Building upon the musical reputation of the Nightfall Concert Series, a new series of Thursday evening jazz shows called the “Nightfall Jazz Café,” featuring a variety of celebrated jazz artists, will be held at the indoor venue of The Granfaloon, at 400 East Main Street. Lisa Anita Baker’s band will be the weekly house band and feature a special guest artist headliner.
On Thursday, June 27, the series will open with a show featuring contemporary jazz singer and keyboardist 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.
Lisa Anita’s House Band will be the consistent band featured at the Nightfall Jazz Café shows, and will accompany the featured artist each week. The band consists of Lisa Anita Baker on electric guitar, 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.
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 - 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 was part of a jazz festival organized by the King of Morocco and played with international luminaries such as Quincy Jones and George Benson.
Show admission is $25, with tickets available at granfalloonchattanooga.com or at the door. The Granfalloon will offer a full bar and a special tapas menu.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. The show will begin at 7:30pm and consist of two sets with a brief intermission.