E. Doctor Smith's Blog

One of my favorite groups from those halcyon days in DC were "The Zimmermans", fronted by the explosive vocals of " Lisa E ", and featuring the songwriting and guitar talents of Jonathan Spottiswoode , the band made its CD debut in 1994 with "CUT". Spottiswoode would go on to NYC with his "Enemies", Engelken would soon make her way to San Francisco and find critical acclaim for her role in the Victoria Theater production of "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". Engelken would ultimately return to her passion, jazz. Following a triumphant concert at the 2008 San Jose Jazz Festival, Engelken ventured into the studio and produced one hell of a gem, " Caravan ", including a fabulous reworking of Freddie Hubbard's classic "Red Clay". Engelken arranged and produced her new album on the Little Angel Records label, alongside some stellar musicians and regular band mates; drummer Matthew Swindells, Mike Olmos and Joel Beh...

Last October, I was treated to some stellar performances at the Asian Art Museum celebrating Filipino History Month. One of the artists that caught my eye was the phenomenal Carlos Zialcita on harmonica and his trio Little Brown Brother. Joined by guitarist Chris Planas and bassist Ben Luis, Little Brown Brother brought down the house with their blend of Filipino tinged jazz and blues. Today at Noon, Little Brown Brother will bring their full sextet, (Bo Razon, guitar, Mike Ferando on drums, Imanual Junedy on piano and Mio Flores on percussion), to the Cadillac Hotel during their month long concert series to benefit for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. With musical influences from the rich African-American traditions of jazz and blues; Latin jazz, salsa, boleros, and Brazilian sambas and bossa novas, Little Brown Brother’s sound artfully incorporates indigenous Filipino music and instruments as well as Spanish-influenced traditional songs. Little Brown Brother was fo...