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.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Mike Curtis formed The Mike Curtis Jazz Project out of his love for big band jazz. Influences include Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson, Gordon Goodwin, Woody, Miles, Diz, all of the usual suspects!
MCJP plays progressive jazz, bebop, fusion, and a host of other styles in addition to the swing band standards.
"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.
Swatkins is a joyful prophet of positivity. Together with his band, The Positive Agenda, he plays feel-good funk made by and for real human beings. Steve Swatkins is part of the new generation of performers making raw, fresh soulful music without relying on computers or backing tracks. This multi-instrumentalist is a master of the talkbox, an old-school analog effect using his larynx to shape the sound of his keyboard synthesizer sent through a vinyl tube. Think of the funky robot voice from "California Love" or the hair-raising harmony intro to "24 Karat Magic." Now picture a throwback dance party with a killer live band playing the deepest grooves imaginable, and you've got a taste of what The Positive Agenda is all about.
Swatkins has long been a fixture on the touring scene in his capacity as a sideman and guest artist. As a fulltime member of Excellent Gentlemen and Juno What?! he's spread his irresistible signature style on stages across the US and Canada. Since joining Allen Stone's band in 2013, he's been around the world several times, becoming an indispensable part of the live show and co-writing several of Allen's songs, including the lead single "Upside" from Stone's last album Radius and also the lead single "Brown Eyed Lover" from the yet-unreleased next record. Most recently, he's guest-starred with Brooklyn's Turkuaz at their debut Red Rocks performance, sat in with Vulfpeck at their biggest NYC show to date in Central Park, and has toured subbing on keyboards with modern funk legends Lettuce. Now with Steve's new original project, The Positive Agenda, his dedicated fans can see the Swatkins they know and love in a brand new setting, bringing high-energy performances to dancefloors everywhere.
Named after the bloodless war of 1859 in the San Juan Islands, their live shows are explosive with all-original tunes that pull from the obscure corners of Teddy Pendergrass, Led Zeppelin, The Faces, Lee Scratch Perry, Dilla, and Parliament Funkadelic. Paying homage to old soul music with a modern coat of paint consisting of dusty synthesizers and angular horn lines.
pigWar’s Hard R&B and Spaced out Soul music reckons traditional 1970s soul/funk while it also carves out a unique modern sound for the band. pigWar has also made a unique pact with their fans in that the lyrical content of their music can only pull from the tenants of soul and rock: sex, heartbreak, and justice.
pigWar is currently following up on the success of their first four singles (Make Love Vol I and II) with their debut full-length album. The record was cut in two days at the Monophonics studio in the Bay Area and then edited and overdubbed in Presberg’s Portland-based studio. Ian McDonald and Kelly Finnigan of the Monophonics mixed the album and Erik Wofford (Black Angels, Grupo Fantasma) mastered the album for its heavily anticipated release.
Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme
Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme is a funk juggernaut. Backed by the hot, gritty orchestration of the 13 member Court Supreme, front man Eldridge Gravy easily works dance floors to a fever pitch with his full-bore performance and smooth rapport with the audience.
In 2017, the group released their self-titled fourth studio album. Recorded by Jason Gray of Polyrhythmics & Blue Mallard Studios, mixed by Floyd Reitsma at Studio Litho.
Over the past few years EG&tCS have headlined practically every prestigious venue in Seattle and Portland, including Crocodile, Neumos, Tractor Tavern, Showbox, Doug Fir Lounge, and Star Theater. They have also ruthlessly funked thousands of festivalgoers at Bumbershoot, the Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, and July 4th at Gasworks Park.
His interests in music began since around the first grade, where he was selected to sing the lead for his classrooms Christmas program. From there he got started like many other artists of today: singing and stepping into the role of lead vocalist in his church choir. Now this talented vocalist has stepped into his own as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier male vocalist, and creating quite a buzz. And his name? Alonzo Chadwick! Possessing incredible vocal range, and an amazing voice to perform almost any genre. He also has an energetic stage presence that impacts you emotionally as well as joyfully. Able to move deftly from a simmering ballad that sooths the soul and sets an ambiance, to an up-tempo R&B, Blues, Jazz, Funk, or Gospel groove that creates a high-pressured musical experience, that not only gives you chills, but guaranteed to have you up on your feet clapping, dancing and singing along. He is a true Musician/Vocalist that has a sincere compassion and desires to see people impacted through his gifts of Music. He is also a poet, songwriter, actor, playwright, and most of all a GREAT Father/Husband. He has begun to take his career in music to the next level by preparing to record his first project after years as a professional vocalist. You may have seen Alonzo performing as a highly anticipated reoccurring soloist at the Oregon Symphony’s annual “Gospel Christmas” for the last 12 years. That’s where Alonzo never fails to wow the audience by ending all three nights with a roaring standing ovation. Originally born in Nebraska, Alonzo has called the Pacific Northwest his home for the majority of his life, but has traveled far and wide musically. His singing has taken him from the West Coast to the East and from the Northern states to the Southern states. He is the 2012 spring winner of the “Most Powerful Voices” singing competition sponsored by GMC channel. He has performed at National renowned “Oregon Blues Festival,” as well as Oregon’s “The Bite,” and “The Portland Rose Festival.” Performed and shared the stage with recording artists such as Josh Groban, Israel Houghton, Kim Burell, John P Kee, Canton Jones, William Murphy, India Arie, CeCe Winans, Pink Martini, David Banner, The Oregon Symphony, Storm Large, Linda Hornbuckle, Janice Scroggins, National renowned Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, and Orchestra Conductor Dr. Charles Floyd, and special life changing performances for Civil Rights activist Congressman John Lewis & Myrlie Evers. Alonzo has recently stepped into the world of theater and is already beginning to make his mark as an up and coming thespian. Using this platform as place to engage in the fight of social justice. He’s now ready to go to heights unknown, and is excited about using his many gifts and talents on his journey along the way.
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.
Wednesday, April 10 @ the Jack London Revue, 7-10 pm
Contact:
Louis Pain
(503-313-8419) www.louispain.com
Washougal, WA, March 4, 2019
The members of Portland, Oregon’s King Louie Organ Trio are primarily known as outstanding sidemen—experts in the under-appreciated art of making other artists sound their best. Organist Louis Pain is in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, but in the “Side Person” category. Likewise, saxophonist Renato Caranto is best known for his sideman duties with Merle Haggard, Esperanza Spalding & Mel Brown, and drummer Edwin Coleman III for laying down solid grooves with Soul Vaccination and the Thunder Brothers. As a unit, Louis, Renato, and Edwin accompanied soulful vocalist LaRhonda Steele on a pair of self-released CDs honored by Downbeat as among the “Best Albums of the Year” for 2017 and 2018. But on this long-awaited CD featuring their original instrumentals, the three good friends show what they can do on their own, and it’s unique and exciting. The songs (eleven by Louis and one each by Renato and Edwin)—are all named after and inspired by important people in the writers’ lives. They tell musical stories filled with soul, spontaneity, and fun. And they do so in a style that seamlessly combines blues, jazz, soul, and gospel. “It’s About Time,” like the group’s two critically acclaimed CDs with LaRhonda Steele, is being released on Pain’s own Shoug Records label. It was recorded at Jim Hage’s Long Play Recording the good old-fashioned way—on tape, with no digital editing and minimal overdubbing. Advance tickets will be on sale at ticketweb.com for $10; door admission will be $12. Showtime is 8 pm, with doors at 7 pm.
The Jack London Revue is located at 529 SW 4th Avenue, Portland OR 97204
"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.
Trickster was released on Pi Recordings in 2017 to great acclaim, called “a brilliant individual statement” and “a mature work for the ages” by Pop Matters (best of 2017), ” “a true concept album” by the Wall Street Journal, and “an expression of deep, systemic intrigue” by the New York times. Trickster made best of 2017 lists on Pop Matters and the Los Angeles Times, and was an Editor’s Pick at both Downbeat and JazzTimes. The album features Craig Taborn on Piano, Anthony Tidd on Bass, and Sean Rickman on drums. Recent performances have included Matt Mitchell on piano.
Trickster is Okazaki’s fourth album of original compositions. His first project Mirror was released independently and received a “Critics Pick” in the New York Times, calling it “a work of sustained collectivity as well as deep intricacy.” He expanded to a septet for his second album Generations, described by pianist Vijay Iyer “the sonic equivalent of Escher or Borges, but with real emotional heft”. His third album Figurations was recorded live with a quartet, and was a New York Times top ten album of 2012, described by Ben Ratliff as “slowly evolving puzzles of brilliant jazz logic.”
As a sideman, Okazaki works in many areas, ranging from Standard repertoire to experimental music. He has been most widely seen as the guitarist for saxophonist Steve Coleman from 2009 to 2017. In recent years, he has worked with a variety of artists including Kenny Barron, Steve Coleman, Jonathan Finlayson, Amir El Saffar, Adam Rudolph, Dan Weiss, Aka Moon, Linda Oh, Darcy James Argue, Jane Monheit, Vijay Iyer, Francois Moutin, Doug Hammond, Carl Allen, Ohad Talmor, Mary Halvorson, John Zorn, Jen Shyu, Mark Giuliana, Patrick Cornelius, Rajna Swaminathan, Matt Mitchell, Craig Taborn, Tony Moreno, Ben Wendel, Donny McCaslin, and many others. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Mike Gamble is an adventurous guitarist and multi-instrumentalist whose work with electronic modes of composition are integrated endlessly into his setup. Gamble has spent the last 20 years immersed in the creative jazz, experimental rock and improvised music scene primarily in NYC, with close ties to New Orleans, Burlington, Boston, San Francisco and now the Pacific Northwest. He has had the pleasure of recording over 25 albums and has been touring the states, Canada, and Europe with his critically-acclaimed guitar trio The Inbetweens, Counter Record's Cougar, and alongside doom-metal originators Earth. His more recent collaborators have been prestigious drummer Bobby Previte, bassist Todd Sickafoose, guitar virtuoso Nels Cline, pianist Wayne Horvitz, Esperanza Spalding, and PNW cellist Lori Goldston.
Ezra Bell’s first full-length debut features ebullient soul twang, flowing and leaping like the music of a late 60s/early 70s recording of well-trained freaks dabbling in various genres. This Portland band sounds like they effortlessly recorded one of those forgotten-gem “cult albums”, despite it being early 2018.
After three well-received EPs and playing regularly in Portland since 2013, the playfully literate and cheerfully plaintive Benjamin Wuamett and his gaggle of quite fit players, conjure up a festive dusky folk-rock-blues-jazz-R&B-pop vibe that doesn’t smother out the melancholy. These haunted stories include key tracks “Tourists” (“This one is about realizing the game is rigged, but you still have to play; it’s the only game in town”); “Yawning at the Seance (“This one is about the stories we tell ourselves in order to feel like everything is okay”), and “Let Me Do the Talking.” About that last one: “The opening line is a rip-off of something the boxer Jack Johnson said when asked how he managed to so intrigue women. He said ‘eat jellied eels and think distant thoughts.’ I think it’s one of the great travesties (and a telling indictment of our society) of our time that a great man’s name has been usurped by some surfer singing about breakfast.” The glistening, giddy music on these tracks help to document the car-wreck gas-lit lifestyles Wuamett masterfully describes. He displays gleaming shards of a self-depreciative self-awareness but also someone busy getting lost. “The overall theme going into this?” Wuamett answers to what the album is about. “Desperation. A call to arms. A whimper. A declaration that being witty by yourself at 4 AM in a basement, is a poor way to live.” Ezra Bell features Maurice Spencer (bass), Tom Trotter (drums), Aaron Mattison (horns and arrangements), Honora Hildreth (backing vocals and percussion), and Jeremy Asay (keys and guitar) more-than-ably backing up Wuamett’s story-songs and satirical jigs with organic precision.
Josephine Antoinette combines her love of soul, jazz and R&B in her new project.
The Portland native has played keyboards and sang with several local artists, including local blues legends LaRhonda Steele and Sonny Hess.
As a former newspaper reporter, Josephine’s curiosity about people and current events inspires her songwriting. She strives to tackle big topics in a poetic and accessible way through a soulful soundscape.
She's joined by Samuel Eisen-Meyers on guitar; Kirk Kalbfleisch on drums; and Charlie Brown III on keys.
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.
Following the release of his latest single Black Debtors, Etuk Ubong is exploding onto the UK music scene. With a previous residency at Jazz re:freshed and a recent performance at BrainChild festival in Brighton, Ubong is bringing his monumental experience and knowledge to the capital. Collaborating with musicians such as Seun Kuti at the Barbican Garden Party and Dele Sosimi at Hackney’s Oval Space demonstrates the strong roots Ubong has within the African music sphere and are a clear marker of his success as a solo artist.
Ubong was born in Nigeria in 1992 and was raised in the city of Lagos. His mother’s encouragement steered him towards the trumpet at just 14 and he went on to study at the Peter King College of Music and MUSON school.
Ubong released his EP Miracle in 2016 with another quartet formed of Nigerian artists. Following the success of Miracle, Ubong released his debut album, Tales of Life in 2017.
Etuk has performed professionally for close to a decade and it was on the bandstands of renowned musicians like Victor Olaiya, Femi Kuti and Buchi where he earned his stripes and developed a passion for music. Drawing inspiration from the jazz greats, afrobeat, highlife and ekombi, he adds that the sounds of the elements water, wind and fire inspire him, which is why he calls his music ‘Earth Music’. His compositions reflect his heritage and life philosophy of goodwill, peace and love to humanity.
Etuk recalls that, “I played as a sideman for many years. Now I feel ready to lead my own band. I want to play my own compositions because it is my passion, and I feel it is my duty, to share my message of peace and goodwill through my music.” Etuk Ubong is also the owner of the fast growing heart of Lagos night club know as the the TRUTH, currently the most prolific since the Fela Kuti's Shrine in Lagos.
Trumpeter, composer, and arranger Theo Croker is an adventurous musician whose adept skills find him at home playing standards, swinging post-bop, or more groove-oriented electric jazz. A native of Leesburg, Florida, Croker is the grandson of the late great jazz trumpeter Doc Cheatham. He began playing trumpet around age 11 after hearing Cheatham play in New York City, and by his teens was studying music at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida. From 2003 to 2007, Croker attended the music conservatory at Oberlin College. While at Oberlin, he was mentored by legendary trumpeter and educator Donald Byrd. Also during this time, he earned the Presser Music Foundation Award, which funded his debut album, 2006's Fundamentals. After graduating Oberlin, Croker relocated to China, where he took up residency at Shanghai's House of Blues. His 2009 album, In the Tradition, paid tribute to Cheatham.
In 2013, Croker returned to the States and began work on his third solo album, the Dee Dee Bridgewater-produced Afro Physicist. Released in 2014 on OKeh Records, the album found him branching out stylistically, weaving elements of funk, Latin jazz, and hip-hop into his sound. In 2016, he delivered Escape Velocity, which found him delving deeper into a genre-bending, spiritually enlightened, funk-influenced jazz sound.
Musical maverick Mark de Clive-Lowe seems an impossibility at first sight - juggling piano, synths, live sampling and beat making all on-the-fly, brought to life with a casual ease that's mind-boggling. The Japanese-New Zealander was raised primarily in New Zealand where he learnt piano from a young age developing an avid passion for jazz through his father's record collection. In high school, he fell in love with Native Tongues hip hop and early UK jungle - laying the foundation for what was to come next...
During his hugely formative decade at the epicenter of London's underground music scene, MdCL helped evolve broken beat alongside some of the UK's most forward-thinking trailblazers, establishing himself as a new voice in progressive electronic music and leading global tastemaker DJ Gilles Peterson to designate him "the main behind a million great tunes". Since 2008, MdCL has called Los Angeles, California home where his acclaimed club night CHURCH has taken his signature sound of technology and beat-infused jazz mash-up from coast to coast and around the globe. Equal parts pianist, composer and live production wizard, MdCL's sets are a treat for the listeners, the dancers, the progressives and the purists alike - as he casually erases the lines between genres and eras.
Whether he's remixing classic Blue Note Records in real time, on stage joined by the likes of Kamasi Washington, Nia Andrews or Eric Harland, improvising solo piano or creating live soundtracks to classic film material, MdCL is an artist in constant evolution, reaching for that next level. He has performed with Harvey Mason, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Dwight Trible and Jean Grae; remixed Shirley Horn, Hiatus Kaiyote, Mantombi Matotiyana and Jerry Goldsmith; and recorded as producer and collaborator with artists all over the planet. Having contributed to over 300 releases, to call MdCL prolific is something of an understatement.
MdCL has featured at festivals including Montreal Jazz, North Sea Jazz, Uberjazz, Tokyo Crossover Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Atlanta and is an established performer globally from South Africa to Japan and across the US and Europe.
Bernard Purdie was born June 11, 1939 in Elkton, Maryland as the eleventh of fifteen children. Purdie began already as a six-year-old to bang out rhythms on improvised equipment. At 14 years of age he purchased his first real drum set and became the most important provider for the family - earning his pay with country and carnival bands. This "schooling" enabled Purdie to "feel my way into nearly every kind of music, 'cause I had to know all styles and was never afraid to try something new."
Purdie moved to New York in 1960 after finishing high school and played with (among others), Lonnie Youngblood before landing his first hit with King Curtis. This led to his engagement with Aretha Franklin in 1970 - the beginning of an unparalleled career. Since then, Purdie has been a regular guest in the studios of the stars of Jazz, Soul, and Rock, working together with Paul Butterfield as well as Larry Coryell, Miles Davis, Hall & Oates, Al Kooper, Herbie Mann, Todd Rundgren and Cat Stevens, as well as regularly producing his own solo albums under his own name.
Which musician did Aretha Franklin definitely NOT want missing from the line-up when she recorded her most inspired albums at the beginning of the seventies Who provided the back-beat for Steely Dan's "Aja", and for whom have Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, B.B. King, "Sweet" Lou Donaldson, Joe Cocker and Hank Crawford reserved that stool behind the drum kit? The list is incomplete, it must be, because no other drummer in the last three decades has seen the interior of a recording studio as often as Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. The 57 year-old native of Elkton, Maryland has laid down the beat on over 3000 albums to date.
This short list does however, prove an idea of the unique qualities this man possesses. Colleagues describe the drummer's style as the "funkiest soul beat" in the business, and Purdie has decidedly never limited his talents to the realm of jazz but rather has consistently sought out new musical experiences beyond it's borders. He has anchored sessions with the Rolling Stones, James Brown and Tom Jones with equal ease and proven that - with all his attention to precision playing - terms such as "drive" and "GROOVE" are definitely not missing from his vocabulary. This is certainly why his rhythms have appeared as samples on nearly every "Acid Jazz" record released in the past few years - the new genre that has so successfully hosted the renaissance of Soul Jazz. Furthermore because it is a special pleasure to personally harvest the fruits from trees one has planted oneself - Purdie has now gathered together a flock of like-minded souls and created the new album - "Soul To Jazz". It will certainly, so much can be sure, stun those who seek to copy his style - if not completely draw their attention. These 13 songs prove that the pioneer of the hybrid of blend of Jazz, Soul and Funky Tunes is still light years ahead of his imitators.
Makaya McCraven is a beat scientist. The cutting edge drummer, producer, and sonic collagist is a multi-talented force whose inventive process & intuitive style of performance defy categorization.
Called "a sound visionary" (jazzinchicago.org) who is "not your everyday jazz drummer" (thewordisbond.com), McCraven brilliantly moves between genres and pushes the boundaries of jazz and rhythm to create forms of his own.
"You are listening to one incredible musician. His style and sound is unique, a heady, skillful, sophisticated and boldly uncompromising mix of jazz and hip hop..." (UK Vibe)
His breakthrough album In the Moment was released with International Anthem Recording Co. (IARC) in January of 2015 and quickly named "Album of the Week" on BBC 6 Radio by influential DJ Gilles Peterson. By the end of the year it was a "Best of 2015" selection for Los Angeles Times, Pop Matters, NPR Music's Jazz Critics Poll, and Apple Music. In 2016, In The Moment was hailed by Turntable Lab as "one of the most important recordings to date in the modern Jazz world." In The Moment was a dramatic statement by McCraven, where he debuted a unique brand of "organic beat music" that quickly launched him into the vanguard of not only Internationally-known jazz artists, but also a niche genre of next-wave composer-producers blurring the boundaries of jazz & electronic music.
"While Teo Macero's work with Miles [Davis] might seem the obvious reference point, In The Moment is closer in spirit to Madlib and J Dilla." (WIRE Magazine)
Jazz vocalist and DC-native Akua Allrich has proven herself to be a musician of extraordinary talent and crowd- moving passion. With finesse and charisma, this vocalist, composer and teacher, has successfully etched out a place for her unique musical expression, electrifying audiences in and around the nation’s capital with sold out performances. The launching of her freshman album, A Peace of Mine, and second album, Uniquely Standard, Akua Allrich Live! the young artist’s music and concerts created a significant buzz with critics and music-lovers alike. Said Franz Matzner of All About Jazz, “Akua Allrich’s music flows with a free, natural energy as engaging as her equally ingenuous personality.” Her appeal soon reached across US borders and attained international attention. In early 2011, Allrich signed a distribution deal with Japanese record label AGATE/Inpartmaint Inc. With a stellar line up of musicians, Akua’s newest release Soul Singer, presents the artist in a whole new light, highlighting her talent for composition as well as her ability to merge different sounds & genres into one complete beautiful musical experience!
Allrich’s style is fluid and ever evolving. Her musical roots run deeply into blues, soul and rhythm and blues, with a clear grounding in jazz and pan-African music. She sings in many languages including Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Xhosa, and Twi. Given her ability to capture the essence of a broad range of musical genres, Allrich is often likened to legendary artists such as Oscar Brown, Jr., Miriam Makeba, Bob Marley and
Nina Simone. She has developed popular tribute programs involving the latter two women and other great African American women of jazz.
Bernard Purdie was born June 11, 1939 in Elkton, Maryland as the eleventh of fifteen children. Purdie began already as a six-year-old to bang out rhythms on improvised equipment. At 14 years of age he purchased his first real drum set and became the most important provider for the family - earning his pay with country and carnival bands. This "schooling" enabled Purdie to "feel my way into nearly every kind of music, 'cause I had to know all styles and was never afraid to try something new."
Purdie moved to New York in 1960 after finishing high school and played with (among others), Lonnie Youngblood before landing his first hit with King Curtis. This led to his engagement with Aretha Franklin in 1970 - the beginning of an unparalleled career. Since then, Purdie has been a regular guest in the studios of the stars of Jazz, Soul, and Rock, working together with Paul Butterfield as well as Larry Coryell, Miles Davis, Hall & Oates, Al Kooper, Herbie Mann, Todd Rundgren and Cat Stevens, as well as regularly producing his own solo albums under his own name.
Which musician did Aretha Franklin definitely NOT want missing from the line-up when she recorded her most inspired albums at the beginning of the seventies Who provided the back-beat for Steely Dan's "Aja", and for whom have Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, B.B. King, "Sweet" Lou Donaldson, Joe Cocker and Hank Crawford reserved that stool behind the drum kit? The list is incomplete, it must be, because no other drummer in the last three decades has seen the interior of a recording studio as often as Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. The 57 year-old native of Elkton, Maryland has laid down the beat on over 3000 albums to date.
This short list does however, prove an idea of the unique qualities this man possesses. Colleagues describe the drummer's style as the "funkiest soul beat" in the business, and Purdie has decidedly never limited his talents to the realm of jazz but rather has consistently sought out new musical experiences beyond it's borders. He has anchored sessions with the Rolling Stones, James Brown and Tom Jones with equal ease and proven that - with all his attention to precision playing - terms such as "drive" and "GROOVE" are definitely not missing from his vocabulary. This is certainly why his rhythms have appeared as samples on nearly every "Acid Jazz" record released in the past few years - the new genre that has so successfully hosted the renaissance of Soul Jazz. Furthermore because it is a special pleasure to personally harvest the fruits from trees one has planted oneself - Purdie has now gathered together a flock of like-minded souls and created the new album - "Soul To Jazz". It will certainly, so much can be sure, stun those who seek to copy his style - if not completely draw their attention. These 13 songs prove that the pioneer of the hybrid of blend of Jazz, Soul and Funky Tunes is still light years ahead of his imitators.
Bernard Purdie was born June 11, 1939 in Elkton, Maryland as the eleventh of fifteen children. Purdie began already as a six-year-old to bang out rhythms on improvised equipment. At 14 years of age he purchased his first real drum set and became the most important provider for the family - earning his pay with country and carnival bands. This "schooling" enabled Purdie to "feel my way into nearly every kind of music, 'cause I had to know all styles and was never afraid to try something new."
Purdie moved to New York in 1960 after finishing high school and played with (among others), Lonnie Youngblood before landing his first hit with King Curtis. This led to his engagement with Aretha Franklin in 1970 - the beginning of an unparalleled career. Since then, Purdie has been a regular guest in the studios of the stars of Jazz, Soul, and Rock, working together with Paul Butterfield as well as Larry Coryell, Miles Davis, Hall & Oates, Al Kooper, Herbie Mann, Todd Rundgren and Cat Stevens, as well as regularly producing his own solo albums under his own name.
Which musician did Aretha Franklin definitely NOT want missing from the line-up when she recorded her most inspired albums at the beginning of the seventies Who provided the back-beat for Steely Dan's "Aja", and for whom have Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, B.B. King, "Sweet" Lou Donaldson, Joe Cocker and Hank Crawford reserved that stool behind the drum kit? The list is incomplete, it must be, because no other drummer in the last three decades has seen the interior of a recording studio as often as Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. The 57 year-old native of Elkton, Maryland has laid down the beat on over 3000 albums to date.
This short list does however, prove an idea of the unique qualities this man possesses. Colleagues describe the drummer's style as the "funkiest soul beat" in the business, and Purdie has decidedly never limited his talents to the realm of jazz but rather has consistently sought out new musical experiences beyond it's borders. He has anchored sessions with the Rolling Stones, James Brown and Tom Jones with equal ease and proven that - with all his attention to precision playing - terms such as "drive" and "GROOVE" are definitely not missing from his vocabulary. This is certainly why his rhythms have appeared as samples on nearly every "Acid Jazz" record released in the past few years - the new genre that has so successfully hosted the renaissance of Soul Jazz. Furthermore because it is a special pleasure to personally harvest the fruits from trees one has planted oneself - Purdie has now gathered together a flock of like-minded souls and created the new album - "Soul To Jazz". It will certainly, so much can be sure, stun those who seek to copy his style - if not completely draw their attention. These 13 songs prove that the pioneer of the hybrid of blend of Jazz, Soul and Funky Tunes is still light years ahead of his imitators.
Headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi Grammy–winning percussion duo of Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth, Ghost-Note is an explosion of sound. With an expansive roster of next-level musicians—representing members of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus Miller, Toto, Justin Timberlake, and more—the band is pushing funk music into the future, building on the uplifting, pioneering foundations laid out by the likes of James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone and infusing their fresh take with tastes of afrobeat, hip-hop, psychedelia, world folklore, and more.
With the release of 2018’s Swagism, Ghost-Note has made their mission clear. The album puts rhythm at the forefront, with irresistible, heavy-hitting beats underlying the group’s wild, rich music. Featuring numerous guest collaborators, including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Bobby Sparks, Nigel Hall, Taz, and others, Swagism showcases the band’s stunning ability to meld and amplify sounds, ultimately adding to Ghost-Note’s sharp, complex collaborations.
Fearless, both in Swagism’s sonic depth and conscious social commentary, the band easily translates this adventurousness in a live setting. Ghost-Note’s live performances are bold and in your face, with the group offering up none of the tight-laced pretenses frequently associated with the band’s jazz roots. Focused on creating seductive dance-able grooves and a contagious feel-good energy, each show is an opportunity to let loose and connect, for both fans and the musicians alike.
After forming in 2015, Ghost-Note has already begun to take the world by storm. The group’s two studio albums—2018’s Swagism and 2015’s Fortified—have earned critical acclaim and popular success around the globe, with both albums hitting the #1 spot on the iTunes Jazz Charts. Furthermore, the ever-growing family of musicians has mounted successful headlining tours in the United States, Canada, and Japan and performed at high-profile international music festivals and events.
It’s been quite an evolution for this native New Yorker. From singing gospel music in his father’s Baptist church, to recording contemporary R&B and house music for Epic/550 and A&M Records, valuable experience was gained. Redray then toured the country as front man of the soulful rock-band “Mosaic” on the H.O.R.D.E. music festival. Through opening for Lenny Kravitz and Blues Traveler, to name a few, Redray gained notoriety. Soon thereafter, he joined former front man of “The Talking Heads”, David Byrne’s in his touring band from 2008-2010.
While Redray uses all of his influences, his songwriting draws comparisons from Ben Harper, Maxwell to The Black Keys. However, his smooth and smoky vocal quality along with his gospel approach set him apart. “I’ve always listened to various styles of music, everything from Curtis Mayfield to The Alabama Shakes. It doesn’t matter to me, as long as the music has heart.”
Redray made the journey from New York City to Portland, Oregon late in 2002. Leaving family and band-mates behind, Redray knew he had an opportunity to create something new. Inspired by his change of scenery, he began strumming an acoustic guitar documenting his experiences and emotions. “I embrace playing solo because I hadn’t done it prior to moving to Portland, I consider it a challenge”. You can experience Redray’s rootsy blend of soul singing over sparse guitar strumming at various Portland venues. Whether it’s with a full band or solo, Redray has the innate ability to stir up deep emotion within his audience. You can’t help but nod your head and sway in your seat as you listen to Redray’s heartfelt lyrics and organic vibe.
Redray is currently performing in support of his solo debut cd release “Follow Me” while working on an album with staples in the Portland music scene(Ezra Holbrook, Matt Brown, Jeff Baxter, Tom Nunes, and DJ Radical Klavical) scheduled for a late summer 2015 release. Look out for Redray Frazier! You will be glad you did.
"Wallace" is on a mission to move you! A collection of Portland's most stalwart musicians have combined forces to share singer/songwriter Erin Wallace's new independent project. Wallace's brand of rock, soul, blues and pop-influence lyricism is guaranteed to shake the shack and raise the roof. Welcome to the movement!
Lo Speed Chase
Brutha Los - emcee from Wallace
Ezra Holbrook - drummer from Redray's band (plays bass for LSC)
DJ Klavical - dj from Redray's band
Jeff Baxter - keyboard player from Redray's band
Freddy Trujillo - also on bassMicah Kassell - on drums
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.
Pranksters Big Band featuring Claudia Knauer has been a staple of big band swing and ballroom dancers in Portland dance scene for over 20 years. Come out and join us for an electric evening of great listening and dance tunes.
PDX’s All-Female Jazz Quartet, Nica’s Dream, will perform on April 24th, 2019 at The Jack London Revue.
The jazz scene has long been dominated by the male persuasion but this is beginning to change as society in general becomes less male-controlled. Women tend to be expected to be better than their male counterparts to get the gig. In the case of Nica’s Dream, these musicians are arguably, just that.
Vocalist Anandi Gefroh began her career as a singer-songwriter, recording three albums of original songs. Her funk-rock tune “Enough of You” has received more than 3 million hits on YouTube and other songs have been used on television spots and in commercials. Jazz fans delight in Anandi’s full-spectrum repertoire, and Oregon Jazz Society critic George Fendel said of Anandi, “…a no nonsense, real deal jazz singer.” Drummer Rivkah Ross attended Broward College in Davie, Florida as a music major and studied jazz drum set and classical percussion. After moving to LA, she became a member of the Jeff Hershey and the Heartbeats, opening for bands like Dick Dale and the B-52s and performing all over Europe. She also performed and recorded with two unique all-female jazz bands, Lady Jazz and the Hard Bop Chicks. In 2016, Rivkah entered the Portland jazz scene. She is endorsed by Soultone Cymbals. Pianist Laura Cunard is a veteran of piano bars, showbands, dance bands, cabaret, jazz and classical ensembles which have led her from Seattle to Anchorage, to San Diego and Las Vegas. She teaches piano and voice at PSU and out of her Portland area studio Freewind Music Studio. Bassist Whitney Moulton started playing in high school. She lived in NYC, playing gigs as a sidewoman. She has released two recordings in her own name.
The Jack London Revue is located at 529 SW 4th in downtown Portland.
$7 advance tickets,
$10 at the door.
Doors open at 7pm.
Music at 8pm
"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.
From touring extensively with Nahko & Medicine For The People to lending his skillful sound to the likes of Esperanza and members of Prince, Stevie Wonder and Tower of Power, as well as touring internationally on his own, Max is no stranger to the strains of being a career musician. His solid musicianship has afforded him plenty of opportunities do just that, landing him on stages the world over – from Red Rocks to the Byron Bay Blues Festival.
Max’s music is like a study in cultural anthropology – a drawing together of world influences – made stronger for its variety of voices.
He's compelled by the idea that each song tells its own story, one that isn’t about him, but rather a ‘collective of artists’ – each song an example of what it sounds like when we work together rather than against one another. He aims to use the stage as a platform from which to reach across cultural divides – to connect seemingly disparate communities and encourage a deeper listening. He considers his choice of instrument, The Flugel Horn – traditionally used on battlefields – to be his way of ‘calling the troops’ – reaching beyond the social boundaries that we imagine separate us – extending an invitation to collaborate rather than combat.
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.
