Harvelle's: esperanza spalding

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Monday, February 14, 2011

Esperanza Spalding : Grammy's Best New Artist

Best new artist Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding may have shocked the Bieber-heads, but at the Harvelle's blog, we've been a fan of Esperanza's ever since she dropped by in September of '09. Back then, she sat in with SoulFunk - bassist Ryan Cross' weekly jazz jam -playing Ryan's upright, accompanied by Gene Coye on drums and Brandon Coleman on keys.

I was in the right place at the right time to capture this performance.

Congratulations Esperanza!

Special shout-out to Ryan, Brandon, Gene, Kiki and Megan!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Brandon Coleman & Gene Coye

I really haven't given enough credit for last night's Soul Funk! performance to Brandon Coleman and Gene Coye. These two guys - these two gentlemen - kept it going all night long. Brandon and Gene both play many places around the world and play all the time, but there's nothing like seeing them in the anything-can-happen arena of Soul Funk! at Harvelle's (every Tuesday).

The Esperanza Spalding video below starts with an incredible solo by Brandon (pictured left in white) - one of many played throughout the night!! Also in the video - behind Esperanza - is Gene - seriously holding it down.

Esperanza Spalding : Let's Fall In Love

The incredible Esperanza Spalding brought her bad-self to Harvelle's and excited the place with her artisanal approach to performing. Unlike any other, Esperanza sings like a bird and plays bass like no one I've ever seen (Mingus, maybe?). She's busy and melodic and truly sounds like she's trying to get into your heart and soul. Everyone fell in love with Ms. Spalding! Check her out - you might fall in love too!

This video doesn't quite capture how electric she truly is, but you'll enjoy it anyway.

Tuesday Night's Soul Funk : Too Much!!!

Too much fun! Too many good cocktails, too many amazing musicians, too much!!!

That describes last night.

Soul Funk, Ryan Cross' Tuesday night residency always gets me out of the house, and puts me in a good mood. Brandon Coleman (keys) and Gene Coye (drums) set it off with Ryan on the bass, jamming deep grooves and tearing it up for the folk who got their early.

The evening unfolded as the stage became a blur of players, singers and musicians sharing their amazing talents with the very entertained crowd. The photos hardly do the night justice, as it's high auditory component was the key!! Esperanza Spalding, Nayana Holley, Kiki, Jacob Lutrell, Todd Washington, Crystal Star Knighton, Wildflower and Kamasi Washington (and many others!) provided an incredible night of music.

Thanks for bringing it Ryan!! And special thanks to Mika and Jessica - Harvelle's staff members - for making it a very cool Tuesday night.