By Lapacazo Sandoval and Bill Myers-special to myNewYorkeye

Influential jazz musician Alex Bugnon pays homage to his adopted community with his new CD appropriately titled, HARLEM. And on Friday, January 31 he brings his brand of funk/R&B and soul inspired playing to the historic Apollo stage, joined by Grammy-Winner Ms. Regina Belle, Grammy-Nominated Lalah Hathaway and Valerie Simpson.

Bugnon hails from the picturesque town of Montreux, Switzerland – site of the world famous Jazz Festival. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown (and his own home), of some of music’s most illustrious names, played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career -- as did his early friendship with Herbie Hancock. The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision.

I make a Herculean effort not to write about music because I love it and can't find the right combination of adjectives to describe my sincerity.

So, I reached out to Bill C. Myers, one of my oldest friends, who recently tendered his post as President of the African-American Jazz Caucus.

An experienced jazz musician, educator and force behind "Bill Myers Inspires" (a new series that highlights good acts-by-good people), I thought it would be enlightening to bring these two passionate professionals together for a dialogue.

Here is an excerpt from our hour long interview with jazz great Alex Bugnon.

myNewYorkeye: You grew up in Switzerland in the small town of Montreux which is home to the world renowned international jazz festival. What inspired your relocation to the US?

Alex Bugnon: When I first came to the USA I lived in Boston but after six years I moved to New York City and have lived there ever since. The music scene has always been vibrant and, as I see it, although on the west coast it's often about the image, here it's more about the music.

Bill Myers: What advice would you offer to young inspiring jazz musicians seeking a career?

Alex Bugnon: Stay away from extremes. Right now, jazz seems polarized into two camps. On one side there is smooth jazz that has become watered down beyond recognition. On the other, there is a resurgent straight ahead movement. Yet between these extremes, there is an abundance of great music, full of light and shade and very much what I play on the road.

myNewYorkeye: How do you pay homage to the art form and stay connected?

Alex Bugnon: I tour extensively. It's about taking the music to the grass roots, to the people who want to hear it.

myNewYorkeye: Do you shy away from connecting with younger audiences that are social media focused?

Alex Bugnon: No. Of course I use social media; Facebook, Twitter and all the places people now go to get their musical knowledge.

Bill Myers: What are your thoughts on how can jazz survive and thrive in the current market place?

Or is jazz simply stuck?

Alex Bugnon: Smooth jazz radio simply got ran into the ground by sticking too closely to a format it believed would work forever and by lacking innovation.

Now innovation is found elsewhere. It's found via the internet and on the live music scene.

To listen to a section of the new album HARLEM visit here.

At a Gracie Mansion event during Harlem Week, Brianna Colette, 5-foot-9, with her signature red afro and smooth caramel skin, stood out, even in a sea of uniquely stylish people of color.

In full plume, Colette reminded me of an exotic, mystical songbird strutting among the mortals. Perhaps it’s her Creole/Cajun roots?

Colette is really just a down-home, sweet Southern gal whose sultry, rich voice gets compared to the likes of the late, great Billie Holiday. Based in funky Brooklyn now, the Nashville-born songstress credits those roots in shaping her musical style. Music, for Colette, began in the Southern heat.

“The most memorable years were my summers in Nashville with all my cousins,” Colette says. “Every summer, the five of us lived at our grandmother’s house, and we put on talent shows for our parents. That’s how performing became a part of me at a very young age.”

Five years on the New York City music scene and critics still can’t peg her. This chick just does not fit into any old music box. Colette’s style is funky and fluid, flowing between dance, pop and soul—genres that are all evident on her newest single, “Too Old.”

In the spunky cut, Colette sings about two lovers who realize that age isn't just a number.

Autobiographical musical storytelling? Who is to say? If art imitates life, the songstress isn't giving any juicy details. When asked to describe herself, Colette counters in a rapid cadence and with a loopy smile.

“I am a goofy, silly, adventurous risk-taker who is very loving,” she confides. “And I love to have a good time wherever I am. It’s important to make the best of every situation. Don’t you agree?”

I do. Lately, her music has been added to my iPad shuffle and is providing the soundtrack of my own New York life. It’s easy to become a fan.

UK producer Lewis Parker fell in “muse love” and crafted a short film around Colette’s talents, showcasing her dancing, singing and acting skills. The video follows a female con artist raised in a world of organized crime, where wealth and power are like air and water— necessary for life.

Her take on it: “It’s kind of like James Bond, ‘Harlem Nights’ and ‘Entrapment’ all tied into one. It’s great to try on characters and then leave them to live on screen.”

As the world beckons, Colette answers. Most recently she’s been working in Russia with world-renowned pianist Daniel Kramer. “Too Old” was recorded in Belgium and produced by Lunaman.

So, my interest is now piqued. I had a few more questions for Colette.

myNewYorkeye: Besides the U.S. passport in your purse, what are the must-haves in your daily wardrobe?

Brianna Colette: I must have 4-inch heels! I love the feeling of being tall! When traveling, of course, it’s flip-flops. Last but not least, I must have leggings, and any color will do. They fit great and are easy to move in.

myNewYorkeye: Your look is unique, striking even, but who do people tell you look like?

Brianna Colette: People say I look like the singer Kellis, when she used to have long hair, but when I wear my hair up, people have told me I look like Janet Jackson. Well, when she played Penny on the TV show “Good Times.”

myNewYorkeye: Now that you’ve been here five years, what is your favorite restaurant in New York City?

Brianna Colette: I really enjoy eating at Spice! Great Thai food. I always order the Crispy Half Chicken and a Thai iced tea. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

myNewYorkeye: Now I’m hungry too, so let’s start to wrap this up. What is your favorite song today and of all time?

Brianna Colette: My favorite song of all time is “Part of Your World” from the “Little Mermaid” soundtrack. When I am leaving the house, I put on my Skull Candy headphones and listen to the David Guetta station on Pandora. This gets me pumped for the day.

myNewYorkeye: Anything you want to add to close this interview?

Brianna Colette: Happy Holidays. Check me out. If you like what you hear, share—it’s the cool thing to do!

Chill out with Miss Colette at briannacolette.com