The Granfalloon announces a new series of Thursday evening jazz shows called the “Nightfall Jazz Café,” featuring Lisa Anita Baker’s house band with a regional guest artist headliner.
Janine Arecco is a classically trained vocalist, specializing in pop and jazz. Over the last 20 years, Janine performed throughout Chicago and Milwaukee with various bands. Some of her favorite venues include: House of Blues Chicago, Symphony Center (formerly Orchestra Hall) Chicago, and Spirit of Chicago cruise ship. Having recently relocated to Atlanta, Janine formed a duo with guitarist Eddie Dye Jr. Janine and Eddie play original music as well as an eclectic mix of Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Rock and Blues. Both classically trained, they have managed to break the mold and add their own flare to performing traditional contemporary music in a non-traditional way. Eddie Dye Jr.'s specialty is Flamenco Music, which adds a very unique dimension to their shows. You will be pleasantly surprised when you hear them, as their performances emanate electricity. Janine has recorded numerous vocal tracks in studios as well, and is a respected private vocal coach.
Lisa Anita’s House Band is the consistent band featured at the Nightfall Jazz Café shows, and accompanies the featured artist each week. The band consists of Lisa Anita Baker on electric guitar, Allen Cook on keyboard, Andre Manga on bass, and Yakou Daniels, percussionist.
Lisa Anita Baker - Though she now makes Mont Eagle, TN, her home, Lisa was born and raised on the sun-drenched West Coast where she was introduced to her lifelong passion of music by her mother, a jazz pianist. Her groundbreaking 2002 album, Song For A New Day, marked a turning point in her career. Collaborating with esteemed musicians like Victor, Joseph, and Regi Wooten, alongside the legendary Oteil Burbridge, the album showcased Lisa's exceptional talent and innovative approach to jazz guitar. Lisa's commitment to nurturing musical talent is apparent in her role as a teacher of jazz guitar, as well as serving as a Music Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Lisa’s impact extends beyond her expertise in technical abilities, songcraft and music production. Her live performances challenge stereotypes and redefine the perception of jazz guitar.
Allen Cook. An Atlanta-based artist, Cook is described as having a ‘high originality index’, with his stylistic approach reminiscent of musical greats Al Jarreau, Sting, Stevie Wonder, and Bill Withers.In the midst of regularly performing, he writes and records his own music. Allen was called upon to arrange, compose additional music for, and serve as musical director for the theater production of ‘WINTERGLOW’, performed at the Morton Theater in Athens, GA, in coordination with The Classic Center. One of his most recent projects was composer and music director for the stage production of ‘LINNENTOWN The Musical’ which made its first appearance April 2024 there. Cook also performs as lead singer in The Weekend Getaway Band and in the 3rd Stream Big Band, including both ‘Ray Charles’ and ‘Stevie Wonder’ tributes at the Red Clay Music Foundry.
Andre Manga - A native of Yaoundé, Cameroon in Central Africa, who combines jazz with traditional African rhythms. Inspired by superstar musician Manu Dibango, Manga became Manu Dibango’s bass player and musical director, as they toured the world. André also joined a group of Cameroonian musicians to perform on Paul Simon’s The Rhythm of the Saints album. Andre has worked for over 17 years as bassist for singer songwriter global sensation Josh Groban.
Yakou Daniel N’GUESSAN - internationally known jazz drummer, composer, and producer from the Ivory Coast. Influenced by the unique tribal languages of his native country, he blends jazz and African beats to form World Music. He has performed professionally since 1995, and in 2007 was awarded the prestigious Berklee African Scholarship. In conjunction with this, he participated in several other project realizations of albums and festivals with artists from his country, the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of Africa. Since moving to the USA, he has continued to browse the scenes, jazz clubs, festivals, and musicians.
Show admission is $25 (students $12) . Reserve below or purchase at the door. The Granfalloon will offer a full bar and an European evening menu.
For more info, call 423.661-3185.