Saturday, May 30, 2015
DJ Contessa @ Sofitel LA in Beverly Hills
Friday, May 29, 2015
Tomorrow night, The Jamie Baum Septet live @ The Jazz Gallery, NY
The Jamie Baum Septet: Jamie Baum- flutes; Amir Elsaffar – trumpet; Sam Sadigursky – alto sax & bass clarinet; Nathan Koci - French horn; Brad Shepik - guitar; John Escreet – piano; Zack Lober – bass; Jeff Hirshfield – drums
Sets at 8 & 10pm
$20, $10 for members of The Jazz Gallery
http://www.jazzgallery.org/
(646) 494-3625
R.I.P.: Ray Kennedy (1957-2015)
John Pizzarelli: "To say Ray Kennedy had a profound effect on my musical life would an understatement. They say to play better tennis, play with someone much better than you, well, I was playing with Nadal! We went all over the world and I watched Ray's playing change the molecular structure of the room. I saw more musicians shake their heads during his playing, more unabashed joy, heard more applause and adulation directed his way than I could've ever imagined. I was lucky to have seen this shooting star, to have been able to make music with him and to have called him friend. I know he is sitting next to Art Tatum or Oscar or Nat Cole and they are asking HIM to play for them! Godspeed pal."
Ray Kennedy grew up as part of a musical family in Maplewood, St. Loius, where his family owned a music store, and graduated from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School in 1975.
After moving to NYC in his early 20s, he became best known for his long tenure with Pizzarelli, but also was involved in many musical projects as a bandleader, working with his brother, bassist Tom Kennedy, and with others.
Kennedy was diagnosed with MS in 2006, and had been in a nursing home in New York since 2013. Friends last year set up a page on the site Youcaring.com to raise funds to help his family with his care.
Survivors in addition to his brother include his wife, Eve, and two young daughters, of New York; and a sister, Wanda Kennedy Kuntz, of St. Louis. Funeral arrangements are pending, and when more information becomes available, StLJN will update this post.
Also, a benefit concert to raise money for Kennedy's family will be held in St. Louis on July 17 at the Sheldon.
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From www.raykennedy.com:
The New York Times has described pianist/composer Ray Kennedy as “…an extraordinary pianist… [whose style] suggests a toned down fusion of Oscar Peterson and Erroll Garner, with a dash of George Shearing,” while the London Jazz review Boz described Ray as “a pianist with a rare and electrifying talent.” His work as pianist/arranger with The John Pizzarelli Trio for over a decade led to Ray being internationally recognized as a leading exponent of the “swing jazz” piano style established by such jazz legends as Teddy Wilson and Nat Cole. Ray was introduced to music at an early age by his father, who took him to hear acclaimed jazz musicians on a regular basis. One such outing led to the then 14-year-old pianist meeting and ‘sitting in’ with the great Dizzy Gillespie.
Ray has since performed and/or recorded with many of the top names in jazz, including Nat Adderley, Ruby Braff, Buddy DeFranco, Freddie Hubbard, James Moody, David Sanborn, Woody Shaw, and Sonny Stitt. He has recorded more than one hundred albums, not only in the field of jazz but in various other musical genres. Ray lives in New York City where he is active as a pianist, composer, and arranger, working with performers as diverse as Christina Aguilera and Maureen McGovern, for whom he also served as musical director.*
His compositions have been featured on numerous recordings including the soundtracks of two motion pictures. He also composed and performed the music for the off Broadway show Bill W. and Dr. Bob which opened at the New World Stages in March of 2007. Ray was a featured guest artist on Marian McPartland’s NPR program Piano Jazz and contributed commentary on the music of Harry Warren on NPR’s Fresh Air program. He has appeared with many major orchestras throughout the country including The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, and has made numerous television appearances on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, and Late Nite with David Letterman.
Ray has recorded 12 CDs with his trio, with several dedicated to the composers of the great popular standards including "The Ray Kennedy Trio Plays The Music Of Cole Porter" and "Plays The Music Of Arthur Schwartz." Another CD entitled "Mozart in Jazz" was recorded for and released in Japan and went to #1 on the jazz chart. It also received a Gold Disc award for artistic excellence from the country’s leading jazz magazine, Swing Journal. Rest in Peace.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Tonight, Cathy Segal-Garcia celebrates her birthday @ Blue Whale, LA
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St Suite 30, Los Angeles
"I've invited over 20 musicians and singers to help me celebrate my birthday," Cathy says. "This should be an amazing evening of great music!" Opens with Fish To Birds 6 vocalist improv. Then on with The Moment, Cathy vocals, Gary Fukushima piano, Chuck Manning tenor sax, Brad Dutz percussion, Jeff Richman guitar...playing originals and jazz compositions, with lots of quirky improv to boot! Special guest vocalist, owner of the Whale, Joon Lee! $15 cover
Happiest of Birthdays, Cathy!
Memorial Service for Marcus Belgrave
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
R.I.P.: Peter Schmidlin (1947-2015)
Born on December 28, 1947 in Riehen;
Died on May 25, 2015.
Swiss drummer and founder of the TCB label.
http://www.24heures.ch/culture/c-grand-batteur-swingueur-suisse/story/21475550
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Emma-Jane & Mina live @ Sayers, May 28
R.I.P.: Marcus Belgrave (1936-2015)
Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Belgrave was a world-class trumpeter whose A-list resumé included a long tenure with Ray Charles in the 1950s and early '60s and associations with jazz royalty like Max Roach and Charles Mingus. Ultimately, however, Belgrave's greatest contribution was the remarkable honor roll of his former students who graduated to leading roles on the national scene — including pianist Geri Allen, bassists Rodney Whitaker and Robert Hurst, alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, violinist Regina Carter, and drummers Karriem Riggins, Ali Jackson and Gerald Cleaver.
Belgrave was a frequent faculty member at Stanford Jazz Workshop and a visiting professor of jazz trumpet at the Oberlin Conservatory. Rest in Peace.
http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/archives/2015/05/24/rest-in-peace-trumpeter-marcus-belgrave-detroits-jazz-patriarch
Friday, May 22, 2015
Amanda Castro back @ Steamers, tomorrow night
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8P-MID $8 ALL AGES-
AMANDA CASTRO
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
Ph: 714-871-8800
jazz@steamersjazz.com
www.steamersjazz.com
Message from Amanda:
"Hello everyone, We are back at steamers tomorrow night from 8 pm to midnight! Come on out and listen to some fabulous music! You won't regret it!"
Amanda Castro is a young jazz singer specializing in well known and lesser known songs of the 1920's and 1930's, adding her own unique mix of Latin rhythms, New Orleans soul, and genuine blues feeling. She started studying voice at the age of 15 and has been singing professionally for the last two years, appearing in some of Southern California's most well known jazz clubs, including Angel's, Nola's, The Hip Kitty, and now Steamers. In addition, Amanda has also appeared as a feature performer at community music festivals and other entertainment events. Audiences at an Amanda Castro performance have said, "It's not just a band! It's a show!" And a show it is!
Combining high energy musical performance with witty audience rapport and exciting band arrangements, Amanda makes the stage come alive with her own renditions of down and dirty New Orleans blues, sultry Latin songs and straight ahead swinging standards. Consisting of professional jazz musicians with performance experience at international jazz festivals, film, television, Disneyland, and high profile celebrity gigs, the highly versatile band is equally adept at grooving on a Latin samba as much as treating the audience to a taste of authentic New Orleans. Fans of the Amanda Castro show keep returning for the exciting mixture of great jazz styles offered up by this up and coming singer. Amanda and the band invite you to come experience a fun and entertaining jazz show!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Jazz at Filoli Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Popular Bay Area Summer Series
Held at Historic Estate 30 Miles South of San Francisco
To Mark Its Silver Anniversary
With Sunday-Afternoon Shows by:
Taylor Eigsti Featuring Gretchen Parlato,
Larry Vuckovich with Jackie Ryan,
The Jeff Hamilton Trio,
Arturo Sandoval -- 10-Time Grammy Winner,
Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band,
Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi Double Piano Trio
June 21 Through September 13
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Filoli is gearing up for a special season featuring its customary mix of local and national names. Opening the series on June 21 is pianist/composer Taylor Eigsti (right), who first performed at Filoli on his 16th birthday in 2000 as a replacement for an injured Marian McPartland; he'll be playing with his trio and special guest Gretchen Parlato. Also making repeat appearances are pianist Larry Vuckovich with his nine-piece all-star band plus multi-award-winning vocalist Jackie Ryan(below right) July 12; 
and trumpet masterArturo Sandoval (left), August 9. Like many other musicians, Sandoval loved the Filoliambience, relaxed atmosphere, and responsive audience and insisted on returning.
Rounding out the 2015 lineup are the Jeff Hamilton Trio with pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christophe Luty, July 26; Philadelphia-basedFrank Bey and Bay Area guitarist Anthony Paule and their blues band, August 23; and husband/wife stride and swing pianists Stephanie Trickand Paolo Alderighi with bassist Marty Eggers and drummer Danny Coot, September 13.
Filoli is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. Concertgoers are urged to come early to tour the gardens and the House, a prime example of early 19th-century Stuart and Georgian architecture. The House has been featured in a number of TV shows, most notably as the mansion in the TV series Dynasty. It has also been used in TV commercials and movies, including Heaven Can Wait, Wedding Planner, and Rent.
Jazz at Filoli has presented some of the most prominent jazz and Latin-jazz musicians through the years, among them Toots Thielemans, Gregory Porter, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Marian McPartland, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, John Pizzarelli, the Brubeck Brothers, Pat Martino, Eddie Daniels, Charles Brown, Louis Bellson, Shelly Berg, Buster Williams, Scott Hamilton, Dick Hyman, Nnenna Freelon, Ernestine Anderson, Karrin Allyson, Janis Siegel, Jane Monheit, Dena De Rose, Bob Dorough, Eliane Elias, Airto and Flora Purim, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, and Arturo Sandoval.
The series was founded in 1991 by the late Chuck Huggins, CEO of See's Candies (which became sponsors for the series and remains a major donor), and the late Bud Spangler, the concert and record producer, radio host, and drummer. (Photo at left: Huggins and Spangler.) Spangler produced the series from 1991 until 2007, with vocalist Madeline Eastman serving as co-producer from 1991 through 2000, and music industry veteran Merrilee Trost filling that role from 2001 through 2007. Paul Blystone was series producer from 2008 through 2011. Trost has been producing the series since 2012.Until 1995, when pianist Cedar Walton and his trio were brought in, musical offerings had been restricted to top bands from the Bay Area. Since then, more and more internationally known musicians have been presented along with the best of the Bay Area jazz scene.
It's estimated that more than 77,000 Jazz at Filoli tickets have been sold over the last 24 years, and this year's sales will take that number over 80,000. Some patrons have attended every year since its inception.
Concerts are presented on the erstwhile tennis courts, with tables and chairs are set up to accommodate as many as 650 people. More than 50 volunteers greet the guests and serve complimentary white wine, pitchers of beer, sparkling water, gourmet coffee, and snacks. Concert attendees are also offered free tours of the historic House and gardens, and free parking. Show times are 1:30-4:00 pm.
Boxed lunches may be ordered in advance and picked up on arrival at Filoli, but people often bring their own picnic lunches, some of them quite elaborate, complete with wine glasses, linen napkins, and silverware, to share with friends. Enjoying the music while watching a family of deer in the woods behind the outdoor stage or marveling at the resident peacock spreading his plumage is a reminder why Jazz at Filoli is a highlight of the Northern California summer music calendar.
Series subscription (all six concerts): $335 members, $395 nonmembers. Individual concerts: $60 members, $70 nonmembers. Boxed lunch (must be ordered in advance): $18 per concert or $108 for the series of six concerts. Tickets are on sale to current Filoli members by mail and special member web page only as of Tuesday May 12, by phone and mail as of Monday May 18. Nonmembers may purchase tickets beginning Tuesday May 26. Phone: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm, 650-364-8300, ext. 508.
6/21 Taylor Eigsti Trio featuring Gretchen Parlato
7/12 Larry Vuckovich's Bay Area All-Stars with Jackie Ryan
7/26 The Jeff Hamilton Trio
8/9 Arturo Sandoval-10-Time Grammy Winner (SOLD OUT)
8/23 The Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band
9/13 Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi Double Piano Trio
Molly Holm's Impermanent Project in CA
An Evening of Vocal Improvisations
Directed by Vocalist/Composer Molly Holm
with Featured Singers: Stephanie Brown, Kate Humphrey, Claire Kimmel, Halili Knox, Lia McLoughlin & Djuna Odegard
Location:
417 Avon St., Oakland
In North Oakland, near 51st Street and Shafter Avenue
$15-$20 at the door
No one turned away for lack of funds
Refreshments provided
Molly's five-year project pushes the sonic boundaries and musical material of this small, purposely unruly choral group that honors a genuine, woman-centered approach to ensemble building. The group plays with freely composed and experimental vocal pieces during weekly rehearsals and carries forth the intention to faithfully follow "the unexpected" during live performances.
Previously known as Molly Holm and The Impermanent Ensemble, the group played in 2010 and 2012 at the Garden of Memory, Summer Solstice Walk-Through Concerts, hosted by New Music Bay Area at Chapel of the Chimes. Other concerts of note include the Montclair Women's Club Third Thursday series; a performance at Studio Haba na Haba; and a benefit concert for the Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief. The group also performed at the Voci’s Women's Vocal Ensemble winter fundraiser under the direction of Anne Hege.
Tonight, Chris Williams Sextet @ Steamers!
FEATURING: PETER BUCK, CHRIS HON, DR. SCOTT TIBBS, EDMUND VELASCO & THE RETURN OF JULIAN VELASCO
THIS LINE UP OF MUSICIANS WILL OCCUR ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800
jazz@steamersjazz.com
Chris Williams returns again tonite for a Thu night performance at Steamers .Chris Williams has been performing professionally since he was fifteen years old. Now at thirty, this Canadian sensation has impressed audiences with his intense passion, vocal proficiency and musical maturity. He has built a loyal following, as his highly entertaining performances are met with great enthusiasm by people of all ages.
Chris has performed with world-famous musicians such as Justo Almario (Sergio Mendes / Mongo Santamaria), Alex Acuna (Tolu / Weather Report), Clayton Cameron (Tony Bennett), Ramon Banda (Poncho Sanchez), Llew Mathews (Nancy Wilson), Luther Hughes (Gene Harris), Dr. Scott Tibbs (Wayne Newton / Omar Hakim), Scott Martin (Poncho Sanchez), Francisco Torres (Jazz On the Latin Side All Stars), Dave Markee (Eric Clapton), Terry Landry (Natalie Cole), Matt Politano (Jazz Phenom), Ernie Nunez (Brian Setzer Orchestra), Caleb Quay (Elton John), Steve Crum (Diana Ross), Daniel Glass & David Miller (Royal Crowne Revue), Perry Smith & John Storie (New West Guitar Trio), Justin Ray (Michael Buble), Mike Bennett (Hilary Duff), and Kye Palmer (The Tonight Show Band).
He has toured the United States, Canada, and Europe, having performed at many prestigious venues including The Bing Crosby Estate, Catalina Bar and Grill, The Jazz Bakery, Steamers Jazz Club, The Lighthouse, Disneyland and California Adventure Theme Parks. In 2008, Chris completed a two year engagement as the Entertainment Director of the Orange County Pavilion Performing Arts Center.
In addition to overwhelmingly positive reviews in magazine and newspaper, Chris has been featured on television on L.A. Fox News 11, and has been heard on the radio on KKJZ 88.1 fm with Helen Borgers, on KABC 790 am with Doug McIntyre; and on KLAC 570 am as part of their Fabulous Finds series.
He has earned many awards including four vocal solo awards at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, and a major scholarship to the elite Berklee College of Music in Boston. His recording of "Comes Love" from his debut album Premodernism won Best Latin Song at the 2007 Orange County Music Awards.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
R.I.P.: Bob Belden (1956-2015)
died on May 20, 2015 in New York, NY, USA)
So sad to know about the passing of Bob Belden. Marc Copland (who was Belden's keyboardist at that time) introduced us in 1992, during an IAJE convention in Miami. The Bob Belden Ensemble (then signed to Blue Note by Bruce Lundvall, who died yesterday) performed a fantastic concert that night. Twenty years later, we worked together in some reissue projects for Sony, coordinated by Seth Rothstein, who was the marketing director of the Legacy label in the 2000s. One of them not yet released: the complete "The Best Of Two World" sessions, by Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto, with several previously unreleased alternate takes (although some of them were included in a compilation, we were remixing everything.) Rest in Peace.
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Arranger, band leader, saxophonist, producer and musicologist Bob Belden just passed away, after having suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday, at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, NY, at age 58.
Born James Robert Belden, he had an encyclopedic knowledge of both the musical and the historical aspects of jazz, in addition to other forms of music such as opera, and contemporary classical music. This has been evident in his work reissuing the music of Miles Davis in several fantastic box sets for Sony's Legacy label, for which he received Grammy awards. A familiarity with details of recording dates, personnel, and specific takes have proven invaluable in preserving and documenting that period of jazz
.
Belden's works as arranger and composer, leading The Bob Belden Ensemble or other bands -- on such album as "The Music of Sting," "When Doves Cry: The Music of Prince" and "Black Dahlia" -- show an extremely wide ranging versatility, often being compared to the works of Gil Evans and Maria Schneider. In 2008 he arranged and produced "Miles from India," a world fusion music record, based on the compositions of Miles Davis. In the record he assembled alumni of Davis and musicians of India. He continued in this vein with 2011's "Miles Español - New Sketches of Spain."
In addition to his work as arranger, composer, conductor and A & R director, Belden has contributed numerous liner notes for noted recordings, such as "Lou's Blues" by Lou Marini and the Magic City Jazz Orchestra. Some of his liner notes have received Grammy Awards. Belden also was the first American musician in 35 years to take a band from USA to perform in Iran.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
R.I.P.: Bruce Lundvall (1935-2015)
(born on September 13, 1935;
died on May 19, 2015 in New Jersey)
In a career spanning half a century as an executive of the recording industry (he was never a "producer",,,), Bruce Lundvall signed a wide array of artists, including Willie Nelson, Herbie Hancock, Dexter Gordon, James Taylor, Stan Getz, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Richard Marx, Natalie Cole, Cassandra Wilson, Anita Baker and Norah Jones. He headed the following labels: Columbia, Blue Note, Angel Records, Elektra, and Manhattan Records.
Lundvall began his music career in marketing at Columbia Records where he remained for 21 years, becoming President of the domestic division of CBS Records in 1976. In the course of his tenure, he built Columbia’s jazz roster into the largest of any major label.
In 1979, Bruce Lundvall organized and sponsored in Havana, Cuba, the historic Havana Jam festival that took place between 2–4 March, with Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Stephen Stills, the CBS Jazz All-Stars, the Trio of Doom, Fania All-Stars, Billy Swan, Bonnie Bramlett, Mike Finnegan, Weather Report, and Billy Joel, plus an array of Cuban artists such as Irakere, Pacho Alonso, Tata Güines and Orquesta Aragón. Their performances are captured on Ernesto Juan Castellanos's documentary Havana Jam '79, and on the two Columbia albums Havana Jam and Havana Jam II.
Lundvall moved to Elektra in 1982, where he became President of Elektra Records and the newly created Elektra/Musician Jazz label.
In 1984, he was approached with an offer to create Manhattan, a pop music label based on the East Coast, for EMI, as well as to revive the suspended Blue Note jazz label. Lundvall accepted the challenge and steered the label for a quarter of a century. He was responsible for signing an unknown Norah Jones as well as Bobby McFerrin, Cassandra Wilson, Eliane Elias, Rick Margitza, Tania Maria and even Gonzaguinha.
Norah Jones's debut Come Away With Me, and her subsequent albums, have sold in their millions internationally. Lundvall stood down as President of Blue Note in 2010. In January 2012, Don Was became President of Blue Note having been appointed CEO the previous year, with Lundvall now becoming Chairman Emeritus.
Norah Jones's debut Come Away With Me, and her subsequent albums, have sold in their millions internationally. Lundvall stood down as President of Blue Note in 2010. In January 2012, Don Was became President of Blue Note having been appointed CEO the previous year, with Lundvall now becoming Chairman Emeritus.
Lundvall has served as chairman of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Chairman of the Country Music Association (CMA) and Director of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS). He has received three Grammy nominations and a NARM presidential award.
Es war eine denkwrdige Pressekonferenz. Anfang der 2000er-Jahre ging es dem Traditions-Jazzlabel Blue Note Records wirtschaftlich nicht blendend. Die Musiker, die vom Blue-Note-Chef Bruce Lundvall unter Vertrag genommen wurden, bekamen in der Regel gute Kritiken, verkauften aber zu wenig Platten. Das sollte, das musste sich ändern. In einigen Dependancen der Major-Plattenfirma EMI, unter deren Dach Blue Note ein Zuhause gefunden hatte, fanden gleichzeitig Pressekonferenzen statt, an denen Lundvall per Videoschaltung teilnahm.
Dabei pries er das Debt einer jungen Musikerin, die mit ihrem Mix aus Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Pop und Jazz im Grunde berhaupt nicht ins Portfolio von Blue Note passen wollte. Doch der Erfolg von Norah Jones sollte die Fachleute eines Besseren belehren: Ihr Blue-Note-Album Come Away With Me wurde ein weltweiter, auch kommerzieller Erfolg und bekam 2003 gleich fnf Grammies.
Doch Lundvall nur am Erfolg von Jones zu messen, wrde ihm nicht gerecht. 1960 begann er seine Karriere bei Columbia Records, wechselte Anfang der 1980er zuerst zu Elektra Records, bevor er zu EMI ging und 1985 Blue Note wiederbelebte. In seine Ägide fallen Albumveröffentlichungen von Cassandra Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias, Rick Margitza und Dianne Reeves, aber auch von Soul- und Pop-Acts wie Al Green oder Amos Lee. 2010 machte Lundvall bei Blue Note den Platz fr seinen Nachfolger Don Was frei. Etwas später erschien die Biografie „Bruce Lundvall: Playing By Ear von Dan Ouellette. Am 19. Mai ist Lundvall im Alter von 79 Jahren gestorben.
Dabei pries er das Debt einer jungen Musikerin, die mit ihrem Mix aus Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Pop und Jazz im Grunde berhaupt nicht ins Portfolio von Blue Note passen wollte. Doch der Erfolg von Norah Jones sollte die Fachleute eines Besseren belehren: Ihr Blue-Note-Album Come Away With Me wurde ein weltweiter, auch kommerzieller Erfolg und bekam 2003 gleich fnf Grammies.
Doch Lundvall nur am Erfolg von Jones zu messen, wrde ihm nicht gerecht. 1960 begann er seine Karriere bei Columbia Records, wechselte Anfang der 1980er zuerst zu Elektra Records, bevor er zu EMI ging und 1985 Blue Note wiederbelebte. In seine Ägide fallen Albumveröffentlichungen von Cassandra Wilson, Bobby McFerrin, Joe Lovano, Eliane Elias, Rick Margitza und Dianne Reeves, aber auch von Soul- und Pop-Acts wie Al Green oder Amos Lee. 2010 machte Lundvall bei Blue Note den Platz fr seinen Nachfolger Don Was frei. Etwas später erschien die Biografie „Bruce Lundvall: Playing By Ear von Dan Ouellette. Am 19. Mai ist Lundvall im Alter von 79 Jahren gestorben.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Laura Dickinson live @ Vibrato, May 20
Reservations: 310-474-9400. This will be a party!
In her mind, Laura heard Sinatra's classics in a fresh new way. It's those inspired arrangements played by a full big band and a lush string section that make One for My Baby a romantic romp of sonic bliss.
A native of Southern California, Laura simultaneously infuses a unique freedom and laser-beam vocal precision into every song she performs. An in-demand singer in Hollywood, her soaring vocals can be heard in Universal's box office smash Pitch Perfect and the sequel, on commercials for Maybelline, Target, and Priceline along with hit shows such as Modern Family and Supernatural. However, it's her award-winning work on Disney Channel's animated hits Phineas and Ferb and Sofia The First that bring her the most attention. With a wink, Laura will introduce herself as "I'm your nine year-old daughter's favorite singer."
Between her busy session singing career, live performances, and her responsibilities as a vocal director and vocal contractor for Disney TV Animation, Laura is the epitome of a full-time musician. She recently toured with UK space rockers Spiritualized, performed on the MTV Video Music Awards with indie superstar Florence + The Machine, and opened for legendary artists Tony Bennett and Lyle Lovett.
Laura is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity Association, American Guild Of Variety Artists, BMI, and The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Harold Mabern reunites with Norah Jones, Gregory Porter and Kurt Elling on "Afro Blue"
It's something he takes pride in and has been doing since he first hit the stage at Birdland half a century ago with Betty Carter and Johnny Hartman. In the 70s, he recorded with George Benson on "Body Talk" (CTI), and in the 2000s I attended many of his concerts with Eric Alexander, who guests on the new album. There is a lot of music on "Afro Blue," but Mabern's soulful, blues-driven style is the constant highlight.
Featuring: Harold Mabern (piano), Gregory Porter (vocals), Norah Jones (vocals), Jane Monheit (vocals), Kurt Elling (vocals), Alexis Cole (vocals), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Jeremy Pelt (trumpet), Steve Turre (trombone), Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), John Webber (bass) and Joe Farnsworth (drums).
Mina Choi-Jessica Ragsdale live @ Steamers
STEAMER PRESENTS
THE JESSICA RAGSDALE-MINA CHOI QTET & JAM!
BRING YOUR AXE AND YOUR CHOPS!
MINA AND JESSICA WILL BE INVITING FOLKS UP TO JOIN THEM
Steamers Jazz Club and Cafe
138 W. Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92832
714-871-8800
jazz@steamersjazz.com
Mina Choi is a pianist, composer, and arranger from Seoul, South Korea. She began playing piano at a very young age and began playing jazz in her early twenties. While in Korea she came into contact with Grammy award winning jazz composer and pianist Bill Cunliffe and he offered to teach her here in the US. Her skills as a pianist are evident immediately upon hearing her. She offers a grace and beauty to the music as well as an intense groove that will leave you wanting more. Since her journey here she has also had the opportunity to write and arrange many pieces for jazz combos and jazz orchestras. One of her first big band compositions, Secret Garden, was published and is being performed by bands all around Southern California. Mina was recently honored with DownBeat 38th Annual Student Music Awards for outstanding performance of her own original (Sing ChaCha) and arrangement (Falling away with You-Muse) with the Cal State Fullerton Latin Ensemble. She has also worked with amazing artists such as Bill Cunliffe, Russell Ferrante, George Cables, Alex Acuna, Ignacio Berroa, Bob Mintzer, John Clayton, Ron Stout, and Fransisco Torres. Her message to the world, that she wishes to share though music, is one of hope and love.
Jessica Ragsdale is a jazz drummer in the LA area known for her graceful and vibrant sound as well as her perceptive interactions. She is soon to be a Jazz/Commercial Music graduate from California State University Fullerton and has had the pleasure of studying closely with Jeff Hamilton, Bill Cunliffe, and Paul Kreibich. She has been the recipient of several outstanding musicianship and soloist awards from jazz festivals including the Reno Jazz Festival and the Western States Jazz Festival. She has also had the opportunity to work with and share the stage with great musicians such as John Clayton, Bob Mintzer, Gary Foster, Claudio Roditi, Wayne Bergeron, and Freda Payne. In addition to jazz, Jessica is pursuing a career in the electronic genre with a synth-pop band called LEX.
Big Band Jazz Songs Needed For A Film
Please listen to the following songs as a general reference of what this Music Supervisor needs:
“Goody Goody” by Frank Sinatra:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n78kwUS-tNI
“Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Dean Martin:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb4P-MZMzJs
“Jeepers Creepers” by Tony Bennett:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el8PMh6YZHY
Please submit well-crafted, authentic-sounding Big Band songs with a full array of classic Big Band instrumentation, solid musicianship, and a charismatic vocal performance that’s as cool as cool can be. All submissions should be at least 2 minutes in length.
Lyric themes can vary, but should be relatively universal in nature, avoiding references to specific dates, names, times, places, brands, and profanity. Please do not copy or rip off the referenced artists or songs in any way, shape, or form. Use them only as a guide for general feel, vibe, and tone. Broadcast Quality is needed (great sounding home recordings are fine).
The estimated sync fee for this is $500 (yep, they’ve already blown through their music budget). This is a Direct-to-Music Supervisor pitch, so you’ll keep 100% of your Master and Publishing rights, plus you’ll also get 100% of the sync fee and 100% any applicable performance royalties. You must own or control the Master and Copyright to pitch for this opportunity. All songs will be screened on a Yes/No basis. No full critiques. Please submit 1-3 Songs no later than 11:59PM (PDT), on Monday, May 18th, 2015. TAXI #U150518BB
Friday, May 15, 2015
Melena & Her Afro-Cuban Jazz Band in CA
Featuring: Dermin Silfontes, Eddie Resto, Aderson Quintero, Serafin Aguillar & Javier Vergara
ALL AGES! CALL 714-871-8800 RSVP-only $10
Melena Francis Valdes is a world-class percussionist, performer and educator of Afro-Cuban Music History and Percussion. She has toured, performed and recorded with legendary artists such as Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, Julio Iglesias, Chucho Valdes & Irakere, Chayanne, John Tesh, Eva Ayllone, Peru Negro, Giovanni Hidalgo, Ray De La Paz, Mario Ortiz Jr., Chino Nunez and more. Melena teaches all levels of percussion, and has experience with special needs students as well.
She has conducted Master Classes nationally and internationally such as: Montreal Drum Festival, Puerto Rico Music Conservatory, Percussion Gallery (Ponce, P.R.), Los Angeles Music Academy, Brownsville University, Remo Drum Center, Braille Institute, Boys and Girls Club, and more. She has specialized her studies in the Afro-Cuban tradition, and has taught her students the importance of the history and knowledge of Afro-Cuban drumming. Melena performs with her Afro-Cuban Jazz and Salsa band worldwide and is one of the most accomplished female percussionists in the Latin Music scene.
7" Vinyl Single of the Month - "Bob James: Nautilus / Mardi Gras" (edited)
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Bob James: "Nautilus / Take Me To The Mardi Gras" (CTI/BJ Funk Edits)
Release Date: May 17, 2015
Arranged & Conducted by Bob James
Coming out today! Its origin unknown (which means it's an "unofficial release" by a mysterious label called BJ Funk Edits) here as two CTI classic cuts from the Bob James canon get the edit treatment on a highly limited 45 - strictly for the nimble fingered DJs only. Every man and his funk appreciating dog should be familiar with both "Nautilus" and "Mardi Gras", they are the epitome of 'iconic tracks' and it's nice to see them available on edited 45 for the first time to give an extra bit of oomph to those breakbeats. Don't sleep !
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"Nautilus" was part of James' CTI debut, "One," while the famous (and much-sampled) rendition of Paul Simon's "Take Me To The Mardi Gras" comes from Bob James' "Two." Both tracks were recorded at Van Gelder Studios by the legendary engineer Rudy Van Gelder, an essential part of the CTI history.
"Nautilus" was cut in February 1974 with Bob James on keyboards (Yamaha YC30 organ and Fender Rhodes electric piano), Gary King on electric bass, Idris Muhammad on drums, Ralph MacDonald on percussion, and Richie Resnicoff on electric guitar, plus a large string section led by the violin virtuoso concertmaster Harry Lookofsky.
"We were working on a theme, I started using a particular stop on the Yamaha organ which sounded very good, like some underwater effect," Bob James recalled. "Creed Taylor thought it might suggest a cavern, with stalacties, but I felt it was more like a submarine journey."
"Mardi Gras," recorded on January 15, 1975, features Bob James (Fender Rhodes with a lot of distortion obtained through the use of delay and flanger), Eric Gale (playing both electric bass AND rhythm guitar!), Andrew Smith (drums), Arthur Jenkins & Ralph MacDonald (percussion), Eddie Daniels (clarinet) and Tony Studd (trombone), plus strings. One more essential item to CTI collectors.
Moritz Von Oswald @ Outpost, Tonight!
FRIDAY, MAY 15
The Bunker at Output: 74 Wythe Ave. Brooklyn, NY
Electronic music heavyweight Moritz Von Oswald (Basic Channel, Rhythm & Sound, Maurizio) returns to the Bunker tonight, May 15, at Output! Joining this techno legend will be a Giegling showcase featuring Konstantin, VRIL and Kettenkarussell.
In the adjacent Panther Room, Bunker resident Derek Plaslaiko will be over from Berlin to DJ alongside Nikola Baytala and Mike Servito, while Control Modulars will be presenting a night of spaced-out synth sounds in the Stilton House.
Other Music is giving away a pair of passes to this incredible night;
email giveaway@othermusic.com for your chance to win!
The 2015 Winners of the Jazz Journalists Association Awards have just been announced!
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Randy Weston, the 89-year-old Brooklyn-born, Africa-steeped American pianist, composer and autobiographer, has won the 2015 Lifetime Achievement in Jazz Award, and pianist Jason Moran, artistic director of jazz at the Kennedy Center, was named Musician of the Year. Vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant was voted "Up-and-Coming Musician" for a second year. Winners of Jazz Awards, who receive engraved statuettes, are determined through a two-stage process of open nominations and direct voting by the writers, photographers, broadcasters and new media professionals of the non-profit JJA's membership. Musician winners will receive their statuettes from JJA members at their summer performances throughout the U.S.
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(Duke University Press), "arranged" by former JJA vice president Willard Jenkins, was nominated for the JJA's Book of the Year Award in 2011. Weston performed with conguero Candido Camero and reeds and winds player T.K. Blue at the JJA's 2010 Jazz Awards party at City Winery.
Pianism was a focus of these 19th annual Jazz Awards. Besides Weston and Moran, Awards went to Chick Corea (Keyboards Player of the Year), and Kenny Barron (Pianist of the Year, also honoredwith the Duo of the Year Award for his collaboration with bassist Dave Holland, which resulted in The Art of Conversation (Impulse!) named Record of the Year. Pianist-composer bandleader Arturo O'Farrill's Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra is hailed as Best Large Ensemble of the
Year.
Newly emergent musicians winning Jazz Awards for the first time include Mary Halvorson, Guitarist of the Year, and Warren Wolf, Mallets Instrumentalist of the Year. Veteran musicians who have won Jazz Awards before dominate this year, with saxophonist Chris Potter, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist Christian McBride, composer Wadada Leo Smith, arranger Maria Schneider, male vocalist Gregory Porter and female vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant all again honored.
Winners of Jazz Awards for excellence in jazz media and journalism will be disclosed at the June 16 Blue Note party. All 2015 winners and nominees as well as this year's 24 local Jazz Heroes will be celebrated and toasted at the party. Entertainment will be provided by Mimi Jones' band, Antoinette Montague accompanied by Dannie Mixon, and the duo Fula Flute. Tickets are now available.
Musician winners of 2015 JJA Jazz Awards, and Jazz Heroes are invited to the Jazz Awards party at the Blue Note as guests of theJJA, but must reserve tickets in advance.
Here's the list announced today:
http://www.jjajazzawards.org/p/2015.html
R.I.P.: B.B. King
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Wie kein anderer Bluesmusiker seiner Generation konnte er auf seinem Instrument das enge formale Korsett des Blues' mit seinen zwölf Takten und der strikten Harmonik aus Tonika, Subdominante und Dominante verlassen. Seine Bending-Technik (das Ziehen der Gitarrensaiten) und seine Verwendung des Vibratos waren einzigartig. Damit hob King das Kantable in seinem Gitarrenspiel hervor, er emotionalisierte geradezu seine Bluesmusik und ließ seine Single-Note-Linien auf der Gitarre regelrecht singen.
King wurde als Riley B. am 16. September 1925 in den Sdstaaten der USA geboren (die Initialen „B.B.“ bekam er später, als er oft „Blues Boy“ genannt wurde). Die ersten Karriereschritte machte er Mitte der 1940er-Jahre in Memphis, seine erste Studiosession spielte er 1949 und zwei Jahre später konnte er mit dem „3 O'Clock Blues“ seinen ersten Hit landen. Auch wenn diesem in den folgenden sechs Jahrzehnten viele weitere, weltweite Erfolgsnummern folgen sollten, so blieb King vor allem ein Mann der Bühne. Seine Live-Shows waren stets spektakulär und mitreißend, oft spielte er mit seinen Bands lange Konzerte, mit denen er sein Publikum regelmäßig von den Stühlen kickte.
Es waren dann auch diese Bhnenauftritte, die fr einen Ruf wie Donnerhall sorgten, gleichgltig, ob bei seinen Fans oder bei Musikerkollegen. Dennoch blieb B.B. King bescheiden: I don't do chords soll er gesagt haben, als er 1988 mit Bono von U2 den Song Love Comes To Town eingespielt hat. Das erzählt zumindest Bono in der Film-Doku „B.B. King - The Life Of Riley, die nicht nur umfassend die Vita dieses Bluesmusikers nacherzählt, sondern auch tief in den Menschen Riley B. King blicken lässt. Ende März stand King noch einmal auf der Bühne, einen Monat später meldeten einige amerikanische Medien, dass der Gitarrist in ein Hospiz gegangen sei. Am 14. Mai ist B.B. King dann an den Folgen seiner Diabetes-Erkrankung gestorben; er wurde 89 Jahre alt.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The Grammy Awards returns to LA in 2016!
"Charlie Parker With Strings" at 65 Years Old: New Charts Available!
It may surprise you to learn that Parker had several arrangers write charts for live dates with his string ensemble. Arrangers included: Johnny Carisi, Mercer Ellington, George Russell, Ed Herzog, John Lewis, and John Bartee. As none of these four were ever recorded, Jazz Lines is proud to be adding to the existing Bird with Strings oeuvre in a very unique way. There's also a Jazz Lines Publications "Bird With Strings Twelve Arrangement Set," which is almost 25% off of the retail prices. They will be making all of our Charlie Parker charts-paper copies as well as pdf downloads-available at 20% off for the next two weeks.
This is a perfect time to build a library of some truly timeless music at great prices; the freshness and beauty of these charts shine even today. And is their goal as close to 100% of the time as possible, all of these were done from the original scores and parts-they are not transcriptions.
Click Here to View All Charlie Parker Charts-Now 20% Off!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Phil Woods & Vic Juris @ The Deer Head, May 16
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Katja Rieckermann's band @ Vibrato, tomorrow
Tomorrow night, May 13, sax goddess Katja Rieckermann will be appearing at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz here in Bel Air, CA, performing songs from her new CD "Never Stand Still," focusing on 70s inspired soul/Motown music. The band includes Randy Cooke, Andreas Geck, Emerson Swinford, Deron Johnson, Mb Gordy, David Samartin, James King, Luis Eric Gonzalez, Humberto Ruiz, Lyndsay Haldorson, D'Extra Wiley, Russ Henry.
"I will do 2 sets starting at 8pm," Katja says. "My good friend and super talented songwriter-singer-guitarist Marcus Nand will do an opening set at 6:30pm. Please come and have a great time with good music at this beautiful bar/restaurant."
Warren Wolf's new CD with an all-star team
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Brooklyn Flea Record Fair on May 16
SATURDAY, MAY 16
East River State Park:
90 Kent Ave. Williamsburg, BLKN
This Saturday, May 16, the spring edition of the Brooklyn Flea Record Fair returns to Williamsburg's East River State Park, with 50-plus vendors made up of independent labels, record stores (including Other Music), and used record dealers setting up next to Smorgasburg.
Like last year, Red Bull Music Academy has put together a great DJ line-up, with Eamon Harkin (Mister Saturday Night), Jack Tatum (Wild Nothing), Justin Miller (Have a Killer Time), Jefre Cantu-Ledesma (Mexican Summer), and Matt Werth (RVNG Intl.) spinning the soundtrack for your crate digging.
The Jazz Bakery Presents Jane Bunnett & Maqueque @ Moss Theater, CA, May 16
Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 8:00pm
General: $30 Students: $25
one show, no intermission.
SAXOPHONIST JANE BUNNETT & MAQUEQUE ALL FEMALE CUBAN BAND, FEATURING:
DAYMÉ AROCENA -VOC
MAGDELYS SAVIGNE -PERC
YISSY GARCÍA -DRUMS/PERC
YUSA -BASS AND GUITAR
DANAE OLANO -PNO
CELIA JIMENEZ -BASS/PERC
VENUE: Moss Theater (at The Herb Alpert Educational Village)
3131 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404
Monday, May 11, 2015
John Clark & Rubens Salles: double-bill tomorrow, May 12, in Brooklyn
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French Horn virtuoso John Clarke, of Gil Evans' Monday Night Orchestra fame, leads The Odd Couple Quintet + 1 with Pete Levin (keyboards), Mark Egan (bass), Karl Latham (drums), Freddie Bryant (guitar) & Michael Rabinowitz (bassoon; anyone remember his outstanding performance on Charles Mingus' Epitaph?
Well, this all-star combo will be doing a double-bill (with Rubens Salles Quintet opening) @ ShapeShifter Lab (18 Whitwell Place, Brooklyn, NY). Cover charge: $15. For reservations, please call (646) 820-9452.
The Rubens Salles Quintet features the NY-based Brazilian pianist/composer/arranger) leading Leco Reis (bass), Dan Pugach (drums), Michel Gentile (flute) and... John Clark!
Anna Mjöll live @ Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, this next weekend
No cover, no drink minimum but having fun is a must. Hope to see you there!
El Encanto is the most beautiful and classy resort in California. And Anna is one of the best singers in the contemporary jazz scene.
Reservations: 805-845-5800
5 Days Away For The Doheny Blues Festival
Saturday - Paul Rodgers / Taj Mahal Trio / The Mavericks / Los Lobos / North Mississippi Allstars / Mud Morganfield & Kim Wilson / Eric Lindell & The Company / Anson Funderburgh / Nico Wayne Toussaint from France / From Brazil…Igor Prado Blues Revue Ft. Mitch Kashmar, Jai Malano & Friends / Candye Kane / Trickbag / Shari Puorto / Ben Powell
Sunday - Bonnie Raitt / Boz Scaggs / Beth Hart / Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with the Guilty Ones / Valerie June / Otis Taylor Band Ft. Brandon “Taz” Niederauer / Rebirth Brass Band / Lurrie Bell / Carolyn Wonderland / Big Jon & The Nationals / Whitney Shay
Can't wait to attend Shari Puorto concert!
DOHENY STATE BEACH
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Corner of Pacific Coast Hwy & Dana Pt Harbor Dr.
Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre state park in scenic Dana Point Harbor, features one mile of whitewashed sandy beach. Two main stages are placed at opposite ends of a large grass field, and both stages are within 100 yards of the Pacific Ocean. An intimate, 3rd stage, known as the Backporch, is a great place to get up-close to your favorite artists. There is also an International Food Court and large Vendor Faire. The landscaped grass field at the north end of the park (where the festival is held) includes 170 picnic tables, volleyball courts and plenty of parking.
A Brief History
The Doheny Blues Festival is proud to call the City of Dana Point its home… and we couldn’t imagine a more scenic location than Doheny State Beach. If you are visiting the area for the first time, here’s a quick history lesson for ‘ya.
The City of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882), a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the notable sea journal, “Two Years Before the Mast”(1840). In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim, describing the area once known as Capistrano Bay as “the most romantic spot on the California coast.”
Dana Point is home to 36,000+ residents and is characterized by nearly seven miles of prominent coastal bluffs along the Pacific Ocean. Dana Point Harbor, which was dedicated in 1971, currently provides slips and mooring for over 2,500 boats along with over 50 specialty shops and restaurants. The Harbor attracts thousands of visitors annually for shopping, sport fishing, walking, bicycling and a host of recreational activities.
One of California’s most popular beach facilities, Doheny State Beach offers camping, surfing, tide pool exploration and much more. In 1931, Edward Doheny generously donated prime ocean front property to the State of California. The land was to become Doheny State Beach Park, California’s first state beach, and was eventually renamed Doheny State Beach. Over time, the original 41-acre park grew with an additional 21 acres being acquired from the Santa Fe Railroad, University of California Regents, and the Union Oil Company.
Doheny’s gentle surf break make it an ideal place for surfing and had long been a focal point of the surfing counterculture in the 1950′s and 60′s. References to Doheny appear in the lyrics of Surfer Joe by the Surfaris and the Beach Boys smash hit Surfin’ USA. To this day, Doheny receives international acclaim for its waterfront camp sites and whitewashed sandy beaches.
Camping at Doheny
The campground has 121 family campsites, however spots fill up quickly. For reservations at Doheny State Beach, call 800-444-PARK.