R.I.P.: Johnny Alf

(born Alfredo José da Silva on May 19, 1929, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil;
died March 4, 2010, in Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil)

Brazilian composer/pianist/singer. A bossa nova pioneer, "the Brazilian Nat King Cole." A genius. Period.

CDs of the Day - "Johnny Alf"

Johnny Alf - Série "2 em Um" (EMI CD 1994) includes the albums "Ele É Johnny Alf" (1971) and "Nós" (1974)
"Ele É Johnny Alf" - Recorded in São Paulo
Produced by Mario Duarte, Executive Producer: Milton Miranda
Musical Director: Lindolfo Gaya
Vocal Arrangements: Sidney Morais
Arranged & Conducted by José Briamonte & Elcio Alvarez
Featuring: Johnny Alf, Heraldo do Monte, Claudio Bertrami, Dirceu
"Nós" - Recorded in Rio de Janeiro
Produced by Simon Khoury, Executive Producer: Milton Miranda
Musical Director: Lindolfo Gaya
Arranged by Egberto Gismonti, Paulo Moura, Wagner Tiso, Gilberto Gil & Ivan Lins
Conducted by Mario Tavares, Arthur Verocai & Paulo Moura
Featuring: Johnny Alf, Victor Assis Brasil, Tenório Jr., Copinha, Nelson Angelo, Toninho Horta, Luiz Alves, Robertinho Silva, Mauricio Einhorn et al.

"Da Bossa Velha À Bossa Nova" (Audi-Book CD) 1993
Released only in Japan, this ultra-rare compilation includes the original recording of "Rapaz de Bem," a tune written in 1953, and certainly the first samba-jazz ever composed!

"Libera Nos" (Lexington) 1994

Another Japanese compilation, produced by Minoru Wakasugi, it included "Canto Pra Pai Corvo," one of the two songs by Johnny Alf that became dancefloor hits in both the European and Japanese acid-jazz scene. The other tune was "Tema Pro Simon," included on the best-selling CD "Primitivo," which helped to introduce Alf to younger generations.

Kurt Elling in studio, recording a new album!

Fresh off his GRAMMY win - for "Dedicated to You" - at the end of January, Kurt Elling (also voted Best Male Singer of 2009 in the 74th DownBeat Readers Poll as well as in the 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll) immediately went on the road on the East Coast with the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars on tour.
He was joined by: nine-time Grammy-nominated and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron on piano, Grammy-nominated violinist Regina Carter, Grammy-winning guitarist Russell Malone (who toured with the CTI All Stars in Europe last Summer), bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and Grammy-nominated drummer Johnathan Blake. These were really magical evenings -- must-go/must-hear shows.

The MJF All-Stars will tour again the last two weeks in April, primarily on the West Coast. See the MJF All-Stars page for dates, locations, and ticket information.
And in case you missed the video of Kurt singing "When I Grow Too Old To Dream" with the All-Stars, check it out. It's lovely.

This month, Kurt, his longtime pianist & musical director Laurence Hobgood, and special guests go into the studio to record their next CD for Concord/Universal, scheduled for release in late summer of 2010. They are joined by John Patitucci on bass, Terreon "Tank" Gulley on drums, and John McLean on guitar.Expect surprises ~ something completely different than Dedicated To You. More of their usually unusual fare, this time with things by Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett, Earth Wind and Fire, and Stevie Wonder. A guitar thing with a backbeat ~ but jazz guitar and a jazz backbeat!

R.I.P.: Sabá

Born Sebastião Oliveira da Paz, Sabá passed away on February 23, 2010, in São Paulo, Brazil, at age 83, of Alzheimer's disease. Curiously, the same problem that affected his brother, another great bass player, Luiz Chaves (from Zimbo Trio), who died in 2007 at age 75.

One of Brazil's top jazz and bossa bassists, Sabá was a founding member of two legendary trios: Jongo Trio (with Cido Bianchi on piano & Toninho Pinheiro on drums) and Som 3, aka Som Tres (with Cesar Camargo Mariano on piano & Toninho Pinheiro still on drums). Not to mention the many concerts, tours and recordings with Alaide Costa, Wilson Simonal, Claudette Soares, Dick Farney, Elizeth Cardoso, Elis Regina and Jair Rodrigues, amongst several others.

Besides a musical giant, he also was a true gentleman with whom I had the privilege to talk many times during the 80s and 90s. Since Sabá also acted as a radio DJ and interviewer, I used to visit him at work often, taking with me the artists with whom I was working. People like Dom Um Romão, Yana Purim, João Donato and many others.

For a very interesting interview (in Portuguese) with Sabá, conducted by Marcos Paiva, please check:
http://marcospaiva.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/entrevista-com-saba/
(Jongo Trio with Elis Regina, Jair Rodrigues and producer Walter Silva)

GRAMMYs on the Hill

GRAMMYs on the Hill—the music community’s largest annual advocacy program—will take place on April 14 and 15 in Washington, DC. Many leaders from the NY Chapter will be in attendance.

The good news is the $50 registration fee has been waived; NY Chapter members can register for the Advocacy Day at NO CHARGE.

On April 14, the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will honor Garth Brooks, Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin and Southern California Representative Darrell Issa.

On April 15, we will have the chance to speak directly with New York and New Jersey legislators about important issues such as The Performance Rights Act, protecting wireless microphones from interference and overall copyright protection. Many of the legislators representing our region are on key committees that affect music issues.

Please join your fellow NY Chapter members and help make a difference for all music makers. It is an experience you will not forget.

Broken Bells' Listening Parties

The anticipated collaboration between the Shins' James Mercer and Brian Burton (known to most of us as Danger Mouse), Broken Bells' self-titled debut album finally hits stores next Tuesday, March 9, and to celebrate, Other Music is hosting not one, but two listening parties. The first one takes place this Friday, March 5 in the Lower East Side at Stanton Public, where we'll be playing the album from 9 to 10PM. The bar will be offering $2 off select beers while the record plays, and we'll be giving away stickers, posters and other goodies.

And then on Monday, March 8, the eve of Broken Bells' album release, Other Music will be giving the record a couple of spins between 6PM and 8PM and serving up free beverages and pizza, not to mention raffling off a deluxe Broken Bells boxset. All you early birds will also be able to buy the album that night, between 8PM and 9PM. Hope to see you at one of these parties.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5
STANTON PUBLIC: 17 East Stanton Street NYC9PM Free Admission 21+ w/ID
MONDAY, MARCH 8
OTHER MUSIC: 15 East 4th Street NYC6PM to 8PM Free Admission

Lynn Riley to appear at Habitat for Humanity Benefit, March 27

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County will be hosting saxophonist Lynn Riley, performing songs from her latest CD "Too Cool," at Bucks County Community College in Newtown on March 27. The Jazz in Bloom concert will benefit Habitat's Youth United program and its goal to raise funds to build a home at the affiliate's current homebuilding site in Perkasie.

Bucks County residents, Steve and Diane Silverhardt, stepped forward to donate their time and talents to Habitat for Humanity to help plan this amazing event. The Silverhardts are responsible for inviting the very talented Lynn Riley, who is also donating her services for the evening.

"I've been part of an interfaith house support group for Habitat Philadelphia and decided to refocus my community involvement with my move to Bucks County," says Steve. "This concert is the first project of ours with Habitat Bucks and we couldn't be more excited about it."

"I am very happy to be donating my time and artistry for Jazz in Bloom. Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful organization helping people find decent housing, all the more needed in this time of economic crisis," said Lynn. "The concert will feature myself and my band, The World Mix, performing our brand of World Zoot, infectious melodies over driving funk and world rhythms. The band will feature sax, flute, piano, bass, drums and percussion. We hope people will come out to support this worthy cause as well as to revel in our uplifting and accessible contemporary jazz."

The Bucks County Community College is helping Habitat kick-off 2010 Youth United efforts and gladly agreed to host the concert at the Newtown Campus. The proceeds of the concert will go to help fund a handicap-accessible home for Habitat partner family, Brandon, a 23-year-old man paralyzed from the waist down due to a motorcycle accident.

"The accident has challenged and impacted every area of my life," says Brandon. "One of the greatest challenges has been finding a suitable place to live – I'm so grateful to have found the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program."

Brandon's home will be located at The Stitchery, Habitat's first-ever adaptive-reuse homebuilding program. In addition to containing two handicap-accessible homes, The Stitchery also keeps with Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County's building goals to meet ENERGY STAR® standards and an NAHB National Green Building Program™ rating.

Tickets for Jazz in Bloom are $15, $8 for students and free for kids under 10. Buy your tickets now at www.habitatbucks.org, by calling Beth at (215) 822.2812 x305 or by visiting the Bucks County Community College office.

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, Youth United and The Stitchery at www.habitatbucks.org. Learn more about Lynn Riley at www.lynnriley.com.

The Jazz in Bloom concert is sponsored by the Bucks County Student Government Association to benefit the Youth United program at Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County.

Diana Krall gets 3 nominations for JUNO Awards

(pic courtesy of Sergio Benitez)

Due to her marvelous performance on the "Quiet Nights" CD, jazz princess Diana Krall has been nominated in three categories for this year's 2010 JUNO Awards: Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, and Vocal Jazz Album of the Year. Michael Bublé got six nominations for the most important award of Canada's music bizz.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR (Sponsored by Canadian Recording Industry Association)
III -Billy Talent (WEA)
Quiet Nights - Diana Krall (Verve)
Dance With Me - Johnny Reid (Universal)
My World - Justin Bieber (Island Def Jam/Universal)
Crazy Love -Michael Bublé (Reprise)

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Diana Krall
Jann Arden
Johnny Reid
K’Naan
Michael Bublé

VOCAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
I Like Men - Carol Welsman (E1 Music)
Quiet Nights - Diana Krall (Verve)
Haven’t We Met - Emilie-Claire Barlow (Empress/E1 Music)
Lovelight - Michael Kaeshammer (Alert/Universal)
Ranee Lee - Lives Upstairs Ranee Lee (Justin Time/EMI)

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The Happiness Project - Charles Spearin (Arts & Crafts/EMI)
Infernal Machines -Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society (New Amsterdam/Naxos)
Motion - Hilario Duran (Alma/Universal)
Silverbirch -John Roney (Effendi/Select)
Songbook Vol. 1 -Kirk MacDonald Quartet (Addo Records)

TRADITIONAL JAZZ ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Regeneration - Al Henderson Septet (Cornerstone/Outside)
Bluesy Lunedi -Alain Bédard (Effendi/Select)
Strands II -Darren Sigesmund (Independent)
Pleased To Meet You -Oliver Jones and Hank Jones (Justin' Time/EMI)
It’s About Time - Terry Clarke (Blue Music)
Press-release:

The race for the 2010 JUNO Awards is officially on! Canada’s finest musical talents will vie head to head for the coveted JUNO Award statuette this April in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, as The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) today announced the nominees for the 2010 JUNO Awards. At a media conference held at The Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, ON, emcee Seamus O’Regan of CTV’s CANADA AM, was joined by artists Arkells, Divine Brown and Stereos who helped to announce a few of the 39 JUNO Awards categories in total.

Winners will be declared at the JUNO Gala Dinner & Awards on Saturday, April 17 to be held at the St. John’s Convention Centre, as well as at THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV on Sunday, April 18 at Mile One Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tickets to THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS go on sale starting this Saturday, March 6 at 12:00 PM (NDT). Prices are $49.00, $99.00 and $189.00 (plus taxes and surcharges) and can be purchased at the Mile One Centre Box Office; by phoning (709) 576-7657 or 1-800-361-4595 (toll free) or online at http://www.admission.com/.

To view a complete list of the 2010 JUNO Awards nominees and bios, go to http://www.junoawards.ca/.

“Each of today’s JUNO Awards nominees has contributed greatly to the success of the Canadian recording industry, and helped to raise the profile and popularity of Canadian music to even greater heights,” said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of CARAS. “The depth and diversity of our artists are a force to be reckoned with on the world stage whether they’re established icons or emerging talents. This year’s nominees truly demonstrate the influence and creativity of Canadian music.”

Leading all categories with a total of six JUNO Award nominations is Michael Bublé. Following the successful release of CRAZY LOVE, his first studio album in over two years, Bublé will contend for the JUNO Fan Choice Award (presented by Pepsi), Single of the Year for “Haven’t Met You Yet,” Album of the Year (sponsored by Canadian Recording Industry Association), Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year (sponsored by SIRIUS Satellite Radio) and
Pop Album of the Year. His album CRAZY LOVE also garnered producers Bob Rock and David Foster a nomination each in the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year category.

Multiplatinum-selling rockers Billy Talent are nominated for four 2010 JUNO Awards: Single of the Year for “Rusted From The Rain,” Album of the Year (sponsored by Canadian Recording Industry Association), Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year for III.
Drake is one hip hop’s most sought-after artists right now, and garnered four JUNO Award nominations including Single of the Year (“Best I Ever Had”), New Artist of the Year (sponsored by FACTOR and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters), and a double nomination in the category of Rap Recording of the Year for his debut EP, SO FAR GONE, and for the collaborative track “Still Fly” with fellow Canadians Big Page and U.G.O. Crew.

Also receiving four nominations is acclaimed multi-platinum singer-songwriter Johnny Reid who received nods for JUNO Fan Choice (presented by Pepsi), Album of the Year (sponsored by Canadian Recording Industry Association), Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year.

This year’s JUNO Awards nominations saw 94 first-time nominees in total, including those up for New Artist of the Year (sponsored by FACTOR and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters): Carly Rae Jepsen, Danny Fernandes, Drake, Justin Bieber and Shiloh; and New Group of the Year (sponsored by FACTOR and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters): Arkells, Down With Webster, Stereos, Ten Second Epic and The New Cities.

Sixteen-year-old pop sensation Justin Bieber and indie rock band Metric have both earned triple nominations and will be performing at THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS on CTV, Sunday April 18. Also confirmed to join the broadcast line-up are Billy Talent, Blue Rodeo, Drake, Johnny Reid and Michael Bublé.

Three was also the lucky number for Classified (Single of the Year, Rap Recording of the Year, Video of the Year sponsored by MuchFACT [Director: Harv (Harvey Glazer)]); Diana Krall (Album of the Year sponsored by Canadian Recording Industry Association, Artist of the Year, Vocal Jazz Album of the Year); K’Naan (Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year sponsored by SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Rap Recording of the Year); and The Tragically Hip who received triple JUNO Award nominations for Single of the Year, Group of the Year, Rock Album of the Year).

JUNO Week takes place April 12-18, 2010, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador,
culminating in the live broadcast of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS, Sunday, April 18 on CTV.
Sponsors of the 2010 JUNO Awards include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund,” with commitments from The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John’s and Radio Starmaker Fund.
Sponsors of THE 2010 JUNO AWARDS broadcast on CTV include Chevrolet, Garnier, Pepsi and Rogers.

Web Links:
Official JUNO Awards website: http://www.junoawards.ca/
CTV’s JUNO Awards website: http://www.junos.ctv.ca/

Obama: "A final vote on health reform"

"Dear Arnaldo:

Our records show that you live in California's 3oth Congressional District.

Last Thursday's first-of-its-kind summit capped off a debate that has lasted nearly a year. Every idea has now been put on the table. Every argument has been made. Both parties agree that the status quo is unacceptable and gets more dire each day. Today, I want to state as clearly and forcefully as I know how: Now is the time to make a decision about the future of health care in America.

The final proposal I've put forward draws on the best ideas from all sides, including several put forward by Republicans at last week's summit. It will put Americans in charge of their own health care, ensuring that neither government nor insurance company bureaucrats can ration, deny, or put out of financial reach the care our families need and deserve.

I strongly believe that Congress now owes the American people a final vote on health care reform. Reform has already passed the House with bipartisan support and the Senate with a super-majority of sixty votes. Now it deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that has been routinely used and has passed such landmark measures as welfare reform and both Bush tax cuts.

Earlier today, I asked leaders in both houses of Congress to finish their work and schedule a vote in the next few weeks. From now until then, I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform. And now, I'm asking you, the members of the Organizing for America community, to raise your voice and do the same.

The final march for reform has begun, and your participation is crucial. Please commit to join with me to take reform across the finish line.

Essentially, my proposal would change three things about the current health care system:

First, it would protect all Americans from the worst practices of insurance companies. Never again will the mother with breast cancer have her coverage revoked, see her premiums arbitrarily raised, or be forced to live in fear that a pre-existing condition will bar her from future coverage.

Second, my proposal would give individuals and small businesses the same choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves. And my proposal says that if you still can't afford the insurance in this new marketplace, we will offer you tax credits based on your income -- tax credits that add up to the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history.

Finally, my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for everyone -- families, businesses, and the federal government -- and bring down our deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades. These savings mean businesses small and large will finally be freed up to create jobs and increase wages. With costs currently skyrocketing, reform is vital to remaining economically strong in the years and decades to come.

In the few crucial weeks ahead, you can help make sure this proposal becomes law. Please sign up to join the Organizing for America campaign in the final march for reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/commit

When I talked about change on the campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together to solve a huge problem that has been troubling America for 100 years and standing up to the special interests to deliver a brighter, smarter future for generations to come.

I look forward to signing this historic reform into law. And when I do, it will be because your organizing played an essential role in making change possible.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama"

Hot & Cool: 40 Years of Jazz at NEC

(click on the image to enlarge)

EP of the Day - "Kevin Rowland: Tonight"

12" EP of the Day
Kevin Rowland: "Tonight" (Mercury) 1988

Produced by Eumir Deodato for Kenya Music, Inc.
Tracks:

A1:Tonight (12" Dance Mix)
A2:Tonight (New York Dub)
B1:Come On Eileen
B2:Kevin Rowland's Band (Recorded September 1984)

Mayer Hawthorne & The County Give-Away

Win a pair of tickets to see Stones Throws' Motor City soul sensation Mayer Hawthorne, who'll be playing at New York's Webster Hall tomorrow night (Thursday, March 4)! Songs like his "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" have been hailed as equal parts Smokey Robinson and J Dilla, with fans such as Mark Ronson and Gilles Peterson all singing Mayer's praise. Enter right now by emailing giveaway@othermusic.com, and please leave a daytime phone number where you can be reached. These will be hard tickets, so the winner will need to be able to swing by Other Music for pick-up during store hours before the show begins.

THURSDAY, MARCH 4
WEBSTER HALL: 125 East 11th Street NYC
Doors at 7PM Show at 7:30PM
Catch Mayer Hawthorne & the County at Other Music's two-day SXSW Lawn Party in Austin at the French Legation Museum on Friday, March 19. Click here for full-line-up.

Anna Mjöll @ Vibrato's, March 3

GROOVIN' JAZZ AT VIBRATO'S: ANNA MJÖLL/vocals with The PAT SENATORE TRIO
ANNA MJÖLL/vocals , PAT SENATORE/bass, JEFF COLELLA/piano and KEVIN KANNER/drums

March 3, 2010, 8pm No cover!
Vibrato's - CALL FOR RES: 310.474.9400
2930 Beverly Glen Circle
Bel Air, CA
http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com/

"As far as repertoire goes...everything from Ipanema to Invitation to Desafinado to 500 Miles High to Round Midnight to One Note Samba to How High The Moon, All of Me, Perdido, Blue Skies, Lover Man, Old Black Magic, Cry Me A River, Misty, Summertime, How Insensitive," says Anna, one of the Top 5 Jazz Singers of 2009 in the 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll, thanks to her fascinating debut solo CD, "Shadow of Your Smile," which features such guests as Vinnie Colaiuta, John Robinson, Dave Carpenter, Don Grusin and Luis Conte.

"Anna Mjöll (pronounced “meh-johl”) is the new female Michael Buble". That's the talk of the town in the music bizz. She toured with Julio Iglesias, sang with Michael MacDonald and composed for Christopher Guest's latest movie. She is by far the best jazz singer ever to come out of Iceland (aka Bjorkland). With that airy sultry voice that Julio fell so hard in love with, she will be singing for us tomorrow night at Vibrato's and chances are we will fall just as hard as Julio, for the magnificent sound someone called "the voice of God".

Mjöll has also performed with John Beasley, Bob Sheppard, Chuck Berghofer, Lew Soloff, Randy Waldman, John Chiodini, Ólafur Gaukur, Chad Wackerman, Roy McCurdy, Larry Koonse, John Heard, Chris Colangelo, Jimmy Branley and more...For more details about Anna's "Shadow of Your Smile", please check:
http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2009/12/vocal-cd-of-month-anna-mjoll-shadow-of.html

MusiCares Offers Free Voice Screening!

Saturday, April 17th, 9am to 3pm

MusiCares, along with The NY Eye and Ear Infirmary Voice and Swallowing Institute and KayPentax are sponsoring FREE Voice Screenings for professional singers. The screenings, normally costing up to $1000, will consist of a vocal use questionnaire, stroboscopic exam of the vocal folds, and physician examination. Physicians and other specialists will diagnose any current problems, and provide information designed to assist the vocalist in maintaining an injury-free career.

Singers must apply and be pre-screened by MusiCares for eligibility in order to schedule an appointment.

Contact 212-245-7840 or email rsvp_mcny@grammy.com for more information.

Ted Curson live in NY, tonite!

Help us welcome trumpeter and jazz icon Ted Curson tonight, March 2nd, to the John Birks Gillespie Auditorium in the New York City Baha'i Center at 53 East 11th Street (between University Place & Broadway). There will be 2 shows at 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

The John Birks Gillespie Auditorium, dedicated to the late jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who was a Bahá'í, is located within the New York City Bahá'í Center. Beginning on January 6, 2004, the anniversary of Dizzy’s death, his former pianist and musical director, Mike Longo, began presenting weekly jazz concerts every Tuesday evening at 8:00 and 9:30 PM.

This evening Ted Curson’s ensemble features Calvin Hill on bass, Paul Abler on guitar, Daoud David Williams on percussion, Enrico Granafei on harmonica , Michael Cochrane on piano, and Bruce Cox on drums. There will be 2 shows at 8:00 and 9:30 p.m.

An outstanding and flexible trumpeter, Ted Curson is well-known for his work with Charles Mingus’ quartet (which also included Eric Dolphy and Dannie Richmond). He studied at Granoff Musical Conservatory; moved to New York in 1956; played in New York with Mal Waldron, Red Garland, and Philly Joe Jones; and recorded with Cecil taylor (1961). After the 1959-60 Mingus association (which resulted in some classic recordings), Curson co-led a quintet with Bill Barron (1960-65), played with Max Roach, and led his own groups. He spent time from the late ‘60s on in Europe (particularly Denmark) and then returned to the US in 1976. Ted Curson has led sessions for Old Town (1961), Prestige, Fontana, Atlantic, Arista, Inner City, Interplay, Chiaroscuro, and several European labels.

A dogmatic approach to playing one’s own way that has marked the work of his mentors - Mingus, Miles, Dolphy and Cecil - is what defines Curson’s incredibly difficult to pinpoint approach, one that seems to hit every adjective in the book while harping on none. At present he has over 20 solo albums to his credit. He is sought after as a music instructor and is in demand for jazz clinics and concerts at universities and music schools throughout the world.

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

The John Birks Gillespie Auditorium is located in the heart of Greenwich Village within the Baha'i Center.
53 E. 11th St. (Between B'way and University Place)
New York, NY 10003
Call (212) 222-5159 with any questions.

21st Annual Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards, April 26-29

Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards
CLICK HERE to register today!
The Billboard Latin Music Awards, presented by State Farm, the most important Latin music industry event in the world will unite today’s top Latin music artists, executives, managers, sponsors, media and many more. Visit the website for the most up to date information.

DON’T MISS THESE EXCITING PANELS!
Branding for Music/Music for a Brand
Crossing Over with the Remix: Hosted by Special Guest Artist
Charting the Hits
My Big, Fat Online Marketing Campaign Workshop
Anatomy of a Song—Presented by ASCAP
Playing Musical Chairs (in the New Touring Arena)
“Rising Above”—The Evolution of the Latin Urban Movement
Indie Nation
Music for a Cause
Class Reunion—3 Latin Music Icons
How I Wrote That Song—Presented by BMI

http://www.billboardlatinconference.com/
April 26-29 * Conrad, San Juan, Condado Plaza * Puerto Rico

This Weekend - Ryan Leslie and Leighton Meester @ Haze

Haze Nightclub
Aria Casino

6276 S. Rainbow Blvd.

Las Vegas NV 89118

The main dancefloor is filled with beats from the world's best DJs. Haze's revolutionizing sound system is the first audio system in the world to utilize the latest in sound technology that creates a music environment unlike anything Las Vegas has seen. Full color laser shows add to the sensory experience, creating a nightlife mecca that will raise the standards of nightclubs around the world.

Open Thu, Fri & Sat: 10:30pm - 4am

Phone: (702) 693-8300

http://www.lightgroup.com/nightlife/haze-nightclub-las-vegas

Attire: Definitely dress to impress! Haze continually hosts celebrities from all over the world, so looking like a scrub is unacceptable and the dress code is extremely strict-no hats, no sneakers, no jerseys—jeans are ok for guys as long as they aren’t ripped. Ladies, it’s all about the glam!What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, so don’t be afraid to take a ride on the wild side...

Spiritual Events this week in the LA Area

S.F.V./GLENDALE/BURBANK
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Glendale_Burbank.html

* Somatic Manifestation of the Subconscious
* Past Life Regression Group Session with Aimee Shea
* Exploring the Faerie Realm
* Mudra Circle with Kimberly Kincses-Schulz & Madison Grey
* FULL MOON Candle Magick
* Autism/Asperger's Support Group - Glendale
* Developing the Consciousness of a Master
* Orientation to Transpersonal Energy Healing
* Reiki First Degree Certification
* Free Community Gift Class "The Secret of why Children Don't do Their Best"
_________________________________________________________
HOLLYWOOD
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Hollywood.html

* A Personal Aristocracy
_________________________________________________________
LOS ANGELES
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Los_Angeles.html

* ARE YOU READY TO SHAPE-SHIFT YOUR HEART? c/o Meghan Mulqueen, M.A.
* LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
* Workshop w/ Sunny Massad "Untherapy: A Positive Psychology for Enlightened Living"
* EFT ("Emotional Freedom Techniques") Workshop
* Zero Frequency TM Seminar
* "Zy Qigong" Book Signing, Discussion & Demonstrations w/ Mingtang Xu
* "Living Inner Peace: A Personal Guide to Greater Happiness" Book Signing w/ Wanda Marie
* Meditation and Spirit Message
* "Complete. Done. Finished." Book Signing w/ Martha Ringer
* "Art & Soul" Workshop w/ Tabitha Fronk & Michele Benzamin-Miki
* Introduction to Intuitive Development
* "The Art of Prediction" Workshop W/ Krista Schwimmer
* The Embarrassingly Easy Diet with Cameron Pazirandeh
* Book Signing w/ Laurie Ann Levin "God The Universe and Where I Fit In"
* Free Lecture W/ John J. Oliver "Talking to the Dead"
________________________________________
PASADENA
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Pasadena.html

* Akashic Records Class
* Seance / Communication Circle
_________________________________________________________
ORANGE COUNTY
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Orange_County.html

* Exercising Your Sixth Sense (Psychic Development)
* Education Night: Wellness for People on the Run
* Heart Breath and Oneness Blessing Deeksha
__________________________________________________________
OUTSIDE LA
For Full Details: https://www.spiritualeventsla.com/Outside_LA.html

* Free Workshop Spirit Guides & Angels & CD Release
* Healing Meditations - Claremont
* Intuitive & Spiritual Development Class
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R.I.P.: Bobby Espinosa

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-bobby-espinosa2-2010mar02,0,4174918.story
(Bobby Espinosa, second from left, played keyboard for El Chicano. The East L.A. band had top-40 hits in the 1970s with "Viva Tirado" and "Tell Her She's Lovely.")

Bobby Espinosa dies at 60; keyboardist for 1970s Latin soul band El Chicano
El Chicano's sound blended funk, jazz, rock and R&B. The East L.A. group had top-40 hits in the '70s with 'Viva Tirado' and 'Tell Her She's Lovely.'

By Claire Noland - Los Angeles Times
March 1, 2010 7:09 p.m.

Bobby Espinosa, a keyboard player who helped create the confluence of jazz, R&B and rock sounds for El Chicano, the East L.A. band that had top-40 hits in the 1970s with "Viva Tirado" and "Tell Her She's Lovely," has died. He was 60.

Espinosa died Saturday night at White Memorial Hospital in Boyle Heights after a long illness, said the band's manager, Freddie Sanchez.

Along with other local Latino bands War and Tierra, El Chicano played a funky, jazzy mix of R&B and pop music tinged with salsa. An offshoot of an East L.A. cover band called the VIPs, El Chicano quickly gained a following in 1970 with “Viva Tirado, Part I,” a riff on a jazz recording by Gerald Wilson.

Ry Cooder, a Los Angeles guitarist and producer who has been instrumental in bringing his eclectic tastes and appreciation for world music to mainstream audiences, was a fan.

"El Chicano hit a groove that defined 'Latin soul' on the West Coast," Cooder told The Times on Monday. "Their Wes Montgomery-flavored bolero styling of 'Sabor A Mi' was a unique creation. 'Viva Tirado' was your soundtrack cruising song through the night streets of East L.A. The organ riff, once heard, is never forgotten."

And while the band's name suggested the players were plugged into the rising social and political activism of Latinos in Los Angeles, the members backed away from any leadership role in the movement.

"We were just a bunch of musicians playing bars and trying to make a living," Espinosa said in a 1998 Times interview.

"Viva Tirado," an instrumental, peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard pop singles chart. El Chicano had a minor hit with a cover of Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" in 1972. Then in 1973 the group made the top 40 again with “Tell Her She’s Lovely.” The band recorded seven albums, maintained a loyal following and enjoyed newfound attention in the 1990s after rapper Kid Frost sampled "Viva Tirado" for his "La Raza."

Espinosa was born April 29, 1949, in Los Angeles and raised by music-loving parents.

"There was always music around the house, so I was exposed to it very young," he said in the 1998 interview. "Salsa was part of growing up, part of the environment."

As a teenager he played organ in a surf band called Mickey and the Invaders before helping to form the VIPs, which morphed into El Chicano.

Survivors include his daughter Reyna Espinosa, son Bobby Jr., brother Henry, sister Sheila Burns and six grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. March 20 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 532 S. Atlantic Blvd., East Los Angeles.

LA Times staff writer Randy Lewis contributed to this report.

DVD of the Month - "Sivuca, Toots Thielemans & Sylvia Vrethammar"

DVD of the Month
Sivuca, Toots Thielemans & Sylvia Vrethammar: "Encontro no Rio"
(Gazzel Films/Sonet Records/Biscoito Fino) 1985/2010

Release Date: March 16, 2010
Available for pre-order at Dusty Groove:
http://www.dustygroove.com/browse.php?kwfilter=Sivuca%2C+Toots+Thielemans%2C+Sylvia+Viethammar&incl_oos=1&incl_cs=1&format=all

Produced by Rune Ofwerman; Executive Producer: Dag Haggqvist (Sonet)
First official DVD release of the documentary "Rendezvous in Rio" filmed (for the Swedish television in 1985) mostly during a showcase at Chico's Bar, in Rio de Janeiro, but also including short takes from sessions at Som Livre Studios as well as sightseeing images. Total time: 43 minutes.

Featuring: Luiz Avellar, Luizão Maia, Paulo Braga, Carlos Braga, Ricardo Silveira, Rubem Ohana de Miranda, Junior Homrich & Leo Gandelman. The late Ohana (former Tamba Trio drummer) appears only in the studio footage. Junior is featured in the opening of the video, in a short solo, but doesn't plays in the studio segments or in the showcase either. There's no image of Leo Gandelman, who took part of the recording sessions, but is only heard on "Carioca."
Guest appearances by João do Vale, Chico Buarque & Miucha.

Back in April, 1985, the universal genius Sivuca, the Belgian master Toots Thielemans (the undisputable best jazz harmonica player in the history of music, whose mastery in his instrument was matched only by the Brazilian titan Edu da Gaita) and the wonderful Swedish singer Sylvia Vrethammar met in Rio to record this TV documentary - originally titled "Rendez-vous in Rio" - plus three albums for the Stockholm-based label, with offices also in London, Sonet Records : Thielemans' "Chico's Bar" (Sonet SNTF-944), Sivuca's "Som Brasil" (Sonet SNTF-942) and Vrethammar's "Rio de Janeiro Blue" (Sonet SNTF-943).

Some years ago, in 2006, when preparing the compilation "A Trip to Brazil Vol. 5: Copa do Mundo 2006," produced by Arnaldo DeSouteiro for Universal, I was fortunate to receive the license to include a track from Sylvia's album, which was never reissued on CD on its entirety. Arranged by producer Rune Ofwerman (rhythm) and Luiz Avellar (brass), “Que Bonito É” aka "Na Cadência do Samba", composed by Luiz Bandeira (1923-1998) in 1956, was made famous in Brazil by Waldir Calmon as the main theme of "Canal 100" (a newscast program showed at the cinemas that lasted from 1959 to 1986), and is the Brazilian equivalent of “Match of the Day”. Sivuca (playing accordion while doing scat singing in unison), Luiz Avellar (keyboards), Luizão Maia (electric bass), Paulo Braga (drums), Ricardo Silveira (guitar), Ohana and Marçal (percussion), Leo Gandelman (alto sax), Luna Messina, Viviane Godoi de Carvalho and Regina Souza (backing vocals) provide excellent support to Sylvia. The original LP cover photo shows the Swedish beauty sensually laid in the sands of the Leblon beach.

Well... now "Que Bonito É" appears as one of the main tracks on this fascinating and eagerly-awaited DVD. Other highlights: a funky take of "Carioca" (the American standard composed by Vincent Youmans & Gus Kahn, from the recording sessions of Sylvia's album at Som Livre Studios), the forro anthem "O Chêro da Carolina" (sic), the bossa nova classic "Meditation" (one of the Antonio Carlos Jobim/Newton Mendonça's masterpieces), a bossa-jazz version of Chico Buarque/Francis Hime's "Vai Passar" (including the best solos of the "event" by both Toots and Sivuca, who quotes even Ravel's "Bolero" during his accordion solo), the Swedish folk song "Who Can Sail Without Wind" (Toots' solo number during a boat cruising) and the Randy Crawford r&b hit "Rio de Janeiro Blue."

"Jazz Podium" - March 2010

(page 71, includes a review about Barry Finnerty's "Manhattan Sessions, Part 1"; please click on the images to enlarge)

"Jazz Thing" - March 2010

Sonny Rollins Named 2010 Edward MacDowell Medalist

The MacDowell Colony, the nation's leading artist residency program, will present its 51st Edward MacDowell Medal to jazz composer and tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins on Sunday, August 15. The MacDowell Medal has been awarded annually since 1960 to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to his/her field, and this year marks the first time the Colony has recognized the field of jazz. Rollins joins an impressive list of past recipients, including Leonard Bernstein, Alice Munro, I.M. Pei, Merce Cunningham, and Georgia O'Keeffe.

Beginning at 12:15 pm, the award ceremony will take place on The MacDowell Colony grounds, which will be open to the public for the festivities and celebration. Robert MacNeil, chairman of The MacDowell Colony, will award the Medal, along with Cheryl Young, executive director. MacDowell Fellow and preeminent jazz writer and critic Gary Giddins, this year's presentation speaker, will introduce Rollins and describe his life and work to the audience.

"I'm proud and pleased to be selected to receive this very special prize," Rollins said. "Edward MacDowell's spirit engaged me many years ago when, as a child, I was inspired by his composition 'To a Wild Rose.' Later, I had the opportunity to make it a part of my repertoire, performing it on many occasions and eventually recording it. Somehow I feel I'm getting to meet him again."

In naming Rollins the 2010 Medalist, Giddins, also chairman of this year's Medalist Selection Committee, said, "Much as The MacDowell Colony represents to countless artists a matchless paradise for inspired, uninterrupted creativity, this year's Medalist represents the zenith of his art. Perhaps more than any other artist since World War II, Sonny Rollins has personified the fearless adventure, soul, wit, stubborn individuality, and relentless originality that is jazz at its finest. From the time he began recording, at 19, he was recognized as a major talent; his innovative approach to the tenor saxophone was endlessly copied, and his original compositions frequently adapted. But in jazz, composer and performer are often one and the same, and perhaps his key achievement has been the forging of an improvisational method that has given the idea of theme-and-variations a renewed vitality. His singular music is at once reassuring in its fortitude and daring in its detours. Incapable of faking emotion or settling for rote answers to the challenges of creating music in the moment, he keeps us ever-alert to the power of the present."

Joining Giddins on the committee were composer and founder of the Skymusic Ensemble, Carman Moore; composer, musician, and noted professor Dr. Valerie Capers; and Dan Morgenstern, GRAMMY Award-winning jazz historian, critic, and current director of Rutgers University's Institute of Jazz Studies.

Called the "greatest living tenor saxophone player" by The New York Times and "the greatest remaining master from one of jazz's seminal eras" by the 2007 Polar Music Prize committee, Rollins has had a profound impact on music during a long and storied career that began with his first recordings as a sideman in 1949. Rollins has since been honored with a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and, in 2007, the Polar Prize in Music, one of the most prestigious music awards in the world. In 2009, he was awarded the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. One of Austria's highest honors, the award is given to leading international figures for distinguished achievements. The only other American artists who have received this recognition are Frank Sinatra and Jessye Norman.

Since the inception of the Edward MacDowell Medal, the Colony has rotated it among its seven artistic disciplines. Rollins is the 14th Medalist in music composition, but the very first in the field of jazz. He follows such luminaries as Aaron Copland (1961), Edgard Varese (1965), Roger Sessions (1968), William Schuman (1971), Walter Piston (1974), Virgil Thomson (1977), Samuel Barber (1980), Elliott Carter (1983), Leonard Bernstein (1987), David Diamond (1991), George Crumb (1995), Lou Harrison (2000), and Steve Reich (2005).

In its 102-year history, MacDowell has provided Fellowships to more than 950 composers, including Bernstein and Copland, as well as other well-known artists such as Anthony Davis, Lukas Foss, Meredith Monk, Paul Moravec, Ned Rorem, and Duncan Sheik. These composers are part of the more than 6,500 artists from all disciplines who have worked at the Colony, including playwrights Thornton Wilder and Suzan-Lori Parks; visual artists Benny Andrews and Milton Avery; writers Willa Cather, Alice Walker, and Alice Sebold; and architects Les Robertson and Tom Kundig.

Following this year's Medal Day ceremony, guests can enjoy picnic lunches on Colony grounds. MacDowell artists-in-residence will then open their studios to the public from 2 pm until 5 pm. There is no charge to attend Medal Day.

Sonny Rollins will resume his 2010 performance schedule in April, with concerts in Detroit (4/6), Chicago (4/9), Boston (4/18), Seattle (5/10), Berkeley (5/13), Los Angeles (5/16), Davis CA (5/19), and Burlington VT (6/12). He'll appear at the Winnipeg (6/23), Montreal (6/27), North Sea (7/11), Perugia (7/16), and Molde (7/20) Jazz Festivals, and will perform three concerts in Japan in early October. A European tour is being finalized for November. Rollins is also planning a special New York concert around his September 7th birthday and expects to announce details by early spring.

Gold CD of the Month - "Antonio Carlos Jobim: Wave"

Gold CD of the Month
Antonio Carlos Jobim: "Wave" (A&M/CTI)

Rubidium Atomic Clock CD Cutting!
Produced by Creed Taylor, Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder

Arranged & Conducted by Claus Ogerman
Cover Photos by Pete Turner, Album Design by Sam Antupit
Liner Notes: Norman Gimbel & George Frazier IV
Featuring: Jobim, Ron Carter, Claudio Slon, Dom Um Romão, Bobby Rosengarden, Romeo Penque, Urbie Green, Ray Beckenstein, Jerome Richardson, Jimmy Cleveland et al.

CD Reissue of the Month - "João Gilberto: Chega de Saudade"

CD Reissue of the Month
João Gilberto: "Chega de Saudade" (Él/Cherry Red) 2010

The 12-page booklet includes rare pics, the original (by Antonio Carlos Jobim) and new liner notes, detailed data and personnel info, including the names of the musicians (Jobim, Copinha, Guaracy, Juquinha, Milton Banana, Rubens Bassini, Edmundo Maciel) of the 12 tracks from the original "Chega de Saudade" sessions, as well as the name of some of the guys who took part of the 14 additional tracks performed by such acts as Os Cariocas, Elizeth Cardoso (both performing "Chega de Saudade" backed by Gilberto on guitar), Norma Bengell (a nice reading of "Hoba-lá-lá" arranged by the uncredited Gaya with Bebeto on bass), Alaide Costa (lovely take of "Minha Saudade"), Walter Wanderley, João Donato (playing trombone in a 1957 take of "Minha Saudade"), Bola Sete (an even better take of "Minha Saudade," doing two phenomenal choruses of improvisation on electric guitar) and Bené Nunes. For an unofficial release, great sound quality too! No noise, no scratch (which means that the tracks were transferred not from vinyls, but from good copies of the master tapes), excellent remastering.
For more details, please check:

http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/02/joao-gilberto-chega-de-saudade-reissued.html
Other Brazilian music CDs currently available on Él Records catalog:

SACD of the Month - "Getz/Gilberto"

SACD (Super Audio CD) of the Month
Stan Getz & João Gilberto: "Getz/Gilberto" (2010)

This is the best sound quality reissue ever of the landmark multi-Grammy winning album "Getz/Gilberto"
Recorded March 18 & 19, 1963, in NY, featuring Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Astrud Gilberto, Sebastião Neto & Milton Banana
Produced by Creed Taylor, engineered by Phil Ramone
Remastered by Seigen Ono @ Seidera Mastering, Tokyo, Japan
Reissue Supervised by Tohru Okamura & Yoshihisa Saito

SHM-CD of the Month - "Jim Hall: Concierto"

SHM-CD of the Month
Jim Hall: "Concierto" (CTI) 1975/2009

Produced by Creed Taylor, engineered by Rudy Van Gelder
Featuring: Paul Desmond, Chet Baker, Roland Hanna, Ron Carter, Steve Gadd
Cover Photo: Pete Turner
Album Design: Bob Ciano
Liner Notes: Leonard Feather
For additional info, please check:
http://jazzstation-oblogdearnaldodesouteiros.blogspot.com/2010/02/shm-cd-of-month-cti-rvg-audiophile_01.html

Vocal CD of the Month - "Scot Albertson: With Every Note, A Step..."

Vocal CD of the Month
Scot Albertson: "With Every Note, A Step..." (SA) 2009

Highlights: a bossa nova version of "How Blue The Night" (H. Adamson & J. McHugh) and a haunting medley with Michel Legrand's "His Eyes, Her Eyes" (from "The Thomas Crown Affair") and Leslie Bricusse's "When I Look in Your Eyes" (the wonderful theme from the film "Dr. Dolittle).

Featuring: Daryl Kojak, Cameron Brown, Tony Jefferson, Erik Friedlander, Jerry Scott, Dave Pietro, Sue Terry, Rex Benincasa, Marc Daine et al.

Instrumental CD of the Month - "Mike Longo Trio: Sting Like A Bee"

Instrumental CD of the Month
Mike Longo Trio: "Sting Like A Bee" (CAP) 2010

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

A living jazz legend, NY-based pianist Mike Longo leads a trio with Sonny Rollins' longtime bassist Bob Cranshaw and a great drummer, Lewis Nash, heard often with Ron Carter and, most recently, on the Danilo Perez/Claus Ogerman masterpiece "Across The Crystal Sea."

Probably the best Longo trio album in many years - and the follow-up to the 2007 "Floating Like A Butterfly" - "Sting Like A Bee" was recorded in 2009 for his own CAP label at Bennett Studios (yes, Tony Bennett's state-of-the-art house of music in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey) under the aegis of producer Bob Magnuson (no to be mistaken with LA bassist Bob Magnusson) & engineer Al Perrota, who also mixed and mastered the project. One of the many highlights is a sensual bossa-novaed take on Herbie Hancock's "Tell Me A Bedtime Story"; the best reading of this Herbie tune since Quincy Jones/Harry Lookofsky's landmark recording on Q's "Sounds...and Stuff Like That."

Soulful, swinging, charming and passionate, without pretense, the session also includes outstanding versions of two Wayne Shorter tunes ("Speak No Evil," featuring Lewis Nash, and "Dance Cadaverous") plus a medium-tempo "Love for Sale" (Cole Porter), a quick & dazzling intense "Daahoud" (Clifford Brown, with Longo quoting Jobim's "Desafinado" on his bright solo, followed by Nash's burnin' improvisation), the latin-jazz anthem "Morning" (Clare Fischer), "Speak Low" (Kurt Weill), three Mike Longo originals (showcasing the inner voices of his bop soul on "Bird Seed", his deep-song bossa baladry on "Someone to Love" and his captivating rhythmic sense on a bluesy "Checked Bags" in tribute to Milt Jackson), closing with a superb solo rendition of "Kush," written by his musical guru Dizzy Gillespie, with whom he played for 14 years, creating an indelible, crystalline piano sound.

There's also a "West Side Story Medley" (Leonard Bernstein, starting with "Tonight" and going through "Somewhere" and "I Feel Pretty"), inspired by his piano teacher, a Canadian musical giant named Oscar Peterson. "During the 60s I had the distinct honor of being a private student with the great Peterson," Mike tell us in the liner notes. "He was gracious enough to invite me to his home in Toronto where he had a recording studio in his basement. He was about to record his famous 'West Side Story' album (Verve, 1962) with his trio that consisted of Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. Oscar asked me if I would like to come and observe them rehearsing. I, of course jumped at the chance and needless to say was blown away at the process I witnessed while they were putting it together."

"My other great mentor was Dizzy Gillespie from which I learned, among other things, a poly-metric concept of time. As a challenge to myself, I recorded his famous example of this called 'Kush' as a solo piano track." The CD is dedicated to the memory of Longo's father, Mike Longo, Sr. who passed away in 2009. Essential.
***********
Mike Longo has performed with a list of jazz legends that include Cannonball Adderley, Henry Red Allen, Coleman Hawkins, George Wettling, Gene Krupa, Nancy Wilson, Gloria Lynn, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joe Williams, Jimmy Rushing, James Moody and many others. It was in the mid-60s when Longo’s trio was playing at the Embers West, that Roy Eldridge told Dizzy Gillespie about this new pianist he had heard. Dizzy came to hear him play and soon asked him to become his pianist.

This started a life-long musical relationship and friendship. From 1966 through 1975, Longo worked exclusively as Dizzy’s pianist and musical director. Mike left the Gillespie group officially in 1975 to venture out on his own, but continued to work for Gillespie on a part-time basis until his death in 1993. Since that time Mike has recorded numerous albums and CDs on various labels with some 45 recordings with artists such as Gillespie, James Moody, Astrud Gilberto etc. At present he has over 20 solo albums to his credit. He is sought after as a music instructor and is in demand for jazz clinics and concerts at universities and music schools throughout the world, and has appeared at the Lincoln Center’s new jazz room “Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.”

Longo is founder and President of Consolidated Artists Productions (CAP), an independent recording label, dedicated to allowing artists to pursue the types of projects that are in line with their career objectives. All of the artists represented by CAP (over 70) are extraordinarily talented, both as composers and performers. Longo’s latest venture, Jazz Tuesdays, is dedicated to allowing artists to retain creative control of their work and providing students and the general public with an opportunity to hear “world class jazz at affordable prices.”

"AdLib" - March 2010

Cover Story:
Toshinobu Kubota - Kubota-san is a Japanese pop & soul singer. His music styles have varied over the years, from pop-oriented sounds through to reggae and soul. Kubota made his Japanese debut in 1986 with the album "Shake It Paradise". Kubota made his English debut in 1995 with the album "Sunshine, Moonlight", and followed up with 2000's "Nothing But Your Love". He released "For Real?" in 2006 and now he is releasing a new album, "Timeless Fly," in 2010.

Master Piece Story “The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery”
Jimi Hendrix
Teddy Pendergrass
Pegasus
Pink Martini
Yuji Ohno & Lupintic Five With Friends
Faryl
David Tamaoka
T.A.C.S Records
ADLiB Awards 2009
Spotlight：Bluetime Quinted Featuring Izzi / Jose Feliciano / Winterplay / Povo / Tina /
Namiko
The World Of Jacket
ADLiB Chart
New Disc
Imported Disc
Coming Soon
VIP Producer: Quincy Jones
Female Jazzy Pop Singers
Akira Jimbo
Julio Iglesias
Kaori Kobayashi
Mamas Gun
Bob James & Jack Lee
Michael Franks
Adlib Choronicles
Deset Island Discs -Issei Noro-
Hot Live Report: Michael Franks / T-Square / Akiko Yano / Rufas Feat. Sly Stone / Etc
Uri Nakayaka
Jill-Decoy Association
The Beach Boys
Interviews：Speech Debelle / Manyogenso
Toshiki Kadomatsu ~ No End Talk
Soul Kiss
AOR
Tina／Katsumi Horii / Shiro Sagisu / Cindy Suzuki / Yuji Muraoka / Paper & Web /
Yumi Kudou / Yoshinori Ohtomo / Sound Planet
News Of The World
News In Japan
Concert Information
Letters
Last Chorus

"Swing Journal" - March 2010

Cover Story:
Sonny Rollins - Most jazz giants have a great fascination with not only their performance but also their appearance. Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane etc. And on this subject Sonny Rollins deserves special mention .When he visited Japan for the first time with his Mohawk hairstyle in 1963, his overwhelming impact just reminded the title“Saxophone Colossus”. We can easily imagine how surprised the Japanese would be and how this would leave a lasting impression.This guy is a living legend and is even today the greatest Jazz improviser alive. His next suprise is surely just around the corner. The legend continues.

Serial : The Truth Behind Masterpieces -
Liner Notes Tell A Golden Era of Jazz Giants: Cannonball Adderley
Sonny Rollins Discography
Violinist, Naoko Terai Plays 'My Songs'
The Amazing World of Original Jazz Discs-Reports of US Used Discs Discount Sale at Shinjuku
Serial :Jazz Masterpieces Story- Capitol
Listen up! New Albums of Talented Pianists
Jazz Report from Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
Serial :Here Comes New Masterpieces
Serial :Yasukuni Terashima's Jazz Lounge-Pianist,Composer Junko Moriya
Part.2
Chihiro Yamanaka's essay "Day by Day"
Questions For Jazz Beginner
Hot News: Overseas New York Jazz Monthly Topics
Hot News: Domestic
Jazz on Air
The Monthly Disc Review
Top Chart
This Month's Gold Disc
Import Discs
New Discs Release Information
Fascinating Jazz EP Discs Part.2 ~ from Dave Brubeck to Marilyn Monroe
The Dawn of Crossover Jazz-Vocal Age
Marcus Miller & Christian Scott Talking about Miles Davis
Let's Dig The Re-Issued Discs
What's up now! SJ Focus
Readers Plaza : Jazz Spot Pilgrimage Returns / Readers / Jazz All nighters By Tatsuo Sunaga / Jazz West Coast Swing Street : Yozo Iwanami / Music / Movie/ Study
Q&A Live Report Comin' Soon!
Live & Jazz Spot Guide
Jazz Sound & Visual
KENWOOD new mp3 Player"Media Keg"
SJ's Choice New Component New "Woody" Head Phone Victor HA-FX70
Musician's must item!? BOSE L1 Compact system
Crystal Disc『Jam at Basie featuring Hank Jones』
Sound Quality Of New Discs

"DownBeat" - March 2010

Cover Story:
Ahmad Jamal -- Preeminent pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal is an exemplary ensemble player who always inspires his musicians to surpass themselves. Considering his trio an orchestra, Jamal not only achieves a unified sound, but subtly inserts independent roles for the bass and drums. Audiences delight in Jamal's total command of the keyboard, his charasmatic swing and daringly inventive solos that always tell a story. One of the most influential pianists in jazz, the 79-year-old Jamal is also the music's first crossover artist.

FEATURES
Hiromi -- The international piano/keyboard sensation continues to push the limits of jazz to new compositional and technical frontiers.

Michael Moore -- The expatriate alto saxophonist, clarinetist and bass clarinetist occupies a peculiar insider/outsider position on the fertile Amsterdam jazz scene.

The Jazz Producer's Role -- With fewer label-driven jazz recording projects than ever before, more artists have become masters of their own sound by making albums without a producer's guidance.

SPECIAL SECTION: Indie Life -- An exploration of artists and labels bubbling up on the independent music scene. This section includes a profile of trumpeter, Brian Groder.

Indie Spotlight Ad Section: Showcase your indie release with these 1/6 page, 4color blocks for only $500 net each!

SPECIAL SECTION: Jazz Camp Guide -- The jazz world's guide to where to study music this summer.

PLAYERS
Leonardo Cioglia (bass)
Robby Ameen (drums)
The Tiptons (group)
Benny Reid (saxophone)

BLINDFOLD TEST -- Stanley Clarke

THE BEAT
Update on Jazz Museum in Harlem
Gary Niewood Remembered in Rochester, N.Y.
Vinyl Freak, The Question
Caught: London Jazz Festival; Philadelphia Rashied Ali Memorial Concert; Mathias Eick big event at Berlin Jazz Festival

WOODSHED
Master Class: Wayne Shorter
Transcription: Jim Hall's guitar solo on "All Across the City," from CD Hemispheres (2008)
Jazz On Campus: Savannah Music Festival presents big competition for high school bands

GEAR BOX
Hal Leonard
Alfred Publishing
Jamey Aebersold
Sher Music
Carl Fischer

REVIEWS
Hot Box
Myra Melford's Be Bread, The Whole Tree Gone (Firehouse 12)
Arturo O'Farrill, Rise Negra (Zoho)
David Murray & the Gwo Ka Masters, The Devil Tried To Kill Me (Justin Time)
ACT, Act (BJU - Brooklyn Jazz Underground)

CD Reviews
Keith Javors, Coming Together (Inarhyme)
American Music Project, On The Bright Side (Inarhyme)
Andrea Fultz, The German Projekt (andreafultz.com)
Bill Laswell, Method of Defiance (Rare Noise)
Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Detroit (Mack Ave.)
Jack Cortner Big Band, Sound Check (Jazzed Media)
Poncho Sanchez, Psychedelic Blues (Concord Picante)
Miguel Zenon, Esta Plena (Marsalis Music)
Terrell Stafford/Dick Oatts Quintet, Bridging The Gap (Planet Arts)
Myron Walden, Momentum (Demi Records)
Tyshawn Sorey, Koan (482 Music)
John Mayall, Tough (Eagle Records)
John Hammond, Rough & Tough (Chesky)
Ronnie Cuber, Ronnie (SteepleChase)
George Colligan, Come Together (Sunnyside)
Joe Morris, Colorfield (ESP)
Kevin Brady Trio, Zeitgeist (Fresh Sounds)
Yaron Herman Trio, Muse (Sunnyside)
Bobby Selvaggio, Modern Times (Arabesque)
Paul Motian Trio 2000, On Broadway Vol. 5 (Winter & Winter)
Yellowjackets DVD, New Morning (Heads Up)
Andrew Rathbun, Where We Are Now (SteepleChase)
Anthony Wilson Trio, Jack Of Hearts (Groove Note)
Paul Murphy/Larry Willis, Foundations (self)
Jacam Manricks, Labyrinth (Marnicks Music)

Jazz
Casey Driessen, Oog (Red Shoe)
Mads Tolling, The Playmaker (City Hall)
Carla Kihlstedt and Satoko Fujii (Tzadik)
Svend Asmussen, Makin' Whoopee! (Arbors)

Blues
Arthur Adams, Stomp the Floor (Delta Groove)
Hamilton Loomis, Live in England (Ham-Bone)
Andrew Jr. Boy Jones, Gettin' Real (Electro-Fi)
Long John Hunter, Looking for a Party (Blues Express)
Texas Slim, Driving Blues (Top Cat)
Delbert McClinton, Acquired Taste (New West)

Beyond
Alan Lomax, In Haiti box set (Harte Recordings)

Historical
John Coltrane, Sidesteps (Concord)

Book Review
David Robertson, W.C. Handy, The Life and Times of The Man Who Made The Blues (Knopf)