Tag: Canada

After Hours featuring Molly Johnson, air date June 22, 2022

On By Charles BinghamIn Featured guest, Philanthropist, Songwriter, VocalsLeave a comment

Join me for After Hours Alaska at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, on KRBD public radio in Ketchikan, Alaska, as I’m joined in conversation with award-winning vocalist Molly Johnson.

Molly is known as one of Canada’s greatest vocalists. She is a mother, singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist, who has just released her highly anticipated new album, “Meaning To Tell Ya”. Produced by multiple GRAMMY Award winning producer, Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, Norah Jones); it is more than a jazz record. It’s funk, it’s soul, it’s groove played by some of Canada’s best musicians.

Dedicated to supporting communities in need, Molly established the Kumbaya Foundation and Festival in 1992, raising awareness and funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, and continues to work with several other charitable organizations each year. Molly has been awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal, and in 2008, was honored with becoming an Officer of The Order Of Canada (O.C.). This rare distinction was given to Molly to recognize her philanthropic work for a variety of causes and for her international contributions to the arts. In 2016, Molly launched the Kensington Market Jazz Festival, which fills this colorful and vibrant area of Toronto with over 400 local Canadian musicians, performing 150-plus shows over one weekend in September to more than 5,000 enthusiastic music fans. 

Molly was the voice of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio 2 Weekend Morning program where she eased listeners into their weekend with great Canadian songs, and stories about musicians and the people of Canada, from coast to coast. The Canadian music icon’s latest release, the Juno-nominated, Because of Billie (2014) is a celebration of the music of Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday’s journey inspires Johnson not only as an artist, but as a model citizen. Paying homage to Holiday’s childhood struggles, Johnson donated a portion of album sales to the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Tune in and be inspired.

Click this link to go to Molly’s personal website.

After Hours featuring Bria Skonberg, air date Feb. 10, 2020

On By Charles BinghamIn Featured guest, Songwriter, Trumpet, VocalsLeave a comment

Join me for the Feb. 10, 2020, edition of After Hours on KCAW Raven Radio as  I’m joined in conversation with New York City jazz trumpeter, singer and songwriter Bria Skonberg.

Originally from Canada, Bria is described as “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” (Wall Street Journal). She recently sang the music of Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, played with U2 at the Apollo, sat in with the Dave Matthews Band, and was a featured guest with Jon Batiste.

A bandleader since her teens, Bria has performed festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and Montreal Jazz Festival, and more than a hundred more.

In 2016 Bria released her debut LP on Sony Masterworks which won a Canadian JUNO award and made the Top 5 on Billboard jazz charts. A six-time Downbeat Rising Star, further accolades include the jazz at Lincoln Center Swing Award, Best Vocal and Best Trumpet from Hot House Jazz Magazine and Outstanding Jazz Artist at the Bistro Awards.

Click this link to listen to the After Hours show featuring Bria Skonberg, originally broadcast on Feb. 10, 2020. Click here to visit Bria’s personal website.