|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 Thursday, 23 May 2013 |
|
Wycliffe Gordon with Special Guest Lavay Smith at Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, 8/4 |
|
|
|
Written by Ronaldo Oregano
|
|
Sunday, 29 July 2012 |
 Wycliffe Gordon and Lavay Smith
Wycliffe Gordon will have a special guest on Saturday, August 4th when he performs in the “Jazz at the Lesher Center” concert series. Lavay Smith, internationally acclaimed jazz and blues crooner, will join Gordon for both his 5pm and 8pm shows. Smith is an internationally recognized Diva of Jazz and Blues, with a singing style influenced by Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Bessie Smith, Little Esther Phillips and other legendary greats. Wycliffe Gordon has been touring the world performing hard-swinging, straight-ahead jazz receiving great acclaim from audiences and critics alike. His unmatched modern mastery of the plunger mute and his exceptional technique and signature sound, has solidified Gordon a place in musical history known as one of the top trombonists of his generation. Tickets are still available for the 5:00 performance, the 8:00 performance is sold out, but limited tickets may be available at the door.
 Wycliffe Gordon
Gordonʼs recordings are a model of consistency and inspiration, and his musical expertise has been captured on numerous recordings, including fourteen solo CDs and seven co-leader CDs. His most recent independent release, “Hello Pops, A Tribute to Louis Armstrong” continues to receive rave reviews and pays homage to Wycliffe’s musical hero. Wycliffe Gordon is also a gifted composer and arranger. His music is performed throughout the world by musicians and ensembles of every caliber including Wynton Marsalis’ latest Christmas CD “Christmas Jazz Jam” and NPR’s jazz arrangement of “All Things Considered,” just to name a few.
Gordon is one of Americaʼs most persuasive and committed music educators, and currently serves on the faculty of the Jazz Arts Program at Manhattan School of Music. Kendor Publishing recently released “Sing It First”—Wycliffe’s own unique approach to playing the instrument. He was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2006 from the University of Scranton, for his tireless dedication to the field.
 Lavay Smith © Andrea Canter
Lavay approaches her material from the standpoint of an independent woman, combining world-class singing and musicianship with hilarious, provocative lyrics. Lavay’s musical stance is echoed in her real life role as owner of her own record label, Fat Note Records. Her debut CD, “One Hour Mama” received widespread critical acclaim and her second CD, "Everybody's Talkin' 'Bout Miss Thing!" received a prestigious 4 & 1/2 Star review from Downbeat Magazine. Her red-hot stage presence and high musical standards ensure that this sexy diva will continue to light up stages all over the world.
Lavay’s latest CD, “Miss Smith To You!” contains 12 tunes, including three more original songs, and features Lavay’s lush vocals with gorgeous arrangements performed by an all-star big band. From the opening swinging horn riff on “Miss Brown To You” to the New Orleans second-line rhythm of “When The Saints Go Marching In”, Lavay and her band have produced another winner, with a variety of tempos and grooves that will have you tapping your feet and singing along.
All single seats are $35. Tickets may be obtained online at www.lesherjazz.org, by calling 925-943-7469, or at the LCA box office, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| |
SF Bay Area 
Home | New and Notable | Photo Galleries | CD/DVD/Book Reviews | Interviews | SF Bay Area | Chicago | Los Angeles | New York | Twin Cities, MN | Festivals | News | Follow Jazz Police on Twitter | Like the Jazz Police on Facebook | 
