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Turning Point

When the combustible four-man force of musical nature known as Turning Point took over the Phoenix club scene in the mid-90s, the desert city's nights truly became as steamy as its days. Establishing itself before packed houses at hotspots like The Famous Door and Beeloes, and later becoming regional sensations playing some 200 dates a year, the band grew to embody the freewheeling creative spirit of indie music. Drawing on each member's musical and cultural background, Turning Point forged an eclectic sound that mixed progressive jazz with rock, R&B and blues, with touches of Greek music and--paying homage to their home in the Southwest--Latin jazz. The title of Matador, Turning Point's Native Language debut and sixth album overall, perfectly captures the band's bold evolution into a true rock instrumental powerhouse. "We've always strived to be diverse in everything we do, and Matador is the best example yet of this no holds barred approach," says guitarist Thano Sahnas. "Since we never stop performing, we're able to try out every brand new song onstage to see what works best. Audiences will literally hear our songs for a year before we officially record them, and it's fun to watch as they evolve. A bullfight is a fight to the death. A bullfight is a fight to the death, and there's definitely a double entendre in the title. We're out there fighting every day, and we're going to win." The four members of Turning Point--Thano Sahnas, his brother Demitri Sahnas (acoustic and fretless bass), keyboardist Steve Culp and drummer/percussionist John Herrera--faced a lot of flak in their early years for creating a genre practically unto themselves defying music industry convention. This initial resistance inspired them to push the envelope even further, and the payoff with audiences has been phenomenal. Their music appeals to fans of many of the top rock, R&B and smooth jazz artists they have opened for, from Michael McDonald to Little Feat, chill performer Praful, acid jazzers Down To the Bone and The Rippingtons. Turning Point has received acclaim for all of its previous releases, beginning with a self titled debut in 1995 and including A Cool Jazzy Christmas (1996), Together (1998), Bridges (1999) and A Thousand Stories (2000), which was produced by famed bassist Brian Bromberg and released nationally by A440 Music. Together earned the band its largest national audience, receiving airplay on more than 40 smooth jazz stations. Yet the eleven tracks on Matador capture the band on the cusp of reaching its creative potential, and the addition of saxophonist Dominic Amato as a featured player on the record has allowed Turning Point to stretch their musicality even further.

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156
Album Review

Turning Point: Matador

Read "Matador" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


Turning Point is a small group with a big sound. By throwing in a little funk, a little salsa, and lots of sizzle on Matador, this quartet, assisted by two guest musicians, blends a variety of cultures in creating its own brand of rock-jazz.

One of the nice things about a group like this is that its music can fit into a variety of genres--rock, R&B, smooth jazz, or fusion. Naturally, these players have opened for a diverse array of ...

268
Album Review

Turning Point: Matador

Read "Matador" reviewed by John Kelman


While smooth jazz has evolved into a kind of horrifying “S word for a lot of jazz fans, it grew out of a kind of contemporary post-fusion sensibility that, at least in its earliest days, still valued strong playing and enough diversity to keep things interesting. Matador--Phoenix-based Turning Point's sixth release and first for the Native Language imprint--harkens back to a time when it was more than programmed grooves and saccharine solos, when groups like the Crusaders and guitarists like ...

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128

Performance / Tour

Ralph Peterson Trio Opens the 3rd Season of "Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe" Sat Sept 26

Ralph Peterson Trio Opens the 3rd Season of "Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe" Sat Sept 26

Source: All About Jazz

Master Drummer Ralph Peterson brings his trio for the opening event of the 3rd season of the critically acclaimed series Jazz at the Turning Point Caf, Piermont, NY.

The trio features Zaccai Curtis, piano and Dezron Douglas, bass. The TPC is just 25 minutes from NYC, NJ, CT, Westchester, Orange. The Concert Jazz series has a new day and time, 2-3 Saturdays/Sundays per month at 6-7:30pm.

The atmosphere, acoustics and prices are great and parking is ...

184

Performance / Tour

Claudio Roditi at the Turning Point Cafe (Piermont, NY) Monday June 29th

Claudio Roditi at the Turning Point Cafe (Piermont, NY) Monday June 29th

Source: All About Jazz

MONDAY JAZZ at the Turning Point Cafe Piermont, NY (South of Tappan Zee Bridge, North of GWB in Rockland. Only 25 minutes from NYC, NJ, CT, Westchester, and Orange. A great intimate setting ideal for Jazz.) June 29th World Class Jazz Mondays 8pm-11pm Monday Jazz Series Season Finale Brazilian Jazz Master, Grammy Nominee Trumpeter Claudio Roditi Featuring Nilson Matta, bass; ...

158

Performance / Tour

Rare NY Area Appearance: Drummer Alvin Queen Quintet Featuring Terell Stafford at Theturning Point Cafe Piermont, NY

Rare NY Area Appearance: Drummer Alvin Queen Quintet Featuring Terell Stafford at Theturning Point Cafe Piermont, NY

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

MONDAY JAZZ at the Turning Point Cafe Piermont, NY (South of Tappan Zee Bridge, North of GWB in Rockland. Only 25 minutes from NYC, NJ, CT, Westchester, and Orange. A great intimate setting ideal for Jazz.) Mondays 8pm-11pm World Class Jazz Mondays 8pm-11pm Monday June 22 Rare NY Area Appearance Drummer Alvin Queen Quintet featuring Terell Stafford, trumpet and Dado Moroni, piano ...

241

Performance / Tour

Alvin Queen Quintet at Turning Point Cafe (Piermont NY) on June 22nd

Alvin Queen Quintet at Turning Point Cafe (Piermont NY) on June 22nd

Source: All About Jazz

Jazz great Alvin Queen will make a rare NY area appearance leading a group featuring trumpeter Terell Stafford and Italian pianist Dado Moroni, who is also making a rare appearance in this area. Included in the group will be saxophonist John Richmond and Danton Boller, bass. This special performance is part of the Monday Jazz series at the Turning Point Cafe. Sets at 8pm and 9:30pm. $15 music charge, no minimum, one charge for the evening. Turning Point Cafe

151

Performance / Tour

Sonny Fortune Quartet at the Turning Point (NJ) on Monday, April 6th

Sonny Fortune Quartet at the Turning Point (NJ) on Monday, April 6th

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services


160

Performance / Tour

Jacqui Naylor Returns to the Turning Point Cafe

Jacqui Naylor Returns to the Turning Point Cafe

Source: Impress Media - Jennifer Niederhoffer

Vocalist and songwriter Jacqui Naylor showcases material from brand new CD at The Turning Point Cafe on Saturday, December 20, 2008. For tickets and more information,

At this concert, Naylor and her band will play tunes from her recently-released seventh recording, You Don't Know Jacq. Naylor will sing songs from this new CD as well as those most requested by fans via her web site. Visit www.jacquinaylor.com to listen to songs and write to the artist. You Don’t Know Jacq ...

113

Performance / Tour

Mark Sherman QNT-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Mark Sherman QNT-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services


110

Performance / Tour

John Richmond QT-Turning Point Cafe Mon Jan 28 and Cecil's Fri and Sat Feb 1-2

John Richmond QT-Turning Point Cafe Mon Jan 28  and Cecil's Fri and Sat Feb 1-2

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

MONDAY JAZZ at the Turning Point Cafe 468 Piermont Ave. Piermont, N.Y. 10968 (845) 359-1089 Monday January 28 Saxophonist John Richmond Quartet John Hart, guitar, Mike McGuirk, bass, Steve Johns, drums Cecil's Jazz Club Friday and Saturday February 1 and 2 John Richmond Quartet Michael Cochrane, piano, Chip Jackson, bass Steve Johns, drums, John Richmond, tenor and soprano saxophones 9pm-1am 364 Valley ...

116

Performance / Tour

Tim Armacost with Matt Wilson-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Tim Armacost with Matt Wilson-Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

MONDAY JAZZ at the Turning Point Cafe Piermont, N.Y.

Great atmosphere, menu, and prices Jazz Every Monday 8pm-11pm

Monday January 14, 2008 Saxophonist Tim Armacost Quartet Matt Wilson, drums, Mike McGuirk, bass Matt Shulman, trumpet Mondays January 21, 28 Saxophonist John Richmond Quartet Monday February 4 Vibraphonist Mark Sherman Quintet Joe Magnarelli, trumpet Alan Farnham, p, Dean Johnson, b, Tim ...

86

Performance / Tour

Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY - December Schedule

Monday Jazz at the Turning Point Cafe, Piermont, NY - December Schedule

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

MONDAY JAZZ at the Turning Point Cafe Great atmosphere, menu, and prices Jazz Every Monday 8pm-11pm Monday January 7, 2008 Saxophonist John Richmond Quartet John Hart, guitar, Bill Moring, bass, Tim Horner, drums Monday January 14, 2008 Saxophonist Tim Armacost Quartet Matt Wilson, drums Mike McGuirk, bass Matt Shulman, trumpet Mondays January 21 and 28 Saxophonist John Richmond Quartet Monday February 4 ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Matador

Native Language
2005

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