Chicago Jazz Audio Experience

Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon defies all expectations. The blistering guitarist, soulful vocalist, singular songwriter and city bus driver fuses his muscular, rock-inspired blues guitar playing with his original, keenly detailed slice-of-life songs, blazing his own blues trail. With the 2016 release of his Alligator Records debut, The Chicago Way, Cannon burst onto the international stage as one the most electrifying bluesmen to emerge from Chicago in decades. His live performances unfailingly earn him heaps of critical praise and hordes of wildly enthusiastic fans. Cannon has played major cities all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He recently performed for the first time in Japan, delighting and surprising audiences with one unforgettable gig after another. Now, with the release of The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp, Cannon builds upon the foundation he's laid, creating and defining his vision of contemporary blues.The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp features twelve Cannon originals, ranging from the burning social commentary of the title track to the wryly told, up-to-the-minute truths of Insurance to the trademark Cannon humor of Stop Me When I'm Lying and Ordinary Woman. He gets serious on the haunting The First 24, the Martin Luther King-inspired The Silence Of My Friends and on the moving final track, I'm Not Scared. Cannon's blazing guitar and soul-baring vocals are front and center. His songwriting is inspired by his deep Chicago roots, the wisdom of his grandparents and his years of observing the public while driving a bus. His songs tell timeless stories of common experiences in uncommon ways. "It's not about the solos," Cannon says, "It's about the songs. People get used to everyday life, so it's easy to miss the things around them. I write about those things. I know the problems of Chicago, the hardship, 'cause we're always a scapegoat. But I choose to love and respect the city because of the Chicago blues giants that came here from down south. I'm proud to be standing on the shoulders of every great Chicago blues musician who came before me." Toronzo Cannon was born in the Windy City on February 14, 1968, and grew up in the shadows of the notoriously tough Robert Taylor Homes. Theresa's Lounge, one of the city's most famous South Side blues clubs, was nearby. As a child, Cannon would stand on the sidewalk outside the door, soaking up the live blues pouring out while trying to sneak a glance inside at larger-than-life bluesmen like Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. He also heard plenty of blues growing up in his grandfather's home, and listened to soul, R&B and contemporary rock on the radio. Cannon bought his first guitar at age 22, and his natural talent enabled him to quickly master the instrument. Although his initial focus was reggae, he found himself increasingly drawn to the blues. "It was dormant in me. But when I started playing the blues, I found my voice and the blues came pouring out." He absorbed sounds, styles and licks from Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Jimi Hendrix, J.B. Hutto, Lil' Ed and others. Although influenced by many, Cannon's biting, stinging guitar sound is all his own.Cannon began his rise in the intensely competitive proving ground of the local club scene, where only the best musicians reach the top. Iconic blues artists from Muddy Waters to Howlin' Wolf to Koko Taylor to Hound Dog Taylor to Luther Allison all paid their dues in the Chicago blues bars before making their mark on the world. The same holds true today, as newcomers look to living legends like Buddy Guy, Jimmy Johnson and Lil' Ed Williams for inspiration in taking their music from Chicago to fans across the globe. From 1996 through 2002, Cannon played as a sideman for Tommy McCracken, Wayne Baker Brooks, L.V. Banks and Joanna Connor. But he was determined to prove himself. In 2001, while continuing to work as a hired-gun guitarist, he formed his own band, The Cannonball Express. By 2003, he was working exclusively as a band leader. Cannon's first three albums—2007's My Woman (self-released), 2011's Leaving Mood (Delmark) and 2013's Blues Music Award-nominated John The Conqueror Root (Delmark)—document his rise from promising up-and-comer to star-in-the-making.Almost immediately upon the release of The Chicago Way, Chicago media helped launch Cannon toward blues stardom. He was the subject of multiple newspaper and magazine feature stories and appeared on every local television station. National and international media soon took notice. CNN filmed Cannon leading a tour of Chicago blues clubs and then broadcast the piece around the world. England's MOJO magazine declared The Chicago Way the #1 Blues Album Of 2016, as did the readers of Living Blues magazine in their annual poll. The album and Cannon were also nominated for four Blues Music Awards (the Grammy of the blues) in 2017. And the world champion Chicago Cubs invited Cannon to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the September 13, 2017 game. All the attention only makes Cannon more focused. "I feel like I've become an ambassador for Chicago blues. People expect a lot from me," he says. "But it's good, because I'm forced to keep upping my game."Cannon has played the Chicago Blues Festival on ten separate occasions, initially as a sideman, then as a special guest, a sidestage band leader and finally as a main stage headliner. When he's home, he drives a Chicago Transit Authority bus by day and performs by night. Using every vacation day and day off and working four ten-hour shifts a week, Cannon arranges his schedule to gig out of town as much as possible. It isn't easy, but, like all of the Chicago greats who have come before him, blues is his calling. Blues Music Magazine declares, "His guitar playing has all the fire and spontaneity of the Chicago legends he carries; his songwriting is a timely and original look at the world he sees by day on a bus and in blues clubs by night, and his assertive voice is the perfect vehicle to deliver the message." Now, with The Preacher, The Politician Or The Pimp, Toronzo Cannon delivers his messages loud and clear. Between his searing chops, soul-satisfying vocals and vibrant and distinctive original songs, Cannon has grown from being a local attraction to become a world-renowned torch bearer for the blues. PBS Television's Chicago Tonight sums it up like this: "Cannon is just your typical CTA bus driver who moonlights as a sought-after Chicago blues musician. As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, he drives the sound of Chicago blues from the city to blues clubs and festivals around the world."

Juno award winning Oud/Guitarist with a unique sound combining mainstream jazz, free/improv and Arabic music. Haram, Peregrine Falls, The Gordon Grdina Quartet with Oscar Noriega, Russ Lossing, and Satoshi Takeishi, Nomad Trio w/ Matt Mitchell and Jim Black, Square Peg w/ Christian Lillinger, Mat Maneri and Shazad Ismaily The Marrow Mark Helias, Hank Roberts, Hamin Honari

Brandon Meeks is seeking to redefine how Gary, Indiana is only known as the home of the Jackson Family. The independent bassist, producer, arranger, and beatmaker is gaining steam in the crowded world of Jazz, Hip-Hop and R&B by choosing to follow his own path and ignoring the allure of popular trends.

Meeks’ professionalism and dedication to the craft of making music brought him to the attention of Don Cheadle. Brandon was cast in Cheadle’s 2016 directorial debut film, Miles Ahead—a movie about iconic musician Miles Davis. Brandon worked directly with both Cheadle and jazz artist Robert Glasper during the film’s production. He was chosen to play the character of legendary bassist, Ron Carter.

Brandon’s skill as a jazz bassist was a major reason he was chosen to be in the film and this has allowed him to reach an entirely new fanbase. He is now taking full advantage of his good fortune and capitalizing on this moment by introducing people to all of the work he has done that allowed him to gain ground in the industry.

 

Before Brandon was featured in Miles Ahead, he’s held the role of primary producer for the Indianapolis based Hip-Hop band Native Sun. Native Sun has been compared to The Legendary Roots Crew due to their use of live instruments in their performances and recordings. During his time with the band,  Brandon has created 2 magnetically soulful albums plus a series of sharp, compelling videos that have earned the attention of influential cultural tastemakers such as AFROPUNK and Team Backpack.

His efforts to share Native Sun’s music and build his audience has resulted in over 500 thousand views, 10 thousand shares and over 1 million people reached around the globe. What’s more amazing is that he has done this while also managing the band’s social media, his own social media and website and the creation of content that has made his website one of the more active and engaging platforms in indie music.

Brandon’s work with Native Sun is bolstered by his work with noteworthy jazz and soul artists. He regularly plays bass with Rob Dixon, The JD Allen Trio, Zo! of The Foreign Exchange, Sy Smith, Nicole Henry and is a part of The William Menefield Trio. Meeks also holds residencies at famed and historic jazz clubs such as The Chatterbox (Indianapolis) and Greenwich Jazz Club (Cincinnati).

 

 

With all of this on his plate he continues to spend time sharing what he is working on with those interested. This has enabled him to create a brand that is conscientious.  Brandon listens to the people; which allows him to produce music that fuses thought provoking concepts with authentic, high-level musicianship and haunting melodies. His sound gives listeners an alternative to the current trends of mainstream music.

This mission has most recently led Meeks to release an album of lofi hip hop instrumentals entitled Talk Music and to create a series of online interactive concert videos called Family Room Live! Brandon is determined to give great music to people who have been forgotten about by the mainstream industrial music machine. He strives to be an inspiration to artists who aspire to be successful while remaining true to themselves.

Episode 001 of the Future is Now with Monica Staton and special guest pianist Alexis Lombre.

 

About Alexis LombreAlexis Lombre is a young jazz pianist who discovered early that the true essence of music is not just about what you hear but how music makes you feel. Her musical mission is to keep the ‘Soul’ in music alive. The 2017 release of her debut album, Southside Sounds, does just that, as it is a soulful reflection of her upbringing on Chicago’s Southside. This collection of her original compositions is an attempt to pay homage to the southside’s lively artistic, cultural heritage. In addition to her debut record, she was featured on Live The Spirit Residency Presents: “The Young Masters” (2016), and Mikel Patrick Avery’s “Music for a 1/2 Sized Piano” (2014).

Alexis has performed at some of jazz’s major venues and festivals in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, St. Louis and Kansas City. Most recently, she celebrated the release of her debut CD at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase. She has shared the stage with international renowned jazz musicians such as Ernest Dawkins, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, Bobby Watson and, has studied with Geri Allen, Willie Pickens and former Jazz Messenger, Benny Green.Alexis has also provided music for theater companies such as the Black Ensemble Theater ‘s “The Marvin Gaye Story”(2016),“Men of Soul” (2015), “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” (2015) and “Sounds So Sweet (2016)” and Manual Cinemas “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2017).

Alexis strives to be an artist who always searches and rejoices at an opportunity to stretch her musical boundaries.

Mike Jeffers talking with special guest Bobby Selvaggio about his new release "Live at the Bop Stop".

 

About Bobby Selvaggio

 

Bobby Selvaggio is one of the leading alto saxophone voices on today's jazz scene.  In the words of pianist Kenny Werner, “Bobby is among the best of players out there,” and legendary saxophonist Joe Lovano praises Bobby by calling him “one of the few young saxophonists on the scene today that captures you with his strong presence, focus, and sound.”

 Bobby, who grew up in the Cleveland area, earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Kent State University.  He eventually moved to New York City and earned a master’s degree in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, Bobby studied with Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, Dick Oatts, and Maria Schneider.

 After living in New York City and gigging around town at places like the Vanguard, Smalls, and Birdland for four years, Bobby decided to move back to Cleveland with his family. Northeast Ohio has become his home base of operations where Bobby has toured extensively throughout the US and Canada with various working ensembles and musicians. He has dedicated himself to keeping jazz alive in Cleveland and his passion for jazz education has led him to serve as Director of Jazz Studies at Kent State University.

 In addition to his work in jazz education, Bobby continues to expand his discography. His most recent recording is Quantum Man (Dot Time Records, 2016) which features a Jazz Quartet, String Quintet, Voice, and Percussion. As said by Downbeat (receiving 4 ½ stars): “Even at its most abstract, the highly textured, refreshingly unpredictable Quantum Man is persuasive and moving”. Quantum Man was also chosen “Best of 2017” by Downbeat. Follows is Short Stories (Origin Records, 2014) featuring Aaron Goldberg on the piano, Way of Being (Arabesque Records, 2013), Grass Roots Movement (Arabesque Records, 2011) featuring guitarist Nir Felder, and Modern Times (Arabesque Records, 2009).  Modern Times featured Kenny Werner on piano and Sean Jones on trumpet. Bobby’s Unspoken Dialogue (Playscape Recordings, 2007) featured Kenny Werner, as well as Jamey Haddad on drums, Ben Street on bass, and Paul Tynan on trumpet; all musicians Bobby has actively performed and recorded with over the last 10 years.

 In addition to playing alto saxophone, Bobby also plays soprano saxophone, alto clarinet, flute, and is a composer, arranger, and jazz clinician. Bobby Selvaggio is an Eastman Saxophone Artist and a Jody Jazz Mouthpiece endorser.

Mike Jeffers and special guest Brandon Meeks talking about his music, recordings, acting and much more.

 

About Brandon Meeks

 

Brandon Meeks is seeking to redefine how Gary, Indiana is only known as the home of the Jackson Family. The independent bassist, producer, arranger, and beatmaker is gaining steam in the crowded world of Jazz, Hip-Hop and R&B by choosing to follow his own path and ignoring the allure of popular trends.

Meeks’ professionalism and dedication to the craft of making music brought him to the attention of Don Cheadle. Brandon was cast in Cheadle’s 2016 directorial debut film, Miles Ahead—a movie about iconic musician Miles Davis. Brandon worked directly with both Cheadle and jazz artist Robert Glasper during the film’s production. He was chosen to play the character of legendary bassist, Ron Carter.

Brandon’s skill as a jazz bassist was a major reason he was chosen to be in the film and this has allowed him to reach an entirely new fanbase. He is now taking full advantage of his good fortune and capitalizing on this moment by introducing people to all of the work he has done that allowed him to gain ground in the industry.

Before Brandon was featured in Miles Ahead, he’s held the role of primary producer for the Indianapolis based Hip-Hop band Native Sun. Native Sun has been compared to The Legendary Roots Crew due to their use of live instruments in their performances and recordings. During his time with the band,  Brandon has created 2 magnetically soulful albums plus a series of sharp, compelling videos that have earned the attention of influential cultural tastemakers such as AFROPUNK and Team Backpack.

His efforts to share Native Sun’s music and build his audience has resulted in over 500 thousand views, 10 thousand shares and over 1 million people reached around the globe. What’s more amazing is that he has done this while also managing the band’s social media, his own social media and website and the creation of content that has made his website one of the more active and engaging platforms in indie music.

Brandon’s work with Native Sun is bolstered by his work with noteworthy jazz and soul artists. He regularly plays bass with Rob Dixon, The JD Allen Trio, Zo! of The Foreign Exchange, Sy Smith, Nicole Henry and is a part of The William Menefield Trio. Meeks also holds residencies at famed and historic jazz clubs such as The Chatterbox (Indianapolis) and Greenwich Jazz Club (Cincinnati).