The Velvet Note

Joe Farnsworth Presents...Pianist Eric Reed
2020-02-28 19:30 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
When you think of hard-driving swing, daring expression, sophistication and elegance in artistry, formidable technique and a thunderous sound, there are only a small handful of pianists you think of and one of them is most assuredly ERIC SCOTT REED.

Eric was born in the musically rich city of Philadelphia, PA. He grew up playing in his father’s storefront Baptist church: “My father was a minister who sang with a Gospel group called the Bay State Singers; he was my earliest musical influence. I was also hit heavily by everything I heard on the radio – James Cleveland, Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Andraé Crouch, Donny Hathaway, Earth, Wind & Fire.” Soon after, young Reed was bitten by the Jazz bug after hearing recordings by Art Blakey, Ramsey Lewis and Dave Brubeck.

A child prodigy born with a God-given gift, Eric started playing piano at the age of two and began private studies by the age of seven at Settlement Music School. However, he remained primarily self-taught, often confounding his instructors not by learning the written music, but listening to them play it first and memorizing musical pieces note-for- note: “I wasn’t interested in practicing Bach; I was too busy digging Horace Silver!”

By age eleven, his family moved to Los Angeles and he continued his formal instruction at the Colburn School (formerly the Community School of Performing Arts) where his theory teacher, finally realizing that Eric was destined for swinging, turned him onto more recordings of great Jazz pianists. Soon, the word was spreading about “this kid who is playing up a storm,” and as a teenager he was already working with West Coast luminaries such as Buddy Collette, Teddy Edwards, Clora Bryant, Jeff & John Clayton. During his first year of matriculation at California State University at Northridge, he received a call from controversial trumpeter Wynton Marsalis to do a tour of the Midwest. Leaving college life behind, Eric began touring the world both as a leader and sideman, making serious waves in the music industry. He garnered great notice as a permanent member of Wynton Marsalis’ ensembles (1990-95), making countless recordings and TV appearances with him. He also worked in the bands of Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson (1991-92) after which his résumé would flourish with names such as Wayne Shorter, Jessye Norman, Patti Labelle, Edwin Hawkins, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole and numerous others. Eric has recorded over twenty chart-topping, critically-acclaimed, award-winning projects, supported by global performances to appreciative audiences. Such accomplishments and hard work have not gone unnoticed by legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal, who has called Eric “one of my very favorite pianists.”

Beyond playing the piano, Reed expanded his scope to Hollywood, composing and arranging music for the Eddie Murphy comedy, Life, various other independent projects for Fantastic Four director and high-school chum Tim Story, plus commercials and TV spots. Annually, he serves as musical conductor for choreographer Alvin Ailey’s classic Revelations with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, under the direction of Judith Jamison. An ardent educator, Eric served on the faculty of the prestigious Juilliard School of Music. He continues to perform worldwide master classes that cover the full spectrum of Jazz history and discography.

ABOUT JOE FARNSWORTH

Joe Farnsworth is the host of The Velvet Note’s series of “must see now” jazz artists that bears his name. One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical, and melodic playing.

Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.

He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994 where he began playing with saxophonist, Eric Alexander and guitarist, Peter Bernstein.

Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins and his brothers, John and James.

Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.

He is currently a member of the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, Harold Mabern Trio, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.

Legends of Jazz...The Music of Wayne Shorter's Speak No Evil
2020-02-23 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
*** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***

As with the entire Legends of Jazz series, The Justin Varnes Quartet will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of this great American saxophonist, composer and member of Art Blakey’s Messengers, as well as the influence of his great album work Speak No Evil. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time, and…, oh… they’ll also play their behinds off!

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX Saturday, Feb 22@ 9:30pm
2020-02-22 21:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Guitarist, composer, and arranger Chieli Minucci is longtime leader of the Grammy nominated jazz fusion group SPECIAL EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, a major force on the jazz and world music scene for over 35 years. Chieli has just recently released his 35th anniversary CD All Stars ” (Trippin N Rhythm Records). Chieli & Special EFX’s previous release saw title track, “Deep as the Night”, won Billboard Magazine’s 2018 top honors, best song of the year.

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Saturday, Feb 22nd @ 7:30pm
2020-02-22 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Friday, Feb 21st @ 9:30pm
2020-02-21 21:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Friday, Feb 21st @ 7:30pm
2020-02-21 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Open Mic Jam Hosted by Guitarist/Singer Bob Bakert
2020-02-20 20:00 - 23:59, 2020-02-13 20:00 - 23:59, 2020-02-06 20:00 - 23:59 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
The Velvet Note House Band with a potpourri of musicians joining in throughout the night. Doors open at 6:30pm and Music starts at 8pm and goes until midnight. All tickets are will-call.

BR Jazz
2020-02-16 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
BRJazz is a band based out of Atlanta, Georgia and formed by a group of musicians with different nationalities.

BR Jazz provides a taste of brazilian jazz & funk. The music allows us to connect and communicate with each other regardless of where we come from or what language we speak, but our music is much more than this. Music allows us to feel, to dream, to wonder, and to believe. It is an escape from the worries of everyday life. The Band features vocalist/guitarist Sander Pinheiro, drummer Emrah Kotan, bassman Chocolat Costa, and on the keys special guest Chris Moten. While Brazilian jazz and funk is our specialty, we play many styles of music most of which have been influenced by bossa nova, samba, blues, pop, soul, and reggae.

It is our dream to share our music with the whole world. We look forward to meeting you with our music!

Krantz, Carlock and Lefebvre
2020-02-15 19:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
KCL, the iconic, genre-bending powerhouse trio led by visionary guitaristWayne Krantzand featuring drummerKeith Carlock(Steely Dan, Sting, John Mayer) and bassistTim Lefebvre(Tedeschi Trucks Band,David Bowie), held a Thursday-night residency at NYC’s 55 Bar throughout the first decade of the new millenium. Cutting live recordings from the club and posting them online in the early days of the internet and touring only sporadically, KCL developed a thoroughly original style of interactive group improvisation inspired in part by the great Miles Davis Quintet of the 60s, but played out in spontaneously generated contexts of heavy funk, rock and electronica instead of straight-ahead swing.

As other instrumental bands of the day dabbled in derivative fusion and retro-jazz, KCL became an underground phenomenon, cultivating an international following of devoted fans of every stripe looking for an alternative creative music that served the mind, body and spirit. Relentlessly grooving, always innovative, never complacent -KCL made contemporary music that resonated beyond category.Other sideman obligations sidelined the band soon after their Abstract Logix release, “Krantz Carlock Lefebvre,” in 2010, but their reputation continued to expand globally through fan circulation of the band’s many live videos and recordings. Now, in 2020, KCL re-ignites to tour with incendiary shows throughout the USA, Europe and Asia.

Showtimes: 7:30pm and 9:30pm

Roman Street on Valentine's Day @ 9:30pm- ** SOLD OUT!**
2020-02-14 21:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
It’s the most important Date Night of The Year, and The Velvet Note does it right! Make it special by bringing your sweetheart out for an evening of magical musical entertainment, delicious dining and fun!

Yellowjackets on Valentine's Day at The Legacy Theater
2020-02-14 21:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note at Legacy Theater, 12150 Morris Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Seventeen-time Grammy-nominated jazz fusion band, the Yellowjackets, return to Georgia. After decades-long hiatus, they return to kick-off their 2020 season on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2020, from 6:00 to 10:30 pm at The Legacy Theater, located at 12150 Morris Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Tickets at https://yellowjacketsvalentines.eventbrite.com

Come and enjoy an elegant evening of mingling, tasting, cocktails and music in this 350 seat venue. Starting at 6:00pm, dine in the lobby on savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres while purchasing your favorite beverage via the cash bar prior to enjoying an up-close and personal romantic experience with four legendary musicians ~ Russell Ferrante: Keyboard; Bob Mintzer: Saxophone; Will Kennedy: Drums; Dane Alderson: Bass.

The Yellowjackets are a jazz fusion and R&B band that helped define the sound of smooth jazz along with groups like Spyro Gyra, The Rippingtons, and Special EFX. The Yellowjackets consistently forge ahead in their evolving artistic statements, recording close to 30 albums and having been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards. They have adventurously amplified the eclectic, electro-acoustic soundscape, creating a unique jazz sound since its fusion beginnings.

Roman Street on Valentine's Day @ 7:30pm *SOLD OUT!*
2020-02-14 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Smooth Jazz SuperStar Ronnie Laws
2020-02-09 19:00 - 20:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Sunday, February 9th

7:00 pm and 9:00 pm

7pm show is SOLD OUT!! 9pm show is selling fast, get your seats now.

Ronnie Laws is an award-winning tenor saxophonist and composer whose career has, since the early 1970s, straddled the worlds of jazz and R&B. Since 1975 he has placed seven albums in the Top 200 — including his 1975 Blue Note debut Pressure Sensitive — as well as tracks and albums in no less than six other categories. He has worked as an in-demand session man and live musician with a who’s-who of jazz and R&B greats including Ramsey Lewis, Gregory Porter, B.B. King, George Duke, Quincy Jones, Stanley Jordan, and dozens more. Laws, the younger brother of flutist Hubert Laws, is the product of a musical family. In 1972, he joined Earth, Wind & Fire for 18 months and was, in effect, its first saxophonist, playing both tenor and soprano.

Elise Azkoul 2/8 @ 9:30 pm
2020-02-08 21:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Singer and songwriter Elise Azkoul has had quite a momentous year! From landing a coveted spot on Team Gwen Stefani on NBC’s hit show “The Voice,” to singing a duet with Shaquille O’Neal on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” to rounding out the year by releasing her soulful pop anthem, “Sweet Soul.” As a lover of jazz, Elise blends her favorite styles to create a unique sound, which can be best described as “soulful and jazzy pop.” Come listen as the velvety notes echo through Atlanta’s landmark venue, The Velvet Note. You will be among the first to hear Elise’s new music off her upcoming debut record, as well as some favorites by Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and more. It will be a magical evening to remember!

Elise Azkoul 2/8 @ 7:30pm
2020-02-08 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

The Laura Coyle and Trey Wright Duo 2/7 @ 7:30pm
2020-02-07 19:30 - 21:00
In their Velvet Note debut, the Laura Coyle and Trey Wright duo will be performing their unique interpretations on classic jazz standards by Cole Porter, Gershwin and more, along with Brazilian jazz favorites by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Jorge Ben. They create a unique and eclectic evening of music by including songs by favorites like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, and their own originals including “Me and Einstein,” an All About Jazz Top 50 Track of 2019 from Trey’s Blue Canoe records release Begin Again. With Laura’s crystal-clear, dynamic vocals and Trey’s sensitive, virtuosic guitar, the duo creates a magical, intimate evening of music for jazz fans and all music lovers.

The Longineu Parsons Ensemble feat. Nat Adderley, Jr. 2/1 @ 9:30pm
2020-02-01 21:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Comprised of Longineu Parsons on trumpet, Nat Adderley, Jr., on piano, Jose Serrano on bass, and Longineu Parsons, III, on drums, this band is a one-night course in music appreciation. Parsons is the protégé of Nat Adderley (he plays Nat’s cornet), and has played with artists ranging from Philly Joe Jones and Nancy Wilson to Sun Ra. Nat Adderley, Jr., had his first professional songwriting cut at age 11 when (his uncle) Cannonball Adderley included “I’m On My Way” on his 1967 album Why Am I Treated So Bad! He went on to lead the band of R&B legend Luther Vandross for 25 years and was a writer, arranger, and pianist on some of Vandross’ biggest hits. Longineu Parsons, III (“LP3”), was a founding member of Yellowcard and has toured with Adam Lambert and New Years Day, and rising star Jose Serrano rounds out the lineup on bass.

The Longineu Parsons Ensemble feat. Nat Adderley, Jr. 2/1 @ 7:30pm ** SOLD OUT!! **
2020-02-01 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

The Longineu Parsons Ensemble, feat. Nat Adderley, Jr. 1/31 @ 9:30pm
2020-01-31 21:30 - 23:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

The Longineu Parsons Ensemble feat. Nat Adderley, Jr. 1/31 @ 7:30
2020-01-31 19:30 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Open Mic Jam Hosted by Percussionist Asha Asla w/ Bill Hart
2020-01-30 20:00 - 23:59
Come out and join us on Thursday nights in the comfort of The Velvet Note Living Room. Meet the best, most passionate local area musicians, make essential connections and relax and enjoy the scene. THIS is the area fun-spot–the place to meet others who play and/or simply enjoy great music, and it’s the ONLY Thursday night jam on the north side of town. Only $8 and no reservations necessary. All styles and genres are welcomed, so scootch on in here as a performer or spectator–it’s all fun!

The Joe Policastro Trio @ 9:00pm
2020-01-26 21:00 - 23:00
Hailed by Downbeat for its “deft analysis of choice repertoire,” and by the Chicago Reader for its “diversity of approaches to all kinds of source material,” the JOE POLICASTRO TRIO is a Chicago-based alternative jazz trio led by bassist Joe Policastro featuring guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Mikel Avery. While firmly rooted in jazz, the band’s open-minded, inclusive nature draws upon a wide array of musical styles and sources while still keeping the aesthetic of an acoustic trio intact. Their newly-released fourth, Nothing Here Belongs, focuses on the band’s original music, whereas previous releases, West Side Story Suite (2013), POPS! (2016), and Screen Sounds (2017), highlighted the trio’s ability to remake unlikely songs in its own raw, highly idiosyncratic fashion.

The Joe Policastro Trio@ 7:00pm
2020-01-26 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States

Slim Gambill
2020-01-25 19:30 - 21:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Fresh off of features in ROLLING STONE, BILLBOARD, GUITAR PLAYER, PARADE, and JAZZ GUITAR TODAY, Lady Antebellum guitarist Slim Gambill is making his return to Alpharetta with his instrumental jazz/rock/jam band project!

Jason “Slim” Gambill Is a multi-genre guitarist, producer, composer, arranger and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist for the multi- platinum Capitol Nashville recording artist Lady Antebellum, who has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide, racked up 7 GRAMMYs and countless ACM, CMA and People’s Choice Awards, and had 9 #1 songs.

An alumnus of USC’s Thornton School Of Music, Slim also performed in the house band for NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly,” toured with Tyler Hilton, Josh Kelley, played sessions for some of the biggest names in music, and over the course of his career has found himself on stage with John Mayer, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Nicks, Maroon 5, Rob Thomas, Zedd, Jennifer Nettles (of Sugarland), Aloe Blacc, Kamasi Washington, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Jessy J, Jake Owen, Frankie Ballard, Canaan Smith, Devin Dawson, Ben Rector, Darius Rucker, Vanessa Carlton, Macy Gray, Peter Frampton, Kenny Chesney, and numerous others.

Slim Gambill’s debut contemporary instrumental album, “Fake Jazz & Theme Songs,” is a bold departure from his typical wheelhouse, and yet marks a long-overdue return to his roots as a jazz and blues musician. Spanning genres from Contemporary Jazz and Traditional Jazz to Classic Rock, R&B, and even Soundtrack Music, and featuring appearances from Jeff Coffin (Dave Matthews Band, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) and Kenneth Crouch (Christina Aguilera, Andrae Crouch, JLo) and Dontae Winslow (Justin Timberlake, Queen Latifah), the album has been well received not only for its shock value but for its musicality. Equally praised for its complex-yet-easily accessible arrangements, hooky melodies, and earth-shattering horn sections combined with tasteful, subtle guitar tones, “Fake Jazz & Theme Songs” is making waves not only in the jazz world, but in the Nashville music community that Slim calls home.

Joining Slim on stage for this one-night-only event are Ryan Madora (Robben Ford), Stephen Keith (Lindsay Ell) and of course on keys Latavius Mulzac!!

First show at 7 SOLD OUT! Purchase 9:30 seats below:

The Ambassadors
2020-01-24 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Don’t miss The Ambassadors (The Freshest New Jazz group in the Southeast) in concert at The Velvet Note on Friday January 24th, 2020. Alex Lattimore, Sweet Lu Olutosin and Tyrone Jackson (The Ambassadors) bring their uniquely crafted brand of Jazz to one of the nation’s Top rated Jazz venues for the first time. These talented Billboard charting, Grammy balloted musicians have appeared in all 50 states, Mexico, Japan, South America and Europe as ambassadors for Jazz music thus the moniker.

Open Mic Jam Hosted by Percussionist Ahsa Ahla w/ Bill Hart
2020-01-23 20:00 - 23:59

The Wallace Roney Quintet
2020-01-19 21:00 - 23:00
Wallace Roney (born May 25, 1960, Philadelphia) is an American jazz (hard bop and post-bop) trumpeter.

Roney took lessons from Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie and studied with Miles Davis from 1985 until the latter’s death in 1991. Wallace credits Davis as having helped to challenge and shape his creative approach to life as well as being his music instructor, mentor, and friend; he was the only trumpet player Davis personally mentored.

The Wallace Roney Quartet on 1/19 @ 7:00pm
2020-01-19 19:00 - 20:30 | The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005, United States
Wallace Roney (born May 25, 1960, Philadelphia) is an American jazz (hard bop and post-bop) trumpeter.

Roney took lessons from Clark Terry and Dizzy Gillespie and studied with Miles Davis from 1985 until the latter’s death in 1991. Wallace credits Davis as having helped to challenge and shape his creative approach to life as well as being his music instructor, mentor, and friend; he was the only trumpet player Davis personally mentored.
Buy now
