Welcome back to the Atlanta Jazz Notes podcast. Today, I am very happy to bring you my interview with the great Sylvester Syl Spann, a legendary figure on the Atlanta jazz scene for his saxophone playing and his mentorship of young musicians.
Since childhood, Syl has dedicated his life to jazz music and he has pursued this passion in places as far-flung as New York City, Maine, California, and finally Atlanta, where he has made his home since the early 1980s. In this wide ranging interview, Syl details his childhood and early years honing his craft as a saxophonist, and the many chapters in his life, each with an incredible soundtrack featuring the likes of Coltrane, Stitt, Joe Henderson, Miles Davis, and many more.
Thank you for listening to the Atlanta Jazz Notes podcast featuring the great Syl Spann.
Please be sure to check out the website at atljazznotes.com. Also, please leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. These reviews help to spread the word about the podcast to people who might enjoy it! More soon.
In this episode, I interview the incredible saxophonist and arranger Rick Bell. Bell has been active on the Atlanta jazz scene for decades and is a true renaissance man. While working as a musician, he also worked as an artist and film animator for the CDC in Atlanta.
A native of Alabama - and an inductee in the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame - Bell and his wife (also a talented musician) moved to Atlanta to pursue careers and raise a family after meeting at Auburn University, where they performed with the Auburn Knights Orchestra.
In our wide-ranging conversation, Bell describes his early years as a musician, trips to New York City, settling in Atlanta, developing his melodic and muscular approach to tenor saxophone, and opportunities to perform with musicians like Milt Jackson, Zoot Sims, and Clark Terry as a member of the house band at EJ’s in the late 70s and early 80s.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as I did producing this episode. Thanks.
The Atlanta Jazz Notes Podcast is back with a new episode this week, featuring an interview with saxophonist Rick Bell. The full episode will be released later this week. In the mean time, please enjoy this preview.
Recently, I had the opportunity to interview the incredible vocalist, composer, and educator Karla Harris. Harris is an incredibly dynamic performer, described by WSIE radio as “a powerful singer at ease in any setting, a singer for all seasons who makes any song memorable.”
In our wide-ranging conversation, she discussed her career, including moves from her hometown of St. Louis, to the Pacific Northwest, and finally to Atlanta, where she is based today. Along the way, she has developed lasting relationships with musicians and continued to hone her craft as a vocalist, composer, bandleader, and teacher.
This week, I had the opportunity to interview the amazing drummer Robert Boone
Robert Boone is the drummer for The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. In addition, he has performed with leading artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tyrone Jackson, Rodney Jordan, Eric Reed, Leon Anderson, Ron McCurdy, Scotty Barnhart, Veronica Swift, and Marcus Roberts at venues throughout Atlanta, New York, and the world.
Boone grew up in Augusta, Georgia and attended Kennesaw State University and Florida State University where he won numerous honors and awards. In addition to maintaining a busy touring schedule with the Basie band and others, he teaches in the jazz department at Georgia State University.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for July 16th, 2021.
Friday, July 16th - Check out the great drummer Dave Potter’s Retro Groove band at the High Museum in Midtown from 6 to 9PM. 1280 Peachtree St NE
Also, trumpeter and vocalist extraordinaire Joe Gransden will perform and host an open mic jam session at Oak Street Bottle Shop in Roswell at 8PM. 75 Oak Street in Roswell.
Saturday, July 17th - Head to Cigaros Cigar Bar in Austell to hear guitarist Rod Harris Jr. and his stellar quartet from 9 to midnight. 1025 East-West Connector in Austell.
Sunday, July 18th - The Jack Jones Trio featuring pianist Tyrone Jackson and bassist Kelly McCarty will perform at Red Light Cafe. 553 Amsterdam Ave. NE
Also on Sunday, the great young saxophonist Kevin Oliver will perform with his quartet at The Velvet Note in Alpharetta. 4075 Old Milton Pkwy.
Monday, July 19th - Check out the TEN ATL jam session in East Atlanta. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta. 495 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta
Wednesday, July 21st - Head to Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight. 553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta,
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for July 9th, 2021.
Friday, July 9th - Joe Gransden plays with keyboardist Geoff Hayden at Ponko Chicken in Midtown from 7-10PM. 915 W Peachtree St NW
Saturday, July 10th - Stop by C-Ellet’s at the Battery outside Truist ballpark for brunch and a chance to hear the amazing pianist Louis Heriveaux from 11 to 2PM. 2605 Circle 75 Pkwy
In the evening, Bassist Lauren Seay brings her trio to Joy Cafe in Midtown every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6-9PM. 1100 Peachtree St NE
Sunday, July 11th - The amazing vocalist Julie Dexter performs at The Gallery at Rock Steady, at 907 Marietta Street NW. Doors open at 3PM and the show starts at 5PM.
Monday, July 12th - Check out the TEN ATL jam session in East Atlanta. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta. 495 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta
Wednesday, July 13th- Head to Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight. 553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta,
Thursday, July 14th - Guitarist Rod Harris Jr. will perform with his trio featuring pianist Louis Heriveaux and bassist Tommy Sauter from 8 to 10PM at the Whitley Hotel in Buckhead. 3434 Peachtree Rd NE
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for June 25th, 2021.
Friday, June 25th - Head to Ponko Chicken in Decatur to hear the great trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden with pianist Geoff Hayden from 7-10PM. 312 Church St, Decatur
Saturday, June 26th - The Edgewood Saxophone Trio, led by the unceasingly creative saxophonist and composer Jeff Crompton, will perform at The Imperial in Decatur at 4PM. 726 W. College Ave.
Also on Saturday, at Buteco at 1039 Grant St. SE Mausiki Scales and the Common Ground Collective will perform from 5 - 9PM. Scales is professor at Georgia State and an incredible keyboardist and musical polymath. This should be an incredible show.
Sunday, June 27th - Trumpeter Dashill Smith will perform with musical guests at Elliott Street Deli and Pub beginning at 3PM for the pre-game celebration of the Atlanta United Soccer match taking place across the street at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The band will play the post-game show until 8PM, so make a day of it with incredible music and soccer action.
Monday, June 28th - Check out TEN ATL in East Atlanta for their amazing weekly jazz jam. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta. 495 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta
Wednesday, June 30th - Stop by the Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight. 553-1 Amsterdam Ave NE, Atlanta,
Thursday, July 1st - The weekly jam session at the Velvet Note is back with a different guest host each week. This jam usually features a wide-array of musical talent in an intimate listening room. 4075 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta,
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for June 18th, 2021.
Friday, June 18th - Check out the baritone guitarist Alex Gordon and his band Hi Fi at the High Museum in Midtown. Inspired by Chet Atkins, Tuck Andress, and Charlie Hunter but entirely original Gordon plays bass lines and chords on his repertoire of cover songs and post-modern originals.
Also on Friday, singer/songwriter, vocalist, and violinist Leah Calvert will perform at Elliot St. with an incredible band featuring the incredible guitarist Nick Johnson, Tommy Sauter, Neal Fountain, and Chris Burroughs from 8:30 to 11:30PM.
Saturday, June 19th - Catch the great vocalist Taryn Newborne performing during brunch at Prime 120 in Woodstock, GA from Noon until 2PM.
In the evening, head back to Elliot St. to hear the powerful saxophonist Mike Walton with his trio featuring bassist Craig Shaw and drummer Dave Potter.
Monday, June 21st - Check out TEN ATL in East Atlanta for their amazing weekly jazz jam. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta.
Wednesday, June 23rd - Stop by the Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight.
Thursday, June 24th - Joe Gransden and Kenny Banks perform at Ray’s on the River 6:30 to 9:30.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for June 11th, 2021.
Friday, June 11th - Guitarist Jeff Ralston and Vocalist Dawn Michele Smith have an incredible musical connection on repertoire ranging from Billie Holiday to Lauryn Hill. They will play duo at The Beverly 790 Glenwood Ave SE from 7 to 10PM.
Also tonight, check out the great trumpeter Joe Gransden at Ponko Chicken in Decatur from 7-10 312 Church St, Decatur
Saturday, June 12th - The incredible jazz guitarist Trey Wright plays solo at The Third Door in Marietta from 6 to 8:15PM. 131 Church St. Marietta.
At the Velvet Note in Alpharetta, the Flugelhornist Ron Helman performs with a stellar Atlanta-based rhythm section featuring the great pianist Kevin Bales.
Monday, June 14th - Check out TEN ATL in East Atlanta for their amazing weekly jazz jam. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta.
Wednesday, June 16th - Stop by the Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight.
If you have a jazz event that you would like me to know about and possibly list here, please use the contact form at atljazznotes.com to message me.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for June 4th, 2021.
Friday, June 4th - The Joe Gransden Big Band performs at the Rhythm and Bloom benefit concert at the Brightmoor-Southern Ground Amphitheater, in Fayetteville, GA. Proceeds from the concert go to supporting foster children, so you get to support a good cause while listening to great music. The concert begins at 7PM. https://bloomouryouth.org/rhythm-bloom-benefit-concert/?fbclid=IwAR1SB46BUMdeQxEhlFItBzy7G6gvR6o5biLQTFJk9ou22Jb0R4K8EugsOxw
Saturday, June 5th - One of the best spaces to hear music and see great artwork is Gallery 992 in the historic West End neighborhood. On Saturday, June 5th at 7:30, check out the incredible saxophonist Kevin Oliver with the equally great bassist Devon Gates. The duo will mix music and comedy in this unique show.
Also on Saturday, Bassist Lauren Seay brings her trio featuring the great woodwind artist Aaron Kruziki and drummer Jon Mills to Joy Cafe in Midtown every weekend. The music lasts from 6 to 9 on the patio and I hear the southern-style food is amazing.
Sunday, June 6th - Drummer Justin Varnes is back at the Velvet Note in Alphretta with another curated concert, this time featuring the music of John Coltrane’s immortal album Blue Train. I’m not sure of the exact instrumentation on this one, but I am assuming the great John Sandfort will be channeling Coltrane on tenor. This is going to be a great show. The show starts at 7PM.
Monday, June 7th - Check out TEN ATL in East Atlanta for their amazing weekly jazz jam. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta.
Wednesday, June 9th - Stop by the Red Light Cafe for the weekly jam session. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight.
If you have a jazz event that you would like me to know about and possibly list here, please use the contact form at atljazznotes.com to message me.
This week, I had the opportunity to interview the great guitarist Dave Frackenpohl. For more than twenty years, Dave has been a first call guitarist here in Atlanta and a sought-after jazz educator. He teaches at Georgia State University, plays throughout the city and country, and has published a number of jazz guitar method books. His 2012 album, Refractions, highlights Dave’s mastery of guitar and his diverse abilities as a composer, arranger, and bandleader.
In this interview, we discuss Dave’s upbringing in upstate New York, guitar techniques, the Atlanta jazz scene, advice for young musicians, jam sessions, practice techniques, and much more.
A quick note: We conducted this interview over zoom and our connection drops out a few times. The interruptions are minimal, however.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for May 29th, 2021.
Saturday, May 29th - Catch the amazing vibraphonist and percussionist Jason Marsalis at TEN ATL in East Atlanta with Kenny Banks Jr. on keyboard, Michael Cruse on trumpet, Terrell Montgomery on bass, and Dave Potter on drums. Call (404) 940-4777 for reservations. 8 to 10 PM. 495 Flat Shoals Rd. Atlanta, 30316
Sunday, May 30th - Each Sunday, bassist Fransisco Lora brings his trio with occasional special guests to Corner Tavern in Hapeville from 5-8PM. The food and drinks compliment the great music. 573 N. Central Avenue, Hapeville
Monday, May 31st - Head back to TEN ATL in East Atlanta for their amazing weekly jazz jam. The music usually lasts from 9 until midnight and features some of the very best jazz musicians in Atlanta.
Wednesday, June 2nd - Stop by another jam session, this time at Red Light Cafe. The great trumpeter and educator Gordon Vernick has led this session for a number of years and the house band is always incredible, as are the many guest musicians who stop by to play. 9 to midnight. 553-1 Amsterdam Ave. NE Atlanta 30306
If you have a jazz event that you would like me to know about and possibly list here, please use the contact form at atljazznotes.com to message me.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for May 14th, 2021.
Friday May 14th - Catch the great Joe Gransden on trumpet and vocals with Kenny Banks Sr. on keyboard at Ray’s on the River on the banks for the Chattahoochee in Sandy Springs. Joe and Kenny have developed incredible chemistry as a duo over their years playing together and play a wide-ranging repertoire that spans Sinatra to Basie to Glen Campbell.
Saturday May 15th - Enjoy brunch from 11-2PM at the Original Pancake House at 2964 Peachtree Rd. in Buckhead while listening to the incomparable vocalist Tia Rix accompanied by the great tandem of guitarist Dave Frackenpohl and bassist Neal Starkey.
Sunday May 16th - Head up to Alpharetta to the Velvet Note to catch the Jayden Richardson Quartet from 7:30 to 9PM. Richardson is among a vanguard of young musicians associated with the Rialto Youth Jazz Orchestra who are making serious waves on the jazz scene while still in their teens. Joining him will be a band of equally talented young jazz musicians.
Stay tuned next week for the next installment of the Atlanta Jazz Notes podcast featuring an interview with the incredible guitarist Dave Frackenpohl. Please remember to leave a five star review wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe. Thanks!
Friday May 7th - Big Band Jazz is back after a year-plus of covid lockdowns. The Joe Gransden Big band will play at 7PM at Oak Street Bottle Shop in Roswell. The show will take place outdoors and tickets are available at Joe’s Website: joegransden.com
Saturday May 8th - The incredible drummer John Roberts will bring his Earth Wind and Fire Tribute band to St. James Live. Roberts is one of the best drummers in the world and his band is equally talented. The show starts at 7PM
Sunday May 9th - Celebrate Mothers Day at the Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta with 9th Street Duo, a band that I play saxophone in along with my partner, guitarist Jeff Ralston. The brunch lasts from 10AM until 3PM and the music will feature pop hits along with jazz standards.
Monday May 10th - Check out the TEN ATL jazz jam, organized by Sam Yi, the former owner of Churchill Grounds Jazz club. Many of the greatest jazz musicians show up at this open mic session and it’s a great way to start your week. Music starts at 9PM.
Here are your Atlanta Jazz Notes event listings for April 30th 2021.
Friday - Tonight, the dynamic and swinging drummer Dave Potter brings his band Retro Groove to Venkman’s for a live-streaming only show from 9 to 11PM. Featuring bassist Terrell Montgomery and saxophonist Miguel Alvarado, Retro Groove celebrates the jazz tradition while incorporating tunes from the 80s in thoughtful, swinging arrangements. Go to volume.tv/venkmans to watch.
Saturday, May 1st - I don’t have a recommendation for Saturday, so I will use this space to ask you to send in recommendations at the website atljazznotes.com. Use the contact link.
Sunday, May 2nd - Drummer Justin Varnes brings his quartet featuring the incredible saxophonist Mace Hibbard to the Velvet Note in Alpharetta to perform Kenny Garrett’s 1997 album Songbook. Varnes regularly presents shows like this that feature the very best jazz musicians playing a curated set of music. Interspersed throughout, Varnes discusses facts about the featured artist and details about the album. As the Velvet Note website explains: It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.
In an effort to provide in-depth coverage of the Atlanta jazz community, I will be releasing weekly listings every Thursday of jazz events in the Atlanta area. This will not be a comprehensive list, but rather curated listings with a brief description and details of weekend jazz happenings.
If you have a listing that you would like to tell me about, please use the contact link at atljazznotes.com to let me know.
Friday - April 23rd - Trumpeter Joe Gransden will be performing and hosting an open mic jam session at Oak Street Bottle Shop in Roswell. Joining him will be a stellar rhythm section featuring Tyrone Jackson on Keyboard and Chris Burroughs on drums. The music starts at 7PM.
Saturday - April 24th - The amazing saxophonist Greg Tardy will be in Atlanta, playing the immortal music of John Coltrane outside of TEN ATL in East Atlanta Village. Joining him will be the incredible Louis Heriveaux on keyboard, along with the great tandem of bassist Terrell Montgomery and drummer Dave Potter. The group will perform from 8 to 11PM.
This week, I interviewed one of the most amazing musicians I have ever met, multi-instrumentalist and composer Morgan Guerin. Despite being in his early 20s, Guerin has achieved widespread acclaim for his work with artists like Esperanza Spaulding and Terri Lynne Carrington and for his work on original recording projects like the Saga I, II, and III.
Since moving to New York City from Atlanta in 2016, Morgan has become one of the most important voices in a music scene that is awash with talent from around the world. In this interview, we discuss the music scene in New York, Guerin’s musical roots in Atlanta and New Orleans, building a thriving career in the midst of a pandemic, and new work that Guerin plans to release this year.
Here is part 2 of my interview with the incredible pianist, composer, and educator Gary Motley. His virtuosic piano work and captivating compositions have led to numerous recordings as both a leader and a side man. Additionally, Motley is the Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University.
Be sure to check out Gary's amazing catalogue of records and catch him live as soon as you can. You won't be disappointed!
Thanks for listening!
This week, I had the chance to interview the incredible pianist, composer, and educator Gary Motley who is one of my favorite pianists in the world. His virtuosic piano work and captivating compositions have led to numerous recordings as both a leader and a side man. Additionally, Motley is the Director of Jazz Studies at Emory University.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation, coming soon!
