Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
For the Love of Germantown
Nov 2, 2016
For the Love of Germantown
Philadelphia is home to strong musical traditions like Jazz, Gospel, DooWop, R&B, Rock and Hiphop. Our greatest strength has been the unexpected and wonderful blending and swirling of these traditions into new and fascinating musical creations. One place where this magic happens is Germantown. This community in the Northwestern region of Philadelphia was and continues to be a neighborhood rich in culture, history and diverstity. Many renowned Philadelphia musicians, writers, visual artists, media makers and dancers grew up, or made their homes in Germantown.
In the Spring of 2016, PJP began a collaboration with Germantown United Community Development Corporation [GUCDC] and a group of talented Germantown musicians. The task: To record and produce a compelling CD, as a fundraiser for GUCDC. The goal: To celebrate the historical cultural strength and diversity of the Germantown community.
We used three recording studios including Boom Room Studios, Spice House Sound and Germantown's Rittenhouse Soundworks. We reached out to more than a twenty musicians, vocalists and poets seeking participants for this project.
The culminating CD, entitled, "For the Love of Germantown" and released on October 30th 2016, is a compilation of nine great Jazz, Blues and Soul performances of new and classic songs.
Purchase The For the Love of Germantown CD Here:
The artists featured on the For the Love of Germantown CD include...
Jim Dragoni is Philadelphia-based educator and guitarist, whose clear, sharp and warm style and influences fit in that dynamic region occupied by McLaughlin, Zappa, Montgomery and Coryell. He has performed with Mose Allison, Larry Coryell, Odean Pope and Byard Lancaster.
For more info: dragoni.com
Bethlehem & Sad Patrick are powerful, genre-bending Philly duo who effortlessly take on Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Neo Soul, sometimes even in the same tune. Songs are life, liberty and the pursuit of joy, identity and spiritual enlightenment are heavy in their arsenal.
For more info: beSadMusic.com
Karen Smith is a Brooklyn-bred, percussionist, playwright, producer and bandleader based in Philadelphia. A relentless, spark plug, she engages audiences and inspires her bandmates with her fiery rhythms and high energy.
David Middleton, aka DM Hotep is an architect turned guitarist, who builds sonic beauty with whomever he performs. A member of the Sun Ra Arkestra under the leadership of Marshall Allen, he is comfortable in almost any musical setting: Straight Ahead Jazz, Blues, Funk, avant-garde Jazz.
Kunu Bi is a group led by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Papa Ed Stokes & master percussionist, Tom Lowery. Their musical is a bold and masterful gumbo of Jazz, Blues, Folk and West African musical forms, delivered with a thoughtful and loving hand.
Mélange Jazz Collective is a versatile and inventive Philadelphia ensemble who works in the World Beat, Blues, Funk and Jazz scenes. Together for 10 years this exquisite group of Philly music veterans quietly creates great music and excitement whenever and where ever they perform. Bassist Bert Harris is a founding member of the ensemble.
For more info: bertbassie.com
Tony Williams & Dave Posmontier are legendary figures on the Philadelphia Jazz scene. As mentors, performers and educators they share more than a hundred years of musical experience between them. When these masters take the stage, it shows.
For more info: daveposmontier.com / tonywilliamssaxman.com
Rob Henderson is a journeyman, Philadelphia Jazz drummer. His bombastic style combines influences from legendary stick men, such as: Art Blakey, Arthur Taylor, Kenny Clarke, and “Big” Sid Catlett. Henderson is a versatile drummer, who can play in many styles, but demands that when it swings, it must swing hard.
The late violinist and educator, John Blake left an amazing legacy. His collaboration with the phenomenal guitarist, Steve Giordano, "Sparks" from their CD entitled “Strings Attached” was recorded in 1999 and shares bright and magical moments.
For more info: stevegiordanoguitar.com / johnblakejr.com
The CD is available for purchase from GUCDC and retail shops in Germantown.
Purchase The For the Love of Germantown CD Here:
All proceeds from the sale of the CD go to GUCDC.
For more about the For the Love of Germantown CD, or GUCDC CLICK HERE!
Germantown United Community Development Corporation is a community based organization, whose mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Germantown is one of the most historic neighborhoods in the United States, and its rich history and vibrant arts and cultural community are assets that need to be shared and supported.
For the Love of Germantown was produced by Homer Jackson for the Philadelphia Jazz Project in collaboration with Germantown United Community Development Corporation.
Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Culture Trust | Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation.
