Paul Collins Artist Management International
Paul Collins Artist Management International: MultiMusic Bio's
Paul Collins - Artist Management and MultiMusic Services International
Paul Collins from Kansas City, Missouri is an award winning manager with over 25 years experience in administration and management working in government, corporate industry, private industry and community not-for-profit organizations.
For the past 12 years, Mr. Collins has made music management his chief aim in life. Coming from a musical family, Mr. Collins developed his passion for music from his father. Although Mr. Collins junior did not pursue music education and performance, as his gifted father, he realized and developed his greater strengths in administration and management.
With his keen insight, ability to discover talent and business acumen, Mr. Collins saw a greater need for musicians who needed help developing their music careers to the next level locally, nationally and internationally. PCAMI* Multi-Music Services was created to service that need.
Mr. Collins started in the music business by volunteering at indoor and outdoor music festivals held in Kansas City, Missouri. There, he delivered pop, water and ice to other volunteers that were stationed around the festival so they could sell these products to customers at these events. When a friend of the family noticed his passion coupled with his strengths, he was quickly used in more responsible assignments at these public and private events. This progressed to working with the technical director at the 18th and Vine Historic Gem Theatre as stage hand setting up props, lights and sound equipment to stage manager calling event sequences to the sound & light techs and artists scheduled to perform and as house manager making sure clients, customers and staff received a quality and value added experience at events. It was here that Mr. Collins was able to see up close and personal the work that goes into music concerts, stage plays and dance productions for “live” performances and recorded events and how his skills in administration and management could best be used. Also the need for qualified personnel to attend to the many details involved in these productions. “These are all the things I love about the business” says the music impresario.
When not working on CD projects or promoting and growing international artists, Mr. Collins coordinates and schedules performances at venues, for festivals directors and general managers at premiere luxury hotel properties around the world. He also continues to volunteer at music festivals in Kansas City, Missouri and at the annual Detroit International Jazz Festival in Detroit, Michigan.
Mr. Collins spends his spare time volunteering to serve on two Kansas City boards of directors. One has an emphasis on music education called "Jazz Friends of the Conservatory of Music and Dance" at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he has served as chair, president emeritus and as current president. He is credited with the development of the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” given to outstanding Kansas City musicians. Such past award winners include jazz icons; Jay McShann, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Myra Taylor, Tony DiPardo, Bobby Watson, Sr., and Marilyn Maye just to mention a few. Mr. Collins also assists in producing the annual UMKC Jazz ‘N’ BBQ signature event, which raises money for the jazz studies program, students and faculty at the conservatory. This board recently raised money to send selected award winning jazz students and faculty to Europe to perform on an international stage. The other board is located at the Swope Parkway Health Care Center. Here Mr. Collins serves as part of a committee that produces a music festival to raises funds to support a mobile unit that provides health care to residences living in hard to reach urban and rural areas. Mr. Collins is currently working on an initiative that would create an “Avenue to The Vine”. One that would start from the downtown area at the recent hand painted mural of 18th and Vine and meander back to the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District coupled with a self-guided automated tour.
Mr. Collins is also sought out for his experience and keen advice. “Passionate about the music is not just a phrase…it’s a way of life.”
Frankye Kelly - Jazz Vocalist, songwriter, band leader
Frankye Kelly was born in Jackson, Mississippi and was introduced to the world of music at the age of three by her grandmother. From then on, music has taken on greater emphasis and meaning in her life, from winning music competitions during her school years, to performing at venues and festivals around the world.
After marrying, Frankye moved to Detroit and started her professional music career singing R&B. She had a hit with Johnnie Mae Matthews' "I Have No Choice". She sang backup with Marlena Shaw and Roslyn Ashford, formerly of Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Her own group, Flyght, matched her voice with that of four male singers, until she dropped out of the music scene to raise her family.
Frankye has performed with many blues and jazz greats such as Calvin Keys, Coco Montoya, Robert Stewart, Ed Kelly, Kalil Shahid and Buddy Montgomery and has had Pharoah Sanders and Taj Mahal take in one of her performances from which she received positive feedback from them both on her performance. She is drawn and has been influenced musically by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats Domino, Little Richard and the “Divine One”, Sarah Vaughn.
Another one of her greatest musical influences came from her cousin, vocal and guitar blues legend, Albert Collins. He played a very supportive role in her decision to sing jazz and gave her first hand experience in the music business. He also flew her to many of his sold out performances to give her an idea of what the music business was like behind the scenes. Frankye has always remembered his sage advice to always remain humble and to hold your audience in high esteem. This practical advice has worked time and time again, year after year.
Frankye Kelly has been privileged to performed in China, Bangkok, Mexico, France, Japan, Europe, and the USA and has performed at some of the top luxury hotels around the world and several high profile jazz festivals such as the San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Jose Jazz Festival and Fillmore Jazz Festival and performs regularly at Yoshis’ in Oakland, California.
Frankye has recorded three CD’s “The Night is Young “, ”My Life, More Than It Is: Not Just the Blues”, “Live at Yoshis’, Frankye Kelly Sings Songs For My Father” and is putting the finishing touches on her latest CD project due for release late summer 2008.
Kelly has earned “Best Jazz Vocal Album”, “Best New Artist” and “Album of the Year” in the 2002 Grammy Awards Entry List for her release "My Life, More Than It Is-Not Just The Blues".
Not only is Kelly one of San Francisco’s top jazz vocalist and cabaret songstress, she has a TV program, which airs weekly throughout the San Francisco Bay area. The program is called "Jazz with Frankye" which has been ongoing since 1997. The program features performances and interviews with local Bay area jazz and blues artists.
Kelly also welcomes the opportunity to hold master classes, work with youth from local high schools and junior colleges that have entertained career options in all areas of film, television, video and motion pictures to work with her on the TV program. Kelly has also taught her own curriculum in the in the “21st Century After School Program” for the Oakland Unified School District called "Children’s' Jazz After School".
Frankye Kelly is available as band leader, vocals, luxury hotel entertainment, studio work, private parties and other music projects. She is represented around the world by Paul Collins Artist Management International-PCAMI*.
Shimrit Shoshan- piano, composer
PCAMI* Welcomes NYC pianist and composer Shimrit Shoshan
Shimrit Shoshan was born in Israel and has been playing music since she was 8 years old. At 10 years old, Shimrit began developing her skill for the endless colors and textures of the piano. This eventually leads to her placement in Israel’s most prestigious Performing Arts High School to nurture her budding creativity and musical genius. By the age of 18, she began receiving awards and recognition as a gifted and talented pianist and composer. To expand upon her promising musical career, Shimrit relocated to New York-USA where she received numerous scholarships to study at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. It was there that she met and began to study with jazz legends Charles Toliver, Kenny Barron Eric Reed, Benny Powell and Charli Persip just to mention a few. While in New York for only 6 years, Shimrit has had the privilege of performing at a number of high profile venues with some of New York’s hottest upcoming jazz artists such as; Nasheet Wait, John Hebert, Eric McPherson and Ben Street, in addition to performing most recently with legendary jazz drummer, Charli Persip at the Fat Cat in New York, NY. Currently, Shimrit can be seen and heard in a number of settings around New York City, writing original music or in the studio putting the finishing touches on her debut CD recording scheduled for release in the fall of 2008.
Jens Wendelboe - trombonist, composer, arranger, conductor
Jens Wendelboe is originally from Oslo, Norway. This multi-talented and gifted musician has a varied and distinguished career in the music business. Graduated from The Manhattan School of Music-NYC with a Master in Composition and Film Scoring, the Østlandske Music Conservatory-Oslo, Norway with a Bachelor Degree in Classical Trombone and Individual Study with Don Sebeske & Ed Green (Film Score), Dennis Wikk, Bill Watrous, Arild Jensen (Trombone), and Michael Gibbs, (Composition).
Jens moves seamlessly and passionately through classical, jazz, funk, Broadway theatre, film scores, T.V. scores, commission pieces and performances with some of the greatest names in music.
Currently, on tour as the musical director for Multi-Grammy Award Winner and music icon-DONNA SUMMER, Jens is also a member of Multi-Grammy Award Winning super group-”BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS”. Jens Wendelboe also finds time to conduct clinics, master classes, compose and perform with his own multi faceted and highly acclaimed group, the “Crazy Energy Orchestra, Big Band and Quartet”.
Now available for scheduling all your varied
musical needs.
Mike Vax - lead trumpeter and band leader
Mike Vax is lead trumpeter and band leader of the Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra and the Mike Vax Big Band.
Mike Vax’s distinguished career of over 35 years, is a study of musical passion! He has performed and or recorded with such greats such as Art Pepper, Al Grey, Freddie Hubbard, Gene Krupa, John Handy, Louie Bellson, Joe Williams, the Clark Terry Big Bad Band, The Glenn Miller and Jimmy Dorsey Orchestras, just to mention a few.
Mike Vax is currently leading his own music groups around the world. Is also active as an international solo clinician in jazz and classical idioms or with the help of his world renowned contemporaries, the Alumni of the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Mike Vax has more than 2000 workshops, clinics and performances under his belt, with more than 75 albums to his credit, including 20 under his own name. The Mike Vax Big Band is now available in various formats for festivals, clinics or international performances. Mike Vax resides in sunny California.
Nabil Khemir - guitar/lute
ATTENTION MUSIC LOVERS: Nabil Khemir is currently at the top of the jazz fusion charts for downloads at eMusic.com nationally and internationally. Please visit eMusic.com to purchase and support the music!
Nabil Khemir from Tunis, Tunisia has been playing music from a very early age and has continued to develop his musical skills by studying Western jazz masters such as George Benson, John McLaughlin and Pat Metheny. In addition to studying jazz masters, Nabil sought the master lute player, Ali Sriti for private master classes on the lute.
In 2004, Nabil designed and had a hybrid instrument made that combines the guitar with a lute. This hybrid instrument gives Nabil the ability to add the quality of both instruments to his voice and performances at a moment s notice. “This child prodigy adds his distinct sound to jazz as he interprets it”, says music impresario Paul Collins, “it just goes to show you the impact jazz has on the world as we know it. We are thankful one of jazz great musical pioneers, Dizzy Gillespie wrote a jazz song that the folks of Tunisia can be proud of. Now, Tunisia can be proud of one of its own in the jazz community. Look for more good music from this upcoming artist.” ###
For more information, please visit us at www.bluecanoerecords.com, www.paulcollinsartistmanagement.com or www.nabilkhemir.com
Gumbi Ortiz, composer, percussionist
Puerto Rico is known for its lush vegetation, coffee beans, baseball legends, tropical atmosphere and music. From such a rich culture it is no wonder Gumbi Ortiz is so productive in the music industry. Coming from a musical family, Gumbi’s father played the saxophone. Gumbi started playing this instrument at an early age before the deep seated rhythms of percussion started growing in him like tobacco, coffee beans and bananas trees in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Responding to these deep seated Latin, Cuban, Caribbean and African rhythmic influences Gumbi Ortiz has created his own recognizable sound. Not only is Gumbi a study in his heritage but he has also practiced and prepared himself for greater musical experience. This opportunity came when international guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola saw Ortiz jamming at a club in St. Petersburg, Florida back in 1986. Little did he know within days he would be jamming with Di Meola at an outdoor park in St. Petersburg before a crowd of 40,000 fans. From that day forward the two have traveled the world together for over 19 years. Now with all of this rich heritage and experience behind him and in him comes the debut CD project entitled “Miami”. At the forefront of this project is an All Star team which includes Executive Producer Kermit Weeks, producer Dan O’Brien and Roger Nichols, senior engineer (7 time Grammy Award Winning engineer who is best known for his 30 years of work with Steely Dan). The musicians joining Gumbi on “Miami” is like a who’s, who list of smooth jazz greats such as Jeff Lorber, Brandon Fields, Barry Miles, Dave Weckl, Jay Beckenstein, Al Di Meola, Mario Rodriguez, Joel Rosenblatt, Scott Ambush, Eric Marienthal and Rachel Z just to mention a few. This new CD embodies all of the elements that have influences Ortiz from the beginning while listening to Carlos Santana and incorporating the possibilities of blending Latin and pop music to performing with his friend drummer and timbale player Chuckie Lopez. With his friend Chuckie they began playing with some big R&B acts which include the Salsoul Orchestra and the dual hit music titans, Ashford & Simpson. Ortiz later performed with many of the great Latin bands in and around New York City from Tito Puente to Charlie Palmieri. Moving to Florida to be with his family who had emigrated from Cuba during the 1980’s, Ortiz settled there and began to perform with many of the Cuban acts in and around Miami. While “Miami marks Ortiz’s first official solo release under his name he has been at the helm of several acclaimed projects over the past decade from The Gumbi Band that toured throughout the Southeast opening for funk legend George Clinton to working with his newly formed group The Latino Project that have released two successful albums “La Cura (2000) and Soy De Aqui (2005). This keeps Gumbi moving fast these days to keep up in addition to touring 5-6 months out of the year with guitar legend Al Di Meola. Even so, the rich soil that created this artist and his artistic material is use to the climate in the music business. Gumbi Ortiz has already received rave reviews from smooth jazz critics around the country. This CD is one you will have in your musical rotation for quite some time. Enjoy!
Dr. Art Davis - Legendary bassist, educator, composer
In a musical career that has spanned four decades, Dr. Art Davis has played his bass with a myriad of the
greatest jazz, classical, and popular artists in the world. He has shared his talents with not only the best jazz
musicians (John Coltrane, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Lena Horne, Thelonius Monk, Louis Armstrong, Count
Basie, Quincy Jones, etc.), but with notable figures from popular music such as Judy Garland, Bob Dylan, Minne
Pearl, Barbara Streisand, Hank Williams. Davis' career has also seen performances with major orchestras such as the
National Symphony, NBC Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Radio City Music Hall
Symphony, Westchester Symphony, Orange County Symphony and others.
Davis studied the tuba as well as the piano as a boy in his hometown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before
switching to the bass in high school. He won numerous awards on both tuba and double-bass while attending high
school. Upon graduation, he moved to New York to study via scholarship at both the Manhattan School of Music as
well as the Juilliard School of Music. While attending the latter he studied with world renown cellist Lazlo Varga
and Anselme Fortier, who was principal bassist with the New York Philharmonic at that time.
Art Davis' recording debut came in 1958 at the Newport Jazz Festival, with Max Roach's group that
included the legendary Booker Little and George Coleman. Davis maintained a strong personal relationship with
Max, and Booker Little became one of his best friends.
John Coltrane came into Art Davis' life while Davis was working with Max Roach's group at Small's
Paradise in Harlem. Coltrane at that time was in Miles Davis' band and between sets asked Art if he would like to
"practice" with him. Art agreed and Coltrane replied "How about tomorrow morning?" At 8:00 the following
morning John Coltrane was in the lobby of Art's hotel and called him on the house phone. After that first meeting,
the two practiced regularly for about a year, the sessions lasting for many hours without a break. It was during this
year that John Coltrane wrote the tune "Giant Steps". Davis credits the association with John
Coltrane as the most intense and enriching musical experience of his career. Until Coltrane's
death in 1967, Art remained close musically and personally with him and was a member of
the bands on several Coltrane albums including, "Ascension", "Africa Brass I and II", "Olé!
Coltrane", and others. Art's discography as a member of Coltrane's groups also includes the
original recording of "A Love Supreme" (which remains unreleased) with Coltrane's regular
quartet and Archie Shepp. Art also toured intermittently with John Coltrane. Due to Davis'
studio and other commitments, he was unable to become a permanent member of Coltrane's
quartet, but John insisted on their continued relationship.
Then, in 1959, Davis joined Dizzy Gillespie's band and toured for two and a half years. Weary of the road
he returned to New York and free-lanced. In 1961 Art became the second African-American member of the NBC
Staff Orchestra, working regularly on the Merv Griffin, Jack Paar, and Johnny Carson shows (and others), as well as
performing in the New York studios playing jingles, films, and freelancing with performers.
When the Griffin show moved to Los Angeles in 1971 Davis went back to school to pursue his deep
interest in psychology, earning a masters degree in Experimental Psychology from the City College of the City
University of New York and a masters degree and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from New York University by
1982. He supported himself while in college by teaching and performing in Broadway shows.
After receiving his doctorate, he devoted four years to psychology patients and teaching in medical centers
and colleges. In 1986, Davis moved to southern California, where he currently teaches college courses and maintains
a professional practice as well as playing concerts, clubs, and recordings.Throughout his busy career, Davis finds
time to encourage young people to strive toward their highest professional ambitions. His fan club decided to reflect
this concern and established a scholarship program for deserving students.
Then, in 1993, Davis founded a non-profit 501(c3) organization entitled B.A.S.S. (Better Advantages for Students
and Society), enabling donors to deduct their gifts. The Dr. Art Davis Sholarships awarded by B.A.S.S. award
stipends to full time college/university students in all educational disciplines. In 1995, Dr. Davis formed the Gladys
Davis Memorial Scholarships in honor of his late wife who was a health care provider. The Gladys Davis Memorial
Scholarships are open to health care majors only. Dr. Davis continues to be active as a leader in local clubs, private
venues, and cultural events in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
PCAMI* is saddened by the recent loss of my friend and mentor Dr. Art Davis. His work ethic and mastery of music is worthy of imitation. "We developed a great personal and professional musical relationship", says music impresario Paul Collins, "I will miss his commanding voice, genuine smile and extraordinary musicianship."
Visit his official website: www.artdavis.com
Roberto Magris Quartet - Europlane and Alfabeats Nu Jazz-jazz pianist and composer
Roberto Magris is from Trieste, Italy a beautiful city that sits above the Adriatic Sea. Roberto began lessons on the piano at the age of four. Soon it was discovered he had perfect pitch and learned to push the piano keys before reading or writing the alphabet. He continued music lessons on the piano until he was 16 and learned to play the music of classical composers such as Mussorgorsky, Arensky and Rachmaninoff. Not only were the sites, sounds and music of this city responsible for shaping this artist, but also the countries that surrounded him like Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Germany and Hungary. However, it was a love for jazz that continued to inspire this prolific writer, especially after listening to jazz legends such as pianist, Oscar Peterson. By 1977, Roberto was a member of Grupo Jazz Marca and recorded three albums with them before forming his own quartet with Ettore Martin on sax, Danilo Gallo on bass, and Enzo Carpentieri on drums. In 1998, he became the Director of the Europlane Orchestra. The goal is to provide an analysis and summary of the terms of the jazz tradition in a European key with reference to the future development with attention on original works and compositions reflecting the European jazz and folk tradition. He extended that concept by including musicians from other countries such as Belgium, Poland and even the United States. Constantly looking for ways to express his artistry, Roberto formed the group DMA Urban Jazz Funk and began to tour and record with this group. An offshoot of this band is Alfabeats Nu Jazz, which expresses new jazz, new age and hip-hop. Roberto is inspired by many forms of music and finds ways to develop and grow his style by playing or combining certain genres such as classical, jazz or jazz and hip-hop. Roberto has performed all around Europe, in North and South America, Asia and Australia. Look for exciting new releases in 2005 by Roberto Magris, ?Check In? featuring Tony Lakatos on saxophone and ?Il Bello Del Jazz? featuring Herb Geller on saxophone and in 2006 ?Current Views? featuring Phillip Catherine on guitar.
Mark Saltman, bass William Knowles, piano
Composer/musicians Mark Saltman and William Knowles call Washington D.C., home. Together, they form a collaborative unit that expresses some of the best new concepts in Jazz. These ideas include singable melodies, colorful harmonic jaunts and a swinging, driving groove. One may argue that these concepts are not new; but in light of today’s gymnastic, angular, chop-blistering approach, these ideas seem refreshing.
Mark and William met while studying composition at the University of Massachusetts.
During their time at school they began to play their compositions together, and with saxophonist Charles Langford, the seeds of the group were formed.
Together they have produced three recordings for various labels under the name Soulservice. Stop Look and Listen followed by Dreamcatcher and Sandcastles. They were also Artists in Residence at the Kennedy Center and earned two grants from the D.C. commission for the Arts.
The press has described their music as; ‘rhythmically infectious‘, ‘melodically alluring‘, ‘colorful’, ‘a seamless blending of sounds’. Some live press descriptions include; “had the whole house swinging”, “the crowd was…drawn to the hard breaks, stops and starts.”; “great interplay” and “a sincere and emotional collection of tunes”.
Throughout history, music has helped folks make sense of their world, deal with troubles, celebrate and convey emotions. The music of William Knowles and Mark Saltman strives to be a part of this fine tradition.
Novak & Haar - Jazz Guitar and Bass
The core membership of Novak & Haar is made up of guitarist Jon Novak and bassist Mark Haar. Novak & Haar has been performing together as a jazz duo since 1998. Prior to forming Novak & Haar, Jon and Mark had player together in various small jazz combos, large big bands, musical theater ensembles, Blue House with the Rent to Own Horns, and other bands in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, metro areas. When Novak & Haar performs as a trio they add Carlos C. Figueroa on the drum set. In the Spring of 2005, Novak & Haar was added to the Nebraska Arts Council’s Nebraska Touring Program roster.
“This up and coming trio Novak & Haar bring a passion for music to the table from a variety of genres. This can be heard in the music they compose. Although their primary voices are in a jazz setting, one can hear a touch of blues and the air of theater and a sprinkling of classics in the material”, said music impresario Paul Collins. “In jazz, sometimes it is refreshing to hear variations of the norm performed and enjoy a brief explanation of why or how the music was inspired. As music teachers and performers, Novak & Haar do just that by adding more value and meaning to their compositions through their “thoughts about the tracks”. “If you love guitar and equally enjoy the bass and drums, you will enjoy these tracks.”
Everette DeVan, organ, piano
Mr. DeVan has been a productive force in the music business for over 30 years and has had the opportunity to perform all over Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States. Mr DeVan has performed and shared top billing with artists such as: B.B. King, Count Basie, Tom Jones, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Nancy Wilson, Charles Earland, Herbie Mann, The Mills Brothers, Hank Crowford, Jack McDuff, and Luciano Pavarotti to mention a few.
Music impressario Paul Collins said, "Mr. Devan is a music icon in Kansas City and is in high demand locally, nationally and internationally. He is well known and respected in the music industry and I love to watch how he creates bridges for the young and upcoming jazz artists from Bobby Watson's jazz studies program at UMKC to develop their professional skills. We have several ideas and initiatives to develop and I am extremely pleased to be a part of the process. We are planning festival appearances around the country as we speak and Mr. Devan has more music to document."
Rudy Love - Gold, Platinum recording artist
Rudy Love was born in rural Oklahoma to two young and determined parents. Soon afterward, they moved the family to the more industrial town of Wichita, Kansas. Bob Love, Sr. was a noted gospel performer in Wichita and was exposed to the music of Sam Cooke, a friend of the family and a regular in Wichita. Bob Love and Don Level are best known for co-writing the hit song "Good Morning Little School Girl".
Rudy Love's first break came in the early 1960's, when at 18 years old he was beckoned to Chicago and later California to work a year with his cousin Tony Matthews and legend Little Richard.
Determined to make use of the family gift of music, Rudy recorded his family under several labels including Calla CBS and Earthbound Records. Rudy also worked with the legend Ray Charles on his "Country" album writing, producing and singing.
In the early 1970's, Rudy went to work for Berry Gordy and Motown as a pilot vocalist for artists such as Marvin Gaye, the Temptations and has worked as pilot vocalist for other influential artists such as Luther Vandross. In 1974, Rudy started to perform with Sly and the Family Stone as lead vocalist and liaison to the world. This relationship proved to be the most influential and inspirational of Rudy's early musical career. Rudy has since worked with a Hong Kong based production and distribution company, FITTO and has continued to write and produce his own music in his state of the art recording studio in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Rudy is a prolific singer, arranger and songwriter who has recorded music for a number of musical projects including the song for the movie "Heartless". His talented brother and music partner Bob Love wrote the song, "That Girl is Dangerous" and is featured in the movie "That Summer in LA" which was performed "live" February, 2000 at the movie's premier in Hollywood. CA.
Ken and Harry Watters, trumpet and trombone duo
These talented brothers come from an accomplished music family and have recorded or performed with some of the greatest names in music. Such greats as Frank Sinatra Al Hirt, James Moody, the Mingus Big Band, Harry Connick, Jr., Dave Liebman, Tabou Combo, Little Milton, The Platters and The Fifth Dimension, just to mention a few.
Harry Watters is a graduate of the University of North Texas who lives in Washington, D.C. and performs classical/jazz genres. Harry’s new straight ahead CD entitled “Out of a Dream” is receiving rave reviews from the media and can be heard on jazz radio throughout the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. Harry has appeared as featured soloist with the West Virginia Symphony, Syracuse Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony and the Louisiana Symphony and served as graduate assistant to Professor Ellis Marsalis while attending the University of New Orleans. Harry’s clinic “Effective Use of Practice Time” has been presented at a number of universities around the country. Harry also serves with the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, US Army Brass Quintet and The Army Brass Quartet.
Ken Watters received his formal education from Interlochen Arts Academy, University of North Texas, The Banff Centre and Manhattan School of Music and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and artist Pamela. Ken and his brother Harry have three recordings together and will be releasing a new Watters Brothers CD within the next few months of 2005.
Ken performs straight ahead jazz and has toured or recorded with Russell Malone, Dave Valentin, Chris Potter, Petula Clarke, Steel Pulse and has studied privately with Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Jack Walrath and Kenny Wheeler. Ken tours with and is a long time member of the world renowned world music group Tabou Combo.
The Watters Brothers work with legendary producer Johnny Sandlin who is best known for his work with the Allman Brothers, Cher, Marshall Tucker, Widespread Panic and a host of others. Sandlin has three platinum and seven gold albums to his credit.
Commenting on his most recent collaboration, music impresario Paul Collins said, “To be able to say Ellis Marsalis, Johnny Sandlin and Tabou Combo in the same sentence with The Watters Brothers says a lot about them, what they bring to music lovers and the potential that is yet to be explored. I am honored yet humbled to be on the same team with great individuals who have contributed so much to the quality of life through music.” Taking a quote from Sir Isaac Newton, Collins said, “I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.” Collins continues, “I don’t think I will ever get tired of learning more about music and finding a connection with individuals that have been gifted to reproduce it. We are all much better for it.”
The Neely Factor featuring Tracy Neely - Guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer
Tracy Neely was born in Rockmart, Georgia and has been playing the guitar since the age of 14. After living in Los Angeles, California for 27 years, moved to the Midwest to work with legends such as Andre Crouch, Johnny Hammond, Rudy Love and the Love Family and recently opened for R&B Grammy Award winning group, Bloodstone. Tracy performs as band leader, guitarist for jazz, funk group "Max Groove" and with Brian Kennedy. Tracy Neely and Brian Kennedy were the featured artists for the movie premiere of ?The Velvet Rope? at the all new Screenland in Kansas City, Missouri. Also, for a ?live? recording at the Historic Blue Room with poet Dana Gilmore?s new spoken word CD/DVD project. Most recently Tracy performed "live" with Andy Vargas, lead vocalist and guitarist from the Grammy Award winning Carlos Santana?s band at a CD release party for Brian Kennedy in Kansas City, Missouri.
Tracy has been contracted to do production and commercial work for television, radio and studio. Is diverse in producing vocal, musical arrangements, mixing and music compositions. Tracy has mastered the styles of blues, gospel, R&B, soul, Latin, jazz, country, rock. Along with Brian Kennedy, Tracy is in demand for studio work on projects for some of the most popular artists in the music industry.
Gregg Juke - Singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist
Gregg Juke, singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist is a native of Buffalo, New York. Gregg is a 20 year veteran of the music scene in “The City of No Illusions” which has spawned the likes of the Goo Goo Dolls, Ani DiFranco, Rick James, award winning bassist Billy Sheehan and countless national recording artists.
Gregg has had a long standing dream to have fun playing with a group of high-caliper musicians that can handle challenging original material as well as classic standards and covers presented in new ways. After performing everyone else’s songs for nearly two decades, Gregg has formed Gregg Juke and the Mighty No-Stars Blues Band. This group combines original jazz, blues, rock, reggae and roots music with his own brand of contemporary jazz, blues/rock and R&B.
In 1901, Buffalo, New York was the location of the Pan-American Exposition, which was a celebration of light and electricity from the mighty Niagara Falls. A prominent Lake Erie port, Buffalo was ranked 8th in the nation. Many years later with the steel mills closed and many jobs squeezed out of the city, Buffalo’s economic bright future dimmed, but not the hopes of its citizens. Electricity still fuels the most important commodity, music. Gregg Juke is a product of the passion and determination of its citizens expressed through music.
Music impresario Paul Collins continues, “Gregg Juke comes to PCAMI* well reported on by respected music and arts reviewer for the Buffalo News, theatre and film editor of Nightlife Magazine, free lance producer for WNED-TV Channel 17 and educator at the University of Buffalo, Erie County Community College and Canisius College, Jim Santella. When Gregg and I began talking about music a year ago, I could hear and feel his passion for the music and desire to grow in all directions. We are both very determined to accomplish much for the sake of music, which is the true motivating force much like the force from the mighty waters of Niagara Falls.
Emerald Jade/Craig Monroe - Singer, songwriters, musician, producer
There are voices and then there are voices--sultry, sexy voices-that stay with you long after the song has ended. Emerald Jade, has a voice that people have been waiting for; her voice is undoubtedly one of the most classic voices to hit the scene in recent history, since Ella, Dinah, Billie and Sade. Originally from Gary, Indiana now residing in Los Angeles, this mysterious stunning vocalist has created a buzz in the Urban Contemporary Jazz market, everybody wants to know, who is.... That!?! This recording is an instant classic and collectible worthy of being passed down from generation to generation. This release entitled "A NEW CLASSIC" is a collection of songs written by Emerald Jade, speaking about what she wanted in a relationship, unbeknownst to her became a reality while in the process of creating this album with the musical mastermind producer, Craig Monroe. Listening to this gem will treat the listener to a blend of jazzy pop, neo soul, and R & B, with catchy melodies capturing the joy, love, and happiness throughout the entire CD. The opening track "Vibe Queen" is a tribute to the queens before her, who made it possible for her to come along with her vibe. The second track "Delirious" has a guest vocal appearance by her now husband Craig Monroe; this track is about a couple having romantic evenings and endless afternoons with champagne, a bed of roses and a bubble bath. The third track "My Man", an unmistakable classic reminiscent of old school with the new; this is about a woman giving praise to her man who treats her like the queen she is. Track number six "Shine" is dedicated to her talented family of recording artists, "Jesse Powell", "Trina & Tamara" and upcoming soulful vocalist "Jacob Powell", this is where she tells them to "Shine" no matter what, and just keep your head up! On "Afternoon at Ricardo's" Emerald Jade's voice is so captivating that you could hear a pin drop when the song is finished, this is definitely movie soundtrack material. This classic album is in the top ten for one of the greatest albums ever made!