TAYLOR MCFERRIN
With ‘Love’s Last Chance,’ his brilliant new studio album and first solo release in five years, Taylor McFerrin has emerged as the “complete artist” he’s always dreamed of becoming, writing and singing his own lyrics and vocals on top of his dazzling instrumental and production work for the very first time. Recorded in his recently adopted hometown of Los Angeles, the collection finds McFerrin working with more freedom and spontaneity than ever before, tapping into the moment with captivating performances that blur the lines between old-school R&B, classic funk, experimental electronic music, and progressive jazz. Vintage synthesizers and keyboards dominate the sonic landscape, propelled at every turn by hypnotic percussion grooves and breezy melodies, and an adventurous sense of improvisation infuses the songwriting with an air of infinite possibility. It’s McFerrin’s voice that steals the show here, though, warm and tender with a gentle confidence. His vocals convey both deep intimacy and unsparing self-reflection, and their very presence on the album signals the start of a brand new chapter in an already-impressive career.
“Something deeper happens when you sing, something that lets listeners feel like they’re truly getting to know you,” McFerrin explains. “Singing brings me closer than ever to being able to share everything that’s going on inside of me.”
When McFerrin released ‘Early Riser,’ his 2014 debut for Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label, he largely focused on instrumentals, relegating the occasional vocal part to special guests (including his father, the ten-time GRAMMY Award-winner Bobby McFerrin). The collection—which also featured appearances by Hiatus Kaiyote frontwoman Nai Palm, bass/production wizard Thundercat, and R&B titan Robert Glasper among others—earned praise on both sides of the pond, with Pitchfork hailing it as “an album built for slow weekend mornings spent in bed with a loved one” and The Line Of Best Fit calling it “superb.” Tracks from the album racked up nearly 20 million streams on Spotify alone, and McFerrin landed festival dates everywhere from Glastonbury to Central Park Summerstage.
In addition to discovering the power of his voice on the new album, McFerrin also discovered a new approach to recording thanks to his work with the jazz fusion supergroup R+R=Now, which found him teaming up with Glasper, trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, bassist Derrick Hodge, drummer Justin Tyson, and synth/vocoder player Terrace Martin, who’s produced Kendrick Lamar and Talib Kweli among others. Cut in just five days, the album offered up a masterclass in letting go and surrendering to the moment, in valuing emotional authenticity over technical perfectionism. It was an experience that reminded McFerrin of his father—best known for the timeless mega-hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”—who was a born improviser that gleefully shared his passion with his children at home and on the road.
"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.
In making his fourth album Wash It in the Water, Zach Deputy dreamed up a sunny and soulful new sound that fuses hip-hop, funk, and folky pop with the spirited rhythms of soca and calypso. With that sound embodied by the album’s brightly melodic and richly textured title track, Wash It in the Water finds the Georgia-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist mining his Puerto Rican and Cruzan heritage for inspiration.
“Because of the music I was raised on, I’ve always heard rhythm in a very tropical, Latin-esque way—it’s something that resonates in the deepest parts of me,” says Deputy, who grew up in South Carolina. “When I was a kid my grandma would play a lot of salsa and soca and make me get up and dance to it, so in a way this is me putting my own spin on all that and bringing those sounds into a whole new era.”
With Deputy playing every instrument on the album, Wash It in the Water was self-produced in spontaneous sessions that took place in studios and homes and sometimes in Deputy’s garage. “Each time I recorded it was mostly just for fun,” he says. “I wasn’t trying to make anything happen, I was just going with what felt good.” As a result, Wash It in the Water bears a warm, natural feel that permeates everything from the intricate guitar work and tender vocals of “Jump in the Water” (a serenade to Deputy’s seven-year-old daughter) to the groove-heavy funk of “Put It in the Boogie” (a celebration of the joyfully chaotic life of a musician) to the piano-driven balladry of “Loving You” (a powerful meditation on unconditional love).
Despite the spur-of-the-moment approach, Wash It in the Water emerges as a gracefully arranged effort that owes much to the musicianship and songcraft Deputy’s honed since getting his first guitar at age 13. By his mid-teens he’d started up a series of garage bands, balancing his own projects with playing in local big bands and soul groups. “I was this 16-year-old white kid crushing it in a Motown band, and because of that I got to learn a lot about respecting the composition,” Deputy recalls. “To me music is a bunch of small pieces fitting together to form this beautiful castle.”
In his early 20s, Deputy experienced a major turning point that would take his music in an entirely new direction. “I was playing in a band but I wasn’t inspired—music wasn’t bringing me the joy that it used to, and I felt like I might be done with it altogether,” he says. Along with quitting the band mid-tour, Deputy traded in his electric guitar and amp for a nylon-string acoustic and moved back home to work construction with his dad. “At work all day I’d have this music in my head, and as soon as I got home I’d go straight to the guitar,” he says. Serendipitously landing a solo gig by walking into a bar just after that night’s featured artist had bailed, Deputy soon introduced the world to the sound he’d eventually dub“island-infused, drum ‘n’ bass, gospel-ninja-soul.” By 2008 he’d released his debut album Out of the Water and—thanks to his ingenuity in looping—made his name as an unforgettable one-man-band live act.
Join Donna Jones and the Delegation for unique sultry and soulful renditions of jazz classics, new jazz tunes, and some powerful blues. Donna is a Portland native whose singing roots began her church gospel choir. She stretched her vocal and performing skills in local musical theater productions with Stumptown Stages and World Stage Theater and is delighted to be lead singer in the Delegation. She is accompanied by the melodic and talented keyboardist, Dan Hergert, who performs for all types of events in a wide range of styles from jazz, blues, soul, and Latin, to pop, rock and contemporary favorites. He honed his jazz chops as the lead pianist with the Vanport Jazz Big Band. As an official musician at Portland International Airport, Dan performs solo piano to over a million travelers every year. Jeff Davis joins them in the Delegation on drums and vocals. Born and raised in Denver, educated in Hawaii, and now here in Portland, Jeff has played with many groups and ensembles from London to Lake Oswego including Portland favorites Voodoo BBQ. He brings a bright, affecting rhythm and groove, perfectly meshed with the gravelly vocals and unique style of jazz bass from James Latham. James performed with indie band The Frigidaires, and with such notable local musicians as Bre Gregg of Red Bird, Lori Fletcher from Deco Moon Jazz, the No Requests Jazz Trio, Scott Denis’ Ten String Blues, and now lays down the rhythm for Donna Jones and The Delegation.
Music has been the heartbeat of Joey's journey for decades. Beginning first as a trumpeter, he played alongside “The Commandant's Own,” the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Traveling across the U.S. and abroad, Joey has studied with the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Vince DiMartino, Allen Vizzutti, and Harry Pickens. Building connections in the industry and honing his craft, he has lent his musical prowess to Grammy nominees and winners, serving as a background singer and songwriter.
Returning home to his birthplace in Portland, Joey is set to take the stage at the Jack London Revue this fall. Serenading the crowd with his signature smooth vocals and classic R&B sensibility, Joey will perform a mix of his own originals alongside tracks by SiR, DRAM, Donny Hathaway, and similarly iconic artists.
The London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
Focusing on the "hot jazz" of New Orleans and Chicago that developed in the 1920s, the Ne Plus Jazz Orchestra Distilled presents a large selection of tunes that were staples for Bennie Moten, King Oliver, Loius Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and The Original Dixieland Jass Band.
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
...will make a sprightly young groove doctor out of anyone. With spectacular energy pulsating from every member of the band, the Rainbow Seekers could illuminate the very chambers of Heaven. Lead singer Joe Hertler splashes through lyrical puddles of golden rain, leaving his audience wearing flowery crowns and bubbling smiles. A ride on the Rainbow will take you across the mountains of Motown, through the fjords of folk, over the archipelagos of Americana, and-at last-into a funky firth, where only the fiercest of friendships can be found.
The Rainbow Seekers began their historic quest 8 years ago, revolving around the pure, unadulterated songwriting of their fearless leader, Joe Hertler. Ryan Hoger was the first among the Seekers to find this lonely songsmith and recognize the twinkling magic in his beard. The young boy gave up all his earthly possessions (besides his guitar, of course) and became the first disciple of the Rainbow. With this, the core of the Rainbow was thereby established, and it didn’t take long for the Rainbow Seekers to continue their expansion. Multi-instrumentalist and notable auxiliary percussion maestro Micah Bracken journeyed from the bowels of Atlantis when he heard tell of the Rainbow, and the earth trembled as saxophonist and all-around badass Aaron Stinson descended from Olympus on a golden rainbow of his own. Then came thunder from the depths of space and as it picked up the bass, a soft exhale escaped the lips of every princess within a hundred moons, “Bambis,” they cooed. All the while, on the other ends of the earth, a young boy was hard at work, honing and sharpening his sticks for the day that the Rainbow would come his way, and when it landed at his door, Ryan McMahon climbed aboard.
Since the early days, their quest has brought them across the nation and upon such noble gatherings as Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and Summer Camp. As you'll know if you've seen the band, seeking the proverbial Rainbow is all about the live performance. "The live show is the purpose of the band. This is why we make music. Playing music is a symbiotic process, the crowd is as much a part of it as the musicians. We give as much energy and love as we can and we can feel that coming from the crowd as well" says Hertler. "We believe that performance is not a High Art operation, and that you should do anything you can to ensure that the crowd is having a good time. From piñatas to confetti, to fog, to flowers, to drum solos, to strobe lights, to Thor, to sword battles-literally anything goes.”
If you're still reading this, at least one thing is true: The Rainbow Seekers have been waiting for you. If you'll only let them, they will shake the dust from your wildest expectations. They will roar into your life with rapturous frequencies, exuberant tone, and a joyfulness of purpose that has truly become a rare sight on stage. Join them in their celebration, and they will take you on a never-ending journey to a place you'll never be able to describe in words.
Los Elk
Uniquely mixing indie-rock with flares of funk, pop, and R'n'B, Los Elk's razor sharp sound and high energy performances drew attention, and it wasn't long before they were playing sold out bills throughout the region.
Kneebody's sound is'¦ explosive rock energy paralleled with high-level nuanced chamber ensemble playing, with highly wrought compositions that are balanced with adventurous no-holds-barred improvising. All "sounds-like" references can be set aside; this band has created a genre and style all its own.
Kneebody is keyboardist Adam Benjamin, trumpeter Shane Endsley, saxophonist Ben Wendel and drummer Nate Wood. The band has no leader or rather, each member is the leader; they've developed their own musical language, inventing a unique cueing system that allows them each to change the tempo, key, style, and more in an instant.
Kneebody draws upon influences spanning D'Angelo's Voodoo to music by Elliot Smith, Bill Frisell, and Miles Davis. Their live shows are known for intense sonic landscapes of the Radiohead ilk, for the rhythmic bombast of a Squarepusher or Queens of the Stone Age show, and the harmonic depth and improvisational freedom experienced at a Brad Mehldau concert.
In 2005, Kneebody released their debut self-titled album Kneebody on Dave Douglas' Greenleaf Music Label. Low Electrical Worker followed in 2007 on the Colortone Label. A collection of 13 original songs, Low Electrical Worker was hailed by saxophonist Joshua Redman as one of his "favorite albums of 2007." In the spring of 2009, Kneebody and vocalist Theo Bleckmann released 12 Songs of Charles Ives on the Winter & Winter label and received a Grammy Award nomination in the "classical crossover" category. 2013 saw the release of The Line for Concord Records. In 2015, Kneebody's groundbreaking collaboration with electronic musician Daedelus on Kneedelus was released on Flying Lotus' imprint Brainfeeder records to praise from critics and audiences alike. Kneebody made their Motéma Music debut album Anti-Hero in March of 2017.
KOKOKO! is a collective born in Kinshasa capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a creative collision of different artists which fused at a block party. It consists of musical instrument inventors from the Ngwaka neighbourhood, electronic producer débruit, Makara Bianko (aka the Lingwala devil) and his dancers bursting forth from the Lingwala neighbourhood.
They’re best known for creating a contemporary aesthetic all their own by re-wiring and up-cycling materials such as metal, cans, engine parts and plastic containers found in Kinshasa’s streets into vital sculptural resonant dance music. Their distorted fast rhythms and spontaneous lo-fi electric sounds provide the chaotic soundtrack for the city's harsh yet abundantly creative realities.
It’s a brand new scene - radical, dangerous and thriving in a country whose political instability is felt first and most urgently on the streets of Kinshasa, an urban patchwork stretching further than the eye can see in Africa’s 3rd largest capital city. KOKOKO! is the spectacular sonic backdrop, the new, no holds barred aesthetic emanating from the downtown clubs (in between the government-imposed power cuts)
Brown Calculus...
music was formed through a mutual admiration for the power of cosmic Black music; the power to build community, liberate, empower, unite, and bring about balance through self actualization. They describe their music as post-soul, intergalactic jazz, and intergalactic soul
Tubby Love & Amber Lily are a dynamic musical force that weaves rich instrumentation, organic rhythms, and breathtaking vocal harmonies to create an uplifting and memorable experience. Their music shares the combined magic of Tubby Love, a world-class musician & songwriter from the Deep South, and Amber Lily, a Hawaii-grown singer-songwriter, activist, and wild spirit. Tubby Love displays an awe-inspiring ability to play any instrument, beat box, produce, and sing soulful melodies with poetic story telling. Amber Lily’s vocal expression shows feminine power that cannot be forgotten. Together, this group presents a dynamic sound experience that can bring an audience to tears and leave them wanting more. In a time of increasing social and environmental chaos, this group sees music as a catalyst for much needed healing and positive change. They are part of a movement of people bringing unity through music and addressing real issues to inspire solutions.
Tubby & Amber have toured across the globe alongside musicians such as Nahko and Medicine For The People, Rising Appalachia, Trevor Hall, Mike Love, Michael Franti, Ayla Nereo, Satsang & Dustin Thomas, and others who share a similar message of hope and inspiration.
The London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
The NoPo Big Band is modeled after the 17-piece instrumentation..., trombones, trumpets, altos, tenors and baritone saxes, driven by a four-piece rhythm section. The members of the band play for fun and for a love of the music. Music styles vary from fast swing, to blues and bossa, ...even funk!
The North Portland (NoPo) Big Band is a community large jazz ensemble. While based in North Portland, our members hail from all areas of Portland. The band started in 2010, a random mix of musicians, ...some experienced, ...some not... but all drawn together by a mutual love of big band music. As our membership has grown, local musicians have helped fill our ranks. and our musical experiences have grown richer by the year. All members of the band volunteer their time and talents as musicians, and some step-up to serve as music directors and board members. All past and present members of the band have played an important role in the evolution of NoPo,...and all are appreciated. We strive to offer musical experience back to the community, and hope to instill in the next generations a passion for exploring the spirit and spontaneity of this music.
"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.
Local music legend, Turtle VanDemarr, has performed in many influential bands over the years. Lead guitarist for Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, the Fly By Nite Jass Band, The Freak Mountain Ramblers, Anita Margarita and the Rattlesnakes to name a few. Having been a regular in the Portland Music scene since the late 60's, he is widely known for the versatility of his guitar playing styles.
Turtle has been compared to Django Reinhardt and Jerry Garcia in the San Francisco Chronicle. As a member of the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, he is routinely hired by nationally touring acts.
About 3 years ago he gathered together some of Portland's premier guitar players to form what is now known as "Turtle's Guitar Mafia". They play every first friday @ McMenamins Edgefield Winery and folks are loving it. A mix and match of Portland's older guitar legends with some of the hottest young-uns that have been revving up the Portland music scene. Different guitar styles, stealin' licks from each other and having way too much fun. Turtle aka known as "Zeus" is moving slow and easy and attempting to keep up with these amazing guitar slingers.
Saturday October 19 Eddie Martinez performs at The Jack London Revue. Eddie’s discography reads like a who's who of Rock Royalty as well the soundtrack of the past 30 years. Born and raised in NY and being a first call studio guitarist and performer for years, you’ll find that Eddie’s credits include Robert Palmer, Mick Jagger, David Lee Roth to Steve Winwood, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Yoko Ono to Celine Dion, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Nona Hendryx, RUN DMC to Meat Loaf, just to name a few. Eddie has been a part of that eclectic Rock History. Eddie and his band return to Portland for the first time in more than 2 years for his album release party. You'll hear songs from Eddie’s new record titled Akosua, which will show Eddies unique blend of Rock, Funk and Blues themes. Joining Eddie will be his All Star lineup including Ramsey Embick (Keys) and John Mazzocco (Bass). As always the mission is to raise the roof and the fact that Eddie makes Portland his home it's going to be an extra special show and party from start to finish! Don't miss The Eddie Martinez album release party Saturday May 18 at The Jack London Revue!
New Dew plays Future Soul and Progressive Funk music, inspired by groove oriented medium tempo dance music. Our mission is designed to enhance and compliment any venue with any genre we see fit. Our music is likable, versatile, and danceable, purposing a new form of live music. Our innovative set design never stops or breaks unless intentional, and can transform entirely at any given moment. We aim to please!
The Jack London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
Heart Bones is a collaboration between Sean Tillmann (aka Har Mar Superstar) and Sabrina Ellis (A Giant Dog/ Sweet Spirit). The two became friends while touring together in 2016. They recognized a kindred quality of over-the-top showmanship, and their new project became inevitable. Throughout 2018 the duo have been alternating visits to each other's hometowns of Minneapolis and Austin to co-write original material. Inspired by their favorite classic duos such as Nancy Sinatra/ Lee Hazelwood, Serge Gainsbourg/ Jane Birkin, Sonny & Cher, and Sam & Dave, their influences have spanned everything from doo wop, classic duets, musical theater, electro dance, and melancholy pop.
"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.
MOSS Media Presents LadiesFirst! - a quarterly event showcase celebrating women artists in hip-hop, soul, R&B, electronic and world music. Join us for Vol 1 at The Jack London Revue on October 25!
With her clever, edgy lyricism and riotous stage persona, Karma Rivera has risen to star status in the Portland rap scene. The emerging rapper and Hype queen explores the strength and value behind words with meaning, and she does this without seeking to fall on a commercial loophole of music that hardly displays artistic value. While difficult to holistically label, her music lies within the genre realms of rap, hip-hop, and latin trap yet is characterized by an unrivaled individualist style. Driven by passion from writing and performing, Karma covers a wide range of subjects such as sexual identity, how it is to be a woman and a rap artist in the music industry and the musical and cultural movements behind her Afro-Latina roots (Puerto Rican descent). Although originally from Chicago, Karma began making music while attending Washington State University. Today, Karma has gained notoriety in Portland by embracing the opportunity to open for artists like CupcakKe, Princess Nokia, Chief Keef, Xavier Wulf and Snow tha Product. While she’s driven to continue dominating the local Portland scene, her ambitions are to bring her bouncy and catchy sound to the mainstream.
Amenta Abioto is a singer, songwriter, producer from Memphis, TN. In her one-woman performance, she builds vocal and instrumental loops from kalimba, synthesizer, drum machine, and guitar creating atmospheric textures. Weaved into syncopated rhythms and dichotomies of comedic proportions, Amenta surprises and tantalizes audiences with mind bending ideas while skipping vocally from soul-shaking gospel to smooth jazz.
Lisa Vazquez is an Argentine bred Wonder Woman in all aspects of her craft. A Hip Hop / Soul producer, Vocalist and Multi Instrumentalist, Lisa blends worldly and jazz flavors with sultry vocals and deep lyrics all over a classic hip hop thump to get you moving. She has shared stages with Just Blaze, Talib Kweli, Chali 2na, and KRS One while being featured at festivals such as Soundset, Summer Meltdown and Oregon Country Fair. Lisa was also a finalist in the 2018 International Goldie Awards DJ and Beat Battle, garnering herself esteem in the eyes of well known producers and DJ's.
Lisa is the answer to what hip hop has been lacking in recent years. She creates her beats live, while layering her vocals to create a rich canvas for her lyrics andsultry vocals.Truly a one woman show like no other. Lisa taps into her creative world further with her Beatmaking Series - "Flip It Friday" -which you can find on Youtube.
KayelaJ, a 23-year-old openly queer female lyricist and radio personality, was born and raised in Northeast Portland, Oregon Within her music she enjoys incorporating poetic lines, harmonizing melodies, and using high and low tones all of which livens her delivery for listeners. Her musical content sometimes consist of topics surrounding the black community and the LGBTQ community. She also enjoys making fun, empowering music and incorporating different Hip Hop styles and different genres within her music.
DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid have spent more than eighteen years igniting dance floors with cutting edge music not limited by borders or language. They host the longest-running Bhangra and Bollywood party in the world (Andaz est. 2002), co-founded the Pacific Northwest’s first Global Bass dance party (Atlas 2003-2013) and host two weekly radio shows (CHOR BAZAAR on XRAY.FM and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Kush on KBOO.FM.) In 2013 Anjali and The Kid initiated TROPITAAL! A Desi Latino Soundclash, which they host monthly at The Goodfoot.
Few DJs can be said to have changed the sound of their city but that is exactly what DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid have accomplished since they first introduced Portland, Oregon nightclub audiences to the many varied sounds of Global Bass at a raucous New Year’s Eve debut in 2000. They are most known for incinerating dance floors with the heavy dance floor artillery of South Asia, but the duo scour the globe for any hard-hitting music that combines local music traditions with window-rattling production.
In addition to hosting their own club nights, Anjali and The Kid regularly perform at festivals. They have appeared at Sasquatch! Music Festival, Decibel, MusicfestNW, Vancouver International Bhangra Celebration, Beloved, Matatu (Oakland), Photosynthesis, Soul’d Out, Portland International Film Festival, Indian Summer Festival (Vancouver, B.C.), Kaleidoscope and Vancouver Queer Film Festival to name a few. They have guested at the legendary Basement Bhangra (NYC) numerous times as well as Non Stop Bhangra (SF), iBomba (NYC) and Bhangrateque (Chicago.)
After making a name for themselves in their hometown’s raucous house party circuit, DJ Anjali & The Incredible Kid introduced the Portland, Oregon nightclub scene to the sounds of Bhangra, Bollywood and Global Bass on New Year’s Eve 2000. A series of residencies followed, beginning with a night at the legendary Blackbird, and the duo began hosting their ANDAZ dance parties in July of 2002. The party’s focus on hardcore Panjabi Bhangra and the latest electronic confections from the Bollywood film industry continue to pack the dance floor after 16 years. While ANDAZ was still in the bloom of youth, Anjali and The Kid founded the revolutionary dance night ATLAS (with co-host/DJ E3) at Holocene in November of 2003 to introduce Portland to Global Bass sounds such as: Balkan Beats, Reggaeton, Funk Carioca, 3Ball Guarachero, Digital Cumbia, Urban Desi, French and Arabic Hip-Hop, Rai N B, Reggada, Dembow, Dubstep, Kuduro, Merengue Urbano and a host of other local and diasporic future musics. ATLAS was a vital party in Portland nightlife and the Global Bass scene internationally for more than nine years.
A lover and huge fan of American Classic Music, with 30-plus years as jazz radio journalist and announcer, in 2014 Yugen formed a music project. He invites from a ton of top shelf musicians to present some faves and original songs. The Jack London stage is among his most receptive audience.
The London is proud to continue the jazz tradition of the Monday Night Big Band. On a night when most musicians are free of gigs, they gather in numbers to play some of the music they love most: everything from Ellington and Basie to Buddy Rich and Michael Buble. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the power and diversity of the top horn-heavy bands from Portland and beyond.
The Carroll Raaum Swing Orchestra is a 17-piece group that plays the best of big-band music from the 20's to today.
She regularly performs worldwide at jazz festivals, jazz parties, and on jazz cruises. She has been a frequent guest on National Public Radio’s ‘Fresh Air’ with Terry Gross, has appeared on ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, and with Michael Feinstein at Carnegie Hall.
The Rebecca Kilgore Quartet (formerly known as BED) was a popular favorite on the jazz festival circuit: with Eddie Erickson (guitar/banjo/voice), Dan Barrett (trombone), and Joel Forbes (bass).
She has been performed with the Statesmen Of Jazz, dedicated to perpetuating the art of jazz for future generations.
Other venues. New York: Feinstein’s at the Regency; New York: Birdland; San Francisco: The Plush Room at the York Hotel; Oakland, CA: Piedmont Pianos; Culver City, CA: The Jazz Bakery; Fullerton, CA: Steamers Jazz Club; Phoenix, AZ: The Nash; Madison, NJ: Shanghai Jazz; LA: The Westin at LAX; Toledo, OH: Murphy’s Place; Cleveland Heights, OH: Nighttown; Ann Arbor, MI: The Firefly Club; Cincinnati, OH: The Blue Wisp; Southampton, UK: The Concorde Club; Sherman Oaks, CA: Spazio’s.
She is honored to have been inducted (in 2010) to the Oregon Music Hall of Fame and to the Jazz Society of Oregon’s Hall Of Fame, and to have been invited to perform at New York’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention for three years at Town Hall and Lincoln Center. She was the guest of honor at the 2013 Roswell (New Mexico) Jazz Festival, and honored as a Jazz Legend at the San Diego Jazz Party in 2016.
Come and join us at the Jack London Revue for a Halloween THROWDOWN featuring the Northwest's premier Prince Tribute- EROTIC CITY
Also featuring Portland's own DJ BlackJack
8pm Doors
9:15pm Set 1
10:30pm Set 2
12 Midnight: Burly-Q Burlesque
$12/Advance
$15/Door
There will be a PRINCE COSTUME CONTEST! Winners will get PRIZES!
Dress up and show love to to His Royal Badness for Halloween @ Jack London Revue
Ticket price also includes admission to the Jack London Burly-Q Burlesque Revue!
Join us for a classic night of cocktails and cabaret with a rotating cast of phenomenal local and touring performers.
This Extra-Spooky Halloween Edition features Karlie Lever du Soleil - Katy Swanson - Sincera Bella - Resa la Revv - Miss Pamela Voorhees & Lily le Fauve.
Contact Critical Hit Burlesque for reserved seating or large party rates.
