ijazzglobal | artists

Lynn Olson Smooth Music Cruise Account Part 2
January 31 - February 4, 2009

Day Two, Super bowl Sunday, February 1, 2009 (Favorite team night)
Althea René Event
Flute: Althea René
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Keyboard: Gail Jhonson (Norman Brown’s music director)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

“Today we have a young lady performing for us. We don’t get to hear enough of the flute. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and is now living in Houston, TX. No Restrictions is her new CD. You need to get it. Are you ready for the show?” Brown said welcoming Althea René to the stage.

She exclaimed with the perfect amount of sassy hip sway, “I got two words, JV Bass! Hit it!” JV’s bass solo resonated his deep, throaty vibe taking it home from moment one. After he had his way with it, Althea joined in rocking, jazzing and strutting her stuff. She was trilling and thrilling with her serious vibe. Wow, what a groove! Her soul runs deep and she shares the wealth generously. We were instantly energized with, ‘De Ja Vu’ (unrecorded). Althea René leaves no doubt in anyone’s mind that she eats, sleeps and breathes jazz. Her genuine love lies deep beneath her skin. Sultry and sexy simply must be her middle names. She kicked it then let the band take over while Gail Jhonson lit it up on keys.

“This is from my new CD No Restrictions called, ‘Ladies Night Out’. She sizzled it red hot.

Althea said, “I’d like to acknowledge three people who have been very supportive of me. This is for my husband Luther, my mom and wonderfully-supportive aunt. “This next tune is kinda old school. Back in Michigan we used to go skatin’.” She further explained this was the first song she learned how to skate backward on. “It is near and dear to me.” Her performance of the angelic tune, ‘Wishing on a Star’ (No Restrictions CD), flowed evenly. The slow and easy chill took melted the audience. Just as Gail’s keyboard took her to the zone it was back to Althea center stage dishing out some of the most amazing trilling I’ve seen in a long while. “Give it up for her!” Althea exclaimed referring to Gail Johnson’s solo. René then asked, “Is it good so far?”

“This next tune is old school with a new twist. We call it ‘Freedom Jazz Dance’ (unrecorded). “Kick it!” she exclaimed. “I like that. One two, one two,” she said as the band heated up for her intro. “One two, One two,” she repeated again. Althea kicked it hard and crazy leaving no jazzy stone unturned. This song has a fantastic beat and she embellished with much more than a twist on old school. René reinvented it and gave it all while scattin’ on her flute. Meanwhile, Gail was side stage leading the audience to clap along rhythmically. We had unlimited wow moments as she slipped deeper into her scat. The crowd joined her repeatedly within her vibe. They circled the tune accenting Kevin Flournoy on synthesizer. She grabbed her water bottle and continued to dance, dance, danced it. “Give it up!” she exclaimed. “I like that organ!” she reinforced with the spotlight shining brightly on Flournoy and his groove. “Can we get a drummer sound? Is that ok?” She handed it to Chad who hammered out an explosive drum solo. “Yeah, alright,” she voiced with approval. “We’re gonna take ‘em home,” she said with a gleam in her eye and flute in hand.

“Now we’re movin,” she said as we shared rocky boat moments. “I had so much fun recording my No Restrictions CD. We were in five different states and four different regions. My producer had previously worked with Tony Braxton and Layla Hathaway. I was nervous, but it was fun. This song is, ‘I Love Your Smile’ (No Restrictions CD). Althea is a fantastic dancer displaying amazing rhythm. Her eyes closed leaving a beautiful bliss surrounding her face.

“Oh man, here’s the title cut to my No Restrictions CD. Everything I record represents a different time in my life. She talked about how scary life is in these economic times, and how unbearable the nightly news can be. Sharing her philosophy she said, “It’s all about no restrictions or as close as you can get. If you want to go on vacation, then vacation. If you want to go to dinner, go to dinner. If you want that new dress, then buy the dress.” She then asked, “Can y’all kick it up for me?”

Althea took this one from center stage to the audience in a matter of seconds. She was all over the venue struttin’ and scattin’. The entire crowd was mesmerized and everyone loved her. René was lit up and on fire. It was back to the stage for her finale. “Bass!” she exclaimed instructing JV to take over. “He is the man!” she burst. Deep, deep and deeper into his zone Collier welcomed the thump factory. He was off-the-chain along with the audience. After pointing to Collier Althea took it and said, “JV.” Her duet with Gail Jhonson accented their amazing chemistry. René circled the air with one outstretched arm urging Gail to keep kickin’ it with her. Norman Brown came back out saying, “One more time for Athea René, Gail Jhonson and the band. Can we have a round of applause for you? We can’t do it without you!” he admitted. “One more time for Althea René.”

Day Two, Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2009 (Favorite team night)
Marion Meadows Event
Saxophone: Marion Meadows
Special Guest: Norman Brown on guitar
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Will Brock (Philadelphia)
Keyboard: Jay Rowe (regular member of Special EFX) (Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill and Phil Perry)
Guitar: Buddy Fambro
Bass: Chip Shearin aka ‘Chocolate Chip’ (Raleigh, NC)
Drums: Chris Meskil

“How ya doin’” asked Norman Brown. “Your next guest plays the smoothest sax around. Show a warm welcome to Mr. Marion Meadow.” The Meadows intro was sultry, sexy. His jeweled bandana drew our eyes immediately to the chiseled face of this soprano sax genius. As always, he reenergized sultry, taking sexy to a new level.

Chip ‘Chocolate Chip’ Shearin lit the stage with mini bass solo that was off-the-hook. He lit the stage then passing it back to Meadows. As the opener developed it was impossible to miss beret-clad Will Brock tearin’ it up on keyboards. He was standing, dancing and getting his groove on during the entire intro. Meadows sensational vibe cast his spell with each hypnotic blow. He hugged center stage then easing to the tip of the half moon arch oozing single serenades to the front row.

Marion dove straight to title track, ‘Dressed to Chill’ (Dressed to Chill CD), without introduction. He strutted smooth and sexy to the center pocket of the stage. Will Brock never stopped moving while heating the synthesizer to sizzle. This cat laid out some serious chops! Well-oiled machine, Jay Rowe was on keyboard side stage was kickin’ up his own dust while maintaining the volley to Brock for a huge dose of keyboard mania. What a solo that was! Marion coaxed his sax to screamin’. Chocolate Chip dished some down and dirty good bass bringing the song together seamlessly after the multi-solo medley. Meadows’ smile beamed after finishing off his saxy number. He was undoubtedly in the Meadow zone.

“What’s happening boat? Meadows asked. “How’s everybody doing this afternoon? I gotta root for my team Arizona. I know there are a lot of Steeler fans out there. I’m sorry for you!” he joked. “We own this boat. We own this yacht this week. I think it’s beautiful. I have the pleasure of bringing my band on the boat. They said they would kill me if I didn’t! Please welcome Norman Brown and give it up for him.”

Norman Brown took center stage for a guitar and vocals solo. ‘Stormin’ Norman’ tore it up and carried it away. “That’s what I’m talkin’ about,” Norman quipped. “Ok, that’s it good night. Make some noise.” Marion introduced his band members adding that Will Brock is from Philadelphia and Chocolate Chip reigns from Raleigh, North Carolina.

They collaborated on ‘Come Together’ (unrecorded) in rockin’, jazzy style. Will Brock was bunny hoppin’ with his vocals while working the synthesizer over. Marion grabbed the stage wrestling it to the ground with the magic of his soprano sax. The still present guest, Norman Brown, teamed up with Chip ‘Chocolate Chip’ Shearin on bass and guitar, respectively. Meadows screamed the sax taking it up, up and away. Norman Brown took the stage over momentarily while Brock dished out a rash of insanity. The doors and roof were blown off and everyone was singing. The entire venue was vibrating. I was completely immersed within the band’s camaraderie and explosive spontaneity. The tip of the finale had Brock laid out on the stage still singing. “The fade out like the record, the fade out like the record y’all,” Will said as he shushed and hushed the audience. Marion took over the quiet chill. His slow and easy was laced with perfection.

“We try to bring an old school vibe in ‘cause we’re in no hurry. We’re not gonna play into the Super Bowl or we won’t have no audience,” Meadows warned. “We just left this place. We call it, ‘South Beach’ (The Collected Marion Meadows CD).” The center pocket held Meadow’s deep concentration and allure. He edged out of the box, crept in and edged back out again. Jay Rowe played a colorful solo on the keyboard. This cat has it goin’ on. Marion held one hand up while workin’ the audience from his center, front perch. The passion dripped from deep beneath his soul.

“You know what time it is?” His voice intensified as he repeated, “You know what time it is? A little louder he said thrice, “You know what time it is right? Louder and funkier than before he added, “It’s time for the funk! You can’t hide from it. Some of you wake up funky. The funk is gonna get you. We funked so hard in the 70’s, but we had a little leftover. Don’t be mad if we like a little funk with our jazz. My dad had the funk. He put on some Duke Ellington and Count Basie. I love you dad.” Meadows took the mic and pounded his chest like she was knocking at her bedroom door. “My sister had funk,” he said. “She put on BT Express and Confunction. I stood out in the hall funkin’ to the left and funkin to the right. Dad played Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.” He took the mic and pounded his chest like he was knocking at her door again. “My sister played Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin. Dad played Miles Davis and John Coltrane. I love ya dad.” Again he knocked on his chest and said, “My sister played Earth, Wind and Fire or the Ohio Players. Dad played Cannonball Adderley and Joe Jawinul with Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” One more knock on his chest culminated with, “Then my sister played some P-funk.” After prefacing us for funk his jog down memory lane asked, “What’s a guy to do? I was funkin’ to the left and to the right.” All the while the band was funkin’ it up and what a funky party we had. Everyone was there except George Clinton. I’m certain George’s spirit was there, it was wearing a cloak and there is no way he would miss a party like this! The smoke machine rolled in fog like an autumn morning. Marion asked, “Funkatiers, can I get a little funk from James Brown?” Next Chris Meskil served up one of the funkiest drum solo I’ve ever heard. I think I am officially funkified now!

He took, ‘Suede’ (Player’s Club CD), up close, personal and into the aisles. His sound was beautiful. On the exhale he transformed the experience into a bubble of jazz. The crowd huddled and flashes were poppin like popping like hot, buttered corn. Meadows gifted one solo after another culminating with him standing on the tufted bench seating playing the soprano sax like there was no tomorrow. The spotlight enveloped him perfectly. We all landed on the same jazzy page when the audience-artist moment had everyone mesmerized simultaneously.

“Everyone make some noise,” Meadows prompted. Chip ‘Chocolate Chip’ Shearin said, “Check it out,” as he released a huge dose of funk with a bass solo demonstrating his exceptional talent. Someone in the audience said, “That’s what I need! Chip, Chip you are one bad boy!” His snippet of, ‘Another One Bites The Dust’ (unrecorded), resonated through the venue. He paddled his bass like beaver slapping a predator warning across the water. His thumpin’ and bumpin was sheer insanity. What a finale! Marion leaned into the audience shaking eager hands. Norman Brown came back up asking, “Did you enjoy Marion Meadows? Are you ready for the Super Bowl? Thanks for coming out and hanging out. You know how we do it.” Check out Gail Jhonson in the Rendezvous Lounge. Go check it out and we’ll see you.”

Day Two, Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2009
Gail Jhonson Solo, Rendezvous Lounge

She started out piano-bar style saying, “The show hasn’t started yet, we’re still sound checkin’. Y’all see Marion Meadows? He was puttin’ it down eh? Y’all see my girl Althea René? Oh, there she is,” she said as Althea sauntered by. “Here’s a sneak peak from my new CD. This is the first track, ‘Just for Kicks’, from my Keep the Music Playin’ CD. We aren’t gonna keep y’all too long. We wanna let y’all to get to watch the Super Bowl.” The magic fingers of Gail Jhonson took us on a smooth jazz journey straight to ecstasy. She asked, “Can you hear the tracks ok? Turn it up!” she urged.

“This is my version of, ‘Heaven’ (Keep the Music Playing CD). If you know the words, sing along.” The audience embraced the tune by joining in. The song was beautiful.

“That’s some stuff,” she added. “I’ve been a teacher and educator for years. I just finished my third book. I hope the level is ok, we’re gonna keep it going. I got a new record deal and here’s a new tune called, ‘Pacific Breeze’ (unrecorded).” This gorgeous tune was as mellow as Sunday morning coffee. She said, “Look out for the single.”

“KSBR is in the house. I know radio stations are disappearing,” she added. Gail continued our musical banter adding, “I’ve got a new CD called Pearls. You know ladies sometimes you’re under a lot of pressure with the house, kids and jobs. I want you to go to your favorite room. You get that bath water runnin’. Get those candles lit and float them in the water. Put in my CD of course. Put in track #7 and go, ‘Miles Away’ (Pearls CD). Ladies, are your eyes closed?” Her vision for this song yielded the perfect description. With each note we were each carried a million miles away. “I wanted to let you get away for a little bit,” she added.

Gail scanned her fans surfacing in the crowd and said, “Hey Mary, hey Barbara Ann, hey Kimberly, this is so nice, thank y’all for coming. I think we have time for one more track. I live in Van Nuys and have been brushing up on my Puerto Rican. This is called, ‘Let’s Do This’, (Pearls CD).” Her Puerto Rican vocal, contagious smile and infectious energy filled the room to capacity.

Everyone begged her for one more. Norman Brown took the stage gently prodding, “You want to give ‘em one more? Give ‘em one more. We want to announce that Gail will be coming on our Summer Storm with Wayman Tisdale and me. She ended her set with, ‘Feel Good Groove’ (Pearls CD), and it was just that. Everyone gave her a much-deserved round of applause before they scattered to enjoy the Super Bowl.

Day Two, Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2009 (Favorite team night)
Acoustic Alchemy Event
Special Guest: Shilts on saxophone
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Fred White (Leeds, England) (Youngest member)
Guitar: Miles Gilderdale
Guitar: Greg Charmichael
Bass: Gary Grainger (Buckingham) (Earth, Wind and Fire)
Drums: Greg Grainger (Gary’s brother from Baltimore) (Whitney Houston)

Norman Brown said, “Hi everybody. These next players are here all the way from the UK. They are the hottest on the scene. This is one beautiful set of cats. They are the bomb. Show your love for Acoustic Alchemy.”

Their opener, ‘Reference Point’ (Reference Point CD, The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy CD) rocked the house. Greg said, “So glad we were invited back. It’s just miserable in the UK and we’ve been looking forward to warm weather in January.”

“This next one is from an earlier CD. It’s called, ‘Overnight Sleeper’ (Natural Elements CD). Fred White tore it up on the synthesizer. These cats never leave their zone. Their intense concentration and phenomenal vibe yielded some of the best jazz I’ve ever heard. Everyone was clapping and foot stomping.

“I’ve known Miles for ten years now,” said Greg. “This is one of the first ones we ever wrote. It is called, ‘Angel of the South’ (The Beautiful Game CD, Sounds of St. Lucia Live CD, Sweet and Sexy: The Best of New Urban Jazz CD).” Their stellar guitar duo was second-to-none.

Miles said, “Well hey. What happened to the football? It’s called American football in the UK. We’re gonna play a tune from and older CD. Hopefully you’ll know this tune. It’s called, ‘Jamaican Heartbeat’ (Back on the Case CD, The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy).” The vacation feel of reggae breezed through the air. Their Bob Marley-inspired vibe meshed well with our tropical celebration. The light sprinkling of island relaxation floated our way on this tune. Greg danced with his guitar and rocked it like a baby when he played. Miles remained seated dishing out Gilderdale-style string mania.
The dynamic duo of Greg and Miles took, ‘Ariane’ (Blue Chip CD, The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy CD), to the limit. Gary Grainger worked a deep vibe on bass. His side-to-side head sway and perpetual smile evidenced he was in the zone to stay. The song ended in guitar heaven.

“We named a CD Aart, but no one called it that. We tried to be clever, but no one got it. Never mess with the dictionary,” he warned. This is a track called ‘Passion Play’ (Aart CD).” Fred White smoked it on keyboards reminding me of wild horses. His riffs furiously stampeded through the venue. His spotlight prompted the audience to cheer loudly. He owned this song. Band members stood back in awe as he commanded the stage. High-energy guitars carried it close.

“This one, ‘Tied up with String’ (This Way CD), is from our latest CD. Greg Charmichael played the guitar fast and furiously then passing it to Gary for a rockin’ bass solo. From there it was Greg Grainger on drums with a solo that put the venue on its ear. The floor vibrated and the house went wild. They then slowed it up a bit, but kept the musical banter going.

The team of Miles Gilderdale and Greg Charmichael kicked things up to crazy with, ‘Lazeez’ (Against the Grain CD, The Very Best of Acoustic Alchemy CD). Their dueling talent reverberated through our rocking party. The two were beyond amazing. “Thank you very much. Goodnight and thank you,” they said attempting to close.

The clamoring crowd begged and clapped furiously for an encore. The request was granted. “This is a tune called ‘Last Flamenco’ (The Beautiful Game).” They brought out Shilts. He kicked it out and lit up the venue. They started to strobe the spotlights and the energy was mind boggling. The UK guys wowed everyone and put the place on its ear. The Miles-Shilts combination was a crazy good time. Gary started paddling the bass luring Shilts to center stage. They carried this tune over-the-top crazy. Miles plugged in the electric hollering, “Check it out!” He dug for this one and shouted, “Feels good.” Shilts chimed in and out when Miles started scatting adding a last hit bringing the energy level off-the-chain. Gilderdale morphed into a screamin’ scat cat leading the entire stage to jazz frenzy. They rocked, rolled and grooved with their incredible vibe. It was a wild and crazy Acoustic Alchemy party.

Norman Brown took the stage saying, “Yeah, Yeah ladies and gentlemen, that was Acoustic Alchemy featuring Shilts. I can’t get enough of that funky stuff. We want to make you remember what you fell in love with. We have three artists that are up for the International Instrumentalist of the Year in the 2009 Canadian Jazz Awards. They are Steve Cole and the Sax Pack (Kim Waters and Jeff Kashua), Michael Lington and Nick Colionne. Nick won it in 2007. Mary is here from Canada. So, are you guys having a good time? Please vote for the April, 2009 awards.”

Day Two, Sunday, February 1, 2009 (Favorite Team night)
Nick Colionne Jam Session
Guitar: Nick Colionne
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Tim ‘the Rock’ Gant
Keyboard: John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson
Guitar: Buddy Fambro
Bass: Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand
Drums: Chris Meskil

“It’s time. We’re gonna mix it up! Norman Brown exclaimed. Nick Colionne added, “We’re gonna warm it up with the band. They really don’t have a name, so we’ll call them the Colionne Brothers.” The band started things out with ‘Sunny’. Buddy Fambro was hot and ready.
John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson had it goin’ on. Beret-clad Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hildebrant was blissfully taken by the warm up. With eyes closed he met the music head on. Chris Meskil eagerly attacked the drums and the boys were ready to roll.

Master of the music jam, Nick reentered the stage in light blue casual with a white hat. He announced, “I think it’s time for some people you know. Give a hand for Greg Adams and Mindi Abair. How about a hand for Steve Cole? Reverb, how about a hand for that noise!” he exclaimed. Mindi, Greg and Steve grabbed, ‘Mercy’, and ran a crazy music marathon with it. Nick jumped up his guitar vibe while sassy Mindi sprinkled her groove across the stage. Cole and Adams were blowin’ away when a solo by Adams poured sweet honey across the stage and down the aisles. Steve Cole had a hip sway going and blew it out. Nick, Greg and Mindi paired while Cole continued to play center stage. Mindi’s solo ripped it up while she strutted across the stage in her black jeans and gold-sequined tunic. Those were some hot, sexy platform shoes!

Abair teamed up with fun-loving Nick briefly just before the Abair-Adams trumpet-sax duet. Nick took center stage and had his way with the guitar. Abair, Cole and Adams respectfully watched and rocked it when the spirit moved them. Nick challenged Steve Cole to a music match. They were great together. Everyone ended playing in sync and what a stage full it was!

Nick said, “Whoa, it’s Steve, Greg and Mindi. It don’t get no better than that at the Smooth Jazz Jam Session. I’ve got CDs for sale,” he reminded everyone. “We’ve had some great shows today, Althea Rene, Marion Meadows and Acoustic Alchemy. I come here to make y’all happy. We’re gonna bring Mindi back out.” Upon arrival she said, “No rehearsal, so you get the good and the bad.”

‘Summer time’, Mindi-style was up next. Nick took the song with her and they worked it over. When they transitioned to, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, Mindi shouted, “Hey” in the middle of her solo. She really gave it up prompting Nick to say, “Mindi Abair. That was rough man.”

Nick asked, “How about getting Greg Adams up here from the Tower of Power?” He joked, “He may be swimming to LA. Give me anything in the key of ‘D’. D is for Dog.” Colionne said, “Here he comes.” Adams took it to smooth and easy and passed it to Buddy Fambro. It was Buddy to Greg, Buddy to Greg and Buddy to Greg from there. Adams broke into, ‘Smooth Operator’. He was on it and digging deep.

Nick announced, “We have a lotta ladies in here. The guys are tired from cheering.” Reiterating Steve Cole’s presence Nick announced, “Here he is from the big windy.” Cole quipped back, “I got this thing and it’s worth something. I’m not giving it away.” Colionne asked, “You wanna make it lowdown or you wanna make it funky?” In a matter of minutes Steve Cole filled the venue with his awesome sax vibe taking it to nasty-sexy. He was downright saxy!

It was back to the Cole-Colionne team when they started playin’ the blues. They were some kinda blues brothers. “Ain’t gonna do you know wrong,” rang out when the Cole-Colionne cats hit the vocals. Nick said, “From the alley darlin’. They say if you don’t like the blues, you ain’t got no soul. Some say the blues is a ham hock in your cornflakes. Take me to the alley and make me take the lid off the garbage can,” Collione quipped. Nick sang, “You used to love me so baby.” He got so silly at one point I couldn’t decide if he was adlibbing or if those were real lyrics. He was a riot! Nick stated, “Steve Cole, he ain’t shy.”

Cole is a phenomenal blues player. With arched back he gave it all up. The crowd was going bonkers as he went down into the depths. He trilled the last note and brought those blues home to momma. His was one of the most phenomenal performances of the night. The wow moment ended with Cole and Colionne softening the fade.

“I’m gonna turn this over to Hollywood,” said Nick. “Get up and get playin,” he added. Mindi was back with the Abair-Cole-Adams trio of horns. She added, “That’s the good part of a jam sessions nobody knows what they are doin’ and nobody knows what we’re in. Come on everybody, let’s clap your hands and take it out like we got it.” She took center stage moments after the smoke machine cranked up.

Before we knew what hit us one of the most rockin’ versions of, ‘Come Together’, did just that. Cole and Colionne took music insanity to a new level. Greg Adams cut in and started playing the theme from ‘Shack’. Hollywood jumped in adding his off-the-hook bass vibe. Nick asked, “Alright, how about a hand for Greg Adams. We’re gonna do this every night, so be here. Same time, same station,” he quipped. “So, give it up for the band.”

Just when I thought the jam session was over Nick jumped in, revved them up and they went on for another fifteen minutes. “Alright,” Nick said. “Alright ladies and gentlemen, it’s been real. Same time, same station,” he reiterated before pulling in the sidewalks for the night. “The captain said I can drive the boat tomorrow so if you wanna make any stops you better let me know tonight!” exclaimed Nick in his final comment.

© February, 2009. All rights reserved. All information presented is copyrighted by Haven Entertainment Inc. and author (Lynn M. Olson) except where otherwise noted. No portion of this work may be reproduced, displayed or sold without the express written consent of the both Haven Entertainment Inc. and the author. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.