Academie du Jazz awards Roy Gaines for album of the year

Roy GAINES
“Tuxedo Blues”
2010 Blues Award Academie du Jazz
Best Blues Album Of The Year
http://www.academiedujazz.comhttp://www.roygaines.com/

Roy Gaines & His Orchestra recorded their first CD “Tuxedo Blues” (Black Gold Records) in 2009 at Capitol Records, and has performed at local venues and events in 2010 including the Central Ave Jazz Festival, The Typhoon Restaurant and the Catalina Jazz Club. The motto of this 17-piece orchestra is “Dress the blues up”.

Tuxedo Blues has been aired on KKJZ 88.1 FM by Helen Borgers, who also wrote the liner notes. The blues we hear on this disc have been arranged for a swingin’ big band that could be performing at the elegant ballrooms of the most prestigious hotels. The music harkens back to the days when Roy was part of a touring program, on the same bill with Count Basie’s Orchestra and Jimmy Rushing, under the influence of impresario John Hammond. But the music transcends any one era.

Roy puts everything he has into everything he does. And he is a visionary. His plans for the evolution of this music – where it will be heard, played and grown – are exiciting. Today a homage to Count Basie, tomorrow Duke Ellington. Beyond – who knows? One thing is for sure, it will be a class act!

From Tuxedo Blues Liner Notes - Helen Borgers FM 88.1 KKJZ Host: You don’t have to dress him up to take him anywhere. He can play both blues guitar and jazz piano; he’s a versatile vocalist; he’s a songwriter, bandleader and soloist. He even acts on occasion! He has a W.C. Handy Award (and 2 more nominations) and a Living Blues Award. And he always looks dapper. He’s the legendary Roy Gaines.