Monthly Archives: March 2017

IN MEMORIUM: James Cotton, 81

TKA is saddened to recognize the passing of our friend and client James “Mr. Superharp” Cotton, world renowned harmonica player and iconic bluesman. Throughout his career, Cotton regaled the blues world with his powerful mastery of the harmonica, the dynamic energy of his live performances, and his distinguished presence as a commanding band leader. He collaborated with such luminaries as Muddy Waters, Steve Miller, and Dr. John, and shared the stage with the likes of Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and B.B. King. As NPR says, “Conjure up a list of all-time great blues harmonica players, and high up on it you’ll see the name James Cotton.”

Cotton passed away on March 16, 2017 in Austin, TX. Cotton is survived by his wife Jacklyn Hairston Cotton, daughters Teresa Hampton of Seattle, Washington and Marshall Ann Cotton of Peoria, Illinois and son James Patrick Cotton of Chicago, Illinois, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A statement from Jacklyn Cotton can be found below.

Statement from Jacklyn Cotton, James Cotton’s wife:

“Dear Friends and Fans of James Cotton,

Many of you have been contacting me about when James’ funeral is to be held. We are still in the process of making the arrangements. I’ll let you know as soon as the date is firm. Thank you for your kindness and your notes of sympathy. Cotton loved you all. The outpouring of condolences affirms that you all loved him too.

Jacklyn Cotton”

 

FEATURE: Christian Sands Reaches For The Past With “Gangstalude”

Sharonne Cohen for NOISEY –

At only 27, New York-based jazz pianist & composer Christian Sands is already a five-time Grammy® Award nominee . On April 12th he releases REACH, his debut for Mack Avenue Records, drawing from the past while looking to the future. With a range of styles and a distinct mix of influences from Afro-Cuban rhythms to hip-hop beats, Sands says the album is “really all about finding myself.” Raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Sands found himself drawn to music at a very early age.

 

His mother listened to everything from gospel to country to Ray Charles, his father explored jazz. Tackling the piano at four, he composed his first piece of music at five and was playing professionally by the age of ten. Attending prestigious New Haven art schools, Sands went on to earn Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, where he received his first Grammy® nomination (Best Latin Piano Solo) for Kenya Revisited.

While still in high school, Sands met legendary jazz pianist, composer, and educator Dr. Billy Taylor (1921-2010) and became his protégé, while listening to the Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, John Legend, Outkast and Nas. At 20, he caught the attention of renowned jazz bassist Christian McBride, who asked Sands to sit in with his band at New York’s famed Village Vanguard; this performance led to a permanent spot in McBride’s Inside Straight Trio. Sands went on to share the stage with giants such as Wynton Marsalis, Diane Reeves, Shelia E, and Randy Brecker, playing festivals and venues around the world. Both Marsalis and Vanity Fair named him a rising jazz star.

REACH features a potent core trio with bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Marcus Baylor, and guest appearances by Gilad Hekselman (guitar), Marcus Strickland (tenor saxophone and bass clarinet), and Cristian Rivera (percussion). McBride, who co-produced the album, makes a cameo at the end of Bill Withers’ 1972 soul classic “Use Me” (one of two covers; all other tracks are Sands originals). Sands is skilled, soulful and melodic throughout, his energy and spirit altering with each tune.

Read the full article and interview at Noisey

Christian Sands on TKA

VIDEO: Red Baraat Returns to NPR’s Tiny Desk!

 

 

 

This week, Red Baraat returned to the Tiny Desk Concert series to perform for the NPR office in celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of color.

 

Here’s what Bob Boilen had to say:

“Red Baraat’s fusion of bhangra, go-go, hip-hop and jazz is driven by frontman Sunny Jain’s percolating playing of the dhol, a double-sided drum which forms the rhythmic lattice of support for their boisterous horns and guitar. And though Red Baraat graced the Tiny Desk five years ago, we had to have Jain’s band back to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of color, of good over evil, and the coming of spring…their uplifting spirits lingered on, giving us a chance to shake off the final days of winter and demonstrating why music is so essential to the soul.”

Check out the performance at NPR Music

Red Baraat on TKA