Musiqology at the Blue Note: Meet the Band

We’re excited about bringing the Colored Waiting Room to the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club this Friday at 11:45pm—the late night groove set.  Inviting new musicians into the mix is one of the great things I’ve loved about Dr. Guy’s MusiQology since starting this thing ten years ago.  Meet the new MusiQologists in the band!

imani uzuri is a critically acclaimed composer, singer, actress performance artist and activist.  I was first a fan, then a collaborator and now a friend.  She never let’s us forget that at the heart of it, she’s a Southern girl who brings the grit and grace of her North Carolina upbringing to stages around the world.  Come see her bring her special gifts of song to the Colored Waiting Room at the Blue Note.

I’ve known the great bassist Kenny Davis since our college days in Chicago when we played in bands and choirs together. He’s played, recorded, and toured with all the greats in the business and did a stint in the Tonight Show band. To experience Kenny D., as our hometown gang calls him, is to hear one of the best!  He’s an amazing musician and a better friend. Come out and hear us do our thing, for old time’s sake, at the Blue Note!

When I saw Kevin Mambo as Fela on Broadway I was blown away.  When imani uzuri invited him on stage to move some spirit up one evening, I experienced a side of him that many of his fans may not know either: he’s a wonderful musician.  We’ve prepared something special for the Blue Note that we think you’ll enjoy.  This dude is bad!

Korey Ryker is one of the most respected musicians in Philadelphia, a place I’ve called a creative home for me over the last fifteen years. He belongs to a long tradition of soulful and thoughtful musicians, and like many on the scene in Philly, he moves among jazz, gospel, and funk genres with ease. Korey is also one of the most sought out session musicians around.  Thrilled to have him on the set, this Friday night—late night at the Blue Note.

David Gilmore has played with everyone from Steve Coleman to Meshell Ndegeocello.  His list of recordings looks like a who’s who of the jazz scene.  He’s an educator at Berklee School of Music and is one thrilling performer, adding electric and eclectic force to the soundscape.  I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to play with such an incomparable musician with such a list of accomplishments.

Our drummer this coming Friday is Rudy Royston, a Texas native. He’s a musician and composer who’s performances, tours, and recordings are as impressive as his playing.  He brings a wealth of experience in gospel, rock, jazz and much more.  His sensitivity and skills can be heard on his new recording 303 (Greenleaf Music).  He’ll be holding down at the Blue Note and Dr. Guy’s Musiqology will never be the same. 

I’m so happy to also welcome to the Blue Note stage my youngest daughter Bridget Ramsey, who studied music at Spelman College and is now building her career in Philadelphia.  Look out for her new EP, which will be released this summer.  With her background in jazz, pop and opera I’m sure she’ll go far.