Grammy-nominated songwriter/pianist John R Burr and renowned singer songwriter Jenna Mammina will be joined by John Shifflett on bass, Jason Lewis on drums and Scott Sorkin on guitar to present a tribute to the music of beloved singer-songwriter James Taylor.
This special concert celebrates the enduring and vast musical legacy of James Taylor, as well as the music of other artists who have been a part of his career. Featuring Jenna and John R’s new arrangements of many of Taylor’s classics, the concert will include reworked songs by longtime Taylor associates Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Don Grolnick, and even the Beatles, on whose Apple records label JT’s first album appeared. While staying true to the essence of James Taylor’s wonderful writing, the new arrangements provide plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity....
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Grammy-nominated songwriter/pianist John R Burr and renowned singer songwriter Jenna Mammina will be joined by John Shifflett on bass, Jason Lewis on drums and Scott Sorkin on guitar to present a tribute to the music of beloved singer-songwriter James Taylor.
This special concert celebrates the enduring and vast musical legacy of James Taylor, as well as the music of other artists who have been a part of his career. Featuring Jenna and John R’s new arrangements of many of Taylor’s classics, the concert will include reworked songs by longtime Taylor associates Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Don Grolnick, and even the Beatles, on whose Apple records label JT’s first album appeared. While staying true to the essence of James Taylor’s wonderful writing, the new arrangements provide plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity.
“Exquisite!” says author/radio host Ben Fong-Torres, former senior editor of Rolling Stone Magazine and perennial king of what’s hot and what’s not. He’s talking about pop/ jazz vocalist/songwriter Jenna Mammina and he is not alone. Recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, she has shared the cover alongside Diana Krall and Norah Jones. Ms. Mammina has been awarded Jazz Performer of the Year for the SF Weekly, a nomination for Best Jazz Album for her Meant to Be cd, by the California Music Awards, and the Goldy Award for her tireless work with children through her Scat for Cats program. Jenna’s first album, Under the Influence, earned a four-star review in Japan’s most prestigious jazz magazine, Swing Journal.! Jenna has performed with a vast array of legendary talent, such as Bobby McFerrin, June Millington, Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, Phish, David Sanborn, Ray Obiedo, Wil Ackerman, Liz Story, Tuck Andress, and Rosemary Clooney. Jenna has graced the stages of esteemed venues like Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, Town Hall in New York, The Green Mill in Chicago, and festivals such as Jazz Aspen, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, Monterey San Francisco, Big Sur and Mount Hood.
The Philadelphia Weekly said, “Pianist extraordinaire John R. Burr has the most sparkling style since former Allman Brother- turned-Rolling Stone hired hand Chuck Leavell” “Burr is not nearly as funny as he thinks he is…”- Anonymous Facebook Posting
Burr was first drawn to the piano at the age of 10 when he heard Vince Guaraldi’s playing on the Peanut’s animated TV specials. He started out as a child prodigy drummer; he was the only child out of 5 siblings not forced to study the piano. It wasn’t until he was in high school that his focus turned to the keyboard. He then discovered that there were too many drummers to compete with and the piano became his instrument of choice.
John R Burr has performed with Robben Ford, Sherie Friedlander, Suzanna Smith, Jackie Ryan, Maria Muldaur, The Alison Brown Quartet, Paul McCandless, Michael Manring and Kathy Kallick, among many others.
Jazz in the Neighborhood is pleased to announce that the musicians at this event will be paid in part through the Guaranteed Fair Wages Fund, a pilot program being undertaken by Mario Guarneri to ensure that performers receive guaranteed compensation regardless of ticket sales (and with no tip jar!)
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