Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem

Things that makes me happy... Club Harlem @ the Apollo Theater


Club Harlem is a variety show type performance set at the Apollo theater directed by Maurice Hines, older brother of the late Gregory Hines. The show recreates the atmosphere of 1930s and 40s Harlem with nightclub styled seating on the lower level of the theater (yes they removed the normal chairs) an servers bring food and drink to the tables.  The audience dressed up in the attire of the day while being entertained by a 16 piece Jazz orchestra led musical director David Berger and the conductor Daryl Waters,

The show feature jazz singers, dancers and the was led by the multi-talented Maurice Hines. At over 70 years of age, Hines still command the stage with his comedy, singing, and yes dancing. Just like his contemporary, Sammie Davis Jr., this triple threat performance was well worth the money.

Maurice Hines

Dee Dee Bridgewater

Pros
1. A fun night out experiencing what life was like in 1930s Harlem
2. Great performers including singing, dance, and comedy
3. Maurice Hines at 70+ is an inspiration... and still can entertain an audience

Cons.
1. Apollo wasn't meant for service so the drinks and food was a bit slow
2. The show was a limited run at the Apollo but they may feature at a theater near you in the future.



S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

Things that make me happy... Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is an annual three day  (January 24-27 this year) music festival in Montego Bay featuring R&B, Jazz and Blues artists. This year's the headliners were John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Dionne Warwick, and Michael Bolton.

Its a great winter long weekend getaway trip for people looking to escape the cold and take on some chill music and island sun.  If you have the time its a great time to take a week away if you can, but the shows start on Thursday night with Reggae night followed by Friday and Saturday Jazz, R&B and Blues. The concert venue is is Trewlany about 20 minutes of highway driving outside of Montego Bay. There are villa rentals available along with plenty of hotel and resort options. The Riu, Halfmoon, and Secrets were top sponsors and host hotels this year but the range of quality hotels in every price range are available.

Lodging Recommend - Coyaba Beach Resort (great value), Secrets (new resort), Ritz Carlton/Iberostar (luxury properties)
Good Eats - Local Scotchies (Montego Bay), Jack Sprat (Treasure Beach)

John Legend

Romaine Virgo

Dionne Warwick

 Monica

Mary J Blige

Thursday - Reggae Night

Friday Night - Mary J Blige and Michael Bolton

Saturday Night - John Legend Dionne Warwick

More John Legend

Pros
1. Beautiful winter getaway - Who doesn't like beach, cheap rum, and music
2. Scotchies - If you like jerk (spicy) this is the place to go just ask anyone for location (near Holiday Inn resort).
3. Red Stripe... Almost cheaper than water. Can't beat that.

Cons
1. Driving in Jamaica is risky... and cabs can be expensive but you can always ride in groups to event.
2. Tanlines - Hard to use than sick excuse at work with bikini and tan lines. Sunblock a must.



S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

Things that make me happy... Esperanza Spaulding

She composes, she plays, she sings, and she scats... my newest musical crush has to be Jazz performer Esperanza Spaulding.

Now I didn't grow up in any of Jazz's legendary periods like Big Band, Bebop, or Avant Garde, but I've been a fan of Jazz for the past 20 years (yes... I've got the achy bones to prove it.) But the good news is that Jazz has continued to evolve. Today its infused in the music of hip hop and soul artists like Q-tip, Outkast, Eryka Badu, and Jill Scott. But Spaulding is a new voice that updates the classic sounds of pure Jazz with a contemporary spin that is bring new fans to this American musical art form. Esperanza's music contains many influences. Most notably -- the music of Brazil, which is prominently featured  on her 2009 self titled album.

New Music Alert:: Radio Music Society
So much happening on this album... Its part Jazz, part Pop, all Esperanza!!
1. Radio Song - The theme song of the album. Fun beat and playful to sing along. "if like to.. Because you need toooo..."
2. Cinnamon Tree - Classic Jazz ballet... One of my favorites.
3. Crowned & Kissed - R&B infused Jazz. Tribute to those everyday "kings and queens"
4. Land Of the Free -
5. Black Gold - Great song... More classic R&B sounds
6. I Can't Help it - Back on the Jazz sound...
7. Hold On Me
8. Vague Suspicions
9. Endangered Species
10. Let Her
11. City of Roses
12. Smile Like That - More vocals on some great instrumentals

The 28 years old bassist got her first major award under her belt -- the 2011 Grammy for best new artist. A first for a jazz musician. But at the pace she's going. It won't be the last. And as Jazz finds a new generation of fans, Esperanza Spaulding will be leading the new Jazz revolution.

Black Gold...

At the White House... Overjoyed!!! She rocks this performance.

Crowned and Kissed Video

Little Fly Video

Pros
1. Great musical talent. Her fresh vocals aren't even her best talent.
2. Jazz music is still classy
3. R&B and Jazz fans will find a song to like

Cons
1. Its Jazz... not everyone's cup of tea
2. A few songs are inspiring. But no can get it right all the time.


SF. Guru