Gina Saputo & Courtney Lemmon @ Steamers!

Friday's "Lover's Soire" at Steamers is gonna rock once again! This time, Gina Saputo meets Courtney Lemmon, and they will be backed by the George Kahn Trio featuring Evan Stone @ Steamers, December 16, 8:30pm-12:30am.

$8 cover- 2 drink min. All ages!

Gina Saputo & Courtney Lemmon @ Steamers Jazz Club
138 W. Commonwealth Blvd.
Fullerton, CA
Ph: (714) 871-8800

They will be singing fresh arrangements of yesterday and today's top 40 hits...you've never heard them like this before.

One of our favorite vocalists, Gina Saputo, a native of Springfield, Oregon, began training classically at the age of 8, singing with the Oregon Children’s Choir. By the age of 16 she was putting together her own groups and singing in jazz clubs, often waiting outside during breaks because she was underage. From there, Gina attended USC’s prestigious Thornton School of Music, and was awarded the Barry Manilow Scholarship for all four years of her education.

Gina studied at Jazz Aspen Snowmass in Aspen, Colorado under Christian McBride, and Russell Malone, was interviewed by Dee Dee Bridgewater for her show JazzSet on National Public Radio, and was among seven musicians chosen by Herbie Hancock, Terence Blanchard, Thelonious Monk Jr. and Wayne Shorter to study at the Thelonius Monk Institute. During her time with the institute, she performed for the State Department in Washington, D.C., and toured Viet Nam with Herbie Hancock and Nnenna Freelon. She has also sung backup vocals for Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neenna Freelon, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Driscoll and Louie Bellson.

Her first solo CD, “Gina Saputo,” featuring Gerald Clayton, was recorded with vocal sessions produced by Tierney Sutton, who said, “Gina has the talent as well as the passion to stretch and think outside the box.” After two successful tours of Japan, her CD has climbed to #3 on the prestigious Swing Journal charts, and has received rave reviews. She was a guest professor at Gwangju University in South Korea, 2008 and toured Japan a second time with Grammy nominated pianist Bill Cunliffe. In 2009, she appeared at the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, won First Place at the Big Stage Vocal Competition, and was the vocalist for the Orange County Music Awards winning band for Best Jazz in Orange County. Gina toured Korea once again in 2010 (including a sold-out engagement at the "Once In A Blue Moon" jazz club in Seoul, recently recorded two ringtones which will be default rings on upcoming Samsung phones, and headlined Club Nokia at LA Live.

Another special talent, Courtney Lemmon (a native of Santa Monica, California) has been active musically since elementary school. Her early performances include fundraisers with such acclaimed artists as Natalie Cole and Robert Winter, as well as her solo jazz debut at 15 with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton. Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin, Eva Cassidy, Fiona Apple and Billy Holliday all inspired her to investigate a wide range of genres. This appreciation for a wide pallet of musical styles led her to the Jazz and Contemporary Program at Manhattan's prestigious New School University, of which she is a graduate with a high respect for the blues due to her studies with the incredible pianist Junior Mance.

Back in Santa Monica, she recorded her debut CD "Stay With Me" teaming her with Grammy winner Mike Acosta as a co-writer, producer and saxophonist. Mr. Acosta is known for his work behind the original Brian Setzer Orchestra, for which her served as musical Director, arranger and featured soloist. For her first full-length recording he surrounded her with Grammy nominees and LA session players to add experience to her youthful sound. This combination of youth and experience propels her music on a journey through several of her favorite styles yet still sounds unique. The title cut "Stay With Me" garnered Courtney an Honorable Mention in the 2006 John Lennon Song Writing Competition.

Courtney's Santa Monica roots also extend out from her time at Santa Monica Community College where she was introduced to George Kahn. She appears on Kahn's 2006 release "Compared To What?", which charted in the top ten for the year in Europe. She also appears on his 2008 release singing "Use Me" on the album "Cover Up". Courtney performs around LA with Kahn from time to time at venues such as The Jazz Bakery, Catalina Bar and Grill, LACMA and other familiar Jazz haunts in the city. She has also performed with the Hollywood Symphony Choir honoring great composers of our time in beautiful Royce Hall of UCLA and has been a section leader and volunteer vocal instructor for the Idyllwild Festival Choir, which performs at Disney Hall every summer.

"Café do Brasil" compilation

"Café do Brasil" - Cool Sound Records CD # 04310

Includes the track "Corcovado," produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro, and performed by Palmyra & Levita with João Donato.

Tracklist:
1. Mistura De Prazer - Rose Max (4:59)
2. Summer Samba - Deodato (1:41)
3. Bota Pra Quebar - DJ Rodriguez (4:30)
4. Waters of March - Mariana Feo (3:42)
5. Felicidade - Riolistic (4:54)
6. Jinga - Chester Maupao (4:08)
7. It's Impossible - Rene y Rene (3:21)
8. Tenderly - Soulstice (4:15)
9. Água de Beber - Montefiori Cocktail (2:37)
10. Corcovado - Palmyra & Levita with João Donato (2:34)
11. Bahia Acoustic - Blade & Masquenada Family (4:51)
12. Everybody Loves The Sunshine - Heidi Leonore (4:37)
13. Night Night - Ive Mendes (3:18)
14. For What It's Worth - Lisa Brown (3:52)
15. Eifania - Rose Max (5:56)

CREDITS
Arnaldo DeSouteiro - Producer, Mastering
João Donato - Piano (Acoustic)
Eumir Deodato - Arranger, Hammond organ, Piano (Acoustic)
DJ Rodriguez - Arranger, Producer
Mariana Feo - Vocals
Paulo Levita - Arranger, Guitar (Acoustic)
Palmyra - Vocals
Rodrigo de Castro Lopes - Engineer
Ohm Guru - Producer
Mariana Feo - Vocals
Antonio Carlos Jobim - Composer
Marc Sacheli - Executive Producer
Gene Lees - Composer
Carla Hasset - Vocals
Peggy Baldwin - Cello
Riolistic - Remix
Chester Maupao - Arranger, Producer
Armando Manzanero - Composer
Nydia Sampaio - Vocals
Roy Ayers - Composer
Heidi Leonore - Vocals
Robin Millar - Arranger, Producer, Berimbau, Cuica
Bruna Loppez - Vocals
Martin Ditchman - Percussion
Stephen Stills - Composer
Lisa Brown - Vocals
Luiz Marinho - Bass (Acoustic)
Aline Dantas - Project Coordinator
Marcia Soares - Assistant Producer
Andrea Orgham - Artwork, Illustration
Wilson das Neves - Drums
Rubens Bassini - Percussion
Jorge Arena - Congas
Pierre Zonzon - Executive Producer
Maurilio Santos - Trumpet
Walter Rosa - Sax (Tenor)
Humberto Garin - Guiro
Edson Maciel - Trombone
Paolo Casu - Percussion
Mike Henderson - Engineer
Alberto Gonçalves - Sax (Baritone)
Jim Farber - Engineer
Miguel dos Santos - Percussion

Jimi Ruccolo live @ Kitchen 305, Dec 17

If you are not in LA to attend the Saputo/Lemmon event, but you are in Florida, don't miss The Jimi Ruccolo Band live @ Kitchen 305 at the Newport Beachside Resort (16701 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beaches) this next Saturday, December 17, 8pm-10pm.

Besides the great music by the renowned guitarist and vocalist, you can enjoy the dinner specials such as the famous "Surf & Turf" -the best deal on the beach for $35 which includes one maine lobster tail and a filet mignon steak along with delicious potatoes and roasted tomatoes.

RSVP @ 305-749-2110

New Years' Eve @ Saints & Sinners

New Year's Eve is just around the corner...Enjoy Atlantic City's hottest New Year's Eve Party at the best on-premise club in town, Saints & Sinners. Click on the image to enlarge it and read more details.

EP of the Week - "David Guetta: Erotica 20"

EP of the Week
David Guetta featuring Usher & Amanda: "Erotica 20" (Juno) 2011

Side A
1. Without You (extended version) 5:09
2. Without You (XS remix) 5:48
Side B
1. Without You (Nicky Romero rmx) 5:50
2. Like A Machine (extended club mix) 5:20

Your guest for dinner with President Obama

"Dear Mr. Arnaldo DeSouteiro --

According to our files, you are currently registered and living in California's 30th Congressional District. Have you been thinking about who you'd bring to the next Dinner with Barack?

President Obama will be bringing Michelle to the dinner he's having with grassroots supporters like you. The best part? If you join them, you have a chance to bring a loved one along, too.

Tell us who you would bring if you won -- and why. Maybe it's your spouse, your aunt who volunteers a few times every month, or your niece who's about to vote for the first time in 2012.

Whoever you choose, this dinner isn't just a chance for you both to meet the President and the First Lady, it's a chance to share a special meal -- to ask the questions you've been dying to ask, and tell the stories you think they need to hear.

I hope you'll put your name in the running to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with someone you care about. Let us know who you'd bring and why you want them to meet the President and the First Lady:
http://my.barackobama.com/Your-Guest

Thanks,

Julianna Smoot
Deputy Campaign Manager - Obama for America"

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by midnight on December 31st, 2011. You may enter by contributing to Sponsor here or click here to enter without contributing. Three winners will each receive the following prize package: up to $1200 towards round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by the Sponsor; hotel accommodations; and dinner with President Obama on a date to be determined by the Sponsor (approximate retail value of all prizes $4,800). Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older (or of majority under applicable law). Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.

The Frank Perowsky Big Band Xmas Show at Gillespie Auditorium, Tues. Dec. 13

You won't want to miss Woody Herman alumnus Frank Perowsky and his Big Band Xmas Show (including jazz legends Jerry Dodgion, Sam Burtis and Jack Walrath) when they return to Jazz Tuesdays at the New York City Bahá'í Center on Tuesday, December 13. There will be 2 shows at 8:00 and 9:30 pm. Call 212-222-5159 for information and reservations.

What a band! -- vocalists Daralyn Jay and Jim Mola; David DeMotta, piano; Jon Burr, bass; Ben Perowsky, drums; Dave Stryker, guitar; Trumpets: Seneca Black, Jack Walrath (yes, the long time Mingus' collaborator), Steve Smyth, Waldron Ricks; Trombones: Sam Burtis (the man who played memorable solos on Deodato's "Amani" and "Havana Strut"), Mike Fahn, Art Baron, Joe Randazzo; Saxes: Jerry Dodgion (the alto sax giant on Jobim's "Girl from Ipanema" from the legendary "Tide" album), Seth Carper, Rob Scheps, Tim Armacost, Max Schweiger.

Upon graduation from Juilliard in 1958, Frank Perowsky began his professional career in New York City touring with the big bands of Lee Castle, Woody Herman, Les and Larry Elgart, Tito Rodriguez, Johnny Richards, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, and Bill Watrous. He began writing big band arrangements in 1968 and an early arrangement, “Bouncin’ with Bud” was recorded by Buddy Rich for the “Class of ‘78” album.

Frank has performed on stage with many great artists such as Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mel Torme, Billy Eckstine, and Liza Minnelli. Since 1998 he has been a soloist in Mike Longo’s New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble which has recorded 3 CDs. One of them, “Oasis” (2004), includes Frank’s original song “Song of my Dream - Tribute to Duke”.

Admission is 15.00, $10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway)
Two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Anna Mjöll & The Pat Senatore Trio back @ Vibrato, Dec 22

Ed Reed's upcoming live performances

Bay Area Jazz Vocalist Ed Reed Announces East Coast Dates In Support of His Third Album, "Born to Be Blue"
Jazz Standard, NYC 1/17; Scullers, Boston 1/18;
Cafe Eiko, Hartford 1/21

San Francisco Bay Area jazz vocalist Ed Reed and his quartet will be performing three dates on the East Coast next month in support of his third CD, "Born to Be Blue," elected "Vocal CD of the Month" here at Jazz Station in September. He'll appear at the Jazz Standard 1/17, his third visit to the New York club in the last four years; Scullers in Boston 1/18 for the first time since 2008; and Cafe Eiko in Hartford, CT 1/21.

In New York and Boston, Reed will be working with tenor saxophonist Anton Schwartz, pianist Randy Porter, bassist Ugonna Okegwo, and drummer Akira Tana. (In Hartford, the pianist will be Gary Fisher, who's heard on Reed's first two albums, and the drummer Tido Holtkamp.)

This is the band (with Okegwo replacing Robb Fisher) that appears on Reed's masterful new release, "Born to Be Blue," which was released last June by his Blue Shorts label. The entire project was an outgrowth of Reed's hugely successful five-night run at Marians Jazzroom in Bern, Switzerland in September 2009. Although he had performed with Porter, Fisher, and Tana previously, the Swiss engagement was the first on which they backed Reed as a unit. They jelled so well that they decided to make an album, adding saxophonist Schwartz for the Bay Area sessions produced by Reed and Bud Spangler last fall.

Ed Reed, who'll turn 83 on February 2, has pursued a most unconventional path to his present-day career as a highly regarded jazz singer. It was not quite five years ago that he released his recording debut, "Ed Reed Sings Love Stories," when he was 78. The following year came "The Song Is You," along with expanded touring opportunities, a guest spot on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz, and a Wall Street Journal profile by Nat Hentoff. Reed also placed in the "Male Vocals, Rising Star" category of the DownBeat Critics Poll in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and in the Male Vocalist category of this year's DownBeat Readers Poll.

Reed's career may be late-blooming, but blooming it is. In June he was honored as a Bay Area Jazz Hero at the Jazzschool's satellite party for the Jazz Journalists Association Awards. Prior to leaving for his East Coast tour, he is launching a new Jazz at the Chimes series at Chapel of the Chimes, the Oakland landmark designed by Julia Morgan, with a 1/15 concert in the company of Anton Schwartz and Randy Porter. He is also in the early stages of planning a new recording of Nat "King" Cole material.

"I'll be happy to be back on the East Coast celebrating my new CD, and honored to be on the bandstand with these world-class musicians," says Reed. "This record means a lot to me because it tells so much of my own story. I think everyone is born to be blue, or at least have the blues. And though most of us tend to hold onto our sadness, I think we need to shout about it and sing about it, so that we can let go of it."

Tony Bennett on Amy Winehouse: "She was an exceptional jazz singer, on the same level as Ella Fitzgerald"

Pop Quiz: Tony Bennett
by Aidin Vaziri - San Francisco Chronicle
December 11, 2011

This year, Tony Bennett turned 85 and scored his first No. 1 album ever. Not a bad start for the dapper New York singer, who has been at this for more than six decades. It helps that "Duets II," which made him the oldest living artist to top the Billboard 200, features collaborations with Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey and Amy Winehouse. But that's not all. It seems as if Bennett is intent on making Justin Bieber look like a slacker. There is also a new boxed set, "The Complete Collection," that brings together all 70-plus of his studio albums; plus another compilation of his most popular holiday songs, "Tony Bennett: The Classic Christmas Album." Not enough? He performs at the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa on Friday.

Q: It feels like you're busier now than ever. Have you ever considered what your life would be like without music?

A: I started out as a singing waiter in Queens -- I would wait on tables and the customers would request a song and I would go back into the kitchen and if I didn't know the song there were two Irish chefs who would quickly teach me the song, and then I would run back to the table and sing the song. I always said if it didn't work out for me to have a professional career in the music business, that I would be perfectly happy to just continue being a singing waiter.

Q: You flew out to meet each of your guests to record the duet album -- from Pisa, Italy, with Andrea Bocelli to Mariah Carey's home studio. How much fun was it making this record?

A: We had a very good time as my family was with me -- my wife Susan, my sons Danny and Daegal, who produced the album with Phil Ramone, and my granddaughter Kelsey, who photographed all the sessions. So it was quite an adventure. Andrea Bocelli cooked us an incredible Italian lunch while we recorded at his home, and when I recorded with Mariah Carey it was like recording with a trio as she had twins in her belly at the time. We were in London at Abbey Road Studios when we recorded with Amy Winehouse and back in New York for Lady Gaga and Aretha Franklin. It was a six-month process to get all the recordings done.

Q: Was it a struggle to not out-sing some of your partners?

A: When singing becomes competitive, then it's not art. A duet should be a conversation. We kept the atmosphere in the studio very relaxed and casual so that everyone felt very much at ease so there was a proper involvement between myself and the duet guests.

Q: Amy Winehouse died a month after you recorded with her. Did you get a sense that her time was running out?

A: I knew she had her troubles, of course, but that day she was completely sober and it was such an encouraging session as she sang beautifully and it seemed like things were going in the right direction for her. She was an exceptional jazz singer, on the same level as Ella Fitzgerald, and it is so tragic that she didn't have the chance to make some jazz records.

Q: Did you own any Lady Gaga albums before you recorded together?

A: My son and manager Danny had played me her music, and I was very impressed with what a great piano player she is. Then we were both performing at a benefit event in New York City for the Robin Hood Foundation and I saw her perform live and she was just fantastic, so after the show I went backstage and I asked her if she wanted to record a duet with me and she said, "Tony, I'll do anything you want." The last track we recorded for "Duets II" was with Lady Gaga of "The Lady Is a Tramp." I think she is extraordinary.

Q: What do you talk to these people about during lunch breaks?

A: Actually most of the sessions would take about 3 to 4 hours, so we worked straight through, but we talk about everything in the recording studio.

Q: What does it feel like to get your first No. 1 album on the Billboard Top 200 at 85? Is there a sense of injustice laced with the elation?

A: I am just thrilled and many of my friends told me, "This will never happen again!"

Q: A complete collection of your 70-plus studio albums is being released this month. Can you believe you created so much product, and how do you feel most of it holds up?

A: I just love the boxed set collection as it showcases the premise that I started out with from the beginning, which was not to have "hit songs" but to strive for a "hit catalog." When I reviewed all the tracks, there was not one of them that I wouldn't want to put my name on.

Q: Barring the present moment, do you have a favorite Tony Bennett era?

A: Wow, that is a tough question. I loved the time I lived in London in the '70s, as I got to work with the master Robert Farnon.

Q: I read a quote where you said, "I was the Justin Bieber of my time." Does that mean he's going to be around for 60 more years?

A: I hope all the young artists of today have the chance to have long careers. I think it is very tough to do that as the emphasis is on the next big thing and there is so much pressure on artists in today's music business to sell millions of albums right away and fill stadiums the first time they go on tour.

Q: What do you think would happen if, just once, you left the stage without singing "I Left My Heart in San Francisco"?

A: I think as an entertainer your job is to please the audience, so I have been blessed with a beautiful signature song that has made me a citizen of the world. I love to perform it for everyone.

Dee Cassella live @ Somethin' Jazz Club, NY

Dee Cassella with guest vocalist Robin Cassella Rich
Saturday, December 10th
SOMETHIN' Jazz Club
212 E 52nd St.
3rd Floor (between 3rd & 2nd)
NYC, NY

7:00 to 8:30 pm
Reservations: 212 371-7657

$19.99 ($17 students)
includes music, 1st drink or 2 non alcoholic drinks plus several snack options and a Japanese dinner menu are offered

Featuring:
Dee Cassella, vocals
Matt Baker, piano
Yoo Sun Nam, sax
Wallace Stelzer, bass
Nick Wright, drums
Jimmy Lopez, Percussion

"Christmas Show" w/ Gina Saputo, Courtney Lemmon & The George Kahn Band, tonight @ Hip Kitty

Osawatomie

"Dear Arnaldo De Souteiro --

According to our records, you are currently living, registered and voting in California's 30th Congressional District.

So, if you didn't catch any of the President's speech in Osawatomie, Kansas, you should watch or read it now.

President Obama laid out an approach to rebuilding the economy that will inform every discussion we have with undecided voters over the next year. So we put together a highlight reel you can share with anyone you think needs to hear this message.

This is a make-or-break moment for the middle class.

Our country is still recovering from the greatest economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression. And the President believes that Americans should be able to earn enough to raise a family, send their kids to school, own a home, and secure their retirement.

Here's how he put it: "This country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, and when everyone plays by the same rules. These aren't Democratic values or Republican values. These aren't 1 percent values or 99 percent values. They're American values. And we have to reclaim them."

Those are the values we're fighting for in this election. And no matter who our opponent is, he or she won't share them -- the other side's candidates all want to let Wall Street write its own rules and give more tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires.

We've seen how that kind of economic plan plays out. As President Obama said yesterday: "It doesn't work. It has never worked. It didn't work when it was tried in the decade before the Great Depression ... And it didn't work when we tried it during the last decade."

That's the message we'll need to drive home in our communities over the next several months. Watch the video we put together -- and pass it along:
http://my.barackobama.com/Fair-Shot

Thanks,

Jim Messina
Campaign Manager - Obama for America"

Follow me on Twitter: @Messina2012
------
This campaign isn't funded by Washington lobbyists or corporate interests. It relies on donations from people like you. Please make a donation today.
Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.

"Fred Armisen's Playlist, Live" @ Other Music

Honestly, we don't know quite what to expect from this one, but whatever it is, you can bet it will be a ton of fun. NY's famous record store Other Music received a somewhat mysterious request the other day to host an in-store performance next weekend by the great comedian, musician, actor and longtime Saturday Night Live cast member Fred Armisen, for an event billed simply as "Fred Armisen's Playlist, LIVE!" We know Fred will be performing songs from perennial favorites including the Clash, Devo, the Stranglers, the Damned and Husker Du, and truly, that's all we know. If you want to know more (we do!), join us!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 - 8PM
OTHER MUSIC: 15 E. 4th St., NYC
ALL AGES - LIMITED CAPACITY

Win tickets to the Antlers w/ Sunns

This Saturday, the Antlers wrap up a busy year of touring the world in support of their excellent "Burst Apart" full-length with a homecoming show at Webster Hall. Canadian art-rockers Suuns open the night.
Other Music is giving away a pair of tickets to this sold out performance!
Email tickets@othermusic.com to enter, and they'll notify the winner this Friday.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
WEBSTER HALL: 125 E. 11th Street, NYC

Nina Simone: new law battle

Nina Simone's Daughter Sues Late Mom's Ex
by Dan McCue - Courthouse News Service
December 6, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO -- The daughter of jazz great Nina Simone asked a Federal Court to intervene in the sale of master recordings and personal effects of her late mother, by the singer's ex-husband, and to award the estate the items' assessed value of $155 million.

Lisa Simone Kelly, administrator of the Estate of Nina Simone, has been involved in litigation with the ex-husband, Andrew B. Stroud, since 2008. That litigation revolves around the ownership of the items that are part of the new lawsuit.

Kelly claims that on Oct. 17 she learned that Stroud had "sold" the recordings and materials, including "intimate, personal, unpublished diaries and other personal property," to a third party, defendant Wally Roker, founder and owner of ICU Ent. Dist., otherwise known as Wally Roker Music.

"Notwithstanding the 'terms' of the purported agreement between Roker and ASI, no consideration whatsoever was paid in exchange for the NSM [Nina Simone Masters and Materials] which are now in Roker's possession," Kelly claims.

"This sudden 'disposal' of property comes on the heels of an ongoing shell game manipulated by Stroud in order to move these assets -- presumably his most valuable asset -- first between and among himself and his various shell companies, and now to a third party: Roker.

"Upon information and belief, Stroud's initial 'transfer' of the NSM to ASI was fraudulent. Stroud has exercised such dominion and control over ASI that ASI has no separate will of its own. Stroud used his dominion and control of ASI to effect the fraudulent transfers of these valuable assets between them in order to frustrate plaintiff, a future judgment creditor.

"This court has already determined in the Stroud action that a viable cause of action has been asserted against Stroud that his possession of any and all NSM was the direct result of his wrongfully conversion of those items.

"At Stroud's direction, ASI's 'sale' of the NSM to Roker was done with the specific intent to once again defraud the Estate -- a probable judgment creditor -- and to further deplete any and all assets which the estate would be able to attach this rendering himself judgment proof."

"In fact, on November 21, 2011, Stroud declared, under oath, that he was aware that Mr. Roker did not have the funds, was and is in the process of seeking 'financing' to pay for the NSM, but Stroud caused ASI to transfer the material to him anyway," according to the complaint.

Kelly seeks a declaration that the materials are subject to the Stroud action and are improperly possessed by Roker. She seeks an accounting of the items and the imposition of a constructive trust, and $155 million for fraudulent transfer, misappropriation and conversion.

Kelly is represented by Dorothy Weber with Shukat, Arrow, Hafer, Weber and Herbsman.

Nina Simone's Daughter Sues Father Over Late Singer's Master Recordings
by Tim Kenneally - Reuters/TheWrap.com
December 6, 2011

Nina Simone's daughter is suing her father for $155 million, claiming that he improperly obtained and transferred ownership of numerous items belonging to the singing icon, including master recordings, personal writings, diaries, letters, photos and other personal possessions.

Lisa Simone Kelly, the administrator for Simone's estate, filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Northern California on Friday against Andrew B. Stroud, as well as his associate Wally Roker, to whom Stroud allegedly transferred Simone memorabilia.

Read the full lawsuit here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/74953621/Nina-Simone-Lawsuit

Stroud, who was married to Simone from 1961-71, also served as the singer's manager, agent and producer. Simone died in 2003, at the age of 70.

In the suit, Kelly maintains that Stroud transferred possession of the material to Roker at no cost in October, as part of "an ongoing shell game" to keep the items from Simone's estate -- the rightful owner, according to the suit.

The latest complaint is the newest installment in a protracted legal battle between Kelly and Stroud that began in 2008. A counter claim filed by Stroud against Kelly was dismissed in October -- after which, according to Kelly's suit, the transfer to Roker occurred as part of a "sham transaction" to prevent the estate from reclaiming the items.

The suit seeks a full accounting of the items in question, plus any proceeds, and all transfers and deposits involved in the defendants' bank accounts, plus a restraining order preventing Stroud and Roker from selling or otherwise financially profiting from the items in question.

Oh, and the suit is seeking $155 million in compensatory damages -- the amount that Stroud appraised the items at, according to the suit -- plus court costs, attorneys' fees and interest.

Roker has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment, nor has Kelly's attorney.

Maria Rivas, Thursdays for Jazz @ Kitchen 305

Kitchen 305 Presents "THURSDAYS FOR JAZZ" @ Newport Beachside Resort!
Live Performance by Maria Rivas & her band with a unique blend of American jazz and latin music. From 7:30pm to 10pm.
Reward your good taste & prepare for the weekend with great jazz, wine, food & cocktails
You may attend every Thursday because Maria's show is never the same!
RSVP: (305) 749-2110

CD of the Week - "Joan Stiles w/ Joel Frahm & Matt Wilson: Three Musicians"

CD of the Week
Joan Stiles, Joel Frahm & Matt Wilson: "Three Musicians" (Oo-Bla-Dee) 2011

Rating: **** (musical performance & sonic quality)

Produced by Joan Stiles & David Berger
Recorded by Mike Marciano @ Systems Two (Brooklyn, NY)
Mixed by Alex Venguer
Mastered by Oscar Zambrano
Collage Art: Joan Stiles
Graphic Design: Joan Stiles & Samantha Berry
Total Time 51:36

Pianist/arranger Joan Stiles displays her improvisational prowess on "Three Musicians," in an unusual bass-less trio format with saxophonist Joel Frahm (who plays tenor on all tracks, except "You Don't Know What Love Is," when he uses the soprano sax) & drummer Matt Wilson. Released in digipak cover format on Stiles's own Oo-Bla-Dee label, the CD offers adventurous versions of standards and two Stiles' originals: "Bebopocity" (titled after "Boplicity") and "West End Boogie." Achieving a special level of interaction in surprising arrangements carefully prepared by the pianist, they seem to float on two Thelonious Monk's gems, "Introspection" and "Nutty". Other highlights: Leonard Bernstein's "Lucky To Be Me" (maybe the best take I've heard since the one by Bill Evans and Tony Bennett), and two piano/tenor duets on masterpieces written by Billy Strayhorn (the haunting ballad "Blood Count") and Mary Lou Williams ("O.W."). The official CD release show happens tonight, Dec. 5, at The Jazz Gallery in New York City.
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Pianist Joan Stiles's first two CDs -- "Love Call" (Zoho, 2004) and "Hurly-Burly" (Oo-Bla-Dee, 2007) -- showcased Stiles the resourceful and inventive arranger for octet and sextet. Her new album, "Three Musicians," reveals the pianist as a fearless improviser who combines harmonic gifts and rhythmic acuity with a pleasingly sharp sense of humor.

"Three Musicians" is a consistently inspired recording that finds Stiles and company letting loose on a wide range of modern-minded material with both serious musicianship and ardent playfulness. And the absence of a bass player allows the leader's piano to cover not only the low-end notes that are normal bass territory but also the regular harmonic and melodic responsibilities that one expects from a pianist.

Each track on "Three Musicians" -- whose title is drawn from the similarly-named Pablo Picasso Cubist masterpiece and whose cover boasts a remarkable Picasso homage-collage by Stiles herself -- brings its own special reward. "In the Sunshine of My Funny Valentine's Love" is a beguiling blend of Cream's "Sunshine of Your Love" and Richard Rodgers's "My Funny Valentine" with a Bach fugue in there as well. Another inspired medley pairs the Depression-era standard "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" with the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love."

For powerhouse swing, there's Stiles's Gillespie/Dameron-inspired "Bebopicity," Mary Lou Williams's minor blues "O.W." (she's been championing Williams's music for over a decade), and Stiles's odd-meter romp, "West End Boogie" ("Never want to lose that blues and swing," she says of her work). On the quieter side, the trio presents Bernstein's "Lucky to Be Me" and Strayhorn's poignant "Blood Count."

Throughout, Frahm and Wilson prove to be the perfect partners, interacting with creative fire as they mix and match with the leader and bring her conceptions to life. "Matt and Joel have a tremendous sense of openness and sensitivity," says Stiles. "They really know how to listen and if one of us starts changing it up, next thing you know we're in a different groove. They play with attention to dynamics and color and are extremely intuitive."

The journey that led Stiles to "Three Musicians" started in Brooklyn, where she was born and raised. She gravitated to the piano in her grandmother's apartment, picking out TV commercial themes by ear; in her teens she performed as a singer/songwriter and rock keyboardist. Classical studies were next, followed by jazz, which was her focus when she earned an M.M. degree in 1986 from the Manhattan School of Music, where she now teaches.

"Love Call," her ambitious debut CD, was a top 10 JazzWeek airplay staple as was her second recording, "Hurly-Burly." In 2008 she was honored with an hour-long profile on WBGO's "Jazz from the Archives," and last year she joined the esteemed roster of pianists who have appeared on Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz show.

Stiles's vital work has found plenty of admirers, among them the superlative pianist-composer-singer Dave Frishberg. "She writes and plays brilliantly, with great respect for melody and clarity," he has said. "She is an authentic original."

Doug Ramsey has extolled her sense of "adventure, daring, exuberance and wit" and Ted Panken, in his four-star DownBeat review of "Hurly-Burly," wrote that "Joan Stiles possesses the chops, craft, imagination, wit and sophistication to be mentioned in a conversation with the most distinguished descendants of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Mary Lou Williams."

"Three Musicians" is sure to enhance her growing reputation as a pianist, composer/arranger, and leader of note. Joan Stiles will be presenting a CD release show with Donny McCaslin (Joel Frahm will be in Europe) and Matt Wilson tonight at the Jazz Gallery (290 Hudson Street, NYC).
(CD liner pic by Jeffrey Glick)

Wine Tasting with music performance by Amanda Carr and La Crème de les Femmes

Shopping plus wine and cheese tastings plus music played by cool jazzy chicks... all while bringing some cheer to children in need!
Please join us at Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs @ 412 Washington Street, Norwell, MA
No reservations required.. just drop by and hang with Amanda, Yvonne and Genevieve

DJ Mellow Khris in Chicago, tomorrow nite!

Anna Mjöll returns to LA for Christmas

R.I.P.: Al Vega

Al Vega, Boston Jazz Pianist, Dies at 90
Associated Press, December 3, 2011

Al Vega, a longtime Boston musician who played with some of the finest jazz talents through a career that spanned 70 years, has died. He was 90.

Vega died Friday at Massachusetts General Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Kory Dodd said. No cause of death was given.

Vega, born Aram Vagramian in Worcester, Mass., was the house pianist at the Hi-Hat jazz club, and spent the late 1930s, 40s and 50s playing with some of the jazz greats, Boston radio personality Ron Della Chiesa told the Associated Press.

Della Chiesa said Vega teamed up with many jazz greats including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Count Basie and Duke Ellington and played many of the city's legendary jazz clubs. He later led his own trio and became a fixture at Lucky's Lounge, where he played Frank Sinatra tunes on Sunday nights.

"He was one of the most beloved musicians in the history of the city," Della Chiesa told the AP.

Vega played both the piano and the vibraphone, and had hundreds of recordings as a pianist and a backup artist.

Della Chiesa describes Vega as a legendary musician and teacher who launched a number of careers. He called him a friend to generations of Massachusetts politicians, including senators, congressmen, governors and mayors, regardless of their party affiliation.

Vega, a World War II veteran, was also a longtime Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach in Everett, Mass., where a square was dedicated in his honor in October.

Vega was due to appear at Scullers Jazz Club in mid-January, and Della Chiesa said the event will go on as a memorial to his friend.

The Richard Boukas Quartet returns to Gillespie Auditorium, Dec. 6

Continue your holiday celebration with The Richard Boukas Quartet featuring Trombonist Chris Stover when this original and energetic group returns to Jazz Tuesdays on Tuesday, December 6 in the Gillespie Auditorium at the New York Baha'i Center at 53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway). There will be 2 shows at 8:00 and 9:30. Call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

This marks the second appearance of the quartet at the New York City Baha'i Center. These four exceptional musicians span Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Jazz and Classical music, and tonight’s performance will feature mainly original compositions of the co-leaders.
Richard Boukas - guitar/vocals/composer
Chris Stover - trombone/composer
Gustavo Amarante - 5-string electric bass
Mauricio Zottarelli - drums

Richard Boukas

A distinctive performing artist, composer, educator, author and journalist, he has led and composed for numerous contemporary music ensembles for thirty years. A major exponent and advocate for Brazilian music, his pieces merge traditional genres samba, choro, baião, guarânia with sophisticated Jazz and Classical influences. A virtuoso guitarist and vocalist, his work with top Brazilian musicians includes a twelve-year duo with pianist Jovino Santos Neto, the ensemble Quarteto Moderno, bassists Nilson Matta, Rogério Botter-Maio, Santi Debriano and drummers Paulo Braga, Portinho and Vanderlei Pereira. Richard’s other recordings include Tudo de Bom (Hermeto Pascoal’s Calendário do Som), and Jazz Essence releases Amazônia, Embarcadero and Commitment.

Chosen “Best Brazilian Jazz Guitarist in the U.S.” by GuitarOne Magazine, his extensive articles on Brazilian music in Just Jazz Guitar magazine and other publications are read worldwide. An itinerant artist-in-residence both in the States and Brazil, he has been guest professor at Campos do Jordão Festival in São Paulo, Harvard, Cornell, Univ. Louisville, Cincinatti Conservatory, Univ. of Toronto and National Guitar Workshop. Faculty at New York City’s New School Jazz Program since 1989 and founder/director of the Brazilian Jazz and Choro Ensembles, he received the prestigious 2010 New School Distinguished Teaching Award. A four-time recipient of the NEA Grant in Jazz Performance, his chamber music commissions include the Modern Mandolin Quartet, Atlantic Brass Quintets, Lamont Saxophone Quartet, and has also composed extensively for solo guitar and guitar ensembles.

For more information: www. boukas.com boukmusik@earthlink.net

Chris Stover

A performer, composer, educator and theorist who specializes in Cuban and Brazilian music, creative improvisation, and new music, he has performed recently with Eddie Palmieri, Jovino Santos Neto, Pablo Menendez, Charlie Hunter, Wayne Horvitz, Robin Holcomb, Tom Varner, and Michael Spiro. International tours include Pablo Moses, Apple Gabriel, Quasinada, Jumbalassy, and the Harry James Orchestra. as well as his own solo and group projects. A first-call trombonist on Seattle’s jazz and Afro-Cuban scenes, he appears on over sixty recordings, including releases on OmniTone, Origin, and Sub Pop. His third CD of original music featuring his Seattle-based quintet More Zero will be released this winter. He has recently relocated to New York City for a full-time position at New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music alongside colleague Richard Boukas. Stover’s extensive research includes work on Cecil Taylor, Luciano Berio, music analysis, and traditional/popular music of Cuba and Brazil. He received his PhD in Music Theory and DMA in Trombone Performance from the University of Washington, and MA in Music Theory from the Eastman School of Music. His prior teaching positions include Univ.Puget Sound, Univ. Washington and Green River Community College. He has also served as managing editor for Perspectives of New Music. For more info: www.morezero.com

Gustavo Amarante

Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, bassist Gustavo started to play professionally at a young age, working extensively as a studio musician and various vocalists. In 1994 he moved to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying composition and improvisation with Oscar Stagnaro, Hal Crook, Ed Tomassi and Whit Browne. In the States he has performed, toured and recorded with Brazilian musicians including saxophonist Carlos Malta, pianist Jovino Santos Neto (both former members of Hermeto Pascoal’s group), Claudio Roditi, Romero Lubambo, Helio Alves; latin artists Aquiles Báez, Luis Salinas, Victor Mendoza and American artists including John Scofield, Bob Moses and PanAmericana Big Band. Major festivals and venues include Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Moods Jazz Club (Zurich), Unterfahrt (Munich), Germany), Reigen (Vienna, Austria), Vail Jazz Fest (CO) and Java Jazz Fest (Indonesia).

For more info: www.gustavoamarante.com

Mauricio Zottarelli

Born in Santos and raised in Rio Claro, Sao Paulo, he has been at the forefront of the NY Jazz, Latin and Brazilian music scenes since his arrival in 2006. He came to the US in 1999 on scholarship to study film scoring, composition and arranging after receiving a computer science degree in 1997. A critically acclaimed and award-winning drummer and composer, he has performed and toured with Brazilian artists Ivan Lins, Eliane Elias, Cláudio Roditi, Rosa Passos, Dom Salvador, Toninho Horta, Cidinho Teixeira and Nilson Matta, American artists Esperanza Spalding and Marc Johnson. He has participated in more than 50 recordings and is co-leader the jazz-fusion project Dig Trio, which released its first CD in 2003. His debut 2009 release “7 Lives” has received wide critical acclaim. He is also co-leader of the Mozik ensemble.

For more info: www.mzdrums.com.
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Admission is 15.00, 10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call 212-222-5159 for
reservations and information.

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway)
Two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

"Learn from 3.11" in NY

Did you reserve a seat for this special day on December 7 yet?
If you haven’t, please hurry up, seats are limited!
Reserve a seat right now at: learnfrom311@yahoo.co.jp
Do not miss this rare opportunity to learn about the current situation on Nuclear Energy in Japan, and New York!
You will go home with valuable life-changing information, guaranteed!
This is a must event before welcoming the coming year 2012!
Standing at the crossroads for human race..

Wednesday, December 7
Open 6PM / Seminar 6:30-9:30PM
‘Learn from 3.11’ Presented by The NY Women’s Network
@ Japanese American Association of New York
15W. 44th St. 11th Floor NYC 10036

$10 Admission (+ any donation will be appreciated)
Portion of the proceeds will go to
‘Fukushima Network of Saving Children from Radiation.

DVD Box Set of the Month - "Jazz Icons # 5"

DVD Box Set of the Month
"Jazz Icons Series 5" (Mosaic) 2011

Rating:
***** (musical performances)
**** (sonic quality)

The latest series of Jazz Icons, from the archives of Reelin' in the Years Productions and co-produced by them in association with Mosaic Records, features one-of-a kind performances from some of the biggest names in jazz history, captured live in France. This 6-disc box set (priced at $99.98), contains stunning, historically significant jazz performances, restored & remastered from TV broacasts, with superior video and audio quality. The set is sold exclusively through Mosaic Records on their website.

John Coltrane - Live In France 1965 features the Classic John Coltrane Quartet at the peak of their powers. Includes the only public performance of "Ascension" as a quartet piece and of "A Love Supreme" which they’d recorded eight months earlier and had become an instant and influential hit in the jazz world. Every night this band played was a major event and spiritual experience for those who witnessed it.

Thelonious Monk - Live In France 1969 is a unique find. Just Monk, a grand piano and two cameras – no audience, no sidemen, no emcee, no clock-watching stage manager, no set list, no distractions. The result was an astonishingly intimate and revealing portrait of a man and his music. The viewer can virtually see this usually impenetrable artist thinking in real time. An extraordinary document of one of the most original composers of the 20th century.

Art Bakley's Jazz Messengers - Live In France 1959 features newcomer Wayne Shorter whose sound and conception would forever change the sonic landscape of the Jazz Messengers. He, Lee Morgan and Walter Davis, Jr. are on fire throughout. This is inspired jazz with a volcanic swing.

Johnny Griffin - Live In France 1971 captures this tenor saxophone virtuoso om full flight. He possessed a magnificent,even tone through- out the range of the tenor saxophone and the ability to navigate the fastest tunes and the most sophisticated chord changes with seemingly effortless precision. Toss in his soulfulness and inventiveness and you have a recipe for genius. Art Taylor’s drumming here drive Griff and guest Dizzy Gillespie to incredible heights.

Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Live In France 1972 drives home the impact of seeing him live which was a completely different experience from listening to his music on record. It was an overwhelming and joyous event; music just poured out of him like a gusher. He was an ever-thinking force of energy who swept the audience up into his orbit. This 1972 concert with an excellent band is a perfect example.

On Freddie Hubbard - Live In France 1972, my all-time personal favorite trumpeter leads his quintet with Junior Cook and George Cables stretching out on three of his greatest compositions of his CTI heyday: the title tracks from "Straight Life" and "First Light" plus "The Intrepid Fox," from Hubbard's iconic CTI debut, "Red Clay." Hubbard and Junior Cook share a common ground and deep empathy and the rhythm section led by Cables give the hornmen all the push they crave. These performances are incendiary! Hope the videos from CTI All-Stars concerts (mostly filmed for German and Japanese TV) will come out soon, as well as other fusion gems from the Reelin' in The Years archives such as that rare session of Chick Corea's Return to Forever with Stanley Clarke, Airto and Joe Farrell.

Tracklisting and detailed infos of each DVD:JOHN COLTRANE - LIVE IN FRANCE 1965
PERSONNEL: John Coltrane, tenor sax; McCoy Tyner, piano; Jimmy Garrison, bass; Elvin Jones, drums.
Live in Antibes, France on July 27 & 28, 1965

1. Naima
2. Ascension
3. Impressions
4. A Love Supreme: Acknowledgement
5. A Love Supreme: ResolutionTHELONIOUS MONK - LIVE IN FRANCE 1969
Personnel: Thelonious Monk- Piano
ORTF TV Studio, Paris, France, December 1969

1. Dreamland
2. Monk's Mood (Version 1)
3. Thelonious
4. Reflections
5. Epistrophy
6. Round Midnight
7. Crepuscule With Nellie
8. Ugly Beauty
9. Monk's Mood (Version 2)
10. Don't Blame Me
11. Coming On The Hudson
12. Nice Work If You Can Get It
Bonus: Thelonious rehearsal, interview footage etc
ART BLAKEY'S JAZZ MESSENGERS - LIVE IN FRANCE 1959
Personnel: Lee Morgan- Trumpet; Wayne Shorter- Tenor Saxophone; Walter Davis- Piano; Jymie Merritt- Bass; Art Blakey- Drums.
Theater des Champs Elysees, Paris, France, November 15, 1959

1. Are You Real
2. What Know (Goldie)
3. No Problem
4. Bouncing With Bud
5. Close Your Eyes
6. Along Came Betty
7. Blues March
8. A Night In Tunisia
Bonus: Interview/Nelly Bly (incomplete)JOHNNY GRIFFIN - LIVE IN FRANCE 1971
Part One: Jazz Festival de Châteauvallon August 29, 1971
Personnel: Johnny Griffin, Tenor Sax; Dizzy Gillespie, Trumpet; Vince Benedetti, Piano; Alby Cullaz, Bass; Art Taylor, Drums.

1. Blues For Harvey
2. When We Were One
3. The JAMFs Are Coming
4. Soft And Furry
5. A Night In Tunisia (w/Dizzy)
6. Hot House (w/Dizzy)

Part Two: Classiques du jazz TV Studio, Châteauvallon, France, July 7, 1971
Personnel: Johnny Griffin, Tenor Sax; René Urtreger, Piano; Alby Cullaz, Bass; Art Taylor, Drums.
7. Now's The Time
8. My Little Suede Shoes
9. Blue Monk
10. Blues For HarveyRAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK - LIVE IN FRANCE 1972
Personnel: Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Tenor Sax, Manzello, Stritch, Clarinet, Castinets, Vocals, Various flutes and whistles; Ron Burton, Piano; Henry Pearson, Bass; Richie Goldberg, Drums; Joe Texidor, Percussion.
Grand Palais, Paris, France, March 8, 1972

1. Blue Train
2. Lester Leaps In
3. Satin Doll/Lover (Medley)
4. For Bechet And Ellington And Bigard and Carney And Rabbit
5. My Cherie Amour
6. One Mind Winter/Summer (Seasons)
7. Groovin High
8. Soul Eyes
9. Volunteered Slavery
10. Inflated Tear

FREDDIE HUBBARD - LIVE IN FRANCE 1973
Personnel: Freddie Hubbard, Trumpet; Junior Cook, Tenor Sax & Flute; George Cables, Fender Rhodes electric piano; Kent Brinkley, Bass; Michael Carvin, Drums.
ORTF TV Studio, Paris, France, March 25, 1973

1. Straight Life
2. Intrepid Fox
3. First Light

More details:
John Coltrane- Live In France 1965
Antibes Jazz Festival, Juan Les Pins, France
July 26-27, 1965
B&W/Mono/52 min.

The John Coltrane Quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones was formed in 1960 and was at the peak of its powers for these concerts from the Antibes Jazz Festival on July 26 & 27, 1965. What made this appearance so important was the first and only public performance of his masterpiece A Love Supreme, which had recently become an instant and influential hit in the jazz world. The DVD opens with "Naima," a searingly intense "Ascension" and "Impressions," while part one and half of part two of the A Love Supreme suite close out this historic film. Unfortunately, the footage for the rest of the suite has not survived.

Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers- Live In France 1959
Theater des Champs Elysees, Paris, France
November 15, 1959
B&W/Mono/83 min.

At the time of this November 15, 1959, Paris concert, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers were introducing two new members: Wayne Shorter, whose sound and conception would forever change the sonic landscape of the band and Walter Davis Jr., who had as much drive on the piano as Blakey had on his drums. The band featured Lee Morgan on trumpet and all are absolutely on fire throughout this 80-minute concert. Seeing rather than just hearing Blakey's soaring dynamics and irresistible rhythms reveals just how powerfully he controlled the shape of the music and drove each soloist to new heights.

Thelonious Monk- Live In France 1969
ORTF TV Studio, Paris, France
December 1969
Color/Mono/65 min.

In December 1969, Thelonious Monk entered a television studio in Paris. Just Monk, a grand piano and two cameras — no audience, no sidemen, no emcee, no clock-watching stage manager, no set list, no distractions. The result was an astonishingly intimate and revealing portrait of a man and his music. Monk sits at the piano and plays whatever occurs to him. In this case, it was nine originals and two of his favorite standards. The freedom of playing unaccompanied allows Monk to give each composition fascinating new twists and variations. The viewer can virtually see his mind at work.

Johnny Griffin- Live In France 1971
Part One
Jazz Festival de Châteauvallon
August 29, 1971
B&W/Stereo/55 min.

Johnny Griffin was a soulful, inventive tenor saxophone virtuoso with a magnificent tone and the ability to navigate the fastest tunes and the most sophisticated chord changes with seemingly effortless precision. This DVD features two 1971 French concerts with Griff's quartet featuring drummer Art Taylor and guest artist Dizzy Gillespie on "Hot House" and "A Night In Tunisia." The band is on fire through bebop classics from Tadd Dameron, Dizzy, Thelonious Monk and Charlie Parker as well as four of Griff's best-known originals. Taylor's unrelenting swing drives this band to incredible heights.

Freddie Hubbard- Live In France 1973
ORTF TV Studio, Paris, France
March 25, 1973
B&W/Stereo/50 min.

Freddie Hubbard possessed a big tone, a unique melodic conception and an amazing technique. In the early 1970s, Hubbard became a best-selling jazz artist with a succession of highly successful albums on Creed Taylor's CTI label. On the road, he would perform many of his CTI recordings in a more direct, straight-ahead jazz style. On this 1973 concert, he and his quintet with Junior Cook, George Cables, Kent Brinkley and Michael Carvin stretch out on three of his greatest compositions of the period: "Straight Life," "Intrepid Fox" and "First Light."

Rahsaan Roland Kirk- Live In France 1972
Grand Palais, Paris, France
March 8, 1972
Color/Mono-75 min.

This 1972 concert, with the excellent support of Ron Burton, Henry Pearson, Richie Goldberg and Joe Texidor, is a perfect example Rahsaan Roland Kirk's unique genius. The 73-minute performance, featuring classics from Coltrane to Ellington, ends poignantly with two of his most celebrated and powerful compositions: "Volunteered Slavery" and "The Inflated Tear." Seeing him live was a completely different experience from listening to his music on record. Often playing two and three reed instruments simultaneously with amazing skill, he was a living encyclopedia of jazz and an ever-thinking force of energy who swept the audience up into his orbit.

DVD of the Month - "Weather Report: Live in Cologne 1983"

DVD of the Month
Weather Report: "Live in Cologne 1983" (JazzDoor) 2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
**** (sonic quality)

Vocal CD Box Set of the Month - "Tony Bennett: The Complete Collection"

Vocal CD Box Set of the Month
Tony Bennett: "The Complete Collection" (Sony) 2011

Rating:
**** (musical performance)
**** (remastering)

Between 1952 and the present day, Tony Bennett recorded an astounding 63 albums for the Columbia, CBS, and Sony labels – all of which now fall under the umbrella of Sony Music. This extensive box set brings together six decades of music, including the 11 albums he recorded for other labels, making this the first true complete albums collection. The box also features Bennett’s non-album singles from the ‘50s and an array of rarities, outtakes and other delights – including his very first recording and an Army V-Disk of “St. James Infirmary Blues.” Also included is the never-before-released "Live at the Sahara" – an incredible document of Bennett’s Las Vegas debut in 1964. The show captures all the onstage intensity, impromptu humor and crowd interaction that was the artist in his mid-‘60s prime. This 73-CD box set also features 3 DVDs. Yes, 76 discs in total!

Tony Bennett, to whom Arnaldo DeSouteiro was introduced in 1979 by their common friends Luiz Bonfá and Richard Templar, has been doing that for over 60 years: saving our souls with the greatest songs ever written. The Complete box is an absolute necessity, first because it contains several previously unreleased albums, like "On the Glory Road" and "From This Moment On," a live concert taped in Las Vegas that collectors have been salivating over since 1964. But more important, the new box is essential because up to now, Bennett has been the one singer of his stature to have such a large part of his canon unavailable in the digital era. Over the last 25 years, it has been possible to obtain virtually everything ever done by such Bennett peers as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Sarah Vaughan, yet somehow many absolutely classic Tony Bennett albums have never seen the light of day on CD: "Hometown My Town," "Love Story," "Get Happy" with the London Philharmonic, "Summer of '42," "Yesterday I Heard the Rain," "Tony Makes It Happen," and many others.

Bennett's career has been a long one: the box covers a span of 65 years, starting with that 1946 aircheck (originating from occupied Germany), when PFC Bennett was probably not yet 20, and goes up to "Duets II," the last tracks of which (including duets with Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga) were recorded as he was gearing up for his 85th birthday. (In fact, producer Didier Deutsch and engineer Dae Bennett, the singer's son, were already working on this box when Tony had yet to record some of the tracks for Duets II.) The overall effect of the package, 73 CDs and three DVDs, is overwhelming. The videos include his Grammy-winning "MTV Unplugged" special from 1994; "An American Classic," a documentary produced by Clint Eastwood around the time of Mr. Bennett's 80th; and a very rare filmed concert from 1970 with the London Philharmonic.

However...there are several missing tracks. They are:
ITEM#/TITLE/RECORDING DATE/BEST SOURCE

1. Let's Make Love 17-Apr-50 VINYL
2. Our Lady of Fatima 14-Jul-50 PROPERBOX 121 CD
3. Kiss You 23-Aug-50 PROPERBOX 121 CD
4. Beautiful Madness 17-Jan-51 PROPERBOX 121 CD
5. Madonna, Madonna 11-May-54 PROPERBOX 121 CD
6. Friend's Blues (Ralph Sharon; Tony only scats) 3-Jun-58 VINYL (also expensive JAP CD)
7. How Long Has This Been Going On? 26-Feb-64 VELVET BOX CD OF WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW (SONY 69699 85807 2)
8. All Of You 26-Feb-64 VELVET BOX CD OF WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW (SONY 69699 85807 2)
9. We'll Be Together Again 26-Feb-64 VELVET BOX CD OF WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW (SONY 69699 85807 2)
10. You Can't Love ‘Em All 26-Feb-64 GREAT AMERICAN COMPOSERS: VAN HEUSEN CD (COLUMBIA 2CS2 8164)
11. What Child Is This 1-Sep-67 NEW CD CLASSIC CHRISTMAS COLLECTION (SONY)
12. I, Yes Me, That's Who! 20-Jan-70 GREAT AMERICAN COMPOSERS: SAMMY CAHN CD (COLUMBIA 2CS2 8165)
13. Fred 25-Jan-71 GREAT AMERICAN COMPOSERS: SAMMY CAHN CD (COLUMBIA 2CS2 8165
14. All That Love Went To Waste (Phillips) Nov 1973 VINYL
15. Some of these Days (Phillips) Nov 1973 VINYL
16. I'm Just A Lucky So and So (Concord Records) 15-Apr-77 TRIBUTE TO DUKE CD (CONCORD CCD-4050)
17. Prelude to a Kiss (Concord Records) 15-Apr-77 TRIBUTE TO DUKE CD (CONCORD CCD-4050)
18. Capitol City (from SIMPSONS CD) Nov 1990 SONGS IN THE KEY OF SPRINGFIELD CD (Rhino CD: 8122-72723-2 )
19. I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart May 1999 HOT AND COOL BONUS CD (CSK 46304)
20. Something To Live For May 1999 HOT AND COOL BONUS CD (CSK 46304)
21. Love Me Tender (TV performance) 1994 ELVIS, IT'S NOW OR NEVER (MERCURY CD)
22. Young at Heart - duet with Shawn Colvin 1994 IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU SOUNDTRACK CD (COLUMBIA CK 66184)
23. Always 1994 IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU SOUNDTRACK CD (COLUMBIA CK 66184)
24. What a Difference a Day Made 1996 ONE FINE DAY SOUNDTRACK CD (COLUMBIA CD CK 67916)
25. I Get Along Without You Very Well Sep 2001 STARDUST CD (BLUE NOTE)
26. If Yesterday Could Only Be Tomorrow 2002 DIVINE SECRETS OF YA-YA SISTERHOOD soundtrack (COLUMBIA CD: 5089592)
27. Colors of My Life 2002 IT STARTED WITH A SONG (CY COLEMAN CD Sony Music CD: SK 89138)
28. I Can't Get Started (with Doc Severinson Band) 1991 ONCE MORE WITH FEELING, DOC SEVERINSON (AMHERST CD)
29. O Sole Mio 9/11/72 from GOOD THINGS IN LIFE (Curb CD: D2-77447 — BEST OF TONY BENNETT)
30. Lovers After All rec. 2004 recorded for ART OF ROMANCE, issued on Sony Music CD: 5187092000 — The Art Of Romance [Import version]
31. The Lady Sings The Blues - 1977 from Jazz Arc LP 12″: 19795 — The Songs Of Alec Wilder VINYL
32. Jingle Bells (2008) (Bloomingdale's Exclusive Version), ALSO ON JAP VERSION OF CD SWINGIN' CHRISTMAS
33. Christmas In Herald Square (1995 Version/ different arrangement) (released on Christmas With The Stars Columbia CD originally sold through Avon)
34. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (2001) Soundtrack CD: Rudolph and the Island of Misfit Toys
35. Sing You Sinners (rec. 7/20/50) new box lists this recording as being on disc #3, track #5. However, it is really the 12/15/55 recording, which is repeated again on the new box as disc #6, track #8. Original 1950 version is available on PROPERBOX 121 CD
36. Christmas Song (1992) with Manhattan Transfer from MANHATTAN TRANSFER A CHRISTMAS ALBUM (Sony CD 0074645296821)
37. If I Could Go Back (rec. 9/20/72) for LISTEN EASY, only source is original vinyl

MISSING ALTERNATE TAKES

1. The Man That Got Away rec. 1959 from SINGS FOR TWO, alt issued on the FORTY YEARS: ARTISTRY box set
2. Everybody Has The Blues,
3. How Do you Keep The Music Playing
4. The Day You Leave Me
#2-4 recorded for THE ART OF EXCELLENCE (1986) all alternate takes issued on the “Velvet Box” COLLECTION version of that album in 2006
5. A Child Is Born (take #2)
6. You Don't Know What Love Is (take #16)
7. Maybe September (take #8)
8. You Must Believe In Spring (take #1)
9. Who Can I Turn To (take #6)
#5-9 alternate takes from second Bill Evans album, TOGETHER AGAIN, issued on CD COMPLETE BILL EVANS RECORDINGS (Concord FAN-31281)
10. The Rules of the Road with Ralph Sharon Trio, alternate take rec. February 26, 1964, different from version finally issued on WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW, alt take can be found on ESSENTIAL TONY BENNETT CD Columbia/Legacy 86634

MISSING DUETS

1. The Lady Is A Tramp (1987) - with Frank Sinatra *A bonus live duet from Bally's that was issued by Columbia on the Target-exclusive edition of the first Bennett Duets CD.
2. I Left My Heart In San Francisco - with Judy Garland *A bonus live duet from Judy's TV show that was issued by Columbia on the Target-exclusive edition of the first Bennett Duets CD.
3. When You Wish Upon A Star - with Jackie Evancho (Target exclusive from Duets II)
4. They Can't Take That Away From Me - with Brad Paisley (Target exclusive from Duets II)
5. Steppin' Out (duet with Delta Goodrum) rec. 2/2006 and released on Australian CD version of DUETS)
6. If I Ruled the World (duet with Wang Hom Lee) rec 2006 and released on Singapore version of DUETS)
7. “I've Got the World on a String” (2006) - duet with Diana Krall was issued by Columbia on the Target-exclusive edition of the first Bennett Duets CD
8. “Steppin' Out with My Baby” - (2006) duet with Michael Buble was issued by Columbia on the Target-exclusive edition of the first Bennett Duets CD
9. New York, New York (2011) live duet with Andrea Bocelli from Bocelli's CONCERTO, ONE NIGHT IN CENTRAL PARK CD, issued on Decca/Universal
10. New York State of Mind (2008) live duet with Billy Joel from Joel's LIVE AT SHEA STADIUM, Sony Columbia/Legacy CD 88697 85424 2

Instrumental CD Box Set of the Month - "Kenyon Hopkins & The Creed Taylor Orchestra: Four Classic Albums"

Instrumental CD Box Set of the Month
Kenyon Hopkins & The Creed Taylor Orchestra: "Four Classic Albums" (ABC/Real Gone Jazz) 1956-1958-1959-1960/2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
**** (recording & mix)
*** (remastering)

Vocal CD Reissue of the Month - "Pacífico Mascarenhas: IV Sambacana"

Vocal CD Reissue of the Month
Pacífico Mascarenhas: "IV Sambacana" (Tapecar/Think Records) 1976/2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
**** (recording & mix)
*** (remastering)
Total Time 30:52

Sambacana's best album ever. Period.
Since the beginning of his career, Belo Horizonte-born composer Pacífico Mascarenhas developed an unusual method of work. Although he plays both piano and acoustic guitar, Pacífico never took part as a musician in any of the albums of the Sambacana group that he founded back in 1965. So, it could be called a "ghost-act," since its leader always invited different musicians to each and every Sambacana project.

This fourth Sambacana album, originally released in Brazil by the Tapecar label back in 1976, and now reissued in Japan by Think! Records, is pure delight. For the proceedings, Pacífico invited two great singers -- the brother & sister duo of Roberto Tostes (aka Bob Tostes) and Suzana Tostes Martins -- and assembled a phenomenal cast of players, with keyboardist Wagner Tiso taking care of the inspired arrangements. The repertoire consists of nine new originals composed by Pacífico specially for those sessions, plus the remakes of "Pouca Duração" (originally included on Sambacana's debut album) at the suggestion of vocalist Bob Tostes, "O Vento Que Soprou" and "Tom da Canção."

The group also includes Toninho Horta (electric guitar), Novelli (electric bass), Nivaldo Ornelas (soprano sax & flutes), Laercio Villar (drums), Afonso Maluf (congas & percussion), and the great multi-instrumentalist André Dequech (heard here only on violin in some tracks). All of them in their creative heyday, specially Tiso, and playing with an incredible sense of swing, often in a latin-bossa mood reminiscent of João Donato's best years.

It's funny, pleasant and intriguing to see how much Tiso sounds like a young Donato when groovin' and even when soloing on the opening track, "Num Desses Dias." Afonso Maluf, currently nowhere to be found, adds congas and guiro in the final part of that lovely song, wisely giving a latin spice to it. Throught the album, Laercio Villar, another figure that seems to have disappeared from the face of Earth, plays with great energy, a la Robertinho Silva sometimes, but in a softer way.

All instrumental solos - mostly by Ornelas and Tiso - are short, but impeccable. The grooves are varied and exciting, with infectious riffs. And the recording-mixing quality is excellent, although the engineer and the studio were oddly never credited in the original LP, and still remain a mistery. One more reason to regret that, instead of using the original master tapes, this reissue was remastered from a (very used) vinyl source -- actually, the first CD reissue, released only in Brazil five years ago by Pacífico himself, was transferred to digital from a worst vinyl copy, with serious problems of rotation and distortion.

The Japanese CD reproduces the original cover art, including the great shot of Pacífico driving one of the old cars from his big collection of Fords, Chevys etc. Milton Nascimento, who debuted on Sambacana's second album, wrote the liner notes for the LP, while Bob Tostes added a new text to the booklet of this CD reissue.

Btw, Suzana & Bob Tostes (the best Sambacana vocalists ever) are the ice of the cake, creatively phrasing in a joyful and soulful way. Their voices are pure velvet, with Bob sounding like a Brazilian Mel Tormé. Suzana sings and ennunciates much better than most of the bossa nova vocalists that became famous. As a duo, Suzana & Bob certainly could have achieved worldwide fame if they had moved to Rio or São Paulo, but never left their hometown, Belo Horizonte, where they continue to perform in a regular basis. Their singing on "IV Sambacana" are among the Top 10 vocal performances in bossa nova albums of anytime.

There are many pretty songs, but my favorite ones are "Num Desses Dias," "Programa no Domingo," "Prezada Amada," "O Vento Que Soprou" (Novelli stands out), "Minha Ex-Namorada" (another latin-tinged gem on which Maluf excells), the new arrangement of "Pouca Duração" (a song I included in the "What a Wonderful Bossa World" CD that I produced for singer-bassist Anna Ly in 2006) and the sophisticated jazz-waltz "Minha Cidade." What an album!

Instrumental CD Reissue of the Month - "Friedrich Gulda: Music for 4 Soloists and Band No.1"

CD Reissue of the Month
Friedrich Gulda: "Music for 4 Soloists and Band No.1" (MPS) 1965/2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
**** (recording & mix)
**** (remastering)

Vocal CD of the Month - "Mark Murphy: Never Let Me Go"

Vocal CD of the Month
Mark Murphy: "Never Let Me Go" (MM) 2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance)
**** (sonic quality)

Produced by Misha Piatigorsky & Chris Wabich
Executive Producer: Nita Loebis
Recording Engineer: Manfred Knoop
Mixed by Chris Wabich
Mastering: Russell Dawkins
Research: Francesca Miano

Recorded in a single day (January 8, 2010) "live" at Twiz Records Studios in River Edge, New Jersey, it's another superb singing lesson by the best male vocalist in the history of jazz. Murphy's adventurous spirit recreates Cole Porter's "I've Got You Under My Skin" (a highlight from his live performances since the 80s), "Turn Out The Stars" (yes, the Bill Evans tune with lyrics added by the late Gene Lees), the John Frigo-Lou Carter-Herb Ellis gem "Detour Ahead" (the best version since Milt Jackson's 1973 recording for his "Goodbye" album) and the Ray Evans-Jay Livingston title track (covered by another great vibes player, Bobby Hutcherson, for his 1986 "Color Schemes" date) in a creative way that no other singer or instrumentalist in the contemporary jazz scene could surpass.

Besides the liner notes by jazz historian Joe Lang, the booklet of this digipak issue also includes texts by executive producer Nita Loebis, by all members of the outstanding Mishia Piatigorsky Trio -- with the leader on acoustic piano, Danton Boller on acoustic bass & Chris Wabich on drums --, and by Mark Murphy himself. According to them, all 11 tracks were first-takes, with no vocal overdubs, like Murphy always liked to do. Other highlights: Murphy's own haunting ballad "I Know You From Somewhere," Curtis Lewis' ultra-hip "The Great City," Ivan Lins' "Evolution" (from his "Love Dance" album) and two Antonio Carlos Jobim's classics with English lyrics by Ray Gilbert: "Useless Landscape" (Inútil Paisagem) and "Photograph" (Fotografia). Mark Murphy, gifted with an obsession to take chances all the time, phrasing in a highly challenging way, knows not only how to caress the songs, but also the listener's souls. Essential, stunning and sublime. One of the best albums of the year.

Instrumental CD of the Month - "Frank Herzberg Trio: Handmade"

Instrumental CD of the Month
Frank Herzberg Trio: "Handmade" (FH) 2011

Rating:
***** (musical performance & sonic quality)

Produced & Engineered by Frank Herzberg
Recorded on November 26 & 27, 2010
Total Time 57:17

Arguably the best jazz album of the year, "Handmade" was conceived, engineered & self-produced by the great São Paulo-based German bassist Frank Herzberg. Everything is impressive: the original material, the arrangements, the bright sound quality, the pristine mastering. And, specially, the soulful performances by this cohesive trio of giants: Herzberg on acoustic bass, Alexandre Zamith on acoustic piano & Rhodes, and Zé Eduardo Nazário on drums.

"Handmade" transcends any categorization. It's better and more creative than anything currently marketed as "contemporary jazz" in the USA and Europe. It's better and more creative than anything labeled as "instrumental Brazilian music" (argh!) or "Brazilian jazz." It defies limits, because this is music created by blessed souls, not simple musicians. They deliver a spiritual message through music, and they talk an universal language. There's a bit of Brazil, there's a lot of jazz, but above all there's originality everywhere. It's really a massive and challenging set, completely unpredictable, combining density and intensity in the highest possible level.

The expressiviness of Herzberg's use of the arco bass in the opening track, "Don't Talk Crazy," is just the first strong feeling the listener shall be prepared to experience. In the same tune, Nazário's extraordinary solo displays his stature as one of the world's top jazz drummers, in the same level of Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette and Chris Dave. The leader is a virtuoso, but he never shows off, remembering me of Richard Davis and Buster Williams. The keyboardist is a young master, Brazil's equivalent to Robert Glasper.

"A Xepa," composed by Nazário back in 1976, when he was a member of Hermeto Pascoal's band, reflects a time when Brazilian music was evolving so much that I believed it could conquer the world through Hermeto, Airto, Egberto Gismonti, Sivuca & Co. It's rhythmically a "baião," with its melody played by Zamith on Rhodes, and Nazário's performance evokes memories of one of his idols, our late friend Dom Um Romão.

"Mil Saudades," a haunting ballad, follows, with the leader using both arco and pizzicato. The interaction between Herzberg and Zamith is amazing, specially during a written section before the bass and piano improvisations. A very subtle samba-jazz comes to the surface, completing the trip. Zamith's "Lorca" seems more quiet in the beginning, but the mood changes as Herzberg's stunning arco work takes the tune to another dimension.

Zamith returns to the Rhodes on the funky-flavoured "Too Much, Charlie." The crystalline sound of Nazário's cymbals and hi-hat is schocking, combined with a killer bass-drum pulsation. And he starts the next track, appropriately titled "The Drums," in a trance. That's the first of four movements of a suite for jazz trio. Then comes "The Bass," on which the leader displays his tremendous dexterity (amplified by a fat & warm bass sound), followed by "The Piano," a lyrical voyage with Nazário's brushwork in an intimate dialogue with Zamith's long lines a la Chick Corea. The eagles land on "The Trio," defined by Herzberg as an "up-tempo minor blues." That's what comes closer to "mainstream jazz" in the album, once again allowing Nazário the chance to showcase his versatilty and complete command of the drumset. But words are not enough to describe the cathartic experience this CD provides. Try for yourself.
**********
The CD liner notes:

Coming to Brazil 14 years ago was a kind of adventure that I expected to last only a couple of years. But private plans and destiny very often do not agree with each other. Now I'm married to my beautiful wife Marta, have three great kids: Stefan, Luisa and Clara, and I have met many marvelous people here. I am lucky to play with many of the very best Brazilian musicians and I’ve been learning a great variety of new musical styles and ways to play. Zé Eduardo Nazario and Alexandre Zamith became my partners almost 10 years ago and we continue to find opportunities to maintain our musical and personal friendship. I'm very pleased we managed to document some of the artistic material we've created during these years. Here are some comments about the music . . .

1) Don't Talk Crazy - I wrote this for a friend who is obsessed with the end of the world. The melody is in 5/4 and it stays in this meter on the B section where drums and bass do a metrical displacement.

2) A Xepa - Zé Eduardo Nazario wrote this song in 1976 when he was in Hermeto Pascoal’s band. He composed the melody on a bamboo flute used in the Northeast of Brazil. The song uses a typical rhythm from the Northeast area, Baião – but Zé put his personal stamp on the tune by arranging it for jazz instruments. A Xepa, translated from Brazilian Portuguese, means "our daily bread."

3) Mil Saudades - is dedicated to my mum and my friend Jens Thurow who left us too early.

4) Lorca - Alexandre Zamith wrote this tune as homage to the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. The melody unfolds over a series of odd-meter combinations, mostly 6/8 and 7/8. In the improvisational section, the grouping of 6/8 and 7/8 totals a measure of 13/8.

5) Too Much, Charlie – The title of this song comes from an expression used often by Charlie Banacos during our lessons. Charlie was a legendary teacher in the Boston area and I had the privilege of studying with him for almost 5 years. He passed too soon, and I miss him a lot.

6 - 9) Suite For Jazz Trio "Twelve Bars Down The Road I Met You” – is dedicated to my wife Marta. We met at Berklee College of Music and played a lot of blues together. The entire suite is comprised of 4 movements. All of the movements are based in some way on the blues, although sometimes the connection is loose and/or very re-harmonized.

6) The Drums The first movement features the drum set by starting off with a solo and concludes with a bass melody and counterpoint based on a 12-tone row. My idea was 12 tones = 12 bars = blues.

7) The Bass – This movement is a feature for the upright bass in medium tempo with lots of double-stops. Although this is the most typical blues composition in the suite, the melody is actually 13 measures long.

8) The Piano – This movement is a very re-harmonized bluesy ballad in 3/4 meter. I particularly enjoy the impressionistic intro that Alexandre created. The last four chords of the form extend for free playing.

9) The Trio – This movement concludes the suite and is an up-tempo minor blues that features all 3 musicians. It ends on a G7sus chord, a dominant chord, which leaves everything open…
- Frank Herzberg, São Paulo, Brazil 1st of September, 2011
********
It is my great pleasure to write a few words about the recording at hand. It is a product of the long-time artistic collaboration of three unique and special musicians. Each brings a lifetime of devotion and musical growth to their joint effort.

Alexandre Zamith holds a Doctorate in Classical Performance and loves to combine elements of jazz and contemporary classical performance. He inserts impressionistic flavors into his music, quoting Brazilian composers like Villa Lobos and Guerra Peixe (in A Xepa for instance), and is fusing his musical interests into a unique personal style.

Zé Eduardo Nazario has played with a veritable “who’s who” of great Brazilian musicians, has accompanied international stars touring in his country, and has travelled widely. He has acquired an encyclopedic knowledge of Brazilian rhythms and music styles, and delved deeply into Jazz, African, and Indian musical cultures. Both sensitive and powerful, Zé Eduardo has a wonderful, creative musical imagination.

Frank Herzberg is a native Berliner and an adopted Brazilian. He is old-world conservatory trained, has absorbed contemporary improvisation techniques at Berklee College of Music and with other legendary teachers in Boston, and is now knee-deep in the vast and fascinating Brazilian musical universe. Frank is organized, flexible, and loyal.

These are the musicians who have created the recording Handmade. An honest name, I think, Handmade – hands on keys, hands holding bows and pulling strings, hands using sticks to strike skins and cymbals.

This is music made by hand, with intention, devotion, and sweat. The ingredients acquired through life-long study, then added, subtracted, mixed, blended, refined, and aged like fine wine in special barrels until the right moment. Now is the time to taste the wine. Enjoy!
- John Stein, Boston, USA 1st of September, 2011

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