Lineup

Jeffrey possesses of one of the richest and most uplifting voices in R&B. He is the recipient of numerous Grammy nominations and charted with Top Ten hits like “Baby Stay With Me Tonight,” “On The Wings Of Love,” “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)” and many others. As one of the most recognizable singers in R&B, our Firebird Music Festival inaugural headliner is truly one of the best!

Two of the most revered names in all of contemporary jazz with accolades too numerous to mention. Both Multi-Grammy Award winners, Earl Klugh created a place for the acoustic guitar in contemporary jazz music with a style of songwriting and, playing that has become one of the most endeared, and imitated sounds on guitar. Bob James, known for his songwriting style and touch on the piano that sets him apart from many of the pianists over the last 40 yrs. He has produced, and recorded many gold, and platinum CDs, as well as theme songs for hit television shows…most notably his “Theme From Taxi” which was iconic. Earl Klugh and Bob James will get together for a wonderful set of music at Firebird performing some songs from the two recordings they made together.

Bob James will get together with Earl Klugh for a wonderful set of music at Firebird performing some songs from the two recordings they made together.

World-renowned Grammy-winning jazz and soul vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater has had such a wonderfully eclectic musical recording career singing everything from Ella Fitzgerald, Big Band, to Memphis Soul. She will be bringing her 10 piece band to Firebird performing songs from her hit Memphis Soulphony tour.

Internationally renowned contemporary Jazz trumpeter, Rick is one of the most popular, and hardest working instrumentalist in the genre. With over 15 solo CDs he has grown to be a force to be reckoned with both in artistry – and in entertaining an audience. His solo CDs have yielded several #1 singles.

Jazz Funk Soul is a group established 5 years ago by three solo jazz recording artists who have released two Grammy-nominated CDs in the last 5 yrs. These artists are celebrated in their own right as they have each had a long, rich history in the contemporary jazz world. The artists in the group are Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr., and Everette Harp.

Jeff Lorber – Grammy award-winning, multi-talented keyboardist, songwriter, and producer who has led his band The Jeff Lorber Fusion Group since the late 1970’s. He’s had a string of hits, both jazz, pop, and R&B over the years.

Paul Jackson Jr. – One of the most recorded guitarists in music history. He’s played on hits for many artists including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Daft Punk, Donna Summers, Barry Manilow, Al Jarreau, George Benson, David Sanborn, Bette Midler, Janet Jackson, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Babyface, Smokey Robinson, and the list goes on. He also has eight solo CDs of his own over the years.

Everette Harp – Grammy-nominated, multi #1 jazz single saxophonist, singer, songwriter, and producer.  Everette has played and recorded with many artists since the late 80’s including, Kenny Loggins, Billy Joel, Luther Vandross, Sheena Easton, Anita Baker, Alecia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and many more. He has 11 solo CDs in the jazz genre.