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June 2012

Astral Explorations with Cindy Blackman Santana: Via The Spectrum Road Special “Playboy Jazz Festival” Interview

Astral Explorations with Cindy Blackman Santana: Via The Spectrum Road
Special “Playboy Jazz Festival” Interview
by A. Scott Galloway
 
Explorative. Expressive. Expansive. These are admirable adjectives to describe the creative aspirations of drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. She is currently a key member of the jazz-rock quartet Spectrum Road which was initially founded in homage to the innovative music of drummer Tony Williams and his ever evolving late 60s to mid-70s band The Tony Williams Lifetime. Spectrum Road – all-stars all – consists of Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, Jack Bruce (a one time member of The Tony Williams Lifetime and most famous for being a member of power rock trio Cream with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker) on bass and vocals, Vernon Reid (founder/leader of Black Rock coalition star band Living Colour) on guitar, and John Medeski (one third of jazz rock jam band Medeski Martin & Wood) on organ and mellotron.
 
CindyBlackmanSorceress

“Drop Top Drive By” w/ Terri Lyne Carrington: Special “Playboy Jazz Festival” Edition

“Drop Top Drive By”
w/ Terri Lyne Carrington:
A “Playboy Jazz Festival”
Special Edition
 
Interview by A. Scott Galloway
 
The level of esteem afforded to drummer/composer/arranger/producer/band leader Terri Lyne Carrington doesn’t get any clearer than when you read the following quote from a well-known percussion section colleague:
 
“She’s an amazing person and an awesome-AWESOME drummer. One day when I grow up, I wanna be just like her.” – Sheila E.
 
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“Drop Top Drive By” Chat w/ Sheila E Special “Playboy Jazz Festival” Edition

“Drop Top Drive By”
Chat w/ Sheila E
A “Playboy Jazz Festival”
Special Edition
 
Teaser Interview by A. Scott Galloway
 
When fiery drummer/percussion goddess Sheila Escovedo, a.k.a. “Sheila E” hits the stage with her new band at The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at The Hollywoood Bowl this Saturday June 16, she will be coming in from Netherlands. When she leaves, she will be heading out to Germany, Switzerland and a stop at London’s super hit Jazz Café spot. You cannot hold this lady back as she is always super busy, in demand and sharing her gifts in a plethora of diverse projects.
 
sheilae

“Drop Top Drive By” Chat w/ KG Omulo A “Playboy Jazz Festival” Special Edition

“Drop Top Drive By”
Chat w/ KG Omulo
A “Playboy Jazz Festival”
Special Edition    
 
Interview by A. Scott Galloway
 
KG Omulo came to America from Kenya at the age of 20 and has been steady on a mission to bring his steaming brew of multi-cultural music to the rest of the world. His self released debut CD Ayah Ye! Moving Train garnered such critical acclaim (“Best Debut CD of 2011” from the Jazz Journalist Society) that the good folks at the Playboy Jazz Festival went out of their way to have him perform at this year’s festivities.

 
KG Omulo

“Drop Top Drive By” Chat w/ Alfredo Rodriguez | Special “Playboy Jazz Festival” Edition

“Drop Top Drive By” Chat
w/ Alfredo Rodriguez
A “Playboy Jazz Festival”
Special Edition
 
Interview by A. Scott Galloway
 
Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez is one of four stellar musicians representing at The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival this Saturday in a special group put together by the great Quincy Jones to represent the “Global Gumbo” of Jazz.
 
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