The Rondelle55 Chronicles

Saturday 29 February 2020

Jazz Greats: Billy Taylor

Billy Taylor (July 24, 1921 – December 28, 2010)

Jazz Pianist, Composer, Broadcaster and Educator, Billy Taylor, established Jazzmobile (A Jazz through educational program) in 1964 after beginning his tenure in 1944. He was a Jazz activist, a Professor of Music, a noted  Composer, regarded television interviewer and the longest serving Pianist at Birdland. His many contributions to the development of the Jazz Genre and keeping it relevant, is only matched by his enormous Leader and Sideman efforts. He died in 2010; please take a listen here and have a sweet Saturday: Taylor Made Jazz (full Album), Jazz at Storyville (full Album) and I wish I knew how it feels to be free

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Taylor
Background information
Birth nameBilly Taylor
BornJuly 24, 1921
Greenville, North Carolina, U.S.
DiedDecember 28, 2010(aged 89)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
GenresJazzhard bop
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, educator, broadcaster
InstrumentsPiano
Years active1944–2010
Associated actsCharlie Parker,Dizzy Gillespie,Miles DavisHerbie MannChristian McBrideNancy WilsonDee Dee BridgewaterCyrus Chestnut

Friday 28 February 2020

Najee

Jerome Najee Rasheed (born November 4, 1957,

New York City)


Smooth Jazz Saxophonist and Flautist, Najee, began playing the Clarinet at aged 8 years old, but later moved on to the Saxophone. In his teen years he toured the world and worked with others during the 1970's, and continued on into the 1980's and 1990's with well received solo efforts. He remains active; please take a listen here and enjoy your weekend: Day by Day, Tokyo Blue, Gina, All I ever asked (with Freddie Jackson) and Najee's Theme

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najee
Background information
Birth nameJerome Najee Rasheed
BornNovember 4, 1957(age 62)
New York CityNew York, U.S.
GenresSmooth JazzR&B
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsSaxophone, Flute
Years active1986-Present
LabelsEMICapitolBlue NoteVerve ForecastHeads UpTelarcE1,Concord Shanachie

Thursday 27 February 2020

Reggae Thursdays: AJ Brown

AJ Brown



Jamaican Singer, AJ Brown, started out at a young age and gained attention after winning a German Talent contest in 1980. His music includes the genres Reggae, Jazz, World Beat, R&B, Pop and Classical. He is currently the lead Singer of the Band, Third World. Please take a listen here and Happy Reggae Thursday: Father and friend, Get up Chant, When you love and Love people

Source: https://www.discogs.com/artist/564911-A-J-Brown
Background information
Name: AJ Brown 
Born: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Labels: Sonic Sounds, Maestro Productions, GRCL

Wednesday 26 February 2020

World Saxophone Quartet

World Saxophone Quartet

Jazz Ensemble, the World Saxophone Quartet, began in 1977 and is revered for their blending of Free Jazz, R&B, Funk and South African Jazz into one full sound. They have continued on with changing members and released their last effort in 2011. Please take a listen here and have a nice Wednesday: Hymn for the Old Year and WSC (full Album)

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Saxophone_Quartet
Background information
Members
Past members

Tuesday 25 February 2020

Hip Hop Tuesdays: Mia X

Mia Young (born January 9, 1970)

Rapper, Songwriter and Actress, Mia X, has been active since 1984 and is regarded by many as "The Mother of Southern Gangsta Rap". She released the bulk of her work in the 1990's, which included solo efforts and appearances on songs by other Rappers. Please take a listen here and Happy Hip Hop Tuesday: Mr. Ice Cream Man (with Master P, Silkk The Shocker and Mo B Dick), Ghetto Sarah Lee (ft. The Conscious Daughters), The party don't stop (ft. Master P and Foxy Brown) and What'cha wanna do (ft. Charlie Wilson)

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mia_X
Background information 
Birth nameMia Young
Also known asThe Mother of Southern Rap. Mama Mia
BornJanuary 9, 1970(age 50)
New Orleans,Louisiana, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Author, Rapper, songwriter, musician, actress
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1984–1999, 2008–present
LabelsMama Mia Muzik, XLP Distribution(current)
No LimitPriority,EMI (former)
Associated actsMaster PFoxy BrownMonica,Charlie Wilson ,Silkk the Shocker,Snoop DoggUGK,Fat JoeMystikal,MagicFiend,Donald XL RobertsonC-Murder

Monday 17 February 2020

Tribute Mondays: Rosa Henderson

Rosa Henderson (November 24, 1896 – April 6, 1968)

Vaudeville Entertainer and Classic Blues Singer, Rosa Henderson, was active during the Harlem Renaissance era. She had a 9 year run that included over 100 Recordings under varying names and on various Labels. She worked on the Vaudeville scene and also performed on Broadway. She died of an heart attack  in 1968. Thanks for your contribution Miss Henderson, you are appreciated. Please take a listen here and have a good Monday: Do that thing (with Fletcher Henderson), I'm broke fooling with you and So long to you and the Blues (1923)

Source: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Henderson

Background information 
Birth nameRosa Deschamps
BornNovember 24, 1896
Henderson, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedApril 6, 1968(aged 71)
Roosevelt Island, New York
GenresClassic female bluesjazz
Occupation(s)Vocalist
Years active1920s–1930s
LabelsParamountVictor,ColumbiaVocalion,AjaxPathe & PerfectBrunswick,Silvertone,EmersonBanner, Oriole, Regal, DominoEdison, Marathon
Associated actsFletcher Henderson