Episode #42

This special “tribute” episode of Studio Jams features highlights from two different sessions. One session, recorded in 2003, is to the great Antonio Carlos Jobim and features 4 musicians, including Jobim’s son Paulo and grandson Daniel. The other session, recorded in 2007, has 6 musicians playing a short musical tribute to trumpeter Clifford Brown, led by Brown’s nephew, drummer Rayford Griffin.

* SESSION 1 *

A TRIBUTE TO ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM

Michael Sembello (guitar): Michael joined us that day as he was in Philly for a few days visiting family. Many remember Michael from both his years on the road and in the studio with Stevie Wonder (Songs in The Key of Life, and more) and his hit song “(She’s A Maniac)” from the movie Flashdance. He currently writes and produces from his studio in South Florida.

Daniel Jobim (piano, vocals): Daniel was a real breathe of fresh air…very thrilled to be there and to be working with Michael Sembello. When he arrived to the studio, he was totally unfamiliar with Studio Jams and didn’t really know what to expect at all. His totally unassuming and “go with the flow” attitude was so refreshing.

Paulo Jobim (guitar, vocals): Paulo is Daniel’s father, and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s son…very mild mannered and easy to work with, much like his son.

Paulo Braga (drums, percussion): I was thrilled to have Paulo there. He was with Antonio Carlos Jobim for years, and is considered one of Brazil’s premier drummers.

We cut four tracks that day…One Note Samba, Summer Samba, On The Wings and Samba do Sotto.

* SESSION 2 *

A TRIBUTE TO CLIFFORD BROWN

Rayford Griffin (drums): Rayford was the one who really made this session happen. For years, he has wanted to put together a tribute for his late uncle, jazz trumpet legend Clifford Brown. So when he was in nearby Reading, PA performing at the Berks Jazz Festival, it made sense to try and finally do something. Together we talked about who to invite to the session.

Chuck Loeb (guitar): Chuck is a true guitar master. Not only does he have a very successful solo career as a performer, composer, clinician and producer, he is now a member and the featured guitarist in the jazz supergroup Fourplay (along with Nathan East, Harvey Mason and Bob James). Chuck and I have worked together on a number of occassions so I had no doubts that he would once again deliver. And so he did.

Michael Wolff (piano): Michael has fast become one of my favorite pianists. He is a very expressive and tasteful player who can effectively merge with anyone, and never seems to overplay. According to the Oakland Tribune, he is “one of the most engaging all-around performers in the jazz game.” His impressive background includes having been Musical Director for, among others, Nancy Wilson and Nat Adderley; as well as band leader for all 8 years of The Arsenio Hall show. He has appeared on a few different episodes of our program.

Gerald Veasley (bass): Gerald is a good friend and terrific musician. He and Chuck are also quite close, so inviting him to join us was a no-brainer. He too has appeared on a number of different Studio Jams episodes.

Chris Farr (saxophone): Chris is one of the hardest working saxophone players in the region. He has worked with and/or toured with some of the finest musicians to come out of Philadelphia in recent years, including Jill Scott, Joey DeFrancesco, Kindred, John Legend and The Roots. He is also an associate professor at the University of the Arts.

Ray Vega (trumpet): Seeing as this was to be a musical tribute to a legendary jazz trumpeter, filling the trumpet chair for this session was a very important piece of the puzzle. Ray was the first name that came to my mind. Knowing that he was (at that time) based in New York, and the fact that he and Michael Wolff had (at that time) the same manager, I thought getting him to join us might be possible. When I connected with him by phone, he immediately jumped on board.

– Tom Emmi / Producer