Read about the artists that performed at last year's Selby Avenue JazzFest below.
Return to this year's artists
Jason "Malletman" Taylor grew up in Brooklyn, NY listening to Lionel Hampton's music. Upon their first meeting, the legendary Hampton took the young "Malletman" in as his protégé and became his personal mentor.
Taylor is known for his unique presentation of Jazz, R&B and Swing, creating a signature sound that is all his own, which he calls "Vibrafunk." He has been recording albums since 1984 and continues to perform with his 6-piece band. Taylor is a five-time Grammy ballot-nominee. His nominations include Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for “The Christmas Song” (1998).
www.malletsplace.com
There's a taste of New Orleans in the air, and it's being supplied by Dick and Jane's Big Brass Band. For 14 years this group has brought the Twin Cities it's own brand of New Orleans street, or Second Line, Music. The group also finds it's way into the areas of dixieland, samba, mambo, klezmer, funk, or any other style they can fit into their mold, making this one of the more versatile groups around.
Founded by Dick Danaher (saxophone) and his wife, Jane (percussion), the group has found its way into all kinds of venues, from May Day celebrations to catered affairs, from bars to corporate events. Wherever they go, the fun and the funk is infectious. People can't help but get up and dance, march, or do whatever the music moves them to do.
www.dickandjanesbbb.com
Walker West Music Academy, a Minnesota, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, was conceived from the life experiences of its founders, Reverend Carl Walker and Grant West, and born as the expression of their hope for the future.
The Academy stands as a bridge in the community bonding the present with a rich blend of the founders' pasts, and the community's future. The school is known for its artistic excellence in all styles of music ranging from classical to its particular specialties of gospel and jazz.
www.walkerwestmusicacademy.org
Wenso Ashby is a dynamic contemporary jazz artist with a flare for pushing the boundaries of musical artistry. Ashby's unique blend of jazz, funk, neosoul and R&B showcase the brightest in keyboard expertise. He has teamed up with vocalist Zsamé Morgan in a musical union destined to be an influence in the world of jazz for years to come.
Zsamé, a native of Chicago, grew up singing the influences of Gospel and R&B. After moving to Minneapolis where she has recorded & performed with various regional artists, Zsamé has found her true place in the world of smooth jazz. Her soulful vocals will have you feeling every bit of her emotions as if they were your very own."
www.wensoashby.com
The John Raymond Project is one of the newest and most soul-moving contemporary jazz groups to hit the Twin Cities scene. Led by trumpeter John Raymond, the group is an exciting collective commining explosive energy and lyrical eloquence—going beyond the boundaries of the traditional and producing a fresh and genuine concept of jazz.
The band has played alongside countless world-renown musicians, including Maria Schneider, Wycliffe Gordon, Les Claypool, The Black Crowes, The Big Wu, Randy Brecker, and Nicholas Payton.
thejohnraymondproject
"Anyone who knows Twin Cities jazz will tell you that Yohannes Tona has become one of the most respected bass guitarists on the scene. In the few short years he’s lived here, he’s gone from being an in-demand hired gun for session work and backup gigs to leading The Yohannes Tona Band, which plays an infectious brand of funk-fusion that Tona calls 'Afrounkjazz.' His CD debut, Sand from the Desert, features guest contributions from such local luminaries as Mint Condition’s Stokley, gospel star F. Darnell Davis, and spoken word siren Sha Cage."
—From Mpls St Paul magazine
yohannestona
Mikhala W. Iversen, a Danish-American recording artist and performer, went through musicals, opera, gospel, and rock before she settle on what was bred in her bones—the Jazz repertoire!
Her 2003 album, "Jazz Muffin", is Mikhala's interpretation of bringing the jazz classics back with zest, dancing, and a bit of sexiness for both the old and young to enjoy. She gives the songs her own signature "reggae-muffin" treatment, which some consider rejuvenating and fresh.
Mikhalized is a rare mix of the jazz repertoire from 1935 to 1948 with input from Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Louis Joran, and others.
mikhalized
Salsa del Soul is a Twin Cities-based, nine-piece orchestra performing various styles of dance music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean. Salsa del Soul was formed with the purpose to provide great dance music for Twin Cities Salsa fans.
The musicians of Salsa del Soul represent some of the finest musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. Self-described as a group of friends that enjoy hanging out and playing music together, Salsa del Soul's styles of music include Son Montuno, Cha-Cha-Cha, Merengue, Plena, and, of course, Salsa. Salsa del Soul performs locally at The Times Bar & Café and Enjoy! Restaurant, among other locations.
www.salsadelsoul.com
