2012 Series
June 3
THE WHITINGS
Tammy and Jamey Whiting have been performing in the Nashville area for over 10 years. Their live jazz performances have been received well in venues throughout the city. Tammy started her singing career in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, singing in Spanish where she lived and studied for a year. Her silky alto delivers deep feeling as she performs beautiful standards such as "Autumn Leaves", "All Of Me" and Sarah Vaughn's classic "Love Me Or Leave Me". The songs she has penned with her husband, jazz pianist and composer Jamey Whiting, are reminiscent of many of the jazz standards they perform by songwriters such as George and Ira Gershwin, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. Jamey has played piano for many years in Nashville area studios and clubs, backing acts such as the Ink Spots and Lou Rawls. He has toured Europe many times, with Nashville based artists and as part of his own band, The Big Dawgs. His performances in Japan with Nokie Edwards and Jo-El Sonnier were well received.
Tammy and Jamey will entertain you with classic jazz and skillfully written originals.
June 10 THE ROYS-CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Bluegrass music is a unique art form that is as much about feel and instinct as it is technique. Blending proficiency and passion into a musically intoxicating package, The Roys showcase siblings Lee and Elaine's stellar vocals, taut musicianship and enviable songwriting skills.
The siblings continued to hone their skills and became sought after entertainers on the New England circuit before moving to Nashville and launching their own label, Pedestal Records. Since then The Roys have opened for George Jones, The Oak Ridge Boys and Chris Young, among others and have enjoyed such high profile national TV gigs as performing on Jerry Lewis’ annual Labor Day Telethon to benefit Muscular Dystrophy. The duo has performed their amazing version of the National Anthem for the Red Sox at Fenway Park, for President Bush at Andrews Air Force Base and at the Kansas Speedway for the NASCAR Truck Series.
Even as their career has taken off, Lee and Elaine have found time to dedicate to helping those less fortunate. They took part in Montgomery Gentry’s annual Harley Ride in conjunction with the Academy of Country Music Awards and Little Big Town’s annual Ride for a Cure, benefiting the T.J. Martell Foundation. This past August, The Roys traveled to Bogota, Columbia with Compassion International where they spent four days in the impoverished country. Now, Elaine and Lee are each sponsoring a child, as well as serving as CI spokesmen.
June 17 LARKIN POE
We are sisters. We are music lovers. We are storytellers.
Every since we were little girls, we’ve been awed by the power of a story well told: from children’s books and bedtime yarns to figments and fairytales. Before we were able to read, we hounded our parents for “more stories!” and then, when at last we could; we began hounding the bookshelves.
Now, nearly a decade later, at 21 and 22, we’re still doing the same thing.
We’re still on the search for stories, and striving to learn how to tell them well. Now, we not only hound bookshelves, but also the people surrounding us. We search for stories of human experience, of love won and love lost, and of the million mundane things that make up everyday life. Larkin Poe: the name of our great-great-great-grandfather; a man who survives in the memories and hearts of succeeding generations; a legend, a tall tale, a truly everlasting story. Just the thing that we hope to become.
Our musical journey, which began for us as children playing classical violin and piano at the ages of 5 and 6, continued through our teenage years as we toured internationally from 2005 to 2010 as The Lovell Sisters. This incarnation, which included our eldest sister, Jessica, took us from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry to wonderful summer festivals such as Bonnaroo and Telluride, and even gave us the opportunity to collaborate with the likes of Elvis Costello. In January 2010, after saying ‘farewell’ to The Lovell Sisters, the musical story of our young adulthood has begun in the form of our new band, Larkin Poe.
Larkin Poe released its debut EP,
Spring, on February 17, 2010. As a brand new band, we were looking for a way to bring our friends, family and fans along with us on our musical journey as we discovered (and continue to discover) who we are as Larkin Poe. Looking for an answer – and always looking to do things in our own way – we decided to embark upon the quest of recording and releasing four seasonally themed EPs in 2010:
Spring,
Summer,
Fall and
Winter. What better way to let folks be a part of our development as a band than to record and release our newest experimentations every few months? After 12 months of non-stop work, all four EPs were successfully released in 2010 (and additionally compiled into a box-set: “The Band For All Season”) and continue to garner attention and good reviews internationally.
June 24 TIM & MYLES THOMPSON
Tim and Myles Thompson are a Nashville based, award winning American jazz duo that uses acoustic guitar, violin, mandolin and vocals to entertain music lovers of all ages. They present high energy instrumental and vocal duets of improvised originals, and, classics reminiscent of legendary artists such as Chet Atkins, Stephane Grappelli, Chick Corea, and, Jackson Browne. Their down-to-earth musical style is a one-of-a-kind combination of improvisational jazz, traditional folk, singer-songwriter, country, rock and, World. International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Tim digs deep into his northern Minnesota music roots, layering intricate melodies, chords, and, textures with his acoustic and electric guitars. His son, Myles, answers and/or takes the lead with soaring and drifting echoes on violin. And, they improvise and tell humorous, homespun stories that endear them to their audiences.
The father-son give-and-take approach is fun-filled, yet humble, leaving audiences inspired with a sense of family, friends, and wonderful music!
2011 Series
June 5- Still House
It’s always exciting when a new bluegrass band hits the scene, especially when it is made up of dynamic young pickers and singers who have already demonstrated their bona fides.
Still-House is just such a group, formed from the members of Carrie Hassler & Hard Rain who are branching out to test the waters on their own. The band consists of Hard Rainers Jamie Harper on fiddle, Travis Anderson on bass, Kevin McKinnon on mandolin and Keith McKinnon on banjo and guitar – plus guitarist and lead vocalist Justin Tomlin, formerly of Deer Creek Boys.
They play with an energy and passion that is such a welcome aspect of this new generation of grassers. The songs have clever hooks and the arrangements are crisp and unique. Great stuff. -Posted on thebluegrassblog.com by John Lawless
June 12 Frontier Ruckus
“…delicate, finger-picked banjos, aching, oaky violin and the haunting voice of frontman Matthew Milia, who conjures what might happen had Neutral Milk Hotel’s Jeff Mangum been raised in a log cabin. Their songs are full of rich, rural details: frozen lakes, swaying trees, highway lights glowing in the deep night. Add to the mix baleful brass and trembling percussion, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Gothic Americana.” – Rolling Stone
“On the surface their music is a careful blend of folk and bluegrass, but below the obvious layer many fans sensed an intangible element ingrained within the notes and lyrics Frontier Ruckus, through some kind of rare ability, turned memories into melodies and transformed a from-the-inside-out examination of their native Michigan into a creaky back-porch storytelling session relevant well beyond the Great Lakes. Deadmalls and Nightfalls is a musical map to the psyches of its performers. You will want to know the words by heart to sing under the haze of summer starlight, alongside the roaming river, while drifting down forgotten backroads, and contemplating the causes and effects of urban sprawl.” – PopMatters
June 19
The TwangTown Paramours
MaryBeth Zamer has sung professionally since the age of 18. Before moving to Nashville, she was a fixture of the local music scene in the Washington, D.C. area, where she fronted a popular bar band for several years. MaryBeth toured Europe, worked as a guest artist with several other bands, and sang background vocals for the band Method Actor featuring Eva Cassidy.
After relocating to Nashville, MaryBeth continued her musical career working as a demo singer for local songwriters, as a background vocalist for several new country artists, and working on her own projects, including serving as lead vocalist for the band Blue Martini. She now sings lead vocals for the Twangtown Paramours.
Mike T. Lewis has played guitar for a million and a half years, and bass for about half that long. He sometimes tours with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, playing upright bass.
In 1997, Mike had a #1 pop hit in South Korea on Yang Pa’s first album called “A Heartbeat Away”. It sold over 800,000 units. The tune was #1 for five weeks and stayed on the charts for six months. In addition to the hit in Korea, Mike has had songs recorded by independent artists in the U.K., Japan, and the U.S.
Since 2000, Mike has owned and operated a studio, producing tunes for up and coming performers as well as people who should spend their money more wisely. His newest endeavors are producing the Twangtown Paramours and his own solo project.
June 26 The Ballinger Family Band
Kris, Dale and their son Ethan live in middle Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. The Ballingers play music that ranges from old time fiddle tunes to gypsy swing to contemporary ballads. Along with their tight-knit vocals, Kris’ guitar work and Dale’s upright bass provide a solid foundation for Ethan to soar on mandolin and guitar. Kris and Dale have been playing music for most of their lives, and since 1980 they have been making music together. They played with national fiddlin’ champion Frazier Moss for seven years and performed with fiddler Junior Daugherty at Carnegie Hall in NYC. As founding members of “The Cluster Pluckers” they have recorded five albums, played across the United States and toured Europe and Japan. Their TV appearances include Austin City Limits with Chet Atkins, Ken Burns’ Songs of the Civil War with Hoyt Axton, The Statler Brothers Show, Nashville Now, American Music Shop and Reno’s Old Time Music Festival. They were invited to Washington DC to represent Tennessee music at the Tennessee/Arkansas Celebration during President Clinton’s Inaugural festivities and performed again for Clinton and Gore in Nashville at a special event. The Cluster Pluckers toured Japan and Europe. They have played shows with Chet Atkins, John Hartford, Vassar Clements, The Everly Brothers, Bill Monroe, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Alison Krauss, Faith Hill, Emmy Lou Harris, John Prine, Johnny Cash and many other great artists. In recent years Kris and Dale have branched out and played with other groups of musicians and have toured in Scotland the last 3 out of 4 summers. For the last couple of years they have focused their attention on playing and performing with their son Ethan, who is a wonderful musician in his own right. Together they recorded a family CD entitled “The Ballinger Family Band”.
2010 Series
June 6 The New Familiars
For Years now, North Carolina's The New Familiars have been touring & playing their own style of American Rock & Roll wherever and whenever they can. Drawing from the vast influences that they've collected throughout their collective careers, this quartet has shaped a sound that combines the nitty-gritty roots music of the Appalachia with guitar-drenched-drum-driven anthems of Rock & Roll. Through collective songwriting, howling harmonies, & multi-instrumental talent, their show can take you from a back porch hoe-down to a full on rock show at the change of an instrument.
June 13 Jeff Hall
When asked to describe vocalist Jeff Hall, the first words of reply are usually "incredible musician". Immediately you know that you are dealing with a person who has more going for him than a singing voice, although the voice is a remarkable one. His fresh arrangements and treatment of jazz standards reveal a vocalist possessing both a musical mastery of the past, plus a risk-taking rush of bravado, serving to showcase his unique talents.
Born into a musical family just north of Baltimore, Maryland, singing and playing music came naturally. This love of music eventually led him to Towson University in Towson, Maryland, where he continued to study, sing, and play drums and percussion, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz/Commercial Performance. He followed that by earning a vocal scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, where he furthered his education and continued to hone his skills. Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Jeff has been featured on guitarist Ken Navarro’s After Dark and Pride and Joy CDs. His tours with the jazz vocal group "After Hours" include performing at both the Montreaux and North Sea Jazz Festivals and dates across Europe. As part of the faculty at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, where he teaches vocal classes and ensembles, Jeff shares his skills and experience with students eager to learn more about the jazz art form. He continues to perform and record in Nashville and other cities, as well as arranging for vocal jazz ensembles and other individual artists. Jeff's debut CD "Let's Face The Music" earned rave reviews, and he has just finished recording a new live CD which is scheduled for a spring/summer release.
June 20
Ricky and Micol Davis, shortly after marrying in 1994, began their musical life together at an open mic night at Sassy Ann's in Knoxville, which proved to be the beginning of something very special. After releasing their debut album, My Side Of The Road, in 1997, they moved to Nashville in 1998. Vanguard recording artist Mindy Smith, who had just moved from Knoxville to Nashville a few months earlier, encouraged Ricky and Micol to move to Music City, where open mics, jam sessions and songwriter rounds found the duo ready for 2001's Delta Low ~ Mountain High, a release that continues to garner favor and attract media attention. 2005's Miramax film, Daltry Calhoun, features Blue Mother Tupelo's dreamy rendition of the Paul Anka classic, "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," and the movie's soundtrack also includes BMT's version. Love Live ~ 5 Songs From The Road showcases some live favorites recorded between 2001 and 2006, and highlights BMT’s penchant for jams and spontaneous sincerity. The song “Without You” (from Delta Low ~ Mountain High) is included in 2009’s 1970s style film, Sugar Boxx, directed by cult film maker Cody Jarrett. Through the years, BMT has traveled wherever the music leads—touring, recording, and living through their music.
June 27 Gold Heart
The band presents Analise on mandolin, Jocelyn on guitar and Shelby on fiddle, with each sister contributing vocals that together creates their velvety smooth and addicting sound. Their own Dad, Trent Gold, holds the band steady on bass, while Russ Carson tears it up on the 5 - string banjo. The talent of these sisters stops with neither their refined instrumentation nor their harmonious renderings. They each have the amazing gift of song writing and have written and arranged some truly remarkable pieces. Jocelyn pens the majority of the bands impressive material. At age fifteen, out of 983 entrants, Jocelyn was one of three finalists in the bluegrass category at the 2008 Chris Austin Songwriters Competition at MerleFest. "Never Let Go" was released in October of 2008! All twelve songs featured on the CD were written or co-written by the Gold sisters."Never Let Go" was recorded in Nashville, TN and produced by Mr. Justin Carbone of the Special Consensus Band. It is receiving world wide airplay and exceptional reviews! The exciting new Rural Rhythm Records project, "My Sisters and Me" was released on August 25, 2009 and is now available in stores wherever bluegrass is sold. The album features nine brilliant songs written or co-written by Jocelyn Gold. Additional special contributions include the single "Sister" by Nora Jane Struthers. "My Sisters and Me" is heart felt music that nicely portrays a picture and captures the lives and personalities of not just The Gold Sisters, but sisters everywhere. Gold Heart is a tight group that will leave a positive impression on you from the first note to the last. Their impact in bluegrass and acoustic music is bound to endure. Gold Heart has set a high standard and this group promises to deliver their very best. The Gold sisters give God above all the glory and credit Him alone for their talent and inspiration.
Jump on board and delight in the…
“GOLDEN SOUND OF BLUEGRASS!”
2009 Series
June 7- Patti Cossentino
Nashville based saxophonist/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Pattie Cossentino is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Pattie earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. She also completed graduate studies at the University of North Texas. Pattie competed in several regional and national competitions winning First Place in Baltimore Music Club Competition, First Place in the University of Maryland Undergraduate Solo Competition and was a finalist in the Baltimore Symphony Young Soloists Competition as an alto saxophonist. Also, and accomplished pianist/organist, she had also served as Minister of Music and organist/choir director at many churches. Additionally, Pattie was saxophone instructor at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. In 2007 Pattie released her first CD as a solo artist. Invitation spent 8 weeks on the National Jazz Top 40 chart and peaked at 22 in the nation. The CD was also featured on National Public Radio’s nationally syndicated show “Jazz with Bob Parlocha” Top 40 CD list this year. “Invitation: A marvelous debut disk, revealing a seasoned singer and multi-instrumentalist…here’s your invitation to discover a worthy artist you’ll want to hear more from,” Greg Lee Jazz-89 WMOT Nashville. Jazz Review said of Invitation, “Pattie Cossentino delivers a refreshing dish of originals, standards, and straight ahead jazz in Latin and swing styles on her debut CD. The versitale Nashville-based Cossentino is blessed with a warm and inviting singing voice that she compliments with her flute, and her soprano, alto, tenor, and bari saxophones. But it’s Cossentino’s instrumental work that makes these tunes come alive.” She was just featured in March as part of “Women in Jazz” on “The Jazz Life” in New York/New Jersey. In demand as a studio musician, her jazz quartet is a mainstay on the local jazz scene in Nashville and is regularly at many jazz festivals and concerts throughout the Southeast. Visit www.pattiecossentino.com, CD Baby, Amazon or I-tunes to purchase a CD.
June 14- The Howling Brothers
The Howling Brothers are a hard working, energetic string band based in Nashville, TN. Last year alone they played more than 250 shows. From local farmers markets, festivals, to the Station Inn, they deliver enthusiastic performances wherever they are playing. Getting their start in Ithaca, NY, brothers Ian and Jared moved to Nashville in the fall of 2005. Fortunately they found a young, aggressive upright bass player by the name of JT Huskey. The unique sound of the trio has been described to carry “…a bluesy lope that creeps into their string-fueled backwoods swing. A ramshackle racket so kinetic it sounds liable to fly apart at any moment.” -Nashville Scene. Since their time in Tennessee, the brothers have recorded a full length studio album entitled Tragic Mountain Songs. It features seven original tracks such as Till I Find You, and Last Train, as well as eight traditional tunes such as Worried Man Blues, and Billy in the Low Ground. The brothers have also compiled a live CD from various appearances on East Tennessee's own WDVX Blue Plate Special. Their third album which features an equal mix of blues and bluegrass should be available by July 2009. Learning new instruments and old songs has been a big part in the growth of this string band. The Howling Brothers bridge the gap between ole-time, bluegrass, and country blues, turning non-bluegrass lovers into fans on a daily basis.
June 21- Jeff & Vida
Over the years of touring in the Rocky Mountain West, Jeff & Vida encountered a wellspring of stringband musicians living in Colorado. These chance encounters, jam sessions, and impromptu collaborations became the new Jeff & Vida Band, and the result is Selma Chalk featuring 13 new and original songs played by Jeff & Vida and some of their favorite musicians. Inspired by the 50’s bluegrass and rockabilly sound the music is both old and new. The members of The Jeff & Vida Band have incredible fluency on their instruments, and their exciting approach to stringband music helped achieve Jeff & Vida's vision for this project. With original timeless ballads, raucous bluegrass barn-burners, and driving acoustic honky-tonk, the material is striking, the arrangements are electrifying, and the result is music that is real, true, and unforgettable.
June 28- Jamey Simmons Sextet
West Bend, Wisconsin native, Jamey Simmons, earned his bachelor of music and teaching certification at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire under the guidance of Robery Baca. In May of 2002 he earned his Master of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music where he studied under jazz composer and arranger Fred Sturm. Mr. Simmons is an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. As a jazz trumpet player, Simmons has toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra across the United States, South America, and Japan. Simmons has made appearances with artists as diversified as the Hornheads, the Temptations, Dave Weckl, Buddy DeFranco, Macy Gray, Jason Alexander, New York Voices, and the JazzMn Big Band out of Minneapolis. He has been twice awarded the Best Arranger Award by Downbeat Magazine for the years 2001 and 2002. In September of 2003 Mr. Simmons won first price at the Brussels Jazz Orchestra International Composition Contest in Brussels, Belgium for his composition Lock Box. Simmons has written arrangements and compositions that have been performed by the Rochester Chamer Orchestra, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Cedar Avenue Big Band and the Bekchae Wind Band of Daejon Korea. Currently he is the top selling writer/arranger for Increase Music PublishersSt. Paul, MN. His composition Young Person’s Guide to the Jazz Ensemble was the Editor’s Choice in the Pepper Music catalog in 2002 and is available through Heritage Jazz Works/Lorenz Music. Jamey enjoys spending time with his wife P.J. and three children at his house on a farm near Wartrace, Tennessee.
2008 Series
June 1 SIERRA HULL
June 22 ETHAN BALLINGER & FRIENDS
June 29 BRIAN ASHLEY JONES
2007 Series
June 3 MONTE MONTGOMERY
June 24 BLIND CORN LIQUOR PICKERS
2006 Series
June 4 WHISKEY RICHARD
Nashville-based act Whiskey Richard has been tearing up the Southeast music scene for the past 4 years. While based in Tallahassee, they played over 200 shows at FSU's most popular venue, Bullwinkle's Saloon (featured annually in Playboy's "Top 100 College Bars") and filled venues throughout Florida and Georgia. With broad appeal and an electric live show, the group is showcasing their music in Nashville while continuing to tour the country.
Songwriter Chris Dreyer and guitarist Scott Taylor began performing together while studying abroad in London. After recording a demo, they gave three standing-room-only performances at London's famed 12 Bar Club. While paying their dues as an acoustic act on the local scene at Florida State University, Chris and Scott set their sites on fleshing out the original tunes with a full band.
Bigger shows were booked, and they began to play outside of Tallahassee. The group found its way and started playing Bullwinkle's, the hottest bar in Tallahassee. Within a few months, they were the hottest group on the roster and began expanding their fan base. Mark Raudaugh settled in as drummer in 2003. Andrew Altman came in on bass the fall of 2004. Whiskey Richard became the name of band.
With the addition of Drew and Mark on bass and drums, the group has continually wowed its audiences with amazing live shows and breath-taking musicianship. After 250+shows while based in Tallahassee, the group has relocated to Nashville, TN to take the music world by storm. Look out.
When talking about Latin music, the San Rafael Band can be set apart from the rest. For over 10 years, the San Rafael Band has continued to be one of the most popular bands in the Southeast. The group is led by Rafael A. Vasquez, lead guitarist and songwriter. Rafael was raised in San Antonio, Texas and later in Northern California. He has performed opening acts for Santana contemporaries such as El Chicano and Airto Moriera. The San Rafael Band has opened shows for Michael Stern and John Patitucci, Michael McDonald, Jo Satriani, Cachao, and most recently Los Lobos. SRB members include: Jim Roller (bass), who has been on the road with country artist Mindy McCready, Pam Tillis, Lila McCann and LeRoy Parnell. Rob Guidry (drums), hailing from Louisiana, had backed up "Soul Man" Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave) and has opened shows for fellow Louisiana natives the Neville Brothers. Justin Levinson (congas) is fast becoming one of Nashville's top studio percussionists, just recently opening up for Shania Twain on tour. Dan Nadasdi (keys), originally from Toronto, served as band leader for country artist Michelle Wright for a number of years. Glen Caruba (Congero and percussion) recently finished performing with Jimmy Buffet in the Broadway musical Don't Stop the Carnival. He also studied with the great Alex Acuna and has worked with both the Mavericks and Glen Frey.
June 18 THE PEASALL SISTERS
When the producers of the motion picture O Brother, Where Art Thou? were looking for three girls to play George Clooney's on screen daughters, three sisters were brought to the audition by their biggest fan; their mom. Over the past five years, these sisters — Sarah, Hannah, and Leah, sang on a multi-million selling album, have earned a GRAMMY, a CMA Award, an IBMA Award, and an ACM Award. The Peasall Sisters have performed at such esteemed venues as Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall with the acclaimed Down From the Mountain tour, in addition to the Grand Ole Opry.
Now the Sisters have been joined by their father Michael as they travel the United States performing at churches, Blue Grass festivals, and various other events. In August of 2004, John Carter Cash and Dualtone Records released The Unbroken Circle, a tribute to the Carater Family music and heritage. The Peasall Sisters teamed up with Emmylou Harris for one track of the album. The girls have finished a new album entitled Home to You on DualTone Records.
But even after all the time spent in the spotlight, the Peasalls are still all about family. They remain down-to-earth teenagers who live with their tight-knit family, including three younger siblings in White House, Tenn. If you ask the girls about their favorite music, these modern day Carter Sisters list a history of family groups spanning a century, from the Cox Family to the Carter Family to the Whites, Nickel Creek and the Dixie Chicks—not to mention the influence of their own multi-instrumentalist grandfather, Jimmy Brasher, author of Home to You’s “The Old Church Yard.”
June 18 KRISTINE MYLLS
Jazz vocalist Kristine Mylls combines sexy vocals with an undeniable stage presence that has captivated audiences across the country. Drawing on her experience in performing a variety of musical genres, she brings elements from each into her stunning show.
With the release of her debut solo album, entitled Mylls To Go, this unique jazz artist will continue to grow her fan base and pursue radio air play with her interpretation of hits like, Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall In Love) and One Fine Day.
Mylls grew up in Washington D.C. and began singing when she was 10 years old. As she quickly moved through the choral ranks of her grade and high school choirs, she realized her tremendous singing voice would become her life’s dream. As a college student at George Mason University she studied classical music, but performed in a variety of genres. Mylls sang with several groups at once, including a vocal jazz group, university choir, and a rock band called “Second Sun”. After graduating from George Mason, Mylls performed locally in various bars and clubs for a period of time, never feeling quite at home in the lackluster environment D.C. provided her and other musicians. On a whim, she and some friends moved to Nashville, where her love and passion for her dream was accepted and encouraged.
Along with singing as a solo artist, Mylls is one of the lead vocalists in a big band called “Radio Daze”, which is fronted by a four-part harmony vocal quartet. The band has played in various festivals and venues throughout the South, and numerous charity events.
Mylls says along with The Beatles, jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn have been influential to her as a musician, though in striving to be unique to her own style, she admits she doesn’t often frequent other local jazz performers’ gigs.
Her recent album, Mylls To Go, releases Fall 2003, and features musicians, Roger Spencer (bass; Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Buddy DeFranco, Beegie Adair), Lori Mechem (piano; Dizzy Gillespie, Ann Jillian, Edie Gorme and the McGuire Sisters), Jim White (drums) Denis Solee (saxophone), Michael Fair (trumpet and flugelhorn), and Pete Huttlinger (guitar).
2005 Series
June 5 Rebecca Sayre
With a colorful palette of world experience paving her road to jazz, Rebecca Sayre’s warm, expressive tone and sense of swing prove she is a gifted talent on the rise. And with the recent release of her debut album This is Always, she has begun attracting notice from radio and increasing enthusiasm from her growing fan base. While many of her jazz contemporaries perform interpretatively, Rebecca Sayre brings a refreshing, straight-ahead approach to melody and lyric, and performs songs originally delivered by her greatest influences: Ella Fitzgerald, Chris Connor, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Anita O’Day, and others.
Growing up in Northern California, Sayre recalls the consistent presence of classical music flowing through her home. Even so, she managed to discover the Ink Spots and June Christy in her parents’ record collection, as well as big-band radio station, KMPX, out of San Francisco. At age 11, she began playing guitar and writing songs, which later earned awards from the Bay Area Songwriters Association. By age 16, she decided she would pursue a singing career and at 19, her discovery of jazz and swing was seriously underway when she began singing in a local swing band. Soon after, Sayre packed up, and drove cross-country to pursue her musical dreams in Nashville. Visit her web site at www.rebeccasayre.com.
When asked to describe vocalist Jeff Hall, the first words of reply are usually "incredible musician". Immediately you know that you are dealing with a person who has more going for him than just a singing voice, although the voice is a remarkable one. He has a complete package of skills that are evident on his debut CD "Let's Face The Music". His unique treatment of jazz standards has produced wonderful arrangements that are as individual as he is, and along with a tremendous band, he delivers the goods!
Born into a musical family (both mother and father were music teachers) just north of Baltimore, Maryland, singing and playing music came naturally. This love of music eventually led him to Towson University in Towson, Maryland, where he continued to study, sing, and play drums and percussion, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz/Commercial Performance. He followed that by earning a vocal scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, where he furthered his education and continued to hone his skills.
Currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Jeff has been featured on guitarist Ken Navarro’s After Dark and Pride and Joy CDs. His tours with the jazz vocal group "After Hours" include performing at both the Montreaux and North Sea Jazz Festivals and dates across Europe. As part of the faculty at the Nashville Jazz Workshop, where he teaches vocal classes and ensembles, Jeff shares his skills and experience with students eager to learn more about the jazz art form. He continues to perform and record in Nashville and other cities, as well as arranging for vocal jazz ensembles and other individual artists.
June 19 Rod McGaha
Raised in the "Windy City", Rod's incredible jazz trumpet playing has taken him through all of the major U.S. cities and many cities over seas. He has performed with such artists as Lou Rawls, The O'Jays, Bebe and Cece Winans, Take 6, and Max Roach and his Brass Quintet. Rod studied music at DePaul University in Chicago IL. where he studied under the jazz great Clark Terry. Rod and his family moved to Nashville in the early 90's and has been very successful with studio work, club dates and with his own solo projects.
Jazz singer Annie Sellick has it all, a sensational voice, commanding stage presence, striking appearance and infectious enthusiasm. She has won a large, devoted following and earned rave reviews, winning numerous 'Best Jazz Artist' awards in the Nashville media. And Sellick's latest album, No Greater Thrill, is sure to bring her national acclaim. Featuring the organ work of world-renowned jazz artist Joey DeFrancesco, No Greater Thrill is irrefutable evidence that Sellick has entered the big leagues.
Sellick's jazz journey began auspiciously when she sat in with guitarist Roland Gresham's group at a club near the college she attended. After her performance, the crowd rose to their feet cheering, and it was clear she had found her calling. "It shocked me, the response, and I think it shocked Roland too. Maybe that's why he kept me." She sang with Gresham's trio for four years and developed a sizable following. She honed her skills under the tutelage of Lori Mechem and Roger Spencer at the Nashville Jazz Workshop. Sellick has been a mainstay at Nashville's main jazz venues, F. Scott's and Cafe 123, and was featured in a popular weekly series, 'Sellick and Sushi,' at Virago.
Sellick's first record, Stardust on My Sleeve, was a striking debut that highlighted her interpretative skills, bringing vitality and urgency to classic jazz standards. The album was on the Top 10 Local Artists list at Tower Records for many months, and even remained in Tower's storewide Top 25 for several weeks, keeping pace with international releases by top-selling artists. She has been profiled in every major Nashville paper, and gave a celebrated sold-out performance backed by the Nashville Symphony.
With the release of No Greater Thrill, it's clear that Annie Sellick's future is as bright as her smile. It's only a matter of time before the national jazz radar gets wind of this enchanting, compelling performer. Track her activities at www.anniesellick.com.
2004 Series
June 6 Sean McCollough & Evergreen Street
Sean McCollough & Evergreen Street have an exciting show with enough substance to warrant a sit-down concert and enough energy for a club or a party. The music they play is often characterized as singer/songwriter folk-rock or Americana. Whatever you call it, it’s good-time music rooted in folk, rock and pop and sprinkled with international flavors.
The Band is comprised of songwriter Sean McCollough on guitar and lead vocals, Geol Greenlee on keyboards and background vocals, And Phil Pollard on drums. Evergreen Street has been performing regularly at clubs, concert halls, parties and festivals since 2001. They recently released their first album (self-titled) with twelve original songs by McCollough.
Sean McCollough began performing his own songs professionally in the mid 1990s. His first step into the professional music world came a couple of years earlier performing for children. He performed as a solo singer-songwriter for several years and released his first CD of original material (Sean McCollough) in 1999. He also plays the banjo and mandolin and plays “quirky original mountain music” with the band the LoneTones. He holds a Masters degree in ethnomusicology and teaches music history courses (including the history of rock and Music of Appalachia) at the University of Tennessee.
Geol Greenlee has a PhD in music composition, teaches music at Roane State Community College and is a church music director. But don’t let any of that fool you. He’s one of the loosest, most creative, versatile keyboard players you’ll ever hear. He plays with Sara Schwabe and her Yankee Jazz Band, teaches piano and mixes things up wherever he goes.
Phil Pollard plays drums just about every chance he gets. He plays myriad styles from jazz to orchestral to avant-garde rock. He drums with Sara Schwabe and Her Yankee Jazz Band as well, plays for local theater productions, fills in for other bands around Knoxville and teaches drums to over 60 students. He holds a Masters degree in English Literature and teaches children at Mountain Song School.
June 13 Blue Mother Tupelo
Their sound is a Southern blend with universal appeal. Mississippi stomp, earthy funk, bittersweet melancholy, sunny soul-rock, Appalachian attitude. Blue Mother Tupelo's original songs are testimonies; sometimes reflective...sometimes carefree.
Micol Davis's amazing voice has been described a 'revelation.' With her tambourine grooves & gospel-tinged humming of the keyboard, the music shines.
Ricky Davis's voice is drenched in soul and his musicianship has been compared to those among the most revered. From Strat' to steel, Ricky handles his guitars effortlessly.
Blue Mother Tupelo's beautifully tender & powerful vocal harmonies intertwine to create a unique blend of music that you can't live without!
June 20 O.J. Cummins & the Big Band Sound
O.J. started the Dayton, Ohio Jazz Society in 1970, the Cookeville Jazz Society in 1978, and the Big Band Sound Orchestra on September 19 of 1996. The BBSO is a twenty-one piece orchestra made up of top notch musicians in the Upper Cumberland area. The orchestra averages eighteen performances a year, with regular dances each Saturday night at the Fairfield Glade Recreation Center in Crossville. Members of the orchestra reflect a high level of technical training with several having Master's degrees, PhDs, and several graduates from university music schools. O.J. writes, arranges and composes music for the orchestra. He has taught percussions, woodwinds, and keyboards and has several original compositions to his credit.
June 27 Lori Meacham
A respected jazz pianist, composer and educator, Lori, along with her husband Roger Spencer, has been residing in the Nashville area since 1988. In addition to directing production shows and conducting musical theater, she has performed with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Red Holloway, Jimmy Smith, Cal Collins, Roy McCurdy, Terry Gibbs, Pete Christlieb, Kirk Whalum, Ann Jillian, Edie Gorme and the McGuire Sisters.
A native of Anderson Indiana, Lori received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. Lori's CD "Welcome to Brazil" was nominated for "Best Jazz Album of the Year" by the Nashville Music Awards in 1997. Lori and her husband Roger are the founders and directors of Nashville's first jazz school, The Nashville Jazz Workshop. Lori teaches full time as well as performs throughout the South and Mid-West.
Lori just recently released her 2nd CD, "Shiny Stockings". This is a project devoted entirely to the music of Count Basie. All the arrangements were taken from the original Big Band recordings and played by Lori's quartet.
