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Artist of the Month February 12, 2010 - Toad's Place, New Haven. Tonight is Marion Meadow's Valentine's Day Show. As usual, I'm here early, anxiously waiting for the band's sound check and a chance to chat with the artists. I notice a very nice looking gentleman carrying a saxophone and find out he's a guest performer for tonight's show. His name is Art Sherrod. He plays a little during sound check but it gets pretty hectic so I just sit back to prepare for the show. By the time the show starts, Toads is filled with hundreds of adoring Marion Meadows fans. Art has been mingling and talking with the crowd and I thought, "What a nice guy he is". He finally joins Marion and the band on stage and plays a rousing version of "That's the Way of The World" and a few other numbers, generating quite a bit of excitement throughout the crowd, including me. He brought a few copies of his new CD and people wanted them. When Art Sherrod left the stage, he happily signed the CDs that were purchased by his new and existing fans. He returned to the stage several times and joined in on the show's finsle. What a remarkable performer! I had a chance to chat with Art at the after-party and I must say, I was smitten. I was impressed by the number of people who wanted to know more about this extraordinary musician. Not only does he have an intoxicating personality, but his obvious passion for his craft is unmeasurable. There was definitely something special about his music and I could not wait to listen to the new CD called "Seasons". "Seasons" is an expression of love, and spirituality. You'll want to listen to it over and over. Collaborations with some of the greatest names in R&B and Jazz including Chuck Loeb, Will Downing, Gerald Albright, and Marcus Johnson, just to name a few. Enchanting vocals and vocal arrangements by Eric Valentine, Cherise, and Kurt Lykes and Cammi Knight on "We Fall Down", and Tracy Hamlin on "You're The One". An impressive arrangement of "That's the Way of The World" by Eric Valentine and Will Wesson wih a great Alto Sax by Art. My favorite number on this CD is definitely "Thinking of You", written by Art and Chip Shearin, with smooth vocals by Will Downing. Need I say more? I was so taken by this music that I needed more. Art's prior CD called "All 4 Love" is just as fun and exciting. It features 7 original numbers and a hauntingly beautiful version of "Sara Smile"...WOW..... There are also TWO versions of Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally". A lot of fun listening to this. These are two CDs that you MUST have. This is Jazz and R&B at its best and has established Art Sherrod, Jr as Gayle's Corner's artist of the month! Learn more about Art Sherrod, Jr. at www.artsherrodjr.com |