Boney James, Albright, Whalum and Shelea to perform in jazz and gospel concert

buzzz worthy. . .

Long Beach, CA: Boney James, a four-time Grammy nominee, headlines the 2014 Winter Concert presented by Rainbow Promotions, LLC, the producers of the popular Long Beach Jazz Festival. The evening's opening act is Kirk Whalum and his "Gospel According to Jazz," which includes the vocal artistry of Sheléa and the multi-talented musician, Gerald Albright.

BONEY JAMES Boney James is a leading proponent of the Slow Jazz movement, but his wide ranging talent can also bring a strong emotional surge, especially during his live concerts. The Boston Globe reported that "his music is muscular and gritty," and that he all but dares the crowd not to have a good time. His connection with his audience is visceral and vibrant as he takes them on a musical journey. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, James took up the clarinet at age eight, switching to saxophone when he was ten. Growing up in New Rochelle, New York, he was influenced by Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire and saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. At 14, James moved with his family to Los Angeles, where he received a degree in history from UCLA, and then began playing music full time after graduation. For seven years he toured as a sideman for a number of artists, including Morris Day, The Isley Brothers, Randy Crawford and Bobby Caldwell. In 1992 he released his debut album as a leader, "Trust." In addition to his Grammy nominations, James is a Soul Train Award winner (Best Jazz Album), was honored with an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Jazz Album, and has four RIAA Certified Gold Records. Nine of James' albums have reached Number 1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and two have reached the top 10 on the R&B Albums Chart, a rare feat for an instrumental artist. KIRK WHALUM, "GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JAZZ" Soulful, passionate, stirring are words often used to describe Kirk's music, a fusion of his Memphis gospel roots and his initiation into the thriving Houston nightclub scene in the 1980s. Houston is where Kirk was "discovered" by jazz pianist Bob James, who took him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including Cache, Kirk's first #1 album. After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk was in demand as a session player for top artists, like Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and Whitney Houston. Kirk's sax is heard on the mega-hit "I Will Always Love You." Kirk followed that career high with his phenomenal hit album, "For You," released on Warner Brothers Records, along with nearly 25 other solo recordings, including his eclectic "Gospel According to Jazz" series. An eleven-time Grammy nominee, Kirk won his first Grammy award for Best Gospel Song, "It's What I Do," featuring Lalah Hathaway, alongside his life-long friend and gifted writer, Jerry Peters. SHELÉA With hands that effortlessly glide over the keys and a voice that will carry you to the moon, Sheléa's musical mastery makes her one of the most exhilarating up and coming artists today. GERALD ALBRIGHT A gifted saxophonist, Gerald also plays bass guitar. With 15 CDs under his belt and one collaboration CD, he has definitely gained his place in the music world as a player, songwriter and producer. ~~~    DETAILS AT A GLANCE    WHAT:          2014 Winter Concert Presented By Rainbow Promotions LLC.                    Featuring: "Boney James"  Also Performing: "Gospel According to Jazz," with Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and Sheléa WHEN:         8 p.m. Friday, November 21, 2014 WHERE:       The Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center             TICKETS:     TicketMaster: 800-745-3000 / http://bit.ly/WINTERCONCERT                        Terrace Theater Box Office: 562-436-3661                        Rainbow Promotions LLC: 562-424-0013                        Ticket Prices: $46.00 to $101.00