B Sharp Jazz Quartet
On February 17th, JAZZ Online caught up with MAMA Foundation recording artists The B Sharp Jazz Quartet at a gig at one of San Francisco's hip nightspots called the Elbo Room. The Real Audio files contain an interview with the band done backstage prior to their show, and the title track from their latest release called "Mirage" Who are these cats? This ensemble of young Africian-American players honed their musical approach during years of late-night jam sessions in jazz clubs and performance spaces in Los Angeles' Crenshaw district, currently the home of a vibrant jazz renaissance. Led by drummer Herb Graham Jr. and saxophonist Randall Willis, the Quartet draws inspiration from greats such as Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. Yet, it has absorbed musical colors from a range of contemporary sources, from funk to acid jazz to alternative rock. Through the integration of these influences, the group pushes forward - expressing its vision of modern acoustic jazz.
Herb Graham Jr. (drums) counts among his influences Billy Higgins, Roy Haynes, Al Foster and Art Blakey. His hard swinging style reflects a rich and varied love of jazz, rock, funk and pop. He has performed or toured with a wealth of artists including Freddie Hubbard, Watts Prophets, John Clayton, James Moody, Donald Harrison, The Cheathams, Carmen Lundy, Martika, Louie Louie, Big Jay McNeely, Benig, Pop's Cool Love, Lynda Lawrence and The Supremes. He has recorded with everyone from Don Cherry to The Boo-Yah Tribe. He is currently producing a number of acts including the Watts Prophets on London Records. Randall Willis (saxophones) developed his distinctive, fiery style by listening to players like Wayne Shorter, Jackie McLean and Charlie Parker. He has performed with artists such as Ray Charles, Elvin Jones, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Harold Land, The Pharcyde, Freestyle Fellowship, Billy Higgins and recorded for jazz greats such as Gerald Wilson and Jimmy Cleveland. Rodney Lee (keyboards) was a member of the Texas All-State Jazz Ensemble and winner of the Wichita Jazz Festival Outstanding Jazz Soloist Award. He also has played with jazz artists as diverse as Freddie Hubbard and Mel Torme, toured with R&B acts such as El DeBarge and Jody Watley, and appeared five times on the Arsenio Hall show with various artists. He currently is producing a number of jazz and acid jazz acts and is a founding member of the acid jazz group "The Solar System" on Sonic Images label. Osama Afifi (bass) is the newest member of the band. Osama is a player who utilizes jazz, pop, rock and R&B to create the his sound. Among his influences, Stanley Clarke inspired his technique, while Ron Carter taught him the walking bass line. He has record or played with artists such as Gary Herbig, Maria McKee, The Cadillacs, The Fifth Dimension and Yanni. |
With such diverse roots, it is no surprise that the band members display
what might be termed the ethos of the eclectic. They can just as easily
lay down a funky, greasy back beat as they can a Latin tinged
contemporary tune, a sensitive jazz ballad or straight ahead swinger.
Nowhere is this more evident than on their latest CD entitled "Mirage."
The seven originals and two standards which compose this impressive
second disc offer a range of moods, from the all-out blowing of Freddie
Hubbard's "Intrepid Fox," to the African tinges of "C.R.S." to the
evocative mysteries of the title track. Yet throughout, there exists a
core sound that is still instantly identifiable.