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Larry & Dennis Otis William & Larry Richard Street & Larry Larry Johson & Me
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Larry & Dennis Otis William & Larry Richard Street & Larry Larry Johson & Me
| My gift
has
been on February 24th, 2013 after
more han 40 years, I met Larry Johnson member today of the famous
and best group on the planet. On February 12th 2014, I was invited at the Temptations legacy concert, which was at the Atlantic Resort in Ft.Lauderdale. That night the lead singer Larry Johnson did an unexpected announced in the middle of the concert telling the public who was at this concert that, a special friend who he met two years ago came from Switzerland to honor the legacy of Temptations. Larry at this point asked the public to do an ovation in my person doing a loud and long applause which to me was a big surprise and a second gift. THE TEMPTATION'S Last year trough thr singer who was playing in my band, told me that a member of The Temptations was living in West Palm Beach, which is a 3 hours drive from Miami. Unfortunately, at that time I couldn't' go to see him, but we talked on the phone and I told him that I will keep in touch having missed the opportunity to meet The Temptations in the 70's when I was playing in London and my girl friend told me at that time that she knew David Ruffin, lead singer of the group. Well my wishes to meet them came 43 years later, which is a gift given to me because, it was my dream, although if I worked in the Music business with the most famous Music Stars in the World. On February 23rd, Larry Johnson gave me a call to tell me that on Sunday 24th a private Temptation concert will happen and that he invited me to be part of it. In addition he told me that knowing that I don't have a car, I didn't have to worry, he will come to pick me up in Miami. That day I felt like being in a dream, but I said thank you to my angel that allowed me to meet the band which has been to me, my inspiration not only of that great time of soul, funky and R&B music, but which to me was the best and powerful music. Thank you Larry not only to have made my dream come true as I told you that night, but also to have be so kind to me, to help me with my eyesight handicap.NAME OF THE ORIGINAL TEMPTATIONS GROUP tis William (Band Leader), aul William (First Lead Singer 60's), Melvin Franklin (Bariton), David Ruffin (Lead Singer), Eddie Kendricks (Lead High Pitch Voice) & Richard Street (Bgrd Singer 60's). and came in later, Dennis Edward as Lead Singer who replaced David Ruffin. |
TO MY DEAR FRIEND
SAMMY FIGUEROA
 LINKS TO SAMMY WEB PAGE AND MUSIC : http://www.sonnyrollins.com/ http://www.sammyfigueroa.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7_N39KivSU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHijy-IFIog http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/schedule/moreinfo.cgi?id=10217 Today Sammy left Sonny Rolling to dedicate his time not only for his Latin Jazz Band, but to prepare his World Tour 2014. |
Festival in the World, which is the Montreux Jayy Festival where for
more than 5 years I was woThe World is a small place! I say that
because after more than 20 years, I saw again my friend Sammy who I
met for the first time at one of the biggest Summerrking as sponsor manager & technician for
the company Jacques Isler,Inc. in Zurich. I was working every year
with more than 100 big Stars of the World Music Business and there,
was playing Sammy Figueroa. |
HOMAGE TO BRIAN DAVISON May 25th 1942 to April 15th 2008
|
It is with profound sadness
that I would like to share with all of you the passing on April 15th
2008, of Brian Davison, "drummer extraordinaire" and
for me, a
true kindred Spirit. Brian
was the drummer for "Refugee" the group I had formed
with him and Lee Jackson. Prior to "Refugee" he was
the
drummer for "The Nice" which included Keith Emerson and Lee
Jackson. He also had his own group "Every Which Way",
and had played with
Patrick Moraz |
I met Patrick Moraz in the 70's when I was
playing at "Le Grillon" one of the most known dancing in Geneva. At
that time clubs were all over Europe and musicians didn't have a lot of struggle
and therefore to think about "Where I'm going to play
tomorrow?".
One night having finish to play in an other club before the "Le Grillon"
closed, I went there to When I was in, I saw a young keyboard player, who was playing with his foot,
nose (face down) and dancing from left to right of his keyboards. I saw right away that, this young musician will have a
bright future in the Music Business."I WAS RIGHT"!
I met Patrick that night, and being both at that time in Switzerland we met more
than once. The picture on the right was taken in a bar in Geneva, showing
Patrick in good company and on the right side myself, who since that night never
saw Patrick again, because of the " take off" with the
well known band "YES" and later with "MOODY BLUES".
Today if you look at his web site you'll see what Patrick Moraz did, and I'm
sure most of the young musicians today, who will read not only Patrick
impressive bio, but also what he accomplished as musician, composer, producer
and studio engineer during the past 36 years, will hope to succeed one day like
Patrick did.
Patrick
Moraz was born in Morges, Switzerland. He attended school both in Morges and La
Chaux-de Fonds and began studying the violin and piano at the age of three. By
the age of nine, he was studying classical music on a number of instruments
including trumpet, horns, flute, organ and vibraphone. After completing
classical studies in Latin and ancient Greek at the school of St. Maurice,
Patrick continued music lessons at the Conservatory of Lausanne where he
studied, on rare occasions, Harmony and Counterpoint with famous classical
teacher Nadia Boulanger. Moraz continued studying with other local luminaries
who made him understand what "real" music was and teaching him the
secrets of improvisation, composition and expression on a more esoteric and
spiritual level.
Patrick's
serious commitment to the piano really began while he was living in Vevey, in
the same house as, and studying piano by watching and listening to, Clara
Haskil, the great Romanian concert pianist who was one of the world's leading
authorities on the music of Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and
Beethoven.
"However, I broke my right arm in a skiing accident when I was
thirteen," Patrick says now. " And later that year, fractured the
fingers of my right hand due to an unfortunate roller-skating accident. I was
told I was never going to play classical music again. I chose not to believe
that." Patrick carried on playing and composing, also practicing his left
hand, while the right was immobilized.
"Although I've met many great musicians and had some great teachers, I
believe I was more self-taught."
For more
LOG ON @: http://www.patrickmoraz.com/about.htm
NEW 2011 Patrick Moraz Concert and Press Critics>>>: Link Below
http://www.kweevak.com/files-articles/rd_art_2011_03_15_patrick_moraz.php
I met
Dan Farrow when I was working for the number one music distributor in
Switzerland "Jacques Isler". Dan was 15 years old at that time and was
already interested in everything, which has to do with music. I admired this
young "BEE" but didn't pay to much attention because I was very busy
traveling all over Europe and the states representing "Peavey
Electronics" not only in Switzerland but sponsoring international
musicians, who came to perform all over Europe. I saw Dan growing up and one day
I saw him again after few years at the "Montreux Jazz Festival".
The young "BEE" told me that since few years he was involved with
bands as keyboard player and began to tour in Switzerland. I saw him again
few years later, and this time he told me that he moved to Los Angeles and was
trying to play music over there. His obstinacies to become not only a musician
but also playing with stars in the US became a reality, which if he stayed in
Switzerland his dream never will have become true.
Based in Los Angeles,
California, Dan is originally from Zurich, Switzerland, where he was playing
Hammond organ since the age of 3. Dan got
his professional start in the mid-eighties, playing the Montreux Jazz Festival
as well as performing with George Benson, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Dennis
Chambers and many other top session cats. This exposure soon led to recognition
among the international music community. Once in the U.S., word of Dan's very
funky high-energy keyboard chops spread quickly. His career really took off when
he got called to record with Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Greg Phillinganes,
Brenda Russell, Phil Perry, Mavis Staples, Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcaro, Abe
Laboriel, Junie Pointer a.o., doing Ray Charles's multi-platinum CD
"My World" on Warner
Brothers
Records. To this day he has been doing numerous records and performances working
with everybody from James Brown's band to Quincy Jones's & Brothers
Johnson. Highlights also include performing with R&B sensation Domino as
part of his first live band, or sharing the stage with the likes of Eric Burdon
(The Animals, War), Lakeside, the Mary Jane Girls and others. Dan played keys in
several Gospel plays as well, performing with the legendary platinum-selling
Clara Ward Singers. Dan has been recording or performing with members of
Parliament/Funkadelic, The J.B.'s, Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, Chaka Khan,
Herbie Hancock, LTD, Sade, the Pointer Sisters, the Staple Singers, the Gap
Band, Kool & the Gang, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, T-Connection and
many more. He has
worked with many different producers such as Multi-Platinum winning Richard
Perry (Pointer Sisters, Chaka Khan et al.), Bob Margouleff (Stevie Wonder, Isley
Brothers et al.), Wah Wah Watson (Herbie Hancock et al.), Jeffrey Bowen (The
Temptations a. o.) and Brian Holland (Parliament/Funkadelic, Mavis Staples), to
name a few. Ever since the early nineties Dan's talents are also in demand by
the television and movie industry. That's when he was asked to compose and
produce music for ABC's "Wheel of Fortune", America's number one game
show. His work can be heard in movies like "Another Stakeout"
(Touchstone Pictures), starring Richard Dreyfuss and Rosie O'Donnell. More
recently he did the music to "Our Neighbors," a movie by
director/producer Kathina Szeto. It is no wonder that the corporate world
has noticed this talented artist, so Dan is fortunate to be able to endorse a
number of musical instrument manufacturers from Europe, Japan and the U.S. He
uses a long list of products from the last 35 years, both live and in the
studio. Companies that support him include ACE Products Group (keyboard
cases, USA) where he is one of the main endorsees with artists like Taj Mahal,
Ultimate Support Systems (keyboard stands, USA), Korg (keyboards, Japan),
Clavia
(keyboards,
Sweden), Limex Systems (Midi systems, Austria) and Aquila Systems (Midi systems,
USA). The most important thing about Dan is that he is a spiritual man. He
is definitely in touch with the great chi. This might be one of the reasons for
his truly amazing trademark clavinet work (think Stevie Wonder's Superstition)
which led to him being nicknamed "Mister Clavinet." He credits early
exposure to the great american R&B, funk, jazz and soul artists as his main
musical influences. This happened before he even understood the language that
they were singing in. He never thought that he would actually get to work with
many of these great artists. Dan is currently in the studio working on a
number of projects. A promo version of "Devotion" had been
generating much interest, so much so that he is planning to do more live dates
especially in 2006 in the U.S, as well as in Europe and Asia. Dan's
promotional efforts took him as far as the Philippines where he got invited by
KISS-FM radio for a Jazz-Special that introduced him to millions of new people.
He is also planning a promo tour to support his third album "Devotion"
containing 13 new tracks and featuring the explosive jam "Brasil Meu Amor."
If he is not doing sessions or writing new material, Dan is performing with many
of L.A's top musicians. "I really appreciate all the good things that are
coming my way and it is wonderful to work with so many great artists, " he
says. It seems like he is doing something right and there will be a lot more to
come... So stay tuned! " Click
HERE
to Go To DAN FARROW, Web Site.
Miami’s
Jazz Saxophonist Leo Casino along with National Smooth Jazz Recording Artists
Pamela Williams and Ken Navarro will headline Memphis, TN 1st Annual
Jazz & Artz Festival on Saturday May 18, 2002. Mr. Casino will be on Channel 3 Early Morning Show on Friday,
May 17, 2002 and on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Casino will do a
pre-festival performance at Mars Music, in Memphis, TN.
After his performance in Memphis, TN, Mr. Casino will be traveling to
Kingston, Jamaica
to performance in the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival from May 23 to May
26, 2002.
I had the opportunity to play with Mr.Leo Casino in 1997, when he was playing at
the Taurus and his drummer didn't show up! There I was
and played that night with his band. I had later an opportunity to play
again with him. 2005 gave me the opprotunity to play again not only with
this great musician, who is also a composer, film maker and a man who take care
of the situation of African American in Miami as you can see in his impressive
bio in this website.
(Click
Here to Access it)
Glen
Mino has been a regular on the Miami music scene for the last 30 years
playing
to
all the major clubs at one time or another. Even though Glen
has his roots in the English progressive scene ( Yes, Genesis,
Gentle Giant, etc.), he rounded his playing by getting involved with
all styles of music. His influences as a guitarist are Robin Ford,
Larry Carlton, Allan Holdsworth and Jeff Beck to name a few.
For the last 15 years, Glen has played with "The Click" band
for over 12 years (They were the house band at the Taurus
in the Grove for 3 years back in its great day). They played
also in numerous private functions around town. Three years ago
03, he started a new band called "State of Mind" with Danny Howe
and Larry the bass player. The Band, which incorporated a wide
variety of Rock,
Motown, and 70's Dance Music with their own distinct rhythmic
versions.
The band went on a hiatus as Glen started concentrating on writing and
playing with different Bands and musicians all around Florida.
The "Midnight Blue" gives Glen a chance to reunite with
some members of his old
band and bring back the excitement of
playing with some exceptional musicians.
(Glen Minau
Bio)
FINALLY!!!
Multi-instrumentalist
Raul Midon straddles Latin, pop & jazz, with a hair-raising, show-stopping
voice and dazzling guitar technique. After several years as the first call
background vocalist for pop stars including Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Jennifer
Lopez, Christina
Aguilera,
Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias and Jose Feliciano, he made the move to New York
City. Midon has also devoted a great deal of time to his solo career as both a
jazz vocal improviser and performer,working around the world with such notable jazz legends as Paquito D’Rivera, Dave Valentin, Dave Samuels, and Claudio
Roditi. Recently signed to Warner Chappell, he is now devoting his time to
songwriting and is involved in several noteworthy commercial projects.
Among
them is the collaboration with DJ/Producer Louie Vega. The album "Elements
of Life" which features Midon and Cape Verdian singer Anane is scheduled to
be released in April 2003. Midon is a member of NARAS, LARAS, AFTRA
and SAG. His
new, self-produced CD “Blind To Reality,” is available at midon.com.
I'm so glad that my feeling in 1996 when I saw, met and heard this STAR,
my wish was that he become as soon as possible what he is today. Thank you so
much for the production or agency, which took him to the place, which he deserved and belong to.
Born in
USA Duffy Jackson, a dynamic and skilful drummer, he is the
son of Chubby Jackson and displays enthusiasm. He has worked with
many a similarly exuberant sense of swing and musicians,
playing in a
wide range of styles, including an appearance on a
mid-90's Harry Allen session for the Nagel-Heyer
release, The King. It is clear hat Jackson is at his
happiest and best working with mainstreamers such
as Allen. Nevertheless, in 2000 he was touring Europe in a
duo with the German boogie-woogie specialist Axel
Zwingenberger.
I had the opportunity to meet Duffy in 1996 at the
Van Dyke Jazz Club in Miami
Beach. Since that day, Duffy and I
are in contact (not so very often) because of
his busy schedule.
Last January 2008 Duffy moved to Tennessee, where the music
for a talented drummer like him, found his paradise, and can
play for people who can appreciate not only Jazz music,
but also a fantastic drummer like the great Duffy Jackson.
I miss him a lot!
In 1996, as I was going at the Colonnade Hotel in Coral Cables
(Miami),
I had the opportunity not only to hear but meet an incredible musician,
who
was to me not only an Artist, but a STAR his name was "Raul
Midon".
As
guitar player, singer, and synthesizing a trumpet
with his voice, I couldn't believe that such a musician
wasn't already found by a big music producer.
His voice sounded like Stevie Wonder, blind and his
talent was over what I heard during the last 10 Years.
The
band was only three musicians, but sounded like five
pieces band, with an incredible bass player and drummer.
Today Raul finally found is way in NY city, where he found
a person who saw in him not only a fantastic person, but also
an incredible STAR.
For more info about Raul Midon and buying CD's, log on:
www.midon.com.
Harold
Saey, very known musician, because of his
fantastic
past with the famous
Mother's Finest Band.
The success of this great 80's band couldn't be
ignored by professional musicians. Harold is a
real pro, playing not only the drums, but also bass,
guitar, and sing different style of music. He sang that
night the 15th of June 2002 as guest with The Midnight Blue, which
was composed with KC Keyboard, Willy Saey Bass, David Saye
Guitar
and me at the Drums. Playing that night with four African-Americans,
who played not only their muisic but in a very professional way.
It was to me a pleasure that night to play R&B Music which I love.
A
little background of KC. Artist s who has worked
with the past three years with the following bands:
Krayzie Bone (Bone Thug's n’ Harmony,
Ghetto Cowboy). JT Money (Who Dat), Bunny Wailer
(The Melody Makers ), Nato (The Dog's) 3RE da Harway,
Freak Nasty, DJ Kalid, The Crew, Duffy Jackson Jazz band,
No Good but so Good, Nehemiah (Bahamas), Mind blow Production,
Boss Player Production, and a Host of upcoming new acts.
2001, KCquit M.B.B to go as professional musician again in South Florida.
In 2003 KC came back to play with Midnight Blue and since then, we enjoyed this
great keyboard player, KC iss a
real PRO.
Today in 2006 KC moved to Las Vegas and I will regret this great Keyboard Player,
who play with me for more than 4 years, but being a PRO, he will I'm sure, find
in Las Vegas to play with big stars.
May 2001: I invited a young guitar/singer for our gig
at the oldest Concert
place in Miami "Tobacco Road".
I can
tell you that he is one of the most talented guitar players
in
South Florida. His name is Shawn Starsky, and he is 21 year old,
who is playing with a very good band, the Regulators. He has such
potential to sing Rock n'
Roll, which by the way, was created and
played before Shawn was born. I wish him the best, telling him to
try to go as professional, which is easier to get into when you are
dynamic,
young and talented like
he is. Today Feb 2006 I learned that Shaw had find to
go on tour with "Jason Ricci & New Blood". I'm so happy for him
that he lived FL
To go to L.A and find his way in the Music Business, which he DESERVED. He is
a real PRO, not like some local musicians (Miami) who pretend to be,
but aren't!
June
2000: Having our keyboarder in vacation, I called my friend
Toby Travis who was playing with very good bands in South Florida.
Toby is the kind of PRO, who plays keyboard and doesn't need a
lot
of time to practice, and be able to match with the band.
He is a super PRO and also a wonderful person, who
not only brings to the band grove trough is style
to play keyboard. Thank you Toby for helping me
and hope to have you come back soon.
Toby found his way to
go on
tour actually as a professional around Florida, and the US.
April 2000: Harold Neuweg Director and President of the Satchmo Grill.
He
brought to Miami national and local bands, which contributed
to make the Satchmo Blues Bar and Grill, the number one Music
Scene in Miami 7days a week. I must thank Harold for his contribution
to engage my band so many times not only on the main stage opening
concerts for big American Blues Star (See Pictures), but also on that
fantastic relaxing area, which is the outside
patio. He and his mangers gave me the
name "Night Saver" for the simple fact that, when bands didn't show-up, always
in
this situation the calles me to make a band in few hours, and without doing
practice
we went un stage and played without problems. I did it for more than 14 times
and
it worked always because, I had to do with professional musicians. Great Time!
Many times Don came to our gigs. He was well known and was a friendly
Miami personage, who not only sing, but play the harp very well.
He
sang and still singing with bands at Jam Session's
in many different places. His name is Don Feldstein, who I
know since I'm living in Miami. This personage is very known
around town for his Social work, and as artist. It's always a big
satisfaction when he came to sing with our band. So Don, in the
future, don't give up to come Jamming with us and enjoying the music.
God Bless America!
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City Hall in 1974. This was a great find and a wonderful surprise for
both Lee and myself. I was astonished that this tape
had been kept intact for so many years and after many discussions and
try-outs, this live concert was finally ready to be released on the
Voiceprint Label, thanks to and because of Brian. During the many rehearsals
and the recordings of the "Refugee" album, and throughout our
somewhat "short" touring career as a live band, we thoroughly
enjoyed every minute of every piece of music we played together and
every aspect of our lives together as part of “Refugee”. I have extremely fond
memories of Brian and I will miss him immensely.