Here's the first taste of our line-up! JazzFest West is going to feature two stages of music, an incredible mix of contemporary jazz, R&B, vocals, funk... and everything in between!
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Charlie Wilson
As one of the most distinguished voices in R&B music, Charlie Wilson needs no introduction. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native and former lead singer of the funkadelic brotherly trio, the GAP Band, is now going two for two with his second solo album on Jive Records, entitled UNCLE CHARLIE. The album, which was released February 17, 2009, debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Chart and #2 on the Billboard Hot 200. This album debut was a career high for Wilson, charting higher than any of his previous projects, including the music he recorded with the GAP Band.
Click the photo for artist links and biography.
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Brian Culbertson
Brian Culbertson began his quest in music at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10 then bass at 12. He grew up loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Yellowjackets, Earth, Wind & Fire and Maynard Ferguson. So passionate and naturally gifted was Brian that his 7th grade piano recital consisted of all original pieces. He flourished in high school bands with his father, Jim Culbertson, as the school’s award-winning jazz band director, then spent two years at DePaul University before going on to compose commercial jingles for clients such as United Airlines, Oldsmobile, Sears and McDonald’s in Chicago’s competitive advertising community.
Click the photo for artist links and biography.
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Eric Darius
With the release of 2004's Night on the Town, saxophonist Eric Darius was prophetically hailed, Best Debut Artist of the Year by Smooth Jazz News, alerting the world that an exciting and vibrant new artist was officially embarking upon his destined mission to take the idiom to scintillating new heights. Noted for his searing and unrelenting passion and energy, Eric's albums and live performances earn him new fans at every turn, as well as industry and critical acclaim. His last album Just Getting Started debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart, remained there for nine consecutive weeks. Successes such as those make his fourth and latest album Goin' All Out —his first for legendary jazz label Blue Note Records—a highly anticipated release and statement of what's next to come!
Click the photo for artist links 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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