Friday, October 31, 2014

Wynton Marsalis with Zé Nogueira - Amphibious (Moacir Santos)


My Brazilian Heart – The Music of Moacir Santos
Jazz in Marciac 2005 Marciac, France
Wynton Marsalis (trumpet)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Sara Lazarus - Morning (Jazz)

The Clare Fischer Orchestra

"Name an area of musical imagination and Clare Fischer’s probably been there, from jazz and classical to pop, rock and R&B. Everything the veteran composer/arranger/pianist does blends skillful craftsmanship with musical credibility" Legendary Music Journalist Don Heckman

Following up on Clare Fischer’s stunning album "After the Rain", this next orchestral compendium features yet more imaginative concert originals as well as a superb blend of stylistic elements across a broad spectrum. Rich performances from veterans of both the classical and jazz genres, such as Bryan Pezzone, Gary Foster, Brent Fischer, Cecilia Tsan and Roland Kato among many others, fulfill the creative vision that both Clare and Brent shared for this momentous undertaking.
In grand Fischer tradition, this album epitomizes the concept of complex simplicity: continuing to amalgamate centuries of orchestral developments into extraordinary yet accessible sonic artistry. There’s no experience quite like hearing the realization of creativity extending through the amazing range of aural colors to be found in orchestral instruments.
Track listing:
Pensamientos for Solo Alto Saxophone And Chamber Orchestra; Miniature; Realizacion for String Orchestra; Interlude for Piano; Two for the Road; Weekend In Stockholm; Coming Home; Reflection for Piano; Retrograde Orbits for Vibraphone; Suddenly; A Moment Of Silence

Letter from From Carol Fredette

My new CD "No Sad Songs For Me" was selected for the preliminary Grammy Awards ballot in the vocal jazz category.
 
If you are a voting member, please consider voting for this recording.
 
With Sincere Thanks,
Carol
 
Here's a link to the recording: 
 
Vocals, Carol Fredette
Piano, Helio Alves, Dario Eskenazi, Andy Ezrin
Guitar-Bob Mann
Bass-David Finck
Drums and Percussion-Kevin Wynard
Saxophone and Flute-David Mann
Trumpet-Tony Kadleck
Trombone-Michael Davis
 
Produced by David Finck for Organized Sound Inc.
 
"Fredette's delivery is refreshingly direct and expressive throughout; her warm alto conveys the wit and calm of the fully-formed grown-up who knows whereof she sings.  The music on 'No Sad Songs for Me' will delight anyone who appreciates vocal jazz at its highest level and in its most conducive setting." - Dr. Judith Schlesinger, AllAboutJazz.com

No matter whether she is getting to the heart of a ballad or swinging her forever off, Fredette respects and finds the essence of each lyric that she sings.  Her voice is full of warmth and intimacy, lending a feeling of knowing worldliness to her singing.  Vocal jazz at the highest level of execution requires a combination of musicality, timing, phrasing, creativity and intelligence.  Carol Fredette has an abundance of these ingredients, and they all shine through on No Sad Songs for Me." - Joe Lang,  Jersey Jazz

Ronnie Scott's ....

Ronnie Scott's is making a birthday gift to jazz fans the world over by announcing the live streaming of soul-jazz superstar Dianne Reeves this Thursday at 8.30pm (GMT)! And as if that isn't enough the club will also be streaming the Late show from rising Japanese trumpet-star and Blue Note recording artist Takuya Kuroda (a key member of Jose James band) at 11.30pm (GMT). Reeves will be performing material from her eagerly anticipated Concord Records release 'Beautiful Life', whereas Kuroda will perform material from his hip, funky and soulful Blue Note debut 'Rising Son'.

Access to the broadcasts is free, instant and direct. Viewers will simply need to log onto the club's website www.ronniescotts.co.uk at 8.30pm and 11.30pm BST this Thursday October 30th

NJJazzList.com Calendar

10/30 Thu Benito Gonzalez Quartet at Makeda - 338 George St - New Brunswick, NJ 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: $10 or less, New Brunswick Jazz Project presents Pianist Benito Gonzalez Quartet  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

10/30 Thu Carrie Jackson @ 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro at 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro,Westfield 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, Carrie Jackson Trio No Music Cover 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ 732-897-7744  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (908/ ) 

10/30 Thu Jazz Celebration Big Band at Cafe Lava 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Swing/Big Band, Cover: $10 or less, 17 piece Jazz Orchestra featuring vocalist Claudia Perry  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (215/ ) 

10/31 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 Liza Minnelli to Janis Joplin. Her piano style is reminiscent of Thelonius Monk. Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

10/31 Fri Dave Stryker Organ Trio w/Pat Bianchi,Kush Abadey at Trumpets 8:00 pm to 11:30 pm Style:Jazz/Funk, Cover: over $10,  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (862/973) 

10/31 Fri Greg Murphy at Lorenzo's 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, Solo Piano PerformanceLearn more  ,  Hear samples , (Other ) 

10/31 Fri OPEN JAZZ JAM AND FISH FRY at 189 Monticello Ave., Jersey City, N.J. 8:30 pm to 12:00 am Style:Jam Session, Cover: None, Musicians , vocalists, dancers, poets and jazz music lovers welcome. No Cover, No Minimum ! Delicious fish sandwiches available for purchase . Learn more  , (201/551) 

10/31 Fri The Sandy Sasso Quartet at The 55 Bar, West Village, NYC. 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Vocal, Cover:None, A very hip jazz club in the heart of The Village. Celebrate Halloween night with us. Wear a silly hat to get in the mood. Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (212/ ) 

10/31 Fri The Sensational Soul Cruisers at Crossroads 8:00 pm to 1:00 am Style: Mixed, Cover: $10 or less, HALLOWEEN bash @ Crossroads in Garwood NJ, featuring The Senasational Soul Cruisers; who are an 11 man horn group fronted by four soulful vocalists who pay homage and tribute to classic performers from Otis Redding and the Drifters to Barry White and the Commodores  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (908/ ) 

11/01 Sat Stephen Fuller and John Bianculli at Italian Bistro Bar and Restaurant 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style:Mixed, Cover: None, 441 Raritan Ave., Highland Park, NJ (732) 640-1959 Highland Park, NJ (732) 640-1959 Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

11/01 Sat Storm Large, Pink Martini's Vocalist at SOPAC Mainstage 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm Style: Vocal, Cover:Tickets Available, Acclaimed vocalist Storm Large sings the American songbook, Broadway tear-jerkers, rock goddess anthems and some of her own gorgeous originals all delivered with a fierce personal commitment. Learn more  , (Unknown)

Italian musician jazzes up Sweden's Lapland

Words by Mimmi Nilsson
Published: 27 Oct 2014 10:59 GMT+01:00
Updated: 27 Oct 2014 08:59 GMT+01:00

For this week’s My Swedish Career we meet Italian musician Luigi Bozzolan, whose love for jazz led him to move to Sweden, not once but twice. Now lingering in Lapland, he's sharing his passion with students in the frozen north.


Italian Luigi Bozzolan's life revolves around music. He's a pianist, a composer, and a music teacher and moved to Gällivare in northern Sweden’s Lapland just two weeks ago to work at the region's Culture School (Kulturskolan), where pupils aged 6 to 22 learn a variety of performing arts.

His focus is on improvisation, contemporary music, and jazz – genres which are deeply rooted in Sweden's music culture. It was this well-established music scene that was the driving force behind Bozzolan’s decision to move to Sweden for the first time in 2010, when he was based in Gothenburg.

“I think music in Sweden, especially jazz and improvisation, is special. There’s a special sound of improvisation that’s being played in a new way, it’s very avant-garde. This is the main reason why I chose to live in Gothenburg,” he tells The Local.


For three years, Bozzolan studied improvisation at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg under Anders Jormin, a renowned bass player and composer. This was enough time for Bozzolan to make lasting relations with other musicians, some of whom he's still collaborating with today. 
read more: http://www.thelocal.se/20141027/italian-jazzes-up-lapland

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Marty Elkins: Engrossed in the Music

Sylvia Levine Leitch

10/27/14    IN SERVICE OF JAZZ

Marty Elkins: Engrossed in the Music

In the latest in her series about folks working behind the scenes, Sylvia Levine talks with the longtime jazz waitress, singer and, most recently, music therapist about her life in and around the music.

06/21/12    IN SERVICE OF JAZZ

Dorthaan Kirk: A Life in Jazz

Interview with WBGO's jazz ambassador

12/17/11    IN SERVICE OF JAZZ

Oliva Le’auanae: Spirit & Rhythm

Sylvia Levine Leitch interviews former bartender and doorman about his life in jazz

11/08/11    IN SERVICE OF JAZZ

Cobi Narita: A Special Place for Jazz

Tireless champion of jazz and jazz artists in New York City reflects on her life devoted to promoting the music
read more: http://jazztimes.com/contributors/17409-sylvia-levine-leitch

Revellers wind down after all that jazz

Sharon Jones performing at the Cork Jazz Fest
By Catherine Shanahan
Irish Examiner Reporter
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Jazz bars, rhythm rooms, the Festival Club at the Met — the unmistakable sound of the October bank holiday weekend wound down to its final few touts last night as the 37th Guinness Cork Jazz festival drew to a close.

Despite the inclement weather, pubs and clubs enjoyed plenty of custom over the four days, giving a €2m boost to the local economy, according to festival organisers.

Artistic director Jack McGouran described it as “the most successful Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in a decade” and sellout concerts at the Everyman, Cork Opera House, Triskel Christchurch and CIT Cork School of Music added weight to his claim.

Imelda May, Michel Legrand and Dianne Reeves were in strong demand and indeed Michel was unveiled as the recipient of the Guinness Jazz Legend Award, joining such luminaries as Jimmy Smith and Herbie Hancock.
read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cwsneycweysn/rss2/

Guitarrists come Togheter to Celebrate Late Jazz Great TAL FARLOW


BARB JUNGR: HARD RAIN

Internationally acclaimed performer of Bob Dylan's work, Barb Jungr adds Leonard Cohen's songs of conscience for a defiant and revelatory experience of two of our greatest American songwriters.

This new collection brings together Barb's hardest-hitting set to date! Hard Rain features the political and philosophical songs of these two great music icons in her own contemporary arrangements.

59E59 is delighted to welcome Barb back for two weeks after her sold-out Dancing in the Dark show last December.

'ARGUABLY THE FINEST CABARET SINGER IN RECENT TIMES' 
Rough Guide to Pop

Jungr is performing and recording her most demanding repertoire to date.

read more: http://www.59e59.org/moreinfo.php?showid=181

Sunday, October 26, 2014

The New York Klezmer Series

Tuesdays at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, 30 W. 68th St., NYC

Oct. 28 - Figelin:   North German and Yiddish Folk Music for Violins and Voices  more info

Nov. 4 – CTMD Tantshoyz – Yiddish Dance Party! Dance leading by Avia Moore, Music led by Alex Kontorovich. more info

read more: http://aaronalexander.com/wp/concert-schedule

A virtuosic jazz trumpeter ....

A virtuosic jazz trumpeter and an accomplished composer and arranger, Shunzo Ohno was one of the leading jazz trumpeters in his native Japan by the age of 19. Ohno moved to New York City in 1974 to perform with jazz legend Art Blakey & The Messengers. Since then, he has performed and toured with many of the world's greatest jazz artists, including Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gil Evans, Larry Coryell, and many more. With numerous recordings under his own name as a leader, he has also appeared on over 30 more as a sideman and has collaborated on two Grammy recordings. More >

MPR Music - JAZZ

To Miles, From Wayne

In the late 1960s, saxophonist Wayne Shorter wrote a series of pieces for trumpeter Miles Davis and orchestra. They were never recorded — until Wallace Roney played them at the Detroit Jazz Festival.
Read this story
JAZZ

Herbie Hancock: 'On A Path To Find My Own Answer'

In a candid interview, the ever-innovative pianist traces the lines between Buddhist chants, Sly Stone and Miles Davis, while shedding new light on some hard facts about his past.
MARIAN MCPARTLAND'S PIANO JAZZ

Cassandra Wilson On Piano Jazz

In 1999, host Marian McPartland welcomed the vocalist in for an hour of jazz standards, including "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and "Old Devil Moon."
MARIAN MCPARTLAND'S PIANO JAZZ

Ruth Brown On Piano Jazz

Brown was one of the pioneers of R&B. In a 1993 session, she sang to host Marian McPartland's accompaniment in "Skylark" and "Fine And Mellow."
JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA: WEDNESDAY NIGHT WEBCASTS

Blue Note At 75: The Concert

The iconic record label celebrates its 75 anniversary in concert. Hear from Wayne Shorter and McCoy Tyner, Robert Glasper and Norah Jones in a merger of the company's rich history and bright present.

Harold López-Nussa ....

image site: offbeatpersistente.blogspot.com
Was born in Havana, Cuba, on July 13, 1983. At the age of 8, he began his piano studies at the Manuel Saumell Conservatory. In 1995, he goes to study at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory. Some years later he finishes the specialty in Classic Piano and graduates at theHigher Institute of Arts (ISA).

During his young career he has performed as solist at Cuba’s most important theatres. He has performed with Cuban National Symphony Orchestra, Holguín Symphony Orchestra, Matanzas Symphony Orchestra and Havana Lyceum Mozartiano. He has played together with outstanding figures of Cuban traditional music and popular music, as well as with known jazz musicians such as Chucho Valdés, David Sánchez, Horacio “El Negro” Hernández, Christian Scott, Stefon Harris, Bobby Carcassés, Elmer Ferrer and Alexander Brown. He was a band member for Omara Portuondo´s international tours since 2008-2011, and also he's actually a member of Maraca & The Monterey Latin Jazz All-Stars, a project that brings together excellent jazz musicians.

In 2007 he decides to focus on Jazz and creates his own band made up of talented and recognized musicians.

He has performed at important international venues such as the Olympia Theater and the anthological New Moring in Paris, the Barbican Center in London and the Ronnie Scott, the Satin Doll at Bordeux, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Wien Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Marciac Jazz Festival, Oslo World Music Festival, Barcelona Jazz International Festival, Nord Sea Jazz Festival, Martinique Jazz Festival, Verona Jazz Festival, 33rd Conference of International Association for Jazz Educators (IAJE), Enghien Les Bains 1st Piano Festival, OLoron Jazz Festival, Jazz a Vienne, Jazz Standard in New York, Cotton Club at Tokio among many others.

He has received significant national and international awards in the classic and Jazz world. The most relevant one was the First Prize and the Audience Prize of the Solo Piano Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, on July 2005. Likewise, he received the “Jazz Talent 2011” granted by the French Music Association (ADAMI).

His records Cinco Conciertos para Piano y Orquesta de Heitor Villa-lobos (2003), where Harold plays the Number 4 Concert,Sobre el atelier (2007), Canciones (2008), Herencia (2009), El país de las maravillas (2011) and New Day (2013) highlight not only his virtuosity and versatility as an interpreter but also his dimension as a composer and arranger.

He has been part of relevant record projects such as Ninety Miles (Concord Picante), Esencial (Leo Brouwer), Rhythms del Mundo (Universal Music TV. Artists Project Earth), The Revolution presents REVOLUTION (Rapster Records) and Jazz Cuba Today (Unicornio. Abdala).

Likewise, he composes music for cinema, in this field he received the Award to the Best Original Soundtrack at the 9th New Filmmakers Exhibit for his music in the Cuban documentary Salvador de Cojímar, by director Ernesto Sánchez. Other Titles in his assets are: Fábula (prize Cubadisco 2014 for best soundtrack) by director Lester Hamlet, animation short movie 20 años by director Bárbaro Joel Ortiz, documentary 4/Gato by Karina Cáceres and El Camino de las Gaviotas, animation short movie coproduced between Cuba and Brasil.

In a candid interview ....

Jazz

Herbie Hancock: 'On A Path To Find My Own Answer'

In a candid interview, the ever-innovative pianist traces the lines between Buddhist chants, Sly Stone and Miles Davis, while shedding new light on some hard facts about his past.
Read this story

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Hancock honored at jazz benefit concert at Apollo

Angelique Kidjo, Vernice White, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, and Ray Parker Jr. take a bow at the 13th annual "A Great Night in Harlem" gala concert, presented by The Jazz Foundation of America to benefit The Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund, at The Apollo Theater on Friday,
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS STATEMENT OF NEWS VALUES AND PRINCIPLES By CHARLES J. GANS
Oct. 25, 2014 12:48 PM ET
Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — Herbie Hancock enjoyed "A Great Night in Harlem" with a look to the past and the future as the legendary jazz pianist received a lifetime achievement award from the Jazz Foundation of America at a benefit concert at the historic Apollo Theater.
Actor Bruce Willis, introducing Hancock at Friday night's concert, offered a glance at "the future of jazz" as he brought out 11-year-old Indonesian piano prodigy Joey Alexander to play a solo rendition of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight."

"When I was eight years old you heard me playing. You told me that you believed in me and that was the day I decided to dedicate my childhood to jazz," Alexander told Hancock who was standing alongside him.

After Alexander got a standing ovation, Hancock enthused, "Wasn't it amazing. ... He's taken my job away from me." Alexander will be releasing his debut recording for the Harlem-based indie Motema label next year.

The tribute also featured a historic reunion for the first time in decades of Hancock's groundbreaking jazz-fusion Mwandishi band from the early '7Os — with the pianist joining multi-reed player Benny Maupin, trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, drummer Billy Hart, and bassist Buster Williams to play his composition "Toys."

"This band was so aggressively in pursuit of discovering the unknown and working in territory many were afraid to explore — a really forward-looking, untethered kind of band that depended so much on the empathy between the musicians," Hancock said in a pre-concert interview.


Hancock took the stage earlier to join an all-star combo that paid tribute to 93-year-old trumpeter Clark Terry, with a performance of his tune "Gingerbread Boy."
read more: http://news360.com/digestarticle/lmLw6L5QS0-JNcyf9Eghtg

Saxophonist Jan Sichting

By susanfrancesny, BLOGCRITICS.ORG
Published 10:00 pm, Thursday, October 23, 2014
Governing a propensity for chord dynamics and ingenuity, Bridges of Souls features the versatility of drummer Ferenc Nemeth and guitarist Attila László. The pair's compositions establish a rhythm which keeps the music moving in a state of flux. Joining Nemeth and László are pianist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, both longtime members of the Yellowjackets.

Atmospheric and melodically pleasing, the title track is finely finessed introducing, audiences to the duo's terms of synchronicity as they create flowing phrases which build effortlessly, moving along a lithesome rhythm. "Downhill" is clad with bopping grooves and chord dynamics penned in the language of jazz improvisation as the reggae beats of "Alone" buffer the raw, gravelly vocals of Hungarian singer Charlie Horvath.

The nimble movements of Ferrante's keys in "Magic City" quilt a pattern of trickling notes as László's guitar chords loop around the sparkling droplets. Ferrante's cruising keys sustain a contemplative feel in "Little Heart" as the soft vocals of Spanish singer Lara Bello weld a reflective vibe making for a bluesy pop fusion. The duo's performance of Radiohead's pop hit "Creep" takes liberties in the form of infusing a bluesy funk texture into the melody, and switches to a relaxing meditative mood in "Missing You," which is kindled by soft sonic glimmers and ethereally-sounding chords.

read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Music-Review-Ferenc-Nemeth-and-Attila-L-szl-5845581.php

Cork Jazz gets into rhythm

By Sean O’Riordan
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival got into full swing last night on a weekend which will see almost 1,000 musicians from 18 countries performing in various venues around the city.

Regarded as one of the country’s flagship festivals it’s expected to attract huge crowds, many of who will be jazz buffs from abroad.

The 37th festival kicked off in style last night as legendary French film composer Michel Legrand opened the jazz-oriented programme at The Everyman in a powerful double bill with Detroit jazz-diva Carla Cook, while Imelda May wowed the audience at Cork Opera House, in the first of a two-night stint.
read more: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cwsnmhsnauau/rss2/

James Joseph "Jimmy" Chamberlin

James Joseph "Jimmy" Chamberlin (born June 10, 1964) is an American drummer, songwriter, and producer. He is best known as the former drummer for the alternative rock band The Smashing Pumpkins. Following the 2000 breakup of the band, Chamberlin joined Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan in the supergroup Zwan and also formed his own group, the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex.

In 2005, Chamberlin joined Corgan in reforming The Smashing Pumpkins; he eventually left the group in March 2009 and performed in the group Skysaw until 2012. He is currently active / performs under the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex name. In addition to his current work as CEO, Chamberlin has joined Chicago jazz legend Frank Catalano for a string of 2013/14 performances in the Chicago area. An EP by Catalano and Chamberlin Love Supreme Collective - EP was released on the 29th of July 2014.

Chamberlin, who originally trained as a jazz drummer, cites jazz musicians Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, and Buddy Rich, as well as rock drummers Keith Moon, Ian Paice, and John Bonham as major influences on his technique. While he is known as "one of the most powerful drummers in rock," he primarily strives for emotionally communicative playing. In 2008, Gigwise named Chamberlin the 5th best drummer of all time.
read more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Chamberlin

Frank Catalano's new Ropeadope Recording

"FRANK CATALANO IS JOHN COLTRANE ENERGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY!!!"– Downbeat Magazine

Frank Catalano's new Ropeadope Recording debuted at #1 on the iTunes Jazz sales chart. "Love Supreme Collective" is an homage to John Coltrane and features Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins), Percy Jones (Brand X), Chris Poland (Megadeath), and Adam Benjamin (Kneebody). Frank's Savoy/Columbia recording “Bang!” debuted at #12 on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Frank’s recording, “Mighty Burner” was on the Billboard Charts for 20 straight weeks. Now 37 years old, Catalano is the only known saxman to have performed with Miles Davis, Randy Brecker, Charles Earland, Elvin Jones, Stan Getz, Betty Carter, Von Freeman, Tito Puente, Tony Bennett, Les Claypool and Louis Bellson while still in high school! This led to his signing to Delmark Records at age 18 and a string of critically acclaimed recordings. Catalano has been heard by millions of people all over the world thanks in part to 3 Grammy-winning and 11 Grammy-nominated recordings with artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child, and John Legend. He recently performed live on the Oprah Winfrey TV show with singer/composer Seal.

No stranger to adversity, Frank cut off his right middle finger in an automobile accident. After several surgeries and much effort, Catalano relearned his signature technique, making him one of the most in-demand musicians today. He regularly donates his musical services to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Also an entrepreneur, Frank has patented a devise that allows him to control his saxophone via midi components. Frank is a spokesperson/clinician/performing artist for companies such as Yamaha, Rico/D’Addario, and JodyJazz. He can be seen in their Print Ads worldwide. Catalano’s songs have been used in the ad campaigns of Motorola, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Budweiser as well as numerous TV and Film productions.

When not on tour or in the studio, Frank enjoys composing classical music. Frank graduated from DePaul University with a BA in music composition and he plays piano, drums and flute in addition to the saxophone. Frank’s non-musical interests include racing his BWM in closed course competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9f97EjRkM4

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

CD REVIEW: Shalosh - The Bell Garden

Shalosh - The Bell Garden (www.Shalosh.net & Bandcamp. CD review by Mike Collins) Shalosh Gadi Stern Daniel Benhorin Matan Assayang The trio have popped up in UK recently at Lancaster Jazz Festival and the Spice of Life showcasing the result, this thoroughly contemporary trio album, blending all sorts of cultural and rhythmic references without obscuring strong melodies, catchy hooks and arresting grooves. The opener Computer Crash moves from those attention tweaking...
read more: http://news360.com/digestarticle/c683XBEIHUG_82U33fIFlg

Mathematician Cracks Mystery Beatles Chord

Photo Credit: Photo by Danny Abriel
Date: October 31, 2008
Source: Dalhousie University
Summary: It's the most famous chord in rock 'n' roll, an instantly recognizable twang rolling through the open strings on George Harrison's 12-string guitar: the opening chord to the Beatles song "A Hard Day's Night." Now, a researcher has used a mathematical calculation known as Fourier transform to solve the Beatles' riddle. The process allowed him to decompose the sound into its original frequencies using computer software and parse out which notes were on the record.
It’s the most famous chord in rock 'n' roll, an instantly recognizable twang rolling through the open strings on George Harrison’s 12-string Rickenbacker. It evokes a Pavlovian response from music fans as they sing along to the refrain that follows:
It’s been a hard day’s night
And I’ve been working like a dog
The opening chord to A Hard Day’s Night is also famous because for 40 years, no one quite knew exactly what chord Harrison was playing. Musicians, scholars and amateur guitar players alike had all come up with their own theories, but it took a Dalhousie mathematician to figure out the exact formula.

“I started playing guitar because I heard a Beatles record—that was it for my piano lessons,” says Jason Brown of Dalhousie’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics with a good laugh.  “I had tried to play the first chord of the song many takes over the years. It sounds outlandish that someone could create a mystery around a chord from a time where artists used such simple recording techniques. It’s quite remarkable.”


Four years ago, inspired by reading news coverage about the song’s 40th anniversary, Dr. Brown decided to try and see if he could apply a mathematical calculation known as Fourier transform to solve the Beatles’ riddle. The process allowed him to decompose the sound into its original frequencies using computer software and parse out which notes were on the record.
read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030201607.htm

Jumaane Smith - Only Have Eyes For You


Jumaane Smith's new music video, "I Only Have Eyes For You" featuring Naturally 7 from Smith's debut album of the same title.

Available now at http://www.jumaanesmith.com/music-store/ 
On iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/album/i-only... and at Michael Bublé concerts worldwide!

After nearly a decade of touring the world with Michael Bublé trumpeter/ vocalist Jumaane Smith has just released his debut record titled "I Only Have Eyes For You" which features Michael Bublé, Jackie Evancho, and Naturally 7 as special guests.

Learn more about Jumaane Smith at http://www.jumaanesmith.com/bio/

Arts benefactor donates $100K

Photo: Michael Penn | Juneau Empire
Ron Maas celebrates 87th birthday by giving to local groups

By Amy Fletcher
Posted: October 20, 2014 - 12:07am
Retired businessman and active musician Ron Maas celebrated the double occasion of his 87th birthday and Alaska Day this week by giving Juneau a present: $100,000.

Maas’ donation, announced during a private birthday celebration Saturday, will be shared equally among four local organizations: Juneau Jazz & Classics, Juneau Alaska Music Matters (JAMM), the Juneau Symphony and the Glory Hole.

Maas, a trumpeter and leader of the Thunder Mountain Big Band, said his decision to donate to the Glory Hole in addition to the three music organizations stems from childhood memories that remain vivid in his mind.

“We didn’t have much to eat, ever. It was pretty grim,” he recalled during an interview last week. “I remember that very well. When you go hungry for a week, it makes you think, you know. Those were tough days, tough days. … I learned that we have to help each other. And I’m in the position to be able to do that. That’s what I like to do.”

Juneau Jazz & Classics Artistic Director Linda Rosenthal, who accepted Maas’ $25,000 check on behalf of her organization at Saturday’s event, said Maas’ contributions to the community have taken many forms: an arts patron, a gifted trumpet player and a band leader who has kept Thunder Mountain Big Band alive for the past 20 years.


“Over the years, in so many different ways, he’s supported Jazz and Classics, but beyond that he’s such an inspiration, a shining example of what community spirit and community living is all about,” Rosenthal said. “He’s made life better for all of us in Juneau.”
read more: http://juneauempire.com/local/2014-10-20/arts-benefactor-donates-100k#.VEYHx744R3g

enjoy some jazz with this dynamic duo

An evening of jazz music was staged at Youlgrave Village Hall on October 3
Ian Millar and Dominic Spencer are a saxophone and piano jazz duo, who have been playing together for a number of years playing melodic improvisations on jazz standards and originals compositions.

Based in Edinburgh, the duo has regularly and extensively toured Scotland. They have embarked on many rural tours, often bringing jazz for the first time to remote communities, performing in intimate settings.

The beautiful Scottish scenery that they have seen on their travels has inspired the writing of many pieces of music by Ian.

The exciting new endeavour Jazz in the Village will take them even further up and down the country playing in villages all over Britain.

Dominic said: “We have been very successful at transforming the village halls into an intimate cabaret style jazz club setting with low lighting and candles on the tables. We now have very many fond memories of wonderful evenings in halls around the country where the reception we have received and audience comments have been fantastic.”
read more: http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/what-s-on/gig-guide/enjoy-some-jazz-with-this-dynamic-duo-1-6861274

James Moody Jazz Fest


NJJazzList.com Calendar

10/22 Wed Joclyn Shannon Quintet at The Garage, 99 7th Ave South,NYC,NY 10:30 pm to 1:30 am Style:Mixed, Cover: None, Joclyn Shannon quintet features vocalist Joclyn Shannon, Bassist Greg Zwiebel, drummer Ed Pillion, Keyboardist Mark Cohn and trumpeter/flugelhornist Tom Bender doing songs from the American songbook  Learn more  , (Unknown) 

10/22 Wed Roz Corral Group at 55 Bar 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Great, fun, listening room in the heart of Greenwich Village. Mixed group of young jazz fans, Village old-timers, and visitors to our city. No phony baloney here. 2 drink minimum. No cover. Roz Corral, jazz vocals, Paul Meyers, guitar, Ugonna Okegwo, bass, Alvester Garnett, drums.  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (212/ ) 

10/23 Thu BETH HART at The Newton Theatre 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Vocal, Cover: Tickets Available, Grammy-nominated artist Beth Hart is a musician and powerhouse vocalist whose style of sultry blues, jazzy influences, rockin’ tunes and touching ballads, will be wrapped up in a soul-searing performance!  Learn more  , (862/973) 

10/23 Thu 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 Liza Minnelli to Janis Joplin. Her piano style is reminiscent of Thelonius Monk. Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

10/23 Thu Carrie Jackson 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro at 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro,Westfield 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Mixed, Cover: None, Carrie Jackson Trio w/ Bob Smith, gtr, Tom Pass, organ, No Music Cover 16 Prospect Wine Bar & Bistro, 16 Prospect Street, Westfield, NJ  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (908/ ) 

10/23 Thu Carrie Jackson and Her Jazz All Stars at 16 Prospect Wine Bar and Bistro 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: None, Ms. Carrie Jackson, vocalist with Bob Smith on guitar/vocals, Tommy Pass on Hammond Organ, and Lenny Pucciatti on drums. . No cover charge. Learn more  , (908/ ) 

10/23 Thu Diane Marino Quartet at Birdland 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Style: Vocal, Cover: over $10, Diane Marino Quartet @ Birdland - 10/23/2014 6-7:15PM Jazz standards, Brazilian bossa & samba. Diane Marino:vocals/piano; Neal Smith:drums; Greg Twombley: Sax; Frank Marino: Bass Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (212/ ) 

10/23 Thu Hollie Baines at Red Restaurant and Lounge, Red Bank NJ 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Style: Vocal, Cover: None, Free Jazz. Drinks specials. Good food. Doug Clarke on guitar, Steve LaSpina on bass, Mike Heady on Drums.  Learn more  , (732/848) 

10/23 Thu Ralph Peterson Fo'Tet at Makeda - 338 George St - New Brunswick, NJ 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Style:Straight-ahead, Cover: $10 or less, New Brunswick Jazz Project presents Drummer Ralph Peterson and the new Fo-Tet  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

10/24 Fri BLUE SOUL at ROD's Steak & Seafood Grille Lounge 9:00 pm to 12:00 am Style: Mixed, Cover:None, BLUE SOUL fuses vintage Blues, R&B, Soul, New Orleans, Jazz, and Rock styles. Featuring Herb Woodson (lead vocals), Bailey Gee (bass/vocals), Mitch Eisenberg (guitar), Glenn McClelland (keyboards), Gary Dates (drums). NO COVER CHARGE !! ROD's is located at One Convent Road (at Madison Ave.), Morristown, NJ 07960 (973) 539-6666. Call for info & reservations. Hang out at the bar and enjoy the music and dance, or try their new casual dining "Red Dog Tavern" for dinner.  Learn more  , (Unknown) 

10/24 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 Liza Minnelli to Janis Joplin. Her piano style is reminiscent of Thelonius Monk. Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (732/848) 

10/24 Fri Just Jazz 3 at The Bickford Theater at the Morris Museum 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm Style: Straight-ahead, Cover: over $10, Justin Kauflin, contemporary jazz pianist who is blind brings the Justin Kauflin Trio and vocalist Alexis Cole together for NJ Fdn for the Blind. A documentary on Justin and Clark Terry just won Tribeca Heineken Audience Award. Attend or donate to help the blind. Wine & Cheese 6 pm;Concert 7:15 pm.  Learn more  ,  Hear samples , (862/973)

Jazz and silence help reduce heart rate after surgery, study shows

DateOctober 13, 2014
SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
SummaryResearchers are one step closer to confirming what people in New Orleans have known for decades: Jazz is good for you. Patients undergoing elective hysterectomies who listened to jazz music during their recovery experienced significantly lower heart rates, suggests a study.
Researchers are one step closer to confirming what people in New Orleans have known for decades: Jazz is good for you. Patients undergoing elective hysterectomies who listened to jazz music during their recovery experienced significantly lower heart rates, suggests a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2014 annual meeting.

But the research also found that silence is golden. Patients who wore noise-cancelling headphones also had lower heart rates, as well as less pain.
The results provide hope that patients who listen to music or experience silence while recovering from surgery might need less pain medication, and may be more relaxed and satisfied, note the researchers.

"The thought of having a surgical procedure -- in addition to the fears associated with anesthesia -- creates emotional stress and anxiety for many patients," said Flower Austin, D.O., anesthesiology resident, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa., and lead study author. "Physician anesthesiologists provide patients with pain relief medication right after surgery. But some of these medications can cause significant side effects."


A total of 56 patients were randomly assigned to listen to jazz music (28 patients) or to wear noise-cancelling headphones (28 patients) in the postoperative care unit (PACU). Heart rate, blood pressure and pain and anxiety levels were checked right after surgery (baseline), and then at regular intervals during the subsequent 30-minute intervention period. The heart rates were significantly lower compared to baseline for both groups. After 20 minutes, heart rates were lower in the jazz group than in the noise-cancellation group. However, pain scores were lower in the noise-cancellation group compared to the jazz group after 10 minutes.
read more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141013141657.htm

Monday, October 20, 2014

"A Little Bit of Moonlight"

"A Little Bit of Moonlight" was released this past July and so far the reviews have been great! (you can read the latest reviews on my Press page).   It has been a magical autumn so far.  I'm looking forward to a couple of upcoming events...

For one, I'm quite excited to perform with a great band in October.  Please check my Calendar page for the CD Release details, (October 22nd) at Zeb's in NYC.  Joining me is an all-star line up:  Bennett Paster ℗, Paul Beaudry (b), Saul Rubin (g), Willard Dyson (dr), and special guest Gene Bertoncini.  Could it really get any better?  Performing with these fine musicians are a dream come true.   Please join us for a fabulous night of song!

 I'd like to thank David Golden of WPKN and Dr. Jazz of WNHU for playing my CD on his early morning jazz radio program at 88.7 FM.  Also, Bruno Pollacci II, for featuring tracks from the CD on his Italian blog/radio show, Anima Jazz (www.animajazz.com).

A Little Bit Of Moonlight is available now via CDBaby.com, iTunes, and Amazon.   Please check it out!  You can PURCHASE IT HERE:    http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ellynnerey

- See more at: http://www.ellynnesings.com/index#sthash.XiTCQrIw.dpuf

Mulatu Astatke on the musical journey of Ethio-jazz

14 October 2014 Last updated at 23:29 BST

Mulatu Astatke, the godfather of Ethiopian jazz music, has performed around the world to sell-out shows, including the UK's famous Glastonbury festival.
Trained in London, New York and Boston, Astatke fuses jazz and Latin sounds with traditional Ethiopian music.
He spoke to the BBC's Sophie Ikenye in London about his musical journey.

The Good Listener: How Can I Become A 'Music Person'?

by STEPHEN THOMPSON
October 18, 2014 8:03 AM ET
We get a lot of mail at NPR Music, and alongside the shoes our kids outgrew in the time it took to have them shipped is a slew of smart questions about how music fits into our lives — and, this week, thoughts on remedial music fandom.


Michele K. writes via email:
"How can I become a 'music person'? Think of your target audience — me — as someone who grew up listening to bad music (like bad Rick Astley '80s soft rock), then went to college where the music scene was weak, then moved to Southeast Asia (where English-language music meant the aforementioned bad Rick Astley '80s soft rock), and then you go to law school and your soul turns black, thus preventing good music from entering. And then, all of a sudden, you're in your mid-30s and realize you never got a quality music education. Is it even possible at this point to get one, or should I just give up? If it is possible, where do I start? Remember: Telling me to take a song I like and put it into Pandora (or whatever the kids are listening to these days) assumes that I have a baseline knowledge of cool songs."

Courtesy of the artist
Poor Rick Astley. One minute, you're a guy with a bunch of Top 10 hits; the next you're the unwitting godfather of the Rickroll; and finally, here you are, functioning as the only available shorthand for, "I can't name a single cool song." I know it took a few decades, but that is a Greek tragedy right there.


The first and most important advice I can give you also happens to be the least specific. It's tempting to throw up your hands in these situations — whether it's music fandom, cooking, or any other desired life skill — and let self-deprecation form a preordained result. But, while there's something to be said for knowing your weaknesses, "I don't, therefore I can't" is never going to get you anywhere you'd like to go. Besides, everyday so-and-sos become music fans every day! Why couldn't you?
read more: http://www.npr.org/blogs/allsongs/2014/10/18/356796482/the-good-listener-how-can-i-become-a-music-person?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Leigh Kamman, former host of 'Jazz Image' on MPR, dies at 92

By Will Ashenmacher
washenmacher@pioneerpress.com
POSTED:   10/18/2014 12:01:00 AM CDT
Leigh Kamman, the former host of the long-running Minnesota Public Radio show "The Jazz Image," died Friday night. He was 92.

Over the course of his six-decade career in broadcasting, the Minnesota native became one of jazz music's most trusted and appreciated historians and commentators.

Kamman was introduced to jazz when he was 11 and working at a resort on Lake Minnewaska in west-central Minnesota, he told the Pioneer Press in 2007.

The owners of the resort were record collectors and would play jazz standards in the evenings.

Kamman then covered jazz for the St. Paul Central High School newspaper and held his first radio show, "Studio Party Wham," not long after graduating.

He went on to work as a broadcaster in Denver, Duluth and New York before returning to the Twin Cities.

Over the course of his career, he interviewed jazz greats, such as Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

His show "The Jazz Image" debuted in 1973.


"I mean, it came through on every broadcast that he loved it," said Will Shapira of Roseville, who became friends with Kamman when they worked at the same radio station in 1960. "Not only that, but he made you like him, too. Even people who never met him told me they felt like they knew him."
read more: http://www.twincities.com/music/ci_26754039/leigh-kamman-voice-jazz-dies-at-92?source=rss