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Blue Jay Jazz Foundation
Tierra Legacy, The Legacy Continues
Friday, August 28th
Tavern Bay Beach Club, Lake Arrowhead, CA.
Gate time 5pm.
Opening show: 6pm – Main Show: 7pm – 8:30pm.
Tierra Legacy , also known as Tierra – The Legacy Continues, is the current official iteration of the legendary Latin R&B band Tierra, Tierra Legacy preserves the original sound of Tierra as well as features new music and live performances and was formed to honor the work of co-foundering brothers Rudy and Steve Salas after their passing.
David Salas
The group is led by David Salas (Rudy’s son), who serves as bandleader, guitarist, and vocalist. The lineup features a blend of original City Nights-era members and longtime collaborators and original members: Bobby Navarrete (Saxophone) and Bobby Loya (Trumpet), family members: Richard Salas (brother of Rudy and Steve) on acoustic guitar, lead vocalists: Jonathan Lacayo and John Hurtado and Rhythm Section artists Joey Navarro (Keyboards), Chris Trujillo (Drums), Dale Villavicencio (Percussion), Ray Carrion (Lead Guitar), and Rocky Padilla.
Let’s Step Back in Time
Tierra is an American Latin R&B band, originally from Los Angeles, California, United States, that was first established in 1972 by former El Chicano members Rudy Salas (guitar) and his brother Steve Salas (vocals). The other original members were Bobby Loya, Bobby Navarrete (reeds), Joey Guerra (keyboards), Steve Falomir (bass guitar), Philip Madayag (drums), and Andre Baeza (percussion). Their biggest hit was the 1980 remake of The Intruders’ 1967 hit “Together”, written by Gamble & Huff, which reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and No. 9 on the US Billboard R&B chart. It was a number one record on Los Angeles radio.
Tierra has the distinction of being the first Latino band to have four songs on the national chart, with two of them in the Top 100 at the same time.
In 1972, Rudy and Steve Salas formed Tierra, and their self-titled debut album was recorded. By the mid-1970s the band consisted of the Salas brothers, Rudy Villa on reeds, Kenny Román on drums and Latin-percussion, Conrad Lozano on bass, Aaron Ballesteros on drums and vocals, Alfred Rubalcava on bass and Leon Bisquera on keyboards. Around that time, they recorded the album Stranded for the Salsoul records label.
In 1980, they had a platinum hit with “Together”, a remake of the 1967 song by The Intruders.[6] The song, written by Gamble & Huff, reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, reached No.9 on Billboard’s R&B chart, No. 23 on the US Cash Box Top 100 and No. 30 on the US Adult Contemporary chart. In 1981, they charted with “Memories” and “La-La Means I Love You”, both entered the Billboard Top 100.
Tierra Legacy, run by David Salas, son of Rudy Salas and nephew of Steve Salas. Also includes Rudy and Steve’s brother Richard, & JP Hurtado & Jonathan Lacayo are the lead singers; with original City Nights members and former members of Tierra.
Opening Act: Ellis Hall the “Ambassador of Soul”
Opening the second concert night will be the “Ambassador of Soul” Ellis Hall.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Ellis Hall has established himself as a seasoned vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and educator.
His vocal range spans an impressive five octaves, captivating audiences around the world. Ellis has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, James Taylor, Sheila E., The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder to name a few.
Ellis Hall’s Contributions to Music and Entertainment
Ellis received the Lifetime Achievement award at the GA Music Awards in 2014 and the prestigious Phoenix Award from the city of Atlanta, Georgia. He has been honored at the PVIFF-Peachtree Village International Film Festival and has been featured in various UNDOC compilations.
In September 2021, Ellis released the highly anticipated album “Let’s Make an Arrangement,” collaborating with longtime friend and former Tower of Power bandmate Stephen “Doc” Kupka. The album has received widespread acclaim as Ellis’s star keeps on rising.
Ellis is a truly remarkable musician and performer, known for his exceptional talent, extensive collaborations, and numerous accolades. The fact that he has achieved all this while being visually impaired has made him an inspiration to many, proving that nothing can hinder true talent and determination.
“The name of my new duo with legendary keyboardist and brother from another mother George Whitty is perfect for a number of reasons. Officially we’re the Whitty Hall Artist Team but we’re branding it as WHAT!!!! because it fits so well with the title of our new album In the World. “What in the world?” reflects awe, which is the perfect reaction (from me looking back to someone just now hearing about me!) to a career so multi-faceted even I can’t believe all the amazing things I’ve gotten to do with and the great talents I’ve been blessed to work with.”
“If you know about my humble beginnings, you’re probably wondering how a kid born in Savannah with congenital glaucoma who went fully blind in his late teens and started his musical career creating instruments out of household items like brooms and washtubs ended up leading his own band in the 70s, singing for Tower of Power and recording on Kenny G’s breakthrough album in the 80s, sang on dozens of film soundtracks and commercials, became Ray Charles protégé just before he died, performed with symphonies all over the country and is still going strong at 70+ with my buddy George. Since conductor Jeff Tyzik called me “The Ambassador of Soul,” I started thinking back on how I got to a place in my life and career where that would even be possible.”
ON STAGE with Ellis Hall
Andre Berry
One of the busiest sidemen in the business these days is bassist André Berry. In recent days, André has been touring with Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Mindi Abair. In his past, he has supported the likes of Warren Hill, Peter White, Jeff Golub, Tom Scott, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, George Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, and a host of others. André continues to be one of the most sought after bass players in the industry.
Joel Taylor
On drums we have Joel Taylor, drummer for Gloria Estefan, Jeff Lorber, Herb Alpert, Josh Groban, Bobby Caldwell and a top recording choice of producer David Foster. This powerhouse band will be joined by special guests to round out a joyous morning session of hard-grooving, funky, inspired electric jazz!
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