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Norvell A. Molex, Jr.

Welcome to The Jazz Suite at Black Men In America.com with your host Norvell A. Molex, Jr., creator of the Gospel Jazz Podcast and The Jazz Suite. 

The Black Men In America.com version of "The Jazz Suite," is a direct result of BMIA.com Founder Gary Johnson reaching out to Norvell and Norvell stepping up-to-the-plate and taking advantage of the opportunity.

This is a bi-monthly column that will focus on jazz, smooth jazz and gospel jazz.  This is also a project that will evolve along the way. 

We hope you enjoy the music reviews and artist interviews.

Feel free to give us some feed back via our Guestbook below.

Click here to go to The Jazz Suite now.

 

The Detroit International Jazz Festival

Now the last time I’ve been to the jazz fest in Detroit; WJZZ was still around and radio was a microcosm of sound it was eclectic. Some things only get better with time as our elders will say the same can be said for The 29^th Annual Detroit International Jazz Fest. This year has a Philly-Detroit vibe with Christian McBride as the host when walking in downtown Detroit for the Jazz fest it’s a different world. You see vendors for everything from food to clothing and then the stages are everywhere there are six stages. If you have never been to Detroit there is a park called Campus Martius which is some what in the center of down town Detroit but for this weekend it is called the Jazz Garden and it has the Jazz Garden Stage not to far from that in Cadillac Square is another stage sponsored by Chase Bank called the Chase Main stage. Now that is just two stages we have four more to go! All of this is based from Woodward Avenue in Detroit which can be looked at as a Main Street in the city when you walk further down you look to your left and see the Here & Now Stage walking further toward Hart Plaza which from my early years to the present has always been the central location for most festival in Detroit. You see a an are specifically for the kids called kid bop an area for play and introduction to music particular jazz. Then you cross Jefferson Avenue and now you’re in Hart Plaza you look to your right there is the Pepsi Jazz Talk Tent this is where you can listen to forums on jazz or meet some artist.  Then as you walk closer to the Detroit River you hit the last three of the six stages I mentioned earlier the Carheart Amphitheatre, Absopure Waterfront Stage, and Mack Avenue Records Pyramid Stage the best way to describe this is a City within a city. 

The First Night opened with a performance by Dianne Reeves this was truly a treat for me when she sang “Better Days” it was Phenomenal. Then came the peas’ a résistance the tribute to Marvin Gaye featuring Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, Jose James, and Christian McBride. This was a breath taking site, football legend Lem Barny a friend of Marvin Gaye hosted the tribute. Now Jose James held his own and started the show of right. But, the man who stole the show was Rahsaan Patterson with his rendition of Troubled Man he actual forgot to say one of the lines in the song finished the song then add the line he forgot. The band led by Christian McBride started playing the tune again as the audience clapped to Rahsaan’s accupela version of Trouble Man if you’ve never heard this young man sing then you will not understand how deep and beautiful this tribute was its definitely a had to be there, mad if you weren’t moment. And then there was Lalah this is a woman who possess the ability to pay homage to a great songwriter or artist in her performance of there song, but still make the performance her own. No mater what she does here own essence comes through in her performance this is what makes her undeniably who she is Lalah Hathaway. During this tribute you saw people dancing every where they could and singing along it was a cornucopia of music lovers enjoying themselves. The Tribute ended with Marvin Gays “What Going On” where Jose James & Rahsaan Patterson joined Lalah Hathaway on stage toward the end of the song the course changed from “What’s Going On” to “Obama” this brought a loud clap of hope and satisfaction. This was a beautiful night for every Detroiter all over the world to stand up take a bow and be proud of you city.  

There were so many shows and not enough time so check back for day two & day three of The Detroit International Jazz Fest we’ll have artist and host’s quotes in stories to come! 

Norvell Molex Jr.

 

 

A Moment with Kirk Whalum 

NM: Mr Whalum what does Gospel Jazz mean to you? 

 KW: The Gospel is the best news I've ever gotten.  I didn't realize just how vital, crucial and life-saving it was until I got a good look at the depth of my sin.  That wasn't pretty.  But God's grace is so beautiful, and it's sufficient even for MY sin.  Jazz is, in my opinion, one of the most creative and effective ways to convey (deliver) this message about this Person who is indescribable. 

NM: How did you get started playing jazz and what lead you to Gospel Jazz? 

KW: I started playing R&B first.  As a kid I wanted to play the music that I was hearing on the radio -- The Jackson 5, Rufus, The Barkays, Sly... My first involvement with music was at church.  So those two sides were very much the foundation of my musical experience.  As I began to get serious about the saxophone I began private lessons and studied both classical and jazz.  To this day I am pursuing excellence in jazz, following the footsteps of the masters -- Arnette Cobb, Coleman Hawkins, Sonny Rollins, Coltrane, etc.  If I keep at it, one day I'll be worthy to carry their instrument cases. 

NM: True, True now how does the church look at your music? 

KW: There are lots of folks in the church who not only embrace, but lead the way in this innovation of excellence in our art before God.  Then there are others who don't really see why this is important -- in other words, they sincerely believe that the "art" part of it is inconsequential to the Message.  They have a point in one sense.  But I personally believe that a segment of the music (and art) that is devoted to Him and used to glorify Him should have an "other-worldly" or mystical quality to it -- something that takes us beyond the "He woke me up this morning" aspects of worship.  We need to be reaching for, for Him in ways that stretch our comprehension of who He (the Indescribable God) is.  Savior, Master, Jesus, Friend, Creator, Sustainer... He is so much more than we can convey in one type of music. And the more we "write" on paper (as in notes and lyrics) the more there is we left out! 

NM: last two questions first where do you find inspiration for your music? 

KM: I am immediately inspired when I close my eyes and focus on Jesus; who He is, all He's done for and through me.  His great mercy towards me.  It takes about 30 seconds for the tears to form.  His love is inspiring. 

NM: Lastly where do you see Gospel Jazz going? 

KM: truly desire to see more and more people, musicians especially, liberated out of what's expected of us into this world of freedom in touching the Savior, the Great Jazz Musician (He improvised the worlds into existence) so that others in the Body can experience God more fully.  But more than that, this will give us, the Levites, a direct line into the hearts of music and art lovers all over the world who are kept away from Truth because of the cultural "vehicle" that the church has attached.  This is not to blame the church, but to acknowledge the real challenges in translating the glorious truth of the Gospel to a world that, according to 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, would never be able to receive it through the mind. 

Thank you Mr. Whalum for that brief Gospel Jazz Moment. 

Norvell Molex Jr.

 

 

Title: Duke Treats

Artist: George Duke

Label: Heads UP International

Release Date: August 26, 2008

Being a child of the 70 & 80’s when you hear certain names it conjures up memories of music. Songs like “Sweet Baby” and “Duke Stick” not only does this name bring up those particular songs, but it reminds me of a certain type of music Funk. This man can cross the lines of funk and jazz so eloquently that the only thing that is more beautiful is the Alvin Ailey Dancers. Being able to blend funk, soul, and R&B with a hint of jazz is not just a gift it is a blessing to the ears willing to listen. With a genteel social overtone that forces the listener to comprehend the message weaved within the lyrics of the songs while at the same time enjoying what they hear. I can only be speaking of one man George Duke one of R&B’s première producers and song writers has taken us back to basics and delivers a CD you are sure to love! “Dukey Treats” this is music for everyone to listen to “Dukey Treats” is reminiscent of the days where radio was not so segmented and every song was a hit. You can listen to this CD strait through an not be disappointed my personal favorite are “A Fonk Tail and Dukey Treats” oh the songs that express a certain social thought process are cuts 7, 10. This CD has a song that reminds me of the elements and for those of you who love music you know who I’m referring to. There is a saying for women who are getting married I think it goes “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” now I don’t know about the blue part but everything else applies to this CD I will say this is a must listen too.

Norvell Molex, Jr.

The Jazz Suite

http://www.thejazzsuite.net

Gospel Jazz Podcast

http://www.gospeljazzsite.com

 

Title: Thunder

Label: Heads UP International

Release Date: August 12, 2008

Now if you are a fan of Bass Guitars then listen also to those of you who love jazz music here is something for you to dig into and listen. S.M.V. the latest release from Heads UP International. This CD is a culmination of this industry primer musicians in the art of Bass first let’s look at the S in S.M.V. that is Stanley Clark whose list of musical accomplishments is to long to list. Next there is the M in S.M.V. that stats for Marcus Miller the man who helped Luther Vandrose get his signature sound when every you hear his name mentioned you know the music is good! Lastly, Victor Wooten the V all three men produced this CD. Two of whom have been musical producers for movie soundtracks the talent of all three bassists makes this CD phenomenal. There are several cut on this CD that I like especially “Classical Thump” the fist cut on the CD which is the title song “Thunder” is a melodic mix of funky bass and hip-hop style which truly creates a different and interesting style of music this song represents three different musical mixes. S.M.V.’s unique exploration of jazz, hip-hop, and classical music using bass like instruments give this CD a sound that’s a testament to what a true musician can do with there instrument. Another must mention is Marcus Millers “Tutu” is also on this CD.  

Norvell Molex, Jr. (nmolexjr@comcast.net)

http://www.thejazzsuite.net

http://www.gospeljazzsite.com

http://www.gospeljazzmagazine.com

 

 

Spotlight Artist

Pamela Williams - The Saxtress

In a field dominated by by men, Pamela Williams' name appears alongside chart-topping players like Dave Koz, Kenny G, Najee and Boney James.

Pamela Williams is a multi-talented artist.  She is a saxophonist, writer, producer, singer, and painter.   Her music is a unique blend of artistic influences that she has blended into her own soulful sound. 

Since her successful, ground-breaking recording debut album Saxtress in 1996,  Pamela Williams has toured the country, exciting her audiences with electrifying  performances.  She has shared the stage with some of the best in the business and was a featured saxophonist with Patti Labelle and Teena Marie.

As visual artist and painter Pamela Williams is just as talented working in every medium from pencil to watercolor to oil. Her work ranges from realism to abstract art and she has been commissioned to do several paintings.   

As of this writing, Pamela's latest  CD is "The Look of Love"  influenced by Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick and Hal David.

To learn more about Pamela Williams and to buy her music and art click here to visit her official web site and online store.

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