The Sunday Jazz Brunch Presents

T.K. Blue

Air Date: 8/31/2025 on 90.5 WICN 9am-12pm ET
 
T.K. Blue
Born in the Bronx, growing up on Long Island, T.K. Blue is a New Yorker through and through. He's traveled the world, though, even living in Paris for nearly a decade during the eighties. Mr. Blue has toured Africa, once with Abdullah Ibrahim (also known as Dollar Brand), and a second time with his mentor, Randy Weston. He became Mr. Weston's musical director, which lasted for almost three decades.
 
One could think of the itinerant Mr. Blue as an international ambassador for New York City. Home since the 1990's, he has become embedded in the jazz scene not only by performing, but also through his work as an educator at several area colleges.
 
However, it is as a fixture in the free Jazzmobile and NYC Parks summer concerts where so many have been able to hear this accomplished artist. This summer he appeared at a number of such concerts around the city. These photographs were taken during a performance scheduled for Grant's Tomb in upper Manhattan.

Paul Beaudry bass
Photographer Mitch Bleier recounts the event:  

"It was a wonderful, uplifing performance featuring music from the new recording, Planet Bluu. The music here reflects Mr. Blue's vision of a world where all is well and peace reigns, where community and the arts are fundamental, and where 'When you're sick, you don't call a doctor, you call a musician.'

"Mr. Blue's music is heavily influenced by African rhythms and sensibilities. When they are not front and center, the sounds of Africa are rarely very far below the surface.

"His music and humanity, as well as the talented musicians that accompany him, enable the audience to leave the venue riding a wave of positivity and hope, a feeling that lingers days after the performance."

 

You'll hear two tracks from the new CD during hours three and four. Now let's have a look at some more images from the event. 

Michael Cruse trumpet, Greg Bufford drums
 
 
Alva Nelson piano


NYC Summerfest

I hope your summer is going well!

Marty

All photos by Mitch Bleier, mb626rsd@gmail.com or @mitch.bleier on Instagram.


HOUR ONE: Contemplative Morning

Lee Morgan-The Procrastinator-05 Rio 1967
Larry Willis-My Funny Valentine-06 Blood Count 1988
Lena Horne-Being Myself-03 Autumn In New York 1998

Leslie Odom Jr\Leslie Odom Jr\Cheer Up Charlie
Linda Purl\This Could Be the Start 2023\Let Me Down Easy
Another Place, Another Time-Lili Anel-02 I Don't Care 2017
Peter Campbell\Haunted Melody 2025\Sweetest Presence (Doce Presenca)
Kandace Springs\Lady in Satin 2025\Violets for Your Furs

June Bisantz-Love's Tango-03 Prelude To A Wish 2018
June Bisantz-Love's Tango-04 A Wish That Came True 2018
Marcos Amorim-Cris on the Farm-03 Baden 2003
Karin & Mike Kelleher-08 Moonlight (2015)
Lucy Wijnands & John Di Martino-Call Me Irresponsible 2022-03 Suddenly It's Spring

HOUR TWO: New For You

Bruce Gertz\Quintet - Octopus Dreams 2025\Opening
06 - George Coleman - A Time For Love (w Full Orchestral Intro)
Peter Campbell\Haunted Melody 2025\I'm Lost
Nick Finzer\The Jazz Orchestra Vol 1 2025\Say When

Christian McBride\Big Band - Without Further Ado 2025\Old Folks feat Samara Joy v.
George Coleman\George Coleman with Strings 2025\A Time For Love
Jennifer Madsen\Reimagine 2025\Mean to Me
Marina Pacowski-New Jazz Standards, Vol. 7- The Music of Carl Saunders 2025-04 Feels Like Home

T. K. Blue-Planet Bluu 2024-06 Sky Bluu Part 2
Randy Napoleon\Waking-Dream 2025\Jo Jo Jo
Mark Winkler\Hold On! 2025\A Little Taste

HOUR THREE: Brazil/World/Groove

Wayne Wallace\Salsa De La Bahia - Renegade Queens 2025\Love Walked In feat Jackie Ryan v.
Bruce Gertz\Quintet - Octopus Dreams 2025\Mr. Z
Peter Campbell\Haunted Melody 2025\Lost In a Summer Night

George Coleman\George Coleman with Strings 2025\Dedicated to You
T. K. Blue-Planet Bluu 2024-07 When It’s Time To Say Goodbye
Gino Amato\Latin Crossroads 2 2025\Moonlight In Vermont feat Kevin Osbourne
Lonnie Plaxico\Radiance 2025\I Can't Help It feat Camille Thurman

Jorge Garcia\Still Crossing 2025\Little Wing
Thom Rotella-Side Hustle 2025-10 On A Misty Night
Kim Waters-Time 2 Groove 2025-07 Palm City
Brian Simpson-Midnight Groove 2025-10 Sunset Mirage
 
 

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