JAZZSTAGE.NET

Remembering Clifford Brown

Pete McConnell — 2011-11-02T15:47:55Z

(October 30, 1930 – June 26, 1956).
Trumpeter Clifford Brown was 25 years old when he was killed in a car accident on the way to a gig in 1956. However, during the four years of his recording career, he put out some of the most famous jazz recordings ever. His technical agility, combined with heartfelt expression, made his the defining sound of the style known as hard bop. Read complete story from jazz.about.com.

J.J. Johnson and Clifford Brown

Clifford Brown and Max Roach
--Herman Leonard photo

Clifford Brown and Sonny Rollins

Drummer Roy Haynes - "Out of the Afternoon"

Pete McConnell — 2011-11-01T17:02:47Z

This splendid-sounding CD reissues a 1962 set from the Roy Haynes Quartet -- which, at the time, consisted of Haynes, Henry Grimes on bass, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Roland Kirk on saxes, manzello, stritch, and flutes. The album is a delightful mix of techniques in arrangement and performance, with all of the musicians delivering terrific work. Click here for complete story from allmusic.com.

Tribute to John Coltrane: Live Under the Sky

Pete McConnell — 2011-10-24T15:11:17Z

By and large, tribute shows are often a letdown. Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary show, for example, just made you realize how much better the troubadour's material was when he first performed it. When an artist has died, it can be even worse. Their contemporaries often fall all over themselves, gushing embarrassingly hyperbolic praise. Filmed in Japan in 1987, this tribute to the late jazz genius John Coltrane is a definite exception. The musicians, sax players Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman, pianist Richie Beirach, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Jack DeJohnette--all great in their own right--keep the eulogizing minimal and instead focus on interpreting a small handful of Coltrane's important works. Click here for complete story from amazon.com.

Personnel: Wayne Shorter and Dave Liebman (soprano sax); Richie Beirach, piano; Eddie Gomez, bass; Jack DeJohnette, drums.

Trumpeter Louis Smith -- "Here Comes Louis Smith" (with Cannonball Adderley)

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-24T15:39:44Z

Louis Smith was a talented, but underrecorded, straight-ahead bop trumpeter who led two dates in the '50s before retiring to teach at the University of Michigan and the nearby Ann Arbor Public School system. For most of his career, he remained a teacher, making a brief comeback in the late '70s before returning to education. It wasn't until the mid-'90s that he began a recording career in earnest, turning out a series of albums for the Steeplechase label. Read complete bio from allmusic.com.

Louis Smith had a brilliant debut on this Blue Note album, his first of two before becoming a full-time teacher. The opener (Duke Pearson's "Tribute to Brownie") was a perfect piece for Smith Clifford Brown (who had died the previous year). He is also in excellent form on four of his basic originals and takes a particularly memorable solo on a haunting rendition of "Stardust." Read complete review of "Here Comes Louis Smith" from allmusic.com.

Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. - Ain't No Sunshine/Inner City Blues

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-23T19:36:51Z

The story behind Grover Washington, Jr.'s first session date as a leader revolves around a sheer coincidence of being in the right place at the right time. The truth is, the date for Creed Taylor's Kudu imprint was supposed to feature Hank Crawford in the soloist's chair. Crawford couldn't make the date and longtime sideman Washington got the nod. His being closely affiliated with organists Charles Earland and Johnny Hammond didn't hurt, and his alto and tenor saxophones' tone was instantly noticeable for both its song-like quality and Washington's unique ability to dig deep into R&B territory for his expression of feeling. Read complete review from allmusic.com.

Ain't No Sunshine (Audio)

Saxophonist Wayne Shorter -- Schizophrenia and Tom Thumb

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-22T18:26:31Z

Wayne Shorter was at the peak of his creative powers when he recorded Schizophrenia in the spring of 1967. Assembling a sextet that featured two of his Miles Davis bandmates (pianist Herbie Hancock and bassist Ron Carter), trombonist Curtis Fuller, alto saxophonist/flautist James Spaulding and drummer Joe Chambers, Shorter found a band that was capable of conveying his musical "schizophrenia," which means that this is a band that can play straight just as well as they can stretch the limits of jazz. At their best, they do this simultaneously, as they do on the opener "Tom Thumb." Read complete review from allmusic.com.

"Black Jazz Records" up for sale for $285,000

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-17T14:48:00Z

Neither John Coltrane nor Herbie Hancock ever recorded for the Bay Area-based Black Jazz label that flourished in the '70s West Coast jazz scene. Far from being a commercial powerhouse, the label concentrated on an epicurean selection of then-fresh faced soul-jazz musicians from keyboardist Doug Carn to bassist Cleveland Eaton. After years of reinvigoration, the label and its back catalogue are looking for a new home, and doing so in rather peculiar ways. Hardge has offered up everything for sale on Craigslist. For the handsome price of $285,000, you can become the owner of Black Jazz. Read complete story from laweekly.com.

Calvin Keys -- Gee Gee

COMMENTS:

"I think I have this whole series on vinyl. Amazing. I didn't think I would ever see or hear anything from this again. Like the cut ("Listen Here"). -- Steve Negri

"Own original vinyl LPs of most albums/artists noted here." -- Anthony Wilson

Music from Facebook friend and percussionist Gino Castillo

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-16T16:10:37Z

Gino Castillo, percussionist, composer, singer and an educator.
His music studies begin in Ecuador, with various local teachers. Gaining experience as a professional musician, he spends most of his time studying with master teacher Oscar Valdez Moreno. In The meantime he would study in “Centro de investigation y desarollo de la musica cubana” (a school specialized in the investigation and development of Cuban music), in Felix Varela School, and “Escuela Alejandro Garcia Caturla.” Read complete bio from ginocastillosite.com.

Check out Gino Castillo on Facebook

Remembering singer Abbey Lincoln

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-09T21:07:08Z

Not long before her death last summer, jazz vocalist and composer Abbey Lincoln asked singer Dee Dee Bridgewater to keep her music alive. She didn’t have to ask twice.

Indeed, Bridgewater couldn’t have appeared more committed to the cause at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on Friday night, during the 16th edition of the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. The recipient of the event’s annual award for achievement in jazz, Bridgewater hosted the tribute with charm and energy, sharing the stage with vocalists Dianne Reeves and Cassandra Wilson in a program devoted almost exclusively to Lincoln’s songbook. Read complete story from washingtonpost.com.

August 6, 1930 was her birthday

Entertainer. Born Anna Marie Wooldridge, the tenth of twelve children, she was raised in a rural part of Michigan. She began her career as a vocalist, initially performing in school and church choirs, before winning an amateur contest at age 19. She then ventured west to find career opportunities, first in Honolulu, before settling in Hollywood in 1954. Click here for complete story.

Happy 69th birthday, Jack DeJohnette

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-09T14:48:03Z

Born in Chicago in 1942, GRAMMY^®winner Jack DeJohnette is widely regarded as one of jazz music's greatest drummers. Music appreciation flourished in DeJohnette's family. He studied classical piano from age four until fourteen, before beginning to play drums with his high school concert band and taking private piano lessons at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. DeJohnette credits his uncle, Roy I. Wood Sr., who was one of the most popular jazz DJ's in the South Side of Chicago, later vice president of the National Network of Black Broadcasters, as the person who initially inspired him to pursue music. Click here for complete bio, tours and music from jackdejohnette.com.

More Jack DeJohnette videos at Drummerworld

Keith Jarrett / Jack DeJohnette / Gary Peacock, Royal Festival Hall, London (Review)
DeJohnette is a marvel, an undemonstrative, precise drummer who relies on subtle detail rather than mere power, his arms barely seeming to move as his sticks dance across the drums. His reserve complements the pianist's more animated style, Jarrett's feet twisting and bouncing as he enters deeper into the music. Click here for complete review from independent.co.uk.

Lee Morgan - "Cornbread"

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-04T18:33:36Z

This session (reissued on CD by Blue Note) is best known for introducing Lee Morgan's beautiful ballad "Ceora," but actually all five selections (which include Morgan's "Cornbread," "Our Man Higgins," "Most Like Lee," and the standard "Ill Wind") are quite memorable. Read complete review from allmusic.com. Personnel: Lee Morgan (trumpet); Jackie McLean (alto saxophone); Hank Mobley (tenor saxophone); Herbie Hancock (piano); Larry Ridley (bass); Billy Higgins (drums). Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on September 18, 1965. Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.

Also check out www.jazzstagenet.blogspot.com

The Gene Ammons Story - "Organ Combos"

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-03T14:12:37Z

Gene Ammons recorded frequently for Prestige during the 1950s and early '60s and virtually all of the tenor's dates were quite rewarding. This two-LP set reissues Twistin' the Jug plus part of Angel Eyes and Velvet Soul. Ammons, a bop-based but very versatile soloist, sounds quite comfortable playing a variety of standards and lesser-known material in groups featuring Jack McDuff or Johnny "Hammond" Smith on organ and either trumpeter Joe Newman or Frank Wess on tenor and flute. This version of "Angel Eyes" became a surprise hit. Read complete review from avaxhome.ws.

Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval's 'Americana' - A tribute to Dizzy

Pete McConnell — 2011-08-02T18:34:44Z

By Theresa Ashford

Special to jazzstage.net

In a small town in Cuba, in the fall of 1949, a would-be exceptional musician was born. Arturo Sandoval began his musical journey at a very young age studying classical trumpet, but was quickly captivated by the intriguing taboo of the jazz world.

His curiosity was cultivated by fellow jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, a man whose reputation preceded him. He was one of the first jazz musicians to bring a Latin flare to the American jazz music he played, mastering a sound some had never even imagined.

Gillespie didn't just teach the young musician the art of the jazz trumpet, but also acted as his mentor. Sandoval was later a founding member of the Grammy Award winning group Irakere, who had a very intriguing sound, a mix of jazz, classical, rock, and even traditional Cuban.

Sandoval was voted Cuba's best instrumentalist from 1982-1990. Other musical achievements include four Grammys, six Billboard Awards, and an Emmy for composing the entire underscore of the HBO movie based on his life entitled "For Love or Country."

After a two-year battle with immigration and naturalization services, Sandoval was finally granted his citizenship in 1998. One year later, In honor of settling in his new home, Sandoval collaborated with N-Coded Music (acquired by Phase One Communications Inc. in 2009) releasing the album 'Americana' covering some of America's most beloved pop songs, including "Just The Way You Are," "Let's Stay Together," and "All Night Long," beautifully played on the trumpet and flugelhorn.

The album is complete with songs made popular by great American artists like Stevie Wonder, The Carpenters, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, Chicago and many others. It offers a new way of listening to the songs we all love.

Sandoval doesn't only play the tracks in the language of jazz, but also with a Latin Cuban jazz style. He plays on the perfect juxtaposition between his ballad work and showmanship. The album is jam packed with out-of-this-world trumpet riffs where the melodic theme is implied but not necessarily played.

This sub-genre of jazz, be-bop, was revolutionized by Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval's mentor. Gillespie would take popular songs of the American song book, and would improvise the melodic theme, sometimes almost making the song unrecognizable.

Sandoval's adaptations on "Americana" are definitely recognizable, but his improvisations on the album pay tribute to his mentor and the musicians of the be-bop era.

This album beautifully showcases Arturo as not only a jazz trumpeter, but also as a seasoned and sensational musician. "Americana" is a must listen album for all jazz enthusiasts. It's rare for a jazz musician to cross-over to the pop genre, and do it well. Arturo plays the tracks on 'Americana' in a style all his own. Not only is it entertaining but genuinely demonstrates his exceptional musicianship.

Theresa Ashford

Wagner College Class of 2012
Phase One Communications Inc., Intern

Wayne Shorter -- Music from "Beyond the Sound Barrier"

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-28T19:54:16Z

Recorded live on three different continents (Europe, America, and Asia) from 2002-2004, Beyond the Sound Barrier finds Wayne Shorter leading the same acoustic-oriented post-bop quartet he led on his 2001 recording, Footprints Live!; Click here for complete review of the album from allmusic.com.

Frank Foster, the legendary saxophonist, composer/arranger, Rest in Peace

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-26T20:35:52Z

Frank Foster, a saxophonist, composer and arranger who helped shape the sound of the Count Basie Orchestra during its popular heyday in the 1950s and ’60s and later led expressive large and small groups of his own, died on Tuesday at his home in Chesapeake, Va. He was 82. Mr. Foster had a varied and highly regarded career as a bandleader, notably with his Loud Minority Big Band, and he was sought after as an arranger for large ensembles. But it was the strength of his contribution to the so-called New Testament edition of the Basie band, from 1953 to 1964, that anchors his place in jazz history. Read complete story from the New York Times.

COMMENTS:

"He's not afraid to be beautiful...How refreshing!" -- Lori O'Brien

"He is my absolute favorite!" --Sem Cohen

"No! Not again." -- Ras Moshe

"The legend and the spirit will live on." --Glenn Bengry

"Sadly another giant has risen to the big swing in the sky." -- Carl Anthony

"Loved him too." -- DJ Sweeney

"Nooo...I was listening to him on a record with Donald Byrd. R.I.P. -- Pepe Ragonese

"He was one of a few key and integral parts of the New Testament Count Basie Orchestra of the 1950's and 1960's. His arrangements and compositions dominated the Basie songbook, and we are ALL better off for having heard them. RIP Frank Foster - MASTER MUSICIAN" -- Stephen Five-Flats Hawthorne

"RIP Maestro. I had the good fortune to have studied with him at Jazz Mobile back in the day...we'll all miss him!" -- Mike Ellis

"RIP to the true genius, maestro and saxman himself Frank Foster!" --Henry Cooper

"Sad day." -- Mark A. Payne

"It is a sad day . . . our jazz giants, and music giants period are leaving us. Ain't but a few left . . . Quincy Jones and Clark Terry to name two. I have not been this sad since Oscar Peterson died. Frank Foster was a genius in his own right. He is already missed.--Stephen Five-Flats Hawthorne

"Memory eternal" -- Rob Rager

"Is a hard lost of Frank Foster!! Descanse En Paz!!" --Julio Rosarios Jr.

"Frank Foster was one of the greatest players and arrangers of our time. Big loss to the world and the jazz community. Rest in peace my friend. Condolences to the family." -- Kim Kalesti

Concert photos from guitarist Assaf Kehati and his band in Boston

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-25T13:14:13Z

These photos just arrived from guitarist Assaf Kehati. His quartet featuring drummer Billy Hart; saxophonist, Donny McCaslin , and bassist, Tamir Shmerling performed July 19th at the Regattabar in Boston featuring compositions by Kehati and Billy Hart.

Photos by Ian McClellan

Assaf Kehati on myspace.com

Trumpeter Donald Byrd -- "Ethiopian Knights"

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-22T17:59:53Z

Right from the stop-start bass groove that opens "The Emperor," it's immediately clear that Ethiopian Knights is more indebted to funk -- not just funky jazz, but the straight-up James Brown/Sly Stone variety -- than any previous Donald Byrd project. And, like a true funk band, Byrd and his group work the same driving, polyrhythmic grooves over and over, making rhythm the focal point of the music. Although the musicians do improvise, their main objective is to keep the grooves pumping, using their solos more to create texture than harmonic complexity. Read complete review from allmusic.com.

Personnel: Donald Byrd (trumpet); Harold Land (tenor saxophone); Thurman Green (trombone); Bobby Hutcherson (vibraphone); William Henderson III (acoustic & electric pianos); Joe Sample (organ); Don Peake, Greg Poree, David T. Walker (guitar); Wilton Felder (electric bass); Edward Greene (drums); Bobbye Porter Hall (congas, tambourine).

James Newton - "If Love" with Billy Hart, Anthony Cox and Mike Cain

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-19T20:08:07Z

James Newton (Composer/Flutist) is one of the world’s true flute virtuosos in numerous musical idioms. His compositions and performances encompass chamber, symphonic, and electronic music genres, compositions for ballet and modern dance, and numerous jazz and world music contexts.

Mr. Newton has been the recipient of many awards, fellowships and grants, including Guggenheim and Rockefeller Fellowships, Montreux Grande Prix Du Disque and Downbeat International Critics Jazz Album of the Year, as well as being voted the top flutist for a record-breaking 23 consecutive years in Downbeat Magazine’s International Critics Poll. Click jamesnewtonmusic.com for more info.

Happy 93rd birthday, Nelson Mandela; celebrating Coltrane

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-18T15:39:46Z

Millions of South African schoolchildren sang to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 93rd birthday Monday, leading a worldwide chorus of wishes sent to the anti-apartheid icon. More than 12 million students sang a special version of "Happy Birthday" before lessons began Monday.Mandela also received birthday greetings from South African leaders including President Jacob Zuma and from U.S. President Barack Obama. In a statement sent Sunday, Obama called Mandela "a beacon for the global community, and for all who work for democracy, justice and reconciliation." Read complete story from the Associated Press.

Stevie Wonder just might have some competition on his hands. We're sure you know of his "Happy Birthday" paean to slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Well, on Monday, an estimated 12 million South African pupils will sing a birthday song to Nelson Mandela. The nationwide sing-along to Madiba on his 93rd birthday is a joint initiative between LeadSA, the Department of Education and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Cape Argus reports. Read complete story from theroot.com.

On the 93rd birthday of Nelson Mandela, a look at his former home Sophiatown, a small conurbation on the western side of Johannesburg which was founded thanks to badly placed sewage works...Read complete story from sabotagetimes.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John William Coltrane died July 17, 1967, from liver cancer at Huntington Hospital in Long Island, NY. He was just 40 years young. Click here to watch the hour-long 1990 documentary The World According To John Coltrane from blogs.indiewire.com.

Pianist and composer Randy Weston -- "Blue Moses"

Pete McConnell — 2011-07-18T14:03:09Z

After contributing six decades of musical direction and genius, Randy Weston remains one of the world's foremost pianists and composers today, a true innovator and visionary. Encompassing the vast rhythmic heritage of Africa, his global creations musically continue to inform and inspire. "Weston has the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk, as well as the richest most inventive beat," states jazz critic Stanley Crouch, "but his art is more than projection and time; it's the result of a studious and inspired intelligence...an intelligence that is creating a fresh synthesis of African elements with jazz technique." Read more on bio, discography and news at randyweston.info.