As a teenager growing up in the suburbs of Detroit in the late 1970’s, you didn’t have to go far to hear the music of some of the most prolific R&B, soul and funk artists of the day. Whether it was the local public radio station, WDET playing blues, soul and jazz overnight, or the eclectic personality of one of the most influential black music DJ’s of that period, The Electrifyin’ Mojo, Detroit suburban white kids were steeped in the deep and soulful sounds of Rick James, The Ohio Players, Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Parliament Funkadelic, Zapp and more.
However, for some of the more adventurous and more critical listeners, there was no one better in educating our brains and filling our heart than poet and recording artist Gil Scott-Heron. While his song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” may be one of his better known songs, others such as “The Bottle,” “We Almost Lost Detroit,” (a prescient song about the dangers of nuclear energy), and “B-Movie,” which chronicled Ronald Reagan’s rise from B-Movie actor, to the highest office in the land, were just as memorable and everlasting.
Scott-Heron, who died last May at the age of 62 will be honored by public radio station KPFK on Sunday, May 6th, during their 2nd annual KPFK Hero Awards and Tribute at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The musical director for the tribute concert will be none other than Scott-Heron’s longtime collaborator, Brian Jackson and will also feature performances from Jackson Browne, John Densmore (The Doors), legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden, along with his progeny, Josh Haden and Spain, The Haden Triplets, violinist Lily Haydn and more. Special awards will also be given to musician, activist Pete Seeger, educator Fernando Pullum and Charlie Haden. More information and ticket prices can be found at www.kpfk.org/ and all proceeds benefit listener-sponsored KPFK, 90.7 FM.
If the hustle-bustle of Los Angeles is getting you down and you need to unwind, perhaps a trip to Temecula’s wine country for some wine tasting and the soulful and serene sounds of smooth jazz will help you to decompress and relax. Thornton Winery is kicking off their 24th Anniversary Champagne Jazz Series on Sunday, April 29, featuring a concert by saxophonist and vocalist Mindi Abair, contemporary jazz guitarist Jeff Golub and David Pack, former lead vocalist of multi-platinum band Ambrosia.
Abair, who headlines the bill, has recorded and/or toured with the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran, Mandy Moore, Josh Groban, Adam Sandler and others, is currently recording for Verve Records. If you can’t make it this Sunday, on May 6th, the winery will feature The Sax Pack, which includes performances from saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole and Marcus Anderson. Ticketing info and directions can be found at http://www.champagnejazz.com.
You know summer is just around the corner when the Greek Theater announces its lineup and like many years before, there are some familiar faces as well as some surprises. The new season kicks off on Friday, May 4, with eclectic indie-folk ensemble, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Then on Sunday, May 20 a tribute concert for Don Cornelius entitled California Music Festival & AIDS Walk Starring KC & The Sunshine Band will take place, featuring performances from Cheryl Lynn, Heatwave and Thelma Houston. If you just can’t get enough of Michael Jackson’s music, on Sunday, July 22 the Greek Theater presents, The Jacksons: Unity Tour 2012 Featuring Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon. The rest of the Greek calendar can be found at http://www.greektheatrela.com.
Locally speaking, singer songwriter Tamara Silvera will be bringing her monthly Sing Out Live series to The Spot on Overland Avenue in Culver City this Saturday, April 28. This month’s performance will feature hand picked vocalists interpreting the works of prolific hitmaker Burt Bacharach. Russell Jackson will be playing the piano and Tamara Silvera will be kicking night off at 7p.m. Admission is free and The Spot is located at 4455 Overland Avenue.
Jonathan Weiss is a Los Angeles based music supervisor for film, TV and advertising and radio journalist. Email him at jonjaz@aol.com