Kenny Garrett stands as the most seminal alto saxophonist and composer of his generation. His innovative style reflects John Coltrane and Jackie McLean. Although Garrett’s definitive voice has led him on a journey through spirited shores, splashing in the depths of the African Diaspora, hallmarked by his time with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea, which brings a fiery force to the jazz aesthetic.
On May 29–June 1, the NEA Jazz Master will once again return to New York City’s Blue Note jazz club (131 West 3rd Street). More than likely, Garrett and his longtime ensemble will perform music from his album “Sounds from the Ancestors” (Mack Avenue, 2021). In Garrett fashion, the music is a sea of screaming improvisations and Detroit swing that reflects his hometown.
“The concept initially was about trying to get some of the musical sounds that I remembered as a kid growing up — sounds that lift your spirit, from people like John Coltrane, ‘A Love Supreme’; Aretha Franklin, ‘Amazing Grace’; Marvin Gaye, ‘What’s Going On’; and the spiritual side of the church,” Garrett explained in a Blue Note press release. “When I started to think about them, I realized it was the spirit from my ancestors.”
Ideally, crazy electronics will light up his Blue Note engagement when Garrett breaks out with tunes from his current album and first electronic collaboration with producer/instrumentalist Syoy, “Who Killed AI?” (Mack Avenue, 2024). The alto player will be joined by his talented ensemble: percussionist Rudy Bird; vocals and percussion by Melvis Santa; drummer Michael Ode; bassist Jeremiah Edwards; and pianist/keyboardist Keith Brown,
Two shows each night, at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. For reservations, visit bluenotejazz.com or call 212-475-8692.
For me, the Apollo Theater represents a vivid recollection of sitting in the world-famous music hall, as a little kid with my mother, on a weekday afternoon at one of the matinees (there were six shows per day). I was much more interested in playing with my toy horse than experiencing history in the moment of legends like Pearl Bailey, Nat King Cole, Arthur Prysock, and Sarah Vaughan, performing right before my eyes.
Mariah Rae (Marlene Taylor photos)
As a high school student, hanging out at Apollo Amateur Nights was hilarious, hollering until our lungs were sore from shouting “BOOOOOOO!” just for the fun of it. Most recently, though, I attended the 90th season of Amateur Night, not to boo, but to loudly shout out cheers for Harlem’s bright young performer Mariah Rae, who performed in the Child Star segment. Thankfully, I was encouraged to make it to this inspiring event by one of Rae’s greatest supporters: her aunt and dedicated Harlem physician, Dr. Marlene Taylor.
Rae’s two young competitors (a vocalist and singer/guitarist) proved to be quite talented, but her rendition of “Rise Up,” hitting all those high notes, tipped the applause meter in her favor. The 10-year-old, dressed in a red sequined gown that flared slightly at the hem, was a perfect balance between elegance and youthful flair. The youngster was quite modest about her win, with big smiles and a bow.
Perfecting her vocal talent over the last few years has kept little Mariah on the go. Earlier this year, she captured the leading role in the award-winning musical stage play “Underground,” was a featured singer during Harlem Week 2024, and performed at NYFW’s Met Gala “A Night in Tanzania” (2024).
“I was extremely proud of Mariah,” said her mother, Masha Taylor. “Watching her perform on the world-famous Apollo Theater stage was surreal. She was poised, confident, and sounded amazing.”
As a young honor-roll student with an A average, Rae’s singing is just a small part of her afterschool activities. She won first place in the Alex Trebek Spelling Bee in 2024, and that same year, she earned a scholarship to the Harlem School of the Arts to join the Natalie Cole Choir. She and her 12-year-old brother Philip are avid readers and creative writers. They both take piano lessons and compose their own music.
The world is in need of their future influential contributions, but for the moment, Rae is busy with her school work and activities, as she looks forward to the Apollo Theater Amateur Night Semi-Finals on June 11. Come out to yell and holler to take this aspiring young singer to the finals on June 25. The winner of the Amateur Night Child Star category will receive $5,000 and follow the tradition of such legendary former winners as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Luther Vandross, Dee Dee Simon, and H.E.R. Make sure to be present to cheer Harlem’s bright little star Mariah Rae to the finals and beyond.
For tickets, visit apollotheaer.org/amateur night.