Happy New Year,
As Giant Step, we hope all of you have a healthy and successful year filled with joy and great musical experiences.Two weeks ago we were deeply saddened by the news of the passing of James Brown. It is hard to put into words how much of an influence he was on all of us, Giant Step and, of course, music.

James was one on the main influences that got Giant Step started (it was called "Groove Academy" in those days). Although James didn't perform for Giant Step (he was still incarcerated), we had the pleasure of working with and getting to know legendary alumni such as Bobby "I Know You Got Soul" Byrd, Vickie Anderson, Martha High, Marva Whitney, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis and Bootsy Collins to name a few. Being around these people was a real education in who and what James Brown was as a performer, band leader, artist and CEO. He will be truly missed and we believe history will look very kindly on his legacy to the music we all love.

In the spirit of the "hardest working man in show business," we are
doing our upmost to bring you the best in events in January 2007.

January 14th - MLK Weekend Special: Norman Jay MBE + Nickodemus @ Cielo
First up is our annual tribute event to Martin Luther King on Sunday, January 14th at Cielo. This year we are bringing the legendary Norman Jay MBE over from London for an exclusive show. Expect the very best in "Good Times," and an opening set from Turntable On The Hudson's Nickodemus. Both Norman and Nick will be playing music in the spirit of Dr. King, and we suspect a bit of The Godfather will be thrown in too for good measure. Our MLK event last year at Cielo was a sell out so don't sleep on this one.

January 16th: Amy Winehouse @ Joe's Pub
We are proud to present the US debut of one of Giant Step's favorite artists who is finally releasing some music here: Amy Winehouse. Hailing from London, Amy has followed her excellent debut 'Frank' with the stunning 'Back To Black.' It will be released here on Universal in March and it is a "cracker." Amy has mastered that 60s Motown girl group sound with freshness of Erykah Badu. The first show at Joe's Pub has already sold out and the 11:30 PM one is selling fast too.

January 19th: Laura Beth Hassell @ The River Room of Harlem
Flying in from Manchester England, Laura Beth Hassell was a finalist in 2001 Jazz Perrier Awards, performing at 606 Club in London and locally she has appeared 4 out of the last 5 years at the Manchester Jazz Festival, in addition to the Wigan, Southport and North Wales Festivals. She has sung alongside Branford Marsalis and Lianne Carroll.

January 24th: Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Sessions 1.0 @ Hiro Ballroom
We have put together a night of live music highlighting artists that have recorded for Gilles Peterson's fledgling Brownswood record label. The line up includes the US debut of Japan's Soil & "Pimp" Sessions, whose live show is nothing short of incredible; high intensity jazz that has more of the feel of a punk show. Also on the bill is the sultry vocals of Tita Lima who is based in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Gilles' new protege Jose James has the vibe of a modern-day Chet Baker. The much talked about Taylor McFerrin will be making a specail appearance as well. All this will be rounded off with a DJ set from Gilles himself.

Finally mark your calendars for February 15th as we have Mr. Scruff
coming over from Manchester, UK for an exclusive 5 hour DJ set at Cielo.

Thank you for your on going support

Giant Step -