WANDA RAY WILLIS PORTRAYS DOROTHY DANDRIDGE – THE CLUB ALABAM


posted by Robert J. Carmack    @jazz2bluesguy For tickets  RSVP  info Call 323-552-8283 –  limited seating TWO SHOWS REMAINS  MAY 4  & MAY 11 Venue: The Performers Corner 214 Hardy St. Inglewood,Calif 90301 Cast  of The Club Alabam  Revue  Dorothy Dandridge – Wanda Ray Willis Sarah Vaughn – Pat Sligh Little Walter  –  Larry Robinson…

REST IN LOVE & PEACE: JESSICA CLEAVES 1948 – 2014


posted by Robert J. Carmack  @blues2jazzguy       Singer/ songwriter, Jessica Cleaves Passed away early this morning. at the present time there are no details to share.. a family statement is expected in the very near future. Born: December 10 1948 –  Transitioned: May 2 2014 The Friends of Distinction formed in 1968 in…

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH: UNSUNG PIANIST PHINEAS NEWBORN JR.


posted by Robert J. Carmack   @blues2jazzguy December 14, 1931 in Whiteville, TN – May 26 1989 – Memphis TN. Of all the Unsung pianists in Jazz, IMHO, Phineas is the most disrespected by the so-called  jazz experts. All I know is when I first heard his playing on record, I had never heard anyone…

THE CLUB ALABAM REVUE HITS GRAND SLAM AT FIRST SHOW


The CLUB ALABAM REVUE  written and directed by  Tu’Nook Sunday afternoons  at 4:PM will never be the same again. From the very first note by the Quintet known as  Duane & the Central Ave Players performing an original composition , Calico Blues, to sudden burst of energized persona by the name of “Robby Royale” the…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE DUKE: APRIL 29 1899 – May 24 1974


posted by Robert J. Carmack @blues2jazzguy      Duke Ellington was born April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C. A major figure in the history of jazz music, his career spanned more than half a century, during which time he composed thousands of songs for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook. He created one of the…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY DORHAM: A JAZZ PROPHET


posted by Robert J. Carmack _”In my opinion, pound for pound, he was among the “best of the best” trumpeters from all eras. In 1965, I was sitting in my jazz band class ,where I held down the alto sax chair..every Friday  was free-time where the student musicians  all breakup into small groups, go into…

JAM! CELEBRATE & SUPPORT JAZZ LIVE & RECORDED


? APRIL IS  JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH Jazz Appreciation Month was created to be an annual event that would pay tribute to jazz as both a living and as a historic music. Schools, organizations, even governments, celebrate JAM with events ranging from free concerts to educational programs. The first year was 2001, and initial funding was provided by the…

DAPS GEORGE V. JOHNSON!! JAZZ VOCALIST ON THE MOVE


posted by robert j. carmack  @blues2jazzguy Being  a “Certified” Hipster and all and holding my Ph.D  in “COOL” , I know one when I see or, hear one.  George V. Johnson is one of the coolest Hipsters I know. I got hip to this vocalist almost 15 years ago via rare CD recordings, One of…

ONAJE ALLAN GUMBS : QUIET MASTERY AT WORK


posted by Robert J. Carmack    follow:@blues2jazzguy whenever you hear jazz pianists on radio, over your car speakers, or even at a club , do you ask yourself, Why do they do this? at least I do..unless they happen to be Onaje Allan Gumbs. a New York native who embraces all there is to jazz…