The line-up is complete... so make your plans today. JazzFest West is going to feature two stages of music, an incredible mix of contemporary jazz, R&B, vocals, funk... and everything in between!
Saturday, July 18- Sax For Stax Tour featuring Gerald Albright & Kirk Whalum with Selina Albright and Kevin Whalum on vocals
- Will Downing: The master of blending soul, jazz & R&B; new CD just released, and his revamped live show has all the hits
- Peter White & Mindi Abair - Two smooth jazz favorites, together in one band
- Pieces of a Dream with Phil Perry: Pieces make their first appearance at JazzFest West, bringing along maestro Phil P
- Nick Colionne: Chicago guitarist kicks things off on the main stage
- Oli Silk: Soulful keyboardist from England, has radio favorite CD "The Limit's The Sky"
- Justin Young: winner of the Capital Jazz Festival's New Artist challenge, don't miss him on the Garden Stage
Sunday, July 19- Teena Marie: Lady T Returns to JazzFest West, and her new Stax CD "Congo Square" features top R&B hit with Faith Evans
- Najee's Smooth Side of Soul featuring vocalist Maysa & Alex Bugnon on keys
- Eric Benét: 2x Grammy Award nominee in 2009 for his new release "Love & Life"... Eric is back with a chart-topping groove!
- Earl Klugh: EK returned to the forefront of the jazz scene with his 2008 release "The Spice Of Life," his 15th Grammy nom.
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Miles Long: it's "Urban Jazz/Funk"... bass-heavy grooves, some funk & spoken-word
- Jackiem Joyner: localboy Jackiem holds the #1 spot on the SJ charts, and will open the Main Stage
- Matt Marshak: flying into SoCal from NYC to lay down some groovin' guitar licks with his 5 piece band
All artists and times are subject to change without notice. The event is "rain or shine", and there are no refunds.
(last update 07.07.09)
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Gerald Albright
Sax For Stax Tour
Saturday, July 18
Gerald Albright: among the most respected, multi-dimensional and sought after saxophonists to straddle the fence of jazz and R&B. Stax Records: the legendary Memphis-based recording company that defined southern soul from the late `50s to the mid `70s. Turn the former loose on the latter and what do you get: Sax for Stax, a soul stirring stew of down home rhythm and blues chased with a mason jar of jazz. Consisting of eight passionately rendered covers of Stax classics (three with vocal guests Will Downing, Ledisi and Philip Bailey), plus three originals written with Memphis in mind, Sax for Stax (in stores June 24) marks the sax master's eleventh solo project and second for Peak Records, which along with Stax, is a division of the Concord Music Group.
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Kirk Whalum
Sax for Stax Tour
Saturday, July 18
Kirk’s musical accomplishments have brought him professional and critical acclaim with a total of eight Grammy Nominations, his most recent (2008) for Roundtrip and two Stellar Awards (Best Gospel Instrumental Album). However, it’s his benevolent spirit and charitable efforts that truly define him. Kirk has hosted numerous benefit concerts on behalf of many organizations including the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena (CA) and the Houston Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. He is currently involved with the STROKE OF HOPE foundation-an organization that seeks to empower stroke survivors and their caregivers.
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Will Downing
Saturday, July 18
Will Downing returns with his 14th tasteful & timeless offering, Classique. His 20th Anniversary recording boldly features signature renditions of David Ruffin, Barry White and The Originals, plus 7 Self-Penned Songs.
Taking his inspiration from the French term Classique - an author, artist or work of art, of the highest excellence - Will Downing returns with his 14th collection of sensual grooves and true love primers. Classique is his second album for Peak Records (in stores June 16 via the Concord Music Group) and a triumphant encore presentation following the challenges he faced creating his Peak debut, After Tonight (recorded while battling the muscle disorder Polymyositis).
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Peter White
Together, with Mindi Abair in one band
Saturday, July 18
For well over a decade, guitarist Peter White has consistently released chart-topping albums that have helped define smooth jazz. Without pomp and circumstance, White’s distinctive acoustic guitar sound has romanced, danced and entranced listeners with beautiful melodies, lilting rhythms, and spry instrumentation.
Thanks to the smooth jazz format's affinity these days for instrumental cover songs, two of White's incredible 13 #1 Radio & Records airplay hits have become enduring staples of the format. White recently sparked a rekindling of the retro flame that inspired him to once again start Playin' Favorites on his latest disc for Columbia/Legacy.
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Mindi Abair
Together, with Peter White in one band
Saturday, July 18
Mindi's latest 2008 release Stars broke the usual genre barriers, with her single 'Stars' charting #29 on the Adult Contemporary R&R and her single 'Smile' hit top ten on the R&R jazz airplay charts.
Saxophonist/Singer/Songwriter Mindi Abair has not only set sonic trends, but has broken all the boundaries as she continues to define the less traditional future of jazz. Her own brand of pop meets jazz adds a refreshingly unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists who are, like her, powerful instrumentalists as well as thought-provoking singer/songwriters.
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Pieces of a Dream
with Phil Perry
Saturday, July 18
In the age of digital technology, the art of assembling a handful of musicians in the same place and time to craft a live, organic recording full of creative interplay and artistic energy can be easily lost. But keyboardist James Lloyd and drummer Curtis Harmon, the founding duo and driving force behind the enduring contemporary jazz collective Pieces of a Dream, haven't forgotten that the old school is still the place where some of the best and most enduring musical ideas are born.
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Phil Perry
Saturday, June 18
After the success of his 2007 acclaimed album – A Mighty Love (on Shanachie Records), Phil Perry was voted Male Vocalist of the Year, in the Third Annual Readers Choice internet vote conducted by Soultracks.com. Phil Perry not only distinguishes himself as a highly sought after studio and concert vocalist, through his unique jazz and R&B vocal style and passionate interpretations of love songs, but also in his exceptionally strong songwriting gifts.
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Nick Colionne
Saturday, July 18
With a jazz style that is both urban and contemporary, Nick Colionne has blazed a trail to the top of the ranks of today's stars. Combining all of the various influences of his music career from jazz to R&B to blues to rock, he has created an unmistakable sound and vibe that is instantly recognizable. With lightening fast speed and a distinctively silky sound, Nick takes the guitar to unexpected places every time he performs. His rich baritone vocals delight audiences unaccustomed to hearing such a skilled instrumentalist singing as well, and his showmanship....well, you have to see a Nick Colionne show and experience it for yourself. With energy to spare, unparalleled musicianship and a natural comedic flair, he is one of a kind.
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Oli Silk
On the Garden Stage
Saturday, July 18
Biography coming soon.
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Justin Young
On the Garden Stage
Saturday, July 18
The Detroit bred, Los Angeles-based saxophonist Justin Young burst on the jazz scene after an impressive win at the 2007 Capital Jazz New Artist Challenge in Columbia, Maryland. Since then, Justin appeared on the CapJazz SuperCruise (with Boney James & Brian Culbertson) and released his first solo record, "On The Way," with guests appearances from Paul Brown, Tim Bowman and Tom Schuman from Spyro Gyra.
Click on photo for artist links and biography.
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Teena Marie
Sunday, July 19
Internationally-renowned singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Teena Marie, presents her thirteenth album and Stax Records debut, Congo Square. The collection marks a deeply personal milestone for the iconic soul music star and Rhythm & Blues Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient. In addition, Congo Square continues 'Lady Tee's' penchant for sublime musical eclecticism while still delivering the hits that have made her a consistent presence for 30 years.
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Najee
Sunday, July 19
Najee is one of contemporary jazz’s true pioneers. Creating a fresh and pulsating 'rhythm and jazz' dynamic in the early days of the smooth jazz format, the versatile saxophonist-whose first two recordings, 1986's Grammy nominated Najee's Theme and 1988’s Day By Day, went platinum-inspired the whole urban vibe that took over the instrumental world throughout the '90s. He continues to shed new light on the contemporary jazz scene with his latest album, Rising Sun.
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Maysa
Performing in Najee's Smooth Side of Soul
Sunday, July 19
Baltimore native Maysa Leak has gained fiercely loyal following over the past decade as one of the great modern soul/jazz vocalists, and her work has been appreciated by millions of others who simply don't know her name. Compared by some to Sade, she is really a unique vocalist who combines a keen sense of jazz phrasing with a gorgeous, deep, soulful voice similar to Lalah Hathaway.
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Alex Bugnon
Performing in Najee's Smooth Side of Soul
Sunday, July 19
Alex Bugnon has created one of the most recognized styles in today's contemporary jazz piano. It is a sultry mixture of contemporary jazz, funk, and R&B with hints of gospel. Even the titles of his CDs create anticipation for a musical experience that is delivered with passion. His latest album, Free, reunites him with Atlanta based keyboardist and producer Phil Davis. After recording Free and his last album, Southern Living, in Atlanta, Bugnon calls this city his second musical home. Free is a refreshing blend of exotic rhythms with haunting, soulful melodies and the signature Alex Bugnon piano sound.
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Eric Benét
Sunday, July 19
Eric Benet is on top of the world these days. The r&b soul singer/songwriter/producer is sounding strong, romantic and full of joy on his aptly titled third solo effort, Love & Life.
They say home is where the heart is, and Eric returned to his Milwaukee, Wisconsin roots to record his Friday/Reprise/Warner Bros. Records CD Love & Life. Collaborating with his longtime production partner Demonte Posey and writer/producer/cousin George Nash, Jr., Eric completely opened his heart and soul with this decidedly organic production, exercising complete creative control over for the first time in his career.
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Earl Klugh
Sunday, July 19
In a recording career of over three decades, master guitarist Earl Klugh has been lauded first as a prodigy and groundbreaker, then a defining figure, and ultimately, as one of the true statesmen of contemporary jazz. With The Spice of Life, his second album for the independent Koch label, Klugh follows his Grammy-nominated Naked Guitar (his eleventh nomination) with a statement every bit as compelling.
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Malcolm-Jamal Warner's Miles Long
On the Garden Stage
Sunday, July 19
“It's funny, people aren't so much surprised that I have a band as much as they are that we're good," chuckles Malcolm-Jamal Warner, contemplating the buzz surrounding his jazz/funk band, Miles Long. Warner comfortably and convincingly leads his crew through head- bobbing tunes with heavy bass grooves (electric and upright) and dynamic spoken word.
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Jackiem Joyner
Sunday, July 19
Biography coming soon.
Click photo for website and biography.
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Matt Marshak
On the Garden Stage
Sunday, July 19
Biography coming soon.
Click photo for website and biography.
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DJ Jonathan Phillips
Spinning music both days between sets
DJ Jonathan Phillips is well-known in the smooth jazz world. Having appeared at many Jazz and R&B concerts, Jonathan has gained the reputation as one of the hottest party DJs in the country. Also a vocalist and songwriter, JP's won praises from fans and professionals alike.
Click the photo for artist links and biography.
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