Dave Koz at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Have you ever gone to a great concert, saw an unbelievable show and drove home on cloud nine like you just experienced an exciting first date?!?!? Well, I did when I saw the JAZZ ROOTS jazz series with the Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour featuring pianist & composer David Benoit, singer and winner of The Voice television show, Javier Colon, famed percussionist, composer Shelia E. and special guest, singer, songwriter Margo Rey at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Like any good first date, I couldn’t stop rambling to my friends about all the highlights. Not only were the featured artists incredible but the stage band along with the production/lighting crew were excellent!!! Also, we would be remiss if we didn’t compliment the accomplished musical director, Mr. Brian Simpson for his work on this show. Now, I could go on all day about this concert but why do that when I captured these great photos for you to see and enjoy!

Oh and stay tuned for our upcoming post of the educational sound check session featuring Shelia E.!!!

Chaka Khan performing in Atlanta

If you missed the legendary Ms. Chaka Khan in concert with Najee at Cobb Energy Performing Arts center, then you missed a rare treat.

Najee opened the evening in a unique way by playing directly to the middle of the audience. His first selection was “The Night I Fell in Love”. “Sweet Summer Nights” included an amazing drum solo. The audience was also treated to an instrumental version of Anita Baker’s classic “Sweet Love”, which featured a sensational guitar battle, and Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet”. Other selections included “Sound for Sore Ears” and “We Gone Ride”, in which guitarist Chuck Johnson provided the vocals that Eric Benet normally provides for the track. Najee also played the selection “Noah’s Ark”, which was written for his son and was specifically dedicated to Trayvon Martin during the concert. Najee is multi-talented, and it was great to hear him also play the flute and the baritone saxophone.

Then Ms. Chaka Khan took the stage, and she immediately got rid of her jacket. Ms. Khan looked amazing! She has lost a significant amount of weight, and showed off her hard work by rocking a fitted black cat suit. The set opened with the opening vocals for “I Feel for You”, chanting “Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan…..”. The first full selection was “I’m a Woman (I’m a Backbone). Then she transitioned into the party starter “What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me?”. The tune “Your Smile” came next. The classic “Sweet Thing” lulled listeners into a groove that would automatically take you back to the first time you heard it. (more…)