Hello everyone! Yes, it is cold outside, but what do you expect, it’s winter— enjoy it, embrace it, go out and have fun, and listen to some good music. It will warm up your body and soul.
To start off, you must check out one of my favorite artists, B-3 organist Joey DeFrancesco. Honey Child! Let me tell you, this man will light up your soul for real on that B-3 organ! I promise you if you have to wrap up in your long johns, sweat shirt, fur coat, wool scarf, hat with ear muffs, gloves and snow boots, go see this man at Blues Alley in Washington, D.C. on February 28, 2019. You will leave the show with nothing on but your drawers. He will set your soul on fire! He has a lot of soul that pours out the tip of his fingers and his footsteps on the floor bass. This artist entertains the soul.
Sitting here listening to Baltimore’s own, John Lamkin’s new ten-track CD named, “Transitions,” is truly designed for the die-heart jazz lovers. All of the compositions are composed and arranged by John Lamkin, II except for the track, “God Bless the Child,” which was composed by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog, Jr. The packaging for the CD is exquisite! For a non-down-heart jazz lover, my favorite track on the CD is the arrangement of “Down by the Riverside”; “Get on Up and Get on Down”; and track #10, “Swingin’ at the Castle.” You can see him and hear all of his CD live at Twins Jazz Club, 134 U Street in Washington, DC on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26, 2019 for 2 shows per night, 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Enoch Pratt Free Library also provides free live entertainment for the community. On Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Light Street branch located 1251 Light Street will feature the Tom Larsen Blues Band and on Friday, February 1 at 1 p.m., a Baltimore School for the Arts Musical Performance will be held at the Orleans Street branch, located 1303 Orleans Street; “Jazz in the Stacks with Wayne Johnson will perform at the Herring Run branch, located 3801 Erdman Avenue on Monday, February 4 starting at 6 p.m.
The SideStreet Duo featuring Jeff Wilson on piano and Terry Battle on bass is back performing live at Cured 18th & 21st, 10980 Grantchester Way, Columbia, Maryland, next to the Merriweather Post Pavillion on Sunday, January 27 5-8 p.m.
The Andie Musik Live! Located 409 N. Charles Street will feature Leo Maxey Quartet with special guest Gary Thomas on Friday, January 25th.
Well, my dear friends enjoy your week and stay safe. I hope to see you somewhere, some place. If you see me, Say hello! Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474, or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. Also, I am available for book signings for Black History Month. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.
Master organist Joey DeFrancesco releases adventurous new album, “In the Key of the Universe” March 1, 2019 on Mack Avenue Records. Pharoah Sanders, Troy Roberts, Billy Hart and Sammy Figueroa are featured on the album. It is awesome!
Renowned local recording artist just released a new CD with John Lamkin Favorites Jazz Quintet/Sextet featuring John III, Phillip Thomas, Kris Funn, Herman Bernie, Craig Alston Todd Simon and Eartha Lamkin named, “Transitions,” a neo-soul jazz ballad he created and sang by Eartha. Come see and hear for yourself live on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26 at Twins Jazz, 134 U Street, top Floor, in NW Washington D.C.
“Party Animal” Victor Green and DJ Mike Jones light up the dance floor at City View Bar & Grill, 6700 Security Blvd. Gwynn Oak, Maryland every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Everyone is welcome, no cover. They call it “Thirsty Thursday “We will see you there!