Bob MintzerThe Yellowjackets reedman, former Buddy Rich and Jones/Lewis sideman and current occupant of Arnold Schoenberg's onetime Californian residence talks to Derek Ansell about life as a triple-threat jazzman
Decibel Records John Latham delves into the Decibel label, home in the early 50s to Kathy Stobart, the Merseysippi Jazz Band and others. Its amplifier, from the legendary Leak marque, ended up scaring birds at Manchester airport
ProfilesElliot Mason, Norwich trombone man now in the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra; Mark Turner, US saxophonist keen to play down the early influence of Warne Marsh; Kurt Elling, possibly today's most individualist jazz voice, mixing a church background with modern sensibilities
Readers' PollThe votes are in: how do wins for Bobby Wellins, Louis Armstrong, Arbors and Avid labels square up with our critics' tastes as expressed in the February issue Critics' Poll?
Books & DVDs Bunny Berigan;Africa Speaks; Kenny Dorham; Jazzpaths; The Trumpet; All Star Jazz Show; Max Roach; Joe Lovano
RememberedLol Coxhill; Marjie Hyams; Graeme Bell; Andy Hamilton
Record reviews In full, in brief, in summary: over 80 recent issues covered. Full list here. Snips here.
Miroslav Vitous John Patitucci Reggie Workman Steve Gadd, Al Foster Randy Brecker Simone Zanchini Adam Nussbaum Stan Mitrovic Martin Gjakonovski Bart Platteau Ben Schröder
Sometimes he likes to call his music “Fellini Jazz“. He brings Mediterranean flair to the epicentre of American jazz. He explores classical music and influences from India and the Far East and combines “folklore imaginaire“ with free forms of expression. Ratko Zjaca is a bridge-builder par excellence who keeps on delving his pillars into new waters. IN+OUT Records releases a portrait of this exceptional Croatian guitarist which presents the different facets of his career, with ten pieces of music spanning ten years and featuring him in a variety of line-ups. Zjaca studied classical music in Zagreb, then plunged into modern idioms at Rotterdam and at the New York University School of Music. He started to attend master classes given by the likes of Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Bob Brookmeyer, Joe Pass and Jim Hall. The last two in particular left their mark on his playing which has always been orientated towards the USA. Amongthe first musicians to appreciate his remarkable string wizardry were bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Al Foster. Ratko teamed up with these two in New York in 2000 for an intimate and intense trio experience, captured on the album “A Day In Manhattan“.In + Out
"Spare" is a key word when speaking of Pirodda's piano art. There is a folk song-like simplicity to his approach, with no wasted notes, making space a big part of his sound. The set opens with the dark-toned and gorgeously ruminative "It Begins Like This..." a collaborative, on-the-spot trio composition that was actually the recording session's sound check. "I Don't Know" is another spontaneous composition, beginning with a bass/drums duet—Peacock preaching, Motian adding a whispering chant—before Pirodda joins in, working the piano's left end, responding to Peacock's pronouncements. allaboutjazz/ DAN MCCLENAGHAN http://www.augustopirodda.com
The author album One by the internationally experienced drummer and percusionist Otto Hejnic in a trio with the piano player Ondrej Krajňák and a bass player Josef Fečo is an amazing example of melodic jazz influenced by the classical music and a traditional form of the genre in a superb and inventive interpretation.
One
1. Skeleton Key
2. Silver Rain
3. Born in August
4. Long Time Ago
5. Sough
6. Matyas
7. Space of Leaf
8. Labyrinth
9. Preludium for Angelo Hevhetia http://www.ottohejnic.com
An Art Pepper Banquet For Release on August 28 Main Course: From Widow's Taste 2-CD Set Unreleased Art Pepper, Vol. VII: Sankei Hall, Osaka, Japan
Plus Sweet and Hot Side Dishes:
From Omnivore Recordings
Neon Art: Volume One - A Vinyl Single, The First of Three
July 30, 2012
Laurie Pepper founded Widow's Taste Records in 2006 to "introduce unreleased and unheard Art to people who love him as well as to people who don't yet know him, so they can fill their lives with soulful beauty." Since then, the label has been releasing prime Pepper recordings on an annual basis. Widow's Taste's latest offering, Unreleased Art Pepper, Vol. VII, is a two-CD set recorded in November 1980 in Osaka, Japan. Its August 28 release will coincide with that of Neon Art: Volume One, the first of three Art Pepper vinyl singles scheduled for 2012 release by Omnivore Recordings.
The Osaka session is a happy one, swinging and melodic. It reunites the alto saxophonist with pianistGeorge Cables, and "Art's mood was sunny throughout this trip," recalls Laurie, "because he loved being on the road with George and loved working with him every night."
Other reasons for Art's cheer (he mentions them onstage): The acclaim accorded his just-published book Straight Life, co-authored with Laurie, and the satisfaction he felt after completing his ballad album with strings, Winter Moon (Galaxy). Art's inspired live performance of "Winter Moon" at this Osaka concert is, as far as Laurie knows, the only one extant and one good reason for releasing this material.
The vinyl singles owe their existence to Omnivore Recordings' Cheryl Pawelski, who happened to hear the burning version of Art's deeply funky tune "Red Car" posted by Widow's Taste last year as a free listen for the fans. Cheryl immediately called Laurie to ask if they could make a deal for a vinyl release. They did. Between them they chose that "Red Car" and, for the flip side, an effervescent "Blues for Blanche." "Art hated the idea that people put jazz in a pigeonhole," says Laurie. "He said he wanted to make people forget the categories. 'I want to make them open up and listen.'" Omnivore, with its comedy, pop, rock, and what-is-it catalog, is a vehicle that's made to carry absolutely everything.
"When I first heard the live version of 'Red Car' from Parnell's [1981]," says Pawelski, "I instantly wanted to share it with everyone I know, and that's when I knew we had a project. Omnivore, by design, aims to share outstanding previously unissued music, and rarely is it as good and as much fun as these Art Pepper recordings. Omnivore is grateful to be working with Laurie Pepper to bring Art's music to a new audience." To which Laurie says, "Amen!"
Volumes Two and Three of Neon Art are scheduled for October and November and offer greatest hits: Volume Two, "Mambo Koyama," "Over the Rainbow," "Allen's Alley"; Volume Three, "Make a List," "Everything Happens to Me," and "Arthur's Blues." For more information about these singles, contact Paki Newell (paki@co5media.com ) and/or visitwww.omnivorerecordings.com.
Widow's Taste's seventh Unreleased Art Pepper is all about the music, especially the soulful "Winter Moon" and blazing "Make a List" performances. It was recorded by an anonymous audience member on cassette. The crowd was absolutely silent, Laurie recalls, "but the room is a presence; let's just say it's very live. So this particular album plants you firmly in the audience beside that sneaky fellow on that night at Sankei Hall." It's been remastered by Wayne Peet, as have all six preceding Widow's Taste releases, and he revivifies this show. The album also includes a 32-page booklet, packed with photos of the tour and, as usual, Laurie's gossipy reminiscences of life on the front lines.
Art Pepper (foreground), in Japan with Debbie and Tony Dumas, George Cables.
By the time of this recording, Art had settled on his favorite drummer, Carl Burnett, who appears on almost every recording Art made during his last years. Tony Dumas was the youngest, shyest member of the band, but he's impressive, and Art says so. With Tony Art madeLandscape and Besame Mucho (Galaxy). And Tony is the bassist on last year's best-seller for Widow's Taste, Blues for the Fisherman, the four-disc set from Ronnie Scott's in London.George Cables is on the historic Art Pepper Live at the Village Vanguard set, The Trip, andNo Limit (Contemporary) plus all the Galaxy Maiden Voyage albums, Tête-à-Tête, and Goin' Home. He's also featured with Carl on Unreleased Art Pepper, Vol. I: Abashiri (Widow's Taste) and on upcoming Neon Art: Volumes Two and Three (Omnivore).
George (at right, with Art) will be heard on more releases in the years to come. In fact, a treasure trove of hitherto unheard material has quite recently been unearthed, much of it recorded directly from the sound boards at great concerts in Japan, where Art returned repeatedly. While much of the material is the same from gig to gig, each version stands alone and fresh as Art engages with it. In store are not-to-be-missed performances -- and some surprise unique tracks like this "Winter Moon."
Previous Widow's Taste releases:
Art Pepper: Unreleased Art, Vol. I: Abashiri
If the sound is surprisingly good, the playing is often astonishing. The great altoist could pack so much raw emotion into his work that he made most others seem like dilettantes. --Ray Comisky, The Irish Times
Art Pepper: Unreleased Art, Vol. II: The Last Concert
[A] privilege to listen to the final concert of the master, Art Pepper. . . soulful, with a strong swing feel, lyrical, edgy. --Jeff Krow, Audiophile Audition
Art Pepper: Unreleased Art, Vol. III: The Croydon Concert
Pepper throws down the gauntlet, throwing caution to the wind, and plays with an urgency not heard since his Village Vanguard performances in 1977. The sound is crisp and potent. --C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Art Pepper: The Art History Project (Vol. IV)
The remastering by Wayne Peet is superb. It's a delight to have Laurie Pepper's choices here. Just knowing that she finds these tracks meaningful and in this order makes them special. --Marc Myers, JazzWax
Art Pepper: Unreleased Art, Vol. V: Stuttgart
[A] miraculous double disc. This is Pepper's triumph. Listen to it once and you'll want to immediately go out and score the first four volumes. Bravo! --Brian McCoy, Examiner.com
Blues for the Fisherman: Unreleased Art Pepper, Vol. VI
Pepper is simply on fire. It's one of those perfect musical statements that could never have been captured in any studio. The immediacy and emotion of the moment are so boldly displayed that it could only have been possible through the energy of a live crowd. --Greg Simmons, All About Jazz
featuring the fabulous world-renowned 2012 Grammy winner TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON + Her Quintet Gerald Clayton/piano, Nir Felder/guitar, Tineke Postma/sax, bass tba Special appearances by internationally-acclaimed musicians Sheila Jordan, Greg Osby, Don Byron, Tim Ries, Matt Garrison, Joe Lovano, Judi Silvano, Jerome Harris, Gary Kvistad, Harvey Sorgen, Peter O’Brien, Tani Tabbal, Teri Roiger, John Menegon, Mike DeMicco, plus many surprise guests!
Benefit Gourmet Dinner for the Queens Galley @ 6 pm, Concert @ 7:30 pm Dinner + Concert: $55 Concert Only: $30 The BEARSVILLE THEATER, 291 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498 For reservations call 845-679-4406 or go to www.bearsvilletheater.com (EVENTS page)
For more information about the concert please visit: www.jazzstock.com
Authors Herb Silverstein and Richard Drexler announce release of “Jazz Harmony and Improvisation”
In their unique book “Jazz Harmony and Improvisation: Scores and Recordings of Original Tunes” (published by Trafford Publishing), Herb Silverstein and Richard Drexler combine their musical knowledge to present advice and guidance to people searching for techniques for growing their own understanding of music.
“Jazz Harmony and Improvisation” contains 50 ofSilverstein and Drexler’s original songs. For readers who are also musicians, a corresponding album is available with recordings of each song as well as lead sheets for each song to be used as play along. Writing from their expertise as experienced and respected musicians, Silverstein and Drexler include suggested techniques for improvisation.
The authors hope musicians find “Jazz Harmony and Improvisation” useful in their growth as artists. “This book/CD combination is a powerful tool for the improvising musician wishing to find the correct notes to choose from in constructing a harmonically sophisticated solo or accompaniment,” explains Silverstein.
As musical theorists, Silverstein and Drexler also want their book to appeal to people who aren’t solely musicians. “The information is also valuable for the composer/arranger or anyone interested in understanding the sounds and structure of any kind of music.”
About the Author Herb Silverstein, M.D., F.A.C. S., is an internationally recognized ear surgeon and a nationally recognized piano expert. He studied classical piano and jazz in his youth, but his musical aspirations were overshadowed by his studies and career in medicine. Over the past 20 years Silverstein has been seriously pursuing his interest in jazz piano, and he has produced nine albums for fund-raisers and awareness-raising endeavors for the Ear Research Foundation.
Richard Drexler is a multi-instrumentalist, composer/arranger and producer. He grew up in a musical family in Illinois, and he has since traveled the world playing with various musicians. He has worked with many noted musicians from a wide range of genres. His studio experience has helped him produce, co-engineer and edit “Fridays with Maury” and “Beach Walker” as well as contribute his unique bass style. Drexler’s album “Senor Juan Brahms” melds multiple music genres.
Trafford Publishing, an Author Solutions, Inc. author services imprint, was the first publisher in the world to offer an “on-demand publishing service,” and has led the independent publishing revolution since its establishment in 1995. Trafford was also one of the earliest publishers to utilize the Internet for selling books. More than 10,000 authors from over 120 countries have utilized Trafford’s experience for self publishing their books. For more information about Trafford Publishing, or to publish your book today, call 1-888-232-4444 or visit trafford.com. Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) July 27, 2012
San Diego Drum and Percussion, along with San Diego Center for the Arts, is presenting an ongoing jazz workshop which meets on Mondays from 8:30–9:30pm in El Cajon, San Diego California.
Nate Jarrell has his Master’s degree from San Diego State University in jazz studies and can be heard on his own CD, The Next Chapter, which was released in 2011 and a brand new CD just released by Ensemble Off n On. Nate also teaches at Canyon Crest High School in San Diego in addition to keeping a busy performance schedule.
Jeanette Kangas has her Master’s degree in jazz studies from California Institute of the Arts and a Master’s degree in percussion from San Diego State University. Jeanette taught music theory, jazz history and percussion for twenty years at Los Angeles Harbor College and El Camino College in Los Angeles California. She can also be heard on Jarrell’s CD, The Next Chapter and is the drummer for Ensemble Off n On who just released their first CD. Jeanette has performed and or recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Maiden Voyage, Charlie Haden, Stacy Rowels, Big World and her own quartet, The Northern Lights Ensemble.
The class is opened to students of all levels and ages. The class consists of ensemble playing, jazz theory, and jazz history. The class is being held in El Cajon, San Diego and is well equipped in regards to drums and amplifiers so, drummers do not have to bring drums and guitarists do not need to bring amplifiers. There is also a keyboard instrument so pianists do not have to bring a keyboard.
"Fresh and hotter then ever, the “organ marvel”, the “monster B3 player”, the “organ phenom” - one of the best B3 Players in the world - is back with his first studio recording in six years. To ‘blow it up’ more it’s a limited-edition double CD set with some of the best Tony Monaco tunes he’s done over his incredible career; Buckle Up!
Special Thanks: God, Dad, Mom, Teresa, Marino, Nicole, Brian, Addison, Christina, Jon, Daniela, Magic, Rosita, Michael, Anthony, Santino, Darby Christensen, Kip Sullivan , Peter Gontha, Italo Leali, Howard Stone, Linda Dachtyl, Bill Heingartner and all my fans and friends, Hammond-Suzuki, Mr. Suzuki, Tachi, Dennis Capiga, Guido Scognamiglio, Blue Note Japan, Hammond Italia, Hamtech, Rumba Cafe, Lonnie Smith (The Organ Doctor, Anderson Indiana), Paul Dankmeyer, John McClure and Marco Montaruli. Very Special thanks to Asako for your incredible energy and giving me renewed hope! God Bless you all and thanks for the best life I can have to Celebrate."
BARITONE SAXOPHONIST, JONAH PARZEN-JOHNSON, RELEASES HIS DEBUT SOLO SAXOPHONE ALBUM, “MICHIANA” ON PRIMARY RECORDS“Parzen-Johnson’s plainspoken compositional vision impresses as much as his formidable command of circular breathing and other outré techniques.”
- TimeOut NY
“His unaccompanied playing captures the sentiment of an old Polaroid, long-ago happiness fading into the melancholy of memory.”
- Philadelphia City Paper
“Parzen-Johnson has distilled a lengthy list of influences into a singularly elegant presentation of unaccompanied saxophone.”
- Mountain Express
Brooklyn NY – Primary Records is proud to announce the release of experimental folk saxophonist, Jonah Parzen-Johnson’s debut solo saxophone recording, Michiana. “I have had an obsession with the solitary nature and focused power of solo performance for as long as I can remember,” muses the 24 year old saxophonist in his apartment in northern Brooklyn, “but I have struggled with how to utilize the format in a way that resonated with my musical aesthetic.” Although there is an important history of solo saxophonists hailing from Jonah’s home-town of Chicago, he first found inspiration in the unadorned voices of Appalachian Music and lo-fi musicians like Bill Calahan.
Poetry of Earth features Anne Mette Iversen (acoustic bass, compositions), Maria Neckam, Christine Skou (vocals), Dan Tepfer (piano), John Ellis (tenor saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet & flute)
Poetry of Earth is the newest musical creation from the heart, soul, and life of bassist/composer, Anne Mette Iversen. This double CD is a collection of art songs: eighteen English and Danish poems set to a unique combination of extended composition and jazz improvisation. The music was conceived while Iversen spent time at an artists’ residency in a thousand year old cloister on the cliffs of Italy’s Amalfi coast. The poems, from Romantic to contemporary, were all chosen as meditations on human nature, and the nature of the world around us. The Poetry of Earth musicians are world-renowned as improvisers, and have each developed a personal sound and identity that they contribute selflessly for the realization of this singular music. BJU
Founding Member of the Jazz/R&B Band The Blackbyrds Blends Traditional Jazz and Classical Music To Create A Musical Mosaic Which Pays Homage to America the Beautiful”
In recent years America has seen a paradigm shift toward the manifestation of real, forward thinking change – especially in the minds of people of faith.
On July 24th, award-winning keyboardist/composer/ author Kevin Toney released an inspired project that blends traditional acoustic jazz trio music with the compositional expanse of classical movements. Titled New American Suite, the album introduces the artist’s dynamic new band, The Kevin Toney3 (a.k.a. “KT3” featuring Kevin Toney on piano, Michael Bradford on bass and Chris Coleman on drums). New American Suite is a 9-song work that Toney conceptualized with co-direction from music veteran Don Mizell as a salute to the spirit of the United States. It bows via Toney’s own K-Tone Enterprises through Distribution 13. Arriving after six now-classic albums with ‘70s soul-jazz band the The Blackbyrds and seven acclaimed urban jazz solo albums, Kevin Toney’s richly thematic New American Suite marks the culmination of a uniquely distinguished career in music and a flying start into higher musical altitudes. Simply stated, New American Suite is Kevin Toney’s finest recording to date.
How sweet the sound…pushing and advancing musical boundaries around.
It wasn’t until after the band’s songs were composed (primarily by co-producers Toney and Bradford) and recorded that the concept of New American Suite took shape. It was the music that told Toney what it was all about. “The title track and first song is a suite in four sections each representing specific aspects of America’s traditions of music,” Kevin explains. “It begins with classical piano flourishes, moves into a swinging jazz section that mirrors the way we be- gan moving away from our European counterparts, then an Afro-Cuban section in 12/8 which builds to a powerful climax, followed by a tranquil return to the theme in closing. The music had a patriotic feel – uplifting, propelling and encouraging. From my van- tage point, this represented America.”
Don Mizell - Kevin’s close friend and natural born conceptualist - was instrumental in shaping the individual song titles as well as the over-arcing theme for the project. This earned him the illustrious credit of Executive Creative Producer. And as the Grammy®- winning co-producer of the great Ray Charles’ final recording, Genius Loves Company, Mizell clearly understands a thing or two about America! Kevin explains, “In our effort to paint a consistent picture we came up with all of the song titles in one night.”
Highlights of New American Suite include the brilliant and briskly driving “E Pluribus Unum.” Taking its title from the Latin term meaning “out of many, one” that has appeared on American currency, the piece finds the trio swingin’ hard yet in unity just as America’s founding fathers intended in maintaining a strong union. The feel-good number “A Soulful Union” continues this theme in a stew of gospel, rock and soulful jazz that reflects the reawakening of collective spir- its to the truth that all men and women are created equal. “Spacious Skies” is a tranquil meditation of ap- preciation on the freedoms that Americans too often take for granted, featuring the lyrical bass playing of Bradford. Coleman sets up a tasty reggae swing hybrid on “Love is All We Need” over which Toney unconsciously recalls the breezy melodicism of the great Vince Guaraldi. The one non-original piece of New American Suite is a most original arrangement of Ragtime king Scott Joplin’s familiar 1902 classic “The Entertainer” (popularized again in 1973 as the theme for the movie “The Sting”). “Our goal was to bring the composition into 2012 with reharmonization and a relaxed forward motion groove,” Toney states.
A seasoned veteran, Kevin Toney first started playing piano at age five in his city of birth, Detroit, Michi- gan. His first teacher was his sister Helen. At eight, he added cello and alto saxophone to his skill set. He later attended the prestigious Cass Technical High School and performed with many of his city’s top musicians. Kevin graduated to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he earned his B.A. in composition and jazz studies. During his tenure, he became the leader of the The Blackbyrds, the innovative jazz-soul fusion sextet founded by jazz trumpet legend Donald Byrd. Kevin wrote and co-penned many of the band’s most memorable music including the hit “Rock Creek Park”, “All I Ask,” and the brassy Grammy®-nominated scorcher “Unfinished Business.” After six now-classic `70s Soul albums, the band disbanded and Kevin recorded his first solo LP, Special K in 1982.
Kevin Toney truly came into his own with his 1994 release Lovescape, featuring his composition “Kings” which became a staple of then burgeoning smooth jazz radio. Over the next decade-plus, Kevin’s sound evolved over seven more meticulously crafted CDs that found him experimenting in nearly every contemporary music palette. He also became a fan favorite presence on the American jazz festival circuit Beyond his own music, Kevin Toney has performed with an impressive survey of major artists that includes Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kenny Burrell, Nancy Wilson, Whitney Houston, Shania Twain, Frank Sinatra, Carl Anderson, Oscar Brown Jr., Shirley Caesar, Pink, Isaac Hayes, Norman Brown, Andrew White and more. He also scored two films: the period drama “Kings of the Evening” (starring Lynn Whitfield and Tyson Beckford) and the documentary “The Kinsey Collection” (about a married couple that assembled the largest collection of African and African American artifacts in the United States). In fact, it is a work from their collection – “Fugue 2000” (oil on canvas) by renowned painter Richard Mayhew – that graces the cover of Kevin Toney 3’s New American Suite, courtesy of his dear friends Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
As an author, Kevin’s books include “The Virtuous Man, Breaking The Men’s Code”. This book addresses the misconceptions (“Men’s Code”) that men have learned from an early age regarding marriage and family, the baggage that men often bring into their marriages and their struggle in letting go of them. Other published books are The Kevin Toney Collection, Volume I and Heart of Gratitude: Piano Solos.
Kevin is a mentor for the ‘Manformation Project,’ a Los Angeles-based rites of passage setting that brings boys of 10-18 years of age into contact with Godly minded men to cultivate positive growth. Kevin and his wife - renowned costuming designer Phyllis Toney
- also started The Toney Family Foundation which focuses on arts and music related philanthropy.
Kevin’s awards and achievements include two Grammy® nominations, three RIAA Gold Record awards, NAACP Image Award, National Endowment For the Arts Fellowship Grant, and is a honorary member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
CD cover painting by Richard Mayhew – Courtesy of the Kinsey Collection:
Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey at the Smithsonian Institute.
Jeff Davis (drums), Eivind Opsvik (bass), and Russ Lossing (piano).
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Bio notes:
Percussionist/composer Jeff Davis has established himself in New York as a vital contributor to the local and international creative music scenes. Jeff is widely sought out for his unique, textural approach to the drum set, as well as for his power and intensity. As a featured member of a number of creative ensembles in New York, Davis has recorded for such labels as Clean Feed, Fresh Sound/New Talent, Green Leaf, Loyal Label, Jazzaway, and innova records. These ensembles include the Jesse Stacken Trio, Michael Bates Outside Sources, Kirk Knuffke Quartet, Landon Knoblock Trio/Quartet, Ben Holmes Quartet, Pascal Niggenkemper ‘Newfield’ trio, Pedro Giruado Jazz Orchestra, Pete Robbins’ Unnamed Quartet, Jon Irabagon’s Outright!, Eivind Opsvik’s Overseas, Tone Collector(Tony Malaby, Eivind Opsvik, Jeff Davis), the RIDD Quartet, Kris Davis Quartet, and the Ryan Keberle Organ Group. In addition to these working bands, Davis has also performed with such artists as Tony Malaby, Chris Speed, Gebhard Ullmann, Brad Shepik, Ralph Alessi, and Ron Horton.
Davis has toured Europe and China and has performed at several prominent jazz festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Jazz Festival, and the Earshot Jazz Festival. He performs regularly in various New York listening rooms, such as the Stone, the Jazz Standard, the Jazz Gallery, Birdland, NuBlu, Barbes, Zebulon, the Knitting Factory, Joe’s Pub, the Iridium, and the 55-Bar.
Jeff Davis is currently leading and composing for his own ensemble, featuring New York greats Tony Barba, Kirk Knuffke, Jon Goldberger, Kris Davis, and Eivind Opsvik. This group of like minded improvisers recorded for Davis’ debut CD in June of 2007, and is set to be released on Tuesday, March 30th 2010 for the record label, Loyal Label. The music from this group ventures to blur the line between composition and improvisation, and highlights equally the individual soloist as well as collective improvisation. Jeff also leads a trio/quartet featuring Matt Pavolka, Oscar Noriega, and Jon Goldberger.
Originally from Greeley, Colorado, Jeff Davis began playing marimba at the age of nine and later studied classical percussion at the University of Northern Colorado. While in Colorado, Jeff had the opportunity to study and perform with ECM recording artist/pianist Art Lande and trumpet great Ron Miles. Davis holds a Masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
2012 release from the Edison Award winning trumpeter-composer-producer-bandleader. The follow-up to his critically-acclaimed Yesterday You Said Tomorrow is an inspired and provocative two-disc, 23-track collection. With the artist s trumpet at the heart of most of the tunes, the album features reflective ballads, light and dreamy soundscapes, guitar-edged and rock-inflected cookers, trumpet ecstasies as well as clarion calls and anguished wails. A tour de force masterwork, Christian aTunde Adjuah opens a wide window on Scott's present as well as his past (especially in reaction to the jazz trads complaining about his breaking free from the jazz standard) and his auspicious creative future. In his liners, Scott writes that the listener will hear on the album a stretching of jazz, not a replacement.
2012 release from the Edison Award winning trumpeter-composer-producer-bandleader. The follow-up to his critically-acclaimed Yesterday You Said Tomorrow is an inspired and provocative two-disc, 23-track collection. With the artist s trumpet at the heart of most of the tunes, the album features reflective ballads, light and dreamy soundscapes, guitar-edged and rock-inflected cookers, trumpet ecstasies as well as clarion calls and anguished wails. A tour de force masterwork, Christian aTunde Adjuah opens a wide window on Scott's present as well as his past (especially in reaction to the jazz trads complaining about his breaking free from the jazz standard) and his auspicious creative future. In his liners, Scott writes that the listener will hear on the album a stretching of jazz, not a replacement.
Sunday, 29 July, 9 PM
CC Muziek Cafe,
Rustenburgerstraat 384 (near Ferdinand Bolstraat),
Amsterdam. €4
Burton Greene Quartet featuring Alex Coke
Alex Coke (USA, Amsterdam): Saxes and Flute
Roberto Haliffi (Libya, Amsterdam): Drums and Percussion
Daniel Gueli (Italy, Amsterdam): Bass
Burton Greene (USA, Amsterdam): Piano
Playing a wide variety of contemporary improvised music based on jazz originals and standards, klezmer, and balkan influences. The music is a natural synthesis of many elements...
An "eclectic band", a world music synthesis group. Come down and Enjoy... You'll be surprised!
Tracks 01. Ornette's Museum 8:49
02. Tempo Di Prati 6:27
03. 8.1 9:02
04. De mars i rius 11:53
05. Infeccion 2:32
06. Beautiful 7:13
07. Paco el Bala 4:31 Total time: 50:00 min. All compositions by Albert Cirera Personnel: Albert Cirera (tenor sax), Marco Mezquida (piano), Marko Lohikari (bass), Oscar Domenech (drums). FRESH SOUND RECORDS http://oscardomenech.com
What makes Dialect Fluorescent so striking is how Lehman burnishes both original compositions and standard repertoire with a modernistic sheen. Hearing Lehman’s cutting-edge pieces like “Allocentric” and “Foster Brothers” alongside “Moment’s Notice” and “Mr. E” not only shows Lehman’s connection to the past but, more importantly, it highlights the legacy of John Coltrane and Jackie McLean as boundary-breaking conceptualists. The music on Dialect Fluorescent is electrified by Lehman’s trio, which has been performing all over the United States and Europe since 2007. Throughout the album, Damion Reid displays an intricately dynamic conception of the modern drum set, rooted in his apprenticeship under Billy Higgins and his early experiences with Terence Blanchard and Robert Hurst, among others. Matt Brewer may be the only young bassist who can fly around his instrument like a horn player and still produce an incredibly big and propulsive sound. Whether performing the Duke Pearson classic “Jeannine” or Lehman’s labyrinthine “Alloy,” Brewer and Reid create a striking, contemporary sound that transforms all of the material on the album, making it feel totally connected. Pi Recordings
In 1956, 57-year-old Hoagy Carmichael, a giant of American songsmiths, recorded this album for Hollywood's progressive Pacific Jazz label. Johnny Mandel's swinging, uncluttered arrangements placed Carmichael, a product of the 1920s Jazz Age, in an unadulterated modern-jazz setting true to both his past and the current scene. Representing the latter were several top exponents of the West Coast school that the label helped nurture, most notably the principal soloist: alto sax giant Art Pepper. Mandel's arrangements and Pepper's cool, rich eloquence clearly forced normally amiable, laid-back Carmichael to alter his usual approach somewhat. A subtle yet discernable edge permeated his interpretations of "Georgia on My Mind" and "Rockin' Chair" and rendered his vocal on the bluesy "Baltimore Oriole" unusually raw. Two lesser-known ballads, "Winter Moon" and "Ballad in Blue," are beautifully presented, and Mandel's joyously explosive, Basie-esque "Lazy River" unleashed Carmichael's playful side. While his songs are timeless, hearing a man then pushing 60 having a ball with musicians old enough to be his kids is always both exhilarating and inspirational. --Rich Kienzle
Digitally remastered two-fer containing a pair of albums by the American composer. This outstanding edition contains one of songmaster Hoagy Carmichael's best albums ever: the 1956 LP Hoagy Sings Carmichael, featuring the vocalist backed by such modern jazzmen as Harry Edison, Art Pepper and Jimmy Rowles, and with splendid arrangements by Johnny Mandel. In addition, this release also boasts a second complete LP, The Stardust Road. In fact, as was often the case in the early days of the LP, no new music was recorded for this album, as it was a compilation of selections first issued as 78 rpm discs during previous years. The Stardust Road, in particular, contains recordings made from 1939 to 1947. Hoagy can be heard here again singing his own songs and playing the piano on some tunes, as he was a very special pianist. Phoenix.
Keter Betts: Musical Disciple BiopicBy Ada M. Babino This work in progress on jazz master bassist Keter Betts keeps his musical legacy alive, celebrates his 60-year career & contributions in music.
(Photograph by Marvin Joseph-Washington Post)
Completion funds are needed to produce "Keter Betts: Musical Disciple, a feature length documentary that will chronicle the 60-year musical journey of legendary jazz bassist, William “Keter” Betts. Born in Port Chester, NY, Keter at a very young age heeded the call to be a musician. He affectionately described himself as a musical Disciple called by God to make a joyful noise through a timeless form of American’s classical music we call Jazz. Overcoming the many barriers in society such as segregation, and racism; the healing power of music always saw him through.
An internationally renowned bassist, Keter has performed and recorded on over 100 recordings. He has played and recorded with: Earl Bostic, Dinah Washington, Cannonball Adderly, Charlie Byrd, Stan Getz, Tommy Flanagan and Dick Morgan to name a few. He served as Bassist for Ella Fitzgerald for 24 years, and was part of Dinah Washington’s first trio. A Maryland resident for over 40 years, he designed educational music programs for young adults. As an educator, he was affiliated with Howard University, Duke Ellington High School for the Arts, the Wolf Trap's Head Start Program, the Washington Performing Arts Society's Concerts in Schools and the Prince George's County's Arts Alive Program.
This documentary can only be finished with your kind assistance. You are as much a part of its creation as we are. The more people who participate, the more ability we will have to get Keter’s story out to as many people as possible.
So, please help by donating and spreading the word to others. Share this link,“Like” us on Facebook, Twitter it, include our campaign in your newsletters, and email this Kickstarter link:
Claudia Acuña, John Ellis, Alan Hampton, Gretchen Parlato, Becca Stevens, Leron Thomas, Sachal Vasandani, Doug Wamble, Dayna Stephens, Taylor Eigsti, Adam Rogers, Ryan Scott, Danton Boller, Chris Tordini, Ben Williams, Johnathan Blake and Bill Campbell
"News of unprecedented disaster that hit Japan last year has come and gone but the need for relief remains. I am sending this music into the world as an ambassador for people in Japan. I also hope that these songs will bring some comfort and light in your dark moments and help you reconnect with your own humanity." - Rio Sakairi
"Call me romantic, but I believe in the power of music and its ability to heal and uplift," proclaims Rio Sakairi, Director of Programming at The Jazz Gallery, an internationally recognized breeding ground for young musical talent in New York City. It is this sentiment that inspired her into action, when a 9.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011. Marking one of the worst natural disasters on record, the earthquake spawned devastating tsunamis and a subsequent nuclear crisis. The insurmountable destruction claimed tens of thousands of lives, and the world watched in horror. For Sakairi, it was more than an unfathomable tragedy; it literally hit home.
Born and raised in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki - just two hundred miles from the severely ravaged Sendai area - Sakairi was inspired immediately into action. She called upon an esteemed roster of friends and colleagues within the thriving jazz scene, and they came together to create a gift to those who suffered such incredible loss. HOME - Gift of Music is an eight-song manifesto of hope from some of today's most innovative musicians in jazz and beyond, including Gretchen Parlato, Doug Wamble, Becca Stevens, Alan Hampton, John Ellis and Claudia Acuña. Scheduled for release on September 11, 2012 on Sunnyside Records, the singer-songwriter leaning repertoire captures the huge emotive capacity of the artists, with an intimacy as personal as a love letter. The fullness of their hearts is evidenced by the immediacy with which they were able to unlock their overflowing expression of compassion, empathy and, ultimately, optimism.
Sakairi's reputation as a concert producer has placed her among the most influential figures in the jazz field. Her creative ideas, understanding of new trends, track record of discovering and nurturing new talent, and impeccable artistic standards have captured the attention of such seasoned experts as George Wein. Now stepping out as a record producer, Sakairi demonstrates her musical sensibilities and convictions as a philanthropist.
The musical and social camaraderie that Sakairi has so uniquely fostered over the last twelve years at The Jazz Gallery undoubtedly came into play during the recording. The artists donated their time and talents, penning personal songs specifically for this project. All proceeds from HOME - Gift of Music will go to Habitat for Humanity Japan, where volunteers are working tirelessly to rebuild homes for those affected. Studio time, engineering, artwork, graphic design, distribution, marketing and PR services were also generously donated.
"All of the songs were written with very short notice and there was no rehearsal," saysSakairi. "It's pretty magical the way everything came together. It was all done in just one or two takes."
Sakairi's mentoring skills proved instrumental, pushing artists not only beyond the jazz realm, but for some, out of their comfort zones; most notably with the contribution of the multi-reedist John Ellis, who makes his debut as a vocalist on the pensively assuring title track. "I just knew he could do it," says Sakairi, who has commissioned Ellis three times for The Jazz Gallery's notable commissioning program. "Every time I push him, he rises to the challenge, delivering results above and beyond my expectations. It turned out to be great, exactly as I thought it would."
Becca Stevens laces this track and others throughout the album with mesmerizing vocals, and also contributes two standout songs. Her Tillery bandmate Gretchen Parlato offers backing vocals on several tracks as well, and also sings two gorgeous duets with bassist/guitarist Alan Hampton and trumpeter Leron Thomas. Both Hampton and Thomas also shine as vocalists away from their respective instruments. Guitarist Doug Wamble's soulful, hymn-like anthem, "Fear Not the Fall" anchors the overall emotionalism of the album, while singer Sachal Vasandani's album closer, "Doves" stirs up hope for what is to come. The album also boasts a stellar band, including the pianist Taylor Eigsti, the saxophonist Dayna Stephens, the guitarist Adam Rogers, the bassist Ben Williams, and the drummer Johnathan Blake, among others.
Vocalist Claudia Acuña contributes the album's only cover, a rousing rendition of "The Music Is The Magic", written by the incomparable singer/songwriter Abbey Lincoln. The song's lyrics, which embody Sakairi's notions about the power of music, are a perfect fit.
"The music flowed," says Sakairi. "Everything was easy. It felt good to be in the studio, and we were all happy to be there. There was lots of excitement and laughter and good will. Everyone brought their A game and it was so amazing to work with them. I don't know how they do it."
In the age of the five-minute attention span, and in a world with no shortage of catastrophes, Sakairi is working hard to remind everyone that, although the tragedy in Japan may not make the front page today, people are still hurting and the road to recovery is long and difficult. HOME - Gift of Music is a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of her native homeland, and to the ability of music to leave an ineradicable impact. "Action is how we show that we love and we care," says Sakairi. "Action is the only way to combat helplessness. I took on this task because this is my home."
TRACK LISTING/PERSONNEL:
1. Gambare Nippon (0:24)
2. If It Was (2:50) By Alan Hampton
3. Coming Home (2:16) By Becca Stevens
4. Home (3:15) By John Ellis
5. The Music Is The Magic (4:02) By Abbey Lincoln
6. Tillery (5:34) By Becca Stevens
7. Fear Not The Fall (6:23) By Doug Wamble
8. Leave Rebirth (4:44) By Leron Thomas 9. Doves (7:38) By Sachal Vasandani
Claudia Acuña - vocals (track 5) John Ellis - vocals (track 4) Alan Hampton - vocals & guitar (track 2)
Laurie Pepper founded 
The vinyl singles owe their existence to Omnivore Recordings' Cheryl Pawelski, who happened to hear the burning version of Art's deeply funky tune "Red Car" posted by Widow's Taste last year as a free listen for the fans. Cheryl immediately called Laurie to ask if they could make a deal for a vinyl release. They did. Between them they chose that "Red Car" and, for the flip side, an effervescent "Blues for Blanche." "Art hated the idea that people put jazz in a pigeonhole," says Laurie. "He said he wanted to make people forget the categories. 'I want to make them open up and listen.'" Omnivore, with its comedy, pop, rock, and what-is-it catalog, is a vehicle that's made to carry absolutely everything.
George (at right, with Art) will be heard on more releases in the years to come. In fact, a treasure trove of hitherto unheard material has quite recently been unearthed, much of it recorded directly from the sound boards at great concerts in Japan, where Art returned repeatedly. While much of the material is the same from gig to gig, each version stands alone and fresh as Art engages with it. In store are not-to-be-missed performances -- and some surprise unique tracks like this "Winter Moon."
