Sunday, April 7, 2013

APRIL - JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH - LEGENDARY, JOE THOMAS


*Here is an exclusive look at my interview with the great musician, Joe Thomas. I must say that writing the book, Major Jazz, has given me so many opportunities to get an up close account of what it was like to be a jazz musician. We are on two different coasts-- I’m in California and he is in New Jersey. The time zones are three hours apart, and yet, he allowed me to interview him at his dinner time.








"ON THE PHONE WITH JOE"





Me:   Let me first start the interview by saying thank you for allowing me to interview you. I am truly honored.

Joe:  Oh, I am. You could’ve been interviewing Denzel Washington.

Me: (giggle) Yeah, but the theme is Jazz Appreciation. For me, I've been doing this research for Major Jazz and to be actually able to talk to you, someone who performed around that time, is just a blessing.

Joe: Well, listen, I’m honored to tell the truth. Go ahead and I’ll be happy to give you the answers I have.

Me: Okay, around what age were you when you found out that you had a passion for music?

Joe: My brother Frank taught himself how to play the saxophone. He was a practice nut. He used to practice for hours. At age fifteen he said, “Joe, would you like to play the saxophone?” I said, I would not because at age fifteen, you wanted to go to the playground, and I didn’t want to be stuck in the house playing notes. I wanted to be on the playground. You just want to have fun with sports and girls. I was never really good at sports, but… Frank was very persuasive. He would come back again and say, “Listen, Joe, I think you will enjoy to play.” After awhile, I took it up. I took to the instrument right away. Frank taught me. We were both in school. I was in high school and I owe everything to him. He was always there for me, musically. Really, period, but since we’re talking about music… He was just there for me. I went on to make records and he never did, but he was always my number one fan. He never gave any hint that he was anything less than extremely proud ‘cause he was very happy that his younger brother learned how to play the horn. I was fifteen. That was 65 years ago…

Me: Are there any other instruments you play other than the sax?

Joe: Saxaphone was always my instrument, but as I got a little bit older, I learned how to play the flute. Most of my albums, the instrumentation, I mostly play the flute.

Me: Tell me one of your fondest memories while recording?

Joe: (pause) One of my fondest memories… well… this producer brought in 35 musicians to a studio in New York. All live musicians… no gimmicks. That was awesome.

Me: Can you name some of the musicians you’ve had the honor of working with?

Joe: Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff, Charlie Early, Rhoda Scott, Dee Dee Ford… I named all band leaders of groups. I played with other groups, but… I wanted to give you those leaders’ names.

Me: How many records do you have under your belt?

Joe: I have 9 albums all together, but now some of those are CD’s, but, um, a total of 9.

Me: That’s very impressive.

Joe: I’m going to tell you something else that you’re going to find very interesting… On one of my albums called Get in the Wind, was a song called “Plato’s Retreat” and “Plato’s Retreat” got to be #11 in Disco throughout the nation, out of a hundred possibilities. It got to be #11. Now, the significance of that is, I’m not a disco artist (laughs). It sold a lot of records, but it didn’t do anything for my career because I wasn’t about to go to no discos… First of all, it was twenty something musicians and I didn’t even produce that style. The producer just wanted to finish the album, so he came up with this song. By the time I got there, it had already been arranged and completed. Matter of fact, this goes back further than, um, your current age would allow you to be because this came out in the seventies… I’m not asking your age, but I’m saying how long ago it was.

Me: (laughs) Well, I’m 32 so…

Joe: You go back to the seventies, that would make you around two?

Me: Well, actually I was born in ’81…

Joe: Well, then, there you go, that was eight years before… But anyway, I just found it odd that a jazz musician could make a disco record #11 on the charts.

Me. That’s crazy… Where were your favorite performance venues?

Joe: I would say, I did a small stint at the Bottom Line. I played… actually… my favorite was in Paris, France… a place called… I can’t remember the name… I gotta find it for you, but… another place was called The Olympia. Yeah, the Olympia was like the Madison Square Garden.

Me: What types of music influenced your music? Your favorites?

Joe: I liked what they called Rock House. Rock House wasn’t jazz as jazz goes but, it was jazzy, more or less, one of those foot stomping things, you know… And, this is an interesting story, people could walk the bar. People would put money in your horn. They would knock everyone’s drink over, but they would love when you walked the bar. I used to enjoy doing that, but of course… very young…

Me: Do you have any musical heroes?

Joe: Oh yeah, plenty of them. Okay, let’s start with Big Bands. My Big Band favorites are Count Bessie, Duke Ellington, Illinois Jacquet, Frank Foster, and Dizzy Gillespie.

Me: Oh yeah, I love Dizzy. Where were you raised?

Joe: I was raised in Newark, New Jersey. You know interesting story speaking of Newark… James Moody… You know that name?

Me: Yes.

Joe: I was playing at a place in Newark… I was about 17 and Moody came in and he was with Dizzy Gillespie at the time. He was our town hero because he was from Newark and he was playing with Dizzy Gillespie. He used to call me lil’ Joe. First of all, I wasn’t that big. Another thing, there was another Joe Thomas, so they didn’t want my name to get mixed up with his. So, they called me lil’ Joe. Moody said, “Lil’ Joe, you start playing in these places, you’ll never get out of them.” I’ll never forget that.

Me: Do you have a favorite “on the road story”?

Joe: My favorite on the road story, would probably be… Playing in the Jazz Festivals in Rochester and Buffalo with some of the groups I mentioned earlier… It was a jazz concert.

Me: I bet that was amazing.

Joe: Oh, it was amazing. We started out in Rochester and then went up to Buffalo, same group, two different cities.

Me: Now, Elissa Gabrielle, is my publisher and friend, but she’s also your lovely daughter.

Joe: That’s right.

Me: Your music definitely left a lasting impression because she named her company Peace in the Storm after one of your songs.  

Joe: It was a gospel song.

Me: Yeah. Can you tell me your favorite musical memory of her as a child?

Joe: Oh yeah, yeah, Lissa always liked the older music. I used to wonder where she got that from ‘cause as a very young person, she loved older music. She had a great attraction to it and she did it so well. I used to wonder how in the world can a person so young be able to relate to music from when I was a kid, you know? She always liked music and she loved to hear me play.

Me: That’s so precious.

Joe: Now, go ahead and ask me whatever else you want. Get everything…

Me: I have a few more…

Joe: Okay.

Me: In my novel, Major Jazz, I touch on the subject of loving music so much that Major puts love on the backburner… Was there ever a time when you felt conflicted with music and love?

Joe: Oh yeah, you do because the thing about it, when you play music, you look at it as more than playing the horn… It’s soothing people… While they’re listening to you, they don’t have any unpaid bills or spouse they’re fighting with…. It’s an absolute joy you bring to them, amongst other things, and that is so rewarding, you know. You like the applause. You like the crowd that comes in to see you… In this case, Joe Thomas…These are all the things that build you up and make you feel so good because when you have a following it’s ‘cause they told others. The club owners want you back ‘cause of your following. The more people that’s there, the more money is made.

Me: I’m sure it was tough with the women being around and wanting to get close to you.

Joe: I don’t know if it was tough (laughs). You get that kind of attention from women because you are an artist and if I was just a plain person walking in that same place, no one would notice me, I wouldn’t get the same kind of feel…. I was up on stage and as it goes, people do take to performing artists, sports figures, and things like that, both sides, men and women. So, the women… I was complimented by the attention…  I always felt that women were very special and should be treated as such. I just felt that, once again, women were special. I drew the conclusion as to what they were about. If they would come up to ya and say something and you would obviously know that there was some interest there. Of course you have to be there and they have to be there.

Me: Did you ever hear about Jazz in the Fillmore while playing in New York?

Joe: Yeah, but not that very much. I don’t know if it was that popular while I was playing in New York. When did it come about as far as years?

Me: In the ‘50’s to ‘60’s.

Joe: Okay, I really didn’t know much about it, honestly. I knew more about Small’s Paradise… Count Bessie’s... I played at Count Bessie’s. Yeah, he had a bar over there and I was over there. New York was open ‘til 4 and Newark closed at 2. When we went over there, no one knew who we was. The crowds were kind of like ho hum kind of thing, but after 2, the people from Newark would come flying over there and the crowd became huge. They would wonder how did the crowd get so huge? It made us a big hit over at Bessie’s.

Me: Wow…

Joe: Yeah, that’s exactly how that happened.

Me: This has truly been an honor. I have a blog that I’m going to put this up on. Thank you so much for taking the time for my interview.

Joe: If you think of anything else, please call me.

Me: I sure will. You are amazing. Have a good night.

Joe: You have a good night as well.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Major Jazz Virtual Release Party

Join us April 6th for my Virtual Release Party for her Peace In The Storm debut MAJOR JAZZ! One lucky participant will win a gift pack from PITS worth $100!!! The release party will take place on all of our social media pages and on www.blogtalkradio.com/worthmorethanrubies. April 6, 2013 4PM Est/ 1PM Pst www.facebook.com/peaceinthestormpublishing www.twitter.com/pits_publishing www.niyahmoore.com

Friday, March 8, 2013

Major Jazz Book Trailer

My historical fiction novel, Major Jazz, will be releasing on April 8th, but it is available now for pre-order at peaceinthestormpublishing.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Check out the book trailer below.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

MAJOR JAZZ - OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE

MAJOR JAZZ WILL BE RELEASED APRIL 8, 2013!!!

My third novel, Major Jazz, is almost here. It is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Also, it has been selected to be an alternate feature in Black Expression beginning April 28th. This great novel is filled with romance and historical fiction.


“…As a history buff and music lover, I loved it. From romance issues and the struggle of him wanting to be like his father in music, but not in love, internal struggle of wanting love, but not hurting that love ‘cause when it comes down to it, love of music trumps love of the second her. To Black San Francisco and its history told correctly through false eyes.” 
    – David M. Good, Freelance Editor

“No one takes you on a satisfying journey the way Niyah Moore does. In Major Jazz, all of the senses of 
sight, smell, touch and taste are heightened and satiated through a recreation of a moment in time when life was simpler and music caressed the soul. With a descriptive and elaborate finesse that only a skillful writer can deliver, Niyah tempts the mind and the spirit to remember and reflect on love, culture, obsession, and all that JAZZ.” 
    -Lorraine Elzia, Award Winning Author of Mistress Memoirs and Ask Nicely and I Might

Get your copy today. www.niyahmoore.com 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Yaaaay! My very first BLOG HOP! I’d like to send out a big “thank you!” to SCOTT RICHARDS for inviting me to participate.

He posted last Wednesday, the 23rd. You can find his blog here: http://www.theshroudbetween.com


 Now, it's my turn to answer these fabulous questions for y'all.


*What is the working title of your book?

 I'm actually working on releasing my novel Major Jazz in two months, but when you say "working", that means something I'm working on. Right now, I'm working on writing my first folklore called Beneath the Bayou.


* Where did the idea come from for the book?

 I would talk about Beneath the Bayou, but it's still in the developmental stages. So, I'm going to answer theses questions about Major Jazz, since that's what's coming out next for me. I am no stranger to San Francisco because that's where my mother's side of the family comes from, but I was down there having some fun with friends in the Fillmore and I got a chance to take a peak into the Fillmore Jazz District. From there, the streets gave me a story.


* What genre does your book fall under?

 Historical Fiction.


* Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Wow.... To be honest, I can see Terrence Howard playing Major Ingram. The hazel eyes and skin tone is a dead give away. Plus, he definitely has the power to do it. I can also see Idris Elba playing Frank Blue... That would be a role he would have to dig deep and I know he got it in him, for sure. I can see Journee Smollett playing Sallie Aquino because of her slanted eyes. And for Kae Taylor, I would pick KeKe Palmer because she can sing and has the essence of a teen still. But, to be honest, I would love to see a brand new line of awesome characters rock the silver screen.


* What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

 When love triumphs over the love of the second her, through jazz music life comes around full circle.


* Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

 I am the newest author of the Independent Award Winning Publisher, Peace in the Storm Publishing.


* How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

 The very first draft took me about a year. I'm beginning to see that it really takes me a full two years from start to finish.


* What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

 That's really tough and I really don't want to say I'm quite up there with these writing giants/geniuses yet, but if you want to look at excellent Historical Fiction novels... The Color Purple by Alice Walker, Beloved by Toni Morrison, and Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden.


* Who or What inspired you to write this book?

 My biggest inspiration that I carry with me every single day is Zora Neale Hurston. When I read her book of complete short stories, I thought to myself "How can I get back to those days?" I moved to the Fillmore for ten months and in that time, I soaked up all I could about the area.


* What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

 The deep history is the main part, but the love story that's entertwined is something I want readers to admire. Everyone has a fairytale ending in their dreams. I just want people to know that even when life doesn't go your way, there can be a happy ending regardless of the situation.


 ANNNND THAT'S A WRAP!!! Thank you again, Scott Richards for inviting me to play along. Those were some fun questions! Here is my contact information. Find me, follow me, talk to me!


 Facebook: www.facebook.com/niyahmoore Twitter: @niyahmoore Email: niyahmoore81@gmail.com


 Up for next Wednesday, February the 6th:

Scott Livingston

Rooster Smith

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Tell Your Girl Blovel

I started a Blovel because I wanted to give my sexy readers something from me that was for entertainment purposes and also to introduce myself to those whom have never read anything I wrote before. So far, I've been getting awesome response and feedback via Twitter, Facebook, and text messages. People are loving the read. Right now, there are nineteen chapters posted. I started it on Tumblr and then moved it to wattpad, where it's easier to manuever through the chapters. I appreciate the love from everyone. Reading is sexy and take care, Niyah Moore.

Monday, December 10, 2012

PEACE IN THE STORM PUBLISHING WELCOMES NIYAH MOORE...

I’m so overjoyed to be Peace in the Storms’ newest author. Elissa has been one of those guiding forces ever since I started working with her on The Heat of the Night and Pillow Talk Duets. I’m completely ready for this new journey and I know that I can stay true to my craft without trying to sell myself short just to sell books. MAJOR JAZZ COMING SUMMER 2013 www.peaceinthestormpublishing.com