Specializing in Media Campaigns for the Music Community, Artists, Labels, Venues and Events

RAY BLUE JAZZ LIVE This Thur Nov 21 With Acclaimed Organist: Akiko Tsuruga & Drummer: Alvester Garnett






RAY BLUE JAZZ LIVE This Thur Nov 21 With Acclaimed Organist: Akiko Tsuruga & Drummer: Alvester Garnett




jazzLogo.jpg

November 19, 2019

To: Listings/Critics/Features
From: Jazz Promo Services
www.jazzpromoservices.com


7:00pm Thursday Nov 21 At La Zingara Restaurant Bethel CT
Featuring: Ray Blue LIVE With Acclaimed Organist: Akiko Tsuruga &
Drummer: Alvester Garnett

Award winning Jazz is all the way LIVE on the Third Thursday of the month at La Zingara Ristorante (highly rated by Zagat) . World class ensembles and musicians performing right in your backyard in downtown Bethel. See old friends and make new ones. Seating is limited so bring your friends and book now.

La Zingara Ristorante, 8 PT Barnum Square, Bethel, CT 06801  Directions
Doors Open at 6:30, Showtime 7:00pm

Tickets $15 at our ticket vendor Eventbrite.
$20 at the door. Dinner and drinks a la carte

Ray Blue    Check him out here  Over the years Ray has shared the stage and studio as a leader, a sideman and a band member with Alicia Keys, The Sun Ra Arkestra, the Cotton Club All Stars, John Gilmore, Dr. Art Davis, Benny Powell, Eddie Henderson, Kirk Lightsey, Charlie Persia Super Band, Clifford Adams, Wycliffe Gordon, Bernard Purdie, Steve Turre, Ted Curson, Joe Lee Wilson and many others.He was also a cast member of “The Ray Charles Show” which toured in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy 2008-2010.

“Ray Blue has a majestic presence when playing, his sense of purpose is obvious. It’s one thing to be a good composer, its another to be a great performer. Ray Blue’s got the whole package.” — Jean Szlamowicz, Jazz Hot, Down Beat

Ray Blue’s music can be described as a fusion of straight ahead jazz and rhythmic groove. Ray is a New York bred saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator who performs internationally. Over the years he has shared the stage and studio as a leader, a sideman and a band member with John Gilmore, Dr. Art Davis, Benny Powell, Eddie Henderson, Kirk Lightsey, Charlie Persip Super Band, Clifford Adams, Wycliff Gordon, Bernard Purdie, Steve Turre, Ted Curson, Joe Lee Wilson, Alicia Keys, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Cotton Club All Stars and many others. He was also a cast member of the “Ray Charles Show” which toured in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy 2008 to 2010. His festival performances as leader and featured artist include: Hartford Jazz Festival, Hartford, Connecticut; Zanzibar International Film Festival, Zanzibar, Tanzania; North Sea Jazz Festival-Cape Town, South Africa; Macufe Festival- Bloemfontain, South Africa; European Union Annex Festival-Dublin, Ireland; Audi Jazz Festival, Brussels, Belgium; Macao Jazz Festival, China; Midi Music Festival-Beijing, China; Pori Jazz Festival, Finland and others. After receiving a graduate degree from the University of Iowa, Ray returned to New York, got re-connected on the scene and studied at the Jazz Mobile with Charles Davis, Stanton Davis and later with Paul Jeffrey, Charlie Lagond, Sonny Sharrock and Barry Harris. Some of his mentors include Arthur Blythe, Houston Person, Ornette Coleman and Benny Powell. Ray released his first CD as a leader, Always with a Purpose, in 2001. Then came Ray Blue Live at Liars Theater in 2004 and “Ray Blue Live at Liars Theater 2 in 2005. In 2006 Ray released ‘Transvision’ on the Neu Klang label and Berries and Blues in 2010.

Akiko Tsuruga   Organist   Check out a few minutes of Akiko  She’s “Sweet and Funky,” she’s “Cute and Bad”, Composer,  A Performer extraordinaire. The legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith describes her this way: “Akiko's playing is like watching a flower blooming, a bird spreading her wings in the music world. Akiko is here to stay.” Raised in Osaka, Japan, this talented musician began studying the organ at the age of three, at the famed Yamaha Music School. After discovering her passion for jazz very early on in her musical journey, Akiko launched her career immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. While living and playing in Osaka, she had many opportunities to perform with world- renowned jazz musicians from the United States. Meeting Grady Tate, in particular, was a life-changing event for Akiko. 

After landing in the mecca for jazz, New York City, it didn’t take long for Akiko to make her mark – It was during these early years that she had the great pleasure of sitting in, playing gigs, and eventually recording with jazz greats such as Frank Wess, Jimmy Cobb, Grady Tate and other top NY musicians. Her reputation ultimately drew attention of Lou Donaldson as he chose her in 2006 as his quartet’s organist.

But it was the meeting of organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith that proved to have the greatest impact on Akiko’s musical development and career. He became an important mentor to Akiko, and she considers him her greatest influence. She flourished and continued to be a constant draw on the NY jazz scene.

Akiko has ten albums as a leader to her credit. Her debut album in the U.S., “Sweet and Funky” ,was selected as a “Best album of 2007” in DOWNBEAT Magazine. Akiko has been a regular in the DOWNBEAT polls since 2008 – culminating this year with the 65th Annual Critics Poll, coming in at #2 in the “Rising Star – Organ” category. Hot House Magazine has just named her 'Best Organ" in the 2017 Readers Poll. Her albums have constantly placed in the top ten on the National Radio Jazz Chart.

Just a few of her performances include: Monterey Jazz Festival, Stanford Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Party, (CA) Atlanta Jazz Festival (Georgia) JVC Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, Pine Grill Jazz Reunion Jazz Festival (New York) Portland Jazz Festival (Oregon) Vail Jazz Festival (Colorado), Tri-C Jazz Festival (Ohio).

Alvester Garnett – Drummer – Check Out Some Of Alvester's Licks Alvester Garnett is an American jazz drummer who, among many other productions, has appeared on Great Performances on PBS in a tribute to Kurt Weill. Garnett has played with Abbey Lincoln, Betty Carter, Regina Carter, Clark Terry, Pharoah Sanders, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Teddy Edwards, James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Charenee Wade, Lou Donaldson, Benny Golson, Al Grey, Rodney Jones, and Sherman Irby, among others.

Ray Blue Upcoming Live Appearances
New Jazzheads CD "Work"


shem.gif

November 21, 2019

Ray Blue Organ Trio

La Zingara
8 P.T. Barnum Square
Bethel, Connecticut

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
___________________________________________________

November 23, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
_____________________________________________________

November 23, 2019

Lawrence Anthony Band
Hudson Room
23 So. Division St.
Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 8:00 p.m.
____________________________________________________

November 30, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
____________________________________________________________

November 30, 2019

Ray Blue Quartet

Brownstone Jazz
107 Macon St.

Brooklyn, N.Y. 

Time: 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
___________________________________________________

December 2, 2019

CCC Mini Ensemble
City of Peekskill Tree Lighting

Time: 4:00 p.m.
___________________________________________________

December 5, 2019

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
_______________________________________________________-

December 7, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
__________________________________________

December 8, 2019

CCC Jazz Ensemble Christmas Concert
Bean Runner Jazz Cafe

201 So. Division St.
Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
________________________________________________________

December 12, 2019

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

______________________________________________________

December 13, 2019

Jazz Foundation of America Concert
Billy Kaye Band
E. 108th St.@5th Ave.
New York, N.Y.

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
______________________________________________________

December 14, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
________________________________________________________

December 15, 2019

Ray Blue Quartet

Russian Samovar
256 W. 52nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
__________________________________________________

December 18, 2019

Ray Blue Quintet

Smalls Jazz Club
183 W. 10th St.
New York, N.Y. 

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
____________________________________________________

December 19, 2019

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
___________________________________________________

December 21, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
________________________________________________

December 21, 2019

Ray Blue Quartet Christmas Show

Bean Runner Jazz Cafe
201 So. Division St.
Peekskill, N.Y. 10566

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
________________________________________________________________

December 26, 2019

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
__________________________________________________________

December 28, 2019

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
___________________________________________________________

January 2, 2020

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
__________________________________________________________

January 4, 2020

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
____________________
January 5, 2020

Ray Blue Quintet

PJS Jazz Society
199  Columbus Ave.
Mt. Vernon, N.Y.

Ray Blue Saxophone
Sharp Radway – Piano
Essiett Okon Essiett – Bass
Alvester Garnett – Drums

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
_______________________________________________________

January 9, 2020

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
__________________________________________________________

January 10, 2020 

Jazz Foundation of America Concert
Billy Kaye Band
E. 108th St.@5th Ave.
New York, N.Y.

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
__________________________

January 11, 2020

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
________________________________________________

January 16, 2020

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
__________________________________________________________

January 18, 2020

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
_______________________________

January 20, 2020

Ray Blue Trio

Quinn's
330 Main St.
Beacon, N.Y.

Time: 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
______________________________________________________

January 23, 2020

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 
__________________________________________________________

January 25, 2020

Jazz Education Workshop

Peekskill, N.Y.

Time: 9:00 am to 11.00 am

11:30 am to 1:30 p.m.
_______________________________

January 30, 2020

Ray Blue Organ Quartet

American Legion
248 W. 132nd St.
New York, N.Y.

Ray Blue – Saxophone
Greg Lewis – Organ
Kahlil Kwame Bell – Drums
Beverly Crosby – Vocal

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Here's What The Press Is Saying About Ray Blue's New CD "Work"

 

“Ray Blue is a tenor saxophonist with a big tone with a pleasant-sounding and satisfying approach to the music he plays…”

Peter Giroux – Audioaudition
 

“The tenor-saxophonist Ray Blue breathes energy and optimism on the cover song of

his new album, entitled Work. The most curious thing is that his music leaves the same

impression.”

Leonid Auskern – Jazzquad Russia
 

There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of tenor saxophone front and

center…Ray Blue’s fluid, lyrical style is technically solid… The exquisite, evocative melodies

are delivered with convincing feeling and emotion

Joe Ross – Roots Music Report
 

“RAY BLUE: Leading with a deep, full tone, this sax man keeps it light and bouncy… Killer stuff that’s just so much fun…he puts his sure fingered stamp on it.”

Chris Spector – Midwest Record
 

“Hip to the max tenor sax Ray Blue – WORK: Ray’s playing is the ultimate in hip to the max tenor sax…”

Rotcod Zzaj – Contemporary Fusion Review
 

“…guided by the warm sound of the leader's tenor sax…a follower of tradition that

exudes swing from every note, able to invent melodies as well as colleagues from the

past, to create stories that are always different, full of fantasy.

Vittorio Lo Conte – Music Zoom, Italy
 

“The songs on “Work” demonstrate an enthusiasm for old-school jazz and a swinging style. Blue’s approach finds him making his tenor sax sound like a baritone, and creating soundscapes that erase the present day, and transport listeners back in time through sound. Blue’s saxophone takes on the lyrical line, but the effect is smooth not just bleating notes per word…there is an art to the interpretation…Together, the musicians bring to life the approaches to jazz that have not been heard in decades and are a must-hear for new and veteran jazz fans.”

Dodie Miller-Gould – Napcloud Review
 

Tenor saxophonist Ray Blue owns a deep tone and melodic style that makes this recording a smooth and inviting experience with his quietly creative music. This is a selection of songs performed with sensitivity and creativity – a very fine jazz collection.

Grady Harp – Amazon Review

“A soulful performance with varied repertoire, Ray Blue’s “Work” offers novel arrangements and creative musical expression.”

Joe Ross – Roots Music Report


Ray Blue "WORK" (
Jazzheads JH1235) Street Date: October 12, 2019
Ray Blue – Tenor Sax,   Ron Wilkins – Trombone,  Neil Clark – Percussion,  Steve Johns – Drums,  Essiet Okon Essiet – Bas,s  Belden Bullock – Bass , Jeff Barone –  Guitar,  Sharp Radway – Piano,  Kirk Lightsey – Piano,  Benito Gonzalez – Piano 
UPC – 009818123528

 Track Listing:

1. WORK 4:22 

2. LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING 2:13 

3. MY FRIEND AND I TOOK A WALK 4:17 

4. SWEET EMMA 4:04 

5. THAT’S ALL 8:25 

6. MELLOW MOOD 5:05 

7. AMSTERDAM AFTER DARK 6:46 

8. TEACH ME TONIGHT 5:24 

9. DON’T KNOW WHY 4:21

10. OUR DAY WILL COME 4:24

11. EVERYTHING HAPPENS TO ME 4:52

12. ATTITUDE 4:31

13. THAT’S ALL (DUO) 5:52

Total time: 64:11
 

The New York based tenor saxophonist Ray Blue, who has a deep tone and a melodic style, is featured on WORK, a set of accessible yet quietly creative music. The program mixes together three of his originals with surprising versions of standards and lesser known but superior jazz songs. He and Randy Klein, head of Jazzheads Music Group, worked diligently to achieve the appealing Old School feel and sound that Blue’s listeners want to hear.
 

Blue teams up with three pianists (Sharp Radway, Kirk Lightsey and Benito Gonzalez), guitarist Jeff Barone, bassist Essiet Okon Essiet, drummer Steve Johns and, on three songs apiece, the rambunctious trombonist Ron Wilkins and percussionist Neil Clark. Starting with the exuberant “Work,” the program includes such surprises as an uptempo transformation of “Lift Every Voice And Sing,” two versions of “That’s All” (including a duet with pianist Lightsey), a playful rendition of “Don’t Know Why,” and a cooking “Everything Happens To Me” which is normally taken as a slow ballad. Blue, displaying a large tone that almost sounds like a baritone in spots, is heard at his best on his original ballad “My Friend And I Took A Walk” and “Our Day Will Come” which benefits from a shuffle rhythm. Trombonist Wilkins is quite boisterous on Nat Adderley’s soulful “Sweet Emma,” the Jimmy Smith minor blues “Mellow Mood,” and George Coleman’s “Amsterdam After Dark.” Another highpoint is Blue’s “Attitude” which, after an energized and surprising melody, becomes a hot swinger that features the composer.
 

Ray Blue has been an important saxophonist for the past 20 years, leading his own CDs on a regular basis since 2001. Among those who he has worked with through the years have been  John Gilmore, Art Davis, Ted Curson, Benny Powell, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Wycliff Gordon, Bernard Purdie, Harold Mabern, Kirk Lightsey and the Sun Ra Arkestra. The saxophonist, who has appeared at many international jazz festivals, has also been an influential educator and is the founder of Cross-Cultural Connection, Inc. a non-profit organization that promotes jazz culture, performance and education.
 

WORK is one of Ray Blue’s most enjoyable outings to date, a melodic set that will appeal to a large audience, especially those who enjoy the Old School swinging jazz style and sound.

Available Worldwide: Amazon, iTunes, Believe Digital, Spotify and more 

www.jazzheads.com info@jazzheads.com • Phone: 212-580-9065

www.rayblue.com

 

NATIONAL PRESS CAMPAIGN:
JIM EIGO, JAZZ PROMO SERVICES
272 State Route 94 South #1, Warwick, NY 10990-3363

Ph: 845-986-1677 

jim@jazzpromoservices.com www.jazzpromoservices.com

“Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

NATIONAL RADIO CAMPAIGN:
MICHAEL CARLSON 

mcpro@earthlink.net 

This E Mail is being sent by:
 
Jim Eigo Jazz Promo Services
272 Ste Route 94 S #1  Warwick, NY 10990
T: 845-986-1677
E-Mail:
 jim@jazzpromoservices.com
 Web Site: www.jazzpromoservices.com/
 
HAVE A JAZZ EVENT, NEW CD OR IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE JAZZ COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO PROMOTE? CONTACT JAZZ PROMO SERVICES FOR PRICE QUOTE.
 
CHECK OUT OUR NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO
HERE

 




Leave a Reply

Call Now Button