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Walter Beasley
Over the past three decades, saxophonist, Walter Beasley, has artfully and dynamically redefined the phrase “musical Renaissance Man” for the modern generation. Considered by fans and critics alike as the “heir to Grover Washington, Jr.’s Throne,” Beasley is the acclaimed saxophonist, vocalist, educator, and entrepreneur of the decade. As the highest selling full-time Professor / Recording Artist in history, the Boston-based musician has long mastered an exhilarating high wire act of balancing a successful career as a contemporary jazz recording artist and performer with an equally thriving presence in the field of music education.
A leading alto and soprano saxophonist and prominent vocalist all the same, Beasley is hailed by fans for his thrilling performances along the East Coast and throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Notable performances include the all-star tour To Grover, With Love, performing alongside Chuck Loeb, Buddy Williams and Andy Snitzer and performing as the headlining act for the 2011 Playboy Jazz Festival.
As to the release of his latest CD/DVD project, “Live In The Club,” Beasley’s chart-topping single, “Groove In You,” debuted on the Groove Jazz Chart at #29, climbing to Top 20 on the Billboard/R&R Chart, Radiowave, SmoothJazz.com, & Mediabase, earning a spot in the Top 10 on the Indie Chart. Other notable works by Beasley include his self-titled albums, Sax Meditations and Live in the Groove, both released through his Affable Publishing, as well as Free Your Mind (Heads Up), whose presence earned Beasley the 2009 Jazz Awards, and Backatcha (Shanachie Entertainment / Affable), featuring his hot single, “Lovely Day.” During 2011, Backatcha rose to #10 on Billboard Top 50, with his single “The Call” debuting at 30 on Billboard Smooth Jazz chart and #3 Most Added in June 2011.
Since 2008, Beasley continues to thrive at the forefront of digital media and communication by offering consultation services to independent sax artists via Skype. Students are worldwide and of all ages and skill levels. He extends his influence to the younger generation by sharing his experiences and educational expertise through “Walter Beasley Sax Lessons” on YouTube and through his educational app offerings on iTunes and Google. Beasley also creates instructional DVDs for young players who are not able to afford a traditional music education. Projects include 14 Steps To Maximizing your Performance, which is currently available for download on his official website. His other best selling videos released through his Affable Publishing include Sound Production for the Saxophone, Hip Hop Improvisation, Circular Breathing and Performance Workshop.
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Walter Beasley: Free Your Mind
by Woodrow Wilkins
One knock on smooth jazz is that it really shouldn't be called jazz because it lacks any hint of improvisation. Another is that artists and producers take musicians out of the equation by employing programmers who replace bass and drums. Occasionally, an artist overcomes these negatives with solid songwriting or exceptional play. Walter Beasley accomplishes both on Free Your Mind. Beasley was a child when his aunt gave him a recording by Grover Washington Jr., a gift that ...
read moreWalter Beasley: Ready for Love
by Woodrow Wilkins
For Walter Beasley, the journey began in the 1970s with recordings by Grover Washington Jr. and the dynamic duo of Robert Flack and Donny Hathaway. The former opened his mind and ears to the boundless world of the saxophone. The latter offered Hathaway's voice as an icon for inspiration. With a nod to Earth, Wind & Fire's That's the Way of the World, Beasley, barely into his teens, started on his path toward musical paradise. On Ready for ...
read moreWalter Beasley, Ronnie Laws, Willie Bradley At McGlohon Theater At Spirit Square On June 9th
Source:
Art and Health Awareness Foundation, Inc.
Friday, June 9, 2017 at 8:00 pm Ticket Price: $45 McGlohon Theater At Spirit Square 345 N. College St Charlotte, NC 28202 Featuring Walter Beasley, Ronnie Laws, Willie Bradley and Shawn Marie Allen. Walter Beasley acclaimed saxophonist and vocalist intended to teach for just one year after graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Beasley’s professorship spanned nearly 30 years: He admits getting hooked when he saw students grasp the musical prowess he was imparting. ...
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Walter Beasley@Birchmere
Source:
All About Jazz
Veteran saxophonist, vocalist, educator, and dedicated performer Walter Beasley will hit the Birchmere stage next week to celebrate the release of his Heads Up debut album For Her.
A versatile player, Beasley is known for his crowd-pleasing shows and diversity of styles. Over more than two decades of recording and performance, Beasley has partnered with a stellar cast from both the jazz and R&B world, including Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Williams, Brian McKnight, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Art Blakey and the ...
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