EIU music department celebrates jazz

September 26, 2013 5:54 pm

CHARLESTON — Two groups from Eastern Illinois University Department of Music are joining forces to celebrate the influence of jazz. The concert will be presented at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Doudna Fine Arts Center’s Dvorak Concert Hall. General admission tickets are $5 and available now.

The concert,

“Life in the Groove: Influence of Jazz,” will feature the Eastern Wind Symphony and Jazz Ensemble. The event will feature a number of contemporary as well as traditional jazz literature.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.eiu.edu/doudna or at the Doudna Fine Arts Center Box Office. The box office is open 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday; and one hour before each ticketed performance.

This program is sponsored by the Department of Music.

Read more: http://jg-tc.com/entertainment/eiu-music-department-celebrates-jazz/article_9fdf0382-26fe-11e3-b8e2-001a4bcf887a.html

“LET ME HEAR THAT MUSIC!”

Posted on September 27, 2013

This morning, I was driving across Manhattan to see the Beloved. Predictably, I was stuck in congealing traffic.  I did what I often do (since the weather was fine and I wasn’t going anywhere fast) — put a new jazz CD in the player, opened my window, and turned up the sound.  I assure you, should you worry, that my aging car’s sound system can do no harm to my or anyone else’s eardrums.

As I inched forward, I saw a man on foot — what Chaucer might have described as a mendicant, someone in search of alms — going from car to car, peaceably. He was not intoxicated, untidy, or threatening. When he was several cars away, I reached into my trousers pocket to find a dollar to give him.  When he came to my car window, I offered him the dollar, and said, “Here you are, my man,” and he took the bill and thanked me.

But then something quite unexpected happened.  He heard the music (a hot rendition of LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME by Bryan Shaw’s Hot Shots — a glorious new Arbors CD featuring Dan Barrett, Evan Arntzen, Ehud Asherie, Brad Roth, John Dominquez, Jeff Hamilton) and his face changed — from casual to intent.

“That’s Dixieland!” he cried.  ”Let me hear that music!“

I turned up the volume and we listened, together, happily, for another half-chorus before the drivers in back of me grew restive.  He was smiling.  So was I.

Read more: http://jazzlives.wordpress.com/2013/09/27/let-me-hear-that-music/

Eliane Elias On Piano Jazz

September 27, 201310:00 AM

On this Piano Jazz from 2008, Eliane Elias performs a set of tunes distinctly dedicated to the music of the late Bill Evans. She performs Evans' tunes "For Nanette," "I Love My Wife," and "B Minor Waltz," and duets with Marian McPartland on two early Bill Evans favorites: "Autumn Leaves" and "Alone Together."

A native of São Paulo, Brazil, pianist, composer and singer Elaine Elias grew up with an affinity for both the popular and traditional music of her country as well as American jazz. She began studying piano at age seven, and by age twelve, she was transcribing solos by Bud Powell, Art Tatum and other jazz greats.

Listen on > http://www.npr.org/2011/06/03/96054860/eliane-elias-on-piano-jazz

When she was 17, Elias began touring with two renowned Brazilian artists, singer/songwriter Toquinho and the great poet, Vinicius de Moraes, who was Antonio Carlos Jobim's co-writer. In 1981, she headed for New York where she became a member of the group Steps Ahead. Her first recording, a collaboration with Randy Brecker, has been followed by more than 15 solo albums, each of which has appeared on Billboard jazz charts and received critical acclaim. Her 1995 duet with Herbie Hancock, from her album Solos and Duets, received a Grammy nomination.

Elias has recorded as a guest artist with Joe Henderson, James Taylor, Michael Franks, Mingus Dynasty, Andy Summers, the Brecker Brothers, Out of the Loop, Earl Klugh and Toots Thieleman's Brazil Project. She has won readers polls in JAZZIZ and DownBeat magazines, and has seen her original compositions arranged by Bob Brookmeyer for a 2001 Grammy-winning recording by the Danish Radio Big Band. In 2006, Elias co-produced and wrote compositions for her husband Marc Johnson's album, Shades of Jade, which won the Danish Music Award that year as best foreign release.

Read more: http://www.npr.org/2011/06/03/96054860/eliane-elias-on-piano-jazz?ft=1&f=10002

Tufts University Department of Music presents Francisco Mela's Cuban Safari

Posted by Juan Cajigas Jimenez  September 27, 2013 10:00 AM

The following was submitted by the Tufts University Department of Music:

The Tufts University Department of Music presents Cuban Safari, a concert by New York-based jazz drummer Francisco Mela, in the Distler Performance Hall at the Perry and Marty Granoff Music Center on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 8 p.m.

Mela is a favorite among jazz's elite instrumentalists, among them Joe Lovano and McCoy Tyner, all of whom cite his charisma and sophistication as an extension of his incredible talents as a composer and drummer. Known for his thrilling display of verve and signature symbol riding style, Mela inherently speaks with Afro-Cuban tongues, yet his distinct voice echoes that of jazz giants including Corea, Davis, Jones, and Monk. Cuban Safari is an amalgamation of Mela’s favorite bands that inspired him to become a drummer, from Miles Davis’ fusion group featuring Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, to Weather Report and the Latin-jazz super group Irakere. Pianist Elio Villafranca, bass player Peter Slavov, alto saxophonist Uri Gurvich, and percussionist Miguel Valdez round out Mela’s group. Expect a spell of thunder & lightning on this trip before reaching brilliant new horizons.

The Granoff Music Center is located at 20 Talbot Avenue on Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit as.tufts.edu/music/musiccenter or call the Granoff Music Center Box Office at 617.627.3679.

This concert has been made possible by the Granoff Music Fund.

This event coincides with two relevant art exhibitions at the Tufts University Aidekman Arts Center. Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons: My Mother Told Me is showing at the Tisch Gallery through December 8, 2013. The exhibit addresses autobiographical issues such as her relationship with her mother and with Cuba, motherhood, family, exile, and, the sugar industry and slave trade in Matanzas, her hometown, and will be presented in three multi-media installations and two Polaroid photographic compositions.

Cuban Virtualities: New Media Art from the Island runs through December 8, 2013 at the Koppelman Gallery and Remis Sculpture Court. The exhibit features works by Mauricio Abad, Alexander Arrechea, Celia y Yunior, Núria Güell, Jairo Gutierrez, Ernesto Leal, Glenda Léon, Levi Orta, Rodolfo Peraza, Naivy Pérez, Susana Pilar Delahante Matienzo, and José Rolando Rivera and examines the unique applications of digital technologies in Cuban art through video installations, net art, performance documentation, and interactive media.

READ MORE: http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/medford/2013/09/tufts_university_department_of_music_presents_fransisco_mela.html

Joe Ferla Retrospective

SPARS (Society of Professional Audio Recording Services) Foundation, in cooperation with PMC Loudspeakers, presents A Joe Ferla Retrospective as part of the AES (Audio Engineering Society) Convention activities at Javits Convention Center.

Joe Ferla, a five-time Grammy Award recipient and renowned engineer / producer to some of the top jazz musicians in the industry, will be presenting songs for listening from his extensive discography. After each song is played he will answer any questions regarding it such as how he recorded the artist, which mics he used on what instruments, how the recording session went, etc.

Where:        Javits Center, Room 1E06 (PMC demo area)

When:         Friday, October 18         11:00 am _ 12:00 pm
                    Saturday, October 19     2:30 pm _   3:30 pm
                    Sunday, October 20       11:30 am _ 12:30 pm

Because this event is part of the AES Convention, attendees will need an Exhibitor Plus pass.  You can get it free by registering here before the September 30 deadline.

A different set of songs will be presented at each event.  Some of the songs Joe will be presenting include “The Closer I Get To You” from Roberta Flack's Blue Lights in the Basement, “City of Roses” from Esperanza Spalding's Radio Music Society, “Science Fiction” from Christian McBride's The Good Feeling, “Kothbiro” from Regina Carter's Reverse Thread, “The Source” from Chris Potter's Gratitude and “Snakes” from David Sanborn's Upfront.  Songs recorded by John Scofield, Elian Elias, Dave Douglas, Charlie Hunter and many others will be featured in this unique interactive listening experience.


From: Jazz Promo Services
Press Contact: Jim Eigo, jim@jazzpromoservices.com

Jazz notes

By Ron Burnett
12:23pm Thursday 26th September 2013 in Music

Two quality York hotels will present quality jazz tonight, with the Mardi Gras Band at Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel, Skeldergate at 8pm, 01904 611570 ) and the Karl Mullen Trio at the Churchill Hotel, Bootham at 7pm (01904 644456).

Karl Mullen, York’s busiest pianist, was busking outside Bettys when Jamie Cullum dropped by for a chat and a song.

The award-winning pianist/vocalist was in York making a Radio 4 documentary on Yorkshire piano makers and players. Karl and Ali Lawrence were much impressed by his friendly manner and he has promised to send them a recording of their chat. Check the photograph of Karl with Jamie on the Jazz Yorkshire website.


Apart from Karl’s famous busking, his weekly residencies include Sunday nights at the Coach and Horses, Lawrence Street (01904 637478) and just across the Road at the Rook and Gaskill (01904 652050) on alternate weeks.

Karl’s Encouraging the Loony, with drummer Neil Scott, play everything from Beatles to Bach. Experience the madness at the Victoria Vaults, Nunnery Lane on Tuesday (01904 654307).

Lady Anne’s has also been running great jazz every Friday night for some months and tomorrow’s band is led by star vocalist Kate Peters at 8pm.


Wakefield Jazz is back in the Friday groove and tomorrow night the great pianist Dave Newton will bring his trio to the Sports Club (01977 680542).

Jazz in the Spa offers good times on Saturday, with the Charlestown Jazz Band, from Nijmegen, Holland, reflecting the sounds of Chris Barber and Louis Prima’s R & B (01937 844898).

No such thing as a jazzless Sunday in York, with Kennedy’s Cafe Bar, Little Stonegate, presenting instrumental jazz from John Marley, Paul Smith and friends from 1pm (01904 620222).

Check the two numbers above for which side of Lawrence Street Karl Mullen will appear on Sunday, then walk through Fishergate Bar for jazz at the Phoenix Inn with the Dominic J Marshall Trio from around 8.30pm.

On Monday at the Phoenix, Kate Peters and John Marley will host a night to raise funds for the invaluable jazzinyork.co.uk website an associated leaflet printing and the regular Wednesday jam session will be on Wednesday.

Tuesday night sees the New York Brass Band (NYBB) playing a double-header with a similarly wacky and high-energy band, Tankus The Henge at Fibbers, Stonebow (01904 651250). Check Tankus on youtube and be amazed almost as much as you are by NYBB and break out your dancing shoes!

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/leisure/music/10700682.Jazz_notes/?ref=rss

After 40 Years, Mulatu Astatke Still 'Sketches' Ethio-Jazz Deftly

by BANNING EYRE
September 26, 2013 4:40 PM

Alexis Maryon / Courtesy of the artist

It is bold indeed for any jazz artist to evoke Miles Davis' landmark album Sketches of Spain. But Mulatu Astatke, like Miles, is a true original.

The music Astatke first imagined 40 years ago sounds as fresh and contemporary today as it did in the swinging Addis Ababa of 1973 when Astatke created a signature "Ethio-jazz" style by blending jazz with Ethiopian music. Decades later, he earned an international following when his early recordings appeared on reissue CDs. Now, Astatke has rewarded fans with new album called Sketches of Ethiopia.

The music Astake makes is cool and complex at the same time that it is easily engaging. It has an almost narrative quality and keeps you constantly wondering what's coming next.

Astake doesn't just compose, arrange, and play jazz. He uses it as a tool to explore cultures, and create musical bridges between them. On the song "Azmari," he fills out his brassy jazz ensemble with Ethiopian drums and the masinko lute, orchestrating it around a cantering, traditional rhythm.

Sketches of Ethiopia incorporates ideas and musicians from three continents and many nations, but the music still maintains a strong Ethiopian stamp. It's never predictable and, for all the surprises, it never feels cluttered or gimmicky. That's the mark of a master. And we're lucky that after all these years, the father of Ethio-jazz has not lost his edge.

Read more: http://www.npr.org/2013/09/26/226553020/after-40-years-mulatu-astatke-still-sketches-ethio-jazz-deftly?ft=1&f=1039

Jazz YYC nurtures local scene with Jon McCaslin’s Birth of the Cool

BY MIKE BELL, CALGARY HERALD SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

The cool has been born and now it continues to grow.

That’s the message Jazz YYC is hoping to send a year after the organization officially launched in the city.

A hub for the entire community — musicians, promoters, educators, venues, fans of the genre — it stepped in to fill the void that was created when the local jazz festival failed, collapsing on the eve of 2010 event, and sinking with it, to a great extent, the reputation of this city as being a welcoming home to the music.

That misperception, Jazz YYC president Deb Rasmussen says, is well on its way to being corrected.

“I think we’ve got a good thing started,” she says, pointing to the growing membership and growing partnerships that the organization has secured in such a short period of time.

That’s due in large part to the five-year plan that was put into place by Jazz YYC, one that was designed after consultation and with input from all the stakeholders of the jazz community, “with the goal of supporting a vibrant jazz scene in Calgary 12 months a year.”

Some of the initiatives they’ve launched include: the jazzyyc.com website that acts as an information clearing house for all parties; the annual National Jazz Summit held in conjunction with the National Music Centre, which features performances as well as seminars and teaching components; the newly established youth lab band which provides opportunities for “exceptional” young musicians to complement and expand on what they’re doing in school; and, of course, concert series featuring local musicians as well as touring artist.

“Our long-term goal is to see a festival in Calgary again,” says Rasmussen. “So we have some of these seeds planted within our programming framework.”

One of those concert series is this fall’s four-show Illumin8, which kicks off Thursday night at the National Music Centre with a performance of the iconic Miles Davis album Birth of the Cool. A fitting choice, Rasmussen thinks.

“I guess it fits into our whole ‘We’re growing’ message,” she says with a laugh. “And it’s really unique. You don’t see a recreation of Birth of Cool very often, any place.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/music/Jazz+nurtures+local+scene+with+McCaslin+Birth+Cool/8963696/story.html

Stroll - Sara Caswell

Sara Caswell Quartet performs Stroll at The Jazz Gallery, October 25th, 2012.

Sara Caswell, violin
Jesse Lewis, guitar
Ike Sturm, bass
Jared Schonig, drums

The Jazz Drama Program ....

The excitement is building for the 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert of The Jazz Drama Program honoring Bob Stewart and hosted by Terrance McNight.  There is very limited seating so please make your move now to purchase tickets for the 6-8pm gathering with open bar, elegant and delicious hors d'oevres and intimate performances by Bob Stewart, John Kamitsuka, Sara Caswell, Eli Yamin and Tom Dempsey.  Ticket price for this event is $125 ($75 is tax deductible). Each ticket holder will receive a CD of the featured artists.  We thank-you for supporting the work of The Jazz Drama Program, Jazz Arts for a Better World!

We understand that you might like a less pricey way to celebrate with us.  That's why we are continuing the celebration with the Blues After Hours with The Eli Yamin Blues Band from 8:30-11pm.  Ticket price for this event is $60 which includes admission ($50 tax deductible), $10 minimum purchase additional for food and drink. Purchase tickets for this part here.    

 Meet the artists... 

Our honoree Bob Stewart has established himself as both an innovative tuba player and equally creative jazz educator playing with artists from Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie and Gil Evans to Taj Mahal, Jason Moran and Eli Yamin.  And teaching at LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, The Juilliard School and Lehman College, City University of New York. 

Sara Caswell, a leading jazz violinist has played with Esperanza Spaulding, Mark O' Conner, Rosseana Vitro, the New York Pops and leads her own bands.  She is on the faculty at Manhattan School of Music and can be heard on The Jazz Drama Program's cast album of Holding the Torch For Liberty.

John Kamitsuka, performs worldwide as solo recitalist, soloist with orchestras and chamber music. In New York City, he performs annually on the Abby Whiteside Foundation Concert Series at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, a unique series presenting disciples of Whiteside's distinct approach to piano playing from the best of both worlds of classical and jazz. In addition to presenting Mr. Kamitsuka, other artists include jazz legends Barry Harris and Fred Hersch. 

Eli Yamin, artistic director and co-founder of The Jazz Drama Program has been spreading the jazz gospel for 30 years as a pianist, educator, composer and rabble rouser.

Tom Dempsey, guitarist, educator and Board Member of The Jazz Drama Program is celebrating his new CD, Saucy and will appear on the next cast album from The Jazz Drama Program, Message From Saturn.

Here's Tom and Eli at Avatar Studios...photo by Nisha Sondhe

"I firmly believe that any exposure to the arts like this is vital to the spirit of America, to the spirit of the children."

-Mercedes Ellington, choreographer and Granddaughter of Duke Ellington

Shataysha Peprah performs Holding the Torch For Liberty

"I had the life changing experience to have studied under the professorship of  Mr. Carlson and Mr.Yamin, while attending Louis Armstrong Middle School from 1997 - 2004. Since that time I continued to study music and recently received my Masters Degree in Classical Voice and Opera Studies from NYU."  JDP Alum Tyenne Silleken.

Read more: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=493ccccf-37c7-402e-9528-c87a262a754f&c=21d2af30-1b86-11e3-9fdd-d4ae52900e00&ch=22275ee0-1b86-11e3-a073-d4ae52900e00

NPR Music ....

Terri Lyne Carrington On JazzSet JazzSet is in Boston for Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue, a release concert for the album created by Carrington, professor of percussion at Berklee College of Music. It's a trio album with ensemble touches, and in this concert from Berklee Performance Center, Carrington's students are in the mix. Read this story

A BLOG SUPREME In New Afro-Cuban Music, Ancient Tradition Meets Future Shock In the 1980s, pianist Michele Rosewoman and drummer Francisco Mora-Catlett started independently pursuing a mixture of Afro-Caribbean mysticism and avant-garde jazz. Thirty years later, they've finally recorded their otherworldly large ensembles. Read this story

MARIAN MCPARTLAND'S PIANO JAZZ Eliane Elias On Piano Jazz Widely recognized as one of the preeminent interpreters of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Eliane Elias has lately begun exploring the works of Bill Evans. She plays and sings a previously unreleased Evans tune, "Here Is Something for You," for which she has written a lyric, and host Marian McPartland gives her own Evans tribute on "B Minor Waltz." Read this story

MUSIC REVIEWS After 40 Years, Mulatu Astatke Still 'Sketches' Ethio-Jazz Deftly The composer imagined his music more than 40 years ago. Known as the father of "Ethio-jazz", Astatke has been credited with creating a new genre that blends Ethiopian music and jazz. His new album, Sketches of Ethiopia, is as complex as it is easily enjoyable — the mark of a master. Read this story

NOMINEES - 14th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards

BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM

What's Up?

Michel Camilo

Label: Okeh/Redondo Music/Sony Music

¡Ritmo!

The Clare Fischer Latin Jazz Big Band

Brent Fischer, producer

Label: Clavo Records

On The Way

Negroni's Trio

Label: AA Records & Entertainment

Live In Hollywood

Poncho Sanchez And His Latin Jazz Band

Label: Concord Picante

Border-Free

Chucho Valdés & The Afro-Cuban Messengers

Label: Jazz Village/Comanche Music

Grand Piano Live

Chuchito Valdés

Label: Music Roots Records

http://www.latingrammy.com/en/nominees?genre=41

Leonard Garment, R.I.P. (1924-2013)

The lawyer, advisor and counsel to Presidents, arts advocate, jazz saxophonist, and founder of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, passed away peacefully at his New York City home this past Saturday, at the age of 89.


This is the time to remember and celebrate Len's long life and championing of many good causes. His guidance of the National Arts and Humanities Endowments during his Nixon years, his work on behalf of Native Americans, the years with Pat Moynihan at the U.N., and the Ellington Birthday party at The White House are among the many, many achievements that his innate modesty prevented us from knowing.

Starting in 1995, Len marshaled federal, state and local resources to start the movement towards the creation of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In 2002, he moved to New York to set up the Museum offices in Harlem, from which he continued his vital work as Board Chairman, a role he held until 2005, when he became Chairman Emeritus. He remained an indispensable advisor to the NJMH.

A good introduction to Len remains his book, Crazy Rhythm: From Brooklyn And Jazz To Nixon's White House, Watergate, And Beyond, which captures his razor-sharp intellect and trademark humor.

Len is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and his daughter, Annie.

From: http://www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem - October Schedule

This October we are giving special attention to some of the more unusual instruments in the jazz instrument family. With a focus on eccentric sounds in jazz, we are excited to present a month of programming highlighting a number of unconventional and virtuosic artists of the mandolin, tambin flute, ngoni, didgeridoo, sarrusophone, French horn and more! All events at the museum are free with a minimal suggested donation and are located at 104 East 126th Street, suite 2C unless noted otherwise.

104 East 126th Street, Suite 2C
New York, NY 10035
212-348-8300
www.jazzmuseuminharlem.org

Tuesday, October 1: "Once Upon a Time"
Tuesday, October 8: "Two Step" Ragtime and Choro
Tuesday, October 15: "The Mandolins Are Coming!" The Roaring 20s to the Big War
Tuesday, October 22: "Triad and Trifecta" Swing, More Blues and Bluegrass
Tuesday, October 29: 'Fast Forward to Today's Foremost" Blues, Bebop and Beyond

From: Jazz Promo Services
Press Contact: Jim Eigo, jim@jazzpromoservices.com

Double Bill: Dayna Stephens Quartet plus Pascal's Triangle CD Release

Double Bill: DAYNA STEPHENS QUARTET plus PASCAL'S TRIANGLE CD RELEASE
October 01, 2013

Internationally renowned saxophonist/composer DAYNA STEPHENS

"Tenorist Stephens emerges as an artist full of composure and imagination." - Downbeat Magazine

Next-gen jazz trio PASCAL'S TRIANGLE feat. Pascal Le Boeuf, Joe Sanders & Justin Brown

"Pascal Le Boeuf has a strong percussive element to his playing, which he combines with a keen sense of dynamics." - Downbeat Magazine

DAYNA STEPHENS QUARTET:

Internationally renowned saxophonist/ composer/educator Dayna Stephens is a force to watch out for. A fluid, vigorous soloist with a warm, soulful sound, Dayna has also proven himself a master of composition and arrangement, a highly acclaimed band leader and an in-demand side man for contemporary jazz masters such as Kenny Barron, Al Foster, Idris Mohammed, Taylor Eigsti and Roy Hargrove.

2013 will prove to be another exciting year in the exploration of sound for Dayna, on April 23rd 2013, his third release “That Nepenthetic Place”(Sunnyside) features Ambrose Akinmusire, Jaleel Shaw, Taylor Eigsti, Joe Sanders, Justin Brown and special guest Gretchen Parlato. That Album has already received a 4 1/2 star review in Downbeat and comes on the heels of his second release “Today Is Tomorrow” (Criss Cross 1345) which was released on Feb 21st 2012, and it features Aaron Parks, Mike Rodriguez, Julian Lage among others. Due in the late summer of 2013, his forth release will be for Criss Cross Jazz as well. Titled “Ill Take My Chances”, it will feature Gerald Clayton, Charles Altura, Joe Sanders, Bill Stewart and Becca Stevens.

His debut album “The Timeless Now” (Contagious Music 2007) features jazz legends John Scofield, Taylor Eigsti, Ben Street, Eric Harland and Nick Vayenas. The record was immediately embraced by the jazz community. It received warm reviews from a number of magazines, including a four-star review in the Nov 2007 issue of “Downbeat,” and climbed to #11 on the Billboardjazz charts, #9 on “JazzWeek” and NPR top-10 Jazz Jewels of 2007.”

In recent years, Dayna has appeared on stage with numerous established musicians and other rising stars, including Terence Blanchard, Geoffrey Keezer, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Matt Wilson, Oliver Lake, Carlos Santana, Stefon Harris, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Peter Apfelbaum, Tom Harrell, Gretchen Parlato, Josh Roseman, Ray Drummond, Winard Harper, Bobby Short and many others. Dayna Stephens' website

PASCAL'S TRIANGLE feat. Pascal Le Boeuf, Joe Sanders & Justin Brown:

Pascal Le Boeuf is a spinner of webs constructed with beauty, emotion, and maturity. After 9 years performing in New York City, with three albums as "Le Boeuf Brothers", several studio projects as a sideman, and countless worldwide performances, pianist/composer Pascal Le Boeuf has established himself as a leading figure in the next generation of jazz artists. Hailed by DownBeat Magazine as having "a strong percussive element to his playing, which he combines with a keen sense of dynamics," Le Boeuf "pursues a hyper-fluent modern ideal" (NY Times) in a world with no boundaries. Never has this been more apparent than in "Pascal's Triangle", his latest recording on nineteen-eight records and most ambitions trio recording to date.


He performs and tours frequently with Pascal's Triangle, which features bassist Linda Oh and drummer Justin Brown. Pascal's Triangle formed after working together as sidemen in various projects with the goal of developing their approach to conversational improvisation to connect with listeners on a deeper musical and emotional level. Le Boeuf explains, "as an artist, I see my responsibly to humanity as that of a diver, charged with the task of swimming deep within the mind, beneath the surface of reality, to retrieve something beautiful, undiscovered or interesting to share with the real world. When we formed Pascal's Triangle, it was with the unspoken agreement that we would practice this art of diving together. We trust each other's choices and share an orientation towards self expression through group improvisation. Every time we sit down to make music, we are exploring the depths of what is possible".


Pascal earned B.M. ('07) and M.M. ('10) degrees at the Manhattan School of Music as the recipient of the Michael W. Greene scholarship and graduated with honors as a Van Lier Fellow. His list of awards is a lengthy one, including Independent Music Awards for Best Jazz Song and Best Jazz Album in 2005, and Best Eclectic Song and Dance/Electronica Song in 2012; 1st place in the International Songwriting Competition; several ASCAP Young Composer Awards and various awards from DownBeat Magazine.  Additionally, Mr. Le Boeuf has received grants/commissions from Chamber Music America (CMA), ASCAP/IAJE, and the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA).


He has also toured internationally and performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Umbria Jazz Festival, and Jazz @ Lincoln Center.   The New York Times says "The pianist Pascal Le Boeuf has a sleek new album, "Pascal's Triangle" (Nineteen-Eight Records), that features the advanced-propulsion rhythm team of bassist Linda Oh and drummer Justin Brown." Pascal's Triangle's website

Read more: http://www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/livemusic/artist/show/3665

From: Jazz Promo Services
Press Contact: Jim Eigo, jim@jazzpromoservices.com

Sweet Honey In The Rock ,,,,,

Presented By Jazz Forum Arts
Founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon in 1973, Sweet Honey In The Rock, internationally renowned a cappella ensemble, has been a vital and innovative presence in the music culture of Washington, D.C., and in communities of conscience around the world. In the best and in the hardest of times, Sweet Honey In The Rock has come in song to communities across the U.S., and around the world raising her voice in hope, love, justice, peace, and resistance.


Sweet Honey In The Rock
Friday, November 08, 2013 8:00 pm 
Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, NY

NJJazzList.com Calendar

09/29 Sun SJC Sunday Jam Session & Guitar Showcase at PJ's Coffee - 315 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 11:00 pm to 4:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Straight-Ahead Jazz - Bebop - Hard-Bop - Fusion - Bossa - Latin - Swing - Traditional - Vocals by Jim Jasion - Great American Songbook Standards Learn more , (732/848)

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09/29 Sun Saturday Music at The Coffee House-931 Amboy Ave, Edison, NJ 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style:Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Anything falling under the Straight-Ahead umbrella including Bebop, Hard Bop, Straight-Ahead, Mainstream, Great American Song Book , Bossa, Trad. and Latin - Jim Jasion-piano Daijiro Okada-guitar - and others invited guest artists Learn more , Hear samples , (Other)

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09/29 Sun Somerset Jazz Consortium Sunday Jam Session at PJ's Coffee - 315 Raritan Ave, Highland Park , NJ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Bebop, Hard Bop, Swing, Trad, Bossa, Latin, Fusion, Funk, Great American Songbook vocals - Jim Jasion-piano/keys Joe Lisa-guitar Learn more , Hear samples , (http://)

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09/30 Mon JIm Jasion @ the SJC Horn Squad at Starbucks - 693 Edgar Rd E (Rt s1&9) LInden, NJ 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Straight-Ahead Jazz - Bebop - Hard-Bop - Fusion - Bossa - Latin - Swing - Traditional - Vocals by Jim Jasion - Great American Songbook Standards Learn more , (732/848)

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09/30 Mon Jim Jasion and the SJC Horn Squad at Starbucks 693 Edgar Rd E (Rts 1&9 N) - Linden , NJ 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Bebop, Hard Bop, Swing, Trad, Bossa, Latin, Fusion, Funk, Great American Songbook vocals - Jim Jasion-piano/keys Joe Lisa-guitar Learn more , Hear samples , (http://)

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10/01 Tue George Maher Band at Tumulty's Pub - 361 George St. New Brunswick, NJ 8:00 pm to 11:00 pmStyle: Mixed, Cover: None, Trumpeter George Maher and his band. , (Unknown)

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10/02 Wed A Public Discussion with Vijay Iyer at Alexander Kasser Theater 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Mixed,Cover: None, Jazz composer/pianist Vijay Iyer hosts a free public discussion on his background, his unique jazz style, and the genesis of his new work, OPEN CITY Learn more , (862/973)

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10/02 Wed Chuck Welch Trio at Downtown Cafe, Red Bank 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Cool Jazz, Cover:None, Featuring Chuck Welch-guitar, Buddy Savino-bass, and Bob Boyd-drums perform every Wednesday night , (732/848)

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10/03 Thu Denis DiBlasio Quartet at Collingswood Community Center 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Jazz/Funk,Cover: $10 or less, Saxophonist Denis DiBlasio, former music director of the Maynard Feurguson Band and director of Rowan University's Jaz Program, opens the First Thursday, Jazz in the Wood series this year! Learn more , Hear samples , (856/ )

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10/03 Thu Mark Gross Quintet at Makeda - 338 George St. New Brunswick, NJ 9:00 pm to 12:00 am Style:Mixed, Cover: None, NB Jazz Festival warm up event Learn more , (Unknown)

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10/03 Thu Monday Blues Jazz Orchestra at Stardust Ballroom of Bellmawr NJ 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm Style:Mixed, Cover: over $10, The Monday Blues Jazz Orchestra is proud to announce our third monthly ballroom dance event at the Stardust Ballroom in Bellmawr NJ. We will appear for the first time on July 10, 2013 from 7:30-10:30 PM, and the first Wednesday of every month following. Come out and dance with us in our best venue for dancing (and listening) yet ! Learn more , Hear samples , (856/ )

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10/04 Fri Bob Smith Organ Trio at Spigola/Hamilton, NJ 8:30 pm to 12:30 am Style: Straight-ahead, Cover:None, Great restaurant and elegant atmosphere , (609/ )

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10/04 Fri Cynthia Holiday, Jazz-Blues Song Stylist at Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant 8:00 pm to 11:00 pmStyle: Vocal, Cover: $10 or less, 2 Sets: 8:00pm and 10:00pm. Radam Schwartz, piano, Anthony Ware, Sax, Andrew Atkinson, Drums, Paul Beaudry, Bass Learn more , Hear samples , (Unknown)

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10/04 Fri Danny Bacher at Casa Dante Restaurant 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Cool Jazz, Cover: None, Learn more , (201/551)

The Jazz Coin: Scott Hamilton & John Escreet

By C. MICHAEL BAILEY, Published: September 23, 2013
Twenty-first century jazz has a greater breadth and depth than any time previously. Granularity in jazz genre has become so reduced that genre designations are almost meaningless. In jazz, we are approaching a time when jazz will no longer be "jazz" but music in the most liberal sense of the word. But, until that time, we will have contrasts like those heard from tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton and pianist John Escreet.

Scott Hamilton 
Swedish Ballads...and More 
Charleston Square Recordings - 2013

Backed by a crack Scandinavian rhythm section, tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton delivers seven schnapps-smooth Swedish ballads and mid-tempo tunes that include the standard "Dear Old Stockholm" and Quincy Jones' "Stockholm Sweetnin.'" Pianist Jan Lundgren, bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Christian Leth provide Hamilton a cool and seamless continuum for the saxophonist to play with and over. All are provided solo space, Lundgaard taking advantage of his on "Dear Old Stockholm," turning in an angular yet melodic spot without losing any swing.

Pianist Lundgren is perfectly composed within the confines of Lundgaard's Swiss timekeeping. His solos, such as "Swing in F," are informed and carefully conceived, filled with drama and relaxed suspense. This band shares a great empathy with Hamilton, who responds, in kind, with some of his warmest tenor playing. "You Can't Be In Love With A Dream" is downright creamy and rich, Hamilton playing with a breathy expectation. An audio dictionary would play this recording as an example of jazz; it is the very best of traditional mainstream.

John Escreet 
Sabotage and Celebration 
Whirlwind Recordings - 2013

Pianist John Escreet is one of a group of progressive jazz artists redefining jazz performance. This group includes alto saxophonist David Binney, pianist Taylor Eigsti, and vocalists Gretchen Parlato, Becca Stevens, and Rebecca Martin, among many others. These musicians are intent on leaving a very definite mark on jazz as it enters its second one-hundred years. Escreet's music has been the subject of many reviews at All About Jazz including his most recent releases, Don't Fight The Inevitable (Mythology Records, 2010), The Age We Live In (Mythology Records, 2011), and Exception To The Rule (Criss Cross, 2011). He is a restless sort of musician, trying many things at once before choosing a direction for a project.

On Sabotage and Celebration, another recording of seven selections, Escreet travels from the abstract classical on "Axis of Hope" through the breezy and balladic "He Who Dares" with its craggy head and solid rhythm to the pure chaos of the middle section of the lengthy title composition, tenor saxophonist Chris Potter playing his best John Coltrane on ecstasy while Escreet weaves in and out of Don Pullen by way of Cecil Taylor.

Iconoclastic drummer Jim Black plays, well, iconoclastically. "Beyond Your Wildest Dreams" features the ubiquitous David Binney on alto and soprano saxophones as well as the same string section opening the recording. It is a cogent and edgy platform for Binney to wail. Escreet's innate restlessness will insure more compelling music like this.

Read more: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=45442#.UkVxoRbhEhQ

Dutch Jazz Quartet "Buzz Bros Band"

The Buzz Bros Band consists of guitarist Marnix Busstra, pianist Berthill Busstra, drummer Marc Schenk, and double bassist Udo Pannekeet.

The band’s special performance in Martinis is held in conjunction with the 2nd International Jazz Festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with support from the Dutch  Embassy of the Philippines. The band was founded in 2001 by the Busstra brothers, and already in its first decade, the band has played all over the world including Europe, India, China, and Indonesia.

The music of the band is inspired by a variety of musical styles, periods, and cultures, ranging from Miles Davis’ sixties jazz, to pop and soul music from the seventies, and music from India, Ireland, Africa, and Asia. “Merging these influences into a distinct, groovy and melodic entity, the band has created a concept that is both unique and contagious. Their music can best be described as ‘adventurous, freely interpreted electric acoustic funky jazz with an ethnic touch’”.

Read more: http://www.clickthecity.com/hot-off-the-press/?p=20198

Zane Musa Musician / Saxophone Clinician

“Zane Musa in an incredible virtuoso of the saxophone.  His versatility amazes me every time we play.  It is and honor and a privilege to play alongside him.” - Arturo Sandoval

Zane Musa has solidly established himself as one of the most innovative and studied musicians of the current Los Angeles, California jazz scene.  His playing has been sought out and showcased by the likes of Arturo Sandoval, Roy Hargrove, Macy Gray, Christina Aguilera, and John Mayer.  He has also lent his talents to the house bands of several popular television shows including The Voice, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Carson Daily Show. 

He currently plays regularly in the prominent clubs of Hollywood with several bands, including Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, fronted by the well-known actor and accomplished pianist, Jeff Goldblum.  He can also currently be heard as a featured artist touring and recording with Arturo Sandoval, and is featured on the recording “Be Bop” on Arturo’s most recent album, Dear Diz.

As a musical virtuoso, Zane has taught many saxophone players, from beginners to working professional musicians throughout his 20 years as an accomplished and celebrated player.  Many of his amateur students have gone on to have successful careers as professional saxophone players.  Zane’s passion for song interpretation is rivaled only by his desire to teach others the skills needed to find their own musical voice through the development of a higher sensitivity as a listener and the mastering of technique.  Zane is available for both private instruction and group clinics.

The Clinics
“I came into Zane’s class feeling pretty confident in my playing, but wanting to gain more of a technical and musical edge.  I was not disappointed.  The way that Zane approached improvisation technique was like nothing I’d thought of before.  He explained what seemed like a complicated soloing technique in a way that made sense, and I was able to replicate the style for the first time ever in my playing.”
- Daniel P.

Zane’s Clinics focus mainly on the improvisational aspect of playing, by both studying the charts and scales, but also, listening with a critical ear.  The study of respected and innovative artists throughout history is utilized to solidify understanding of the fundamentals.

Students will learn to easily transcribe not only notes, but also inflection and tone through critical listening.  Focus will be on understanding how to improvise through chord progressions using linear, intervallic, and chromatic approaches.  Students will also spend time understanding rhythmic development, syncopation, playing in odd time signatures, and developing phrasing.

Clinic Focuses:
1. Developing Saxophone Techniques
- Tone development: varying embouchure techniques and their tonal effects
- Fingering Techniques: ideal hand placement and note positions, alternate fingerings, harmonics, altissimo, and multiphonics
- Understanding Scales and Harmony: the study of scales, chord structure, and how these apply to fluid improvising

2. Harmony, Ear Training and Development
- Effective Transcribing: listening, analyzing and understanding solos
- Intervallic and Chordal Ear Training: learning the distinct sounds of intervals and chords, utilizing the piano to understand the mathematical structures of scales, intervals and chords

3. Improvisation
- Improvisational Technique and Ear Training: developing confident listening skills and playing fluidly with an ensemble
- Developing Motifs:  learning to tell a musical story through a solo
- Developing Personal Sound: combining aforementioned methods to create a distinct artistic voice

Clarinet Virtuoso, Capitol Center Jazz Pay Tribute to Goodman

Clarinet virtuoso Ken Peplowski and The Capitol Center Jazz Orchestrap play Oct. 6 at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro. (Handout / September 29, 2013)

By OWEN McNALLY, Special to The Courant
The Hartford Courant
September 29, 2013

One of the great historical and cultural breakthroughs for jazz — music long maligned as lowlife, raffish noise best-suited for speakeasies and whorehouses — occurred Jan. 16, 1938, when clarinetist/bandleader Benny Goodman presented his now famous concert at Carnegie Hall, America's great bastion and holy temple of classical music, sophistication and high culture.

Certainly, there had been other heroic forays into "legitimizing" or "mainstreaming" jazz by other pioneering maestros, including James Reese Europe and Paul Whiteman.

But Goodman's 1938 Carnegie Hall jazz concert, with its outstanding performances by the bandleader, his all-star orchestra, classy jazz chamber groups and special appearances by superb sidemen from the Duke Elllington and Count Basie Orchestras, has long been enshrined as the dramatic turning point in the acceptance of jazz as one of America's greatest, original contributions to the international world of arts and culture.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of that landmark event, the noted clarinet virtuoso Ken Peplowski and The Capitol Center Jazz Orchestra pay tribute to Goodman and the music from the Carnegie Hall concert next Sunday, Oct. 6, at 1:30 p.m. at Infinity Music Hall & Bistro, Rte. 44, Norfolk.


Although Peplowski has profound respect for the historical significance of the Carnegie Hall concert and especially for Goodman — one of his boyhood idols and former bosses — don't look for him to present the standard, museum-like, rote, note-for-note re-creations of the concert's original solos, or what he calls "a jazz under glass approach."

Look, instead, for something fresh and in the moment, nourished by and based on Peplowski's deep knowledge of and appreciation for the past, particularly the rich legacy that Goodman left as a brilliant instrumentalist and bandleader. And also, as Peplowski notes, with acknowledgment of Goodman as an iconic pop culture figure and jazz superstar who was, he adds, as popular and musically innovative in his day as, say, Elvis Presley or The Beatles were in theirs.

Peplowski, with the greatest reverence and love for the original music, presents fresh, interpretive takes on such classic selections from the Carnegie Hall concert as "Don't Be That Way," "Memories of You" and, of course, the ultimate showstopper, "Sing, Sing, Sing."

Read more: http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-ken-peplowski-0929-20130929,0,4607050.story?track=rss

Arturo Sandoval "There Will Never Be Another You"

One of the world's foremost jazz trumpeters, Arturo Sandoval, graced the KPLU studios for a mind blowing set January 13, 2011. Awesome solos around the room in this tune, "There Will Never Be Another You."
Piano: Mahesh Balasooyria
Sax: Zane Musa
Bass: John Belzaguy
Drums: Johnny Friday

Jazz tribute for high school students

Posted: Sep 25, 2013 10:57 PM BRT
Updated: Sep 25, 2013 11:11 PM BRT
By Shannon Norwood - email

COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Some local high school students had a night out for a lesson in jazz music. The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre hosted a special tribute concert on Wednesday night.

Over 200 students from Hillgrove High School and other area high schools attended. Jared Sells, who attends Hillgrove, got a chance to sit in with the saxophonists of the Count Basie Orchestra.

"It was just really eye-opening like the amount of talent and skill these people play with," said Sells.

ArtsBridge and Jazz Roots: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series teamed up to make this event possible.

Copyright 2013 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

Read more: http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/23532284/jazz-tribute-for-high-school-students

Sag Harbor American Music Will Rock Sag Harbor This Week

By Tessa Raebeck; Photography by Michael Heller
With Grammy Award-winning artists on the steps of the Old Whalers’ Church, a 30-piece percussion band in front of the John A. Ward Memorial Windmill and New Orleans jazz emanating from a Main Street alleyway, the streets of Sag Harbor will be filled with music this weekend.

The third annual Sag Harbor American Music Festival kicks off Friday night and brings free performances to the village from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.

“We’ve got something for everybody,” says Kelly Connaughton, president and co-artistic director of the festival. “We’ve got jazz, blues, some Latin fusion going on. We want to represent all aspects of all-American music, the foundations of American music — rock, jazz, blues, American, R&B, country.”

Connaughton and co-artistic director Kerry Farrell have carefully curated a roster of both recognizable faces and up-and-coming local performers. The 23 diverse acts range from cabaret singer Nancy Stearns to The Complete Unknowns, a Bob Dylan tribute band.

“We put together these groups that we find interesting and that we think would be a unique music experience to bring to Sag Harbor,” said Connaughton. “We want to focus on the roots of American music and showcase that for our audience here in Sag Harbor.”

Almost entirely run by volunteers, festival organizers hope to encourage off-season patronage while also entertaining local crowds. Except for the two biggest concerts, BeauSoleil Friday night at the Old Whalers’ Church and Joe Delia and the Thieves at the after party on Saturday at Bay Street Theatre, all performances are free and most are outside. Connaughton attributed the low price to the support of Studio 89, the festival’s founding sponsor.

“We want to keep the music accessible for everyone,” she said.

Each act will play for about an hour and all venues are within walking distance of one another. With the festival now in its third year, new venues have been added and bigger names signed on.

Friday night at 8 p.m., the event begins at the Old Whaler’s Church with BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, a two-time Grammy Award Cajun string band from Louisiana.

Read more: http://sagharboronline.com/sagharborexpress/page-1/sag-harbor-american-music-will-rock-sag-harbor-this-week-25703