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COOKIN’ at THE WORLD STAGE PERFORMANCE GALLERY
On a classic Friday night at the World Stage in Leimert Park , the packed room was spilling over with emotion and spirituality as “Acknowledgement” jazz band led by Ishmael Hunter & Bobby West, Fuasi ,Rick Zunigar,Jeff Littleton,Michael Session, and special invited soloist; Fundi Legohn on French Horn and Robert J. Carmack Poetry. To honor and pay tribute to the group’s trumpet player who passed just last year, Steve Smith .
Acknowledgement is the title of the John Coltrane cut from the award winning album “A Love Supreme” 1965 Album of The Year. Steve Smith was a hard working musician who believed in his dream to become a working jazz musician. Sometime over the years in LA, a group of musicians got together and formed groups one of those groups were Acknowledgement.. & the other, Taumbu International Ensemble. He held two chairs down. His family wanted to do whatever they could to keep his legacy and spirit alive, by establishing a scholarship for community based individuals who have a need for assistance furthering their education regardless of school or who they are. my last time speaking to Steve Smith was last year’s Central avenue Jazz festival in Los Angeles.. He had this really old but high quality leather bag he carried his music in.. Half-hearted kidding, I tried to talk him into selling me that bag. looking him in the eyes, that bag had a story attached to it and that meant NO Way I get that bag. but I soon realized every musician or artist have a point in their life where the little stories that we encounter makes the best fodder for improvisations and composing great music. starting with possessions or treasures of simplistic value. Steve was a great musician, father, brother and community activist. He loved his family and community. That everybody there that nigh remembers well.
The first recipient is Mekala Session,the 2019 recipient of the Steve Smith Music Scholarship. On hand to lead the family presentation was Mrs Jeryl Smith.(wife) However, she spoke of the challenges of having the first one go down without a glitch.. Bobby West, longtime friend & brother to Steve, read a very emotional poem about Steve. Fuasi, another good friend of Steve’s came in from Europe to hang and hit some gigs with the Band. with the Band posturing on not replacing Steve on Trumpet , they elected to add a guitar, a real nice selection came in the person of veteran guitarist, Rick Zunigar.
L.A.C.M.A. JAZZ Friday’s in Los Angeles
POCKET JAZZ – Chronicles “Music Never Sleeps”
as a Roving purveyor of the Hip and swingin’ I Observed a battle Royale of Hard Bop music by the Ricky Woodard Quintet – paying Homage to Hank Mobley & Blue Mitchell and many other Blue Note stars.
Dynamic Duo does it again!
Jazz musicians Ricky Woodard saxophones & Don Littleton drums posing after Jazz concert at LACMA.. featuring Ricky on Sax and Don popping rim shots in back of quintet. Don Littleton is slated for a Charlie Yard Bird Parker show as leader and music director for Pocket Jazz Presents.. Celebratin’ Yard Bird 99-21 Toot Salute. Along with Don and his Super Trio including James Leary bass, Bobby Pierce piano, and himself on drums & percussion. Special invited guests stars , Randall Willis, Charles Owens, Ricky Woodard and young Christopher Astoquilla on saxophones. some vocals surprises and highlighting a scene.. Robert J. Carmack performing from original play regarding Yard Bird Parker.Wounded Feathers: a jazz tragedy. its debuting in L.A. August 2020.
For Your Information.. Check This!
Celebratin’ the Bird is presented by Pocket Jazz Presents & Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center August 29th 2019 @7:30PM 4303 Degnan Blvd. LA 90008 $$=$20. exclusively on http://www.eventbrite.com search “21 Toot Salute” Cash App alternative ~ code:$1932Ruby
Barbara Morrison & The California Jazz & Blues Museum Honor Roll of Stars
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rahsaan Roland Kirk & Robert J. Carmack AUGUST 7- Leo the Lions
Bright Moments!! August 7 1935 – December 7 1977
CELEBRATIN’ YARD BIRD 99: 21 TOOT SALUTE to CHARLES YARD BIRD PARKER
An Evening of Exciting BE Bop Jazz and Incredible skillful Musicians and compositions
Celebratin’ Yard Bird 99 ~ a 21 Toot Salute to Yard Bird Parker in LA at The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center Thursday August 29 @ 7:30PM Exclusive tickets on Eventbrite.com.
Featuring Jazz All Star Musicians performing the genius of Charles Parker aka Yard Bird.
Musicians performing James Leary Bass(former bassist for Pharoah Sanders,Bobby Hutcherson,) Robert “Bobby ” Pierce piano(former B3 Organist for Sonny Stitt & Jug Gene Ammons) Don Littleton drummer (Taumbu Latin Jazz Ensemble, George Coleman, and Hank Crawford) Randall Willis alto/ (B Sharp Quartet, Gerald Wilson Jazz Orchestra) Charles Owens saxophones(Count Basie Orchestra, Mercer Ellington Orchestra)
Special invited Saxophonists guests: Dale Fielder,Ricky Woodard, Shondell Johnson, Azar Lawrence & a few surprises.
Venue: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center 4305 Degnan Blvd. #105 LA 90008 More Info- 951-840-7120
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BAND ~ L.A. JAZZ TRUMPETER STEVE SMITH: Homage to a Real Jazz Man @ World Stage
Robert J. Carmack & Pocket Jazz Chronicles sez, Don’t Miss This Show! Upcoming concert review at http://www.hipstersanctuary.com
