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By Entertainment Editor Ahmed Sirour
THE ABSOLUT SHOW—Round 3
(08.04.03)
So yeah…like, if you weren’t there then…you know…like, umm…you
missed it! A spectacular finale it was (with a full house as
expected—you know I called it) with audience members getting treated to
Hidden Beach’s resident sax-man, Mike Phillips sitting in with
the house band before joining fellow judges. Not to be outdone,
ATL’s own, Ken Ford hit the stage and sent the women wild—as usual, then
also joining the panel of judges, including AJC music editor, Sonia
Murray, to prepare for the evening’s last competition for jazz.
Of all the great talent that hit the stage, one man emerged as the
individual winner of Round 3.Trumpeter, Lester Walker
completed dazzled the audience with his skills, reminiscent of some of
the great trumpet players in jazz history; coincidentally, he had also
played with the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, 3 months before the “Father
of Be-Bop” passed on from this life. Lester did an original
piece that he gave to the house band to play right there on the spot and
it was one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever heard, and I know a
little something about jazz arrangements…it could have easily been on
the “Mo’ Betta Blues” soundtrack or even featured in Ken Burns’
“Jazz” documentary—remember Lester Walker’s name. Well, it then
got down to the wire as previous winners, Lola,Ramona Dunlap, and
Lester Walker prepared to go head-to-head-to-head for the grand prize,
winner-take-all, $5000.00 check.
Lola came on strong and didn’t waste anytime when she hit the stage
and blazed on the keys as her band followed her after her solo, before
knocking out a soulful number, which had the audience going wild.
Then, Ramona took stage, and how can I can express this succinctly…you
would have thought there were no seats at any table by the time she was
down as she got a standing ovation from nearly the entire audience,
including a few judges. Then Lester hit the stage with yet another
beautiful tune, interestingly enough “Round Midnight”, and blew Mike
Phillips and Ken Ford away (great musicians know when they’ve
heard another great musician). When it all came down to it, the
winner was Ramona Dunlap who, even before she got the check, almost went
into a holy dance and for second the house band started making the place
feel like we were in church (clownin’)! Congratulations to
Ramona Dunlap on a job well done, as well as Lola and Lester Walker.
One thing I will say though, and I’m not one to hold my tongue, is that
there needs to be a consistent competition amongst jazz instrumentalists
so that we can bring that Blue Note feel to Atlanta. There were
too many individuals in this contest who brought R&B, Pop, and Gospel to
this event (and I love each genre) that tried to pass it off as Jazz and
that should not be! If I can help
it with my little bit of influence, I will work with some people to
create an opportunity for REAL jazz music to showcased to the masses…if
Atlanta wants to be considered a major metropolis and also a city that
is engendering a cultural renaissance similar to that of Harlem, NY of
the 1920s-40s, then this particular piece must be included. And
no, the format at Churchill Grounds, at
present, does not suffice (no disrespect intended).
This Week’s Highlights…
It’s been HIDDEN BEACH WEEK all this week as most of you have had
the opportunity, Sunday, to catch Mike Phillips in an interview
at Gladys & Ron’s, Monday to hear new HBR material at the Hidden
Hits listening party at Justin’s, seeing Kindred—The Family Soul take
over Centennial Olympic Park on Tuesday, and of course Mike Phillips
headlining Wednesday at Centennial @ 5:30pm, joined by Ken Ford
to open. Well, the party keeps on going on when “Hidden Beach
Nights” debuts on this Thursday @ 7pm (and every first Thursday from
now on) at Tarrazu Coffeebar. Friday, Darius Rucker will
be with the “Hootie crew” as part of 99X’s “On the Bricks” series
at Centennial. Finally, HBR will bring to you two of Atlanta’s
own, Tori Alamaze and Quinn, from the
nationwide/international CD compilation of unsigned artists aptly called
“Hidden Hits”, at Endenu Restaurant (392 Marietta
Street…doors @10pm/$10 cover).
For additional events please refer to the “Events” or "Upcoming
Events" page.
Given the immense amount of duties that I’ve undertaken to play my role
in making the upcoming ABSOLUT Jams R&B Talent Search a success,
it’s been rough trying to keep up with all the info I try to give you on
a weekly basis, but fret not. I’m going to do what I can to keep
you in the know and link you with the happs around town! This
particular week, I’ll have to skim down some things only because I’ve
got rehearsal, meetings, and conference calls all about to happen the
minute I put the last period on this article. All I will say is
that this Monday, August 11th at The Riviera, you are going to be
in for a LOT of surprises despite the small bits of news that have been
floating around about the featured performer's) for the kickoff
event—and it’s FREE! That’s what is buggin’ me out! Anyway,
be there when the doors open at 7pm and prepare yourselves is all I’ll
say!
CD of the Week:
Is from one of the opening artists for the ABSOLUT Jams R&B Talent
Search Kickoff Concert at The Riviera. His name is Daniel
and he’s from Cali. Come with money in hand and be one of the
first people on the East Coast to cop his CD (not yet available in our
market) because you will want a copy once you hear him “live”! He
is, by far, one of the most original and prolific artists I’ve ever
heard, and if ever you hear his intro track where he talks to the
consumer personally, it’s unbelievable that an artist would take the
time as well as be bold enough to say what he said about the
industry—I’m impressed…and so you will be!
You have been forewarned…so don’t say I never told you. If you
happen to miss out, as some of you may, I’ll see if I can get
ATLANTAHAPPS to put a cut or two on hear for you all to
preview…maybe—LOL!
I’ve gotta run and make more things happen for my life and the lives of
others…hope I’m not the only one!
peace2ya!
Life is short…so what’s taking you so long—Ahmed
Feel free to e-mail me at: ahmed@atlantahapps.com
The views in this article are not necessarily the expressed views of ATLANTAHAPPS.COM or it's affiliates.
Ahmed Sirour writes a weekly journal for ATLANTAHAPPS.COM
Ahmed Sirour is a Georgia Regional Representative for Hidden Beach Recordings
-- Archive
If you’re looking for a new spot to kick back and chill, meet up with old friends (or new ones), a place to unwind and network after work with young urban professionals, someplace to commune after a jazz/r&b concert, movie, or a night of theatre, a cozy place to kick it with your sweetheart, or a place to flirt and engage in seductive conversations with beautiful strangers, then I highly recommend Midtown’s newest place to be and be seen…
Tarrazu Coffee Bar! Only some months up & running, Tarrazu has already begun hosting a number of functions and has served as a sanctuary for the "buppie" and "yuppie" crowds. Named after a mountainous region of South America famous for some of the world’s best coffee, Tarrazu can match Café Intermezzo with its diverse offerings of decadent beverages and treats while separating itself from comparison with a smaller more intimate setting—I would especially recommend this as an ideal spot for your private party needs (be a "baller" and rent it out for the night like Boris did for Sanaa in "Brown Sugar"—LOL).
Located at 265 Ponce de Leon Avenue (around the corner from Old Spaghetti Factory and right next door to MF Sushi Bar), Tarrazu takes centerstage with its eye-catching terrace and black awning…and then you walk in! I’m no interior decoration expert, but with beautiful hardwood floors, artistic lighting, assorted candles throughout the establishment, very cool, classy, and comfortable dinner/lounge furniture, very clean bathrooms (hey, ya know), ambient table settings, great food, coffees, and desserts, and a great wait-staff…what more could you possibly ask for?! How about "live" music on Thursdays and Fridays (sometimes, Saturdays)? Did I mention this is a solely Black-owned establishment, run by partners Nathan Horne, Robert Beckham, and Terrance Gattis? Did you know they are even preparing the groundwork for yet another location in Phipps Plaza? Did you know that entire block (from MS Sushi Bar to Nancy’s Deli) is Black-owned? Did you know that they play Hidden Beach music on a regular ;) ? Did you want me to give you anymore reasons to go there or are you wise enough to act on my suggestions with any more cajoling?
Tarrazu Owners and ATLANTAHAPPS.COM subscribers
Robert Beckham (left), Ahmed and Nathan Horne
SENSUAL SATURDAYS at Tarrazu Coffeebar
Date: Join us on Saturday, July 26, 2003
Time: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. Eastern Time (US and Canada)
SUDARABAJAN Productions present...
"SENSUAL SATURDAYS"
(as a part of Tarrazu's Liquid Jazz Series)
Featuring a three-piece (keys/drums/bass) neo-jazz band,
THE FORMULA
Enjoy a sensual atmosphere of candlelight's, chill conversations, cool
sounds,
and good food as you leave the stress of the work week behind you.
As an extra treat, each week will feature a different up-and-coming
vocalist to
sit in with the band and grace the mike, for your listening pleasure.
The
dinner and dessert menu is definitely for the discriminating
palate...and you
won't need any reservations.
Time:
9pm-12am (NO COVER!)
Address:
265 Ponce De Leon Avenue (around the corner
from Old Spaghetti Factory)
Suite D
Atlanta, GA 30308
404.815.2077
Dress:
Comfortably Fly!
Contact info:
Ahmed @770.374.3537
Visit their website for upcoming events, lunch specials, and a preview
of their dinner menu at:
www.tarrazucoffeebar.com. Tell them Ahmed sent you…no, you won’t get
any discount on your dinner check, but it just sounds like a cool thing
to say—LOL! Seriously though, I might make a deal with them about
discounts if you do mention you heard about them from this article! Or,
maybe a free CD sampler from Hidden Beach (while supplies last). 
Ahmed Sirour - Eclectic. Product of a Sudanese-Arab (Muslim) father and a Bajan-Caribbean (Christian) mother. Ahmed was a "diamond in the rough" hewn from Brooklyn, now undergoing "polishing and re-cutting" in Atlanta. This serves as a premise to his diverse nature that comes from a diverse background. His poetic style is influenced by his love of music...specifically, jazz improvisation. He sometimes uses a rhyme form he calls "Broken Word"; basically, the rhyme scheme alternates between words and phrases but with a definite flow just like a jazz jam session where the art of freestyle takes place. Although it would seem that hip-hop, another of his influences, would seem to be a more apt description of his style, it is the marriage of youthful innovation paired with classic refinement. He is also moved by the Harlem Renaissance, which he feels is resurfacing, in spirit, throughout many major metropolitan cities, especially Atlanta. More importantly, he is moved by his belief in spirituality, believing that he is merely a vessel of God to bring forth the talent that he feels he has been blessed with.
Ahmed's goal, this year, to finally publish his first collection of work entitled, "This Would Be A Love Song...If Only I Could Sing"; a collection of poetry, essays, and short stories based on his life's experiences in the area of love and life. Ahmed is also a musician (keyboardist) and plays for and with many talented artists in Atlanta (and those who travel through the city from abroad). He currently represents for Hidden Beach Recordings (www.hiddenbeach.com), so he keeps one foot in the business and one foot (and two hands) in the art, itself. It is his hope and prayer that beyond enjoying his work, that people are actually moved, emotionally/intellectually/spiritually, by the words they read, and to know that this is merely a power that is coming through him and not from him.
SOULFUL HAPPS - A SPOTLIGHT ON URBAN MUSIC & CULTURE
Imagine for a moment if Marvin were still alive and able to record with the Roots... Or what about Pete Rock breaking-off a track for Minnie Ripperton or Donnie Hathaway. What kind of energy would these collaborations create??? The answer is found in a new Soul Music Series entitled SOULFUL HAPPS, and it's unlike anything you've ever heard. This section features artists who produce the sounds of 70's Soul, Acid Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rare Grooves appreciated by music lovers around the Atlanta area. But it's more than a sound... It's a feeling... bringing the past and the future together in a rather unique way. Click here for details
WHAT THEY ARE SAYIN...
Mr.Sirour,
I live in LA and was
recently in your wonderful city and love reading you're column, Very
nice. Miles...
Mr.Sirour,
I would like to begin by saying I enjoy your weekly "HAPPS" commentary. I look forward to it every Monday evening when I have down time at work. I appreciate you keeping us 'Atliens' abreast of the goings of Atlanta and upcoming music artists. Please keep doing what you are doing!
Mr.Sirour,
Now, I would like to comment briefly on your commentary for this week. Kudos to you for being honest and candid! How refreshing to hear such positive and thought provoking thoughts. I agree with you in so many ways. Just as a smile can be contagious, so can positivity.
P.S-- I saw the plug on your site for the Tarrazu Coffee Bar. It sounds like a great place. I will be trying it out this week.
Thank You,
Brettina Burney
KATHLEEN BERTRAND
Visit the Website http://www.kathleenbertrand.com
Subscriber Kathleen Bertrand, her riveting performances combine contemporary R&B grooves with jazz riffs that keep audiences wanting for more...
No Regrets sets an elegant new standard for contemporary soul, and Kathleen Bertrand brings an inspiring new voice to the world of music. Look for future features on this dynamic singer in future ATLANTAHAPPS listings.
Ahmed writes the way a jazz musician plays during an improvisational jam session paired with the way a lyricist freestyles in hip-hop form. It is a marriage of the past and present that creates a fusion to set the tempo for the future. His writing surpasses his racial makeup and simply becomes a unique American story by a unique American writer.
www.authorsden.com/ahmedasirour
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