35years,
Black Arts Renaissance
featuring artist from the pacific northwest2014 EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
LEADERSHIP AWARD 2014:
Celestine Berrysmith
Housing Stabilization Case Manager
Celestine was hired in November 2012 and has really flourished as a leader at Solid Ground. She has taken steps to innovate on behalf of her program and clients, which has helped move programming forward. Her creativity, care and “soft skills” improve the tenor of staff meetings and positively impact the whole agency. She performs her work and moves it to the next level thoughtfully, and integrates the Anti-Racism Initiative (ARI) and equity at every step.
Greetings from the Sundiata African American Cultural Association, welcome to our little corner of cyberspace. Hopefully you come to us in the best of health and spirits!
Join us as we venture to the outdoors for the first time in our 35 year history. We will continue to have a huge presence in the Armory, formally known as the Center House, located in the Seattle Center.
We are proud to present “Black Arts fest 2015”
The "Unspoken" Truths American History Traveling Museum chronicles the rich history of Africans in Africa prior to American Chattel Slavery, the experiences and impact of American Chattel Slavery, Jim Crow Era, and the many contributions African Americans have had on scientific, cultural, and technological (inventions) innovations in the U.S. and the world.
Our Mission: Re-educating learners of all ages that leads to self-restoration and community healing
Our Vision: Incorporating the The American History Traveling Museum into school curriculums,instituions, and organization committed to cultural competence and social justice.
35years,
Black Arts Renaissance
Take a plate of Red Beans and Rice, add to it a side of mustard greens and Hot Buttered Corn Bread, Mac-N-Cheese, and Bar B-Q- Rib Tips, together with a cold sweaty glass of Sun Brewed Ice Tea and you can call it “MeeK” With his soul felt gospel influence and silky R&B lyrics, this Artist is about to make you remember why you love R&B so much. Does the term “Oooh Das’ my song” ring a bell?
Melvin Dwayne D'Arbys' music brings your mind to a spiritual consciousness while phatening up your groove muscle with his hip-hop grooves and sultry love ballads. How do you sum it all up? Just count on endless listening pleasure.
Born and raised in the California sunshine, this 1st born son of a preacher man is no dried up raisin! “I remember asking my mom to be completely honest and objective of my piano skills” she replied, “Baby that’s terrible”. “I laugh now, but it drove me to reach deeper and try harder”.” Always my biggest fan, mom’s would say, baby you can sing anything but that ‘ole nasty music”. She said,” Sing about life and love”!
Influenced by his Uncle, also an accomplished musician, the singing/composer/producer remembers him comically yet firmly chucking a size 13W at his head in the middle of choir rehearsals, challenging him to rise to his potential. “I thank God for it now because it made me more critical and aggressive about creating music that I try put my heart into”.
D’Arby influences range from R&B and Jazz to Gospel and Pop. Artistic influences include Stevie & Donny, Daryl Coley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Clark Sisters, Luther, including some of today’s artist like Aaron Hall, Joe, and Dave Hollister and the list goes on.
“Most important to me is that my music mirror’s and respects my creator, while bring joy and healing to the lives of my listeners…ok, ok I hope it makes you bounce too!” LIKE MY FACEBOOK PAGE
Our main goal is to bring people together with a positive message through our music.With feel good lyrics and high energy musical expression. We wish to build relationships, establish new ones, and heal damaged ones! It's all about you... the people!!!
The Clinton Ellison Experience....
*******CLINTON "DUKE" ELLISON
Guitar / Lead Vocals
CLINTON is defined as; a positive presence with high –Spirited energy. CLINTON has been exposed to some of the finest venues in the southwest to the northwest section of the country. From some of the popular clubs to some of the finest casinos. He has performed on some of the hottest stages of the Las Vegas strip. His latest venues have been here in the beautiful state of Washington State; from the Quinault Beach Casino and Resort, Oceanshores, Washington to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the city of Bellevue. Thank you for your interest in CLINTON and I hope that your experience will be a most exciting one!!!
Take Care and God Bless!!!
Michael Cole, Guitar
Pat Hill Jr., Bass
Ed Weber, Keys
Pat Hill, Drums
Reggie Garrett has been performing throughout the U.S. and Canada for a number of years. Based in Seattle, Washington he performs mostly original songs mixed with pop covers and more traditional style folk ballads. He is the purveyor of a unique urban strain of (mostly) acoustic music incorporating a number of diverse influences, including: Folk, Latin rhythms, Blues, Gospel, Celtic, Rock, Jazz and more. The result is a musical blend that has excited and touched audiences throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The sound has strong rhythmic underpinnings, beginning with Garrett’s almost percussive guitar style. The guitar work spans the gamut from Folk/Latin/Blues rhythms to even more personal styles. His singing reflects the folk/ rock/gospel traditions with which he grew up. He has been compared to acoustic legends Richie Havens and Bill Withers by the national folk publication Dirty Linen. As a songwriter Garrett’s specialty is creating and enhancing a mood.
He is the founder of Reggie Garrett & the SnakeOil Peddlers (his performing ensemble). The band travel and perform regularly as an acoustic trio (including Richard Middleton on lead guitar and Will Dowd on percussion) and as an acoustic/electric quartet with the addition of bassist Keith Lowe. From Pistol River, OR to Rock Island, IL; from Duncan, BC Canada to San Luis Obispo, CA the group has delighted audiences of all ages.
In addition to a history of fine live performances, Reggie Garrett has five CD releases to his credit. Welcome to My World, Time Stands Still, Seasons and Something New (his most recent release) were all recorded with his SnakeOil Peddlers ensembles. Kates Front Porch was his debut release as half of the Garrett & Westcott acoustic duo. All have been favorably received. Time Stands Still in particular made its way onto a number of AAA and other radio playlists throughout the western U.S.
Reggie Garrett & the SnakeOil Peddlers are listed in the 4-Culture Touring Arts Roster.
http://www.ReggieGarrett.com
Charles Mack, former bassist for Lucky Peterson and Grammy Award winner James Cotton, Charles Mack has shared the stage with a number of accomplished artists in a variety of genres ; alternative rock group Inflatable Soule, rap group Cypress Hill, blues,R&B and jazz artists Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Marcus Miller, Otis Taylor, Shemekia Copeland, Otis Rush,Maria Muldaur, Marcia Ball, Bernard Allison, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Johnson, Kenny Neal and numerous Jazz ensembles.
By fusing an amazing blend of music and experience over his career Charles brings an incredible and unique presence to every performance. You will experience a multitude of feelings and emotions all while sitting back and enjoying the ride through a mixture of soul, funk, blues, rock, R&B and folk that will leave you satisfied but clamoring for more all at the same time!Type your paragraph here.
http://www.charlesmack.com/home.html
************* Bio**********
The Dramatics are one of the most underrated vocal aggregations of all time, and The Best of the Dramatics shows just how powerful this group could be. Its signature hit “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”, with its Latin-tinged groove, anchors this 16-song set, along with the haunting “In The Rain” and the message song “The Devil Is A Dope”, the latter showing more than a hint of the Temptations influence inevitable for any Detroit-based vocal group of this period. Ensemble singing is elevated to a new level on Dramatically Yours, and although Banks and Reynolds carry most of the leads, all of the fellas get a chance to shine. Willie Ford’s bass punctuates “Toast To The Fool” and the lyrical interplay on “Highway to Heaven” glides with an “Under the Boardwalk” feel. The reissue Me and Mrs. Jones consolidates some of the Dramatics’ best work ever, the highlight being a reworking of the Billy Paul megahit which actually eclipses the original.
******The Essential Album Guide
Whatcha See Is Whatcha GetGet Up And Get Down | Thank You For Your Love| Hot Pants In The Summertime | Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get | In The Rain | Gimme Me Some (Good Soul Music) | Fall In Love, Lady Love | Mary Don’t Cha WannaVolt ~ January 15, 1972Do What You Wanna Do GOLD ABC 1978
10 1/2Music Is The People’s Choice | Welcome Back Home | Runnin’ From My Love | Love Is Here | I Just Wanna Dance the Night Away | If You Feel Like You Wanna Dance | It Ain’t Rainin’ (On Nobody’s House But Mine) | Be With The One You LoveMCA ~ March 8, 1980
The Dramatic WayGet It Givin Up My LoveYou’re the Best Thing in MyLife (We NeedMore Lovin Time) Turn on the Music How Can I Be SureShare Your Love With MeMCA Records1980
Somewhere In TimeDream Lady | Razor Blade|One Love Ago | Show MeWhat You Got | When Love Is Over | Somewhere In Time / In The Rain / Fell For You / Hey You, Get Off My Mountain / Girl, Stop Your Weeping / Be My Girl |Days of Yea and Ney | Luv’s Callin | She’s Wild1985
The Best of the DramaticsGet Up and Get Down | Thank You For Your Love | Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get | In The Rain | (Gimme Some) Good Soul Music | Fall In Love, Lady Love | The Devil Is a Dope | You Could Become the Very Heart of Me | Fell For You | Hey You! Get Off My Mountain | Beware of the Man (With the Candy in His Hand) And I Panicked | I Dedicate My Life To You | I Made Myself Lonely | Highway to Heaven | Toast to the FoolVolt ~ 1986
Dramatics LiveIntro | Get Up And Get Down | Thankful For Your Love | This Guy’s In Love With You | Respect Yourself | That’s The Way I Feel Aboutcha | Toast To The Fool | In The Rain | Whatcha See Is Whatcha GetStax ~ 1988
Positive State of MindPositive State of Mind | Live Your Life | Bridge Over Troubled Water | Blame It On New York City | Please Say You’ll Be Mine | Give Me Some Attention Tonight | Come On and Stay | Bridge Over Troubled Water (Instrumental)Volt~ June 3, 1989
Mellow DramaOne Monkey Don’t Stop No ShowHurt By Love | Sexy Devil |Cloud Nine | Paradise | Space Age | Everything Reminds Me Of You | For Your Love | Mother Nature | Key To The World |Space Age1995
Dramatics: Ultimate Collection Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get | Get Up And Get Down | In The Rain | Hey You! Get Off My Mountain | Fell For You | Me and Mrs. Jones | Choosing Up On You | Door To Your Heart | You’re Fooling You | Be My Girl (Single Version) | Finger Fever | Shake It Well (Single Version) | I Can’t Get Over You | Stop Your Weeping (Single Version) | I Just Wanna Dance With You | Oceans Of Thoughts And Dreams | Welcome Back Home | That’s My Favorite Song | You’re The Best Thing In My Life September 19, 2000
Look InsideLook Inside | Looks Like RainGot My Pride | Pushin’ Up On YaWhat Must I Do | Baby BooRight In the Middle of Heaven | Special Lady | I’m So Alone | Better Love As FriendsJanuary 2002
The Dramatics Greatest Hits LiveDramatics Theme | Treat Me Like a ManJust Shopping (Not Buying Anything)Hey You! (Get Off My Mountain) | In the Rain | Fell For You | Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get | I Can’t Get Over YouBeware of the Man (With the Candy In His Hand The Devil Is A Dope | Shake It WellDramatic Medley | Thank You For Your Love | Fall in Love, Lady Love | Doggy Doggy World | Me & Mrs Jones | You’re Fooling You | Door to Your Heart | Be My Girl | Stand Up and Clap Your HandsGet Up and Get Down November 2002
Afua Kouyate, is a cultural innovator who provides many layers of culture to the general public. Afuabegan her career as a dancer at the tender age of 9. since then she has tried extensively with some of the best dancers in the world. Her diversity in training with teachers from Guinea, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe,Senegal, Liberia, and Trinidad-Tobego allows her to create and choreograph African movements that spring from her magical ability to stimulate, excite and flow with the rhythms of the drums. The success of this is utterly african!
In the past 30 years, Afua hs been an integral part of keeping cultural arts and entertainment vibrant in the Pacific Northwest and broad. She is dedicated to the community and viewed as a leader of culture arts. In 1986 Afua co-founded Adefua and in 2014 She co-Founded Kouyate Arts. Throughout it all, Afua’s main strength comes from her loving and talented family. Her Husband, Aboubacar “Boka” Kouyate, Her daughters; Nailah and Chisula and Her son; Kwame are established and respected performing artist nationally in the arts community.
Afua is a MIDD Wraparound Facilitator working for Therapeutic health Services in Seattle. Her past projects of administrating the Odunde Festivals, Festival Sundial, various Sankofa Cultural Camps and the Sankofa Rites of Passage Experiences have all been extremely successful.
The drum beats… inside of Afua’s internal dance that offers the music to roll and the dance to flow ~ The planet where African music and dance magically stimulates excites and soothes your soul, while maintaining a unique quality that is pure African culture.
The "Unspoken" Truths American History Traveling Museum chronicles the rich history of Africans in Africa prior to American Chattel Slavery, the experiences and impact of American Chattel Slavery, Jim Crow Era, and the many contributions African Americans have had on scientific, cultural, and technological (inventions) innovations in the U.S. and the world.
Our Mission: Re-educating learners of all ages that leads to self-restoration and community healing
Our Vision: Incorporating the The American History Traveling Museum into school curriculums,instituions, and organization committed to cultural competence and social justice.
Che Blaq is the new "face" of electro soul and he knows it. This stunning vocalist brings music that is likened to his 6'2chocolate stature...bold, dynamic, and unrelenting. Che Blaq brings a fresh more seductive and provocative sound for urban soul music. Along with features on some of urban music's veterans and rising stars, Che Blaq's odyssey seems that of assent, affirmation, and ease
Stacey's musical journey has been a blessing, singing since 5, she heard a woman sing "Away in a manger" at a school Christmas Pageant was so moved she prayed & asked God to give her a beautiful singing voice & He did.
A Seattle Native brought up in church, all the women in her family sang in the church choir. Loving singing & dancing Stacey developed a strong interest in R&B/Hip hop music, sang backup in a female group that traveled & appeared in one of Mix's videos to eventually meet a producer that nurtured & developed her as a strong solo artist & song writer.
Released her 1st album & video "Do Ya" using the full version of her name Anastasia opened for "color Me Bad", back in the day. Portland & Sun Valley Id. were some great performance experiences.
She did shows with Cube,featured on C89 & KNHC with airplay and interviews. Bumbershoot & other local venues kept the performer busy.
In time Stacey felt led to write & sing gospel, greatly influenced by Yolanda Adams & Cece Winan. Two of Stacey's originals "Heavenly Father" & "Greater Is He" debuted on "A Gospel Compilation Vol 1" With a writing style with fat harmony Stacey formed the backup group called Daughters of Zion..
To satisfy a deep rooted love for Jazz music & it's greats, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald & Nancy Wilson Stacey started appearing on the Jazz scene around town. "The powerful sweetness to her voice can bring a grown man to tears", says Lawrence O. Truly professional, a producers dream, she is well embraced by some of the best Jazz, R&B Gospel and dance musicians in the North West such as Beth & Jim Wulff, Yogi, Burt Boise, Paul Davis, Andrew Stranack, Wade Urving and more.
"It's Time" EP just released this year spotlighted on "The Way of the Toddler" internet radio station for a month.
Be sure to check out Stacey's new video "I Don't Know What 2 Say" on You Tube featuring some great talent in the Northwest it's HOT! Festival Sundiate 2013 and Kirkland Summer Fess Stacey's Jazz Quartet mixed it up with some nice R&B as well as swing tunes.
Not only does Stacey Israel love working in the recording studio, she also loves performing live with an amazing stage presence. Stay tuned for some upcoming shows with Vibe Central a new musical venture for Stacey Israel to spread her artistic wings.
Dora Oliveira & Dance Brazil
Dora Oliveira's repertoire ranges from Afro-Brazilian dance, jazz, and ballet, to modern dance. She started with the renowned Brazilian folkloric dance troupe Exaltao Bahia, graduated with a dance degree from the Federal University of Brazil, was lead dancer with the group Ocheami, and is now lead dancer with Show Brazil.
Dora toured with Olodum and was featured on the Brazilian dance episode "Dancing" on PBS.
Erin Jones
Teacher Trainer Public Speaker
Erin Jones has been involved in education for the past 23 years. She has taught in a variety of environments, from predominantly African American to predominantly Caucasian to some of the most diverse communities in the nation. Erin received an award as the Most Innovative Foreign Language Teacher in 2007, while working at Stewart Middle School in Tacoma and was the Washington State Milken Educator of the Year in 2008 while teaching at Rogers High School in Spokane. She received recognition at the White House in March of 2013 as a "Champion of Change." Erin recently transitioned from Director of Equity and Achievement in Federal Way to Director of AVID in Tacoma. She has one high school senior who attends Timberline High School, two children in college, and a husband, James, who is also an educator.
Marcus Stubblefield
Program Manager, Systems Integration Coordinator for King County“This multi-agency consortium works to create a more coordinated and effective response for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and educational systems.”
Marcus Stubblefield
Program Manager, Systems Integration Coordinator for King County’s Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget. King County’s Systems Integration Initiative is a consortium of local and state youth serving agencies. This multi-agency consortium works to create a more coordinated and effective response for youth and families involved in the juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and educational systems. Marcus serves as the primary point person and is responsible for overall management, organization, and advancement of the goals and daily work associated with implementing the Strategic Plan. Another critical component of Mr. Stubblefield’s position involves facilitating community partnerships primarily with youth, parents/guardians, and other key stakeholders. He also actively coordinates and collaborates with his counterparts - other County, statewide and national Systems Integration Coordinators and system personnel.
Terrell Dorsey, King County 180
The 180 Program utilizes the power of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the personal connection of their communities in a unique collaboration to reduce ongoing crime, save county resources and invest in the positive aspects of a future generation. UNLEASH THE BRILLIANCE (UTB) is a vibrant and exciting group that offers an amazing alternative to truancy, bullying,
35years,
Black Arts Renaissance
Enric Sifa is an international African Soul Dance musician and inspirational speaker whose story, spirited performances, and activism on behalf of the poor have delighted and inspired hundreds of thousands. His musical style ranges from pulsating, danceable rhythms to soulful reflections on life, relationships, and brokenness.
Sifa was orphaned in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 and its aftermath. Every day was a struggle for food and shelter. He used to sing for strangers and perform small jobs for merchants in hope that they would give him money. In order to cope with loneliness and abuse, he would sing himself and other orphaned boys to sleep at night.
His passion for music was forged on the streets as a way of connecting with his mother. “My mom used to sing all day, so when I was alone on the streets, the only thing I had left in my life was my mother’s music,” Sifa says. “The heart and soul of music connected with me and created a blend, living within me, as if her voice was singing, as if my voice was reflecting her voice, and it would take away the loneliness.”
In 2002, a non-profit organization provided him with housing, education, and a guitar. At the age of 14, he won a national singing competition for a song he wrote about AIDS and became a star on Rwandan television and radio. From 2007-2009 he performed throughout the United States to raise money for children in Rwanda. Sifa has always used his music to support others, and he donates a portion of his profit to support budding entrepreneurs in Africa.
Sifa lives with his wife in Portland, Oregon and is completing a bachelor’s degree in business at Warner Pacific College, which he will apply to the record label he founded, MyiBOBO LLC. He speaks and performs throughout the US and Rwanda and released his fourth album, The Coronation Ceremony, in October 2014.
The Black Tones
The Black Tones was formed in 2011 by twin siblings, Eva and Cedric Walker. Being one of the few black rock bands in washington, they have played with and opened for notable locals such as NighTrain, The Thrill, The Januariez, most recently the Canadian band Hot Panda, just to name a few. They have rocked out venues around Washington state and continue to spread awareness of social issues national and world wide through blues inspired rock n roll.
Spirit of Ojah
It all started when I saw the market for ethnic music in Seattle so I decided to stop playing with the group I was playing with and to gather dedicated musicians around me. I’ve done this numerous times when I formed and managed my own international band but this was my first time doing this in America. The band is two and half years old. The musicians always tell me that they feel really free around me because I tell them the truth which other band leaders will not do. My answer to them always is, it is better to be fair to everyone than to keep things in your head without letting others know. In spite of that they all open their hearts to support the band and be with me.
I’m the drummer, Roger Ocquaye. My master was E.T. Mensah, one of the top professional trumpet players in West Africa. He brought me into his 12 piece band in 1968 and I remembered the first song on my audition was “Tiger Rag” by Louis Armstrong. It was really exciting that evening when I was 17 years old. I moved on to form my own band who played internationally and then while in Egypt I played with Samir Sabri who was a top Egyptian musician and film actor. So I have many internationally influences in the music I create. We develop and bring out many styles in the music we create for the Spirit of Ojah which is really danceable. People say our music is fun and is music which they can use to exercise their body. People dance with their babies, and children, or couples dance together; people really feel free to express themselves through movement to our music. In short, it is a HAPPY MUSIC, which is loved by both old and young. Some people who don’t even get up, move in their seats and dance with their heads.
In closing, we are located 20 miles north of Seattle and we will be very happy and flexible to work with any promoters, etc. who would like to book our band and we will work faithfully with them. Of course we now have a CD of our own and we trust the same promoters will help us to produce it. The title of this, our first CD, is “Fire and Love”.
“What music will get audiences up on their feet and feeling filled with love? It’s the rhythm and spirit of the ojah, fire and love, mixed into one. Ghanaian highlife, reggae and soukous provide beats and intonations masterfully composed by the artists in the Spirit of Ojah Dance Band. The lyrics are all about love, such as “I wanna love you”, “All my lovin’”, and “Mawe mawe” (I’ll be with you, I’ll be with you). The rhythms are agbarjar, kpanlogo, reggae, funk, highlife, soukous and more; adding fire to the soul.
The Spirit of Ojah is sure to please all day and all night long at festivals, concert halls and nightclubs. Bring a smile and a sway to communities everywhere by booking the Spirit of Ojah band.”
E-mail: spiritofojah@gmail.com
You Tube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9HYedzsrNw
Event:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=115462&id=82408100885&ref=mf
Enokye Agofomma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joWtn1zslf0
Butch Harrison & Good Company Jazz
Urban Contemporary Smooth Jazz,R&B, Vocals with Horn works.Good party, listening, and driving music. Great ballads.
"Michael Powers, the Seattle jazz guitarist, who just gets better all the time."
The Seattle Times
"There are TWO types of people. Those who love Michael Powers’ music, and those who have not yet heard it!"
The Review
"Michael Powers' music seamlessly and simultaneously honors the past, celebrates the present and fearlessly reaches into the future!"
"Michael Powers has established himself among a new breed of guitarists and composers who, with each album and every performance, continually redefines the guitars' role in the jazz context. His technique is stunning, but he never employs it at the expense of the musicality of the melodic line. Blues has always been at the core of Michael's inspiration and expression."
The Tacoma News Tribune
Soyaya
*****
Mohammed Shaibu Bio
All our music is original
Ghanaian-born Mohammed Shaibu leads my African band Soyaya,with virtuoso acoustic guitar,dynamic talking drums and endearing vocals. The name Soyaya means love and affection in my native language of Hausa in West Africa. The music of Soyaya is a combination of Palmwine/Highlife and the indigenous rhythm and blues. Backing me are Yaw Amponsah from Ghana on the Asanti drums/ Diego Coy from Colombia on the Bom bom/ Etienne Capko from Benin on the Ewe drums and vocals/ Thierno Diop from Senegal on the Bugrubu and guest from West Africa. The famous people i played with are O.J.Ekemode and the Nigerian Allstars the original Afro Beat master/ Tony Allen of Fela Kuti's band/ Shakata Ghana band/ I.K.Diaro the master of juju music of Nigeria/ Baba Olatunji the master drumer from Nigeria and lot more.
With her lavishly praised 2013 debut album Black Lace Blue Tears under her belt, late-blooming jazz vocalist
and composer Eugenie Jones immediately faced questions about whether she was a one-hit
wonder or a real contender. Sure, she displayed quick rhythmic reflexes, a silken tone, and real
songwriting savvy, but did Jones have what it takes to go the distance, to sustain a career in jazz’s
cruelly competitive ring.
Her even more impressive second album, Come Out Swingin’, makes a persuasive case for Jones’s status as a
heavyweight talent. Seasoned by several years of steady work following the release of Black Lace, the Seattle-area singer
displays the rhythmic authority, emotional insight, and melodic invention of an artist who can hold her own in any company.
“With Black Lace Blue Tears behind me I wondered, was that a fluke? Do I really have a gift,
can I continue? Almost immediately I started writing again,” says Jones, “and put those questions
to rest. This CD was a deliberate attempt to continue to grow and progress. I set that desire for
improvement as a bull’s-eye to shoot for and kept that focus through each step of this project.”
For starters, Jones possesses the wisdom to keep essentially the same battle-tested band in her
corner, most importantly the incisive and consummately supportive pianist/arranger Bill
Anschell. Veteran bassist Clipper Anderson and versatile guitarist Michael Powers also
returned to action. Three new faces joined Jones’ line up this round. Seattle native, multi-
instrumentalist horn man extraordinaire: Jay Thomas; drummer D’Vonne Lewis, a rising
force on the Seattle scene who plays with tremendous poise and spirit and the incomparable percussionist, Ernesto
Pediangco.
“I was looking for quality musicians and personalities that would mesh with my own,” Jones
says. “Already having had great experiences with the other musicians, I added Jay for his
enormous talent and newcomer D’Vonne Lewis for his smooth, yet intense playing ability.”
In this high-energy swing project, it doesn’t take long for the musicians’ combustible chemistry
to ignite.
Like her first album, Come Out Swingin’ focuses on Jones’s original songs. She
announces her rhythmic agenda with the first track, “Swing Me,” a self-possessed celebration of
unbridled desire. Her brief, exciting version of the standard “All of Me,” almost serves as a
thematic preamble to her slinky “A Way About You,” a song that could easily be mistaken for a
sophisticated piece of Bacharach/David.
Jones cast a wide net when it comes to finding inspiration as a composer. She takes the
smoldering up a notch with “Sweet Summer Love,” a song that emerged after watching Marvin
Ritt’s moody and sweat-streaked 1958 film The Long Hot Summer, a kind of mashup of Faulkner
and Tennessee Williams. Her love of cinema returns on “Rain Rain Don’t Go Away,” a
seductive song about self-comfort that never lapses into self-pity. She’s at her most sleek and
self-assured on “I’m Alright,” a soulful declaration of independence propelled by some tasty
D’Vonne Lewis samba-fused trap work.
With a tinge of sweet sass, Jones’s “24/7” brings contemporary sexuality into the discussion
while her “I Could Get Lost in Your Eyes” is a beautifully crafted ballad. The final original
tune, “Run Devil Run,” opens with an anachronistic needle-drop, then spins a tale of relationship
reckoning while veteran guitarist Michael Powers sets a cool swinging tempo throughout.
By closing the album with a searing version of James Brown’s 1966 chart-topping R&B hit “It’s
a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” Jones leaves listeners wondering just what else she’s got up her
sleeve. Belting R&B with such authority after her sultry jazz vocals, Jones seems to promise
more revelations in the future.
“Black Lace was a look into my personality, and begins a story,” she says. “Come Out Swingin’
continues that story. And of course the more you tell a story, the deeper you go. That’s what’s
happening here in terms of lyrics and songs.”