JAZZ IN THE ALLEY
NORCROSS 2024 Artist Line-Up
Adrienne J. Woods
Adrienne J. Woods aka AJ, is a powerhouse singer-songwriter hailing from Atlanta, Georgia who has shared the stage with the likes of Michael McDonald, New Kids on the Block, and Mariah Carey. She has also had the opportunity to work with Elvis Crespo, Isabel Davis, Myron Butler, Tim Bowman Jr. and others.
You can find AJ all over Atlanta performing classic R&B in her own unique style. Her voice is reminiscent of giants like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and most recently, Ledisi. She is a masterful remixer and seeks to put her signature on every song she sings.
AJ’s ultimate goal is to enlighten and provide freedom through every lyric and melody breathed through her. She is looking forward to releasing her first R&B single and eventual EP, a collection of life music. Join her on her quest to share love and light through life music.
The Headliner Band
The Headliner Band is a dynamic and innovative band hailing from Atlanta, GA started by 3 musicians Eric "Ezy" Tolliver (Keyboardist), Eric "Smooth Rose (drummer), and Jon "JBass" Long (bassist). These 3 wanted to come together to form an adhesive unit, and brand themselves to become artists. “We got tired of going from gig to gig throughout the city and nothing to show for it but a bank of songs.” - Ezy
Their diverse musical backgrounds and shared passion for Jazz and R&B has fueled their journey to create music that transcends boundaries and connects with listeners on a profound level.
The goal of the Headliner Band is to PROJECT. To project a vibe, to give a feel, to project a sound! To provide a special comfort and a great feeling to all that listen.
Justin Ruff
Hip Hop and R&B are a match made in musical heaven, but what happens when a formally trained jazz vocalist enters the chat? You get Justin Ruff - singer/songwriter whose here to prove that R&B could never die.
He’s got a thing for acoustic sets and he’s giving us a front row seat to an intimate experience with his latest EP “Sessions Vol. 1.” Smooth vocals float over stripped down instrumentation for just over 11 mins of melodic bliss.
He even launched his hand-poured candle line, Justin Ruff Candle Co., to help set the vibe and create a fully immersive listening experience.
Justin has shared stages with everyone from Ginuwine to Queen Naija and he’s ready to share his most personal work with you. To keep up with performances, purchase candles or simply get to know more about the man behind the sound, visit justinruffmusic.com
Justice Michael & Friends
A prodigious musician from a tender age, Justice discovered his passion for rhythm at the age of three with a drum kit in hand. His educational pursuits at the University of Miami enriched his musical prowess, providing him the opportunity to delve into the complexities of composition and theory.
Justice's achievements in music speak volumes of his extraordinary talent. Notably, he captivated both audiences and judges at the prestigious Apollo Theater, securing victory four times—a feat that cements his legacy in the venue's celebrated history.
In the music scene, Justice shines as the current drummer for Orchestra Noir, an innovative group that blends classical and modern music. His percussive skills contribute a vibrant element to their pieces, ensuring unforgettable performances that mesmerize concertgoers.
"The Passage Live," Justice's latest album, showcases his musical genius and his knack for engaging listeners. The album, rich with emotional resonance and narrative depth, leaves an indelible mark on all who experience his percussive tales. To learn more about Michael Justice, visit justicemichaelmusic.com
Teresa Kay Williams
An architect by day, meet the talented jazz singer hailing from Eufaula, Alabama. Her supernal alto voice is delicate and emotive, sultry yet sincere, and it's clear that she means what she sings. A serious student of the art of jazz, she studies privately with world-class jazz pianist Kevin Bales and is currently working towards recording her debut jazz CD. Keep an eye out for this rising star on the local jazz scene. To learn more about Teresa Kay Williams, visit teresakaywilliams.com
Tulani
Tulani is a powerhouse R&B singer, songwriter and harpist whose music colors outside the lines. She can’t be put in a box! A high energy and electric entertainer, Tulani, has toured internationally with Lady Gaga and has opened up for Chaka Khan, Andra Day, CeeLo Green, Bobby Caldwell, Eddie Levert, Estelle, Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, Stokley, Musiq Soulchild, Gary Clark Jr, Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, as well as George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic to name a few. Tulani’s new singles “Stuck In My Mind,” and “You Are,” are featured in a movie that is currently Top 5 on Amazon Prime Video. To learn more about Tulani, visit iamtulani.com
The Black Gold Orchestra
The Black Gold Orchestra is a 19-piece big band based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2021 by Grammy-nominated producer, Larry Wilson, this band is an assembly of world class musicians, artists, and music educators. The collective resume of this ensemble boasts some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Prince, George Duke, Usher, Maxwell, Kurt Elling, and Jazzmeia Horn, just to name a few. Many of them have performed on Grammy-winning and nominated albums and hold various awards and acclamations to their respective names.
The vision of this collective is to have influence in art, culture, and the community. They also seek to bridge generational, socioeconomic, and racial gaps, and to encourage the preservation and innovation of jazz music through community engagement and education.
Their debut album, “Genesis,” is a dynamic celebration of ALL Black American music, fusing musical elements such as jazz, R&B, soul, hip hop, house, rock, blues, and gospel through the lens of the big band tradition. The album features both original compositions from members of the band as well as fresh new arrangements of a few classic covers. To learn more about The Black Gold Orchestra, visit theblackgoldorchestra.com