Sunday, October 16, 2005
Musicians Scheduled to Appear
Bob Cunningham
For Bob Cunningham Discography see
http://www.bobcunninghambass.com/press_files/discography.pdf
Jazz Yesterday Today and Tomorrow!
CBJC Member, musician has a career that spans, jazz, yesterday, contributes to jazz today and explores where jazz is going tomorrow! Born In 1934, Mr. Cunningham’s love affair with Jazz and it’s lifestyle a began in the 1940’s. He has fully embraced all aspects of JAZZ; its music, art, poetry, entertainment, enterprise and even exploring it’s relevance in modern technology!
Bob Cunningham’s Biography and photos courtesy Cunning Music CO http://www.bobcunninghambass.com
Samadhi, that high meditative state whereby the human spirit realizes its total oneness with the Creator, is deemed the greatest ecstasy one can experience. Bassist Bob Cunningham appears to reach, or closely approach that ecstatic state as he blends himself in oneness with his Bass and with the rich, luminous sounds he skillfully coaxes from it. He clearly enjoys and relishes every stroke and sound of the instrument, and this thorough enjoyment of his polished musical craft inevitably translates into the collective enjoyment and soul movement of each audience Cunningham musically serves.
Cunningham's exquisite mastery of the Bass was not born full bloom overnight like many of the jazz greats before him, Bob Cunningham has had years of "dues-paying" under his belt. His first link with the world of music was at the age of seven when he began studying the piano. At twelve he had entered into the first stage of his life long romance with the bass, little realizing that by 17 he would be a recognized and highly appreciated professional musician.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio having entered life on this planet on December 28, 1934, Bob Cunningham has tasted the fruit from many different trees of the music world from classical to contemporary. He studied the Bass privately with such accomplished master instructors as Jacques Possell and June Cobb of Ohio, as well as the illustrious Art Davis and Homer Mench of New York. The Cleveland Music Institute and the prestigious Julliard School of Music further contributed to the rounding out of his musical growth.
The contemporary greats with whom Cunningham has performed read like a brilliant "Who's Who" of the music world. Having moved to New York in 1960, he has jammed and gigged with such notables as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Betty Carter, Aminata Moseka "Abbey Lincoln", Sun Ra, Art Blakely, Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Saunders, and Yusef Lateef, for whom he composed and arranged a number of pieces.
With the Yusef Lateef Quartet, Bob and his beloved Bass toured many parts of the world including Africa, the Caribbean, and North and South America. The richness of these travels, experiences, and cultures enhanced his music. He relates "That music generated in him a range of emotions and personal memories of people and places" with his mind "occasionally flashing back to those places that inspire the music, such as Ipanema and San Paulo in Brazil".
These memories of Brazil in particular, reveal themselves in the sambas Cunningham is fond of composing and playing. His commitment and intimate involvement with music leads him to describe music as sensual, as sending him "floating and flying" as having the capacity to captivate and elevate him as a musician to a point of "near levitation".
Viewing the intense effects of music on his own psyche, Bob feels a great responsibility in regard to the type of music he composes and plays for others. "Songs carry thoughts and emotions with them,” he states. “They have actual physical effects on people, effects, which can be either healing and uplifting or destructive”. “The musician has to be cognizant of the possible effect of his or her music on the listeners and that different kinds of music create differing reactions in people.” “ For example sad songs, while they may make us want to cry, also help us to cleanse our souls, to get rid of a lot of pent-up waste.”
“Music is a good unifying force for people”. “People of different ethnic and religious groups can all get together through the common thread of music.” “Music can even bring Democrats and Republicans together”.
Bob Cunningham's love affair with music has brought him together with many varying elements of the music field, including stints with such great symphonies as The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Collective Black Artists Orchestra, Cologne Germany Radio Orchestra, and Symphony of the New World.
His composition, "Soul Fruit”, was filmed in 1981 for a German television Jazz documentary. Noted as 'one of the modern arco-masters on bass " Cunningham has gone to work with not only accomplished musicians, but also noted choreographers such as Eleo Pomare, Rod Rodgers, Raymond Sawyer and luminous poets like Sonia Sanchez, Sandra Sharp, Camille Yarbrough, and Gylan Kain.
The Bob Cunningham Super Show, his group, moved beyond musical offerings to encompass also the world of singing and dancing with a sprinkling of original poetry to further enhance the artistic flavor.
Viewing the musician's need to be "aggressively progressive", Bob Cunningham has mastered the art of successfully combining musical genius with business acumen. He presently serves as chairperson of Musicians Union 802 Jazz Committee, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jazz Foundation of New York. Having done work for television and motion pictures, he looks forward to future television and acting work involving his music.
His recent album "Walking Bass,” is a testament to his skill as a business person, as well as his many years of disciplined and polished artistry as a bassist. Tunes ranging from stimulating, upbeat numbers such as the title tune,” Walking Bass" to the mellow, pensive pieces ("Lover's Theme" followed by "Rainy Afternoon") keep you on your musical toes. Here in too are the dedicated renditions to the greats
"Blues for Basie" and Gillespie's Jazz classic, "Manteca". One cannot help but agree with Aminata Moseka's (Abby Lincoln) words on the cover, "Bob Cunningham is brilliant, the flame is high!"
In the book, Writings of the Yusef Lateef Quartet: Something Else, Bob Cunningham pens, "Religion is said to be a way of life. For me, music is a way of life. My religion is music. Through music I have gained a greater feeling of empathy and realization of my Creator".
And with that, this master bassist continues in a fabulous career of making a joyful, skillful, and most beautiful "noise unto the Lord". He has reached a realm of musical Samadhi, and indeed as Moseka, our beloved melodic messenger has attested, "The Flame is High".
CONTACT
Bob Cunningham
718 282-8672 (t)
718 469-4922 (f)
Cunningmusicco@aol.com
http://www.bobcunninghambass.com
Emme Kemp
Evelyn Blakey
Terri- Felicia
Patsy Grant
Patsy Grant
Linda Wilson and the Swing Men
Sweet Papa” Lou Garrison Jr. (Keyboard)
He started playing the piano at the age of 10. “Sweet Papa” has played music for many for 66 years. Lou currently plays at various Senior Citizen organizations and the Public Libraries. Many Clubs such as Gaithers, Londel’s, Sivers, Dean Street Café, Frank’s Place, Jazz Club 966 and The Motorcycle Club just to name a few have booked his group eagerly. Sweet Papa Lou has been inducted into the Brooklyn Music Hall of Fame with honors in the world of jazz and swing music. Sweet Papa Lou plays at his church every Sunday and even there you can hear and feel the inspirational feelings of his jazz. Many churches, which hired his group for Jazz Vespers, can attest to this.
Cephas “C” Edward’s (Saxophone)
“C” played the sax since age 11. He continued during Junior High School and while at Franklin K. Lane High School. He entered the army in 1949. He played in the army band for years. While living in Germany during his service in the army he attended Dachau School of Music. He studied with the great German masters of the symphony. Many of these German musicians were with the Third Reich. While stationed in Germany, he played with The Max Greggor Big Band. Cephas played with the Late George Thompson, Vennie Knight, Shad Royful Big Band, Montclair Big Band, Hal Gray, Frank Spooner Trio, and 40 years with the Swingmen, under the direction of Lou Garrison, Jr.
Flip Flip-N (Bass)
John Raymond Flip-N is an extremely talented musician. Flip has been a member of the Fat Back Band for over 19 years with Atlantic Records. They still tour Paris annually; March 2004 he will tour again. He has performed with Bill Doggett writer of Honky Tonk, (King Label), Lionel Hampton (six months), Stylistics, Chuck Jackson and Erma Franklin. Flip has toured with Heat Wave, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Temptations, Taylor Dayne (she sang, “I’ll always love you”). Before Rap became Rap, that is during Blondie, Curtis Blow time Flip was Rappin” with King Tim, III. Flip wrote hits like. “The Bus Stop”, “Girl”, “The Girl is Fine”, “Coming Home To See My Baby”, “Spanish Hustle”, and two other songs which are in movies. “I Found Lovin”, in the movie House Party 2, and also in the movie Brown Sugar.
Tommie Green (Drummer)
Tommie has been playing drums since he was eight years old. Tommie has played on many recording with many musicians. Tommie is the behind the scene music catalysts of the group. He maintains the movement and the rhythm of the bands. Tommie had toured nationally and internationally with Rock Groups and Rock and Roll Groups. If we list all of the records he has appeared on and other touring groups, we would need at least two pages in small print. This musician did not come from humble beginnings. Tommie Green is a Fort Green Community Treasure. His Father has a park named after him; “The Tommie Green Playground” in downtown Brooklyn. Both were important community activist. His mother is still pushing on. All we can say is let the drums beat on!
Linda “LadyJazz” Wilson (Vocalist)
Linda is a Bed-Stuy treasure. She began her music career singing in talent shows in Junior High School. She performed with two other teenagers and the three girls sang all the Supremes songs. Mary Brown was the leader and Margaret Baker and Linda were backups. All three came from strong church backgrounds. They all were singers in their church choirs. Linda began studying the Viola and played classical music during high school. While in college even though she studied music orchestration she added acting to her craft. Linda has performed in over 20 outdoor music fair concerts and many clubs. She has performed at Londel’s, Dean Street Café, Frank’s Place, and Jazz Club 966, just to name a few. She has been in many Gospel productions under the direction of Andre’ Vereen. Linda is not a vocalist to be overlooked--her styling is truly jazz at its best. Her talent to speak Spanish fluently allows one to enjoy her singing Besame Mucho. The writer Carmen Velasquez would have thought that she wrote this song for Linda. Linda has been singing with the Swingmen since 1990. She has said many times, “My Jazz beginnings have been motivated by special men”, her father Samuel Wilson, Louie and Cephas, One special woman whose “ears” are the best in music world which detect all sounds (Don’t mess up around her), ---Karin her sister.
Jazz Tommorrow
Circuit Productions,
Susan Goldbetter, Producer presents
CHARLES MOORE DANCE THEATRE: YOUTH ENSEMBLE
to perform @Jazz:Yesterday Today & Tommorrow
The Charles Moore Youth Ensemble was created in 1998 for the purpose of continuing the legacy of the late Charles Moore in community-based programs targeting youth and teens. The CMYE has performed for the Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Friends School , Shirley Chisholm's retirement gala, at Borough Hall for events presented by the Brooklyn Borough President, the Hon. Marty Markowitz and throughout the city at churches, parks, senior centers, libraries and museums.The company is presently the oldest professional dance company in Brooklyn . Founded in 1974 by the great contemporary choreographers, the late Charles Moore and Ella Thompson Moore, the company's colorful African, Caribbean and African-American dance programs have thrilled New York audiences for years. The company has performed at Symphony Space, Lincoln Center, and Central Park and has been broadcast on the PBS series, "Great Performances. The Charles Moore Dance Theatre is noted for its reconstructions of African dances thought to be lost forever.
635 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 638-4878
www.circuitproductions.org
THE JAM SESSION
THECBJC MUSICIANS
The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium is proud of their musicians who have chosen to take an active part in the preservation of this Cultural legacy. Member musicians Ahmed Abdullah, Stanley Banks, Wade Barnes, Bob Cunningham, Gerri Eastman, Eric Frazier, Jeff King, Benny Powell, Wayne Winston, and Ed Stoute, have among them a wealth of experience talent and expertise which they willingly contribute towards the direction and policies that CBJC pursues! Their contribution has been vital in making Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium the success it has become in just six years, come celebrate with them @ old fashion open Jam session carded for 3-5. Herbert Von King arts and cultural center, 670 Lafayette Ave( between Marcy and Tompkins) Brooklyn NY. The Chairman and executive committee, and general body salute them for their contributions, and invite other musicians to come aboard call the cbjc office 1-718-875-1016 or Email Centralbrooklynjazz@yahoo.com
Check www.CBJC24.7p.com website for information on their recordings, scheduled performances and links to their contact info! The website also host a calendar where jazz artist can list their jazz related events and Jazz enthusiasts can subscribe to weekly calendar updates!
For Bob Cunningham Discography see
http://www.bobcunninghambass.com/press_files/discography.pdf
Jazz Yesterday Today and Tomorrow!
CBJC Member, musician has a career that spans, jazz, yesterday, contributes to jazz today and explores where jazz is going tomorrow! Born In 1934, Mr. Cunningham’s love affair with Jazz and it’s lifestyle a began in the 1940’s. He has fully embraced all aspects of JAZZ; its music, art, poetry, entertainment, enterprise and even exploring it’s relevance in modern technology!
Bob Cunningham’s Biography and photos courtesy Cunning Music CO http://www.bobcunninghambass.com
Samadhi, that high meditative state whereby the human spirit realizes its total oneness with the Creator, is deemed the greatest ecstasy one can experience. Bassist Bob Cunningham appears to reach, or closely approach that ecstatic state as he blends himself in oneness with his Bass and with the rich, luminous sounds he skillfully coaxes from it. He clearly enjoys and relishes every stroke and sound of the instrument, and this thorough enjoyment of his polished musical craft inevitably translates into the collective enjoyment and soul movement of each audience Cunningham musically serves.
Cunningham's exquisite mastery of the Bass was not born full bloom overnight like many of the jazz greats before him, Bob Cunningham has had years of "dues-paying" under his belt. His first link with the world of music was at the age of seven when he began studying the piano. At twelve he had entered into the first stage of his life long romance with the bass, little realizing that by 17 he would be a recognized and highly appreciated professional musician.
A native of Cleveland, Ohio having entered life on this planet on December 28, 1934, Bob Cunningham has tasted the fruit from many different trees of the music world from classical to contemporary. He studied the Bass privately with such accomplished master instructors as Jacques Possell and June Cobb of Ohio, as well as the illustrious Art Davis and Homer Mench of New York. The Cleveland Music Institute and the prestigious Julliard School of Music further contributed to the rounding out of his musical growth.
The contemporary greats with whom Cunningham has performed read like a brilliant "Who's Who" of the music world. Having moved to New York in 1960, he has jammed and gigged with such notables as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Betty Carter, Aminata Moseka "Abbey Lincoln", Sun Ra, Art Blakely, Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Saunders, and Yusef Lateef, for whom he composed and arranged a number of pieces.
With the Yusef Lateef Quartet, Bob and his beloved Bass toured many parts of the world including Africa, the Caribbean, and North and South America. The richness of these travels, experiences, and cultures enhanced his music. He relates "That music generated in him a range of emotions and personal memories of people and places" with his mind "occasionally flashing back to those places that inspire the music, such as Ipanema and San Paulo in Brazil".
These memories of Brazil in particular, reveal themselves in the sambas Cunningham is fond of composing and playing. His commitment and intimate involvement with music leads him to describe music as sensual, as sending him "floating and flying" as having the capacity to captivate and elevate him as a musician to a point of "near levitation".
Viewing the intense effects of music on his own psyche, Bob feels a great responsibility in regard to the type of music he composes and plays for others. "Songs carry thoughts and emotions with them,” he states. “They have actual physical effects on people, effects, which can be either healing and uplifting or destructive”. “The musician has to be cognizant of the possible effect of his or her music on the listeners and that different kinds of music create differing reactions in people.” “ For example sad songs, while they may make us want to cry, also help us to cleanse our souls, to get rid of a lot of pent-up waste.”
“Music is a good unifying force for people”. “People of different ethnic and religious groups can all get together through the common thread of music.” “Music can even bring Democrats and Republicans together”.
Bob Cunningham's love affair with music has brought him together with many varying elements of the music field, including stints with such great symphonies as The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Collective Black Artists Orchestra, Cologne Germany Radio Orchestra, and Symphony of the New World.
His composition, "Soul Fruit”, was filmed in 1981 for a German television Jazz documentary. Noted as 'one of the modern arco-masters on bass " Cunningham has gone to work with not only accomplished musicians, but also noted choreographers such as Eleo Pomare, Rod Rodgers, Raymond Sawyer and luminous poets like Sonia Sanchez, Sandra Sharp, Camille Yarbrough, and Gylan Kain.
The Bob Cunningham Super Show, his group, moved beyond musical offerings to encompass also the world of singing and dancing with a sprinkling of original poetry to further enhance the artistic flavor.
Viewing the musician's need to be "aggressively progressive", Bob Cunningham has mastered the art of successfully combining musical genius with business acumen. He presently serves as chairperson of Musicians Union 802 Jazz Committee, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jazz Foundation of New York. Having done work for television and motion pictures, he looks forward to future television and acting work involving his music.
His recent album "Walking Bass,” is a testament to his skill as a business person, as well as his many years of disciplined and polished artistry as a bassist. Tunes ranging from stimulating, upbeat numbers such as the title tune,” Walking Bass" to the mellow, pensive pieces ("Lover's Theme" followed by "Rainy Afternoon") keep you on your musical toes. Here in too are the dedicated renditions to the greats
"Blues for Basie" and Gillespie's Jazz classic, "Manteca". One cannot help but agree with Aminata Moseka's (Abby Lincoln) words on the cover, "Bob Cunningham is brilliant, the flame is high!"
In the book, Writings of the Yusef Lateef Quartet: Something Else, Bob Cunningham pens, "Religion is said to be a way of life. For me, music is a way of life. My religion is music. Through music I have gained a greater feeling of empathy and realization of my Creator".
And with that, this master bassist continues in a fabulous career of making a joyful, skillful, and most beautiful "noise unto the Lord". He has reached a realm of musical Samadhi, and indeed as Moseka, our beloved melodic messenger has attested, "The Flame is High".
CONTACT
Bob Cunningham
718 282-8672 (t)
718 469-4922 (f)
Cunningmusicco@aol.com
http://www.bobcunninghambass.com
Emme Kemp
Evelyn Blakey
Terri- Felicia
Patsy Grant
Patsy Grant
Linda Wilson and the Swing Men
Sweet Papa” Lou Garrison Jr. (Keyboard)
He started playing the piano at the age of 10. “Sweet Papa” has played music for many for 66 years. Lou currently plays at various Senior Citizen organizations and the Public Libraries. Many Clubs such as Gaithers, Londel’s, Sivers, Dean Street Café, Frank’s Place, Jazz Club 966 and The Motorcycle Club just to name a few have booked his group eagerly. Sweet Papa Lou has been inducted into the Brooklyn Music Hall of Fame with honors in the world of jazz and swing music. Sweet Papa Lou plays at his church every Sunday and even there you can hear and feel the inspirational feelings of his jazz. Many churches, which hired his group for Jazz Vespers, can attest to this.
Cephas “C” Edward’s (Saxophone)
“C” played the sax since age 11. He continued during Junior High School and while at Franklin K. Lane High School. He entered the army in 1949. He played in the army band for years. While living in Germany during his service in the army he attended Dachau School of Music. He studied with the great German masters of the symphony. Many of these German musicians were with the Third Reich. While stationed in Germany, he played with The Max Greggor Big Band. Cephas played with the Late George Thompson, Vennie Knight, Shad Royful Big Band, Montclair Big Band, Hal Gray, Frank Spooner Trio, and 40 years with the Swingmen, under the direction of Lou Garrison, Jr.
Flip Flip-N (Bass)
John Raymond Flip-N is an extremely talented musician. Flip has been a member of the Fat Back Band for over 19 years with Atlantic Records. They still tour Paris annually; March 2004 he will tour again. He has performed with Bill Doggett writer of Honky Tonk, (King Label), Lionel Hampton (six months), Stylistics, Chuck Jackson and Erma Franklin. Flip has toured with Heat Wave, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Temptations, Taylor Dayne (she sang, “I’ll always love you”). Before Rap became Rap, that is during Blondie, Curtis Blow time Flip was Rappin” with King Tim, III. Flip wrote hits like. “The Bus Stop”, “Girl”, “The Girl is Fine”, “Coming Home To See My Baby”, “Spanish Hustle”, and two other songs which are in movies. “I Found Lovin”, in the movie House Party 2, and also in the movie Brown Sugar.
Tommie Green (Drummer)
Tommie has been playing drums since he was eight years old. Tommie has played on many recording with many musicians. Tommie is the behind the scene music catalysts of the group. He maintains the movement and the rhythm of the bands. Tommie had toured nationally and internationally with Rock Groups and Rock and Roll Groups. If we list all of the records he has appeared on and other touring groups, we would need at least two pages in small print. This musician did not come from humble beginnings. Tommie Green is a Fort Green Community Treasure. His Father has a park named after him; “The Tommie Green Playground” in downtown Brooklyn. Both were important community activist. His mother is still pushing on. All we can say is let the drums beat on!
Linda “LadyJazz” Wilson (Vocalist)
Linda is a Bed-Stuy treasure. She began her music career singing in talent shows in Junior High School. She performed with two other teenagers and the three girls sang all the Supremes songs. Mary Brown was the leader and Margaret Baker and Linda were backups. All three came from strong church backgrounds. They all were singers in their church choirs. Linda began studying the Viola and played classical music during high school. While in college even though she studied music orchestration she added acting to her craft. Linda has performed in over 20 outdoor music fair concerts and many clubs. She has performed at Londel’s, Dean Street Café, Frank’s Place, and Jazz Club 966, just to name a few. She has been in many Gospel productions under the direction of Andre’ Vereen. Linda is not a vocalist to be overlooked--her styling is truly jazz at its best. Her talent to speak Spanish fluently allows one to enjoy her singing Besame Mucho. The writer Carmen Velasquez would have thought that she wrote this song for Linda. Linda has been singing with the Swingmen since 1990. She has said many times, “My Jazz beginnings have been motivated by special men”, her father Samuel Wilson, Louie and Cephas, One special woman whose “ears” are the best in music world which detect all sounds (Don’t mess up around her), ---Karin her sister.
Jazz Tommorrow
Circuit Productions,
Susan Goldbetter, Producer presents
CHARLES MOORE DANCE THEATRE: YOUTH ENSEMBLE
to perform @Jazz:Yesterday Today & Tommorrow
The Charles Moore Youth Ensemble was created in 1998 for the purpose of continuing the legacy of the late Charles Moore in community-based programs targeting youth and teens. The CMYE has performed for the Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Friends School , Shirley Chisholm's retirement gala, at Borough Hall for events presented by the Brooklyn Borough President, the Hon. Marty Markowitz and throughout the city at churches, parks, senior centers, libraries and museums.The company is presently the oldest professional dance company in Brooklyn . Founded in 1974 by the great contemporary choreographers, the late Charles Moore and Ella Thompson Moore, the company's colorful African, Caribbean and African-American dance programs have thrilled New York audiences for years. The company has performed at Symphony Space, Lincoln Center, and Central Park and has been broadcast on the PBS series, "Great Performances. The Charles Moore Dance Theatre is noted for its reconstructions of African dances thought to be lost forever.
635 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 638-4878
www.circuitproductions.org
THE JAM SESSION
THECBJC MUSICIANS
The Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium is proud of their musicians who have chosen to take an active part in the preservation of this Cultural legacy. Member musicians Ahmed Abdullah, Stanley Banks, Wade Barnes, Bob Cunningham, Gerri Eastman, Eric Frazier, Jeff King, Benny Powell, Wayne Winston, and Ed Stoute, have among them a wealth of experience talent and expertise which they willingly contribute towards the direction and policies that CBJC pursues! Their contribution has been vital in making Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium the success it has become in just six years, come celebrate with them @ old fashion open Jam session carded for 3-5. Herbert Von King arts and cultural center, 670 Lafayette Ave( between Marcy and Tompkins) Brooklyn NY. The Chairman and executive committee, and general body salute them for their contributions, and invite other musicians to come aboard call the cbjc office 1-718-875-1016 or Email Centralbrooklynjazz@yahoo.com
Check www.CBJC24.7p.com website for information on their recordings, scheduled performances and links to their contact info! The website also host a calendar where jazz artist can list their jazz related events and Jazz enthusiasts can subscribe to weekly calendar updates!
# posted by Bonnie Sandy - @BadasseBS -The Early Days Of Blogging @ 12:53 PM 
