Reviews

“The Event of the Year; Jorel Flynn aka Jfly of the Flytrap Birthday Bash and Concert Series."

Author: De Anna Phillips – Musical Reviews - Copyright 2011
Many said it couldn’t be accomplished but let me give you a visual of a successful event that occurred on March 24, 2011. Imagine walking into a venue with a rustic feel but yet a splash of sophistication and elegance. To your right, tables draped with crisp white linen, delicate hors d’oeuvres, and a drink master ready to serve you. The guest and artist are mingling; don’t worry, it’s just the appetizer. To the left, walls of solid brick making the acoustic sound deep, smooth, and intense. There is seating for 800-1000 with a dance floor and huge stage. Lights dim, cameras focused, then the main event starts. Yes, Jfly and the Flytrap; the birthday bash and concert of the year. I hear a full horn section with national recording artist Joey Summerville, Ryan Kilgore, Melvin Miller, Melvin Jones, and others. On the keys is national recording artist Phil Davis. To my left on guitar the world renowned Eric Essix, and a new phenomenal acoustic guitar player by the name of Anthony Papmichael. Let’s not forget the amazing violinist Ken Ford. And the drummer none other than Jorel Flynn. The man is not only a promoter but he is one outstanding accomplished drummer.

Take a visual walk with me. Imagine the artist mentioned above breaking out in harmony with an instrumental piece by Earth Wind and Fire; big band style. Every person in the audience amazed at the incredible sound; heads bopping, hands clapping, and feet stomping. All of a sudden the tempo switch and mellow into the jazz session. Joey Summerville gives us a sample of one of his new releases. Ryan Kilgore and Phil Davis perform one of Ryan’s song composed by Phil Davis. It doesn’t stop there. Ken Ford blows up the stage with his electrifying violin. How much more can we handle? Little did we know that was only the first set?

Many concerts have intermission but that doesn’t occur at a Jfly event. The music goes on and on and on for a solid five hours. The second set brings just as much excitement as the first. Little did we know that the national recording artist Sherelle was in the building? Her performance of her smash hit “Saturday Love” placed the audience on their feet. The bands were phenomenal and featured the vocalist Philipia, Heratio, Heston, and the rapper D.R.E.S the Beatnik. Jorel produced an event that featured every musical genre.

I guess what I am trying to display is that here’s a very talented young man that has it all figured out. GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT! VARIETY! Jorel understands that you mix the new and the seasoned artist to keep music alive. The size of the venue does not matter because all of Jorel’s events sellout. The fans buy the performing artist CD’s and leave with the overwhelming desire of wanting more. Many promoters seek a sure sell but with any growing business you must take risk in order to grow. Jorel concept is to offer a blend of seasoned headliners but keep the musical tradition growing by exposing new talent. Jorel Flynn is a true giver of opportunity. Jorel Flynn aka Jfly of the Flytrap….Amazing job. I salute you!

Jorel is the promoter for the Waycross Jazz Festival held in Waycross Georgia. The event is held every year during the month of September. He is presently looking for artist to perform. Please send your material and contact information to:
jflymusicgroup@gmail.com

Qwami Musiquarium's Reviews of Talking Smooth Jazz.

If you've been following my most recent blogs I'm sure you've noticed my interest in Blogtakradio programing. I've been a Blogtalkradio listener for close to two years now. One of the the 1st musical shows that I came across on Blogtalk is 'Talking Smooth Jazz'. Yeah I know what your sayin', Smooth Jazz (ZZZZZZZZZZZ....)!?! Yup,Smooth Jazz! I'll be the first to say that what passes off as Smooth Jazz for the most part is something that I readily loath. Ok ok I will admit to seeing Kenny G in Concert in the mid 90's (being on the same Jazzfest bill as Ray Charles and George Benson...good excuse huh?). But enough of me and my Kenny G transgressions against the "Jazz Purist Gods".

The show is hosted by Terri "Jazz Queen" Scott (talk about music to a brutha's ears, Oh Lawd yes!) who is fairly solid in her Smooth Jazz. Some of the show's I must say have proven to be a wee bit on the cheezy lush (cliche Smooth Jazzy) side. I'll also admit to not listening to quite a few shows or just hitting the off button when I realize that the featured artist has just another cliched melody (whistlin'over R&Besque tuneage) drenched sound. This of course being the aspect of Smooth Jazz that I so lovingly abhor. With Smooth Jazz taking the hit that it's been taking (downward plunge) over the past ten years,Talking Smooth Jazz is one of the few light lamp post for the genre. As a musician myself I personally love to hear the banter between host, musician and fans. And it's not just any jive ass banter either.

The two shows that come readily to mind are the Najee show and the one that I've most recently listened to the Paul Jackson Jr.show. It's such a joy to listen to cats like this speak on the travels and travails and highlights within the industry. Another honorable mention would be the Tribute to Luther Vandross show. And how could I forget the Walter Beasly interview. I think you get the point. In closing, even if your not a fan of Jazz/Smoothe Jazz I think you'll appreciate this show. Check it out and enjoy!

Qwami's Review of our Top 10 Smooth Jazz CD Picks Show.

This past fall I did a post on the excellent Smooth Jazz talk show (the only Smooth Jazz talk show) "Talking Smooth Jazz". I just finished listening to the finale show "TALKING SMOOTH JAZZ'S TOP 10 SMOOTH JAZZ CD PICKS FOR 2010". Once again I have to thank Talking Smooth Jazz for filling my ears with good Jazz music in this vast land of pernicious wayward pleasure Pop (whhheww.....that was some long wind). I'll definitely be listening to this one again and again (BTW, Talking Smooth Jazz can be found on Itunes as well as Blogtalkradio).

Some of the shows highlights were: Nils "Jump Start", Randy Jacobs "Love You Back", Brian Colbertson "Feelin It" (a big surprise), Wayman Tisdale "The Fonk Record" and last but not least Will Downing's "Love,Lust & Lies". As you can see I truly enjoyed the program and I'm sure you will to.

Qwami's Review of Walter Beasley

This is the second interview of Walter Beasley that I've come across on "Talking Smooth Jazz" within the past year. Walter's persona is just so damn earthy that it's infectious. As is always the case, in this interview Walter is ever so candid.

Walter pulls no punches in regards to critique on the lack of raw expansive energy in this thing we call "Smooth Jazz." I was quite shocked to hear his version of the Bill Withers classic "Lovely Day" from his most recent LP 'Backatcha'. I can't believe I'm saying this but after hearing Walter's version I'm diggin' the latter over the former. There's nothing like hearing "real musicians" chop it up. Keep up the good work "Talking Smooth Jazz."

Qwami's Review of Singer Toni Redd

Once again Talking Smooth Jazz has me eating my Jazz Purist words of just a few years ago. I've been a critique of the genre *Smooth Jazz* for quite some time. I recently listened to an astounding interview on Talking Smooth Jazz of vocalist Toni Redd (I just love saying her name for some reason). I'd never heard of Toni Redd prior to the interview or should I say "the electrifying interview."

She is with out a doubt the highest octane guest that I've heard so far on Talking Smooth Jazz. As far as her singing, I can't help but detect a heaping spoon of Phyllis Hyman influence in her sultry voice. It's so refreshing and rare to hear a warm grown woman's full bodied voice in the Smooth Jazz genre. Do yo thang, Toni Redd!