I have a magnetic pull towards Contemporary Jazz and love to hear the stories from the Musicians that make the music.
I grew up on the Northwest side of Detroit, and although I lived a couple of blocks away from the public schools, I was ushered off to private schools in the suburbs. I took a 1 hour bus ride from my home to Bloomfield Hills during my grade school days, and it was still an exciting time in the Motown years. We would pass by Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops mowing his lawn; Marvin Gaye outside his home on Outer Drive; my best friend at the time lived next to one of the Spinners. Music and Musicians were all around me.
When I carpooled to High School in Farmington Hills, I would attend parties with Gladys Knights children, my first date was with the nephew of one of the Pips. I don’t think that I’ll ever forget meeting Gladys on the school bleachers one day, with Kenya introducing her…”Lory, this is my Mom”. Um-er-um-er-um. It was all I could do to stay ON the bleacher!
High school I let my “Right On!” magazine subscription finally lapse, and liked such opposites as The Bay City Rollers, Peter Frampton, Kiss and Gino Vannelli. We went to every Kiss show in Detroit from Sophomore year on, but I was mesmerized by Gino’s “Gist of the Gemini”, and the orchestral music that surrounded it.
Later, it was Duran Duran, Howard Jones and Thomas Dolby, along with Al Jarreau, David Sanborn and Spyro Gyra. The magnetism of the contemporary jazz instrumental music was apparent again in the past 5 years, re-awakened by Jeff Kashiwa’s “Hyde Park”, and multiplied with live music by Peter White, Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Euge Groove and Kirk Whalum.
I am a self confirmed “SuperFan”, that not only enjoys meeting the Artists, but enjoys the music profoundly and wants to do my part to support the Artists in any way I possibly can! I don’t claim to be a journalist. Just fanatical about the music, and the musicians that make it. Don’t worry, I’m not stalking your houses, or calling you and hanging up. But I’m darned happy to see you, when I get the chance!
Adventures with the Passionate Fan 
May 8, 2014 at 6:52 pm
Hi Lory…..Missed you in Mallorca. A great hang.
May 9, 2014 at 6:18 am
I so wanted to be there. Just so glad that my friends there got to see YOUR show!!
February 25, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I’m the founder of THE JAZZ IN MEE and I would like your help with keeping jazz present. THE JAZZ IN “MEE” is an (affiliate) of Multifaceted Exquisite Events News/Media & Marketing division. THE JAZZ IN MEE host jazz events in Houston Texas, but support jazz around the world. We would love for you to post your musical activity in our group and support our plight. We also welcome you to invite your fans to join.
THE JAZZ IN MEE! was Created to be a platform to showcase, support, advocate, market, and promote the love of JAZZ, the artists, musicians, enthusiasts and supporters of this magnificent genre of music and the events that are a spring board for its SUCCESS.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/THEJAZZINMEE/
If you would like to know more about us please:
1. Check out our websites:ww.multifacetedevents.com or http://thejazzinmee.com/
2. Join our group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/THEJAZZINMEE/
3. Like our FB page:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Multifaceted-Exquisite-Events/132182663467132
4. Follow“MEE” on Twitter: – https://twitter.com/#!/meeevents
Thanks for your support!
Melody Warren- CEO
Multifaceted Exquisite Events. Inc
THE JAZZ IN MEE
281-260-8469
May 28, 2011 at 11:58 am
Hi Lory,
I’m a big fan and would like to send you my latest release ‘Shoestrings’.
Aloha,
Jeff
November 4, 2010 at 7:11 am
Lori, I too consider myself to be a “passionate” or “super” fan, who once performed, worked sound engineering and re-enforcement, produced music in one form or another during the past 35 years, and lately have been relegated to just being a fan, abiet even more passionate. My earliest recollection of hearing and thuroughly enjoying progressive, contemporary music was when my older brother introduced me to the Dave Brubeck Quartet doing “Take Five” back in the early 60’s. I was hooked, couldn’t get enough of it, listened to it on LP record, reel-to-reel tape (I actually got a brand new “Webcor” reel-to-reel for Christmas that year) and the radio on rare occasions. Sure, I still enjoyed R&B, rock, classical and the ususal musical fare. But beyond the traditional and avant garde jazz, I found myself drawn to works as diverse as Pharoah Saunders all the way to John Klemmer.
I simply love music in mostly all forms, but Smooth Jazz/Contemporary Jazz speaks to me like no other. It forms and maintains my mood, gives me joy and allows me solitude, introspection and reflection. The beat touches my soul, as do the lyrics and stylings of many of the current artists.
I was fortunate enough to discover the music of WNUA in Chicago when they first came on air in 1985. The music that they showcased daily became the soundtrack of my life. I have been hooked ever since. I actually mourned and was in a state of shock when they left the airwaves several years ago. 87.7 Smooth Jazz has thankfully filled that void to a degree, bringing back some of the same artists and professionals who made WNUA the premier Smooth Jazz outlet in this market.
There was also the Smooth Jazz venue at Washington Park, Michigan City, Indiana where many of our favorite artists play. The combination of location (on of my favoirte places in the entire world) and the music is something I always look forward to in the late summer/early fall. When Bernie advised me that the American Smooth Jazz Awards would be held at the Blue Chip Casino I immediately sought and purchased tickets, cleared my schedule and looked forward to the date. Then we were advised that the venue would change. Bernie handled the “change” with aplomp and grace. I’m sure it was hectic behind the scenes, but the actual production, as you know, went off without a hitch (which is a testament to Bernie’s logistical abilities).
That connection led me to both Facebook and other means of contact with artists, producers and fans who also love the genre. It led me to meet Bernie, who has helped me maintain a connection and get information regarding performances and news about the industry. This paved the way for me to attend the American Smooth Jazz Awards. I can’t remember when I have attended a live performance or production in which I was so joyful and relaxed, while at the same time trying desperately to maintain my cool when mixing with/seeing my idols who work in this industry – everyone from Bernie Scott to Rick O’Dell,Peter White to David Benoit, Richard Elliot and Nick Collione to my favorite “new” talent, Cindy Bradley.
I also discovered a community of like-minded people who profoundly enjoy this genre, travel many miles to hear and experience it live, who are drawn to it like a siren song (no pun intended). These people are usually laid back, unpretentious, learned and decidedly secure about who they are and what they like. They come from all backgrounds, races, creeds, and political preferences. But they all have the bond of loving and enjoying this beautiful music. But isn’t that one of the intrinsic benefits of music and why it is “universal”?
Based on what you posted, I am very heartened that there are others out there that really share the same preferences in music and are “getting the word out”. Consider me to be a fan of yours as well. Based on the picture you posted I’m reasonably sure I saw you at the Awards. Hope to actually meet you sometime at another performance. Keep up the good work, continue to enjoy of common bond of music and keep posting. It’s great.
All the best,
Nicholas Williams
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