John R Burr

Grammy-nominated songwriter/pianist John R Burr and renowned singer songwriter Jenna Mammina will be joined by John Shifflett on bass, Jason Lewis on drums and Scott Sorkin on guitar to present a tribute to the music of beloved singer-songwriter James Taylor at  the Musically Minded Academy  in Oakland’s Rockridge District on Sat., Jan. 21.

This special concert celebrates the enduring and vast musical legacy of James Taylor, as well as the music of other artists who have been a part of his career such as Carol King, Joni Mitchell, Don Grolnick and the Beatles. Jenna and John R’s new arrangements of many of Taylor’s classics, are true to the essence of James Taylor’s wonderful writing, yet provide plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity.

This Tribute to James Taylor, as well as other KCSM’s In The Moment concerts, are curated by art director Jim Bennett, continuing the legacy of Jazz as a living art form.

About the musicians:

John R Burr was first drawn to the piano at the age of 10 when he heard Vince Guaraldi’s playing on the Peanut’s animated TV specials. He started out as a child prodigy drummer; he was the only child out of 5 siblings not forced to study the piano. It wasn’t until he was in high school that his focus turned to the keyboard. He then discovered that there were too many drummers to compete with and the piano became his instrument of choice.

John has performed with Robben Ford, Sherie Friedlander, Suzanna Smith, Jackie Ryan, Maria Muldaur, The Alison Brown Quartet, Paul McCandless, Michael Manring and Kathy Kallick, among many others. John on piano – Blackbird variation.

“Pianist extraordinaire John R. Burr has the most sparkling style since former Allman Brother- turned-Rolling Stone hired hand Chuck Leavell,” according to The Philadelphia Weekly.

Jenna Mammina is recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, she has shared the cover alongside Diana Krall and Norah Jones. Jenna has been awarded Jazz Performer of the Year for the SF Weekly, a nomination for Best Jazz Album for her Meant to Be cd, by the California Music Awards, and the Goldy Award for her tireless work with children through her Scat for Cats program.

Jenna has performed with a vast array of legendary talent, such as Bobby McFerrin, June Millington, Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, Phish, David Sanborn, Ray Obiedo, Wil Ackerman, Liz Story, Tuck Andress, and Rosemary Clooney. Jenna has performed at esteemed venues like Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, Town Hall in New York, The Green Mill in Chicago, and festivals such as Jazz Aspen, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, Monterey, San Francisco, Big Sur and Mount Hood.

Details:

John R Burr and Jenna Mammina:
“James Taylor: 6 Degrees of Separation”

Sat., Jan. 21, 8-10pm

Tickets at the door. Mention KCSM In the Moment for a $5 discount.

Musically Minded Academy, 5776 Broadway in Oakland