Musically speaking, Joe Sample stands as one of the most consistent and significant artists in jazz today. During his 45 years, first as a Jazz Crusader and then as a solo musician, Joe’s contributions to jazz are widely known and he has become a cultural icon amongst his fans and peers alike. His world-class prominence as one of the genre’s most prolific pianists has not tarnished him in any way and he is down to earth and personable by most standards. On any given day when he

When one speaks of saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr., considered by many to be one of the finest contemporary jazz saxophonists of his time, the word "legend' has to come to mind. His impact on the jazz world has been long-lasting and has influenced any number of today's up and coming musicians. For more than 30 years, Grover's influence not only stretched the boundaries of contemporary, soul and smooth jazz styles, it also pu

Every city in the United States has a number of favorite jazz musicians. In the case of Houston, Texas, the crowd pleasers have always been Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and Peter White. Collectively, their performances have always been a cornucopia of musical delight and showmanship. At various times, these guys have performed individually or as members of the 'Guitars & Saxes Tour' to the delight of thousands of Houston jazz enthusiasts. Recently, a tour of a differen

One of the greatest bandleaders of his time was William "Count" Basie. From 1935 until his death on April 26, 1984, Count Basie was considered by many to be one of the most influential individuals in the realm of big band, swing and blues music. He and his hand-picked band members became jazz icons and made hundreds of some of the most memorable recordings in jazz. When Basie died, some critics and fans theorized that his was the end of an era; however, under the direction of such notable

Whenever the Pat Metheny Group comes to Houston, jazz beginners and connoisseurs alike hit the ground running to secure tickets for what many have call a superlatively moving jazz experience. Every now and again, Pat Metheny and his band come to the city to highlight their latest odyssey into the unknown parameters of sight and sound. If anyone has ever experienced a Pat Metheny concert, it is a well-known fact that the light show is superb and the musical augmentation celestial. A