Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, and Paul Jackson Jr. Deliver an Outstanding Not-To-Be-Forgot Smooth Jazz Performance at the Woodland (RECAP)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 17, 2022

There was a lot of anticipation for the upcoming installment of Rich Engel’s Smooth Jazz New Jersey live music event at The Woodland. Having had 5 prior extremely successful, packed house / sold-out events, bringing in these three Contemporary Jazz, Funk, and Soul stars meant an awesome performance ahead. 

In addition to the normal promotional stream, this event was also promoted by the widely known radio host Pat Prescott. Pat was here for 23 years on New York radio. He worked at WRVR, WBLS, WLIB, The National Black News Network. and contemporary jazz station CD 101.9. In 2001, Pat moved to Los Angeles to co-host the morning show at 94.7 The WAVE with saxophonist Dave Koz, then singer Brian McKnight, and currently Pat is the solo host of the morning show on The WAVE and she is also the producer and host of Making Waves. Pat was also chosen as R&R's smooth jazz personality of the year for six consecutive years and in 2015, she received the prestigious Genii award from the Alliance of Women in Media. So, lots of attention was on this event.

The lights dimmed and the spotlight was on twenty-something Julia Engel who introduced herself as “part of the Smooth Jazz New Jersey family.” She gave a thoughtful description of the good works of JESPY House, the non-profit represented at the concert that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Julia introduced the former New York CD101.9 radio air alumnus and morning show host and tonight's Guest Master of Ceremony, Steve Harris. 

Steve reminisced a bit about playing the night's Smooth Jazz performers’ tunes repeatedly in the past on the station. It was a reflective and wonderful moment to enjoy as Steve was greeted by the sold-out audience delivering a continuous and very lively amount of applause. He then brought Jazz Funk Soul on stage, and they were greeted with thunderous applause.

The applause was warranted because Jazz Funk Soul consisted of six-time Grammy nominee and keyboard extraordinaire Jeff Lorber. Jeff scored his first Grammy win in 2018, for best Contemporary instrumental album for his recording of “Prototype”.

Band member, the funk man, saxophonist Everette Harp, his album Jazz Funk Soul, a collaboration with Chuck Loeb and Jeff Lorber, received its first nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. In addition, he has jammed with President Clinton and has performed with Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Chaka Khan, and Dianne Reeves, amongst others.  

Now, round out this super group with soulman and Grammy nominee, the awesome guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Paul is the guitarist on three Grammy-winning albums including Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Paul has either played, composed, or collaborated with musical legends such as Elton John, Whitney Houston, Pattie Labelle, George Benson, Al Jarreau, George Duke, and David Benoit.

Once introduced, the Jazz Funk Soul group came out hot!! Working in concert with each other, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr., and Everette Harp performed some absolutely outstanding solos. And, having just left the Jacksonville Jazz Festival where I experienced Mr. Funk, Everette Harp absolutely wowed the fans. It was clear he was absolutely on fire again this evening. After some extremely intense solo performances, the crowd immediately reacted with loud and rousing applause.  

This powerful vibe enforced the audience's expectations for the entire night, as Jeff Lorber delivered some energetic and lively piano tunes, while Paul Jackson Jr. added to the audience enjoyment by delivering some extremely intense guitar renditions of popular tunes. The audience reaction was positive, loud, and resulted in numerous standing ovations over and over throughout the night's performance. 

This was once again another spectacular performance produced by Rich Engel of Smooth Jazz NJ and the Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture. This event clearly demonstrated that The Woodland has become the go-to venue for Contemporary Jazz with another presentation of world-class musicians delivering energetic live music performances. 

Producer Rich Engel also noted the following Smooth Jazz NJ events at The Woodland will return with the following amazing performances:

Sept 24, 2022 will feature singer, songwriter, musician, 4x Grammy nominee, Jazz Walk of Fame inductee and Platinum-selling artist, Oleta Adams. As Oprah Winfrey said, “The voice that brought me out of the shower.”  You know her from her 1990 debut album Circle of One which went Platinum, and the impassioned hit single "Get Here" became an unofficial anthem of the 1991 Gulf War. She has performed on worldwide tours with Tears for Fears, Phil Collins, Michael Bolton, and Luther Vandross, and has sold more than two and a half million records.

Oct 8, 2022 - The unstoppable force in the smooth jazz genre, saxophonists Kim Waters comes to The Woodland. Jazz Times Magazine called Waters, “simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists." This suave, debonair and commanding saxophonist’s ability to transcend the musical boundaries of Jazz, Pop, and R&B have made him one of the most sought-after musicians in Contemporary Jazz.

Save the dates Sept 24th and Oct 8th because you don't want to miss these events.

About the Author Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate.

Read more from Gregory Burrus:

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus 

https://patch.com/users/gregburrus

Join us at our live music events:

https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/events/

Recap our live music experiences:

https://www.youtube.com/c/GregoryBurrus 

http://24hoursoflivemusic.com

Interview with the Dynamic, Multifaceted, Multidimensional Dara Starr Tucker

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, March 11, 2022

Today on Interviews by Gregory Burrus Productions, we encountered a truly fabulous, soulful multidimensional singer. As you may know, a  live music career is a business that requires the performer to stay relevant in the audience’s mind. The performer in order to be successful must be committed to ensure long-term relevance. Dara Tucker has found many ways to stay in the minds of fans using multiple platforms and, as her bio proclaims, singer/songwriter Dara Tucker is no stranger to producing “composition as commentary.”  

“Dreams of Waking (album) refers to the hope that our society will develop an awareness of the inequities that still exist,” Tucker said. “It’s the dream that we will become fully conscious and attuned to the hopes, dreams and needs of every human being.”

Happily for us, we were able to book Dara Tucker for a Jazz973 event at Clements Place Jazz. Having done some preliminary research, we wanted to catch up with Dara and understand more about her upcoming event and get to know a little more about this multidimensional person. Take a listen.

Dara Tucker - Interview by Lynette Sheard 

Dara Starr Tucker Interviewed by Lynette Sheard for Gregory Burrus Productions.

Dara Tucker - Singer / Songwriter

Dara Tucker has an extensive singing career with many successful awards and accomplishments.  She began songwriting while living in Switzerland in 2003 and moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue a career as a singer-songwriter. She recorded the first of her albums, "All Right Now" in 2009. It featured mostly Great American Songbook standards. Her second album, Soul Said Yes (2011), was a blend of R&B, jazz and Gospel and it made Amazon.com's top 10 R&B chart within a few weeks of its release. Tucker's third release, The Sun Season (2014), was recorded in Astoria, Queens, New York. It reached number 62 on the JazzWeek charts on September 22, 2014. 

In 2015, Dara was interviewed by Tavis Smiley for his PBS television show, where she performed an original song she wrote with her sister, Diamond Tucker, entitled, "Giants" from The Sun Season. In 2016, she opened for Gregory Porter in Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. That year, Dara Tucker was a finalist in the Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival's vocal competition. In 2017, she won the silver medal at the "American Traditions" vocal competition in Savannah, which requires singers to perform in 9 separate genres.

Dara Tucker — Entrepreneur, Documentary Filmmaker and Writer 

Dara has produced a docu-series on Nashville musicians called, "Music City Select" through her production company, GoldenTime Films. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post where she writes essays on her personal experiences as a minority and a woman in the entertainment business. Her article, "Here's to the Ladies Who Cuss" was featured on The Huffington Post Voices homepage. In my research, I found this comment:

“In the coming year, I will be more loving, and I will be kinder. I will also stake a claim in my own life. I am compelled to make room for myself. I will not always be pleasing or appropriate, but I will blossom. If something is deemed inappropriate for my life, let it be me who does the deeming. I will scream when I need to scream. I will shout and be heard. And I will cuss when I feel like cussing.”  

This definitely leads us to the other Dara, who produces “composition as commentary.”

Dara Tucker — Social Commentator 

The great part about these interviews is the advanced research we do, and on this one our interviewer Lynette Sherd was way ahead of me. While I saw music, Lynette alerted me to the massively active and successful TikTok-er, Dara Starr Tucker.  

Now, for those that think TikTok is just dance and jokes, you should know that the Economic Times reported that: “The rankings show that TikTok knocked Google off the top spot in February, March and June this year, and has held the number one position since August. San Francisco: Popular short video-sharing platform TikTok has surpassed tech giant Google as the most popular website of the year, says a report. Dec 25, 2021.” Well, being in the top ten is huge; knocking off number one is phenomenal.

Dara, as a social commentary person, definitely delivers on the statement that I love, which is producing “composition as commentary.” This is evident when you jump on the other Dara Starr Tucker channels. With 17K followers on Instagram, her individual videos have received in some cases over 12K comments. Meanwhile, her social commentary on TikTok has 687 thousand followers, with individual videos garnering 1.6K comments. The engagement she has is truly amazing. 

Dara Tucker — Performs at James Moody Scholars Performance

More recently, we had the pleasure of listening to Dara Tucker when she was a guest performer at the James Moody Scholars event. The event was special for us as Linda Moody wanted to honor the James Moody Scholarship Scholars with a live music concert during her time here as the first lady of the TD Moody Jazz Festival.  There has been a recipient each year of the scholarship and now there were enough of them to have a band with a rhythm section. You can read more here as the James Moody Jazz Scholars Honored His Legacy In South Orange NJ. 

This is where we first heard her wonderful voice and we encourage all of you to come on out and listen to her sing. It's a treat you don’t want to miss.  

Jazz973 Presents Dara Starr Tucker and her Band at Clements Place Jazz

Dara Starr Tucker is making her mark in the world of music and activism as a singer, satirist and social commentator. Her latest album, Dreams of Waking: Music For A Better World (2021), was featured on Grammy.com and in American Songwriter Magazine. On the album, Tucker embraces the urgent, topical works of songwriters of the protest era, along with her own compositions, as vessels for justice awareness, instruction and healing. Last summer, the album reached #7 on the Jazzweek National Radio Charts and reached #6 on the ITUNES jazz chart.

Additionally, Dara Starr Tucker is the co-writer of "Oklahoma," the title song on Keb Mo's 2020 Grammy-winning "Best Americana Album." Tucker's justice and musical commentary on social media has been featured with HBO and Yahoo News. She has toured as a member of master guitarist Charlie Hunter's trio, appeared on NPR's Jazz Night in America and made her national television debut on PBS. Most recently, Dara has performed at Central Jersey Jazz Festival, Newark Museum of Art Jazz Series, Birdland (VocalMania), Smoke Jazz Club and Minton's.

Join Us: March 23, 7 - 10PM, Clements Place Jazz. 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ.

Click to learn more: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz973-presents-dara-tucker-and-her-band-at-clements-place-jazz-tickets-295322667047

 About the Author — Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a local live music ambassador, producer, promoter, event planner, and community partner. He combines his extensive corporate business and technology expertise with his love of live music and being a strong community advocate. 

I love writing about it all. My mission is to help community groups, live music bands, and local nonprofits, reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life. 

https://www.jerseyindie.com/ji-blogger-gregory-burrus   
https://patch.com/users/gregburrus 

Annual MAPSO Funk Fest is Food, Music, Great Vibes and More (Saturday, August 28, 2021)

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Sunday, August 22, 2021

Have you heard about the brand new MAPSO Funk Fest? Well, MAPSO Funk Fest will be a really cool family-friendly festival targeted at helping local Black / Minority-owned restaurants, artisan businesses and the community recover and thrive through these pandemic times. The other day we caught up with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman who was being interviewed by Gregory Burrus Productions Interviewer Lynette Sheard. 

That’s right, MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman has proclaimed: “MAPSO Funk Fest is going to be a family event created to celebrate the diversity of MAPSO through food, music, and the arts! 

MAPSO Funk Fest will be showcasing & supporting Black & minority-owned restaurants and artisan businesses in the greater Maplewood & South Orange area. There will be music all day by local DJs and live performers.”

MAPSO Funk Fest

Lexi stated that  "Many small brands have been faced with big challenges and this day is an opportunity to revive the flavor of our neighborhood, invigorate local hand-picked restaurants, and remind people of the rich culture that we are surrounded by." So here's a little about the day’s planned activities.

Food

Food Trucks and Restaurants

There will be food vendors sourced from local restaurants along with food trucks that will be secured from the local communities. Food vendors will ring the park in strategic easy to reach locations for fast and easy access. There will also be a food tasting selection that local restaurants will be participating in for which attendees may purchase tickets and sample a number of the vendors' menu items. 

Beer Garden

In addition, I am very happy to announce there will be a beautiful MAPSO Funk Fest beer garden hosted by our exclusive craft beer provider, Montclair Brewery. This minority-owned business will provide a host of home grown brews to our attendees all day. Please bring ID in order to be wristbanded and purchase beer garden tickets.

Live Music

“One good thing about music, when it hits you you feel no pain”

What's a festival without some funky music? From setup to shut down, there will be music highlighting the various genres representing the diversity of MAPSO, or as Lexi stated in the interview: “there will be house music, funk music and soul music.“  Throughout the day, there will be local DJs and a few live performances at the Springfield Gazebo.

Kids Zone

There will be kid-friendly vendors, educational readings and activities as well as mini workshops throughout the day. Please visit the website for additional activities being added on a periodic basis. 

Wellness Activities

According to the experts, our folks are not looking for an average wellness experience. They’re looking for wellness practices that invigorate them, that allow them to find community, and that speak to their unique sense of culture and identity. MAPSO Funk Fest Wellness events are designed with our core audiences in mind. 

Funk Fest Yoga

Stressed? - Then come on out with the kids, or not, and enjoy the vibe and engage in a relaxing yoga session, gain more flexibility and energy flow. If high energy is your thing, don't worry we got you covered. You will leave totally refreshed, relaxed and reinvigorated to take on your day. We have Funk Fest Yoga for All Ages, Yoga & Stretch Practice #Yogaworld365

Sponsorships and Supporters

The event will boost local talent, businesses, and restaurants. The event is being sponsored by Blackstock & Weber, Springfield Avenue Maplewood, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate agent Maria Morrison Heningburg. Learn more about then here. 

Other community partners include Inspired Dream Real Estate, Maplewood Bike Shed, Words Bookstore, Finlay + Gage Music Instruments, Blue Life Karate and Gregory Burrus Productions. 

Additional Sponsorships are available for you to support the MAPSO Funk Fest and you can learn more here. 

Volunteers 

That's right, all MAPSO Funk Fest volunteers are happy people. Yup, you feel real good so why not let's get happy together. We need your support and it takes a village. Volunteers are what makes events like this successful. If you're interested in helping make this day possible, please visit the MAPSO Funk Fest Support page or click here for more information.

About 

MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman 

Born and raised in Maplewood & South Orange, Lexi graduated from CHS in 2012 where she had started Diversity Rocks Club at CHS in order to educate and celebrate the diversity of the student body addressing issues of racism in the school district and the goal of creating a unified sense of community among students of different backgrounds. She graduated from Rutgers Newark in 2016 where she studied Sociology & International Affairs. With a never ending appetite for travel and a passion for all things creative and expressive, Lexi loves exploring new places, trying new things, and meeting and connecting with new people.

“With a passion for people and self-expression, I consider myself a multifaceted creative curator. I've always been proud of growing up in such a multicultural place, whose identity is shaped by a wealth of creatives and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. I truly love crafting a vision and bringing it to life. Inspired by community projects and social impact work, my mission is to continue strategizing and organizing programs, events, and initiatives that truly make a difference for people." 

I believe that small business is the very fabric of any community like ours, representing the passion, creativity, and entrepreneurship of its residents, providing a meaningful service, safe space, or hub for people to connect.”

Contact Information Lexi Hellerman, Freelance project manager, event producer, and brand strategist.

• 973-986-8305

• info@mapsofunkfest.com

• www.mapsofunkfest.com

Won’t You Join Us?

And now, a final word from our Funk Fest Creator and Founder Lexi Hellerman: 

“The day will be a magical celebration of diversity and community with food, wellness and artisan vendor booths surrounding the park with live entertainment and folks enjoying themselves.”

“This is a highly inclusive event that supports businesses of all kinds. We’ve worked diligently to prioritize inclusion of Black, minority, women, and LGBTQ+ owned entities for optimal representation.  Please know this event will follow all state-mandated COVID-19 guidelines. So bring your friends and family for good food, good music and great vibes!”

About the Author Gregory Burrus 

Gregory Burrus with MAPSO Funk Fest Founder Lexi Hellerman, 2021

Whether it’s MAPSO or SOMA, Gregory Burrus is writing about his first love: the creative people, towns and events all around South Orange and Maplewood, NJ. Gregory continually observes, participates in, reports and writes on local community news, live music and the arts and entertainment scene of the Jersey/NYC landscape and beyond, right here as JI blogger Gregory Burrus.

Contact Gregory Burrus Productions to promote your event, business or nonprofit across various social media and blogging platforms. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com or 8622057660.

The 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree (RECAP) and 2021 Open Call

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Friday, June 18, 2021

I want to thank everyone for their participation and support of the  4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree. While I still wished we could have performed, in person outside as usual, the Coronavirus Pandemic changed all that.  As the pandemic went into full effect for us during the last week of March and lockdown started in April 2020, we pivoted and started thinking about what else we could do to keep the music alive. 

We couldn't go outside so we adapted and continued our commitment to the live music community and launched a new virtual approach that addressed our new social distancing world. We asked folks to submit live performances specifically for this event,  a truly sweet past performance, or we scheduled them into a live performance slot on the day of the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree event.  The musicians responded overwhelmingly positively and it was great to see folks volunteer their time/energy along with their dynamic and amazing musical talents in making this first time move to a Virtual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree a big success. The following is a recap of what happened throughout the Jamboree.

Official 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Chairperson Welcomes All

Out of this pivot to online, we discovered the wonderful and very energetic Lynette Sheard. In person she was also dynamic and her turn to the virtual world was no less stellar.  We ended up  selecting Lynette Sheard of  Lynette Sheard Entertainment as our official welcome spokesperson because even through the very negative environment we were in, Lynette was a bright beam of enthusiasm and hope. Thank you, Lynette.

Tributes

We opened the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at 11:30 AM with a tribute to our recently departed long-term South Orange resident and live music advocate Lee Boz May, may she RIP.  We also said goodbye to another wonderful local performer, Holi Ross who also sang with The Royal Bopsters.

As we usually have our South Orange Gazebo dressed up physically in balloons, this year we adapted and developed a virtual balloon backdrop. We then listened to the song “Candy” converted to "I need my 24 Hours of Music" by vocalist Jacqueline Harmon Johnson, a.k.a. The Balloon Lady.

Official Kick Off by the Institute of Jazz Studies  

We then were officially kicked off by the Rutgers University Clements Place Institute of Jazz Studies Executive Director Wayne Winborne. His now very "prophetic message" was  to enjoy the wide range of music that was being presented and that “while science and medicine will get us out of this pandemic […] it’s art, especially music, that will get us through it.”

Fundraising for the Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  

We then moved to a message from the  Jazz Exchange Relief Fund  Founders  Candice Reyes and Abel Mireles, who are supporting local North Jersey and NYC full-time and part-time jazz artists with The Jazz Exchange Relief Fund! This was especially important because artists were immediately affected by this pandemic, as all of their performances, tours, teaching gigs, lessons and more were cancelled overnight. The Jazz Exchange came on to help us raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to those at financial risk

Lineup: 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree    

It was a stellar lineup of some truly wonderful musicians who all volunteered their time and efforts to this 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree.  

2020 event lineup

We kicked off the Virtual 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree at noon Saturay, May 30th with the Pop, R&B, Soul sessions headlined by South Orange-based Alicia Taiping and Dan Pieraccini of the popular local band Forget the Whale. We were then treated to some wonderful performances by Dunia Best Live, Howlin Poets, Positive Note, Rhonda Denet, Flip da Skrip, our official spokesperson Lynette Sheard, Acute Inflections, Tasha R. Williams with budding new star Aaliyah Arroyo, Sounds of A and R, and local favorite Ricky Persaud, Jr.

Our Latin sessions contained some sweet music produced by Carlos Frias and Circulo Social Band and a few wonderful  Yardbird Entertainment-produced sessions by the Rudy Vidal Latin Jazz Quartet.

Video Recap: 4th Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree  

The evening and overnight Jazz Sessions were kicked off live by the wonderful and engaging Mike Lee Jazz Family, which all members were very talented while socially distancing together. Overnight performers included Kristina Koller, Abel & Candice, Reyes, Arcoiris Sandoval Live, DC Fusion Darry Clark, Peter Lin, Mamiko Watanabe, Richard Reiter, Sue Maskaleris, Winard Harper – Jeli Posse, Kemp and Reyvolation from Buffalo NY, James Austin, Jr. and Friends, Mauricio de Sousa, Joel Cotton with Matt Niedbalski, Jarrett Walser and Campblicated, Marshall McDonald from Fukuoka, Japan, Seyeon Chang from South Korea, Kumiko Tanaka from Tokyo, our normally 3 AM to 6 AM crew, the Alex De Lazzari Duo with Caelan Cardello, then Flip Peters and Friends ending overnight with Candice Reyes. 

Rounding out the early morning hours, we had songs from the American Songbook by vocalist Patricia Walton and Barbara Hassenfeld, then Blues Rocker Debra Devi, Hal Keshner from the beautiful hills and desert of Arizona with some truly gorgeous sun scenes, and finally closing us out by sitting on the dock of the San Francisco Bay was Blues Man Mr. Coo Mo Gee.

Volunteers , Operations and Productions

2020 24 Hours of Music Volunteers with Teresa Ware and Donna Siedman

The major difference this year was we literally broadcast the entire 24 Hour of Music Jamboree event. We broadcasted on 5 virtual venues simultaneously. Listeners had a choice of watching and listening on Facebook pages, or my Gregory Burrus profile, Youtube, Twitch, or Periscope.tv channels. Thanks to our Audience Development Director, Chelsea B., who conducted selected Instagram broadcasts throughout the 24 hours. We also broadcasted to non-social media channels at 24hoursofmusicjamboree.tv.

Our regular volunteers Jon McGriff, Teresa Ware, Donna Siedman, Chelsea Burrus, Greg2B, and Roxanne Burrus, all supported us for 24 hours while we missed out steadfast volunteer Lee Boz May. We also give thanks to our official photographer Albert Clarke. Please visit his Instagram, as he captured some beautiful shots for us virtually, and our other giveaway supporter Designs by Aron.

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree Broadcast Studio Operations

Needless to say, we had some interesting challenges broadcasting nonstop for the full 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, especially when Facebook says you can only do 8 hours at a time and it stops, and we have to start again. Other networks did not have this problem but had other internet-related situations that had to be dealt with, and lets’s not forget being up more than 24 hours.

Overall initial numbers are over 604 YouTube views, 100+ Facebook views, unknown Instagram/Twitch views and over 100 Periscope views which, interestingly, are mostly from Australia and Great Britain. Comments from many local and other worldwide attendees were that “the music was a much-needed respite from the challenges plaguing our society today.” 

And another thanks to our g2bpro motion graphics video engineer — we have a new logo: 

Again, I thank all that participated. We will showcase your work.

2017-2020: Recaps of Past Events

The 24 Hours of Music Jamboree is normally an outdoor festival held in the town of South Orange, NJ at multiple venues with live music bands voluntarily performing for 24-hours non stop. Due to the 2020 COVID Pandemic, we went online. You can review past events at the following links:

2020 4th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree May 30 -31, 2020

2019 3rd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree Sep 7 - 8, 2019

2018 2nd Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 5 - 6, 2018

2017 1st Annual 24 Hours Of Music Jamboree May 6 -7, 2017

Open Call: Experience This Year’s 24 Hours of Music Jamboree

Now, a year has passed and hopefully COVID KEEPS DECLINING. For 2021, the idea is to get back outside with live bands and live audiences, meanwhile adding an online virtual performance component.

Anyone can participate, so open call is on.

Contact us to join us with your band, solo, duo, trio or whatever configuration you have. Let us know what you do and how you want to do it. We will find a spot for you in and around South Orange, NJ or online.

Volunteer here for the 5th Annual 24 Hours of Music Jamboree at this link https://bit.ly/3vXJJja .

About Gregory Burrus Productions

Gregory Burrus books bands, produces, promotes, captures and records live music events along with various community and private activities.

My mission is to help my customers, which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day-to-day process of life.

Learn more https://24hoursofmusicjamboree.com

Interview with #Elevated. New Single, "Paradise"

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Friday, January 22, 2021

If you’re craving that old school, boy group sound of Boyz II Men, New Edition, and *NSYNC, then look no further than South Jersey’s own #Elevated, who just released their newest single, “Paradise,” on YouTube, Spotify, and other audio outlets. Check out our interview with the talented quintet, below, as they discuss how they’re “bringing back old school vibes with a modern twist.”

Congratulations on the release of your new single! What can you tell us about the title (“Paradise”) and the meaning behind it?

For some of us it is interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is "the beach and perfection." What we could do for a significant other is living a life that feels like a dream and live a life where we are content. Another interpretation is last year, we were struck with hardships such as the pandemic. We want to eventually reach that small spec of light at the end of the tunnel we call 'Paradise.’ This song is a soothing and uplifting song to help us go through our inner struggles that we have experienced during these hard times!

What inspired you to create this?

The winter feeling is always soothing, so we wanted to create a song that explores that feeling of calmness and joy.

Where did you record/who did you record with?

We recorded at Vince's (one of the #Elevated members) house. We self-produced everything and hired a mix engineer to mix and master!

Tell us about #Elevated. Who's in the group? Where are you from? How did you find each other? How would you describe your style? Who are your influences?

#Elevated is a 5 member guy group from South Jersey!

Kevin (baritone), Josh (tenor), Vince (baritone/countertenor), Will (bass/tenor), and Donovan (bass).

This group consists of two of Vince's friend groups: Will and Donovan were in Vince's high school choir and often sung together, and Kevin and Josh were in Vince's university and often jam and sing together in the piano room.

The group started with Kevin, Vince and Josh who performed for an event at Rutgers University. We decided to become a group right after. We later added Will and Donovan to make a 5 member group! Our music is old school with a modern twist. We grew up listening to old school R&B and pop such as Earth, Wind and Fire, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, New Edition, Michael Jackson, etc. We also enjoy some of the modern artists as well such as Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Ed Sheeran, Charlie Puth, Bruno Mars, etc. We miss boy bands or singing groups that can sing acapella like Boyz II Men, *NSYNC, etc., so we want to bring that sound back.

What are you looking forward to in 2021, personally and/or professionally?

We're looking forward to more opportunities and to a better year overall.

Finally, where can people find your music?

Follow us on Instagram: @hashtagelevated

Subscribe to us on YouTube: http://youtube.com/hashtagelevated

Check out our latest single, “Paradise”:

The song is available on all audio platforms!

Here is also a link tree to see our other content: https://linktr.ee/hashtagelevated

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We have been growing a small fan base on YouTube through various contents such as reaction videos (2k subscribers).

RECAP: SUPER JAM 2019 with Gregory Burrus Around Town

By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 18, 2020

It was an absolutely wonderful night of live music at the Annual Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, 2019 Super Jam (August 16 2019, NY, NY).

For the last three years, Gregory Burrus Around Town has supplied photography, video services and has recommended creative artists from New Jersey to perform in this event.  This enables our artists to expand their reach and gain new audiences.

Myrna Bain Scholarship

The purpose of this concert was to raise funds for the Myrna Bain Scholarship.  Professor Bain inspired both students and colleagues to aspire to higher levels of academic excellence and scholarship.  Her energy and commitment to scholarship, both national and international, her special skills in mentoring and fostering growth in students, her peers and all others whose lives she touched, provided the basis for the success of countless others.  Prof. Myrna Bain taught at Hunter College (NY) and John Jay (NY) and was highly regarded by her students and colleagues until her passing of breast cancer in 2007.

Created in her spirit, The Myrna Bain Scholarship provides an annual financial award to an exemplary undergraduate student who has a strong commitment to community service and an interest in pursuing a career or further studies in African Diaspora studies, or including Social Justice, English, International Criminal Justice, International Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Gender Politics, History or Anthropology.  The fundraising objective is to reach their endowment goal so that Myrna Bain Scholarship recipients can continue her legacy for many years to come.  The performers last year are listed below:

JANET WINTER

 

Janet Winter in a very beautiful recap of an absolutely wonderful night of live music in NYC at the Annual Myrna Bain Scholarship Fundraiser, 2019 Super Jam.

Thank you Sherry Gibson and all who came out and supported the cause.

D’AMBROSE BOYD, MC

The multi-talented co-founder and host of “SINGERS SPACE presented by D'Ambrose Boyd” hosted the Myrna Bain Scholarship Concert Series for the first time.  His extensive credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’, Five Guys Named Moe, and A Christmas Carol.  He has also worked backstage at Book of Mormon.  

D’Ambrose also is a photographer at D’Ambrose Boyd Photography and accessory fashion designer at Boyd’s Apparel.

Bernie “Em” Mercer

Bernie sings locally on the NYC live music scene.  Learn more about Bernie right here.

SUE ROCK, VOCALS

 

Sue Rock has been a vocalist all her life, singing since childhood, enjoying the wonders of popular music and Broadway classics.  Sue Rock’s expressive, rich, and authentic singing comes straight from her heart to yours. Freely, she opens up to all influences - from classic jazz to funk-filled R&B. You can always count on Sue Rock for innovative re-working of your favorite songs as well as original tunes. She makes your favorites sound NEW again!

This was her second time performing in the Myrna Bain Scholarship Concert Series. She has also performed at Bar Thalia’s, Singers Space, Gammage Auditorium in Arizona, and in Naples, Italy. Sue has performed with the late great Phyllis Hyman, Jazz Bassist Fred Ho, and Jelly-Bean Benitez. Sue Rock Originals is her passion project. After losing a friend to domestic violence, she created Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc., a not-for-profit organization committed to providing textile skills and support to survivors of domestic violence who leave.

DEBORAH STEVENS, VOCALS

 

Deborah arrived from Memphis with a theatre background, but singing is a buried desire. A retired banker, she spends some of her time studying and singing. She performed in a limited run of Black Diamonds and White Pearls, written and produced by Vinnie Knight featuring the music of the Harlem Renaissance. Her favorite vocalists are Aretha Franklin, with whom she shares the same hometown and birthday, as well as Carmen McRae, Irene Reid, Etta James and Etta Jones. Her credo is “kindness matters.” 

DOUG DONOVAN, VOCALS:

 

Doug Donovan has been singing for 10 years throughout New York and New Jersey, in venues such as Triad Theatre and Trumpets. He’s performed with jazz singer Carrie Jackson and renowned jazz pianist Radam Schwartz. His favorite types of music are from the American Songbook—Jazz and Bossa Nova.

SCOUT FORD, VOCALS

 

Scout Ford is a singer, songwriter and actor based out of NYC. He’s also the Manager and Coordinator at Night Roads Entertainment, Inc. and the owner-and operator of GroundStone Music.

D’AMBROSE BOYD, MC, VOCALS

SHINUH HOLT, VOCALS

 

Shinuh Holt is a sultry vocalist from Brooklyn. She’s currently working on an EP titled Don’t Blame the Bartender. She’s traveled overseas, having residencies in Thailand & Sri Lanka. Shinuh began her musical journey only six years ago at Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar on Nick Ashford’s Nuttin’ but The Blues night.

Follow Shinuh at #TheArtOfShinuh @madeinshinuh @theartofshinuh @dontblamethebartender “Live Yo Life!”

KATE BAKER

JO MARCHESE, VOCALS

 

Ms. Marchese, also known as The Queen of the New York open mic scene, has studied under Maestro Barry Harris and has performed at numerous NYC clubs including Singers Space at Bar Thalia, Cleopatra's Needle, Birdland, Parnell's, Jazz At Kitano's and Cobi's Jazz Club. Her unique vocals evoke the great singers of the big band era. Her favorite singer is Frank Sinatra. She says she loves everything he has recorded. She notes the excellence of his phrasing and points out that her phrasing is pretty good, too. She’s also still quite a fan of Tony Bennett and loves his song about San Francisco, as it takes her back to the time she worked there for the U.S. Marines.

BRIAN “ALEJANDRO” SCOTT, VOCALS

 

Brian "Alejandro" Scott, a Brit by way of Panama, had his first taste of singing onstage at Carnegie Hall as a soloist with the All City Chorus. He later went on to become a principal dancer with the Katherine Dunham-based Eugene James Dance Company performing on Broadway row and throughout NYC and internationally. Since putting his children's dance company "The Experimental Dance Group" on hiatus, Alejandro is working in the world of song and currently singing jazz standards, Broadway tunes with a little bit of pop at open mics throughout the NYC area, and had two recently sold out shows at Parnell's Bar & Restaurant. Alejandro has studied under Marilyn Maye, Gregory Hopkins, Jrome Andre, Samora Smith, Bill Zeffiro, David Pearl, Jonh Di Martino and Barbara Maier Gustern.

SUE ROCK AND D’AMBROSE BOYD

 

Sue and Damrose also performed as a duo.

KEITH ANTHONY FLUITT AND D’AMBROSE BOYD VOCALS

 

“Keith Anthony Fluitt, a New York City born and raised singer, has worked with many great artists of our time including Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson. Keith also sings lead vocals. He went to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, graduated from talent unlimited program at Julia Richmond High School (graduating with: Lisa Lisa, Gene Anthony Ray from Fame, Brenda K. Starr, and a host of others). Keith has performed with many great stars including but not limited to: Patti LaBelle, Martha Wash, Will Downing, Ashford & Simpson, Lala Brooks, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson.” Read more at keithanthonyfluitt.com.

DARNELL WHITE QUARTET

 

SAADI ZAIN, BASS

Well-versed on both the double (upright) bass and electric bass and in a multitude of musical genres, New York City-based Saadi Zain has learned and refined his craft directly through frequent contact and close relationships with jazz masters, most notably Ron Carter. In April of this year, he performed the inaugural concert of the South Asian Symphony Orchestra in Mumbai, India as principal bassist. He was also part of the world premiere of “Little Girl Blue,” a musical about Nina Simone. For more info on Saadi, where he is playing and who he has played with, please visit his website at www.saadizain.com.

RICHARD FRANK, GUITAR

Richard Frank has been a resource to the New York City music community since 1965.  He’s recorded and/or toured with such artists as Neil Diamond, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Paul Anka, Patti LaBelle, Janis Ian, Peter Allen and Mary Travers (Peter, Paul & Mary). As a Studio Musician, he’s played on numerous records including "Turn the Beat Around" by Vicki Sue Robinson and all the music for "The Archies" cartoon series as well as jingles. 

JARRETT WALSER, DRUMMER

Jarrett Walser is a musician that brings vibrant sensitivity and rich nuances to an expressive style on the drums that is refreshing. His ease and versatility in several genres (jazz, rock, R&B, the blues, and funk) has made him a highly sought-after drummer.  As the indelible mainstay drummer for Amigos, Amigos! (Prog-Rock Band), The Goddess Lakshmi (Indie Rock Band), and Future Rising (Contemporary Jazz Band), he brings a dynamic brilliancy to the stage. He is an artful musician that is only at the genesis of his career. The best is yet to come.

SHERRY GIBSON CHAIRPERSON

 

Sherry Taylor Gibson (M.P.A. ’92) (with the hat in front row) is Administrative Manager and Executive Assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology.

Happy After Super Jam performers

This was my 3rd year covering the Myrna Bain scholarship event, and every year it gets better. Anyone interested in performing in this volunteer event should contact me. The event location can change each year. It’s a beautiful experience, so come join us. You can learn more about it here: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofmyrnabainscholarship/

Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a supporter of local businesses, community events, jazz, blues musicians and local art exhibitions. On a regular basis he promotes art, music, business, government and documents local community events all around New Jersey and New York. Greg provides support  through videography, photography, social media marketing, writing articles, blogging and photo journalism. Greg is having fun living life while helping others. L earn more at gregoryburrusproductions.com

TAGS: myrna bain scholarship, fundraiser, ladies night, sherry gibson, vocalists, female vocalists, john jay college, gregory burrus, gregory burrus around town, videography, photography, north jersey music

Abbie Gardner to Headline Cathedral Arts Live (Nov 22)

By Sonia Schnee | Posted Monday, November 18, 2019

Jersey City’s music scene is continually blossoming, due in part to Cathedral Arts Live, a monthly live music series launched by Grace Church Van Vorst five years ago to celebrate diversity in music-making while also strengthening community.

This Friday, November 22, Cathedral Arts Live will welcome singer-songwriter Abbie Gardner to its stage (with singer-songwriter Sean Kiely as the opening act). Check out our interview with Abbie, below, to learn about her musical influences, what to expect at the upcoming Cathedral Arts Live show, and how New Jersey’s awesome community of artists are supporting one another.

To purchase tickets to the show, please visit cathedralartslive.org.

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?

Abbie Gardner
Spring Valley, NY
Jersey City, NJ

How would you describe your sound? Who are your musical influences?

Acoustic slide guitar with soulful vocals. I grew up listening to a lot of swing jazz because my dad is a professional trombonist and stride piano player, who made a living in the NYC jazz scene. My mom was into bluegrass and I found blues/early R&B on my own. So there’s a mix of everything from Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas and Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Bonnie Raitt.

You have an upcoming performance with Cathedral Arts Live. What are you most looking forward to? What can people expect?

I’ll be performing solo, playing a lap style resophonic guitar. It’s a really vocal instrument with a great sound, but isn’t typically seen in this area. I’ll play a mix of covers and original songs, with a few new ones I’m looking forward to recording.

If all goes well, Sean [Kiely] and I will probably collaborate by the end of the show. We’ve improvised together before so that will be a great way to end the night!

What are your thoughts about New Jersey's music scene?

The scene is growing in a very supportive and organic way with lots of locals making it out. Getting to see a lot of the same musicians at different shows, open mics, and jams has been creating a nice community here.

How did you hear about Cathedral Arts Live?

I heard about Cathedral Arts Live through fellow music lovers in Jersey City. It’s held at the same church where I get my used books on Sundays, they host annual holiday concerts and provide breakfast for folks in need... it’s a real center for so much local community outreach, and I like to support them when I can.

What has your personal journey been like so far? How did you get to this point?

I’ve had a long and winding road to get where I am... grew up playing classical music and didn’t make it into music school, but I’m grateful for that now. I get to play music that I write myself and improvise to suit how I feel in the moment, play with it a little, and it suits me better!

Do you have any words of advice for people who share a similar passion or have maybe faced similar obstacles/challenges?

Stay true to yourself and work really, really hard at your craft — it will pay off.

Finally, what are some ways that fans can connect with you online? (Website? Facebook? Spotify? Etc.?)

Web: http://www.abbiegardner.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/abbiegmusic/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/abbiegardnermusic
T: https://twitter.com/abbiegmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SlideSessions

Rachel Ana Dobken - When It Happens To You (Interview)

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted August 13, 2019

Rachel Ana Dobken is a singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist based out of Asbury Park. Her latest release, When It Happens To You, is raw, inviting and familiar. Her songs touch on the human condition and how we are all much more similar than we sometime realize. Rachel was kind enough to let me ask her some questions about the album, her songwriting process and her eclectic mix of influences.

How did you come up with the title, When It Happens To You?

So, the title of the record actually came to me in the form of a poem. Essentially, it’s about the concept that we don’t know what an experience is like until we go through it  ourselves. Someone can tell you, “Oh I can give you all of this advice, but you won’t know what it means, what it truly feels like, what to DO and what is right for YOU until it happens to you.” It came to me just like most of my writing does— subconsciously and at a time when I wasn’t thinking about it at all. I originally thought, I will make this into a song and use it as lyrics! Which I may still do… if you’d like to read it (this is a condensed version there's about 3 more stanzas!):

When it Happens to You

Then you know what to do

Know exactly what I am going through

Hope it happens to everyone

You and you and you…

So that you know what to do

When it happens to you

Our pride and preferential being

Existing within this sphere we call earth

Acting as if we have each other

When all we do is try to live first

Selfish, but it comes from a place of fear

Of wanting of wishing of hoping oh so much

That you'll find love, connection, acceptance, and trust

Pick me look at me love me respect me!

Because all we all ever want is acceptance

From you from me.

From every living thing.

It seems so hard to find

If you think of it this way...

Or maybe not?

When it happens to you

You will know what I mean

Hope you figure out what to do

When it happens to you

….

When did you start writing for this release?

Well, the oldest song on the record I wrote in 2013 when I was still living in Upstate NY post-Bard College. That song is “Got Away.” The second oldest song is “Belief Beneath” which came to me in 2015 and was completed shortly after my debut EP Detach was completed. The majority of the songs came to me within the past year, and I’d say about 40% of the songs were completely flushed out. It really all came together once we started tracking and mixing.

 What is your writing process like?

My writing process is very fluid and organic. Ironically, it’s the opposite of how I’d describe myself— it’s relaxed, free, organic, flowing….

I don’t choose when or where songs come to me, or even what they sound like. They just do. It’s almost like its own spiritual entity (not to get all “hippy-dippy” on you here). I find when I allow the art to speak for itself and come out when it needs to, it always does and does so in a compelling way. I worry that I will run out of material but honestly, every time I think this, something better musically and philosophically comes to me. Something is always rattling around in my brain and is always dying to come out. Usually I’ll hear parts of a song when I am most able to let go and clear my brain (showering, when I’m falling asleep, while going for a run), when I am not thinking about anything at all.

A lot of times it can be after my brain is going for days and I’m coming down from, or feeling residual emotions from whatever situations are going on in my life. The next thing I know I’m in the shower and an entire melody comes to me, a lot of times in conjunction with a lyric. I have a basic idea of “this little line is definitely a chorus or a verse.” Almost immediately after I know, “oh ok this is what the groove is, this is what the drums will be doing.” And then I’ll have an idea, even if the parts have not come to me yet, where the song is to go.

Typically, (especially if I’m feeling wildly inspired or going through something) I will continue to hear parts throughout my days and weeks and won’t be able to escape it. The song just happens. Usually, after a structure is set the lyrics will come. It always varies in different ways and each song has its own set of similar yet different creations. After that, I’ll sit down a couple of times and work through until lyrics and structure are all flushed out! Then comes the workshopping with the band! 

Influences for this album?

Well, I listen to everything but I don’t try to sound like anyone. I just know what I love and for me it comes back to, the groove and genuineness— intention behind the music. Don’t worry about the bullshit, don’t worry about people and your “image”, just hone your craft and be true to YOU. I guess I will answer this in regards to production, and where I saw the record fitting sonically in 2018. It was (sort of but not really) all over the place. Sometimes when referencing where the drums should sit, we’d pull up Allen Stone. Other times for vocals, it would be Lake Street Dive (I get the vocal comparison to Rachael Price a lot wooo go Rachel’s)! Guitar-wise, My Morning Jacket and White Denim… I could go on and on.

Photo by Danny Clinch

What was it like producing your own record?

It was fantastic and insanely overwhelming. I’m a perfectionist and I thrive off of being in control, so I definitely drove myself crazy at times (surprise, surprise)! I am so proud of the way the record came out, so proud of the work we created. Everyone told me during the process (while I was pulling my hair out) that I would be so incredibly proud of what I was achieving. But in the moment it was insanity at times. Listening to mixes over and over again and losing context, having to make every little decision from what take should we use to what guitar tone works best? I didn’t know how much panning mattered before this record… Should the drums be “wetter” and the guitar more “dry”? All of these decisions fell on my shoulders and I had to eventually be like, “whatever fuck it, I can’t care anymore, let’s just say it’s great. I have to be done…” But, as an artist with a vision, as someone who hears exactly what they want down to the last riff (I’m soooo happy with that ending to “Understand”) it’s extremely rewarding to know that you’ve created something with 100% authenticity true to the art itself. I know that isn’t always the case, but I will for damn sure strive hard to make sure it is in my music career.

Who did you work with?

Great question to follow-up with because as much as I loved to produce this, there is no way I could have without the help of the folks who gave me constant feedback and who played with me… let’s start with my engineers Tim Pannella and Joey Henderson— simply the best.

Then the players—Dan Haase (bass), Ryan MacLean (lead guitar), Andy Jackle (drums—”Intro,” “Got Away,” “Taking My Time”), Chris Dubrow (bass—”Us,” “Taking My Time”), Joey Henderson (guitar—”Always,” “Intro”; vox—”Belief”), Mark Masefield (b3), Ian Gray, Denis Daley, Bruce Krywinski (trombone, sax, trumpet), Danny Clinch (harmonica!) and I played drums, guitar, piano and sang. It was mixed by Kyle Joseph and mastered by Justin Colletti…

I’d be nothing especially without Chris Dubrow (who truly helped me get this off the ground organizing my thoughts and sounds through the pre-production phase), Dan (such an incredible player and amazingly helpful opinions, Dan and I have a great flow and a lot of respect for each other as musicians—I’m extremely grateful to him and our musical chemistry), Joey (oh man, thank you Joey, my right hand man in so many ways, Joey and I think, hear and feel things in a very similar fashion and we happen to have very similar musical influences)... and of course everyone else. Even the musical friends and my boyfriend who gave me feedback and lent me an ear to know I had to get the fuck out of my head—Renee Maskin, Tara Dente, Joe Michelini…

Favorite song you have written? Why?

Whew, this is a tough one… I think for this record it’s either “Understand,” “Everybody Wants” or “Learning How to Let Go.” In regards to “Understand” and “Learning,” its for similar reasons. I love the sentiments of what they captured, and more so I think because it’s something I live and struggle with frequently.  This gnawing feeling that we have as a society, as people, as artists to compare and be down on ourselves for being different or wondering why we aren’t succeeding at a pace we expect, in any situation.

It’s a coming to terms with reality in the moment, but also allowing yourself to feel the feelings rather than fight with them. Not understanding all the time why you’re having them but just accepting that…

“Everybody Wants” is an epic love song and is in other ways one of the best track on the album (lyrically well-written, easily accessible, showcases my vocals the best)…

Who are some other artists you feel define your sound?

I love so much music, I’m such a music nerd I could cry about my love for the medium—I know this is why I keep going… some of my biggest influences, and you can make the call whether or not you hear it!: My Morning Jacket, The Band, Jeff Buckley, Incubus, John Mayer, Paul Simon, Fiona Apple, Amy Winehouse, White Denim, Thelonious Monk, Julie London, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles… the list goes on and on…

Future plans?

I’m planning out 2019 and trying to figure out our gigs. I am in the works of figuring out some music videos, and I do have an unreleased single that will come out probably in the spring—keep the eyes and ears peeled! 

~

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2PSjhSQ

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-it-happens-to-you/1438758369

Bandcamp: https://rachelanadobkenmusic.bandcamp.com/ 

Interview with Dan Amato

By Deaglan Howlett | Posted Thursday, June 7, 2018

For fans of: Bon Jovi, Paramore, Bleachers

Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentlemen is a lively group that blends pop and rock in a way that is both captivating yet familiar.  While the music is high energy and original, I hear traces of hometown hero Bruce Springsteen, and relatively newer acts like Paramore.  This makes for an infectious sound, and their latest release, The Big Picture, is no exception.

Lead singer and guitarist, Dan Amato, was kind enough to answer some questions for me.  Thanks again, Dan!

What were your influences for this release?

As for the rest of influences [not listed previously], we made a playlist noting specific songs that had the biggest impact.

Any stories about particular songs?

The interesting thing about this record in terms of stories is that I worked backward in a way.  I had written 3 of the tracks scattered across the year that had all stemmed from a breakup.  I figured I could do something more with them and make them more a part of a broader idea, in this case placing them into stages of a breakup: Shock, Anger, Spite, Sadness, Acceptance, and Hope.

Who did you record with?

We tracked, mixed & mastered one half of the album with Gintas Norvila at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, NY and the other half with Adam Vaccarelli at Retromedia Sound Studios in Red Bank, NJ.

What is your songwriting process?

I’m still slightly struggling to call myself a songwriter, so my process is pretty skewed.  I’m super impatient, so I put everything into one song at a time -- whatever gets written gets recorded.  It starts with a horribly sung voice memo on my phone, which then goes into a logic demo session, gets sent to the band, [we] practice it and sometimes play live first, straight to studio.  For whatever reason, I’m only a perfectionist when it comes to writing because I’ve only written one song that has not been recorded.

Who plays what instrument?

I sing and play guitar (sometimes a little piano).
Nicole Govel does backup vocals.
JJ Fabricatore plays Saxophone.
Owen Flanagan plays Drums.
Jon Bass plays bass (funny enough).

Upcoming shows?

We’ve got our release show this Friday night, June 8th, at the Orange Lantern in my hometown of Paramus, NJ. [We're] playing The Chubby Pickle in Highlands, NJ on July 6th, The Soulsational Festival in Bayville, NJ on July 28th, another show at the Orange Lantern on August 11th,  and more to be announced. Show dates will be added to our Facebook, Instagram and Spotify pages!

~

Make sure you listen to Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentlemen's latest release and see them live!