The “Royal Palm Place Jazz Series”, which kicked off last November, continues to bring electrifying mega-talented musicians from around the country to Boca Raton. We said earlier this year Boca Raton was clearly well on its way to becoming a mecca for contemporary jazz, and that prediction has certainly come true.
This past Friday night, at The Funky Biscuit (formerly named Club 303) in Royal Palm Place, the venue was jam-packed with people who had been waiting months to see the one and only Jackiem Joyner, many of whom had come from cities all across Florida. He and the band played two sets, for well over 2 hours of great jazz, and the response from the crowd was overwhelming. Quotes from attendees included: “THANKS Royal Palm for these awesome jazz shows…..LOVE!”, “What a fabulous concert! He put on an awesome show”, Jackiem Joyner put on a great show tonight…”, “Last night was GREAT, can’t wait to see who will be coming in the future; what a fantastic night out!!! Thanks!”, “Thanks again Jacqui for outdoing yourself! I had such a wonderful evening last night! Really looking forward to the beginning of a fabulous 2011-2012 Royal Palm Place Jazz Series! Thanks to everyone that help to make these events possible”, “This show was HOT…”, “My husband and I are huge smooth jazz fans. We went to the Funky Biscuit last Friday night to see Jackiem Joyner and brought two friends with us. None of us had been there before. We had a blast!!!! The food was very good, and we loved the show. Thanks! We’re looking forward to the next smooth jazz event…”
So what makes Jackiem Joyner so special? He tells a story without words, with an instrumental voice that includes a tenor sax in addition to his trademark alto and soprano horns that are deeply rooted in the rich soil of soulful expression and raw emotion. Listening to him Friday night was an amazing experience. This performer can make his sax wail, growl, and everything in between. Friday night included selections from all three of his CDs, and they were all hits with the crowd. His self-titled album, Jackiem Joyner, arrived hot on the heels of his 2008 sophomore release, Lil’ Man Soul, which generated two #1 singles. Topping the smooth jazz radio charts for an incredible 12 weeks, “I’m Waiting For You” was the longest-running #1 single in 2009 and was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2010 American Smooth Jazz Awards. In 2010 the album’s “Take Me There” climbed to the summit position and set up camp. Babysoul, Joyner’s first album, debuted at #15 on the Billboard chart in 2007 led by the single “Stay With Me Tonight,” a duet with iconic smooth jazz guitarist Peter White. Smooth Jazz News actually named Joyner the Debut Artist of the Year.
Jackiem and Sharon Batte
The jazz series was created by Jacqui Wyatt, Director of Marketing for Investments Limited and co-host of the popular radio show “The Talk of The Town”, which took the #1 spot in Boca Raton Magazine’s “Ultimate It List…The Boca 100” this year. Helping her bring it all together has been none other than Steve Butler, CEO of Mighty Music Corp. in New York, who is responsible for the fabulous talent lineup.Around the time Jackiem launched his solo career, he became a featured musician in keyboardist Keiko Matsui’s touring band and continues to tour internationally with her, for whom he plays sax and flute. Along with Matsui, in recent years Jackiem has performed onstage with Peter White, Gerald Albright, Joe Sample and the late Wayman Tisdale. As an artist, he is maturing and has the confidence to take risks, pushing the envelope creatively. Versatile and blessed with an intuitive gift, Joyner is a definitely a star that has yet to reach its zenith.
So what do we all have to look forward to as the series begins its second year? Next up is the Season Preview Show on Friday, October 28th with Urban Gypsy…November 19th we have “Doin’ the D” with Alexander Zonjic and special guest Jeff Lorber. As far as the rest of the lineup for the season is concerned, we’ll all just have to stay tuned as we hear Jacqui, Steve and The Funky Biscuit have some major surprises in store for us.