If you enjoy big band music, there are precious few opportunities to hear one outside of New York City.
One regular exception is the Jazz Celebration Big Band, which performs (almost) monthly at the Temperance House in Newtown, Pa. -- and will at 8 p.m. April 29.
The band will also have an added attraction: former Woody Herman saxophonist Larry McKenna. As Cadence magazine noted in a review of one of McKenna's releases, he shows "the skills and stylistic mannerisms that earned him a spot in the 1959 Woody Herman band and the high esteem of his home city's Jazz community."
Reserve tickets now for this event, which often sells out -- even without headliners like McKenna -- thanks to the band's quality and vocalist Claudia Perry.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Jazz writers pick award nominees
The Jazz Journalists Association announced the finalists for the 2010 Jazz Awards, with a nice mix of young and old musicians in the list of the nominated.
Some of the newer names worth checking out are bandleader Darcy James Argue (who garnered nominations in five categories (Up & Coming Artist of the Year, Composer, Arranger, Big Band for his Secret Society and Record of the Year) and Vijay Iyer (nominated for Musician of the Year, Composer, Record, Small Ensemble and Pianist).
Lifetime Achievement in Jazz nominees include Muhal Richard Abrams, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Wayne Shorter and Randy Weston -- and how James Moody and especially Wayne Shorter haven't already been awarded this honor must be a bit of an embarassment for the JJA. From Art Blakey to Weather Report, Shorter was a great contributor to the sound of jazz in the '60s to the '80s. Any self-respecting musician should know at least a handful of Shorter's compositions.
Nominees for Record of the Year include Argue's "Infernal Machines" and the Vijay Iyer Trio's "Historicity," and "Travail, Transformation and Flow" by the Steve Lehman Octet, "Folk Art" by Joe Lovano, Henry Threadgill's "This Brings Us To" and "Esta Plena" by Miguel Zenón.
New Jersey is well represented on the list -- with Bucky Pizzarelli up for Guitarist of the Year honors, and two WBGO hosts nominated for the Willis Conover-Marian McPartland Award for Broadcasting: Josh Jackson, for his "The Checkout -- Live at the Village Vanguard" program and (naturally) Gary Walker's "Morning Jazz."
Before the winners are announced, check out the nominees you haven't heard -- I guarantee you'll find some excellent jazz.
Some of the newer names worth checking out are bandleader Darcy James Argue (who garnered nominations in five categories (Up & Coming Artist of the Year, Composer, Arranger, Big Band for his Secret Society and Record of the Year) and Vijay Iyer (nominated for Musician of the Year, Composer, Record, Small Ensemble and Pianist).
Lifetime Achievement in Jazz nominees include Muhal Richard Abrams, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Wayne Shorter and Randy Weston -- and how James Moody and especially Wayne Shorter haven't already been awarded this honor must be a bit of an embarassment for the JJA. From Art Blakey to Weather Report, Shorter was a great contributor to the sound of jazz in the '60s to the '80s. Any self-respecting musician should know at least a handful of Shorter's compositions.
Nominees for Record of the Year include Argue's "Infernal Machines" and the Vijay Iyer Trio's "Historicity," and "Travail, Transformation and Flow" by the Steve Lehman Octet, "Folk Art" by Joe Lovano, Henry Threadgill's "This Brings Us To" and "Esta Plena" by Miguel Zenón.
New Jersey is well represented on the list -- with Bucky Pizzarelli up for Guitarist of the Year honors, and two WBGO hosts nominated for the Willis Conover-Marian McPartland Award for Broadcasting: Josh Jackson, for his "The Checkout -- Live at the Village Vanguard" program and (naturally) Gary Walker's "Morning Jazz."
Before the winners are announced, check out the nominees you haven't heard -- I guarantee you'll find some excellent jazz.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Shows to see this week
I haven't been able to stay current with all of the great performances these days, but here are a few Central Jersey Jazz highlights to check out:
The John Bianculli Trio with Earl Sauls on bass and Taro Okamoto on drums will be at Steakhouse 85 on Church Street in New Brunswick from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Philadelphia-based Ellipsis will be at Small World Coffee on Witherspoon Avenue in Princeton, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Stryker-Slagle (that's Dave Stryker and Steve Slagle) are featured at Trumpets Jazz in Montclair, Saturday.
Bucky Pizzarelli should be declared some kind of national treasure -- see why when he plays at Shanghai Jazz Wednesday night.
And guitarist Dick Gratton is featured in Lawrenceville twice this week: Friday at Chambers Walk Cafe and Saturday at Amalfi's.
Get out and enjoy live jazz this week.
The John Bianculli Trio with Earl Sauls on bass and Taro Okamoto on drums will be at Steakhouse 85 on Church Street in New Brunswick from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
Philadelphia-based Ellipsis will be at Small World Coffee on Witherspoon Avenue in Princeton, 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Stryker-Slagle (that's Dave Stryker and Steve Slagle) are featured at Trumpets Jazz in Montclair, Saturday.
Bucky Pizzarelli should be declared some kind of national treasure -- see why when he plays at Shanghai Jazz Wednesday night.
And guitarist Dick Gratton is featured in Lawrenceville twice this week: Friday at Chambers Walk Cafe and Saturday at Amalfi's.
Get out and enjoy live jazz this week.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March: in like a jazz lion
Thursday, March 11
Join the fun at the Hopewell Inn with the jazz jam lead by Jim Popik, of Black Diamond Jazz. Bring your horn, ax or sticks anytime after 8 p.m.
Friday, March 12
The John Bianculli Trio, with vocalist Jackie Jones will be at Christopher’s at the Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Dick Gratton is at the Chambers Walk Café in Lawrenceville from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays.
If you’re a fan of guitarist Dave Stryker, you’ll be glad to know he’s got a new CD out, One for Reedus (Steeplechase, 2010) -- head to Cecil’s in West Orange from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. for the CD release gig. Appearing with him are Jared Gold on organ, and drummer Steve Williams.
Jerry Vivino brings his quartet to Shanghai Jazz in Madison tonight. It’ll be a good time – although he might be playing more blues since the gig with Conan ended …
Sarah Partridge
sings for the crowd at Hibiscus Restaurant at tonight’s Jazz Friday show, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Eryn Shewell may be New Jersey’s next “big thing”: her compositions cover everything from folk to R&B; her voice moves from Norah Jones smooth to Janice Joplin rough … when matched with her guitar chops and terrific band, it’s a rich combination. You can catch her at Giamano’s Restaurant in Bradley Beach at 8 p.m. tonight.
Guitarist Jim DeAngelis will be at Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne at 7:30 p.m. tonight with Jake Kulik, Lady Ci Ci and Don Williams.
Saturday, March 13
Pepe Moralli is this week’s featured jazz disciple at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St. in Trenton, today. Music starts at 3 p.m.
Rio Clemente will be performing at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with Carmine and Dorayne Lombardo at The Bickford Theater in Morristown.
Call 973-971-3706 to purchase tickets.
Gordon James will spice up the offerings on Princeton’s Salt Creek Grille menu. Stop in from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and catch Gordon with his bandmates, Richard Cummings on piano, Chris Plunkett on bass, and Al Johnson on drums.
Sunday, March 14
The Brook Arts Center, in Bound Brook, is hosting an afternoon jazz event with guitarist Joel Perry at 3p.m. Tickets are $10 per person in advance ($15 at the door) and may be purchased at www.ticketweb.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at Mama Rosina’s Restaurant at the Bound Brook Train Station, or by calling the theatre at 732-469-7700. Perry has played with Lavern Baker, Joni Mitchell, Herb Ellis, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Foster and Ken Peplowski. His quartet will include Nick Scheuble on drums; Bill Crow on bass and vocalist Frank Noviello.
Pam Purvis, Bob Ackerman and Matt Chertkoff are at Cecil’s in West Orange at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 15
McCoy Tyner comes to Princeton's McCarter Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. Monday night gig with Gonzalo Rubalcaba.
Jim Jasion and His Jazz (the Somerset Jazz Consortium Horn Squad) will be at Home Town Buffet, 561 US Highway 1, Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16
Ron Oswanski tickles the keys on his Hammond B3 at the Hibiscus Restaurant Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortiumjam session lead by Jim Jasion has moved to the Subterranean Recording Studios in Edison. Call Jim if you’re interested in joining -- 732-325-7464.
Wednesday, March 17
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Vocalist Margie Notte entertains at Libretti’s Restaurant, 554 Orange St. in Orange, at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
Join the fun at the Hopewell Inn with the jazz jam lead by Jim Popik, of Black Diamond Jazz. Bring your horn, ax or sticks anytime after 8 p.m.
Friday, March 12
The John Bianculli Trio, with vocalist Jackie Jones will be at Christopher’s at the Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Dick Gratton is at the Chambers Walk Café in Lawrenceville from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays.
If you’re a fan of guitarist Dave Stryker, you’ll be glad to know he’s got a new CD out, One for Reedus (Steeplechase, 2010) -- head to Cecil’s in West Orange from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. for the CD release gig. Appearing with him are Jared Gold on organ, and drummer Steve Williams.
Jerry Vivino brings his quartet to Shanghai Jazz in Madison tonight. It’ll be a good time – although he might be playing more blues since the gig with Conan ended …
Sarah Partridge
sings for the crowd at Hibiscus Restaurant at tonight’s Jazz Friday show, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Eryn Shewell may be New Jersey’s next “big thing”: her compositions cover everything from folk to R&B; her voice moves from Norah Jones smooth to Janice Joplin rough … when matched with her guitar chops and terrific band, it’s a rich combination. You can catch her at Giamano’s Restaurant in Bradley Beach at 8 p.m. tonight.
Guitarist Jim DeAngelis will be at Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne at 7:30 p.m. tonight with Jake Kulik, Lady Ci Ci and Don Williams.
Saturday, March 13
Pepe Moralli is this week’s featured jazz disciple at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St. in Trenton, today. Music starts at 3 p.m.
Rio Clemente will be performing at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. with Carmine and Dorayne Lombardo at The Bickford Theater in Morristown.
Call 973-971-3706 to purchase tickets.
Gordon James will spice up the offerings on Princeton’s Salt Creek Grille menu. Stop in from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and catch Gordon with his bandmates, Richard Cummings on piano, Chris Plunkett on bass, and Al Johnson on drums.
Sunday, March 14
The Brook Arts Center, in Bound Brook, is hosting an afternoon jazz event with guitarist Joel Perry at 3p.m. Tickets are $10 per person in advance ($15 at the door) and may be purchased at www.ticketweb.com, www.ticketmaster.com, at Mama Rosina’s Restaurant at the Bound Brook Train Station, or by calling the theatre at 732-469-7700. Perry has played with Lavern Baker, Joni Mitchell, Herb Ellis, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Foster and Ken Peplowski. His quartet will include Nick Scheuble on drums; Bill Crow on bass and vocalist Frank Noviello.
Pam Purvis, Bob Ackerman and Matt Chertkoff are at Cecil’s in West Orange at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 15
McCoy Tyner comes to Princeton's McCarter Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. Monday night gig with Gonzalo Rubalcaba.
Jim Jasion and His Jazz (the Somerset Jazz Consortium Horn Squad) will be at Home Town Buffet, 561 US Highway 1, Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16
Ron Oswanski tickles the keys on his Hammond B3 at the Hibiscus Restaurant Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortiumjam session lead by Jim Jasion has moved to the Subterranean Recording Studios in Edison. Call Jim if you’re interested in joining -- 732-325-7464.
Wednesday, March 17
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Vocalist Margie Notte entertains at Libretti’s Restaurant, 554 Orange St. in Orange, at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Here's a movie to look for
Eric Reed and Stacy Dillard are testing out their acting chops in a new movie in production called "Chaography," which looks to be a fresh take on jazz music. Director Doug Chang is putting the film together, mixing stories his father told of the old Jazz Gallery Club in New York, with the thoughts and words of real-life musicians like Reed and Dillard.
To avoid falling prey to big studios' preconceived notions of jazz and jazz musicians -- think "Bird" and "'Round Midnight" -- Chang is working with a new business model (act fast and you too can be a co-producer!). Read R.J. DeLuke's story about it at AllAboutJazz.com.
To avoid falling prey to big studios' preconceived notions of jazz and jazz musicians -- think "Bird" and "'Round Midnight" -- Chang is working with a new business model (act fast and you too can be a co-producer!). Read R.J. DeLuke's story about it at AllAboutJazz.com.
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