Jessica Williams Jazz Concert
Reviewed by Tim & Mike Smith following a concert on March 10, 2006 at the Olympia Opera House featuring:
Jessica Williams (piano)
Jeff Johnson (bass)
Steve Bently (drums)
My brother Tim and I attended this terrific concert on March 10th. Jessica Williams is arguably the finest jazz pianist in the world right now. 'One of the greatest jazz pianists I have ever heard' -Dave Brubeck. See what I mean? In her career she has been the opening act for Jazz great Bill Evans, played and recorded with Phillie Joe Jones, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon and many others. She has composed over 200 songs and been nominated for a Grammy twice. She has been influenced by many artists and has focused much of her creative energy in composing pieces dedicated to her friends and colleagues. She has recently composed a suite dedicated to her friend Billy Taylor which is to be premiered in Washington, DC. in May. We were the honored recipients of a sneak preview on this night.
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American Idiot by Green Day
Reviewed by Pastor Mike Gunn
By the title of the album you can tell that Greenday’s newest release has something to say. As most artists that have matured (Or at least been around for awhile), they appeared to have saved their best for later. This year’s rock album of the year goes to a more than deserving combination of good music and challenging, intelligent lyrics. Many fans like myself were acquainted with Greenday when “Dookie” arrived on the scene in 1994, and were treated to their pop/punk hits like “Welcome to Paradise,” and “When I Come Around,” which, like the rest of the album rocked with energy, but appeared to stay on the surface level of political and cultural punch. What Dookie failed to do then, American Idiot, more than compensated for now.
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American Idiot by Green Day
Reviewed by Harambee Member Sabrina Gatliff (14 years old)
My favorite songs on the album are “Jesus of Suburbia” and “Give me Novacaine.” “Jesus of Suburbia” relates America’s obsession with the media, and I have seen that media can create a twisted sense of self worth by creating an obsessive need for nice clothes and jewelry.
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