News and Notices
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Summer means jazz and that is exactly what 88.5 JAZZ FM will provide with four radio specials this month.
Benny Goodman Centennial Tribute - Monday, August 24 from 3-5pm The first program is a tribute to the “King of Swing” Benny Goodman produced and hosted by Mercyhurst College professor and JazzErie member Brian Sheridan. The show is a tribute of Goodman. The music on the show is from the recent Mosaic Records CD box set, “Classic Columbia and Okeh Benny Goodman Orchestra Sessions 1939-1958.”
“Goodman quit Victor Records in 1939, after creating hit after hit. He signed with Columbia Records and worked with legendary producer John Hammond. This show covers how Goodman dealt with the changing times in music,” said Sheridan.
Jazz: The 1959 Sound - Saturday, August 29 from 3-4pm The second special on 88.5 JAZZ FM is called “Jazz: The 1959 Sound.” This is a program that is an exploration of some of the enduring jazz recordings of 1959. The one-hour radio special salutes the 50th anniversary of the landmark albums by Miles Davis (Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain), Charles Mingus (Mingus Ah-Um), Dave Brubeck (Time Out) and others that helped make 1959 Jazz’s greatest year.
Miles Davis: Kind Of Blue - Sunday, August 30 from 7-8pm If you are a Miles Davis fan, you will want to tune-in to this one-hour special that explores the creation and impact of Miles Davis’ album Kind of Blue. On two days in the spring of 1959, after a string of critically acclaimed and successful albums, Miles Davis recorded what would become Kind Of Blue. Nothing would ever be the same – for Jazz or for Miles Davis.
There’s no real way to tell why a record captures the imagination and attention of the world. Some do, some don’t. Miles Davis constantly recorded music, and almost all of it added to his popularity and critical acclaim. But over the years, Kind Of Blue found a larger and larger audience. Soon enough, it became the best selling Jazz album of all time.
Through the host Josh Jackson and interviews with musicians Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Cobb, Jackie McLean, David Amram and others, you will hear the story of the making of Kind Of Blue, as well as the lasting impact of this classic Jazz staple.
European Jazz Stage - Sunday Nights from 8-9pm Finally, 88.5 JAZZ FM will introduce a new radio series. European Jazz Stage 2009 is a 13 part series hosted by Daniel Frankl and will begin August 30th and run through November 22nd. This show doesn’t skip a beat with vocalist Bobby McFerrin, composer Maria Schneider, songwriter Wouter Hamel, and the big B3 sound of Mona Lisa Overdrive. Vocalist Lilian Vieira reawakens the Somba Soul of the 70’s and big bands Metropole Orchestra, The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and The Dutch Jazz Orchestra bring back the noise.
Archive performances from pianist Bill Evans and tenor man Stan Getz transport us back in time and then we flash forward to hear from the young names, like Rik Mol wail on his trumpet and Wolfert Brederode dance across the keys. Full of names you’ll know and names you’ll want to know, European Jazz Stage ’09 sets the summer at a sizzling pace.
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Chris Dempsey: “Onward” (cdbaby, 2008)
Reviewed by Charles Ventrello in JazzErie News Notes: “Scott Yanow, author and columnist, writes the following regarding trombonist Chris Dempsey: ‘(He) has the technique to play whatever he thinks of, a fertile imagination and a warm sound. He does not sound like any of his predecessors and his compositions are fresh and new.’ I second that. And third and fourth it also. Chris is from Erie and has returned after studies at the prestigious schools of Berklee and Manhatten School of Music. He was a monster player after Berklee. New York has made him the father of all monsters.
On the album he is joined by three friends from Berklee. A musician should have such friends… Pianist Roy Assaf is a masterful accompanist and outstanding soloist full of wry surprises which will leave you smiling. Luques Curtis achieves a great dull sound on bass, possesses a facile technique and the musical intelligence to employ it wisely. The drummer, Nick Falk, is not only the powerful propellant of the ensemble, but also a masterful colorist deciding instantly how to dab, smear or rake the pigment on this musical canvas…. Chris tells me there are three sources from which you can obtain this perfect album: iTunes, an MP3 download program, cdbaby.com, and www.chrisdempsey.com.
Groove-oriented electric bassist Steve Trohoske can be heard and/or downloaded on a number of My Space websites. “I would rather be a stylist than a virtuoso” proclaims his website, but there’s nothing wrong with his chops. Steve also has a talent for engaging other terrific area musicians in his projects, including legendary Pittsburgh bassist Dwayne Dolphin at last year’s Jazz Walk.
www.myspace.com/stephentrohoske presents 3bop (Steve, guitarist/pianist Frank Singer and drummer Brad Amidon) with a variety of guests: saxophonists Dr. Patrick Jones and Dr. Allen Zurcher, drummer Ricki Hopkins, percussionist Joel Polacci and guitarist Eric Brewer. Rock solid time and a flow of original ideas from all.
www.myspace.com/ahimsabeat presents another project, currently appearing in Erie clubs. Ahimsa Beat was formed by Steve in 2008 in collaboration with drummer G. Calvin Weston, whose credits range from Ornette Coleman and James Carter to the Lounge Lizards. Weston’s drumming adds serious electricity to any ensemble. Along with Trohoske and Weston are local musicians Singer, Brewer, Amidon, Polacci, guitarist Joseph Popp and (90-year-old) vocalist Elizabeth Popp, and extraordinary trumpeter Corey Wilkes (Ethnic Heritage Ensemble and Art Ensemble of Chicago.)
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The JD Jazz Duo featuring singer/drummer Joe Dorris and guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Frank Singer will release their new CD:”And That’s OK…”(2009) in May. The two are charter members, along with bassist Tony Stefanelli and saxophonist Phil Popotnik, of the group Cats A Bear. Former patrons of the papermoon restaurant will also remember Joe’s unique vocal style and the work of these two local jazz giants as members of the Basil Ronzitti Trio/Quartet. Joe has put in some work on his vocal chops since that time, expanding his repertoire and refining his ideas. Frank continues to feed his omnivorous appetite for all kinds of music – world, funk, jazz, blues, classics, you name it – and has expanded into recording and producing. But his unequalled guitar chops and supportive ear are on display here.
The two old friends share great time, “in the moment” sensitivity, and distinctive musical voices. Joe pays serious attention to the song’s words and story. Frank’s playing is, as always, inventive and clear. Songs from the album include both standards and jazz tunes: “Nature Boy,” “Stolen Moments,” “Doxy,” “Stella,” and many others.The disc was engineered by Frank, and is available now. To order, contact Frank at his website: www.franksinger.com. Cost is $10
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Frank Singer demonstrates his range of interests and his virtuosity on www.myspace.com/franksinger. Frank’s strong presence on the musical scene here as a performer, teacher and guru, and his supportive work with other local artists (including Steve and Joe, as noted above) have helped establish and maintain the high level of jazz interest and performance that characterize Erie.
Tracks on his myspace website range from rhythm-dominated (“Night Owls”) to smooth jazz (“There Will Never Be…”) to down home blues (“Shotgun Blues”), and beyond – rap, funk, middle-Eastern groove, pensive reflection… it’s an education and a pleasure.
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“Jazz Finesse,” a new album by Dave Callaghan’s Uptime Quartet (2009) features Callaghan on saxophones, keyboardist Dan Hallett, drummer Dave Perry and bassist Dick Thompson. Callaghan’s passion for hard bop, enhanced by the experience of working with two bands he has formed during the past three years, has been distilled into a fine, clear mix of potent ideas and flowing lines. It is well displayed in quartet format in this album of tunes ranging from the ‘60’s (Eddie Harris’ “Cold Duck Time”) to today (Eric Alexander’s “Little Lucas”). Long-time colleague, inventive and pithy jazz keyboardist Dan Hallett, and nuanced, responsive drummer Dave Perry provide swinging, articulate support. Engineered by Joe Frisina and produced by Frank Singer. Email Callaghan at hardbop@velocity.net, or call 814/734-4407. Cost is $10.
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Lydia Marks: “Lovelight Shining” (cdbaby, 2005), produced by bassist Dr. Harry Jacobson, who co-authored the title tune, a seductive bossa, with Lydia.
“Wow, this band is amazing! (Pianist) Don Rebic and (baritone saxophonist) Bruce Johnstone are full of energy, and they accompany Lydia’s smooth vocals to a T. Check out “Down With Love” …Lydia bounces through it with ease and agility. Her timing and tone are sophisticated, making this up tempo tune cool and clear and a sheer pleasure.” (Review by Solitaire Miles)
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Invitation (Pacific Coast Jazz) ****
Here is a nearly flawless recording from someone likely unknown by most jazz fans.
Who is Bruce Eskovitz and where has he been all our listening lives?
All Music Guide (www.allmusic.com) and other pre-release publicity tell us he’s a Los Angeles studio musician and educator, and appears regularly in LA area jazz clubs.
Though age is not mentioned, he is described as a “veteran’’ jazzman.
On “Invitation,’’ Dr. Eskovitz (jazz musicians with doctorates usually like to make that known) is a saxophonist/flutist, composer and arranger.
He is superb in all capacities, and leads a dektette, or “small’’ big band comprising five horns and five rhythm. They are, indeed, a lean, mean machine and make a good case for slimmed-down big bands, sounding like a large ensemble, as well as a combo.
The players mirror their leader’s talent, energy and spirit, and together and as soloists, soar through a highly varied, exciting and satisfying program of 10 tunes, seven penned by Eskovitz. The CD is full of highlights involving everyone in the band, most of whose names--like the leader’s—probably won’t be recognized by many, if any, jazz listeners.
Dr. Eskovitz is quite the discovery. A wailing tenor player (he’s also heard on soprano sax and alto flute on the CD), with a full-bodied sound, he plays with a jolting urgency, as well as sensitivity.
His compositions reflect the completeness and versatility of his playing: Adventurous, yet accessible; hard driving, yet full of dynamic contrast. His arrangements often are surprising, even stunning, in their originality.
Standout among standouts is the haunting film theme that serves as the CD’s title, with its double-time rhythm churning beneath the slowly played theme, a dramatic stop-time or pause, and a scintillating brass section.
There’s something for all tastes: Samba, jazz waltz, mambo, guitarist Herb Ellis’ transcendent, too seldom heard ballad “Detour Ahead,’’ a boss nova, some bebop (of course), a shuffle blues, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s fusion hit “Red Clay,’’ and a soulful, closing gospel tune.
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Live at the Jazz Standard, Volume One (MaxJazz) ****
Pianist-vocalist Dena DeRose and trio deliver a scintillating set in Ms. DeRose’s first live recording.
With her adventurous phrasing, scatting and wordless vocals in harmony with her piano, DeRose is an exceptional improvising vocalist, who might appeal even to jazz musicians ordinarily dismissive of singers.
A musician first—a fine pianist with an original, cliché-free approach--she turned to singing only after hand surgery kept her from the keyboard. She has elevated her vocalizing to the same high level as her playing, and now ranks with the likes of Patricia Barber and the late Shirley Horn as a singer-pianist.
On her sixth album, DeRose and trio mates Martin Wind (as in a gale, not a clock) on bass and drummer Matt Wilson make the old sound new again.
Consistently stimulating, they offer fresh, creative arrangements and improvisation on Great American Songbook and standard jazz tunes like Kurt Weill’s “Speak Low,’’ Johnny Burke-Jimmy Van Heusen’s “It Could Happen to You,’’ Cole Porter’s “Get Out of Town,’’ Rodgers and Hart’s “Lover,’’ Bronislaw Kaper’s “Green Dolphin Street,’’ and more.
DeRose ranges across the keyboard, mixing long, flowing single-note lines and briefer phrases with hammered chords, percussive passages, stop-time pauses, and dramatic changes in touch.
Singing with some of Sheila Jordan’s daring and Blossom Dearie’s sophistication and femininity, DeRose is playful, swinging and sometimes sentimental. She gives out with a laugh after several tunes (satisfaction, pleasure, fun?), adding to the immediacy of this terrific live recording. Wilson, who also leads a group called Arts & Crafts, is co-star here. An extremely active, imaginative and skillful player, he uses the full drum kit, including cymbals, which for some drummers, would be better left at home.
Wilson, DeRose and Wind are a tremendously exciting trio.
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Legends of Jazz
A notice from
Ramsey Lewis:
As you may already know, I was inducted as an NEA Jazz Master last week at the IAJE Conference.
I am deeply humbled and honored to receive an award of this importance and significance to jazz in America.
It is wonderful to share this recognition with so many distinguished previously-honored artists such as Tony Bennett, Benny Golson, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Billy Taylor, Ray Barretto, and Clark Terry.....all of who appear on the "Season One" Collection!
That's right! 12 episodes from the first season are now available on "Season One," a 3 DVD Collection Set.
That means in one package you get 6 hours of LEGENDS OF JAZZ featuring all the episodes listed below.
a.. The Golden Horns with Clark Terry, Roy Hargrove, & Chris Botti
b.. The Jazz Singers- Al Jarreau & Kurt Elling
c.. Contemporary Jazz- George Duke, Lee Ritenour, & Marcus Miller
d.. The Altos- Phil Woods & David Sanborn
e.. The Piano Masters- Dave Brubeck & Billy Taylor
f.. Roots: The Blues- Keb' Mo' & Robert Cray
g.. American Songbook- John Pizzarelli & Jane Monheit
h.. Latin Jazz- Eddie Palmieri & Dave Valentin
i.. The Tenors- Benny Golson, Chris Potter, & Marcus Strickland
j.. Brazilian Jazz- Oscar Castro-Neves & Ivan Lins
k.. The Killer Bs- Dr. Lonnie Smith & Joey DeFrancesco
l.. NEA Jazz Masters 2006- Chick Corea, Ray Barretto, & Tony Bennett
I know that many of you have been waiting for this collection for awhile, and I am excited that it is finally here.
Visit
www.legendsofjazz.net to learn more, watch clips from the episodes, and buy today!
Also, for all the jazz educators out there, we are very excited to let you know that Complimentary Companion Study Guides are now available at our online Classroom to go with "Season One."
If you are interested, visit our online Classroom to see how easy the guides are to use and how interactive they are for students.
Currently only one guide is up, but all 12 will be available by April 1st for Jazz Appreciation Month.
Warmest Regards,
Ramsey Lewis
"Season One" not available in stores, so buy online today at
www.legendsofjazz.net.
Experience Extraordinary Performances
350 W. Hubbard, Suite 610, Chicago, IL 60610
info@legendsofjazz.net
::
www.legendsofjazz.net
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Legends of Jazz
A notice from
Ramsey Lewis:
I have some exciting news to share.....you can now listen to LEGENDS OF JAZZ Podcasts on our website!
The Podcast area is new to the LEGENDS OF JAZZ website and it will be updated frequently.
We will be adding more episode segments, artists interviews, and special features in the near future.
In the Podcast area you can also listen to interviews with the show's three executive producers, myself included.
To listen to the podcasts you simply click on the one you would like to hear, or you can subscribe to the stream so that you will be notified when a new podcast is posted.
I hope that you will all take a moment to visit
www.legendsofjazz.net/podcast
and listen for yourself.
Best Wishes and Happy Listening,
Experience Extraordinary Performances
www.legendsofjazz.net
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