james pj spraggins Live

Drummer/composer/producer James PJ Spraggins developed a love for music at an early age in the church while growing up in Bessemer, Alabama. He received a music scholarship to Alabama State University. After graduating PJ began chasing his dream of making music a full-time career.  During his musical career as a professional drummer PJ has performed music covering all genres with some of the greatest musicians & entertainers across the globe.  PJ is an accomplished artist in his own right having released three self-produced albums including:  The Light of Day (2006), Pure Logic (2012), and his most recent album Time to Heal (2015).  He continues to write music and collaborate with other artists.  There is more to come!

Four80East is a Toronto-based electro-jazz duo that’s all about the groove. Drawing from their diverse musical influences, Rob DeBoer and Tony Grace have created a signature sound that combines electronic production with live instrumentation.    Since breaking out with their highly successful debut “The Album” in 1997, Four80East has been a mainstay on contemporary jazz radio, with eight studio albums and a double live album to their credit.  They have scored several top-ten Billboard hits, including their most recent #1 in 2019 with Cinco Cinco Seis.  Although the band was born as a studio project, DeBoer and Grace have been able to transform their layered and captivating sonic productions into a high-energy live show, with the help of the many world-class musicians who join them on stage. They perform as a six-piece ensemble. 

Blair Bryant’s latest CD “Red Tiger” is taking his bass where no man has gone before.  Named after his hit- making custom red 6 string lead bass, “Red Tiger” is an uber-sophisticated jazz listening experience for folks who want more fusion, funk and soul in their ears. ​ This third, full-length LP and latest since the release of Cerulean Blue in 2018 doesn’t disappoint and finds Blair showcasing a creative blend of old and new.  Playing tasty lead melodies on the bass along with prominent bass rhythms evoke shades of Wayman Tisdale and Stanley Clarke in their heyday. Influences from Earth Wind and Fire and Chicago to The Ohio Players and Parliament Funkadelic are evident in this gumbo, with a sprinkle of classic jazz and fresh interpretations on big-band arranging with a funky low end.   The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision. 

Since being signed to the Trippin' N' Rhythm record label in 2009, Cindy Bradley has blossomed into a powerful and charismatic presence at 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 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. 

If there’s one particular word which comes to mind while both describing critically hailed saxophonist MIKE PHILLIPS and an ongoing theme of his illustrious music career within the jazz, R&B and even hip-hop worlds, it would be “authentic.” Phillips’ unusually high appreciation for music since early childhood, which manifested into everything from absorbing and learning musical instruments and immersing himself into all things music – his widely-noted, soulfully warm saxophone-driven sound sonically and melodically personifies the term.  Phillips latest groove-driven smooth-jazz musical offering, Pulling Off The Covers, cleverly turns out to be not only the soundtrack of his life but many of ours as well. “When you’re doing a cover, you do it your way…you do it how you do it,” Phillips explains of both the title and overall approach to his multi-influenced new set. “The song has to have swag and personality, and a harmonic or melodic outlook on something that already exists. The secondary meaning is you’re getting deeper into the song from an instrumental standpoint and maybe pulling off a layer. My perspective is getting deeper into songs.”

 Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has set the bar high in his close to 20 years as a performer.  With a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name, he has shown himself to be the rare artist capable of transcending his instrument and reaching a mainstream audience.   Now, as he begins the 18th year of his career during a time of unprecedented change in the entertainment industry, he remains as focused on his art as ever.  “I don’t care how hard things get, it’ll never stop me from doing what I love.  Playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live.”  Jackiem was born in Norfolk, VA.  At an early age, he began to show signs of the restless creativity that would later define his career.  Despite his humble upbringing, he was able to get his hands on a saxophone as a child.  The instrument quickly became his constant companion.  After years of practice, he emerged in style with 2007’s ‘Babysoul.’ A masterclass in seductive smooth jazz, the album marked the arrival of a brilliant instrumentalist, and set the stage for a prolific recording career that would include Grammy runner ups, hit singles, and no shortage of critical adoration, right up through 2019’s ‘Touch’, and on to 2020’s EP “Journey of Passion”