|
contents | jazz | |||||||||||||
| Ragan Whiteside Wins Flutist Of The Year In The 2014 Black Women In Jazz & Fine Arts Awards Contemporary Jazz Flutist, Vocalist & Songwriter Ragan Whiteside took home the award for Best Black Female Flutist of the Year in the Black Women in Jazz & Fine Arts Awards, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta, GA. Black Women In Jazz was created to assist in meeting the needs of female jazz professionals. By creating a greater awareness honoring the many contributions of female jazz artists and related professionals globally, Black Women In Jazz strives to spotlight the awesome work of female jazz vocalists, female jazz instrumentalists, composers, producers, as well as, musicians who are currently in the spotlight. The black tie event featured a night of glamour and elegance, creating a greater awareness of the many vital contributions that African American Female artists have made in the past, present and to the future of jazz. About Ragan Whiteside Ragan began her musical journey at the very early age of 5. She played the piano, drums, and the violin, but found her true love in playing the flute. Ragan's passion for music lead her to realize another new love: Songwriting and Arranging. After winning numerous competitions in both performance and music composition she decided to further her music studies and attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Harid Conservatory, where she earned a Bachelor of Music-Performance degree in Classical music. After graduating, Ragan returned to New York to begin her career as a professional musician and immersed her composition abilities within the genres of Jazz, Funk, and R&B. After winning the Capital Jazz New Artist Competition, she released her debut album, Class Axe in 2007. Since her debut album, this award winning artist developed a heightened focus in the writing, producing, and editing process of her sophomore release, Evolve. Evolve showcases not only her melodious musicianship as a flutist, but her sultry vocals and soulful compositions. In July 2014, Ragan returns with her 3rd studio album, Quantum Drive, further pushing the boundaries of Contemporary/Urban Jazz and R&B. Guest artists on this highly anticipated album include Bob Baldwin, Frank McComb, Althea Rene, and Patrice Rushen. Learn more about this dynamic artist at www.raganwhiteside.com About Black Women In Jazz The Black Women In Jazz Association (BWIJA) promotes, inspires and recognizes merit and excellence of Black women in the fields of jazz and fine arts. It was founded in 2013. It was created to assist in meeting the needs of women in jazz professionals such as vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, and producers. The non profit trade association's mission is to advance the interests and promote the talents of artists. Through networking events, education, training, seminars, workshops, award galas, features, interviews, concerts and of the like, BWIJ strives to ensure that women are honored as a vital part of the past, present, and future of jazz. BWIJ honors the contributions that black female musicians and related industries, worldwide. write your comments about the article :: © 2014 Jazz News :: home page |