Jazz on the Vine - 2025
Jazz on the Vine, a three-day live music event centered around the appreciation for jazz.
Welcome to Jazz on the Vine, a three-day live music event centered around the appreciation for jazz. The intimate inside event space offers the unique chance to experience up-close and dynamic performances by world-renowned jazz musicians: Eric Darius, Peter White, Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun, Jason Grant, Ragan Whiteside, Jackiem Joyner + Nicholas Cole, Lin Roundtree, Lindsey Webster, and Marquel Jordan. Following the last performance each evening, there will be live music in the Concourse Restaurant. The core audience of our loyal jazz patrons and adventurous travelers creates a relaxed ambiance, where sitting back in your chair or letting your hair down to dance in the back are equally encouraged.
Performance Lineup
Thursday, May 8, 2025
3:15 PM Wine Tasting Begins
4:45 PM Doors Open
5:15 PM Marquel Jordan
7:15 PM Lindsey Webster
9:15 PM Jonathan Butler
Friday, May 9, 2025
3:15 PM Wine Tasting Begins
4:45 PM Doors Open
5:15 PM Lin Roundtree
7:15 PM Jackiem Joyner + Nicholas Cole
9:15 PM Peter White
Saturday, May 10, 2025
12:15 PM Wine Tasting Begins
1:45 PM Doors Open
2:15 PM Ragan Whiteside
4:00 PM Jason Grant
6:00 PM Rick Braun
8:15 PM Eric Darius
Jonathan Butler
In a time when artists of optimism are at a premium, Butler is a shining example of purposeful excellence. From recording local hits as a teenager growing up during the apartheid of South Africa, Butler went on to become a world-renowned singer, guitarist and songwriter delivering soulful salvos of R&B, gospel, jazz and pop. Touring professionally by age 7, Butler’s first single, “Please Stay,” was the first by a Black artist played on white radio in segregated South Africa and won a Sarie Award (the country’s equivalent to a Grammy).
Jonathan Butler
In a time when artists of optimism are at a premium, Butler is a shining example of purposeful excellence. From recording local hits as a teenager growing up during the apartheid of South Africa, Butler went on to become a world-renowned singer, guitarist and songwriter delivering soulful salvos of R&B, gospel, jazz and pop. Touring professionally by age 7, Butler’s first single, “Please Stay,” was the first by a Black artist played on white radio in segregated South Africa and won a Sarie Award (the country’s equivalent to a Grammy). Committed to conveying stirring messages of freedom and unity through his music, Jonathan became a national icon. His music even provided solace to Nelson Mandela, who later met Butler and told him that listening to his music had helped him endure time in prison.
On his upcoming album Butler swings full circle back to his homeland, marinating in all the richness of its musical culture yet with a message for the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity around the globe.
Butler defines Ubuntu as, “A philosophy based in South Africa and spread by Archbishop Desmond Tutu which states, ‘I am me because of you. You are you because of me. We are not separate. We are connected.’”
Ubuntu is comprised of both emotionally moving instrumentals such as the title track (a harmonic convergence of ostinatos) and the tenderly gorgeous “Peace in Shelter” co-composed with Yellowjackets keyboardist Russell Ferrante (one of three featuring Butler’s wife Nadira Kimberly Scruggs on violin) and vocals that include the message songs “Rainbow Nation” (about the ongoing battle of Equalizers vs. Dividers), “Our Voices Matter” (‘If we look within, we won’t go without’) and “When Love Comes In” featuring blues singer Keb’Mo’. The instant attention grabber is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s classic “Superwoman” with Wonder on harmonica.
Jonathan Butler sees himself as a messenger more than ever before despite a past that has found him balancing pop hits like “Lies” and “Sarah Sarah” with gospel gems and jazz mood music. During America’s soul-numbing days of the COVID pandemic, Black Lives Matter, a too close for comfort presidential race and an economy on the ropes, a shut-in Butler was restless. “The death of George Floyd polarized or awakened musicians I know,” he states. “Some spoke out, others did not, claiming, ‘I’m an artist not a politician!’ My song ‘Our Voices Matter’ came out of that. You’re either silent and complicit or you speak out.”
Through Ubuntu his messages of love, peace and unity ring strong and true because they emanate from the heart of a man who has witnessed and experienced the most glowing of good triumphs over the darkest of evils. Like the philosophy of Ubuntu he shares on his latest album, and the great men Tutu, Mandela and Wonder before him, Butler has a vision to do even more to attain peace and collaboration among all people to change the world.
Peter White
Although he has never had a guitar lesson in his life, Peter White has become known as one of the jazz industry’s greatest icons. For over forty
years, he has worked with many music greats, recorded eighteen solo and collaboration albums, performed before countless audiences, and most
recently, created a special collection of songs for STARLUX Airlines.
Mindi Abair
“She’ll Move You” – Keb’ Mo’. “Forget You, Who’s Your Sax Player? – Steven Tyler on American Idol
“21st Century Sophistication, A Gritty, Raucous Spirit, And Exceptional Creative Imagination” – Allmusic.Com
One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists, two-time GRAMMY nominee Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and sax prowess since her debut album in 1999. No one since Junior Walker has brought saxophone and vocals in one package to the forefront of modern music. In 2014, Mindi received her first GRAMMY nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category, followed by a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo LP Wild Heart featuring the late Gregg Allman, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Keb’ Mo’, and Max Weinberg. You might know her as the featured saxophonist on American Idol, sitting in with Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, or as the first solo saxophonist touring with Aerosmith since 1973. She has garnered twelve #1 radio hits in the jazz and blues world, two #1 spots on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Album Chart and two #3 spots on the Billboard Blues Album Chart. In 2018, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year and Best Blues Song fan award for the Independent Music Awards for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa. In 2019, Mindi was nominated by the Blues Music Awards as the Best Instrumentalist: Horn and won the LA Critics Award for Best Holiday Album for All I Got For Christmas Is The Blues.
As creator, designer and owner, Mindi successfully launched Reserve Tastings Wine Company in 2019 as a lifestyle concept that brings together the worlds of wine + music through members-only exclusive wines paired with personally curated music playlists, label art and branded wine + music festivals. www.reservetastings.com
Mindi wrote the book “How To Play Madison Square Garden – A Guide To Stage Performance,” created the website http://www.prettygoodforagirl.net to celebrate women, and has served almost 10 years as an LA Chapter Governor, President and National Trustee for The Recording Academy. Mindi has toured and/or recorded with: Aerosmith, Joe Bonamassa, Smokey Robinson, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Gregg Allman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Fantastic Negrito, Waddy Wachtel, Bobby Rush, Keb’ Mo’, Teena Marie, Lee Ritenour, Adam Sandler, Duran Duran, Bill Champlin, Richard Elliott, Jimmy Webb, Max Weinberg, Dave Koz, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Mandy Moore, Lalah Hathaway and the Backstreet Boys.
Eric Darius
The Billboard chart topping, American saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer shines in a vibrant new light as he reinvents himself through ‘Unleashed’, an expansive and ambitious genre-spanning album brimming with passion and purpose, soul and sweat, charisma and charm.
Eric Darius
With a trademark jump and crowd-captivating energy throughout his live show, Eric Darius is breaking the mold of modern jazz.
The Billboard chart topping, American saxophonist, songwriter, producer, and performer shines in a vibrant new light as he reinvents himself through ‘Unleashed’, an expansive and ambitious genre-spanning album brimming with passion and purpose, soul and sweat, charisma and charm.
“It's called Unleashed because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone on this project and truly unleash my full musical potential in a live studio setting,” Eric shares. “This album is an honest reflection of myself and my growth both musically and personally over the past several years, and it really takes the listeners on a musical journey from start to finish! This album feels like it’s the first time I’ve truly expressed myself in every single way in a musical sense and I’m unleashed like never before.
Unleashed is a long time coming for Eric Darius, and without a doubt his proudest work to date. He credits part of that achievement to the creative freedom he’s gained as an independent artist; Unleashed is Eric’s second album released through his own label SagiDarius Music, following 2018’s Breakin’ Thru.
Raised in a musical household in Tampa, Florida, Eric has been making music for as long as he can remember. His Haitian father (a bass player) and Jamaican mother (a singer and piano player) instilled Caribbean influences and a passion for music on Eric and his siblings.
Eric’s energetic saxophone tones can be heard loud, cool, and clear throughout Unleashed, alongside a smorgasbord of traditional and unconventional jazz instruments and collaborations from Eric Roberson, Paul Jackson, Jr., Justin Lee Schultz, Mononeon, Metropole Orkest and many more.
Produced by GRAMMY® Award winning musician Philip Lassiter (Prince, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande) and recorded live in studio, Unleashed transcends the world of contemporary jazz. Inspired by everyone from John Coltrane and Miles Davis to Earth, Wind & Fire, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley, Eric embraces elements of R&B, hip-hop, gospel, trap, funk, neo-soul, and more in his art. All of these styles coalesce on an organic and deeply expressive record full of searing grooves and soaring sounds.
“The beautiful thing about all these artists is their music is 100% timeless,” Eric reflects. “It’s just as fresh today as it was 20, 40 years ago. That’s what I’ve always strived to do, too. My goal is to continue to evolve musically: I’m an old soul in a lot of ways, living in today’s generation, so I see both sides and I try to bring both of those sides together musically and bridge the gap.”
Wherever you look on this album, Eric Darius is there breaking the mold. Unleashed is authentic, fresh, and energetic, and Eric invites the world to join in his unbridled, unfiltered musical celebration.
With eight highly acclaimed albums to his name, Eric continues to be a singular force in his world. To date, he has racked up five No. 1 Hit Singles and 17 Top 10 Radio Hits on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. He was Smooth Jazz News Magazine’s Debut Artist of the Year in 2004 and SESAC’s Top 10 Jazz Artist of the Year in 2015, and in 2017 he received the 1st Annual Citril Starz Awards’ Best Jazz, Saxophonist, Composer, Producer & Musician of the Year Award. Recently, Eric was awarded the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival Artist of the Year for 2022, which he received this past October while headlining the festival.
Eric has made TV appearances on Fox’s The X-Factor and TNT’s Mob City, and has shared the stage with such acclaimed and Grammy Award winning artists as Prince, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Carlos Santana, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Wyclef Jean, Lalah Hathaway, and many others. He founded his label, SagiDarius Music, in 2017.
When he’s not wowing crowds with his music or in the studio recording new tracks, Eric works to make a positive difference in communities with "On A Mission in the Schools," a national campaign he created to partner with schools and colleges nationwide.
“I started my ‘On A Mission in the Schools’ campaign a few years ago to spread the importance of music education, expose students to jazz, and inspire them to follow their dreams musically. One of my life missions with my music is to make a difference in the younger generation,” he explains. “I always want to bridge the gap musically from one generation to the next, and I want to expose the younger generation to jazz by making music that’s accessible to all generations, all age demographics, and all walks of life.”
“At the end of the day I just want to uplift people with my music, and I want people to feel where I come from – feel my heart and soul from my music. My story is hard work, passion, perseverance, persistence, patience, prayer.”
Lindsey Webster
Lindsey Webster is an American jazz, R&B, and pop singer. Her first single, "Fool Me Once", reached number one on the Smooth Jazz chart at Billboard magazine (2016), making her the first vocalist since Sade's 2010 "Soldier of Love" to have a #1 vocally-driven song in the primarily instrumental format. Since then Webster has scored six Top 5 hits
Jeff Kashiwa
Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons back in 1989. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band’s classic recordings.
After his decade long tenure with The Rippingtons, Kashiwa’s instincts led him to more dynamic endeavors through his solo career. It surprised many when Jeff left the group to venture out on his own, but he had things to say through his own music.
In 2004, Kashiwa founded The Sax Pack, a trio of saxophone headliners, featuring himself, Steve Cole and Kim Waters. The group released three CDs together and charmed audiences with their Rat Pack style reparte’ in tours across the U.S. and abroad.
In 2006, Jeff reunited with The Rippingtons for their 20th Anniversary Tour and continued to record and tour with the group until 2016. In addition to touring with The Sax Pack and his own group, Kashiwa has expanded his career to include the realm of music education. He now teaches in the same school district where it all began teaching various music ensembles and online Music Technology courses at Shoreline Community College in Seattle, Washington.
This year Kashiwa released his 11th solo recording titled Sunrise. Featured on the CD are
his band, Coastal Access as well as guest performances by Marc Antoine, Tom Schuman and
Phillipe Saisse. Jeff is in his 12th year as an Instrumental Ensemble and Music Technology
instructor, and Department Chair at Shoreline Community in Seattle, WA.
Jackiem Joyner
Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his nearly two-decade-long career as a performer. With a number one jazz album, numerous Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, Joyner has proven himself a rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and captivating mainstream audiences.
Steve Oliver
With a career spanning over 25 years in music, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer Steve Oliver is still being heard each day on contemporary and smooth jazz radio around the world.
His career has produced multiple #1 hits on the Billboard charts and countless radio staples over nearly two decades - including with his latest album “Unified” (2020) - a collaboration with keyboardist Brian Simpson that has reached the #1 spot on the Billboard and Amazon jazz sales charts.
Steve’s been a touring member of Acoustic Alchemy, has played countless club dates and headlined festivals worldwide. He’s also co-written and produced tracks with Grammy award winning pianist Omar Akram and many smooth jazz notables including Vincent Ingala, Brian Simpson and Paul Taylor.
Having released eight studio albums, a live CD / DVD package and a “Best Of”, for Oliver, music is therapy and a welcomed diversion from the current world climate. With radio legacy hits to his credit including “High Noon”, “Fun In The Sun”, and “Global Kiss”, today Oliver is just as comfortable being a creator, adviser, and mentor to others.
With his 2019 full-length album “Illuminate”. A follow up to 2016’s acclaimed all vocal project “Pictures & Frames” (recorded with the legendary Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and Leland Sklar on bass at the famed Capitol Studios in Hollywood), Illuminate is record deeply rooted in contemporary jazz guitar melodies and Steve's trademark wordless vocalese. With Steve's instantly recognizable guitar lines and a list of guest artists that includes bass virtuoso Jimmy Haslip, the incredible Joel Taylor on drums, and sax luminary Nelson Rangell, Illuminate puts the spotlight back on one of the genre's most engaging performers and songwriters.
Rick Braun
Conventional music industry wisdom has long dictated that self-titled albums are, by design and intention, introductory artistic statements reserved for an artist’s first release. While slyly admitting he’s a little late to the party, Rick Braun boldly bucks this traditional trend with his stellar latest set, a stylistically eclectic, ultra-soulful/funky and exotica tinged collection celebrating 30 years since Intimate Secrets launched him to contemporary jazz stardom and made him one of the genre’s most influential artists and producers.
RICK BRAUN
Conventional music industry wisdom has long dictated that self-titled albums are, by design and
intention, introductory artistic statements reserved for an artist’s first release. While slyly
admitting he’s a little late to the party, Rick Braun boldly bucks this traditional trend with his
stellar latest set, a stylistically eclectic, ultra-soulful/funky and exotica tinged collection
celebrating 30 years since Intimate Secrets launched him to contemporary jazz stardom and
made him one of the genre’s most influential artists and producers.
After hinting at fresh directions to come with the title of his 2018 album Crossroads, the
versatile trumpeter and flugelhornist marks a fresh new chapter in his career with Rick Braun, the
first full-on Smooth Jazz project released on his indie label Brauntosoarus Music. The project –
Braun’s 19th as a leader - was executive produced by Roy McClurg, who has also served in this
capacity on recordings by Mindi Abair, Darryl Williams and Michael Lington.
After amassing over 20 #1 Smooth Jazz hits, producing #1s for fellow genre greats David
Benoit, Marc Antoine and the late Jeff Golub, creating two of the genre’s most impactful dual
albums ever (Shake It Up with Boney James, RnR with Richard Elliot) and recording three hit
albums as part of the all-star trio BWB (with Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown), Rick Braun
reveals the exciting truth that the multi-faceted performer is in full creative overdrive and from
his unique perspective, just getting started.
“With every project, every tour and each year that passes, I realize that as a musician and artist, I
still have a long way to go before I am where I would like to be,” Braun says. “There’s no true
final destination, and the inspiring part of that is that I can keep practicing to improve. Music is
never something you perform perfectly, and so I always feel like I’m a work in progress.
Everything I’ve done in the past – the accomplishments as well as mistakes - is part of who I am,
but I’m always looking to explore fresh ideas, stay in the moment and just go with what feels
right. Thirty years in, I still love the camaraderie of playing music with my friends.”
Regarding the idea of dropping a self-titled album so deep into his discography, Braun shares
that there are reasons behind “my madness” – including the fact that he wrote or co-wrote all of
the songs and there are no covers. It’s also one of the few albums of his storied career to not
feature at least a few of his fellow genre stars. This is partially a result of the pandemic and
lockdown, which necessitated that Braun develop many of these songs further than usual by
himself, isolated in his home studio.
Another beautiful musical silver lining emerging from this trying time was the development of
the trumpeter’s creative relationship with veteran guitarist Tony Pulizzi, who became the
“house” guitarist for Braun’s long-running “Rick’s Cafe” – a popular long running weekly
concert series that streamed live from Braun’s living room turned concert stage. The 70 or so,
now archived shows, were high tech, five camera shoots directed by the trumpeter’s son Kyle
and featured live (and of course, socially distanced) collaborations between invited guest artists.
Pulizzi had played on Crossroads, but these weekly events – now on YouTube – cultivated a
powerful camaraderie with Braun that led to him lending his powerful guitarisma to each track of
Rick Braun, perfectly fulfilling the trumpeter’s vision for the project.
Another key collaboration further cultivated by “Rick’s Cafe” was with keyboardist Carnell
Harrell, who co-wrote and played on the collection’s spirited and infectious opening track “Far
Away Places.” Braun’s only other co-composition is the gracefully exotic, Latin tinged romance
“Amor De Mi Vida (Love of My Life), which features its co-writer, two-time Grammy
nominated artist/producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, on keys.
Once some of the lockdown restrictions lifted, Braun enjoyed bringing in some of contemporary
jazz’s most storied sidemen to flesh out his sonic vision, always based on who he felt was the
best match for the vibe and groove he was after. These include bassists Darryl Williams, Jimmy
Haslip, Kenny Wild, Nate Philips, Oskar Cartaya and Courtney Wild; drummers Gorden
Campbell, Sergio Gonzalez, Eric Valentine and Gary Novak; keyboardist Greg Phillinganes;
flutist Richard Freemont; and percussionist Lenny Castro, who adds his legendary fire to take
every track to a transcendent rhythmic level. Braun also showcases his own formidable keyboard
chops on the tunes “Turkish,” “Da Funk,” “Back to Mallorca, “Feet First,” “Playin Around” and
most emphatically on the sassy, swinging funk closing track “Four on the Floor,” which includes
a colorful piano solo and dashes of bluesy B-3 magic.
Another fascinating element Braun brings to the album is a ten-piece live string section, arranged
and conducted by Nick Lane, on five tracks. Beyond creating textures that alternately caress and
soar, these strings are Braun’s way of paying homage to the sound of the classic 60’s and 70’s
albums on Creed Taylor’s legendary CTI Records.
Stylistically, longtime Braun fans will clearly hear the latest fruits of his ongoing passion for
incorporating world music into his trademark trumpet and flugelhorn aesthetic, as he did on
classic tracks like “Tijuana Dance?” (from 2009’s All It Takes) and throughout his 2017
collection Around the Horn. The tracks on Rick Braun which tap into this aspect of his artistry
include the aforementioned “Amor De Mi Vida (Love of My Life”; the buoyant, lighthearted
“Turkish,” his first ever venture into Middle Eastern-Mediterranean territory; the silky and
sensual, ultimately soaring brass tinged Latin fusion jam “Back to Mallorca”; and the trippy and
danceable, Herb Alpert-flavored, muted trumpet and brass fueled “Feet First.” While Braun’s
mastery of blending steamy seduction with vibrant funk is on display throughout, “The Color ofRICK BRAUN
Biography
Conventional music industry wisdom has long dictated that self-titled albums are, by design and
intention, introductory artistic statements reserved for an artist’s first release. While slyly
admitting he’s a little late to the party, Rick Braun boldly bucks this traditional trend with his
stellar latest set, a stylistically eclectic, ultra-soulful/funky and exotica tinged collection
celebrating 30 years since Intimate Secrets launched him to contemporary jazz stardom and
made him one of the genre’s most influential artists and producers.
After hinting at fresh directions to come with the title of his 2018 album Crossroads, the
versatile trumpeter and flugelhornist marks a fresh new chapter in his career with Rick Braun, the
first full-on Smooth Jazz project released on his indie label Brauntosoarus Music. The project –
Braun’s 19th as a leader - was executive produced by Roy McClurg, who has also served in this
capacity on recordings by Mindi Abair, Darryl Williams and Michael Lington.
After amassing over 20 #1 Smooth Jazz hits, producing #1s for fellow genre greats David
Benoit, Marc Antoine and the late Jeff Golub, creating two of the genre’s most impactful dual
albums ever (Shake It Up with Boney James, RnR with Richard Elliot) and recording three hit
albums as part of the all-star trio BWB (with Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown), Rick Braun
reveals the exciting truth that the multi-faceted performer is in full creative overdrive and from
his unique perspective, just getting started.
“With every project, every tour and each year that passes, I realize that as a musician and artist, I
still have a long way to go before I am where I would like to be,” Braun says. “There’s no true
final destination, and the inspiring part of that is that I can keep practicing to improve. Music is
never something you perform perfectly, and so I always feel like I’m a work in progress.
Everything I’ve done in the past – the accomplishments as well as mistakes - is part of who I am,
but I’m always looking to explore fresh ideas, stay in the moment and just go with what feels
right. Thirty years in, I still love the camaraderie of playing music with my friends.”
Regarding the idea of dropping a self-titled album so deep into his discography, Braun shares
that there are reasons behind “my madness” – including the fact that he wrote or co-wrote all of
the songs and there are no covers. It’s also one of the few albums of his storied career to not
feature at least a few of his fellow genre stars. This is partially a result of the pandemic and
lockdown, which necessitated that Braun develop many of these songs further than usual by
himself, isolated in his home studio.
Another beautiful musical silver lining emerging from this trying time was the development of
the trumpeter’s creative relationship with veteran guitarist Tony Pulizzi, who became the
“house” guitarist for Braun’s long-running “Rick’s Cafe” – a popular long running weekly
concert series that streamed live from Braun’s living room turned concert stage. The 70 or so,
now archived shows, were high tech, five camera shoots directed by the trumpeter’s son Kyle
and featured live (and of course, socially distanced) collaborations between invited guest artists.
Pulizzi had played on Crossroads, but these weekly events – now on YouTube – cultivated a
powerful camaraderie with Braun that led to him lending his powerful guitarisma to each track of
Rick Braun, perfectly fulfilling the trumpeter’s vision for the project.
Another key collaboration further cultivated by “Rick’s Cafe” was with keyboardist Carnell
Harrell, who co-wrote and played on the collection’s spirited and infectious opening track “Far
Away Places.” Braun’s only other co-composition is the gracefully exotic, Latin tinged romance
“Amor De Mi Vida (Love of My Life), which features its co-writer, two-time Grammy
nominated artist/producer Chris “Big Dog” Davis, on keys.
Once some of the lockdown restrictions lifted, Braun enjoyed bringing in some of contemporary
jazz’s most storied sidemen to flesh out his sonic vision, always based on who he felt was the
best match for the vibe and groove he was after. These include bassists Darryl Williams, Jimmy
Haslip, Kenny Wild, Nate Philips, Oskar Cartaya and Courtney Wild; drummers Gorden
Campbell, Sergio Gonzalez, Eric Valentine and Gary Novak; keyboardist Greg Phillinganes;
flutist Richard Freemont; and percussionist Lenny Castro, who adds his legendary fire to take
every track to a transcendent rhythmic level. Braun also showcases his own formidable keyboard
chops on the tunes “Turkish,” “Da Funk,” “Back to Mallorca, “Feet First,” “Playin Around” and
most emphatically on the sassy, swinging funk closing track “Four on the Floor,” which includes
a colorful piano solo and dashes of bluesy B-3 magic.
Another fascinating element Braun brings to the album is a ten-piece live string section, arranged
and conducted by Nick Lane, on five tracks. Beyond creating textures that alternately caress and
soar, these strings are Braun’s way of paying homage to the sound of the classic 60’s and 70’s
albums on Creed Taylor’s legendary CTI Records.
Stylistically, longtime Braun fans will clearly hear the latest fruits of his ongoing passion for
incorporating world music into his trademark trumpet and flugelhorn aesthetic, as he did on
classic tracks like “Tijuana Dance?” (from 2009’s All It Takes) and throughout his 2017
collection Around the Horn. The tracks on Rick Braun which tap into this aspect of his artistry
include the aforementioned “Amor De Mi Vida (Love of My Life”; the buoyant, lighthearted
“Turkish,” his first ever venture into Middle Eastern-Mediterranean territory; the silky and
sensual, ultimately soaring brass tinged Latin fusion jam “Back to Mallorca”; and the trippy and
danceable, Herb Alpert-flavored, muted trumpet and brass fueled “Feet First.” While Braun’s
mastery of blending steamy seduction with vibrant funk is on display throughout, “The Color of
Love” is an emotionally impactful ballad that finds him slowing down to create a sense of heart
and soul intimacy.
Braun, a native of Allentown, PA, counts as some of his chief influences’ greats like Till
Bronner, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan and Chet Baker, in addition to Philly
originated legends from The Brecker Brothers and Jeff Lorber and fellow Allentown native
Keith Jarrett. While attending the Eastman School of Music, he became a member of the jazz
fusion band Auracle and cut his producing chops on their second album. He set the stage for his
early 90s emergence as a contemporary jazz artist with a successful career in pop music during
the 80s, writing, co-writing REO Speedwagon’s Top 20 Billboard hit “Here With Me” and
working in the studio and/or on tour with everyone from Crowded House to superstars Natalie
Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and War.
In addition to classic, genre defining Contemporary Jazz albums like Beat Street (1995), Full
Stride (1998), Kisses in the Rain (2001), Esperanto (2003) and Can You Feel It (2014), Braun’s
eclectic discography includes the 2005 covers album Yours Truly, the standards set Sings with
Strings (2011) and his second holiday album, the independently released Swingin’ In the Snow
(2012). He is also featured, along with Mindi Abair, on 2007’s Peter White Christmas.
“People often ask me, what is it that keeps me going so that I can play music, but I see it as just
the opposite,” Braun says. “Especially during these challenging past two years, music has been
the lifeline that’s kept me going so that I can do everything else well in my life, including being
the best dad I can to my amazing kids Kyle and Emma. Rick Braun is the first album in my
career where I made a conscious effort to do the bulk of heavy lifting, but it’s also a wonderful
example of the energy and synergy that happens playing with good friends – and the miracle of
what happens when people get together and create music spontaneously. I encouraged each of
them to express themselves just as they wanted to, and that contributes greatly to the magic. I
enjoyed every step of making this recording for many reasons, but most of all for being able to
create and share so many special moments with so many wonderful friends throughout the
process.”
Love” is an emotionally impactful ballad that finds him slowing down to create a sense of heart
and soul intimacy.
Braun, a native of Allentown, PA, counts as some of his chief influences’ greats like Till
Bronner, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan and Chet Baker, in addition to Philly
originated legends from The Brecker Brothers and Jeff Lorber and fellow Allentown native
Keith Jarrett. While attending the Eastman School of Music, he became a member of the jazz
fusion band Auracle and cut his producing chops on their second album. He set the stage for his
early 90s emergence as a contemporary jazz artist with a successful career in pop music during
the 80s, writing, co-writing REO Speedwagon’s Top 20 Billboard hit “Here With Me” and
working in the studio and/or on tour with everyone from Crowded House to superstars Natalie
Cole, Glenn Frey, Tom Petty, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner and War.
In addition to classic, genre defining Contemporary Jazz albums like Beat Street (1995), Full
Stride (1998), Kisses in the Rain (2001), Esperanto (2003) and Can You Feel It (2014), Braun’s
eclectic discography includes the 2005 covers album Yours Truly, the standards set Sings with
Strings (2011) and his second holiday album, the independently released Swingin’ In the Snow
(2012). He is also featured, along with Mindi Abair, on 2007’s Peter White Christmas.
“People often ask me, what is it that keeps me going so that I can play music, but I see it as just
the opposite,” Braun says. “Especially during these challenging past two years, music has been
the lifeline that’s kept me going so that I can do everything else well in my life, including being
the best dad I can to my amazing kids Kyle and Emma. Rick Braun is the first album in my
career where I made a conscious effort to do the bulk of heavy lifting, but it’s also a wonderful
example of the energy and synergy that happens playing with good friends – and the miracle of
what happens when people get together and create music spontaneously. I encouraged each of
them to express themselves just as they wanted to, and that contributes greatly to the magic. I
enjoyed every step of making this recording for many reasons, but most of all for being able to
create and share so many special moments with so many wonderful friends throughout the
process.”
Marqueal Jordan
A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been based in the music-rich city of Chicago since 1995. Moving to the Windy City after earning a Business Administration degree at the University of Kansas, Marqueal began paying dues by playing gigs
in every musical style imaginable. In those early years, he earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer.
Marqueal Jordan
A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been based in the music-rich city of Chicago since 1995. Moving to the Windy City after earning a Business Administration degree at the University of Kansas, Marqueal began paying dues by playing gigs
in every musical style imaginable. In those early years, he earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer. Marqueal was the front man for the critically acclaimed local original band, Fat Time, and a member of the spin-off band, Starcandy. By the early 2000’s, he was
highly in demand to perform with the top musicians and bands in the city.
In 2008, Marqueal met Smooth Jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. Over the next 10 years, Marqueal traveled the world with Brian, appeared in two DVDs, and was featured on four albums. The exposure gave him the confidence and desire to become a solo artist.
Marqueal’s solo debut album, Catalyst, was released in October 2013. It helped to establish him as an emerging artist in Smooth & Contemporary Jazz. After leaving Brian Culbertson’s band in the summer of 2018 to focus on his solo career, he recorded his second project, Intention &
Purpose. Released in February 2019, the album is a musical journey through Contemporary Jazz, Soul/R&B and Hip Hop, and it showcases his growing skills as a songwriter, arranger and producer. The album yielded two Top 20 hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles Chart, “If You
Only Knew” and “The Edge”. Currently, Marqueal is putting the finishing touches on his third solo album, All We Have Are Moments. After several delays, the album will be released in early 2022. The album’s lead single, “Last Call”, was released in March 2021 and was well received
by SiriusXM Watercolors and Smooth Jazz Radio. To support the album, Marqueal will be rejoining Brian Culbertson on tour as a featured Special Guest in 2022, as well as touring on his own.
In addition to leading and touring with his own band, Marqueal occasionally tours with The Legendary Isley Brothers and the prodigious Guitarist/Vocalist Isaiah Sharkey. He has also shared the stage with some of the greats in music, performing with legends such as: Gerald
Albright, Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Floetry, Aretha Franklin, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, Al Jarreau, Joe, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Frank McComb, Marcus Miller, Najee, Mike Phillips, Eric
Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Sy Smith, and Kirk Whalum. In Chicago, he still performs locally with Brother John Kattke and Midnight Sun Band. Marqueal also collaborates with Chicago-based artist/producer DJ I.N.C., and has been featured on numerous projects of I.N.C.’s since 2000.
Marqueal was proud to be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a Man Of Excellence in 2014. Father, mentor and friend to many, Marqueal Jordan is a humble man who is focused on achieving greatness through his music and his deeds.
Lin Roundtree
Lin Rountree, also known as The Soul-Trumpeter, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With a whopping eight solo projects and an impressive 21 chart-topping Billboard singles (including FOUR #1 hits), he has solidified his place as a leading innovator in the
Instrumental Soul/R&B genre. Collaborating with some of the industry's top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists, Lin's talent knows no bounds.
Lin Roundtree
Lin Rountree, also known as The Soul-Trumpeter, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With a whopping eight solo projects and an impressive 21 chart-topping Billboard singles (including FOUR #1 hits), he has solidified his place as a leading innovator in the
Instrumental Soul/R&B genre. Collaborating with some of the industry's top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists, Lin's talent knows no bounds.
Starting his musical journey at the young age of 11, Lin's passion for the trumpet led him to attend music development programs at The Duke Ellington School for Performing Arts in Washington DC. After graduating from high school, he joined the renowned Marching 100'
at Florida A&M University, performing under the direction of William P. Foster and Dr. Julian White. It was during this time that Lin's love for jazz music blossomed, and he began studying the greats such as Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and Quincy Jones.
After earning his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from FAMU, Lin found his musical home in Detroit, Michigan. Forming a band, he quickly gained recognition and performed extensively throughout the region. In 2004, Lin released his debut CD, "GROOVETREE," which received international acclaim. This was followed by two more successful albums, "SUMTHIN' GOOD" and "SOULTREE, The Soul-Jazz Experience."
Lin's talent caught the attention of major label Trippin' N Rhythm Records, leading to a fruitful collaboration where he wrote and co-produced five more projects: "SERENDIPITOUS," "SOULFUNKY," "STRONGER STILL," "FLUID," and his latest CD, "THE MESSAGE." The label praised Lin's hip vibe and soulful sound, predicting a bright future for contemporary jazz with artists like him leading the way.
Lin's musical prowess extends beyond his solo career. He has been sought after by top artists in various genres, including KEM, Dwele, Conya Doss, Tony Terry, and George Duke, to name just a few. In 2012, he even made a memorable appearance in the hit film "SPARKLE," alongside Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks, further boosting his international profile.
In summary, Lin Rountree is a trailblazer in the instrumental Soul and R&B scene. As a polished songwriter, producer, and recording artist, he continues to captivate audiences with his outstanding live performances. A consummate professional and a grateful musician, Lin represents a new generation of Soul-Jazz artists. If you're looking for soulful, innovative music that pushes boundaries, look no further than the Soul-Trumpeter himself. For more information, visit www.linrountreemusic.com.
Jason Grant
J. Grant is a soulful and passionate musician with a remarkable gift, that captivates the attention of every audience for which he performs. His years of playing, teaching, and recording have earned him the privilege of traveling around the country and abroad.
Jason Grant
Grant is a soulful and passionate musician with a remarkable gift, that captivates the attention of every audience for which he performs. His years of playing, teaching, and recording have earned him the privilege of traveling around the country and abroad.
Born and raised in Chicago, by the age of five, J.Grant began his musical career playing the drums at his father’s church and later on playing for Lighthouse Church of All Nations. Since J. Grant’s entry into the music world, he has developed a strong knowledge of musical arrangements and ability to play from memory in all styles of music. With his unique style and avid ear for music, J.Grant is one of the most talented and energetic drummers around.
J.Grant lives his passion with every passing moment. While J.Grant’s musical background is exceptional and extensive, it is his humble and caring spirit that attracts audiences everywhere and commands their attention with every beat of his drum.
Grant has been blessed to play with some of the greatest artist in the music business such has, Nick Colionne (lead drummer for 10years), Kirk Whalum, Steve Oliver, Peabo Bryson, Nicholas Cole, Eric Roberson, Chante Moore, Shirley Murdock, Tony Terry, Case,Eric Darius, Michael Lington, Gerald Veasley, CeCe Peniston, Keke Wyatt, Glenn Jones, Jeff Bradshaw, Conya Doss, Steve Cole, Jackiem Joyner, Kim Waters, Najee, Jeff Lorber (Jazz, Funk , Soul) Norman Brown, Jessy J. Tom Browne, Ronnie Laws, Debra Laws, Adam Hawley, Althea Rene, Jeff Kashiwa, Blake Aaron, Erin Stevenson, Marcus Adams, Marcus Anderson, Gerald Albright, Paul Taylor, Brian Simpson, Selina Albright, Peter White, Rick Braun, Vincent Ingala, Euge Groove, Maysa, T.C. Carson and a host of others.
Grant’s career is a result of hard work, faithfulness, integrity, and a good family background and morals. These same morals and values are now transferred over to his family. J. Grant will always remember that he is nothing without the help of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“WITHOUT GOD AND MY FAMILY IN MY LIFE….I AM NOTHING!”
Ragan Whiteside
Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award.
Ragan Whiteside
Flute-playing soul-jazz phenomenon Ragan Whiteside has become one of the genre’s most
consistently dynamic and popular artists. Thanks to her incredible skill and creativity on her
chosen instrument, as well as her charismatic presence on stage, Whiteside is at the top of her
game. That was demonstrated in October 2022, when she became the first artist to win the
competitive Best Contemporary Jazz Artist Award at the inaugural Jazz Music Awards, held at
the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta. Whiteside is also a 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominee
and four-time nominee for the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist Award.
That distinction is well-deserved, as the Atlanta-based musician, songwriter, and vocalist has
become one of very few women players to excel in the male-dominated instrumental sphere,
garnering ten consecutive Top Ten Billboard airplay singles by 2024. 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.
Ragan's 7th album, RAGAN will be released in 2025. The first single, "Steppin' Out," is heating
up the radio charts and is available on all digital download and streaming platforms, including
Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Pandora, Deezer, and more. Joining Ragan on this high-energy
track is Rich Harrison a.k.a. the artist RAH (Evelyn Champagne King, Atlantic Starr) on drums
and Phil Hamilton (Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Al Jarreau) on guitar.
Listen to the first single, "Steppin' Out" HERE.
Her previous full-length project, 2022’s Thrill Ride, demonstrates Whiteside’s breathtaking
virtuosity and melodic skills on a thrilling journey through a landscape of dynamic grooves. The
project features eight songs, which are largely produced by her longtime collaborators Dennis
Johnson and Bob Baldwin. Other producers include Chris “Big Dog” Davis on the sexy update of
Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing,” and James Lloyd of the veteran group Pieces
Of A Dream, who contributes “A Toast At Sunset” as writer and keyboardist as well. The title
track, “Thrill Ride,” peaked at No. 1 on five radio charts, including the Billboard Smooth Jazz
Chart, Mediabase, the Smooth Jazz Network, Radiowave and Groove Jazz Music.
Whiteside is also maintaining a career as a voice over artist and her role as a mother of two. In
late 2020, Whiteside added another title to her list of accomplishments: Radio personality.
Spotted at a show by David Linton, a former label executive and current program director of
Atlanta’s station, Jazz 91.9 WCLK, Whiteside was offered the opportunity to audition as a host.
She now holds down the popular No. 1 Saturday morning show “Saturday with Ragan
Whiteside, ” as well as a nationally syndicated radio show, “The Get Down with Ragan
Whiteside”.
A fan favorite, Ragan Whiteside has performed at some of the most popular jazz festivals and
clubs, including the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Festival, Mallorca Smooth
Jazz Fest, Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, Jazz Legacy, Lyman Performing Arts
Center, Blues Alley, Middle C Jazz, and many more.