Smart jazz musicians working today make it a point to learn from the artists they are lucky enough to work with. Opening for the big names has its rewards, as Jazzy Blu’s drummer and founder, Nikk Taylor, is more than happy to recount. Over the last six years of Jazzy Blu’s existence, the band has opened for the likes of Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, the Stylistics and the legendary O’Jays. Last year at BayFest on the Gulf Coast, they opened for Mary J. Blige. Taylor has learned from all of them. Here in the District, however, they are steadily becoming headliners.
“Neo-soul is the best description of what we do; contemporary jazz with some smooth R&B,” continued Taylor, who grew up with the blues and gospel music in his native Mobile, Ala. “There’s no real name for that; [we] just have to do it.”
| Onstage |
| Jazzy Blu |
| Where: Blues Alley Jazz Supper Club, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW |
| When: 8 and 10 p.m. |
| Info: $18; 202-337-4141; bluesalley.com |
Members of Jazzy Blu include bassist Larry Richardson, jazz guitarist Leslie Lee, sax man Brent Birkhead, vocalists Keith Brown, Danielle Hatchell and Bridgette Haggans, keyboard player Clay Morrow and finally, Taylor himself, on drums. Indeed, it is a large group with a large sound, but as Taylor noted, each of the musicians brings an extremely diverse background from jazz, funk, rock and gospel, as well as the blues and beyond. It is that diversity that gives Jazzy Blu its slightly different flavor, one that the listener can’t quite put a finger on.
Such is the case with soprano Haggans, who, according to Taylor, “has a powerful voice that can peel the paint off of a wall!”
The first part of the group’s set will be their contemporary jazz originals, with a few covers thrown into the mix, such as Michael Jackson’s version of “Heartbreak Hotel” titled “This Hotel.” Vocals will dominate the second half of the show and will include Kem’s R&B hit, “Share My Life.”
As the group prepares for its fourth visit to Blues Alley, Taylor is aware of the elusive nature of success even as the band is steadily moving toward that status.
“Miles Davis said, ‘There’s always another level,’ ” Taylor affirmed. “I think as long as you can always be hungry for the music, have a thirst and a passion for the music, you can’t go anywhere but up.”
