Dear Friends,
April is Philadelphia Jazz Appreciation Month and the city of Brotherly Love, with its rich history in jazz and current vibrant and innovative jazz scene, is celebrating with several musical happenings throughout the month and at different venues. Laurent will be performing on April 18th at Paris Wine Bar with bassist Bert Harris and percussionist Karen Smith. For a complete list of events, consult www.philadelphia.jazznearyou.com
Jazz is appreciated for its many forms: entertainment, artistic expression, aesthetic sensitivity and culture. We feel fortunate to be associated with many talented and inspiring jazz musicians – and artists of other musical genres – and to have the opportunity to showcase their talent at different venues as well as adding a musical dimension to social and private events.
Melange Jazz Quartet, Manayunk
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
April 18th: Paris Wine Bar, Bert Harris Trio, 9pm -12am – www.londongrill.com/paris-wine-bar/
April 25th: LB & LB Jazz +One, private event, Union League – www.unionleague.org
May 1st: Mélange Jazz Quartet with Laurent Bass, sax; Walter Runge, keyboard; Bert Harris, upright bass and vocalist Mindy Rhodes, private event, Wayne.
May 11th: Piano soloist Walter Runge, private event, Trenton Country Club – www.trentoncc.com
May 16th: Mélange Jazz Trio with Walter Runge, Laurent Bass, Bert Harris, private event, Penn Law School.
May 17th: Soloists – pianists Frank Strauss and Walter Runge, classical guitarists Steve Strawitz and Dan Brook, violinist Tracy Parente, cellist Gael Abbasi – private events, Hyatt at the Bellevue – philadelphia.bellevue.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
May 30th: LB & LB Jazz +One, Jazz Open Mic Night, private event, Bala Golf Club – www.balagolfclub.com
HAPPENINGS
Recording session
We are excited about Mélange Jazz Trio’s recent recording at Milkboy Studio. Their playlist can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/laurentlbbass/album/64163-mlange-jazz-trio-lb-sax-bert-harris . The trio features LB, sax; Bert Harris, upright bass; Steve Strawitz, guitar.
Program completion update
Congrats to LB! Laurent will receive Dubspot’s (www.dubspot.com) Music Producer Certificate in Ableton Live at the end of April, after many months of intensive study. The program is taught by experts in the field of electronic music production, all with strong musical background in contemporary music scene and using state-of-the art music technology. To hear some of Laurent’s original compositions, please visit www.reverbnation.com/laurentlbbass. We are delighted to introduce this newly expanded and creative repertoire in addition to Laurent’s current jazz performances.
Dubspot, New York
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Photo by Todd Photography
Bert Harris, Upright Bass and Electric Bass Guitar
Bert Harris, an accomplished bassist, passionate about his music, and a fixture on the Philadelphia world beat, blues and jazz scene, has been a dynamic member and intricate part of Mélange Jazz Collective since its inception. Mélange is defined as “a mixture” of musicians from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds with individual interests as varied as Reggae, Salsa, Nu Jazz, and 21st Century Chamber Music, who all share a common love for jazz. Bert’s versatile musical profile and achievements fit that description perfectly.
It’s a true pleasure to work with Bert. He has lent his talent to many LB Entertainment’s private events and public appearances, either with Mélange’s quartets, trios, or duos. In addition to performing with Mélange Jazz Collective, Bert is well known for his New Orleans funk, blues, and reggae dance band, Philly Gumbo. He also performs with Timi Tanzania and the Dubway Reggae Band, and Ska-Jazz band RK$DTY.
Bert has performed with musicians in the Sun-Ra Arkestra, along with the Jamaican super star reggae band Might Diamonds, Bo Didley, South African singer Sharon Katz, Brazilian singer-percussionist Xande Cruz, rhythm and blues singer Lisa Chavous, Sao Paulo singer Anni Somi, and guitarist Teddy Royal of the Fat’s Domino’s Band.
Notable jazz performances have been with Byard Lancaster, Robert Kenyatta’s Afro-Jazz group La Tumba, Bobby Watson, Khan Jamal, Philadelphia saxophonist Elliot Levin, jazz vocalist Jeannie Brooks and Brenda Smith.
Bert has recorded two cds with the legendary saxophonist Byard Lancaster, “Ancestral Link Hotel” and “Pam Africa”.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in our musical journey.
Warm wishes,
Danielle