland ever since, leading groups six nights a week at Jimmy Mak's and other venues when he isn't backing jazz artists like Joey DeFrancesco and Benny Golson.
DAN BALMER -- Widely considered the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar in the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be," Dan is one of the most original and creative artists to come from the fertile Northwest music scene. Dan has played and recorded with a long list of jazz greats, has released six CDs of his own, is a jazz educator and a noted composer. Dan leads his own groups and performs with jazz artists including Diane Schuur, Benny Green, and Jeff Hamilton.
RENATO CARANTO -- described as "one of Portland's most soulful jazz saxophonists" by The Oregonian," Renato is one of the most versatile, accomplished, soulful saxophonists anywhere. Arriving from the Philippines in '81 with only his horn, Renato has built an enviable career in Portland. After gaining a foothold in the local scene, Renato became one of the most sought-after jazzmen in the NW and beyond. In recent years, he’s toured with Grammy-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding and late country legend Merle Haggard. Talk about versatility!
LOUIS "KING LOUIE" PAIN -- "Portland's boss of the B-3" (The Oregonian) hails from San Francisco, where he played and recorded with a wide variety of top musicians: Tower of Power guitarist Bruce Conte, Santana saxophonist Jules Broussard, Edwin Hawkins vocalist Dorothy Morrison, and B.B. King saxophonist Bobby Forte. After moving north in '86, Louis continued the trend. His 2016 cd with vocalist LaRhonda Steele, “Rock Me Baby,” was honored by Downbeat as one of the “Best Albums of 2016.” Louis’ knack for playing exactly what's needed to further the song has made him Portland's "first call" organist.
Shemekia Copeland’s voice is rich, soulful and totally commanding. Authoritative,
passionate Stax-styled stirrers, raw Chicago blues and countryish folk rockers.
-MOJO
Head- turning and outspoken, America’s Child is a true hybrid of simmering, real-
talking spirit and emphatic, folkie-and soul-style statement-making. She sings slow- burning soul and rollicking country-blues with growling vigor and potent conviction.
-NPR MUSIC
Bold and brassy attitude and soulful blues delivered with gospel fervor.
-No Depression
Fervent vocals and fierce delivery...Shemekia Copeland comes on stronger, harder and
wiser than ever in her incendiary new album, America’s Child. You’re hearing music conceived to ignite passions and raise sensibilities.
-Chicago Tribune
Searing, husky vocals deliver the meticulously chosen material with fierce intent,
balancing her emotionally moving four-alarm vocals with a more subtle tough yet
tender approach. The riveting America’s Child pushes boundaries, creating music
reflecting a larger, wider-ranging tract of Americana.
-American Songwriter
Shemekia Copeland is an antidote to artifice. She is a commanding presence, a
powerhouse vocalist delivering the truth.
-Philadelphia Inquirer
America’s Child is powerful, ferocious, clear- eyed and hopeful...a soundtrack for
contemporary America. Copeland’s in such control of her voice she can scream at
injustices before she soothes with loving hope. It sends shivers up your spine.
America’s Child is her best album yet.
-Living Blues
Also featuring Portland's own King Louie & LaRhonda Steele
