Excited to have Celia Chavez (@celiachavezmuzik), Philippe Vieux (@sxphn17), and Ann Pattillo join me for First Fridays Jazz night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends, on July 7 at Lyd and Mo’s! [Facebook RSVP]
Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo) Friday, July 7 at 8pm. 27 N. Mentor Ave. Pasadena, CA.
Jason Luckett, hosts and performs Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena @eventlydandmo
Excited to have Celia Chavez (@celiachavezmuzik), Philippe Vieux (@sxphn17), and Ann Pattillo join me for First Fridays Jazz night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends, on July 7 at Lyd and Mo’s!
Jami Lula and I go back to the days when I was working retail on Melrose! I think it was my childhood friend, Ivan Knight (a drummer, with whom I played my first professional gig when I was 11!) who told me about this gifted singer from Detroit that he wanted to bring into our circle of musicians. I was puzzled and floored by him right away. He’d do this impromptu sort of Tom Waits gravelly narrative improvisation, then he’d sound like Bobby McFerrin, then something like Kurt Elling (before I knew Kurt Elling’s sound, of course…).
For a short time I was a part of the band, Anything Orange, with Jami, Ivan, and Lula’s bassist, Jeffrey Dean. But I had my own thing to do…. 🙂
Anything Orange, became Orange, then became Lula, I think, when Jami’s old Detroit pal, Gordie Germaine, joined on guitar.
In the interim, Jami would often join me on gigs, with Charlie Colin (later of Train) on upright, and the late “Professor” Dwight Baldwin on percussion. My favorite memory is of us not being able to get into our gig at the 8121 Club on Sunset. A lot of our audience was in same predicament, waiting in line, so we did a mini set right there on the street in front of the Coconut Teaszer! Sometimes you’d find us engaged in similar activities at Damiano’s on Fairfax after playing a gig at Café Largo. We also used to host a songwriters gathering at Highland Grounds around the fire pit on Sunday afternoons. And I can’t forget the fun times with Jami and David Zasloff, showing up in the oddest places, co-creating beauty!
Jami grew into teaching at Musicians Institute Hollywood (MI), teaching voice and songwriting. I always enjoyed being a guest in his classes because I could feel the curiosity and passion that he’d stoked in his students, which fueled mine, while I tried to explain my process to these engaged minds.
Beyond teaching at MI, Jami became involved with Agape International Spiritual Center and other thinkers in the spiritual and human potential movement, where the full potential of his gifts really seemed to flourish. The ease with which his neo-bohemian improvisations flowed when I first met him, now made sense! The man can tap into spirit! I really admire and feel the uplifting power of the work he’s done over the past couple decades performing and speaking nationwide, and in his 10+ releases on Spirit in the House Records.
And until June 2, on the subject of Jami Lula, I’ll leave you with words from Agape’s Rev. Michael Beckwith:
“Jami Lula’s music is more than a shiver-inducing experience in sound, it is inspiration itself as an offering just to you. What I love about Jami’s improvisational textures is the intimacy he exudes through his personal intensity, which comes from a direct relationship with life, his love of it, and of humanity.”
– Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith
Lula is Jami Lula, vocals; Jeffrey Dean, bass; and Gordie Germaine, guitar. They play with Phil Parlapiano, and me (Jason Luckett) on Friday, June 2, 2023 @ Lyd & Mo’s Photography Studio in Pasadena.
My connection to Phil goes back to the days of his band, The Brothers Figaro, who played at Molly Malone’s regularly along with The Havalinas, Talkback, and my band. I was just talking to David Sutton, bassist for Talkback, who’s playing with Phil on the 2nd, about those days singing in that packed, smoke-filled pub, on a tiny stage near the dart board. Times have changed!
The Bros. Figaro were probably the most accomplished musicians in that roots world that most of us were engaging to a degree. It paid off in a bidding war to sign them, and then a great record on Geffen called, Gypsy Beat.
They went on to open for some of the bigger artists in the scene at the time. Then ended up in the backing band for the legend, John Prine! After 9 years with Prine, Phil worked with Rod Stewart(!) after being asked to play on his “Unplugged and Seated” album (I think along with another Molly’s and Genghis Cohen alum, Don Teschner). He followed this to play with Dave Koz (who’s longtime drummer is my lifelong friend, Stevo Theard) and co-wrote the Chanukah song “Eight Candles” with him.
I hadn’t been in touch with Phil much lately, but then Danette Christine, who played on the first First Fridays Jazz Night, mentioned that he might be playing with her that night. Looks like there’s a lot to catch up on. Here’s a bit from the end of his recent bio:
Parlapiano continues to work in the studio and live as a first call accordionist and keyboardist with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Carlene Carter, Lucinda Williams, Social Distortion, Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, The Chicks, Jonas Brothers, Iron Butterfly and others. You could see him in the TV shows Happily Divorced, The New Girl, Transparent and Lethal Weapon. Movie goers saw Parlapiano in the blockbuster film The Titanic as an accordion player during the memorable scene in the lower decks when Kate and Leo are dancing.
As of late, Phil’s work has been featured on the soundtrack to the Oscar winning film, The Shape of Water and the comedy Pitch Perfect 3.
I’ve always known Phil to be an extremely brilliant, singular and unique musician. So you’re in for a treat on June 2.
Please join us on the June 2, the first Friday in June for First Fridays Jazz Night w/Jason Luckett and friends, Phil Parlapiano (with David Sutton on bass) and a Lula reunion of Jami Lula, Jeffrey Dean, and Gordie Germaine. All of us go way back, so I know that, beyond the amazingness of the talent in the room, there will be a little extra camaraderie in the room! I can’t wait!
Notes:Another gathering of friends from years back! In the coming days I’ll post more info about this web of connection, but it’s long and luminous, and these guys are all astounding artists.
Here’s the line up for First Fridays Jazz Night, June 2, in Pasadena!
A Lula reunion! (@lulajami) Phil Parlapiano (@mrsqueeze1) w/David Sutton on bass And me! (@jasonluckett)
Notes:Dorothy Pincus (@mudramusicbmi) + Kayla Pincus (@pincuskayla)
Charyn Harris (@charynharris)
And me! (@jasonluckett)
Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo)
Friday, May 5 at 8pm.
27 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA.
Jason Luckett hosts and performs
Doors: 7:30
Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
@eventlydandmo
#jazz #pasadena #livemusic #lydandmophotography #singersongwriter #friends #ilovela #friendssupportingfriends
Another group of friends to be joining us on April 7 is a trio version of The Underthings. These are #tbt images from the days when we met. I’d invited Stefanie Naifeh to join this edition of FFJN w/ Jason Luckett & Friends because I’d always loved her voice and remembered the broad repertoire The Underthings covered. So I’m super excited that she was able to pull together a couple bandmates to make this mini-resurfacing happen. Here’s what she wrote for this post on Facebook:
“Well, it’s been a while folks but we have a little gig coming up. Jason Luckett invited a small ensemble from the Underthings to perform at his monthly event in Pasadena on April 7th!
It will be Paul Lacques, Richie Lawrence and me (Stefanie Naifeh) performing our jazzier styled tunes. It isn’t the first time we have done a small, intimate ensemble.”
And the photos above are proof! Join us next Friday!
First Fridays Jazz Night with Jason Luckett & Friends, April 7, in Pasadena! Marcelo Bucater‘s trio (@marcelobucater) Stefanie Naifeh (w/ Paul Lacques & Richie Lawrence of The Underthings) And me!
Friday, April 7 at 8pm. Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo) 27 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA.
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians). In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
Highlighting my newest friend who will be joining me on April 7, at Lyd & Mo’s, this is Marcelo Bucater. We just met this January and keep discovering that we’ve got more and more great musicians in common. I’m excited that he’s bringing his trio to our First Fridays Jazz Night. I’ll let his bio tell you the rest:
Marcelo Bucater (@marcelobucater) is a drummer/percussionist and educator from São Paulo – Brazil based in Los Angeles since 2013.
Currently, part of the Drum Faculty at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) and the California College of Music (CCM) teaching private and group lessons.
Marcelo has worked as a session and touring musician for several years, recording and performing live with different artists. His versatility as a drummer and percussionist lead to performances accompanying artists of different genres all over the world.
He has produced, recorded and performed with independent artists and renowned musicians such as Carrie Underwood for the 51st ACM Award, Adam Levy (Norah Jones), Darek Oles (Pat Metheny), Scott Henderson (Chick Corea), Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Gemini (Justin Bieber), Natalia Spadini, Andrew Murdock (Linking Park), Tinto Tango, Koobang Ensemble, Duques, and Phat Cat Swinger just to name a few. And performed in venues like Disney California Adventure, Rose Bowl, Levi’s Stadium, MGM Arena in Las Vegas, Microsoft Theater, Hollywood Pantages Theater, Pershing Square LA, El Rey Theater, NAMM Show, Queen Mary, and many others.
Marcelo is a member of the Recording Academy and a voting member of the Latin Grammys. Some of his music projects include the Press Award 2020 Finalist group Little Brazil Trio – which made it to the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards ballot in five categories and was a finalist at the 24th Annual USA Songwriting Competition with the original song “Vem”.
His passion for music and his craft is shown in his great feel and rock-solid support for the music and his warmhearted personality.
Join us Friday, March 3 at 8pm. Lyd & Mo Photography 27 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA.
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians). In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
Marcelo’s trio features Morgan Jones on keys, Ryan Roberts on bass.
Join us!
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians). In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Notes:We’re back! First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends. Marcelo Bucater’s trio (@marcelobucater) & Stefanie Naifeh w/Paul Lacques will join me at Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo) on Friday, March 3 at 8pm. 27 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA. Join us!
Hosted by Jason Luckett
Doors: 7:30
Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
Library Girl + Shonda Buchanan Present: Feeling Good – A Tribute to Nina Simone in Words + Music. Featuring readings by: Lynne Thompson, Peter J. Harris, Pam Ward, Steve Hochman, F Douglas Brown and Shonda Buchanan. Featuring music by: Willie Aron, Jason Luckett and Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar “Karen Hayes.” Sunday Night, April 9th at 7 PM. Ruskin Group Theatre. 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. Across from Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. $20 includes Free Parking + Dessert. Tickets available NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com. Click on See A Show, look for Library Girl icon. Library Girl is now in its 14th year. Created + Produced every 2nd Sunday night of the month by Susan Hayden. Managing Director: Mike Myers. Production Support: Nicole Millar + Paul Denk. All Box Office Proceeds Donated to Ruskin Group Theatre.
Notes:Library Girl + Shonda Buchanan Present: Feeling Good – A Tribute to Nina Simone in Words + Music. Featuring readings by: Lynne Thompson, Peter J. Harris, Pam Ward, Steve Hochman, F Douglas Brown and Shonda Buchanan. Featuring music by: Willie Aron, Jason Luckett and Lisa Sanders & Brown Sugar “Karen Hayes.” Sunday Night, April 9th at 7 PM. Ruskin Group Theatre. 3000 Airport Ave, Santa Monica 90405. Across from Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. $20 includes Free Parking + Dessert. Tickets available NOW at ruskingrouptheatre.com. Click on See A Show, look for Library Girl icon. Library Girl is now in its 14th year. Created + Produced every 2nd Sunday night of the month by Susan Hayden. Managing Director: Mike Myers. Production Support: Nicole Millar + Paul Denk. All Box Office Proceeds Donated to Ruskin Group Theatre.
We’re back! First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends. Nailah Porter (@nailahporter) & Danny Moynahan (@dannymoynahan) will join me at Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo) on Friday, March 3 at 8pm. 27 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA. Join us!
Hosted by Jason Luckett Doors: 7:30 Showtime: 8pm Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
DETAILS:
Artist:JASON LUCKETT
Jason Luckett Pasadena Residency: First Fridays Jazz Night w/ JL & Friends
Notes:We’re back! First Fridays Jazz Night w/ Jason Luckett & Friends. Nailah Porter (@nailahporter) & Danny Moynahan (@dannymoynahan) will join me at Lyd & Mo Photography Studio & Gallery (@lydandmo) on Friday, March 3 at 8pm. 27 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA. Join us!
Hosted by Jason Luckett
Doors: 7:30
Showtime: 8pm
Suggested donation: $20 at the door or online at PayPal.me/jasonluckett (100% goes to the musicians).
In Playhouse Village in the heart of Pasadena
