Jill Newman Productions Presents Mos Def at Blue Note

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Following a sold-out concert featuring Mos Def at the Highline Ballroom on Friday, January 9, Jill Newman Productions presents the consummate emcee, vocalist, musician and actor on three nights at the Blue Note January 23 – 25 at 8pm and 10:30pm. Mos Def returns to the Blue Note for the first time in five years to lead his versatile band featuring Robert Glasper, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge and Casey Benjamin. Mos Def , Grammy-nominated artist and Golden Globe and Emmy Award-nominated actor. He has fans eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming album, "The Ecstatic, " his fourth solo recording, scheduled for a February release. His most recent role as Chuck Berry in the December 2008 film "Cadillac Records" has been widely praised by critics and fans alike.

Mos Def (MC, vocals, spoken word); Robert Glasper (piano, keyboards); Chris Dave (drums); Derrick Hodge (bass), Casey Benjamin (horns);

Regarded as one of the most insightful artists of our time, musician, activist and actor Mos Def has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike with a celebrated body of work that has crossed all artistic genres—from music to the Broadway stage, film and television.

In 1996, Mos Def became an underground favorite in the hip hop world, which led to his legendary collaboration with Talib Kweli. The two formed Black Star whose debut release would become one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of a generation. The following year, Mos released his solo debut, "Black On Both Sides, " which was certified gold and credited by critics as bringing hip-hop back to its soapbox roots. In 2004 came "The New Danger" (Good Tree Media/Geffen Records), Def's highly-anticipated and critically acclaimed sophomore solo album. The first single, "Sex, Love and Money" earned Def a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Alternative/Urban Performance. Mos Def released "True Magic" (Good Tree Media/ Geffen Records) in late 2006, which brought the artist another GRAMMY nomination for Best Alternative/ Urban Performance for the album's first single "Undeniable."

As with his music, Mos has demonstrated insight and passion with his acting career and has appeared in a variety of film and TV projects including "Monster's Ball, " "The Italian Job, " and in the critically acclaimed HBO movie "Something the Lord Made, " for which he received nominations for a 2004 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie, Golden Globe Award (Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture), and NAACP Award. Def has also appeared in the feature films "The Woodsman, " "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (2005), "16 Blocks" (2006), Dave Chappelle's "Block Party" (2006), and Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" (2008).

Mos completed his Broadway debut in 2002 in the Tony-nominated, Pulitzer Prize winning, "Topdog/Underdog" and re-teamed with playwright, Suzan Lori Parks and director George Wolfe for the off- Broadway play, "Fucking A, " for which he was awarded an Obie Award.

In addition to his acting credits, Mos has served as the host, music supervisor and co- executive producer for the HBO series "Def Poetry, " which returned for its sixth season in 2007. Def has also served as a writer, producer and actor on the MTV sketch comedy series "Lyricist Lounge."

Mos Def has also collaborated with Converse to design a line of sneakers. His signature sneakers feature laser-etched pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline, and are available now in stores. In the summer of 2008, the artist announced a deal with Undercrown to design a limited collection of apparel.

About Jill Newman: New York producer Jill Newman has spearheaded unique, top-quality events at major concert halls, clubs, universities and festivals across the United States and Japan. Newman's roster includes concerts with Eartha Kitt, Richie Havens, Chaka Khan, Common, Talib Kweli, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Andy Bey and Sly & the Family Stone, as well as the esteemed Zora Salon with Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee and Avery Brooks, directed by Lloyd Richards. Known for putting together projects made up of stellar leaders who meld their individual talents into unique musical units, Newman conceived and produced the McCoy Tyner and Savion Glover project; The Jabane Ensemble's World Premiere, featuring Robert Glasper, Lionel Loueke, Grégoire Maret, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge with special guests Bilal and Roy Hargrove; and Jimmy Scott's 80th Birthday Celebration with Savion Glover, Brooks, DeeDee Bridgewater, Billy Paul and Andy Bey. Numerous other artists have tapped Newman to produce concerts and events, including Maestro Andre Previn, Gary Bartz/Mulgrew Miller Duet, Dianne McIntyre/Olu Dara Collaboration, Butch Morris (conducting Orchestra Slang) and Jeff "Tain" Watts, Arthur Blythe and Mark Whitfield. In addition, Newman has reaped accolades for her project Another Side Series, which gives artists a forum to bring other concepts of their art to life in intimate settings. Playing to large audiences of core followers plus new fans who are attracted to an artist's other side, the series has featured Mos Def, Amel Larrieux, Lillias White, Olu Dara, Bilal, Donnie, N'Dea Davenport and others.

Jill Newman wrapped up 2008 with the New York Premiere of Idle Warship featuring Talib Kweli, Res and Graph Noble at BB King Blues Club & Grill; Roots Holiday Jam at BB King Blues Club; and Derrick Hodge at the Blue Note. In addition, Jill Newman Productions presented a sold-out concert featuring Mos Def's debut at the JVC Jazz Festival at Carnegie Hall and a concert at the Kennedy Center.

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