Soul of Summer 2013

Soul of Summer a multicultural affair

The spirit of spring is followed by the Soul of Summer, which this year will take on an international flair. The third edition of South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Jonathan Butler’s summer concert trek will feature multi-talented Latina Sheila E. and Barbadian saxophonist Elan Trotman. Backed by a 3-piece band and Butler’s daughter Jodie Butler on background vocals, the set list will showcase the artists’ hits along with a few cover tunes. The Soul of Summer 2013 will debut at the San Diego Jazz Festival on May 25^th with dates booked across the U.S. into August.

“I’m excited to get on the road with Soul of Summer 2013. This year, we have the Latin flavor of Sheila E., the Caribbean flavor of Elan Trotman, and with my South African roots, it creates a great world music experience. Music can be a unifying force and unity is the spirit of Soul of Summer,” said Butler after the outfit’s first rehearsal at which they created the 14-song set list.

Butler’s Soul of Summer excursions are collaborative by nature. Each artist will have time during the show to perform individually, but the magic comes from the pairings when Butler, E. and Trotman will share the stage in various combinations to play their chart-toppers, fan favorites and Grammy-nominated singles, including Butler’s “Sara Sara” and “Lies” and E.’s “Glamorous Life.”

A two-time Grammy nominee, Butler became a child star while growing up under Apartheid and was the first black artist to be played on radio stations in South Africa. His 17-deep album catalogue is a study in diversity as Butler refuses to limit the scope of his musical vision that spans contemporary jazz instrumentals, soulful R&B, sophisticated pop and stirring gospel. Blessed with an impassioned voice that cries for justice, romantic pleas for love, and worshipful praise, Butler is dually noted for his nifty guitar-play on both nylon string and electric. Whether in a full band setting or stripped down to his roots as a spellbinding singer-songwriter, Butler pours his heart and soul into his live shows that uplift, enlighten and inspire. His latest recording, the gospel offering “Grace and Mercy,” was released last fall and continues to spread the word at radio. Butler will release a Christmas album this fall.

The daughter of Latin jazz patriarch Pete Escovedo, E. is a dynamic drummer, percussionist and vocalist who had her commercial breakthrough as a protégé of Prince with whom she still occasionally collaborates. Proudly braiding elements of her Hispanic heritage to funk, jazz, soul, fusion and gospel, she captivates with her high-energy performances and rhythmically-astute beats that have enabled her to play with some of the biggest names in popular music while collecting her own #1 Billboard hits and multiple Grammy and American Music Awards nominations along with an MTV Best Video Award win. The stunning beauty, a multimedia star that has graced the silver screen and small screen, released a concert DVD, “Sheila E. Summer Tour 2012 – LIVE in Lugano, Switzerland” last December.

Trotman is a feted newcomer winning fans and plaudits for the good-natured spirit of the Caribbean that he brings to R&B and contemporary jazz grooves. The saxman who attended the Berklee College of Music on a scholarship from the government of Barbados released his sixth album, “Tropicality,” earlier this year, which he wrote and produced with guitar star Peter White. The disc containing performances by an array of accomplished musicians is a celebration of island life that also chronicles Trotman’s journey from Barbados to Boston.

The Soul of Summer 2013 band is comprised of bassist and musical director Dan Lutz, drummer Jay Williams, and keyboardist Dennis Hamm.

The 2013 itinerary for Soul of Summer featuring Butler, E. and Trotman is:

May 25                 Carlsbad, CA                       San Diego Jazz Festival

July 10                   Detroit, MI                          Chene Park

July 17                   New York, NY                    Spirit Cruise Ship

July 20                   Norfolk, VA                        Norfolk Jazz Festival

July 27                   Temecula, CA                    Thornton Winery

August 2              Austin, TX                            One World Theatre

August 3              Houston, TX                       Houston International Jazz Festival

August 10            Kettering, OH                    Festival of the Vine

August 11            Richmond, VA                   Richmond Jazz Festival

Additional dates will be added, which will be posted at www.jonathanbutler.com.

July 17th Smooth Cruises featuring Soul of Summer

Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Jonathan Butler spent his youth under the shroud of apartheid, and official government policy of political, legal, and economic discrimination against non-whites. His escape was music. The youngest of twelve children, he began singing publicly in South African townships at age 7. Not yet in his teens, Butler’s talents as a singer and guitarist were recognized and he soon toured his poverty stricken country in a traveling variety show. In his travels, the he could neither comprehend the extreme destitute nor the harsh treatment he endured and bared witness to under the reign of Apartheid. Afrikaans was his native tongue, but he learned English on the road. After signing his first record deal as a teenager with British record producer Clive Caulder’s Jive Records, Jonathan’s premier single made him the first black artist to be played on white South African radio stations. The single won a Sarie Award, South Africa’s equivalent to the Grammy.

His self-titled debut album also put him on the map internationally and garnered two Grammy nominations; one for the R&B-pop vocal statement “Lies” and the other for “Going Home,” a poignant instrumental. His 2005 release, “Jonathan” is rich in content and joyous in emotion. Though music took him away from the world he grew up in, the album features tributes to his past, as all the songs are tinged with world music sensibilities, relics of his childhood in Africa. Other releases include “Gospel Goes Classical” (2006) with Juanita Bynum, “Brand New Day” (2007), “So Strong” (2010), and 2012’s Grace and Mercy, filled with the soulful sounds and insightful lyrics fans have come to expect from the veteran performer.

Sheila Escovedo started playing with family instruments at age 3 and was influenced by her father Latin jazz legend and timbalero Pete Escovedo (then band leader of the influential band Azteca) while watching him rehearse. At age 5, she made her concert “debut” at Oakland’s former Sands Ballroom, invited on stage by her father to play a solo before an audience of 3,000. At that moment, she knew exactly what she wanted to do: she was going to be a percussionist. Since age 17, she has recorded and toured extensively with renowned artists such as Babyface, Billy Cobham, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Pete Escovedo, Gloria Estefan, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Nicks, Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Ringo Starr, Tito Puente, Don Was, Stevie Wonder and more. In 1983, she caught the attention of Prince and changed her name to “Sheila E. ” Prince helped her record her first solo album, “The Glamorous Life.” The title track and first single written, performed, and directed by Sheila E., was released in 1984, earning multiple Grammy and American Music Award nominations and an MTV Best Video Award. The album also yielded another hit for follow-up single, “The Belle of St. Mark.” After 3 months of sold out shows in Europe and the US, Sheila began touring as the opening act for Prince’s 1984-85 sold out Purple Rain Tour, while composing her follow-up album, “Romance 1600.” The August 1985 release raced up the charts with its mega-single “A Love Bizarre.” A 3-month gig opening for Lionel Richie followed a headlining tour in spring 1986. In 1986, she made her acting debut in the film “Krush Groove” and contributed “Holly Rock” to its soundtrack.

Her third album, “Sheila E.,” had another smash single, “Hold Me,” that hit #1 on Billboard’s chart. Instead of touring to support the album, she joined Prince’s band on drums and percussion, for his European “Sign o’ the Times,” tour, that Rolling Stone Magazine readers rated as the 15th best tour in music history. She toured again with Prince in ’88 and ’89 on his “Lovesexy” World Tour. More film roles, albums, and tours followed. In 1998, she became late night TV’s first female bandleader on Magic Johnson’s variety show “The Magic Hour.” In 2004 she joined Prince’s “Musicology” tour and also performed “The Glamorous Life” at the 7th Annual VH1 Divas, a benefit concert for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Sheila, a philanthropist, continues to devote her talents and time to the Elevate Hope Foundation, a charitable organization she co-founded and co-chairs, which assists the needs of abused and abandoned children through music therapy.

Elan Trotman, has quickly become one of contemporary jazz’s most thrilling and emotive performers, and continues to stand out and push boundaries as a composer, performer, and recording artist. He’s becoming the go-to saxophonist for smooth jazz artists including Peter White, Paul Brown, Keiko Matsui, Brian Simpson, Rick Braun, and had a guest spot on the Dave Koz 2012 Cruise to Europe. Though inspired by Grover Washington, Jr. and Kirk Whalum, among others, Elan displays his own fresh ideas and distinctive tone. He is a 3-time winner of the New England Urban Music Award for Best Jazz Male, 2-time nominee for a Boston Music Award, and winner of Instrumentalist of the Year (Barbados) in 2011. Born and raised in Barbados and educated at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Elan approaches jazz in his own way.

Blending Caribbean rhythms with skillful horn textures, his playing is full of surprises. With four Top 25 Billboard singles, he takes pride in always writing and producing his music. “Love and Sax,” his 5th CD, debuted at #20 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums in June 2011. The single “Heaven In Your Eyes” (featuring Brian Simpson) reached #11 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs Chart. In fall 2011, his single, a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “As” with trumpeter Lin Rountree, reached #16 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Radio Chart. His sixth release, “Tropicality”, co-produced by guitarist and good friend Peter White, proudly showcases Elan’s Caribbean heritage and features guest appearances by Paul Brown, Terri Lyne Carrington and Nick Colionne.

Spirit of New York, Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, New York, New York 10011

The 31st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival

The 31st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival

July 19 – 21, 2013
Friday July 19 & Saturday, July 20: 5pm-11pm Daily
Sunday July 21: 1pm-6pm

Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, VA Waterfront

The 31st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival adds a 3rd day to the calendar with Scope as an alternate rain site in the event of inclement weather.

Cool Jazz and warm summer nights return once again to Downtown Norfolk at the area’s longest running outdoor Jazz Festival! Due to overwhelming popularity, The 31st Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival adds a third day to the calendar. Starting Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 21, 2013, Jazz enthusiasts will chill to the sounds of smooth jazz in the serene setting of the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront along the Elizabeth River.

Performing Friday, July 19, 2013: Gates open at 5:00pm
BWB: Kirk Whalum, Rick Braun & Norman Brown

Performing Saturday, July 20, 2013: Gates open at 5:00pm
Jonathan Butler, Sheila E & Elan Trotman appearing as Souls of Summer

Performing Sunday, July 21, 2013: Gates open at 1pm
The Jae Sinnett Trio and Stanley Jordan

Berks Jazz Fest 2013

The 23nd annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest will take place on on April 5-14, 2013. The festival is well known for its friendly atmosphere and the numerous volunteers that help things go smoothly, in addition to the large number of top-notch artists performing there.

Check out the lineup at the festival site, highlights include Rick Braun, Gerald Veasley, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, David Benoit, Brian Bromberg, Chuck Loeb, Eric Marienthal, Maysa & Her Jazz Funk Soul Symphony, Norman Brown,  Richard Elliot, Peter White, Jeff Lorber, Fourplay, Elan Trotman, Najee, Michael Lington and many more!

It’s going to be another awesome festival!

For more information about the festival visit http://www.berksjazzfest.com.

THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. Magazine Launch Party & CD Release for Elan Trotman

You are invited to:
THE JAZZ IN M.E.E. Magazine Launch Party &
CD Release for Elan Trotman!

Special Guests: Wendy Taylor, Seven and a few other surprises!

Saturday March 30, 2013
Cafe 4212 Jazz Bar
4212 Almeda Houston, Texas 77004

Doors open @ 7:00pm Show starts @ 8:00pm
Tickets $20 online $25@ the door
Purchase Tickets: http://thejazzinmee.com/tickets/

San Diego Jazz Festival 2013

Smooth Jazz Returns to San Diego! Spend Memorial Day weekend May 24 – 26 at La Costa Resort & Spa.

2013 Lineup

:: Friday, May 24::
Kem
Dominic Amato

:: Saturday,May 25::
Brian Culbertson
Jonathan Butler, Shiela E
& Elan Trotman
Eric Darius & Larry Braggs
Kim Waters & Phil Perry
DW3

:: Sunday, May 26::
Jeffrey Osborne & Euge Groove
Brian Mcknight
Will Downing
Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum
& Rick Braun
Jessy J, Michael Fritzen
& Michael Lington
Nick Colionne

La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, California 92009

Warren Hill Saxophone Summit 2013

Featuring

ERIC DARIUS • EUGE GROOVE • JEFF KASHIWA • MICHAEL LINGTON

ERIC MARIENTHAL • MARCUS ANDERSON • KATISSE BUCKINGHAM • ELAN TROTMAN

more to be added soon!

If you love the saxophone, play the saxophone, or are a fan of saxophonists; you don’t want to miss this! From the man who created the world’s first and most successful Smooth Jazz Cruise – Warren Hill has put together an incredible new event – inviting an All-Star cast of some of the top musicians in the world to share their knowledge of their craft and deliver great intimate performances!

Imagine yourself in an intimate hotel, getting the chance to be up close and personal with world class saxophonists. Spend 2 full days attending clinics, workshops, learning tips and tricks from the best in the business, then witness evening concerts presented by Warren Hill and special guests. But it doesn’t stop there… both nights will conclude with jam sessions in the hotel lounge that are sure to go down in the history books!

When you enter the Warren Hill Saxophone Summit, you are walking into an immersive musical experience with the potential to change your life forever. You will enjoy inspiring workshops, demonstrations, intimate performances and two remarkable days of transformative education.

Book now to take advantage of the Sax Summit’s expert-led workshops, electrifying keynote presentations, hands-on musical education, and award-winning entertainment with jam sessions every night and the Rising Star competition. Enjoy all of these unforgettable experiences while making lifelong friendships with people who are just as passionate about saxophone, jazz and music as you are!

March 23-24, 2013 10 am to midnight, both days

Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Santa Ana, CA

Arizona Jazz Festival 2013

Arizona Jazz Festival 

2013 Lineup

:: Friday, April 12 ::
Jill Scott
Will Downing

:: Saturday, April 13 ::
The Isley Brothers
Mindi Abair, Peter White & David Pack
Larry Graham &
Graham Central Station
Lalah Hathaway & Rahsaan Patterson
Elan Trotman

:: Sunday, April 14 ::
Anthony Hamilton
India.arie
Norman Brown & Rick Braun
Angie Stone
Nick Colionne
Andre Delano, Jeanette Harris
& Phil Denny

Wigwam Resort, 300 Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340

The Groove’s 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball

The Groove’s 7th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball

Monday – December 31st, 2012 Holiday Inn Viera (I-95 at Exit 191 Melbourne accross from Brevard Zoo)

Performing “Live” 2 National Recording Superstars… plus their Band: Elan Trotman and Matt Marshak.

Dinner, Dancing, and More!!! 7:00pm – 1:00am

The Smooth Jazz Fall Festival 2012

ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Saturday October 6, 2012 8:00 PM

SAX ATTACK!
Elan Trotman & Will Donato

The Redstone Room 129 Main Street Davenport, IA

VIP Admission General Public Admission
• $48.50 per person • $42.50 per person
• Tables 1-12 • $5.00 Added Day of Show
• $5.00 Added Day of Show

All Seats Reserved

Red Stone Room, 129 Main St, Davenport, Iowa 52801