The Velvet Note

Sunday, July 7th: Saxophonist Dwan Bosman's Encore Celebration ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! WALK-UPS WELCOMED!!! *****
2024-07-07 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIME: 6:30pm. Dwan Bosman was born in Ft. Myers, Florida, and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dwan began what has become a career in music when he was in elementary school. His first instrument was the clarinet. Under the tutelage of his late grandfather Lloyd Smith, his father Dwight Bosman and his uncle Dwayne Bosman Dwan (The Bosman Twins) has been privileged to get the best hands on training in classical, and jazz improvisational techniques. He later focused his training entirely on the saxophone. Dwan has also trained under various instructors in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. As an accomplished saxophonist Dwan has performed with various national, and local Gospel, and Jazz artists. Blessed with natural musical talent Dwan is known as one of Atlanta’s most talented Jazz/Gospel Saxophonists.

Saturday, July 6th: Trumpeter Trent Patten
2024-07-06 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Born and raised in Minnesota, multi-instrumentalist Trent Patten was introduced to music at a young age. Both his parents being musicians, it was natural for him to have an interest in music. Trent started playing the trumpet when he was 10, but didn’t have an interest in jazz until he was 17 when he attended the Hilton Head Jazz Camp. It was here that he met some of his mentors and friends that really inspired him to make others feel inspired through music, as they did to him. Around this time, Trent moved to the Southeast area where he started becoming very active in the local music scene, going out to see music and meet musicians and playing gigs wherever he could.

During this time he played with countless jazz musicians such as Kevin Bales and Joe Gransden. He has also opened for very well known jazz musicians, such as Arturo Sandoval, Monty Alexander, the Count Basie Orchestra and Quentin Baxter. After a couple years of living here, he decided to study trumpet at Coastal Carolina University with Dr. Matthew White. After spending a year there, he had an opportunity to study in Atlanta at Georgia State University with Dr. Gordon Vernick. Trent now lives in Atlanta and has been playing all around the city reaching people with his music wherever he can.

Trent Patten: Trumpet

Patrick Arthur: Guitar

Ramon Pooser: Bass

Kinah Boto: Drums

Friday, July 5th: Climate Change Starring Master Percussionist Bradie Speller
2024-07-05 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Climate Change is the new sound in what was called Jazz but now in the 21st century is #SocialMusic. The group is comprised of top flight performing & recording artists who have track records with stars like Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, India.Aire, KEM, Billy Joel and many more. The band is released their first album “Beams of Light” comprised of 11 original compositions, loaded with powerfully funky rhythms, searing violin, guitar and saxophone solos and music dedicated to social interaction, and they are the brink of releasing their second album this year.

Thursday, July 4th: Closed for Independence Day
2024-07-04 08:00 - 17:00

Sunday, June 30th: Casen Alesi and Misha Stefanuk-- A Night of Vibraphone and Piano
2024-06-30 19:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:00pm Experience the electrifying synergy of Misha Stefanuk and Casen Alesi in an extraordinary jazz duo concert. With Misha’s five decades of piano mastery and Casen’s versatile prowess on the vibraphone, this duo promises a night of captivating music.

Misha, a GRAMMY-voting member, television composer, and best-selling author, brings his rich background from the Moscow Conservatory, Belmont College, and Boston University to the stage. His music, influenced by legends like Keith Jarrett, seamlessly fuses classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.

Casen, a multifaceted percussionist, has wowed audiences of all kinds whether it be in prestigious orchestras or his professional jazz groups, and has collaborated with the industry’s finest such as ELEW and Joseph Alessi just to name a few. His dynamic performances, from orchestral settings to jazz bands and musical theater, showcase his exceptional talent and versatility.

Don’t miss the chance to witness these two acclaimed musicians create magic live on stage. Secure your tickets now for a performance that will leave you spellbound!

Saturday, June 29th: Quintin Gerard W. ***SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-29 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. FROM THE BEGINNING: A native of Norco, Louisiana, Quintin Gerard W. attended Destrehan High School, where his formidable musical talent earned him a place in numerous concert and jazz honor bands in Louisiana and the New Orleans area. Awarded a music scholarship at Loyola University of New Orleans, he studied Jazz Music Performance and Education and had the opportunity to study from jazz master Ellis Marsalis. In 1989 Quintin Gerard W. moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career of becoming a Professional Saxophonist and Recording Artist. While in Los Angeles, CA Quintin Gerard W. had the opportunity to perform and record with notable and top selling artist in both Jazz and R&B. Charlie Wilson, Kenny Garrett, Jeff Lorber, Club Nouveau, Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Najee, & Rick James are just a few notable artists Quintin Gerard W. has either recorded or performed live with during his time in Los Angeles. Quintin Gerard W. also recorded T.V. Commercials such as Levi Strauss, Estee Lauder, Sears/Kenmore., the T.V. Movie “Here Comes The Munsters Halloween Special,” in which Quintin Gerard W. was the featured soloist, and the opening theme for B.E.T.’s Comic View! Quintin Gerard W. is also a member of the original award winning San Diego based Jazz Fusion Group Under The Lake, which has multiple CD releases to date as well!

In 2003 Quintin relocated back to his original roots in Louisiana to resume and complete his undergraduate collegiate studies. In 2007 Quintin Gerard W. graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration/Management. As a result of his effort and studies at SLU, Quintin was accepted into the Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization and The National Scholars Honor Society for his outstanding academic and personal achievements.

Quintin Gerard W. is a voting member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S.), more commonly known or referred to as “The Grammy’s.” Quintin Gerard W. is also a FAA licensed Private and Drone pilot who enjoys the freedom of flying to remote destinations that are inaccessible to commercial airline travel.

Friday, June 28th: Jayson Tipp
2024-06-28 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Keyboard player Jayson Tipp founded Under The Lake nearly 30 years ago. Over the past three decades Under The Lake has garnered many notable accomplishments across their 6 releases: Dive In (1993), Up For Air (1996), People Together (2007) and Jazz, Groove & Attitude (2018), Your Horizon Too (2020) and their latest Old Friends, New Grooves (2021). The band’s credits include live performances with a “who’s who” list of jazz artists such as Joe Sample, Billy Cobham, Keiko Matsui, Stanley Jordan, and others with appearances at venues such as the PDX Jazz Festival, Cathedral Park Jazz Festival, Maui Music Festival, Newport Beach Jazz Festival, KIFM Smooth Jazz Festival, the Coach House and the House of Blues. Now, 30 years after the first Under The Lake album was released, Tipp is launching his solo career with a new album entitled “Table For One”. For the first track from the forthcoming album Tipp reached out to accomplished saxophonist / producer Darren Rahn. Together Rahn and Tipp crafted “Groove Together” the first single launching Tipp’s new career as a solo artist.

Thursday, June 27th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-06-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY: 8:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Saturday, June 22nd: The Larry Wilson Quartet **** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-22 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM & 9:30PM. LARRY WILSON is a Cleveland, Ohio native but grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He began his love affair with music at the tender age of 3—playing the drums in church. He began his formal education in music at Landon Middle School for the Performing Arts, later Lavilla Middle School of the Arts. He attended high school at the prestigious Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and went on to attend the Florida State School of Music where he majored in Jazz Studies.

Larry has shared his gift of music abroad, visiting the countries of Spain, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, and more. He has also performed with many notable Jazz musicians and artists; some of which include Theo Crocker, Jamison Ross, Marcus Roberts, and many more. He has also appeared with remarkable artists in other genres such as Jennifer Holiday, Kirk Franklin, and Tye Tribbett.

Across his career, Larry has released over 40 albums, two of which have been considered for first-round GRAMMYs. Today, in addition to his work as a producer, headliner and jam-session leader, he is the Founder and leader of the 22-piece Black Gold Orchestra.

Friday, June 21st: Singer and Actress Toni Byrd
2024-06-21 19:30 - 23:00
SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Toni Byrd is a world class recording artist, songwriter and one of the most unforgettable and versatile vocal artists around. In addition to all of her credits, add actress to her impressive list. Currently based in Atlanta, the Native Memphian was cast in a primary role, playing the character “Ida Belle” in the movie, “Lawless,” an American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat with screenplay by Nick Cave and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pierce, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowksa, Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman. Byrd recorded background vocals for the TV series pilot, “Still The King”, starring Billy Ray Cyrus and in December of 2016, under the historical Obama Administration, performed at the White House Tour. Byrd is the first female vocalist to perform at the legendary Pinewood Atlanta Studios (known for James Bond, Marvel and Pirates of the Caribbean movies) in 2014 for the kickoff gala celebrating the New American location in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Byrd began her professional career in music in 1996 in Memphis, Tennessee. Her father, Lionel Byrd, who was a member of a 60’s musical group, The 4 Kings in Memphis Tennessee, did not restrict her to one genre of music. Byrd listened to gospel, jazz, R&B, pop, American Funk and Country Music. Byrd recalls hearing opera singer, Leontyne Price, singing in a commercial for the United Negro College Fund. “While growing up I never knew there were African American opera singers and found myself imitating the richness and clarity of this beautiful woman’s voice.” Byrd’s other influences include singers, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Roberta Flack, Ella Fitzgerald, Karen Carpenter, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Anita Baker, Maysa, Yolanda Adams, Andre Crouch and The Hawkins Family, to mention a few. “I am thankful to my father and to those amazing icons who helped influence my early musical development and helped me find my own voice.”

Thursday, June 20th: CLOSED FOR A PRIVATE EVENT
2024-06-20 17:00 - 22:00

Sunday, June 16th: Father's Day with The Incomparable Unknown Lyric
2024-06-16 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. The melodious hybridization of a world class philharmonic orchestra along with the thumping grooves of Outkast with the kinetic energy of Michael Jackson, Unknown Lyric is a force to be reckoned with. Jeremiah Turner on acoustic guitar and Kevin Grayson on violin, their sound mimics nothing you have heard before and can best be described as a classical fusion. Founded in 2009, Unknown Lyric has been progressive in the promotion of how music and live instrumentation can transcend and transport the listeners to another place. They won the acclaimed Amateur Night at the world renowned Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Along with playing the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival and Tedx. One of their biggest accomplishments was playing for media mogul Oprah Winfrey for the cast luncheon of her HBO movie The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Get ready for The incomparable Unknown Lyric.!

Saturday, June 15th: LAVAHI LIVE! *** SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-15 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
With Clarence Hill (piano/keys), Kelly McCarty (bass) and GRAMMY-Winner Robert Boone (drums).

SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm and 9:30pm. LAVAHI is a talented neo-soul and jazz-crossover vocalist who won the hearts of The Velvet Note audiences as the winner of the Open Mic Competition and her full-length performance. She has been actively developing her artistry via performing, songwriting, and recording since 2010. In the process, she has worked with an eclectic range of artists and produced noteworthy collaborative projects; and her original music videos have garnered positive attention. Her list of credits includes “Hold On,” the widely successful sing release from jazz vocalist Lori Williams and “Rest Assured,” a feature on Hospital Records’ drum and bass tribute compilation ‘Med School: Graduation.’ “Hold On” (featuring the legendary “Jamaica Funk” Tom Browne, topped the UK Soul Charts for weeks since its release, while “Rest Assured” made waves on the UK Electronic charts.

LAVAHI also produces, plays flute and piccolo, and arranges. She has added her unique sound to national and international projects in genres varying from rap to film scores to alternative. LAVAHI loves the studio and feels most natural when recording independently; but her second home is the collaborative live performance of the stage. She has been featured at venues such as The Atlanta Jazz Festival, Bethesda Blues and Jazz, Blues Alley, City Winery, Jazz in the Alley, Kat’s Café, Porter-Sanford III, St. James Live, The Velvet Note, and more, and she has even stepped into the world of musical theatre.

LAVAHI is building a platform to nourish the heart and mind, empathize our human experiences, and vibe together. As a daughter of jazz, the culture heavily informs her ideology and influences her sound. Acrobatic scatting, compelling chords, and the art of improvisation evoke that classic traditional aesthetic and set her contemporary sound apart from the norm of mainstream neo-soul, hip hop, and R&B. Whether through performance in music, in writing, or in academic spaces, LAVAHI allows her own vulnerability to cultivate the vibe and create a safe space, internally and externally, for those sharing the experience with her.

Friday, June 14th: Saxophonist Dwan Bosman's BIG 50th Birthday! *** SERIOUSLY SOLD OUT!! SERIOUSLY SOLD OUT!! ***
2024-06-14 19:30 - 23:00
ONE SHOW ONLY: 7:30. Dwan Bosman is one of our favorite musicians, and we are proud to help him celebrate 50 years in STYLE! Oh…and there shall be CAKE!

Dwan Bosman was born in Ft. Myers, Florida, and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and Atlanta, Georgia. Dwan began what has become a career in music when he was in elementary school. His first instrument was the clarinet. Under the tutelage of his late grandfather Lloyd Smith, his father Dwight Bosman and his uncle Dwayne Bosman Dwan (The Bosman Twins) has been privileged to get the best hands on training in classical, and jazz improvisational techniques. He later focused his training entirely on the saxophone. Dwan has also trained under various instructors in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. As an accomplished saxophonist Dwan has performed with various national, and local Gospel, and Jazz artists. Blessed with natural musical talent Dwan is known as one of Atlanta’s most talented Jazz/Gospel Saxophonists.

Thursday, June 13th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-06-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Friday and Saturday, June 7th & 8th: The Legendary Billy Harper
2024-06-07 19:30 - 2024-06-08 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
In his early recordings and performances with leaders such as Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Max Roach, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Randy Weston and Gil Evans, during the 60s and 70s, the now-legendary Billy Harper already had a massive sound on the tenor saxophone, combining John Coltrane’s spiraling intensity with a bluesy brawn that pointed back to his Texas origins. Now, half a century he has been performing his original music with the renowned Billy Harper Quintet all over the globe, and recording over a dozen albums as a leader and prolific composer.

Harper’s authority has only grown with age: a half-century on, he stands as one of the most commanding horn men on the planet, a pillar of stirring post-bop jazz whose robust back catalog seems long overdue for rediscovery.

Thursday, June 6th: Open Mic Jam
2024-06-06 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Sunday, June 2nd: The Lives and Music of Billy Eckstine and Jimmy Scott
2024-06-02 19:00 - 21:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW ONLY @ 7:00pm. Legends of Jazz Series presents a celebration of the music of Billy Eckstine and Jimmy Scott.

Justin Varnes and his quartet will guide guests–in engaging, narrative form– through the life of these jazz legends, as well as the impact that he had on the legacy on the genre. It’s like taking in a concert and taking a jazz history class at the same time.

Oh, and they’ll also play their behinds off!

Saturday, June 1st: Jazz Torch Singer Kayte Burgess
2024-06-01 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Kayte Burgess began her musical Journey in her Hometown of Toronto, Canada. At the age of 12 she began studying Piano and Opera at the Royal Conservatory of Music. It wasn’t long before she fell in love with Jazz. She graduated from Humber College in Toronto with a BA in Jazz Theory,Arranging and Performing.

Once she graduated College, Kayte spent the next 3 years touring with various bands, as a vocalist and keyboard player playing every genre from Jazz to Pop. She travelled to Dubai, South Africa, Hong Kong, England And all across North America, After releasing two independent albums in Canada she discovered she had developed a substantial career as a solo artist, receiving a lot of radio play and publicity for her most successful album “Checked Baggage”. Her latest album called “For The Love “ displays all of the different genres of music that she loves.

Kayte relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 2007 where she became a founding member of one of the top party bands “Simply Irresistible ” a very successful band that travels all across the world performing. Kayte can also be seen performing in various venues in Atlanta including Center Stage, Centennial Park, Blue Martini, St James Live, and The Perfect Note

Kayte has performed with the likes of Al Green, Lionel Ritchie, Mary J Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Tyler Perry

She has been seen in Tyler Perry’s “I Can do Bad all by myself “ singing behind Mary J Bilge, and was also seen in the First Season of Braxton Family Values with Toni Braxton.

With a long standing professional performance career, and a deep love for music, Kayte enjoys each and every moment she gets to touch a stage.

Friday, May 31st: Misha Stefanuk Solo
2024-05-31 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Misha Stefanuk invites you to be a part of music history.

This unique concert showcases Stefanuk’s unparalleled skills in unscripted piano improvisation, and a rare opportunity to witness the creation of a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

A GRAMMY-voting member, television composer, and best-selling author, Misha has been playing piano for over fifty years. He holds Bachelors degrees from Moscow Conservatory and Belmont College in Nashville, as well as a Masters in Music from Boston University. His music combines classical, jazz and other genres in the tradition of Keith Jarrett.

He says, “An unscripted life and an unscripted performance is about as scary as you can get. It can cripple you, or it can give you superpowers. But at least you have no regrets regarding what you did not do. “

Join Misha on this extraordinary musical journey and immerse yourself in the raw emotion and unfiltered creativity of a master musician at the height of his powers.

Thursday, May 30th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-30 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, May 25: J Staton
2024-05-25 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30 AND 9:30. James Staton, popularly known as J is a National Recording Artist, Saxophonist, Writer, and Producer from Chesapeake, Virginia who has managed to create a sound that strikes a tasteful balance between polishedness and honest rawness.

While there’s an undeniable smoothness to his rhythmic flow, his delivery is hard-hitting with a powerful sound, creating a certain level of intensity and poise in his overall compositions. When he dabbles in the realm of Jazz, the satisfying grace of his smooth style and delivery is even more pronounced.

J Staton has been in the music game for several years now and has steadily grown his own fan base in the Hampton Roads, VA area and Statewide. J is a natural. He draws immense satisfaction in encapsulating his thoughts and ideas into this creative medium. J is buoyed by a desire to stand out from the rest and music has helped him enhance his own being with works that are honest to him and entertaining to listeners.

His debut album, THIS MIND OF MINE (2013) and his single project “IT’S ALL GOOD”, released in 2019 is a mixture of smooth melodic jazz grooves with a taste of funk. “IT’S ALL GOOD” made Billboard and The Smooth Jazz National Charts; it remained on there for 17 weeks. J has appeared at The Apollo Theater. He has performed with Gerald Albright, Norman Connors, Jennette Harris, and Peter White. Staton has opened for Jeff Lorber, Eric Darius, and Ben Tankard to mention a few. J has also shared the stage with Avery Sunshine. He was nominated twice by Veer Magazine Music Awards for 2013 & 2019 Best in Jazz. His latest single, “KICKIN IT” produced by Grammy Award-winning Jeff Lorber and Featuring Jeff Lorber and bassist Jimmy Haslip from the Yellowjackets, was released on May 31, 2022.

Entirely devoted to his craft, J has been focusing his time on his songwriting and unique sound, whilst developing relationships to network effectively. He remains humble always as he continues to create grounded and honest works of art in a bid to share his gift with the world.

Friday, May 24th: Smooth Jazz Guitarist Reza Khan
2024-05-24 07:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Over the course of his six previous albums, starting with his debut Painted Diaries in 2009, Reza Khan has worked with some of the biggest names in contemporary jazz while developing a fascinating trademark fusion of pop, jazz, soul and world influences. His empowering world jazz guitar music is steeped in his international roots and status as a socially conscious musical citizen of the world. Along the way, the Bangladesh-born, NYC-based composer and guitarist has enjoyed several breakthrough hits on the Billboard Jazz chart, including his first Top Ten single “Drop of Faith” (featuring Nils) from his critically acclaimed fifth album Next Train Home and “Waiting for the Sky” from the 2021 collection Imaginary Road. Despite this airplay success, he’s always been told that the music he writes and produces is designed more for musicians to play than for the average contemporary jazz listener to simply enjoy.

With Khan’s latest album, the intriguingly titled Mystical, he aims to change all that and create songs as infectious and radio friendly as they are brilliantly performed. Rather than have an overriding narrative concept, his goal was to collaborate with some familiar cohorts (Philippe Saisse, Mark Egan, David Mann, Nils) and others who could bring a fresh, magical, and yes, mystical quality to his songs. His first call was to David Mann, the veteran saxophonist who had brought great horn textures and arrangements to previous albums. He sought his production expertise, but just as importantly, felt that straight on compositional collaboration would be the ticket to unlocking this magic. Mann became an essential co-writer, composer, arranger and producer for the album.

While some of the original Khan/Mann tunes like “The Falcon” and “Whispering Trees” indeed tell fascinating, poetic stories of their own, the guitarist began with a different overall vision. He co-wrote every one of the new tracks with a specific well-known genre musician in mind as a featured artist, hoping their positive replies would lead to incredible individual tracks with hit potential that could take the song in a magical/mystical direction Khan couldn’t have imagined upon writing the song.

Building off a foundation of Khan on lead guitar, Bern Schoenhardt on rhythm guitar, Mann on keys and sax, Khan’s guest list – all of whom immediately agreed to participate – includes two time Grammy winner Bob James, three time Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip, Grammy winner Jeff Lorber, Grammy nominee Saisse, Keiko Matsui, a unique array of bassists (Egan, Jimmy Haslip, Brendan Rothwell, Mel Browne) and drummers Gary Novak, Brian Dunne and Lionel Cordew. Though their participation on Mystical will no doubt gain attention, the all-stars ultimately serve as sidekicks to Khan’s infectious melodies and front and center dynamic electric and acoustic playing, along with Mann’s vibrant arrangements.

Because the project was recorded during the pandemic, the basic tracks were recorded at Khan’s home studio in Long Island, with Mann putting together remotely created tracks in his NYC studio. It was a unique opportunity that could happen at no other time, with usually busy and booked musicians having time available and grateful for the work. “It was gratifying to see how we all found ways to help each other survive the pandemic era, creatively, emotionally and financially,” says Khan. “We all found unique ways to communicate with each other during this difficult time.”

Another unique, truly Mystical aspect of the collection is the opportunity to experience new versions of three classic tracks from Khan’s early projects via Mann’s contemporary 2022 productions with new lineups of musicians – “Bahia Mama” (featuring the original vocal by Jennifer Grimm) and “Catalina’s Dream” from Painted Diaries and “Language of Love” from A Simple Plan (2011). The fact that “Language of Love” and “Catalina’s Dream” are in the cue for future single releases show that Khan’s composing style was always in the pocket, with great hit potential. He simply needed Mann’s expertise behind the boards to take it to the next level.

Though album artwork in this digital age is sometimes given short shrift, Brazilian artist Renata’ Schiavon’s compelling hand drawn imagery throughout the packaging connects beautifully and essentially to the music and themes of Mystical. The cover features a small silhouette on Reza in the eye of a falcon, and there are impressionistic images of guitar, saxophone and piano to reflect the album’s fusion of sounds and touch on other elements created by nature and man, i.e. piano keys that look like skyscrapers in a city skyline.

The release of Mystical was delayed for over a year due to some health setbacks in Khan’s life and a necessary period of recovery. But he’s back in the groove and excited to resume his career. “My goal with Mystical was to imagine a very magical album where David and I write songs together for certain individual musicians we wanted to bring to the recording,” he says. “Every track evolved organically until it became a very different type of conceptual album, with each tune having magical, mysterious elements. I had always composed every song by myself, and I enjoyed the exciting learning curve of collaborating differently on each tune. My idea was to focus on how they could appeal broadly to fans of contemporary and global jazz without limiting the inspiration and motivation that has driven me in the past.”

Thursday, May 23rd: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-23 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
ONE SHOW: 8:00pm – 11:00pm. Georgia’s LONGEST-RUNNING OPEN MIC JAM is at The Velvet Note, and you are invited! Open Mic is a little like Karaoke, but much, much better, with full bar and kitchen, too. Come out and listen to or jam with our extraordinary house band, or take the stage all on your own. Bring your talent, bring date, bring your instrument, bring your clapping hands, and join the fun. Hosted by club owner Tamara Fuller and she’s always on the hunt for talent!

Wednesday, May 22nd: The Molly Miller Trio **** CANCELLED ****
2024-05-22 19:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
Anna Azarov Photography

SHOWTIMES: 7:00PM AND 9:00PM. Since Dr. Molly Miller picked up a guitar at age seven, she’s been captivating audiences with her sophisticated and raw style.

She’s one of Los Angeles’s most sought-after musicians, recording and touring with artists such as Jason Mraz, Black Eyed Peas, Donna Missal, and Morgxn, at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. In her feature in the renowned magazine, Guitar, Michael James Adam notes, “she slings the guitar like a wordsmith, wry and sarcastic with a playful slant and flows from hushed whisper to bursts of elation with aplomb”. Miller is featured on Jason Mraz’s 2018 album Know and his forthcoming record, out in Summer 2020. She is in the house-band on The Bachelor’s latest ABC primetime show, Listen To Your Heart.

Soon after earning her Doctorate in Musical Arts from the University of Southern California in 2016, she became the chair of the Guitar Department at Los Angeles College of Music, a position she still holds. When Miller’s not on tour, running a guitar department, or in the studio, she heads her own trio, Molly Miller Trio, showcased on NPR’s Fresh Air.

****** CANCELLED *******

Sunday, May 19th: Saxophonist and Singer Marcus Adams--A Tribute to David Sanborn
2024-05-19 18:30 - 22:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 6:30PM AND 8:30PM. Just when urban jazz fans thought every show, cruise and festival would always include the same lineup of veterans they’ve seen a million times—Suddenly, there’s Marcus Adams, a fresh, dynamic voice on the scene, ready to funk things up and inspire them to fall in love with the sax all over again.

Saturday, May 18th: The The Harper Collective Featuring Atlanta Legends Danny and Terry Harper!
2024-05-18 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Come out and see the greatest family jazz dynasty, second only to the Marsalis family! Grammy-nominated trumpeter Terence Harper, of the legendary Harper family leads an outfit of all-star artists and family members from Atlanta The evening features internationally acclaimed musicians from the Harper family: Trumpeters Terence and Danny Harper, Pianist and Singe Terry Harper bassist Dishan Harper, Kenny Banks, Jr. and GRAMMY-winning Drummer Terreon Gully! Don’t miss a thoughtful, joyous and boundlessly swinging family affair!

Friday, May 17th: The Terence Harper Collective
2024-05-17 19:30 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Join us for The Terence Harper Collective, Featuring Actress/Singer Michole White, Award-Wiining Pianist Kenny Banks, Jr., Drummer Henry Conway III, Saxophonist Frank Houston, touring NY Bassist Dishan Harper and Trumpeter Terence Harper!

Thursday, May 16th: Open Mic Jam Hosted by Owner Tamara Fuller
2024-05-16 20:00 - 23:00 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States

Saturday, May 18th: The Harper Collective Featuring Atlanta Jazz Legends Danny and Terry Harper!
2024-05-13 17:22 | The Velvet Note Main Stage, 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, 30005, United States
SHOWTIMES: 7:30PM AND 9:30PM. Join is for a rare event– Father Danny Harper and Son Terence Harper on Trumpets, Terry Harper on piano and vocals, Dishan Harper on Bass Kenny Banks on Keys and GRAMMY-Winner Terreon Gully on Drums!
