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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
More on big bands ...
As I noted in my last blog, big bands are hard to sustain these days, but that doesn't mean you won't find some outside of your closest high school or college.
In fact, there are several bands trying to make a go of it in our neighborhood -- you can help by getting out and supporting local musicians.
The 17-piece Jazz Celebration Big Band, fronted by Paul Morris and featuring vocalist Claudia Perry (his wife), has been working hard on making big band music available for local fans. The band will be at Poco's Comedy Cabaret at 625 N. Main, Doylestown, at 8 p.m. May 28, where they're looking to prove area fans will support their music. The cover is low ($10), so make a note to show up.
John Nobile's Hunterdon County-based SummerSwing Orchestra can often be found playing in Somerville and Manville. The band has performed at The Rhythms of the Night nighclub in Manville several times this year -- and will be back June 28, and ie a regular at the Indigo Ballroom in Somerville -- catch the orchetsra there on May 23.
You can also enjoy the SummerSwing Orchestra June 5 in Somerville on the lawn of the historic courthouse.
Big bands are labors of love, requiring hours of practice and dedication by the musicians. There's some powerful medicine in the power and beauty a larger group of musicians can summon -- check it out and you'll see for yourself.
In fact, there are several bands trying to make a go of it in our neighborhood -- you can help by getting out and supporting local musicians.
The 17-piece Jazz Celebration Big Band, fronted by Paul Morris and featuring vocalist Claudia Perry (his wife), has been working hard on making big band music available for local fans. The band will be at Poco's Comedy Cabaret at 625 N. Main, Doylestown, at 8 p.m. May 28, where they're looking to prove area fans will support their music. The cover is low ($10), so make a note to show up.
John Nobile's Hunterdon County-based SummerSwing Orchestra can often be found playing in Somerville and Manville. The band has performed at The Rhythms of the Night nighclub in Manville several times this year -- and will be back June 28, and ie a regular at the Indigo Ballroom in Somerville -- catch the orchetsra there on May 23.
You can also enjoy the SummerSwing Orchestra June 5 in Somerville on the lawn of the historic courthouse.
Big bands are labors of love, requiring hours of practice and dedication by the musicians. There's some powerful medicine in the power and beauty a larger group of musicians can summon -- check it out and you'll see for yourself.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Diggin' the big bands
As much as I like the classic small combos of Miles Davis or Art Blakey, big bands can really get me excited. I haven't played in a large band setting since college, but being part of such a big, noisy machine is a powerful experience.
Big bands are pretty rare these days, the costs of maintaining them is just too high. But there are a few -- Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is one.
Most of the time, you'll find special one or two-date bands assembled and recorded. Gerald Wilson never fails to deliver great music this way.
Recently, I've been listening to some re-issued big bands that I'm really enjoying --- I'm not talking about Basie or Ellington, although they were terrific.
No - we're moving into more modern territory. Compositionally.
For example, remember Jaco Pastorius' Word of Mouth Big Band? They recorded a couple of fantastic releases. Some of the tracks are like Weather Report -- but with less Joe Zawinul and more horns ... and Jaco bouncing along underneath.
In 2003, trumpeter Randy Brecker led a big band, with brother Michael, recorded a German date released as "Some Skunk Funk" that shows how wonderfully talented the Brecker Brothers were. If their earlier fusion scared you -- don't be put off: this is a marvelous fast-paced, big band outing.
Speaking of fusion: I recently listened to Frank Zappa's "Grand Wazoo," which has all of his trademarks. That is to say, you'll find lots of wooden marimba sounds, bells, incredible harmonies and quirky rhythms that made Zappa Zappa. I know Zappa viewed the Grand Wazoo as a big band for his compositional ideas, but I'm not certain it's got quite enough to really be a big band ... maybe like a nonet, with guitar, bass, synthesizer, drums, tenor and baritone saxes, and always a few other, unexpected surprises. If you haven't listened to The Grand Wazoo, check out "Blessed Relief" or "Eat that Question."
Big bands are pretty rare these days, the costs of maintaining them is just too high. But there are a few -- Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is one.
Most of the time, you'll find special one or two-date bands assembled and recorded. Gerald Wilson never fails to deliver great music this way.
Recently, I've been listening to some re-issued big bands that I'm really enjoying --- I'm not talking about Basie or Ellington, although they were terrific.
No - we're moving into more modern territory. Compositionally.
For example, remember Jaco Pastorius' Word of Mouth Big Band? They recorded a couple of fantastic releases. Some of the tracks are like Weather Report -- but with less Joe Zawinul and more horns ... and Jaco bouncing along underneath.
In 2003, trumpeter Randy Brecker led a big band, with brother Michael, recorded a German date released as "Some Skunk Funk" that shows how wonderfully talented the Brecker Brothers were. If their earlier fusion scared you -- don't be put off: this is a marvelous fast-paced, big band outing.
Speaking of fusion: I recently listened to Frank Zappa's "Grand Wazoo," which has all of his trademarks. That is to say, you'll find lots of wooden marimba sounds, bells, incredible harmonies and quirky rhythms that made Zappa Zappa. I know Zappa viewed the Grand Wazoo as a big band for his compositional ideas, but I'm not certain it's got quite enough to really be a big band ... maybe like a nonet, with guitar, bass, synthesizer, drums, tenor and baritone saxes, and always a few other, unexpected surprises. If you haven't listened to The Grand Wazoo, check out "Blessed Relief" or "Eat that Question."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May showers bring jazz by the hours ...
Your Augmented Ear calendar for the week ...
Thursday, May 7
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Princeton University Sinfonia will conclude its 2008—2009 season at 8 p.m. May 7 with the premiere of Princeton-area composer Laurie Altman’s jazz-influenced work In Another Time, as well as several orchestra favorites. The orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will be joined by Fuma Sacra, a professional vocal ensemble directed by Andrew Megill, guitarist Nate Radley, and the Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Anthony D.J. Branker. In Another Time was commissioned and supported by the Lewis Center for the Arts, the Princeton University Jazz Program, and the Princeton University Music Department. Tickets for the concert are $5 and seating is general admission. For tickets call 609-258-9220 or order online at www.princeton.edu/utickets.
The Cornelia Street Café at 29 Cornelia St. in New York has a special ECM release event at 8:30 p.m. featuring Theo Bleckmann and the Ben Monder Duo and Cyminology. I had the pleasure of interviewing Cymin Samawatie of Cyminology for AllAboutJazz.com, as well as enjoy the band’s new ECM release “As Ney.” There’s a beautiful and compelling blend of harmonies in the compositions, which are spellbinding with Ms. Samawatie’s Farsi-language poetry. I’m hoping this band catches on – they’re talented and skilled, with an original sound.
Friday, May 8
Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair has the Houston Person Quartet tonight and tomorrow night. There’s a $20 cover and $12 minimum. Get details at www.trumpetsjazz.com.
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 Trenton Marriott at 1 West Lafayette, always features live jazz music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No cover.
Steakhouse 85 , 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
Duane Eubanks will be at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St., Trenton, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble will present “Celebrating Jazz at Princeton University: 35 Years and into the Future,” billed as “the beginning of a yearlong anniversary salute to the Princeton University Jazz Ensembles featuring Jazz Program Alumni.” The Concert Jazz Ensemble will perform the works of Herbie Hancock, Bob Brookmeyer, Ryan Kisor, Pat Metheny, and Freddie Hubbard while several alumni from the university jazz program will be spotlighted in small group settings including trumpeter Eli Asher; pianists Keigo Hirakawa, Julia Brav, and Vivek Mathew; saxophonist Ben Wasserman; bassists Julian Rosse, Dean Reynolds, and Dan Ryan; as well as the Klez Dispensers featuring Adrian Banner, Ben Holmes, Amy Zakar, and Audrey Welber. It’s set for Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 ($5 for students) and may be purchased at the Box Office in Alexander Hall. For more information, call 609-258-5000 or go to www.princeton.edu/~richaud
McCarter Theater will feature Tiempo Libre and the Conga Kings at 8 p.m. The theater’s Webs ite says “The music of Tiempo Libre explodes in dance floor ecstasy, and the band is renowned for its incendiary performances of timba – that mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. With two Grammy nominations already, Tiempo is the first authentic all-Cuban timba band in the USA.” Can you say, “Ticketes, por favor?” Click here to get your tickets. http://www.mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=4395
Steakhouse 85 , 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 10
Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village has a jazz brunch, with live music, starting this weekend. The brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 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.
The Darla Rich Quartet will be appearing in the Starlight Room at the Hopewell Valley Inn on East Broad Street in Hopewell from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., part of the Inn’s Mother’s Day brunch. Call 609-466-9889 for reservations … then call mom.
The fifth annual Barn Dance to benefit the New Jersey Conservation Society will feature pianist Fred Miller, 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, at Brook Hollow Farm barn in Sergeantsville. Tickets are $100.
Monday, May 11
In case you forgot – you can still see Les Paul and his trio at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Iridium. What a legend!
Tuesday, May 12
Steakhouse 85, 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
Dick Gratton will perform for the Trenton Downtown Association - Wednesday on Warren event, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Warren Street between State and Front streets, in Trenton.
Thursday, May 7
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Princeton University Sinfonia will conclude its 2008—2009 season at 8 p.m. May 7 with the premiere of Princeton-area composer Laurie Altman’s jazz-influenced work In Another Time, as well as several orchestra favorites. The orchestra, conducted by Ruth Ochs, will be joined by Fuma Sacra, a professional vocal ensemble directed by Andrew Megill, guitarist Nate Radley, and the Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Anthony D.J. Branker. In Another Time was commissioned and supported by the Lewis Center for the Arts, the Princeton University Jazz Program, and the Princeton University Music Department. Tickets for the concert are $5 and seating is general admission. For tickets call 609-258-9220 or order online at www.princeton.edu/utickets.
The Cornelia Street Café at 29 Cornelia St. in New York has a special ECM release event at 8:30 p.m. featuring Theo Bleckmann and the Ben Monder Duo and Cyminology. I had the pleasure of interviewing Cymin Samawatie of Cyminology for AllAboutJazz.com, as well as enjoy the band’s new ECM release “As Ney.” There’s a beautiful and compelling blend of harmonies in the compositions, which are spellbinding with Ms. Samawatie’s Farsi-language poetry. I’m hoping this band catches on – they’re talented and skilled, with an original sound.
Friday, May 8
Trumpets Jazz Club in Montclair has the Houston Person Quartet tonight and tomorrow night. There’s a $20 cover and $12 minimum. Get details at www.trumpetsjazz.com.
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 Trenton Marriott at 1 West Lafayette, always features live jazz music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. No cover.
Steakhouse 85 , 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 9
Duane Eubanks will be at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St., Trenton, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Princeton University Concert Jazz Ensemble will present “Celebrating Jazz at Princeton University: 35 Years and into the Future,” billed as “the beginning of a yearlong anniversary salute to the Princeton University Jazz Ensembles featuring Jazz Program Alumni.” The Concert Jazz Ensemble will perform the works of Herbie Hancock, Bob Brookmeyer, Ryan Kisor, Pat Metheny, and Freddie Hubbard while several alumni from the university jazz program will be spotlighted in small group settings including trumpeter Eli Asher; pianists Keigo Hirakawa, Julia Brav, and Vivek Mathew; saxophonist Ben Wasserman; bassists Julian Rosse, Dean Reynolds, and Dan Ryan; as well as the Klez Dispensers featuring Adrian Banner, Ben Holmes, Amy Zakar, and Audrey Welber. It’s set for Richardson Auditorium in Alexander Hall at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 ($5 for students) and may be purchased at the Box Office in Alexander Hall. For more information, call 609-258-5000 or go to www.princeton.edu/~richaud
McCarter Theater will feature Tiempo Libre and the Conga Kings at 8 p.m. The theater’s Webs ite says “The music of Tiempo Libre explodes in dance floor ecstasy, and the band is renowned for its incendiary performances of timba – that mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. With two Grammy nominations already, Tiempo is the first authentic all-Cuban timba band in the USA.” Can you say, “Ticketes, por favor?” Click here to get your tickets. http://www.mccarter.org/ticketoffice/eventdetail.aspx?page_id=7&event_id=4395
Steakhouse 85 , 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 10
Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village has a jazz brunch, with live music, starting this weekend. The brunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 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.
The Darla Rich Quartet will be appearing in the Starlight Room at the Hopewell Valley Inn on East Broad Street in Hopewell from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., part of the Inn’s Mother’s Day brunch. Call 609-466-9889 for reservations … then call mom.
The fifth annual Barn Dance to benefit the New Jersey Conservation Society will feature pianist Fred Miller, 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, at Brook Hollow Farm barn in Sergeantsville. Tickets are $100.
Monday, May 11
In case you forgot – you can still see Les Paul and his trio at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Iridium. What a legend!
Tuesday, May 12
Steakhouse 85, 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
Dick Gratton will perform for the Trenton Downtown Association - Wednesday on Warren event, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Warren Street between State and Front streets, in Trenton.
Friday, May 1, 2009
We miss you, Art
The University of Hartford is hosting a tribute to Art Blakey on May 22, featuring The Jazz Messengers All Star Band -- Mulgrew Miller, Javon Jackson, Carl Allen, Steve Davis, Eddie Henderson and Nat Reeves.
That's an impressive lineup, but no where near the amazing lineups Blakey assembled through his career and during the 40 years of Jazz Messengers he led.
When Mulgrew Miller was a Messenger in 1984, he played along with Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Jean Toussaint and Lonnie Plaxico.
Javon played with Kenny Garrett and Wallace Roney, Robin Eubanks and Terrence Blanchard during his time with Blakey.
And Henderson was alongside Jackie McLean, Curtis Fuller, Cedar Walton, Airto Moreira and Valery Ponomarev while a Messenger in 1979.
From the first iteration of the Messengers through the last, Blakey surrounded himself with amazing musicians -- he often stole them from other bands and leaders, but it wasn't hard for him to do: The Jazz Messengers meant steady gigs, good pay, prestige and the opportunity to compose -- no, the expectation of composing.
Along the way, Wayne Shorter pinpointed his voice and Wynton Marsalis found his passion. Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham, Cedar Walton, Eddie Gomez, Chuck Mangione, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Woody Shaw, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke, Olu Dara and dozens more have all testified on the stage with Art Blakey behind them.
It's the history of modern jazz ... a creative force driving the progress of jazz through the 60s and 70s and 80s as forcefully as an Art Blakey snare roll and double kick on the bass ...
You really can't go wrong with a Blakey recording -- what's your favorite? I've been listening to Reflections on Buhania (1957), Ugetsu (1963) and Straight Ahead (1981) -- all full of great music.
It would be great to get to the Hartford show, but I doubt I will -- I'll have to content myself by putting some more Blakey music on my MP3 player.
That's an impressive lineup, but no where near the amazing lineups Blakey assembled through his career and during the 40 years of Jazz Messengers he led.
When Mulgrew Miller was a Messenger in 1984, he played along with Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Jean Toussaint and Lonnie Plaxico.
Javon played with Kenny Garrett and Wallace Roney, Robin Eubanks and Terrence Blanchard during his time with Blakey.
And Henderson was alongside Jackie McLean, Curtis Fuller, Cedar Walton, Airto Moreira and Valery Ponomarev while a Messenger in 1979.
From the first iteration of the Messengers through the last, Blakey surrounded himself with amazing musicians -- he often stole them from other bands and leaders, but it wasn't hard for him to do: The Jazz Messengers meant steady gigs, good pay, prestige and the opportunity to compose -- no, the expectation of composing.
Along the way, Wayne Shorter pinpointed his voice and Wynton Marsalis found his passion. Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Dorham, Cedar Walton, Eddie Gomez, Chuck Mangione, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Woody Shaw, Randy Brecker, Stanley Clarke, Olu Dara and dozens more have all testified on the stage with Art Blakey behind them.
It's the history of modern jazz ... a creative force driving the progress of jazz through the 60s and 70s and 80s as forcefully as an Art Blakey snare roll and double kick on the bass ...
You really can't go wrong with a Blakey recording -- what's your favorite? I've been listening to Reflections on Buhania (1957), Ugetsu (1963) and Straight Ahead (1981) -- all full of great music.
It would be great to get to the Hartford show, but I doubt I will -- I'll have to content myself by putting some more Blakey music on my MP3 player.
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