News
January 2008—National Radio Campaign for QuintEssential: The Calling Volume 3
In January, Strong Brew Music embarked on a national radio campaign for QuintEssential, the third CD release for Jazz Guitarist Terrence Brewer. The national campaign includes submitting music to over 170 radio stations in 45 states across the US as well as half a dozen Canadian stations, and digital cable music providers like DMX and Music Choice. So, no matter where you travel this year call your local jazz station and request Jazz Terrence Brewer’s QuintEssential!
December 2007—Performance with Mary Wilson (of The Supremes) at the Empire Plush Room, SF
For two weeks in early December 2007, Brewer played guitar with legendary vocalist Mary Wilson at San Francisco’s famed Empire Plush Room located in The York Hotel. Wilson, a founding member of The Supremes and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, performed her “Up Close and Personal” show to two straight weeks of sold out crowds. The show repertoire included jazz standards (Body and Soul, Spring is Here), R & B/pop favorites (I believe in You and Me, New York State of Mind, Don’t Know Why), ABrazilian numbers, and Supremes hits (Mas que Nada, My World is Empty). For more info visit http://marywilson.com/v1/
September 2007 —SF Weekly Music Award Winner “Best Jazz Artist”
In September 2007, Brewer received a nomination for a Music Award presented by San Francisco newspaper, SF Weekly. SF Weekly’s yearly readers’ poll of the best of the best in the San Francisco Bay area music scene culminated with an award show at Ruby Sky nightclub. There were a sum of ten categories, which included best Rap/Hip-Hop, Funk/Soul/R&B, electronica, country, and the category for which Brewer won, Best Jazz/Blues Artist. Voting consisted of an on-line log in vote combined with ballots located in the weekly newspapers. Visit http://sfweekly.com/
June 2007—Oakland Chamber of Commerce "Artist of the Year Award”
In June 2007, Brewer won the coveted “Artist of the Year Award” presented by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and Zack Wasserman of Oakland law firm Wendell, Rosen, Black, and Dean. In a ceremony held at the Oakland Marriot’s Jewett Ballroom before a crowd of 400 attendees, Brewer received the award and made a speech thanking those who had helped him get to this point in his career. Other awards and honorees included Small Business of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year, and an award to Ron Guidi of the Oakland Ballet. Visit http://www.oaklandchamber.com/
Fantasy Studios Recording Session for QuintEssential: The Calling Volume 3
QuintEssential, produced by Strong Brew Music and recorded at the world famous Fantasy Studios, is the highly anticipated follow up to Brewer’s debut records, The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two (April 2006). As one of the last recordings at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA before the studio closed its doors in September 2007, QuintEssential is a rare treasure. Chief Engineer Stephen Hart, most notably known in the jazz world for recording McCoy Tyner, Joe Pass, Flora and Airto, Oscar Peterson, and Branford Marsalis just to name a few recorded, mixed, and mastered the project.
March 2007—Yoshi’s Jazz House Performance
Brewer debuted at the world famous Yoshi’s Jazz House in Oakland’s Jack London Square to a sold out crowd. Performing music from The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two, as well as music from his highly anticipated third release, Brewer’s quintet entertained the capacity crowd for two full ninety minute sets. The crowd repaid Brewer with raucous applause and two standing ovations!
ABC 7 “View from the Bay”—Live from Yoshi’s
For Brewer’s second interview with ABC 7’s “View from the Bay”, reporter Leigh Glaser and the VFTB crew took a trip out to Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Glaser’s interview with Brewer transitioned into a duo performance with Brewer and bassist Ravi Abcarian. Glaser remarked that Brewer is a “…Bay area favorite”, and VFTB co-host Spencer Christian remarked, “Terrence [Brewer] is a fabulous musician” Click here to watch the segment at the ABC 7 website.
KCSM/FM 91.1—‘Morning Cup of Jazz’ interview with Alisa Clancy
KCSM operations director and on air personality, Alisa Clancy invited Brewer into the KCSM studios the morning of his Yoshi’s debut to discuss Brewer albums, The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two, his musical influences, and his road to Yoshi’s. Host of KCSM’s “Morning Cup of Jazz” program since 1992, Clancy’s devoted following tuned in to hear the great conversation. During the interview, Clancy remarked, “[Brewer is] a Wes Montgomery inspired guitarist with a little George Benson and some funky stuff thrown in…” Of Brewer’s composition, The Way, Clancy stated, “I like those chords…sort of whimsical and dark – they’re great!”
San Francisco Chronicle Article
Chronicle staff writer David Rubien and staff photographer Mark Costantini combined to feature Brewer on the cover of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Datebook section on Tuesday, March 20, 2007. The article highlighted Brewer’s musical journey leading up to his debut at Yoshi’s Jazz House in Oakland’s Jack London Square. Rubien headlined the article, “Brewer’s melodies inhabit your head. That’s his magic!” Rubien also remarked, “the songs unfold easily, almost seductively. And then you find yourself not wanting them to go away. Their secret? Melodies. It's how Brewer keeps the music fresh. Brewer has a natural, inviting sound that instantly transports you back to the heyday of classic jazz guitar…” You can view the full article on-line by clicking here.
KPFA – Doug Edwards Interview
Doug Edwards, long-time KPFA DJ and Program Director, invited Brewer in studio to discuss his albums and his upcoming performance at Yoshi’s. Edwards and Brewer were joined in studio by KKUP (www.KKUP.org) DJ Afrikhan Jahmal Dayvs who regularly co-hosts with Edwards. Edwards’ commitment to the Bay area jazz scene and its artists is well documented and it was an honor for Brewer to take part in this lively discussion. During the interview Edwards remarked, “Cat-Nap [is] especially poignant. [Brewer] is as articulate on his guitar as he is in speaking” and “[Brewer is] quite an accomplished player who’s been hiding out in plain sight!” – Doug Edwards
Fifth Stream Music / Dr. Anthony Brown Recording
Terrence Brewer recorded 40’s style slide guitar for percussionist and composer Dr. Anthony Brown’s score of A.C.T.’s (American Conservatory Theater) world premiere of After The War, written by Philip Kan Gotanda Directed by Carey Perloff. This play, a portrayal of an unexpected grouping of characters as they struggle to revive a community shattered by the effects of the war is radiantly hopeful, heart-wrenchingly honest, and deeply infused with the jazz rhythms of the neighborhood. After the War is a powerful valentine to San Francisco—and to the everyday people who built the city with their lives, loves, and stories.
Radio Interview with Afrikhan Jahmal Dayvs/KKUP
One week before Brewer’s debut at Yoshi’s, KKUP radio DJ Afrikhan Jamal Dayvs invited Cat and Terrence Brewer to KKUP’s San Jose studio. In celebration of International Women’s’ Day, Davys interviewed Cat Brewer and discussed her personal journey as a musician’s wife and her role as Director of Marketing and Publicity for Terrence Brewer and Strong Brew Music. Again, Dayvs relayed to his listening audience his unwavering support of Brewer’s albums, The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two.
Queen Thurston TV Interview / KBLC TV
Queen Thurston, a Bay area senior citizen and social activist, invited Brewer back for a second interview on her KBLC TV program, “Queen’s Court”. After first becoming acquainted in late 2006 at an Oakland community meeting sponsored by the Port of Oakland. Thurston and Brewer’s on-air rapport is a great tribute to intergenerational conversation and a testament to the fact that music has no boundaries. Both interviews have proved to be insightful and entertaining.Video coming soon.
Jazz Beat Radio interview with Ian Moore Culture Shock News Radio
(cultureshocknews.com or jazzbeatradio.tv) personality Ian Moore invited Brewer into the Oakland studios for a vibrant conversation about the state of Bay area Jazz and Brewer’s upcoming date at Yoshi’s Jazz House. During the interview Moore states, “You can tell by the quality of his [Brewer’s] music, this man has put a deep lifetime into this work…a modern jazz entrepreneur – take note world!”
KPFA, ‘Transitions on Traditions’ interview with Greg Bridges
Click here to listen to the interview.
January 2007 – San Francisco Chronicle
Dan King, of the San Francisco Chronicle, included Brewer in his article on why the San Francisco Bay area ‘Jazz scene looks promising in 2007’. King writes, “Two albums in, the Alameda guitarist sounds increasingly powerful. There's a logic to his improvisation that invokes the soulful shock of Grant Green, but Brewer veers off course at perfect moments. He lights up where Green might slow down, sits back where Green might tense up. The inversion works.” You can read the article in its entirety by clicking here.
September 2006 – KKUP (91.5) Radio Interview
On September 12th, Terrence and Cat Brewer (Marketing and Promotions Manager for Strong Brew Music), were interviewed by KKUP's (91.5 – San Jose, www.KKUP.com ) DJ Afrikhan Jahmal Dayvs. A big supporter of The Calling: Volume Two, Dayvs has been playing the album since it’s release in April and the Brewers were honored to chat with him about the albums and the publicity surrounding them.
August 2006 – Oakland Jazz Choir Board of Directors
The Board of Directors for the Oakland Jazz Choir, a 15-piece vocal jazz ensemble committed to the performance and education of the vocal jazz idiom, installed Brewer as it’s newest member in August 2006. The Oakland Jazz Choir's influence reaches a diverse audience both within and outside the City of Oakland; the group performs at festivals, schools, churches, jazz clubs and private corporate events. Originally founded as a project of Rhythmic Concepts, Inc., in 1992, the Oakland Jazz Choir has now transitioned into a 501 3C Non-Profit organization with a renewed energy to bring vocal jazz to the community. www.oaklandjazzchoir.com
August 2006 – ABC 7’s View from the Bay TV Interview and Performance
Co-hosts Spencer Christian (formerly of Good Morning America) and Janelle Wang from ABC 7's View from the Bay, interviewed Brewer and featured a live performance on August 1. For those of you who missed the live interview and performance, or if you just want to watch it again, log onto www.viewfromthebay.com, or for a direct link log on to click here or click on the Press link on this website.
August 2006 – Downtown Berkeley Jazz Festival and J-notes.com
While Brewer played to a sold out crowd at Anna’s Jazz Island as a part of the 2nd annual Downtown Berkeley Jazz Festival, James from www.J-Notes.com stopped by and took some great live action shots during the show. You can check out the photos by clicking here (you will need a Flicker/Yahoo account.) Also, feel free to check out www.j-notes.com - one of the most comprehensive, creative, and supportive local Jazz websites on the net!
July 2006 – Feature article Alameda Magazine
The July edition of Alameda Magazine featured a great article and review of The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two. In addition, the good folks at Alameda/Oakland Magazine recently redesigned their websites and featured Brewer as their first artist in the ‘Local Sounds’ section! Check it out: www.alamedamagazine.com and www.oaklandmagazine.com. You can also take a direct link to the Alameda Magazine article by clicking here.
July 2006 – Fillmore Jazz Festival and www.BayTaper.com
In addition to having the opportunity to play to a wonderful crowd at the historic Fillmore Jazz Festival, Brewer was thrilled that the outstanding staff at www.Baytaper.com archived photos, audio, and video from the event. BayTaper.com is one of the San Francisco Bay area’s premier sites for audio, video, and reviews of all the happenings in the SF Bay area’s music scene. For a direct link to The Terrence Brewer Trio Live at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Click here.
June 2006 – KPFA
Once again, KPFA FM94.1 featured an interview and live performance on Greg Bridges broadcast, Monday, June 26, 2006. The trio featured Brewer on guitar, Wil Blades on organ, and Micah McClain on drums.
June 2006 - Oakland Tribune
June 23, 2006 found Brewer featured on the front page of the Oakland Tribune’s Metro section with a full color photograph and an article spanning two pages of the paper. Long time Tribune journalist, Brenda Payton declares, “Brewer has a distinctive guitar sound and his compositions are rooted in classical jazz standards with a fresh voice. The horizon belongs to him and we are sure to hear more.”
June 2006 – Oakland Jazz Choir Board of Directors
Brewer received the honor of lending his business acumen, marketing expertise, and creative juice to the Oakland Jazz Choir as he serves as the newest director of their Board.June 2006 – Music SceneBrewer owned the cover of the June issue of the Music Scene with an artistic rendition of a photograph taken by Sharon Reid, reporter for The Alameda Sun. The publication also featured an article touting Brewer as a “hardworking hero” and “One of the busiest working musicians on the Isle of Style...”.
June 2006 – CD Release Events*
June 1, 2006 marked the official CD release event for The Calling: Volume One and Two. Brewer and his band mates, all featured on the new CD’s, played to two sold-out shows at Jazz at Pearls in San Francisco.*Standing room only marked the success of Brewer’s East Bay CD release party on June 3, 2006 at Kelly’s on Park in Alameda.
June 2006 – Music Scene
As a regular contributor to The Music Scene, Brewer reviewed a CD by the Psychokenetics.
May 2006 – Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Kevin McCallum, reporter for The Press Democrat, expressed the sentiments of the crowd as he wrote, “Visitors drank in the cool jazz of Alameda County jazz guitar impresario Terrence Brewer and his trio”. Brewer was in Sonoma playing for the Sonoma Wine and Concert Series the prelude to the Sonoma Jazz Festival featuring BB King and Herbie Hancock.
May 2006 – KCSM
KCSM, FM91.1 - The Bay Area’s jazz station invited Brewer for an interview conducted by Chris Cortez, DJ & Producer, who stated Brewer is “a skilled and gifted guitarist!”
May 2006 – KPIX CBS Channel 5 & UPN Channel 44
Chosen to represent and promote the Sonoma Wine and Jazz Concert Series, Lisa Chan and Joe Vazquez of KPIX CBS Channel 5 & UPN Channel 44 interviewed Brewer and asked him to perform live on two morning news broadcasts. Chan announced Brewer as, "...the Bay area's newest rising star!"
May 2006 – TV interview and performance with Joyce Farrow aka Satin Dawl.
May 2006 – Contra Costa Times
On Thursday, May 25, 2006, the Contra Costa Times published a feature article written by San Francisco based free-lance writer Andy Gilbert. Gilbert says of Brewer and The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two, “Over the past decade, Brewer has established himself as an accomplished improviser with an exquisite tone… his sound is marked by a balance and maturity more often found in much older players. His graceful, well-constructed solos flow thematically out of his compositions, rather than turning his tunes into mere launching pads for displays of technique.”
May 2006 – The Music Scene
The May issue of the Music Scene, a San Francisco Bay area based music magazine, featured a CD review of Brewer’s latest project, The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two written by Natasha Miller. Miller says of Brewer, “…the music on both offerings are so tight…Brewer’s guitar playing is smooth. The music on The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two is seductive, sometimes ultra chill. The two volumes are a perfect addition to any jazz lover’s collection and anyone who wants to include wonderful original compositions from a talented musician, songwriter, and arranger.”
May 2006 – Music Scene
The May issue of the Music Scene, a San Francisco Bay area based music magazine, found Brewer contributing another writing assignment – this time a CD review. Brewer reviewed the latest album from Bay area songstress Natasha Miller, Don’t Move. Don’t Move features Miller collaborating with acclaimed and prolific songwriter Bobby Sharp.
April 2006 - KPFA
On Monday, April 24, 2006, DJ Greg Bridges (KCSM & KPFA) interviewed Brewer and asked him to perform live on KPFA (FM94.1). Bridges praised Brewer’s work saying, "… an exciting and gifted young guitarist...Terrence Brewer"..."New standards are sure to come out of these recordings [The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two]"
April 2006 – The Music Scene
The April edition of the Music Scene, a San Francisco Bay area based music magazine, featured an article written by Brewer in their “Industry Focus” series. The article provided readers with an inside look at how Brewer finds musical inspiration, the song writing process, and song form specifics from his latest albums, The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two.
April 2006 – Los Medanos College Experience
On April 10, 2006, Terrence Brewer performed a solo guitar concert at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA, where he received his AA in Music in 1997. Before and after the concert, Los Medanos Experience reporter Contessa Abona wrote feature articles profiling Brewer and documenting the concert.
March 2006 – Marshall Lamm Promotions Kick-off Party!
On Thursday, March 9, 2006 the Terrence Brewer Trio featuring Wil Blades (Hammond B-3 Organ) and Scott Amendola (drums) performed for a rousing crowd of media personnel, industry folks, and a ‘who’s who’ of SF Bay area’s music elite at The Uptown Night Club in Downtown Oakland. Marshall Lamm, who for 8 years resided as the Booking and Promotions Manager for the world famous Yoshi’s jazz house, celebrated the beginning of his new business Marshall Lamm Promotions and Public Relations (marshalllamm.com).
March 2006 – The Alameda Sun
Ryan White, reporter for The Alameda Sun, first reviewed The Calling: Volume One and Volume Two and claims Brewer as a, “talented musician able to compose and play with equal grace..." who writes "slow, sensuous ballads."