Thursday, October 31, 2013

Music Fundraiser for Dave Valentin, Nov. 7th!

A superb musician. One of the greatest flutists in jazz history. A great human being. And now he needs our help!!!

THIS IS A WORLDWIDE CAMPAIGN TO HELP DAVE....YOU CAN DONATE BY PURCHASING A TICKET, EVEN IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND...CHECK WILL BE CUT DIRECTLY FROM VENUE TO MR. VALENTIN.

Link to buy tickets:
https://tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=1460

Bill O'Connell, Lincoln Goines, Robby Ameen, Ragan Whiteside, Pulpo, Bob Baldwin, Chieli Minucci, Dave Samuels, Mayra Casales, Paquito D'Rivera and many more!

SEE VIDEO PROMO....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2NuP0RzymU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUgrL6PpqDW1uw-oDeF71tgw

On March 3, 2012, Latin Jazz iconic musician and Grammy Award Winner, Mr. Dave Valentin -- one of the greatest flutists in the history of jazz, alongside Frank Wess, Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann and Romeo Penque -- suffered a stroke that has limited his ability to perform his beloved instrument. The native New Yorker has been in physical therapy since that tragic day. There is a chance that he may be able to wow his audiences on stage worldwide again, but not before he's the beneficiary of some more critical physical therapy.

In the interim, his medical bills have climbing been through the roof. Dave Valentin has insufficient medical insurance to cover the enormous bills surrounding his stroke.

Never heard of Dave Valentin? Well, here's a taste of the Latin flute wizard, who appeared on BET's Legends of Jazz in our previous decade, with Bill O'Connell on the piano.

With that said, Bob Baldwin, the President of NewUrbanJazz and City Sketches, Inc. is driving a campaign to raise money to cover the health expenses, which were created from this terrible tragedy, including support from all musical friends of Dave Valentin and/or Bob Baldwin.

Through a mutual friend, percussionist Tony Cintron, Baldwin and Valentin met in 1994 in the South Bronx, when both were doing fundraisers for the youth organization Pathways For Youth, located in the Bronx. Proceeds for those fundraisers went to support college scholarships for NYC students.

In 2010, Baldwin plucked Valentin to sit-in at a Jazz for Haiti benefit in Newark, NJ. "Dave's a good friend of mine, and I would do anything to help my musical amigo out, so this is something I'm very proud to spearhead." Jazz For Haiti raised over $60,000.00 for the Red Cross of Northern New Jersey in early 2010.

A band, which will consist of 20-year Valentin sideman, Mr. Bill O'Connell and some of the other flutist's sideman and musical associates, as well as Baldwin himself, will provide the musical backdrop for the evening. It would be great if Dave Grusin (Valentin was one of the GRP stars in the 80s and 90s, having appeared with Grusin in several audio & video projects like the GRP All-Stars Big Band) could also join this event.

100% of the door net proceeds will be donated to Mr. Valentin to cover his climbing medical expenses.
******************
"Music for Dave" - A musical tribute to Mr. Dave Valentin @ the Tarrytown Music Hall

The Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-631-3390

Thursday, November 7, - 7:30 pm

Out-of-towners and those unable to attend are still encouraged to buy a balcony seat ticket to help support the cause!

BIOS

Dave Valentin (born April 29, 1952, in New York City) learned latin percussion first when he was a teenager, and then switched to flute. Valentin's teacher, the legendary Hubert Laws, suggested that he not double on saxophone because of his attractive sound on the flute. He studied at the Bronx Community College.
In 1977, he made his recording debut with Ricardo Marrero's group and he appeared also on a Noel Pointer album. Discovered by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen, Valentin was the first artist signed to GRP Records, and he has been a popular attraction ever since. Valentin has recorded over 15 albums, combining the influence of pop, R&B and Brazilian music with Latin and contemporary jazz to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz.

In 2000, he appeared in the documentary film, "Calle 54," performing with Tito Puente. He toured with El Negro and MioSotis. Since the mid-2000s, Valentin has been signed to Highnote Records, releasing "World On A String" (2005) and "Come Fly With Me" (2006). He has done several collaborations with pianist Bill O'Connell, and was a Grammy Award winner for his Caribbean Jazz Project in the early 2000's with Dave Samuels as well as a Latin Grammy Award nominee in 2006.

In 2012, he suffered a stroke following a performance at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis, IN.
*************
Bob Baldwin is a New York-born and bred artist who has been producing records since the 80's, including his works with George Benson, Grover Washington, Jr., Michael Urbaniak, Will Downing, Pieces of a Dream Marion Meadows. He's recorded with Chuck Loeb, Gerald Albright, Paul Brown, Paul Taylor, Chieli Minucci, Glenn Jones, Noel Pointer, Freddie Jackson, Howard Hewitt, to name a select few, and has performed with Dave Valentin on several occasions over the years.

The pianist has done benefits for Haiti for the American Red Cross ("Jazz For Haiti" with Dave Valentin, Chieli Minucci, Ragan Whiteside) as well as "Westchester Musicians for Haiti".

He's released his 20th CD, simply titled, "Twenty". He's recorded more solo discs than any other Westchester County native. "It's an honor to help my musical buddy Dave Valentin out on this event. He's helped so many others over the years, so it's only fair and just to him to return the favor", says the Westchester  native.

NewUrbanJazz and Family Resource Center are the sponsors of the event. Don't miss it!

The sponsor is NewUrbanJazz and the Family Resource Center
www.newurbanjazz.com - The Community Agency with the World Class Touch

Seating is limited. Reservations are necessary.

http://www.newurbanjazz.com - 29 stations / 20 states / 453,000 listeners weekly - ONE voice!
http://www.bobbaldwin.com - Artist Homepage
 NewUrbanJazz Radio is owned by City Sketches, Inc.
http://www.citysketches.com

Blu-ray Audio of the Month - "Getz/Gilberto"

Blu-ray Audio of the Month
Stan Getz & João Gilberto: "Getz/Gilberto" (Verve)

Produced by Creed Taylor
Engineered by Phil Ramone
Cover Painting: Olga Albizu ("Africa")

Featuring: João Gilberto (acoustic guitar & vocals), Stan Getz (tenor sax), Antonio Carlos Jobim (acoustic piano), Sebastião Neto aka Tião Neto (acoustic bass), Milton Banana (drums) & Astrud Gilberto (vocals)

The ground-breaking bossa nova masterpiece (recorded in 1963 under the production of Creed Taylor, released by Verve in 1964) that won 5 Grammy Awards in 1965, including "Album of the Year" and "Record of the Year" for the classic standard "The Girl from Ipanema.". The album features Stan Getz on tenor sax, João Gilberto on guitar & vocals, Antonio Carlos Jobim on piano, Sebastião Neto on bass, Milton Banana on drums, and Astrud Gilberto (English vocals on 2 tracks).

Eight classic songs: Jobim's "Desafinado," "The Girl from Ipanema (Garota De Ipanema)," "O Grande Amor," "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)," "Só Danço Samba (Jazz 'N' Samba)," "Vivo Sonhando (Dreamer)" plus Dorival Caymmi's "Doralice" and Ary Barroso's "Pra Machucar Meu Coração."

Includes the original liner notes (written by Gene Lees, Stan Getz and Joao Gilberto) and a new essay by jazz historian Doug Ramsey. This High Fidelity Pure Audio release combines the vast storage space and bandwidth of a Blu-ray disc with original high quality recorded material, from the original master tapes, to create a uniquely luxurious listening experience.

Please note that there are 3 sound options available: Full DTS Master Audio, PCM (Pulse Control Modulation uncompressed sound!) and Dolby True HD that can be accessed via your Blu-ray devices interface and navigated using the remote controller. Audio is sourced from 24bit/96kHz minimum master sources, and the disc is compatible with all Blu-ray players, PS3 consoles and other Blu-ray devices. It will not play in a CD or DVD player. (ps: Joao Gilberto loves the PCM uncompressed sound.)

Tonight, an unusual Halloween Party! Tomorrow, Gina Saputo @ Steamers, with her top-class quartet

Tomorrow night, Friday, Nov. 1st, Gina Saputo -- one of our favorite singers in the contemporary jazz scene -- will be performing @ Steamers Cafe (138 W. Commonwealth Blvd. in Fullerton, CA) with these fabulous gents: Gary Matsumoto (piano), Steve Pandis (bass), Mb Gordy (drums) & Larry Salzman (percussion). Come down for the hang! RSVP: (714) 871-8800

And...tonight, if you're in LaCalifUSA, don't miss an unusual Halloween at Steamers Cafe. They are not having no live band, so they're going to be playing spooky (recorded) music handpicked by the staff and patrons, watching vintage scary movies, and Victor Williams is bringing zombie board games. Oh, and there will be a little preview of their new cocktail menu which will debut this Friday. Come have a drink! No cover, all ages. Just come on out. Costume or not, it will be a blast!

Lindsay Lohan @ Foxwoods Halloween, tonight!

So excited for this! The one & only Lindsay Lohan, with whom I had the chance to work during the filming of "The Canyons," will be hosting a Halloween Party at Foxwoods Casino. Come show us your best costume. Tix here: http://bit.ly/17OEOhN

Foxwood Resort Casino
350 Trolley Line Boulevard
Ledyard, Connecticut 06339
Ph: +1 800-369-9663
http://www.foxwoods.com
Btw, speaking of "The Canyons"... it's not "The Hills"...

"Last Vegas" opens November 1st!

"Last Vegas" opens November 1st! Here's a chance to win a trip to Vegas and a Private Hometown Screening for you and your friends! http://aria.lv/16RuFnQ
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!

Enter to win tix to James Blaze & Mazzy Star

Our good friends at Bowery Presents are giving our readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of these great upcoming concerts. Next week, dubstep producer turned soulful troubadour James Blake will be performing two shows @ Terminal 5 on Wednesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 7, and Other Music is giving away a pair of tickets to each night. Enter by emailing giveaway@othermusic.com and make sure to list the date you'd like to see.

Then, on Wednesday, November 20, Mazzy Star will fill Terminal 5 with their autumnal, cosmic folk-rock sounds, performing in support of "Seasons of Your Day," their first album in 17 years. Brooklyn's own Psychic Ills are opening this one. Email enter@othermusic.com for your chance to win tickets!

JAMES BLAKE: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
MAZZY STAR: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
TERMINAL 5
610 West 56th St.
New York, NY

Win tickets to The Men, Nov. 5th

This next Tuesday, genre-defying, Brooklyn-based rockers The Men take it to the Music Hall of Williamsburg stage with Purling Hiss opening.
Other Music is giving away a pair of tickets and you can enter for your chance to win by emailing tickets@othermusic.com Good luck!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG
66 N. 6th St.
Brooklyn, NY
   

Anna Mjöll @ Pelican Hill, Nov 1st

After her stunning performance @ Beverly Wilshire, last Saturday, Anna Mjöll will be appearing in the Coliseum in the lavish Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, California, Friday, November 1st!
Show starts at 8:30pm. Timely reservations are strongly recommended.

Come join us on the heated ocean-view terrace and enjoy the extensive wine-by-the-glass menu which complements the restaurant's Napa-inspired cuisine.

The Resort at Pelican Hill
22701 Pelican Hill Road South,
Newport Coast, California 92657
Call (310) 474-9400 for reservations.

"Set by the Pacific Ocean in Southern California’s chic Newport Coast®, The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of the world’s finest Five-Star, Five-Diamond destinations offering unparalleled service and luxury. Embodying the vision and principles of Italy’s most renowned Renaissance architect, Andrea Palladio, Pelican Hill is a sanctuary of beauty and sophistication that sets new standards for a resort experience. Inspiring architecture and ambiance, a magnificent natural setting, exquisite accommodations, spectacular facilities including 36 holes of championship golf and a world-class spa, unsurpassed pampering, comforts and service – all blend to create a destination unlike any other. Pelican Hill is...the Possibility of Perfection."

Joe's Pub: Son Lux ticket give away

This Monday, November 4, Son Lux is celebrating the release of his much-anticipated new album, "Lanterns," at Joe's Pub, and Other Music is giving away a pair of tickets to this special night, along with a limited edition LP copy of the album pressed on black/clear vinyl.
Email contest@othermusic.com for your chance to win! Good luck!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
JOE'S PUB
425 Lafayette St.
New York, NY

Midlake in-store performance @ Other Music

Celebrating their new full-length, "Antiphon," Midlake will be stopping by Other Music this Monday evening, and we're excited to hear this Denton, TX band's majestic, harmony-laden rock performed live in such an intimate setting!

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4 @ 8:00 P.M.
OTHER MUSIC
15 E. 4th St. New York, NY

Crossover CD of the Month - "Mika Stoltzman: If You Believe"

Crossover CD of the Month
Mika Stoltzman: "If You Believe" (MS)

Produced by Steve Gadd
Featuring: Mika Stoltzman (marimba), Eddie Gomez (acoustic bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Duke Gadd (drums & percussion), John Tropea (electric guitar), Richard Stoltzman (clarinet)

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

R.I.P.: Frank Wess

Just got the sad news that Frank Wess passed away at age 91.

Below, please find the biography from his official website (http://frankwess.org/bio), where you can also find many pics, and "news" about CDs and concerts. Unfortunately, such bio seems to have been updated for the last time in 2008. And, oddly, the bio below doesn't refers to his great work with The New York Jazz Quartet, the top-class group that put me in contact with Wess' talents as one of the greatest flutists in jazz, along with the famous recordings with Count Basie that also featured him as a brilliant saxophonist. Rest in Peace.
Curiously, the NYJQ recorded two albums for CTI that received the same title (and basically the same cover!) when released on CD format. Both recorded by that supergroup (Frank Wess, Roland Hanna, Ron Carter & Ben Riley) during the same 1975 Japanese tour!!!

The "official" album, titled "In Concert in Japan" (recorded on April 2, 1975) was originally released all over the world on CTI's subsidiary label Salvation. It was later reissued on CD only in Japan, in 2003 by the PJL label, under license of King Records (woosh!)
A second album (recorded on March 23, 1975) came out in the USA by CBS Associated in 1987, only on CD format. Instead of creating a new cover art, CBS decided to save money (Jesus!) by using the same artwork from the previous LP, just changing the title for "In Concert in Japan Volume One." It created a huge mess between collectors, since the "new" release should have been actually titled "In Concert in Japan Volume Two." Needless to say, both CDs are currently out-of-print.
Biography

Frank Wellington Wess was born on January, 4th 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri.
At the age of 10 he started to learn the alto saxophone. After moving to Washington DC he started playing in local bands, first on alto and later on tenor saxophone as well. He worked briefly in a band led by Blanche Calloway.

During World War II Frank played tenor saxophone and solo clarinet in the army band and later led a band accompanying Josephine Baker.
After being discharged he went on to play in the bands of Billy Eckstine, Eddie Heywood, Lucky Millinder and Bull Moose Jackson.

In 1949 he began studying flute with Wallace Mann from the National Symphony and Harold Bennett, Metropolitan Opera, New York.

In 1953 Frank joined the Count Basie Orchestra, starting off on tenor saxophone and flute but later playing alto saxophone too.
He stayed with Basie until 1964.
Having recorded dozens of LPs with Basie he formed a unique partnership with fellow tenor player Frank Foster and utilized the popularity of the Basie band to introduce the flute as an independent voice to jazz audiences, becoming one of its first major soloists.

Frank Wess moved to New York City in 1964 to lead his own groups and play with bands such as the New York Jazz Quartet and Dameronia.
He also worked in the studios and played in various shows all over the city.
He held a contract with ABC for ten years performing for “Saturday Night Live”, the Dick Cavett-Show, the Sammy Davis TV-Show, etc.
For almost twenty years he played in a quintet called “Two Franks” with Frank Foster, his colleague from the Basie days.

In the late 80s and early 90s he led a fantastic Basie-style big band which made highly successful appearances in Japan. The big band included ex-Basie alumni Harry “Sweets” Edison, Joe Newman, Snooky Young, Al Grey, Benny Powell, Marshal Royal and Billy Mitchell.
The recordings made by this band “Dear Mr Basie” and “Entre Nous” showed that Frank Wess had ably assumed the role of big band leader and arranger in the Basie tradition.

2007 he received the American Jazz Masters Fellowship award from The National Endowment For The Arts. Today, at age 85, Frank is still an active and highly respected member of the New York Jazz scene and travels the world to play with musicians everywhere.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Hubert Laws and The Escovedo Family honored in the LA Jazz Society's 30th Anniversary Jazz Tribute Awards

2day LA Jazz Society’s 30th Anniversary Jazz Tribute Award Honorees R Sheila E. Pete, Juan & Peter Michael Escovedo. 

LA Jazz Society’s 30th Anniversary Jazz Tribute Awards
27 October, 2013, 04:30 PM
Hilton Los Angeles / Universal City, 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. 
Universal City, CA 91608 

We are proud to announce that our 2013 Jazz Honorees are the exciting, high-energy Playboy Jazz Festival sensation, Sheila E. along with her father Pete and brothers, Peter Michael and Juan Escovedo.  If you have never seen this dynamic ensemble perform, you are in for a great Latin Jazz treat.
(Hubert Laws, the greatest flutist in the history of jazz)

We are also pleased that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to the most deserving esteemed jazz & classical music flutist and saxophonist, Hubert Laws, one of my musical heroes since his legendary recordings for Creed Taylor during the CTI heyday in the early 70s.
  
Our Jazz Educator Award will recognize the talents of the leaders of our Jazz in Schools program, Ernie Fields, Jr., Charles Owens, and Maestro Delbert Taylor.  This year’s recipient of the Shelly Manne Memorial New Talent Award will be 14 year-old drummer sensation, Alex Smith. And, to Playboy's CEO and long time jazz enthusiast Hugh Hefner, the "Honorary 30th Anniversary Tribute Chair."

Something new.  Those of you who have attended Tributes in the past will notice that there are fewer awards this year.  We heard your suggestions and have cut the length of the program substantially.  Also, the concert will be just that….all music … no appeals for donations and no speeches.  JUST MUSIC.  Happily, one thing will remain the same – Leonard Maltin will once again be our dynamic Host.

Sponsorships: $1,000 – $10,000
Commemorative Tribute Journal Ads: $25 – $3,500
Dinner Tickets and Tables starting at: $200 – $2,000
Concert Only Tickets: (arrival at 6pm) – $75 per seat
Call - 818.994.4661

The Annual Jazz Tribute Awards Dinner & Concert was established to recognize and honor Los Angeles based artists for their contributions in furthering the art form of jazz. This major fund-raising event attracts musicians and jazz lovers from all over Southern California and supports the general operations of the organization and its education programs – including Jazz in Schools and Bill Green Mentorship Program.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Anna Mjöll live in Beverly Hills, tonight!

Iceland's Jazz Princess Anna Mjöll performs gems from The American Songbook at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, this Saturday, October 26th at 9pm. Backed by Hamilton Price, Matt Gordy & Michael Ragonese.
Come join us for a sophisticated one-time-only evening!

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel
9500 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Ph: (310) 275-5200
***********
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is a historic hotel located at 9500 Wilshire Boulevard on the east side of South Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

Elvis Presley and later Warren Beatty lived several years in the hotel. It was also the home of John Lennon, when he had separated for several months from Yoko Ono.

Famous guests have included, among others, President Barack Obama, the Emperor of Japan Hirohito, the Dalai Lama and Sadruddin Aga Khan, as well as the actors Michael Caine, Michael Douglas, Farrah Fawcett, Dustin Hoffman, Anjelica Huston, Elton John, Robert Pattinson, Walter Matthau and Al Pacino. The Beverly Wilshire was the primary filming location for the 1990 movie "Pretty Woman."

The Beverly Wilshire was a common filming location for HBO's "Entourage" television series, with cast and crew filming there at least three times per season when it was produced from 2004 until 2011.

CD Reissue of the Month - "Cannonball Adderley: The Happy People"

CD Reissue of the Month
Cannonball Adderley: "The Happy People" (Capitol)

Rating:
**** (musical performance)
*** (sonic quality, original recording & mix)
**** (digital mastering)

Produced by David Axelorod & Cannonball Adderley
Art Direction: John Hoernle
Design: Roy Kohara
Cover Illustration: George Barrell
Photography: Leroy Brooks

Featuring: Cannonball Adderley (alto sax), Nat Adderley (cornet), George Duke (acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes), Walter Booker (acoustic bass), Chuck Rainey (electric bass), Roy McCurdy (drums), Airto Moreira (percussion, lead vocals), Mayuto Correa (percussion & congas), Octavio Bailly (percussion), King Errison (congas), David T. Walker (electric guitar), Olga James (vocals), Flora Purim (vocals, vocal effects)

At last! Reissued for the fist time on CD,  it's one of Cannon's most amazing albums from his Capitol years. Probably, the most "surreal" one. Recorded "live in the studio," on July 31, 1972, it sounds like an acid jam session. A truly Brazilian-oriented multi-cultural trip. Like the text in the back cover tries to explain: "inspired by a trip to Brazil, the new music of Cannonball Adderley - like flesh & blood & Rio... hot & humid & happy & unimaginably real..." 

Adderley's quintet (brother Nat + George Duke, Walter Booker, Roy McCurdy) is joined by some very special guests: Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Mayuto Correa, Chuck Rainey, David T. Walker, Olga James. Four great tracks, co-produced by arranger David Axelrod, including Nat Adderley's "Savior," the only track that David actually produced. He merely "supervised" the other ones, athough credited as arranger on Airto's "The Happy People." Olga James sings beautifully (with a lot of reverb) on the gospel-oriented "Savior," recorded a couple of days later with no "the audience," without Mayuto, Octavio and King Errisson, and with a much better recorded sound than on the other tunes. Chuck Rainey's Fender bass replaced Booker's acoustic one. Fake applauses were added. No problem. It sounds nice, anyway. 

However, the essential tracks are the other ones, all by Brazilian composers: Milton Nascimento's "Maria Três Filhos" (also covered two years later by George Duke on his 1974 LP "Faces in Reflection" for MPS), and two songs featuring Airto Moreira's raw & wild vocals: the original version of Airto's own "The Happy People" (which he would re-record for Warner in '77 on "I'm Fine, How Are You?" and, later on, in 1984, with Portuguese lyrics for "Aqui Se Pude" on the Montuno label), and Benito di Paula's samba "Ela," sung in Portuguese as well as with uncredited English lyrics. You'll not believe in your ears!

All these tracks include a four-man percussion section that sounds like a much-larger "samba school drum ensemble," with no overdubs: Airto works as the leader, using several percussion instruments like pandeiro (tambourine) and agogô; King Errison (often employed by Cannon and later featured on Flora Purim's "Stories To Tell," concentrates on the congas; another great LA-based Brazilian percussionist, Mayuto Correa (he would later record with Henry Mancini and Freddie Hubbard), also focuses on congas, but plays other instruments on "Ela"; and the fourth percussionist, Octavio Bailly Jr., is actually a bassist, who had recorded with Cannonball for the first time on "Cannonball's Bossa Nova," the 1962 Riverside date on which the saxophonist was backed by Sergio Mendes' Bossa Rio Sextet.

Flora Purim doesn't sings lead vocals in any of the tracks, but her contribution to the sexy (ok, "erotic") mood of those 3 Brazilian tunes is enormous. She never sings lyrics; "only" seductive wordless vocals plus a few words like "ziriguidum" that once were typical of Brazilian Carnival sambas. Curiously, there's no reverb on Flora's voice, making it sound very different from most of her similar performances on her own solo albums, always with a vast use of reverbs, delays and echoplex that I simply L-O-V-E.   

EMI should reissue Cannon's other Capitol dates, like the fascinating 2-LP live set "The Black Messiah" (1970), immediately. Many albums from his Fantasy years (a catalog now owned by Concord in the USA, and by JVC Victor in Japan) also need to come out on CD soooon, like two albums from 1975: "Big Man," also a 2-LP set, and Adderley's very last session as a leader, "Lovers..." (the only track from that album available on CD is Hermeto Pascoal-composed/arranged "Nascente," included on a best-selling CD compilation produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro for Milestone in 1987, titled "Brazilian Horizons.")

Fusion CD of the Month - simakDialog: "The 6th Story"

Fusion CD of the Month
simakDialog: "The 6th Story" (MoonJune)

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

All compositions by Riza Arshad, except track 7 by Riza Arshad and Robert M.R.
All arrangements by Riza Arshad with Endang Ramdan, Erlan Suwardana and Cucu Kurnia
Recorded @ LikeEarthRecordings Studio, Jakarta, Indonesia in 2012
Engineered and mixed by Riza Arshad.
Mastered by Sam John @ Precise Mastering, Ltd., Earlston, Scotland, UK.
Executive Producer: Leonardo Pavkovic

Featuring:
Riza Arshad (Fender Rhodes, acoustic piano, synths, soundscapes), Tothpati (electric guitar), Adhithya Pratama (electric bass), Endang Ramdan (Sundanese kendang percussion - left channel), Erlan Suwardana (Sundanese kendang percussion - right channel), Cucu Kurnia (assorted metal percussion)

"The Sixth Story" is the exhilarating, full-throttle follow-up to 2009's critically-acclaimed CD "Demi Masa," from the brilliant psychedelic/gamela-jazz/world music phenoms, simakDialog. Raising the benchmark in a genre known for its brilliant artists is no easy feat, but the young virtuosos are decidedly up to the task: each composition is an exquisite master-class rendering of equal parts elegance and intrigue. This is modern progressive jazz at its most original, most far-reaching and most achieving.

Referencing the discernible influence of a host of the genre's most innovative voices -- from the great Miles Davis, to Return To Forever, to The Zawinul Syndicate, John Abercrombie Quartet, Tribal Tech, and even the late, great Charles Mingus -- the band continues to push the musical envelope: leaping boldly into uncharted territories where progressive music has yet dared venture (and precious few would be brave- or skilled-enough to even consider attempting). Employing formulas that eclipse genre and culture (and any other conventional means of categorization!), Riza Arshad, Tohpati and company continue to surprise and astonish listeners ... even after twenty years of playing together!

The guiding work of keyboardist Riza Arshad (a true Fender Rhodes stylist) has never been bolder or more self-assured, with the maestro laying down line after line of flowing, sensitive, unpredictable-yet-wonderfully-articulate passages. Renowned guitar phenom Tohpati is equal to the task, compelled to produce some of his most emotional and ambitious fretwork to date. Framing a profound comprehension and command of the cuts' many intricate complexities, shifts and nuances, his world-class guitar stylings have never been sweeter; his tones, textures and phrases are consistently perfect for the occasion.

Propelling the steady, confident undercurrent, monster bassist Adhithya Pratama, and their three seasoned percussionists (Endang Ramdan, Erlan Suwardana, and newest member, Cucu Kurnia) provide a solid foundation beneath the dense, weaving foreground musings of Riza and Tohpati. Despite their propensity for waltzing wildly into the unknown, the band is always on sure footing through even the most challenging sonic terrain. This is as good as modern jazz gets.

Perhaps this could be, to a small extent, a case of "returning to one's roots:" this instrumental offering would seem to bear more resemblance, stylistically, to their third album, "Trance/Mission" (produced prior to their association with MoonJune Records) than their two previous MoonJune releases [the aforementioned "Demi Masa," and 2007's "Patahan"]. But, in all truth, this would not be doing this album justice: The Sixth Story goes well beyond anything previously offered by any of those albums, weaving its own, intriguing, spellbinding tale.

The greatest works of the genre have always exhibited a spirit of pioneering excellence. There is no exception here: this is a modern progressive jazz masterpiece -- an astounding work of uncompromising excellence.... and one, most certainly, not be missed!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Stanley Clarke & Al Jarreau + 1920's Masquerade Halloween Party, THE double-bill for tonight in CA

The perfect "double bill" for tonight, October 25th, in California: Stanley Clarke with special guest Al Jarreau @ Paramount Theater in Okaland, at 8pm, followed by the "1920's Masquerade Halloween Party" promoted by Beverly Hills' Sanctum Club. Purchase after approval at http://t.co/yk5XTiqZXz 
Nothing in Los Angeles can be compared to Sanctum Club, a truly erotic delicacy.
Interactive erotic performance art throughout the evening. Membership into the Society by application only. Member-only shows after midnight. Guest tickets & tables available after approval. Carpe Noctem!

Who will make the cut? Erin Wasson shines tonight on "Styled To Rock"

Mentor Erin Wasson has graced countless runways. Now watch her impart her fashion knowledge on the contestants when the Reality Competition Series #StyledToRock premieres tonight @ 8/7c on BRAVO. Also featuring Rihanna! http://bravo.ly/GWMpo5

Vinyl Reissue of the Month - "Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker: Carnegie Hall Concert"

Vinyl Reissue of the Month
Gerry Mulligan & Chet Baker: "Carnegie Hall Concert - Vol. 1 & 2" (CTI/Speakers Corner)

Produced by Creed Taylor
Featuring: Gerry Mulligan (baritone saxophone), Chet Baker (trumpet & vocals), Bob James (acoustic piano), Ron Carter (acoustic bass), Harvey Mason (drums), John Scofield (electric guitar), Ed Byrne (trombone), Dave Samuels (vibes & percussion)

*180g Virgin Vinyl
* High Quality Pressing
* Pure Analogue Audiophile Mastering

LP1 - Volume 1
1. Line For Lyons
2. (Song) For An Unfinished Woman
3. My Funny Valentine
4. Song For Strayhorn

LP2 - Volume 2
1. It's Sandy At the Beach
2. Bernie's Tune
3. K-4 Pacific
4. There Will Never Be Another You

A new issue of "Gerry Mulligan/Chet Baker: Carnegie Hall Concert" just came out this month in Europe, on 180g vinyl, through the German label Speakers Corner. And it's the first time ever that the 2 albums (released individually as single LPs at the time of its original release in 1975) appear on a 2-LP set.

For ordering & additional infos, please visit Speakers Corner's website:
http://217.91.44.153/fmi/iwp/cgi?-db=SCR_Kunden&-loadframes

The front cover (as shown above) is a little different from all previous analog and digital issues, since it mentions "Volume 1 & 2," and also includes the names of the musicians who appeared in each of the original vinyls. All 8 songs included in the original "Vol.1" and "Vol.2" appear, but this 2-LP set doesn't includes the ninth tune performed, "Margarine," which remains available only on the out-of-print Gold CD issued by Sony in 1995.

For those not familiar to this great CTI album, that November 24, 1974 night at Carnegie Hall was more than a concert; it became a media event, celebrating the first Mulligan/Baker reunion since their heyday in the 50s, when they became the top act of the so-called West Coast Jazz.

The tracklist includes "Line For Lyons," "(Song) For An Unfinished Woman," "My Funny Valentine," (sung by Chet Baker, obviously), Mulligan's haunting ballad "Song For Strayhorn," "It's Sandy At The Beach," Bernie Miller's "Bernie's Tune," the terrific "-4 Pacific," and Harry Warren's lovely standard "There Will Never Be Another You," another feature for Chet Baker's unmistakable vocal style.

According to CTI historian Doug Payne, "the above titles come from a concert featuring Baker, Mulligan, Stan Getz and each of their groups individually. Baker's group included Bob James on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Harvey Mason on drums, and Ed Byrne on trombone. Mulligan used the same rhythm section, adding vibist Dave Samuels, guitarist John Scofield and sometimes Baker. Getz - who is not present on the issued titles but whose tenor sax is clearly visible on the cover photo (and confirmed by Gerry Mulligan) - was joined by his own group, highlighted by drummer Buddy Rich and four female singers during one number."

Let's hope that, someday/somehow, the "lost" Getz tracks will also see the light of the day. Something possible by now, since Getz was signed to Columbia (now Sony Music) at the time of the concert, and the label also became owner of all the CTI catalog from the 70s.

However, the most sought-after digital issue ever of "Carnegie Hall Concert" remains the Gold CD released back in 1995 by Sony. For all the previous issues, the original 2-track master tapes (mixed by Rudy Van Gelder for the first vinyl LP in 1975) had been used. But, for the 24-karat Gold CD, with 4-color picture label, the NY-based French Didier Deutsch decided to request engineer Mark Wilder to remix everything at Sony Music Studios in New York.

"We had access to the multi-track tapes, which enabled us to remix the selections properly and make them flow naturally with appropriate audience response," says Didier. He tried to recreate the concert more or less as it happened (without Stan Getz' portion, of course), changing the track sequence to restore the original setlist, and adding a previously unreleased track: "Margarine," composed by Hal Galper (best known for his work as Phil Woods' pianist).

Two other classic CTI albums - George Benson's "White Rabbit" and Paul Desmond's "Pure Desmond" - also came out on Gold CDs remastered with 20-bit digital SBM (Super Bit Mapping) technology. All, unfortunately, currently out-of-print.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

New batch of CTI reissues scheduled for release on 24-bit remastered Blu-spec CDs

"CTI Supreme Collection," a new batch of CTI reissues is scheduled for release on December 11, in Asia. These will be the first CTI albums distributed by King Records on Blu-spec CD format (CTI's previous Japanese series came out in 2009 on SHM-CDs remastered by Rudy Van Gelder under supervision of Creed Taylor himself), except for two Seawind albums reissued on that format also in 2009 by Sony.

Blu-spec CD is the next generation Compact Disc that employs the Phase Transition Mastering, the technology developed for mastering of Blu-ray discs, to further perfect the acclaimed characteristics of Blu-spec CD.

Fully compatible with standard CD players, Blu-spec CDs completely alters the experience of music. It applies the manufacturing technologies optimized for the specifications demanded for Blu-ray discs. During the manufacturing of the disc, laser beam is pinpointed to encode data on the microscopic tracks molded on the polycarbonate plastic constituting the surface of the disc.

Compared to the conventional laser beam used for the manufacturing of standard CD, the blue laser beam used for the manufacturing of Blu-spec CD has a shorter wavelength, allowing more accurate encoding of the data. Furthermore, polycarbonate plastic optimized for Blu-ray is used to ensure accurate reading of the data.

These are the 40 titles selected for release on December 11, with suggested retail price in Japan of  ¥1,000, including albums also from CTI's subsidiary labels Kudu and Salvation, most of them engineered by Van Gelder, with gorgeous pics by Pete Turner and Alen MacWeeney, and cover art by Bob Ciano:
1. Joe Farrell: "Penny Arcade" (Herbie Hancock, Herb Bushler, Steve Gadd, Joe Beck, Don Alias)
2. Joe Farrell: "Outback" (Chick Corea, Buster Williams, Elvin Jones, Airto)
3. Eumir Deodato: "Prelude" (John Tropea, Jay Berliner, Ron Carter, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham, Airto, Marvin Stamm, Hubert Laws)
4. Eumir Deodato: "Deodato 2" (Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham, John Giulino, Rick Marotta, Rubens Bassini)
5. Ron Carter: "Spanish Blue" (Roland Hanna, Leon Pendarvis, Jay Berliner, Billy Cobham, Ralph MacDonald)
6. Milt Jackson: "Sunflower" (Don Sebesky, Freddie Hubbard, Herbie Hancock, Billy Cobham, Jay Berliner, Ralph MacDonald)
7. Eric Gale: "Forecast" (Bob James, Gordon Edwards, Idris Muhammad, Rick Marotta, Hubert Laws)
8. Johnny Hammond: "Gambler's Life" (Larry Mizell, Fonce Mizell, Jerry Peters, Tony Dumas, Harvey Mason)
9. Hubert Laws: "Chicago Theme" (George Benson, Eric Gale, Bob James, Don Grolnick, Stanley Clarke, Steve Gadd, Joe Beck, David Sanborn, Brecker Brothers)
10. Ray Barretto: "La Cuna" (Tito Puente, Charlie Palmieri, Steve Gadd, John Tropea, Joe Farrell, Carlos Franzzetti)
11. George Benson: "White Rabbit" (Don Sebesky, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Airto, Jay Berliner, Earl Klugh, Phil Kraus, Gloria Agostini, John Frosk)
12. George Benson: "Good King Bad" (David Matthews, Gary King, Don Grolnick, Roland Hanna, Bobby Lyle, Ronnie Foster, Joe Farrell)
13. Hank Crawford: "I Hear A Symphony" (Richard Tee, Leon Pendarvis, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Gary King, Eric Gale, David Matthews)
14. Kenny Burrell: "God Bless The Child" (Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Hugh Lawson, Richard Wyands, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Airto, Don Sebesky)
15. Art Farmer & Jim Hall: "Big Blues" (Steve Gadd, Mike Mainieri, David Matthews, Michael Moore)
16. Stanley Turrentine: "Sugar" (George Benson, Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter, Billy Kaye, Butch Cornell, Lonnie Liston Smith, Richard Pablo Landrum)
17. Stanley Turrentine & Milt Jackson: "Cherry" (Cornell Dupree, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Bob James, Weldon Irvine)
18. Phil Upchurch & Tennyson Stephens: "Upchurch/Tennyson" (Bob James, Steve Gadd, Hubert Laws, Dud Bascomb, David Sanborn, Eric Gale)
19. Don Sebesky: "Giant Box" (Paul Desmond, Milt Jackson, Joe Farrell, Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, George Benson, Jackie & Roy, Grover Washington, Jr)
20. Astrud Gilberto: "Gilberto with Turrentine" (Deodato, Ron Carter, Dom Um Romão, João Palma, Airto, Sivuca, Toots Thielemans, Bob Mann)
21. Fuse One: "Fuse" (Tony Williams, John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, Ronnie Foster, Victor Feldman, Paulinho da Costa, Joe Farrell)
22. Chet Baker: "She Was Too Good To Me" (Don Sebesky, Bob James, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Gadd, David Friedman)
23. Hubert Laws: "The Rite of Spring" (Gene Bertoncini, Bob James, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Airto, David Friedman)
24. Gabor Szabo: "Macho" (Bob James, Louis Johnson, Harvey Mason, Eric Gale, Idris Muhammad, Ralph MacDonald)
25. Jim Hall: "Concierto" (Chet Baker, Paul Desmond, Roland Hanna, Ron Carter, Steve Gadd, Don Sebesky)
26. Lonnie Smith: "Mama Wailer" (Chuck Rainey, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Jimmy Ponder, Airto, Grover Washington, Jr.)
27. Nina Simone: "Baltimore" (David Matthews, Andy Newmark, Eric Gale, Will Lee, Gary King, Jimmy Madison, Al Schackman)
28. Lalo Schifrin: "Towering Toccata" (Urbie Green, Joe Farrell, Ronnie Cuber, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, John Tropea, Eric Gale, Jeremy Steig, John Blair)
29. Idris Muhammad: "Power of Soul" (Joe Beck, Randy Brecker, Bob James, Gary King, Ralph MacDonald, Grover Washington, Jr.)
30. Airto Moreira: "Fingers" (Hugo Fattoruso, David Amaro, Flora Purim, Ringo Thielmann, George Fattoruso)
31. Urbie Green: "The Fox" (Toots Thielemans, David Matthews, Anthony Jackson, Mike Abene, Jimmy Madison, Sue Evans, Joe Farrell)
32. Patti Austin: "End Of A Rainbow" (Barry Miles, Mike Abene, Richard Tee, Jeff Berlin, Will Lee, Chuck Rainey, Steve Gadd, Michael Brecker)
33. Joe Beck: "Beck" (David Sanborn, Don Grolnick, Will Lee, Chris Parker, Ray Mantilla, Don Sebesky)
34. Paul Desmond: "Skylark" (Gabor Szabo, Gene Bertoncini, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, George Ricci, Ralph MacDonald)
35. Antonio Carlos Jobim: "Stone Flower" (Deodato, Ron Carter, João Palma, Airto, Harry Lookofsky, Urbie Green, Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell)
36. Freddie Hubbard: "Red Clay" (Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Lenny White, Joe Henderson)
37. Jackie & Roy: "Time & Love" (Don Sebesky, Jay Berliner, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Airto, Hubert Laws)
38. Bill Evans: "Montreux II" (Eddie Gomez, Marty Morell)
39. Esther Phillips: "From A Whisper To A Scream" (Pee Wee Ellis, Don Sebesky, Cornell Dupree, Eric Gale, Richard Tee, Gordon Edwards, Airto)
40. Randy Weston: "Blue Moses" (Freddie Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham, Airto, Don Sebesky, Grover Washington, Jr.)
(Creed Taylor, CTI's founder and chief producer)

Sara Leib live @ LACMA, this Friday, Oct 25

This Friday, October 25th, 6-8pm, LA jazz vocalist Sara Leib will be singing at the LACMA jazz series! One of the best places to hear great live jazz, outdoors, and for FREE, the series at LACMA has become a popular summer/fall destination for Angelinos. "We haven't played it for some time now, and are thrilled to be back on the lineup," Sara says.

Backed by Josh Nelson (piano), Dave Robaire (bass), Dan Schnelle (drums) & Josh Johnson (alto sax), she will be performing songs from her latest album, "Secret Love," voted "Best Jazz Vocal CD of the Month" in May 2012 on Arnaldo DeSouteiro's Jazz Station blog.

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
*********
Sara Leib was born in Los Angeles December 21, 1981; her father was a furniture designer, her mother a social worker. Her older brother played trumpet; years later, she mimicked the instrument's tone during wordless choruses on her first CD, 2003's self-released and warmly received "It's Not the Moon."

Leib attended L.A.'s prestigious Hamilton Music Academy, where she sang in the jazz choir and also gained a berth in the Grammy High School Jazz Choir. After two years at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, she transferred to the New England Conservatory, studying with Dominique Eade, Steve Lacy, and Jerry Bergonzi and earning a B.M. in Jazz Performance, followed by an M.M. in Jazz from the University of Southern California.

She has performed throughout the world, and currently teaches at the Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music in Pasadena. Leib also gives private voice lessons and teaches classes in improvisation, singing for instrumentalists, and chart writing. Given its depth and originality, "Secret Love" is poised to raise Sara Leib's international jazz profile.

Don't miss the season premiere of "Styled To Rock"

Don’t miss the season premiere of "Styled To Rock" (Friday, 10/25 @ 8/7c on BRAVO) with my friend Erin Wasson and... Rhianna! For more information, visit www.bravotv.com/styled-to-rock
Model, designer, entrepreneur, actress: Erin Wasson is the multifaceted beauty par excellence. A classic American beauty hailing from the great state of Texas, Wasson is one of modeling’s blue chip faces. Her prolific career has had countless highlights: She has graced the covers of innumerable magazines, including the French, German, Spanish and Australian editions of Vogue, shot with renowned photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen von Unwerth, and walked runways for virtually every important European fashion houseChanel, Gucci, Lanvin, Balenciaga, to name a few. Since 2002, Wasson has been an international face of Maybelline, and she has appeared in campaigns for H&M, Victoria’s Secret, and The Gap, among many other mainstream brands.

But Wasson transcends the job title “model,” or even “supermodel.” Her low-key, bohemian sense of style has inspired many imitators, and Wasson served as muse, and then stylist, for CFDA Award-winning designer Alexander Wang. In 2008, Wasson made the leap to designer, kicking off a three-season apparel collaboration with storied skate-and-surf brand RVCA and launching her own line of jewelry, Low Luv, which is currently sold at more than 200 stores worldwide. Most recently, she retuned to the studio to design a capsule collection for French brand Zadig & Voltaire.

Wasson’s remarkable charisma makes her a natural for the big screen, as well. She has appeared alongside Justin Timberlake in a series of short films for the William Rast brand, and had a cameo in Sofia Coppola’s Somewhere, and is currently at work on additional film and television projects. Uniquely versatile and notoriously hard-working, Wasson spends much of her free time traveling and working in support of animal rescue. She lives in New York City and Santa Monica, California. 
Erin Wasson has graced countless runways. Now watch her impart her fashion knowledge on the contestants when #StyledToRock premieres Friday @ 8/7c on BRAVO. http://bravo.ly/GWMpo5

Quincy Jones presents the super talented vocalist Xriss Jor, from Lebanon

A message from my friend Quincy Jones:

"It gives me great pleasure to announce that my joint venture with Badr Jafar called G3 Global Gumbo Group has signed as a management client the super talented Xriss Jor (كريس جر) from Lebanon.

Xriss (pictured above) was discovered as part of the Crossover Talent Search sponsored by Pepsi Arabia and was chosen by me, will.i.am and Timbaland. Xriss - we are thrilled to be working with you and are excited about your future."

To read more, go here:
http://www.thenational.ae/lebanese-singer-xriss-jor-impresses-quincy-jones-at-dubai-music-week

Btw, "Summer In The City - The Soul Jazz Grooves of Quincy Jones" the best-selling CD compilation that Arnaldo DeSouteiro produced for Verve Records has just been re-printed:

Sanctum Club Presents 1920's Masquerade Halloween Party this Friday, Oct 25

Sanctum Club PRESENTS: "1920's Masquerade" HALLOWEEN PARTY Friday, October 25th in a clandestine private residence will sell out. Purchase after approval at http://t.co/yk5XTiqZXz 

Nothing in Los Angeles can be compared to Sanctum Club, a truly erotic delicacy.

Interactive erotic performance art throughout the evening. Membership into the Society by application only. Member-only shows after midnight. Guest tickets & tables available after approval. Carpe Noctem!

Happy Birthday, Dianne Reeves!

Happy Birthday, Dianne Reeves!
(Arnaldo DeSouteiro driving GRAMMY®-winning singer Dianne Reeves home)

Film of the Month - "Prisoner of Rio"

Film of the Month (DVD)
"Prisoner of Rio" (Mediawith Classics Premium Collection)

Soundtrack by Luiz Bonfá and Hans Zimmer recorded in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Los Angeles (CA, USA)
Original Songs Composed by Luiz Bonfa ("Black Orpheus," "The Gentle Rain," "Le Ore Dell'Amore," "Santo Módico," "Copacabana Palace," "Os Cafajestes," "Carnival of Crime")
Original Arrangements by Alberto Arantes
Additional Score by Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King," "Rain Man"
Additional Songs by Denise Rich
Vocals: Zezé Motta and Astrud Gilberto
Music Producer: Allan Snelling
Assistant Music Producer: Howard Bernstein

Film Directed by Lech Majewski
Starring: Paul Freeman ("Indiana Jones I"), Steven Berkoff ("Rambo II," "Beverly Hills Cop"), Peter Firth ("Jagd auf Roter Oktober") and Desmond Llewelyn ("James Bond, Q")

Disc 1: Film / 101 minutes / Dolby Digital 5.1 / Screen: 4:3/1,33:1
Disc 2: Bonus Material / 60 minutes / Dolby Digital 2.0 including:
* original trailer
* original teaser
* exclusive interview with Ronald Biggs
* hilarious footage scenes from the press conference at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival

R.I.P.: Ronald Shannon Jackson


The bio from his official website:
Ronald Shannon Jackson died peacefully at his home in Ft. Worth on October 19, 2013.
http://www.ronaldshannonjackson.com/bio.html 

R.I.P.: Donald Bailey


Excellent text (with selected discography) published by Ethan Iverson:
http://dothemath.typepad.com/dtm/2013/10/donald-bailey.html

R.I.P.: Gloria Lynne

The obituary published on the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/obituaries/la-me-gloria-lynne-20131022,0,3944800.story#axzz2ibu0sZMY

EP of the Month - "Don Sebesky: Claire's Song / I Go To Rio - Mardi Gras"

12" EP of the Month
Don Sebesky (Doctor Jazz)

Side A: "Claire's Song" (4:26)
Composed by Russell Ferrante
Soloists: Alex Foster (soprano sax), Ken Sebesky (guitar), Jim Pugh (baritone horn), Brian O'Flaherty (trumpet), Eddie Daniels (piccolo), Sue Evans (percussion)

Side B: "I Go To Rio / Mardi Gras" (5:09)
"I Go To Rio" Composed by Peter Allen & A. Anderson
"Mardi Gras" Composed by Laurindo Almeida
Soloist: Eddie Daniels (tenor sax)
Vocals: Mike Moran, Ali Sebesky, Jerry Sebesky, Janina Serden, Kitt Moran, Donna Leonhart, Ethel Pugh

Produced, Arranged & Conducted by Don Sebesky
Also Featuring: Don Sebesky (acoustic piano & Fender Rhodes), Jay Leonhart (acoustic & electric bass), Jimmy Madison (drums & percussion), Sue Evans (percussion), Barry Ries (trumpet & flugelhorn), Alan Raph (bass trombone, baritone horn, tuba), Roger Rosenberg (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet & baritone sax) et al

Saturday, October 19, 2013

I Love America! Thanks, Obama!

Arnaldo DeSouteiro thanks Barack Obama and the U.S. Department of State. I really love America!

Dizzy's 96th Birthday Celebration with Mike Longo Big Band, Jimmy Owens, Annie Ross & Ira Hawkins at Gillespie Auditorium, Oct. 22

Don't forget! Chase the ghosts and goblins away with us at Jazz Tuesdays on October 22, at 8pm (one show only!) Join us for a very exciting evening to celebrate Dizzy Gillespie's 96th birthday with Mike Longo's swinging 17-piece Big Band,"The NY State of the Art Jazz Ensemble" featuring fantastic jazz vocalist Ira Hawkins, with special guests Jazz Legend Annie Ross and Trumpet Master Jimmy Owens, PLUS archival film footage of Dizzy performing in his prime.

Jazz Tuesdays is located at the John Birks Gillespie within the New York City Bahá'í Center at 53 East 11th Street(between University Place & Broadway).  For tickets and information call 212-222-5159.

Pianist/composer/arranger, and Steinway artist, Mike Longo, who has earned many accolades as a jazz pianist and a long time associate of Gillespie, formed the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble in 1999 to play the Jersey Jazz Festival when they wanted to feature him in a setting of composer/arranger. The program was received so enthusiastically that Mike was prompted by jazz fans and the members of the band to keep it going.

As a result, he began composing new material and arranging it for the band, which was booked back each year at the Jersey Festival, followed by several appearances at New York City's famed Birdland jazz club. Their latest CD, "Oasis," climbed to #7 and remained on the charts for an unprecedented 20 weeks. We are proud to present this fabulous group of musicians, featuring jazz singer Ira Hawkins.

Jazz Singer, Actress, and NEA Jazz Master Annie Ross moved with her aunt,singer Ella Logan, to Los Angeles at the age of three, where she became a juvenile film actress, starting on the "Our Gang" series at five. Asa teenager, she moved to New York to study acting, then back to England, where she became a nightclub and band singer. She returned to the U.S. and gained attention in 1952 for her song "Twisted," a "vocalese" setting of humorous lyrics to what had been a saxophone solo by Wardell Gray. (More than 20 years later, Joni Mitchell made a popular recording of the song.)

In 1958, Ross teamed with Dave Lambert and Jon Hendricks in the vocalese trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, and they toured and recorded successfully, their best-known album being their first,"Sing a Song of Basie," a landmark session produced by Creed Taylor for ABC-Paramount and later reissued, on Creed's own CTI label, in 1993. Ross left the trio in 1962 and settled in England, continuing to sing and work as an actress. She returned again to the U.S. in 1985. In 1993, she had a featured role in the Robert Altman film"Short Cuts."

Trumpeter, Bandleader, Educator and NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Owens, one of the founders of the Jazz Foundation of America/Jazz & Blues Emergency Fund is a fine hard bop soloist. He started on the trumpet when he was ten and later studied with Donald Byrd. Owens has played as a sideman with many major players, including Lionel Hampton, Hank Crawford, Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann, Duke Ellington, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and the Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Band. He was one of the founders of the Collective Black Artists.

Admission is 15.00, $10.00 for students.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or call (212) 222-5159 for reservations and information.
For more about acts at "Jazz Tuesdays", check out our website at www.jazzbeat.com

Jazz Tuesdays
in the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium
The New York Baha'i Center
53 East 11th Street
NYC 10003