All Ages
Genres: Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz
Saxophonist Steve Cole is one of the most celebrated players in contemporary jazz. The Chicago native exploded onto the scene in 1998 with the album Stay Awhile produced by fellow Chicagoan Brian Culbertson. The disc scored multiple #1 hits and earned Cole the Oasis Smooth Jazz Award for best new artist shortly before his sophomore set, Between Us, was released in 2000. His catchy singles made him an instant radio favorite, and he regularly cranked them out.
Invigorating and groove-filled, funky and fun, soulful and smooth, rollicking and sweet – Steve Cole’s latest album, 2023’s Without a Doubt, goes down smooth, but is jam-packed with indelible hooks and rhythms that will propel listeners from their seats. Cole felt free to let his passions run rampant with nothing to prove – Without a Doubt. The album is chock full of memorable melodies that could be easily retooled as hits for the likes of the Commodores or Earth, Wind & Fire.
In addition to his work as a solo artist, Steve has performed/recorded, with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Boz Scaggs, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Jim Peterik, Freddie Cole, Cyrus Chestnut, and KMFDM, and has been a featured soloist with the City of Prague Orchestra, and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Steve is also a founding member of The Sax Pack, a stellar sax trio completed by Kim Waters and Jeff Kashiwa.
When he’s not touring, Dr. Cole teaches music industry entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota where he is a Clinical Professor and Teaching Fellow.
All Ages
Genres: Jam
All Ages
Genres: Latin Jazz, Jazz
All Ages
Genres: Latin Jazz, Jazz
All Ages
Genres: Contemporary Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jam
Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his nearly two-decade-long career as a performer. With a number one jazz album, numerous Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, Joyner has proven himself a rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and captivating mainstream audiences.
Now, as he enters the 18th year of his career amid unprecedented change in the entertainment industry, Joyner remains as dedicated to his art as ever.
“No matter how difficult things become, I’ll never stop doing what I love: playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live.”
Born in Norfolk, VA, Joyner demonstrated restless creativity from an early age, a trait that would later define his career. Despite his humble upbringing, he managed to acquire a saxophone as a child, which quickly became his constant companion. After years of practice, he made his debut with 2007’s ‘Babysoul.’ A masterclass in seductive smooth jazz, the album marked the arrival of a brilliant instrumentalist, paving the way for a prolific recording career that included Grammy runner-ups, hit singles, and abundant critical acclaim, extending through 2019’s ‘Touch’ and 2020’s EP, “Journey of Passion.”
As a performer, Joyner has toured over 30 countries and shared the stage with legends such as the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill, Najee, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and many others
All Ages
Genres: Jazz
“One of the most charismatic and powerful soloists in jazz,” - New York Times
"It was billed like a clash of the titans, yet one of the colossal talents stood taller than all the rest. Saxophonist James Carter overshadowed everyone else onstage at the Herbst Theatre" - Jim Harrington - Herald Tribune
"To hear saxophonist James Carter is to be blown away,” - Washington Post
Saxophonist extraordinaire James Carter is coming back to Boston for his first Boston club date in twelve years, one night only with two shows at Scullers Jazz Club on Saturday, September 21.
Scullers is partnering with long-time radio host and writer Steve Elman (widely regarded for his jazz and classical shows on WBUR and WCRB, and for his jazz essays on artsfuse.org) and noted litigation attorney Joanne D’Alcomo to give Boston the long-overdue chance to hear one of the world’s great jazz artists in person.
James Carter is a master of the whole range of the saxophone family, a monster on tenor and soprano, and a consistent poll-winner for his work on baritone.
Carter was a guest artist at a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert at Symphony Hall in Boston in 2019 when the BSO performed a jazz-oriented concerto written especially for him by composer Roberto Sierra. Carter’s performance resulted in two standing ovations and a demand for an encore.
Elman refers to Carter as "one of the greatest living saxophonists," and describes his playing as "electrifying." Elman says he helped organize the club date at Scullers because “the Boston area deserves an opportunity to hear James play in an intimate club setting--there is no one making more exciting music today."
Carter's band will also feature two other Detroit natives, organist Gerard Gibbs and drummer Alex White.
All Ages
Genres: Big Band, Jazz
Embark on a vibrant journey through the rhythmic landscapes of Latin Jazz with "Relentless," the latest release by Fernando Huergo. This exhilarating album brings together an ensemble of extraordinary talent, blending the infectious energy of Latin rhythms with the improvisational spirit of jazz.
Led by acclaimed composer, arranger, and bassist Fernando Huergo, this stellar lineup features an array of top-tier musicians, including Jeff Claassen, Billy Buss, Dan Rosenthal, Greg Hopkins, Randy Pingrey, Chris Gagne, Jason Camelio, Andy Garcia, Yulia Musayelyan, Rick Stone, Allan Chase, Rick DiMuzio, Joel Springer, Daniel Ian Smith, Santiago Bosch, Gen Yoshimura, and Ernesto Diaz.
Recorded at the renowned Wellspring Studio in Acton, MA, on November 4th and 5th, 2023, "Relentless" captures the essence of live performance, delivering an immersive sonic experience that transcends boundaries.
With 11 captivating tracks, each composition showcases Huergo's masterful craftsmanship and the ensemble's unparalleled synergy. From the introspective musings of "Consciousness of Reality" to the pulsating rhythms of the title track "Relentless," and the soul-stirring melodies of "Blues Sureño," every moment of this album is a testament to the passion and creativity of its creators.
Featuring original compositions by Fernando Huergo alongside a mesmerizing arrangement of Wayne Shorter's "Deluge," "Relentless" invites listeners to surrender to the groove and embrace the limitless possibilities of Latin Jazz.
Dive into the dynamic world of "Relentless" and experience the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines this groundbreaking release. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or new to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire.