“She’s Not Anybody’s Backup Act” By BEN SISARIO

There is an elephant in the room at the Brooklyn headquarters of Daptone Records — a skinny, British elephant with an enormous beehive hairdo and a knack for getting her picture in the tabloids.

The elephant in question is Amy Winehouse, this year’s breakout vocal star. She hired Ms. Jones’s longtime band, the Dap-Kings, to back her up in the studio and on tour, giving the group its first real taste of the limelight. But as Daptone prepares for the release on Tuesday of Ms. Jones’s new album, “100 Days, 100 Nights,” and Ms. Jones prepares for her highest-profile concert yet, at the Apollo Theater on Oct. 6, it has found that its association with Ms. Winehouse is a mixed blessing. For one, they say, people unaware of their years of hard musical labor might wonder if Ms. Jones is jumping on Ms. Winehouse’s bandwagon.

“They jumped on us!” Ms. Jones exclaimed in an interview at the Daptone studio and office, a converted row house in the Bushwick section that has microphones in the bathroom and reels of audio tape filling the kitchen cupboards.

“Even what’s-his-name, Ronson,” she continued, referring to the New York D.J. Mark Ronson, who produced the bulk of “Back to Black,” Ms. Winehouse’s hit album. “They came to us to get the sound they wanted behind their music. We were just sitting here minding our own business, doing our little 45s and albums, and all of a sudden they were like, ‘I want your sound.’”

Thanks to Ms. Winehouse and singers like Joss Stone, Ryan Shaw and Marc Broussard, retro soul styles are enjoying a greater presence in mainstream pop than they have had in years. The Dap-Kings are the most obsessive and skillful revivalists of the bunch, and they are clearly grateful for the exposure they have gotten from Ms. Winehouse and Mr. Ronson, who recently hired the Dap-Kings horns to back him up as the house band at the MTV Video Music Awards.

But that exposure has also put Ms. Jones, who was absent from those freelance gigs, in the odd position of competing against a younger, far more famous singer who had the good taste to use her band.

“First, I feel kind of angry about it,” she said, but then added, “Well, if it took Amy to get the Dap-Kings heard, then it’s a good thing. I say it’s great. Thank you.”

And Ms. Jones is starting to get some breaks of her own. She plays a juke joint singer in “The Great Debaters,” a film by Denzel Washington due in December about a debate team from a black college in the 1930s.

“There’s a reality to her,” said Mr. Washington from Los Angeles, where he was editing the film. “She’s honest. I love her.”

Born in Augusta, Ga. — James Brown’s home town — Ms. Jones moved to Brooklyn with her family at a young age and sang gospel music in church. She has said that she was rejected time and again by record labels for her looks and full figure, and eventually for her age, and she worked as a prison guard at Rikers Island and sang at innumerable weddings while doing backup and session singing. She met Gabriel Roth, the Dap-Kings’ bassist and a co-founder of Daptone Records, at a recording session in 1996 and joined the Daptone family.

Years of club gigs have honed the eight-piece Dap-Kings’ technique, and in its recordings the group meticulously recreates the sound of ’60s-era James Brown and Stax Records. In precisely orchestrated yet fiery live shows, Ms. Jones invites fans half her age to dance with her onstage, and she outlasts every one of them.

When Mr. Ronson was looking for a vintage feel for Ms. Winehouse’s album, he said, he was amazed at the group’s ability to invoke the sounds he wanted better than any sampling or studio wizardry could.

“We were using every computer trick in the book to make it sound old,” Mr. Ronson said. “But it was just so ridiculous.” He said that on the first day the Dap-Kings joined him and Ms. Winehouse in the studio, “it just sounded a million times better.”

Mr. Roth said that the Winehouse project was “something we spent a handful of afternoons knocking out real quick so we can pay some rent.”

“It was a good, honest piece of work,” he continued. “But our music is something we’ve been working on together as a family for a dozen years, and it’s a product of a lot of love and creativity.”

Daptone remains fiercely self-reliant, controlling every aspect of its catalog itself, from recording to publishing to licensing and distribution. The Daptone team members say they are more interested in making music than in seeking commercial success, and with “100 Days, 100 Nights” seem almost obstinately devoted to their sound and methods.

The album has no single intended for pop radio or remixes by Mr. Ronson; in almost every way, it could have been made in 1966. Nor does Daptone intend to make more commercial records in the future. The label’s next release, Mr. Roth said, would be an a cappella gospel album, which he said was almost certain to lose money. The goal is to simply be self-sufficient.

“We’re not comfortable,” Ms. Jones said. “We’re independent. I drive an ’88 Honda.”

• Visit Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings’ Jazz Capital Artist’s Page
• For Information On Booking Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings For A Private Event

If Dreams Come True Features Jazz Vocals, Saxophone, and Composition At It’s Finest

This new release on Nagel Heyer Records represents Carolyn Leonhart and Wayne Escoffery’s collaborative vision – deeply informed by the jazz tradition, but future-focused and as personal as it gets.

The daughter of famed bassist Jay Leonhart, Carolyn has been surrounded by music her entire life and was singing as soon as she could talk. She is one of the most accomplished and versatile singers of her generation. Over the past few years Carolyn has been most known for her previous two releases Steel The Moon and New 8th Day on Sunnyside records, and her tenure as lead back-up vocalist with Steely Dan for eleven years, four world tours, two albums, and four Grammys.

Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery has become a hot commodity as of late performing with the Mingus Band, Ben Riley’s Monk legacy Septet and The Tom Harrell Quintet. He has made a significant impact in 2007 with the release of his new CD Veneration (on the Savant record label) and headlining with his band of the same name at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola this past June. Wayne has been hailed as a masterful saxophonist and a creative genius, fully formed and in command.

Carolyn and Wayne first met on Valentine’s Day, 2002 at Smoke Jazz Club and were married two years later. With If Dreams Come True they bring their talent, their compatible aims and their mutual love and respect to the forefront. The repertoire spans from boldly reconceived songs by Benny Carter, Benny Goodman and Lee Morgan, to songs by Hank Jones, Kenny Barron and original compositions. All beautifully played and eloquently supported by Toru Dodo, Hans Glawischnig, and drummers Jason Brown and Carl Allen. The husband and wife team truly share a desire for exploration – not just in life, but in music.

“With their talent, their compatible aims and their mutual love and respect, the two are poised to make more beautiful music together in the years to come.“
– David R. Adler

• Visit Carolyn’s Roster Page To Hear ‘If Dreams Come True’
• For Information On Booking Carolyn And Wayne For An Event

This September, Jazz Capital Events once again proved why it’s a leader in the special events industry by delivering an amazing band of top-call jazz musicians from New York City to a private, invite-only birthday celebration at the client’s residence in Greenwich, CT. The client, a respected member of the banking industry, approached Jazz Capital in search of an alternative to the stock bands that so many agencies offer. He wanted a group that could blend in to a sophisticated, catered event for 100 guests, but one that could also provide some character, some energy, and some soul. Essentially, this client wanted some “real jazz,” without sacrificing the ability to converse and have dinner comfortably with his friends and family.

Jazz Capital Events was able to secure its most requested piano trio, The Matt Ray Trio, along with the New Orleans-born and bred trumpet phenom Kevin Louis, (of both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands), for this date. Taking inspiration from the old record “The Oscar Peterson Trio +1″, this group, featuring Michael Hawkins (of the Cyrus Chestnut Trio) on bass, and Aaron Thurston (The Cultures of Rhythm, US Jazz Ambassadors) on drums, swung deep all night. Performing jazz classics like Stompin At The Savoy, Footprints, and Freedom Jazz Dance, the client was duly impressed. This group was even better than he had hoped. “These guys are the real deal!” he remarked.

As the cocktail hour began, on what turned out to be a cool fall evening outdoors, the musicians warmed the guests up with some classic jazz standards. As dinner arrived, the group was encouraged to “do their thing”, and proceeded to dig in and improvise at will, never straying too far from “background music” volume. After dinner, as the guests and the guest of honor mingled, the band went deeper into their dance-tempo repertoire, doing some New Orleans numbers like “I Feel Like Funkin It Up”, and “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”.

The client was impressed, not only with the music, but also with the number of compliments the band received from his guests. He thanked the band for helping to make his birthday celebration a success, and requested them for future engagements at his residence.

Jazz Capital Events’ groups are the perfect selection for special events that require a balance of soul, energy, class, and taste. It’s truly “real jazz”, with no hassle.

• Visit Matt Ray’s Online Press Kit
• Visit Kevin Louis’ Online Press Kit
• For Information Or To Book Any Of These Musicians For a Special Event

Jazz Capital Events’ Most Requested Pianist Matt Ray Filmed During A Concert In PA

In new footage released online today, the always tasteful and swinging Matt Ray is seen taking a solo during a show with fellow Jazz Capital Events Artist Ron Sunshine.The appearance was filmed for public television in Pennsylvania earlier this year. On the American songbook favorite “If I Had You”, Matt is caught playing a fresh, joyful improvisation that calls to mind the great jazz pianists on the 20th century, such as Erroll Garner, Gene Harris, and Art Tatum. He brings a fresh approach, while never straying too far from the heart of this classic.

Available as a solo pianist, with his acclaimed piano trio, or in combination with any of Jazz Capital’s other talented artists, Matt Ray is Jazz Capital Events’ most requested artist. For wedding and corporate event planners looking for the perfect entertainment, this experienced musician always proves effective. Whether he’s performing soothing background music for the cocktail hour, or getting everyone at the reception dancing with his 5-piece band, Matt has the talent to fit into any situation. Check out the brief video below, and be sure to visit his roster page to see his full online press kit. Anyone looking for a New York jazz musician or band for hire should see Matt Ray perform.

VIDEO

• Visit Matt Ray’s Jazz Capital Events Roster Page

• Visit Ron Sunshine’s Jazz Capital Events Roster Page

• For Information On Booking Matt Ray or Ron Sunshine For An Event

Corporate Event: Grey Goose Debuts “Discerning Taste” Campaign Featuring Jazz Capital Events’ Most Requested Saxophonist

Grey Goose is launching a new advertising campaign, entitled “Discerning Taste” featuring Jazz Capital Events saxophonist Wayne Escoffery.

Produced by New York-based @radical.media, the campaign is the brand’s first major advertising effort since its acquisition by Bacardi Limited in 2004.The ads consist of four different print advertisements and three broadcast spots that capture particular moments, people, place and events in the lives of Grey Goose consumers, while focusing on the “luxurious lifestyle” of the brand. For example, the prints include pictures of consumers playing golf and having a late dinner with friends.

The advertising campaign debuts in conjunction with the U.S. Open Tennis Championships in which Grey Goose will be the Proud Promotional Partner of the tournament.

In the spot, Wayne can be seen performing an original composition with his sextet. Both Wayne’s original music and his image are presented as sleek, stylish, and smart. As a top-flight jazz artist, and par-time model, with prestigious corporate entertainment credentials, Wayne was an ideal choice to play and appeal to those with “discerning taste”.

To see the spot, go to http://www.greygoose.com. Go to the section that says “advertising”, then click on “television”, and then “hidden gems”.

Starting 8/27/07 the spot can also be seen on the following channels:
Airing on ESPN, ESPN2, Discovery HD, USA Network, Universal HD, YES and INHD/MOJO.
Local cable stations in California (LA, SAC, SD, SF) and Arizona (phoenix) starting 10/29/07 include: A&E, FX, Bravo, History, Travel, FOOD, CNBC

• Visit Wayne’s Jazz Capital Artist Roster Page
• For Information On Booking Wayne For A Corporate Event

Jazz Capital Events Vocalist’s Star Keeps Rising

‘Storybook Fiction’ - a song written by Sachal from his CD ‘Eyes Wide Open’ - will be featured in Cinema Sounds ‘Emerging Artists’ promotion. In addition, a striking slide of the CD cover with quotes will fill thousands of screens all over the country.

• Go To Sachal’s Jazz Capital Events Roster Page

Jazz Capital Events Customizes A Presentation of “The Cultures of Rhythm” for Business Strategy Launch Event

When the Chicago-based consulting firm Russell Williams Group was asked to put together an inspiring event to launch the brand new business strategy of a successful major corporation in New York City, they decided to think outside the box. Improv troupes, comedy acts, magicians, and motivational speakers have been done over and over at corporate events. This presentation would be for a client whose teams of professionals are extremely smart, quick, and talented. This would be an audience who would not have the patience to sit through a typical corporate motivational presentation. They approached Jazz Capital Events with the idea of using a band as more than just entertainment. They wanted a group that could be integrated into the presentation.

The Cultures of Rhythm was an obvious choice for such a venture. As 5-time US Dept. of State Jazz Ambassadors, Jazz Foundation of America Clinicians, and Jazz Capital Events Corporate Event Specialists, the group is very well-versed in audience participation. In fact, they’ve given presentations all around the world, and for all ages. The bandmembers are able to adapt and work within whatever parameters a client has in mind, including integration into a speaker’s presentation.

Jazz Capital Events worked closely with Russell Williams Group’s executives over several weeks to construct a completely integrated presentation. The members of the jazz group not only performed - they demonstrated their process of working together as individuals to create something new together. Part of the performance was synched with a slide and video presentation, and there was a heavy emphasis on audience participation, including musical exercises such as call and response, clapping, and even special improvisations with volunteers.

This well-planned corporate event was a tremendous success. It took place during the day at the beautiful Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club overlooking Central Park at Columbus Circle. In most cases, a five-hour event can be exausting for a company employee to sit through. After this integrated, multimedia presentation however, both Russell Williams Group and The Cultures of Rhythm received standing ovations. The client credited The Cultures of Rhythm with giving an unprecedented boost to the morale of the company, and sending the employees back to the office inspired. Each participant also took home The Cultures of Rhythm’s debut CD to help remember the event’s message and to stay inspired through coming months.

• Visit The Cultures of Rhythm’s Jazz Capital Artist Roster Page
• For Information On Booking The Cultures of Rhythm for a Corporate Event

Jazz Capital Events’ premier soul-jazz band, The Cultures of Rhythm, will be touring throughout South America and the Caribbean this winter as US Dept. of State Jazz Ambassadors. This tour marks the fifth time a version of this band has been chosen to represent the United States as Cultural Ambassadors. This time around, the official title of the program is “American Music Abroad“, and the tour has been organized jointly by Jazz @ Lincoln Center and the US Dept. of State. The group, featuring f, Bujo Kevin Jones, Adam Scone, and Aaron Thurston will be performing in cities in Uruguay, Ecuador, Suriname, Colombia, and Dominican Republic.

Here are the dates:

Jan 13 - Montevideo, Uruguay - CONCERT - 8:00 pm

Jan 14 - Mercedes, Uruguay - CONCERT - 10:00 pm - Festival de Jazz a la Calle

Jan 18 - Nieuw Nickerie, Suriname - CONCERT - 7:00 pm - Cultural Center, Nieuw Nickerie

Jan 19 - Paramaribo, Suriname - CONCERT - 6:00 pm (Private)

Jan 20 - Paramaribo, Suriname - WORKSHOP - 10:00 am - American Corner at the Cultural Center of Suriname - Sponsored by the US Embassy: “Playing Jazz: Tolerance and Internationalism” (For Children and Music Students)

Jan 20 - Paramaribo, Suriname - CONCERT - 8:00 pm - Torarica Ballroom, Paramaribo [Sold Out]

Jan 24 - Bogota, Colombia - WORKSHOP - 12:00 pm - Music Departement, Javeriana University

Jan 25 - Bogota, Colombia - CONCERT - 7:00 pm - Teatro Libre, Main Auditorium

Jan 27 - Quito, Ecuador - CONCERT - 8:00 pm - Teatro Bolivar

Jan 29 - Quito, Ecuador - WORKSHOP - 3:00 pm - Teatro Bolivar - Masterclass forMusic Students

Jan 30 - Guayaquil, Ecuador - WORKSHOP - 4:00 pm - Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano - Masterclass for Students

Jan 31 - Guayaquil, Ecuador - CONCERT - 8:00 pm - Centro Ecuatoriano Norteamericano - Open To The Public

Feb 2 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - CONCERT - 8:00 pm - Cinemateca Nacional - (Invitation-Only)

Feb 3 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - WORKSHOP - 1:00 pm - Cinemateca Dominicana - Masterclass/Jam Session with Students

Feb 3 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - CONCERT - 9:00 pm - Cinemateca Dominicana

Feb 5 - Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic - CONCERT - 7:00 pm - CURA UASD

Feb 6 - Santiago, Dominican Republic - WORKSHOP - 3:00 pm - Centro Universitario Regional de Santiago

Feb 6 - Santiago, Dominican Republic - CONCERT - 7:00 pm - Centro Universitario Regional de Santiago

Feb 7 - San Pedro de Macoris - CONCERT - 7:00 pm - Ayuntamiento Municipal

For More Information:

• For Information On Booking The Cultures of Rhythm For An Event
• Visit The Cultures of Rhythm Artist Roster Page
• The Cultures of Rhythm on MySpace
• American Music Abroad Program

Pianist Matt Ray has been a fixture on the New York jazz scene for more than a decade. Lost in New York is his sophomore effort, the follow up to his critically acclaimed debut album We Got It!. Here he calls on the talents of two other creative New York musicians — drummer Quincy Davis (who’s worked with Tom Harrell’s band), and bassist Danton Boller (who has recently been spotted touring with trumpeter Roy Hargrove).

The trio wends their way through an interesting and compelling set of music — effortlessly adapting tunes from a wide variety of sources. “Lost” is a dark and mysterious Wayne Shorter piece, and begins with a rolling rubato intro before giving way to a series of complex harmonies and Wayne’s unusual melody. Ray uses his whole range of improvisational tools on his solo — from well-crafted lines, to shifting chord structures. The tune also includes a masterful bass solo, and a drum solo which is underscored by the bass and piano playing a series of roots (lowest chord notes) which really captures the strange and wonderful harmonic movement of Shorter’s composition.

The album includes several tunes adapted from soul artists — Stevie Wonder’s “Where Were You When I Needed You?” and Curtis Mayfield’s The “Makings of You.” There are tinges of gospel and soul on several other compositions on the CD, most interestingly on the John Coltrane ballad “Central Park West,” which is given a jazz/soul treatment familiar to fans who bought Matt Ray’s first CD. Still, the album has a number of searching and harmonically challenging tunes, and Ray makes the most of these opportunities to show off his ability to navigate difficult chord changes. On Joe Henderson’s Serenity, Ray returns to his trio concept of leaving as much space as he takes up, which allows his cohorts to fill up the pauses with their own ideas, and Davis’s brush work really shines here.

There are three original compostions on this CD. “El Bosque” (The Forest) is an interesting circular composition, with a rock-inflected middle section. “Greene Street Blues” is an old-fashioned soul swinger reminiscent of the Ray Brown Trio, and the album closes with a slow soulful “mo better” blues tune called “Last Call on the Lower East Side.” Also of interest are the album’s liner notes, which are made up of an essay written by the artist himself detailing the experience of being lost artistically and personally in the big city. Being lost is apparently a good thing to Ray, and it shows on this record, as he chooses diverse tastes in material, and works his way through a series of searching but well-honed trio improvisations. For those fans of Matt Ray who have been looking forward to a new recording, the album does not disappoint. The five year wait between records was worth it, as the pianist’s concept has continued to develop into a warm and well-rounded voice in jazz. Pick up a copy, and get lost in Lost In New York.

• Visit Matt Ray’s Jazz Capital Events Roster Page
• For Information On Booking Matt Ray

It was a busy night for high-profile parties in the Hamptons last Saturday, but not-for-profit arts organization Art For Progress was determined to make their event stand out, with entertainment by Jazz Capital Events.

Jazz Capital Events worked directly with Art For Progress (AFP) founder Frank Jackson, as well as AFP artists Martin Deegan and Gabe Kirchheimer, to put together a program of exciting young musicians. The goal was to put together a fundraiser event that was part party, part performance, and part gallery showing. The only problem was that AFP’s budget was already stretched.

Inspired by the creativity of the AFP mission, Jazz Capital came through to deliver not one, but two great bands: an abbreviated version of its most popular group, The Cultures of Rhythm, along with an up-and-coming NYC-based Israeli punk blues trio, NaNuchKa.

The event was a success, and even got coverage in the exclusive Hamptons online page Hamptons.com: “[Saturday] was the rocking affair “Mesmerize: A Midsummer’s Night with Art For Progress” at the home of Vincent Falasco, founder of the interior design firm Falasco & Smith. Art For Progress (AFP) is a nonprofit art organization based in New York City.

AFP founder Frank Jackson is committed to the cultivation and support of visual and performing artists and not only raising the awareness of arts education in public schools but also bringing their artists to the schools. For this fundraising bash Jackson and his crew, transformed four rooms of the elegant mansion into galleries showing their artists work with impromptu performance art pieces popping all over.

The party started in the front lawn and wrapped around the house, where fashion installations of silk scarves and art displays beckoned guests to venture up the hill to the patio in the back. Local wine and even a wine sorbet were big hits as “The Cultures of Rhythm” filled the night with jazz, inspiring even a bit of improv performance art from dancer Patrice Miller.

Thanks to David Catania, of Mae de Ouro, the Brazilian cachaca was flowing copiously loosing up inhibitions so that at lest a dozen guests dove fully clothed into the pool. We remained a bit reserved and only dipped our tootsies as we cheered the others.”

For special event planners, time and time again, Jazz Capital Events has proven to be a creative, dependable source for customizing event entertainment with no hassle. Jazz Capital is the best source of NYC-based live music for events because it has the largest pool of real musicians and bands. These are not “weekend musicians”. Our professional bands and musicians work full time as musicians, touring the world, teaching, and performing right here in New York at famous venues like the Blue Note and the Village Vanguard. For organizations that can’t afford to book our most popular event bands, Jazz Capital can offer up-and-coming artists from deep within the NYC scene to make any event feel like like it’s top-notch. Professional, talented, tasteful, and special, Jazz Capital Events artists will take your fundraiser to the next level.

• Visit The Cultures of Rhythm’s Online Press Kit
• For Information On Booking The Cultures of Rhythm for An Event

About Art For Progress:

Art for Progress is committed to celebrating the arts, cultivating emerging artists, and developing a diverse, creative community with an on-line presence. We believe that the arts are a vital part of our culture, one that unifies, inspires, and also encourages us to achieve new ground in thought, perception, and practice.

An important part of our work, therefore, is to make the world of the arts as accessible as possible to artists, art-goers, and the general public. We achieve this goal by organizing captivating events that involve multiple artistic mediums, including performance, music, fashion, and the visual arts in both traditional venues, such as galleries and museums, as well as non-traditional spaces, such as popular nightclubs and lounges.

In December 2006, Art For Progress launched its art education program which focuses on providing educational workshops to children in the most under-served communities of New York City. AFP offers programs designed with varied activities, objectives and outcomes. The programs all share a common goal in supporting the arts in learning, while their diverse structure is created to suit the needs of any organization, school or community.