Melvin Vines
Melvin Reynard Vines, the third son of Robert and Georgia Vines, was born September 5, 1952 and raised in Toledo Ohio. It would be interesting here to mention that in his family are two prolific artists Roderick Vines, and Marvin Vines, Four Art Photographers, a number of atheletes of distinction and a Grandfather named "Artist". Throw in the fact that Art Tatum, and Jon Hendricks grew up just around the corner from his Mother and father, and it would be easy to see why Melvin's creative spirit is abounding.
It all started when he was nineteen years of age. Having been mis-educated in the Ohio public school system for 12 years he finally realized what it is he wanted to do for the rest of his life. But only after hearing the inspiring artistry of th legendary South African trumpeter, Hugh Masakela. Melvin began teaching himself the trumpet under the mentorship of bassist, Vernon Martin.
Since his initial indoctrination onto the Jazz life he has had the following people play in his band: Bob Cunningham, Jymie Merritt, Kiane Zawadi, Ed Cherry, Michael howell, Charles Davis Jr, Patience Higgins, Bill saxton, Frank Lacy, Billy Bang,Warren smith, Johnny Coles, Ed Kelly, Eddie Henderson, James zollar, Gerald Hayes, and many more.
Today Melvin is concentrating his efforts more on the promotion of his nine piece band called the " Harlem Jazz Machine ".
Between 2005 and 2007 the "Harlem Jazz Machine" has toured more than a dozen cities in Russia and Ukraine mostly concerts. But some small venues as well. In 2008 Melvin brought the band to Japan for their first tour in Japan. Playing a televised concert in Yonezawa. Jazz Inn Lovely in Nagoya. A workshop for young Japanese students in Senzoku Gakuen ( Music College) in Yokohama. BFlat jaz club in Tokyo. Hit Studio 60 in Tokyo.
Melvin looks forward to bringing his music around the world now and in the future!
Kay Mori
Born in Kumamoto, Japan in 1954 Kay Mori, known then as Keiko Takahashi, began her career with winning a singing contest that took her to Hawaii at age sixteen.
Nineteen years old and still singing. Her professional chops began with "Keiko and Endy Louis" - a trio made up of ( Bassist ) Louis Takano, ( Guitarist ) Endy Yamaguchi and Kay as vocalist.
The Trio worked regularly in and around Japan with their Japanese POP songs as well as Television and Radio appearances. They recorded two Albums and 4 singles. The first recording 1974: "Tonari no Futari" (single) and "Tonari no Futari" ( Album).This first recording won them the ( New artists award ). The next recording became a hit, ( Anata no machi koi no machi ) in 1975. "Nakano Asagaya Koenji" and "Masaaki Hirao Family concert" were recorded that same year. The band recorded "Doshite Kyo wa Getsuyobi" 1976.The trio were featured in ( Japan TV Series ): 1974 - 1985
"PM 23 Show"
"Yoru no Hit Studio"
"Grand Stage"
"Morning Show"
"Kokoro no Uta"
In 1997 Kay Mori recorded a live performance "BE" The 20th anniversary Live"
Around 28 years of age Kay started singing Jazz. Actually, she wanted to sing Country and Pop but the venues and gigs were few for that genre. So if she was going to work at all she had to sing Jazz. The first song she learned was Fats Wallers' " Aint misbehavin". Eventually she started working the Jazz venues in and around Tokyo. Ocassionally getting Radio and TV work singing Jazz.
In 1986 she moved to london for six months hoping to learn more english. Afterwhich she arrived in New York City singing in and around New York. In 1990 she auditioned and landed a singing role with the " Cosby Show " One of Cosby's classic episodes. She sang with a Gospel Choir.
By 1992 she was married and with child. That child born, Yusei Sam Furnari. Raising a child in a foreign country and New York City for that matter was not easy on an artists' career. She chose to raise her child and work less often during his younger years.
As Sam grew into a teenager she began going back to Jazz Jam sessions, showcases and open mikes and she found her way to the world famous St. Nicks Pub in Harlem. She is now the House singer on Monday Nights with the Melvin Vines kortet.
Tuesday nights Kay sings Solo with guitar. Japanese Folk songs, American Classics and even some Bob Marley to the delight of the Jamaican community and foreign tourists.
In July of 2008 Kay began flexing her muscle as a producer and organized a breakthrough tour with the "Harlem Jazz Machine". She sang with the band on a five city tour that stunned the audiences from Yonezawa, Nogoya,Kawasaki,Yokohama, and Tokyo. The Band members: Melvin Vines (trumpet) Chip Crawford (piano) Gregory Porter (vocals) Andrae Murchison (trombone) Emanuel Harrold (drums) Wayne Escoffery ( sax) Rachiim Sahu (bass).
You can be sure she working on her next milestone!
Harlem Jazz Machine
This band is the outgrowth of a 2005 tour in Russia and ukraine In October 2005, Melvin and Gregory Porter Toured Ukraine and Russia with Arkadi Owrutski and Vladamir Nesterenko. The tour was a success. The promoters approached them about putting together a larger band. Melvin called a few musicians such as: Patience Higgins, Greg bandy, Stafford Hunter, and James Zollar and Gerald Hayes. The Band then toured Siberia as well as parts of Ukriane. Now Melvin has reorganized a US band made up of all New York muscians who have worked in the Harlem area a lot along with their world wide work.
In July 2008 Melvin brought the band to Japan for their first tour in Japan.
-- Played a televised concert in Yonezawa. 07/17
-- Jazz Inn Lovely in Nagoya. 07/19
-- Workshop for young Japanese students in Senzoku Gakuen ( Music College) in Yokohama. 07/18
-- BFlat jaz club in Tokyo. 07/21
-- Hit Studio 60 in Tokyo. 07/23
Band Members:
Melvin vines (trumpet,Flugle horn)
Chip Crawford (piano)
Gregory Porter (vocalist)
Rachim Sahu (bass)
Wayne Escoffery (sax)
Andrae Murchison (trombone)
Emanuel Harrold (drums)
Melvin looks forward to bringing his music around the world now and in the future!