WBGO Champions of Jazz 2016 - March 16
Newark Public Radio
performers
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Joey Alexander
Born in 2003, in Bali, Joey Alexander started piano at age six, picking out jazz standards from his father’s record collection by ear. Joey’s early influences included: Ellington, Monk, Coltrane and Miles. By age 8, Joey had played solo piano in front of Herbie Hancock and at 10, won an international contest over 200 jazz professionals from 17 countries. In May 2015, Alexander released his debut album "My Favorite Things" on the Motema label. He was nominated for a Grammy in 2016 and performed at the televised awards show receiving a standing ovation. He has garnered considerable media attention, after his debut at the Newport Jazz Festival. 60 Minutes ran a feature segment on his rising star with input from WBGO’s Gary Walker and Wynton Marsalis. He was featured on Jazz Night in America in a show about jazz prodigies. Joey’s deft touch, adventurous spirit and improvisatory verve announces the arrival of a compelling young leader, performer and composer.
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Jamison Ross
In 2012, Jamison Ross won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. Three years later, his debut recording "Jamison," introducing a gifted composer, bandleader and vocalist, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Ross began singing in his grandfather’s church while growing up in Jacksonville, Florida. It was Ross’ mother, Renee Ross, who encouraged him to buttress the musical gifts with formal training; Ross studied drums in elementary and high school. He went on to receive a B.A. in jazz studies from Florida State University, and a master’s degree in in jazz studies in New Orleans – where he currently lives. After winning the 2012 Monk Competition, Ross toured and recorded with a variety of artists including Cécile McLorin Salvant, Jonathan Batiste, Dr. John, Jon Cleary, and Christian McBride. Ross also continued working with singer and composer Carmen Lundy, who invited Ross to join her band prior to the competition.
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DJ Wimpy Bee
Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Edmund Bryant (DJ Wimpy Bee) started spinning records at an early age. Fascinated by local DJs from the disco era, his interest in music that moves audiences has continued to spark. Always a trend setting DJ, he began incorporating music from different genres in his sets. As a well-seasoned DJ and music historian, DJ Wimpy Bee has been entertaining audiences across the region.
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