News From Jazzinstitut Darmstadt

4. Juni 2015                                
Jen Shyu / Susanna Gartmayer

Frank J. Oteri talks to the singer Jen Shyu about her worldwide travels which have broadened her aesthetic horizons, about the meaning of her self-definition as an "experimental jazz vocalist", about wanting to blend into an ensemble context, about her fascination with Abbey Lincoln, about getting into the jazz idiom when she was 13, about her Asian-American cultural background and its impact on her music, about the political dimensions of jazz, as well as about her duo with bassist Mark Dresser ( New Music Box). --- Franziska Buhre talks to the Austrian bass clarinetist Susanna Gartmayer about her early fascination by vocalists such as Meredith Monk and Yma Sumac, about doubts raised by her arts studies which only increased her interest in improvised music and jazz, about a changing jazz scene in which more and more female musicians make themselves heard and about trying to achieve a sound connected to the spaces she performs in ( TAZ).

5. Juni 2015
Jon Batiste / Charlie Parker

Jim Farber reports that the pianist Jon Batiste will be the new "Late Show" bandleader for host Stephen Colbert who takes over the show from David Letterman starting 8 September ( New York Daily News). --- In advance of the premiere of the opera "Charlie Parker's Yardbird" Karen Smyles and Elisabeth Perez-Luna talk to the composer Daniel Schnyder, the librettist Bridgette Wimberly and the tenor Lawrence Brownlee, and in the background audio of the interviews you can here small excerpts from the opera which plays Philadelphia's Kimmel Theater from this weekend ( NewsWorks). Shawn E. Milnes gets a first glimpse ( The Daily Beast), and Peter Dobrin has the first review ( Philadelphia Inquirer). Anne Midgette ( Washington Post) and Anthony Tommasini ( New York Times) attended the premiere as well.

6. Juni 2015
Brad Terry / Juan-les-Pins

Darren Fishell talks to the clarinetist Brad Terry about his diagnosis with attention deficit disorder and how it "had complicated his efforts to learn to read music or take well to instruction" ( Bangor Daily News). Terry speaks about his musical partner, the young guitarist Peter Herman, about performing with Lenny Breau in the late 1970s, and about having seen Lester Young at an outdoor concert in Bryant Park in New York. In an odd aside the article also mentioned that during the past two years Terry had "borrowed the kitchen floor of Buddy Tate’s New York apartment". --- Verena Fischer-Zernin reports about the 56-year-old tradition of Jazz à Juan, the jazz festival on the French Riviera ( Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ). She discovers that jazz in the region goes back to the 1920s and talks to some regulars who heard them all, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald or Keith Jarrett.

7. Juni 2015
Chick Corea / Antonio Sanchez

Manfred Pabst talks to the pianist Chick Corea about his duo performances with Herbie Hancock, about trying to look ahead in his music instead of looking back, about performing as the most wonderful part of the day (and his own reaction to an audience taking too many photos), about studying scientology but not wanting to convince others of it, about the need to practice, about virtuosity, about electronic instruments and about the biggest influences on his music ( Neue Zürcher Zeitung ). --- Arun Rath talks to the drummer Antonio Sanchez about the challenges of creating the soundtrack for the movie "Birdman" ( NPR). Nate Chinen, meanwhile listens to two of Sanchez's most recent albums ( New York Times).

8. Juni 2015
Lizz Wright / Clare Church

Bänz Friedli talks to the singer Lizz Wright about different influences on her art, about the political dimensions of her music after Ferguson and Baltimore, about daily racism, but also about the deep good she has experienced in people ( Neue Zürcher Zeitung ). --- Ryan Haarer talks to the former saxophonist, now drummer Clare Church who had to change instruments due to Cranial Dystonia, a chronic condition which was triggered by her instruments ( 9News).

9. Juni 2015
Germany. A Survey / Klaus Doldinger

There have been studies about the living and working condition of jazz musicians in several countries, but the last such study about the situation in Germany is decades old. Now the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt, the Union Deutscher Jazzmusiker (a musicians' interest group) and the IG Jazz Berlin (a local initiative) have commissioned an extensive study undertaken by Hildesheim University and financed by the federal government as well as the regional governments of the states Northrhine-Westfalia, Lower Saxony and Berlin. It aims at a better knowledge of how musicians live, where their income comes from and how they fit within the German social security structures. The results will be made public at the Jazzfest Berlin in early November, together with recommendations for fitting funding measures to support this creative scene. The online study for professional German musicians can be accessed here: Jazzstudie 2015. --- Martina Kaden talks to the German saxophonist Klaus Doldinger about being on stage since 62 years, about his roots in Berlin, about his first performances, about his detour into pop music under the name "Paul Nero", about film music, healthy living, and his recommendations for young musicians ( BZ).

10. Juni 2015
... what else ...

Geoff Winston hears a new recording by the bassist and violinist Henry Grimes ( London Jazz News). --- Joe Klopus reports about the American Jazz Walk of Fame in Kansas City which came into existence last year and which received six more medallions last Saturday: for Bennie Moten, Claude 'Fiddler' Williams, Coleman Hawkins, Myra Taylor, Lester Yong and Everette DeVan ( Kansas City Star). --- Franziska Buhre reports about this year's Moers Festival ( TAZ ). --- Ben Ratliff hears Dr. Lonnie Smith at the Jazz Standard in New York ( New York Times). --- The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Wayne Winborne ( IJS, Facebook). Vincent Pelote, longtime archivist at IJS and supporter for all researchers visiting the world's most important jazz archive, had been named its Director of Operations in April already.

Obituaries

We read another obituary about the producer Bruce Lundvall, this one by his friend and biographer Dan Ouellette ( ZealZNC) as well as a belated obituary about the German pianist and singer Wolfgang Sauer ( Westdeutsche Zeitung). --- We learned of the passing of the pianist Ray Kennedy at the age of 58 ( St. Louis Post-Dispatch ), the pianist Corky McClerkin at the age of 72 ( Chicago Tribune), as well as the Canadian drummer Archie Alleyne at the age of 82 ( CBC News).

Last Week at the Jazzinstitut

The 14th Darmstadt Jazzforum will focus on "Gender and Identity in Jazz" from 1st to 4th October 2015. Our call for papers went out earlier this year and lead to many interesting suggestions for papers among which we selected eighteen for our fall conference, documenting a number of different approaches. Now we published the names of the speakers as well as abstracts of their papers on our website ( jazzforum.jazzinstitut.de). We look forward to exciting discussions during the conference.

Closer to this newsletter are two events we co-organize next week. On Wednesday (17 June, 8pm) the Jazzinstitut is part of the 20th Darmstadt Music Talk for which our colleagues and us invited Kerstin Schultz, Darmstadt-based professor for architecture and urban planning who will have us re-think the different relationships between "Music and Architecture" ( Darmstädter Musikgespräche ).

The next day (Thursday, 18 June, 7:30 pm) Wolfram Knauer will moderate the 2nd Mainz Jazz Talk hosted by the jazz department at Mainz University. Daniel Martin Feige, pianist, philosopher and author of the recently published book "Philosophie des Jazz" [philosophy of jazz] (Suhrkamp Verlag) will introduce some of his ideas about what philosophy can learn from jazz, and a panel made up of the saxophonist Angelika Niescier, the guitarist and musicologist Jörg Heuser and the pianist and Mainz professor Sebastian Sternal will then discuss some of the arguments and ask which of Feige's observations they know from their own daily work ( Mainzer Jazzgespräche).

Sunday Brunch @ Blue Note w/ Thana Alexa

Pat Bianchi's "A Higher Standard" out today!

The time honored legacy of jazz is to look upon its heritage to build its future. The remarkable organist Pat Bianchi is totally dedicated to that tradition, and in full evidence on his extraordinary new CD, "A Higher Standard," that comes out today on 21-H Records. "My goal for this album - like all my others - is to find material that is going to challenge me, but won't lose the energy, intent and feeling that is associated with the great jazz organists and their recordings."

Clearly he has met that challenge. With his outstanding arrangements and the shared commitment of the other members of his trio - guitarist Craig Ebner and longtime associate Byron Landham on drums - Pat delivers a scintillating and captivating set of 10 sonic landscapes that defy what might be expected from an organ trio. Building upon Larry Young's liberation of the instrument from its previous confines, Pat combines fiery adventurousness with a highly lyrical imagination - equally at play on beautiful ballads and blazing drivers... and everything in between. Block chords, smears, single note runs that rival the powerhouse energy of Cecil Taylor, and shimmering musicality are all woven together seamlessly to tell his stimulating stories, but never losing sight of the sense of swing and celebration that keeps the music focused on the audience's enjoyment.

Pat's virtuosity is met head-on by his colleagues, with the fluid and spirited playing of Ebner flawless in both his soloi ng and support; and Landham always vigorously exhilarating and vividly inventive. Together they create a synergy and unity of intent that makes every piece a fully realized and perfectly delineated sculpture of sound.

The repertoire is delightfully varied both in its sources and intent. Jazz classics, a couple of popular tunes, and a pair of Broadway show tunes combine with two Bianchi originals - all brewed together into a seamless whole like continuous episodes of an enthralling story.

Pat's originals include "Will of Landham" a surging, dramatically-etched burner with an angular unison line. Marked by a horn-like organ solo with Dolphy-esque intervals and runs and a scorching guitar solo, it closes on ascending/descending rolling hills over blazing drumming from its namesake. "Blues Minus One" is an audaciously syncopated, buoyant jaunt with a daring organ solo that maintains its blues core without being in any way limited by it.

The jazz classics include Horace Silver's "Blue Silver" in a deliciously laid back and respectfully blue mood; John Coltrane's "Satellite" with a dynamic organ solo of briskly syncopated chords and sparkling runs; a gentle and appropriately introspective take on Bill Evans' signature theme "Very Early"; and a romping version of Oscar Pettiford's classic "Bohemia After Dark."

The Broadway gems include Victor Youmans' "Without a Song" (from the 1929 show Great Day) that opens the album in a brisk groove, built on Pat's vibrant bass pedal bottom. Leonard Bernstein's score for On the Town provides the exquisite "Some Other Time," delivered with the filigreed poignancy it deserves.

Sergio Mendes' Brasil '66 ballad hit "So Many Stars" unfolds atmospherically on cymbal swells, with the Brazilian feel slowed to a tantalizing gait, as gentle as a misty rain in a tropical forest. And Stevie Wonder's "From the Bottom of My Heart" closes this brilliant album on a soulfully impassioned, backbeat driven and infectiously rhythmic note.

In addition to his five previous albums as leader or co-leader, Pat's performing history includes a litany of jazz giants. A member of the great Pat Martino's current ensemble, Bianchi has also worked frequently with the legendary Lou Donaldson, as well as George Coleman, Houston Person, Tim Warfield, Red Holloway, Harvey Mason, Mark Whitfield, Javon Jackson, Chuck Loeb, and so many more... all of which has had a tremendous influence on what he feels is essential to bring to the table as a leader.

"I have spent a long time being a sideman to some incredible musicians and they have all taught me that as a musician/leader I need to hold myself and my music to a higher standard." This CD most definitely lives up to that objective.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard

116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Friday, June 12, 2015

Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard

116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard

116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Set: 8:00 PM   

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Pat Bianchi w/The Pat Martino Trio @ Jazz Standard

116 E 27th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY (United States) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Sunday, June 28, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM  

Monday, June 29, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM  

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Thursday, July 2, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM  

Friday, July 3, 2015

We Love Jazz @ Bobby Durham Jazz Festival

Isola del Cantone, (Italy) - Set: 8:00 PM 

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Pat Bianchi Trio CD Release feat. Byron Landham and Dave Stryker @ Dazzle

930 Lincoln St., Denver, CO (United States) - Set: 7:30 PM 

Friday, July 17, 2015

Pat Bianchi Trio CD Release feat. Byron Landham and Dave Stryker @ Dazzle

930 Lincoln St., Denver, CO (United States) - 

Saturday, August 15 

Pat Bianchi Trio feat. Byron Landham and Craig Ebner

Rochester NY

Molly Holm's Impermanent Project: An Evening of Vocal Improvisations in Oakland, June 6

One of our favorite contemporary singers, Molly Holm will be presenting her "Impermanent Project" tomorrow night, June 6th, at 8pm @ Avonova (417 Avon Street, in Oakland). Essential.

Chris Parker Trio @ Drummers Collective, NY

I became a fan of drummer Chris Parker in the mid-70s, by listening to his albums with people like Deodato ("Very Together"), Esther Phillips ("What A Difference A Day Makes"), Joe Beck ("Beck"), and many sessions with The Brecker Bros. and the cult group Stuff. Four decades later, I'm planning to attend his trio performance tomorrow afternoon, June 5th, from 4pm to 6pm @ Drummers Collective (541 6th Ave. between 14th and 15th Street) in New York. Featuring Ryoko Oyobe on piano, Ameen Saleem on bass, and Roberta Lawrence on vocals. Not to be missed.

Fusion CD of the Month - "Stephanie Lottermoser: Paris Songbook"

Fusion CD of the Month
Stephanie Lottermoser: "Paris Songbook" (DownHill Records) 2015

Composed & Arranged by Stephanie Lottermoser
Mixed & Mastered by Thomas Peschel
Photos: Rahwa Seyum
Artwork: White Label München
Special Guest: Torsten Goods (guitar & vocals)
Featuring: Stephanie Lottermoser (tenor sax, flute, vocals), François Faure (keyboards), Peter Cudek (bass), Magnus Dauner (drums), Heiko Himmighoffen (percussion), Ferdinand Kirner & Christoph Müller (guitars)

If you like Grover Washington, Jr. and George Benson (and Fender Rhodes sounds!), you'll love this second album as a leader by German saxophonist, flutist and composer Stephanie Lottermoser. Specially such jazz-funk instrumental tracks as "Model Railroad Landscape" (nice Rhodes' contribution by François Faure), "Suddenly" (great Benson-esque guitar solo by Torsten Goods),  "Get It" (a soul-jazz trip with organ sounds spiced by congas & tambourine), "Breeze" and the delightful "Coccinelle," on which she doubles tenor and flute.

She sings, with a fragile voice a la Carla Bruni, on the more pop-oriented songs "Blues," "Pink," "The Day I Turned" and on the blues "I Hope That You Will Miss Me When I'm Gone" (in a duet with Torsten Goods, once again a great Benson disciple, flying beyond the blue horizon in a beautiful solo), "Somebody That I Used To Know" and "This Saturday."

"Most of this album was written during a six month stay at the Cité International Des Arts in Paris between 2013 and 2014," Lottermoser explains in the booklet text. "It's not an album of French songs, but an album with my impressions, stories and memories of my time in that great city. I'm very thankful for that opportunity and all the things I experienced and learned and for the new friends I met!"

Besides the eleven studio tracks, there are three bonus tracks recorded live at the Unterfahrt, Munich's top jazz club: "Step Ahead" (maybe Stephanie's best solo on the date, over an irresistible groove and with a nice wah-wah guitar contribution by Ferdinand Kirner), an alternate live verson of "Blues" and, surprise!, a touching bossa-tinged vocal reading of Charles Trenet's classic French hymn "Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours," a song that João Gilberto also loves and recorded on his album with Clare Fischer. You did it again, Stephanie!

Randy Weston & Billy Harper: Highlights In Jazz, June 11th @ Tribeca Performing Arts

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz
New York's Longest Running Jazz Concert Series - concludes its 43rd Season with
Jazz, Past & Present, a historic double bill featuring NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston with Billy Harper performing The Roots of the Blues and Highlights In Jazz New Stars (Benny Benack, Steven Frieder, Dylan Meek, Devin Starks & Kosta Galanopoulos) plus a very special surprise guest.

Thursday, June 11, 2015 at 8 pm 
at Tribeca Performing Arts Center 
Borough of Manhattan Community College
199 Chambers Street, N.Y., NY

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz, New York's longest running jazz concert series, concludes its 43rd season on Thursday June 11, 2015 at 8:00 PM in the Tribeca Performing Arts Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers Street, NY, 10007 with Jazz Past & Present, a multigenerational double bill featuring the incomparable duo of, pianist Randy Weston and tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, performing a program including selections from their critically acclaimed album The Roots of the Blues.  Sharing the bill with NEA Jazz Master Weston, who   celebrated his 89th birthday in April, will be the Highlights In Jazz New Stars, a youthful quintet of twenty-somet hings assembled by Kleinsinger himself to feature some of his favorite up and coming young jazz players - saxophonist Steven Frieder, trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack, pianist Dylan Meek, bassist Devin Starks and drummer Kosta Galanopoulos.

Making his first Highlights In Jazz appearance, NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston embodies the history of jazz past and present  in his uniquely original playing -- from the swing of Duke Ellington to the bop of Thelonious Monk and onward with his own perennially modern music. A tireless proponent of the African roots of jazz, his sound is steeped deep in the blues, as evident in his latest critically acclaimed Sunnyside recording "The Roots of the Blues," which features his partner on the program, veteran tenor saxophonist Billy Harper.

The album, which is comprised of a baker's dozen of piano/saxophones duets ranging from jazz classics like "Take The A Train," "Body and Soul" and "How High The Moon" to Weston's own engaging originals such as "Blues To Africa" and "Berkshire Blues" has been hailed by Downbeat for its "intimacy and warmth." Weston says of Harper, with whom he has played for more than 40 years, "Billy is a great blues player. When he plays the tenor it's like an orchestra." Together the pair will bring the history of jazz to life.

                                                     (Randy Weston)

The program will also include the Highlights In Jazz New Stars, a youthful quintet handpicked by Kleinsinger to participate in this program.  The veteran producer declares "I'm very excited about the concert because I'm having some of my kids, people who played with us when they were (just) students at the New School and the Manhattan School of Music and Julliard. He beams, "The kids are great. Benny Benack -- he's a trumpeter and a scat singer that's extraordinary. Steven Frieder possesses a big warm sound reminiscent of the legendary tenor sax giants of t he past and Dylan Meek, already an acclaimed recording artist and jazz club attraction on piano. Devin Starks is a bass player who plays with Charles Tolliver.  He's also a youngster. And so is drummer Kosta Galanopoulos, who is still at the New School ... You know it's important to me because a lot of younger musicians that are not so young any more, got their start with Highlights In Jazz; Kenny Washington, Greg Hutchinson, Peter Bernstein and so many others."

Bennie Benack feels honored to be one of the musicians selected to join that lineage. He proclaims, "Jack Kleinsinger has been highlighting the next generation with his support for years, and it's humbling to be included in one of his patented All-Star groups, this time featuring some guys we're all going to be hearing about for decades to come..."

And of course, as in all Highlights In Jazz concerts there will be a surprise special guest.  Kleinsinge r notes with justified pride that past surprise appearances have included, Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan and Branford Marsalis and other jazz greats. "You know," he says, "it doesn't get any better than that!"

All Shows At BMCC TRIBECA Performing Arts Center
Borough of Manhattan Community College
199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007
http://tribecapac.org

By car take FDR Drive south to end, through underpass onto West Street,
north to Chambers.
By Subway take 1, 2, 3, 9, A, C, E, J or M train to Chambers or N, R to City Hall stop.
Walk west on Chambers.

Box Office 212-220-1460
Ticket Prices:
$45.00
$40.00 (student rate with valid ID)
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the box office or by mail order.

Please send a check made payable to: Highlights In Jazz
Please mail orders to:
Highlights In Jazz 

7 Peter Cooper Road, Apt. 11E 
New York NY 10010
(Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope)

News From Jazzinstitut Darmstadt

28 May 2015                         
Jazz Journalism / Michael Wollny

Willard Jenkins talks to Haybert Houston, the longtime editor of California Jazz Now, one of only a few black publication efforts on behalf of jazz, published between 1991 and 2006 ( The Independent Ear). --- Andreas Bomba talks to the German pianist Michael Wollny about the inspiration for album projects, about "jazz" being a term too unspecific to describe his music, "improvised music" fitting much better, about moving from Frankfurt to Leipzig, and about teaching improvisation ( Frankfurter Neue Presse ).

29 May 2015
Charlie Parker / Branford Marsalis

Tom Di Nardo reports about the opera "Charlie Parker's Yardbird" by Daniel Schnyder honoring Charlie Parker which is to be premiered in Philadelphia in early June ( Philadelphia Daily News ). Di Nardo talks to the Swiss-born composer, to the conductor Corrado Rovaris, the librettist Bridgette Wimberly, the tenor Lawrence Brownlee and the soprano Angela Brown. Corinna de Fonseca-Wollheim has the story and talks to the same protagonists as well ( New York Times). --- Tom R. Schulz meets the saxophonist Branford Marsalis for a photo shoot at the shipyards in Hamburg, Germany, where he came for the Echo Jazz award gala ( Hamburger Abendblatt). Marsalis explains that at home only his saxophones tell visitors that he is a musician, while all awards go straight to his manager. He jokes that he doesn't quite understand why people like his recent solo album, "It's just saxophone". And he remembers that he was shocked when he found out that the theme of his composition "The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born" really is based on motives from of a Brahms symphony.

30 May 2015
Ornette Coleman / Robert Johnson

Daniel Kreps reports that the saxophonist Ornette Coleman filed a lawsuit claiming that 2014's "New Vocabulary" was released without his "consent or knowledge" ( Rolling Stone). The trumpeter Jordan McLean and the drummer Amir Ziv had come to Coleman's New York loft for some teaching sessions in 2009 which they recorded and subsequently released even though Coleman had denied their request for doing so. Joe Lynch has more of the story ( Billboard). --- Ted Gioia looks at the legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil as an example of popular lore and at rumors that it might have been created in the rebellious 1960s, not originating in the 1930s ( Radio Silence). Was it just the fact that he did play the blues which connected his music to the "dark powers"? Gioia then looks at some of Johnson's recordings themselves for clues, collects testimonies from the 1940s onwards, but also reflects about the possibility that blues writers manufactured the story because not much was known about Johnson's life.

31 May 2015
Echo Jazz / Elbjazz

The German Echo Jazz awards were presented to the artists on Thursday at Hamburg's Blohm + Voss shipyard ( Musikmarkt). Among the winners are: Michael Wollny, Vincent Peirani and Emile Parisien, Johanna Borchert, Andreas Schaerer, Chick Corea, Niels Klein, Branford Marsalis, Eric Schaefer, Jeff Ballard, Eva Kruse, Lars Danielsson, Sebastian Studnitzky, Ambrose Akinmusire, Tobias Hoffmann, Pat Metheny, Gregory Porter, Christof Lauer and the NDR Bigband as well as Eberhard Weber. We read reviews both about the award show and the following Elbjazz festival at the same venue ( Die Welt (1), Die Welt (2)).

1 June 2015
Terence Blanchard / Sebastian Gille

Mark Stryker talks to the trumpeter Terence Blanchard from New Orleans who has been a presence on the Detroit jazz scene for some years and will be featured in a festival called "A Tale of Two Cities. Motown Meets the Big Easy" ( Detroit Free Press). --- Tom R. Schulz talks to the German saxophonist Sebastian Gille about his dual past as a tenor saxophonist and booker for a local club in Hamburg, about the feeling of freedom after he experienced a creative block during a concert in Berlin, and about different recent projects in which he shows "unrestrained emotional intensity" as the pianist and composer Wolf Kerschek explains ( Hamburger Abendblatt). Gille received the Hamburg Jazz Award last Saturday.

2 June 2015
Jack DeJohnette / Metropole Orchestra

Howard Mandel talks to the drummer Jack DeJohnette about choosing Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill and Muhal Richard Abrams to perform with him for Jack DeJohnette Day in Chicago, and about Chicago having been a "fantastic hub of eclectic music" in the 1960s ( NPR). Mandel also talks to Mitchell, Threadgill and Abrams about the importance of Chicago and the AACM for their career and for music in general. --- The Dutch Metropole Orchestra celebrates the 100th birthday of its founder Dolf van den Linden as well as its own 70th anniversary ( Dutch News). It was founded in 1945 as an ensemble specializing in "light music" to bolster the spirits of the Dutch after the war, later became a popular entertainment big band but also invited jazz stars on a regular basis. In 2012 the state subsidies were withdrawn, a move the government rethought after major protests which led to a "bridging agreement with the orchestra that it will be self-financing by 2017".

3 June 2015
... what else ...

Nate Chinen hears the trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf in a tribute to Oum Kalthoum at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola ( New York Times). --- Heinrich Oehmsen talks to the singer Gregory Porter about being MC for the Echo Jazz award in Hamburg, Germany ( Hamburger Abendblatt). --- Jozen Cummings reports about both programming and food strategies to attract an audience to the "new" Minton's in Harlem ( New York Post). --- Matthias Zwarg attends a concert, discussion and exhibition about jazz in the former GDR (East Germany) in Freiberg ( Freie Presse). --- NPR has a two-hour video about the saxophonist Kamasi Washington including a big part of the album release concert for "The Epic" from the Regent Theater in Downtown Los Angeles online: quite recommendable ( NPR). --- The Argentinian-German trumpeter Valentin Garvie will receive this year's Hesse Jazz Award ( Hessischer Rundfunk). --- Tatjana Böhme-Mehner reports about the Lippman und Rau Musikarchiv in Eisenach, Germany ( OTZ).

Obituaries
We read more obituaries about the trumpeter Marcus Belgrave who had died last week at the age of 78 ( New York Times, Detroit Free Press) and the guitarist B.B. King ( Billboard). --- We learned of the passing of the guitarist Slim Richey at the age of 77 ( 360 Austin, Fort Worth Business Press ), the German pianist and singer Wolfgang Sauer at the age of 87 (in April already), the Austrian pianist Karl Wlaschek at the age of 97 ( Forbes), the German trumpeter Peter Rose at the age of 78 ( Main-Netz), and the Swiss critic Bruno Rub at the age of 70 ( Aargauer Zeitung).

Last Week at the Jazzinstitut
On Monday a big survey about living and working condition of German jazz musicians started ( Jazzstudie 2015). The study which is undertaken by Hildesheim University was commissioned by the Jazzinstitut Darmstadt, the Union Deutscher Jazzmusiker and the IG Jazz Berlin and is being financed by the federal government as well as the regional governments of the states Northrhine-Westfalia, Lower Saxony and Berlin. It aims at a better knowledge of how musicians live, where their income comes from and how they fit within the German social security structures. The results will be made public at the Jazzfest Berlin in early November, together with recommendations for fitting funding measures to support this creative scene.

Wolfram Knauer traveled to Kiel in Northern Germany last weekend to participate in an event organized by students of the Musicology department at Kiel University there asking about possible job opportunities outside academia after their studies.

We read ... Michael Stephans' book "Experiencing Jazz. A Listener's Companion" and Jean-Luc Katchoura's book "Tal Farlow. A Life in Jazz Guitar". The review of these and other books can be found on the book review page of our website.

Lew Soloff's Memorial in New York, June 8

                                           (Photo by John Abbott)

A prestigious group of the jazz world's finest players will pay tribute to their colleague, legendary trumpet player Lew Soloff (Feb. 20, 1944-Mar 8, 2015) on Monday, June 8, 2015 at the John C. Borden Auditorium, located at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM).  This event is free to the public and begins at 7:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:15pm.

MSM and the Borden Auditorium are located at 120 Claremont Avenue (entrance on West 122nd Street, just steps West of Broadway), New York, New York 10027.  For further information please contact Caryn Freitag, Communications and Public Relations Associate at MSM, (917) 493-4536 or cfreitag@msmnyc.edu.

Soloff was a vital part of the New York jazz scene for more than 50 years. Throughout his respected career, his unique and unforgettable trumpet solos graced hundreds of projects in the fields of jazz, classical, rock, blues, pop and Latin music, including numerous film and TV soundtracks. Many of those whose lives he touched will gather to share their talent in tribute to Soloff on this special evening. I was blessed with the chance to record with him and we instantly became friends.

The musical program for this celebration is under the direction of Soloff's close friends Paul Shaffer and Noah Evans.  Shaffer will also serve as Master of Ceremonies.  Some of the artists taking part include: Wynton Marsalis, Steve Tyrell, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Will Lee, Chris Potter, Jimmy Owens, Adam Nussbaum, Ray Anderson, Sammy Figueroa and the classi cal quintet Manhattan Brass. A complete list of those participating is posted below.  The program will also include a visual montage of Soloff's life and career.  A comprehensive Soloff artist biography is available at lewsoloff.com.

For those who would like to honor Soloff's memory, tax-deductible contributions at all levels may be made to Manhattan School of Music with donations going toward the school's Jazz Arts Program.  For nearly 20 years, Soloff was part of the Jazz Arts faculty at MSM.  The school hopes to create an endowed scholarship in Soloff's name, thus recognizing in perpetuity this extraordinary musician's indelible contributions, while also supporting young musicians.  For further information, please visit http://www.msmnyc.edu/Give-to-MSM/Tribute-Giving or contact Andrea Sanseverino Galan, Vice President for Advancement, agalan@msmnyc.edu.

Musical guests scheduled to perform at press time include: Ray Anderson, Dave Bargeron, Jeff Berlin, Randy Brecker, Cecil Bridgewater, John Clark, Anne Drummond, Mark Egan, Miles Evans, Jon Faddis, Sammy Figueroa, Alex Foster, Carlos Franzetti, Gil Goldstein, Beth Gottlieb, Danny Gottlieb, Grace Kelly, Will Lee, Pete Levin, Jesse Levy, Fred Lipsius, Tom Malone, Manhattan Brass (Wayne Du Maine, R.J. Kelley, Michael Seltzer, David Taylor), Lou Marini, Wynton Marsalis, Lisa Maxwell, Emily Mitchell, Francois Moutin, Adam Nussbaum, Shunzo Ohno, Jimmy Owens, Chris Potter, Jhair Sala, Paul Shaffer, Brandon Soloff, Bob Stewart, Steve Tyrell, Adam Mandela Wald en and Jeff "Tain" Watts.

Box Set of the Month - "Bossa Nova: The Cool Sound From Brazil"

Box Set of the Month
"Bossa Nova - The Cool Sound From Brazil" (Documents)

10-CD box set that brings together seventeen classic original albums that now are in Public Domain in Europe (50 years after their initial release). Featuring bossa nova stars like João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luiz Bonfá, and many more. The press-release states that "All the music comes from original sources" (it's not true, they seem to come from mp3 files, and include 12" and 10" albums as well as singles from different labels such as Odeon, Philips, Festa, Pacific Jazz, Sinter etc) and has been digitally remastered. Many were never officially reissued on CD as individual releases. Among them, the 4-track EP "Passeio No Rio" by Luiz Bonfá, and "Escolha E Dance Com Paulo Moura E Sua Orquestra de Danças" that features an uncredited João Donato.

The complete list of titles are as follows: João Gilberto 'Chega de Saudade' & 'O Amor, o Sorriso e a Flor', Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá 'Orfeu Negro' (movie soundtrack), Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius De Moraes, Roberto Paiva & Luiz Bonfá 'Orfeu da Conceicao' (stage play soundtrack), Carlos Lyra 'Bossa Nova', Lucio Alves 'Sua Voz Intima, Sua Bossa Nova Interpretando Sambas em 3-D', Sylvia Telles 'Amor de Gente Moça - Musicas de Antonio Carlos Jobim', Sylvia Telles 'Carícia', Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely 'A Voz E O Violao', Luiz Bonfa 'Passeio no Rio', Alaide Costa 'Canta Suavemente', Maysa 'Voltei', Dorival Caymmi 'Eu Nao Tenho Onde Morar', Elizeth Cardoso 'Canção do Amor Demais', Lenita Bruno e Orquestra 'Por Toda Minha Vida', Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças 'Escolha... e Dance com Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças', Laurino Almeida Quartet 'Featuring Bud Shank'.

CD1
1. João Gilberto - Chega de saudade
2. João Gilberto - Lobo bobo
3. João Gilberto - Brigas nunca mais
4. João Gilberto - Hô-bá-lá-lá
5. João Gilberto - Saudade fez um samba
6. João Gilberto - Maria ninguém
7. João Gilberto - Desafinado
8. João Gilberto - Rosa morena
9. João Gilberto - Morena boca de ouro
10. João Gilberto - Bim Bom
11. João Gilberto - Aos pés da cruz
12. João Gilberto - É luxo só
13. João Gilberto - Samba De Uma Nota Só
14. João Gilberto - Doralice
15. João Gilberto - Só Em Teus Braços
16. João Gilberto - Trevo De Quatro Folhas
17. João Gilberto - Se É Tarde, Me Perdoa
18. João Gilberto - Um Abraço No Bonfá
19. João Gilberto - Meditação
20. João Gilberto - O Pato
21. João Gilberto - Corcovado
22. João Gilberto - Discussão
23. João Gilberto - Amor Certinho
24. João Gilberto - Outra Vez

CD2
1. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Générique
2. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - A Felicidade
3. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Frevo
4. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - O Nosso Amor
5. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - O Nosso Amor (Tambourine and Accordian)
6. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Manha De Carnaval (Morning of the Carnival)
7. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Scene Du Lever Du Soleil
8. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Manha De Carnaval (Morning of the Carnival)
9. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Scenes De La Macumba
10. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - O Nosso Amor
11. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Manha De Carnaval (Morning of the Carnival)
12. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Samba De Orfeo
13. Antonio Carlos Jobim & Luiz Bonfá - Batterie De Cappela Orfeu da Conceicao
14. Antonio Carlos Jobim - Overture -
15. Vinícius De Moraes - Monólogo de Orfeu
16. Roberto Paiva - Um nome de mulher
17. Roberto Paiva - Se todos fossem iguais a você
18. Roberto Paiva - Mulher, sempre mulher
19. Roberto Paiva - Eu e o meu amor
20. Roberto Paiva - Lamento no morro

CD3
1. Carlos Lyra - Chora Tua Tristeza
2. Carlos Lyra - Ciume
3. Carlos Lyra - Barquinho De Papel
4. Carlos Lyra - Rapaz De Bem
5. Carlos Lyra - S Mesmo Por Amor
6. Carlos Lyra - Gosto De Voc
7. Carlos Lyra - Quando Chegares
8. Carlos Lyra - Maria Ningum
9. Carlos Lyra - Cancao Do Olhar Amado
10. Carlos Lyra - O Bem Do Amor
11. Carlos Lyra - Menina
12. Carlos Lyra - Sem Saudade De Voce
13. Lucio Alves - Lá Vem a Baiana
14. Lucio Alves - Se Acaso Você Chegasse
15. Lucio Alves - Boa Noite Amor
16. Lucio Alves - Nem Eu
17. Lucio Alves - Se Todos Fossem Iguais a Você
18. Lucio Alves - Menino De Braçanã
19. Lucio Alves - Agora É Cinza
20. Lucio Alves - Laura
21. Lucio Alves - Estrada Do Sol
22. Lucio Alves - Conceição
23. Lucio Alves - Beija-Me
24. Lucio Alves - Ninguém Me Ama

CD4
1. Sylvia Telles - Dindi
2. Sylvia Telles - De Você Eu Gosto
3. Sylvia Telles - Discussão
4. Sylvia Telles - Sem Você
5. Sylvia Telles - Fotografia
6. Sylvia Telles - Janelas Abertas
7. Sylvia Telles - Demais
8. Sylvia Telles - O Que Tinha de Ser
9. Sylvia Telles - A Felicidade
10. Sylvia Telles - Canta Canta Mais
11. Sylvia Telles - Só Em Teus Braços
12. Sylvia Telles - Esquecendo Você
13. Sylvia Telles - Por Causa de Você
14. Sylvia Telles - Sucedeu Assim
15. Sylvia Telles - Tu e Eu
16. Sylvia Telles - Se Todos Fossem Iguais A Você
17. Sylvia Telles - Canção da Volta
18. Sylvia Telles - Chove La Fora
19. Sylvia Telles - Duas Contas
20. Sylvia Telles - Foi a Noite

CD5
1. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - A Voz do Violão
2. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Luar de Agosto
3. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Vagotonia
4. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Samba do Orfeu
5. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Tema de Amor
6. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Quando a Noite Vem Amor
7. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Nasci Para Te Adorar
8. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Noche Azteca
9. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Rancho de Orfeu
10. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Manhã de Carnaval
11. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Amor Sem Adeus
12. Luiz Bonfa & Norma Suely - Variações
13. Luiz Bonfa - Manha de Carnaval
14. Luiz Bonfa - Passeio no Rio
15. Luiz Bonfa - Samba de Orfeu
16. Luiz Bonfa - Mosaico

CD6
1. Alaide Costa - Esquecendo você
2. Alaide Costa - Complicação
3. Alaide Costa - História de nossa história  Alaide Costa
4. Alaide Costa - Ciúme
5. Alaide Costa - É mentira nosso adeus
6. Alaide Costa - Chora tua tristeza
7. Alaide Costa - Dindi
8. Alaide Costa - Jura de Pombo
9. Alaide Costa - O nosso olhar
10. Alaide Costa - Dê-me o braço
11. Alaide Costa - Discussão
12. Alaide Costa - Fim de noite
13. Maysa - Meditação
14. Maysa - Alguem Me Disse
15. Maysa - Carinho e Amor
16. Maysa - Voltei
17. Maysa - Sincopado Triste
18. Maysa - Qualquer Madrugada
19. Maysa - Solidão
20. Maysa - Cheiro de Saudade
21. Maysa - Dindi
22. Maysa - Vem Comigo
23. Maysa - Cantiga de Quem Está Só

CD7
1. Dorival Caymmi - Eu Nao Tenho Onde Morar
2. Dorival Caymmi - Rosa Morena
3. Dorival Caymmi - Acontece Que Eu Sou Baiano
4. Dorival Caymmi - Acalanto
5. Dorival Caymmi - Vestido De Bolero
6. Dorival Caymmi - O Dengo Que A Nega Tem
7. Dorival Caymmi - Dora
8. Dorival Caymmi - O Que E' Que A Baiana Tem
9. Dorival Caymmi - A Vizinha Do Lado
10. Dorival Caymmi - Adeus
11. Dorival Caymmi - Sao Salvador
12. Dorival Caymmi - Marina

CD8
1. Elizete Cardoso - Chega de Saudade
2. Elizete Cardoso - Serenata do Adeus
3. Elizete Cardoso - As Praias Desertas
4. Elizete Cardoso - Caminho de Pedra
5. Elizete Cardoso - Luciana
6. Elizete Cardoso - Janelas Abertas
7. Elizete Cardoso - Eu Não Existo Sem Você
8. Elizete Cardoso - Outra Vez
9. Elizete Cardoso - Medo de Amar
10. Elizete Cardoso - Estrada Branca
11. Elizete Cardoso - Vida Bela
12. Elizete Cardoso - Modinha
13. Elizete Cardoso - Canção do Amor Demais

CD9
1. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Por Toda Minha Vida
2. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Serenata do Adeus
3. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Estrada Branca
4. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Soneto da Separação
5. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Valsa de Orfeu
6. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Canção de Amor Demais
7. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - As Praias Desertas
8. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar
9. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Canta Canta Mais
10. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Modinha
11. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Cai a Tarde
12. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Sem Você
13. Lenita Bruno e Orquestra - Eu Não Existo Sem Você
14. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Se Alguém Disse
15. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Dengoso
16. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Baião Atrevido
17. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Minha Saudade
18. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Dorinha Meu Amor
19. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Passarinho da Noite
20. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Faceira
21. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Saxologia
22. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Conceição
23. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Silk Stop
24. Paulo Moura e Sua Orquestra de Danças - Ouça

CD10
1. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Atabaque
2. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Amor Flamengo
3. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Stairway to the Stars
4. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Acertate Mas
5. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Terra Seca
6. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Speak Low
7. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Inquietacao
8. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Baa-Too-Kee
9. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Carinoso
10. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Tocata
11. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Hazardous
12. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Nono -
13. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Noctambulism
14. Laurino Almeida Quartet - Blue Baiao

Historical CDs of the Month - "Dizzy Gillespie: Live At Ronnie Scott's"

Historical CDs of the Month
Dizzy Gillespie: Live At Ronnie Scott's" Vols.1-4 (CAP)

DVD of the Month - "Carlos Franzetti & Allison Brewster Franzetti: Circo de Arrabal"

DVD of the Month
Carlos Franzetti & Allison Brewster Franzetti: "Circo de Arrabal" (Amapola Records AR 9814) 2014
Rating: ***** (musical performance & sonic quality)

Produced by Lorenz Russo
Composed & Arranged Carlos Franzetti
"Circo de Arrabal" is a musical depiction of the Commedia dell'arte characters Pierrot, Colombine, Harlequin and Pantaloon. The orchestra tells the story through music, interwined with conversations between Carlos & Allison Franzetti.

Recorded live @ Cafe Vinilo (Buenos Aires, Argentina) on October 25, 2012
Recording Engineer: Florencio Justo
Mixed by Florencio Justo & Cheche Ordoñez
Directed, Edited & Mastered by Cheche Ordoñez
Illustration: Mariana Franzetti
Art Direction: Christopher Drukker

Featuring: Carlos Franzetti (piano & conductor), Allison Brewster Franzetti (piano & conductor), Nestor Marconi (bandoneon), Fernando Suarez Paz (solo violin), Leonardo Suarez Paz (solo violin), Ricardo Lew (guitar), Juan Gentilini (guitar), Mariano Rey (clarinet), Marcelo Mancuso (flute), Miguel Angelo Bertero (first violin), Carlos Sanguino (second violin), Washington Williman (viola), Nestor Tedesco (cello), Juan Pablo Navarro (bass), Olga Suarez Paz & Leonardo Suarez Paz (dancers).

Vocal Jazz CD of the Month - "Eugenie Jones: Come Out Swingin'"

Vocal Jazz CD of the Month
Eugenie Jones: "Come Out Swingin'" (Open Mic Records) 2015

Release Date in the USA: May 12, 2015
Produced by Eugenie Jones
Recorded & Mixed by David Lange @ David Lange Studiod (Edgewood, WA)
Mastered by Ross Nyberg @ Nyberg Mastering (Issaquah, WA)
Featuring: Eugenie Jones (vocals), Bill Anschell (piano), Clipper Anderson (bass), D'Vonne Lewis (drums), Ernesto Pediangco (percussion), Michael Powers (guitar), Jay Thomas (trumpet & tenor sax)

Eugenie Jones's widely praised 2013 debut,Black Lace Blue Tears, introduced a late-blooming but fiercely original jazz vocalist and songwriter to the jazz world. Among other honors, the disc was named Earshot Jazz's Northwestern Recording of the Year. The Seattle-area singer's response to her warm critical reception was to start writing again and prove that her success was no fluke. On her impressive follow-up, Come Out Swingin', Jones displays the rhythmic authority, emotional insight, and melodic invention of an artist who can hold her own in any company. 

"This CD was a deliberate attempt to continue to grow and progress," states Jones. "I set that desire for improvement as a bull's-eye to shoot for and kept that focus through each step of this project."

Jones did keep her core Black Lace band together for this high-energy date: consummately supportive pianist/arranger Bill Anschell, veteran bassist Clipper Anderson, and versatile guitarist Michael Powers. They are joined by Seattle hornman Jay Thomas; drummer D'Vonne Lewis, a rising force on the local scene; and distinguished percussionist Ernesto Pediangco. As on her previous disc, Eugenie penned most of the selections and had a hand in nearly all the arrangements.

Jones announces her rhythmic agenda with the first track, "Swing Me," a self-possessed celebration of unbridled desire. Her brief, exciting version of the standard "All of Me" almost serves as a thematic preamble to her slinky "A Way About You," a song that could easily be mistaken for a sophisticated piece of Bacharach/David. With a tinge of sweet sass, Jones's "24/7" brings contemporary sexuality into the discussion while her "I Could Get Lost in Your Eyes" is a beautifully crafted ballad. She closes the album with a searing version of James Brown's 1966 chart-topping R&B hit "It's a Man's Man's Man's World," leaving listeners to wonder just what else she's got up her sleeve.

"Black Lace was a look into my personality, and begins a story," she says. "Come Out Swingin' continues that story. And of course the more you tell a story, the deeper you go. That's what's happening here in terms of lyrics and songs."

Surprisingly, Jones had never planned for a career in singing. Growing up in Morgantown, West Virginia, Eugenie (pronounced "u-gee-nee") sang with the Baptist church choir directed by her father, but at home she left the singing to her mother, the late Tommie Parker (to whose memory Come Out Swingin' is dedicated).

Eugenie went on to earn degrees in business and marketing, working as a business owner, consultant, and marketing specialist. When her mother took ill, she invited her to move west to spend her final years living with Jones and her two sons in Bremerton, Washington. It wasn't until her mother's death seven years ago that Eugenie decided to take up singing herself. "I missed hearing her voice around the house," says Jones. "I think that was what drove me to pursue it."

Jones attended open mics and workshops and gradually honed her skills, gained confidence, and landed several regular gigs."As a fledgling performer the most important thing to do is perform," she says. At her Amici Bistro gig in Mulkiteo, an affluent community on the shore of Puget Sound, "the owner was very kind and encouraging. I got to interact with an audience and really develop my repertoire."

Since making her professional debut as a jazz singer a mere four years ago, Jones has drawn a devoted following to her unique musical artistry at venues throughout the Seattle area and as far south as Portland. She's made two appearances at Twins Jazz in Washington, DC and has been invited back for a third.Come Out Swingin' is but the latest expression of Eugenie Jones's remarkable drive, poise, and above all unstoppable talent -- a combination that is serving her, and the jazz audience, very well indeed.

Eugenie Jones CD Release Shows:

6/11 North West Cellars, Kirkland

(Bill Anschell, p)

6/19 The Royal Room, Seattle

Jay Thomas, ts, tpt; Bill Anschell, p; Clipper Anderson, b;

D'Vonne Lewis, d; Ernesto Pediangco, perc)

6/20 Collective Visions Gallery, Bremerton

(Eric Verlinde, p; Derick Polk, b; D'Vonne Lewis, d)

7/4 Heathman Hotel, Portland

(Marcus Reynolds, p; Ken Anoe, b)

7/24-25 Jazz in the Valley Festival, Ellensburg

(Peter Adams, p; Derick Polk, b; Jamael Nance, d)

8/13 Twins Jazz Lounge, Washington, DC

(Russel Carter, ts; Pete Frassrund, p; Thomas View, b; Art Cobb, d)

 

Photography: Tuffer Stills & Motion, Seattle 

Web Sites: reverbnation.com/eugeniejones, eugeniejones.com

Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month - "Mark Egan: Direction Home"

Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month
Mark Egan: "Direction Home" (Wavetone Records) 2015

Produced by Mark Egan
Recorded by Phil Magnotti @ Electric Fields Studio (New Canaan, CT)
Additional Recording & Editing by Mark Egan @ Electric Fields Studio
Mixed by Phil Magnotti @ Silvermine Studio (Norwalk, CT)
Mastered by Fred Kevorkian @ Kevorkian Mastering, Inc. (New York, NY)
Graphic Design: Kevin Gaor
Cover Photo: 77 Studio
Liner Photo: John Earley

Composed & Arranged by Mark Egan
Featuring: Mark Egan (electric bass), Mitchel Forman (piano & keyboards), Danny Gottlieb (drums)

DJ Contessa @ Sofitel LA in Beverly Hills

The best way to start a Saturday in LA: listening to a set by DJ Contessa @ Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills (8555 Beverly Blvd.) For additional info, please call 310-278-5444

Tomorrow night, The Jamie Baum Septet live @ The Jazz Gallery, NY

Tomorrow, May 30, if you are in the NY area, don't miss master flutist Jamie Baum leading her adventurous septet @ The Jazz Gallery (1160 Broadway, 5th Floor, between 27th & 28th St.).
The Jamie Baum Septet: Jamie Baum- flutes; Amir Elsaffar – trumpet; Sam Sadigursky – alto sax & bass clarinet; Nathan Koci - French horn; Brad Shepik - guitar; John Escreet – piano; Zack Lober – bass; Jeff Hirshfield – drums

Sets at 8 & 10pm
$20, $10 for members of The Jazz Gallery
http://www.jazzgallery.org/
(646) 494-3625

R.I.P.: Ray Kennedy (1957-2015)

A great pianist who gained prominence all over the tour by touring with John Pizzarelli for over a decade, Ray Kennedy just passed away. He was 58. Kennedy began to experience the whole myriad of symptoms of MS (multiple sclerosis) in 2006, and it advanced quickly.

John Pizzarelli: "To say Ray Kennedy had a profound effect on my musical life would an understatement. They say to play better tennis, play with someone much better than you, well, I was playing with Nadal! We went all over the world and I watched Ray's playing change the molecular structure of the room. I saw more musicians shake their heads during his playing, more unabashed joy, heard more applause and adulation directed his way than I could've ever imagined. I was lucky to have seen this shooting star, to have been able to make music with him and to have called him friend. I know he is sitting next to Art Tatum or Oscar or Nat Cole and they are asking HIM to play for them! Godspeed pal."

Ray Kennedy grew up as part of a musical family in Maplewood, St. Loius, where his family owned a music store, and graduated from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School in 1975.

After moving to NYC in his early 20s, he became best known for his long tenure with Pizzarelli, but also was involved in many musical projects as a bandleader, working with his brother, bassist Tom Kennedy, and with others.

Kennedy was diagnosed with MS in 2006, and had been in a nursing home in New York since 2013. Friends last year set up a page on the site Youcaring.com to raise funds to help his family with his care.

Survivors in addition to his brother include his wife, Eve, and two young daughters, of New York; and a sister, Wanda Kennedy Kuntz, of St. Louis. Funeral arrangements are pending, and when more information becomes available, StLJN will update this post.

Also, a benefit concert to raise money for Kennedy's family will be held in St. Louis on July 17 at the Sheldon.

************
From www.raykennedy.com:

The New York Times has described pianist/composer Ray Kennedy as “…an extraordinary pianist… [whose style] suggests a toned down fusion of Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner, with a dash of George Shearing,” while the London Jazz review Boz described Ray as “a pianist with a rare and electrifying talent.” His work as pianist/arranger with The John Pizzarelli Trio for over a decade led to Ray being internationally recognized as a leading exponent of the “swing jazz” piano style established by such jazz legends as Teddy Wilson and Nat Cole. Ray was introduced to music at an early age by his father, who took him to hear acclaimed jazz musicians on a regular basis. One such outing led to the then 14-year-old pianist meeting and ‘sitting in’ with the great Dizzy Gillespie.

Ray has since performed and/or recorded with many of the top names in jazz, including Nat Adderley, Ruby Braff, Buddy DeFranco, Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, David Sanborn, Woody Shaw, and Sonny Stitt. He has recorded more than one hundred albums, not only in the field of jazz but in various other musical genres. Ray lives in New York City where he is active as a pianist, composer, and arranger, working with performers as diverse as Christina Aguilera and Maureen McGovern, for whom he also served as musical director.*

His compositions have been featured on numerous recordings including the soundtracks of two motion pictures. He also composed and performed the music for the off Broadway show Bill W. and Dr. Bob which opened at the New World Stages in March of 2007. Ray was a featured guest artist on Marian McPartland’s NPR program Piano Jazz and contributed commentary on the music of Harry Warren on NPR’s Fresh Air program. He has appeared with many major orchestras throughout the country including The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, and has made numerous television appearances on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, and Late Nite with David Letterman.

Ray has recorded 12 CDs with his trio, with several dedicated to the composers of the great popular standards including "The Ray Kennedy Trio Plays The Music Of Cole Porter" and "Plays The Music Of Arthur Schwartz." Another CD entitled "Mozart in Jazz" was recorded for and released in Japan and went to #1 on the jazz chart. It also received a Gold Disc award for artistic excellence from the country’s leading jazz magazine, Swing Journal. Rest in Peace.

Tonight, Cathy Segal-Garcia celebrates her birthday @ Blue Whale, LA

Tonight, May 27, 9pm
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St Suite 30, Los Angeles

"I've invited over 20 musicians and singers to help me celebrate my birthday," Cathy says. "This should be an amazing evening of great music!" Opens with Fish To Birds 6 vocalist improv. Then on with The Moment, Cathy vocals, Gary Fukushima piano, Chuck Manning tenor sax, Brad Dutz percussion, Jeff Richman guitar...playing originals and jazz compositions, with lots of quirky improv to boot! Special guest vocalist, owner of the Whale, Joon Lee! $15 cover
Happiest of Birthdays, Cathy!

Memorial Service for Marcus Belgrave

Memorial services for trumpeter Marcus Belgrave will be held this Saturday, May 30, at 11am at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Rd., Detroit, MI 48219.

Anna Mjöll & The Pat Senatore Trio live @ Herb Alpert's Vibrato, May 29

R.I.P.: Peter Schmidlin (1947-2015)

                                         (photo by Gerald Bosshard)

Born on December 28, 1947 in Riehen;
Died on May 25, 2015.

Swiss drummer and founder of the TCB label.

http://www.24heures.ch/culture/c-grand-batteur-swingueur-suisse/story/21475550

Emma-Jane & Mina live @ Sayers, May 28

Emma-Jane Thommen and Mina Alikhani will be sharing the stage this Thursday, May 28, @ The Sayers Club (1645 Wilcox Ave.) in Hollywood. Doesn't get much better than that! Tickets available at: http://sayersclub.com

R.I.P.: Marcus Belgrave (1936-2015)

Beloved trumpeter Marcus Belgrave (June 12, 1936 – May 24, 2015) died today, May 24, at age 78 in Ann Arbor, Mich, of heart failure, after being hospitalized since April with complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Marcus Belgrave was tutored by Clifford Brown before joining the Ray Charles touring band.

Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Belgrave was a world-class trumpeter whose A-list resumé included a long tenure with Ray Charles in the 1950s and early '60s and associations with jazz royalty like Max Roach and Charles Mingus. Ultimately, however, Belgrave's greatest contribution was the remarkable honor roll of his former students who graduated to leading roles on the national scene — including pianist Geri Allen, bassists Rodney Whitaker and Robert Hurst, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, violinist Regina Carter, and drummers Karriem Riggins, Ali Jackson and Gerald Cleaver.

Belgrave was a frequent faculty member at Stanford Jazz Workshop and a visiting professor of jazz trumpet at the Oberlin Conservatory. Rest in Peace.

http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2015/05/24/rest-in-peace-trumpeter-marcus-belgrave-detroits-jazz-patriarch

Amanda Castro back @ Steamers, tomorrow night

Tomorrow, May 23, 
8P-MID $8 ALL AGES- 
AMANDA CASTRO

Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
Ph: 714-871-8800
jazz@steamersjazz.com
www.steamersjazz.com 

Message from Amanda:
"Hello everyone, We are back at steamers tomorrow night from 8 pm to midnight! Come on out and listen to some fabulous music! You won't regret it!"

Amanda Castro is a young jazz singer specializing in well known and lesser known songs of the 1920's and 1930's, adding her own unique mix of Latin rhythms,  New Orleans soul, and genuine blues feeling. She started studying voice at the age of 15 and has been singing professionally for the last two years, appearing in some of Southern California's most well known jazz clubs, including Angel's, Nola's, The Hip Kitty, and now Steamers. In addition, Amanda has also appeared as a feature performer at community music festivals and other entertainment events. Audiences at an Amanda Castro performance have said, "It's not just a band! It's a show!" And a show it is!

Combining high energy musical performance with witty audience rapport and exciting band arrangements, Amanda makes the stage come alive with her own renditions of down and dirty New Orleans blues, sultry Latin songs and straight ahead swinging standards. Consisting of professional jazz musicians with performance experience at international jazz festivals, film, television, Disneyland, and high profile celebrity gigs, the highly versatile band is equally adept at grooving on a Latin samba as much as treating the audience to a taste of authentic New Orleans.  Fans of the Amanda Castro show keep returning for the exciting mixture of great jazz styles offered up by this up and coming singer. Amanda and the band invite you to come experience a fun and entertaining jazz show!

Jazz at Filoli Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Popular Bay Area Summer Series

Held at Historic Estate 30 Miles South of San Francisco

To Mark Its Silver Anniversary

With Sunday-Afternoon Shows by:

Taylor Eigsti Featuring Gretchen Parlato,

Larry Vuckovich with Jackie Ryan,

The Jeff Hamilton Trio,

Arturo Sandoval -- 10-Time Grammy Winner,

Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band,

Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi Double Piano Trio

June 21 Through September 13

Jazz at Filoli has evolved into a treasured summer tradition for San Francisco Bay Area jazz fans seeking the finest music presented in a gorgeous outdoor setting. On six Sunday afternoons every year from Father's Day into September, Filoli has welcomed concertgoers to its world-famous gardens in bucolic Woodside, California, 30 miles south of San Francisco, for an afternoon of jazz and picnicking (for jazz concerts only) in its sun-dappled tennis courts, shaded by large umbrellas and ancient oak trees.

Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Filoli is gearing up for a special season featuring its customary mix of local and national names. Opening the series on June 21 is pianist/composer Taylor Eigsti (right), who first performed at Filoli on his 16th birthday in 2000 as a replacement for an injured Marian McPartland; he'll be playing with his trio and special guest Gretchen Parlato. Also making repeat appearances are pianist Larry Vuckovich with his nine-piece all-star band plus multi-award-winning vocalist Jackie Ryan(below right) July 12; and trumpet masterArturo Sandoval (left), August 9. Like many other musicians, Sandoval loved the Filoliambience, relaxed atmosphere, and responsive audience and insisted on returning.

Rounding out the 2015 lineup are the Jeff Hamilton Trio with pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christophe Luty, July 26; Philadelphia-basedFrank Bey and Bay Area guitarist Anthony Paule and their blues band, August 23; and husband/wife stride and swing pianists Stephanie Trickand Paolo Alderighi with bassist Marty Eggers and drummer Danny Coot, September 13.

Filoli is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Concertgoers are urged to come early to tour the gardens and the House, a prime example of early 19th-century Stuart and Georgian architecture. The House has been featured in a number of TV shows, most notably as the mansion in the TV series Dynasty. It has also been used in TV commercials and movies, including Heaven Can Wait, Wedding Planner, and Rent.

Jazz at Filoli has presented some of the most prominent jazz and Latin-jazz musicians through the years, among them Toots Thielemans, Gregory Porter, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Marian McPartland, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, John Pizzarelli, the Brubeck Brothers, Pat Martino, Eddie Daniels, Charles Brown, Louis Bellson, Shelly Berg, Buster Williams, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman, Nnenna Freelon, Ernestine Anderson, Karrin Allyson, Janis Siegel, Jane Monheit, Dena De Rose, Bob Dorough, Eliane Elias, Airto and Flora Purim, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, and Arturo Sandoval.

The series was founded in 1991 by the late Chuck Huggins, CEO of See's Candies (which became sponsors for the series and remains a major donor), and the late Bud Spangler, the concert and record producer, radio host, and drummer. (Photo at left: Huggins and Spangler.) Spangler produced the series from 1991 until 2007, with vocalist Madeline Eastman serving as co-producer from 1991 through 2000, and music industry veteran Merrilee Trost filling that role from 2001 through 2007. Paul Blystone was series producer from 2008 through 2011. Trost has been producing the series since 2012.

Until 1995, when pianist Cedar Walton and his trio were brought in, musical offerings had been restricted to top bands from the Bay Area. Since then, more and more internationally known musicians have been presented along with the best of the Bay Area jazz scene.

It's estimated that more than 77,000 Jazz at Filoli tickets have been sold over the last 24 years, and this year's sales will take that number over 80,000. Some patrons have attended every year since its inception.

Concerts are presented on the erstwhile tennis courts, with tables and chairs are set up to accommodate as many as 650 people. More than 50 volunteers greet the guests and serve complimentary white wine, pitchers of beer, sparkling water, gourmet coffee, and snacks. Concert attendees are also offered free tours of the historic House and gardens, and free parking. Show times are 1:30-4:00 pm.

Boxed lunches may be ordered in advance and picked up on arrival at Filoli, but people often bring their own picnic lunches, some of them quite elaborate, complete with wine glasses, linen napkins, and silverware, to share with friends. Enjoying the music while watching a family of deer in the woods behind the outdoor stage or marveling at the resident peacock spreading his plumage is a reminder why Jazz at Filoli is a highlight of the Northern California summer music calendar.

Series subscription (all six concerts): $335 members, $395 nonmembers. Individual concerts: $60 members, $70 nonmembers. Boxed lunch (must be ordered in advance): $18 per concert or $108 for the series of six concerts. Tickets are on sale to current Filoli members by mail and special member web page only as of Tuesday May 12, by phone and mail as of Monday May 18. Nonmembers may purchase tickets beginning Tuesday May 26. Phone: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, 650-364-8300, ext. 508.

6/21 Taylor Eigsti Trio featuring Gretchen Parlato

7/12 Larry Vuckovich's Bay Area All-Stars with Jackie Ryan

7/26 The Jeff Hamilton Trio

8/9 Arturo Sandoval-10-Time Grammy Winner (SOLD OUT)

8/23 The Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band

9/13 Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi Double Piano Trio