Urban Jazz Coalition’s Duane Tribune (left) and Richard Randolph
Columbus, OH-based Urban Jazz Coalition brings an unofficial end to the outdoor live jazz season in Syracuse on Thursday. They performed in Little Italy for the season finale of Jazz in the City, a neighborhood concert series produced each summer by Larry Luttinger and the Central New York Jazz Orchestra.
Jackiem Joyner playing in Eastwood
Syracuse City School District (Fowler) alum and smooth jazz star Jackiem Joyner returned to Syracuse this week to play two concerts for the Central New York Jazz Arts Foundation’s Jazz in the City.
Donald Harrison
I heard a story today on NPR about the distinct voice of rapper Biggie Smalls (they described his sound as wheezy and humid). I also learned that jazz musician Donald Harrison, who played a concert here last summer, provided some early musical mentorship for BIG.
Harrison also talked about their connection in an interview on Afropop.
Chris Vadala with Nancy Kelly
The Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival kicked off last night with NYC guitarist Yoham Ortiz and Chris Vadala with Nancy Kelly and the CNY Jazz Orchestra.
Yoham Ortiz
Dave Mann, Will Lee and Chris Parker
The 28th Annual Syracuse Jazz Fest took place again at Onondaga Community College last weekend. I got cover the final day, which featured Natalie Cole, Toph-E, Sheryl Bailey, and Michael Kaeshammer. One fan I spoke with said the Friday night Jam Session was the best set he’d seen at this particular event (he’s been attending for over 20 years).
Michael Kaeshammer and Marc Roberts
Other artists who performed on days one and two of the festival (who I missed) included Gil Scott Heron, Boz Scaggs and Jeff Lorber.
It was also good to see, photograph and talk with piano tuner Kenneth Williams. According to Jazz Fest Producer Festival Frank Malfitano: “[Williams] is the best in the business and a very dear friend of the festival, he’s indispensable.”
Natalie Cole
Musician Byron Cage sent me this video he made in tribute to his father, Pastor J. Alfred Cage.
Canadian artists’ K-OS and Drake, along with N.E.R.D. performed at Syracuse University’s Block Party Concert on Friday. Francis and the Lights opened. The sold-out show brought over 10, 000 people to the Carrier Dome.
Fans, Block Party
K-OS
P Williams, N.E.R.D
Fans, Block Party
Drake
5th Annual Cora Thomas Gospel Extravaganza with guest Richard Smallwood
Erika Lovette, singerFans, fellow artists, friends and family packed Sophistications Cafe in downtown Syracuse last night for singer Erika Lovette’s album release party. Her album is titled Love, Life and Everything In Between.
You can see Lovette performing one of the songs from her album at a previous Art & Soul Cafe here.
During last night’s gathering, she described the genesis for songs and various collaborations. She also mentioned that one of the songs was produced by Leonard Stephens, Jr. (who passed away last year).
Eric Krasnow
Sam Kininger
Nigel Hall
Soulive made a live recording at the Westcott Theater Friday Night, featuring the Shady Horns and Nigel Hall.