Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Happy birthday, Freddie!


Guitar great Freddie Green was born March 31, 1911, in Charleston, S.C. His work with Count Basie is legendary -- he's probably the most famous guitarist to have almost never taken a solo.
His approach to comping behind the big band set a high standard for other players, often using techniques that run against conventional wisdom.
For example, guitarists tend to accumulate chord fingerings the way squirrels gather nuts: one can't have too many of them, even if you don't remember exactly where they all are all the time.
Freddie's style relied on the use of three-note chord forms, chords which carry the important harmony for the music -- without the filler of duplicated notes (which often creates a muddier sound).
His mastery of chords and rhythm playing was phenomenal -- check out this quote about Freddie's knowledge from Wes Montgomery (found on allaboutjazz.com's "Musician of the Day" page): “It would be alright, but I don't know that many chords. I'd be loaded if I knew that many. I'd probably go join a (big) band and play rhythm, man, because he's (Freddie) not just playing chords, he's playing a LOT of chords.”
A lot of what he did used common ii-V substitutions ... it ain't rocket science, but it will definitely propel the music!
He achieved this using big, hollow-bodied guitars -- Strombergs, Epiphones and Gretchs measuring as much as 18 inches across the lower bout (by comparison, a Gibson ES-175 runs less than 17 inches).
The bigger box helped give his playing more projection, as did the setup on his guitar. These days, everyone wants their strings as close to the neck as possible, as close as 5/32".
Freddie kept his strings waayyy off the neck -- it also added to the projection but must have been awfully hard to play.

Freddie died in 1987, after taking over the Count Basie Band when Basie died in 1984.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Tom Harrell's new release ... um, rocks?

OK, it's a poor choice of words ...there's no rocking -- just very solid jazz and some great arrangements.
I've been a fan of Harrell's for some time, enjoyed "Forms" but think his new release "Prana Dance" is top-notch. Working with Wayne Escoffery on soprano and tenor saxes; Danny Grissett on keys; Ugonna Okegwo on bass and drummer Johnathan Blake, Herrell's arrangements are fuller than you might expect from a five-piece group.
But he's always been able to convey more than most in his music. I really enjoy the way his and Escoffery's solos weave around the rhythm section. There's a logic to them that's beautiful. The tunes also have a touch of fusion in them, but never stray too far from Harrell's swinging hard bop roots.
The Los Angeles Times aid "What Harrell [does] is spin out improvisational lines filled with instant melodies. Like a lyricist who illuminates phrases with subtle internal rhymes, Harrell's soloing captivates both the hearts and the minds of his listeners."
Helping here is an unusually lush recording -- done at "Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ" on May 29 and June 10 last year, according to jazzloft.com .... "Bennett Studios" ... "Englewood, NJ" ... remind you of anyone?
Harrell's group will be at the Village Vanguard April 7-12.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Kinda cool

The Jazz Studies Center at Columbia University has launched Jazz Studies Online, which offers lots of fun and interesting historical sources for students of jazz.
For example, here's a link to a page where you can download liner notes for a Lenny Tristano recording by Barry Ulanov that appeared in "The Jazz Review."

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Catch local musicians ... "Live from Kennedy Center"

Tonight's "Live from Kennedy Center" on PBS features the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing a range of fresh arrangements of tunes from Duke Ellington (who you might expect from Wynton Marsalis' group) to Thelonius Monk and Oliver Nelson (who you may not).
This incarnation of the group appears every bit as solid musically as the previous versions -- I'm looking forward to hearing them after reading so many praising reviews.
Among the group are several New Jersey based or born players: saxophonist Sherman Irby lives in Vauxhall, while West Orange residents Carlos Henriquez (on bass) and Ali Jackson Jr. (drums) hold down the bottom. Bonesman Vincent Gardner calls Roselle Park home and trumpeter Marcus Printup lives in Maplewood.
Check them all out - check your local listings, too, for when the show is on...

Randy Sandke kicks off area week in jazz

Thursday, March 26

Barge Music's Jazz Night will feature Randy Sandke and Friends (including Nicki Parrott on bass, and pianist Ted Rosenthal) at 8 p.m.Tickets are $25 regular, $20 senior, $15 student for the show on the barge conveniently moored at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn. For reservations and further information, call 718-624-2083 or go to http://www.bargemusic.org/

Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli will be at Shanghai Jazz in Madison. Check the Web site at www.shanghaijazz.com for details.

The Afro Cuban All Stars, featuring singer and guitarist Juan de Marcos (of "Buena Vista Social Club" fame), will be at the Patriots Theater at The War Memorial in Trenton at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $45 -- go to www.state.nj.us/state/divisions/memorial/ to get yours.

Friday, March 27

Guitarist Dick Gratton will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe on main Street in Lawrenceville, with sets at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The Watchung Arts Center announces a dedication concert honoring Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett, performed by the Sarah Jane Cion Quartet at 8 p.m. The center reports "After learning of the tragic accident that took the lives of two celebrated musicians, Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett, it is with great respect that we will be dedicating this performance to their great and lasting memories. Both Mellett and Niewood have played at the Watchung Arts Center and were both to play again; Niewood to play with Cion and Mellett to play with wife Bryson in May. Cion will not be replacing Niewood but will continue on as a Trio. "Sarah Jan Cion, a dynamically spirited pianist, appeared on the NPR radio show "Piano Jazz" with Marian McPartland in 2000. She was the First Place Winner of the 17th Annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition judged by Horace Silver, Kenny Barron, Ellis Marsalis and Benny Green (Jacksonville, FL, 1999). Cion performed in the Kennedy Center's "Women in Jazz Festival" in 1999 and at the Smithsonian Institute's Voice of America Stage in Washington, D.C. in 2001. She has performed with Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Bucky Pizzarelli, Anita O'Day among many others." Tickets for the event are $20 ($18 if you're a member of the arts center).

Javon Jackson will bring his band to Shanghai Jazz for shows Friday and Saturday. The saxophone star has a new CD out, so this should be a great show.

Saturday, March 28

The Princeton High School Jazz Festival begins at 2 p.m. at the school. Enjoy local young musicians, then catch Tierney Sutton at 7 p.m. Tierney Sutton Tickets are on sale now -- $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors.

New Jersey-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Laura Hull will appear at Stone House at Stirling Ridge at 7:30 p.m. Joining her is master jazz accordionist Eddie Monteiro. Stone House at Stirling Ridge is located at 50 Stirling Road in Warren.
Ms. Hull has been described as a savvy jazz stylist with a distinct sound. Her music is drawn from an extensive repertoire of American popular songs, jazz standards, obscure gems, and her original music. Noted Jazz Café host John Bohannon at WRHU Radio in Hempstead, NY says "We're lucky to have a performer such as Laura Hull who has the style and grace to keep this great American music alive."
In addition to her ensemble known as Laura Hull & Her Jazz Gems, she is a member of the Fun Bunch Big Band and serves as featured guest with noted bassist-composer Jon Burr’s 3 For All Trio, among others. Recent appearances include New York City’s Metropolitan Room, Pennsylvania’s Historic Gettysburg Festival, and Trumpets Jazz. Her latest CD, "Take Me Home," has garnered excellent reviews and major radio play. In addition, Ms. Hull recently released "LauRio Live!" a compilation of live performances with pianist Rio Clemente, with whom she has collaborated since 2006.
She'll also be hosting next week's New Jersey Jazz Society Evening of Jazz at Raritan Valley Community College.
Further more information about Ms. Hull, please visit www.LauraHull.com.
For additional information about Stone House, visit www.stonehouseatstirlingridge.com or call 908-754-1222.

Dick Gratton makes his regular appearance at Hightstown's Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer St. Sets at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Somerset Jazz Consortium hosts a jam session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park.

Sunday March 29

The 10-piece Beacon Hill Jazz Band will be at the Watchung Arts Center at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16, $13 for members and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased on line for this concert by going to http://www.watchungarts.org/

Tuesday, March 31

Rhythms of the Night hosts one part of the Somerset Jazz Consortium at 7 p.m. (there's no cover!), while other members of the consortium head to the Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison for a jam session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Musicians: Check out the rules of the road for the sessions before going -- it's here).

Shanghai jazz in Madison will feature pianist Tomoko Ohno, of the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, and the Diva, All-Women Band. Shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 2

New Jersey Jazz Society presents the Rowan University Lanb Band and Big Band at Pfeeger Concert Hall at 8 p.m. -- it's a free show!

Saturday, April 4

The New Jersey Jazz Society is hosting an "Evening of Jazz" featuring Five Play, Vocalist Frank Noviello, Rio Clemente, and Mark O'Connor and His Hot Swing Trio at the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC).
Tickets are $20 and $25 and are available at the RVCC Box Office, click here to order tickets; or by calling 908 218-8867. Music committee chair, and vocalist, Laura Hull, will serve as host for Night of Jazz.

Make your plans now: McCarter Theater in Princeton will host the Blue Note All-Stars April 6, for the Blue Note 70th Anniversary. Performers include Bill Charlap, Peter Bernstein, Ravi Coltrane, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson. Could you ask for anything more?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Jazz society joins RVCC jazz event

Just received this from the New Jersey Jazz Society:
Hullarious Productions will present Night of Jazz at the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in North Branch, at 7 p.m. April 4. This multi-artist show is presented in cooperation with the New Jersey Jazz Society. Tickets are $20 and $25 and are available at the box office by calling 908-725-3420. For details and information please visit the Theatre at RVCC Web site at www.rvccarts.org.
Night of Jazz was conceived in collaboration with the New Jersey Jazz Society. RVCC Artist Director, Alan Liddell, sought out to revive a relationship begun in the early days of the Society when they co-presented a Jazz Cabaret series led by then president, Jack Stine. "We are so pleased to be presenting jazz in cooperation with RVCC. We are really looking forward to this collaboration," said Andrea Tyson, President of NJJS.
Night of Jazz will open with Five Play, created from the world renowned DIVA Jazz Orchestra as a means to feature some of its foremost players. Five Play‘s repertoire is comprised of innovative arrangements of classic and contemporary standards, as well as original music composed by the band’s members. Also on the program is pianist-composer and noted "Bishop of Jazz," Rio Clemente, who will present some of his masterful and improvisational arrangements. Clemente, a favorite in the area, is known for leaving his audiences in awe. Acclaimed vocalist Frank Noviello, a no-nonsense, soulful and swinging jazz vocalist, and the evening’s emcee, vocalist -composer Laura Hull, will be singing and swinging with Five Play’s rhythm section. And, finally, closing the show will be virtuoso Mark O’Connor, who is recognized as one of the finest violinists in the world, earning a Grammy® for best classical cross-over album, "Appalachian Journey." O’Connor’s hot swing jazz performances and compositions pay tribute to his friend and mentor, the legendary French jazz master Stephane Grappelli.
To learn more about the Theatre at RVCC, visit www.rvccarts.org.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Jazz singer coming to high school festival

Tierney Sutton has been working a lot lately, getting lots of deserved attention and acclaim. On Saturday, she'll be visiting Princeton High School for the school's jazz festival. Wouldn't it be great to be able to learn from such musicians so early on? Maybe this kind of exposure will launch the career of the next Jersey jazz great ...
Click here for a video of the Tierney Sutton band.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Spring is here and Bird is back

Lots of great music available this week for fans of jazz music. Here's a rundown of this week's highlights and local offerings:

If you get into the city, catch the Teddy Charles All-Stars tribute to Bird at the Iridium through Tuesday. Special guests include Bob Cranshaw (bass) and Kenny Washington (remember when he was DJing at WBGO between gigs?). Other expected guests include altoist Chris Byars, Richie Vitale (trumpet) and Eddie Bert on bones.

Friday

Guitarist Dick Gratton will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe on main Street in Lawrenceville, with sets at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Trumpets Jazz Club in Monclair has the quartet led by saxman Baron Raymonde ( Kip Sophos, bass; Thierry Arpino, drums; Ed Bishai, keyboards and vocals) joining guitarist Gil Parris.

Saturday

"This is Ragtime," conceived and performed Terry Waldo, will be presented at the Passage Theater, Front and Montgomery streets, Trenton. For ticket or general information, visit http://www.passagetheatre.org/; email info@passagetheatre.org, or call 609-392-0766 and/or 609-392-0318.

Trumpets has jazz and bossa from Yashmin Charnet. She'll be backed by Paul Abler on guitar, John DiMartino on piano, Santi DeBriano on bassand drummer Tim Horner.

Sunday

Rhythms of the Night, on South Main Street in Manville, has John Nobile's 17-piece Summer Swing Orchestra from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dick Gratton makes his regular appearance at Hightstown's Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bistro Soleil, 173 Mercer St. Sets at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Somerset Jazz Consortium hosts a jam session from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park.

Monday

Ed Joffe and the Jersey City State University Jazz Ensemble will be at Trumpets. The NJCU Jazz Ensemble has been performing and recording big band music ranging from Fletcher Henderson to Maria Schneider for 16 years. The band consists of students enrolled in the jazz performance degree offerings at New Jersey City University as well as alumni.

Tuesday

Rhythms of the Night hosts one part of the Somerset Jazz Consortium at 7 p.m. (there's no cover!), while other members of the consortium head to the Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison for a jam session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Musicians: Check out the rules of the road for the sessions before going -- it's at www.somersetjazz.com).

Wednesday

The New Jersey Jazz Society Jazz Film Series will show "Symphony in Riffs," a documentary on Benny Carter narrated by Burt Lancaster. The films will be shown at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main Street in Chatham Boro, starting at 7 p.m.. There is no admission charge, and the programs are open to the general public.

Thursday

Barge Music's Jazz Night will feature Randy Sandke and Friends (including Nicki Parrott on bass, and pianist Ted Rosenthal) at 8 p.m.Tickets are $25 regular, $20 senior, $15 student for the show on the barge conveniently moored at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge in Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn. For reservations and further information, call 718-624-2083 or go to www.bargemusic.org

Guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli will be at Shanghai Jazz in Madison. Check the Web site at www.shanghaijazz.com for details.

The Afro Cuban All Stars, featuring singer and guitarist Juan de Marcos (of "Buena Vista Social Club" fame), will be at the Patriots Theater at The War Memorial in Trenton at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $45 -- go to www.state.nj.us/state/divisions/memorial/ to get yours.

Friday March 27

The Watchung Arts Center announces a dedication concert honoring Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett, performed by the Sarah Jane Cion Quartet at 8 p.m. The center reports "After learning of the tragic accident that took the lives of two celebrated musicians, Gerry Niewood and Coleman Mellett, it is with great respect that we will be dedicating this performance to their great and lasting memories. Both Mellett and Niewood have played at the Watchung Arts Center and were both to play again; Niewood to play with Cion and Mellett to play with wife Bryson in May. Cion will not be replacing Niewood but will continue on as a Trio.

"Sarah Jan Cion, a dynamically spirited pianist, appeared on the NPR radio show "Piano Jazz" with Marian McPartland in 2000. She was the First Place Winner of the 17th Annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition judged by Horace Silver, Kenny Barron, Ellis Marsalis and Benny Green (Jacksonville, FL, 1999). Cion performed in the Kennedy Center's "Women in Jazz Festival" in 1999 and at the Smithsonian Institute's Voice of America Stage in Washington, D.C. in 2001. She has performed with Clark Terry, Etta Jones, Bucky Pizzarelli, Anita O'Day among many others."
Tickets for the event are $20 ($18 if you're a member of the arts center).

Javon Jackson will bring his band to Shanghai Jazz for shows Friday and Saturday. The saxophone star has a new CD out, so this should be a great show.

Sunday March 29
The 10-piece Beacon Hill Jazz Band will be at the Watchung Arts Center at 3 p.m. Tickets are $16, $13 for members and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased on line for this concert by going to www.watchungarts.org

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Great composers steal ...

Igor Stravinsky was reported to have said, "Good composer borrow (ideas from other composers), great composers steal."
Here's proof: Beboppers Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, along with Miles Davis and others, gave us great jazz classics as "Koko," "Groovin' High," and "Donna Lee" by using the chord progressions to popular tunes of the day ("Koko" shares the same progression as "Cherokee," for example).
The new melodies were taken from solos they played to the originals.
Of course, Stravinsky's comment fails us a little when we consider Thelonious Monk, who as far as I can tell, was completely original.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Looking back at Steps Ahead

A friend and I share a love for the music of the fusion band Steps Ahead, fronted by Mike Manieri. I recently discovered some new recordings that are available, predating the first recordings under that name but made by the same members (thanks, emusic!)
Lsitening to the early work, I can hear the development of the band's sound, which to me, culminated in the 1989's "NYC," compositionally speaking. Many of the tracks on the earlier "Modern Times" (1984) are better, with Michael Brecker playing brilliantly on saxophone.
Bendik replaced Brecker by the time "NYC" was recorded.
Of course, I will admit to not having listening to "Modern Times" in quite a while -- it was the last time I lent someone a Steps Ahead album or CD ... I never got it back!

Monday, March 16, 2009

The art of flaming ...

Catching up on posts in a jazz guitar group ... someone commented on the late Tal Farlow, taking a rather critical view of his playing. This naturally led to tons of flaming of the poster, and other guitarists.
I've never understood the need so many people have to take issue of music they don't like -- it's not enough to say you don't like it -- it's got to be that anyone who does like it is ignorant and stupid...
I remember in the 1980s when I realized the grocery store's Muzak system was playing Wes Montgomery and Chuck Mangione -- is there a worse insult to music than to be labeled as Muzak -- yet, here was Muzak playing Wes Montgomery's soulful tunes.
There's no time left to enjoy whatever you like, if you're too busy putting down something you don't.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Hearing things anew

A drummer friend recently discovered the beauty of fusion jazz, so I lent him some old vinyl I have: Weather Report, Return to Forever, etc.
I haven't had a record player for years, so now I may have to go out and buy some of those favorites. He was particularly excited about Weather Report's "Black Market" -- if you haven't heard it, or forgotten it, check it out. It's full of unique and magical rhythms.
Return to Forever's "Romantic Warrior" was another of our favorites -- it's another classic.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Jazz calendar for March 13-20

Friday, March 13:
Guitarist Jim Gratton and bassist Jim McDonough will be at the Chambers Walk Cafe at 2667 Main St., Lawrenceville, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Jim will be back next Friday, too.

Husband-and-wife team Vic Juris and Kate Baker will be at Trumpets in Montclair for two shows tonight, at 8:30 and 10:30. Both are excellent musicians, Mr. Juris among the best guitarists working and Ms. Baker a highly praised vocalist.

Put a little salsa on your weekend: The Tropical All Stars Band Playing will be performing classic salsa, merengue, bachata and more from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Maxine's 2, 120 S. Warren St. in Trenton. There's no admission, it's open to all -- you can get a free salsa dance lesson from 8 p.m. -9 p.m. by dance instructor Jose "Papo" Diaz.

Saturday, March 14:
Support your neighborhood jazz student! Hamilton's Steinert High School is hosting its Jazz Festival 2009, featuring young jazz musicians from several area schools, at 4 p.m. For more information, call 609-631-4150, ext. 3412.

Enjoy the music of Dave Brubeck performed by the Eric Mintel Group at Shanghai Jazz in Madison. It's the 50th anniversary of the release of "Take Five."

Trumpets has harmonica virtuoso, classical guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, composer Enrico Granafei for two shows.

Catch Mulgrew Miller and his Trio at McCarter Theater in Princeton at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 15:
Guitarist Jim Gratton will be at Hightstown's Bistro Soleil Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

John Di Stefano hosts Trumpets' Sunday Brunch from 11:30 a.m. tol 2:30 p.m.
Later, Sarah James (vocals/sax) will host her CD Release party at 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The New Jersey Jazz Society Member Meeting will feature music by pianist Larry Ham and bassist Lee Hudson at 2 p.m. at Trumpets Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair. The meeting is open to non-members for a $10 admission (which could go a long way towards paying your membership, which gets you in these events for free).

The Somerset Jazz Consortium will host a Sunday jam session at PJ's Coffee, 315 Raritan Ave. in Highland Park.

Tuesday, March 17:
Jazz jam at Rhythms of the night on South Main Steet in Manville. www.rhythmsofthenight.com/

Wednesday, March 18:
Vocalist Bill Robinson, accompanied by pianist Betty Liste, will channel Nat "King" Cole
at Shanghai Jazz.


Friday, March 20:
The Bass Boards will be playing at the St. Patrick's Day party at Mangia Bene at the Ramada Hotel on Route 202 in Flemington for 8 p.m. to midnight. For mor eon the band, visit www.myspace.com/thebassboardsbluesband, or www.bassboardsmusic.com


Saturday, March 21:
The West Windsor Arts Council Cabaret will feature a quartet with trumpeter John Henry Goldman, Doug Miller on keyboards, Tom McMillan on bass and Joe Falcey on drums and percussion --- featuring vocalist Laura McMillan -- in concert at the D&R Greenway's Johnson Education Center, off Rosedale Road in Princeton. The event is a benefit to support the renovation of the West Windsor Firehouse into a flourishing center for the arts -- tickets are $75 and can be reserved at www.westwindsorarts.org.

Trenton's Passage Theater Seventh Annual Solo Flights Festival will present "This is Ragtime," conceived and performed Terry Waldo at 8 p.m. Waldo was a student and protoge of the great Eubie Blake -- his performance will include stories of Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, Irving Berlin, and Eubie Blake, whose music ushered in the jazz age of the 20s. Passage Theater, Front and Montgomery streets in Trenton. For ticket or general information, visit http://www.passagetheatre.org/; email info@passagetheatre.org, or call 609-392-0766 and/or 609-392-0318. www.passagetheatre.org/

Highlights from NYC:
There's always so much happening, let's just focus on a highlight or two:
One highlight is certain to be Sunday's Prez Fest 2009 at St. Peter’s Church, 619 Lexington Avenue, at 54th Street. This year's event will be celebrating Billy Strayhorn -- lectures, performances by Randy Weston and Billy Taylor, the saxophonists Billy Harper and Ron Blake, and trumpeter Jimmy Owens. Begins at 4 p.m. (check saintpeters.org for more details). A $20 donation for the church's jazz ministry is requested.

You say "Philly Sound," I hear "Stanley Clarke": Sure, I love the Spinners and the O'Jays (seriously, I do), but when I think of Philly anymore, Stanley Clarke pops to mind. Head to The Blue Note Tuesday and Wednesday if you want to dig what's he up to now.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Jazz calendar for March 6-13

Friday: Heading to the shore? Catch the Dave Stryker Organ Trio as part of the Cape Bank Jazz Festival at Gregory’s in Somer's Point from 10 p.m. -1 a.m. www.gregorysbar.com/

Christian Fabian( Bass), Steve Hunt (Keys), David Bromberg (Drums) and vocalist Lewis Robinson will be at Trumpets in Montclair. http://www.trumpetsjazz.com/

Saturday: Shanghai Jazz in Montclair has the Grammy Nominated Brazilian trumpeter Claudio Roditi and his quartet. http://www.shanghaijazz.com/
Trumpets has percussionist Vinx -- check out his Web site at www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/bio/0,,506031,00.html

Sunday: William Paterson University is hosting a birthday tribute to James Williams, featuring Mulgrew Miller and Friends at 4 p.m., part of the Music Department's Sittin’ In Meet-the-Artist Session (which begins at 3 p.m.). Admission: $15 standard; $12 senior citizens and members of the William Paterson community, $8 students. At the Shea Center for Performing Arts, 300 Pompton Road in Wayne.

Guitarist Jim Gratton will be at Hightstown's Bistro Soleil Sunday Jazz Brunch, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Baritone Saxophonist Shane K. Zwiebel leads the 15-piece Fun Bunch Big Band, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Trumpets.

The Somerset Jazz Consortium will host a Sunday jam session at PJ's Coffee, 315 Raritan Ave. in Highland Park.

Tuesday: Jazz jam at Rhythms of the night on South Main Steet in Manville. http://www.rhythmsofthenight.com/

Shanghai Jazz has John Zweig (guitar) and Steve Freeman (bass). http://www.shanghaijazz.com/

Wednesday: Love Billie Holiday? Check out Suzanne Douglas, with Don Braden, at Shanghai Jazz. in Madison. Love Ellington? Catch the Duke Ellington Legacy Band at Trumpets tonight.

Thursday: The Morris Nanton Trio, with Norman Edge on bass, at Shanghai Jazz.

What if Frank had done this?

From the Associated Press:
"RALEIGH, N.C. — Jazz great and North Carolina resident Branford Marsalis wanted to lobby the state Legislature, but he couldn't stay out of the spotlight.
The Grammy-winning Durham resident said he visited the General Assembly on Thursday to lobby on behalf of the North Carolina Symphony. He is a member of the symphony's Board of Trustees.
Senate leaders invited Marsalis to join them on the legislative floor, where he was given a North Carolina flag and posed for photos with lawmakers.
Marsalis said he would have brought his saxophone to the Legislature if he'd known he would be in front of a microphone.
He also said he would have given senators copies of "American Spectrum," the symphony's first commercial recording on which Marsalis performs, but feared the gift would violate legislative ethics laws."

I hope Branford is successful in his lobbying, and it inspires our New Jersey jazzers to do some lobbying. Who knows what Frank Sinatra, Count Basie or Dizzie Gillespie could have gotten New Jersey legislators to do ... what if a contingent of our current jazzbo residents marched on Trenton? You'd have Phil Woods, Bucky Pizzarelli, Richie Cole, Keith Jarrett, George Benson, Clark Terry, Steve Turre ... there's too many. Maybe the rest of us should step up to the plate to lobby on behalf of the tremendous place New Jersey has in jazz history.

Monday, March 2, 2009

So what?

It was 50 years ago today, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Billy Cobb began recording "Kind of Blue," often cited as the best-selling jazz recording of all time.
Work began at Columbia Record's studio on 30th Street at 2:30 p.m. and continued until 9 p.m. that night, with a 90-minute break. They recorded "So What," "Freddie Freeloader" and "Blue in Green." A final session on April 22 captured the other two tracks, "All Blues" and "Flamenco Sketches."
One of the delights of "Kind of Blue" is its lack of perfection -- the solos are often rough, you can hear Adderly and Coltrane stumbling here and there. Ashley Kahn noted in his amazing book on the recording Davis was upset at Coltrane for soloing in G instead of D minor on "All Blues."
But what a marvelous work it is -- setting a mood unlike any other recording, so accessible and yet intriguing. The opening bass line on "So what?" so memorable -- a perfect setup for the piano and horns' response: "So what?"