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When you think of a saxophonist you might not think of a Black woman with tattoos, jamming out to the covers of hit songs, but that’s exactly who Imani Lauren is. Affectionately known as “Sax Bae,” Imani Lauren is a female saxophonist from West Philadelphia. Lauren was always attracted to music and instruments growing up.…

Photo credit: Legends Eyes How would you introduce the reinvented Lisa McClendon to others? I would introduce the reinvention of Lisa McClendon as a rebirthing of the era of Ella Fitzgerald, the area when music had its own language and a timeless sound. How many albums did you have in the gospel arena throughout the…

Blair Underwood is a very busy man these days. He’s not only scheduled to return to the ABC drama, Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” but he is gearing up to portray a troubled jazz musician in an upcoming play and deliver the commencement speech for the American InterContinental University’s graduating class. Paradise Blue, a play by…

Feel-good soul, R&B and jazz music fans will be ecstatic to learn that South African singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler has launched a unique concert tour for the summer of 2011. But, the show is not a typical package where acts just come out to plug their latest CDs. Butler’s “Soul of Summer Tour” is a collaboration…

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then seasoned jazz trumpeter Rob Juice’s performances pay homage to the influence of the legendary jazzman Miles Davis. According to Juice he is, “flirtatively” true to the Miles Davis tradition of trumpet playing. “Miles had a way of playing his horn … it was how he lean[ed] his notes. You…

While reading Ted Gioia’s jazz.com blog about the ever-dwindling audience of American jazz lovers, I considered a question both jazz enthusiasts and detractors could appreciate: is playing jazz simply played out? While such a question might seem dodgy, as it highlights the decline of what many people in the international community consider America’s greatest contribution…

At the age of 23, Jason Orr had a vision that would shift the culture of Atlanta during the 1990s. Orr wanted to create a space where music, art, and eclectic vibes could come together. As a result, FunkJazz Kafé was born. Over the years, music artists such as Janelle Monae, Goodie Mob, Big Boi,…

August Greene — a hybrid of hip-hop and contemporary jazz featuring rapper Common, jazz pianist Robert Glasper and drummer Karriem Riggins — made their ONE Musicfest debut on Sunday, Sept. 9, in Atlanta. The musicians shared a long working relationship before joining forces and releasing their self-titled debut album on March 9. They are not a braggadocious…

When the history of hip-hop is spoken of, the name DJ Jazzy Jeff is one that will always be included as part of the duo Dj Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince — the first rap act to win a prestigious Grammy award in 1989. Jazzy Jeff also has established himself as a formidable …

We’re sure you’ve heard of the soulful, Grammy Award winning jazz musician Gregory Porter, and if you haven’t then we’re sure you’ve definitely heard his music. One of his hottest songs out on his fourth album Take Me to the Alley,, is the jazzy-blues infused duet with Kem titled “Holding On.” His old-school, almost Negro spiritual-like…

Incredibly talented. Classically trained. And capable of singing opera in seven languages all describe music phenom Bilal. Bilal Sayeed Oliver is a creative and unique artist with an immense range of talent that it makes it difficult to categorize his sound. Having attended New York’s New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he received…

Music producer Phalon Alexander, known by fans around the world as Jazze Pha, has filed for bankruptcy. Having worked with our favorites artists, including Usher, Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, Ciara and Lil Wayne, he is now in more than a half million dollars in debt. Here’s what we learnedVia theJasmineBRAND.com: His assets include $3k in his…

Last fall, Will Smith revisited his love for hip-hop for the first time in 10 years, appearing on the remix of Bomba Estéreo’s “Fiesta.” During a recent segment on the BBC talk show “The Graham Norton Show,” the 47-year-old actor revealed his plans for a bigger music comeback, which includes new music and a reunion tour with,…

From Aug. 7-9, Rainbow Lagoon Park will transform into a musical utopia complete with harmonious and melodic sounds performed by international jazz artists. Produced by Rainbow Promotions, the Long Beach Jazz Festival has been a sonic staple for over 27 years.

Jazz and R&B music lovers have something to be excited about. The 10th annual Jazz In the Gardens Music Festival is taking the stage this weekend at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The event, which will have more than 40 exotic food and marketplace vendors, kicked off Friday with a special press conference hosted…

Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III and the city of Miami Gardens, Florida, will bring another awesome lineup for the 10th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival at Sun Life Stadium. On Saturday, March 21, music enthusiasts can enjoy R. Kelly, Toni Braxton, Sheila E, Men of Soul (Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson and Freddie Jackson),…

Hailing from Chicago’s South Side, renowned jazz vocalist Zemrah has played every classic hot spot in the city from the Cotton Club to the Saber Room to Mr. Rickey’s Millionaire Room and more. With a unique technique all her own that she refers to as “twisting the song,” Zemrah effortlessly infuses her shows with a…

There aren’t many festivals that can bring the complete essence of black music and culture to the forefront in one setting. For 20 years, Jason Orr’s FunkJazz Kafé has provided attendees with fascinating shows that highlight the journey of black people through music, dance, art and spoken word. On the music front, FunkJazz Kafé delves…

The house Jason Orr built 20 years ago, FunkJazz Kafé Arts & Music Festival, continues to highlight black excellence. Orr never announces any performers, and that’s by design. Acts like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jamie Foxx, OutKast, Goodie Mob, Van Hunt, Donnie, Algebra, Anthony David, Public Enemy, Biz Markie, Eric Roberson,…

The music, born out of the heart and soul of Louisiana before it migrated north in the early 20th century, has been dubbed “America’s one true artform.”
But when glancing at many of the nation’s most acclaimed musical institutions of higher learning, such as the Berklee College of Music, the makeup of the faculty does not reflect the origins of this popular and praised form of expression.