Articles by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Incognito: Connecting the World to Music
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
What is in a song? Why is it that we connect to music? These are questions that the founder of Incognito, Jean-Paul “Bluey" Maunick has asked himself for the past several years. The UK-based band has returned with the release of Tales from the Beach (Heads Up, 2008). There are many layers to Incognito's music, representing a celebration of music and life, both in and out of the studio. Make no mistake: this pursuit of happiness through music is more ...
Continue ReadingEric Darius: Goin' All Out
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Saxophonist Eric Darius has made his Blue Note label debut with Goin' All Out (Blue Note, 2008) and, as the title suggests, he is doing just that. The project includes covers of hits by Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige, and he successfully puts his own spin on them. There is a new maturity in his music that is audible from the get-go. He has created a sound for himself that is distinctive and fresh and his approach is unique to ...
Continue ReadingRigmor Gustafsson: Alone With the Music
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Singer/songwriter Rigmor Gustafsson is perhaps best known for her vocal interpretations of other great singers, including Dionne Warwick and Burt Bacharach. Gustafsson's unique songwriting style has, however, garnered her accolades and top-ranking hits; she is the recipient of gold records in both Germany and Sweden. With Alone With You (ACT, 2008), Gustafsson showcases her amalgamated sound of jazz and pop. As the title hints at, the album focuses on the audience and the listener becomes her guiding light. The inspiration ...
Continue ReadingBrian Culbertson: Bringing Back the Funk
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Keyboardist extraordinaire Brian Culbertson has a style that is a mixture of inimitable funk and suave grooves. Growing up, Culbertson was heavily influenced by the work of Maynard Ferguson, Dave Sanborn, the Brecker Brothers, Blood Sweat & Tears, James Brown, and Earth Wind & Fire. Bringing Back the Funk (GRP Records, 2008) employs outstanding musicians to accompany him on the exploration of his funk music roots, many of whom were a part of the very acts that influenced him. The ...
Continue ReadingBilly Kilson: Billy's Groove
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
The Berklee educated, innovative drummer Billy Kilson may have started out playing the trumpet and trombone, but playing the drums was certainly his calling. The virtuoso performer, who has toured with such famed musicians as George Duke, Diane Reeves and has been a part of Chris Botti's band for the past four years, is known as a drummer of the highest caliber; known as such for his revelational improvisation and timing, and an undeniable stage presence reminiscent of the great ...
Continue ReadingChris Botti & Band: Two-Week Residence at Yoshi's
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Chris BottiYoshi's San Francisco/Yoshi's OaklandJanuary 23 and February 2San Francisco's Fillmore District has re-emerged to claim its rightful status as the epicenter for jazz on the West Coast. This renaissance is thanks to the visionary owners of the Yoshi's enterprise in Oakland, California and now in San Francisco: Kaz Kajimura and Yoshi Akiba. A scene that was thought to be dying has been brought back to life. Trumpeter Chris Botti, who is currently touring to promote his ...
Continue ReadingPaula Cole: Courage
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Paula Cole is perhaps one of the greatest jazz voices caught in modern-day times. What most vocalists hope to achieve within their art, Paula Cole can do in one song and, more often than not, in one take. With an ability to showcase seemingly effortless and incredible range and control, Cole has achieved mainstream success, winning the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist" in 1997, and garnering several platinum records. Cole is back and better than ever with Courage (Decca, ...
Continue ReadingChris Botti: Italia
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
When one thinks of Italy certain things come to mind, chief among them--romance, fashion, the culinary arts and a cherished optimistic outlook on life. For years, the Italian arts have chronicled the human condition. And now, prolific trumpeter Chris Botti has personified this through his release, Italia (Columbia, 2007); employing outstanding singers Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole and a posthumous duet with Dean Martin. The result is something truly extraordinary.Musical excellence is synonymous with both Botti and Bocelli. They ...
Continue ReadingAn Evening with Chris Botti: Gala and Concert
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Chris BottiMontalvo Arts CenterSaratoga, CaliforniaSeptember 19th, 2007On Wednesday night, concertgoers and performing arts supporters gathered in Saratoga, California at the Montalvo Arts Center--an exquisite venue and an ideal place to see an artist perform. It is quite intimate and offers a convivial atmosphere. The Chris Botti Gala and Concert is a benefit supporting the Montalvo Arts Center's Arts Education programs--an outreach to youth in low-income and underserved schools in the Santa Clara and the San ...
Continue ReadingRandy Scott: From The Heart
by Katrina-Kasey Wheeler
Randy Scott is a consummate producer, composer and musician; he has performed and recorded with numerous luminaries including, Anita Baker, Patti Labelle and Randy Crawford.He is a three-time winner of It's Showtime At The Apollo, Winner of The Hennesy Jazz Search and protégé of his friend and mentor, the late Grover Washington, Jr. He is a dedicated teacher to middle school students and assists them on their musical journey and most importantly--he does everything from the heart. His ...
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