05 Jan 2023 Recap
It’s been ages since I’ve posted news. It is not that there has been nothing to report.
John Clayton
I Wanna Dance with Somebody
John Clayton’s version of the Star Spangled Banner featured in film about the life and music of Whitney Houston.
John Clayton premiered a new work at Walt Disney Hall ‘Sacred Dreams, Righteous Themes’ which also featured the works of Duke Ellington and Mary Lou Williams.
John Clayton completed work on a grand performance piece of Billy Strayhorn’s music called “Sugar Hill” featuring musicians and dancers. The show premiered in Chicago.
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra completed their whirlwind 9 city European tour selling out every concert hall.
Jade Soloman Curtis
Jade Solomon Curtis completed a workshop of her latest work “Keeper of Sadness” where she choreographed the work for 3 dancers at WACO in Los Angeles culminating in a performance before a live audience. She showcased the work during the Western Arts Alliance and will showcase it at APAP2024.
James Brandon Lewis & Lakecia Benjamin
German Jazz Prize
James Brandon Lewis – ‘Band of the Year international;
Lakecia Benjamin – ‘ Wind Instruments International’
Both completed 3 European tours.
Lakecia Benjamin was on 7 jazz magazine covers as well as the cover of the New York Times Arts Section.
Lakecia Benjamin
3 Grammy Nominations
BEST Jazz Instrumental Album – Phoenix
BEST Jazz Performance – Basquiat
BEST Instrumental Composition – Amerikkan Skin
Lakecia Benjamin, composer (Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Angela Davis)
