Jazz Portrait 25- Pharoah Sanders (Saxophone)

Pharoah is a pillar in one of my favorite styles of Jazz. Its a fusion of so many things that just compliment each other. Some of the classics from this brother, who is still performing are Thembi, Astral Traveling, and The Creator has a master plan. Dig it. Oh and The Revivalist has a good review of the Thembi LP.

Jazz Portrait 24- Jneiro Jarel/Dr.Who Dat (Beats)

Update 2019: Indigo Eden is probably my favorite of the pre 2011. This is still one of my favorite paintings I did of this era of music inspired portraits.

Here's my original post of Jneiro typography. Some songs of his I didn't mention in that one are: Brooklyn mood, Nights over Nantes, and Viberian Sun . Why'd I put down this due? Because there is something vibrant, funky, and experimental in his music. I hear it.

Update 2019: Indigo Eden is probably my favorite of the pre 2011.

Dig this? Check out this portrait of Madlib

Jazz Portraits 21- Roy Ayers (Vibes/ Composer)

So much to say about Roy. I think it was in 94 when i heard the Main Ingredient LP and the Blowout Comb that I really began to notice of this legend. I must of played "Searching" over and over and over again that summer on my little boom box. Then of course there was the Daylight sample from A Tribe Called Quest' "Bonita". Once I found about 2-3 cuts that had sampled his music, I began looking for the records. First finding records like Mystic Voyage, then Everybody Loves the Sunshine, then . But here are a few cuts he collaborated on with other people like Vibrations, the Proceed remix,and Take a look at yourself . Roy is arguably one of the illest vibraphone players and an incredible composer whose fusion of styles and sounds has inspired so many young people who continue to sample his music today. Case in point some folks were so inspired they decided to start a documentary project on him! And I cant forget "Aint got time", love that track.

Jazz Portraits 20- Nujabes (Beats)

I think the first time I recall hearing brother Nujabes name was from a track he did with Queens MC Apani B Fly Emcee. I am still largely new to his work and his legacy as a pivotal person in Japanese Hip Hop. But I want to say that songs like Omnipresence,  Battle Cry, and Another Reflection?! Wow, rest in peace brother, your music lives on.

Jazz Portraits 19 -Celia Cruz (Vocals)

I'm still learning when it comes to Latin Jazz, and I wont argue about whether Celia is Salsa, Latin Jazz, genre's etc. Im putting her into my series because I love "Bemba Colora" (yes this version, specifically) , Mango Mangue, y Caramelo. This is an illustration of her infectious smile in older age, but look her up when she was a young lady too.She was definitely fly!

Jazz Portraits 18-John Coltrane (Tenor/Alto Saxophone)

Hands down John Coltrane is the illest Jazz musician ever , to me. He is my all time favorite and I wish that I could explain why. I waited before doing his portrait because of the gravity, then decided just to doodle something quick (a younger photo). Enjoy the process and let it go. I still remember discovering my step dads cassette recording. It was a white tape, the greatest hits that had Giant Steps, My Favorite Things and so many more. In addition to those songs, Aisha and Lush Life are some of my favorites of his music. Then of course there’s his solo’s on Kind of Blue. I could go on…. Big shout out to Jimmy Garrison, Elvin Jones, and McCoy Tyner.

Jazz Portraits 17-Dorothy Ashby (Harp)

I found Dorothy's music through hip hop. INI+Pete Rock to be exact. I'm syill digging into her sound but my favorites of her's so far are "Drink" , "Heaven and Hell", and of course "Cause I need it". If you can tell me the name of the LP Pete Rock sampled "Cause i need it", i'll send you a drawing. :)

Dig this? Check out this one of Donald Byrd

Jazz Portraits 16 -Dizzy Gillespie

A titan of Jazz Music! Some of my favorite Dizzy songs are "Night in Tunisia" and "Manteca"

Jazz Portraits 15-Bobbi Humphrey

I found Bobbi through hip hop music, and again this is one of the ways my love and appreciation for her music has grown. You remember which group sampled "San Francisco Lights"?

I also love "My Little Girl" and my all time favorite BLACKS AND BLUES!
Bobbi was one of the first female instrumentalists to be signed to Blue Note, recording several LP's w/them and is still alive and playing today! Give thanks to creativity where ever you may find it.

Jazz Portraits 14-Madlib the Beat Konducta

I might need an extra page to count all the Madlib (aka Quasimoto, Beat Konducta, YNQ, Madvillian, Jaylib) beats I keep on rotation. This cat is like one of the illest and most prolific Jazz Musicians on the beat machine you ever heard. How about
So Much
Dear God
Basic Instinct
Mystic Bounce
support his music here

Jazz Portrait 13-Cassandra Wilson

I remember when i met Cassandra Wilson, I was so nervous I couldn't think of what to say except that my grandfather was from the same state she was from as she smiled and signed my cd. My dad used to listen to her and that's how I fell in love with her sultry voice. Remember "You Move Me" and "Darkness on the Delta"? Ms Wilson, if you're looking at this portrait, its not meant to be an exact portrait, just an expression.

Jazz Portrait 12- Headnodic

The twelfth in a series of drawings, scribbles, or paintings of people I consider to be Jazz and all that it encompasses. If you're not familiar with Bay Area producer "Headnodic" of the mighty Crown City Rockers/ Mighty Underdog Crew you better ask somebody. Two of my favorite Headnodic beats are "The Drive", "Something", and "one from his new lp coming up "Turn your radio up".

Jazz Portrait 8-Wille Bobo

Neck bones is one of my all time jams and if you didnt know, his son Eric is dope too!

Jazz Portraits 5 -Georgia Anne Muldrow

Georgia on my mind! Have you heard her remix for "Suite for Ma Dukes" , whew!!!

Jazz Portraits 4-Jose James

Again, these are just quick sketches. Here's a slapper from Jose.

Jazz Portraits 3-Esperanza Spalding

This is a joint i like off her new LP.