The Eddie Jefferson School of Bop featuring George V Johnson Jr @ Virgil Carr Center

[WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK]

 

 

Virgil H. Carr Center

Detroit Michigan

 

Arts League of Michigan

Register Today!

313.965.8430

 

 

The Father of the Art of Jazz Vocalese

 

The Eddie Jefferson School of Bop!

"Tribute to Eddie Jefferson"

 

Summer Workshop

Artist in Residence

Private lessons

in person or skype video

Call for info

240.694.7560

The Art of Jazz Vocalese

Writing & Singing Lyrics to Improvised Solos

Conducted by George V Johnson Jr

 

George V Johnson Jr - Vocalese

Executive Director & Founder

Washington DC Jazz Network

Featuring:

 

Imagine listening to a seasoned jazz musician rip into a bebop solo so sizzling and smooth it makes your senses tingle. Close your eyes and play along. Try and picture the sweat bouncing off the performer like the notes that leap through the air. See if you can hear the mesmerizing melodies go up and down, bringing you through joy and sadness, taking your emotions on a sensory experience unlike any other. Now picture that musician and his beloved instrument: His voice. That's the art of vocalese, and that's what native D.C. son George V Johnson Jr. has been doing for over 40 years....Working as a performer, a D.C. Metrobus driver and a New Jersey train conductor at different times throughout his life, Johnson's latest work has taken the form of pedagogy. He has become a teacher and mentor to both aspiring and established vocalists from around the area, and most recently he has lent his years of experience and talent to AU, leading the AU jazz vocal ensemble. ~~By Ben Lozovsky

 

 Eddie Jefferson & GVJ Left Bank Jazz Society 1977 Passing the torch

 

"HE'S NEXT IN LINE"

 

THE LEGACY CONTINUES....

 GEORGE V JOHNSON JR,...considered by many as “Heir Apparent” to Jefferson’s innovation and is one of the foremost practitioners of the vocalese style on the Jazz scene today.  He first turned heads on his debut recording in 1981 with “Pharaoh Sanders” on the LP REJOICE and was credited with vocals and lyric on Coltrane’s classic “Moments Notice “, later reissued on CD by Evidence Music   Johnson was mentored and performed regularly with “James Moody & Lou Donaldson”. Two of the greatest saxophonist in the history of Jazz. His close association with Moody led to many Local & National Live Radio and Television Broadcasts.  

He has also performed with Richie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Pharoah Sanders, Benny Golson, Don Sickler, David 'Fathead' Newman, Wes Anderson, Clifford Jordan, George Coleman, Frank Foster, Dr. Art Davis, Keter Betts, Calvin Jones, Zoot Simms, Al Cohn, Herman Foster, Harold Mabern, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, Rueben Brown, Marshall Hawkins, John Hicks, Barry Harris, Kirt Lightsey, Philly Joe Jones, Idris Muhammad, Larry Ridley and the Jazz Legacy Ensemble and many more. Johnson has entertained and performed at clubs, festivals, concert halls worldwide. 

In 2003, George V Johnson Jr. was commissioned by Don Sickler of Second Floor Music to pen lyrics to the music of jazz legend and saxophonist, Hank Mobley. Since taking on the project Johnson has skillfully, completed over 40 of Mobley’s classic compositions and still counting. Some with complete solo’s. Critics are already saying this is one of the most important and extensive projects to be presented to the public from the jazz vocalese realm in many, many years. With Jazz Vocalese, still in a state of infancy, Johnson has almost single handedly kept the vocalese dream alive as exemplified from his performances presenting the Music of Hank Mobley. A feat unmatched by any of his peers in jazz music. His lyrics are well rounded, beautifully written and a classic work of art. In the spirit of Eddie Jefferson, Johnson’s a modern day “GRIO” telling stories our ancestors would be very proud of ...a la...Langston Hughes.  Other accomplishments includes lyrics to over 30 Charlie Parker compositions and is one of the most exciting vocalist on the jazz scene today!

"The George V Johnson Jr Show"

Blog Talk Radio

 

 

 

Recent Concert

June 3, 2011

 

Featuring...

 

 

 

 

Marcus Belgrave  -Trumpet

MARCUS BELGRAVE

Marcus Belgrave, Detroit’s official Jazz Laureate, winner of numerous awards and honors, and legendary master jazz trumpeter, was born in Chester, PA.  He is best known for his longtime association in playing with Ray Charles. More recently, at the request of Wynton Marsalis, and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, he represented Detroit as part of the Lincoln Center Motor City Jazz Masters tribute which Included Yusef Lateef, Curtis Fuller, Charles McPherson, and Ron Carter. A true musical Renaissance man, there not much trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator, recording artist and producer, Marcus Belgrave can’t boast is on his curriculum vitae. He is a professor of music at Oberlin University, in Oberlin Ohio, is the co-founder of the Jazz Studies Program at The Detroit Metro Arts Complex and the Jazz Development Workshop in Detroit.His career as a player has intersected with an unparalleled variety of musicians across several musical generations including Ray Charles, with whom he collaborate extensively, Ella Fitzgerald, Charles Mingus, McCoy Tyner,Dizzy Gillespie, Eric Dolphy, Aretha Franklin, Wynton Marsalis and Joe Henderson.  He has mentored and recorded with pianist Geri Allen, bassist Bob Hurst alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, and percussionist/composer  Lawrence Williams. This list of musicians only scratches the surface of his many musical collaborations.....

 

Press Releases

Monmouth Road JAZZED By Belgraves - Big Tony's - 06/21/2010

French Magazine SO Jazz article about Tribe, November 2009
Read article

Semja Update Review of "Excitable"
-BY PIOTR MICHALOWSKI, October 2009

Detroit Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave Is 2009 Eminent Artist read article
-By thedetroiter.com · October 8, 2009 City Life

Kresge Foundation Names Detroit Trumpeter Marcus Belgrave It's 2009 Eminent Artist

 

Detroit's premier jazz musician and educator receives $50,000 prize from The Kresge Foundation

TROY, Mich., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Master jazz trumpet player Marcus Belgrave -- who has enthralled audiences world-wide with his musical virtuosity and mentored scores of aspiring young musicians -- has been named the 2009 Kresge Eminent Artist by The Kresge Foundation.

The award and $50,000 prize recognizes Belgrave's lifelong musical achievements and his personal and professional contributions to music performance and education in Metropolitan Detroit. The foundation, through its Kresge Arts in Detroit initiative, annually supports the Kresge Eminent Artist Award, Kresge Artist Fellowships, and Kresge Arts Support grants. The Eminent Artist Award is administered by the College for Creative Studies... Read entire article

Detroit Free Press: Jazz giant awarded $50,000 distinction Read article
-MARK STRYKER, October 08, 2009

 

 

Vincent Bowen -  Tenor

 

Dwight Adams - Trumpet

 

Trumpeter Dwight Adams’ musical training came later in life, not beginning until he joined his Detroit high school band during his junior year. With a great deal of natural talent and hard work he landed a gig as a member of fellow Detroiter Teddy Harris’ New Breed BeBop Society at the age of 16. Dwight is now one of the brightest stars on the Detroit jazz scene. Adams earned a full scholarship to Kentucky State University, where he majored in music education and performance. He has since played and recorded with musicians including Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, James Carter, Shawn Wallace and Donald Walden, and tours with Stevie Wonder. He has served as a jazz trumpet instructor at both The Ohio State University and Michigan State University and performs with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

 

 

 

Claude Black - piano

 

Toledo's “own" Claude Black, one of a crop of great jazz pianists nurtured in Detroit during the Bebop era.   Schooled in Detroit, Claude ranks among a select company of pianists that includes Tommy Flanagan, Barry Harris, and Sir Roland Hannah. All are celebrated for their inexhaustible innovation, propulsive rhythms, and perceptive chordings. Former keyboardist for Aretha Franklin, Claude has toured and performed throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and the Islands...

 

 

Jeff Halsey - Bass

 

Professor and director of Jazz Studies; teaches jazz history and improvisation, as well as applied jazz bass studies; has toured Europe and the United States performing with such artists as Tommy Flanagan, Jimmie Forrest, Clark Terry, Jay McShann, J.C. Heard, Dizzy Gillespie, Arturo Sandoval and Stanley Cowell; has recordings on the Azica, Cadence, Cimp, Hiroko, Steeplechase and Timeless labels with artists such as Jack Schantz, Chip Stephens, Ernie Krivda, J.C. Heard, Stanley Cowell and the Cadence Jazz All Stars; member of the Faculty Jazz Quartet.

 

 

Andre Wright-Bishop - drums

 

THE ONE AND ONLY!

George V Johnson Jr

 

"Moody's Mood For Love"

August 3, 1985

Eddie Jefferson's Birthday Jazz Mobile Concert

Grants Tomb, NYC

 

COLTRANE’S classic “Moments Notice” is a complete gas! Sanders like Coltrane, pulls and holds attention with his entrances. Bobby Hutcherson’s and Hicks solo’s are heated and models of vivid imagination. The three put forth some of the very best solo’s in the entire album. The there’s the arresting new talent introduced here on compact disc in debute - GEORGE V JOHNSON JR., whose marvelous lyrics and viocal work are truly auspicous! He sngs with James Moody on occassion and is happily remindflul of the insistent giftness of the late EDDIE JEFFERSON. Johnson’s three stanzars close with ”Relax dig the sounds of Coltrane’s Music. Coltrane fills your heart with love and harmony. Trane played with magic. Listen to the melodies and you will see momently. When you here the message of his song!”. There’s no doubt in my mind that henceforth George V Johnson sholuld and will be sought for his own gift to the music. He sang the song for Sanders at the Village Vanguard, and Sanders “felt that George ought to be heard”.

Thank you, Pharoah Sanders for your spirit of sharing! Wheeeeee....what a dynamite track this is~~~~HERBIE WONG!

 

 

The Eddie Jefferson School of Bop!

He's Next In Line...Next in line!

Coming to a City Near You!

 

 

 
Find more music like this on WASHINGTON DC JAZZ NETWORK

 

 

Armand Ntep

A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network

Armand Ntep is both a unique vocalist and a prolific, innovative composer. His vocal talent is broad in terms of octave and style from silky baritone croon to pygmy-inspired syncopation to tender tenor ballads. His compositions run the gamut from salsa Jazz to reggae to traditional "lihongo" from his native Cameroon.

 

WWW.STRATHMORE.ORG

Strathmore Free Summer Outdoor Concert Series: Armand Ntep
Wednesday, July 13, 201 1 at 7:00 PM
Outdoor - Bring Blankets and Chairs

 

 

 

MELENA

A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network

 

 

 

 

Aisha Kahlil

A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network

AISHA KAHLIL possesses a dynamic, innate power and range in jazz, blues, gospel, traditional, contemporary, and African vocal styles and techniques. Read more....

 

 

Talk Stoop: Sweet Honey in the Rock

For over 38 years, the gospel group "Sweet Honey in the Rock" has been thrilling audiences with their own beautiful brand of edu-tainment. They're activists, teachers and performers, and now they're on Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf. www.nbcnewyork.com

 

As a member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, Ms. Kahlil has been voted Best Soloist by the Contemporary A Capella Society, for her work on her composition Fulani Chant, and also for her rendition of See See Rider.

 

 

Her original composition Wodaabe Nights has been featured in the film soundtrack Africans in America,

 

and her composition Fulani Chant has been included in the film soundtrack Down in the Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, as well as the soundtrack Climb against the Odds, a film produced by the Breast cancer Fund.

 

 

Ms Kahlil’s film credits include Beloved, starring Oprah Winfrey and directed by Jonathan Demme, and with Sweet Honey in the Rock and James Horner, has written and recorded original music for the soundtrack of the TNT film Freedom Song,

 

starring Danny Glover and directed by Phil Robinson.

 

Journey to My-Ka is her first solo release, and is a compilation of her own original compositions and arrangements.

 

Click here

    

Armand Ntep

A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network

Armand Ntep is both a unique vocalist and a prolific, innovative composer. His vocal talent is broad in terms of octave and style from silky baritone croon to pygmy-inspired syncopation to tender tenor ballads. His compositions run the gamut from salsa Jazz to reggae to traditional "lihongo" from his native Cameroon.

 

A Member of the Washington DC Jazz Network

 

Roseanna Vitro

is a storyteller, a jazz singer with a penchant for touching audiences.

Roseanna has joined a list of esteemed Jazz Artists on the Motéma Music label. We are proud to announce the release of:   The Music of Randy Newman featuring the brilliant compositions of Randy Newman reimagined through the arrangements of Mark Soskin, featuring Sara Caswell on violin,Dean Johnson bass &  Tim Horner drums.  (guitar sweetening-Steve Cardenas & percussion and four drum tracks  Jamey Haddad)

 

Having toured the world as an esteemed performer, clinician, recording artist, vocal instructor and ambassador, she has proven herself a reigning member of the jazz community. Her collaborations, covering a wide range of music and stylistic directions, have been cited and celebrated, far and wide.  Read more....

 

 

 

 

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