Patrick Bradley Is Filled With "Gratitude"

VISTA, CA (22 JULY 2024): Although already a deeply devout man, a life-threatening illness became a literal “come to Jesus” moment for Billboard chart-topping contemporary jazz keyboardist Patrick Bradley. The immense sense of gratitude and awe that he feels since overcoming the gravely ill month that saw him hospitalized twice informs the ten songs that he wrote for his sixth album, “Gratitude,” which drops September 20 on the Patrick’s Song Factory label. Multi-time Grammy-nominated producer Darren Rahn produced the collection and co-wrote seven songs with Bradley.   

Before being stricken by the undiagnosed illness, Bradley had been on a high since his last album, “Exhale,” was released in 2021. The title track shot to No. 1 on the Billboard chart. A second single, “Completely Yours,” went top 10, and two other singles (“Song of May” and “Reinvention”) reached the top 20. That same year, the sickness that the doctors deemed Bradley at “substantial risk for morbidity” sparked a crisis of faith. His liver, pancreas, and kidneys were under attack, causing intense and debilitating headaches. Bradley did some soul-searching at the height of his illness. 

“At that time, I had been a Christian for some 38 years, and yet there was that pinging concern if my heart was fully with the Lord. Was I just living for myself or really living for the Lord? Was I taking the Lord seriously enough or was I just living an easy cheap grace sort of life? Easy believe-ism if you will,” shared Bradley.

Feelings of repentance filled Bradley, lighting his path to healing.

“I began to weep uncontrollably. An intense sense of repentance and humbling came over me. At that moment, my headaches stopped, and I began to recover. That moment changed me forever, and I continue to be blown away by my loving, gracious, and Holy God. My hope through this music I wrote and recorded for ‘Gratitude’ is to glorify the Lord and lift up and bless those who hear it,” said Bradley who will preview the album with a performance at Spaghettini South of Los Angeles on Sunday (July 28).

Not just transformed spiritually, Bradley exhibits some stylistic changes in “Gratitude.” His previous sets were more fusion-focused and displayed him primarily playing synth and organ along with some piano. The new project is distinctly more contemporary jazz-based and spotlights Bradley’s piano play, a switch underscored by the album’s cover art showing Bradley standing next to a piano. Instead of spacy and explorative jazz fusion forays, the ten songs on “Gratitude” feel more present, and focused and are brimful of joyous energy.

The album opens with the graceful and poetic “Narrow Path,” on which Bradley and Rahn (synths, tenor sax, synth bass, and drum programming) are joined by guitarist Allen Hinds. The rhythm section swells to include two-time Grammy-winning bassist Mel Brown, drummer Tarell Martin, and percussionist Christian Teele on the groovy, retro “Nothin’ Ain’t,” which features Rahn, a 29-time Billboard No. 1 hitmaker, ripping a fat sax solo mid-tune embellished by Bradley’s roof-raising organ blasts.

Earlier this year, Bradley offered a glimpse of “Gratitude” when he released “Road Trippin’” as a single.

“The inspiration of the song is really celebrating the freedom and the joys of a road trip. Ever since my wife, Lisa, and I purchased a fifth wheel a couple of years ago, we’ve been enjoying the outdoors. We’re grateful to have the opportunity at this time in our lives when we have both the freedom and the means available to get out there. For us, it’s about exploring new destinations and visiting cherished places while enjoying the beauty of God’s creation,” said Bradley who lives in San Diego County.

The tone and tempo become more reflective of the album’s title track and forthcoming second single. Rahn, who like Bradley is a man of faith, delivers an impassioned and compassionate sax sermon on “Gratitude,” which will begin collecting playlist adds on September 30.

Bradley revisits his fusion muse on “Transformation,” on which he plays his trademark piano, synth and organ combo. Guitarist Randy Jacobs adds slick funk riffs to the reassuring affirmation that is “Abide In Me.” “The Calling” has cosmic elements created by Bradley’s four-prong keyboard palette (piano, Rhodes, synth and organ) and Dave Beegle’s acoustic and electric guitars. Bradley pays homage on the empowering rock fusion anthem “Luminaries.”

“As the world grows darker and colder, the need for salt, light and truth grows exponentially. Jesus said His disciples are the salt and light of the world,” said Bradley who freely quotes scripture in conversation, especially when citing his creative inspiration.

Beegle features on “There Is No Other,” which Bradley recalls was seeded forty years ago when reading the book of Isaiah 43:10.

“From that point on, my life was changed, and I began to follow Christ. I understand now that was a sovereign act of God’s grace in my life. I am continually humbled and am still completely blown away by Him,” Bradley admitted.

The album closes with “Celebration,” a festive contemporary jazz romp spiced with saucy Latin jazz nuances.

Bradley debuted in 2007 with the “Come Rain or Shine” album, which featured six-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal. The title track became the keyboardist’s first Billboard top 30 single. Four years later, Bradley returned with “Under The Sun,” which was produced by Grammy-winning fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber and included Marienthal’s shining sax and a highlight performance from trumpet and flugelhorn star Rick Braun. Lorber returned to helm “Can You Hear Me” in 2014, an outing that saw Bradley’s impressive list of collaborators add Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets, Steely Dan), Gary Novak (Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour), David Mann (Sting, James Taylor, Billy Joel) and Michael Thompson (Bob James, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion). Multiple Grammy-nominated headliner, Dave Koz played an emotional soprano sax solo on the title cut, which is nearing ten million streams. Haslip, Novak, Mann, and Thompson linked up with Bradley and Lorber again on 2017’s “Intangible.” The album notched two Billboard top 10 singles: “Dear Friend” and “Tailwind” featuring guitar ace Paul Jackson Jr. (Michael Jackson, Daft Punk). 

For more information, visit https://patrickbradley.com.

Venice Soulstice Celebrates The Black Experience

 

By Darlene Donloe 

A year ago, Brennan Lawson, a local business owner and community activist in Venice Beach, was visiting the home of his friend, Colin Hornett, when he got the bright idea to produce a community event complete with music, food, and art. 

The reason for the event would be to bring Black people and white people together in what he believed had become a splintered community in Venice, CA. 

“My thought was, ‘What if we found a way to connect the current white residents with the Black residents through storytelling, art, and music,’” said Lawson, an Army brat who has lived in Venice for 10 years because he loves the freedom, the Black people, the proximity to the beach, and the fact that people are free to express themselves without judgment. “I told my friends, ‘It would be cool if we did something for Black history, something like an art festival.’ The goal is to bridge the present and past. I want to connect and bridge those communities. I figured this was a great way to do it.” 

The result is Venice Soulstice, a celebration of Black expression in the heart of Venice Beach, including music, dance, art, food, and storytelling - where soulful sounds, vibrant visual art, history, and the spirit of community come together.

The inaugural event, set for 12 noon – 7 p.m., on July 20, will take place at the historic First Baptist Church of Venice, located in the community of Oakwood. 

There will be live performances from Mofaya & Friends, Olokun Cultural Group, and vinyl selections by Just Satyan alongside stunning art and live painting by Gakwaya. 

Attendees can explore the rich socio-cultural history of the Black experience in California with author and historian Alison Rose Jefferson. 

There will also be food vendors including Jamaican food from Ozi’s Kitchen. 

Brennan Lawson

Lawson said the event is designed to have something for everyone.

“We’re producing something that Oakwood hasn’t seen in a while,” he said. “This is a celebration of Black expression in a holistic sense.”

Venice Soulstice is set against the backdrop of the First Baptist Church of Venice in the community of Oakwood. Oakwood is the home of Venice Beach’s only historically Black community. 

“All of this came to light and came together quite quickly,” said Lawson. “We went to Community Corporation of Santa Monica, who are affordable housing developers. They now own the church. They were happy to meet us and we were happy to meet them.” 

While having Black and white people connect is his main objective, equally important to Lawson is the event’s ability to generate revenue that will directly fund affordable housing and community-focused projects vital to Oakwood, a community that has been ground zero for gentrification for decades.

“The power of expression is important,” said Lawson. “It’s important because it’s universal and it's something that needs to be carried forth and practiced as part of a culture. It’s the only way to accomplish the goal of righting the wrongs of gentrification, and changing what has happened to this community.” 

Lawson said all proceeds from the event go directly to the artists and contributors. 

At 35, Lawson, who has found his purpose, has become a risk-taker. 

Once his mind is set, he says he’s all in. 

It happened when he decided to join the Air Force when he got an MBA at W.P. Carey at Arizona State, when he took a gap year and lived in France when he became a policy leader, a housing advocate, and when the multi-hyphenate did a stretch in the tech industry at Spotify and Meta before launching ISM Fashion House, which has an eyewear collection called ILE De France. 

Now, he’s focusing his efforts on what he says, “you don’t see too often on the Westside.” He and his co-organizers Hornett and Michele Capra, have produced what they hope is a community-changing event. 

“For me, this kind of event is important because it’s about awareness and the sense of connection to the community,” said Lawson. “I want people to know about Oakwood being a historically Black community. My goal is to have a very Black event – as Black as possible. I want to educate folks on Oakwood and what it used to be.”

The First Baptist Church of Venice, founded as an African-American church in 1910, is among the last remaining significant resources associated with the history and development of the early African American community of Oakwood.

The current church building opened in 1967 and remained a spot for the church congregation until it was sold to a private owner in 2017, with the congregation relocating to Westchester.

Lawson believes having the event on the adjacent parking lots of the church is kismet.  The event was previously scheduled for a June date at a different location. However, when the city had to close that venue unexpectedly, Lawson, Hornett, and Capra had to pivot. 

That’s when they decided to hold the event at First Baptist Church of Venice, which was designated as a historic-cultural monument #1244 in 2021, by the Los Angeles Conservancy. 

“The historical significance is huge,” said Lawson. “It’s the perfect spot.”

Community Corp., Original Save Venice, and Hoopbus have created a collaboration to restore the First Baptist Church of Venice as a community hub for the Oakwood neighborhood.

On its website, Community Corp. says its mission is to restore the dilapidated, vacant First Baptist Church of Venice into a community beacon of light for the Oakwood community, to honor the church’s special history, be a connection point for the Oakwood neighborhood, and bring life to the vacant property for the good of the community.  Reportedly,

Community Corp. plans to convert the church’s adjacent parking lots into a 100% affordable housing development.

For years Lawson has had a deep interest in affordable housing advocacy work. 

During long family road trips between Georgia and Ohio, Lawson said he became fascinated by the cityscapes they passed along I-75 when he was younger.  He believes everyone should have economic opportunities and that the housing crisis in California will be won only by lowering the cost of housing.

Community and giving back are at  Lawson’s core. When he’s not designing eyewear, advocating for affordable housing, or producing a community event, Lawson volunteers as a mentor with Arizona State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. 

“I’ve always had an interest in entrepreneurship,” Lawson said. “I have many interests. Right now my focus is on Venice Soulstice.” 

Lawson said they are expecting 300 attendees.

To honor the sacred grounds of the church and to honor the wishes of the original Venice folks involved in preserving the church, organizers have requested that there be no alcohol, drinking, or smoking on the premises. 

Venice Soulstice: Celebrating Black Expression, July 20, 12 noon – 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Venice, 686 Westminster Avenue, Los Angeles, $25-$35. For information:www.ticketleap.events/tickets/venicesoulstice/venice-soulstice.

BHERC Films on Tour To Stop In Oakland

 

The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center is proud to share that the first stop of BHERC Films on Tour is in Oakland, California! The S. E. Manly African American Film Festival Benefitting Tech Exchange is taking place this weekend, Friday, July 12 - Saturday, July 13. 

Guitarist Joe Taylor Is Feeling A "Chill"

“Westside Chill” will be released on vinyl on National Vinyl Record Day; “Jaco’s Court” drops as a single on September 21, the anniversary of Jaco Pastorius’s passing.

Guitarist Joe Taylor successfully reentered the contemporary jazz space earlier this year after a seventeen-year absence with the release of his “Westside Chill” album, showcasing his rootsy blend of instrumental jazz, Americana twang, and earthy blues. Now the ten-song set that he wrote and was produced by four-time Grammy winner Steve Rosenthal will be released by Moonwatcher Music on vinyl on National Vinyl Record Day, August 12.    

“With the release of ‘Westside Chill’ on vinyl, I wanted to take part in the great Vinyl Revival. I’ve always loved the way it sounds and feels when I pull a vinyl record off the shelf, drop the needle, and enjoy the art behind both the music, the cover and the package, experiencing it the way the artist intended. I hope folks will appreciate ‘Westside Chill’ in the same fashion,” said Taylor who is flanked on the album by jazz pianist Jeff Franzel, bassists Woody Lingle and Brian Stanley (Bryan Adams), drummer Steve Holley (Paul McCartney & Wings), percussionist Blair Shotts, and flutist John Ragusa.

Taylor spent decades splitting his time between New York City and the South Carolina Lowcountry with both cultures informing his recordings, including “Westside Chill.” In the mid-80s, he used to walk past the basketball court that bass legend Jaco Pastorius played ball on. That memory inspired the tribute tune “Jaco’s Court,” which drops as a single on September 21, the anniversary of the prodigious Pastorious’s passing.

“Right down the street from the Blue Note, Jaco used to play pickup basketball on the West Fourth Street Courts. I’d walk by and see him out there balling. That court has now become one of the most important sights in the city for streetball. Perhaps Jaco's spirit lingers there as well," said Taylor who wrote the song with Lingle, who is featured playing lyrical basslines evocative of Pastorious’s style of play on the track. 

Taylor now spends all his time living in the placid Lowcountry along South Carolina’s rural coast. Active in the local community, the guitar player will perform a benefit concert at Sunny Side on Edisto on August 2 accompanied by Franzel, Paul Adamy (bass), and Ray Marchica (drums). The show supports the restoration of the historic Hutchinson House, one of the only Black-owned, Reconstruction-era plantations in the South. The following night, the quartet will play at Fox Music in N. Charleston, SC.

“Westside Chill” and its positive reception have Taylor reinspired and encouraged to build on the momentum. It’s his first album since 2015’s “Sugardust in the Devil Wind” and his first contemporary jazz project since 2007’s “Accidental Sugar.” The New York City-based Franzel, Adamy, and Marchica will trek to the Lowcountry ahead of the two South Carolina concert dates to begin recording Taylor’s next collection. Taylor is eager to further explore modern jazz while remaining true to his Southern roots. 

The “Westside Chill” album contains the following songs:

“Westside Chill”

“Jaco’s Court”

“Mr. Campbell”

“Menemsha Fog”

“Twenty-Two Rivers”

“She’s The Moon”

“Available Light”

“The Cooper and the Thief”

“The Cut"

“The Waterman”

Ilya Serov Releases A Colorful Collection of Contemporary Jazz

AUSTIN, TX (28 JUNE 2024): The last couple of years have been transformational for trumpeter-singer Ilya Serov both musically and personally. Having released three albums centered on his modern interpretations of tunes culled from the Great American Songbook, Serov’s newly released Silky Sound Records album, “Colors,” is his first collection comprised entirely of original songs that he had a hand in writing. This artistic rebirth happened simultaneously with Serov becoming a father for the first time. Both life-changing events celebrate the maturation of the man and the musician.

The 10 songs on “Colors” provide a vibrant palette of soul-jazz, R&B grooves, and Brazilian jazz instrumentals along with a few iridescent pop vocals. Serov produced three tracks and tapped two-time Grammy winner, Paul Brown, multiple Grammy nominee Darren Rahn, and 16-time Billboard chart-topper Adam Hawley to produce the rest. Billboard hitmakers Jeff Ryan (saxophone) and Oli Silk (keyboards) were brought in as featured players.

“Colors” closes with “Blossom,” a gorgeous ballad that embodies Serov’s flourishing growth. 

“It took many years of being a professional musician and releasing albums featuring songs from the Great American Songbook until I was able to overcome my insecurities and vulnerabilities and gain confidence to reveal my inner voice and share creative ideas with the public. ‘Colors’ is a tapestry, fusion of musical genres, blend of cultures and backgrounds, friendships and so much more,” said the Austin, Texas-based Serov.

The album opens with the first single, “Champagne Sky,” a vintage-contemporary jazz instrumental showcasing Serov’s regal trumpet with elegant nylon guitar nuances perfectly placed by Brown. It was the first song penned for the project.

Hawley helmed “Beat of My Heart,” a pop gem that Serov said was written as a note of gratitude for his family, wife Amanda and son Caden. According to Serov, Caden’s terrible twos arrived as the artist worked on the album, which made life more complicated and the project more challenging and stressful to complete.

“Family, touring, and studio work were hard to balance. Lots of sleepless nights with the baby. It was hard to keep my mind fresh and have a lot of energy to create. Having a family is an amazing thing, despite all the challenges. With this song, I want to remind myself of it every day,” Serov shared.

The beaming midtempo “Glow” was the second single from “Colors” and it’s another Serov-Hawley collab followed by a third Hawley production, “Sea Breeze.” Ryan’s tenor sax shines on the funky instrumental.

“I am so happy my dear friend Jeff (Ryan) was able to join me on this track. He’s an incredible saxophonist with one of the best tones and energy,” enthused Serov.

Serov and Brown link up again on the dreamy slice of sensual pop “Ice & Fire,” which was accompanied by a handsome video.

A longtime fan of Brazilian music, Serov surrounded himself with Brazilian musicians to track “A Day in Rio.” Grammy-winning bassist Hussain Jiffry (Sergio Mendes, Herb Alpert) co-wrote the song with Serov and plays on the multicultural excursion.  

“I always have been a huge fan of Brazilian music. Samba and bossa nova are my obsessions. I have been to Brazil a few times and every time I went, I wanted to write something using Brazilian beats and instrumentation. An incredible bassist, Hussain Jiffry, and I have talked about a collaboration for a few years, and the stars aligned on ‘A Day in Rio.’ I had a blast producing this track and building it piece by piece with the most amazing Brazilian players,” said Serov.

Serov chronicles the experience of making the album on the vocal number “Tunnel Vision,” a cut produced and cowritten by Rahn that became an expression of mindfulness and appreciation for Serov.

“The days in the studio were starting to blend one into the other. That’s when the idea for ‘Tunnel Vision’ came up. It was my way of reminding myself of the important things. Working on this song was a great outlet for me and helped me to continue. Working on the album was super fun and exciting,” said Serov.

Silk’s keyboards help buoy “Afloat,” a soothing song that Serov wrote a few years ago and saved for this album. On the track, Serov played an innovative new horn that he co-created called a jazzohorn, which is a unique hybrid of a flugelhorn and a saxophone.

Serov’s muted trumpet and sultry voice combine on the ambient “Dreams,” which Hawley produced.

Teaming with friend and collaborator Nick Petrillo (keyboards) on the poignant and pretty “Blossom” enabled both musicians to tap into their classical backgrounds.

Citing jazz legend Chet Baker as a major inspiration, Serov’s last outing was the 2021 “Just Friends” album on which he kept the company of sax star Dave Koz, keyboardist Greg Manning, guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno, vocalist Matt Cusson and saxophonist Alex Hahn. It was Serov’s third album that served a blend of Great American Songbook standards and original songs. His 2013 debut album, “September in the Rain,” was a big band date followed five years later by “Back in Time,” an album that featured collaborations with piano icon Roger Kellaway, six-time Grammy-nominated saxophonist Eric Marienthal, and Grammy-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez. Serov has also composed music for films and has performed on scores that include “Creed II,” “Deadpool 2” and “Addams Family 2.”    

The album release will be feted on July 26 with a concert at Spaghettini south of Los Angeles. Joining him will be multi-instrumentalist Justin-Lee Schultz. A popular performer at jazz festivals, clubs, theaters, and at sea aboard Koz’s all-star cruise (Serov will be back aboard in 2025), Serov will play the Glass City Jazz Festival in Toledo, Ohio on August 10, Spaghettini again on September 8 with special guest Tom Braxton, and the Oxnard Jazz Festival on September 15. Come the holiday season, Serov will join Keiko Matsui for a Christmas concert on December 8 in Florida. For more information, visit https://www.ilyaserov.com.

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame Reveals 2025 Class

 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has revealed its 2025 class, showcasing a diverse group of iconic figures from various entertainment industries. This year’s honorees include renowned artists like Nia Long, Bill Duke, Glynn Turman, Sherri Shepherd, Courtney B. Vance, and the late Prince, among others.

Notably, Toni Vaz, Hollywood’s first Black stuntwoman and founder of the NAACP Image Awards, will be honored at the age of 101, highlighting her trailblazing contributions to the industry. She worked on films such as “Tarzan,” “The Poseidon Adventure” and “Porgy and Bess” and doubled for legendary actresses Cicely Tyson, Eartha Kitt, Juanita Moore and more.

Beyond her stunt work, Vaz made significant contributions by creating the NAACP Image Awards in 1967, a milestone for which she fought tirelessly for recognition. In an article on the NAACP Los Angeles Branch’s website, Vaz explained, “I called it the Image Awards because I wanted a better image for the people who worked in the industry. I wanted to put this award show together to thank the producers for giving good roles to people of color.”⁠

More than 30 new stars will be added across six categories: motion pictures, television, live theatre/live performance, radio, recording, and sports entertainment.

The selection was announced at a press conference held at Ovation Hollywood, with Niecy Nash, Joe Mantegna, Jimmy Jam, and Hollywood Chamber of Commerce president Steve Nissen unveiling the names. Peter Roth, Chairman of the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, expressed excitement about the new class, highlighting their excellence in their respective fields.

Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 Hollywood Walk of Fame honorees:

Motion Pictures

Toni Vaz – Hollywood’s first Black stuntwoman and NAACP Image Awards founder.

Bill Duke

Bill Duke – Veteran actor and director

John Carpenter – Legendary filmmaker known for his work in the horror genre.

Nia Long

Nia Long – Esteemed actress.

Glynn Turman

Glynn Turman – Actor, writer, and director.

Jessica Chastain – Oscar-winning actress and producer.

Jane Fonda – Two-time Oscar-winning actress and activist.

Robert Englund – Actor famed for his role as Freddy Krueger.

Emilio Estevez – Actor and filmmaker.

Colin Farrell – Acclaimed actor.

Lisa Lu – Celebrated Chinese-American actress.

Sherri Shepherd

Television

Sherri Shepherd – Actress and TV personality.

Courtney B. Vance – Acclaimed actor.

Fran Drescher – Actress, writer, and SAG-AFTRA president.

Lauren Graham – Actress, producer, and novelist.

Bill Nye – Renowned science communicator.

Molly Shannon – Actress and comedian.

Chris Wallace – Veteran broadcast journalist.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone – Creators of “South Park” (double ceremony).

Recording

Fantasia – Grammy-winning singer and actress

Depeche Mode – Influential English band.

Green Day – Punk rock band.

Los Bukis – Mexican grupera band.

The B-52s – Iconic rock band.

The Isley Brothers – Legendary soul and R&B group.

Busta Rhymes – Pioneering rapper.

George Strait – Country music legend.

Keith Urban – Award-winning country singer.

WAR – Influential funk band.

Prince – Iconic musician (posthumous).

Live Theatre/Live Performance

Misty Copeland – Trailblazing ballerina.

Alan Cumming – Acclaimed actor and performer.

Sports Entertainment

David Beckham – Retired English footballer.

Orel Hershiser – Former MLB pitcher.

Radio

Adam Carolla – Radio personality and comedian.

These distinguished individuals will have their stars added to the world-famous Walk of Fame, joining the ranks of Hollywood’s elite. Recipients have up to two years to schedule their star ceremonies. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce oversees the Walk of Fame, ensuring its maintenance and the organization of ceremonies, which are free and open to the public. For more information, including ceremony dates and star locations, visit the official Walk of Fame website.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame continues to honor those who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, celebrating a legacy of excellence and diversity in the arts.

'Tiny Father' Makes A Huge Impact At Geffen

 

(l-r) Tiffany Villarin and Maurice Williams
Photo by Jeff Lorch

By Darlene Donloe 

When we first meet Daniel, it’s admittedly on what he calls one of his “worst days.”

The scene in ‘Tiny Father’ now playing through July 14, in the Gil Cates Theater at The Geffen Playhouse in Westwood, is in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in the hospital where he’s just become a father to a baby girl, he will name Sophia. 

Being a father was not on Daniel’s agenda. He was having carnal fun in a “friends with benefits” relationship with a 36-year-old Japanese woman who, to his chagrin – got pregnant. 

Here he is in the hospital with his baby mama, who has had difficulty giving birth, and his newborn daughter who was born with several defects. The first time he sees his micro-preemie baby, he utters the words, ‘She looks fucked up,’ due to all the tubes coming out of her and her tiny premature body lying motionless in an isolette. But now he must face some hard facts. He is forced to choose between becoming the sole caregiver to his biological child - becoming her father – or running away from his responsibility.

The night nurse who is taking care of Daniel’s baby is Caroline, a no-nonsense, by-the-book sort, who is keen on doing her job and doing it well. Through it all, Caroline, who isn’t happy about being away from her family at night, must deal with her domestic issues concerning her husband who isn’t raising their two children the way she would like. 

With the help of Caroline (Tiffany Villarin), Daniel (Maurice Williams), who knows nothing about babies, learns to navigate the protocols and frustrations of NICU life on his uncertain path to parenthood. 

Chinese-American Playwright Mike Lew has written a 90-minute sometimes funny, mostly heartfelt play where growth is measured in more than grams.  The details of the relationship between the baby's mother and Daniel feel like voyeurism on the audience member’s part. 

Maurice Williams
Photo by Jeff Lorch

Daniel and Caroline initially clash, but eventually mellow out (a bit) as time goes on.

Daniel doesn’t want anything to do with the baby. In his mind, he doesn’t have time to be a responsible parent. He just wanted to have sex. Still, he makes an effort by showing up at the hospital frequently – eventually developing a loving relationship with the baby.

Caroline tells Daniel that the baby will probably be in the hospital for a minimum of three months – a proclamation that he finds hard to swallow. Although the mother has medical insurance, Daniel, a freelance bookstore event planner, doesn’t have insurance but still bemoans the possibility that he may have to come out of pocket with a lot of money.

Days, weeks, and months go by demonstrated by bold, black numbers flashed on the left and right sides of the stage as we see Daniel gradually transform. 

Lew has written a touching play about a real issue concerning maturity, love, responsibility, and the human condition. 

Director Moritz Von Stuelpnagel’s skillful direction is forever in motion, especially with the stage, which rotates between scenes. Kudos go out to David Meyer for his authentic scenic design. The flashing numbers both downstage right and downstage left are a keen way to keep the audience aware of the time endured in the hospital by baby Sophia, Daniel, and Caroline. 

(l-r) Tiffany Villarin and Maurice Williams
Photo by Jeff Lorch

But it’s the relationship between Daniel and Caroline that brings this play to life. Both Tiffany Villarin, who plays Caroline, and Maurice Williams, who plays Daniel – are magical to watch with their dramatic, sometimes comedic verbal ping-pong match that plays out effortlessly in this dramedy. The stellar performances of Williams and Villarin force the audience to feel – something. They don’t necessarily tell you what to feel – but if anyone has a pulse – they can't help but feel the very real drama of the situation. 

Villarin’s turn as a NICU nurse is spot-on, and Williams meets her toe-to-toe with his interpretation of a hard-nosed, confused, torn yet determined man facing uncertainty.

‘Tiny Father’ is a giant success! 

‘Tiny Father,’ written by Mike Lew (Teenage Dick, Tiger Style!) and directed by Mortiz Von Stuelpnagel (Tony Award-nominated), stars Maurice Williams (The Vince Staples Show, Entergalactic) and Tiffany Villarin (…what the end will be, Do You Feel Anger?). 

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), ‘Tiny Father’ gets and E (excellent).

‘Tiny Father,’ Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, 8 p.m. Wed.,-Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., 2 and 7 p.m. Sun., through July 14; $30-$129; 310 208-2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org.