Want to go?
WHO: Marion Meadows
WHERE: Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton
WHEN: 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
COST: $25
MORE INFO: 937-228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com
ARTIST INFO: www.marionmeadows.com
Contemporary jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows has played in a variety of musical configurations since the release of his 1990 debut, "For Lovers Only." However, he's particularly excited about the musical possibilities available with his new outfit, the Black Pearl Band.
The group — featuring Carlo Pennisi (guitar), Jabari Kersey (drums) and the Gaines brothers, Lamar (keyboards) and Will (bass) — performs at Gilly’s in Dayton on Saturday, Feb. 20.
Meadows recently submitted to a short telephone interview.
Q: What can you tell us about the Black Pearl Band?
A: "It's an eclectic mix of musicians. It's something new I can bring to the table, which is something I've been looking for for a while. My latest record is a nod toward humanity and the things I think we need to look out for. It's something with a little meaning behind it so we put this band together with some fresh faces and fresh music and, voila, here we are."
Q: Will they be on the next album?
A: I'm actually trying to define now what's going to be the future. I'm looking at making motifs of music, like six or eight songs, that I'd offer through my Web site, Amazon or whatever, and each one could be a different style of music. Even though our music is contemporary in nature, I've done straight ahead jazz and new age and played on some rock records. To me, it's just music and this band would lend itself to the first attempt at that."
Q: You've been performing at Gilly's for years. What keeps you coming back?
A: "(Owner) Jerry Gillotti is a very good friend of mine. I'm just amazed he's been around all these years, but I'm glad he has because he's a major contributor to the music scene. He's a living legend. I'm always happy to work for him, and the people in Dayton have always come out full force for my shows. I've cultivated a great relationship, musically and spiritually, with a very important group of people there so I always look forward to coming back."
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