Click on any of the bands names below for their website.

JSJBF Jazz & Blues Youth Project

Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation (JSJBF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to Preserve, Promote, and Perpetuate Jazz and Blues in the northern New Jersey shore region through PERFORMANCE and EDUCATION.

Each session, students gain knowledge from a professional jazz or blues musician or singer. The seasoned pros share and pass along their experience of jazz and blues to the students. The sessions utilize classic jazz and blues songs so that the students can hone their own style of playing. Some of the songs may sound familiar to them, but new ones are introduced continuously, increasing their repertoire.

An understanding of jazz and blues is fostered through the process of playing, listening and arranging. The jam sessions have students constantly working on songs, specific techniques, and more importantly, working as an ensemble. The program cultivates teamwork.

Because of the diversity of age and level of playing ability, the more knowledgeable and proficient student players can mentor the younger students or less accomplished. This aspect of the program enables them to share with each other what they have learned and experienced, bringing their own individual style into the mix to make this music last.

Past Jazz & Blues Youth Project members have already performed at the 2005 and 2006 Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival and the 2006 Point Pleasant Concert in the Park Series, 2006 Freehold Cruisin' Car Show at the Centre Playhouse Theatre, and the Howell Day 2006, JSJBF's Holiday Party at the Stony Pony, and in 2007, Howell Library and Senior Community, Special Performances with Guest Mentor and Educator, TJ Wheeler, 2007 Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival's Main Stae and Harbour Experienace Stage and many community service performances.

Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Those interested in the Jazz & Blues Youth Project can contact Patti Wade at seaglas18@aol.com or Kati Beddow Brower at katibrow1@yahoo.com for more information or to sign up.

We at the Foundation's Education Committee want to see our Youth Group grow, not just one ensemble, but many!

JSJBF's Youth Project Heads:
Director & resident mentor: Kati Beddow Brower
Musical Director & resident mentor: Everald Williams
Coordinator: Patti Wade

Gordon James

Seasoned performer, composer, trumpeter and flugelhornist Gordon James has a unique style of music blending the worlds of Jazz, Latin, R&B, Pop and hip hop music. James states, "My music is both funky and lyrical; the arrangements are hip and polished and the flugelhorn and muted trumpet are perfect for conveying the passion of my compositions". That passion is evident in his new release In Joy, which was produced by Bob Baldwin, and James Lloyd from Pieces of a Dream and features Chuck Loeb.

On Stage

Gordon has appeared with or opened for such artists as Roy Ayres, Angela Bofill, Bobby Caldwell, Alex Bugnon, Pieces of a Dream, Chuck Loeb, Cassandra Wilson and others - The band has worked such venues as The Newark Jazz Festival, Asbury Park Jazz Fest, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Bethlehem Musikfest, Red Bank Jazz In The Park, Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival, The Original Cool Cruise and has also appeared on the NJ Network and done shows for Suburban, Monmouth and Comcast Cablevisions.

More recently James and his group performed at the Jazz Masters on the Bay festival in Norfolk, VA with Pieces of a Dream, Marcus Johnson, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb and Phil Perry. Gordon was not only a huge hit with his own group but also performed with Bob Baldwin and Chuck Loeb for a couple of songs on their set.

Accomplishments

A graduate of The Interlochen Arts Academy and The Hartt College of Music, Gordon has studied and performed with such artists as trumpeter Ted Curson, a Charles Mingus alumni, saxophonist Eric Kloss, and Johnny Guitar Watson, David Darling and Paul Winter. James released his first CD Candlelight Love in the mid-nineties. The CD features world renowned guitarist Vic Juris in a rare contemporary jazz setting and percussionist Manolo Badrena of Weather Report and Spyro Gyra. Candlelight Love received much attention here in the US and in England. Jonathan Widran of Jazziz Magazine said of the album, "James knows how to whip his band into exotic colors and stirs up some highly amiable cool craziness”.

Gordon's second CD received rave reviews in the US, Europe, South America and Australia. His original track "Shades of Brown" has been included on the January 2000 compilation CD for Jazz FM, London's premiere smooth jazz station. The CD features keyboardist James Lloyd from the acclaimed jazz group Pieces of a Dream and offers a colorful set that crosses many musical boundaries and should appeal to a wide audience. Mr. James went on to release his third album, the beautiful and mellow "After Hours" CD which featured such notables as Chuck Loeb and Slide Hampton.

Jonny 'B' & The Blues Blazers

Jonny B & the Blues Blazers, is a high-energy harmonica driven pop/blues band whose blend of high-energy harmonica driven music is both unique and refreshing. Since their inception 12 years ago, the band has built a reputation as hard working, dedicated musicians who perform with an intensity that audiences appreciate.

They were one of only two bands selected to perform in the NYC Dept of Cultural Affairs sponsored event, Culture Fest 2002 held in Bryant Park, and Culture Fest 2003 & 2005, held in Battery Park, NY which was attended by thousands.

The band has performed & headlined numerous venues, concert series & festivals throughout the Tri-State area. They have also opened for varied performers including the “Crown Prince of Zydeco” C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band, folk legend Pete Seeger & The Spyro Gyro All Star Band. Additionally, the band has received a performing arts award from the Staten Island Council for the Arts & Humanities. In February 2008, the band headed up the “Best of The Blues” Concert at the St George Theatre on Staten Island. The show was a huge success, and nearly sold out.

In the New Jersey area, they were headline act for the Red Bank Jazz in The Park Concert Series & 2008 featured performers at the Red Wine & Blues Festival in Tuckerton. They were also featured on WRSU 88.7 FM –The Low Budget Blues Show with Richard Skelly (8/28/08 from 8-10 PM).

The band is been honored to have been selected two time regional semi-finalists & regional finalists by the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation for the 2007 & 2008 International Blues Challenge.

Jonny B & The Blues Blazers have been picking up momentum, enjoying local name recognition and a growing fan following. The band promises to be a crowd pleaser wherever & whenever they perform!

Please go to their website for other venue and band information: www.bluesblazers.com - They are featured performers at the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival on August 30th, 2008.

Urban Groove

Bio

Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Band

Unique and authentic, Miss Rodriguez is the real deal. Others may attempt to convey a Latin sound by singing a bossa nova song, but Karen is indigenous to Latin music. Her parents are from Puerto Rico and speaks, teaches and sings in Spanish. She is truly refreshing and sexy in her native tongue. She is exotic when sings a Cha Cha, but vulnerable when she sings a romantic Bolero. Seeing Karen perform live is like walking into a Cuban nightclub circa 1950.

Latin music would not be complete without its percussive voice. Ray Colon, I have been musically inclined since a very early age. Born and raised in the Bronx of Puerto Rican decent. He started playing percussion under the supervision of Rafael Cortijo one of his teachers and mentors. Rafael was the leader of “Cortijo y su Combo” and the creator of the Folkloric rhythm from Puerto Rico Bomba and Plena. He also played with “Somos Musica” in the early 80’s directed by Louis Cruz who was Ray Barreto’s piano player. After going thru tremendous musical training working in “the circuit” with many great musicians, he was invited to join the Willie Colon Band.

Tony Cimorosi, who plays bass, adds the final touch to this incredible group. Tony has been on the NYC world beat and contemporary jazz scene for over 30 years, playing with world renowned musicians including; the Brazilian Power Samba band Pe De Bois, Babatunde Olatunji and Drums of Passion, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Michal Urbaniak, Randy Brecker, Dave Wyckl, Michael Wolff, Badal Roy, Jeremy Wall, Brian Kean, Frank Colon, Vic Juris and Carmen Lundy. He has toured Europe and the US with various artists and his own world-beat/contemporary jazz ensemble. Tony hold a Masters degree in Composition from Purchase College S.U.N.Y. and was a member of the Purchase Conservatory faculty from 1992 to 2000. He is a professional electric bass guitarist, acoustic and N.S electric upright bass. Tony endorses La Bella Strings, Sabine Tuners, Eminence Speakers and NSDesigns.

About the Music

Alexis P. Suter

The Alexis P. Suter Band are rising stars on the roots, blues and soul scene. Lead by Alexis's powerful bass/baritone voice, seasoned with raw emotion and a wide streak of attitude, they have won the praise of greats from B.B. King to Levon Helm. "Alexis is one of those wonderful spirits," said Helm. "She's got her arms around you. You can feel that."

Regular performers at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble Sessions in Woodstock, NY, the band have also performed at festivals including the Pocono Blues Fest, Virginia Blues and Jazz Fest, WC Handy Blues Fest and the New York State Blues Fest. Along with Helm's band, they played sold-out shows at the Beacon Theater in New York City, Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, The Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park, NJ and Central Park's Summerstage.

A true vocal phenomenon, Suter has been astounding audiences up and down the east coast for the past few years, backed by her tight, soul-rocking ensemble. The band is anchored by Ray Grappone's funky beats and Peter Bennett's deep groovin' bass. Guitarist Jimmy Bennett plays stinging guitar, and soulful singers Vicki Bell, Glenn Turner and Linda Pino ramp up the intensity that has captured the attention of some of the best players around. Special guests of the band include keyboard wizards Bruce Katz, Benny Harrison and Ted Kooshian with Deep Singh on percussion.

The Alexis P. Suter Band have just released a new CD titled "Just Another Fool". Other releases by APSB include "Live at The Midnight Ramble" on Levon Helm Studios Records and "Shuga Fix" on Hipbone Records.

Felix Cabrera Band featuring Jimmy Vivino

New York City’s most energetic and eclectic blues band is coming to Long Branch on Sunday August 30th to perform at the 2nd annual Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival. The Felix Cabrera Band featuring Jimmy Vivino will take the stage at 8:00pm. Joining Cabrera on harmonica and Vivino on guitar will be Phil Butler on bass guitar, Eddie Bishai on keyboards, and Bill Schroeder on drums.

Felix Cabrera is a Cuban-born harmonica player whose early influences include Bill Haley, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles. He discovered the music of Paul Butterfield and Michael Bloomfield, BB King, Albert King, Otis Rush, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, and Cannonball Adderley after moving to the United States. Cabrera began his career by playing along with his favorite records and joining bands around Union City, NJ. In 1984, Cabrera formed Felix and the Havanas in New York City and was awarded the chance to open for national acts such as James Brown, Buddy Guy and Jr. Wells, Bobby Blue Bland, Jr. Walker, Wilson Pickett, Dr. John, Lonnie Mack, Marcia Ball and others. He is known for his fluent harp technique, lively showmanship, and powerful vocals.

Cabrera’s partner and musical co-host is the legendary Jimmy Vivino. Vivino is considered one of the most respected and sought-after blues/rock guitarists in New York City. Jimmy grew up in the 60’s listening to bands like the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Blues Project, Muddy Waters and B.B. King to name a few. By the age of 13 he was forming bands and playing High School dances. In his late teens, Jimmy took up keyboards and in a very short time became good enough to do studio work. By 30, he was a musical director on Broadway.

In the early 80’s, Jimmy began working with the legendary Al Kooper as a musical partner. He also worked with blues great Johnnie Johnson and currently works with Hubert Sumlin. On any given night of the week Jimmy can be found playing at various clubs in NYC, whether sitting in at the Park Side Lounge, Rodeo Bar or performing at the Beacon Theater with the Allman Brothers or Levon Helm.

The combination of Felix and Jimmy is something that has to be witnessed to be appreciated. The two met back in 1975 when Jimmy was playing Hammond organ. According to Felix, he had some original songs and covers that he wanted to record and Jimmy played keyboards on those. In Felix’s words, “He had a vast musical girth that I admired.”

In 1993, Felix joined Jimmy’s band, The Black Italians, and settled in for a five year tenure at Downtime, a club on 24th Street, every Thursday night. This was one of the last real jams scenes of the highest quality in NYC. The Cabrera/Vivino band has been together since 2001, without ever practicing. Felix says, “Jimmy learns my tunes, which are well rehearsed with the band, on the fly, and then we do whatever he brings to the table that night, which we never know what it will be.

The combination of these high caliber musicians and their total spontaneity during the show, with never a dull moment is something to experience. The banter back and forth between Felix and Jimmy, whether they are telling stories from 30 years ago or Jimmy adding an antic dote about one of the blues greats he has performed with, keeps everyone paying close attention,

A monthly gig at the now defunct Murray Street Grill, had regulars from the Downtime days as well as newcomers hanging on every note. With each performance you would walk away feeling like you just witnessed something special and felt sorry for anyone that missed it.

The band performed a short set at Harpin’ Help at Bar A in April that had a dancing crowd wanting to hear more. The Felix Cabrera Band with Jimmy Vivino will get a chance to share the magic once again with the crowds at the Long Branch Jazz and Blues Festival.