lauracoylemusic

Dennis Irwin

NYC bassist Dennis Irwin passed away on Monday, you can read about him at this link at the NY Times. Donations to help jazz musicians in need can be sent to the Jazz Foundation of America. And visit this you tube link to see a tribute to Dennis.

jazz appreciation

On Monday February 4th there will be some of Atlanta's best jazz vocalists and musicians performing at SOJA's (Southeastern Organization for Jazz Arts) first Jazz Appreciation Night at Star in Castleberry Hill, near downtown Atlanta. This event will take place on the first Monday night of every month. For more details, see SOJA's website

Takana and Hiro

I'm a little behind in my posting, but back on Jan 6th we had a great time at the Sunday brunch with lots of special guests, the first being Takana Miyamoto on organ,

and she brought her friend and collaborator Hironobu Saito, wonderful jazz guitarist from Japan, visiting Atlanta from his home in NYC.

Jazz guitar and organ make such a great combination, reminding me of one of my favorite records, "Boss Guitar" with Wes Montgomery, Mel Rhyne on organ, Jimmy Cobb, drums. I think I've listened to it about 700 times and it's the reason I like to sing Besame Mucho in 6/8 - I can't help hearing it that way after Wes.

You can tell everybody was having a good time and playing soulfully from these shots - there was a whole lot to smile about that Sunday.

And if that wasn't enough, we had the pleasure of hearing a couple of tunes from vocalist Charley Valentine.

After that we were joined by Clarence Reynolds, a vocal student of Takana's, with a gorgeous sound and then Melvin Jones came to sit in for a few tunes.

what a Sunday - I'm glad I brought my camera! Which reminds me Victor Goines was there too! But he didn't play - I got to talk cameras with him though. Some day I'm going to really learn to use this thing. Hope to see you soon-

happy holidays!

This has been a big year for me, a monumental first year as a member of Bernard's band. We have such a great time, he's taught me a million things about becoming a jazz singer and performer and I can't wait to see what the new year will bring. I'll be away for the Christmas brunch, but it will be happening this Tuesday, and I'll be back with the band on January 6th. See you then!

And I'll leave you with a shot of London Arrington, who sat in with us today and wowed everyone with his gorgeous voice.

Atlanta jazz video

Rick G's jazz and trumpet blog, iwasdoingallright.com has some great video clips of local Atlanta jazz happenings. Click the link above to see and hear the likes of Mace Hibbard, Melvin Jones, Julie Dexter, Bernard Linnette and more.

feeling good - Nina Simone

A video that combines 2 things I love, Nina Simone's singing and creative typography. Click here and enjoy.

jazz blogs - food for thought

I found this entry today when I was looking for a little break for my hands. I haven't found many jazz blogs out there, but be-jazz has a lot of interesting reads - could keep me distracted for quite awhile.

Mary Jo's Jazz Soiree 12/2/07

an evening of music with Obie Jessie, vocals; Bernard Linnette, drums; Louis Heriveaux, piano; and Craig Shaw, bass.

Louis Heriveaux before the show

Obie Jessie takes the stage

Posey Miller and Takana Miyamoto listen from the kitchen

Craig Shaw takes a solo

everybody digs Obie Jessie

the second set

ends with a stirring 'Round Midnight

Thanks to Mary Jo for hosting this beautiful evening of music in her home. And to Phil and Rhae Clore for bringing these events together every month. I'll remember this night for a long time. I was fortunate to get to sing a couple of tunes as an opener to Obie's sets and meet a lot of fellow jazz lovers. If you'd like to attend in the future, keep an eye on SOJA's website.

photos by Laura Coyle

holidays on brunch

This week the band has moved "into the pit" to make more room for Santa and Mrs. Claus and all the holiday trappings, but you can still enjoy the music and even pay us a visit in this lovely lounge area in the middle of all the action. This week brought special guests Chanda McKnight on keys and Russell Gunn on trumpet.

Chanda McKnight and Craig Shaw

Bernard Linnette and Russell Gunn

Happy Holidays!

and FYI coming up next friday is Kemba Cofield's CD Release party at club 29. Go hear this woman!!

Thankful

Laura Coyle

It's been a wonderful few days with a houseful of family and maybe just a little too much good cooking. On Wednesday I sang at Ray's on the River, this time with Rich Rowlinson on piano and Tim Delaney on bass. We had never played together before, but they are both so accomplished that it was a breeze. It also gave me a chance to try a few tunes I haven't done much, since our newness was bound to make everything a little outside the comfort zone - so why not? Continuing education! And it was so much fun to listen to Rich and Tim, who are fantastic and so entertaining - they play together all the time and most often accompanying Mike Geier of Kingsized.

On Sunday I'm back with Bernard, Louis and Craig at the brunch. And now that November is almost gone, things are about to get really busy - here are a few of the dates right around the corner I'm hoping to catch (if I'm not playing them) around Atlanta:

Wed. Nov 28 - Bernard Linnette Interactive with Julie Dexter at Club 29

Sat. Dec 1 - Kingsized Holiday Extravaganza - Variety Playhouse

Sun. Dec 2 - Waverly brunch 11:30 am (I'm singing) then at 5 pm - Mary Jo's SOJA Jazz Soiree with Obie Jessie, Bernard Linnette and company

Wed. Nov 28 - Bernard Linnette Interactive with Julie Dexter at Club 29

Sat. Dec 8 - Holiday Jazz Vespers with the Atlanta Jazz Chorus - Rialto theatre (I'll be singin' with the altos!)

Hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one! see you soon, Laura