lauracoylemusic

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.

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!!

Johnny O'Neal

The well-known and well-loved piano great, Johnny O'Neal was in Atlanta all the way from Detroit. He wrapped up his weekend of performances at the Sunday jazz brunch. This was my first time meeting him and it was wonderful to discover such great music and an engaging force of personality all rolled up in the same person. Amazing.

Speaking of personality, local radio host H. Johnson was there as well. You better check him out if you don't already know his show, "Jazz Classics," which airs every Saturday night on 90.1 WABE.

above are Joie Taylor, Eric Fontaine and Bernard Linnette.
photos by Laura Coyle

Audrey Shakir

This past week at the Waverly Renaissance Jazz Brunch we had the pleasure of listening to a very special guest vocalist and pianist, Audrey Shakir. She is a legend, known and loved by many musicians and Jazz lovers from New York to Atlanta. This is the first time I’ve heard her on piano and I think her sonorous playing is a view into why she is such a great singer. You can find her upcoming performance dates on her website.
This coming Sunday I’ll be taking a break, Louis Heriveaux is back and Kemba Cofield will be standing in on vocals. Enjoy!

John Robertson & Rosemary Rainey

Last sunday Atlanta pianist John Robertson, played the brunch. In addition to being a great pianist, he is a walking Encyclopedia Britannica of jazz tunes, A toZ. Hear him every Tue-Sat at Dante’s where he plays with his trio. Rosemary Rainey, his wife, sat in as well, she’s a superb vocalist and plays at Dante’s too. I always come away from an afternoon with them with a long list of tunes I want to learn: “You’ve Changed,” “By Myself,” “Street of Dreams,” even “It’s too Darn Hot,” perfect for an August in Atlanta.

For next week's brunch, Laura Coyle, Bernard Linnette and Craig Shaw will be joined on vocals and piano by Audrey Shakir, one of the best jazz vocalists anywhere.

Bernard Linnette

Bernard Linnette is a drummer and the bandleader of the brunch quartet, he’s played all over the world and in the bands of greats like Freddy Cole and Dakota Staton, and he’s a truly good soul. Bernard has mentored a lot of musicians and singers and I am fortunate to be a part of his group. And we’re lucky to have him in Atlanta. You can learn more and hear his music on the Bernard Linnette website.

Thanks for stopping by, Laura Coyle.

Freddy Cole

Last Sunday I got a rare treat at the Waverly hotel. The great Freddy Cole dropped in for the jazz brunch and I spent a dreamy time leaning on the piano and soaking in the beauty of his singing and playing.

I'm fortunate to have a great gig at the Waverly Renaissance Jazz brunch in Atlanta with the Bernard Linnette quartet every Sunday morning. In the 10 months I’ve been a part of the group, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Freddy Cole drop by a few times, but this was the first time he felt inspired to sit at the piano after the gig was over, as the tables were being cleared and the brunchers had gone on their way, and wander from tune to tune. He knows a million songs and he has the most intimate, beautiful way of singing them as if the truths of life are being delivered to you from a soul who has lived them all. I could go on, but it’s better if you listen for yourself. If you aren’t already familiar with his music, check him out and buy his CDs and go see him in concert if you get a chance. The photo above is of me and Louis Heriveaux (amazing pianist) and Freddy.

And there’s another photo of Louis because he’s so photogenic. Once I get a little more organized, I’ll have more pictures with the other members of the quartet, Craig Shaw, bass and the renowned Bernard Linnette, drummer and leader. I have to pinch myself when I think of how lucky I am to be in such good company.