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Jesus and Jazz feat Nat Adderley Jr, Greg Bufford and Chris Berger at Mt Zion AME Milburn NJ
December 22, 2024 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm EST
Join Reverend Eyesha Marable for a unique Jesus and Jazz event with these super talented musicians.
Bring your family and friends to Mt Zion AME Church, Millburn, NJ on Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 11:30 AM.
The Jazz – Live Music
Come join us for a soulful morning of jazz with the iconic Nat Adderley Jr and his friends Drummer Greg Bufford and Bassist Chris Berger at Mt Zion AME Church in Millburn, NJ. Let the harmonious tunes uplift your spirit as we celebrate the fusion of faith and music. This in-person event promises an unforgettable experience filled with joy and good vibes.
Don’t miss out on this unique combination of experiencing Jesus and jazz!
Nat Adderley
Music arranger and pianist Nat Adderley, Jr. was born on May 23, 1955 to Nat Adderley, Sr. and Ann James in Quincy, Florida. Adderley attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan, New York. In high school, he performed and wrote music for his father’s group, the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Adderley also worked as a keyboardist for R&B singer Valerie Simpson. Adderley earned his B.A. degree in African American studies from Yale University in 1977.
In 1981, Adderley became the music director for Luther Vandross. Adderley arranged the music for Vandross’ 1981 album, Never Too Much on the songs “Never Too Much” and “Sugar and Spice (I Found Me a Girl).” He then co-wrote the song “Better Love” for Vandross’ 1982 album, Forever, for Always, for Love. In 1984, Adderley arranged “Superstar,” as well as “If Only for One Night” and “Creepin’” for Vandross’ album, The Night I Fell In Love. He co-wrote Vandross’ first top twenty hit, “Stop to Love” and arranged the songs “So Amazing” and “Give Me The Reason” from the album, Give Me The Reason. In 1988, Adderley arranged the songs “I Wonder” and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” for Vandross’ album, Any Love. The album was nominated for a 1989 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Adderley also played keyboard for Vandross’ 1991 Grammy award winning album, Power of Love. He produced Vandross’ albums Your Secret Love, Luther Vandross, and the Grammy award winning album, Dance with My Father. Adderley arranged Vandross’ 2003 Grammy award-winning duet with Beyonce Knowles, “The Closer I Get to You,” which won for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. He then produced the live album, Luther’s Live 2003 at Radio City Music Hall.
In addition to his work with Vandross, Adderley has worked with several other musicians. He arranged the songs for Aretha Franklin’s 1983 album, Jump To It, the string section for Doc Powell’s Grammy nominated song “What’s Going On” and Natalie Cole’s song “When I Fall in Love.” Recordings of Adderley playing piano were used by playwright August Wilson for his play The Piano Lesson in 1990. Adderley later formed the Nat Adderley, Jr. Trio.
Nat Adderley, Jr. was interviewed by The Historymakers on January 19, 2017.
https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/nat-adderley-jr
Greg Bufford
Greg Bufford is a versatile drummer, composer, producer, and educator. He studied music at Berklee College of Music, Rutgers University, and with master drummer Philly Joe Jones. Bufford has worked internationally with renowned artists such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Randy Weston, Freda Payne, Dakota Staton, and many others. He has been involved in various musical productions, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Stormy Weather,” “The Ella Fitzgerald Story,” and “The Wiz.” As a composer and producer, Greg has written music for film and TV, including “Roll Bounce,” “Sesame Street,” and “The Bernie Mack Show.” Currently, Greg Bufford gives workshops, lectures, and private lessons internationally and is the founder of The Bufford School of Music in West Orange, New Jersey. His school produces tributes to jazz legends like Philly Joe Jones, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Stevie Wonder.
Chris Berger
Chris Berger is a highly regarded jazz bassist based in New York City. He started playing the electric bass at the age of eleven and discovered the acoustic bass and jazz at sixteen. Chris has performed with many renowned musicians and ensembles, including Hendrik Meurkens, Bruce Williams, and the Freddie Hendrix Quintet. He is known for his adaptability and resourcefulness as a rhythm section player, supporting various jazz projects and recordings. Chris Berger continues to be an active and influential figure in the jazz community.
Patricia Walton
Patricia Walton is a talented vocalist who performs with the MPack Band. Born in Germany, raised in New York, and currently residing in New Jersey, Patricia has been singing since she was young. She started her singing career in school choir and has performed in various venues across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. As the lead vocalist for MPack, Patricia brings her warm voice and vibrant energy to Jazz, Blues, and R&B performances. She is known for her ability to engage the audience and set the perfect atmosphere with her singing
The Message
Pastor Eyesha Marable
Eyesha K. Marable is trained dancer, ordained Itinerate Elder, Pastor, Mt. Zion AME Church, Millburn, NJ and Coordinator of Dance for the 1st Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop Gregory Ingram. Rev. Eye earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Spanish, a Master of Science Degree in Non-Profit Management, a Post-Graduate Certification in Organizational Development and a Master of Divinity. Through her 14 years of service at the Greater Allen Cathedral of New York under the leadership of Rev. Drs. Floyd H. and Elaine M. Flake as associate minister, asst. dance director for Allen Liturgical Dance Ministry and co-chair for the bi-annual worship conference, Rev. Eyesha founded the National Liturgical Dance Network (NLDN). This dance preacher gathers, trains, supports and unites with churches and worshippers, worldwide. She is the Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement for NJPAC and is blessed to worship in dance with her husband, Edward B. Marable, Jr, son, Judah and Honor.
Mental Health Message
Laverne Williams
Laverne Williams is a quintessential leader in emotional health and spirituality, possessing a heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place. Driven by her faith in God and her passion to create positive change, she became an inspiring figure in articulating and addressing mental illness in the Black Community.
After more than 38 years of service to the MHANJ, Laverne is retiring from her full-time position as the Director of the PEWS (Promoting Emotional Wellness and Spirituality) Program and an integral member of the Community Education Team. Laverne founded PEWS in 2005 and has remained at the helm until now. The PEWS Program’s goal was to help break the stigma associated with mental health conditions for members of the African American church. She became a strong proponent of equipping church leaders with skills to respond to congregants who had concerns about their own mental health or the mental health of their family members.
As an advocate on behalf of persons with mental illness, and as a long-standing Deacon and member of the Union Baptist Church in Montclair where she still serves, Laverne has diligently developed partnerships between faith-based communities and behavioral health institutions by bridging the gap between theology and mental health. Her insights were indispensable in encouraging culturally relevant behavioral health resources and family support services to an array of diverse consumers. She diligently worked to increase awareness and engagement with key stakeholders in communities of color.
In addition to her award-winning work, Laverne is also a New Jersey Certified Social Worker, WRAP (Wellness & Recovery Action Plan) Facilitator, Mental Health First Aid Instructor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She is a highly sought-after conference keynote speaker and workshop facilitator having presented to numerous statewide and local agencies, consumer organizations and family member groups.
Live Music Curation
Gregory Burrus Productions
Gregory Burrus and Nat Adderley Jr at Clements Place circa 2022
Mt Zion AME Church (4th Sunday of the Month )
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