Tom Lippincott

Terry Adams Crazy Trio

John Michalak

Irma Thomas

George Benson Wycliffe Gordon

Carol Saboya & Antonio Adolfo The Nighthawks

MARCH2009

Chick Corea Legendary R&B Revue

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WINNING SPINSCHICK COREA MAY BE 67, BUT THE

iconic keyboardist is as busy as ever. His2008 itinerary included a spring tour withvocalist Bobby McFerrin and drummer JackDeJohnette; worldwide summer dates withhis re-formed fusion juggernaut Return toForever; and a Fall run through Europe with theall-star Five Peace Band featuring guitaristJohn McLaughlin, saxophonist Kenny Garrettand bassist Christian McBride all of whom willaccompany him on the Roots of Fusion ShowMarch 27 at the Arsht Center in Miami. Thegroup will be joined by drummer Brian Blade.

And 2009 looks to be just as eventful. InFebruary, he won his latest Grammy (BestJazz Instrumental Album) for The NewCrystal Silence, his latest CD with vibra-phonist Gary Burton. And Duet, a double-liveset recorded with Japanese pianist HiromiUehara at the Tokyo Blue Note Jazz Club inlate 2007, was released last month on theConcord label.

On Duet, Corea proves a masterful duopartner, a skill he’s perfected alongsideartists as varied as Burton, McFerrin, HerbieHancock and Béla Fleck. In the technicallygifted Hiromi, he finds a near-perfect foil.Although she’s nearly 40 years his junior,Hiromi has obviously done her homework.The two pianists conduct a feeling-outprocess on Bill Evans’ introductory “VeryEarly” while accompanied only by the inter-mittent clinks of patrons’ silverware. Coreashines as both an impeccable improviser andlistener, leading and following on severalinventive romps.

Listeners will be tempted to pay attentionto the pianist taking the lead, but focusing onthe accompanist can be fascinating. Hiromi leanstoward the piano’s upper register by nature,venturing to the deep end on occasion; Coreaplays the wise old sage by rhythmically holdingdown the bottom, which adds extra impactwhen he traverses the higher-pitched ivories.

The pair includes inspired reads of a varietyof standards — the first disc alone featuresthe Beatles’ “Fool on the Hill” andThelonious Monk’s “Bolivar Blues” — yetsome of the most dizzying exchanges occur onoriginal works. Hiromi’s “Déja Vu” dancesbetween classically influenced structure andfree-jazz precipice, as both pianists improvisesimultaneously and appear to barely retaincontrol. Ditto Corea’s spiky “Humpty

Dumpty,” which highlights Hiromi’s agilityin playing musical tag.

Corea first experienced Hiromi’s talents 13years ago when he met the teen prodigy inTokyo, heard her improvise, and invited herto sit in at one of his concerts. His admira-tion, particularly for her compositional skills,has grown ever since.

“I had actually met this young lady whenshe was only 17 years old,” he writes in theliner notes. “I was very impressed then, butyears later when I first heard her recordings,I was more than impressed… I was inspired.”

Disc two features primarily original piecesby both artists. Corea’s “Windows,” andespecially the elegant “Do Mo (Children’sSong #12),” set the compositional bar at a high

By Bill Meredith

CHICK COREA

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level. But Hiromi’s joyful “Place To Be,” andher tonal imagery on “Old Castle, by the River,in the Middle of a Forest,” explain why Coreawas so knocked out by her writing. The duo alsobreathes new air into the barely recognizablestandard “Summertime,” and closes with acover-and-original medley. Corea playfullycoaxes Hiromi into another cat-and-mousegame on the first half, comprising JoaquinRodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Thepianist’s modern standard “Spain” then inspiresthe crowd to clap along in a raucous finale.

A rising, open-minded fusion star whoplays piano and synthesizers with equalaplomb, Hiromi can look to Corea’s career asa blueprint. On her own recordings, she hasshown similar inclinations toward straddlingthe fence between acoustic and electricmusic, traditional jazz and fusion. If she con-tinues on this adventurous trajectory, shemight enjoy a career as long-lasting anddiverse as that of The Mad Hatter himself.

Chick Corea performs in the Roots ofFusion concert 8PM Friday, March 27 atthe Adrienne Arsht Center for thePerforming Arts in Miami. Call 305-949-6722 or visit Arshtcenter.org/jazzroots.

Chick with guitaritst John McLaughlin of the Five Peace Band

WINNING SPINS

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Log on to www.bostonsonthebeach.comfor our complete lineup, menus, photos and more!Located on the waterfront in Delray Beach, Boston’s is the ideal place

for casual dining, live music and sports viewing in our first-floor restaurant, The Beach. Or enjoy great cuisine and cocktails

upstairs at our fine dining restaurant, The UpperDeck. And be sure to check out our Back Bay Tiki Bar for a tropical cocktail

while listening to some of the area’s finest musicians on our outdoor stage. Boston’s… something for everyone!

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TOM LIPPINCOTT*SUNTRUST SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH/MARCH 1Hollywood-based guitarist Tom Lippincott’s uniquestyle is the result of his stellar fingerpicking tech-nique, intensive studies at the University of NorthTexas and University of Miami, and a custom-madeConklin eight-string guitar. In what he refers to as acase of “pianist envy,” Lippincott wanted a stringedinstrument that could cover the wider chordal rangeof a piano. The Conklin allows for this free flow ofcreative ideas in solo situations, duos with eithersinging saxophonist Jody Marlow or percussionistDavid Schanzer (with whom he’ll be performing atthe Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch), and in his self-titled trio with bassist Randy Ward and drummer

John Yarling. TheNew Jersey-born,Oklahoma-raisedLippincott also shareshis knowledge as aninstructor at MiamiDade College inKendall and the NewWorld School of theArts in Miami. BM

S P O T L I G H TJOHN MICHALAK*RISTORANTE BOVA/MARCH 2John Michalak moved to South Florida fromAnnapolis, Maryland, 20 years ago, and he’s sincebecome a first-call saxophonist for everything fromsolo appearances to international tours by Grammy-winning stars. An established member of†vocalistGloria Estefan’s group, Michalak also has recordedand toured with Julio Iglesias, Carlos Santana, PattiLaBelle, Ricky Martin, Jon Secada, David Lee Roth,Sammy Figueroa, and KC & the Sunshine Band.Before he goes to Central and South America withEstefan in April, the versatile Michalak will performwith singing guitarist Jeff Taylor’s swing group OopBop Sh’Bam, and with his own flamenco, Latin and

smooth jazz trioUrban Gypsy, fea-turing guitarist IslayRodriguez and per-cussionist MichaelRivero. Find thethreesome Mondaysat Ristorante Bovain Boca Raton, andTuesdays at TheBlue Fish in DelrayBeach. BM

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THE NIGHTHAWKS*THE BACK ROOM/MARCH 6The term “bar band” was invented for outfits likeThe Nighthawks, whose jukebox repertoire and bare-knuckle approach are best appreciated with a coldbrew and a lungful of smoke. Ink-skinned frontmanMark Wenner has been leading a version of the bandfor 36 years, his cutting harp tone and countrifiedvocals giving The Nighthawks its distinctive sound.Along the way, the ’Hawks have opened for blues royaltysuch as Muddy Waters and Big Walter, toured withJohn Lee Hooker and John Hammond, and launchedguitar standouts Jimmy Thackery and Danny Morris.The latest incarnation, featuring Wenner and originaldrummer Pete Ragusa, just released the superb CD

American Landscape.With guitarist-vocalistPaul Bell and bassist-vocalist Johnny Castleon board, the ’Hawksoffer a tough, rootsy,expertly-played setthat ranges fromTom Waits to BobDylan to Marvin Gaye.Castle contributes acouple of raucousoriginals, and Wennercaps it all with aspirited version ofthe Andy GriffithShow theme. BW

S P O T L I G H TCAROL SABOYA & ANTONIO ADOLFO QUARTETMINIACI PERFORMING ARTS CENTERMARCH 7South Florida Jazz presents a musical family affair,as vocalist Carol Saboya performs with her father,renowned Brazilian pianist Antonio Adolfo. The Riode Janeiro-born Saboya has released criticallyacclaimed solo CDs, and also teamed with Adolfo forthe 2007 duo release Ao Vivo/Live, recorded atGusman Concert Hall in Miami. The pianist, a MiamiBeach resident, became a major figure in Brazil’sbossa nova movement of the 1960s. He’s toured withElis Regina and Milton Nascimento, and his songshave been covered by Herb Alpert, Stevie Wonder,Sergio Mendes and Dionne Warwick. A renowned

educator in hishomeland, Adolfoalso opened a musicschool here inHollywood. For thisconcert of Brazilianand jazz standards,Saboya will beaccompanied byAdolfo’s quartet plusspecial guest GaryCampbell, notedsaxophonist andprofessor at FloridaI n t e r n a t i o n a lUniversity. BM

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TERRY ADAMS CRAZY TRIOALLIGATOR ALLEY/MARCH 14Blending Jerry Lee Lewis’ aggressiveness andThelonious Monk’s unorthodox approach, any per-formance by manic keyboardist Terry Adams couldbe labeled “crazy.” Still, his approach will not onlycrack you up, but leave you in awe of his incrediblemusicianship. The Kentucky-born, Massachusetts-based Adams is an original member of NRBQ (NewRhythm & Blues Quartet), the influential rootsmusic band that was founded in Miami in 1967 —although the band soon split for points Northeast.For this trio, the keyboardist recruited originalNRBQ drummer Tom Staley, plus guitarist ScottLigon. Predict the unpredictable: Adams will do

whatever it takes tokeep audiencesentertained, fromplaying requestsand material byMonk and Sun Ra tointerpreting TinPan Alley songs andmovie and TVthemes. BM

S P O T L I G H TIRMA THOMASTAMPA BAY BLUES FESTIVAL/MARCH 20-22Vocalist Irma Thomas proved that time was indeedon her side, as she copped the first Grammy Award ofher 50-year career for her 2006 CD After the Rain.The 2007 winner for Best Contemporary BluesAlbum was followed by the suitably titled 2008release Simply Grand, on which the singer furthersher reputation as “Soul Queen of New Orleans,”accompanied by some of the Crescent City’s bestpianists. Thomas rose to prominence†alongsideAretha Franklin and Etta James, albeit without thesame commercial success. Certainly, The RollingStones knew who she was, as they charted a huge hitwith a faithful cover of her B-side gem “Time is on

My Side.” TheLouisiana nativehas amassed a hugecult following, espe-cially in the NewOrleans area. Sheappears regularly atthe annual NewOrleans Jazz andHeritage Festival,and was inductedinto the LouisianaMusic Hall of Famein 2007. BM

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GEORGE BENSONSEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINOHOLLYWOOD/MARCH 21He’ll turn 66 on March 22, but George Bensonremains an ageless double-threat, recognized asmuch, if not more, for his warm and soulful vocals asfor his supple and sinuous guitar mastery. As ateenager, the Pittsburgh native gained recognition asa sideman with organist Jack McDuff, and later, onfunky Blue Note recordings with saxophonist LouDonaldson and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Benson became theheir to Wes Montgomery during the late 1960s,thanks to a string of solo and session gems (like MilesDavis’ Miles in the Sky). After reaching the pinnacleas a player, Benson peaked commercially in the 1970s

and 1980s by addinghis rich tenor voiceto the mix on pophits like “ThisMasquerade” and“Give Me the Night.”Benson is the guitarequivalent to a brilliant jazz pianistwho later became avocal star, makinghis “UnforgettableTribute to Nat KingCole” concert at theHard Rock a logicalfit. BM

S P O T L I G H TWYCLIFFE GORDONHARRIET HIMMEL THEATER/MARCH 24Trombonist Wycliffe Gordon may be the youngestmember of the U.S. Statesmen of Jazz, an ensembleput together by the U.S. State Department, but he’san old soul. After the Georgia native graduated fromFlorida A&M University, he worked with jazz lumi-naries such as Lionel Hampton, Shirley Horn andTommy Flanagan. Influenced by J.J. Johnson andJack Teagarden, Gordon caught the ears of WyntonMarsalis and became a member of the Jazz at LincolnCenter Orchestra in 1989. Commissioned by Jazz atLincoln Center, the trombonist’s updated score to the1925 Paul Robeson silent film Body and Soul wonDirector’s Choice honors at last year’s Park City

Utah Film MusicFestival. For thisJazz Arts MusicSociety presenta-tion, Gordon will beperforming with theJohnny O’Neal Trio,and perhaps pre-senting pieces fromhis latest recordings,Boss Bones and Youand I. BM

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Jazz Blues Florida is published monthly. All copyrights are the property of Charlie Boyer. Allrights reserved. No material may be reproduced without written permission of the Publisher. Nounsolicited manuscripts will be returned unless sent with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

PHOTO CREDITS THIS ISSUE:Chick Corea & John McLaughlin by C. Taylor CrothersChick Corea by Lynne GoldsmithGeorge Benson by Kwaku AlstonIrma Thomas by Rick OlivierTommy Castro by Debra RegurDeanna Bogart by Jim NetterWycliffe Gordon by G. F. Aquilino/fredaquilinophoto.com

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THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM & BLUES REVUEby Bob Weinberg

BACK IN THE DAY, RHYTHM & BLUESrevues were all the rage. For one admis-

sion, audiences would get to see artists suchas Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and LaVernBaker battling it out for R&B supremacy. Inthat spirit, an all-star group of contemporaryblues stars has assembled under the bannerof The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue,and will be rolling into City Limits in DelrayBeach on Friday, March 20.

The lineup of Tommy Castro, RonnieBaker Brooks, Magic Dick and DeannaBogart has traversed the globe and developedmore seasoning than Emeril’s spice rack. Arecording of this high-octane blues summit,Command Performance, is now availablefrom the Delta Groove label.

A stinging blues guitarist, charismatic per-former and soulful vocalist, Tommy Castroexploded on the Bay Area music scene in theearly ’90s. On his 2007 recording, Painkiller,Castro showed an easy command of blues andR&B. Although he nods to heroes such asAlbert Collins and Freddie King, Castropenned most of the tracks here, and offers aterrific read of Gary Schermer’s “Big Sister’sRadio.” For his efforts, in 2008 Castro coppedContemporary Blues Album of the Year hon-ors at the Blues Music Awards, as well as thecoveted B.B. King Blues Entertainer of theYear title. The Tommy Castro Band recentlysigned to the Alligator label, and a new discshould be out soon.

The Torch is the title of Ronnie Baker Brooks’2006 recording, and it refers not just to hisacetylene guitar licks, but also to his legacy.One of the blues-playing sons of powerhouseguitarist and vocalist Lonnie Brooks, Ronnieupdates his dad’s sound with a modern edge.On “Born in Chicago,” the autobiographicalopening track to The Torch, the youngerBrooks shows just how much he absorbedwhile growing up in the Windy City and wit-nessing the blues greats who have long calledit home. Of course, he also had the perfectspot from which to observe his dad, spendinga dozen years as a sideman with Lonnie.

One of the founding members of the J.Geils Band, Magic Dick Salwitz provided thegroup’s signature harmonica sound, oftenwhipping audiences — and his bandmates —into an ecstatic frenzy. Goaded by frontmanPeter Wolf’s motor-mouth introduction,Magic Dick blows his face out on the GeilsBand classic “Whammer Jammer,” capturedon the band’s 1972 Live! Full House recording.Magic Dick continued as an integral part of

the group through its ’80s hits, and latershowcased his deeply ingrained blues chopswith 1994’s Bluestime recording alongsideguitarist Geils.

“OK, I’ll Play the Blues” is the title to oneof Deanna Bogart’s plucky original tunes,and the words seem to resonate with thesinger and multi-instrumentalist. While she’sbranched out with adult-contemporary-styled R&B, fans will always want to hearBogart ripping boogie-woogie on keyboardsand blowing fire on saxophone. (She won aBlues Music Award for Horn Instrumentalistof the Year in 2008). Of course, Bogart canalso sing the hell out of a ballad, as she doeson her own “They Said It Wouldn’t Rain,”and calls up funky Philly soul and Motowninspirations, as well. The Baltimore-basedtriple threat has a new disc scheduled forrelease this year.

For the Legendary Rhythm and BluesRevue tour, each artist will perform a half-hour set backed by the Tommy Castro Band.And don’t leave early; at the end of the night,everybody takes the stage for an all-out jam.

The Legendary Rhythm and BluesRevue takes place 8PM Friday, March 20at City Limits in Delray Beach Call 561-279-8222 or visit citylimitsdelray.com.

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TOMMY CASTRO

MAGIC DICK

DEANNA BOGART

RONNIE BAKERBROOKS