I recently spent an evening with some good friends, enjoying a terrific paella and a few bottles of Cabernet. The conversation turned to music, and the host said something to the effect that jazz must be the most liberating and fun type of music to play, because jazz musicians are able to make everything up as they go along. Although she isn’t a professional musician, she is substantially better-informed than …more…
Arts America Blog
Devin Gray – “Dirigo Rataplan”
March 18, 2012 by
From http://devingraymusic.com/
I would be the first to admit that free jazz is not really my strong suit. My tastes tend to run more toward straight ahead or vocally-driven jazz. However, anytime I’ve dabbled in what you might consider “avant garde”, it always seems to come back to drummer-driven music. (Think Jack DeJohnette, etc.)
So it’s surprising and not at all surprising that I’ve been seriously enjoying NYC drummer Devin Gray‘s …more…
Pianist Johnny O’Neal takes the stage at Smalls
March 16, 2012 by
It was not at all difficult to imagine pianist Johnny O’Neal as Art Tatum in the 2004 film, “Ray” (one of my favorites). Mostly because Mr. O’Neal is easily just as prodigiously talented as Mr. Tatum. ...more...
Jovino Santos Neto joined Santos at Yoshi’s
March 16, 2012 by
The top Bay Area jazz happening of recent weeks was surely John Santos Sextet’s two-night stand at Yoshi’s in Oakland. While Santos is always a notable attraction in these parts, his engagement at the famous East Bay club on March 2 & 3, 2012, was one of those not-to-be-missed events whose auditors were glad they had made the trip. Upon entering the room for the first set on Friday night, it was clear that the evening was going to be a fun and collaborative one. ...more...
Nellie McKay at Feinstein’s
March 10, 2012 by
What is there to say about Nellie McKay? Mostly just that as soon as you try to define what it is that she actually does, she goes and does something so out of left field that you’re left bereft of descriptive ability. ...more...
Jazz Spotlight: Tenor Saxophonist Chris Madsen
February 29, 2012 by
The history of the tenor saxophone runs as deep as it does wide in jazz, from Bean to Brecker, to the extent that one can almost question what else can possibly be done on the instrument. Fortunately for the skeptics, the jazz community does continue to turn out unique tenor saxophone stylists and among them is Chicago-based tenor player Chris Madsen. The first thing one notices about Madsen is his …more…
Jazz Spotlight: Sarah Marie Young
February 28, 2012 by
With the eclectic nature of Chicago’s music scene, filled with the blues, jazz, gospel, and R & B, it is a real joy to check out the vocal stylings of Sarah Marie Young. An alumni of Columbia College’s heralded vocal jazz program, Young has been impressing Chicago audiences since 2004.
One aspect of Young’s singing that really amazes is her ability to sing jazz, R & B, as well as her …more…
Kate McGarry “Girl Talk”
February 25, 2012 by
I first heard Kate McGarry when she stopped by The Kitano to perform a gorgeous cover of Neil Young’s “Old Man” with Moss bandmate, Peter Eldridge (of New York Voices). I was taken by her beautiful, smoky voice and stunning song interpretation.
Kate’s got a new record out called Girl Talk, inspired by some of her idols (Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, and many others).
“Girl Talk” is a wonderfully intimate record that …more…
An Interview with Straight-Ahead Jazz Guitarist, Rick Stone
February 19, 2012 by
This week, NYC-based jazz guitarist Rick Stone answers some of my burning questions! Rick’s album Fractals with the Rick Stone Trio came out in 2011 and has been getting some great notice out on the interwebs, including a great review on AllAboutJazz.com. You can catch The Rick Stone Trio in at the Bar Next Door at La Lanterna in NYC on February 25th. More info at RickStone.com ...more...
A good year to pass on the Grammys
February 13, 2012 by
The 2012 Grammys are almost here and the entertainment world is all abuzz with that annual affliction “Grammy Fever.” What exactly do these awards mean for the winners and nominees? Well, for an increasingly shrinking list of players the awards will continue to mean big-time money and exposure. But this year the field has shrunk and numerous artists who previously enjoyed access to modest pieces of the Grammy pie will find themselves among the industry’s equivalent of the 99%. Last April, The National Academy of Recorded Arts and Sciences (NARAS) elected to reduce the number of awards by eliminating 31 different categories from award contention, ostensibly to foster greater competition in fewer categories. ...more...
Big Easy 2012 Classical Arts Awards
February 10, 2012 by
Each year the Foundation for Entertainment Development and Education, known colloquially as the “Big Easy Entertainment Awards foundation,” honors the musicians, dancers, conductors and singers who contribute to the classical arts of opera, ballet and dance and music.
The affair a luncheon held at the Hotel Monteleone is an opportunity to honor these artists, patrons and teachers who contribute to the classical arts in significant ways and enrich the culture of …more…
Saving Humanity One Dance At A Time
February 8, 2012 by
Pablo Malco, choreographer and director of The Hip Hop Symphony, the dance performance extravaganza hosted by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on January 29, 2012, tells us about how he got into dance, the making of The Hip Hop Symphony and the dance company turned foundation (www.pablomalcofoundation.org) that brings the art of dance into the community. ...more...
Esperanza Spalding – What now?
February 6, 2012 by
I have a soft spot in my heart for Esperanza Spalding. I used to catch her on OPB on whatever local arts show she happened to be playing that month. It was shocking and amazing when she won the Grammy for Best New Artist. Life changing. ...more...
Romare Bearden Prints on Display at The Taft Museum
January 31, 2012 by
Celebrate February’s Black History Month by honoring one of the most influential and passionate African American artists in US history- From Process to Print: Graphic Works by Romare Bearden is a vast exploration of cultural perspectives Bearden experienced throughout his exciting life. On display through April 29 at The Taft Museum, Bearden’s works invoke images of urban and family life, with major themes around jazz and biblical art. Multi- talented Bearden was also a prominent writer, often focusing on social issues that African Americans faced. A humanist, Bearden received many awards throughout his life, including the National Medal of Art in 1987, presented to him by President Ronald Reagan. ...more...
Vocalese
January 30, 2012 by
I wanted to take a moment today to highlight one of the most under-appreciated sub-genres in jazz (in my incredibly biased vocalist opinion). ...more...
“The Artist”?…Try Seven Artists!
January 29, 2012 by
Recently, my wife and I went to the movies to see “The Artist”. The film (which is silent) is a love letter to grand old cinema, with references to Welles, Chaplin, Wilder, and many more. The theater was packed with people watching from the stairs in rapt attention without a peep from a soul in the audience.
Why?
There is something fantastic about a work that wittily references the past and exudes …more…
Top attraction this weekend: Alfredo Rodriguez
January 27, 2012 by
Saturday night’s Treasures from the Archives presentation by Mark Cantor of rare, fascinating jazz film clips was, as expected, another memorable occasion. This was no tiny, peripheral jazz society splitting hairs over minutiae and obscure musicians lost to history; Cantor’s presentation was informative, fun, and, above all, well-attended! The screening occurred in Kanbar Hall in The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco with an appreciative audience of probably 300 fans …more…
Diane Schuur @ The Blue Note NYC
January 27, 2012 by
From http://www.dianeschuur.com
I remember seeing Diane Schuur in Portland when I was quite young (the date and location escape me) and I remember being utterly fascinated with her voice.
Today, I can more easily spot the singers she imitates with ease and aplomb, but I suppose that makes it no less impressive.
Tonight, Diane will be at the Blue Note NYC. Tickets are here. I might just wander over there and see …more…
Jazz Pirates?
January 22, 2012 by
Arrrr! Thar she blows the saxophone! (via http://www.cindyvallar.com/pirates.html)
I know, I know. You’ve probably heard more than enough about SOPA and PIPA this week. I won’t drag my opinion about the whole matter into this blog (and being a songwriter and working musician myself, my opinions on the issue are complicated). I do, however, want to put forth a thought for the jazz community.
In my (ever so humble) opinion, the …more…
Identical Twins Jazz Up San Diego
January 20, 2012 by
Photo courtesy of Andrew Paynter
Identical twin jazz duo, the Mattson 2, have been taking the San Diego jazz scene by storm with their contemporary take on the genre. The pair, namely Jonathan and Jared Mattson, are crossing boundaries with their distinct sound and even more distinct fashion sense.
The duo has been on the jazz scene for a few years now under the Indie label, Galaxia …more…
Sharon Marie Cline at Angels
January 17, 2012 by
Over the years, many of us in the L.A. jazz community have been dismayed to witness the closure of some of our favorite venues, such as Donte’s and Shelly’s Manne-Hole. So we definitely have something to cheer about when a new club materializes on the scene.
A few weeks ago when I caught the Red Hill Quartet’s recent gig (*), the group’s vibes player, Ricky Luther, told me about a new …more…
JAZZ IN FILM NEWS
January 15, 2012 by
One of the most intriguing jazz news stories of recent years was revived when Don Cheadle recently confirmed that his plans to make a film about Miles Davis were developing. The proposed project, which Cheadle would both direct and star in, was announced two years ago but had scarcely been mentioned by the Oscar-nominated actor since. Cheadle, of course, has been busy starring in films like Iron Man 2 and …more…
Fat Cat
January 14, 2012 by
I paid a visit last week to Fat Cat down on Christopher Street with a few friends. I’d forgotten how great this place is!
With some of the best pool to be played in NYC and a really swingin’ after hours jam session every night, what’s not to love? ...more...
Jazz at Jacks Brings Soul to the Heart of Downtown Denver
January 7, 2012 by
Whether you are a visiting tourist or a Denver native, you’d be hard pressed to find a more accessible jazz venue than ‘Jazz @ Jacks,’ conveniently located in the center of Downtown Denver, in the Denver Pavilions on the bustling 16th Street Mall. ...more...
Jimmy Mak’s – Love Song to a Hometown Haunt
January 3, 2012 by
Greetings from the West Coast! I’m on a quick trip home and I thought I would step in as a guest blogger for Portland – my almost hometown! ...more...
