Macy Gray
Forever full of ear tugging, eye popping surprises, ever eclectic singer, songwriter and actress Macy Gray returns in top form with an inspired new 11 song Moonslice Records album “ The Reset” and within a fresh new presentation fronting her own band, The California Jet Club. Produced by Tommy Parker, The Reset reveals 360 degrees of Macy Gray at her lyrically introspective and vocally exuberant best. The songs move from Macy’s signature vulnerable intimacy on the lead single, “Thinking of You,” the epic orchestral ballad “You Got Away” and the festive, sexy circus of “Bottom to the Top” to the resoundingly rebounding singalong uplift of “Every Night” featuring special guest, rapper Maino.
Making this album a separate piece from the previous 10 studio projects in the 5x Grammy nominated (with one win) artist’s exquisite catalog is the full involvement of road band members drummer Tamir Barzilay, keyboardist Billy Wes and bassist Alex Kyhn. While all three specialize in specific instruments, they are all multi instrumentalists, cowriters and sing background. On the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” broadcast from June 2021, Tamir is seen playing guitar and drums simultaneously. The trio wraps its sound around Macy like a glove. And she, in turn, provides them full license to shine as bright as front of stage spotlights.
Memphis born, Billy Wes is the son of a Pentecostal minister whose music life began in church on organ and piano. He went on to study classical piano at the University of Memphis, adding Jazz and R&B. A move to Los Angeles resulted in writing with artists such as Chrisette Michele and Ciara as well as touring with Rock legend Chris Cornell and his Symphonic Soul mentor Isaac Hayes.
Tamir Barzilay is a drummer, percussionist and producer who dug out a dusty guitar from his mom’s closet at 10 years old and went on to be profoundly influenced by the trifecta of The Police, Led Zeppelin and Bjork. His credits include, Jason Mraz and Adam Lambert. He sees the California Jet Club as “a genuine thumbprint of racial and cultural blend defined by sound and music.”
Alex Kyhn is the son of two musicians who started out studying piano and trombone as a child then switched to bass in middle school. Alex spent his teenage years writing music and forming bands ranging from gritty punk rock to free jazz to country. Now living in L.A., he views California Jet Club and their debut project The Reset as truly representing the convergence of styles that denote his career.
The album is titled The Reset because Macy, like so many of us, feels like that’s what this awkward, often painful period is like to live through. “God is telling us to rethink the things that we are doing… How we’re livin’. Like Pandora’s Box, a lot of things have sprung out that people had stopped paying attention to. The world is having a reset. Whether it’s a good one or a bad one, we’ll find out. I use to believe everything happens for a reason. Now…I just don’t know.”
All in All, Macy Gray & The California Jet Club’s The Reset just might be the world’s antidote for all that is worrisome, hopeless and mundane. One giant step for Macy…one ginormous step for all.
Kenya Hall
Based out of Portland, Maine, Kenya Hall has shared stages with incredible local and national acts such as The Roots, Dr. John, Lettuce, Jaw Gems, Rustic Overtones, Adam Deitch, Jon Fishman, Nigel Hall, Shemekia Copeland, Fred Wesley, and Galactic.
As one-of-a-kind as it gets, Kenya’s musical artistry weaves together indomitable vocals with a fierce blend of soul and funk delivered with a rare energy that leaves every audience she sings to better for having been a part of it.
Kenya is not only relevant in what she says, but poignant in how she communicates it. Leaning heavily on Soul, Hip Hop, Funk, and the seed of what makes a rock and roll artist. Kenya is here to deeply inspire and elevate the world around her.
On Sale to WC members: Tuesday, June 27 at 10am
On Sale to Public: Thursday, June 29 at 10am
This event is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund.