Just recently in Orlando a long running station dedicated to the genre of Smooth Jazz changed to Latin Contemporary leaving the area with its Classical Jazz channel WUCF. While the station, WLOQ, was one of the only independently owned Smooth Jazz stations in the country, and arguably was the station that started the genre over 30 years ago, it in later years decided to follow the corporate play list used by many other conglomerate owned channels.
A Short History Lesson: Most stations are owned by large companies and have decided to save money by putting out a central playlist. This playlist is produced by a consulting company which takes local DJ’s and Program Directors out of the picture.
As a result when these hundreds of stations all play the same songs by a small group of artists all at the same time, the songs invariably will chart on Billboard giving the false impression that stations nationwide and the listening public are clamoring for them. It has been proven that is not the case. Listeners grew tired of hearing the same songs by the same artists several times a day and ratings dropped.
The consulting company then made the decision to add in some pop songs to the jazz station playlist. These songs were very popular on the Adult Contemporary and R&B stations so they should do well on the jazz station also, right?
Nope! That backfired as most listeners did not want Elton John or Alecia Keys mixed with their Jazz. Ratings dropped even more and Jazz stations from across the country started failing: Dallas, Chicago, Miami, New York, etc all changed format.
While each failure is a tragic blow to jazz on terrestrial radio, there is new hope. There is a return to Contemporary Jazz and the music is sounding exciting again.
The stations that are still operating either always lived in Contemporary Jazz and have shunned the playlist or have gotten the message.
One station that has in my memory always played a huge variety of artists was WFSK, Fisk University, Nashville where you can listen for days before you hear the same song again.
Also Watercolors on XM Sirius Satellite Radio is now using the phrase “The Art Of Contemporary Jazz” and is living up to it. I’m now hearing new music that was considered “too risky” for the Smooth Jazz stations and a return to old school Contemporary artists like Yellowjackets, Rippingtons, Spyro Gyra, Gerald Albright, Grover Washington, Kirk Whalum, Michael Franks, Foruplay, etc. that could not seem to get airplay anymore unless they watered down their product.
While we will miss the familiar WLOQ, especially the concerts, around the city of Orlando It gives me hope that the genre will spring back and be relevant again.
Over the last several weeks I have had the pleasure of performing for many prestigious events, but I have not had as much fun as last week at Draft Global Beer Lounge and Grill. This spot is one of the most enjoyable locations in downtown Orlando. It is located right across from the new Orlando Magic Arena (Amway Center) on the West side of Church Street. Normal teeny-bopper traffic is usually on the other side of Church, so this makes this spot especially attractive for those of who like a more mature crowd.
They have an excellent Menu there, from appetizers like Wagyu Kobe Beef Sliders, Crab Cakes, Calamari and of course Wings to main courses like Baby Back Ribs and Rib Eye Steak. Deserts too!
Full service lounges with 3 large bars, plentiful staff, and of course since Beer is in the name, specialty beers from around the world many of which even the most avid beer drinker has not tasted.
And of course there is the Jazz! The spot is inspiring to me and the crowd has been really live! Come join us for Re-Wine Wednesdays from 5-10 pm each Wednesday in July. We play 6-8 pm so get there early!
I have been performing at an exceptional spot in Downtown Orlando right across from the new “Orena”. Draft Global Beer Lounge and Restaurant is a spot that has EVERYTHING. Great Food, Great Staff, Great Ambiance, and most importantly Great Bartenders with a huge line of Beers on Tap, as well as a wine and premium liquors. This place takes you out of Orlando and makes you feel more like NY, LA or Vegas. Or is this the “New” Orlando?
Next week, JUNE 8TH, I will have my Trio there for Draft’s Rewind Wednesday where I am doing the Jazz Portion and one of Orlando’s world class DJ’s will be doing the rest of the evening. Listen to WLOQ for more information.
was the best word to describe the last concert of the Florida Smooth Jazz Cruise. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me set the stage…
First of all the jazz cruise itself was a special event. As an artist I thought it was a really cool thing for the fans and the artists to be able to just kind of run into each other for breakfast, lunch, on the deck, in the bar and of course at and after the show. The fans were some of the most dedicated jazz aficionados I have ever met lining up for shows starting at 11:00 PM and still pulling up that energy to really give it back to the stage! They were always appreciative and I thank them for all the pictures and video that has been sent. Keep it coming!
The Artists:
The Rippingtons - Featuring Russ Freeman being as excellent as he always is, Bill Hellar the consummate mad scientist on the Keys, Dave Karasony manically grinning and placing each hit and fill perfectly on Drums while sweat flies everywhere, and Rico Belled doing the samba while slamming on Bass!
Special Guest Jeff Kashiwa, one of my personal heroes, clutching a Soprano under one arm while playing the EWI, then switching in the space of a beat was eye and ear opening!
Steve Oliver - with a unique style vocals that spanned from Bobby Caldwell to Bobby McFerrin, I kid you not, and a control of the guitar-midi interface that is unparalleled! I have yet to hear an artist like him!
And myself, blessed with the funky bottom and solos provided by my bassist Jimmy Seay on the new 5 string, held it down!
Shows were every day with usually me and Jimmy opening. We did some of the songs from the new CD. I finally picked some names for a few of the songs:
Morning Sun - was written on the spot at Houston’s restaurant while my producer, Derrick Harvin and I were performing. The name was inspired by some of the background vocals initially provided by a good friend “Live Hart”
Gettin’ It - was written by Derrick and I and the feel reminds me of what my father used to say when he got up in the morning every day to go to work and as part of his exit proclamation: “Well, I got to go get it now, gotta go!” That became an enduring lesson in life where you learn that to get what you want you have to go and get it. Nothing comes without faithful action and focus on purpose and sacrifice. “Gettin’ It” is the process!
The Last Night!
So the 2nd night we are leaving Nassau and back on the ship after a late evening dinner adventure in a “Real” Bahamian restaurant and up in the lounge I get into a conversation with Jeff Kashiwa and Bill Hellar.
They floated the request that “Why don’t you join us onstage for the finale?” I’m floored but trying to keep from jumping up and down like a kid watching a Hanna Montana concert.
Maintaining my composure: “Well sure I think I know most of your cuts especially the old school ones, but what are you planning on doing?” Bill looks at Jeff and says “What do we got, do you know ‘Tourist In Paradise’?”
Of course but I am dotting I’s and crossing T’s now. (That stems from me being in a Jazz in the moment concert with Jeff in Tampa where I had no idea what song he was calling next) so I reply “Yeah I think I do but can I get a chart or a track so I can shed a little?”
Well long story shortened a bit but when I walked on stage the next evening the crowd went pleasantly nuts! We had worked out backstage how the song was going to go and I was to get 1 of the sax solos.
So you know what happens. The solo that gets thrown to me first is the guitar solo instead of the sax solo. No problem except the guitar solo is not in the same key than the sax solos! My mind is in one place and all of a sudden take it up a 3rd!
The tape shows that I pulled off nicely and later was thrown that 2nd sax solo I expected. With smiles all around the stage I went on to create some cool harmonies with Jeff on “Come Together” by the Beatles and played another featured solo in that tune also. The end brought a standing ovation.
All in all, Roland, Cathy and the rest of the Brevard Jazz Series team and volunteers did a phenomenal job with exemplary reaction to the non-stop pressure of putting on 5 quality concerts in 2 cities and on the ship.
So when I say next time let’s get on the cruise, believe me, the experience is worth every penny!
Last weekend I opened for the wonderful Miki Howard at Tavern on The Lake in Orlando . It was a pretty good show. I am usually reluctant to post concert videos as I am SO critical of my performance, but this one passes muster. (The rest would too Musical Director for the Mike Concert. Derrick Harvin on Keys who is my regular Music Director (So we had 2 for this event). Howard Smith on Drums who played with me for the 1st time and did a fantastic job, and Vernon Suber on Percussion. Joining us for the Miki Portion was Clay Benjamin on Lead Guitar who is an excellent player who lives in Jacksonville. I wish he lived nearer but he promises to join me for further shows in the future.
The Jazz Jam was ON this year! I truly missed having this party and this turned out to be the best Jam Yet! We had close to 97 folks show up and pack out the back yard, the neighbors yard and and everywhere the people could fit! I am always truly amazed at how my postage stamp back yard can turn into an intimate concert venue once a year. We had great food! I have to thank everyone who brought a dish to share, some drinks, and most importantly, yourselves!
The main core of the music was done by my friends, Kene Ledford on Keys, Larry McRae on Bass and Joseph Pegram on Drums.
We had a huge Horn Line: Deverick Bell and Kevin Scott on Saxes (SaXfactor group members with me but you will hear more about that later!), Michael Kahn, Doctor Otto Gomez and Bill Moss on Trumpets, and Frank Wharton on Flutes!We had some vocalists come through also: Michelle Holland, Joey Pegram and his wife sang, a lady with a beautifully pristine voice (I’m sorry I can’t remember her name - Charge it to the game) Yvonne OVACHI Bennett, and RAVYN, lthough Ravyn did not get a chance to sing cause the band was into some Margaritas and by that time 5.0 had started to show up!
Yes for the first time that we have done this event 5.0 came by to tell us to turn it down! See a new elderly couple moved into the community last year that started calling the boys early in the evening. Not that we were loud. We weren’t but maybe some people don’t like other people having a good time. The Police were REAL COOL! They were like “We see that you all are having a great time and the music is not loud, but we have to respond. So we took it down to real intimate sound and kept flowing!
I have to thank Arlen Guffin and her friends! Her friends as well as Ovachi and friends, and many others made this a success! Arlene did a Live Broadcast of the event on her GufLive Webcast! Get it here at: Guflive Presents!
This is the time of year to enjoy! Living in the society that we do, we are often even more stressed by stuff: What has to be done, what gifts are we getting others, getting together for the family gathering, budgets. It can be an overwhelming time!
Step back for a minute and think about WHY? Whether you are spiritual or not, this is a time to relax, reflect and think about how you want to handle 2010!
WOW 2010! How many of us imagined that we would be riding around in “The Jetson’s” like cars now? Homes where everything was done by Robots? I used to think that as a child. Now as an adult there is much still to do.
The most important task for you in this next year is to think for a while.
What about?
Well the things that you wanted to do as a child. Those things that someone may have told you were: impractical, too hard, did not make enough immediate money, “are you nuts? OK, hmm, sure (while ignoring you)”. That is where God comes in.
God gave us all talents that many of us do not use. You know what they are. You know what you are good at and what makes you happy. That is your Talent! Many of us have been told by the society of man that “You Can’t Do That” Well, 2010 is coming and “Yes You Can.”
Think about it. Write it down. Post it as a sticky note on your computer or on your dash in the car. PASTE IT TO THE CEILING IN YOUR BEDROOM so when you wake up, and look up, you know what you you are doing that day! Make it a big goal, worthy of your Talent!
And then TAKE ACTION!
Take small steps to initiate. It does not have to be big. Baby Steps as long as you are focusing and moving. Outside your job, outside your daily routine, find time to do a little toward your goal. The Universe will follow as God has Ordained!
Relax, Regroup, Do the family thing and take Joy in all that happens. Resolve to LIVE YOUR DREAM no matter what it is! TRY! You will be happy in the Journey!
Happy Holidays! Merry Christ Mass (Origins of the term Yall!) And realize that Jesus Existed to Teach Us by his example. You can do what he did by Belief. Not just in that He Exists, but in that He is within you and through Faith, that He is THERE and will HELP YOU. You CAN LIVE YOUR DREAM!
Just recently in Orlando a long running station dedicated to the genre of Smooth Jazz changed to Latin Contemporary leaving the area with its Classical Jazz channel WUCF. While the station, WLOQ, was one of the only independently owned Smooth Jazz stations in the country, and arguably was the station that started the genre over 30 years ago, it in later years decided to follow the corporate play list used by many other conglomerate owned channels.
The Jazz Jam was ON this year! I truly missed having this party and this turned out to be the best Jam Yet! We had close to 97 folks show up and pack out the back yard, the neighbors yard and and everywhere the people could fit! I am always truly amazed at how my postage stamp back yard can turn into an intimate concert venue once a year. We had great food! I have to thank everyone who brought a dish to share, some drinks, and most importantly, yourselves!
