Just got confirmation from Rajah about the show with Stanley Clarke’s new group SMV at The Country Club Hills Theater: It’s Saturday, June 20. The Country Club Hills Theater is a 5000 seat outdoor theater that has become a major venue for some of the best national R&B and Jazz tours. This summer’s schedule includes shows by Babyface, After 7, War and Lalah Hathaway, to name a few. I thought this would be the ideal time (and person) to launch a new series called “3Q” that will serve as a little introduction to some really good people to know about. So here’s 3Q, and here are three questions for Rajah ----
Q1: The show on June 20th sounds amazing. Everybody knows Stanley Clarke, but for people just finding out about this scene, what can you tell us about Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten (the rest of the SMV Thunder Tour)?
RAJAH: Well, Stanley Clarke has been a world renowned bassist and producer for 40 years plus. Marcus Miller wrote many tunes for David Sanborn, Luther Vandross and a host of talented musicians, Victor Wooten, the youngest (I believe) of the three has been a brilliant bassist in his own right and they have combined forces to create a project and tour that is sure to be exciting.
Q2: You're bringing a really strong line up with you. Who are they? I heard Brandon may be coming in for the show.
RAJAH: Well of course I'll be on all Saxes.
Phil Seed on Guitar (from the band Detour) is one of the most dynamic guitarists and outright musicians in Chicago. Phil has been involved with two of the three CD's I have produced and recorded. I have never met a musician that plays an instrument so much like it was built for him. He truly hears and creates music on a level that most can only imagine. This is one of the many times I've called him in to not only play but signed him on to be my music director for this show.
Brandon W. McCune on Piano --- This brilliant pianist found time in his incredible schedule to join me, as he will fly in from New Jersey to play on this gig. Brandon has performed all over the world with Nina Freelon, Leonora Zenzalai Helm and too many others to list. Brandon also performs on two of my three CD's and can make any track a hit.
John "Bonified" Owens --- When this brother is done with the bass, the bass is going to need some bandages! This brother is as smooth as they come on the bass but can also flat out bring a groove to its knees. John and I met at a Sam Ash music store on the south side and ended up talking for over and hour. Without hearing this brother play, I invited him into the studio to play on two tracks of my latest CD "EnSabado - Last Call" and was truly pleased with the results.
Derek Henderson plays as if he understands where you're going before you do. With a collection of beat riffs and his latin backbeat kick it was an honor to have him on this gig. Derek has performed with and toured with some extrodinary musicians including but not limited to Ray Silkman.
William Kirk on keyboard/ Is a newcomer to me and will be the first time we've played together. William came highly recommended by Phil Seed as thses guys have often played together and if he's good enough to grace the stage with Phil Seed he can roll with anyone.
Q3: Can't let you go without asking about your unbelievably talented sister Lenora Helm (www.lenorahelm.com). How's Lynn?
RAJAH: My sis Lynn is doing great things and is just back from Mexico with her mini tour. Lynn is my mentor and has kept me grounded when all else around me is going to hell in a handbasket. She lets me know at the end of the day its all about the music.
More info at http://countryclubhillstheater.org/t.artist.reggieheim.html and by all means, check it out.
