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Brien Andrews

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

A New Author

Brien Andrews is acclaimed as a successful drummer, producer, songwriter, musician, and artist.  He has embarked on a new chapter in his life as a first-time author.  His debut book is on his website titled The Journey of Faith, 30 Day Devotional, also available on Amazon.  Brien was raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he found his passion for writing, while navigating the twists and turns of his own personal journey of faith. In his book, he shares insights to inspire readers to enrich their connection with the creator God, offering hope and encouragement for their spiritual maturity.  Brien Andrews currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he continues to write and delve into the valuable principles of faith.  What is great about this book is his transparency.  Readers will receive an understanding of maintaining a relationship with the Lord our God.  One of those valuable principles shared is being obedient when the Lord calls you to an assignment.  Therefore, we can say we live by the Blood of the Lamb and by the words of our testimony.  The Journey of Faith, 30 Day Devotional is for everyone, and a good tool to begin your journey of increase faith. 

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Gordon Goodwin

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

A Tribute To Ella Fitzgerald

Congratulations are in order to Gordon Goodwin and Patti Austin for their tribute album to the late great Ella Fitzgerald titled For Ella 2.  The album is up for three Grammy nominations at this year’s 66th Grammy presentation. Gordon Goodwin is a multi-Grammy and Emmy winning Composer/Arranger, Jazz veteran. He is best known for his legendary compositions, diversity and stage presence.  At the age of thirteen, Gordon Goodwin was introduced to the Count Basie Jazz Band by his teacher, the late Robin Synder.  Jazz music became his core listening pleasure.  He combines practice, and education to create his sound.  His influences are a combination of Mozart to Earth Wind & Fire. Gordon has the ability to remain authentic in his craft, always willing to expand and explore how far he can paint his colors in sound.  Teaming up with a pioneer Grammy Award-winning voice of R&B, pop and Jazz, Patti Austin, makes For Ella 2 a stellar project.  The album is a combination of a musical mind and a powerful voice with range.  Join us as Gordon Goodwin shares his excitement working with his friend Patti Austin and the Big Phat Band.

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Javon Jackson

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Lucas

Javon Jackson – “With Peter Bradley”, Soundtrack and Original Score

Javon Jackson/Tenor Saxophone/Jeremy Manasia/Piano, Greg Glassman/Trumpet, David Williams/Bass, Charles Goold/Drums, McClenty Hunter/Drums

Javon Jackson’s soundtrack to the documentary “With Peter Bradley” is a color-full, soul-full, heart-full collaboration between artistic comrades bearing different creative gifts, but both – All About Jazz, All About Art.

I can’t catch all the waves that washed over me while watching the documentary, but I recognize truth when I see it, when I feel it, when I hear it – And Javon Jackson’s music resonates with the spirit, the shape, the sound of the artist.  “With Peter Bradley” – It’s all there, In Living Color. – Lucas

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DJ Arie Spins

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

From A Cafe To The Country

DJ Arie Spins, a New Orleans native from a city known for its music, has a musical prodigy in their midst. Dj Arie Spins is an all-around music enthusiast, setting the tone for a city known for Jazz, Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday, music festivals and brass band parades.  She has maintained a residency in a local cafe which landed her on stages and in spaces spinning for party crowds and Corporate CEO’s.  Having always been inspired by the rich music scene in New Orleans, Dj Arie Spins has been able to bring an eclectic sound to her listeners.  Her repertoire in all genres of music has her booked and busy.  Please do not mistake her fiery mix and pretty face for being a dj only.  Dj Arie Spins is well versed in music, classically trained, and an educator.  She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans.  Dj Arie naturally gravitated to music.  I guess you could say it’s her calling.   Her gifts include being a vocalist and pianist.  When she is not spinning, she teaches high school students how to connect their passion for music into a business.

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Roderick Harper

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Music, Life & Sound

Roderick Harper, a jazz and R&B recording artist. He has recorded live with a cast of friends and mentors, including appearances from late piano legend Ellis Marsalis, sax icon Donald Harrison, and vocalist/drummer Jamison Ross.  His previous project, Evolving, is both a homecoming and a blank slate for Harper, a return to Jazz and a start from scratch. The songs span the full breadth of his remarkable journey and extraordinary talents.  This made a clear path for his current project 2702.  2702 is a no-holds-barred project. Each song is a press forward with a newfound resolve of sound and spirit. Harper’s vocal delivery is vibrant and his sound is a distinctive course through a collection of maturity and growth.  2702 is a personal project.  Roderick Harper shows off his talents for sure. You will hear his expressions, through his songwriting, and voice.  Although the music culture has changed, Harper’s dedication has brought him to this point of success in his career.  Producing this project is a perfect example of Roderick Harper’s innovative mind.  It’s his breaking free and making music his way.  2702 is Harper’s sixth release after a hiatus and he has made up for lost time.  He reaches deep inside to find his signature sound and I promise you, you are going to enjoy it.

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Robert Harper

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

The Bomb

Robert Harper is a bassist, recording artist, composer and songwriter who has just released a new single titled “Tha Bomb” that is now available on all major digital outlets.  “Tha Bomb” was released just in time for the fourth of July celebration and the reopening of many cities from the shutdown of the COVID Pandemic.  Tha Bomb has a horn section that is serious and Robert shares his solid bass grooves & rap/vocals on this funky track.  Earlier this year of 2021 he released The Fonk Record which is a tribute to legendary pioneers of funk, with a song dedicated to the late Wayman Tisdale titled Mr. Tisdale, which is available as well.  Robert Harper began his interest in music at the tender age of thirteen.  Inspired by Bootsy Collins, Robert Harper has developed his own sound by using a variety of special effect pedals to create various tones which add to his bass groove.  You can view Robert Harper’s passion for funk music by subscribing to his YouTube Channel @robertharperbass  *The bass community is deep-rooted. Many have enjoyed their rhythms on the dance floor.  There are many bass lines we remember and enjoy from some of our favorite recording artists.  Robert Harper’s passion for funk has resurrected what many of us over 40 miss in music today. You can listen to his earlier recordings such as;  Ride With Me and The Fonk Record at: https://robertharper.bandcamp.com/ 

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Kirk Whalum

Kirk Whalum Heads Out On his 8th Annual Gospel According To Jazz Christmas Tour.  Shows feature John Stoddart and Kevin Whalum, along with this year’s special guests, vocalist Maysa and guitarist Adam Hawl. Beginning at West Angeles Church December 6th. Grammy® Award Winner and Global Recording Artist Kirk Whalum has many dates so make sure you follow him on his 8th Annual Gospel According To Jazz Christmas tour. He will perform his biggest hits, holiday favorites, and songs from his new album, Humanite’  make sure you get your seat.

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PJ MORGAN

Urbanbuzzmag.com
By Nigeria Anderson

PJ MORGAN THE TRANSPARENCY PROJECT

Paul Lawrence Morgan (known as) PJ Morgan is a sought after musician, songwriter and producer. PJ graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Technology, and a minor in Classical Piano performance Magna Cum Laude. Currently PJ has been very busy. He just finished up his debut solo instrumental Jazz Album The Transparency Project. While teaching Composition and Theory at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC. His new album project represents his musical blends of both smooth Jazz and his church influence, which  features his organ arrangements. I had the pleasure of speaking with him about his journey. (more…)

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Michelle Carr

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Lucas

Who Is Michelle Carr?

Acclaimed songstress Michelle Carr was raised in a musically rich and diverse environment, harmonizing with her family around the fireplace in Alta Loma, California; Singing in her high school’s choir, musical productions and performing every season with the community theater. Her love of music is boundless, embracing artists as diverse as Sarah Vaughan, Leontyne Price, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and her mentor Nancy Wilson for inspiration. Michelle Carr earned degrees from both California State Polytechnic University and The Juilliard School in New York City where she studied classical voice. She also studied jazz piano with Johnny “Hammond” Smith and was a member of his vocal jazz ensemble and worked with Jazz Trumpeter Roy Hargrove, Contemporary Jazz band Hiroshima and bassist Christian McBride’s funk band Escape Route. Years of classical training and a keen understanding of musical composition, arranging and vocal technique have provided her with the foundation to create a style that embodies classical, Jazz, Pop, R&B and Folk, which she has done with passion, emotion and technical precision.

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