Thursday, Sept. 17
John Henry Goldman and his friends have a standing Thursday night at 800 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction. Come and listen at 6:45 p.m., 7:45 p.m. or 8:45 p.m. The suggested donation of $5 helps defray some of the expenses at the studio. Send John a note if you need more info: johnhenrygoldman@straightjazz.com, or call 609-610-1655.
Gordon James hoped to be at Scampi’s Restaurant in Somerville tonight, but someone misread their calendar and double-booked the room. So, plan on catching him next Thursday with singer Lauren Hooker.
The Jazz Celebration Big Band is back at the Temperance House in Newtown, Pa., from 8 - 10 p.m. They offer classic big band jazz, which you can enjoy with great food and drink. Reservations are recommended: call 215-860-9975 to book yours.
Trumpeter Ted Curson hosts Trumpets Jazz Club’s Thursday night jam session, if you’re looking to get out of your woodshed. For more information, click here.
Friday, Sept. 18
Rio Clemente will be at Casa Bella Restaurant, 304 Route 46 in Denville, with vocalist Elena Zabyako 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Call 973-627-2003 for information.
The Marriott in Trenton, 1 West Lafayette, will have live jazz from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19
Andrew Beal visits this week’s meeting of the Jazz Disciples, 2 p.m. at Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St. in Trenton.
Darla and Rich Tarpinian return to the Starlight Room at Hopewell Valley Inn, 15 E. Broad St. in Hopewell. Hear them from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20
John Nobile's Summerswing Orchestra will be appearing at Rhythms in the Night, 729 S. Main St. in Manville, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There’s a $10 cover charge, and it’s bets to call ahead for reservations (908-707-8757).
The Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village jazz brunch with live music runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam session at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park is a great place to meet musicians – or join the band. They play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday.
Monday, Aug. 21
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, Aug. 22
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam 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, Aug. 23
The New Jersey Jazz Society film series continues with "Jazz on a Summer's Day," a documentary of the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival featuring performances by Anita O'Day, Mahalia Jackson, Thelonious Monk and Louis Armstrong. The show will be presented at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St. in Chatham Boro, starting at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge, and the programs are open to the general public.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Grover’s Mill Coffeehouse, 295 Route 571 (West Windsor-Hightstown Road), hosts jazz by Straight on Red at 7:30 p.m.
Don't forget Gordon James and Lauren Hooker at Scampi's ...
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Jimmy Heath ... still bopping at 83
 |
| From Jimmy heath at Somerville Jazz Festival, Sept. 13, 2009 |
After an introduction by Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher, Jimmy Heath capped the festival with some spot-on playing. He moved easily between Calypso and post-bop rhythms, and danced and smiled for the audience while his band took solo turns.
Before playing, Heath admitted he was entering his sixth decade on jazz circuits but you may not have known that from his playing. He's slowed a bit for sure, but his tone was full and his lines were lively and melodic.
There may not words like "retirement" in jazz musicians' vocabularies, but when one can still play and have as much fun doing it as Jimmy Heath seemed to be having Sunday ... why would you?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Feast on this
After two weeks out of state, it's great to be back in time for a weekend of jazz. We've not only got a full slate of great jazz performances in the clubs (and the South Brunswick Library), but two open air festivals, the Princeton Jazz Feast Saturday and Sunday's Somerville Jazz Festival.
There are great acts to see at both: Roomful of Blues and the Marlene Verplanck Group are in Princeton, with Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band and the Smith Street Society. The Feast runs from noon to 6 p.m.
Sunday's Somerville event is going to be just as great: Jimmy Heath gets top billing, but the event also features The Gretchen Parlato Band, Harry Allen Quartet and Sherman Irby’s “Organomics.” It's been produced by WBGO's Sheila Anderson. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Historic Somerset Courthouse -- for more, check www.FindSomerville.com.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Rio Clemente will be at Mullberries Bar and Grille, with Mr. Muzzy and his Melliferous Tones … 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mulberries is at 158 Market St., Elmwood Park. Call the bar at 201-475-5700 for further information. Rio will be at Armando's Italian Restaurant, 144 Main St. in Ft. Lee, with bassist Jerry Bruno from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Trumpeter Ted Curson hosts Trumpets Jazz Club’s Thursday night jam session, if you’re looking to get out of your woodshed. For more information, click here.
Friday, Sept. 11
The Sixth Street Quaternion will close out Crossing Vineyards’ Summer under the Starts Music series at 7 p.m. It’s $10 to go, or $25 with the food buffet. Make your reservations here. They’ll be playing selections from their new new CD “Summer Nights” – which includes the track “Wine Me, Dine Me.” Almost sounds as if written for the date, doesn’t it?
The Marriott in Trenton, 1 West Lafayette, will have live jazz from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Jazz Disciples program at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St. in Trenton features local hero Richie Cole. The program starts at 2 p.m. – go and get yourself some alto madness…
The South Brunswick Library won’t be quiet at 7 p.m. tonight, when the Andy Rothstein Band performs. The library describes guitarist Andy Rothstein as melding Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Martino and “The
Edge” from U2. With him will be Chris Bacas on saxophone, Steve Jankowski on trumpet, Tony Senatore on bass, and Luther Rix on drums.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Laura Hull headlines at Shanghai Jazz tonight, with Tomoko Ohno on piano. Call 973-822-2899 to get your tickets. Learn more about Laura at www.LauraHull.com
The Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village jazz brunch with live music runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam session at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park is a great place to meet musicians – or join the band. They play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday.
The New Jersey Jazz Society member social scheduled for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Shanghai Jazz Club will feature the Baby Soda Jazz Band with Ed Polcer, who will talk about the pleasure of working with the young lions of jazz and offer some thoughts of what it's like to work with a seasoned and accomplished player. According to the NJJS Web site, “Baby Soda is on the cutting edge of a new movement loosely known as street jazz; with an eclectic set of influences ranging from New Orleans brass bands, jug music, southern gospel and hot jazz. The ensemble doesn't desire to recreate the past, rather they bring the concept and joy of the music to the present.” You don’t have to be a member to go – but it helps – find out more at www.njjs.org.
Monday, Aug. 24
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, Aug. 25
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam 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, Aug. 26
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
There are great acts to see at both: Roomful of Blues and the Marlene Verplanck Group are in Princeton, with Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band and the Smith Street Society. The Feast runs from noon to 6 p.m.
Sunday's Somerville event is going to be just as great: Jimmy Heath gets top billing, but the event also features The Gretchen Parlato Band, Harry Allen Quartet and Sherman Irby’s “Organomics.” It's been produced by WBGO's Sheila Anderson. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Historic Somerset Courthouse -- for more, check www.FindSomerville.com.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Rio Clemente will be at Mullberries Bar and Grille, with Mr. Muzzy and his Melliferous Tones … 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mulberries is at 158 Market St., Elmwood Park. Call the bar at 201-475-5700 for further information. Rio will be at Armando's Italian Restaurant, 144 Main St. in Ft. Lee, with bassist Jerry Bruno from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Trumpeter Ted Curson hosts Trumpets Jazz Club’s Thursday night jam session, if you’re looking to get out of your woodshed. For more information, click here.
Friday, Sept. 11
The Sixth Street Quaternion will close out Crossing Vineyards’ Summer under the Starts Music series at 7 p.m. It’s $10 to go, or $25 with the food buffet. Make your reservations here. They’ll be playing selections from their new new CD “Summer Nights” – which includes the track “Wine Me, Dine Me.” Almost sounds as if written for the date, doesn’t it?
The Marriott in Trenton, 1 West Lafayette, will have live jazz from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12
The Jazz Disciples program at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St. in Trenton features local hero Richie Cole. The program starts at 2 p.m. – go and get yourself some alto madness…
The South Brunswick Library won’t be quiet at 7 p.m. tonight, when the Andy Rothstein Band performs. The library describes guitarist Andy Rothstein as melding Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Martino and “The
Edge” from U2. With him will be Chris Bacas on saxophone, Steve Jankowski on trumpet, Tony Senatore on bass, and Luther Rix on drums.
Sunday, Sept. 13
Laura Hull headlines at Shanghai Jazz tonight, with Tomoko Ohno on piano. Call 973-822-2899 to get your tickets. Learn more about Laura at www.LauraHull.com
The Salt Creek Grille in Forrestal Village jazz brunch with live music runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam session at PJ's Coffee on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park is a great place to meet musicians – or join the band. They play from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Sunday.
The New Jersey Jazz Society member social scheduled for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Shanghai Jazz Club will feature the Baby Soda Jazz Band with Ed Polcer, who will talk about the pleasure of working with the young lions of jazz and offer some thoughts of what it's like to work with a seasoned and accomplished player. According to the NJJS Web site, “Baby Soda is on the cutting edge of a new movement loosely known as street jazz; with an eclectic set of influences ranging from New Orleans brass bands, jug music, southern gospel and hot jazz. The ensemble doesn't desire to recreate the past, rather they bring the concept and joy of the music to the present.” You don’t have to be a member to go – but it helps – find out more at www.njjs.org.
Monday, Aug. 24
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, Aug. 25
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam 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, Aug. 26
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The good, the bad and the monotone
Recently, I listened to two new independent releases, one which really struck me as being a quality musical project. The other, not so much.
In fairness, it's clear Recording X, as we'll call the weaker of the two, was made on a lower budget, by jazz musicians really just starting out, whereas Recording A was made by an experienced, if relatively unknown player.
When I realized I can't listen to Recording X without getting droopy, I began to try and pin down what was missing. The combo features a piano and saxophone, both of whom are clearly competent performers -- they know their changes; they have good timing; and, for the sax player, good intonation.
What's wrong?
It really didn't hit me until I went back to Recording A -- at first I thought, sure the recording is sharper and clearer, but is that part of the problem? Two things stood out -- and it seems listeners and musicians should pay more attention to these two things than many do: Recording X was very compressed in the recording process, and the musicians weren't paying attention to their phrasing as much as they should have.
The first problem may have crept in in post-production, but the lead instrument was always too much louder than the others. When the sax soloed, the piano was buried in the mix, killing the dynamics of the music.
Without the dynamics, the recording feels lifeless and causes drowsiness ... not to be listened to while operating heavy equipment.
Furthermore, the solos on Recording X tended to have long, scalar runs ... continuously. It got exhausting -- causing further drowsiness.
Recording A is a debut recording from a long-time professional. He certainly has had opportunities to record before, I'm sure, but waited until he knew what he wanted to do.
When he soloed, he played with terrific dynamics -- articulating individual notes in a run or arpeggio; he employed slides, honks and other "gimmicks" comfortably and without drawing too much attention to them.
This made the recording more enjoyable and easy to listen to -- and frankly, a much, much better jazz CD, even without the higher-quality recording.
I won't mention who made Recording X -- I hope the group can listen to their work and continue to develop their skills -- but Recording A is Scotty Barnhart's "Say It Plain." Go to www.scottybarnhart.com to hear a sample from the release -- "a brilliant reworking of "Giant Steps." It's traditional but innovative, features terrific soloing, and is representative of why this release is likely to be one of the year's top jazz recordings.
In fairness, it's clear Recording X, as we'll call the weaker of the two, was made on a lower budget, by jazz musicians really just starting out, whereas Recording A was made by an experienced, if relatively unknown player.
When I realized I can't listen to Recording X without getting droopy, I began to try and pin down what was missing. The combo features a piano and saxophone, both of whom are clearly competent performers -- they know their changes; they have good timing; and, for the sax player, good intonation.
What's wrong?
It really didn't hit me until I went back to Recording A -- at first I thought, sure the recording is sharper and clearer, but is that part of the problem? Two things stood out -- and it seems listeners and musicians should pay more attention to these two things than many do: Recording X was very compressed in the recording process, and the musicians weren't paying attention to their phrasing as much as they should have.
The first problem may have crept in in post-production, but the lead instrument was always too much louder than the others. When the sax soloed, the piano was buried in the mix, killing the dynamics of the music.
Without the dynamics, the recording feels lifeless and causes drowsiness ... not to be listened to while operating heavy equipment.
Furthermore, the solos on Recording X tended to have long, scalar runs ... continuously. It got exhausting -- causing further drowsiness.
Recording A is a debut recording from a long-time professional. He certainly has had opportunities to record before, I'm sure, but waited until he knew what he wanted to do.
When he soloed, he played with terrific dynamics -- articulating individual notes in a run or arpeggio; he employed slides, honks and other "gimmicks" comfortably and without drawing too much attention to them.
This made the recording more enjoyable and easy to listen to -- and frankly, a much, much better jazz CD, even without the higher-quality recording.
I won't mention who made Recording X -- I hope the group can listen to their work and continue to develop their skills -- but Recording A is Scotty Barnhart's "Say It Plain." Go to www.scottybarnhart.com to hear a sample from the release -- "a brilliant reworking of "Giant Steps." It's traditional but innovative, features terrific soloing, and is representative of why this release is likely to be one of the year's top jazz recordings.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Big night for a big band
Thursday, May 28
The 17-piece Jazz Celebration Big Band, featuring vocalist Claudia Perry, will be at Poco's Comedy Cabaret (2nd floor), 625 North Main Street in Doylestown from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight. They’re hoping to impress club owners on the viability of jazz bands – try to get over and back them up. There’s a $10 cover charge. You can learn more about Cluadia Perry here.
Trumpeter Gordon James and Henry Loo on piano will be appearing at Scampi’s at 198 West Main Street, Somerville, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Thursday, beginning tonight. They’ll perform some R&B, pop standards and jazz – something for everyone with shrimp on the side!
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, May 29
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 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Clifford Adams will be at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St., Trenton, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The date is part of the series organized by the Trenton Jazz Disciples.
Dick Gratton will be at Bordentown’s Farnsworth House from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Steakhouse 85 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trumpeter Claudio Roditi and his quartet will be at Trumpets Jazz in Montclair – I’ve hearing a lot of this guy lately and he’s worth the trip.
Sunday, May 31
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 will be back at it 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, June 1
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, June 2
Steakhouse 85 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam 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, June 3
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 4
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Look below for Rio’s weekend plans.
Later
Drew University will host the Sanofi-aventis Jazzfest 2009 June 5 – 6 at the Madison campus. Among the acts appearing will be the Allan Vache Benny Goodman Tribute Big Band, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, the Brazilian jazz of Trio da Paz and the bop sounds of tenor star Houston Person Quartet throughout the afternoon. The Rio Clemente Trio and vocalist Laura Hull will perform June 6, along with jazz singer Curtis Stigers, Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. The festival begins with a free concert at 7 p.m. Friday and then noon to 10 p.m. June 6.
Tickets are only $50 in advance, but will be $65 at the gate on June 6. For more information, advance sale discount tickets and hotel reservations log onto www.njjs.org or call 800-303-6557. Students are $10 at the gate and kids 16 and under are free. Drew University is on Route 124 in Madison and parking is free.
The 17-piece Jazz Celebration Big Band, featuring vocalist Claudia Perry, will be at Poco's Comedy Cabaret (2nd floor), 625 North Main Street in Doylestown from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. tonight. They’re hoping to impress club owners on the viability of jazz bands – try to get over and back them up. There’s a $10 cover charge. You can learn more about Cluadia Perry here.
Trumpeter Gordon James and Henry Loo on piano will be appearing at Scampi’s at 198 West Main Street, Somerville, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every Thursday, beginning tonight. They’ll perform some R&B, pop standards and jazz – something for everyone with shrimp on the side!
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, May 29
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 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Clifford Adams will be at the Candlelight Lounge, 24 Passaic St., Trenton, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The date is part of the series organized by the Trenton Jazz Disciples.
Dick Gratton will be at Bordentown’s Farnsworth House from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Steakhouse 85 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trumpeter Claudio Roditi and his quartet will be at Trumpets Jazz in Montclair – I’ve hearing a lot of this guy lately and he’s worth the trip. Sunday, May 31
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 will be back at it 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, June 1
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, June 2
Steakhouse 85 (http://www.steakhouse85.com/aboutus.html), 85 Church St., New Brunswick, has live jazz music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Somerset Jazz Consortium jam 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, June 3
The Somerset Jazz Consortium Second Generation Band will be at Home Town Buffet on Route 1 in Edison, beginning at 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 4
Pianist Rio Clemente will be at the Bernards Inn on Route 202 in Bernardsville, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Look below for Rio’s weekend plans.
Later
Drew University will host the Sanofi-aventis Jazzfest 2009 June 5 – 6 at the Madison campus. Among the acts appearing will be the Allan Vache Benny Goodman Tribute Big Band, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, the Brazilian jazz of Trio da Paz and the bop sounds of tenor star Houston Person Quartet throughout the afternoon. The Rio Clemente Trio and vocalist Laura Hull will perform June 6, along with jazz singer Curtis Stigers, Sherrie Maricle and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. The festival begins with a free concert at 7 p.m. Friday and then noon to 10 p.m. June 6.
Tickets are only $50 in advance, but will be $65 at the gate on June 6. For more information, advance sale discount tickets and hotel reservations log onto www.njjs.org or call 800-303-6557. Students are $10 at the gate and kids 16 and under are free. Drew University is on Route 124 in Madison and parking is free.
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