LEX SMOOTH JAZZ CONCERT SERIES: 3rd Season Artists

“Rising Star Guitarist” LEMEK is a Trippin N Rhythm recording artist and Contemporary Instrumental Smooth Jazz charting soloist with a combined 9 weeks at Billboard #1.
Currently a Billboard Top 10 End of Year Chart holder, LEMEK has amassed over 1M
Spotify streams and counting with songs from his debut CD titled "Emergence". Local to
the New Orleans Metro area, LEMEK is a uniquely unapologetic artist who has a lot of
unlimited artistic creativity to share in his fruitful journey in instrumental music!

“Having grown up with a dad who’s delighted thousands of contemporary urban jazz fans
with his amazing saxophone vibes, LEMEK—the son of Louisiana native saxophonist
Quintin Gerard W., is bringing something bigger and bolder to the table of contemporary
smooth jazz:-- an ever-blossoming guitar artistry with an intense, fiery, sometimes even
fusion vibe that incorporates everything from strings to trippy rhythmic textures for an
extremely powerful, acoustic and electric guitar driven energy. "LEMEK is urban
smoothness with high-octane and higher impact modes of expression."

Beyond simply using a different instrument to express his passion, what makes this
generational hand off unique is the way LEMEK builds upon the soul and jazz foundation
of his father yet takes his own music into unique rock and experimental territory. The New
Orleans based musician draws on his custom designed Singleton Guitar— to take his
vibes way beyond smooth jazz territory to incorporate elements of prog rock and even
fusion.

LEMEK grew up listening to jazz greats like Pat Metheny and Stanley Jordan while
exploring the music of Quintin’s classic R&B world via Charlie Wilson/The Gap Band,
Michael Jackson and Ronnie Laws. Yet LEMEK also attributes an eclectic stylistic voice to
axe men in other genres that inspired his sound with equal force— most notably, Peruvian
hard/alt rock virtuoso Charlie Parra, Aaron Marshall of the instrumental rock band Intervals and Tosin Abasi of the instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders.

"I have a story to tell,” says Lemek, who won the highly competitive First Annual KRK
Guitar Solo contest at NAMM 2020, held in conjunction with Gibson and Epiphone. “Being
the son of a renowned saxophonist who has had a huge impact on my life, musically and
otherwise, prompts me to carry on his legacy and reflect the knowledge he has imparted to me. My aim is to create a statement that lasts for generations to come.”

A visit to LEMEK"S website shows that he identifies and accepts his true history,
language, land, and culture as a Hebrew Israelite by birthright. His name, pronounced
Leh’- Mek, traces back to Genesis, where the Biblical Lamech is the eighth generation
descendant of Adam through Seth. He is the father of Noah and, appropriate as it applies
to LEMEK'S life, he was responsible for comforting humanity in their work and toils—
bringing rest to the soul. “My name is important to me because it also means ‘patriarch,’
one who brings forth life after that which we call death,” the guitarist says. “I am true to
always living and embodying the noble characteristics and attributes of my name
throughout my life.”

FROM THE BEGINNING

A native of Florida, LEMEK'S musical destiny as the son of Quintin Gerard W. - The
FnkySax Player! always seemed set in stone; albeit with another instrument and other
more progressive rock influences shaping his flavor. He started on the drums when he was
3 and had a natural sense of rhythm, but when his family moved back to Louisiana at age
5, Quintin needed more room for his studio so the drum set was packed in the attic. After
the drums disappeared, LEMEK needed another outlet for his musical development. A
friend of his dad brought over an acoustic guitar and LEMEK says “I instantly found my
voice with it and started noodling immediately.”

Quintin’s music and the jazz that LEMEK heard in the house had a definite impact, but by
12 LEMEK had stopped playing or formally practicing. Then while surfing for video game
music on YouTube, he found Charlie Parra, whose blistering style and intricate technique
gave LEMEK a fresh way to listen to the guitar and reawakened his desire to play and
create his own music. He started practicing Parra’s songs and ultimately developed a style
that fuses the most appealing elements of urban flavored jazz with the more intense
energy of Parra and the other progressive instrumental bands he counts as key influences.

ON STAGE

LEMEK is the 25th Silver Anniversary Seabreeze Rising Star and one of only two 36th
Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival "Where Did They Come From?" Artists.
Performing live for 10,000 loyal Smooth Jazz Lifestyles Enthusiasts and for the longest
standing audience event in the historic Avalon Casino, LEMEK’s Emergence is the
supervening product of the overdetermined enduring guitarist. The youngest artist with
"Trippin N' Rhythm" records, LEMEK’s Billboard #1 live performance musicianship is
welcoming audiences to enjoy the future of Smooth Jazz today.

Prior to spending most of his time co-composing and recording in the studio, LEMEK has
been showcasing his quickly developed chops for New Orleans tourists and audiences
since 2011. His works include live and in-studio performances as part of Contemporary
Gospel Singer Isabel Davis' backing band.

LEMEK studied guitar performance with the Neo Jazz School of Music (New Orleans).
Participating in numerous school jam nights, where among other repertoire, he learned to
ace jazz standards and qualified to join their Jazz/R&B band.

Performing under the name Yisrael, the ensemble played such popular local and live in-
studio broadcast events as The Treme Seventh Ward Festival, WGNO's “News With A
Twist” TV Show (ABC affiliate), steady engagements at the Balcony Music Club (BMC)
and was booked for scheduled performances at the Camellia City Smooth Jazz Festival—
with a lineup of genre greats Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, and Chieli Minucci.

REVIEW

Perhaps not everyone who embraces his urban smoothness will dig the high-octane and
higher impact modes of expression, but blessedly for those who appreciate artistry in
whatever form it empowers us, LEMEK is a uniquely unapologetic artist who has a lot of artistic diversity to share and sees no need to limit himself as he launches what will surely be a fruitful journey in instrumental music!”

Visit https://www.lemekyisraelmusic.com for more information.

Contemporary flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside is a musician,
songwriter, composer, vocalist, radio personality and record label owner. That
distinction is well-deserved; the New York native and Atlanta-based recording artist
has become one of a few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental
sphere, garnering eight consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2022. And
she’s done it as an independent artist, releasing projects on Randis Music, the label she
founded with her husband, producer, and composer Dennis Johnson.

Her current project, Thrill Ride, is her sixth career album to date and it lives up to its
title, demonstrating Whiteside’s breathtaking virtuosity. Her previous recording
projects include the five-track EP Five Up Top (2020), Treblemaker (2017),
Quantum Drive (2014), Evolve (2012), and Class Axe (2007).

The classically trained flutist was recently named Best Contemporary Artist for the
inaugural Jazz Music Awards. She was also nominated for her four Smooth Jazz
Network’s Best Artist (2019 – 2022).

Whiteside’s streak of eight Billboard Top 10 singles included “JJ’s Strut,”
“Reminiscing,” “Jam It,” “Early Arrival,” “See You At The Get Down,” and “Off the
Cuff,” also featured on her current album, and her Billboard No. 1 single, “Thrill Ride,”
and “Corey’s Bop.” Her other hit records also include Kim Scott’s 2022 remake of
Ashford & Simpson’s 1978 mega-hit, “I’m Every Woman” along with Althea Rene,
which also peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.

She also co-wrote Bob Baldwin’s top-charting hit, “B Positive,” with production
partners Dennis Johnson and Baldwin. Additionally, she is featured on “This Time
Around” with contemporary jazz artist Jarez, from his latest project, J Funk City. In
2022, she appeared on two tracks, “Seven Eight” and “Solo,” on veteran jazz drummer
Billy Cobham’s new album, Drum’N’Voice Vol. 5.

A radio host for the NPR-affiliated station, Jazz 91.9 WCLK in Atlanta, Georgia,
Whiteside’s weekend four-hour show, “Saturday with Ragan Whiteside” runs from
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET and remains the No. 1 Saturday show on the station. The
broadcast is also the No. 2 show behind the gospel show, “Joy In The Morning,”
hosted by market veteran Rodney Evans.

A young Ragan started playing drums, piano, and violin in elementary school before a
desire to be in the marching band put the flute in her hand at age eight. But once young
Whiteside locked onto the instrument, she immediately focused on what kind of music
she wanted to play but was steered into a more traditional path.

She got good and serious; she participated in Mount Vernon High School’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU-influenced marching bands), entered multiple
musical competitions – some with cash prizes – and won. Members of the National
Association of Negro Musicians mentored her, many of whom held positions as opera
singers, orchestrators, music directors, and instrumentalists in classical music at a time
when African Americans were still not often included. She also participated in the
NAACP’s ACT-SO (Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics)
competitions for young people, where she won both regional and national titles in two
different years. With these distinctions under her belt, Whiteside went on to the
Cleveland Conservatory of Music, where she was one of just six African American
students. When she transferred to the highly competitive HARID Conservatory in Boca
Raton, Florida, she discovered she was now the only one.

Influenced by such diverse flute masters as jazz-classical player Hubert Laws, the late
Latin jazz artist Dave Valentin, and the French classical flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal,
Whiteside received rigorous musical training that prepared her to play in the most
prestigious symphony orchestras in the world.

Years later Whiteside instantly began her successful foray into the contemporary soul
jazz sphere. She has also collaborated on tracks with several artists including Marion
Meadows, Patrice Rushen, Tom Browne, Walter Beasley, Melba Moore, Chieli
Minucci, Frank McComb, and others.

With so many professional balls to juggle, and the concert industry opening back up,
Ragan Whiteside can lay claim to life as a contemporary jazz star as one big “Thrill
Ride.”

Visit https://www.raganwhiteside.com for more information.

Follow Ragan Whiteside on Facebook and Instagram.

Dubbed “the Saxtress” after the title of her debut record, Pamela Williams is undoubtedly
one of the most popular performers on today’s smooth jazz scene. However, we’ve long
preferred to refer to Ms. Williams affectionately as the first lady of sax! Although she
established her career in LA, Williams molded her musical identity during her youth. Her
talents are nurtured by the rich musical heritage of Philadelphia.

One of her earliest influences was Grover Washington, Jr., whose innovative blend of
styles first inspired Williams with an interest in jazz. Pamela tours the word electrifying
audiences with her dynamic sound and captivating stage presence. Pamela Williams has
toured extensively with Patti LaBelle and Teena Marie. Williams has also worked with
Babyface, Chante Moore, Sheila E., the Ohio Players and has appeared in a variety of
videos by artists ranging from soul veteran Barry White (“Come On”) to rapper/actress
Queen Latifah (“Hard Times”).

She has recently been on the same bill as a solo featured artist with John Legend, Toni
Braxton, Eric Benet, George Benson, to name a few. Pamela Williams is a multi-talented
recording artist, composer, and producer who plays flute and piano in addition to the
saxophone.

She has written and produced songs for the late Teena Marie. She has also produced a
gospel project for an upcoming vocalist. Williams made her solo debut in 1996 with The
Saxtress, an album that immediately brought her name into the limelight. The project
peaked within the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album top t0 and remained on the chart for
five (5) full months while also earning her the title of Best Female Contemporary Jazz Artist
of the Year. On that release and on each of her subsequent projects, Williams has
continued to exhibit a stylish blend of flavors, from Latin & jazz, Funk, to R&B, hip-hop and
house. Pamela Williams has ten (10) CDs to her credit. She presently tours around the
world.

Visit https://www.pamelawilliamsthesaxtress.com for more information.

RICK BRAUN IS
A DYNAMIC TRUMPETER,
COMPOSER, AND PRODUCER,
WITH OVER 20 #1 SMOOTH JAZZ HITS

Rick Braun has enjoyed a career longevity that is rare in this business. He has crafted his
own distinctive sound and become a staple on contemporary jazz radio. He has produced
No. 1 hits for David Benoit, Marc Antoine, and former Rod Stewart band sidekick, Jeff
Golub. Braun achieved collaborative success on massive hits with Boney James, as a
member of RnR with saxophonist Richard Elliot, and with BWB, a powerhouse trio completed by Grammy® winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown. He has made a mark
staying true to his own musical voice and eclectic influences that have allowed him to
collaborate across genres with some of the biggest names in music, including Tina Turner,
Tom Petty, Sade, Natalie Cole and REO Speedwagon.

Visit https://www.rickbraun.com for more information.

LEX SMOOTH JAZZ CONCERT SERIES: 2nd Season Artists

“I am an artist… period,” declares Lindsey Webster.  “I have influences from many musical genres and have been influenced by them from a young age.  I believe in the power of music to empower and reach people on multiple levels.”  The stunning, charismatic, and amiable Lindsey Webster’s roots span the worlds of R&B, Pop, Roc, Jazz and beyond.  Her flawless range has been compared to Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Minnie Ripperton, while her breezy and poetic songwriting is reminiscent of Sade.

If you have ever experienced Lindsey Webster live, then you know first-hand about her dynamic ability to captivate an audience.  Let her sing a ballad and you can hear a pin drop. 

Webster’s refreshing approach has garnered two (2) Billboard #1’s and seven (7) Top 10’s on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart, making her the first vocalist in the format to garner #1 since the iconic Sade.

In the liner notes to her new album Reasons, singer Lindsey Webster says that “this is the most personal album I’ve ever written. You’ll likely feel the pain…but the excitement and beauty…were real moments in time…Reasons is in two parts, telling two totally different stories that occurred back-to-back.” The combination between Lindsey and her musical partner and ex-husband Keith Slattery on writing and producing duties once again works out very well.

The sophistication and smoothness of her voice and the subdued production is what makes this another standout album. By now she has become instantly recognizable, adding some edge and oomph here and there. There is a cool trumpet solo by Nicholas Payton on the brassy “I’m OK”. Randy Brecker helps out on the thumping and soulful “Stay With Me” which otherwise features a rap cameo by Kev Choice; not really my kind of tune though.

Lindsey slows it down on soft and tender cuts like “Twin Flame” and “Just The Night”, both beautiful ballads with strong messages. The album is at its most powerful with her signature midtempo quiet storm-type pieces like the opener “I Didn’t Mean It” which features Brian Culbertson on keys. Her vocal performances are flawless and pretty varied, like on “Love Of Your Life” featuring Nathan East on bass.

Some of the tracks start to exude their magic after several listens. I somehow overlooked “Wish You Well” at first, but it really resonates after a few spins. That’s the beauty of this album. It is a coherent effort with little surprises here and there and Lindsey’s poignant vocals holding court. Also, some hypnotic moments can happen while listening to “The Way”. No info yet if Reasons will come out on vinyl as well.

A Woman Like Me, released on March 27, 2020, is a dazzling 11-track excursion that further solidifies her allure as both a songwriter and singer.  Her goal all along has been simple.  “I want to continue to bring realness to the music world.  I don’t want to sing about things I don’t feel,” declares the Woodstock, NY native.

The gifted songstress will be returning to the Lexington-Bluegrass Region after making a Special Guest appearance during the three (3) day Lexus Smooth Jazz Fest 2021 for the Summer Breeze Saturday All Star Jazz Showcase.

Visit http://www.lindseywebstermusic.com for more information. 

One of the fastest emerging contemporary jazz recording artists in recent history, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, Vincent Ingala has blasted into an exciting stratosphere of his own making since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, ‘North End Soul.’ Still in his twenties, the charismatic saxophonist has been named Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2012, Sirius XM Watercolors Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013, and his music is consistently found atop the most noteworthy music charts in the world, including eight number one hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart, and twenty songs on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Top 10. As much of an entertainer as he is a musician, the Yamaha Performing Artist has been wowing live audiences as a regular on the popular smooth jazz festival and cruise circuit for several years. His fun-loving stage presence, combined with an obvious passion for playing, elevates the crowd to an exciting frenzy!

An “old soul,” as he’s often referred to, Vincent possesses a deep knowledge and appreciation for all genres of music. His versatility on multiple instruments makes him sought after both live, and as a producer in the studio. His latest effort and seventh studio album, 2021’s ‘Fire & Desire,’ finds Vincent playing every instrument throughout the entire album, along with nine original compositions, and the reimagining of Houston Person's dance floor hit, 'Disco Sax.' ‘Fire & Desire’ is the breath of fresh air that long time smooth jazz fans have been craving. Indeed, it is arguably Vincent’s most complete album to date and affirms the meteoric progress he has made since 2010. This coast-to-coast sensation continues to bring a playful spirit, old soul, and youthful enthusiasm to contemporary jazz, with a real sense for what music fans are seeking, from recordings to live performances.

Visit https://www.vincentingala.com for more information.

Jazmin Ghent is an international smooth jazz and gospel recording artist as well as an accomplished music educator. She was awarded the prestigious 2019 “NAACP Image Award'' for Outstanding Jazz Album, “The Story of Jazz”. She was nominated for 2019 Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist of the Year and was voted 2017’s Best New Smooth Jazz Artist.

Jazmin is also an accomplished music educator. She taught music to students in grades K-5 for five (5) years. In 2020, Jazmin was invited by the US Embassy in Haiti to spend seven (7) days presenting music workshops to adults and children. She worked with musicians demonstrating the origin of jazz from standards to jazz of today. The week culminated with Jazmin headlining the International Jazz Festival in Port Au Prince, Haiti. She has also presented workshops to young musicians in Syracuse, NY; Long Island, NY; and Elmira, NY.

From the entertainment perspective, Jazmin has six (6) Top 5 Billboard singles: Kickin’ It Up, Stride, Amends, Work Wit It, Heat, and Compared to What. Her most successful hit to date is Kickin’ It Up, which was #1 on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Chart (June 2, 2021). Stride, Amends, Heat and Compared to What remained on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart for twenty (20) weeks+ and also was played in rotation by most smooth jazz stations… including Sirius XM Watercolors Channel for seven (7) months+. Jazmin has performed at various major festivals and venues throughout the country, in Europe and recently on the 2019 Dave Koz Cruise to Australia.

According to Art Good of Catalina Island’s Jazz Trax radio and festival, “… unknown Jazmin Ghent was one (1) of the BEST FINDS the festival has EVER uncovered. Obviously, she OUTSOLD ALL thirty (30) stars of smooth jazz in the Jazz Trax Store, selling more CDs than anyone. She had stage presence, a show and she can play!”

Jazmin received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She most recently received her PhD on August 10, 2023, from South Florida University. Her latest CD, “Forever Jaz” was released February 5, 2021.

Visit https://www.jazminghentmusic.com for more information.

Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Julian Vaughn was primarily a drummer when he picked up the bass guitar. Vaughn developed his playing style while growing up in the church where his grandfather pastored until turning over the reins to Vaughn’s father. A few years later, he became good enough to start playing at concerts and live gospel recordings.

Vaughn launched his solo career in 2010 with his album The Purpose Project, which springboarded him into his jazz career. In 2012, he put out the album Breakthrough, featuring the single “On Your Feet,” which peaked at #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz singles chart. He later would release albums Limitless (2015), Bona Fide (2017), Supreme (2019), and Chapters of Love (2021). Vaughn racked up four (4) Billboard #1 hits between his albums and eight (8) #1’s overall as a feature on various artists’ songs. Vaughn has toured across the US, playing at some of the largest jazz festivals. In addition, he has performed abroad in places like Dubai, South African, Nigeria, Nairobi, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Vaughn takes pride in writing and producing almost all of his music, saying “I want to be known as a great writer and producer just as much as an artist.”

In 2020, Vaughn was the #2 Artist of the year and had the #2 and #17 Billboard songs of the year. “Afro Calypso” and “Afternoon Delight.” His latest recording catalog continues to grow, he hopes to continue to redefine the lead bassist role in the smooth jazz genre.

Visit https://julianvaughnmusic.com for more information.

Since being signed to the Trippin’ N’ Rhythm record label in 2009, Cindy Bradley has blossomed into a powerful and charismatic presence on radio and on the contemporary jazz festival circuit, with 8 #1 Billboard singles along the way. Cindy has performed everywhere from the Seabreeze Jazz Festival to the Dubai Jazz Fest. She even made a stop in Lexington for the Lexus Smooth Jazz Fest August 10, 2013, produced by the African American Forum, Inc. She won Best New Artist at the American Smooth Jazz Awards, Brass Player of the Year and Best New Artist at the Contemporary Jazz Awards and was named Debut Artist of the Year by the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival and Smooth Jazz News.

A native of Buffalo, NY, Cindy loves telling the story of how she became a trumpet player by accident in fourth grade: “I started playing the piano when I was six, but we had to choose a different instrument to be part of the band program. I forgot to bring my permission slip to class, so the teacher just had me randomly circle an instrument that I wanted to play. I picked the trumpet, which turned out to be a life and career defining fluke.” After earning a bachelor's degree in jazz studies and music education from Ithaca College, she went to the New England Conservatory to study for her master’s in jazz trumpet performance; at the conservatory, she studied with and was influenced by many jazz greats including John McNeil, Bob Brookmeyer, Jerry Bergonzi, George Russell, and Steve Lacy.

After earning her degrees, Cindy immediately headed to the New York City area and immersed herself in the vibrant jazz scene, discovering equal passions for straight ahead be-bob and contemporary jazz, as well as funk, Top 40, R&B and jazz fusion. Cindy has also applied her skills and background in a way to inspire future generations. She has conducted hundreds of jazz workshops at high school and community colleges all over the country and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership. Cindy continues to impress thousands of jazz loving adults, playing such renowned events as the Big Bear Lake Jazz Festival, Omaha’s Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in San Antonio, and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.

Visit https://www.cindybradley.com for more information.

SIMPLE THINGS

Sometimes it takes a potentially life altering even to make you stop and re-evaluate what is truly important to you. In March 2021, guitarist, composer, and arranger CHRIS STANDRING found himself in the emergency room after experiencing chest pains. Although there was some history of heart disease in his immediate family, he never dreamed that he was himself a candidate for a heart attack. He was just 60 years old, kept
trim, ate well, exercised, and never smoked. But he was lucky. He came through it with flying colors and a new appreciation for the simple things that make life worth living.

On his newest release, SIMPLE THINGS, Standring reflects on his recent experience and his new and intimate awareness of the fragility of life. Standring relates, “We have all heard cliches like ‘who knows what tomorrow may bring’ and ‘don’t forget to stop and smell the roses,’ but we usually don’t take those old aphorisms to heart. To suddenly come face to face with my own mortality made me think about what is really important to me and how I want to live out my third act. Ultimately the answer came down to just a few basic things – spending time with loved ones, being present in the moment, and doing things with joy. Indeed, the theme of this album is joy, positivity, hope, and, because I’m a sucker for a beautiful melody, a little sadness as well.”

Standring is one of the most prolific and successful artists on the contemporary urban jazz scene. SIMPLE THINGS is his 14TH CD as a leader and follows his 2021 release Wonderful World, of which critic Travis Rogers said, “Wonderful World propels Chris Standring’s reputation—indeed, fame—as a masterful guitar artist and savvy arranger. Standring’s ability to pare down standards and classics, while never losing the lush quality of the orchestra, is brilliant. Whether it is his composing, his arranging, or his performing, Chris Standring is deserving of careful attention.”

Standring, a native of England, has had thirteen (13) Billboard Top 10 singles and six (6) singles that reached number one on the chart. Although he spent his childhood on a farm, driving tractors and feeding sheep, he began studying classical guitar when he was just six (6) years old. He listened to a lot of West Coast American jazz growing up and became a serious jazz musician when he attended the London College of Music. Many of his fellow students were aspiring jazz musicians and hard-core, straight-ahead aficionados, and Standring soon found himself listening to the great bebop players and learning new approaches to harmony and rhythm.

Standring had visited the United States several times in the 1980s and loved the West Coast vibe. He moved to Los Angeles in 1991 and quickly became part of the local jazz scene, playing the top L.A. venues with A-list musicians. He soon caught the attention of many of the top music acts, and his contemporary guitar sound can be heard on recordings by Bebe and Cece Winans, Jody Watley and Rick Braun. He has also performed with Marc Antoine, Bob James, Richard Elliott, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, and Al Stewart.

Standring released his first album, Velvet, in 1998 on Instinct Records, a label out of New York City. A prolific composer, he has written or co-written over 100 compositions and produced a new album for a variety of labels every year or two (2). Standring is focused and intense about his work. He writes nearly every day and never married because he did not want any distractions. He says that “just 1% of my output is from inspiration and 99% is from dedication to my craft.”

Covid has not lightened Standring’s output or schedule. Besides working on SIMPLE THINGS, he has been producing music for other artists and will soon present additional artists on his label, Ultimate Vibe Recordings. Besides playing guitar and composing all the tunes on SIMPLE THINGS, Standring also plays keyboards and programmed various synthesizer sounds and drum loops. He is joined by some of the top names in jazz,
smooth jazz, funk, and R&B who live in Southern California, including his regular bandmates ANDRE BERRY on bass and CHRIS COLEMAN on drums. Also performing on the album are RODNEY LEE on keyboards, GARY MEEK on sax, and KEVIN AXT on bass.

Standring is no stranger to funk, and several compositions on the album were heavily influenced by Prince and Bootsy Collins. Standring explains, “I’m a big fan of Prince, who learned about funk studying the music of people like Bootsy Collins. I wrote the opening track, “Shadow of Doubt,” after hearing a particular bass line by Prince that I really liked and wondered what I could do with something similar. I also saw a YouTube video of Bootsy explaining his basic funk formula. The bass line he demonstrated is so funky that it inspired me to write something of my own. Of course, I had to thank him, which I did on “Thank You Bootsy.” “Face to Face” is another song that was influenced by Prince and Bootsy.”

Standring originally wrote “Change the World” for another artist, but he decided to keep the song for himself because it fit his style so well. He released this tune as a single, which reached #1 on Billboard. “A Thousand Words” is a darker tune that Standring wrote for an old friend who suffered from mental illness and recently ended her own life. Standring composed “Ain’t Nothin’ But A Thing” specifically to play in live shows. It features Rodney Lee on organ.

“The Gist of You” has a romantic yet funky, half-time feel. Standring built “No Two Ways About It” on a two-chord groove that he imbues with an infectious, toe-tapping feel. “Too Close for Comfort” refers to his health scare last year. Standring often uses the phrase “Don’t Get Me Started,” so he wrote a song with that title. The track features Gary Meek on tenor sax. Standring closes the album with “And the Show Goes On,” a mellow track with a lovely melody. As Standring says, “With all the world has been through the last couple of years—me included—the title says it all.”
Standring is a superb guitarist and composer with an innate feel for funky, bluesy jazz. For him, music should be emotionally authentic rather than an intellectual exercise or a demonstration of a musician’s proficiency. As Standring says, he is a sucker for a beautiful melody, which is quite apparent on SIMPLE THINGS, an album with a lot of heart.
– Holly Cooper/Mouthpiece Music.

Visit https://www.chrisstandring.com for more information.

LEX SMOOTH JAZZ CONCERT SERIES: Inaugural Season Artists.

Born on December 25th in Detroit, Michigan, Althea René began her musical journey at the tender age of four (4) years old. She studied classical music while attending Howard University. For more that ten (10) years she worked as a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff (in Detroit, MI) during the day and performed in jazz clubs at night.  Today, she endorses the renowned hand-sculpted Altus Flutes as a full-time performing and recording artist.

Althea René gained musical inspiration from her father Dezie McCullers (one of Motown’s original Funk Brothers). She has since developed her creative style. Some regard her as a “master of her craft” and one of the world’s most exciting solo improvisational flutists. The multiplatinum and Grammy®-nominated saxophonist Najee playfully refers to her as the “Maceo of the flute”.

In May 2013, she released her hit CD titled “In the Flow”. Collaborating with Grammy® award winning producer Michael Broening, she co-wrote the title track that made history as the first flute featured single to be ranked “number one” on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts. This scorching hot single topped the charts for several weeks.

With a passionate mission to mentor women in the entertainment industry, Althea René authored an autobiography titled “Becoming Chocolate Barbie - a guide for professional women in the music business” in June 2018. The book was written in an interview format so that readers may easily use it as a reference resource. Everyone who aspires to a life in business can appreciate the insights that she shares.

Her plans for 2022 are substantial. Among her many performances scheduled throughout the year, Althea René is hosting her Second Annual South Central Jazz Fest on Saturday, October 15^th. Althea René, saxophonist Marcus Anderson, and vocalist Tracey Hamlin will deliver an amazing evening of music from a historic military airplane hangar in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.

She will release a few recordings this year. “The Best of Soul-Jazz Flutist Althea René” features sixteen (16) of her most popular songs recorded between the years of 2000 and 2013. It reflects her evolution as a writer and performer over thirteen (13) years. Althea René is also releasing a new project titled “Pastel Leather” in the third quarter. The theme of the project is a particular duality of human personalities and behaviors. Sometimes we are forced to exhibit a soft, polite, and forgiving demeanor while maintaining our mental and physical toughness from within. It features a powerful lineup of guest artist live vibe master Warren Wolf, trumpeter Lin Rountree, producer/writer Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors and jazz fusion icon Jeff Lorber.

Althea René is the proud recipient of the 2021 Presidential Volunteer Service Award which honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and encourages those around them to take action. She conducts flute masterclasses and workshops with various universities and music-based organizations. She is the co-founder of the non-profit arts organization Colors & Song. With a passion to educate, entertain, and inspire people with music and art. Colors & Song promotes academic excellence and social justice via a wide range of activities. The organization’s focus is to promote goodwill, civic, and social awareness in the community.

Visit https://www.althearene.com for more information.

Jeanette Harris was born and raised in California’s post-Gold Rush town of Fresno in the center of the San Joaquin Valley. Reared by her mother, Annette, and her church organist father Floyd Harris – both of deep spiritual faith and intense believers in the art of music – Jeanette and her older brother, Michael, received their love of God and family genetically. “When I was five (5), my father put a guitar in my hands,” Jeanette begins. “A year later, he switched me to piano with a private teacher. I didn’t like it. Reading treble and bass clefs was so overwhelming that I would cry, but it gave me a great jumpstart. One day while driving me to 4TH grade, Mom was playing a cassette by Grover Washington, Jr. I remember looking at the picture of his alto sax. It was beautiful and Grover made it look so hip. I felt it would be the perfect instrument for me.

Jeanette played saxophone and piano from grade school to high school where band teacher Steve Alcala also had her play in the Fresno City College jazz band even before she graduated from high school. She won numerous awards and accolades, which led to a scholarship to attend Berklee in Boston where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance. Back in Fresno, Jeanette recorded her first self-released CD, Here and There, grabbing brother Michael to play drums with Patrick Olvera on bass, and began building a following by regularly packing Mike’s Pub & Pizzeria. She recorded her official debut album Reflections followed by Smooth Holiday Greetings on her family’s J&M Records (Jeanette & Michael’s initials, Mom and Dad’s funds).

Citing her influences, Jeanette continues, “(Saxophonist) Richard Elliot brought some serious R&B groove at the time when smooth jazz really needed more of that funk vibe, especially his song ‘Corner Pocket.’ I just loved his production! As a composer, Stevie Wonder’s music touches the hearts of people with lyrics that have strong meanings, and beautiful chords and melodies. And (guitarist) Norman Brown is the one that inspired me to want to be a performer when my parents took me to see him for my very first concert at The Bastille in Hanford, CA. “He gave me chills!” After crossing paths with Brown on the road, Jeanette co-wrote a song with him that became the title track of her fourth CD, Saxified. Brown recorded the song on his Grammy® nominated CD, 2417, with a different title, “The Best is Yet to Come” featuring Gerald Albright. “To have Gerald playing a melody that I wrote is so amazing,” Jeanette shares.

Jeanette has played major events from The Coombs River Bend Ranch Festival to festivals in Japan and London. She has performed as a side musician with Howard Hewett and Deniece Williams and has opened shows for greats ranging from smooth Jazz stars Kirk Whalum, Najee and The Rippingtons to R&B stars Babyface, Phil Perry and KEM. “I got a standing ovation opening for KEM,” Jeanette beams. “He came out to meet me and get my CD. His people said he never does that! That let me know my music does crossover.” The most special person to come along in the course of Ms. Harris’ career thus far was singer/songwriter Teena Marie, who hired her unheard/unseen in a destiny-streaked leap of faith totally befitting Jeanette’s life and beliefs. “Her trumpet player saw me at the 2010 NAMM Show and asked me if I wanted to play with Teena for a concert… in London! I couldn’t believe it. I got four (4) hours of sleep that night studying her music then drove to LA for the audition. I had to pull off the freeway when Teena called me personally to get my passport information. The band tested my improvising skills on a funk song and a ballad – then I was in! Teena finally arrived, gave me a big hug and away we went. She featured me in her last concerts playing sax on ‘I’m a Sucker for Your Love’ and ‘Portuguese Love,’ and flute on ‘Deja Vu.’ She was truly a blessing in my life. Teena taught me how to be a strong female leader. I will miss her always.” Now with her fourth and finest CD Summer Rain bowing with her signature Summer Rain perfume to match, Jeanette Harris is unquestionable the next “Starchild of the Saxophone” touching hearts with every breath she takes.

Visit http://www.jeanetteharrisband.com for more information.

Lin Rountree aka The Soul-Trumpeter, is an accomplished recording artist, producer and live performer and is the next artist in line for the LEX Smooth Jazz Concert Series. With seven (7) solo projects, seventeen (17) Chart Topping Billboard singles [including three (3) #1 Hits] and numerous collaborations with some the industry’s top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit he is fast becoming one (1) of the most renowned artists of his generation.

Lin began playing the trumpet in Alexandria, VA when he was just 11 years old and frequently attended music development programs at The Duke Ellington School for performing arts in Washington, D.C. Upon his graduation from High School, Lin was recruited into the Music program at Florida A&M University (FAMU) where he performed with the famed Marching 100 under the direction of William P. Foster and Dr. Julian White.

Shortly thereafter, Lin entered into the lifelong Brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (Lin credits his abilities to practice, prepare and perform to the training that he received at FAMU). Likewise, the school is also where he started to develop a deep appreciation for Jazz music and began studying some its mates and cites trumpeters: Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and Tom Browne as huge influences on both his playing and writing styles. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from FAMU, he found his home in Detroit, MI where he formed a band and performed extensively throughout the region.

2004 saw the release of Lin’s debut album Groovetree on independent label BDK Records, which was met with international acclaim.  After releasing one (1) more album under BDK: Sumthin’ Good and another Soul-Tree, The Soul-Jazz Experience (self-released)… all to rave reviews, he was sought after and signed to major label, Trippin’ N Rhythm Records, where he subsequently wrote and co-produced four (4) more projects: Serendipitous, SoulFunky, Stronger Still, and his current album, Fluid featuring two (2) #1 Billboard Hit Singles “Fluid” and “Release.”

“His hip vibe and soulful sound find a perfect fit here and is sure to assist in bringing the cool factor back to this genre… the future looks bright for contemporary jazz as we continue to attract fresh young artists of this caliber and Lin’s star will surely help light the way.” – Trippin/ N Rhythm Records.

Lin has been sought after to both perform and record with top Artists in various genres including: KEM, Dwele, Conya Doss, Tony Terry, Amp Fiddler, Deitrick Haddon, George Duke, Julian Vaughn, Mike Phillips, Tim Bowman, Nils, Darren Rahn, Nate Harasim, and U-Nam to name a few.  In 2012, Line appeared in the hit film ‘Sparkle’ starring Whitney Houston, Jordin Sparks, Mike Epps, Celo Green, and Derek Luke boosting his international profile.

All in all, Soul-Jazz Trumpeter Lin Rountree and his music represent a new direction in instrumental soul. A polished songwriter, producer and recording artist, an outstanding live performer, a consummate professional, and a thankful musician, Rountree is a leader amongst a new generation of Soul-Jazz artists.

Visit http://www.linrountreemusic.com for more information.

Jessy J. is delighted to be the kick-off artist for the LEX Smooth Jazz Concert Series, which is designed to be an intimate evening of food, fellowship, and fantasy… wrapped around music.

Born Jessica Arellano in 1982 in Portland, OR and raised in southern California of Hispanic heritage, Jessy is grateful that her fans (specifically her Hispanic fans) have been inspired by her love of these musical roots. A jazz studies graduate from the University of Southern California, Jessy paved the way for her success with Michael Bublé and touring with Jessica Simpson, The Temptations and Michael Bolton.

Starting with the immediate #1 Billboard chart success of the title track from her debut album Tequila Moon, the powerhouse saxophonist cemented her rising stardom touring with contemporary jazz greats like Jeff Lorber, Gerald Albright, Euge Groove and Peter White. She can be seen regularly performing on the hit television competition shows “American Idol,” “The Voice” and “Dancing with the Stars,” and in more recent years has toured with Anita Baker, recorded with Robin Thicke, and contributed as composer/performer to the album of two members of Chance the Rapper’s band – the GRAMMY® nominated Intellexual album and the Juju Exchange’s Exchange.

In conjunction with the release of BLUE, Jessy has embarked on a U.S. tour throughout the spring and summer and couldn’t be more excited that LEX is one (1) of the stops on her tour. She will also be releasing California Christmas Vol. 2 for the 2022 holiday season.

Visit https://www.jessyj.com for more information.

Stay tuned as we will be releasing the date for the next concert of the LEX Smooth Jazz Concert Series between sets at the November 25, 2023 event.