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Fort Apache Band with Jerry and Andy Gonzalez – Tickets On Sale Now

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  Monty Alexander Harlem-Kingston Express Quartet

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  5:00-6:00pm

  The irrepressible Monty Alexander took his first piano lessons at age six. In the five decades since, he has performed and recorded with artists from every corner of the musical universe. Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Quincy Jones, Barbara Hendricks, Sly Dunbar, and Robbie Shakespeare, are among the many. His musical collaborations span multiple genres and styles sincerely exploring the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica.

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  Aurora

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  3:30-4:15pm

  Aurora is jazz-fusion. Led and founded by guitar jazz master, Marty Ashby, this blazing septet flies through the music stratosphere with the likes of Jeff Lorber, Chick Corea and The Crusaders. If you want to explore the unique connections between jazz, rock, funk, Latin and R&B music, Aurora is a can’t miss attraction. Ashby is accompanied by Mike Tomaro, Alton Merrill, Jeremy McDonald, Jay Ashby, Lucas Ashby and James Johnson III.

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  The Average White Band

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  6:00-7:15pm

  AWB are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing, stretching across several gold selling albums and multi- grammy nominations for the legendary Atlantic Records. Somewhat incongruously, given their Scottish roots, the six piece took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway and others – and developed their own ‘authentic’ sound which was eagerly adopted by black audiences in the US and elsewhere. Whilst a good number of cuts – ‘Cut The Cake’ and ‘Let’s Go Round Again’ to name but two – attracted chart action as hit singles, many other album tracks, like ‘Schoolboy Crush’ and ‘Stop The Rain’ became much sampled and turn tabled ‘rare’ grooves. Many more tunes, such as ‘Cloudy’, ‘A Love Of Your Own’ and ‘Nothing You Can Do’ – amongst many others- stand alongside some of the finest soul ‘album tracks’ ever recorded.

  The current line-up of the band – this time with noted US recruits augmenting founder members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre – continue to record and tour around the world to ongoing critical and audience acclaim.

  All this and more is perfectly illustrated in the band’s latest release is “Times Squared,” a thirteen track live CD recorded in New York City in March 2009.

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  Poogie Bell

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  9th Street Stage
  3:00-4:00pm

  The sound of Poogie Bell’s drums is what you hear on many of the world’s finest jazz, neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop records. Performer, record producer, composer, and arranger, you’ve heard his work with artists including Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller, Roberta Flack, Erykah Badu, David Bowie, David Sanborn, Al Jarreau, Vanessa Williams and Randy Crawford.

  Native of New York and a second generation musician he has been immersed in music since he was born. Taking cues from his father, a jazz musician and professor of music, Poogie has always had an inherent connection to music. As hard as it may be to believe, he started playing at the age of ten months old and made his concert debut when he was two and half at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Hall with his father. By the ripe old age of five he’d already appeared on The Mike Douglas Show with Pearl Bailey.

  As a kid it wasn’t unusual for Poogie to see the likes of drummer Max Roach, saxophonist Ornett Coleman, pianist Marylou Williams, bassists, Paul Chambers, Ron Carter and Richard Davis in his living room jammin’ with his father. Growing up he hung out with fellow musicians Omar Hakim, Marcus Miller, Lenny White and Bernard Wright, Weldon Irvine all of whom supported and influenced each other musically.

  Poogie’s first “real” gig was with Tom Brown, Weldon Irvine and Hugh Masakela. Then came a tour with one of the creators of what we know as hip-hop, Afrika Bambaata and the Soulsonic Force and then with the Force MD’s, a Temptations-style vocal group who were the first to incorporate R&B and hip-hop. “Touch and Go”, a song written by Poogie for the Force MD’s, won him the ASCAP Writer’s Award for Top 10 Singles in 1998.

  From his hard work, Poogie was able to break into the traditional R&B world touring and recording with artists Freddie Jackson, Phyllis Hyman and Chaka Khan. He came into the New Jack Swing era working with Kieth Sweat, Teddy Riley, SWV and New Edition. He continues to tour and record with Marcus Miller, Alex Bugnon, Victor Bailey and Erykah Badu, among others.

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  David Budway

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  2:00-2:45pm

  Max Jazz Recording Artist, David Budway is one of the most versatile pianists on the New York music scene today. Deeply rooted in many styles, his masterful command for Modern Jazz vocabulary has propelled him into the midst of present day jazz pioneers. He has recorded and performed with Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws and Jeff”Tain”Watts. Performing and Recording credits include Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Louie Belson, Mark Murphy, Marlena Shaw, Ravi Coltrane, Joe Pass, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and George Benson. Performances at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Merkin Hall, The Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Cotton Club, The Jazz Standard, Zinc Bar and Smalls. David’s Forthcoming release on Max Jazz, “A New Kiss” features Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Eric Revis, Ron Affif, Marcus Strickland and Joe Barbato.

  Deeply rooted in Rock and Roll , David released a cd that showcases these strengths ” Bud Way”, where he sings and plays piano, drums, guitar and bass on nearly every track. He entertains in New York’s most revered Piano Bar “Brandy’s” located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is there that David caught the attention of Liza Minnelli, and was asked to accompany her and sing in her tribute to godmother Kay Thompson.

  As a classical piano artist, David has given countless recitals including guest appearances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra ( with Hubert Laws ), the Steinway Society, and the Pittsburgh Concert Society. David studied with Ruth Slenczynska, Dr. Carole Riley, CDP, and performed Masterclasses with Artur Balsam and Eugene List. Competitions have included the Van Cliburn Competition, The Young Keyboard Artist Association, the Carnegie Awards, the Pittsburgh Concert Society and the Music Teachers National Association. David was a Professor at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University from 1983- 1995, and presently gives Masterclasses at William Patterson University. Recently his essay was published in Downbeat Magazine : “Contemporary French Music’s Influence in Jazz Harmonies”.

  David also is an accomplished composer. He has collaborated with Kathy Budway (sister), Lou Tracey, Deb Silver and Bobby Belfry. Artists that have recorded and performed his songs include Christiane Noll, Marvin Hamlisch, Hubert Laws, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. David scored original music to “Lift”, a short film that features Dominic Pinon. David also performs the piano solos in the movie “Giant Steps” which stars Billy Dee Williams.

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  Center of Life

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  9th Street Stage
  4:30-5:45pm

  The COL Jazz band is a project of Center Of Life. Center Of Life is a Community Empowerment organization that serves to strengthen families, create opportunities for micro-enterprise and empower career renters to become homeowners.

  The COL Jazz band was established in 2000 by Tim Smith, Executive Director of Center Of Life, along with his two sons: Tim Jr. and Isaiah Smith. In the beginning the band was given a jump-start by two friends who just happened to be musicians. Cornelius Martin and Lewis (Doug) Ransaw believed in the work of COL and supported the group with their time, talent and equipment. Since then the band has brought in several musically inclined students. Through COL the students have an opportunity to do what they do best and earn money doing it.
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  The Clayton Brothers

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  2:45-3:30pm

  Jeff and John Clayton are a “can’t miss” tandem that will appear at the Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival. Jeff has played multiple instruments with the jazz giants like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Sammy Davis Jr. John has played his melodic bass for Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. Their music bursts with surprises, delivers melodic delights and is emblematic of the kind of musical telepathy that could only come from tuned in siblings. The Clayton Brothers have a Grammy nomination for Best Album, Individual or Group Jazz Instrumental.

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  The Curtis Brothers

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  1:15-2:00pm

  Brothers Luques (bass) and Zaccai Curtis (piano) follow in the rich family tradition of jazz. The music has often been the beneficiary of sibling bonds. Jazz music has frequently been the family tie that binds. And as with The Curtis Brothers they are also siblings that recorded and perform together. Based on the brilliance of Completion of Proof, clearly Luques and Zaccai Curtis have joined that auspicious tradition of many successful sibling duos throughout the history of jazz.

  Significant clues to the Curtis Brothers desire for self-determination can be found in not only the declarative title of this date – Completion of Proof, but also in the bold moniker they’ve chosen for their record label, Truth Revolution. There is an obvious sense of The Curtis Brothers on a quest for artistic truth, and in the case of their label they’re just as obviously seeking freewill in the business side of their recorded life as well. In this time of artists eschewing the tired, old pie-in-the-sky sense of waiting for a mythical record “deal,” Luques and Zaccai have clearly set out on a path of autonomy on the recorded side of their respective and collective careers.

  For Completion of Proof, the Curtis Brothers have enlisted a powerhouse crew of musicians – many of whom serve as mentors to the Curtis Brothers – including drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr., Brian Lynch on trumpet, and their Artist Collective mentor, Jimmy Greene on saxophones. The date also includes alto saxophonist, “Big Chief” Donald Harrison. It was Harrison who gave the Brothers their first touring band experience. “He really showed us how to act, play, and what not to do on the road,” says Zaccai. The underrated fire-breathing saxophonist Joe Ford “has always been an influence from a very early age.” The brothers play in Lynch’s band and alongside Ford with Jerry González Fort Apache Band as occasional subs for Andy González and Larry Willis. Percussionists Rogerio Boccato, Pedro Martinez, and Reinaldo De Jesus help bring further folkloric Pan African flavor to the date.

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  Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band

  Playing on June 1, 2012
  The Cabaret at Theater Square
  8:00pm

  Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band is dedicated to playing uncompromised Afro-Caribbean Jazz. The sophistication of the Fort Apache sound is highlighted by the group’s ability to bring a jazz flexibility to the Latin Rhythm section. As noted in the New York Times: A Fort Apache tune may start out swinging with the feel of the drummer Art Blakey, then move into a Cuban guaganco, then take on a shuffle, then return to swing.

  Jerry Gonzalez’ first High profile professional engagement came at the age of 19, in 1971 with Dizzy Gillespie. Since then he has worked with masters from the jazz and Latin music fields such as: Kenny Dorham, Tony Williams, McCoy Tyner, Jaco Pastorius, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Manny Oquendo Y Libre. Jerry Gonzalez’ first session as a leader came in 1980 with the critically acclaimed recording of Ya Yo Me Cure on the American Clave’ label. Following the success of Ya Yo Me Cure, The Fort Apache Band was formed, and included such members as Kenny Kirkland, Sonny Fortune, Nicky Marrero, Papo Vazquez, the late Jorge Dalto, and Milton Cardona. The ensembles first two albums were recorded live at European jazz festivals, The River is Deep, 1982 in Berlin: Obatala, 1988 in Zurich.

  In 1989, Fort Apache recorded the groundbreaking Rumba Para Monk as a quintet featuring: Jerry Gonzalez (trumpet, flugelhorn, congas), Andy Gonzalez (bass), Steve Berrios (drums), Larry Willis (piano), and Carter Jefferson (tenor saxophone). Rumba Para Monk was named album of the year by the French Academe du Jazz, and resulted in the group being voted The Word Beat Group of the year in Downbeat’s 55th annual Readers Poll. It is this recording that has been cited as leading the resurgence in Afro-Caribbean Jazz in the past decade.

  The group became a sextet with the addition of Joe Ford (alto & soprano saxophone) for 1991′s Earthdance (Sunnyside) and 1992′s Moliendo Cafe (Sunnyside). Following the death of Carter Jefferson, former Fort Apache member John Stubblefield returned to the fold on tenor sax to record the Grammy nominated Crossroads (Milestone). The ensembles 1995 recording Pensativo (Milestone)

  also received a Grammy nomination. On the heals of the Grammy nominations for Crossroads, and Pensativo the ensemble was awarded The Beyond Group of the Year by both Downbeat Magazines reader’s and critic’s polls in 1995 and 1996.

  Firedance (Milestone), Fort Apache’s latest release was recorded in February 1996 at Blues Alley, in Washington DC and is the first live recording of the ensemble as a Sextet. Following this fiery recording, the ensemble won the award of Best Jazz Group in Playboy Magazines Readers Poll for 1997. In 1998 the ensemble swept the Latin Jazz category at the New York Jazz Awards winning both the Industry and Journalist Polls. In 1999 the group swept the critics and readers polls for Beyond Group of The Year in Downbeat Magazine.

  In 2001 Jerry Gonzalez And The Fort Apache Band are prominently featured in Fernando Trueba’s film on Latin Jazz “Calle 54” (Miramax). This film has received great critical acclaim throughout the world and is being followed up by a series of concerts promoting the film including an engagement at The Beacon Theatre in New York City. The Soundtrack “Call 54 – Music From The Miramax Motion Picture” is available on Blue Note Records.

  The collaboration with Fernando Trueba has also resulted in the production of a new CD Jerry Gonzalez Y Los Pyrates Del Flamenco featuring Jerry Gonzalez along with a Gypsy Flamenco group that includes the esteemed Flamenco singer “El Cigala.” The recording is currently available on the Spanish label Lola Records.

  The success and historical relevance of The Fort Apache Band can in large part be attributed to its constant line-up, which has been in place since 1990. In Jazz music only The Art Ensemble of Chicago can surpass this longevity.

  In its present form, Fort Apache realizes the vision of seamless Afro-Carribean Jazz, which the band members have pursued for most of their career – as Jerry Gonzalez himself describes it: I don’t want to compromise the rhythm, and I don’t want to compromise the Jazz playing. The cats that play in my band have to understand how to play the blues and clave’. With these ideals, the integration of world-class bebop and Afro-Carribean music, The Fort Apache Band has become one of the most respected and exciting ensembles in modern music. Indeed The San Francisco Examiner proclaims Fort Apache’s music is great listening, great jazz, and great fun. They don’t hardly make ‘em like this any more.

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  Robert Glasper

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  5:15-6:00pm

  Robert Glasper has long kept one foot planted firmly in jazz and the other in hip-hop and R&B. He’s worked extensively with Q-Tip, playing keyboards on the rapper’s 2008 album The Renaissance and co-writing the album single “Life Is Better” which featured his label mate Norah Jones. Glasper also serves as the music director in Mos Def’s touring band, and has toured with the multi-platinum R&B singer Maxwell.

  On the forthcoming Black Radio, the Experiment band has fully arrived. Featuring Glasper on piano and Fender Rhodes, Casey Benjamin on vocoder and saxophone, Derrick Hodge on electric bass, and Chris Dave on drums, the band is plugged in and open source. Each of the band members is prodigiously talented and lives naturally in multiple musical worlds, distilling countless influences into a singular voice. “That’s what makes this band unique,” says Glasper. “We can go anywhere, literally anywhere, we want to go. We all have musical ADD and we love it.”

  Black Radio also features many of Glasper’s famous friends from across the spectrum of urban music, seamlessly incorporating appearances from a jaw-dropping roll call of special guests including Erykah Badu, Bilal, Lupe Fiasco, Lalah Hathaway, Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra), KING, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Stokley Williams (Mint Condition).

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  Allan Harris

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  4:15-5:00pm

  Allan Harris is a world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter.  Perhaps best known for his interpretations of jazz standards, Allan’s smooth vocals and guitar-styling easily crosses genres, from jazz to rock to blues.

  Three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist”, Tony Bennett calls Mr. Harris “my favorite singer” and The New York Times’ Stephen Holden raves about “the protean talent that is Allan Harris.”  Allan has cultivated a global following, playing for packed audiences and received outstanding reviews throughout the United States, Europe, Russia and the Far East.  He is regularly featured at the world’s great music festivals, e.g. Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.

  Allan’s Harris’s artistry transcends his diverse vocal performances.  Harris has composed “Cross That River”, a full-scale musical celebrating the Old West as told through the words and music of a black cowboy, and has received a prestigious Chamber Music America Grant for that work.  The theatrical production of “Cross That River” played to rave reviews during the 2009 New York Musical Theater Festival and is currently in pre-production for a long-term run in early 2011.  Several original songs from “Cross That River” are also frequently featured in The Allan Harris Band’s concert performances.

  In addition to music, Allan is passionate about giving back.  He is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network (helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals), and has performed many times alongside Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the Challenge Aspen Gala, an annual charity concert/golf tournament to benefit military service people who have sustained disabilities.

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  Lalah Hathaway

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  6:00-7:15pm

  Her name is legendary.
  Her music is timeless.
  Her lyrics touch you at the core.
  Her voice possesses rich warmth that soothes your ears and holds you close.
  She is Lalah Hathaway.

  Born to R&B/Soul music royalty, most people know her simply as the daughter of late Soul music legend, Donny Hathaway. But there is more to her than that. A trained pianist and vocalist, she is a graduate of the Berklee School of Music and her career has spanned two decades. 21 years after the release of her first LP, her career continues to thrive.

  It was 1990 when Lalah made her music debut on Virgin Records with the self-titled album Lalah Hathaway, effortlessly fusing elements of R&B, Jazz and Pop. The resonance in her voice immediately struck a chord with music lovers and her first single “Heaven Knows” solidified her place in R&B music. The disc also spawned the hit “Baby Don’t Cry” and featured fan favorites “Somethin’ ” and “I’m Coming Back.” It was evident that Lalah not only had the voice, but the talent to carry on her father’s legacy while shaping her own musical destination. Lalah distinctly set herself apart from other R&B artists of the time by making music that was true to her heart. In 1994, Lalah released her much-anticipated 2nd album A Moment with “Let Me Love You” serving as the album’s lead single.  A Moment saw Lalah exploring several music sounds including sampling elements of New Jack-Swing and funk, but not shying far away from her soul and jazz roots. The project also included the Sly & the Family Stone remake “It’s a Family Affair,” and the soul-stirring, fan favorite ballad “Separate Ways.”
  

  1999 brought the release of the critically acclaimed duet CD The Song Lives On with legendary jazz musician Joe Sample. The songs “Fever” and “When Your Life Was Low” helped to broaden her audience and further establish her name with jazz music fans, while continuing to leave an impression on audiences worldwide.

  After her departure from Virgin Records, It would be 10 years before she would release another solo effort. However, Lalah kept- and continues to keep busy by recording and touring with several  acts including George Benson, Take 6, Marcus Miller, Rahsaan Patterson, Mary J. Blige, The Winans, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, David Sanborn, Carl Thomas, Angie Stone, Robert Glasper, Donald Lawrence, Eric Roberson, Grover Washington, Esperanza Spalding, and just recently, Prince.

  In 2004, the long awaited album Outrun The Sky was released, yielding the #1 single “Forever, For Always, For Love”  -a remake of the classic Luther Vandross tune. Outrun The Sky’s success put Lalah in the spotlight again and established her as a one of the premier vocalists of her time. The album included production by Mike City (Brandy, Yolanda Adams, Carl Thomas) and scored rave reviews from fans with unforgettable favorites “Better and Better” and “If U Ever.”

  In 2008, Lalah released her 4th solo album Self Portrait on the renowned Stax label, which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s R&B charts, and to date is her most successful CD. Opening with lead single “Let Go,” the 12-track set is best described as a journey from heartache and pain to awakening and renewal. Self Portrait garnered Lalah her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance with mid-tempo slow jam “That Was Then.”

  2011 marks the release of her 5th solo studio album, Where It All Begins (Stax), in which she effortlessly delivers her trademark sound that greets you with the familiar warmth that you’ve always known.  Included in the set is a remake of fan favorite, “I’m Coming Back.” The new version is a richly intense, percussion heavy, mellow arrangement in which Lalah displays her full vocal range and tops it off with the addition of legendary Jazz/R&B vocalist Rachelle Ferrell.  Where It All Begins also features Grammy award winning and nominated producers JR Hutson, (Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild) and Dre and Vidal (Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys).

  Lalah understands who she is as an artist and continues to remain consistently true to her vision in song and lyric. Like aged, fine wine, her voice continues to get better with time. Throughout her career, Lalah has captivated audiences by channeling the essence of her father’s spirit in her music, while adding her signature flare. Her ability to touch a listener’s soul in one phrase is an extraordinary gift that is synonymous with the Hathaway brand. No one can vocally expresses the hurt, pain and anguish you feel today yet give you hope for a better tomorrow like Ms. Lalah Hathaway. Thankfully, the Hathaway sound continues to live on through her creative expression.

  Lalah looks to the future of music by embracing the zeitgeist of her present. “My hope is to continue to make timeless art for people…in a way I feel like my dad came here in part so that I could get here- and I am here so that he can stay here. I was born for this.”

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  Roger Humphries

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  9th Street Stage
  3:45-5:00pm

  Born into a family of ten children in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Humphries began playing drums at age four, and went professional at age 14. He led an ensemble at Carnegie Hall at age 16. Early in the 1960s, he began touring with jazz musicians; one of his more prominent gigs was in a trio with Stanley Turrentine and Shirley Scott in 1962. In 1964, he played with Horace Silver, including on the album Song for My Father. Following this Humphries drummed with Ray Charles and toured all over the world.
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  Sean Jones

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  4:15-5:15pm

  As we’ve all been told, birds do it, bees do it – but anyone who’s actually gone to the trouble of falling in love knows that it’s a lot more complicated when humans get involved. Which can make the reality of relationships a bit disappointing for those weaned on a steady diet of radio-friendly love songs, but can also provide a much richer experience than it’s possible to describe in a couple of verses and a chorus.

  As has become evident over the course of his five previous albums, Sean Jones is particularly adept at plumbing complex emotional depths through his trumpet playing and composing.
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  Ernie Krivda

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  1:15-2:00pm

  Ernie Krivda begins his 6th decade on the music scene “on the move” following 10 years of intense activity, achievement and recognition.  In 2009 Ernie Krivda received the Cleveland Arts Prize award for lifetime achievement in music. That same year saw the release of perhaps his most adventurous recording, the critically acclaimed solo saxophone improvisations of November Man. The banner year ended with Krivda being awarded a CPAC (Community Partnership of Arts and Culture) Fellowship worth twenty thousand dollars.

  In a career that spans almost 50 years, Krivda enters the new decade with the respect of his peers and the accolades of critics who have called him one of the greatest jazz tenor saxophonists in the world. His very personal and distinctive improvisational style, along with his unique compositions, has been documented on 30 recordings under his name and many others as a guest artist. The last decade has been his most prolific with eight releases since 2003, and more due out in 2010.

  Ernie Krivda was born in Cleveland, began his music studies at age 6, and attended The Cleveland Institute of Music before going on the road. Since that time he has shared the stage with some of the great names in jazz. He was mentored by musicians such as Cannonball Adderley, played in the Quincy Jones Orchestra and performed with artists ranging from Ella Fitzgerald to Jackie Wilson.

  Krivda has made his home in Cleveland for most of his life but his music takes him across the United States, and into the concert halls of Europe and Japan. He also is a highly respected teacher and clinician who mentored many young jazz musicians working on the world jazz scene. He projects include the Detroit Connection Quartet, and has a “Live at the Dirty Dog” recording scheduled for release on CIMPOL this year and two others due out in the near future.

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  Carolyn Perteete

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  9th Street Stage
  1:30-2:30pm

  Mesmerizing songwriter and vocalist, Carolyn Perteete, will bring her seductive, homegrown talent to the Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival. Her music combines jazz, R&B and soul. She has a bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Duquesne University School of Music and has traveled the country singing songs from the heart.  She has performed with Poogie Bell, Dwayne Dolphin, Roger Humphries, Sean Jones and Jimmy Ponder.

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  Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  2:00-2:45pm

  The keyboardist behind Atlantic recording artist Laura Izibor, Brooklyn-based Jesse Fischer is an important new voice in jazz and soul music. Appearing with Stevie Wonder on the eve of President Obamaʼs inauguration, he has also toured the world with Izibor, as well as performing with legendary R&B crooner Freddie Jackson, Afro-European soulster Celia Faussart (from Les Nubians), Broadway star Elisabeth Withers, and hip-hop legends Black Moon. A triple threat as a musician, engineer, and producer, Fischer self-produced and independently released four critically-acclaimed albums with his group Soul Cycle. His television credits include Conan OʼBrien, Craig Ferguson, the MoʼNique Show, BETʼs Rising Icons, Jools Holland, 90210, and One Tree Hill.

  Fischerʼs group Soul Cycle is crafting a fresh new hybrid sound, with eclectic influences ranging from 70ʼs-era fusion jazz, Memphis soul, singer-songwriter pop, and psychedelic rock. With a strong emphasis on catchy, infectious grooves and memorable melodies, Jesseʼs compositions easily cross boundaries between jazz, soul, and pop music, and Soul Cycle has a strong band identity remiscient of fusion groups like the Headhunters, Weather Report, and Roy Ayersʼ Ubiquity. Onaje Allan Gumbs calls the collective, “talented and eclectic musicians who know how to think outside of the box.”

  Fischerʼs eagerly awaited upcoming release with Soul Cycle, Homebrew, will be available September 27, 2011, and features collaborations with Stefon Harris, Gretchen Parlato, Sean Jones, Rogiérs, and Jean Caze. The first single, a cover of Carole Kingʼs “Youʼve Got a Friend” featuring Gretchen Parlato, is already getting airplay throughout the U.S. and Europe, and critics are gushing about its “updated, soulful polish” (John Book, thisisbooksmusic.com) and calling it a “charming remake” thatʼs “jazzy and soulful, with Parlato delivering a mesmerizing vocal performance” (Kim Hines, soulbounce.com).

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  Jeff “Tain” Watts

  Playing on June 2, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage II
  3:30-4:15pm

  Jeff “Tain” Watts holds the unique distinction of being the only musician to appear on every Grammy Award winning jazz record by both Wynton and Branford Marsalis.
  
  One of the most in demand jazz drummers in the world today, Jeff initially majored in classical percussion at Pittsburgh’s Duquesne University, where he was primarily a timpanist, followed by enrollment at the Berklee School of Music, where he pursued jazz studies alongside such talented players as Branford Marsalis, Kevin Eubanks, Greg Osby, Aimee Mann, Steve Vai and Marvin “Smitty” Smith.

  Jeff joined the Wynton Marsalis Quartet in 1981 and proceeded to win three Grammy Awards with the ensemble. Watts left Wynton Marsalis in 1988. After working with George Benson, Harry Connick. Jr. and McCoy Tyner, he joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1989.

  Jeff has worked in the film and television industry as both a musician on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and as an actor, Rhythm Jones in Spike Lee’s “Mo Better Blues”. Jeff joined Kenny Garrett’s band after returning to New York in 1995 after three years in LA on the Tonight Show. Watts also continued to record and tour with Branford Marsalis as well as Danilo Perez, Michael Brecker, Betty Carter, Kenny Kirkland, Courtney Pine, Geri Allen, Alice Coltrane, Greg Osby, Steve Coleman, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Ravi Coltrane.

  Jeff has an extensive discography as a side-man, as well as six albums as a leader:
  “Citizen Tain” (Sony 1999),
  “Bar Talk” (Sony 2002),
  “MegaWatts” (Sunnyside 2003)
  “Detained, Live at the Blue Note” (Half Note 2004) and
  “Folk’s Songs” (Dark Key Music 2007)
  “WATTS” (Dark Key Music 2009)
  Jeff was the producer for  “Bar Talk”, “Detained” Dark Key Music releases, “Folk’s Songs” and “WATTS”.

  Along with explosive power, blinding speed and mastery of complex rhythms and time signatures, Watts brings a rare sense of elegance, tried-by-fire composure, and a gritty street funk to his music. His artistic ingenuity expresses itself in his incomparable technique, sweltering sense of swing, and an extraordinary ability to imbue his music with majestic grace and elegant repose. A true jazz innovator, Watts never fails to deliver the percussive magic that has been his trademark since his emergence on the contemporary jazz scene.

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  Warren Wolf

  Playing on June 3, 2012
  Penn Ave Stage I
  2:45-3:30pm

  Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist who lives in Baltimore. Since a very young age, Warren has been playing many different instruments which include the vibraphone/marimba,drumset/percussion,and the piano/keyboards. As a youth, Warren attended the Peabody Preparatory of The John Hopkins Institute in Baltimore,MD where he studied with former Baltimore Symphony Member Leo LePage. While at Peabody, Warren played many popular styles of music which included Classical,Jazz,and Ragtime.

  After graduating from The Baltimore School for the Arts in the spring of 1997, Warren headed north and enrolled at Berklee College of Music. At Berklee,Warren studied with Caribbean Jazz Project Vibist Dave Samuels. While he studied at Berklee he began to experiment with many different music styles, outside of jazz and classical, such as hip-hop,r&b,drum-n-bass,funk,rock,gospel,world music, Latin and many others.

  During his time at Berklee, Warren had the opportunity to play at the legendary jazz club Wally’s Café to help “get his foot in the door“. After years of training at Berklee and sitting in with musicians at Wallys, Warren landed the weekend gig at the club for the next three years………but playing drums, not the vibraphone. Warren co-led a quintet with trumpeter Jason Palmer at Wally’s.

  Warren is a former faculty member at Berklee College of Music, teaching there from September 2003 to December 2004. He has taught in the college percussion department teaching piano classes for entering freshman drummers. He has also taught private lessons at Berklee for drummers and mallet students.

  Being at Berklee Warren had the chance to play and record with many of the worlds best musicians. Some musicians include;Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Nicholas Payton, Mulgrew Miller, Lewis Nash, Christian McBride, Terri-Lyne Carrington, Bobby Watson, Roy Hanynes, Danilo Perez, and many others.

  Warren had recorded five records as a leader. INCREDIBLE JAZZ VIBES was recorded on the Japanese label M & I Records. That record features Mulgrew Miller on piano alongside Vicente Archer on Bass and Kendrick Scott on Drums. The 2nd recording is entitled RAW. On that record date, Warren performs on both the vibraphone and drumset. That record features musicians such as Darren Barrett on Trumpet, Walter Smith on Tenor Saxophone, Lawrence Fields on Piano and a host of others. The 3rd record is titled Warren “Chano Pozo” Wolf. The 4th is titled “Black Wolf”. That record features Mulgrew Miller on Piano,Jeff “Tain” Watts on Drums and Rodney Whitaker on Bass. Warren is featured on Vibes,Drums and Piano. The fifth record is titled “Warren Wolf” and it was released on the Mack Ave label. That record features Christian McBride on Bass, Peter Martin on Piano, Greg Hutchinson on Drums, Tim Green on Alto/Soprano Sax and Jeremy Pelt on Trumpet. Warren can also be heard on recordings by drummer Adonis Rose(On The Verge-CRISSCROSS), trumpeter Jeremy Pelt(Identity-(MAXJAZZ), and the new Bobby Watson Group “Live & Learn”(From The Heart-Palmetto Records)which features Harold O’Neal on Piano, Curtis Lundy on Bass, Quincy Davis on Drums and Leron Thomas on Trumpet. Warren is also a member of Christian McBride group “Inside Straight” and is featured on the Inside Straight record “Kind of Brown”.

  Warren is a Mack Ave. recording artist.