here are two reasons to follow my output as a musician.... my radio show "THE MESSAGE" runs from 7-10 PM on Jazz radio station KMHD 89.1 FM in Portland, OR. Trust me....it's cool listening with an African-American centric feel to the proceedings. THE CARLTON JACKSON-DAVE MILLS Big Band is in residency at Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell St.)on every 3rd MONDAY till the next meteor hits...730-1030PM and some great big band music to be had from 18 of the best that Portland has to offer. ALL AGES are welcome. TEACHERS...if you have a school band that needs to see this kind of group do material that resembles what you are dealing with, then get the band out and see our group. A good teaching moment could be had with interaction with our guys. Food is wonderful there at the venue, also... Dave and I would like to see you there.

David Ornette Cherry on OPB Artbeat

David Ornette Cherry's Expressions of Energy / One Drop To Victory

This video contains various images set to audio from a 2007 performance at the Someday Lounge in Portland, OR. featuring David Ornette Cherry's Expressions of Energy group
(D.O.Cherry, Acoustic Piano
Michael York, Tenor Sax
Justin Durrie, Acoustic Bass
and Carlton Jackson, Drumset)

The tune "One Drop To Victory" was written by Cherry
and recorded by Jackson.

Art Resnick-Rob Thomas Collective / "Can You Do This??"

a short-lived 1990's rehearsal band in Portland, OR
with pianist/composer Art Resnick and violinist Rob Thomas
joined by Dave Captein on basses
and Carlton Jackson on drumset.

Can You Do This
was composed and produced by Art Resnick
Recorded live to 2-track DAT.
engineered by Ron George
at Falcon Studios, Portland, OR.

Hip-Hop/Jazz pioneer Guru succumbs to cancer...

Hip-Hop Luminary Guru Succumbs To Cancer
Posted Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:01am PDT by Billy Johnson, Jr. in the blog Hip-Hop Media Training

Hip-hop icon Keith "Guru" Elam died Monday as a result of cancer-related causes, MTV reports. He was 43 years old.

Guru was hospitalized in March, and while some outlets reported that he suffered a heart attack, it was never confirmed.

Guru's friend and partner Solaar released a statement following his passing.

"The world has lost one of the best MCs and hip-hop icons of all-time-my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solaar wrote, according to MTV. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man a true genius."

Solaar said Guru wrote a letter before his passing. "I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world," the letter said. "I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options."

The letter also addressed Guru's concern for continuing his philanthropic efforts. "I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting."

In the message, Guru credited Solaar for his support.

"My loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Solaar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself.

Solaar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solaar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solaar on behalf [of] myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own."

The note also makes controversial references to DJ Premiere. "I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events, tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this," the letter said. "I had nothing to do with him in life for 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solaar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ.

"As the sole founder of Gang Starr, I am very proud of what Gang Starr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz.
I am proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solaar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with Gang Starr or Jazzmatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now.

"The work I have done with Solaar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small-mindedness, greed, and ignorance.

As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solaar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life."

As the duo Gang Starr with DJ Premiere, the group released its most successful album in 1998, Moment Of Truth. They emerged in the ‘80s and were featured in Spike Lee's movie Mo Betta Blues. Gang Starr released its last album, The Ownerz, in 2003.

One of Black Cinema's true veterans is vital and very active on Broadway

this interview was done before Roger Robinson recently garnered the Best Actor Tony award in 2009. He was always one of my favorite actors in the Blacksploitation era of Hollywood films in the 70's. I am happy that he is still vital and doing great work on the Great White Way...

---------------


Roger Robinson: Taking Another Tony Award-Nominated Turn
in August Wilson's 'Joe Turner'

By Bridget Bland on Jun 3rd 2009 4:04PM
Filed under: Interviews, Theater

Since the revival of August Wilson's 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' racked up six 2009 Tony Award nominations, the critically acclaimed Broadway production is a must-see production.

Ask President Obama, who took his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, on a date last weekend to see the dramatic play, which also stars Chad L. Coleman, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Ernie Hudson, Andre Holland and Aunjaunue Ellis.

With just a few days before the annual Tony Awards on June 7, BV Newswire chatted with best featured actor nominee Roger Robinson, who plays griot and conjurer Bynum Walker in 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone.' The theater veteran explained why this story has touched the hearts of theater-goers and how Wilson's legacy will continue to live on for years to come.

No novice to Wilson's work, Robinson has appeared in six of the late playwright's 10 plays, which chronicle the black experience across a century. This marks the second time he has been nominated for a Tony, the first time was for the acclaimeAugust Wilsond 'Seven Guitars' in 1996.

"I had never done this particular show or role. I met with the director [Barlett Sher], and he used a word that drew me to it: collaboration," he explained. "And, it showed me he would be open to exploring this experience with me, and that he would be open to black culture even though he was a white man."

And explore the depths of the role Robinson does in the near three hour-long tour de force.

The Seattle native's portrayal of Bynum has left such an impression that he's also being honored by his colleagues.

On June 9, the 'Brother to Brother' star will become the first African American to receive the 2009 Richard Seff Award, presented by the Actors' Equity Foundation to an actor 50 or older in a supporting role in a Broadway or off-Broadway production.

Robinson's only lament is that the entire cast could not have been honored for their stellar performances.

"I wish the Tony Awards had an ensemble award like the Olivier's and Screen Actors Guild but [New York] theater needs to do that because this one would have been honored."

Robinson believes Wilson is a great American poet and his "use of language is second to none, except Eugene O'Neil and perhaps Tennessee Williams." In the age of Tyler Perry's popularity, the 69-year-old actor believes that there is still a place for these type of theatrical productions.

"August is literature. [Sure] Tyler is a marketing expert and a genius to make his empire, [but] August Wilson is probably one of the most produced American playwrights."

Currently, 'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' is playing at the Belasco Theatre. It's set to close its limited run June 14.

Given its buzz, an extension is a possibility, especially if the play scores a few of the Tony Awards it's nominated for.

local guitarist Kent Henry passes away

I was sorry to hear that this wonderful musician finally passed. I had some contact/playing with Kent, through another guitar player in the early 2000's and finally heard what everyone was talking about with this guy. I did post the original email from Tony Conroy which came a day ago, and then my email response to Tony.

After the emails will be the official notice by Michael Russell at The Oregonian.


From: xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Local blues musician dies - OregonLive.com
Date: April 30, 2009 2:19:35 AM PDT
To: cjackson@teleport.com


Carlton,

Did you see this? I totally missed it.

I dealt with Kent many time when he worked as a repair tech at the Beaverton Guitar Center.

He was indeed a humble and unassuming guy. One time I brought him a story I found on the net from a guy who saw a concert Kent played with Steppenwolf at a college in Wisconsin. Kent's performance was so inspiring that it caused the guy to learn to play the guitar. Incredibly, Kent said he remembered the concert and was extremely touched to hear the story. Another time I was with him at Guitar Center waiting for him to complete my repair work, when the usual "Stairway to Heaven" came screaming from the amp section. I asked Kent if he ever got tired of hearing that tune here at the store. He said "No, I really don't mind hearing it..I just wish they'd learn to play it right".

What sad news.

Tony
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/local_blues_musician_dies.html


From: cjackson@teleport.com
Subject: kent henry story...
Date: April 30, 2009 7:54:49 AM PDT
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

yeah, I heard about it a few weeks ago when Kent was going down slow and I think that a benefit was mentioned, but didn't happen.

I never played with him actively, but knew of him and did one set of rehearsals and a one-off with Robert (Brown) Rude. That was the first time that I really heard Kent live, and he had some great instincts and cool tricks, within a strong framework of sound and grooves.

We played a great set at the giant gay bar (forget the name, but an infamous lesbian pick up place) up the street from Kung Fu Bakery on Division. Rude was trying to scare up some gigs, and that was the first time I had been in that place. There might have been a recording, and I will look.

A real loss in PDX music annals.

thanks for the heads-up and see you tonight (?) at the jam
cj


Local blues musician dies
by Michael Russell, The Oregonian
Thursday March 19, 2009, 6:17 AM

Kent Henry Plischke, a blues guitarist and singer who recorded with the bands Steppenwolf and Blues Image under the name Kent Henry, died Wednesday in Portland, his caregiver said. He was 60.

He was easy going, and he was a humble man, said Patty J. Hill, 56, who cared for Plischke at her Southeast Portland home. He once gave a gold record away because he didn't want to look like he was bragging.

Plischke was born on April 5, 1948 in Hollywood, Calif., Hill said. He joined his first band, The Lost Souls, when he was 14 years old.

In 1969 he played on the album Lord Sutch and Heavy Friends which featured guitarists Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, bass player Noel Redding and drummer John Bonham.

Plischke provided guitar solos on the Blues Image song Ride Captain Ride, a hit that peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Music Chart in June of 1970.

Plischke joined Steppenwolf in 1971, and toured with the band through 1972, playing lead guitar on hits such as Born to be Wild and Magic Carpet Ride. He also played on their 1971 studio album For Ladies Only.

Plischke moved to Southwest Portland in the early 1980s, Hill said. He replaced local blues musician Jim Mesi in the Paul deLay Blues Band and worked for 15 years as a technician at Apple Music at 225 S.W. First Ave., where he met and briefly dated Hill.

Hill took Plischke in for emergency surgery about 2 a.m. this morning. He was given a sedative but died before surgery could begin.

A public service is planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m on Thursday, March 26 at the Omega Funeral Home at 223 S.E. 122nd Avenue in Portland.

-- Michael Russell; michaelrussell@news.oregonian.com