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Al Caldwell's Page
Profile Information
- What instrument do you play?
- Bass,Banjo,Guitar,Trumpet,Keys.
- Who influenced you to listen to jazz
- Miles Davis,Anthony Jackson,Chuck Rainey,Clifford Brown
- How did you find out about the WDCJN?
- My Website
- http://www.myspace.com/bassbooty
- Official Facebook Profile
- http://www.facebook.com/babyalproductions
- Where are you located?
- Germantown,MD
- Tell us about yourself
- Al moved to New York in 1988. Al got a call from Johnny Kemp to play electric
and synth bass for his tour. At that time Johnny Kemp had the Number 1 song in the
country, “Just Got Paid”. Al toured with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and R&B
on that tour: Heavy D, Salt and Pepper, Big Daddy Cane, Keith Sweat, Rob Base, Tony,
Toni, Tone and Teddy Riley were just a few of the acts that shared the stage. After nine
months on tour, Al returned home to New York and joined Jonathan Butler, a brilliant
new singer from South Africa. He was an R&B singer who also played incredible Jazz
Guitar. He was a huge influence in Al’s career. With Jonathan, Al traveled all over the
world. He played for the King of Swaziland and 70,000 screaming fans on a soccer field.
Jonathan had several hit songs: “ Lies,” “Sarah, Sarah, “ More than Friends” and the jazz
guitar instrumental “7th Ave.” Al stayed with Jonathan Butler until 1991.
Al moved back to St.Louis and studied with Blues legend Oliver Sain. He taught
Al how to be an recording engineer and producer. Al worked with local talent and developed his
songwriting skills.
He had several top ten hits in St.Louis. He also studied with Perry Emge and
adopted his philosophy of 70’s style substance production. This concept allows you to not
get carried away with all of the bells and whistles of the current technology, and deal
with the substance of the song. Al worked with Folk, Rock, Country, Rap, Jazz and R&B
artist to develop his skills as a producer. Later he gravitated towards Gospel.
In 1997, Al got a phone call from Rob Mathes to play bass synth and electric bass with
Vanessa Williams. Playing for Vanessa Williams was a wonderful opportunity because
her musical vocabulary spread across so many styles. From Broadway to Brazilian, from
Pop to Hip Hop, from Jazz to R&B, she covered it all. There were many performances
with symphonies and guest entertainers such as Yo-Yo Ma and Elmo to name a few. Al
was blessed to play on her “Everlasting Love” and “Silver and Gold” projects. These
CDs featured Brian McKnight, George Benson, and Actor, Director, Poet and Playwright,
Ozzie Davis. Playing for Vanessa afforded Al access to some of the finest venues; for
instance, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl to name a
few. Al also traveled to Egypt, Japan and China with Vanessa Williams. It was a
wonderful chance to see how true talent is appreciated across the globe.
In 2004, Al was inspired by the movie “Oh Brother Where are Thou?” He bought
a banjo and researched its rich history. He took three lessons and worked on a style of his
own. He loved the banjo styles of Earl Scruggs and Roy Clark, but he had never heard
Funk or R&B represented on a banjo. He started a project named “The Travelin Black
Hillbillys”. The word “Black Hillbilly’s, a named coined by the great Deford Bailey,
should represent the African influence in the music. He named his style “Hootananny
Soul”. Al met Jens Kruger and Greg Deering, which expanded his banjo horizons. Jens
and Greg introduced him to the Electric Banjo. Al converted it to MIDI to trigger
keyboard sounds. He’s also added harmonica to his long list of instruments. His latest
recording, “The Travelin Black Hillbilly” is his best work yet. It’s a combination of
Country and Blues. Though Al is new to Country Music, his heart really is in this project.
Music is like the Earth… “it’s just honest”, he says.
Badge
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!
I'm very happy to inform you the Digital Copy of my New Album
Walk Spirit Talk Spirit
Is Available On All Major Streaming Platforms
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
Howard Alden & Jeanne Gies
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
The W.D.C.J.N. is now internationally reaching Jazz musician, enthusiasts and aficionados, promoters, festivals of Jazz around the world. A real eye opener for people researching the history and present day development an evolution of America’s only original art form and historical legacy.
Sincerely!!!
Maxwell Price
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
The Howard University Jazz Ensemble will present it's Fall Concert @ Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.
The guest soloist will be saxophonist Javon Jackson. Mr. Jackson is a veteran of the bands of Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones and Les McCann. There will also be a performance by AFRO BLUE, the award winning vocal jazz ensemble.
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!
I fully endorse this institution and encourage anyone that is fond of Jazz to visit the Washington D.C. Jazz Network; today and become a member or make a donation to a worthy cause.
Sincerely!!!
Maxwell Price
TODAY!
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
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