Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk
Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk was formed 14 years ago in the north mountains of Georgia in the small town of Ellijay. Surrounded by southern rock and country rock bands, husband and wife. team, Terry and Venae Ellis, brought together a group of talented musicians who were passionate about playing old school funk and R&B along with jazz music. With John Taylor, as the band’s music director and cousin Greg Wilson as the vocal director we are looking forward to a new direction. Kharisma has developed a loyal and diverse fan base who frequently asked when Kharisma would be releasing their next album. In response, the work has begun.
The success of the band as a whole is a family unit with over 80 years of combined years in the music business. It is truly a beautiful thing. All of the Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk band members are excited about officially launching new and upcoming projects. We look forward to seeing you at our next concert.
Denny Jiosa
Denny Jiosa is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the most dynamic and soulful guitarists on the scene today. Jiosa has always pushed the envelope stylistically, swirling in the style of smooth Wes Montgomery inspired playing; to soaring Santana esc solos; to Jeff Beck technical prowess.
On his seventh release, JIOSA On The Edge, he demonstrates high energy instrumental rock that received rave reviews and featured Jiosa on vocals on the dynamic rock ballad “Afraid of The Dark”.
Find out more by visiting his website here
Chantae Cann
Chantae Cann, the artist, is both jazz and soul. Rooted in gospel, reflective of world rhythm and hip hop.
Her debut release, Journey to Golden, landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and #7 on the Jazz Billboard Charts, and was a much welcomed introduction to the songstress. By the time of her follow-up release, Sol Empowered, we were well into the story. Earning #8 on the Jazz Billboard Charts, this album resonates with so many because they genuinely connect to the story. And Chantae, if nothing else, knows how to make a connection. Whether it’s the parents who divulge the fact that their kids listen to and sing along to her songs, or those who express that Chantae’s artistry has gotten them through some pretty tough times. Chantae makes music that serves as a safe haven for those seeking respite and reformation. All the while undergirded with a simple, but profound truth: Love Heals.
She’s collaborated with PJ Morton, Masego, Tarriona “Tank” BallSnarky Puppy, Foreign Exchange, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chantae has electrified stages with Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, and Marcus Miller. She’s opened up for India.Arie, Tweet, Avery Sunshine and Lalah Hathaway.
John “JSaxx” Watkins
Musician John “JSaxx” Watkins, born and raised in Cleveland Ohio developed his love for music at the early age of 8 listening to his father Rev. John C. Watkins, his uncle Lamar Gaines, and his grandfather Charles Pace. Following in his family’s footsteps JSaxx picked up the saxophone and never put it down. Having the opportunity to enroll into the Cleveland School of Arts, allowed John to expand his knowledge of wind instruments as well as music theory and music production. Jazz musician John ” Watkins plays the Alto, Tenor Soprano saxophone. His style and music infuse blues, gospel, and hip-hop elements into a refreshingly unique style creating the extraordinary style and experience of Mr. John ” Watkins. His artistry exceeds category, as shown by his performance and recording sessions with an assortment of diverse performers. He composes the style of legendary greats such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Cannonball Adderley, and Miles Davis and continues to follow greats such as Gerald Albright, Kenny Garrett, Warren Hill, and Mike Phillips. JSaxx has shared the stage with numerous artists such as the Whispers, GC Cameron, Johnathan Butler, Frank McComb, Cruz (Rude Boys), Lil G (who has toured with the legendary Temptations. He has also performed at the Black Heritage Festival in Kentucky and in a musical production play starring movie actor Leon.
You can catch him regularly performing and packing out the room at Swerve Grille, Keavante s Jazz Lounge, and Fredrick’s Wine Grill John has also toured various cities from the east t o west coast. You can catch JSaxx in various upcoming shows, events, and concerts in Cleveland, New York, Virginia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Florida, and Chicago. John currently resides in Atlanta, GA along with his wife, Jantell
Find out more by visiting his site here
Roman Street
Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed ‘the next generation’ of Jazz Fusion. Roman Street, named for an old roman street in the Alps where they studied guitar, is an internationally trained instrumental band specializing in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeals to fans of many genres.
Find out more by visiting their website here
Denise Moore & Michael Ewbank
Denise Moore, after a successful musical career of 30 years in the Tampa Bay jazz scene, Denise brings her engaging vocal style and songwriting to the north Georgia mountains. “ for years, Denise Moore’s song stylings have made her a known quality in local jazz circles.” Ernest Hooper, St Pete Times.
Denise has 3 recording: NOTHING STANDARD( Amazon music) TELL IT ( Tampa Bay Womens Blues Revue ) THE HISTORY OF JAZZ , awarded by Tampa Bay arts council.
In 2022 Denise teamed up with the phenomenally, talented recording artist, pianist, songwriter, Michael Ewbank (Bernie, Higgins, Tall Dogs,Butch’s Brew) formally of Atlanta, who studied piano and composition at USF Tampa.
As luck would bring these two together to create an intimate, jazz and blues performance of Michael’s arrangements of the great American songbook, and Ray Charles Classic.
Denise@ denisemoorejazz.com
Michael Ewbank
After studying music at USF in Tampa, fla. Michael moved to Macon Georgia to play with Abb drummer Butch Trucks spending many years writing music and playing with my Macon friends. Also played with many great Atlanta bands like The League of decency and Venue and the Vybbe and recorded on many albums as well.