YOUR SOURCE OF JAZZ AND MORE IN WASHINGTON DC AND THE WORLD
Charles Fambrough was born in Philadelphia on August 25, 1950. Originally trained on the piano, Fambrough received a scholarship to study classical music, but picked up the bass at age 13, eventually leaving school to pursue his true passion in jazz as a bassist. By 1968 he was performing professionally in various pit bands around the city.
In 1970 Fambrough joined Grover Washington Jr.’s band with whom he played for over three years, while the saxophonist experienced his first commercial success. After a stint with Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, he then joined the band of fellow Philadelphian McCoy Tyner, appearing on Tyner’s albums Focal Point, The Greeting, and Horizon. He later joined the Art Blakey Jazz Messengers in the early 80s, when that band featured Wynton and Branford Marsalis. When Wynton Marsalis left Blakey to record and tour as a leader, Fambrough was a part of his group, and was featured on Marsalis’ Fathers and Sons album for Columbia.
Fambrough also had considerable experience playing Latin jazz, as a sideman with Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, as well as Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band. Fambrough also regularly performed and recorded with pianist Bill O’Connell.
Fambrough recorded over six albums as a leader, including The Proper Angle and Blues at Bradleys for CTI, City Tribes on Evidence, Upright Citizen on NuGroove, and Live at Zanzibar Blue on Random Chance. He was a first-call bassist in his hometown for his entire life, backing artists such as Shirley Scott and Bootsie Barnes at local venues like Ortliebs, Zanzibar Blue and Chris’s Café.
He was an accomplished composer who wrote often complex and diverse songs for his own band as well as others. However, despite an emphasis on complex harmonies and rhythms, it was always important to him that the melody was there. In 1997 he told Kimberley Berry for All About Jazz: “I try to make a melody that you can sing, but once the melody is gone, you have to know what you're doing. If not, it's over. You can't "hear" it; you have to "know" it. There are musicians who have great ears who can hear anything, so it can be dealt with. There are certain things, it's better to know. That way you can elaborate.”
Bassist Gerald Veasley, who also played with both McCoy Tyner and Grover Washington, Jr., counted Fambrough as a mentor, and for a short time, as a neighbor in a small community in New Jersey. "Charles happened to be a neighbor of mine for about four years," said Veasley. "I was broke but ambitious. He was a force on the bass and very much in demand. Charles would invite me over his house from time to time to show me a song or concept he was working on. Even though most of the time it was over my head, I appreciated his taking me under his wing. Think about it: An established musician coaching a struggling one. What could be truer to the jazz tradition than that?"
Fambrough had a big robust sound on the acoustic bass and was well-respected by his peers and jazz fans. The Philadelphia jazz community had held a few fundraisers and celebrations for Fambrough including a recent one on December 8 at the Clef Club attended by Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Wallace Roney, Pat Martino, John Blake and Veasley among many others
Tags:
Comment
Executive Director & Founder
Washington DC Jazz Network
Since 2008
New CD Release
Walk Spirit Talk Spirit
Talkin Jazz! Speakin Jazz! Real Jazz!
Listen to WPFW
Robyn's Place with Robyn Holden, Friday 7 - 10 pm
Good Music and Conversation
Special Guest
George V Johnson Jr
Friday, July 22, 2022
8:00 pm
featuring New CD Release
Walk Spirit, Talk Spirit! Wpfwfm.org
Are you a Music Connoisseur and have a Extensive Knowledge of Music History? Test your skills
Sign Up Today and Play Jazzology with host Willard Jenkins
#SavageContent
#Jazzology
@SavageContent
Looking forward to this Sunday Serenade come Sunday April 24th, when VTY Jazz pays their respects to trombonist Benny Powell. All of this will be going down live at the fabulous Cutting Room and just to pull your coats, their will be no squares allowed �de42. If your Hip you know the deal and where to be come Sunday April 24th. Reservations are strongly suggested, 917-882-9539. April is Jazz Appreciation month, but for the Hip, Jazz appreciation is 24/7 twelve months a year. If your not Hip you need to get Hip quick because you're missing some great music and vibes. Hope to see you live and in-person at the Cutting Room on April 24th.
Congratulations, Herb Scott, on being named Recipient of 2022 JOSEPH R. BIDEN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE
#POTUS
A True Cultural Warrior Thank you for your hard work and dedication to America's Classical Music "So Called Jazz."
Keep on Swinging!
Orrin Evans
The DC Jazz Festival in collaboration with the Howard University Department of Music is presenting jazz pianist Orrin Evans in a 3 day jazz residency beginning on March 15-17, 2022.
For me, music and life are all about style~~~Miles Davis
Cock your hat - angles are attitudes~~Frank Sinatra
A different type of church
Straight Ahead Live Jazz
Every Friday 6-9pm
"It's the best deal in town"
Bring the family * Spread the word * Let's celebrate!
Dick Smith
Executive Producer
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
November 5, 2012
JEANNE GIES
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
w/ Master Guitarist
New York Post observes that he is "...one of the very finest young guitarists working today."
October 29, 2012
An Advocate for Preserving America's Classical Music, "JAZZ", it's African American Heritage, Roots & Legacy throughout the world!
Executive Director & Founder
Washington DC Jazz Network
The Eddie Jefferson School of Bop
Hello George, I am proud to be a member of the Washington DC Jazz Network (WDJN).
I am able to find out what's going on in town and on the east coast
and to network with other musicians. I get a lot of my news from the emails I receive from WJN.
I also would like to thank you for supporting the Jazz
program at Howard University in Washington, DC. Keep up the great work.~~~FRED IRBY
WATSON-JOHNSON
DANCE THEATRE
Trenton New Jersey's Premiere Dance Institution
Presents
"NUTCRACKER CAFE' AU LAIT" Sat., Dec. 22, 2012 RSVP Today!
Bring the Entire Family!
Available for
Bookings & Tours
609.403.6070
Ms. Carol
Artistic Director Founder Choreographer
B.F.A. Howard University 1980
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
Washington DC Jazz Network Welcomes
Public Service Announcements (PSA) on radio and television stations.
Support the Network that Supports you!
A different type of church
Straight Ahead Live Jazz
Every Friday 6-9pm
"It's the best deal in town"
Bring the family * Spread the word * Let's celebrate!
Dick Smith
Executive Producer
A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 28, 2024 at 8:14pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 18, 2024 at 4:14am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on February 8, 2024 at 8:44pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by ArtistPR on January 19, 2024 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
New York City, NY — In a heartfelt celebration of love and legacy, seasoned crooner Marc Eliot is set to captivate audiences once again with the rerelease of two timeless classics, “Speak Silently” and “One of the Good Guys.” These musical gems, adorned with poignant lyrics and Eliot’s signature vocal finesse, commemorate the dual wedding anniversaries of Marc’s parents and Marc and his wife, both couples affectionately known as “Mr. and Mrs.…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on January 11, 2024 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Orlando, FL — Solomon Jaye is excited to release his Premiere Single of 2024, “Sight of Love”. Jaye’s latest single drops January 26th on all streaming platforms with Spotify Pre-save available now. The first of several to come in this year, “Sight of Love” takes a deep dive into Jaye’s jazz roots and gives the listener a soulful introduction of things to come from this introspective song writer. Written and performed by Solomon Jaye and featuring the…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on December 29, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria —
”As simple as it sounds, “I Know I Can” gives a clear message of hope to all… |
Posted by ArtistPR on December 28, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Delivering jazzy melodies and compelling harmonies of The Ray La\’ Mar Experience, Ray La’ Mar evokes warmth, relatability, and love through moving storytelling
Philadelphia, Pa —The Ray La’ Mar Experience transcends genres, seamlessly blending Jazz, R&B, and Rap, creating a musical fusion that captivates hearts. With a focus on love, relationships, and the complexities of life, Ray La’ Mar’s music is an eclectic amalgamation…
ContinuePosted by billy jones bluez on December 20, 2023 at 5:48pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by billy jones bluez on December 7, 2023 at 11:22pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Outlaws of the Blues Highway (instrumental)
Posted by billy jones bluez on December 2, 2023 at 7:32pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Posted by ArtistPR on November 21, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
A genre-defying sensation, Eric Thomas is a world-class saxophonist and producer
Atlanta, GA —November 21st, 2023 – A driven and talented Miami-born saxophonist, Eric Thomas has captivated audiences with his scintillating fusion of Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, and Funk, since the release of his debut album, “Take It…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on November 19, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Straddling a diverse blend of music streams, Arman Ayva’s jazzy and groovy new single, “Playful Comebacks” is an expression of ingenuity
Montreal, Quebec, Canada —November 17th, 2023 – Arman Ayva’s energetic, jazzy, and groovy new release is one that defies boundaries and traditional musical conceptions, inviting listeners to a unique musical experience. Titled, “…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on November 17, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
An artist, composer, pianist, and producer, Scarlett Deva showcases her unbridled musical prowess with a spellbinding jazz record for the ages
Toronto, ON, Canada —Having released on October 31, 2023, Scarlett Deva’s five-piece collection fuses modern jazz with classical elements, delivering a sonic experience that is both contemporary and timeless.
Scarlett Deva’s One Woman Show has…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on November 6, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
With the release of his mesmerizing and soulful record- “Xclusive Monogamy,” creative powerhouse Brandon Allen is gearing towards a new chapter
Round Rock, TX —November 6th, 2023 – Brandon Allen, known in the music world as Allen B, is a rising star in the Jazz and Blues genres, reshaping the music soundscape with his soulful and evocative musical styles. While still a budding presence in United States due to limited media…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on November 3, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria — “Joy to the World” a song written by a hymnist, Isaac Watts, has become one of the best Christmas carols and continues be an appealing and delightsome song during the Yuletide. With this dexterous composition by PraiseGod Music of this melody, the sweet ambience of Christmas would be…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on October 31, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
The ultimate song of the season, “It’s Just Another Christmas Song” is a gem in the realm of holiday music, rife with rich and memorable imagery
Shirley, NY —September 14th, 2023 –Darren Fewins’ brilliant addition to the beloved holiday season takes its place amongst time-honored holiday season classics, destined to become a staple in festive playlists worldwide. Darren Fewins, a prolific artist who is known for his…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on October 31, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
Slated for a November release, the talented artist’s newest record makes an inventive and soul-stirring use of the saxophone, magnetizing all
Atlanta, GA —October 31st, 2023 – Eric Thomas, the Miami-born saxophone player known for his genre-bending fusion of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and more, is driven to take the music scene by storm with the upcoming release of the second single from his highly anticipated…
ContinuePosted by billy jones bluez on October 20, 2023 at 8:12pm 0 Comments 0 Likes
Please Come Home for Christmas
Wishing ALL of our friends and loved ones a very happy holiday season as we prepare for a brand new year.
..we love each and…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on October 18, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
A heartfelt and moving portrait of emotions, Steven Bundick’s latest release cements his place as an extraordinary saxophonist and vocalist
Landover, MD —October 11th, 2023 – Saxophonist and vocalist Steven B’s soul-striking latest venture is his stunning EP- “It’s Time” which forms a testament to his incomparable musical prowess. The striking EP, comprising four original tunes, offers a look into the raw and deep chasms…
ContinuePosted by ArtistPR on October 4, 2023 at 8:00am 0 Comments 0 Likes
New York City, NY — New York City, NY – In the wake of the recent passing of the legendary Tony Bennett, musician Marc Eliot is embarking on a heartfelt endeavor to pay tribute to the iconic singer’s legacy. Eliot has composed a poignant song titled “New York Blue,” and he is seeking renowned artists like to cover this emotionally charged composition.
“New York Blue” is a musical embodiment of the essence of New York City, capturing the bittersweet…
Continue© 2024 Created by WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK. Powered by
You need to be a member of WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK to add comments!
Join WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK