Smooth jazz group "Fourplay" performs in Tokyo, Japan 2008. These guys are exceptional players and masters of very smooooth jazz! Looking back at groups like the CRUSADERS, TOM SCOTT'S LA EXPRESS and various jazz funk fusion like Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton's early solo records and even Steely Dan tracks. This smooth jazz band won't stop you from watching the whole concert. Perfectly executed snooze music, no more no less. Five stars for lovers of smooth Jazz. Full of ENERGY!
Personnel:
Bob James on keyboards Nathan East on bass and vocals Larry Carlton on guitars Harvey Mason on drums
James Taylor is a man from another era. Together with Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Carole King, Cat Stevens and others, he used to impress with craftily written songs at the beginning of the 70s. But Taylor was something else; his voice truly grabbed you. That inviting, somewhat drawling, sonorous voice touched many a tender spot. Today, Taylor is still the same intelligent, cautious and warm man. Exactly like in his pictures and performances. In the 70s, he experienced some difficult times but he never belied his distinct style. The man from North Carolina has been very productive these last years and his latest outburst is his album Covers from 2008, which is filled with his favorite songs. Taylor is a superstar, but it isn't something he enjoys. 'I have a lot of good friends, such as Neil Young and Bob Dylan. They all say they dislike the fuss, but I know better than that. They thrive in the limelight; I only thrive with my guitar in my hands.' This time he brings along a line-up of pure top-of-the-bill artists, truly a Band of Legends. He is accompanied by the legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Jimmy Johnson, keyboardist Larry Goldings and guitarist Michael Landau.
Line-up:
James Taylor (vocals, guitar); Caroline Taylor, Kate Markowitz, Arnold McCuller (vocals); Andrea Zonn (vocals, fiddle); Michael Landau (guitar); Larry Goldings (piano); Jimmy Johnson (bass); Steve Gadd (drums).
A unique, historic festival! The first edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival took place in 1976 in the Nederlands Congresgebouw in The Hague. Some numbers in those early days: six venues, three hundred artists and about nine thousand visitors. In this very first festival year internationally renowned jazz legends performed, such as Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, as well as most Dutch avant-garde artists.
In the intervening years, the North Sea Jazz Festival has developed into a major international jazz event. Over the years the numbers have increased to: fifteen venues, approximately thirteen hundred artists and a visitors number that varies between sixty-five thousand and seventy thousand every year. Since 2006 the festival has found a new and more spacious location: Ahoy Rotterdam.
North Sea Jazz is known all over the world because of the many musical genres it has to offer, ranging from traditional New Orleans jazz, swing, bop, free jazz, fusion, avant-garde jazz and electronic jazz; to blues, gospel, funk, soul, R&B, hip hop, world beat and Latin. All of which are presented during a single weekend: 9, 10 and 11 July 2010.
Besides familiar names like Nat Adderley, Erykah Badu, Paul Anka, Steve Coleman, Miles Davis, Candy Dulfer, Ibrahim Ferrer, Ella Fitzgerald, Alicia Keys, Lionel Hampton, Al Jarreau, B.B. King, Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Jamiroquai and The Zawinul Syndicate, the North Sea Jazz Festival also gives young talent a chance to make it on a major stage. Some names of artists who were introduced to a European audience: Shirley Horn, Tania Maria, Roy Hargrove and Rachelle Ferrell. The entire 3 day concert were nicely edited for shorter viewing and compressed into 2 dvd's. A rare oppurtunity to watch the gathering of the most influential jazz artists of todays modern jazz. This video was broadcasted in High Definition format through satellite viewing in Europe.
This is what makes North Sea Jazz so unique – a festival where for three days - the past, the present and the future of jazz music are presented, all under one roof.
The Manhattan Transfer group name comes from the 1925 novel Manhattan Transfer penned by John Dos Passos. The name Manhattan Transfer refers to the group's New York roots.
Two Manhattan Transfer groups were formed. The first Manhattan Transfer got together in 1969 and the second group was created in 1972. The only person in both groups is Tim Hauser.
The Manhattan Transfer song "Mystery" was covered by Anita Baker in her breakout album Rapture. In 1998, the Manhattan Transfer was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.The Manhattan Transfer is well-known for mixing big band, jazz and popular music styles.
21 March 2009 Wackerhalle, 40th Internationale Jazzwoche Burghausen, Germany
Janis Siegel (vo), Cheryl Bentyne (vo), Tim Hauser (vo), Alan Paul (vo), Yaron Gershovsky (p), Adam Hawley (g), Gary Wicks (b), Steve Hass (dr)
In this video they performed a cut from Miles Davis album -TUTU
"George Duke Trio featuring Chaka Khan and Rachelle Ferrell" replaced "Randy Crawford and Joe Sample Trio" at North Sea Jazz 2009. Unfortunately, Randy Crawford had a high fever that time and didn't make it at all.
George Duke Trio with Chaka Khan and Rachelle Ferrell need not have any introduction anymore because they are well known jazz artists as well.
The combination of Chaka and Rachelle were a perfect match for George Duke and his band. The concert turned out to be a successful one. If you have a thirst of watching these 3 clever jazz
artist. This is a good concert, Fantastic Show!
1 hour and half of full JAZZ!
This video is very captivating! Chaka singing along with George"Take the A Train"
Smooth jazz group "Fourplay" performs in Tokyo, Japan 2008. These guys are exceptional players and masters of very smooooth jazz! Looking back at groups like the CRUSADERS, TOM SCOTT'S LA EXPRESS and various jazz funk fusion like Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton's early solo records and even Steely Dan tracks. This smooth jazz band won't stop you from watching the whole concert. Perfectly executed snooze music, no more no less. Five stars for lovers of smooth Jazz. Full of ENERGY!
