Thursday, July 31, 2014

Frankie Dunlop's half-century in the music business ....

Artist Biography by Eugene Chadbourne
Frankie Dunlop's half-century in the music business resulted in an accumulation of musical wealth, a concept that does not always revolve around bank accounts. Dunlop was a jazz drummer, one of the greats, whose performances have been raved about by critics and jazz fans alike, sometimes even described so passionately it would seem like he was participating in some kind of psychedelic music event. (From a web log: "...Dunlop has this falling-down-the-stairs melodic, sloppy-droppy sh*t going on that's like fireworks going off in my head.") Drummers with a sense of history, which ought to be all of them, prefer a simple anecdote when summing up the glory of DunlopGene Krupa, the great swing star and one of the most popular drummers in music history, heard Dunlop for a set and promptly made arrangements for him to get free equipment from the Slingerland company.
A return to extravagant imagery is suitable, especially considering that Dunlop's lengthy drum solos during the normal course of a Thelonious Monk combo set have been described as "extravaganzas." The following image involving the drummer's discography will probably also come in handy if extra storage space is required for the largesse, in terms of free drum sets, resulting from Krupa doingDunlop "a solid." Dunlop's solid contribution to jazz, in terms of recorded sides amounting to nearly 100 albums by the time he retired in 1984, can be compared to vast underground caves full of treasure. Amid steep, shimmering piles of gold such as the sides with Monk from a nearly four-year stay beginning in 1960, meltdowns with Sonny Rollins, or brilliant later live recordings with Lionel Hampton's touring band, are trinkets of incredible charm, adding another dimension to the understanding of this artist -- such as a track with silly castanets accompaniment or another in whichDunlop steps forward to deliver an amusing bebop vocal.
Read more: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/frankie-dunlop-mn0000212389/biography

Paris Toon & Mothers Favorite Child

The majority of music producers are content to sit in the shadows and use their technical expertise to put their signature sound on the music they deliver. They can recognize where a particular style or sound can be improved, meaning that the finished article always comes off sounding totally polished and professional. A producer can make or break the music that he works with, which may help explain why Paris Toon likes to have a few more fingers in the creative pie. Not content with just producing great music, he also delivers lyrics that are real and aimed straight at the heart.

Paris Toon and Vaughn Willis

It is for this reason that Paris Toon is viewed as more than just one of the best up and coming music producers in the industry right now. There are also many that see him as a dual threat, with his lyrics also being ranked among the best of what’s out there right now. If you need a perfect example of the kind of emotion that Paris Toon can put into words, you need to take a listen to “Who Are You,” which features the sweet, soulful sound that is the voice of Vaughn Willis.

The combination of Willis and Toon was one that reaped major benefits, as Who Are You was able to make it all the way to number 4 on the Billboard charts. The vocals combined with the heartbreaking lyrics penned by Paris Toon are what made this song such a break-out hit, as it can easily be described as heartbreak and loss described in under 5 minutes. You will hear this song and feel the pain contained in those lyrics, yet you will also be left with an uplifting feeling, as Paris Toon’s words make it clear that this is a song about moving on, as well as about the loss that brought the pain in the first place.
read more: https://www.storyamp.com/dispatch/9435/9NBloqWFV_ud81-exbeu2A

Tony Bennett's Almost Birthday

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

Tony-bennett
Tony Bennett's birthday is on August 3 (he'll be a majestic 88), but I couldn't wait until then to celebrate. While roaming YouTube the other night, I dipped into Tony's 1960s TV appearances. If you like what you see below, I'll tell you at the end of this post where you can see much more if you're in New York on Aug. 4...
Here's Tony with Andy Williams...
Here's Tony on Andy Williams' TV show singing Johnny Mandel's The Shadow of Your Smile...
Here's Tony with Bobby Hackett...
Here's Tony with Perry Como (if Como's comedy wears thin, slide the bar to 10:00)...
And here's Tony on Steve Allen's TV show in 1960 with the Les Brown Orchestra...
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On Monday, Aug. 4,
 author and Wall Street Journal jazz writer Will Friedwald will be presenting a video tribute to Tony at New York's Bunga’s Den, a club at 137 W 14th St. (between 6th and 7th avenues.) from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Will, who in 1998 co-authored Tony's The Good Life memoir, will be talking about the singer and working his laptop to project rare clips of Tony on a big screen. None of the clips have been on YouTube. To reserve a seat, RSVP to Bob Levis (click to email). There's a $10 cover charge and a $10 drink minimum.
Used with permission by Marc Myers

2014 Mayor's Jazz & Blue's Festival

The Town of Morristown and Mayor Timothy Dougherty Present
2014 Mayor's Jazz & Blue's Festival
A Celebration of the 350th Anniversary of the Founding of New Jersey
 
Saturday, August 16th
Noon to 10:00 PM
 
Free music on the Green in Morristown

Trio Da Paz                                          12:00 – 1:30
Featuring Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Duduka Da Fonseca
Trio Da Paz is one of the most popular Brazilian jazz groups in the world, and they make New Jersey their home.


Bucky Pizzarelli’s Guitar Summit        2:00 – 3:30
With guest guitarists Frank Vignola, Vinnie Raniola and Ed Laub
Guitar Summit was so popular last year, we are bringing Bucky and friends back with the addition of Vinnie Raniola. Bucky is in the New Jersey Hall of Fame.


Winard Harper & Jeli Posse                4:00 – 5:30
The renowned jazz drummer and his exciting new sextet are based in Jersey City. Their newest CD hit number one on the jazz charts and was the most requested jazz CD of 2014 on college campuses.


Mikey Junior Band                              6:00 – 7:30
Mikey Junior is a much acclaimed harmonica player out of South Jersey and performs at festivals and blues clubs up and down the East Coast.


Matt Schofield Trio                            8:00 – 10:00
Voted British Blues Awards Guitarist of the Year 2010, 2011 & 2012, Schofield is hailed by Guitarist Magazine as “the UK’s most exciting blues guitar player.” It is fitting that four great New Jersey bands turn the stage over to a British artist to close out the festival.

Major sponsors for this summer’s Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival include JCP&L, The Metropolitan at 40 Park, PSE&G, Riker Danzig and Roseland.
Additional sponsors include Alaimo, Atlantic Health, ConnectOne Bank, Delaware-Raritan Engineering, Fairview Insurance, Genova Burns Giantomasi Webster, Greenbaum Rowe, Hyatt Morristown, Inglesino Pearlman, Investors Bank, Lindabury McCormick, Morristown Municipal Airport, Morristown Parking Authority, O’Donnell McCord PC, Porzio Bromberg & Newman, McEnerey Brady & Company, Jeff Rawding AIA, David Brady Esq., Villa Enterprises, Trustees of the Morristown Green, Hot House Jazz, New Jersey 350 and the New Jersey Jazz Society.  
For more information, visit www.MorristownJazzandBlues.org

Dave Lambert and Ted Williams

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com
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Following my posts on Dave Lambert's music ("Voice of Reason") and Ted-Williams-22his daughter Dee's recollections ("My Dad, Dave Lambert"), reader Bill Reed kindly sent along the 1959 Down Beat article on Lambert, Hendricks & Ross by Gene Lees and Jon Hendricks that featured Ted Williams's [above, right] photographs...

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Used with permission by Marc Myers

NPR Music - You Must Hear This

THE RECORD

East Nashville Rocks

Four stories of rock and roll musicians making a home — and a scene — in a buzzing neighborhood just across the Cumberland River from the palaces of country music.
FAVORITE SESSIONS

KEXP Presents: Courtney Barnett

Everyone's favorite asthma-ridden Australian performed a special show for KEXP fans in Seattle. Watch Barnett perform her hit song, "Avant Gardener," live at The Triple Door.
TINY DESK CONCERTS

Saintseneca: Tiny Desk Concert

Dark Arc is a pastiche of gentle lyrical moments and punk anthems, often within the same tune. In the NPR offices, the Ohio band performs three alternately brooding and stomping songs from the album.

Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett

Legendary singer turns 88 next week. Gaga's body language shows she has no poker face.

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Wednesday, July 30, 2014, 2:35 PM

KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES


She leans in. He stays upright.

She paws his arm and gazes his way. He keeps his hands entirely to himself while looking straight ahead.

Such has been the squirm-inducing body language between Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett in a blitzkrieg of appearances this week to promote their upcoming album of jazz standards, “Cheek To Cheek,” which arrives Sept. 23.

Throughout their appearances, her message has been consistently flirtatious and insinuating. His — grandfatherly and kind.

It's looking like Lady Gaga has daddy issues. And people are noticing.

“Watching @Todayshow and Lady Gaga is just creepy,” tweeted Corey Buchholz.
read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-daddy-issues-tony-bennett-article-1.1885775

Dimitrije Vasiljevic’s new album Metaphor

Dimitrije Vasiljevic’s new album Metaphor has been released in the United States on July 22, 2014 and is now available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and Google Play stores.

Metaphor is a contemporary jazz solo piano album influenced by classical music aesthetics and a touch of Balkan traditions. Compelling original compositions radiate a vivid blend of artistic virtuosity and a delicate music thought which send the listener on a musical journey filled with varying emotions.

French pianist Jean-Michel Pilc praises the album with words "astonishing virtuosity, unique personality and straight to your heart sensibility. Dimitrije has it all and is a new force to reckon with. I am a fan."

The album brings a fresh treatment of solo piano as a device of compositional expression. Through the clear presentation of somewhat dreamy yet confident celebration of piano sound, Metaphor successfully blends modern jazz language, impressionistic harmonies and Balkan rhythms. 
Living in a loud and fast world of modern age, people tend to neglect the obvious and skip the present, chasing the phantoms of somewhat delusional future. In such a setting, the metaphors of timeless virtues smolder in the ether of reality, reminding us about our true nature and indigenous spirit”, said Dimitrije Vasiljevic, explaining the title of his new record.

The album features eight original jazz solo piano compositions, seven of which recorded and produced at Oktaven Audio studio in New York, while one, “The Love Is Out There” recorded at the live performance in Montreux Jazz Festival where Vasiljevic debuted it. “Metaphor” was produced by LeitmotivArts.

The opening track, "Wardenclyffe”, pulls in the audience with its strong and passionate texture at the very introduction, while painting a musical portrait of Nikola Tesla. And then there’s “Sacre-Coeur” a beautiful track that evokes footsteps of the cobblestones of Paris. “Ditto” and “Anima” are insightful picturesque dedications in which Vasiljevic wistfully depict the complexity of individual characters. Mysterious “Ellipsis” and moderately discreet “Far” introduce a contrasting mood which suggest composer’s tendency for the exploration of strong melodic passages. And finally, “Tronozhats”, a traditional Montenegrin three-legged stool, metaphorically refers to the piano, Vasiljevic’s roots and traditions which inspire and influence his music expression. 

Through a wide palette of moods and colors, the album brings a lyrical story about a search for inner worlds and their emotional vigor using the power of jazz in a very personal way. Stunning cover artwork alludes to the infinite movement and ebbs and flows of emotions present in Vasiljevic’s music.


About the artist
Dimitrije Vasiljevic is a New York-based award-winning pianist and composer who has been hailed by jazz masters strong modern player with an impressive vocabulary. From his native Serbia, where he was a member of prominent jazz ensembles and performed extensively throughout Europe, Vasiljevic’s journey has taken him to United States. This Berklee College of Music and NYU graduate is performing extensively at renowned jazz clubs and concert halls in New York City and will begin doctoral studies at the Jazz Division of the University of Illinois School of Music in the fall.
From: Dimitrije Vasiljevic

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

NJJazzList.com Calendar

08/01 Fri Barbara Rose, Pianist & Vocalist at Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Mixed,Cover: None, Celebrate the American Songbook with piano prodigy Barbara Rose. Barbara’s style as a vocalist ranges from Judy Garland to Janis Joplin. Her piano style is reminiscent of Thelonius Monk. Learn more Hear samples , (732/848)

08/01 Fri Bruce Williams & Radam Swartz Organ Band at Summer Jazz Café at Two River Theater 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: Tickets Available, B3 organist Radam Swartz and sax man Bruce Williams — Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about Summer Jazz Café, citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return each year. A Great Date Night Idea for Summer! Snuggle up with your significant other or a new friend and enjoy an evening of elegant world-class Jazz. This ever-popular summer series runs thru Aug. 2 and is curated by the non-profit Jazz Arts Project. All proceeds help support unique educational programs. Learn more Hear samples , (732/848)

08/01 Fri Bruce Williams and Radam Schwartz Organ Group at Two River Theater - 21 Bridge Ave. - Red Bank, NJ 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, Fundraiser presented by Jazz Arts Project, INC.Learn more , (Unknown)

08/01 Fri Carole Lynne Bob Smith duo at Jester's Cafe, Bordentown, NJ 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Vocal,Cover: None, Learn more Hear samples , (609/ )

08/01 Fri Lou Volpe Jazz Guitar at Villa Amalfi 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Cool Jazz, Cover: None, Lou Volpe plays solo at this beautiful restaurant in Cliffside Park, NJ. Learn more Hear samples , (Unknown)

08/01 Fri Mauricio de Souza Trio at Moonstruck 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Mauricio de Souza Trio at Moonstruck. 6-10pm. 517 Lake Ave., Asbury Park, NJ. 732-988-0123. www.moonstrucknj.com. Mauricio de Souza Trio will be playing tunes from the new album w/ arrangements of compositions by Tom Jobim, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Milton Nascimento, Cedar Walton, Mike Stern, Hermeto Pascoal, Luis Eça, Bill Evans, Edu Lobo, and Benny Golson among others. Mauricio de Souza (drums), Alan Chaubert (piano AND trumpet), Gary Mazzaroppi (bass). Learn more Hear samples , (732/848)

08/01 Fri jim desalvo pianist at Raven and The Peach 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, buddy Savino on bass , (Unknown)

08/02 Sat B.D. Lenz Quartet at Palmer Square - Princeton NJ 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Style: Fusion, Cover: None, w/Geoff Mattoon (Sax), James Rosocha (bass), & Abe Fogle (drums) Learn more Hear samples , ()

08/02 Sat B.D. Lenz Trio at Halo Pub 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Fusion, Cover: None, free outdoor show! Learn more Hear samples , ()

08/02 Sat Barbara Rose, Pianist & Vocalist at Molly Pitcher Inn, Red Bank 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Mixed,Cover: None, Celebrate the American Songbook with piano prodigy Barbara Rose. Barbara’s style as a vocalist ranges from Judy Garland to Janis Joplin. Her piano style is reminiscent of Thelonius Monk. Learn more Hear samples , (732/848)

08/02 Sat Bruce Williams & Radam Swartz Organ Band at Summer Jazz Café at Two River Theater 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: Tickets Available, B3 organist Radam Swartz and sax man Bruce Williams — Audiences, artists, and critics alike rave about Summer Jazz Café, citing an excellent atmosphere, great acoustics, and consistently high level of artistry as reasons to return each year. A Great Date Night Idea for Summer! Snuggle up with your significant other or a new friend and enjoy an evening of elegant world-class Jazz. This ever-popular summer series runs thru Aug. 2 and is curated by the non-profit Jazz Arts Project. All proceeds help support unique educational programs. Learn more Hear samples , (732/848)

08/02 Sat Bruce Williams and Radam Schwartz Organ Group at Two River Theater - 21 Bridge Ave. - Red Bank, NJ 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, Fundraiser presented by Jazz Arts Project, INC.Learn more , (Unknown)

08/02 Sat Judy Bady at Candlelight Lounge 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm Style: Vocal, Cover: over $10, Free Buffet, $10 minimum , (609/ )

08/02 Sat Lou Volpe Jazz Guitar at Villa Amalfi 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Cool Jazz, Cover: None, Lou Volpe plays solo at this beautiful restaurant in Cliffside Park, NJ. Learn more Hear samples , (Unknown)

08/02 Sat Marlene VerPlanck at Trumpets Jazz Club 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Vocal, Cover: Tickets Available, Marlene with Barry Levitt, Boots Maleson, and Ron Vincent 6 Depot Square, Montclair, NJ Reserve on line, trumpetsjazz club.com Learn more Hear samples , (862/973)

Afro Bop Alliance

Afro Bop Alliance
Artist's Profile 

Angel Eyes 

Release Date: September 9, 2014
Groove is the universal language. Whether it’s a Texas or Chicago blues shuffle, James Brown’s goodfoot funk, a driving guaguanco, percolating rumba, surging samba, infectious second line or insinuating cha-cha-cha, everyone knows what to do when they feel the rhythm in their bones. Indeed, groove is at the heart of this potent Afro Bop Alliance release, the group’s debut on the ZOHO label. While providing exciting Latin-tinged grooves that are tailor-made for dancers, the members of this Washington, DC-based, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers-inspired octet keep one foot solidly in the straight ahead jazz camp with their scintillating improvisations and tight three-horn frontline on Angel Eyes.

The secret weapon on this exhilarating outing is newest Afro Bop Alliance member Victor Provost, who brings a new sparkle to the proceedings with his virtuosic steel pans playing on the Latin Grammy-winning group’s fifth release overall. “He’s like the Michael Brecker of the pans,” says drummer and Afro Bop Alliance founder Joe McCarthy. “He’s from St. John’s, Virgin Islands, and he came to study at George Mason University just outside of Washington D.C., where I also teach. Having Victor in the band really changes what we do.”

Aside from offering brilliant solos throughout Angel Eyes, Provost’s steel pans also blend nicely on the frontline with alto saxophonist Vince Norman, tenor saxophonist Luis Hernandez and trumpeter Tim Stanley on these eleven tracks.

They state their rhythmically-charged case very persuasively from the outset on the buoyantly churning, clave-fueled opener, The Jinx, written by the band’s bassist Tom Baldwin and arranged by Vince Norman. Following exhilarating solos by pianist Harry Appelman and saxophonist Hernandez, drummer McCarthy engages in some fiery exchanges with conga player Roberto Quintero over a mesmerizing son montuno groove on this energized number before McCarthy unleashes at the tag.

Three for Juju, composed by Hernandez and arranged by Norman, opens with a drum flurry by McCarthy. Note how he keeps a tambourine groove going with his foot as he traverses the kit throughout this intricate piece, which morphs from 3/4 to 6/8 and features some lush harmonies between the horns. “That’s based on a joropo groove from Venezuela,” explains McCarthy,” who studied Latin jazz rhythms with Frankie Malabe and Victor Rendon at the Boys Harbor School in the Bronx and also studied jazz drumming with Ed Soph at the University of North Texas. “I was trying to play a little wider beat, so it seems to float underneath that beautiful melody that Luis wrote. And the way that Roberto is playing maracas on that is a total characteristic of that type of groove.” Appelman and Hernandez both offer inspired solos on this engaging, polyrhythmic number.

Baldwin’s Ziggy the Crooner is a straight-up cha-cha-cha that showcases Provost’s steel pans in unison with Stanley’s muted trumpet. Norman, who also co-arranged the contrapuntal horn lines on this easy-grooving number, turns in a robust alto solo here. The composer adds a nimble upright bass solo on the insinuating cha-cha groove before the rhythm section shifts to 12/8 mode underneath trumpeter Stanley’s bristling solo. And dig the sizzling timbales-conga exchanges between McCarthy and Quintero over the son montuno section at the tag. “Roberto is a magnificent percussionist, a very powerful player and great soloist,” says McCarthy of his Afro Bop Alliance rhythm mate.

Pianist-arranger Appelman puts an inventive Latin jazz spin on Horace Silver’s lovely 5/4 tune Barbara (from his 1975 Silver ‘n Brass album) which features a heroic tenor solo from Hernandez (catch his sly quote from “Fascinating Rhythm” along the way). Provost’s Homenaje which features some lively call-and-response exchanges with special guest Paquito D’Rivera on clarinet, also has Quintero elevating the proceedings with his fiery conga work.
read more: http://www.zohomusic.com/cds_detail.php?cds_id=140

Room Blue / Emi Meyer

Monday, July 28, 2014

Ed Lewis....

Artist Biography by Scott Yanow
Ed Lewis had a rather odd career. In his early days he was considered a strong soloist and yet, because of his excellent reading skills and a wide range, he rarely soloed after the early 1930s. Lewis outlived most of his contemporaries and had long periods where he worked very steadily, but strangely enough, his technical skills doomed him to obscurity. Early on he played baritone horn with Jerry Westbrook's band in Kansas City in 1924, but the following year he wisely switched to trumpet.

After brief stints with the groups of Paul Banks and Laura RuckerLewis was a key player with the Bennie Moten Orchestra (1926-1932) where he was the main trumpet soloist (a bit influenced by Bix Beiderbecke), at least until Hot Lips Page joined the band. After leaving MotenLewis was a member of big bands led by Thamon Hayes (1932-1934), Harlan Leonard (1934-1937) and Jay McShann (1937). Lewis worked with Count Basie's Orchestra for a long stretch (1937-1948), appearing on many records but taking virtually no solos; his one main contribution (other than his stability) was writing "It's Sand, Man!" 

When the Basie years ended, Lewis worked for a time as a cab driver but from the mid-'50s on, he generally led his own low-profile band in New York. Ed Lewis (who never led his own record date) did emerge a little bit near the end of his life when he toured Europe with the Countsmen in 1984, but he deserved many more opportunities decades earlier to display his talents.
From: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/ed-lewis-mn0000791779/biography

Short History of Jazz on in Wellington next month

Museums Wellington, Fuseworks
July 28, 2014, 2:28 pm
The Museum of Wellington City & Sea turns the spotlight on the history of jazz this August, with a focus on the music of the ‘20s, ‘30s ‘40s & ‘50s. A Short History of Jazz takes place over four Sundays from 10 to 31 August at 2pm. It features a collection of New Zealand’s top jazz exponents, with sessions being led by Lex French, Ben Wilcock, Nick Tipping and Norman Meehan.

The four-part series guides listeners on a historical path, tracing the evolution of jazz from its beginnings in the early 1900s, through to the 1950s. Speakers will present the story of jazz, explain some its technical mysteries and give insights into the social context behind the music. Interwoven among the discussion, a jazz quintet will perform examples of works from the era.

Event organiser Andrew Laking says, "The Wellington jazz scene has become increasingly popular over the years. Wellington is a vessel for the increasing talent and knowledge of jazz musicians. We’re thrilled to have some of New Zealand’s jazz best and brightest on board to discuss the historical progression of this popular genre."
read more: https://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/24565488/short-history-of-jazz-on-in-wellington-next-month/

Jabbo Smith and his Rhythm Aces - Take your Time

by Len Weinstock
Yes, Virginia, there was a Jabbo Smith! Jabbo had a short but exceedingly important recording career in the late 1920's when he became the first trumpeter to seriously challenge Louis Armstrong with a virtuosity which was years ahead of its time. His work had a direct influence on Roy Eldridge, a pivotal figure in the development of Modern Jazz.

Jabbo Smith was born in Pembroke, Georgia on Christmas Eve in 1908, the son of a barber and church organist. After the death of his father when Jabbo was very young he moved , at age four, to Savannah. His mother found it increasingly difficult to care for him and at age six Jabbo was placed into the Jenkins Orphanage Home in Charleston. His mother also found employment in the Home in order to be near to him.

The Jenkins Home placed heavy emphasis on music education and produced a number of important Jazzmen who received their first public playing experience while touring with one of several student orchestras. It was in this setting that Jabbo took up trumpet and trombone at the age of eight and began touring the country with a student band at the age of ten. After unsuccessfully attempting to leave the institution a number of times, Jabbo finally left for good at the age of sixteen and headed north to make his mark on music. He made (and kept) a promise to his mother never to work for less than one hundred dollars a week, a good wage in those days.

read more: http://www.redhotjazz.com/jabbo.html


This hot jazz number was recorded on February 23rd 1929 in Chicago with the following personal, Hayes Alvis tuba, Ikey Robinson banjo, Omer Simeon clarinet, Cassino Simpson piano, and Jabbo Smith cornet.
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSvaYIlAH48

Royal Garden blues - Max Kaminsky 1958


Royal Garden Blues Kaminsky Max 1958 
The picture quality is not very good, but the music makes up for it. 
Another spontenuous jam session at one of the 1958 Art Ford jazz parties. 
Here is also Stuff once more playing with an all star session group under the direction of trumpeter Max Kaminsky. Other musicians that I recognize are Johnny Guarnieri on piano, George Wettling drums, Cutty Cutshall trombone, Bud Freeman tenor sax, Herb Hall clarinet and of course Stuff Smith on the violin.
From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8m1QREfHRc

Merlene Davis: Jazz concert to help First African Foundation purchase church

Photo: HERALD-LEADER
BY MERLENE DAVIS
Herald-Leader Columnist,Merlene DavisJuly 26, 2014
Instead of the traditional wood or acrylic plaque or inscribed keepsake, the board members for First African Foundation commissioned sculptor LaVon Williams to fashion pieces of art to commemorate the first William E. Thomas Music Awards.

"We wanted to give the recipients something different," said Jim Embry, foundation board member who is in charge of Deep Roots Tall Trees, a benefit jazz concert at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center, during which the awards will be given.

"So we reached out to LaVon Williams," Embry said.

The awards will be given annually to one living and one deceased Lexington musical artist with stellar careers. This year's recipients are the late jazz saxophonist Clarence "Duke" Madison and opera singer William B. Ray.

Madison's award, which will be presented to his widow and son, is a wooden sculpture of a man playing a sax. Ray's is of a man singing, and he is scheduled to be on hand to receive it.

But what would music awards be without music?

Surrounding the presentations will be a concert featuring musicians who got started in Lexington, including jazz pianist Kevin Harris and the popular quartet Charlette's Web.

Originally, jazz trumpet player Michael Cruse, also a Lexington native, was scheduled to perform, but he won a role in the upcoming film Miles Ahead, directed by and starring actor Don Cheadle, which has started production. It focuses on five years in the life of jazz icon Miles Davis. The movie is being filmed in Cincinnati where Cruse is in his third year at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2014/07/26/3353272/merlene-davis-jazz-concert-to.html#storylink=cpy

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Teshima Aoi- Calling you

Weekend Wax Bits

Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com

Iola15
In case you missed my two posts on Dave Lambert last week, you'll find them here and here. The first looks back on the life and music of the vocalese singer while the second features Dee Lambert, Dave's daughter, reminiscing about what made her father special. More to come on Dave Lambert down the road. [Pictured above, Dave Lambert and Iola Brubeck at the recording session of The Real Ambassadors in September 1961]
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Denny Zeitlin—Stairway to the Stars (Sunnyside).
Back in November 2001, pianist Denny Zeitlin appeared at the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, Calif., with Buster Williams on bass and Matt Wilson on drums. A recording of their performance has just been released and, like all of Denny's albums, it's an adventure. On songs like There Will Never Be Another You, I Could Have Told You and I'll Take Romance.Denny turns standards inside out without abandoning their spirit. Songs start with a familiar reference point, with Denny then layering the melody with gorgeous chord changes. Then he takes us off on an improvisational voyage deep inside the song, giving you insight into what makes it special and what holds it together. I know this sounds a little odd, but I loved listening to this album in a completely dark room. Only then can you truly let go and feel the tidal pull of his approach and enjoy his scuba exploration of music, where the notes dart around like tropical fish. This album is worthwhile for Oleo alone. Trust me, no matter how well you know Sonny Rollins's standard, you don't know it like this.  
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Ross Porter
 [above], CEO of Jazz.FM91, Canada's leading jazz radio station in Toronto, was interviewed recently byFYI Music on his leadership, jazz and the celebrities he has interviewed over the years. Go here.
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Abbey Lincoln.
 Vocalist Teri Roiger will be singing the music of Abbey Lincoln in New York on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at La Maison D'Art at 259 West 132 St. She'll be joined by pianist James Weidman, bassist John Menegon and drummer Steve Williams. For information and reservations: 718-593-4108. Or go here. Admission is $15 and includes complimentary wine and d’oeuvres. Teri's album Dear Abbey: Music of Abbey Lincoln can be foundhere.
Orson-welles
Orson Welles
 [above]. Director Raymond De Felitta (Rob the Mob, Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris) wrote a super post about Orson Welles' depressive years at his blogMovies 'til Dawn here. If you love film, Raymond's posts are always informative and inside.
Bebop-for-web
Bird and Diz in L.A.
 Sometimes I wish I could press a button and have the entire Los Angeles jazz scene moved across the Hudson River to New Jersey. Ken Poston, the head of the Los Angeles Jazz Institute, knows how to put on a concert. Ken and Charlie Shoemake alerted me to this one within minutes of each other (as a form of torture, I'm sure). Ken is producing Bebop Invades the West Coast, celebrating Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie's West Coast debut at Billy Berg's in December 1945. The concert will feature alto saxophonist Charles McPherson and trumpeter Jon Faddis along with vibist Charlie Shoemake and others. The concert will be held on Friday, Aug. 29 at 8:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Musicians Union Auditorium at 817 Vine Street in Hollywood.
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Now get ready to cry: The original building [above] which housed Billy Berg's, still stands at 1356 Vine St. and is now Los Balcones Restaurant. A special VIP pre-concert dinner/party will be held in the historic location and will include a screening of Billy Berg's home movies from 1945-46 and rare broadcast recordings from the club.
Ticket prices: VIP (dinner event and concert)—$75 (6 p.m.); or $40—for the concert only. To order tickets with credit card, call (562) 200-5477. For more information,go here.
Girl_getters
The Civilized Cinema.
 In the U.S., our film for this weekend submitted by reader John Cooper was entitled The Girl-Getters (1964). In the U.K., where the film was made, it was called The System. Either way, the youth-culture movie with a rock beat (by Stanley Black) was directed by Michael Winner and featured cinematography by Nicolas Roeg...

Oddball album cover of the week.
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Pete Jolly really lives up to his last name here. Interesting touch making sure we can see his wedding ring. What a swinger.
Used with permission by Marc Myers

National Jazz Museum in Harlem

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SEBASTIAN KIM
Harlem Reshuffled 

Ever since Duke Ellington first tickled the ivories north of 110th Street, Harlem has been one of the liveliest neighborhoods in New York. And now it's on a whole new creative streak: Artists are setting up shop, restaurants are popping up faster than you can do the Harlem Shake, and bands—hip-hop, jazz, rock—play at more than just the Apollo (which, for the record, is still booking epic shows). Here, our favorite locals suit up and take us on a tour of the new uptown.

Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street

All Ages
May – December 31, 2014

Get jazzed at CMOM! Find your own beat as you tap, snap, clap and stomp your way through. Live music, hands-on art workshops and an immersive environment celebrates the rich history and lasting legacy of jazz in America. This interactive exhibition and program series features rarely seen images, archival footage, and original jazz artifacts.

Enter a world of big bands, intimate jazz clubs and shimmering stages . . .

SCAT with Ella! Delight at the sounds of your favorite nursery rhymes being sung by the great Ella Fitzgerald, then sing along at the 1930’s pretend-play microphone.

TAP like Bojangles! Marvel at the skill of iconic tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson doing    his famous staircase dance in rarely seen archival footage, then make your own tap shoes and choreograph a unique routine on the Bojangles Tap Staircase.

SWING with Duke! Meet Duke Ellington, legendary bandleader, pianist and composer through artifacts and photos from his band. Experience a contemporary jazz band at a large touchscreen interactive that encourages you to be the bandleader by choosing which musician and instrument to feature. And make your own instrument to take home!

Hot Music Tix

Al Jarreau / Vincent IngalaTemecula, CA
Al Jarreau w/Rick BraunRehoboth Beach, DE
Barenaked LadiesIgnacio, CO
Big Bad Voodoo DaddyDurango, CO
Bobby Caldwell / Keiko MatsuiTemecula, CA
Boney James / Nick ColionneTemecula, CA
Boney James w/Brian Simpson and Marc AntioneLewes, DE
Brian Culbertson / DW3Temecula, CA
Buddy GuyCarmel, CA
Calistoga BalloonsCalistoga, CA
Catalina Island JazzTrax FestivalAvalon, CA
Chris Young with Courtney ColeHutchinson, KS
From: http://www.tix.com/Default.asp

Farm Aid is coming to Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, NC on Sept 13

Farm Aid is coming to Walnut Creek Amphitheatre in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 13! The concert lineup features Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Jack White and more. See the full list at the Farm Aid site.

Farm Aid 2014 is an all-day music and food festival, and will feature a unique lineup of artists and genres and will offer concert-goers family farm-identified, local and organic foods with its own HOMEGROWN Concessions®. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, attendees will have the chance to meet farmers, engage in hands-on food and farm activities, and learn about the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health.

“In North Carolina and across the Southeast, family farmers have struggled to stay on the land, but they have also pioneered new roads to economic sustainability. This region knows the value of its farmers and offers increasing opportunities for new farmers to build a strong regional food system. On the Farm Aid stage Saturday, September 13, we’ll celebrate family farmers and the healthy communities they’re growing for all of us.” – Willie Nelson
read more: http://willienelson.com/story/farm-aid-is-coming-to-walnut-creek-amphitheatre-in-raleigh-nc-on-sept-13/

Ronnie Scott's


What makes a great jazz club?

Saturday 26 July 2014 10:25AM
The Lonely Planet travel guide to Australia describes Bennetts Lane jazz club in Melbourne as 'the world's best jazz club'. What are the particulars of location, management, music - and that ephemeral quality of vibe - that make a great jazz club?

David James is the author of a book about Bennetts Lane, and Nichaud Fitzgibbon is a well-known jazz singer and the daughter of Smacka Fitzgibbon who ran Smacka's Place, also in Melbourne, in the 1970s.
read more: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/musicshow/bennetts-lane-interview/5559532