Julie Dexter
The Granfalloon’s Nightfall Jazz Café show on Thursday will feature acclaimed jazz and neo soul singer Julie Dexter. This is part of a new series of Thursday evening jazz shows featuring Lisa Anita Baker’s house band with a regional guest artist headliner.
Review for the performers:
Julie Dexter is a world-renowned, award-winning, British vocalist considered by many to be one of the most influential female vocalists of our generation. Born and raised in Birmingham, England, this classically trained artist composes and arranges her own music. Influenced by legends such as Nancy Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Bob Marley, as well as popular icons Omar and Sade, Julie takes classic soul to the heart of Artistry. Having shared the spotlight with a host of cutting-edge artists, including Mint Condition, Caron Wheeler, Lalah Hathaway, Omar, Ledisi, Third World and Maxi Priest to name a few, Julie not only holds up her own with them but has been praised and respected by them too.
Fans and critics across the globe have followed her journey through the circles of Jazz, Broken-Beat, Bossa-Nova, Reggae, Afro-Beat and Soul, and she was recently honored at the Black Women in Jazz Awards with the Afro Caribbean Soul of Jazz Award. She is one of an elite few whose talent can transcend genres. She makes it all work on her own terms, as an audaciously independent artist with an undeniable connection to her audience.
Lisa Anita’s House Band will be the consistent band featured at the Nightfall Jazz Café shows, and will accompany the featured artist each week. The band consists of Lisa Anita Baker on electric guitar, Andre Manga on bass, and Yakou Daniels, percussionist.
Lisa Anita Baker - Though she now makes Mont Eagle her home, Lisa was born and raised on the sun-drenched West Coast where she was introduced to her lifelong passion of music by her mother, a jazz pianist. Her groundbreaking 2002 album, Song For A New Day, marked a turning point in her career. Collaborating with esteemed musicians like Victor, Joseph, and Regi Wooten, alongside the legendary Oteil Burbridge, the album showcased Lisa's exceptional talent and innovative approach to jazz guitar. Lisa's commitment to nurturing musical talent is apparent in her role as a teacher of jazz guitar, as well as serving as a Music Professor at UTC. Lisa’s impact extends beyond her expertise in technical abilities, songcraft and music production. Her live performances challenge stereotypes and redefine the perception of jazz guitar.
Andre Manga - A native of Yaoundé, Cameroon in Central Africa, who combines jazz with traditional African rhythms. Inspired by superstar musician Manu Dibango, Manga became Manu Dibango’s bass player and musical director, as they toured the world. André also joined a group of Cameroonian musicians to perform on Paul Simon’s The Rhythm of the Saints album. Andre has worked for over 17 years as bassist for singer songwriter global sensation Josh Groban.
Yakou Daniel N’Guessan - Internationally known jazz drummer, composer, and producer from the Ivory Coast. Influenced by the unique tribal languages of his native country, he blends jazz and African beats to form World Music. He has performed professionally since 1995, and in 2007 was awarded the prestigious Berklee African Scholarship. In conjunction with this, he participated in several other project realizations of albums and festivals with artists from his country, the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of Africa. Since moving to the USA, he has continued to browse the scenes, jazz clubs, festivals, and musicians.
Allen Cook - Jazz singer and keyboardist based in Atlanta, Cook is described as having a ‘high originality index,” with his stylistic approach reminiscent of musical greats Al Jarreau, Sting, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers. In addition to regularly performing, Allen Cook writes and records his own music. He was called upon to arrange, compose additional music for, and serve as musical director for the theater production of ‘Winterglow’, performed at the Morton Theater in Athens, Ga., in coordination with The Classic Center. One of his most recent projects was composer and music director for the stage production of ‘Linnentown the Musical’ which made its first appearance April 2024 there. Cook also performs as lead singer in The Weekend Getaway Bandand in the 3rd Stream Big Band, including both ‘Ray Charles’ and ‘Stevie Wonder’ tributes at the Red Clay Music Foundry.
Show admission is $25, with tickets available at granfalloonchattanooga.com or at the door. The Granfalloon will offer a full bar and a special tapas menu.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and consist of two sets with a brief intermission.
Visit http://www.granfalloonchattanooga.com/calendar-of-events to purchase tickets and select menu options. Call 661-3185 for more information.