Musicians

Abdur Rashid’s Ruh

Founder of Philadelphia’s avante garde jazz band, Ruh, Abdur Rashid demonstrates a unique piano style and modern improvisation.

Abstract Truth

The Abstract Truth is comprised of band leader G. Lawrence Francis (bass guitar), Richard Tucker (guitar, keyboards & vocals), Tony Peebles (alto & tenor sax and flute), Dave Mattock, (keyboards), Josh Orlando (drums & percussion) and Jeanette Berry (vocals). Their music is a compilation of Smooth Jazz with a Funky Soul meets Jazz vibe. You can kick back and listen to their smooth grooves or get up and dance to this funky versatile band. Members of this band have toured with, recorded and/or done sessions for such world renowned artists as Kindred, The Family Soul, Ronnie Laws, Jazzy Jeff, Gerald Vesley, The Stylistics, The Intruders, Justin Timberlake, Dat Baw Dave and MC Lite.

Ndugu Jesse Andrus Band

Jesse Andrus has been on the Philadelphia scene for over twenty years as one of the most sought after saxophonists. He has worked with Khan Jamals, Omar Hill, Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, and many more.

Andy Aaron’s Mean Machine

The Horns of the Mean Machine heat up the stage and bring back the funk with sultry sounds including James Brown’s “Give it Up or Turn it Loose,” and War’s “Slippin’ Into Darkness.”

Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble (Warren Oree)

The genesis of the Arpeggio sound was created in 1979 by bassist Warren Oree. Since then, the group has become a permanent segment in the infinite collage known as jazz music. The members of Arpeggio are Warren Oree (acoustic bass), Umar Raheem (tenor, alto and soprano sax), Greg Jones (drums), Frank Butrey (guitar) Doug Edwards (congas and percussion), and Nina Fletcher (vocals). Arpeggio has shared their creative energy with audiences at jazz festivals and clubs all over the world, including Brazil, Europe and the Caribbean. www.arpeggiojazzensemble.com

Barbara Lester & Sam Dockery

Sam Dockery has enjoyed a reputation for being a very hard-swinging, straight ahead player. Dockery, who is originally from Lawnside, NJ, but has spent much of his life in and around Philly, is perhaps best known for 11 recordings with Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers. Dockery, a frequent visitor to New York City, was Blakey's pianist after Horace Silver and Kenny Drew Sr., and before Junior Mance or Bobby Timmons. During his stay in that legendary group, Dockery was part of a five-man lineup that included trumpeter Bill Hardman, alto saxophonist Jackie McLean (pre-Blue Note), bassist Spanky DeBest; at times, that quintet became a sextet when Chicago icon Johnny Griffin was added on tenor sax.

Blakey wasn't the only well-known jazz musician Dockery played with. The late '50s and early '60s., found him  being featured in Philly with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath's quartet,  which employed Buster Williams on bass and Specs Wright on drums. Sam also crossed paths with heavyweight improvisors ranging from trumpeter Clifford Brown to saxophonists Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson & Stan Getz. Bud Powell is a major influence on Dockery, as are Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum.

Barbara Walker, Denise King and Lucky Thompson Quartet

Two of Philly’s more prominent diva vocalists, Barbara Walker (who has worked with Grover Washington, Jr., Pieces of a Dream and many others) and Denise King, who has a strong following in Japan, both keep Philly on the jazz map. Drummer Lucky Thompson, who for several years has hosted the popular weekly jam sessions at Natalie’s Lounge in Philadelphia, and his quartet create strong rhythms and tempos that are sure to excite any audience.

Bootsie Barnes

In school, Bootsie’s classmates included drummers, Lex Humphries, Bill Cosby, Al “Tootie” Heath, bassist “Spanky” DeBrest, trumpeter Lee Morgan, and a host of Philadelphia giants who went on to help shape the maturing sound of jazz music.  Those who had the biggest influence on him were his father, who played trumpet with Bill Doggett’s 16 piece big band, and his cousin Jimmy Hamilton, saxophonist and star clarinetist of Duke Ellington’s band for 26 years.

In the 60’s and early 70’s Bootsie played the renowned “Chitterling Circuit” which included clubs such as South Jersey’s Dreamland, Cotton Club, Laurettas’ Hi Hat,  Pearl’s Celebrity Room and Over the Top.  His highly articulated tenor style also graced Atlantic City’s Club Harlem and The Wonder Garden.  A few of the legendary Philly clubs at which he performed include The Aqua Lounge, Just Jazz, The Blue Note, Nite Cap, The Showboat and Pep’s.  Worked with Big Bands of Sam Reed, Johnny Lynch's Club Harlem Band, Bennie Lyons, Lloyd Price's Big Band (under the direction of the great Kenny Dorham) and the Al Grey Little Big Band.
 
Bootsie toured, performed and recorded with literally all the great organists including Shirley Scott, Jimmy Smith, Don Patterson, Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Charles Earland, Trudy Pitts, Poppa John and Joey DeFrancesco and others too numerous to name.  In the late 1980’s, Bootsie toured with his childhood friend and classmate, Bill Cosby, and made guest appearances on “The Bill Cosby Show” (playing himself) as well as many other television appearances. As recently as 2001 he toured with Cosby, playing the Playboy Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival.

Bootsie has toured Europe, as well as the United States and Canada, leaving a lasting impression on audiences all over the world.  He has headlined venues from New York’s famed Birdland to the very prestigious Le Grand Hotel in Paris.  He has won numerous Jazz awards, such as the Marjorie Dockery Volunteer Award from the Urban League Guild of Philadelphia and New York’s Greater Jamaica Development Corporation Award, and is often listed within the Top Ten Jazz Picks.

Frank Bey & The Swing City Blues Band

In the 1960s, during his teenage years, Frank toured with the Otis Redding Review. He later Joined "Archie Jenkins & The Incredible Saxons," touring extensively in the United States and as far away as Canada, Alaska and Spain. In 1977, Frank left the music business. Frank began performing again in 1996 and released his debut CD, "Steppin' Out" in 1998. Frank's rich and exquisite style is presented with such feeling that each member of the audience can relate the music to his or her own experience.

Sherry Butler

Sherry Wilson Butler is an accomplished and unique contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel vocalist and songwriter. She has performed with Monnette Sudler, Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, John Blake, and many others. The Philadelphia Sun wrote, "Appearing at various jazz venues and recording and performing with numerous artists, Sherry is one of the jazz networks most exciting vocal talents." Butler has performed throughout Europe, the United States, the Caribbean, Greenland, Iceland and the Panama Canal.

Butler tours either as a duo or with her working groups: Sherry Wilson Butler and TBDI; the Sherry Wilson Butler Quartet; and Sherry's Jazz, Jam & Jelly. Residency programs include vocal and songwriting workshops, and "open mic" jam sessions.

Byard Lancaster & The Blues Messengers

The Blues Messengers are a rock-solid, innovative Philadelphia blues band who have established their reputation as a good-time jam band by playing and singing the soulful music of men like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Elmore James, as well as original compositions that reflect the band's respect for and interest in groove-driven roots music. They have forged a connection to world beat music and avant-garde jazz through their long association with Philly saxophone legend Byard Lancaster and didgereedoo guru and percussion powerhouse Harold Smith. The Messengers have also enlisted the talents of tenor giant Odean Pope and the vibrant vocal powers of Lisa Chavous to help spread the message in their upcoming CD "We are the People." The Blues Messengers believe in the power of music to bring all people together, and in the power of the blues as an ancient connection to basic life energy.

www.thebluesmessengers.com

CoCoMaMa

CoCoMaMa is the name of a dynamic eight-piece all-female Salsa band who is giving happiness and health to ALL who hear them!   Seasoned veterans of the New York jazz and Latin music scenes, these fine musicians have come together to form one of the tightest bands in the city. Their repertoire ranges from 70’s Salsa to original, cutting-edge Latin Jazz.

The members of the band include vocalist Claudette Sierra, who has sung with everyone from Tito Puente and Celia Cruz to Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, and has also appeared in two of the most recent major theatrical productions featuring Latin music, "The Capeman" and "Quien Mato A Hector Lavoe." Sofia Tosello, vocalist, a remarkable young singer hailing from Cordoba, Argentina, has performed and recorded with the Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra and Thalia among many others. She has performed at the Jazz Gallery, the Jazz Standard, Joe’s Pub, Central Park, Madison Square Garden, and the Zinc Bar. Andrea Brachfeld, flutist, has performed with everyone from Tito Puente to Hubert Laws running the gamut of jazz to Salsa. She recently received the Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award. She was the first woman to play in a Charanga in the United States back 1976 thereby hailed as the “First Woman of Latin Flute.” Virginia Mayhew, tenor saxophonist extraordinaire, has played with only the best, including James Brown, Cab Calloway, Frank Zappa, and Clark Terry, to name just a few. She has traveled extensively throughout the world and played top festivals as a leader. Nicki Denner, pianist, has played with the likes of Sheila E. and Candido, among many others. She is a prolific writer and arranger having written for award-winning films, the New Jersey Tap Ensemble and tap sensation Savion Glover. Jennifer Vincent, bassist, has played and recorded with the crème de la crème, including jazz vocal legends Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln, and Jon Hendricks. Her bass lines are featured on NBC's 75th Anniversary "Cosby Show Retrospective," and she currently tours the world with the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Mayra Casales, conguero and protégé of Patato Valdéz, has played and recorded with everyone in Latin and Jazz from Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Machito, and Ray Barretto to Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Lucien, Wayne Shorter, Regina Carter, and Tania Maria. She has also recorded for the Cosby Show. Jessica Rodriguez, timbalera and the youngest of the group, has already been invited to play with the Grammy award winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Jimmy Bosch, among many others. On April 29, 2004 she, along with four students were awarded the Celia Cruz Scholarship and joined Oscar D'Leon on a live performance at the Latin Billboard Awards in Miami.

Dwain Davis

Dwain Davis’ recent CD, Spaces, Faces and Places, reflects his hard bop roots and his emphasis on a driving sound powered by his saxophone. His rendition of "Killer Joe" brings you to New York’s 52nd Street when bop was happening and folks really did take the D-Train to hear such original music.

Eboni Strings

Eboni Strings are a gifted trio of classically trained female musicians who have performed extensively in Philadelphia and surrounding communities - the group was founded in 1981.  These professional string players developed their craft at an early age by studying with prestigious members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Budapest String Quartet and Jazz Artist alike.   With Kathleen M. Thomas, Tanya Murphy on violin, and Nina Wilkerson on viola.  The trio plays a diverse blend of Classical, Spiritual, Gospel, Ragtime, Jazz and Contemporary compositions.

The group has performed with Jazz artists such as:  Jamal Adeen Tacuma at Carnegie Hall, Anthony Davis, Leslie Burrs and renowned Jazz Violinist John Blake.  In addition to performing on Patti La Belle's CD, "Don't Block The Blessings" in which Kathleen was one of the string arrangers, Eboni Strings has also lent their musical expertise to the likes of Miles Jaye, Jerry Butler, and to the Phyllis Hyman and Linda Creed Memorial Concerts.  The trio has performed numerous recitals at local colleges and at the Philadelphia Music Awards and the Pro Arts Music Awards Ceremony.  Eboni Strings served as clinicians for the National Black Music Caucus Conferences in Charlotte, North Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee and for the Music Educators National Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Eboni Strings performs primarily as a string quartet and is in demand for weddings, receptions, private parties, recording sessions, theater work, memorial services, and other religious events.

Individual members have performed with such notables as Frank Sinatra and Frank Sinatra, Jr., Diana Ross, Liza Minelli, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Rosemary Clooney, George Benson, Barry White & The Love Unlimited Orchestra, Rod Stewart, Moody Blues and the Trenton Symphony., Philly Pops & Ocean City Pops just to name a few.

www.ebonistrings.com

Duane Eubanks

Duane Eubanks was born into a family of gifted musical talent. His mother, pianist Vera Eubanks, brothers, trombonist Robin Eubanks and guitarist Kevin Eubanks, and uncle, legendary pianist Ray Bryant, have all contributed to his early music education.

The Philadelphia native played trumpet for the first time at age 11, but didn’t consider music as a career until college. While studying for a Business Administration degree at the University of Maryland, Duane joined the university’s jazz band, which afforded him opportunities to play with jazz luminaries as Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Scott, Charles Fambrough, and Clark Terry.

Duane caught the attention of French producer Aleardo G. Buzzi while sitting in with Robin at Bradley’s in New York. Aleardo recorded Robin’s 1998 TCB records release 4:JJ/Slide, Curtis & Al on which Duane played trumpet. Duane’s inspired playing left a lasting impression on Aleardo. Aleardo then approached Duane with a proposal to record his first CD as leader for TCB. The result was his critically acclaimed debut, My Shining Hour released in 1999.

Duane has played with the Dave Holland Big Band, Frank Foster Loud Minority Big Band, Oliver Lake Big Band, the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Next Legacy Orchestra, and Jason Lindner’s Big Band. He has worked with Phyllis Hyman, Bootsie Barnes, Benny Golson, Bobby Watson, Mickey Roker, James Moody, Lionel Hampton, Donald Byrd, Terell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Antonio Hart, The Temptations, Mulgrew Miller, Robin Eubanks, and most recently Elvin Jones.

Orrin Evans

"The clear-cut best pianist of his time..." is how Hot House Magazine described Orrin Evans in 1998, praise which was echoed again in the summer of 2002.

The New York Times described the pianist as "...a poised artist with an impressive template of ideas at his command", a quality undoubtedly recognized by the legendary saxophonist Bobby Watson who engaged Evans as piano chair for his band, a position he has held for six years. Orrin has recorded with Bobby on Live and Learn (Palmetto Records), Quiet as it's Kept (Red Records) which features one of Orrin's original compositions "Looking in Your Eyes". Bobby also recorded another of Orrin's compositions "Two Stepping with Dawn" on Bobby Watson & Curtis Lundy Project (Sound Hills Records). Orrin has been playing with the Charles Mingus Big Band for the past three years. He has also toured with such diverse talents as the evolutionary Wallace Roney, Stefon Harris, and Antonio Hart.

Joanne Gardner Quartet

Powerful vocalist who captures the attention of her audience with her style, reminiscent of Aretha Franklin and soul singers of the 1960s.

Robert H. Henderson

In the tradition of Philadelphia drummers such as Bobby Durham and Mickey Roker, Robert H. Henderson swings so hard that some normally tight-lipped critics have claimed he can do anything the great bop drummers such as Art Blakey and Max Roach can do. He has chosen to use his middle initial in his credits and stage name, presumably to keep a distance from other performers in the same genre named Robert Henderson, Bobby Henderson, and so forth. There is one right in Philadelphia, an arranger whom the drummer may even have noshed on bratwurst with back in the heyday of the venue called Ortlieb's Jazzhaus.

While the initial is distinctive, this drummer remains known mostly on his home turf. In the tradition of another Philadelphia bandleader named Sun Ra, Henderson has released material on his own label, shedding light on cohorts such as tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna, pianists Paul Pelusi and Thomas Lawton, and bassist Pete Colangelo. Critics who praise the skills of the drummer have also tended to remark on the ordinary nature of the group's repertoire, maybe a reason Henderson's efforts as a bandleader are not better known. He has been active in Philly since the 1960s, when he began gigging with rhythm and blues artists such as Puff and Floyd McDaniel. - Eugene Chadbourne, All Music Guide

Henry Hall & The New Dimensions of Worship

You may have heard the expression “Can anything come out of Nazareth?” Well, in this case: Can anything come out of Camden, New Jersey? Absolutely YES! Henry A. Hall, an anointed inspired psalmist and a true worshiper. 

Born to two alcoholic parents and in a city that was leading the world in poverty, Henry not only survived but also succeeded. After experiencing the death of his mother as a child, he began to cling to God like never before, and music was his life support. Henry has been singing since the tender age of 10. Like most artists today, he started singing in the church. As a member of a 100-voice youth choir, he was often called upon to lead songs. His strong spirit-filled voice would set the church on fire!

Henry continued his musical development as well as acknowledging his call to ministry during his college days at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. It was there that he realized what he was called to do. Joining the two things he loved the most, the Word of God and music, he began to write songs. As a member of the gospel choir, he was often given lead parts. He created an arrangement of the public domain song “Victory Shall Be Mine” which was performed by the Gospel Choir in competition at the National Black Gospel Colleges Competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

After graduating, he continued to develop his skill and ability within several local churches where his talent was immediately recognized. He has spent the last fifteen years within the local churches as Minister of Music and Worship Leader where he has lead several congregations in worship. Many people have commented how his voice just touches their hearts. He has been known to flow in the “new song” on the spot to lift the entire congregation in praise to God. As he ministers from the victory of overcoming obstacles and set backs in his own life, many people have testified of receiving physical and emotional healing themselves as he sings.

Minister Henry is a seasoned artist whose time is definitely come! His music reaches all ages and ethic backgrounds. He believes it’s time to sing from our position, not just our condition. His style is definitely praise and worship with a gospel R&B flavor. He has notably been likened to such artists as Fred Hammond and John P. Kee.

Sensing a greater call to the body of Christ, Henry began to minister in song as doors started opening at churches, conferences, malls and schools all over. He has lead praise and worship for R.W. Schambach and Dr. Creflo Dollar. He has also sung with Phil Driscol. His studio credits include lead vocals with the marriage duo Phil & Brenda Nicolas and others. His most notable appearance was his recent opening for Martha Munizzi. His 15-year tenure as a worship leader has lead him to his debut Live Recording in January 2005. In “It's Harvest Time,” appropriately titled, Henry brings a fresh new sound to praise and worship. This project composed of 11 tracks is clearly praise and worship, seamlessly intertwined with an R&B and gospel flavor. You’ll find such uplifting songs as: “More than Conquerors” for the gospel taste; “Harvest Time,” a universal praise anthem declaring prophetic blessing for God’s people; and “Hallelujah to the Lamb,” a vertical worship ballad that takes you right before the throne of God; and more. This CD will get you into presence of God; it will encourage you and it will bring you out!

Hidden Treasure

Hidden Treasure’s smooth jazz sounds have been surfacing throughout the Philadelphia area for the last few years with rave reviews. Leader, Brian Hayman, is a composer and vocalist.

Khan Jamal

For nearly four decades, Khan Jamal has been playing the vibraphone and marimbas in the Philadelphia and NYC areas, as well as touring extensively throughout Europe. Having studied at Granoff School of Music and Combs College, he began an association with the renowned improvisational drummer, Sunny Murray, back in the 60s that has lasted to this day. Some of his explorations with David Murray, Frank Wright and Sunny Murray led him to be tagged as an avant garde musician, playing primarily abstract 'out' music.

Jeff Bradshaw’s Brass Heaven

Out of the city of Brotherly Love, an evolution of New Orleans instrumentation fused with hip-hop soul, jazz and spirituals has been born. In the summer of 2005, internationally acclaimed trombonist, producer and Hidden Beach recording artist Jeff Bradshaw decided to pull together all of his brass-playing friends from church and abroad to unite in a one-of-a kind musical marriage. Bradshaw says, "We blend hip-hop, soul, jazz, and spirituals in a way never done before." Brass Heaven has already created an underground following, while opening shows for legendary hip-hop artists The Roots on stages as big as The House of Blues and Radio City Music Hall.

Leon Jordan, Jr. Quartet

Leon Jordan, Jr. is one of the most expressive and extraordinarily talented young musicians in jazz. As a native of Philadelphia, he developed a foundation early on that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.

This young prodigy began playing trumpet by chance at the age of 10 in elementary school. By high school Leon was performing professionally and received praise from prominent musicians and media. He was awarded top honors all through high school, receiving more than fifty trophies and medals for section awards, solo awards, state and regional competitions and was awarded the prestigious Marian Anderson award in 2004.

Leon’s extensive experience at such a young age and rare talent has afforded him the opportunity to share the stage with such luminaries as Clark Terry, Grover Washington, Jr., John Blake, Kenny Garrett, Nicholas Payton, Benny Golson, Charles Fambrough, Terell Stafford, Marcus Bellgrave, Tim Warfield, Gerald Veasley, Bootsie Barnes and drumming legend George “Butch” Ballard, just to name a few.

Leon’s quintet has performed at the 2007 Berks Jazz Festival, the 2006 Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and for the last two years at the Cape May Jazz Festival. Leon was a featured performer at the Duke Ellington Sacred Concert as part of the Clifford Brown Festival. His quintet also performs regularly at Zanzibar Blue and Ortlieb’s Jazz Haus in Philadelphia. Leon’s versatility is also demonstrated in his work with a Latin band and with several special events bands, most notably the Renaissance Orchestra.

Twenty year old Leon Jordan, Jr. is currently a full scholarship student attending UARTS in Philadelphia, majoring in music performance, composition and education. He now has more than two dozen completed original compositions to his credit and continues to compose daily. His brilliant sound and virtuosity continue to propel him to new heights. 

Leon Jordan, Jr.'s debut CD was released in the summer of 2007 and can be found at www.leonjordanjr.com.

Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz

Seeing Karen perform live is like walking into a Cuban nightclub, circa 1950. Her musical style includes Salsa, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Samba, Mambo, Tango, Rumba, Cuban, Latin/Jazz, Guaracha, and Tumbal.

Eric Mintel

In 1993, Eric formed the Eric Mintel Quartet.  A composer of orchestral and choral music, Eric performs his composition "Millennium Suite" (for orchestra and jazz quartet) with various symphonies throughout the country, incorporating jazz and classical music.  The quartet's choral concerts feature the rarely heard sacred choral music of Duke Ellington performed with various choirs throughout the country combining jazz and choral music. 

Eric has performed at the White House for President Clinton in 1998, and has been interviewed and featured in Down Beat Jazz Magazine.  In June 2005, Eric was the featured guest on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz show on NPR, and recently the quartet opened for Dave Brubeck at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, PA.  In November 2005, Eric released a 3-CD box set of his jazz on QVC.  In June 2006, the Eric Mintel Quartet was invited to XM Satellite Radio's World Headquarters' in Washington, DC to perform in XM's Live Performance Theater.  The Quartet's one hour show aired to the XM Nation on August 12, 2006 on Real Jazz XM-70. 

Natural Selection

Originally formed in 1996 by vocalist Alesia Dessau as a straight-ahead jazz combo, the group has progressed over the past eight years to include funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock into its sound. The current members of the group are experienced in virtually all styles of western music, and the resulting creations of these talented musicians have a wide appeal. Alesia Dessaus’ sultry vocals and inventive lyrics float above tight vocal harmonies, solid rhythmic grooves and carefully placed melodies, creating a unique sound that moves the body, mind and spirit.

Odean Pope Saxophone Trio

Odean Pope is one of the most exciting tenor saxophonists in jazz and the master of circular breathing. A virtuoso musician who was a featured soloist last year with the Philadelphia Orchestra on Duke Ellington's The Three Black Kings, Odean has been a member of the Max Roach Quartet for two decades. Odean has his own musical vision, most fully expressed via his saxophone choir, with three widely-acclaimed CDs on Soul Note. The choir was the surprise hit at the 1999 Seixal Jazz Festival in Portugal.

Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus Band

The historic Ortliebs Jazzhaus Club comes to the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts festival with their house band, which includes Mike Boone on bass and Sid Simmons on piano.

Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra

These “16 cats swinging and one chick singing” are dedicated to preserving interest in Jazz musicians and the Jazz music style from the Philadelphia Jazz Scene of the 1940's, '50's, and '60's. That period is considered by many to be the undisputed "Golden Age of the Philly Jazz Tradition."

The Philadelphia Legends of Jazz Orchestra is made up of full-time Jazz musicians, active studio musicians, and retired pros from many fields like music teachers and armed forces musicians. Many of the band members were active contemporaries of Philadelphia Jazz notables like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Benny Golson, "Dizzy" Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Bud Powell, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Smith, "Philly" Joe Jones, Jimmy Heath, Stanley Turrentine, "Spanky" DeBrest, Stan Getz, Kenny Barron, Hank Mobley, Nat "King" Cole, Gerry Mulligan, McCoy Tyner, Billie Holiday, "Slam" Stewart, Ray Bryant, Bessie Smith, Stanley Clarke, Charlie Ventura, "Sonny" Fortune, Percy Heath, Ted Curson, Christopher Columbus, Louis Jordan, John Splawn, Harry "Doc" Bagby, Pearl Bailey, Nelson Boyd, Joe Carroll, Charlie Shavers, Jimmy Hamilton, Elliot Lawrence, Joe Wilder, "Buddy" De Franco, Jackie Cain, Roy Kral, Richie Powell, Grover Washington, Jr., Gregory Herbert, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Bobby Timmons, Jymie Merritt, "Red" Rodney, Bill Barron, Donald "Duck" Bailey, "Slim" Gailliard, Shirley Scott, Clarence "C" Sharp, Reggie Workman, Bill Harris, Calvin "Folks" Massey, Beryl Booker, Ethel Waters, Joe Venuti, Nina Simone, Henry Grimes, "Cat" Anderson, Bobby Durham, Eddie Lang, Al Gray, Kenny Dennis, "Rahsaan" Roland Kirk, Johnny Coles, Buster Williams, Carl and Earl Grubbs, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Cleveland, Cullen Knight, "Shadow" Wilson, John Dennis, Jimmy Woods, Bill Harris, Betty Carter, Marcus Belgrave, Dave Brubeck, Arthur Prysock, Al Cobbs, Bill Dillard, etc., etc., etc. The list goes on and on and on!!!

You might be surprised to find out that some of these musicians have a Philadelphia connection, but rest assured that all were either born, raised, had a secondary residence, or just spent a lot of time developing musically in Philly. Included are the well-known and the lesser-known but they are all Jazz recording artists.

The Legends’ repertoire focuses on big band interpretations of the music composed by Philly Jazz notables, original compositions by members of the band, and arrangements of standards and Jazz tunes written for The Orchestra by contemporary, local, member and non-member musicians.

Po/Jazz Connection

Warren Oree’s concept of intermingling spoken words with improvised live jazz music began over 10 years ago at Warmdaddy’s Blues Club in Philadelphia. This marriage of poetry and jazz continues at Art Noir gallery with Philadelphia-area accomplished poets Lamont “Napalm” Dixon, Lady Dove, Taalam Acey, and Princess Ameenah.

Alfie Politt Trio

Alfie has acted as musical director and pianist/arranger for such prominent artists as Billy Paul, Norman Connors, The Four Tops, Johnny Hartman, and Barbara Mason. Alfie also played on a platinum record with Philadelphia's own Teddy Pendergrass. In addition to traveling and performing all over the USA, Alfie has worldwide appeal, gracing stages in Trinidad, Brazil, Jamaica, Canada, and England. A historical moment in his life was when he served as musical director for the 20th year anniversary of the “Ali-Fraser” fight.

Peggy Raley Quartet

Peggy Riley has been a part of the Rehoboth Beach Festival for many years as an organizer and featured vocalist.

Plan B

Bassist Dale Harris leads one of Philly’s top jazz fusion bands.

Sam Reed Quartet

Veteran Philly sax legend Sam Reed has performed with everyone from Tootie Heath to Bobby Timmons. He also was the Music Director for Philly’s historic Uptown Theater, where he performed with such legends as The Temptations, The Supremes, The Miracles and many more.

Rented Mule

Rented Mule is a Philadelphia based jazz-fusion band. A six piece band, Rented Mule members hail from jazz bands as Sun Ra, Rhasid Ali, Sonny Stitt, and many top jazz bands from the Philadelphia and New York areas.

Lynn Riley

Lynn has been described more than once as "Superwoman" of the sax. Lynn has played with many great artists, including Grover Washington, Jr., Philly Joe Jones, Charles Earland, Gerald Veasley, David Murray and Johnny Pacheco, as well as leading her own groups. She has opened for artists such as Najee, Spyro Gyra, Nelson Rangell, Nester Torres, the Mahotella Queens and Compai Segundo of the Buena Vista Club. She has performed throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. Touring with diverse groups such as Sharon Katz and the Peace Train ("the South African band that rocks") and Ellas y Amigos (Latin jazz and salsa) has introduced new audiences to Lynn 's playing and gained her many enthusiastic fans worldwide.

Jamal Dickerson & The UCC Royal Brass Band

Jamal Dickerson was most recently named Music Teacher of the Year by NJ Governor John Corzine for his work at Creative and Performing High School in Camden, NJ. He leads the UCC Royal Brass Band, a “second line” New Orleans style band. To date, Jamal has released three CDs. www.unitycommunity.com

Bernard Samuels

Bernard Samuels has performed with such greats as Hank Mobley, Philly Joe Jones, Cecil Payne, Roy Brooks, Rufus Harley, The Visitors, Odean Pope, Khan Jamal, Charlie Chisholm, Johnny Lytle, Bootsie Barnes, and Jimmy Oliver.

Steve Green & The Elevators

Bassist Steve Green has performed on over 90 albums. His powerful spirit and filled bass sound can be heard with such artists as Patti LaBelle, Phyllis Hyman, Lou Rawls, the late Grover Washington, Jr., The Stylistics, Eddie Murphy, Judy Mowit, The Jones Girls, and Monnette Sudler. He now has his own inspirational Neo-Funk-Jazz Elevators, a six-piece rhythm powerhouse. This amazing recipe of top-line, seasoned musicians blend jazz, funk, rock, and Afro-Cuban sounds into a magical brew designed to "Elevate" the soul of all who hear it. The Elevators line-up includes Spider Bichaylo, Adam Guth, Squirrel, and Darren Daltry.

"Mosu" Monnette Sudler

Monnette Sudler is a jazz guitarist, composer and poet. In addition to recording under her own name, she has recorded with Grover Washington, Khan Jamal, Reggie Workman, and Steve Turre.

www.monnettesudlermusic.com

Sun Ra Arkestra

Sun Ra, among the most unusual composers in the history of jazz, was born Herman "Sonny" Blount in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914. Though he began recording in the late '40s, Ra's career didn't take off until the early '50s, when Blount adopted his now-famous moniker ("Le Sony'ra") and began claiming he came from Saturn. Infatuated with ancient Egypt, outer space and New Age mysticism, Ra formed a Chicago-based group called the Arkestra, which played an intriguing mix of bop, free jazz, and proto-electronic music. In 1956 he founded his own label, Saturn Records, and five years later relocated to New York, where he established himself as one of the more eccentric performers, releasing bizarre recordings which foreshadowed jazz fusion and ambient music by blending traditional jazz instruments with electric keyboard and unconventional song structures. In 1970 Sun Ra moved to Philadelphia, where he continued recording and performing for a small but loyal jazz and rock audience until his death in May 1993. In recent years, an orchestrated effort by music historians to catalogue Ra's sidemen and recording sessions has been undertaken, resulting in the release of the discography The Earthly Recordings of Sun Ra. The Sun Ra Arkestra continues to tour and record under the directon of the Arkestra's longtime alto player, Marshall Allen.

Jamaaladeen Tacuma

Jamaaladeen Tacuma has redefined his instrument’s artistic potential. In the mid 70’s, his creatively free approach to the bass caught the eyes and ears of the legendary saxophonist, Ornette Coleman. Tacuma soon became a member of Coleman's electric band, Prime Time.

In September 2007, after collaborating with musicians from Japan, Korea, Europe and the Middle East, Jamaaladeen released a new recording, entitled “The Flavors of Thelonious Monk Reloaded,” paying musical homage to the great pianist composer Thelonious Monk.

TC III & Friends

TC III’s first gig was at age 14 where he sung alongside his parents, Philadelphia notables Trudy Pitts and Mr. C. He has also worked with Sun Ra, The Heath Brothers, Buster Williams, Joey DeFrancesco, Terrence Blanchard and more.

Trudy Pitts & Mr. C.

Trudy Pitts and Bill Carney have been partners in music and in life for half a century. Pitts plays the piano and the Hammond B-3 electric organ. Carney, known as Mr. C., backs her up on drums. The two musicians met in Philadelphia in the 1950s, when Carney had a group called the Hi-Tones. It included a young saxophone player named John Coltrane, but Carney wanted to add an organist. Over the years, they've played with a who's who of the jazz world, including Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Grover Washington, Jr., and Nancy Wilson.

Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble

Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble is a group of African-Americans who have been taught by some of the best teachers in America and, of course, by some of the best African teachers out of Africa since 1984. They have made great accomplishments with their traditional, sensational, electrifying and amazing performance of Stilt Walkers, Dancers, Drummers, Ground Masquerades, Drama and a very exciting Acrobatic Show. The Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble has performed at many prominent and prestigious events in this country, including performing for and honoring leaders of countries, celebrities, politicians, religious, business and community leaders. They have represented the beauty of African culture by performing and being viewed by millions on cable, local, national and international television.
     
They have been blessed and sanctioned to be one of the best and the most exciting African Dance & Drum Ensemble in the United States of America, by scholars, professors and historians.  All 44 active members of the Dance & Drum Ensemble are advanced Martial Artists (Karate) practitioners, and many are local, national and world Karate champions.

Urban Words Unplugged

Young, urban spoken word artists perform cutting edge poetry with a live band. The mesmerizing beats are bound to pull you up out of your seats.

Richard Waller

Richard A. Waller, III is a successful drummer, engineer, record producer, and composer from the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. He has recorded and toured with vocals and jazz violinist Owen Brown, Bassist extraordinaire Gerald Veasley and his band Music Report.  Richard Waller was the co-producer of the Gerald Veasley, “Live at the Jazz Base” CD project, which was released last year, and is proud to be part of the fifth addition of the Gerald Veasley Bass Boot Camp where he helped develop the groove and recording techniques workshop.  He has engineered and produced over 30 albums encompassing rock, jazz and hip hop and is currently teaching sound engineering at Camden County College in Blackwood New Jersey, as well as engineering several projects in his private studio.  Richard is looking forward with touring with his own band, Music Report, this summer.  The Music Report core band includes Richard Waller, III on drums, Richard Waller, Sr. on bass and Richard Adderly on Vibes.  During the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival, Music Report will be accompanied by Aaron Graves on piano and will feature Tim Warfield on Saxophone.

Grant Calvin Weston

Calvin Weston was born June 6, 1959 in Philadelphia, PA. He became interested in drums at the age of six when he and his neighbors discovered his talent for rhythm as he beat on every car on the block. He lived in North Philadelphia where he saw musicians like Stevie Wonder, The Jackson Five and James Brown at the Uptown Theatre. Seeing his attention focused on the drummers, his father bought him a small set.

In high school Calvin learned to read music and played second snare in the drum ensemble. He co-founded the group Bad Influence, which played in cabarets and clubs around Philadelphia.

At 17, Calvin joined Ornette Coleman’s Prime Time Band, which toured extensively in North America and Europe. After recording four albums with Prime Time, Calvin went on to play and record with guitarist James "Blood" Ulmer, until he joined John Lurie’s Lounge Lizards in 1990.

During the late 90’s Calvin recorded and toured with Billy Martin of Medeski Martin and Wood, Tricky, Eyvind Kang, Derek Baily, Mark Ribot, and James Carter. He also played on several movie soundtracks including "Get Shorty". For his latest project, Calvin Weston’s Big Tree, Calvin explores the many musical influences of his career as band leader and composer.

www.calvinweston.com

Donald Williams

Saxophonist Donald Williams has been in the Philadelphia jazz scene for over 30 years. He was a featured player in the Philadelphia Clef Club youth band and has released two recordings as a leader.