"...Groove is in his heart and horn" Kathy Y. Wilson, Cincinnati City Beat
►Saxophonist Bruce Menefield is an outstandingly creative musician who has captivated Cincinnati audiences for over 3 decades. The essence of jazz had always been improvisation, and Bruce simply puts a new spin on tired phrases. His understanding of complex jazz chords, harmony and rhythmic textures has a breadth and depth all its own. With his incredibly powerful, nimble fingers, coupled with his skillful touch he stretches the creative boundaries of his instrument. ►Bruce Menefield’s unique style of playing encompasses a variety of musical genre, including jazz, gospel, blues, R&B and world music. His career is marked by his ability to mix talented musicians into exciting ensembles. The groups he has developed are known to keep a "hard groove" and to deliver a strong musical message. He has performed among some of the best in jazz such as Billy Harper, Clark Terry, Bennie Maupin, Ronnie Laws and John Blake. Bruce is best known for his big bluesy sound, but he has morphed into a highly spirited improviser, able to create new music on the spot and in the height of the moment. ►Bruce Menefield recently conducted a successful stage performance at Jordan’s Crossing with his “Groovemaster” Quartet. In fact, he has produced many live concerts, including 3 years of the "It's Commonly Jazz" series itself. He was the first jazz musician in Cincinnati to consistently present national and internationally renowned jazz artists with local talent of the same caliber on stage together, and he highlighted the series with the likes of McCoy Tyner and Hank Crawford. ►Bruce has written, recorded and produced his own music. His latest CD is entitled "My Steps". “Bruce goes for flat-out suppleness and a contemporary sheen that neither hinders nor ghettoizes his profoundly personal message and approach. Bruce Menefield is an obviously spiritual man whose beliefs play out in titles like "My Call", ”My Walk of Faith", "Circle of Prayer" and "The Way, The Truth....The Omega". Bruce's horn is the vessel through which he speaks to himself, to God and to us. It's a prayer, really. And because he prays it, we are blessed.” (Kathy Y. Wilson, Cincinnati City Beat) ►Bruce Menefield’s sweet sound has been heard in top venues, churches and concert halls. When “Doc” Broadnax began the “Jazz in Cincy” project, Bruce Menefield was there. When the Blue Wisp began to integrate its jazz sound with African American artists, Bruce Menefield was asked to perform. His activist approach to continuing the legacy of jazz in Cincinnati is what Bruce Menefield believes in. While performing onstage or behind the scenes, he himself typifies the most original American art form of all… improvisational and always contemporary… “the sax man with a strong groove.” |
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"Brandt's Schedules Whalum Birthday Bash, Plus Gigs for Saxophonist Bruce Menefield"
"All About Jazz" Blog (Posted: 2008-08-20) http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=22008 In other news, Brandt's will present Bruce Menefield, a jazz saxophonist based in Cincinnati, for a two-night stand in September. Menefield will perform on Friday, September 26 with St. Louis' own Jeff Anderson on bass and James Jackson on drums, and on Saturday, September 27 with guitarist Dave Black and Jackson on drums. A mainstay on the Cincinnati jazz scene as a player, concert producer and promoter, Menefield has recorded a self-released CD, My Steps, and has performed with many well-known jazz musicians including Billy Harper, Clark Terry, Bennie Maupin, Ronnie Laws and John Blake. SOURCE: St. Louis Jazz Notes "It's A Good Time To Be A Jazz Fan In Cincinnati" By Rick Bird The Cincinnati Post music writer It's Saturday night at the Blue Wisp, downtown.....Saxman Bruce Menefield is magically blowing what sounds like back-up vocals. Cincinnati legend Bill Caffie - a veteran of King Records and Count Basie's band- is doing what he does best: crooning. Caffie takes his bows and the Menefield quartet switches gears with Menefield's son William turned loose on the keyboards. It is sparkling in-your-face jazz. "Father, Son and the Holy Notes" By Kathy Y. Wilson City Beat music writer On Bruce Menefield's latest CD, My Steps (Black Sax Records).....groove is in his heart and horn. Bruce goes for flat-out suppleness and a contemporary sheen that neither hinders nor ghettoizes his profoundly personal message and approach. Bruce Menefield is an obviously spiritual man whose beliefs play out in titles like "My Call", "My Walk of Faith", "Circle of Prayer" and "The Way, The Truth....The Omega". Speaking of Coltrane, it's the latter cut that catapults Bruce Menefield into the realm of Coltrane sideman Pharaoh Sanders. "I Am" is the album's closer and it's shortest track. On it, Bruce Menefield is unadorned. During 2:46 of John Klemmer-like Menefield showers, Bruce's horn is the vessel through which he speaks to himself, to God and to us. It's a prayer, really. And because he prays it, we are blessed. Hyatt Regency -Friday Jazz at the Sun Garden By "Doc" Dr. Walter G. Broadnax Bruce Menefield; Saxophones "John Coltrane meets Gene Ammons". The leader of the Bruce Menefield Quartet, Bruce combines the subtile robust sound of Gene Ammons with the fire and intensity of John Coltrane to create his own unique sound. He is easily one of the most creative and innovative musicians on the roster; each concert he performs reveals new explorations into the heart and soul of the music. A true master and innovator of the continuing art form. www.jazzincincy.com http://www.duveneckcenter.org/partnerships.html By Rena Gibeau, Executive Director "Bruce Menefield, accomplished saxaphonist, jazz musician, producer and promoter, has contributed to the FDACC Annual Music & Arts Fest by serving as the entertainment manager. His expertise has ensured that our attendees enjoy a dazzling array of talent, and that our event flows smoothly, making it a fantastic experience for both the performers and the audience. Thank you, Bruce! You are the coolest!" |
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