In case you haven’t decided about the Zac Harmon/Albert Castiglia Concert on 12/5

Performance Reviews

While vacationing in Paris, France, I had a chance to attend a blues show featuring D.C. Bellamy, whom I wrote about in the last issue. This issue will feature the headliner that performed at the same Paris show held at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club.This jazz club is the most revered of jazz venues in Paris. It is named after Lionel Hampton, who still is considered a favorite jazz musician among the Parisians. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Club is located in the Le Meridian Hotel, a five star facility in the northwest part of the city. This is the venue that hosts the world’s biggest names in jazz and blues.The night I chose to attend a show at this venerable club, it happened to be the last night that Zac Harmon & the Mid South Blues Revue were performing in Paris. They, along with D.C. Bellamy, were completing a two week stint in Paris. Prior to their Paris show, they had been in the Bahamas. After Paris, these wonderful musicians were slated to tour Canada.D.C. Bellamy set the performance bar very high during the first half of the show. By the time he left the stage, he had the audience clapping wildly on its feet. By the time Zac Harmon took the stage, it was clear that we were all prepared to be disappointed. After such a spirited performance, it was hard to imagine anything to surpass it.Zac Harmon took the stage quietly. He looked rather subdued and somber as he stood quietly. The audience connected with his quiet demeanor and silence fell over the large and crowded room. This quiet moment gave all of us an opportunity to study Zac Harmon’s tall frame. Age and the challenges of life were easily visible on his face.Zac opened up with an impassioned gospel song. He and the band played the song as if they were deep in a prayerful trance, in a state that ignored the presence of the audience. This was raw emotion and spirituality and the audience understood. The musical wizardry that the band was capable of was forgotten as they prayed on with their instruments.After the gospel rendition, Zac Harmon & the Mid South Blues Revue brought Zac’s native Mississippi sound to the multi-national crowd. The band’s sound was intense and unrelenting. Zac’s Fender Stratocaster wailed loudly at times, and it moaned softly at other times. At no time did the band release its iron grip on the audience.Harmon’s roots ooze out of his music and are the foundation of his experiences. Even when talking to the diverse audience in the club, he used colloquialisms from Mississippi. For those who did not understand either Zac’s language or the Mississippi vernacular, the music did the talking. Harmon’s long life of experiences came through in his music. We re-lived the ebb and flow of his life through his performance. As a performer, he is a "no frills" musician. Those who want the most music out of a show would be very please by Zac Harmon. Although he does not waste precious time talking endlessly, he does share enough of himself and his background for the audience to know who he is and where he is from.In appearance, Zac Harmon could be mistaken for a preacher. The large and prominent cross on the front of his guitar strap only helps to confirm the suspicion. He is clean cut, conservatively dressed, and clearly is a very disciplined man. His love of gospel and the way he plays gospel songs is proof of how much time he has spent in church. However, the gospel Harmon is preaching around the world is that of the blues. In many ways, it is not so far fetched to call him a preacher.If you should be curious to find out more about Zac Harmon, his performance schedule, and his recordings, surf over to his website at www.zacharmon.com or check out his record label’s website at www.bluestonerecords.com.That’s the word from Chicago y’all!

Vuyani Wakaba - The Walla Walla Blues Society
(Jun 8, 2005)
2004-02-04 - Blues First Weekend Best Yet!The BluesFirst weekend just concluded and what a great series of events. The panels, the receptions, the old friends are all part of it. The Keeping the Blues Alive Awards ceremony Saturday morning had folks verklempf throughout the ceremony as one recipient after another talked about how much the award meant to them.The marquee event of course was the 20th International Blues Challenge. With a record 94 acts, the competition was better than ever.First place in the band contest was awarded Saturday night to Zac Harmon and the Midsouth Blues Revue (Southern California Blues Society-Los Angeles CA). Coming in second, Reverend Slick and the Soul Blues Boys (Howlin Wolf Blues Society—West Point MS). Third place went to The Matthew Stubbs Band (Boston Blues Society—Boston MA). As announced Saturday, the Solo/Duo winner is Lightnin’ Lee & the Upright Rooster (Spa City Blues Society—Hot Springs AR).It was certainly a night to remember on old Beale Street. With temperatures outside in the 30's, temperatures inside the New Daisy began heatin' up within minutes of the night's first performance. Put 1500 enthusiastic fans and nine top notch bands and you have the recipe for a tasty winter blues stew.The seven judges included Bruce Iglauer, president of Alligator Records, Bob Koester, founder of Delmark Records, Jay Sheffield, owner and talent buyer for Huey's in Memphis, David Bennett, T-Bone Erickson, Beanie Self, and recording artist Kenny Neal.Neal gave up four days to attend the event and told the Foundation, "These are my fans. Because they come out to see and support me when I play in their towns, it's important for me to be here and support them."Musical highlights of the performances included the super cool swing and jump blues of Boston's Matthew Stubbs Band, the riveting performance of "John The Revelator" by the Tennessee Hat Company from the Magic City Blues Society, some cool Little Feat-styled keyboard and vocals by Atlanta's Ken Rhyne band, the earthy singing and harmonica playing of Robin Rogers from Charlotte, the B-3 work of the Partick McLaughlin band from Marrietta, Ohio, the spontaneous preachin' of Rev. Slick Ballinger from the Howlin' Wolf Blues Society of West Point, Mississippi, and the decidely traditional bluesy guitar harmonica approach of the night's winner, Zac Harmon and the Mid-South Blues Revue from the Southern Cailfornia Blues Society.The real highlight was the enthusiastic member support every blues society brought to the New Daisy. Seeing dozens of society members rush to the dance floor when their home town bands performed and then stay to support the next band is what the blues is about.The Albert King Flying V guitar, presented to the best guitarist of the night, went to Slick Ballinger.One lucky fan, Boyd Chavis from Plymouth, Michigan, won the Gibson guitar that was autographed backstage at the 2003 W.C. Handy Awards that was raffled off this weekend.And after the competition was over, parts of all the bands turned up on stages in the Blues City Cafe and Pat O'Brien's and carried the music long into the morning hours. In fact, Kenny Neal was spotted on many of these after hours stages.The weekend also featured performances by Watermelon Slim and Joe Bonamassa and the awarding of the Keeping the Blues Alive Awards to 17 deserving recipients.Thanks to all the blues lovers and bands that came, saw and conquered and all the volunteers that make this event not only possible, but magical.The Foundation and all participants are grateful to sponsors King Biscuit Time, Budweiser, Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (they are on the high seas bluesifyin' now), XM Satellite Radio, Tennessee Film and Music Commission, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gibson Guitars, T. Joseph Clifton Gallery. We also want to acknowledge Big City Rhythm and Blues magazine, Blues Revue, Blues Wax, the Commercial Appeal and Memphis Flyer and all the societies that help spread the word about this "largest gathering of blues bands in the world."Now the focus switches to the 25th W.C. Handy Blues Awards on April 29 followed by Memphis in May's Beale Street Music Festival with three days of our favorite music in the Blues Tent.

Betsie Brown - The Blues Foundation
(Feb 4, 2004)
Sacramento Heritage FestivalA dedicated group of volunteers organized as the Sacramento Heritage Festival has been presenting special shows at the Horsemen's Club in Sacramento for a few years. This is a wonderful venue outside town with an indoor stage and comfortable listening room and outdoor lawn where the music is piped for those who wish to sit at tables under the awnings and eat or socialize. In connection with a series of shows, Blues Across America, the festival focused on Chicago Blues in October and Mississippi Delta Blues in November.At the Chicago Blues show in October, featured artists were Son Seals, Byther Smith and Magic Slim. Unfortunately, Magic Slim was hospitalized with pneumonia and unable to make the show and two acts were booked to replace him (Chris Cain and Phillip Walker who actually are not Chicago blues artists).The outstanding performance of the day was that of Byther Smith who has been a fixture in the Windy City since the early sixties playing in small clubs and recording critically acclaimed music. Smith's forte is songwriting and his lyrics reflect the struggles of life in Black America with intelligence and clarity. Smith has a congenial stage presence and on this day he had the audience captivated with the complexity of blues grooves on guitar. On the slow blues tune "Hold That Train Conductor," Smith's raw vocal style was enhanced by innovative guitar phrasing. Whether covering original tunes or standards, Smith's performance was permeated with the tough Chicago sound. Byther Smith was a delicious treat for the ears this day!Son Seals is a blues veteran of the Chicago scene and widely acclaimed as a trailblazer with his hard-hitting raw sound. In recent years, he has been battling diabetes and various other health problems. Sitting behind a large stand emblazoned with his name, Seals performed a heartfelt set.Contemporary blues artist Chris Cain gave a crowd-pleasing performance with his Jazz-inspired searing guitar style and rich vocals. Phillip Walker and his band closed out the show with a Texas influenced set which featured the wonderful Hollis Gilmore (photo at left) on tenor saxophone and Joe Campbell on trumpet along with the flamboyant bassist "Broadway" James Thomas. Soul singer Frankie Lee jammed with the Walker band to close out the show in a rollicking finale.At the November Mississippi Delta Blues show, the festival presented Lil' Dave Thompson (Greenville, MS), Zac Harmon & The MidSouth Blues Revue (Jackson, MS) and Michael Burks (Camden, AK). After a rousing opening by the wonderful group W.D. Gospel singers, Dave Thompson hit the stage with his band which included a local band including Henry Oden on bass and Michael Skinner on drums. Thompson covered standards displaying a gritty guitar style and engaging vocal delivery which testified to his Mississippi roots.Zac Harmon (photo at right) is enjoying a revitalized career thanks to his first-place win of the 20th annual International Blues Challenge sponsored by The Blues Foundation and held in Memphis in January. His show on this day affirmed all the hoopla that surrounds those dubbed as the hottest new act. Harmon paid tribute to his Mississippi roots and what has been described as the Farish Street sound (a legendary home location for many early blues artists). Harmon's soulful vocals and breathtaking showmanship were well displayed on the tune "Full Figured Woman." His flashy style guitar style belies the solid sound that he radiated on every tune. He was admirably backed by a fantastic band which included his daughter playing hard driving drums, D. J. on rhythm guitar and Jeff Stone on harmonica.The star of the evening was Michael Burks in a two and a half hour demonstration of dynamic guitar pyrotechnics and a silky rich vocal style reminiscent of Albert King. He possesses one of the best voices in blues and the conviction of his delivery is uncommon. Burks usually lacks a personable stage presence but this day, he related to the audience with an unusual fervor. On "Everyday I Have The Blues," he demonstrated a Jimi Hendrix inspired guitar style, bending and distorted notes. On "Make It Rain," Burks displayed riveting passion on this slow burner tune. Adding to the pleasure of the adoring fans, Burks prowled his way through the audience playing with the intensity of a man possessed by the blues!

Dorothy Hill - Blues & Boogie
(Dec 2, 2004)
The blues are alive and well. And Zac Harmon is proof positive!A funny thing happened on the way to trying to find a phone number I’d lost. Lewis Napper had given me permission to cite a piece of his work in my novel, “Heart Seizure” and I was going to call him about something. But I couldn’t find his number. I did a Google search for his wife’s name (she and I had gone to school together back in Jackson) and ended up on the message board for a guy named Zac Harmon who, it turns out, is a musician. Then I saw the names of several other old school mates on the board and I was intrigued. Zac’s name seemed familiar but I couldn’t place it. But based on comments left on the message board I thought he might have gone to St. Joe (class of ’75). Coincidentally, in the mail that day I received a copy of St. Joe’s alumni directory. Sure enough. Zac was a year ahead of me at St. Joe.So I looked at Zac’s performance calendar. Turned out he was playing at a club (Cozy’s) in Sherman Oaks. So we went. He and his band blew us away. In addition to a good set of standards (One Way Out; Got My Mojo Working; John the Revelator) he did a Hendrix set (Machine Gun, Them Changes, Little Wing) that was astounding. If Zac gets within driving distance of where you live, get on out and see him! You’ll be glad you did.His website is: www.zacharmon.com .Tell him I sent you

Bill Fitzhugh - Get The Blues
(Aug 2, 2005)
Mon, August 22, 2005They blew the roof offFest wrap like a cannonball expressBy MIKE ROSS, EDMONTON SUNWillie 'Big-Eyes' Smith was just one of many legends at the fest. (PRESTON BROWNSCHLAIGLE, Sun)Like a southbound train on a one-way trip to blues nirvana, the last day of the Edmonton Labatt Blues Festival started slow, hit a little congestion, commenced to cruise, kicked into high gear and ended with a great big bang.Or maybe that was CN Rail.Anyway, a train is a perfectly acceptable blues vehicle. Stops along the way included Chicago, Detroit City, Mississippi, New Orleans, Texas and even Portland, Oregon. Took the scenic route.The big bang came courtesy of the Delbert McClinton Band, which closed the seventh annual event in Hawrelak Park with a straight-ahead set that made up with in-yer-face volume for what it lacked in soul.Opening with a pair of standards - Take Me to the River and Shaky Ground - the headliner had no trouble packing the dance floor with 90 minutes of rocking, bluesy goodness. But there still seemed to be something missing. While McClinton's shoutin' pipes were in good order and the six-piece band hot, the arrangements were generally far too busy and far too obvious.There was little space, little subtlety, little dynamics. Every note was in exactly the right place. They basically pushed the pedal to the metal and went for it the whole time. It was easy to hear what the Blues Brothers heard in Delbert McClinton. The movie band was actually modelled after the real band - and that's what a good deal of this set felt like: Movie band blues.Earlier, the Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin Band came off like the best Saturday Commercial Hotel blues jam ever, a "Sidemen to the Stars" sort of thing. The band featured Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, former drummer for the great Muddy Waters - here in spirit, it was pointed out several times yesterday - along with the red-faced Garcia-ish shouter Margolin on vocals and bassist Mookie Brill, mentioned primarily for his excellent blues name.They started as a trio, with Willie on harmonica and vocals (and no drummer) before he took his place behind the kit. There were a few sparks of greatness, but these guys clearly needed help - the scheduled special guest, the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz, had to bow out because of a bout of kidney stones - and they got it. Delbert's amazing pianoman Kevin McKendree joined in and delivered a boogie woogie element, and the blues train started to roll nicely with the addition of members of Zac Harmon's band - including Zac Harmon.I might've preferred that Zac played longer. It was by far the best show of the day - no disrespect to earlier acts Craig Horton and the opening solo finger-picking guitar of Mary Flower, speaking of great blues names. Or folk, anyway.But while most of the acts yesterday merely played the blues, Harmon and his Mid-South Blues Revue slammed the blues to the ground and blew the roof off the joint, which was especially impressive as this venue was outdoors. The first tune made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, always a good sign. It dealt with reincarnation, in the blues way, of course: "Don't worry about that train, 'cause it's coming on back again." There are some comforting words that fit nicely into today's theme.Harmon, the closest the blues gets to a heavy-metal star, was intense, a force of nature, a monster. Don't cross this guy. He plugged his new album, The Blues According to Zacariah, and no one dared to argue with its intended message. He kept saying "let me tell ya something" - and boy did we listen. This was the real deal, up, down, sideways, whatever.And the Mississippi bluesman didn't just sing the blues, he provided some personal background, too. Tales of mean mistreaters, cheatin' hearts and even a rare form of Civil War viagra were a vivid and dramatic addition to the hard, full-contact blues the band pumped out. You could sense his excitement as Harmon related a tale of travelling to Chicago as a young boy. And how did he get there? By train, of course.
Mike Ross - Edmonton Sun (Aug 22, 2005)

Jaco Pastorius Park - Grand Opening & Concert

ENJOY A FREE “JAZZ ON THE GREEN” CONCERT
AT THE GRAND OPENING OF

JACO PASTORIUS PARK

DECEMBER 1st, 2009

Artists performing include: Toni Bishop, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Thomas, Othello Molineaux, and Randy Bernsen.

The City of Oakland Park Florida will take another important step in its downtown redevelopment at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 1st when City officials and other dignitaries cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Jaco Pastorius Park at 4000 North Dixie Highway (Between Oakland Park Blvd and Commercial Blvd.)

The ceremony will be followed by a free “Jazz on the Green” concert featuring several artists who were closely associated with the new park’s legendary namesake Jaco Pastorius.

“We selected December 1st as this was Jaco’s birthday,” says Mayor Layne Dallett Walls. “And we are excited to feature performances from musicians who had personal connections to Jaco, as well as the jazz band from Northeast High School which Jaco attended.”

Pastorius, who grew up near Oakland Park City Hall, showcased what would soon become extraordinary musical talents at Northeast High School. More than 20 years after his untimely death, he is still considered by many in the music industry as the world’s greatest bass guitarist. During his short yet brilliant career Jaco also recorded albums with other jazz legends including, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell and the super-group Weather Report.

According to Parks and Leisure Services Director Jenna LaFleur, the 6 p.m. jazz concert will feature a “who’s who” of South Florida jazz. Songstress Toni Bishop, Othello Molineaux, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Thomas, and Randy Bernsen are among the artists scheduled to perform.

“We are pleased to present this free concert for our residents and anyone else who would like to come and see why we refer to Oakland Park as a ‘hometown choice,’” said LaFleur, who encourages everyone to bring blankets or lawn chairs as the concert will take place on the park’s large grassy field.

For information on the grand opening of Jaco Pastorius Park or the free jazz concert, please call the city’s Parks and Leisure Services at 954-630-4500.

SUMMARY:
Jaco Pastorius Park: 4000 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, FL 33334, jacop.net 954-630-4500 4:30pm Dec 1: Grand Opening of Jaco Pastorius Park w/ FREE “Jazz on the Green” concert featuring Toni Bishop, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Thomas, Othello Molineaux, Randy Bernsen and other luminaries associated with Jaco.

JAM after concert at ALLIGATOR ALLEY: 1321 E Commercial Blvd, Oakland Park, FL 33334, alligatoralleyflorida.com (954) 771-2220. Directions: North 1 mile on Dixie, right onto Commercial Blvd., u-turn at .2 miles at Chevron Station, right turn into strip mall.

Distribution by:
Hot House Florida
www.HotHouseFlorida.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THREE MAJOR PLAYERS:

Willie "The Lion" Smith
William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholoff Smith (23 November 1893 – 18 April 1973), aka "The Lion", was an American jazz pianist and one of the masters of the stride style. Smith was born as in Goshen, New York. In his memoir he reports that his father, Frank Bertholoff, was Jewish, and his mother Ida Oliver, had "Spanish, Negro, and Mohawk Indian blood". "Frank Bertholoff was a light skinned playboy who loved his liquor, girls, and gambling." His mother threw Frank out of the house when "The Lion" was two years old. When his father died in 1901, his mother married John Smith, a master mechanic from Paterson, NJ. The surname Smith was added to that of the "The Lion" at age 3.

READ MORE AT:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_%22The_Lion%22_Smith


Paul Desmond
Paul Desmond (November 25, 1924 - May 30, 1977), born Paul Emil Breitenfeld, was a jazz alto saxophonist and composer born in San Francisco, best known for the work he did in the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for penning that group's greatest hit, "Take Five". Known to have possessed an idiosyncratic wit, he was one of the most popular musicians to come out of the West Coast's "cool jazz" scene. He played a Selmer Super Balanced Action alto saxophone with an M. C. Gregory model 4A-18M mouthpiece — both circa 1951 — with Rico 3 ½ reeds.

In addition to his work with Brubeck he led several of his own groups and did significant collaborations with artists such as Gerry Mulligan, Jim Hall and Chet Baker. After years of chain smoking and general poor health, Desmond succumbed to lung cancer in 1977 following one last tour with Brubeck.

READ MORE AT:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Desmond


Nat Adderley
Nathaniel Adderley (November 25, 1931 in Tampa, Florida – January 2, 2000 in Lakeland, Florida) was an American jazz cornet and trumpet player who played in the hard bop and soul jazz genres. He was the brother of saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley

READ MORE AT:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannonball_Adderley

Johnny Mack's Friday Night Blues Attack program on WDVX nothing but the blues

(HHF note: This show only streams live - no archives)

By Marlene Taylor features@knoxnews.com Sunday, November 23, 2008

To say that Johnny Mack's got the blues may be the understatement of the year.
Johnny Mack (a.k.a., John McCormack) hosts Knoxville's WDVX weekly program Johnny Mack's Friday Night Blues Attack!, and each program is a crash course in American-born blues music.

"I couldn't have asked for anybody else to do this show," says WDVX General Manager and Program Director Tony Lawson. "John has so much knowledge and is so passionate about the blues. He receives phone calls and e-mails from all over the world."

SEE FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/nov/23/johnny-mack-program-nothing-blues/

Jazz Cruising - Taking music appreciation to a higher level..

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS 4th ANNUAL SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE SETS SAIL FROM FT.LAUDERDALE

Posted by: editoron Thursday, November 20, 2008 - 10:11 PM
"AND I AM ON BOARD TO PARTY AT SEA"
By Babbie De Derian

For the past seven years, Jazz Cruises, llc has hosted jazz lovers and top jazz musicians on the only full-ship cruise charters in the world dedicated to live jazz music. They offer four different jazz cruises for every jazz music taste including: The Jazz Cruise; The Smooth Jazz Cruise, hosted by Wayman Tisdale; Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, and their newest edition to the family, the Playboy Jazz Cruise™.

I must admit I am not a jazz aficionado; seven nights and days of jazz as part of a captive audience of 1,950 jazz fans aboard Holland America's Westerdam was a little daunting until I met Dave Koz and his saxophone.I quickly became part of his family of fans who are here to spend a week of music packed performances, workshops and seminars with their idols. From the time I embark to the time I disembark, I find myself clappin and hootin just as loud and as often as the rest of the crowd.

We get off to a stompin start with a 4:45 sail away party by the Lido Pool. Dave Hooper, Rayford Griffin and Ramas Yslas jam to everyone's delight. Later that evening, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot join Dave when he hosts the "welcome Show".

The scheduling and rotating of performances to accommodate the early and late dinner seating, makes it possible to miss a concert one night but see it two days later.The second night at sea, Richard Elliot almost blows me into the water with his sensuous and faithful love affair with his saxophone. I later tell him that when he sank to his knees writhing with passion over every note that came out of his sax, I felt we were watching and listening to him make love on stage. Rick Braun joins him and together they send mellow haunting notes into the night in a duet with his trumpet and Richard Elliot's sax.

Lynne Fiddmont, who has sung back-up for an astonishing roster of singers that includes: Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estafan, Whitney Houston and Seal, wows me with her sultry velvet voice and calming stage presence. Her voice, the music she writes and her story are waiting to be heard; it is time for her to spread her talents into a solo career.

One night on my way to one show, I pass the lounge where Denise Williams and Eric Benet are rehearsing a duet for her 11 o'clock show. I feel compelled to sit and listen as they prepare a soulful rendition of "Too Little Too Late". Legendary Ellis Hall, singing and playing the piano, is another moment in time that will be slow in fading. U Nam, "the guitarist with the memorable name and an acrobatic, soulful and sweet melodic touch" who calls his music "classy, jazzy, funky and Frenchy" performs hits from his CD: "Back From the 80's. Jeff Golub's dexterity on his electric guitar sends chills up and down my spine.

One of the highlights that touched me deeply was the Gospel Hour featuring Jonathan Butler & friends. When he sang "Falling in Love with Jesus" regardless of your religion, there wasn't a dry eye on the ship. On a lighter funnier note, Comedian Alonso Bodden was absolutely hilarious; I couldn't stop laughing as tears ran down my face.Not only did I get to appreciate these performers in concert, but I also had the opportunity to interact with them and their families, personally and informally . . . from chatting with Eric Benet on the beach in the Dominican Republic to hanging out with Ellis Hall and George Duke . . . to a wine tasting and brisket cooking demonstration with Dave, his sister Roberta, his brother-in-law Pat Wilson and his older brother Jeff , a jazz musician in his own right who inspired Dave to pursue a musical career.The KOZ Idol contest was a big hit; quite a few devoted fans who brought their own instruments, or a practiced vocal renditions, auditioned to perform with all the stars the last night at sea.

Everyday brought new surprises; when we docked in St. Thomas special guests Tower of Power come on board to play two shows at 7:15 and 9:30; the group is celebrating 40 years of playing together.Brian Simpson, an extraordinary musical director and talented recording artist, captured my heart with songs from his latest album, "Above the Clouds" and some of his biggest hits like "It's all Good". Candy Dulfer, another special guest, flew in from Holland; when this blond, beautiful performer put her sax to her lips, the power of her mastery was electrifying.I skipped two musical workshops: guitars in the round, featuring four unique artists each with a different sound and style; Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Dwight Sills and U Nam who shared how they master their craft; and the sax academy with Candy Dulfer, Richard Elliot, Najee and Dave. Quite a few passengers brought their own saxophones on board to hone their techniques, and have the honor of jamming informally with Dave & his friends. I would have liked to meet the Jazz Historian who was on board to answer questions and share a little jazz history, but I went off on a shore excursion instead.

I chat with other passengers. After all, we're in this together. Some comments worth sharing: "What works about this is that people not only go on a physical, but also an emotional journey. Its an experience you won't find anywhere else" . . . " I'm from Philadelphia, Dave Koz left no stone unturned"… or the couple from Virginia "its our first jazz cruise, but it won't be our last, we've already signed on for the Dave Koz/Wayman Tisdale 2010 Cruise". Richard Elliot tells me"The difference between this and a show or a festival, where we do our gig and leave, here we get to play and hang out with our peers in front of our fans".

Our last day in paradise is spent on Harbor Cay, Holland America's private island, where we ride horses into the sea, swim and feast on a beach BBQ. When we return to the ship, the afternoon ends with a poolside jam session that brings fifteen artists together to tell their last melodious story; it is one that reverberates across the sea and into the hearts of old and new fans and friends. Dave, carried away by his own emotions, takes off his shoes and socks and walks into the swimming pool, playing his heart out as he wades through the water, bending down to play in the faces and ears of cheering seated fans. Dave Koz: the unconventional, the original, the eclectic and the amazing belts out what everyone has come on this cruise to hear. I look up to the sky and watch two pelicans flap their huge wings to the smooth sounds of Dave Koz and Friends.

It's equal parts party and equal parts music. As jamming goes, its great quality music, not just noise or stumbling on genius. It is a willing suspension of disbelief and a suspension of reality for the moment. I stand in awe; it is totally unplugged, uncensored and unrehearsed. "Even if you don't like smooth jazz, it's a great party".

Our last night at sea, Dave Koz & friends go over the edge. I am humbled, honored and inspired. It has indeed been a floating celebration, a series of musical adventures, the beginning of new friendships, a chance to feel and hear the passion of 40 artists playing with their peers, and the love that flows and connects us all.

Dave Koz: " you and your friends are living legends in the world of jazz . . . a title you have all worked hard, and traveled far, to earn".

The fun, excitement and camaraderie of my first jazz cruise far exceeds my expectations. There is no other cruise, jazz festival or music venue that offers such personal interaction with so many jazz stars; the venues are intimate and the dress code is casual, which made it easy to meet, mix and share the incredible wealth of unbridled and uncensored talent with other jazz lovers.

Nowhere else can you treat yourself to such a unique vacation; one that offers a bountiful array of delicious food, pampering in the ship's beautiful Greenhouse Spa and a wide selection of port tours and beach activities. Swimming is my passion and the Caribbean beckons on every island.

Once we dock, every artist is off to another challenge. I spent a lot of time chatting with gentle, caring George Duke who has become my new idol.. George is going back into the studio. He's working on an album with a female singer from Cameroon. He tells me: "you have to love people, you have to love to give, my fans are very important to me; if there were none of them, there would be no me. Art has to communicate; music is the ultimate wireless communicator. This is the "music boat". What I do is continue to make the music I am spiritually led to do; if it happens to be a hit, that's fine, but I do not make music to make a hit, my music is a little funkier". Richard Elliot is going to play a nightclub gig for a week; Dave Koz will be preparing for a December concert at the Nokia Theatre in New York City.

I am hoping to trade the January blahs and blizzards for another sensational week of world class jazz when the 8TH Annual COOL JAZZ CRUISE, hosted by Wayman Tisdale, sails out of Ft Lauderdale, January 17th to the 24th, 2009 with a line up of musicians that includes: Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Marcus Miller, Everette Harp with special guest RUFUS, featuring Chaka Khan . . . or on the January 28th Inaugural Playboy Jazz Cruise, featuring Dianne Reeves, with special guest Herbie Hancock.

It's the best vacation bargain I know of! THE DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE, FEATURING WAYMAN TISDALE THAT WILL SET SAIL FROM FT. LAUDERDALE, JANUARY 17TH, to the 24th, 2010 ALSO PROMISES A PHENOMENAL LINE-UP. . . AND AN AMAZING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS AND PORT EXCURSIONS.

For more info and to book a cruise:www. jazzcruisesllc. com or USA & Canada 888-852-9987.International: 1-800-852-9987

SE Florida 2008 Local IBC Competition Tomorrow

On Sunday, November 23, 2008..........

The SFBS will hold its local competition to choose the band we will be sponsoring in Memphis, TN for the 2009 (IBC) INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE. We have 7 great bands competing!

The event will be held at
CITY LIMITS
9 NE 3rd Ave
Delray Beach FL 33483
http://www.citylimitsdelray.com
(561) 279-8222

Time: Doors open @ 2:00 pm
First band goes on @ 3:30 pm
Tickets: General Admission: $10, SFBS Members: $8
50/50 Drawing!

Here is a listing of the bands, and their order of appearance . Please note The Nightcasters had to withdraw due to their bass player's ("Rabbi Ken Burgner's) shoulder ailment. We wish him a speedy recovery. We'll just move everything back a half hour, to compensate, starting with OUTTA D' BLUES @ 3:30 or 4:00 pm. Times are only approximate, denoted with a foRward slash indicating either/or.

1. OUTTA D' BLUES: start @ 3:30/4:00
2. THE JAMIE KING COLTON BAND: start @ 4:00/4:30
3. MARY WASHINGTON-BROOKS: start @ 4:30/5:00
4. NICK TRILL & THE THRILLSEEKERS: start @ 5:00/5:30
5. BLUES DRAGON: start @ 5:30/6:00
6. J.P. SOARS & THE RED HOTS: start @ 6:00/6:30
7. KING MUddFISH: @ 6:30/7:00

SEE HHF MYSPACE TOP FRIENDS FOR MORE INFO ON BANDS

Hot House Florida Announces Promotion Collaboration with Jazz Cruises LLC

Hot House Florida, South Florida's free comprehensive guide to live jazz, Latin and blues performance, is currently working closely with Jazz Cruises LCC and their Managing Travel Sales Partner, Timeless Destinations, to promote the January 2009 inaugrial Playboy Jazz Cruise.

Jazz Cruises LLC has provided excellent group sales rates and a very special incentive of providing jazz and concert associations that participate in this promotion with a FREE cabin for every ten cabins booked by association members. This FREE cabin will be awareded as a prize in a drawing among those that purchase their cabins prior to December 30, 2009.

Details available on the Promotions page at HOT HOUSE FLORIDA and by contacting Anton Boonzaier, the Managing Director of Timeless Destinations the Managing Travel Partner for Jazz Cruises, LLC. He can be reached at his Miami office at (305) 651-3636 x205.

Cruise details can be found at:
http://www.timeless-destinations.com/playboyjazzcruise.htm

PARTICIPATING ASSOCIATIONS:
Concert Association of Florida http://www.concertfla.org/
Jazz Arts Music Society of Palm Beach (JAMS) http://www.jamsociety.org/
South Florida JAZZ http://www.southfloridajazz.org/

Happy Birthday, Coleman Hawkins – jazz tenor balladeer extraordinaire!

Coleman Randolph Hawkins (November 21, 1904 - May 19, 1969), nicknamed "Hawk" and sometimes "Bean", was a prominent jazz tenor saxophonist.

He is commonly regarded as the first important and influential jazz musician to use the instrument: Joachim E. Berendt wrote, "there were some tenor players before him, but the instrument was not an acknowledged jazz horn".

While Hawkins is most strongly associated with the swing music and big band era, he began playing professionally in the early 1920s and was important in the development of bebop in the 1940s. He continued to be influenced by the avant-garde jazz of the 1950s and '60s.

Lester Young, who was called "Pres", 1959 interview with Jazz Review said "As far as I'm concerned, I think Coleman Hawkins was the President first, right? As far as myself, I think I'm the second one."

Miles Davis once said: "When I heard Hawk I learned to play ballads.”READ FULL ENTRY AT:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coleman_Hawkins

Buddy Guy is riding with the King into West Palm Beach FL!

Kravis Center Announces New Shows for 2008-2009 Season.

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has announced four new additions to its 2008-2009 season, including B.B. King and Buddy Guy.

Tickets for all performances go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 6. Follow this link to the Kravis banner ad and click through to purchase tickets.www. HotHouseFlorida. com

B.B. King and Buddy Guy appear at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Kravis Center. A 13-time Grammy Award winner, B.B. King is considered one of the greatest, most influential blues guitar stylists and singers of his or any generation. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, his title "King of the Blues" aptly fits this living legend. Noted for his rapid-fire guitar riffs and passionate vocals, blues titan Buddy Guy has influenced countless numbers of musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton who dubbed him "the greatest guitar player alive." Tickets are $25-$150.

Charlie Parker..Bird In Time 1940-47 - CD REVIEW

CD Reviews: ESP 4050
Posted by: editor on Friday, November 14, 2008 - 04:26 PM By John Gilbert

This is a spectacular 4 disc set of selected recordings and rareinterviews with Bird and his worthy constituents. The first thing that Ihad to zone in on was the interview with the late Earl Coleman who was afriend, roomate and band mate of mine in the 50's. I have to tell youthat it brought tears to my eyes to hear Earl's rich voice and Bird'shorn sweetly resonating in my ears. Earl often described his days withParker as his greatest moments in jazz. "This Is Always" and "DarkShadows" are a musical explanation of why this era in jazz isunparalleled in its beauty and form. God bless Bird and Earl. Bird'shorn weaves its magic in no uncertain terms, the notes fly, the ideasabound. It will never get any better than this. Everything has a messageand every passage has a purpose with never any cluttered crap, so oftenprevalent these days.

SEE FULL REVIEW AT: http://www.ejazznews.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=9967&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0