Capital Jazz Fest
Capital Jazz Fest
Featured Artists
- Average White Band Average White Band
Average White Band is widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental #1 mega-hit “Pick Up the Pieces,” the band's strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished songwriting, stretching across several gold selling albums and multiple Grammy nominations. The current line-up of the band continues to record and tour around the world to ongoing critical and audience acclaim. Their new release Soul & The City captures the excitement of a 2006 live performance at B.B. King’s. - Chris Botti Chris Botti
Evolving from the pop-jazz roots that brought him to stardom in the 90s, Chris Botti has taken his straightforward, subtle and melodic, Miles Davis influenced style to the top of the traditional charts and into the hearts of millions worldwide. The trumpet great has earned both critical acclaim and mainstream appreciation for two standards-driven releases that reached #1 on the Billboard jazz chart, When I Fall In Love (2004) and To Love Again (2005). His latest #1 release Italia received a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album and spawned the contemporary jazz hit “Venice.” - Jonathan Butler Jonathan Butler
A popular force on the contemporary jazz circuit for over two decades, two-time Grammy nominee Jonathan Butler revisits his humble roots on 2007’s Live in South Africa, an exciting CD/DVD set that marks the emotional return of a native son to the once-oppressed land where he started life in a three bedroom shack in Capetown with his extended family. Butler’s international breakthrough came in 1987 with his Grammy nominated hit “Lies,” and his recordings Do You Love Me? (1997) and Story Of Life (1999) made him a pop-jazz superstar. 2008 marks Butler’s record setting sixth consecutive appearance at the Capital Jazz Fest. - Randy Crawford &
Joe Sample Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
Feeling Good, the highly acclaimed 2006 dual album by R&B/jazz vocal great Randy Crawford and legendary jazz pianist Joe Sample, marked a highly anticipated reunion some 27 years in the making. Crawford was three recordings into her 25-year association with Warner Bros. when she paired with Sample’s famed jazz group The Crusaders to score the massive 1979 vocal hit “Street Life.” Feeling Good, which marked Crawford’s return to recording after five years on the sidelines, was a crossover sensation as well, reaching #3 on Billboard’s Jazz Albums chart and hitting the Top 100 of the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. - Brian Culbertson & The Funk Experience Brian Culbertson & The Funk Experience
In its review of It’s On Tonight, Brian Culbertson’s 2005 GRP Records debut, Jazziz Magazine proclaimed that the keyboardist had officially become “the Barry White of contemporary urban jazz.” The Decatur, Illinois native is truly a master when it comes to balancing a vibe of cool seduction with one of the most energetic and entertaining live shows in the genre. His latest album, Bringing Back The Funk, is an in your face, old school styled groovefest executive produced by Maurice White and featuring Bootsy Collins, the James Brown Horns (including Maceo Parker), Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Ronnie Laws and Gerald Albright. - Down to the Bone featuring Shilts Down to the Bone featuring Shilts
Hailed as kings of UK jazz groove, Down To The Bone’s groove has become harder, funkier and juicier over the years since the release of their debut album From Manhattan To Staten in 1997. As founder and producer of the ever-evolving ensemble, Stuart Wade states that “it’s all about the groove — that is what gets people dancing, their toes tapping and their heads nodding.” A true sensation on both sides of the Pond, DTTB has taken their vibe to the next creative level since signing with Narada Jazz to release Cellar Funk in 2004. Their most recent discs are Spread Love Like Wildfire (2005) and Supercharged (2007). - Roberta Flack Roberta Flack
Classy, urbane, reserved, smooth, and sophisticated—all of these terms have been used to describe the music of Roberta Flack, particularly her string of romantic, light jazz ballad hits in the 1970s, which have become staples of adult contemporary radio over the past three decades-plus. Her string of 70s and 80s hits included “Where Is The Love?” (one of her many duets with the late Donny Hathaway), “Feel Like Making Love” and the Grammy-winning “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” - Ken Ford Ken Ford
Though grounded in classical music, Atlanta based electric violinist Ken Ford began branching out to pursue his first love, contemporary jazz, earning a large local following with his soulful and funky sound and sensual, dynamic stage presence. In addition to sharing the stage with Roy Ayers, Caron Wheeler, Rachelle Farrell, Jean Carne, Regina Carter and Jonathan Butler, Ford has released two successful independent CDs, Burnt Toast (2001) and Chevelle Lane (2003) and a live DVD. - Four80East Four80East
Back in the late 90s, inspired by the acid jazz/groove movement that was flourishing in the U.K., veteran Toronto-based remix producers Tony Grace (percussion) and Rob DeBoer (keyboards, bass, guitar) — collectively known as Boomtang — launched their Four80East concept as a cool, creative side project geared towards a loose, improvisational dance vibe. Their recordings include The Album (1998), Nocturnal (2001), Round 3 (2002) and En Route, their 2007 Native Language debut titled after its constant flow of groove and momentum. - Howard Hewett Howard Hewett
Among the great pure vocalists of the contemporary urban era, Howard Hewett has been called “one of the finest singers working today” by famed artist and producer Babyface and “the premier voice in the post-Marvin Gaye era of romantic pop” by Rolling Stone. Hewett began recording in Los Angeles as a founding member of the group Shalamar before launching a solo R&B/gospel career in the 80s and 90s. He’s also been a featured vocalist on recordings by jazz greats Joe Sample, George Duke and Brian Culbertson.
- Boney James Boney James
In a marketplace where most artists struggle to sell anywhere near 100,000 with each release, saxophonist Boney James has, since his debut album Trust in 1992, scored four certified gold albums (500,000 units) and received Best Pop Instrumental Album Grammy nominations for Ride (2001) and Pure (2004), in addition to two great honors that are generally reserved for African American artists: a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination. His latest releases are the #1 Contemporary Jazz album Shine (2006) and the holiday themed Christmas Present (2007) - Jazzy Soul Collective Jazzy Soul Collective Capital Jazz Fest is pleased to present a unique and dynamic concept in live urban jazz performance with the appearance of Jazzy Soul Collective, a cool and funky gathering featuring progressive, groove-oriented saxophonist Jimmy Sommers and three longtime behind the scenes musical forces: hit songwriter Gordon Chambers, famed backing vocalist Lynne Fiddmont and songwriter/producer Vikter Duplaix — all of whom have emerged with solo vocal recordings in recent years.
- Billy Kilson & BK Groove Billy Kilson & BK Groove
Many would argue that you've not seen a drum performance until you've seen Billy Kilson perform live. The Grammy-winning musician, known for his dynamic performance style, was once described by Chris Botti as the world's greatest drummer. Billy has performed with everyone from Donald Byrd, Dianne Reeves, Dave Holland, and Ahmad Jamal to Najee, Bob James, Freddie Jackson, and George Duke. He will perform in Chris Botti's band on the Pavilion Stage on Saturday, June 7. He will return to perform with his own jazz-funk-fusion band BK Groove on the Symphony Woods Stage on Sunday, June 8. - Ledisi Ledisi
Grammy nominated in 2008 for Best New Artist and Best R&B Album for her Verve Forecast recording Lost & Found, Ledisi received her first major break after appearing GRP’s Grammy® nominated Forever For Always For Luther in 2005. An accomplished stage actress who was also instrumental in the co-writing and production of the music for the musical The Color Purple, Ledisi was one of the most popular performers at the 2005 Capital Jazz Fest and later performed on the Capital Jazz Fest Odyssey Cruise and the Capital Jazz Supercruise in October 2007. - Loose Ends Loose Ends
A successful English R&B band that scored a handful of urban contemporary hits in the 80’s — most prominently, “Hangin’ On A String (Contemplating)” and “Slow Down” — Loose Ends was formed in London in 1980 by vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, vocalist Jane Eugene and keyboardist Steve Nichol. After their initial mid decade successes, “Let Me Be The One,” a track they wrote and produced for Five Star, became a #2 U.K. hit. Loose Ends’ final hit before splitting for the first time in 1990 was 1988’s “Watching You.” Since 2005, Loose Ends have joined forces intermittently to perform in the U.S. and UK; their current lineup does not feature founding member McIntosh. - Maysa Maysa
A graduate of Morgan State University with a degree in classical performance, Baltimore native Maysa launched her career with Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove and relocated to London in the early 90s to record and tour with the British soul collective Incognito. While appearing on seven of that group’s recordings (including their latest release Bees + Flowers + Things), the singer has also become a popular urban jazz solo artist; her latest releases are Sweet Classic Soul (2006) and Feel The Fire (2007). Over the years, Maysa has also collaborated with Rick Braun, Rachel Z, Rhythm Logic, and Pieces of a Dream. - Frank McComb Frank McComb
Often compared to Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, soul singer and keyboardist Frank McComb has, since launching his professional career in the early 90s with Gerald Levert protégés The Rude Boys, collaborated with many renowned recording artists including Prince, Chaka Khan, Billy Preston, Ledisi and Teddy Pendergrass. Since working in the 90s with Branford Marsalis’ Buckshot LeFonque, McComb has enjoyed success as an independent artist with his projects The Truth (2003), Straight from the Vault (2005) and Tribute to the Masters (2006) on his own Boobeescoot Music. - Brian McKnight Brian McKnight
Embracing an effortless eloquence and smooth, sensual persona, sixteen time Grammy Award nominee and Soul Train Award winning R&B superstar Brian McKnight has defined American soul for an entire generation. A versatile songwriter, producer and arranger who plays an eye-popping total of nine instruments, McKnight’s latest discs on Warner Bros. are Ten (2006) and the brand new Life Has Changed. He currently hosts The Brian McKnight Morning Show with Pat Prescott on KTWV The Wave in Los Angeles, CA. - Jeffrey Osborne Jeffrey Osborne
Anyone who’s listened to pop and R&B radio over the past 30 years can probably sing Jeffrey Osborne’s legendary hits by heart, from “Love Ballad” and “Back In Love Again”—his early hits with his original band L.T.D.—to classic 80s hits like “On The Wings of Love,” “Stay With Me Tonight,” “We’re Going All The Way,” “Only Human” and “Love Power,” his popular duet with Dionne Warwick. Over the course of his incredible 35-year career, the deep-voiced Providence, Rhode Island native has earned five gold and platinum albums, including his self-titled debut, Stay With Me Tonight and Only Human. - Plunky Plunky
Known to his thousands of fans simply as “Plunky,” J. Plunky Branch is a versatile, prolific and eternally youthful saxophonist, composer and performer. Since the early 70’s, when Plunky launched his avant-garde meets jazz ensemble, Juju (think Coltrane meets King Sunny Ade), he has been making audiences groove and smile everywhere from his hometown of Richmond, Virginia to Europe and Africa. Commanding the stage with intensity and charisma, he has opened for legends like Ray Charles, Patti Labelle, Earth, Wind & Fire, LL Cool J, The Yellowjackets and B.B. King. - Dianne Reeves Dianne Reeves
As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Dianne Reeves became the first artist ever to receive the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings. Reeves, the first vocalist signed to the reactivated Blue Note label in 1987, earned a fourth Grammy in the same category for the soundtrack to George Clooney’s Good Night, And Good Luck; Reeves also appeared in the Oscar-nominated film. Later in 2008, she is planning to release her first album featuring new compositions in six years. - R&R featuring
Rick Braun &
Richard Elliot R&R featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliot
In 2005 and 2007, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, two of the most popular and enduring icons of contemporary jazz, took the stage at the Capital Jazz Fest as part of the all-star group Jazz Attack with their fellow genre icons Peter White and Jonathan Butler. The trumpet master and tenor sax great are back this year celebrating the music of RnR, their first dual release which hit #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart immediately upon its release in late summer 2007. For both musicians, the overriding concept of RnR was to reach back beyond the contemporary jazz era and draw on their individual roots with powerhouse horn sections. - Eric Roberson Eric Roberson
Known throughout the R&B world simply as Erro, Rahway, New Jersey native Eric Roberson released his first single “The Moon” on Warner Bros. in 1994 and went on to collaborate with Philly based artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and most extensively, DJ Jazzy Jeff. He continues working as a songwriter for other artists in addition to releasing his own projects through his Blue Erro Soul imprint. His most recent recordings are Erro Live Vol. DC (2006) and &helip;Left (2007). - Spyro Gyra Spyro Gyra
Since their earliest recordings and gigs in the mid-1970s, the multi-faceted ten time Grammy nominated contemporary pop/jazz fusion ensemble Spyro Gyra has always been about looking ahead and not backward. Good To Go-Go, the title of their fourth release on Heads Up Records, suggested a relentless forward movement and an infectious enthusiasm that was rewarded with two 2008 nominations. The Calypso influenced title track from their second album Morning Dance (1979) became the band’s breakout signature hit, a Top 40 pop single that remains a staple of the contemporary jazz format to this day. - Carl Thomas Carl Thomas
Originally a member of the ensemble The Formula on Epic Records, Carl Thomas emerged as a popular solo artist in the urban world when he signed to Sean Combs’ Bad Boy Entertainment label and released his platinum selling Emotional (2000) and certified gold Let’s Talk About It (2004). Thomas earned a 2007 Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group along with Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams and the late Gerald Levert for “Everyday (Family Reunion).” - Wayman Tisdale Wayman Tisdale
Even before retiring from the NBA after the 1997 season, bassist Wayman Tisdale was making a transition towards his musical goals, releasing a string of albums featuring titles inspired by his ongoing passion for basketball: Power Forward (1995) and In The Zone (1996), which were followed later by Hang Time (2004) and Way Up! (2006). He keeps that tradition thriving with his new Rendezvous Entertainment release Rebound, which features a remake of Barry White’s “Never Never Gonna Give You Up” with Toby Keith. - Kim Waters Kim Waters
For close to two decades, saxophonist, composer and producer Kim Waters has been one of the premier architects of Urban Jazz. With 13 albums to his credit and 10 #1 radio hits since his 1998 Shanachie debut Love’s Melody, he has sold close to half a million records, making him one of the most successful jazz artists of our time. Waters currently appears on the new Shanachie release The Sax Pack, a project he recorded with Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa that marks the first studio date by one of the most popular all-star contemporary jazz touring groups of the 2000s.
Festival Sponsors
Artist Booking
Booking Info for Performing Artists
Please note that there is no application process for performing artists at the Capital Jazz Fest. Participation in the festival is by invitation only. With rare exceptions, the festival books only established nationally-known artists represented by national booking agencies.
We do not encourage the submission of unsolicited CDs, DVDs, or media kits. Such materials will be discarded. No phone calls or e-mails please. We appreciate your understanding.
Jazz Competition
If you are a contemporary jazz artist or band who does not have a current or previous recording deal with a major recording label, we invite and encourage you to enter our 5th annual Capital Jazz Challenge competition.
For more information, please click here.