Art Factory International Cultural Association and Florin Raducanu Pedagogy Art Factory Project in partnership with Tinerimea Romana(The Romanian Youth) - National Arts Centre presents Thursday, May 24, 2012, at 19.00 at the "Tinerimea Romana" Concert Hall Bucharest, Romania, the first edition of the "ART FACTORY YOUNG " AWARDS for young jazz and classical Romanian musicians.
Prizes will be awarded for "jazz composition", "jazz arrangement-orchestration ", "international collaboration in 2011", "concert activity in 2011," "youngest jazz musician" along with other prizes with the purpose to encourage young talents with outstanding results in both classical music and jazz.
At 33 saxophonist Paul Booth started noticing the number 3 illuminated everywhere as he toured internationally …. the idea for a trio album started forming, which gave him the freedom to work with a range of musicians, and stretching the instrumentation employed. 3 trios x 3 tracks each.
First call was touring confrere New York drummer Clarence Penn who brought in Matt Brewer on bass for 4 hours in the studio and they immediately hit their stride exploring the harmonic and melodic ideas possible with this lineup. The form of the second trio,ran with Paul’s love of Hammond B3 organ developed over his years of touring with Steve Winwood, and a get-together in a UK studio in what has become Paul’s core trio, with Ross Stanley onorgan and Andrew Bain on drums. Trio 3 was an opportunity to work with Phil Robson on guitar and Adriano Adewale on percussion, both of whom had been in Paul’s bands over the years, but they had never tested their range of possibilities as a trio. Pathway Records
" The leader's mix of Michael Breckerish postbop virtuosity and languidly hot ballad-playing is very attractive." John Fordham guardian.co.uk
Civilization & Its Discontents a music-theater comedy words and music by Michael Sahl and Eric Salzman performed by Quog Music Theater (Karl Patrick Krause, Candice Earley, Paul Binotto, and William Parry; with Michael Sahl, keyboards, and Cleve Pozar, drums and percussion) original recording from National Public Radio
Judiciously mixing standards, ingenious reworkings of pop classics, and a memorable original...this debut album is a remarkably assured calling card. Can you swing a Smiths tune? Young Alexander Stewart proves it can be done...his impressive debut album. A razor-sharp group...a soft Latin account of Young at Heart and an understated All the Way are among the highlights.
The Observer, (Dave Gelly), September 18, 2011
Alexander Stewart is a singer to listen out for. Sounding astonishingly mature for his 23 years...he makes it all sound easy.
Kaval is a traditional folk music instrument and generally is used in folk music, but on this album, kaval is used in a new way. Eroglu combines microtonal sounds and melodies of Anatolian folk music with harmony structure and improvisations of jazz.
Sinan Cem Eroglu’s debut album “Tesaduf” has been released under the label of Ahenk Music. Kaval is a traditional folk music instrument and generally is used in folk music, but on this album, kaval is used in a new way. Eroglu combines microtonal sounds and melodies of Anatolian folk music with harmony structure and improvisations of jazz. His compositions and arrangements are played with piano, guitar, double bass, drums, and percussion in his album. Sinan Cem Eroglu played kaval, classical guitar, fretless guitar, electric guitar, kopuz, six-stringed baglama on this album. Also important musicians are guest like Akin ELDES, Cemil TATLIPINAR, Cenk ERDOGAN, Ediz HAFIZOGLU, Erkan OGUR, Genco ARI, Kagan YILDIZ, Yilmaz YESILYURT and Yinon MUALLEM.
Producer: Sinan Cem EROGLU Executive Producer: Sercan YILMAZ – Ahenk Müzik Yapım Recorded and Mixed by Yılmaz YESILYURT – Stüdyo Yekare, Istanbul Mastering: Michael Schwabe (Monoposto) Photos: Emre BOZBOGA
Sinan Cem EROGLU: Kaval, Classical Guitar, Fretless Guitar, Electric Guitar, Kopuz, Six-stringed Baglama Electric Guitar Solo (2, 4): Akin ELDES Bass guitar (4): Cemil TATLIPINAR Classical Guitar (1): Cenk ERDOGAN Drums (2, 3, 4, 5): Ediz HAFIZOGLU Fretless guitar (5, 7): Erkan OGUR Piano (2, 5): Genco ARI Double bass (1, 2, 3, 5, 6): Kagan YILDIZ Percussion (1, 7): Yilmaz YESILYURT Kanjira (1): Yinon MUALLEM
Compositions (1, 2, 4) and all arrangements: Sinan Cem EROGLU Composition (5): Erkan OĞUR
Saint-Louis, 28 avr (APS) - La 20-éme édition du Festival international de jazz de Saint-Louis, prévue du 23 au 28 mai, sera marquée par les prestations d’atistes américains, européens et africains, dont le saxophoniste camerounais Manu Dibango, annoncent les organisateurs dans un communiqué reçu à l’APS.
Charles Aznavour, auteur-compositeur franco-arménien, est attendu à la prochaine édition de ce festival de jazz, qui sera lancé par l’Ensemble lyrique du Théâtre national Daniel Sorano. La cérémonie d’ouverture se tiendra en présence du ministre sénégalais de la Culture et du Tourisme, Youssou Ndour.
Le festival accueillira aussi l’artiste-chanteur sénégalais Habib Faye et l’Orchestre national du Sénégal.
African Jazz Roots, une expérience inédite née de la rencontre de musiciens sénégalais et français qui se sont fait connaître du public, sera de la partie, avec une prestation dénommée ‘’les racines africaines du jazz’’.
Les percussions, la flûte peulh, la kora, la batterie et la contrebasse seront au menu, avec Ablaye Cissokho, Simon Goubert, Ousmane Bâ et Babou Ngom.
La Guinéenne d’origine grecque, Elisabeth Kontomano, revient au festival, en compagnie de son fils qui sera au piano pour de ‘’belles envolées solo‘’, avec sa ‘’voix unique‘’, après un passage bien apprécié il y a deux ans, indique le communiqué.
Une autre grande diva, la chanteuse, guitariste et compositeur Denise Reis, de nationalité brésilienne, retrouvera le Festival international de jazz, qu’il a honoré de sa présence en 2010.
Y sera aussi le bluesman italien Roberto Ciotti, qui interprétera ‘’un répertoire richement varié de sonorités suaves et mélodiques, dans une ambiance festive et colorée‘’.
La virtuose allemande Mike Herting, pianiste de renom, proposera son ‘’magnifique projet Global Music Orchestra Trio‘’.
Le talentueux saxophoniste américain Devin Phillips sera aussi présent, tout comme New Cool Collective, un groupe néerlandais.
Launch of International Jazz Day: Paris, France, 27 April 2012
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock will kick-off the first annual International Jazz Day with a full day of events including live performances, Master Classes, and discussions featuring Marcus Miller, Barbara Hendricks, Hugh Masekela, Dee Dee Bridgewater, plus much more.
New Orleans, United States of America, 30 April 2012
Special sunrise concert in the birthplace of jazz, in the margins of the famous New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Kermit Ruffins, Bill Summers, Treme Brass Band, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Dr. Michael White, Luther Gray, Roland Guerin, and other special guests.
New York, United States of America, 30 April 2012
Co-hosted by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, this special evening concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall will feature performances by Angelique Kidjo, Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela, Shankar Mahadevan, and many more.
Jazz parade - noon 20:00 Recitals: • Loungerie II • Peter Sarosi & Azara Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
MONDAY MAY 07 (PIATA MICA PAVILION)
Jazz parade - noon 18:30 The CONTEST SIBIU JAZZ FESTIVAL Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
TUESDAY MAY 08 (PIATA MICA PAVILION)
Jazz parade - noon 19:00 The CONTEST SIBIU JAZZ FESTIVAL Gala and awarding the contestants. • Miegymas (Hungary), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1S8V483Dgo Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
WEDNESDAY MAY 09 (PIATA MICA PAVILION)
Jazz parade - noon 20:00 Recitals: Hadar Noiberg "Persian Love Story" (Israel) www.hadarnoiberg.com Jazzpospolita (Poland) http://www.myspace.com/jazzpospolita Ulrich Drechsler Quartet, "Drum'n bass hip-hop" (Austria) http://www.ulrichdrechsler.com/music/official-bootlegs?itemid=136 Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
THURSDAY MAY 10 (PIATA MICA PAVILION)
Jazz parade - noon 20:00 Recitals: Dream of the Elephant Orchestra "Roots of Heaven" (Belgium) http://www.myspace.com/revedelephant Mixtuur "Back To Africa" (Belgium, Burkina Faso, South Africa) http://www.myspace.com/mixtuur_music Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
FRIDAY MAY 11 (THALIA HALL)
Jazz parade - noon 19:00 Recitals: Harold Lopez Nussa Quintet "Siempre Cuba" (Cuba) http://www.myspace.com/haroldlopeznussa Chano Dominguez Quartet "Flamenco Sketches" (Spain) http://www.chanodominguez.net/ Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
SATURDAY MAY 12 (THALIA HALL)
Jazz parade - noon 19:00 Recitals: Joo Kraus Quartet "Songs from Neverland" (Germany) http://www.jookraus.de/ Ron Carter Quartet "Dear Miles" (S.U.A.) http://www.roncarter.net/officialSite.html UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:00 Recital VAN Band (Hungary) www.vanzenekar.hu Jam session
SUNDAY MAY 13
Jazz parade - noon 21:00 Recitals: • Mario & The Teachers (Romania) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oqUkKzkW4M • Irina Popa (Romania) Jam session: UNIT (Cotton) Club, 23:30
New York-based pianist Florian Hoefner, best known in his native Germany
through tours with the group Subtone, brings his unique brand of modern
jazz to New York City with "Songs Without Words." Using many of his
contemporaries in the New York jazz scene, the two-time winner of the
ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award presents a set of original compositions
with appeal to a wide span of music fans and jazz lovers alike. OA2 Records
Mike Ruby - tenor and soprano sax Florian Hoefner - piano Sam Anning - bass Peter Kronreif - drums http://www.florian-hoefner.com
A Bay Area native, tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens makes his auspicious debut on the Criss Cross label with Today Is Tomorrow - a soaring, lyrical, deeply swinging collection of originals and jazz classics (Hoagy Carmichael's Skylark, Joe Henderson's Black Narcissus).
As a 2003 graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute, Stephens had the
opportunity to work with the likes of Dave Holland, Wayne Shorter and
Herbie Hancock, who helped strengthen his complex sensibility as a
composer and improviser. In recent years Dayna has appeared with the
likes of Carlos Santana, Kenny Barron, Terence Blanchard, Gretchen
Parlato and many others. Joining Stephens on Today Is Tomorrow is
a stellar cast, featuring Aaron Parks on piano and the sturdy rhythm
section of Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Donald Edwards on drums.
Supplementing the lineup are Julian Lage, one of the jazz scene's most
exciting newcomers on guitar, and Michael Rodriguez, a fiery trumpeter
with credits including Charlie Haden and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Stephens
pilots them through the set with finesse and heart, proving himself a
player quickly on the rise. amazon.com http://daynastephenssound.com
Spyros Manesis – Portraits of Lena: Arranging Lena Platonos's music for solo piano
Athens Premiere, May 13 2012, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation. Featuring Savina Yiannatou, voice.
“…Listening to the CD and to all the arrangements was a moment of glory for me –It feels indeed as, through refined imagination and phenomenal piano theme development, he was interpreting non-existent verses. I want to wish him success in his career and state how lucky I am that he took the initiative to interpret and arrange my work.” Lena Platonos, Athens 9.12.2011
Pianist Spyros Manesis, known in Greece from his work with various jazz projects, presents now his new project for solo piano inspired by Lena Platonos's music. In this project, Spyros fashions a special interpretation of this important composer/songwriter's music, and creates bridges between her original recordings and his own musical world, in which the classical/romantic tradition exists together with the jazz idiom. While arranging these works for piano Spyros was asking the following questions: How close can “Sabotage” be to Thelonious Monk's music or the “Cadence of Spring” to the stride tradition? Does the lyricism alter when in the “pop” style compared to when it is in a classical/romantic style? Does the music retain its importance without its lyrical counterpart?
Apart from these thoughts, Spyros explores the sonic range of the piano (dynamics, textures, registers) experiments with the form, reharmonizes the original pieces and uses improvisation techniques in order to build up the development, always keeping a dialectic relation to the original works and their features, such as lyricism, minimalism, dynamic extremes and melancholic images.
Spyros Manesis belongs to the new generation of Greek jazz musicians, He studied in Greece and Holland and is now active throughout Europe. His relationship with Lena Platonos's music began when he first listened to the albums “Sabotage” and “Karyotakis – 13 songs” as a teenager. Later, with TRIOISM, he made an arrangement of “Galazia kithara” that was included in their album released in 2008. In 2009 he decided to arrange a series of Lena Platonos's songs, which was his Masters Research Project at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam under the title “DEVELOPING OUR OWN SONGBOOK: Arranging Lena Platonos's music for solo piano”, which received enthusiastic accolades. Recently, he has finished recording eight songs, soon to be released in an album.
At the concert at Michael Cacoyannis Foundation, he is collaborating in a few songs with Savina Yannatou, whose voice is so much associated with the original recordings. The great vocalist which is characterized by unique stylistic flexibility will re-approach Lena Platonos's music, this time through improvisation and the jazz idiom, as she collaborates with the pianist. Michael Cacoyannis Foundation http://www.spyrosmanesis.com/Spyros_Manesis/portraits_of_lena.html
Jazz pianist Zhivko Petrov has promoted his latest album entitled It’s a dream and recorded with his trio JP3.
Rumbaito is a track from It’s a dream, Zhivko Petrov’s latest album. In recent years, he’s become one of the leading jazz pianists in Bulgaria. He’s performed with Beloslava, Kameliya Todorova, Maria Ilieva, Vasil Petrov and Orlin Pavlov – well known jazz performers on the Bulgarian stage. In the meantime, Zhivko Petrov acquired the name of a talented composer. He grew up in a family of musicians and he started playing the piano at very young age. First he graduated from the music high school and later on from the music academy both in Sofia.
A few years ago he founded the JP3 trio together with Veselin Veselinov – Eko – contrabass and Dimitar Semov – percussions. Veselin Veselinov – Eko is one of the most prominent jazz contrabass players while Dimitar Semov has participated in some of the leading jazz bands in Bulgaria (RADIO BULGARIA) ITunes
Most jazz musicians feel the need to do a "standards" recording at some point in their career. Most choose much-beloved classics or perhaps less-known, but nonetheless well-regarded material. In my case I chose to do songs that perhaps haven't gotten a lot of respect in the jazz community- or any community, for that matter. Most people understandably dismiss these tunes as "cheesy" and don't give them a second thought.
In this recording we will do our best to give these tunes some "love."
Musicians:
Randy Hoexter: arrangements, piano, handclaps Jimmy Haslip: bass Sam Skelton: saxophones, bass clarinet, clarinet, flute Trey Wright: guitar Tom Knight: drums 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 Dave Weckl: drums 4, 5, 8 Mike Barry: trumpet 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 Gordon Vernick: trumpet 7, flugelhorn 3, 8 Eric Alexander: trombone Angie Driscoll: vocals 2, 9 Kit Chatham: congas, djembe, cajon Eric Sanders: triangle, shaker
Songs:
1. Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves - Bob Stone
This was a number one hit in 1971 for Cher, telling the story of a young woman and her family traveling the south with some kind of medicine show. It most famously mentions picking up a boy south of Mobile, Alabama, which is somewhat unlikely since Mobile is on the Gulf Coast. Both the odd spelling of "Gypsies" and the ampersand are original to the title.
Despite the questionable lyrics and production, the Cher recording is quite nicely arranged, featuring some interesting chimes and harpsichord. It is also one of the only tunes in this collection that had a bridge or interlude. The obvious choice here was to go with the "Gypsy" theme to a greater degree than the original, featuring some Spanish motifs and Flamenco percussion. For the same reasons, I chose to use a variation on the "Caravan" chord changes for the solo section.
2. You Light Up My Life - Joe Brooks
Easily the biggest hit in this collection, this song was number on the charts for eleven weeks in 1977. The song was originally used in a movie with the same title, which was not very successful. However, when Pat Boone's daughter Debbie released it it was wildly popular. A very sentimental tune, it has been performed by artists as diverse as Robert Goulet, punk rocker Patty Smith, Jean Carn, and Whitney Houston. (not that surprising)
Along with a few others, this song arguably paved the way for the "power ballad" formula songs of the 80s performed by artists like Air Supply, Houston et al. It features a pleasant chord progression and melody, albeit hampered by an out-of-tune piano and flute as well as other production issues. Nonetheless it attracted several Grammy nominations.
My approach on this was to get far away from the sentimental sound by going with a drum-heavy and rhythmically intense treatment. Originally a waltz, I added a beat to the first of every pair of bars to create a 7/4 feel, like an asymmetrical "tripping" groove, with frantic James Brown-esque accents. A grinding bass/guitar ostinato rounds out the arrangement.
3. Delta Dawn - Larry Collins, Alex Harvey
Originally a hit by Tanya Tucker, A cover of this song was to be recorded by Barbra Streisand (!) but she rejected it and the chart-topping Helen Reddy was brought in, riding high after her hit with "I Am Woman." The Australian singer did her best American accent, and the song shot to number one in September, 1973. Bette Midler was also attracted to the tune and recorded it around the same time.
Another deep-south-flavored "story" song, It chronicles the mental illness of a beautiful southern belle known as Delta Dawn. Apparently jilted by a fiance, she drifted into mental illness and wandered the streets. As common as it is for lovely young ladies to have trouble replacing boyfriends, her story is nonetheless poignant, perhaps striking a note with attractive, lonely women across America.
From a compositional standpoint, this song is quite spare; there are two back-to-back verses followed by many choruses, with the verse theme never to return. My version, among other changes, brings back the verse for a recap, as well as doing some theme development. In an attempt to capture the sadness of this girl, I chose a high piano figure to support the verse, and a generally gentle time feeling. Rather than a southern gospel feel, I chose a sort of modified Bossa Nova because of its romantic and tragic overtones. Towards the end I layered several themes in order to highlight the confusion and circular thoughts that I imagine preoccupied poor Delta's mind.
4. Muskrat Love- Willis Alan Ramsey
A 1976 hit by the Captain and Tennille, this song is about the courtship of two muskrats, Susie and Sam. It included synthesized squeaking sounds of the amorous rodents, possibly because actual muskrat mating sounds were unavailable at the time.
I made the bass line out of the melody hook and removed the last beat to create a sort of latin-rock groove in 7/4. Decidedly darker and more sinister than the gentle original, this version highlights the fact that muskrats are actually quite feisty and often fight one another in fierce territorial disputes.
5. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
Another giant hit song, and one that seems to press a button with almost everyone, this ode to infidelity was the last number one hit of the 70s. With the sensitive opening line, "I was tired of my lady" (pronounced "laydeh") we find a disenchanted lover looking for some "escape" in the personal ads while his partner sleeps. They exchange letters, arrange to meet, and in one of pop music's most famous payoffs find they are cheating on each other... with each other! An odd sort of happy ending, but nonetheless memorable. It also triggered a resurgence in the popularity of tropical drinks.
It seemed obvious to go with a "Caribbean" groove on this one, with a healthy dose of percussion and an active bass line. The slide guitar melody interlude from the original is used as an intro figure.
6. I've Never Been to Me - Ron Miller, Kenneth Kirsch
Written from the vantage point of a world-weary jet-set woman who has lived the glamorous life at the expense of having a family, this bit of advice to a frustrated, bored housewife was a number one hit in the UK and a number three in the USA. The narrator gives a number of examples of her exciting life, such as being "undressed by kings" and "moving like Harlow through Monte Carlo" while pining for her unborn children. A spoken word section in the middle (is this ever a good idea?) drives home the point that paradise is "that man you fought with this morning, the same one you will make love to tonight." Strangely, this sentimental and mellow song manages to include the word "whoring" in the lyric.
Musically, most of the power-ballad arranging techniques are in evidence, so I chose to go with a more energetic latin/jazz feel with a swing chorus.
7. Seasons in the Sun - Jaques Brel, Rod McKuen
A pop version of "Le Moribond," (The Dying Man) by Jaques Brel, this song was a number one hit in 1974 for Terry Jacks. Apparently it was to be recorded by the Beach Boys, but for one reason or another, they chose not to finish it, leaving Jacks to release it.
What appears to be a suicide note set to a catchy pop melody, This song has been covered by a number of artists, including Nirvana and Bad Religion.
My arrangement opens with a brief quote from the "Spring" concerto of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" (for obvious reasons) and then proceeds to the main song. The inspiration for the repeating ostinato bass line was the strangely out-of-place tremolo guitar riff that opens the original recording. I chose to repeat the chorus twice in order to experiment with different treatments.
This was probably the most difficult track to perform due to the fast tempo and some unusual rhythmic variations.
8. Yummy Yummy Yummy - Arthur Resnick, Joey Levine
A staple in the "bubble gum" genre, this lighthearted tune blended two of of everyone's favorite pastimes: junk food and sex. Featuring somewhat nonsensical lyrics and a deliberately (I hope) nasal lead vocal, the song evokes a childlike quality that contrasts with its lusty overtones. A hit for the Ohio Express, it reached number four on the charts in 1968. Another bubblegum group, 1910 Fruitgum Company, also released a recording of the song in the same year, followed with a version by Julie London a year later.
Again, a gentle bossa nova and lush harmony seemed to be the antidote to the manic and somewhat rough-edged original. Though the tempo is quite close to the original, this mellow style makes the song feel slower. Soprano sax lends an elegant and plaintive note.
9. Honey/Dies Irae - Bob Russell/Trad.
Another pop song about death, This tune goes the "sentimental" route in describing the loss of a beloved wife or girlfriend, referred to only as "Honey." Bobby Goldsboro had a number one hit with this tune in 1968.
The recording features an "angelic" soprano voice drifting in and out and a substantial number of verses. Also distinguishing this song is the use of a very small number of melody notes and lot of melodic repetition. This song also lacks any kind of bridge. Despite any perceived shortcomings, this song has been covered by a number of artists, including Dean Martin, Jim Nabors, Tammy Wynette and Andy Williams.
The verse melody of this song seemed to cry out to be used as a latin montuno, or rhythmic piano figure, due to the heavy repetition of the main theme. I also chose to weave in "Dies Irae" or Day of Wrath, a Catholic requiem chant from the middle ages, due to the morbid subject matter. Decidedly not sentimental, Dies Irae, full of terror and suffering, seemed like a suitable antidote to the soft original. Considered a bit "heavy" for todays Catholics, it is no longer used in the liturgy. There are nineteen verses.
10. Billy, Don't Be a Hero - Mitch Murray, Peter Callender
A catchy, light song about a young man getting himself killed at war, this tune was nearly simultaneously released in the UK by Paper Lace and in the States by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. Exactly what a "Heywood" is has long been debated. Paper Lace was also known for their next single, "The Night Chicago Died," which could have also been in this collection, except that it didn't seem fair to feature the same writers twice.
In order to rectify the apparent mismatch between the happy music and the subject matter, I chose to go with a dirge-like military funeral feeling, and some dark harmony. A somber drum cadence carries throughout, and a pensive bass solo is featured.
11. Canon - Hoexter/Pachelbel
Anyone who has attended a wedding knows this one. Apparently much of Pachelbel's music was lost, and this composition was rediscovered in the early 20th century. It was written sometime around 1694. Pachelbel was arguably a one-hit wonder of the baroque period, so his music probably belongs here.
The Canon is built on a repeating figure called a ground bass, in this case constantly cycling through eight bass notes throughout the piece. Melody figures appear in one voice, then are repeated in the two other voices, all of which are violins.
The lack of a strong theme other than the chord progression made this difficult to arrange as a jazz tune.. I chose to keep the eight-note bass pattern while experimenting with meter structure based on 5 and 3-beat measures. Bits of the original lines appear, but this arrangement is best thought of as a new piece, or as an homage. cdbaby
The Red Hill Quartet is an
eclectic Los Angeles based jazz group comprised of top musicians from
varied backgrounds who have come together to create the music they want
to play. The members bring the influences of African, Indian, and Middle
Eastern music while being solidly entrenched in the jazz tradition.
This unique blend has generated enthusiastic response from traditional
jazz audiences as well as those who never considered themselves jazz
fans. For this reason, the band has been very successful in reaching
younger music fans. The band has been playing clubs, concerts, and
festivals in the Los Angeles area and has just released a new CD, Analog
Man in a Digital World.
The band is based in Echo Park, an old
hilly area northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Over the years, it has
been home to many artists, musicians, and social and political
activists. During the 1920s and 30s, the press came to call it Red Hill
because of the perceived subversive activities of its residents. Over
the years it has continued to nurture the spirit of art in all its
humanistic expressions. The band is privileged to be based in this
unique setting and draws its name and inspiration from the area and its
artistic environment.
Harvey Lane - Tenor, Soprano, and Flute Along
with musical partner Ricky Luther, has led jazz groups in Los Angeles
for many years. He has a big, open sound and plays with a great deal of
passion. Album credits include releases on Atlantic/Atco, Varese
Sarabande, and Aim Records.
Ricky Luther - Vibes, Keyboards The
most prolific composer in the band, Ricky's unconventional compositions
provide much of the canvas the band uses for its musical images. His
driving solos and unique approach to harmony add a great deal of texture
to the sound.
Mark London Sims - Bass The newest member of
the band and one of the busiest bass players in Los Angeles, Mark's
music covers the range from African to hip-hop, reggae and
straight-ahead jazz. His compositional skills have brought a new flavor
to the band's sound and can also be heard on a number of film scores. He
has also lead the Art of Sound Composition workshop as part of the
Artist Mentor program at the UCLA Hammer Museum. Mark has played with
such diverse luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Don Cherry, Albert Tootie
Heath, L. Shankar, Bennie Maupin, and Nels Cline.
Leonice Shinneman - Drums, Tabla, percussion A
former faculty member at California Institute of the Arts, Leonice's
virtuosity in classical Indian music lends fire and rhythmic texture to
the band. His jazz playing is characterized by quickness, sensitivity,
and the ability to provide whatever feel is necessary to enhance the
compositions. Leonice's versatility has given him the opportunity to
work with such diverse artists as Indian music legends L. Shankar and
Zakir Hussein, as well as Sting, Gino Vannelli, Rufus Wainwright and
Frank Zappa.
DECEMBER 8, 2011 BY WILLIAM WOLFF (artsamerica.org)
They
play original tunes almost exclusively, many written by vibraphonist
Ricky Luther. If I had to categorize their original material, I’d
venture to say that it’s a sort of post post-bop mélange of shifting
modes and altered modes, topped off with memorable melodies and
underpinned by an unwavering commitment to swing.
The
arrangements offered plenty of room for all the players to stretch out
and develop solos thematically without being self-indulgent. Thankfully,
the band demonstrated respect – without condescension – for its
audience by framing bass and drum solos with chordal downbeats signaling
the start of a new chorus. And, in another demonstration of the band’s
generosity, you can hear complete versions of a couple of their tunes on
their website.
They opened their set with a Luther tune called
“Squeezer Floyd,” a luscious exploration of the above-mentioned modes in
6/8 time. I’ve been a sucker for the churning, rolling rhythms of 6/8
time ever since I cut my teeth on Mingus’ “Better Get It In Your Soul”
and Coltrane’s “Afro Blue,” so I was hooked after four bars. Luther
wrings a ton of mileage out of his vibes, filling out the middle with
richly textured comping and soloing as if he were born with mallets in
his hands. Lane was quite the high-fly act, delivering adventurous yet
organic variations on the melody on his soprano sax. Bassist Sims laid
down the bottom with a terrific, warm tone, alternately walking and
punctuating with propulsive rhythmic counterpoint. And drummer Shinneman
provided the glue that held it all together, utilizing his prodigious
chops to both complement and spur on his bandmates.
Later in the
set, the band launched into a jazz interpretation of “March of the
Lion,” from French late-Romantic composer Saint Saens’ musical suite,
“The Carnival of the Animals.” A stately, haunting melody that shows
just how much emotion and depth you can get out of Dorian mode, the tune
showcased Shinneman playing tablas. Now, there are a lot of guys out
there who play at playing the tablas, but Shinneman demonstrated a
virtuosic command of tone and phrasing.
They closed with a
blistering post-bop tune composed by saxophonist Lane entitled “Mobeus
Trip.” By this time the sun had gone down and Lane was shivering and his
teeth were chattering. But I never would have guessed it from the heat
coming off the bandstand. CDBABY
With 92 concerts on 35 stages, the 20th Düsseldorf
Jazz Rally breaks all records. Three days of international jazz-related
performances turn the city and “longest bar in the world” into an
amazing annual jazz destination and has enthusiasts hopping from venue
to venue – all on one ticket. This year, Irish singer-songwriter Rea
Garvey, Estonian-American conductor Kristjan Järvi and American jazz
trombonist Jiggs Whigham are among headliners; Kyle Eastwood (son of
Clint Eastwood) performs, and even the city’s most famous musician –
German composer Robert Schumann from the Romantic era – gets involved in
a special “classic jazz” performance.
Düsseldorf’s Jazz Rally turns 20 and is Biggest Ever
With 92 concerts on 35 stages, the
20th Düsseldorf Jazz Rally breaks all records. Three days of
international jazz-related performances turn the city and “longest bar
in the world” into an amazing annual jazz destination and has
enthusiasts hopping from venue to venue – all on one ticket. This year,
Irish singer-songwriter Rea Garvey, Estonian-American conductor Kristjan
Järvi and American jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham are among headliners;
Kyle Eastwood (son of Clint Eastwood) performs, and even the city’s most
famous musician – German composer Robert Schumann from the Romantic era
– gets involved in a special “classic jazz” performance.
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY (PRWEB) April 26, 2012
Music lovers at the 20th Düsseldorf Jazz Rally, May 25-27, will be
dazzled by the two decade old quality program, style and unique format.
Visitors can “hop” from concert to concert on one ticket, and this
year’s program is a record total of 92 concerts in 35 venues, featuring
concerts in styles that range from “jazz pure” to funk, soul, blues, and
rock. More than 300,000 visitors are expected.
Jazz legend Klaus Doldinger is a patron of the event and also
performs twice during the festival. Other headliners include Irish
singer-songwriter Rea Garvey, Estonian-American conductor Kristjan Järvi
and American jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham. Moreover, genre stars like
Nils Landgren, Candy Dulfer, and the New York Voices are regular
performers at the festival, as are Jan Delay, Clueso, and “Die
fantastischen Vier” (the Fantastic Four). Several artists from the US
will be part of the program, including Kyle Eastwood, actor Clint
Eastwood’s son.
For the first time this year, the festival includes two talent
searches, one for young jazz musicians and the other for bands. The
winner of the band contest will open the legendary Friday-night opening
event located at Airport Hangar 8 at Düsseldorf International Airport.
In fact, the 92 concerts will take place on a dazzling variety of stages
such as train stations, rustic breweries and 5-star hotels. Most are
in walking distance from each other and turn Düsseldorf into one large
jazz venue for the weekend.
Düsseldorf’s Tonhalle, a planetarium-turned-concert space, is the
location of one of the most unusual concerts in the festival. In
collaboration with Schumann Fest 2012, two jazz orchestras will perform a
“classic jazz” concert and give Schumannfest a jazzy note.
Düsseldorf has what’s known as the “longest bar in the world” – rows
and rows of pubs and restaurants in the city’s historic old town, more
than 260 of them, and bar-hopping might as well have been invented here.
All year long, visitors and locals alike enjoy the short distances
from bar to bar, and on many nights, the old town seems like one big
party place for eating and drinking. It was a natural step to offer the
same options and convenience for jazz lovers.
Jazz lovers can advance-purchase the “Jazz-Rally-Button,” an
all-access event pass, for € 29 – 35, which grants admission to all
scheduled concerts. Day passes are available for € 29.
Düsseldorf Jazz Rally is organized by “Destination Düsseldorf”, an association of about 150 local businesses and organizations.
The city’s tourism office, Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourism GmbH,
offers special Jazz Rally travel packages, including hotel nights and
breakfast, free local transportation, and a city information package.
For more information on hotel packages, visit http://www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/hotelpakete.
Düsseldorf International Airport, Germany’s Next Generation HubTM,
offers several non-stop flights from US cities, as well as convenient
connections to many European cities and beyond.
Düsseldorf Marketing & Tourism GmbH is the visitors and
convention bureau of the city of Düsseldorf. Its responsibilities
include tourism and city marketing, as well as conference and meeting
marketing, hotel reservation services, fairs and convention services,
city event ticket sales and advance ticket reservations. For more
information, visit http://www.visitduesseldorf.de.
Düsseldorf International Airport, Germany’s third largest, offers
several non-stop flights from US & Canadian cities (Atlanta,
Chicago, Ft. Myers, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark, Toronto, San
Francisco, Vancouver), as well as convenient connections to many
European cities. For more information about the airport, visit http://www.duesseldorf-international.de
“You always try to find new things. It’s a really long journey…” On his ACT-Debut “Find Your Way” young Saxophone star Gábor Bolla deals with all his musical influences supported by a terrific band. Gypsy Jazz, Bebop, Soul: Together they screen and rebuild their material and discover new musical dimensions on an outstanding level.
Line Up:
Gábor Bolla / tenor & soprano sax
Robert Lakatos / piano, keyboards
Lajos Sārközi / violin
Heiri Känzig / bass
Jojo Mayer / drums
On his fourth album of eclectic, original music, radio DJ turned technology journalist Dan Ackerman explores Brazilian jazz, retro funk, and instrumental indie rock.
The bossa-nova-tinged 'The Futurist' is the fourth album from former radio DJ turned journalist Dan Ackerman. Inspired by his love for classic Brazilian jazz, from Antonio Carlos Jobim to Sergio Mendes, the album lays bossa beats over indie jazz rock, with plenty of Rhodes organs and slinky basslines.
Like his previous albums, 'The Futurist' is a mix of instrumental and vocal tracks, combining influences from jazz, funk, and soul, with lo-fi singer-songwriter rock, creating an eclectic mix of songs that recall artists from Steely Dan to Beck.
'The Futurist' is available now on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, RDIO, and other online music stores. CDs are available exclusively through Amazon.
About Dan Ackerman When he's not recording his unique brand of music, New York native Dan Ackerman is best known as a longtime reporter and columnist, covering consumer technology topics. He's a semi-regular TV news talking head, and has written about music, games, and gadgets for CNET, Men's Journal, SPIN, and other publications.
On "Imaginary Room" one forgets every violin stereotype and gains an impression of why Bałdych is nicknamed "Evil" - because of his "devilish" virtuosity, expressiveness and variability. His all-star Band dedicates itself to Bałdych's latest compositions and provides amazingly inspirational energy for both, breath-taking solos as well as compelling melodies.
Line Up:
Adam Bałdych / violin
Jacob Karlzon / piano
Lars Danielsson / bass, cello
Morten Lund / drums
Verneri Pohjola / trumpet
Marius Neset / saxophone
Nils Landgren / trombone (on 05 & 08) ACT RECORDS
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, a Napa Valley family-owned winery, is announcing a special outdoor jazz concert for April 29.
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, Napa Valley's premier vineyard that is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, will be hosting a special outdoor concert honoring the winery’s French heritage. On April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m., St. Supéry invites the community to an afternoon filled with French jazz, French food and wine tastings of its estate-grown Bordeaux wine varietals.
“Come to the winery in Rutherford for an afternoon of world-class jazz featuring the French group, ‘The Ronchin Jazz Band,’ a tasting of our Estate Sauvignon Blanc and truffle popcorn,” Jenna Bergna of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery said. “Our gift to you for joining us that Sunday afternoon at the winery.”
St. Supéry worked with the Napa Valley Opera House and the Napa Valley Jazz Society to bring The Ronchin Jazz Band to St. Supéry for the event and to produce the concert. The band was first assembled in 1999 at the music school in Ronchin, France, a tradition that continues today. The school assembles a band of 20 musicians, including students, teachers and a few “external” musicians who are not associated with the school. The concert at St. Supéry is free. Tickets for wine tastings and food can be purchased at the event for $10 per four tickets.
“We’re pouring additional selected tastings from St. Supéry’s portfolio for our guests to enjoy alongside delicious French small bites like croque monsieurs, gougéres, and warm ham and brie baguettes,” Bergna said.
Step into St. Supéry’s family-owned winery in the heart of Napa Valley and experience the best Sauvignon Blanc of the wine country. Surrounded by an estate vineyard, St. Supéry is recognized for its Bordeaux varietals and blends. Visit the vineyard to enjoy delicious wine tastings, learn about its wine club, experience a birds-eye view of a working winery or stroll through its fine art gallery. St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on a few major holidays.
International Jazz Day to be Celebrated with All-Star Concerts in Paris, New Orleans and New York Video Streams of all 3 Concerts Live on Jazz Day and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
On Friday, April 27, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock will kick-off the first annual International Jazz Day with a full day of events including live performances, Master Classes, and discussions featuring Marcus Miller, Barbara Hendricks, Hugh Masekela, Dee Dee Bridgewater, plus much more. Please visit http://unesco.org for complete details.
The day will conclude in a concert of jazz luminaries including: Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Swan Berger, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Igor Butman, Terri Lyne Carrington, Gerald Clayton, Klaus Doldinger, Dominique Fillon, Antonio Hart, Barbara Hendricks, Nicole Slack Jones, Manu Katché, Eric Lagnini, Bireli Lagrene, Jean Felix Lalanne, Nguyen Le, Lionel Loueke, Michel El Malem, Tania Maria, Hugh Masekela, Marcus Miller, China Moses, Michael Rodriguez, Isphar Sarabski, Ben Williams, and many others. John Beasley will serve as Musical Director.
The inaugural International Jazz Day will be celebrated by millions worldwide on Monday, April 30, and will begin with an all-star sunrise concert in New Orleans' Congo Square, the birthplace of jazz and culiminate with a sunset concert at the United Nations. Presented by UNESCO in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, International Jazz Day will encourage and highlight intercultural dialogue and understanding through jazz, America's greatest contribution to the world of music.
Herbie Hancock will be joined in New Orleans by jazz luminaries Terence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Kermit Ruffins, Treme Brass Band, and Jeff 'Tain' Watts and many more.
The sunrise concert from Congo Square is open to the public and begins at 7am (8am EDT), and will be video streamed live at Jazz Day and Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
We invite students and schools from around the world to join in the celebration of International Jazz Day and play "Watermelon Man" along with Herbie Hancock live from Congo Square, New Orleans at 8:15am EDT on April 30, 2012. Sheet music and an MP3 is available to download on JazzDay.com. Please video your performances of "Watermelon Man" and upload them to youtube.com and title them:International Jazz Day - Watermelon Man. Please include tags: JazzDay, April30, IntlJazzDay, HerbieHancock. Let us know the link and the musicians and where you performed and for how many people on this form. We'll post your videos and your photos on JazzDay.com.
International Jazz Day culminates at the United Nations with an all-star sunset concert. Joining Herbie Hancock are: Tony Bennett, Terence Blanchard, Richard Bona (Cameroon), Dee Dee Bridgewater, Candido, Robert Cray, Eli Degibri (Israel), Jack DeJohnette, Sheila E., Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Heath, Zakir Hussain (India), Chaka Khan, Angelique Kidjo (Benin), Lang Lang (China), Romero Lubambo (Brazil), Shankar Mahadevan (India), Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela (South Africa), Christian McBride, Danilo Pérez, Dianne Reeves, Bobby Sanabria, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Hiromi (Japan), and others. George Duke will serve as Musical Director. Confirmed Co-Hosts include Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Quincy Jones.
In addition to viewing the concerts from Paris, New Orleans and New York at JazzDay.com, JazzCorner.com created JazzDay.com as an informational portal for jazz education resources and the site where you too can inform and show the world your jazz events and educational activities on April 30th. There are instructions and forms located on the site. After April 30th, hundreds of videos will be on display on JazzDay.com
The Trio's Fifth CD, & Their First New Recording Since 2009, Features All Broom Originals
April 26, 2012
Bobby Broom's new CD, Upper West Side Story, is the guitarist's tenth album in as many years -- the culmination of a golden period of prolific creativity and steady artistic growth. Five of those recordings have featured his jazz trio with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummerKobie Watkins, who've worked as a unit since 1997. Origin Records, Broom's longtime label, will release the CD on May 15.
Providing an intimate look at Broom's musical personality and the trio's fully developed group chemistry, the original compositions on Upper West Side Storyare described by Broom as "an ode to where I'm from." They reflect a wide range of influences across a spectrum of genres while always remaining deep in the tradition of the modern jazz guitarist. Included is the first studio recording of Broom's "D's Blues," a live video of which has been a fan favorite online for several years.
"I purposely waited to make a record of all originals," says Broom. "I feel that can be sort of a run-of-the-mill thing to do -- that everyone is doing it. But, you know, I've been out here 30 years now and people need to know who I am beyond my guitar sound and style. This album reveals more of me."
"In my twenty years of playing with Bobby," says bassist Carroll, "I've always felt that his style of playing melds the feelings of all-American blues with an urban hip soulfulness that really speaks to the progression of jazz."
"B is one of the great guitarists and musicians of this generation," adds drummer Watkins. "Playing with him and this trio has meant so much for my development and prepared me to have intelligent musical conversations."
Dennis Carroll, Kobie Watkins, Bobby Broom
For the last two years, Broom has also been working with the young drummer Makaya McCraven, who is heard on three tracks of the new CD. "Playing with Bobby," says McCraven, "you always have to dig deeper. His depth in vocabulary allows the music to go anywhere with ease."
The CD cover photo was shot on 95th Street and West End Avenue, a very short walk from Broom's childhood home at 95th and Columbus. Though Broom, 51, has now lived over half his life as a Chicagoan, he was born in Harlem and raised on the Upper West Side. He attended the High School of Music and Art, made his Carnegie Hall debut at 16 with Sonny Rollins, and debuted as a leader on record at 21 with Clean Sweep (GRP). Broom remains a New Yorker at heart.
The move to Chicago came in 1984, after which he continued to tour with Rollins (1982-1987, 2005-2010), joined forces with Kenny Burrell & the Jazz Guitar Band, played briefly with Miles Davis, and performed and recorded with local leading lights such as Charles Earland.
"Broom has one of the few truly recognizable styles among modern guitarists, and one of the most satisfying solo concepts in mainstream jazz," critic Neil Tesser has written in the Chicago Examiner.
After recording the all-star blowing sessionModern Man in 2001, Broom commenced his series of trio albums with Stand followed bySong and Dance (which Pat Metheny called "one of the best jazz guitar trio records I've ever heard"), The Way I Play, and 2009's Plays for Monk. He also remained busy with the Deep Blue Organ Trio, the group he has co-led with Chris Foreman and Greg Rockingham since 2000. Their fourth album Wonderful!, a Stevie Wonder tribute, was a #1 JazzWeek album shortly after its summer 2011 release. Deep Blue has toured as Steely Dan's opening act on several occasions in recent years.
As jazz finds itself in a more academic period ushered in by programming and institutions,Bobby Broom and his trio(s) continue to operate from jazz's natural standpoint -- the black music aesthetic in rhythm and the blues, and the distinctly urban-American-influenced jazz strain that continues to thrive and evolve from each generation to the next via recordings and tutelage on the stage. Broom and his bandmates have come by their perspective having worked with many of jazz's Golden Era legends, who taught that listeners will respond to music they can understand and feel. Web Sites: www.bobbybroom.com www.deepblueorgantrio.com
Follow: YouTube: D's Blues AllAboutJazz.cominterview
Bobby Broom's new CD, Upper West Side Story, is the guitarist's tenth album in as many years -- the culmination of a golden period of prolific creativity and steady artistic growth. Five of those recordings have featured his jazz trio with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummerKobie Watkins, who've worked as a unit since 1997. Origin Records, Broom's longtime label, will release the CD on May 15.
After recording the all-star blowing sessionModern Man in 2001, Broom commenced his series of trio albums with Stand followed bySong and Dance (which Pat Metheny called "one of the best jazz guitar trio records I've ever heard"), The Way I Play, and 2009's Plays for Monk. He also remained busy with the Deep Blue Organ Trio, the group he has co-led with Chris Foreman and Greg Rockingham since 2000. Their fourth album Wonderful!, a Stevie Wonder tribute, was a #1 JazzWeek album shortly after its summer 2011 release. Deep Blue has toured as Steely Dan's opening act on several occasions in recent years.
