Ariadne’s Notes: The World Poetry Café Radio Show was honoured to welcome the wonderful team of George and Elena Gillian on November 16 at 1:35  PM, PST Highlights of the show included the beautiful voice of Elena and the great work of George with specially abled people, two of which wrote a powerful poem which George on the radio show.  Elena also works with youth and performance. Recent award winners of Living Legend awards, they embody the best in humanitarian caring and help. You can contact them at http://gilliamjazz.com/

• Thanks to publicist Osiris Munir, tech Victor Swartzman and Special volunteer Sharon Rowe. 

LISTEN TO THE SHOW HERE!

Honored as a Living Legend of Jazz by Living Legends Inc. in Los Angeles, California, Elena Gilliam is an astonishing jazz vocalist with a rare depth of natural talent. Her level of performance is widely applauded as analogous with such jazz greats as Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and the like. Her unique rich, eloquent tones and brilliant phrasing take you on a musical journey of jazz, swing, standards, latin and blues. Elena charms you with her animated  that exemplifies her musical versatility, while she cleverly connects you to song lyrics. Her confidence, enthusiasm and love for music shine through every performance. Her extraordinary sound is indeed a treat for anyone who appreciates a true songstress.

Elena has been featured at countless events (both public and private) at venues such as; the Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival, the KKJZ 88.1 Jazz and Blues Sunday Brunch at the Hollywood Lowes, Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club in Seal Beach, The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, the Festival of the Arts Laguna Beach Tivoli Terrace summer jazz, at Jazz at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Currently, you can find Elena at various local Jazz venues; the Port Restaurant in Corona del Mar, the Black Marlin in Tustin and Brix at the Shore in Long Beach, Malarkey’s in Long Beach and others!

“Elena is a true Jazz Vocalist!.” Quotes renowned pianist/band leader Ron Kobayashi (credits; Mel Torme, Kenny Burrell).  Elena strives for the best sound and surrounds herself with amazing musicians like Ron, George Gilliam (phenomenal guitarist), Llew Matthews (credits; Nancy Wilson,musical arranger and director, Kenny Burrell), Henry Skipper Franklin, LA Living Legend of Jazz (credits; Joe Williams, Sonny Rollins), Donald Dean, LA Living Legend of Jazz (Les McCann and Eddie Harris), Brad Bobo (Eddie Harris, Linda Hopkins), Jane Getz (Dale Fielder Quartet, Charles Mingus), and countless others! 

Elena’s love of music and comfort with the stage are qualities she shares with young artists in the community. She has a strong commitment to foster personal growth through art and music. As a recipient of the 2014 Kenneth A. Picerne Foundation Artist Outreach Project, Elena developed workshops for at risk teens.  She continues her work encouraging young adults to build personal strength through performance.

Her journey continues with natural style, versatility and enthusiasm relished by her following.  Elena’s sound will enrapture and delight your heart!

George J. Gilliam began his musical journey at only 13 years of age, in Gary, Indiana.   Since then he’s developed into a seasoned musical director, producer and extremely talented jazz guitarist. With little experience, Wilson Crump hired this enthusiastic young player to perform with the Mellow Tones.  He later moved to Chicago with his family and formed his own groups.  The Rocking Soul Brothers became a Chicago success when he teamed up with Hashan Khan, Darnel Hagen and a little unknown vocalist named Chaka Khan.  Jerry and the Chantells was next, using his nick name for this group.  His talents quickly became known at the famous Regal Theatre Talent shows, television appearances and shows throughout Chicago.  George worked with many talents like Rom Lee and Jerry Wilson.   George’s father Ira H. Gilliam, was a successful saxophonist and encouraged him to stretch his skills.  He formed a Big Band featuring Jimmy Ellis, Bill Yancey, and Willie Pickins.  They debuted at the Saber Room in Hickory Hills and became another Chicago favorite.

George carried his instinctive talent to Xavier University in New Orleans. At Xavier, George played guitar for the Xavier University Jazz Band, where a young Wynton Marsalis was just beginning his career.  Under the direction of Dr. John E. Fernandez, George sees this as one of the most memorable times of his life.  He performed with some of New Orleans biggest talents such as, the Nevelle Brothers, Luther Kent and Trick Bag.  He made regular appearances at The New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festivals every year.  While earning his bachelors degree in music, he found a steady niche with the renowned James Rivers Band, more recently featured in Clint Eastwood’s film, The Bridges of Madison County.   James bragged of George natural skills to play the blues.  It’s no wonder he asked him to tour with the group to South America.  After graduating George headed for California to pursue his true love jazz.

He strove to build on his talent in the jazz vein and once again formed his own bands.  His style became smooth, distinctive and uniquely classic.  It was in California that he discovered an aspiring vocalist and soulmate, Elena, who he later married.  Her style is inspired by Shirley Bassie, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, making Elena and George a perfect pair, who have performed together ever since.  George has been a regular at jazz festivals over the years.  George Gilliam subtly changes dynamics and adds fills with sweet, well-timed chording. Commented Bill Kohlhaase from the LA Times, about the Hyatt Newporter Jazz Festival. With the Count Basie All-Stars at the Marriott Resort, George showed effortless chord progressions said Rydznski from World News.  George insists on surrounding himself with great musicians.  Among the many talents have been Kevin Toney, Albert Heath, Harold Land Jr., Richard Reed, Donald Dean, Louis Spears, Larry Van Nash, Henry Franklin and more!  All the while, his talent and style have evolved into an outstanding guitarist who appeals to any audience.  Weather he excites you with an energetic modern jazz feel or mellows your soul with rich relaxing tones; you’ll love his special touch on the guitar.  Most recently George performs with his own jazz trio.  This smooth guitar trio takes you on a journey with his new CD, Stepping Lightly, featuring Donald Dean on Drums and Donnell Lambert on upright bass.  You’ll surely enjoy the ride.

George’s talent is only matched by his sense of community.  After earning another degree as a music therapist, he dedicated himself to working with developmentally disabled adults.  Through his clinical studies at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk, Huntington School in Long Beach, and the Betty Clooney Center for Brain Injured in Long Beach California, he developed skills to work with a wide variety of special needs adults.  His talents were so keen, that immediately after becoming a therapist, he was hired as the Director of Hope University in Anaheim, California by its founder, Mrs. Doris Walker.  Working with Mrs. Walker as an intern, she grew to see that George could become her replacement at Hope.  An expert and known author in her field, she knew he was the right choice even with very little experience.  George soon became determined to develop his own program and founded Creative Identity, where he utilizes the arts to enrich the lives of those who have been forgotten.  George has an intuitive ability to sense individual needs and desires of special needs individuals and believes that everyone can contribute to society and have a fulfilling life.  He strives to keep his students involved through the arts. 

George’s gift is apparent whether working with special needs clients or entertaining his audience through music.  George is truly a talented guitarist with a genuine love for music, expressed sincerely in his performances.  He promises to deliver a passionate creative style tantamount to a true seasoned professional.