Brent Gallaher - lighting the way with "Lightwave"

Sensational Tenor Saxophonist Brent Gallaher can be seen performing in various Cincinnati-area venues, including Chez Nora and The Blue Wisp. He plays in quartets as well as headline his own groups. In 2004, Brent introduced his dynamic, polished style of play on CD with his debut release of Vanessa's Song. As a musician, composer, writer, and teacher, Brent Gallaher is not one to sit still. He's a man on a mission, and this past March, he released his long-awaited follow up, Lightwave.

This album presents a magnificent lineup of extremely talented and progressive musicians; with Dan Karlsberg on keys, Steve Whipple on bass, Anthony "T" Lee on drums, and of course, Brent on Saxes. These guys have performed together numerous times, and the synergy between them is immeasurable.

Lightwave is a representation of true Cincinnati Jazz. On Saturday, April 24th, Brent celebrates the release of Lightwave at the Blue Wisp; performing with the same musicians recorded on the CD. This is The Jazz Half "Event of the Month", and the show starts at 8:30pm. Cover charge is $10. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th Street, Downtown. 513.241.9477.

Annie Sellick is in the driver's seat on "Street of Dreams"

Annie Sellick has a vocal swagger that cannot be mistaken. Those who have heard her previous recordings know that this is nothing new. This confidence isn't limited to Annie's voice. A look of the eye, coupled with an assuring smile lends the audience a teasing hint of what's in store for the evening.

In 2009, Annie Sellick released her 5th CD, Street of Dreams. The 11-track CD features two rhythm section sets - Gerald Clayton (piano), Dan Lutz (bass), and Kevin Kanner (drums) on half of the tunes, and Tamir Hendelman (piano), Christoph Luty (bass), and Jeff Hamilton (drums) on the other half.

The CD opens with Cloudburst, a thumping bass trot by Dan Lutz, as Annie enters with bouncing lyrics of going through life with a frown. A drumming pattern segues to an up-tempo pace. Annie's lyrics are rapid, yet smooth; very close to a scatting pace. The rhythm section of Gerald's piano, Dan's bass, and Kevin's drums are locked in with Annie's vocals, as she passes the baton to the fluidity of Gerald's piano solo, which is then followed by Kevin's drums. The time change and scat-like tempo represents newfound joy of finding the one who makes you turn that frown upside down - the special someone who makes you happy. It also represents optimism for years of happiness to come. The end of the tune is as pronounced and definite as a "cloudburst", making it a great metaphor, and appropriate title for this number.

Do it Again is romantically sneaky, with Annie taking a seductive vocal approach, accompanied by some skillful basswork by Christoph. The tune is cleanly executed, as the group drifts in and out of playful rhythm and time changes. Christoph's bass, along with Jeff's cymbal taps, really add to the sly feel of this enticing tune.

Annie demonstrates vocal dexterity in Tristeza, a samba number that finds her giving us some fluent Portuguese lyrics. The tempo is fun and infectious.

Things slow down with I know you oh so well. Kevin's brushes and Gerald's piano set the tempo and the mood, drawing a dimly-lit & cozy jazz stage to the mind's eye. Annie softens her voice to an intoxicating tone as the delivery of her lyrics are mellow and deliberate.

In the title track, Annie sings of a place where we can find all things good: what is broken is fixed, and what is old is new again. All the while, the rhythm section offers a traditional and steady jazz pattern, with Rod McGaha's trumpet concurring to the vocal testimony as well. The end of this tune will actually leave you pining for the street of dreams.

The CD closes with Look out for Love, a piano-driven, suspenseful tune. The rhyming pattern of the lyrics are cleverly crafted (she'll get the marriage book out/she'll pick the perfect nook out/her welcome has been shook out/look out, its love). Midway through, Tamir carries a spirited piano solo, along with Christoph's walking bass. Then Annie's commanding scat ushers in Jeff's moving drum solo. This is the perfect closing number, exhibiting everyone's skill with a punctuated ending that leaves you wanting more.

Annie drives Street of Dreams through a journey of lively rhythms and seductive tempos. She shares with us an array of feelings: from the bubbly innocence of newfound love, to the sneaky playful romance of Do it Again, to the "get out and shake it" party mood of Mambo-Italiano. The Vocal wit, spunk, and skill is easily detected in each of her tunes, and equally so by her supportive and talented rhythm group.

This month, Annie Sellick comes to The Blue Wisp for two nights, March 27th & 28th. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th Street, downtown (513) 241-9477. Both shows start at 8:30. Admission is $15. Cheers!

- jh

Bruce Menefield - shaping lives through music

Bruce Menefield is more than an extraordinary Saxophonist - he's an ambassador for the enrichment of music education for our youth. He is the President and CEO of Omni Works Music, a non-profit organization that provides programs demonstrating the expression and creativity of Jazz music to young people. Bruce is a Humanitarian - pulling together some of the city's most talented musicians to hold the "Help them to Sing Again" benefit for the Haitian children displaced from the earthquake last January.

Bruce has played professionally for over 35 years, collaborating with some of the best artists in the industry, and performed in countless venues. Bruce operates on another stratosphere that extends beyond performing music. He navigates his abilities for enriching lives, guidance, and love. The community sees this, and is very grateful for his work. This is why Bruce Menefield is this month's Featured Artist.To learn more about Bruce Menefield, including scheduled shows, visit his website or his facebook page.

- jh

The Winter Blahs

Shortly after the month of January, the "newness" of the new year wears thin. The bleak, cold, and overcast days of winter begins to take its toll on weary cabin-fevered people; as they dream of sunshine, warmth, and cargo shorts (and for me, my scooter). This is traditionally known as "The Stretch of Winter" - that time when everyone's tolerance, moods, and patience is put to the test. As we draw closer to that spring finish line, it actually appears further and further. Some of us have "vices" to get us by: The Superbowl, College basketball, Xbox, the list goes on.

The first two months of the year has already given us the one-two punch of frigid temperatures in January, and a major dumping of snow in February. But fret not, for it's now March, and the first day of spring is within our grasp. Very soon, clocks will move forward one hour, the Reds will begin training, we'll start filling our NCAA brackets, and colouring our easter eggs. To prepare, I recommend shaking off that cabin fever and step out of the house to see some of the many scheduled jazz events this month. It is only fitting that Mr. Larry Kinley starts us off with his quintet at the Fairfield Community Arts Center on March 5th.

And while my next statement to you may be premature, it is in fact imminent: Welcome to Spring; and Congratulations on surviving Winter.

- jh

(the aforementioned is the Editor's note in the Spring edition of the Inner Circle, the official newsletter of The Jazz Half).

The voice of Annie Sellick... soon to thaw out the Tri-State

Nashville Jazz Vocalist Annie Sellick has it all figured out.

You can hear it in her voice, as it struts through tunes with the assurance of a flight pilot. You can also see it in her physical demeanor with the artwork of her past 4 CD's. On March 27th & 28th, the Queen City will see this confidence live at the Blue Wisp.

The level of self-assurance on Annie's 5th CD, "Street of Dreams" (Chalice Music) is no different, and this is proven as it continues to move up the Jazz Week and CMJ charts, (#36 & #14, respectively). Her vocal depth and experience is extraordinary, as she's worked with Bela Fleck, Joey DeFrancesco, and John DiMartino, among many others. Annie's had repeated performances in Jazz Festivals from Montreal, to Newport Beach, to Vail, and more.

Annie also conducts vocal workshops, helping others maximize their singing abilities and realize thetrue potential in their voices. Her students are very fortunate to have guidance from someone with such knowledge of the vocal art, as well as an extensive touring and performing background.

Annie Sellick will be in Cincinnati for two shows, March 27th & 28th; both at 8:30pm at the Blue Wisp, 318 East 8th Street, Cincinnat, OH 45202; phone 513-241-9477. Performing with Annie will be the trio of Rob Allgeyer on Piano, Elisa Pruitt on Bass, and Justin Varnes on Drums. Admission is $15.

We'll see more of the sun shining in late March, and on the 27th & 28th, there no better way to welcome it than with the bright voice of Annie Sellick.

To learn more about Ms. Sellick, visit http://www.anniesellick.com/.

- jh

Cincinnati Jazz responds to those in need in Haiti

On January 12th, massive devastation occurred as a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti’s capital Port Au Prince. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost. Victims have become homeless and need medical care. Resources such as fresh water, food, and shelter have become close to non-existent. The risk of widespread disease increases with each passing day.

When a natural disaster occurs in any given place in the world (or any disaster for that matter), it’s more than just an issue for that country, it becomes a global issue – everyone on this planet is affected, and there’s a moral obligation to respond by any means, and in any capacity necessary.

In the wake of the Haiti devastation, the spirit of humanity has shined though. It continues to shine through. Doctors from the U.S. and other countries have flown there to assist in treating injured victims. More than 40 charities have collected more than a half a billion dollars in aid. Volunteers offer their time to rescue those caught under building structures, and facilitate incoming resources like food, water, clothing and more.

Natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti, the tsunami in India, and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans serve as resounding reminders that we, as humans, all exist on ONE LEVEL PLANE. Financial or socio-economic status means nothing when the survival of our species is in jeopardy. Many celebrities such as professional athletes, actors & actresses have leveraged their talents and means to contribute to the efforts of restoring Haiti and helping those in need.

Throughout the United States, this effort has reached the local level in many cities and towns. Cincinnati is among those cities with Jazz Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, President and Founder of Omni Works Music.

On Monday, January 15th, Omni Works Music presents “Help them to Sing Again”, a jazz jam fundraiser for the children of Haiti. This event features the best of Cincinnati Jazz, with Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, Global Jazz vocalist/percussionist Eugene Goss, Trumpeter Mike Wade, Marc Fields, and Ricardo Wilkins. This great lineup gets better, as The CCM Student Jazz Ensemble will also appear as special guests.

Come down to the Blue Wisp on Monday, February 15th. The show starts at 7:00pm, with a suggested donation of $10. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Telephone 513-241-9477.

100% of the proceeds will benefit the Haitian Children, through the Bush-Clinton Foundation.

-jh

The playing style of Christian Howes - no strings attached

The playing style of Christian Howes - no strings attached

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