JOEY SOMMERVILLE

Trumpet | Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Trumpeteer Joey Sommerville has established a reputation as one of the most engaging and dynamic performers on the contemporary jazz scene. No matter the venue, he always seems to be able to connect with the audience, establish a relationship, and take them on a musical roller coaster ride, from Ellington ballads to P-Funk, to his own music which can best be described as a funky musical gumbo of jazz, r&b, gospel and world music influences. His musical essence lies in the Baptist church. “When I was a teenager, I would judge the caliber of my playing by the number of people in the congregation who ‘got happy’. If you aren’t touching the listener’s soul, then you aren’t really playing music. Soul communication is the key.”

Joey was the featured instrumental soloist on the Cirque de Soleil’s Grammy-nominated and Juno Award winning album, “Alegria”. His solo album, “Like You Mean It” garnered international airplay and led to numerous accolades and awards, including The American Society of Young Musician’s All That Jazz Award for 2009. In 2007, Joey started The Smooth Jazz After Dark Series. “We started at an upscale supper club called Sambuca Jazz Café in Atlanta bringing in special guests to perform with my band. 2010 we ended up doing the shows at a 2,000 seat outdoor amphitheater.” Joey’s “Guest List” has included musical luminaries Sheila E., Wayman Tisdale, Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Chuck Loeb, Jeff Golub, Chieli Minucci, Jackiem Joyner, Bob Baldwin und Eric Darius. Some of them also appear on his latest album. “The Get Down Club” (2011) is iconic, forward thinking contemporary jazz featuring funk, gospel and bop influences delivered with pop sensibilities.

www.joeysommerville.com

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