A Sunday Afternoon of Song in CA, Feb 27

The Jazzschool Vocal Department
Showcase and Open House
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27th
2087 Addison Street
Berkeley, California 94704

Call (510) 845-5373 to reserve tickets
4:30 - 6:30
Only $10
BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE http://jazzschool.inhousetickets.com/events/139683

Featuring the Extraordinary Jazzschool Vocal Teachers:
Maye Cavallaro
Stephanie Crawford
Sandy Cressman
Daria
Julia Dollison
Raz Kennedy
Janet Kutulas
Maria Marquez
Kerry Marsh
Joyce Pricco
Ed Reed
Pamela Rose
Trelawny Rose
Stephen Saxon
Faith Winthrop
*********
Greetings Everyone!

I'm so pleased to present this stellar cast of exceptional vocal artists and educators to showcase the wealth of resources available to vocal students of all ages and levels at the Jazzschool coming this spring quarter April 4 - June 19.

This is a great opportunity to not only meet the Jazzschool vocal faculty, but to also HEAR them sing. You may have heard the expression "Those that can, do. Those that can't, teach." This is certainly not the case with the staff at the Jazzschool. In fact, Jazzschool teachers are both wonderful artists and knowledgeable, generous educators. Registration for spring will be open so you will also have the opportunity to sign up for classes right then and there. If you are a fan of vocal music, but not quite ready to take the stage, then you will be thrilled to spend a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon listening to some of the most wonderful vocalists in the Bay Area.

The Vocal Program has hosted some of the world's greatest singers including Bobby McFerrin, Mark Murphy, Kurt Elling, Nancy King, Sheila Jordon, Theo Bleckmann and many, many others. Some of the Bay Area's most beloved artists and educators also lead short-term workshops including Clairdee, Ed Reed, Madeline Eastman, Ann Dyer and Jackie Ryan. We are offering two master classes this spring -- one with east coast singer J.D. Walter and another with our local master, Kitty Margolis. Maria Marquez is introducing a brand new class on the "Intimate Side of Latin Music" where students will be working in a duo setting. Stephanie Crawford is back with a class focusing on "interpretation." Maye Cavallaro is teaching her weekly classes as well as an innovative workshop on "Taming Your Inner Critic." We have great technique classes, world music classes and improvisation classes. In addition to teaching courses with the Jazzschool Institute degree program, I am continuing to offer "The Creative Jazz Singer," an all-around weekly class working with a rhythm section.

This will be a festive concert, with lots of information about Jazzschool classes, workshops and master classes and most of all, some amazing music by an eclectic group of vocalists. Refreshments served!

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, February 27th!

Best regards,

Laurie Antonioli
Director, Jazzschool Vocal Program
*********
Visit The Jazzschool Vocal Classes: http://jazzschool.com/html/classes_voice.html

Mission Statement:

The Jazzschool fosters the development of the aspiring jazz musician and endeavors to build new audiences to sustain and promote the jazz art form, by integrating a preeminent education program of jazz and related styles of music with life-enriching performance opportunities.

COME FOR THE CONCERT
AT 4:30, STAY FOR THE VOCAL JAM SESSION
AT 7:30 -- Open to All!!
$5 cover for Jam Session
(Laurie Antonioli)

"The Jazzschool has quickly turned into a major educational presence in the Bay Area, with a faculty drawn from the region's finest musicians. It contributes to the creation of a burgeoning jazz corridor in downtown Berkeley." - DownBeat Magazine

"Laurie Antonioli is having a party and has invited all of her friends - Clairdee, Kim Nalley, Madeline Eastman, Theo Bleckmann and Kitty Margolis, to name just a few of the well-known singers who preach what they practice as part of the Jazzschool's vocal faculty."

Antonioli has been involved with the school for about 10 years, teaching between gigs when she was in the Bay Area. After spending several years performing in Europe, she returned to the Bay Area and in 2006 was offered the job of director of the Jazzschool's Vocal Jazz Studies program, which involves not only developing the vocal education program but also finding people in the Bay Area music community to teach at the school, coordinating concerts and setting up workshops.

She sees teaching as a natural extension of performing." - San Francisco Chronicle

Holly live @ the Hip Kitty, Feb 25

Holly Zell Jurgensen @ the Hip Kitty!!! This Friday, February 25
Hip Kitty Jazz Fondue Lounge
502 W. First St., Claremont, CA 91711
Ph: (909) 447-6700
www.hipkittyjazz.com

Featuring: Ron Kobayashi (piano), Baba Elefante (bass), Steve Dixon (drums) & Joe Jewell (guitar). Not to be missed!
Jazz-inflected pop sensibilities; sensual, soulful songs: Meet Holly, the single-moniker of singer/songwriter Holly Zell Jurgensen, a Southern California-based artist whose melodic finesse and vocal intimacy are in full bloom on her full-length debut, "Butter & Chocolate."

Born in San Clemente, California, the gorgeous Holly graduated from UCLA with a master’s degree in music. She has since become a charter member of the Southern California songwriting community – a loose-knit group of friends and collaborators. Listeners might know her from her inclusion in "Women on the Move" (Red Coyote Records), a collection praised as possessing “…a fluidity that is rarely seen in compilation records.”

Within the 12 new tracks that constitute "Butter & Chocolate," breezy references to the ocean, tides, and the moon confirm Holly’s west coast origins. “I Love This Place,” introduces the song suite, with Holly’s serene voice floating over chiming acoustic guitars and a rippling piano. Between swelling strings and hypnotic rhythms, “Helplessly in Love,” illuminates the intoxication of infatuation as it reinforces a primary theme of the CD – different shades of love. “There is lost love, there is in love and there is true love,” notes Holly. “I want to represent the whole person.”

Subtle Latin grooves, acoustic guitars and a declaratory chorus of female voices underscore the candid declaration of “I Love Him.” With “That Look,” the mood is definitively sharpened – as a stinging electric guitar and sly innuendo annotate the flash point of physical attraction. Confirming the theme in her song, “Helplessly In Love,” Holly notes, “I’m a helpless romantic -- I like that sense of ‘Danielle Steele hotness.’”

“Butter,” also celebrates the power of the sensual. “Baby tastes like butter/Simmering sweet and slow,” she intones. The album’s other delectable bookend, “Chocolate,” is a bluesy invitation, with the narrator equating through metaphor how physical desire mirrors a craving for sweets.

But all is not candy coated: The mood transitions into profound shades of blue with the CD’s emotional centerpiece, “Over the Rainbow.” By appropriating a well-known title, Holly creates a new reflection on an historic metaphor. “You have hope and expectations when you’re young,” she says. “All of the challenges are there. These lyrics talk about the idea of dreams not coming true, and what do you do then?”

Diabetes, autism, cancer and loss -- it is her response to these very human frailties that inspires her art and bonds her to others dealing with similar realities . “Another Day, Another Night,” and “I Miss You,” both reveal a connection to trial and loss. “When you’re sharing authenticity that’s art,” notes Holly. “I’m not afraid to do that as a songwriter.”

A select group of collaborators -- including Nashville/L.A. veteran Warren Sellers, Music City luminary Marc-Alan Barnette (Shelby Lynne, David Ball); the late tunesmith Marty Martin (a prime architect in the Los Angeles “Breakout” songwriters group), and James Grey (Tyrone Wells) and Rascal Flatts/Sara Evans songwriter, Kevin Fisher --worked with Holly on crafting the songs that constitute "Butter & Chocolate." Holly co-produced with Randy Emata, whose resume includes marquee artists like Chaka Khan and Aaron Neville.

Holly smiles enigmatically when asked why this project, now. “It is so if someone important, or someone from the music industry asks me, ‘Do you have an album?’ I’m prepared.” Moreover, she concludes with this these thoughts: “I wanted to kill every bird with one stone. To create a vehicle that would act as an introduction to other songwriters and to listeners. But most of all, I needed to pour my heart into the emotions of these songs.”

Know any good organizers?

"Dear Arnaldo:

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

This summer, Organizing for America will train a new team of summer organizers. The Summer Organizing Fellowship is a grassroots program that aims to put boots on the ground and help foster a new generation of leaders -- not just to help win elections, but to strengthen our democracy in communities across the country.

We're reminded nearly every day of the power of organizing -- of people standing up and speaking out in their communities. And that kind of effective organizing doesn't happen in a vacuum. It takes commitment, time, and hard work to build a movement around a cause.

That's exactly what our team of summer organizers will do.

They will be trained in the basic principles that have always built and powered effective grassroots movements, and will be assigned to a specific community where they'll work to organize supporters street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood. They'll recruit volunteers, run events, knock on doors, and do what it takes to support the President's agenda. And, in the end, their work will take our grassroots power to an impressive new level.

Apply now to be a summer organizer, or pass this email along to anyone else you know who might be interested.

Folks who trained in programs like this one have gained important skills that have since helped them in careers with OFA and beyond. And they had a good time doing it.

Becca Siegel, a student at Stanford University, spent the past two summers organizing in Colorado -- and she loved it. "Working as a summer organizer certainly taught me a diverse set of skills in a fast-paced environment. Each day brought new opportunities and challenges: a meeting with a local activist followed by voter registration at an outdoor concert, or a conference call with other organizers from around the country followed by volunteering at a community health clinic."

When she graduates from college later this year, Becca will take the skills she learned at OFA to a new job in South Africa.

You don't have to be a student, like Becca, or a recent graduate to be a summer organizer. Nikki Giancola, now a regional field director for OFA Illinois, was a middle school teacher for four years before becoming a summer organizer. "I will never forget the day the Affordable Care Act passed," she says. "It was a feeling like no other -- I had played a part in helping millions of people, and the summer organizer program gave me the chance to do so."

Summer organizer Paras Patel had a similarly unforgettable experience -- meeting President Obama at an event in Detroit. "He shook my hand and told me that he was proud of me and appreciated the work I was doing. I didn't know what to expect when I started at OFA, but meeting the President was definitely a surprise and something I will never forget!"

Successful movements have always been built and grown by ordinary people who take responsibility for organizing their fellow citizens to make their voices heard. We're looking for folks who are ready to work hard to support the President's agenda and lay new groundwork to carry this movement forward for years to come.

Click here to apply for the OFA summer organizers program or pass it on to a friend -- no experience is needed to apply:
http://my.barackobama.com/Summer-Organizers

Thanks for all you do,

Jeremy Bird"
Deputy Director
Organizing for America
A project of the Democratic National Committee
430 South Capitol Street
SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Ron Carter's big band album released today!

"Ron Carter Great Big Band," recorded last Summer in NY with the collaboration of arranger & conductor Robert M. "Bob" Freedman, is coming out today, February 23rd. As usually happens with Ron's albums, initially it will be released only in Japan (by Toshiba-EMI's Somethin' Else label), but it will probably receive a domestic issued in the USA on Blue Note, several months later.

The repertoire includes Ellington/Tizol's "Caravan," Gillespie's "Con Alma," Sonny Stitt's "The Eternal Triangle," Nat Adderley's "Sweet Emma," Freedman's "Pork Chop," Ron's own "Loose Change" and "Opus One Point Five (Theme for C.B.)," Tom Harrel's lovely "Sail Away," Sy Oliver's masterpiece "Opus Number One," W.C. Handy's historical "St. Louis Blues," Gerry Mulligan's "Line for Lyons," Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" and John Lewis' MJQ-classic "The Golden Striker."

Ron, Mulgrew Miller (piano) & Lewis Nash (drums) form the rhythm section, with the horn section including Jerry Dodgion, Steve Davis, Jason Jackson, Douglas Purviance, Tony Kadleck and Alex Norris, amongst others.

『It's The Time』、『Jazz & Bossa』、『The World of Ron Carter』と、近年の充実した活動ぶりを示す意欲的なアルバム・リリースが続くロン・カーター。50年以上の音楽生活で初の自己名義によるビッグ・バンド・アルバムが完成。ウェイン・ショーター「フットプリンツ」、ディジー・ガレスピー「コン・アルマ」、ジョン・ルイス「ザ・ゴールデン・ストライカー」、デューク・エリントン「キャラヴァン」などを収録。

2 NorCal Concerts by Sony Holland this week!

Sony Holland will be performing 2 concerts in North California, singing the repertoire from her latest CD "Sanssouci," voted one of the Top Vocal Albums of 2010 in our 32nd Annual Jazz Station Poll.
Feb 26 @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz
Feb 27 @ Nikko Hotel in San Francisco
Advance tix online at: www.brownpapertickets.com or by phone (800) 838-3006.
More info: (408) 888-4784

CD of the Week - "The Either/Orchestra: Mood Music for Time Travellers"

CD of the Week
The Either/Orchestra: "Mood Music for Time Travellers" (Accurate)

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

A must-have item for anyone really interested in being up-to-date with contemporary jazz. Inventiviness, originality, great tunes, outstanding arrangements, amazing solos. What else could a jazz lover ask for?

For 25 years, Boston's Either/Orchestra has been serving up musical repasts of savory, ever-evolving ingredients. Incorporating elements of American/Latin/Caribbean jazz and Ethiopian music with the big band format and the capacious musical vision of founder Russ Gershon, the 10-piece ensemble has long embraced a global array of influences and explored unforeseen improvisational frontiers.

Now, marking their silver anniversary with the release of their first CD in five years ("Mood Music for Time Travellers") and a series of celebratory shows and events, the Either/Orchestra is in its creative prime, a venerable institution that's still hungry for new sounds.

"I'm proud of the continuing achievements of the talented and creative musicians who have come through the E/O," says saxophonist/composer Gershon. "And what's really wonderful about working with these great players is how each one has left his mark on what we play and how we play it to this day."

Alums of the band include Miguel Zenon, John Medeski, Matt Wilson, Josh Roseman, Jaleel Shaw, Andrea D'Angelo, Mike Rivard, and Curtis Hasselbring, as well as Ethiopian jazz stars Mulatu Astatke, Mahmoud Ahmed, and Getachew Mekurya. Among the E/O's current mainstays are charter trumpeter Tom Halter; Dominican-born conguero Vicente Lebron, a longtime member; and Venezuelan drummer Pablo Bencid, a relative newcomer of five years.

"I wanted to hear a band like this one," recalls Gershon, thinking about the E/O's origins. "I was hearing the Gil Evans Orchestra regularly in the early 80s in New York at Sweet Basil. I loved the combination of expansive horn section writing with a large and raucous rhythm section, and the way Gil would let his amazing soloists take over the band. I remember thinking I'd like to hear sounds like that in Boston, so I didn't have to come to New York every time I wanted the experience."

The group's debut performance on December 17, 1985 at the Cambridge Public Library was something of a sensation, and with the release of its first album, 1987's "Dial 'E' for Either/Orchestra," the group quickly gained national stature as one of the most original new units on the scene.

Over the years, Gershon took the band on the road for a series of extended tours, "which enabled us to make quantum leaps forward" creatively, and formed his own label, Accurate Records, which quickly took on an essential role documenting Boston's progressive jazz scene, including the E/O's critically acclaimed albums: "Radium" (1988), "The Half-Life of Desire" (1990), "The Calculus of Pleasure" (1992), "More Beautiful Than Death" (2000, the start of E/O's ongoing Ethiopian odyssey), and "Afro-Cubism" (2002). The E/O's collaboration with Berklee-trained Ethio-jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke and other Ethiopian stars was captured on "Live in Addis" (2005, Ethiopiques 20).

In June of 2010, Gershon and the Either/Orchestra were awarded a Chamber Music America "Jazz New Works and Ensemble Development" grant for an as-yet-unwritten suite of pieces to be performed and recorded. The band released their eleventh album, "Mood Music for Time Travellers"; completed a video of the CD's lead track, "The (One of a Kind) Shimmy"; and appeared at the Chicago Jazz Festival in September with special guest Teshome Mitiku.

And on Thursday, 12/16, the E/O performed their 25th anniversary concert at the Regent Theater in Arlington, MA. Several dozen alumni were invited to participate Miguel Zenon, Josh Roseman, Bob Nieske, Chris Taylor, John Dirac, Curtis Hasselbring, Jerome Deupree, Kenny Freundlich, Dan Fox, Leo Blanco, Russell Jewell, Kurtis Rivers, and John Turner. Another celebration happened some days ago in New York @ Le Poisson Rouge on February 11.

Coming up in the spring are concerts with Ethiopian superstar Mahmoud Ahmed (at Amherst [MA] College on 3/25 and the Regattabar in Cambridge on 3/24 or 3/26); and a 5/13 appearance at the Ethiopian Music Festival in Addis Ababa, with the E/O performing the music of Armenian maestro Nerses Nalbandian. The E/O will return home with a 5/26 appearance at Scullers in Boston.

"Preparing for the 25th anniversary concerts," says Gershon, "it's fascinating for me to search through our library of old music and old recordings, and see the interweaving of musical ideas, the career paths of so many wonderful musicians, and the evolution of jazz itself over the lifespan of the band, which actually covers a quarter of the history of jazz. We intend to bring all of these elements together into entertaining, edifying, and emotional shows over this coming season."

Sony Holland live in San Francisco, Feb 27

Sony Holland
Touring new CD "Sanssouci"
Sunday, February 27 2011 • 3pm, $25
http://therrazzroom.com/11Artist/sony_h.html

CD Reissue of the Week - "Johnny Alf: Diagonal"

CD Reissue of the Week
Johnny Alf: "Diagonal" (RCA/BMG Japan) 1964

Rating
Musical content: *****
Recording & mixing: *****
Remastering: *****

A masterpiece! Splendid vocal & instrumental performances, superb arrangements by the unsung piano & Hammond hero Celso Murilo, "the genius from Baependi," the small city in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, which is famous for the Venerable Nhá Chica, adored by Paulo Coelho and millions of others.
Also featuring: Edson Machado, Luis Marinho, Jorginho (Jorge Ferreira da Silva), Neco, Aurino Ferreira, Zé Bodega, Macaxeira, Norato, Maurilio dos Santos, Hamilton, Julinho (Julio Barbosa) et al.
Highlights: "Disa" (my personal favorite of all Alf's brilliant tunes, co-written with Mauricio Einhorn), "O Céu Você" (an obscure gem penned by Luiz Bonfá & Maria Helena Toledo), the wordless vocals on "Diagonal" (Durval Ferreira/Mauricio Einhorn), Zé Maria's "Triste Noturno" (to which Alf added lyrics), plus two samba-jazz anthems composed by Johnny Alf: "Céu e Mar" and "Seu Chopin, Desculpe." Essential!

Lee Ritenour launches the 2011 Yamaha 6 String Theory Guitar Competition

Sign up here: http://www.sixstringtheory.com/

In partnership with Yamaha, Lee Ritenour, The National Guitar Workshops, and The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation, this year's competition seeks to find the next generation of great guitarists!

36 semi-finalists to be selected!

Prizes include: Yamaha Guitars, Endorsement Deals from Yamaha, Monster Cable, and D'Addario Strings, Recording Contract opportunity with Concord Records, Vacation Package at Flathead Lake Lodge in Montana, National Guitar Workshop Scholarships, 2012 NGW Clinic Tour... and MORE!

How to enter:

Sign Up: Enter in 1 of 6 categories: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Acoustic, and Country.

Upload Your Videos: Submit your two 5 min. videos

Judging: 36 semi-finalists will be selected (6 in each style) to compete at the National Guitar Workshop. 6 finalists will be chosen to compete at the final live competition at the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts during the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop in Montana where the Grand Prize winner will be chosen!

Entry deadline is April 30th, 2011.

Go to The Contest page for complete details. http://www.sixstringtheory.com/yamaha-six-string-theory-contest

If you're new to 6 String Theory, visit The Album page for the history on the award winning album that started it all: Lee Ritenour's "6 String Theory". Btw, Ritenour took part in an all-star project co-produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro in Seoul, titled "Arirang," and released this month in Korea.

Spiritual Events this week in the LA Area

Spiritual Events next week in the LA Area 2-18-10
http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2am5BAHIR48J24OEGZte1t4A/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2F
_________________________________________________________
SFV/Glendale/Burbank
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2amAIO6LJfqQ4Uh_qY4kwl7w/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FGlendale_Burbank.html

* Reiki Level 2 Certification
* Working with Guidance and Introduction to Channeling
_________________________________________________________
HOLLYWOOD
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2a2cgnxZQ50WwSQkuAZrW5vg/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FHollywood.html

* Booksigning- Christ Enlightened
_________________________________________________________
LOS ANGELES
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2a55JbshJolTiO_XOA8PgoQw/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FLos_Angeles.html

* CD Release Party "The Source: Guided Meditations" @ The Crystal Matrix
* Shaking Medicine Circle
* REIKI II Certification with HOI Reiki Master Christina Galvez
* Reiki IICE 2nd Level Class in the Usui Method of Healing
* Workshop with Wendy Allamby "I'll Show You My Aura If You Show Me Yours"
* Satsang in Malibu
* Rhythmtrance with Greg Ellis
* Vision Board Playshop with Deborah Deras - "Experience Zen (enlightenment) in 2011"
* Being Loved By Crystals with Shelli Berman
* Fairies and Giants with Maja D’Aoust
* Meditations for Modern Man
* Tantric Practice and Shamanic Experiences
* Shamanic Alchemical Meditation “Violet Flame” with Michael Cardenas
* Psychic Reading Secrets Workshop with Celebrity Psychic Joanna Garzilli
* DREAMS: THE HIDDEN LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL with Leanne Whitney
* Talk to the Dead - No Long Distance Charges
* Eckankar Book Group Discussion - "How to Survive Spirituality in Our Times"
* Book Signing with Rina Jakubowicz
* Tess Whitehurst Living with Magical Plants and Crystals
* Trans-Crystal Therapy Advanced Crystal Techniques - Series III
* VIBRATION Music Meditation – The Harp with Aedan MacDonnell
* Kangen Water Demo Event
* Darshan
* JOHN J OLIVER - Talking to the Dead and Communicating with The Higher Worlds
* Crystals 102: Cleansing, Clearing and Charging with Michael Cardenas

_________________________________________________________
PASADENA
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2a7IRNhGhvhXhWTeLnIzTjPA/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FPasadena.html

* Spirit Communication Circle
_________________________________________________________
ORANGE COUNTY
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2aXMDHEgI1zL9T-rLOW2kaDg/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FOrange_County.html

* Learn How to Meditate
* Tarot Class
* Discover the Missing Pieces
_________________________________________________________
SANTA CLARITA
For Full Details: http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2a1F-FRakeaqlBDtW0ez6D6Q/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spiritualeventsla.com%2FSanta_Clarita.html

* Reiki Level 2 Class

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http://www.facebook.com/l/5ab2aC5lXOwhP9OK68cGXp7TTAA/www.Twitter.com/SpiritEventsLA

Obama: "Arnaldo, what do you think?"

"Dear Arnaldo:

This week, the President sent his budget to Congress.

It's a plan to rebuild our economy and win the future -- a plan that will prepare our country and our children for the jobs and industries of tomorrow.

It's a proposal to live within our means so we can invest in our future.

But the budget can be complex, confusing, and easy to distort in a partisan environment. President Obama will rely on our help -- the on-the-ground organizing we know works -- to make the case alongside him.

That's why we want your input.

Take a minute to learn about the President's top budget priorities, and then let us know which is the most important to you.

Your feedback will help guide the work we do and the strategies we employ in the coming months, as the fights in Washington over the budget come to a head.

The President's vision is ambitious yet responsible. While making the tough decisions on some things we can't afford, the budget also makes targeted investments where we need them to create jobs and secure a brighter future for new generations.

It comes down to whether we're able to live up to the vision the President laid out in five pillars:

-- Innovate: Invest heavily in research and development, more than double funding for energy efficiency advances, and put 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

-- Educate: Expand the Race to the Top program, encourage school funding reform by rewarding success and innovation, train 100,000 new math and science teachers, and make it more affordable for millions more students to pay for college.

-- Build: Create hundreds of thousands of jobs off the bat with investments in infrastructure, bring high-speed Internet access to 98 percent of Americans, and support the goal of supplying high-speed rail to 80 percent of Americans within 25 years.

-- Be fiscally responsible: Reduce the deficit by more than $1 trillion over the next 10 years, bring non-security discretionary spending to the lowest levels since Eisenhower, and live up to the President's pledge to cut the deficit he inherited in half before the end of his first term.

-- Reform government: Embrace competitive grant models that encourage innovation and save taxpayer dollars, cut administrative overhead costs by billions, and establish a process to reorganize government to make it better serve the goal of a competitive America.

Whether we can out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world depends on the direction this country takes right now.

And each of us is a critical messenger for this administration.

When we talk to friends and family, when we knock on our neighbors' doors, and when we discuss the news with coworkers, we communicate so much more than any talking head or political ad ever could.

We'll be the ones making the case in our communities. So weigh in on what part of the President's vision you want to see take priority:
http://my.barackobama.com/BudgetPriorities

Thanks,

Mitch Stewart"
Director - Organizing for America
A project of the Democratic National Committee
430 South Capitol Street
SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Vinyl of the Day - "Don Elliott: Jamaica Jazz"

Vinyl of the Day
The Don Elliott Octet featuring Candido: "Jamaica Jazz" (ABC-Paramount ABCS 228) 1958

Produced by Creed Taylor
Arranged by Gil Evans
Featuring: Don Elliott (mellophonium, vib, tp), Phil Bodner (fl,oboe,english hrn), Al Klink (bcl,ts), Don Ashworth (fl,oboe,english hrn), Romeo Penque (fl,oboe,english horn), Barry Galbraith (g), Art Taylor (ds), Candido Camero (conga), Ernie Furtado (b) & Paul Chambers (b)

Tracklist:
Push De Button
Cocoanut Sweet
Little Biscuit
Savanna
Pretty To Walk With
Ain't It The Truth
Napoleon
What Good Does It Do?

Gina Saputo & her trio live @ Steamers, Feb 18

Gina Saputo - Feb 18, 8:30pm-12:30am
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800

Featuring: Matt Politano (piano), David Miller (bass) & Evan Stone (drums)

CD of the Week - "Florian Ross: Mechanism"

CD of the Week
Florian Ross: "Mechanism" (Pirouet) 2010

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

Produced by Florian Ross & Jason Seizer, it's a sublime and perfect album. Florian Ross is a poet, like Bill Evans. Romantic, but never mellow. It's impossible to mention highlights among the 17 beautiful tracks of "Mechanism." Ross himself composed 15 of them. The remaining two are very personal visions of "Sometime Ago" (not the Chick Corea tune of the Return To Forever era, but the gorgeous theme by Argentinian composer Sergio Mihanovich, made famous by Bill Evans who recorded/played it several times) and John Coltrane's post-bop anthem "Moment's Notice," heard here on its most lovely rendition ever.

"Mechanism" - a zestful inner-exchange of monologues and self-dialogues. Florian Ross's first CD as solo-pianist is a recording of poetic beauty and subtle self-assurance: piano music of astounding variety and at the same time uncanny homogeneity; music filled with substance and soul.

Florian Ross is not just a pianist; he is also a composer, an arranger and a shaper of sounds. As such he has made a name for himself throughout Europe over the last decade. His creativity and virtuosity has earned Ross, who was born in Pforzheim, Germany in 1972, numerous honours, including first prize at the Danish Radio Big Band's Thad Jones competition, and in 2006 he received the WDR's (West German Radio) jazz prize for composition.

Germany's Goethe Institute sent him as exemplary cultural export to Asia, South Africa, and Central America. And he teaches at renowned music conservatories in six German cities. Florian Ross is a masterful arranger, as he has a deep understanding of how to combine the various instruments into unusually sophisticated voicings.

Whether for the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra, the BMI Jazz Orchestra, or the Metropole Orkest (he recently scored one track for John Scofield's "54" album), when it is about transforming large bodies of sound into lean polychromatic music, then Florian Ross is the one to call. This is his first CD as solo pianist and his debut session on Pirouet Records. Hope many more will come.

R.I.P.: George Shearing

(born August 13, 1919, in London, England;

died February 14, 2011, in New York, NY, USA)

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/jazzblog/archive/2011/02/14/r-i-p-george-shearing.aspx

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP2146fd4904204ef889d187f021f0e0dc.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/02/15/3138978.htm?section=justin

Box Set of the Week - "George Shearing: The MPS Trio Sessions"

Box Set of the Week
George Shearing/Niels Pedersen/Louis Stewart: "The MPS Trio Sessions" (MPS/Universal) 2007

Includes one of my desert island discs, "On Target," magnificently orchestrated by Robert Farnon. Made in Heaven. Rest in Peace, George.

Rachel Z live @ Jazz Standard, Feb 17

THE TRIO OF OZ featuring RACHEL Z & OMAR HAKIM
Thursday Feb 17, 7pm-11pm
Jazz Standard
116 East 27th Street
New York, NY

Rachel Z – piano
Omar Hakim – drums, percussion
Solomon Dorsey – bass

Sets at 7:30pm and 9:30pm
Buy Tickets at: http://bit.ly/9YkWIi

This freewheeling and forward–thinking group teams master drummer Omar Hakim (Miles Davis, Sting, Weather Report) with the always–inventive pianist Rachel Z (Wayne Shorter, Al DiMeola, Steps Ahead, Peter Gabriel) and fleet–fingered acoustic bassist Maeve Royce. Together they put their unique stamp on songs by Stone Temple Pilots, Depeche Mode, The Smiths, Coldplay, and New Order as well as compositions by Duke Ellington and Wayne Shorter.
More information at www.jazzstandard.com

Spiritual Events this week in the LA Area

SFV/Glendale/Burbank
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Glendale_Burbank.html

* Reiki Level 1 Certification
* Tantra Workshop for Couples
* Create Sound Healing with Vocal Toning
* Working with Guidance and Introduction to Channeling
____________________
HOLLYWOOD
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Hollywood.html

* Awaken the Soul Workshop
* Booksigning- The Easiest Way to Live
_________________
LOS ANGELES
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Los_Angeles.html

* Victorian Glass Seance Group
* Intro to Clairvoyance
* How to Build a Spiritual Business
* Basic ThetaHealing Course
* "Remote Viewing" with Krishanti
* "Noelle's Ark" Book Signing with author Audrey Levy
* Something Holding You Back? It May Be Your Home or Work Environment!
* Desire: the Nature of Sexual Astrology with Maja D’Aoust
* Eckankar Book Discussion Group "Art of Spiritual Dreaming"
* Shamanic Alchemical Meditation “Romance” with Michael Cardenas
* Awaken the Soul Open House & Group Meditation
* Intro to QiGong
* The Crystal ChroniclesCE TransCrystal Therapy – Series I
* Science of LOVE Self Care Vs. Selfish! - Workshop w/ Shahin & Tania Jedian
* Eckankar Book Discussion Group "Art of Spiritual Dreaming"
* Language of Space presents "FENG SHUI & DESIGN"
* Advanced Intuitive Guide Workshop
* -VIBRATION Music Meditation – Crystal Singing Bowls with Dominic
* CD Release Party @ The Crystal Matrix
_________________
PASADENA
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Pasadena.html

* "Midnight at the Lake of Possibilities"
* Byron Katie Inquiry Circle
* Angelic Healing Circle
* Spirit Communication Circle
________________
ORANGE COUNTY
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Orange_County.html

* Access the Bars Class
* ReAwakening Your Feminine Passion & Power
* Conscious Speed-Dating for Mindful Singles
* Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio

Follow us for daily updates on Twitter:
http://www.Twitter.com/SpiritEventsLA

Kristin Korb & Bruce Forman duo, Feb 20

Intimate Setting in Rancho Cucamonga

Jazz bassist/vocalist Kristin Korb and master guitarist Bruce Forman will be playing for YOU and your friends at Dale & Sue Boatman's house, next Sunday, February 20, from 4 to 7pm. Come on over for the party!

$20 non members
$10 CalJAS Members/Students
includes beer, wine, soft drinks, light refreshments

SEATING IS STILL AVAILABLE, BUT LIMITED...RESERVE TODAY!!!
Dale175@aol.com for reservations and directions
********
"Dear Arnaldo,

I know this holiday tends to be all about romance and buying chocolates and flowers because we've been culturally trained to think that way. I prefer to think of this day as a time to think of my friends and family. (I don't need excuses to buy chocolate and flowers. I just need a day that ends in "y".)

Thank you for all you do to make my world a better place!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Kristin"

Valentine's Day @ Playhouse w/ The E.C. Twins

The Playhouse Family presents MONDAY SOCIAL, this week featuring The MNS Valentine's Day party with the EC TWINS! All the Grammy people still in town will be coming, so get your networking and dancing shoes on!

21+ w/ valid ID
Appropriate Attire Required
Doors at 10pm

Playhouse
6506 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Ph: 323-656-4800

along with support set by REMY LE DUC & OMI

Dubstep in the Upstairs Lounge
*NO COVER BEFORE 10:30 (ON DJ TAL's LIST) !
RSVP via Email or SMS !
Text: (818) 602-7979 Blackberry PIN: 308EB8FC

Casting: Single ladies in California for TV show

Hope everyone is having a great Valentines day!

In the same vain as the holiday a friend is casting a show about finding love:

Casting:
SINGLE LADIES
live in SO CAL
age 25-45
completely FRUSTRATED with their LACK of LOVE LIFE or POOR CHOICES IN MEN and ready to make SERIOUS CHANGES??!?!

New Cable network (that launched in January...hint hint) is currently seeking SINGLE LADIES who are tired of not being able to land or keep a good man.

Show will shoot for 3 weeks in LA and will involve therapy for our main lady.

THE MAIN LADY and at least ONE friend or family member who knows their whole dating story and MUST come in for an AUDITION Sunday 2/13, Monday 2/14 or Tuesday 2/15 of this week as we're wrapping up casting.

email NOW to: aliciagoodcasting@gmail.com
or call 818-842-2496 (ask for Alicia, Sherry or Tonya)

Phone:
NAME
AGE
PHONE
RECENT PHOTO
YOUR DATING STORY

Note there are NO surprises. All persons involved are fully aware of the process and should be either ready for change or the friend/family member to help them make a BIG change in their life. Good luck!

CD Reissue of the Week - "Milt Jackson: Sunflower"

CD Reissue of the Week
Milt Jackson: "Sunflower" (CTI/Sony Masterworks) 1973/2010

Produced by Creed Taylor
Recorded & mixed by Rudy Van Gelder
Recorded on December 12 & 13, 1972 @ Van Gelder Studios (Englewood Cliffs, NJ)
Cover photo: Pete Turner
Liner photo: K. Abe
Album design: Bob Ciano
Reissue produced by Richard Seidel

"Sunflower" is the most revered solo album by Milt Jackson, one of the greatest of jazz vibraphone players, and one of the most acclaimed improvisational blues instrumentalists of all time. He was a founding member of the legendary Modern Jazz Quartet, voted by Downbeat’s readers into its Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999. Thanks to Creed Taylor's impeccable production and Don Sebesky's sumptuous scores, "Sunflower" became an instant classic, and Milt's better and most commercially successful album ever.

Jackson's own ballad "For Someone I Love" (featuring the famous Spanish-tinged acoustic guitar intro performed by Jay Berliner), the Thom Bell/Linda Creed's r&b classy classic "People Make The World Go Round" and Freddie Hubbard's lovely title track are the highlights, featuring such players as Hubbard himself, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham and Ralph MacDonald. Although "Sunflower" had been previously reissued on CD in the U.S., in remixed versions that changed the concept of both Creed Taylor & Rudy Van Gelder's works, this new domestic reissue on a mini-LP gatefold sleeve is the first one remastered (by Sony engineer Mark Wilder) from the original 2-track master tapes, using RVG's original mix.
******
Doug Payne's brilliant text, originally posted on his Sound Insights blog, follows:
http://dougpayne.blogspot.com/2011/01/celebrating-cti-records-40th.html

Many jazz fans were probably surprised to see Milt Jackson appear on CTI Records, first on Stanley Turrentine’s Cherry, issued in August 1972, then on the great vibraphonist’s own CTI album Sunflower, issued several months later.

At this point, Jackson, one of the founding members of the Modern Jazz Quartet, had tired of touring with the MJQ, never attaining the audience, celebrity and financial rewards rock stars half his age with half his talent doing half the work were experiencing at the time. After a long career of solo albums on the Blue Note, Atlantic, Riverside, Impulse, Limelight and Verve labels stretching back some two decades that were blues-ier and far more swinging than anything the MJQ waxed, Jackson finally wanted his own piece of the pie.

Milt Jackson recorded three albums for CTI in the space of about a year, the first of which, Sunflower, is surely the best. Jackson, who had worked on surprisingly few previous Creed Taylor productions - notably only Quincy Jones’ This Is How I Feel About Jazz (ABC Paramount, 1956) and Gula Matari (A&M/CTI, 1970) – was up for making an album that would reach the younger ears CTI was reaching with popular records by Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr. and others.

The result, Sunflower, was something of an instant classic. Gathering a top-shelf collective of young talent including CTI recording star Freddie Hubbard (like Jackson, a veteran of many Quincy Jones sessions), pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, guitarist Jay Berliner (audible on “For Someone I Love” only), drummer Billy Cobham, percussionist Ralph MacDonald and the arrangements of CTI’s house sound architect Don Sebesky, periodically alternating a sensibly sensitive commentary of horns and strings overdubs, Creed Taylor delivers what surely must be considered the vibist’s most distinctively wonderful record in an otherwise distinguished solo recording career.

The original program featured four long performances, kicked off by the lovely “For Someone I Love,” Jackson’s own composition, first waxed as the title track to the vibraphonist’s 1966 (though recorded in 1963) Riverside album. Initiated by Berliner’s guitar and coaxed by Hubbard’s colorful flugelhorn – not to mention Hancock’s especially exquisite piano solo - and Sebesky’s painterly strings, it is an especially terrific showcase for Jackson’s melodic mastery.

Such a curious though perfectly exploratory opening leads ideally into Michel Legrand’s romantic idyll “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life” (from the 1969 film The Happy Ending), a song that many jazz players had discovered after Peggy Lee’s initial cover and pianist Bill Evans’ many performances of the sumptuously quixotic ode. Again, Jackson, Hubbard, Hancock and Sebesky excel – and one notices here Ron Carter’s especially sterling contributions to the program (Carter went onto record and perform often with Legrand hereafter).

The album’s (arguably) most memorable performance is the cover of The Stylistics’ 1972 hit “People Make the World Go Round.” The funky ballad, which had already attracted jazz attention on radio with Ramsey Lewis’ invigorating take of the tune, catches Herbie Hancock comping on Fender Rhodes, but soloing marvelously in a Gospel fashion (like he had years before on his early Blue Note dates as well as those for Grant Green and Donald Byrd) on acoustic piano. Jackson, Hubbard and Carter are all in their element as well (Hubbard had recorded “People” earlier in the year for CTI, but this version of the song, which isn’t as good as Jackson’s version, was not issued until 1975 on The Baddest Hubbard. A 1972 CTI All Stars live recording of the song was also issued 1977.).

The original album wraps up with the title track, “Sunflower,” which is a re-titled version of Freddie Hubbard’s tremendous “Little Sunflower,” first heard on the composer/trumpeter’s 1967 Atlantic album Backlash. It’s another glorious performance that depends on the artistry of Jackson, Hubbard, Hancock, Carter and Sebesky to succeed as well as it does.

“SKJ,” a bonus track that has featured on previous CD issues of Sunflower, was recorded during these sessions, but included not on the original Sunflower album, but rather on Jackson’s 1974 album Goodbye, the second of his three CTI releases. “SKJ,” the initials of Milt Jackson’s wife and a song Jackson first recorded with Wes Montgomery on the pair’s 1961 Riverside album Bags Meets Wes, is an up-tempo blues that doesn’t exactly suit the mood of the original program. But it is still a worthy performance that captures this group doing what it does best.

Sunflower is one of the most enjoyable recordings in the entire CTI lexicon and remains a historically significant meeting of some of jazz’s best names. It also features one of photographer Pete Turner’s loveliest cover images, “Necking,” a photo taken in South Africa in 1970.

Jazz winners for the 53rd Grammy Awards

(the late and one & only James Moody)

2010 - 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards
For recordings released during the eligibility year September 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010.
WINNERS ON BOLD

44. Best Contemporary Jazz Album
For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.
"The Stanley Clarke Band" - The Stanley Clarke Band [Heads Up International]
"Never Can Say Goodbye" -Joey DeFrancesco [HighNote Records]
"Now Is The Time" - Jeff Lorber Fusion [Heads Up International]
"To The One" - John McLaughlin [Abstract Logix]
"Backatown" - Trombone Shorty [Verve Forecast]

45. Best Jazz Vocal Album
For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.
"Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee" - Dee Dee Bridgewater[Emarcy].
"Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B" - Freddy Cole [HighNote Records]
"When Lights Are Low" - Denise Donatelli [Savant Records]
"Ages" - Lorraine Feather [Jazzed Media]
"Water" - Gregory Porter [Motéma Music]

46. Best Improvised Jazz Solo
For an instrumental jazz solo performance. Two equal performers on one recording may be eligible as one entry. If the soloist listed appears on a recording billed to another artist, the latter's name is in parenthesis for identification. Singles or Tracks only.
"Solar" -Alan Broadbent, soloist
Track from: Live At Giannelli Square: Volume 1 [Chilly Bin Records]
"A Change Is Gonna Come" - Herbie Hancock, soloist
Track from: The Imagine Project [Hancock Records]
"Body And Soul" - Keith Jarrett, soloist
Track from: Jasmine [ECM]
"Lonely Woman" -Hank Jones, soloist
Track from: Pleased To Meet You [Justin Time Records]
"Van Gogh" - Wynton Marsalis, soloist
Track from: Portrait In Seven Shades (Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra)
[Jazz At Lincoln Center]

47. Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group
For albums containing 51% or more playing time of INSTRUMENTAL tracks.
"Positootly!" - John Beasley [Resonance Records]
"The New Song And Dance" - Clayton Brothers [ArtistShare]
"Historicity" - Vijay Iyer Trio [ACT Music + Vision]
"Moody 4B" - James Moody [IPO Recordings]
"Providencia" - Danilo Perez [Mack Avenue Records]

48. Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
For large jazz ensembles, including big band sounds. Albums must contain 51% or more INSTRUMENTAL tracks.
"Infernal Machines" - Darcy James Argue's Secret Society [New Amsterdam Records]
"Autumn: In Moving Pictures Jazz - Chamber Music Vol. 2" - Billy Childs Ensemble Featuring The Ying String Quartet [ArtistShare]
"Pathways" - Dave Holland Octet [Dare2 Records]
"54" - Metropole Orkest, John Scofield & Vince Mendoza [Emarcy/Universal]
"Mingus Big Band Live At Jazz Standard" - Mingus Big Band [Jazz Workshop, Inc./Jazz Standard]

49. Best Latin Jazz Album
Vocal or Instrumental.
"Tango Grill" - Pablo Aslan [ZOHO]
"Second Chance" - Hector Martignon [Zoho]
"Psychedelic Blues" - Poncho Sanchez [Concord Picante]
"Chucho's Steps" - Chucho Valdés And The Afro-Cuban Messengers [Four Quarters Entertainment]
"¡Bien Bien!" - Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet [Patois Records].

Oh, and Béla Fleck got the Grammy in the "Contemporary World Music Album"

Post Grammy Parties Tonight:
9pm - Sony Music Post Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
9pm - Warner Music's Post Party at Soho House.
9pm - EMI Post Party at Milk Studios

Official Grammy Award After Party w/ Bob Sinclar @ ECCO Hollywood!

Donna Deussen live in Glendale, tonite

Come join jazz vocalist Donna Deussen -- in a duo setting with pianist Karen Hammack -- for an evening of jazz, latin, pop, etc! Lovely intimate setting, great wine list, and no cover!

8:30pm - 12:30 am

Left Coast Wine Bar
117 E. Harvard St (exit Brand off of the 134 - head south - turn left on Harvard, right by the Americana, it's on the left side, with a parking garage just past it!)
Glendale, CA
ph: (818) 507.7011

LA's hottest Valentine Ball's w/ Gina Saputo!

Your Valentine's Plans...Solved! RSVP for LA's hottest Valentine's Ball, starring jazz sensation Gina Saputo!!!

"The band is going to be amazing tomorrow," Gina told us. "I am proud to say I will be featuring George Shelby on horns, Ramon Banda on drums, Dave Miller on bass, Matt Politano on piano, and special guest Courtney Lemmon."
Saturday, Feb 12
Sunday, Feb 13
Monday, Feb 14

Vinyl of the Day - "Wes Montgomery: Eulogy"

12" Vinyl of the Day
Wes Montgomery: "Eulogy" (Verve V6-8796)

Produced by Creed Taylor
Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder
Arranged by Johnny Pate, Don Sebesky, Claus Ogerman & Oliver Nelson
Tracklist:
A-1.「LITTLE CHILD（DADDY DEAR）」
A-2.「MATCHMAKER」
A-3.「MI COSA」
A-4.「SUN DOWN」
B-1.「BOSS CITY」
B-2.「THEODORA」
B-3.「TEAR IT DOWN」
B-4.「GOLDEN EARRINGS」
B-5.「MOÇA FLOR」

The Russ Kassoff Big Band w/ Catherine Dupuis @ Gillespie Auditorium, Feb 15

Join us for another spectacular evening of swinging jazz you’ll never forget when the Russ Kassoff Big Band with vocalist Catherine Dupuis returns to Jazz Tuesdays in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium on Tuesday, February 15. Located in the New York City Baha'i Center at 53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway) and dedicated to the late great Dizzy Gillespie, this magnificent, yet cozy theater with its glorious acoustics is fast becoming the favorite venue of the world class musicians who play there, as well as jazz fans who return week after week to enjoy this comfortable and exhilarating experience, soaking up great sounds in the warm and welcoming environment of this beautiful theater. There will be two shows: 8:00 and 9:30 pm. Call 212-222-5159 for reservations and information.

The Russ Kassoff Big Band is comprised of top New York recording and Broadway musicians who all get a chance to play Kassoff's new hard-swinging charts. It was was formed in 2003 after a successful run of concerts featuring Russ as featured composer, arranger, orchestrator, and piano soloist. The vituosity of the great musicians in the band contributes to the new fresh sound of these hard-swinging original charts. Russ's repertoire is eclectic and diverse, including many new and innovative arrangements of his original compositions in addition to such classics as Ellington's "Perdido," Fats Waller's "The Joint Is Jumpin'," and Tori Amos' "Winter."

Russ toured extensively with legends Frank Sinatra ('80-'91) and Liza Minnelli ('82-'01). As a writer, Russ counts among his major influences Rob McConnell, Thad Jones, Nelson Riddle, Don Costa and Don Sebesky to name a few. As a pianist his influences include Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett. All members of the Russ Kassoff Big Band are among a small group of the best free lance musicians in the world. Together they form a vast bio of many worlds of performing experience. Russ - with Sinatra, Minnelli, Rita Moreno, Mimi Hines, Susannah McCorkle, Carol Sloan, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Chris Connor, Bucky Pizzarelli, and countless others - is joined by his band members who also bring their experience - with Count Basie, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Gerry Mulligan, Sting, Natalie Cole - just about everyone in the traditions of American jazz and show business - not to mention the Broadway shows currently being played by these marvelous players.

This 16-piece band has performed regularly at the Bahai Center in NYC as part of the wonderful Tuesday night jazz series in the Dizzy Gillespie auditorium produced by jazz great Mike Longo, and has backed Tony Award Winner Debbie Gravitte in a show/concert created by Russ and Debbie called "Big Band Broadway" at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ct., and at Birdland in NYC, has been the featured performer at the 2nd annual Milford, PA Music Festival under the coordination of Martha Lorin, and has been heard on the 1010 WINS Radio Jingle promoting Live Music in the NY Metropolitan area sponsored by LOCAL 802 AFM, NY's musicians union!

Kassoff was a recent guest on NPR with Marion McPartland's Piano Jazz celebrating his critically acclaimed solo/trio CD, "Somewhere," considered one of the top releases of the year in the 2007 Jazz Station Poll. Now he has a new album out, "Bird Fly By," which got a rave review in the January/February 2011 issue of Cadence magazine.
Vocalist Catherine Dupuis has been the featured vocalist with the RKBB since its inception. Her style is soulful, innovative, and fresh and she is a consummate artist. With the RKBB she performs a repertoire of original RK arrangements that she and Russ have worked on as musical partners for several years. Dupuis' three CDs recorded for Bearheart Records have received rave reviews. About "Rules of the Road" (2005, arranged and conducted by Russ Kassoff, featuring the Russ Kassoff Trio, Bucky Pizzarelli, Ted Nash, Marvin Stamm and Joe Cohn), Scott Yanow (All Music Guide) wrote: "Although not overly famous, Catherine Dupuis shows on this CD that she is one of the most interesting jazz singers of the early 21st century. Her song selection is particularly strong, with a few standards performed in fresh ways and joined by vintage obscurities and newer material. "I've Never Been in Love Before" and "Lonesome Road" are reinvented. The Rules of the Road is highly recommended and a perfect introduction to the singing of Catherine Dupuis."

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. (Catherine Dupuis, Bucky Pizzarelli, Russ Kassoff and Ted Nash)

Mark Murphy live in Venice & Sarasota!

(Arnaldo DeSouteiro & Mark Murphy, ages ago...)

Meet Mark Murphy
by Abby Weingarten
Sarasota Herald Tribune, February 10, 2011

At 78, Mark Murphy is a household name in the jazz industry, and he can't imagine leaving it any time soon.

His virtuosity has earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, which he will receive during a buzzworthy Sunday concert in Venice.

"I've had a 60-to-70-year career, so for this show, I'm going to dip into some of my favorites, and some tunes that have made a little noise along the way (I used to call them mini hits)," said Murphy, who currently lives in New Jersey.

Murphy has been an international favorite since his debut album, "Meet Mark Murphy," hit in 1956. The singer has released more than 60 albums and made guest appearances on 65 others. Ella Fitzgerald once called Murphy "my equal," and Sammy Davis Jr., Steve Allen, Peggy Lee, Liza Minnelli, Cleo Laine and Gregory Hines have all been cited as fans. Even in his senior years, Murphy makes cameos at worldwide jazz clubs and on TV programs throughout the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan.

For the Venice show, he will play with a trio that includes Brian Murphy on piano, Richard Drexler on bass and Ralph Cornwell on drums. Emmy Award-winning pianist Mike Renzi is also on the concert roster, and the event will kick off with a one-hour concert by the George Carroll Big Band, featuring Carroll and Dee Weder on vocals.

"Mark Murphy has been one of my heroes, from the aspect of a great pop-jazz singer whom I look to for great phrasing, melodic/harmonic facility, and sound choices in his choice of songs," said Carroll, who has played Sarasota's circuit for more than 15 years. "We're both students of 'The American Songbook,' and working alongside such a master is something I can't take lightly."
On Monday, Murphy will perform two sets at The Olive Tree Restaurant, accompanied by Brian Murphy, bassist Billy Pillucere and drummer Henry Ettman.

"It's a great opportunity for me to get to know a lot of people who don't know me yet and see if I can please them," Murphy said.

The Sunday concert will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4365 State Road 776, Venice. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 586-8110. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Jazz Foundation of America.

The Monday show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Olive Tree, 1454 Main St., Sarasota. Tickets are $15. For reservations, call 556-9323 or 524-6698.

"We're New Here": Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx album transmission

Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx's anticipated "We're New Here" is coming out on February 22 on XL Recordings. Jamie's remixes and productions for other artists is almost as acclaimed as his main band, so the prospect of hearing the xx's not-so-secret weapon re-working this legendary poet/soulman's comeback album, "I'm New Here," is exciting for fans of both artists.

While it's still a few weeks away from the record's release, XL has set up a virtual transmitter that allows owners of newer smartphones like the iPhone (and iPad), Android (running OS 2.3) and touchscreen Blackberry to stream the album in its entirety while you're inside the Other Music store in East Village store. We don't really understand the technology, but it's pretty cool and you should definitely check it out during your next visit there. Just point your smartphone's web browser here: www.werenewhere.com/radio/

OTHER MUSIC: 15 East 4th Street, NYC

Mika Yoshida & Richard Stoltzman live @ Poisson Rouge, NY, tomorrow nite!

Mika Yoshida, marimba and Richard Stoltzman, clarinet
play Bach, Ravel, Reich, and more @ Le Poisson Rouge
Thu., February 10, 2011 / 7:30 PM

Le Poisson Rouge
158 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
Phone: (212) 505-FISH (3474)

Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Time: 7:30 PM
This is a first come, first serve seated event. Seating is limited and not guaranteed; please arrive early.

Program
Bill Douglas: Dance Suite for marimba and clarinet
Bach: Two-Part Inventions Nos. 1, 4, 6, 8, 10 arr. for marimba and clarinet
Bach: Chromatic Fantasy arr. for solo clarinet
Thomas McKinley: Mostly Blues Steve Reich (arr. Mika Yoshida): Tokyo/Vermont Counterpoint for mallets
Steve Reich: New York Counterpoint Michiru Oshima: Crazy Marimba for marimba, percussion, and clarinet (with Thad Wheeler, percussion)
Maurice Ravel (arr. Mika Yoshida): Pavane pour une infante defunte for marimba and clarinet
********
Winner of the 32nd Annual Jazz Station Poll as # 1 Best Marimba Player of 2010, Mika Yoshida hails from Amakusa Island, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and lives in New York City. She studied at the University of Toronto and since graduation has devoted herself to marimba performance and musical studies under the strong influence of NEXUS percussion ensemble. She is also studying jazz privately with jazz-vibe master Mike Mainieri in New York.

Her newly released album, Mikarimba! (VideoArt Music Japan 2010), and DVD, Mika Marimba Madness (Big Round Music), were both produced by Steve Gadd. Mika met Steve Gadd at PASIC (Percussive Arts Society) in 2005. Since then they have become great friends and collaborated on various projects together, including Island Magic at the Amakusa International Art and Music Festival, where Mika was artistic director and producer. She has also released two solo CDs: Mitsue (1998) and Marimba Phase (2003). Steve Reich’s album Triple Quartet includes Mika’s arrangement and performance of “Tokyo / Vermont Counterpoint” (Nonesuch). She has also appeared on Richard Stoltzman’s CD Goldberg Variation (BMG Japan) and Jo Hisaishi’s CD (Universal Japan).

Ms. Yoshida has performed acclaimed solo recitals in New York, at Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall in 2007 and Weill Recital Hall in 2001 and 2004. She performed in Tokyo in 2001, 2003, and 2006, as well as in several other cities around the world. She continues to collaborate with Steve Gadd (drums), Richard Stoltzman (clarinet), Eddie Gomez (bass), NEXUS (percussion), Bill Douglas (piano, composer), Thomas Stacy (English horn), Kakraba Lobi (African gyil), Stomu Yamash’ta (percussion),Takahashi Chikuzan (Tsugarushamisen), and numerous other talented musicians. In recent praise, Mark Swed of the LA Times wrote, “In Japan, there is a high-wire jazz marimbist, Mika Yoshida. A recently released DVD, Mika Marimba Madness (what else?), of her in concert last year reveals an amazing, energetic performer ready for major exposure.” John Henry of Audiophile Audition wrote, “Haven’t heard great jazz marimba like this since hearing Red Norvo live once.”

Richard Stoltzman’s virtuosity, musicianship, and sheer personal magnetism have made him one of today’s most sought-after concert artists. As a soloist with over a hundred orchestras, a captivating recitalist, an innovative jazz artist, and a prolific recording artist, this two-time Grammy winner has defied categorization, dazzling critics and audiences alike throughout many musical genres. Mr. Stoltzman’s unique way with the clarinet has earned him an international reputation as he has opened up possibilities for the instrument that no one could have predicted. He gave the first clarinet recitals at both the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and became the first wind player to receive the Avery Fisher Prize.

He has performed or recorded with such jazz and pop greats as Gary Burton, Chick Corea, Judy Collins, Eddie Gomez, Woody Herman, Keith Jarrett, Mel Torme, and Spyro Gyra-founder Jeremy Wall. His commitment to new music has resulted in numerous premieres, including acclaimed clarinet works by Steve Reich, Toru Takemitsu, Stephen Hartke, and Einojuhani Rautavaara. Richard Stoltzman’s discography numbers well over 60 recordings, and he has won Grammy Awards for his recordings of the Brahms Sonatas with Richard Goode and Trios of Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms with Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax.
*******
(Le) Poisson Rouge is a multimedia art cabaret founded by musicians on the site of the historic Village Gate. Dedicated to the fusion of popular and art cultures in music, film, theater, dance, and fine art, the venue's mission is to revive the symbiotic relationship between art and revelry; to establish a creative asylum for both artists and audiences.

LPR prides itself in offering the highest quality eclectic programming, impeccable acoustics, and bold design. The state-of-the art performance space, engineered by the legendary John Storyk/WSDG, offers full flexibility in multiple configurations: seated, standing, in-the-round, and numerous alternative arrangements. The adjoining lounge is open during the day as a café, and at night as a secondary bar and event space. A work of art itself, the physical facilities are the embodiment of the experimental philosophy that drives the venue.

LPR is a source you can trust for exposure to visionary work, people of character, and a consistently dynamic environment. We invite you to immerse yourself in a nightlife of true substance and vitality. Bring open mind and drinking shoes.

Ticket Pre-Sale for Diana Krall's solo concerts!

DIANA KRALL - SOLO IN CONCERT
Ticket Pre-Sale Alert!

The following three performances in Montreal (Canada) have just been announced:
Diana Krall Solo In Concert!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 (thx for the Birthday gift...)

Theatre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts
Montreal, QC

Pre-Sale tickets will be available tomorrow, Wednesday, February 9 at 12:00 PM EST:
http://tixx1.artistarena.com/dianakrall

username: diana
password: krallDiana Krall solo – Weltpremiere in Montréal

Das Internationale Jazzfestival in Montréal gilt als das größte Jazzfestival der Welt und schafft es seit mehr als drei Jahrzehnten, die kanadische Metropole im Sommer zwei Wochen lang in musikalischen Ausnahmezustand zu versetzen. Im Schnitt 2 Millionen Besucher schauen dort vorbei und dementsprechend hochkarätig kann auch das Programm sein.

Die Sängerin Diana Krall beispielsweise gehört seit ihren Anfängen zu den regelmäßigen Gästen auf den Bühnen in Montréal, vom ersten, noch schüchtern gespielten Clubauftritt 1995 bis hin zur großen Geburtstagsgala zum 25-jährigen Jubiläum des Festivals 2004. Und in diesem Sommer wird sie sich abermals die Ehre geben, mit einer Weltpremiere. Denn am 26., 27. und 28. Juni 2011 stellt Diana Krall drei Abende lang im Rahmen der Reihe „En Voix“ ihr erstes Solo-Programm vor.

Die Konzerte finden im stimmungsvollen Téâtre Maisonneuve statt, der Vorverkauf beginnt am 12. Februar und wie die Dinge liegen, sollte sich beeilen, wer Karten haben will. Wenn also die Urlaubspläne schon feststehen und das 32. International Festival de Jazz de Montréal auf dem Plan haben, dann am besten auf die offzielle Website klicken, um sich noch ein Ticket für dieses Musikereignis zu sichern.