By Chris J. Walker
Dave Koz’s annual Smooth Summer Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl is normally a burgeoning affair. Sometimes it features as many as five different groups, but was paired down to only Koz’s band and the legendary Tower of Power this year. Concert attendees didn’t seem to mind and in fact actually enjoyed having less to focus on. Additionally, the headlining saxophonist has a tendency to go beyond expectations with over-the-top performances and packs a lot into an hour and a half show.
He stayed true to form sharing the stage with longtime friends, collaborators and saxophonists
Kirk Whalum and Mindi Abair, along with newbie and fast-emerging Vincent Igala, who made his Bowl debut. John Stoddart-keyboards/vocals, Randy Jacobs-guitar/Musical Director, Nathaniel Kearny Jr.-bass and Marcus Finnie-drums supplied dynamic supporting rhythms. With the front-line artists skillfully intermingling they blasted into Ronnie Laws’ funk/jazz classic “Always There.”
Of course, the main emphasis of the ensemble was to pay tribute to the great and highly influential funk and soul brass sections from the “golden” era of the ‘70s. Among them honored during Koz’s celebration medley were the Temptations’ “Get Ready,” Sly & The Family Stone’s “Dance to The Music,” Kool & Gang’s “Celebration” and the O’Jays “Love Train.”
Special guest, lover man vocalist Kenny Lattimore injected more excitement into the show during the Beatles/Earth Wind & Fire’s “Got to Get You Into My Life” that was further embellished with dazzling sax interactions and solos. Latimore afterwards showcased his new sultry ballad “Pressure” that was a bit incongruous.
Returning to horn playing was “Side by Side,” a sax duet originally recorded with David Sanborn, featured Koz and Abair working out. The bandleader additionally showcased his vintage hits “It is What it is” and “Coast to Coast” accentuated by Jacobs’ blistering guitar solo. Whalum used the occasion to spotlight “Don’t Get Me Wrong” based on Afro house music with Stoddart doing the lead singing to bring international flair to the concert. The keyboardist/singer stayed in the limelight for Garth Brooks’ heartfelt and life celebrating ballad “The Dance,” which Koz soloed on and sometimes includes in his shows.
Abair brought a raw and rocking element to the set, fueled by Jacob’s her longtime MD and co-leader. New tune “Flirt,” and chestnut “Lucy’s” with the crowd singing the chorus had them reeling away with the other saxophonists solidly backing.
Sly Stone’s “Hot Fun in The Summertime” reunited all the saxophones for lively frolicking that included audience participation. Stevie Wonder’s political “You Haven’t Done Nothing” and a snippet of “Just Enough For The City” with Lattimore singing zestfully concluded the show. Of course, Koz and the vocalist weren’t finished and were joined by Tower of Powers’ horn section and vocalist Ray Greene, who also plays trombone for a Stax Records-Memphis Horns medley. It included “Hold On I’m Coming,” “I’m a Soul Man,” “Sweet Soul Music” with Igala singing and coolly adlibbing, and also “Land of 1000 Dances” accented by the crowd singing the chorus.
Oakland’s monumental 50-year-old Tower of Power opened with founding members Emilio Castillo-tenor sax, Doc Kupka-baritone sax and David Garibaldi-Drums still involved. Other band members were Roger Smith keyboards, Adolfo Acosta-trumpet, Tom E. Politzer-tenor sax, Jerry Cortez- guitar, Sal Cracchiolo-trumpet, Marc Van Wageningen-bass and Greene.
Their horn barrage show was almost as long as Koz’s and equally engaging, even without any guests. TOP covered most of its best-known songs such as “Soul With a Capital S,” “You Ought to be Having Fun,” “Only So Much Oil In the Ground,” “Don’t Change Horses” and the always relevant “What is Hip.” Ballad “You’re Still A Young Man” showed the sensitive and doo-wop side of the band. An interesting omission that would have been very timely was “Soul Vaccination.” It, unfortunately, doesn’t play well everywhere.
CONCERTS
Marcus Miller and Friends
Stars of The Smooth Jazz Cruise on Saturday Night
Five Alarm Funk
Live from the (empty) Commodore
MINI CONCERTS
Hiatus Kaiyote
NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
The Isley Brothers
NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert
VIDEOS
Yuko Mabuchi
Caribbean Canvas
Marc O’Heartman feat. Robert Ruddock
Caravan of Love
Niia
Ace Hotel (Official Video)
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
Skate [Official Music Video]
Evann McIntosh
COCO PEBBLES (Official Music Video)
Ginger Root
Loretta (Official Music Video)
BLACK feat. Rennea
Proud Mary – CCR Cover
Isabella Boylston
Mad Man by Rozzi
War & Pierce
MERCY (Official Video)
VanJess
Slow Down on The Tamron Hall Show
Helado Negro
Gemini and Leo (Live at Sear Sound)
Ben Zaidi
Ben Zaidi’s Blues (Official Video)
Jonah Nilsson (Feat. Steve Vai)
Diamond Ring
John Forté feat. Spills, Five & Miss Brittany Reese
Ready on the One (OFFICIAL VIDEO HD)
Morly
Jazz Angel (Bill) [Official Video]
JOHNNYSWIM
Devastating (Official Music Video)
Sting feat. David Sanborn
Sister Moon – | REMOTE SESSIONS
Dirty Loops & Cory Wong
Follow The Light
The Convenience
Accelerator (Pts I + II) (Official Video)
Cory Henry
Everybody Wants to Rule the World | Tears for Fears | funk cover ft.
Cimafunk, George Clinton
Funk Aspirin (Official Video)
Renowned guitarist, session player, educator and bandleader Dean Brown who’s worked with everyone from Billy Cobham, Eric Clapton, the Brecker Brothers and Joe Zawinul recently appeared at The Baked Potato with his high-caliber stalwarts. They were Jerry Etkins-keyboards, Marvin “Smitty” Smith-drums, Ernest Tibbs-bass, and Brandon Fields-saxophones.
The group wasted little time on fanfare and quickly launched into Smith’s upbeat tune, “The Big Nasty.” The funky live wire jam featured all the players furiously wailing away to a guitar/sax harmonizing foundation, amidst a tidal wave of hot solos. Whatever cobwebs were around at the beginning were quickly swept away after that. The band continued with jolting new number “Jelly Pop” featuring Tibbs and scorching wah-wah guitar licks.
Slowing things down slightly was a thematic selection leaning to prog-rock and strongly accented by melotron-like keyboards that was laden with fiery guitar and soprano sax interactions. “Old Soldiers” a ballad of sorts and also a theme-oriented piece followed, and was dedicated to Brown’s father who was an Army Colonel.
Sharply contrasting the requiem was wickedly funky grove “Break Song.” Leading it off was a lowdown solo bass intro later augmented by offsetting riffs from the bandleader. It astonishingly was a merging of Mahivishnu Orchestra, Funkadelics and light country touches. Highlighting was a soaring synth solo, along with hard-hitting drums, blistering guitar and flurries of soprano sax. Both the band and audience were worn after that, and laid-back “New Gospel (temporary title)” followed featuring Field’s soulful tenor sax playing and Brown’s riveting guitar.
The bandleader’s 1983 tropical/Brazilian flavored composition “Recon” that Smith called Brown’s “hit” wrapped up the show. It was more festive than the previous songs and flourished with vibrant soprano, raucous guitar, thunderous drumming, whirlwind keyboards and grooving bass to command glowing applause. For more info go to: https://www.deanbrown.com/ and https://www.thebakedpotato.com/
Mark de Clive-Lowe was originally scheduled to perform with Sante Fe DJ/vocalist Raashan Ahmad at the Levitt Pavilion for its 2021 free summer concert series. Upon finding out Ahmad wasn’t able to do the gig he reached out to his artist friends/collaborators to join him for what he described as a “journey.”
Uniting with the keyboardist/electronic composer for the somewhat impromptu show were Brandon Combs-drums, Micholdenfresh-MC, Dwight Tribble-vocals/chants, Tiombe Lockhart-vocals, Hailey Niswanger-reeds, Jonah Levine-trombone and Jimetta Rose-spoken word/vocals. Additionally, there was a special guest, Good Gold a hip-hop dancer from San Diego whose seemingly unnatural moves were beyond belief.
de Clive-Lowe began with a pastoral sampled groove he created for Tribble to chant/scat over for a spiritual vibe “You Are Love,” while inserting percussive and keyboard layers. Like a mad scientist, the keyboardist continued with a synth and percussive jam further heighten by Combs’ drumming and Niswanger’s exotic saxophone riffing. Their intense interactions were incredible and would have been sufficient. The bandleader/master improviser and players though were just beginning.
To a loop of Ronnie Laws’ “Tidal Wave” Micholdenfresh laid down hard-hitting rhymes as the audience cheered him on with Levine’s effects-enhanced trombone joining in. The MC returned later for an even more somber, realistic joint. Similar to Tribble, Lockhart sang over the band’s trance-like soundscapes. Afterwards, de Clive-Lowe whose background is a mixture of Japan and New Zealand, showcased Japanese/jazz themed composition “Bushido.” It was dedicated to Japan’s greatest swordsman and spotlighted Gold’s amazing dancing to totally blow the audience away.
Rose also sang and scatting movingly with the ensemble as the bandleader, flute and trombone tantalizingly accented. During the later stages of the set she returned with an insightful poem about oppositional forces from society, community and within. The musicians coolly supported Afro-futuristically, and all the singers/MCs engaged with them for the grand finale. DJ Moni Vargas opened the concert with greats jams to create a cool vibe. For info go to: https://www.mdcl.tv/ and https://levittlosangeles.org/
TOKYO GROOVE JYOSHI
FOXY live ver.(original)
Govind Das & Radha
Hara Hara Mahadev [Lyric Video]
The Mavericks
Por Ti (Yo Quiero Ser) (Official Music Video)
Patria y Vida
Yotuel
Gifted artists and athletes often make difficult things seem easy and very accessible. Unquestionably, composer/keyboardist/producer/singer Sergio Mendes has a knack for that and his longevity alone, sixty years performing, substantiates it. Moreover, Mendes throughout his career has miraculously had great timing and made very successful choices. Some of them are working with Brazilian bossa nova luminaries Antonio Carlos Jobim and João Gilberto in the ‘50s, being on the vanguard of Bossa Nova capturing America in the early ‘60s, adapting pop hits to his sound in the mid ‘60s and incorporating new styles such as hip-hop in the early 2000s.
Some call it luck, but as stated in his intro at the Hollywood Bowl from the documentary Sergio Mendes In The Key of Joy—he calls it serendipity.
The Brazilian, a longtime Southern California resident had much to celebrate, including performing again, returning to the Bowl after 5 years away and turning 80 earlier this year.
His spry and very capable band of Kleber Jorge-guitar, Scott Mayo-keyboards/reeds, Leo Costa-drums, Alphonso Johnson-bass formerly of Weather Report, Gibi Dos Santos-percussion, Gracinha Leporace-vocals/wife and Katie Hampton-vocals brought Carnival, although 7 months late, to Southern California.
Effervescent “Magalenha” bolstered by rapid-fire singing and irresistible rhythms quickly had the audience up and partying. ‘Surfboard” usually performed with a hip-hop MC was lively and showcased Mendes keyboard prowess. “Pretty World” and renowned gems “Waters of March,” and “One Note Samba” were sophisticated and warmed hearts. “Afro Samba/ Berimbau” garnished with extensive bass and percussion solos impressed the concertgoers.
“Ela E Carioca” and “Upa Neguinho” featured the bandleader in forefront singing with flute soloing. Leporace and Katie Hampton sweetly serenaded the audience during ballad “Like A Lover.” Mendes’ wife solely and strongly sang “O Que Será Consolação,” also a ballad. Hit pop ballad, actually Mendes only #1 hit, “Never Gonna Let You Go” was sung by Joe Pizzulo and Hampton as a romantic duet. Pizzula recorded it originally with the band in 1983 and is included in every one of the Brazilian’s shows.
Other Mendes staples were the Beatles’ “Fool On the Hill,” “Goin’ Out of My Head” by Little Anthony & The Imperials and Burt Bacharach/Dusty Springfield’s “The Look of Love.” Of course, the Brazilian bandleader’s shows are not complete without the immortal “Mas Que Nada,” which naturally prompting the audience to dance and sing along. For the encore a more intense Carnival prevailed through “Pais Tropical” and “Tristeza” with a captivating troupe of costumed dancers in the lower aisles inspiring everyone to participate. For the first set Brazilian singer/actor/songwriter Thaima de Freitas was the DJ and created a relaxing and stimulating vibe.
CONCERTS
Pedrito Martinez
live at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival | JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICA
VIDEOS
Richard Bona & Alfredo Rodriguez
O Sen Sen Sen @Jazz_in_Marciac 2021
Gonzalo Rubalcaba & Aymée Nuviola
El Manisero @Jazz_in_Marciac 2021
Roberto Fonseca
Aggua @Jazz_in_Marciac 2021
Anna Maria Mendieta-harp
LIBERTANGO Music Video
Featured Bands:
12:00 p.m.: SmackDaddy Blues Band
1:20 p.m.: Guitar Shorty
2:40 p.m.: Gregg Wright Band
4:00 p.m.: Shari Puorto Band
Lawndale Blues Festival
September 11
12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Jane Addams Park
15114 Firmona Avenue,
Lawndale, CA 90260
This is a free event!
*No alcohol or smoking on park premises.
SAN DIEGO BLUES FESTIVAL
Artist Lineup:
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Larkin Poe
Aki Kumar’s Bollywood Blues
Tia Carroll
Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Nikki Hill
The Fremonts
Backtrack Blues Band
Tracy Lee Nelson (playing at the front gate 9:15 am)
San Diego Blues Festival
Sept 11
11am-7pm
Embarcadero Marina Park North
Downtown San Diego Waterfront
400 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Christone “KINGFISH” Ingram
Sept 15
9pm
El Rey Theatre
5515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-6400
https://www.theelrey.com/
VIDEOS
Yola
Starlight [Official Music Video]
Samantha Fish with Eric Gales
Shake Em on Down at the Shawnee Cave Revival 7-17-21
Guy King & The Blueshift Big Band
Pack It Up – 8/11/21 Hey Nonny – Arlington Heights, IL
Katie Knipp
Sad Eyed Lover Official Video
Mary Bue
Tequila Song [Official Video]
Nick Schnebelen
Blues Night – 8/14/21 Heritage Music BluesFest – Wheeling, WV
Ronnie Earl
Higher Love – 8/14/21 Heritage Music BluesFest – Wheeling, WV
Martin Miller & Kirk Fletcher
Black Magic Woman (Santana/Fleetwood Mac Cover) – – Live in Studio
Amongst the topics people currently talk about: What did you do during the COVID-19 lock down? Vocalist/producer Judy Wexler went on a trip. Well, actually one that was mental and spiritual, with a touch of politics. She made the recording Back to The Garden, a jazzy and easy-flowing homage to the tumultuous ‘60s and early ‘70s. It included popular songs by Dylan, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Carol King/Gerry Goffin, Stephen Stills/Buffalo Springfield and others who expressed the sentiments and immediacy of the era.
The CD release party for the intriguing project was at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, and Wexler’s first gig since March 2020. For the occasion she adorned hippie-like tight floral bellbottoms that got the audience’s attention to draw plenty of praise. Supporting her were Jeff Colella-piano/co-producer, Larry Koonse-guitar, Danny Janklow-reeds, Gary Nesteruk-synth, Gabe Davis- bass and Steve Hass-drums. With the exception of Nesteruk, their talents were enlisted for the recording as well.
Leading off the club engagement was a hip version of “For What It’s Worth” coolly accented by Hass’ spry drumming and Koonse’s tangy guitar riffs. From a much more jazzy and up-tempo standpoint were escapist “Up On The Roof” featuring Janklow on alto and anti-development “Big Yellow Taxi” boosted by Colella’s rhythmic touches.
Nesteruk’s synth string work came into focus for Simon’s anthem/ballad “American Tune” and Dylan’s awakening “The Times Are A-Changin’” to subtly garnished Wexler’s graceful interpretations. The other players, with flute in the forefront, gently flowed along. Going more inward was Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’” best known for being part of the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, the only X-rated movie to win an Oscar for Best Picture.
For something totally different, yet keeping with the CD’s theme was Chet Power’s “Get Together,” popularized by Jesse Colin Young and The Young Bloods that included audience participation. Not as well-known, but equally indicative of the celebrated time period was Sandy Denny/Strawbs/Fairport Convention’s ethereal “Who Knows Where The Time Goes.” It was tastefully jazzed up by the band and gorgeously sang by Wexler.
Wrapping up the appealing concert and not on the CD was optimistic “Sack Full of Dreams.” Written by vibe legend Gary McFarland and done as a trio with guitar and piano, it was the bandleader’s hope for a better America. For more info go to: https://judywexler.com and www.feinsteinsatvitellos.com.
Taylor Eigisti, a former piano prodigy who started playing when he was four-years-old and was on Stanford University’s music faculty at 15, is part of a new emergence of pianists. Notably, a contingency of fellow keyboardists from his generation, Paul Cornish Jr., Christian Sands and Gerald Clayton were in the audience supporting and listening intently during his performance at Just Jazz.
Working with bassist Ben Williams and drummer Domo Branch, Eigisti opened with David Benoit’s rousing F blues “Cabin Fever.” It was in honor of his friend and major influence’s birthday. The bandleader joked that he dressed as Benoit for Halloween when he eight, around the same time he first learned the composition. Herbie Hancock’s subtler and introspective “I Have a Dream” followed, initially featuring Williams’ sumptuous playing and soloing. From there the trio segued into exhilarating up-tempo forays and closed with a brief interlude of Bobby Hutcherson’s thematic gem “Montara.”
Shifting to his own music Eigisti showcased compositions from his new album Tree Falls. Latin tinged burner “Hutcheonite,” with Williams on electric bass, was a tribute to deceased Cosmochemist Ian D. Hutcheon. He worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, discovered the meteor mineral named after him and was a fan of the pianist’s music. Eigisti’s title track was a thematic serenade coalesced with classical surges dramatically punctuated by drums and piano. Also in the same vein was newly written “Refractions.”
For something a little different, the bandleader spotlighted a piece by his Zoom student, William Schwartzman, whom he’s never met in person. It was titled “Lightheaded” and was high caliber energized 21st century neo-bop, superbly performed by the trio to draw rousing applause. Also changing the pace and mood was standard “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” which focused on Eigisti’s deft and sensitive playing.
Williams’s talents were highlighted during a solo intro and for the body of McCoy Tyner’s exquisite melodic ballad “Search For Peace.” Branch received the same honors for the closing number “Caravan.” He mightily drummed away, while the others injected intriguing melodic and rhythmic forays into Ellington’s timeless classic to receive an enthusiastic standing ovation. For more info go to: www.tayjazz.com and https://justjazz.tv/.
Amber Weekes recently performed at Catalina as sort of a belated CD release party for ‘Round Midnight (Re-Imagined) that came out in May this year. The singer first released the recording as a promo twenty years ago and recently put a newly revised, re-mastered spin on it with re-orchestrated strings. They weren’t present at the gig, but a stellar quartet consisting of Tateng Katindig-piano/Music Director, Roy McCurdy-drums, Richard Simon-bass and Carol Chaikin-reeds filled in those gaps proficiently.
Pure Imagination the title track of Weekes previous recording got things underway with a tropical/samba backdrop bolstered by Chaikin’s flute playing for her enchantingly singing and ad-libbing, all to the audience’s delight. Also from the same recording was bebop swinging and sultrily sung, “Gotta Be This or That” and “It’s Alright With Me.” They were accentuated by alto sax and bass solos. Tender ballad “When He Makes Music” in the bandleader’s hands was supple and enthralling, with piano adding delicate finishing touches.
From the new album, “More Than You Know” was dedicated to a couple in the audience celebrating their first wedding anniversary. The title track was part of story evocatively told by Weekes with sax garnishing. In a more refined perspective was bossa jewel “Summer Samba,” lightheartedly sung with flute accenting. Weekes’ “Bar Suite” included “Something Cool,” “One For My Baby,” and “The Man That Got Away,” which surprised the singer by drawing emotional response (she thought of her father who passed away).
Several aspects essential to anything Weekes does musically are to acknowledge her parents’ (her mother was in attendance) and Oscar Brown, Jr.’s influences. The songwriter/singer/political activist ‘60s R&B/jazz hit “The Snake” also on Pure Imagine, first exposed to Weekes by her mother was doubly effective in that regard. It was expressively rendered by the singer and band, and thoroughly excited the audience. “Hazel Hips” about a sexy Harlem waitress whose hips get the tips also revved them up. While Brown’s poignant ballad “Brown Baby” done with bowing and regular bass was sensitively sung.
Not on either project was ballad “Just Squeeze Me” that overflowed with Weekes charming personality. “After You’ve Gone Away” was upbeat bebop featuring singer and band wailing away. Bringing the entertaining show to an end was samba-like “When October Comes” that flourished with evocative singing and peppy flute playing. For more info go to: amberweekes.com and http://www.catalinajazzclub.com/
At Home With Chuck Owen
All Night Jazz WUSF 89.7FM
CONCERTS
Emmet Cohen-piano, Eric Alexander-tenor Saxophone, Vincent Herring-alto saxophone, Russell Hall-bass and Joe Farnsworth-drums
Live From Emmet’s Place Vol. 64 – (Part 1)
Daniel Bennett Group
New York Nerve Concert @ the Triad Theater
VIDEOS
Janiece Jaffe – Vocals Greg Ward – Saxophone Monika Herzig – Piano/ Arrangements Peter Kienle – Bass Josh Roberts – Drums
Don’t Interrupt the Sorrow-Tribute to Joni Mitchell Show-Jazz Kitchen Indianapolis
Atwood Ferguson Spero Duets
Part 3 Highest Res
Arturo Sandoval and the Chad LB Global Big Band
A Night In Tunisia
Ann Hampton Callaway/Amanda McBroom Collaboration
Information Please (Official Lyric Video)
Emmet Cohen w/ Nicholas Payton
Stablemates
Nikolaus Brodzky | WDR BIG BAND
Be My Love
Instagram Live Friday
SF Jazz Fridays at Five & Alone Together
Sept 3-4 Kim Nalley
Sept 10-11 Dustbowl Revival
Sept 16 Omar Sosa: Motherland Journey w/ sculptor-painter Githinji Wa’Mbire & drummer Amaury Acosta (Miner Auditorium)
Sept 17-18 Vijay Iyer Trio
Sept 23 Kris Bowers (Miner Auditorium)
Sept 23-24 Kat Edmonson (Joe Henderson Lab)
Sept 24 Zakir Hussain w/Eric Harland, Abbos Kosimov, & Mark de Clive-Lowe
Sep 25 Christian Sands (Joe Henderson Lab)
Sep 25-26 Pat Metheny Side-Eye w/ James Francies and Joe Dyson (Miner Auditorium)
Sep 26 Kassa Overall (Joe Henderson Lab)
SFJAZZ Center
201 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
866.920.5299
Sept 3-6 2021JAZZ CAMP FEST
Living Jazz
1728 San Pablo Ave Oakland, CA 94612
www.livingjazz.org
Sept 1 THADDEUS TUKES
Performs BOBBYHUTCHERSON’s 1974 release CIRRUS
Thaddeus Tukes – Vibes/Marimba
Nickolas Kaplan – Trumpet
Rajiv Halim Tenor Sax/Alto Flute
Stella Murray – Flute
Chris Madsen – Tenor Sax
Julius Tucker – Piano/Electric Piano
Mary Halm – Bass
Isaiah Spencer – Drums
Juan Pastor – Percussion
Arthur Wright – Paints/Brushes Canvas
Sept 2 BONZO SQUAD
Performs VULFPECK’s 2015 release THRILL OF THE ARTS
Corbin Andrick – Woodwinds
Andrew Lawrence – Keys
Cole DeGenova – Key
Justin Canavan – Guitar
Anders Norstrom – Guitar
Andrew Vogt – Bass
Zack Marks – Drums
TBA – Vocals
Ryan Miller – Paints/Brushes/Canvas
Sept 4 DANA HALL QUINTET
Performs PAUL MOTIAN’s 1987 release MISTERIOSO
Dana Hall – Drums
Geof Bradfield – Tenor/Sax
John Wojciechowski – Alto/Tenor
Dave Miller – Guitar
Ethan Philion – Bass
Hillary Johnson – Paints/Brushes/Canvas
Sept 5 ALYSSA ALLGOOD
Performs SHIRLEY HORN’s 2003 release MAY THE MUSIC NEVER END
Alyssa Allgood – Vocals
Julius Tucker – Piano
Ethan Philion – Bass
Jon Deitemyer – Drums
Eric Jacobson – Trumpet
Melanie Brown – Paints/Brushes/Canvas
Sept 8 THADDEUS TUKES
Performs ROY AYERS’ 1967 release VIRGO VIBES
Thaddeus Tukes – Vibes
Brent Griffin Jr. – Sax
TBA – Trumpet
Elio Adriano – Piano
Micah Collier – Bass
Frank Morrison – Drums
Sept 9 MARKUS RUTZ QUINTET
Markus Ruz – Trumpet
Jarrad Harris – Saxophone
Adrian Ruiz – Piano
Sam Peters – Bass
Kyle Swan – Drums
Sept 14 ROSENBERG/ HESSE TRIO
Marlene Rosenberg – Bass
Scott Hesse – Guitar
Kyle Swan – Drums
Sept 15 THADDEUS TUKES
Performs LIONEL HAMPTON’s 1954 recording JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS
Lineup – TBA
Sept 16 SAXOFONIX
Steve Schnall – Sax
Andy Schlinder – Sax
Jacob Slocum – Sax
Chris Werve – Sax
Sept 19 KRISTINA KOLLER
Kristina Koller- Vocals
Fima Chupakhin – Piano
James Robbins – Bass
Juan Chiavassa – Drums
Sept 21 MARCEL BONFIM QUARTET
Marcel Bonfim – Bass
Gerald Martinez – Saxophone
Casey Dahl – Piano
Jonathan Wenzel – Drums
Special Guest: Ana Catharina – Vocals
Sept 22 THADDEUS TUKES
Performs GRANT GREEN’s 1972 release IDLE MOMENTS
Thaddeus Tukes – Vibes
Roy McGrath – Sax
Erik Skov – Guitar
Julius Tucker – Piano
Andrew Vogt – Bass
Alvin Cobb – Drums
Sept 23 THE UNKNOWN NEW
Paul Mutzabaugh – Bass/Compositions
Chris Siebold – Lap Steel/Electric Guitar
Mike Pinto – Uber-Guitar/Baritone Guitar
Jim Tashjian – Acoustic Guitar
Rich Stitzel – Percussion
Jon Deitemyer – Drums
Sept 28 ZACH FINNEGAN GROUP
Zachary Finnegan – Trumpet
Brent Griffin Jr – Alto
Julius Tucker – Piano
Matt Ulery – Bass
Sam Jewell – Drums
Special guest vocalist, “Pernell from Pike”
Sept 29 THADDEUS TUKES ORIGINALS
Thaddeus Tukes – Vibes
Matt Riggen – Trumpet
Sam Pilnick – Sax
Dominic Gaietto – Trombone
Stella Murray – Flute
Ashkat Jain – Tuba
Gustavo Cortininas – Drums
Sept 30 MARQUES CARROLL QUINTET
Marques Carroll – TrumpetBrent Griffin – Sax
Amr Fahmy – Piano
Christian Dillingham – Bass
Greg Artry – Drums
Fulton Street Collective
1821 W. Hubbard St.
Chicago IL, 60622
773-852-2481
www.fultonstreetcollective.com YouTube.com/fultonstreetcollective
Multi-Grammy Award Winner Marcus Miller and Entertainment Cruise Productions Launch New Original Streaming Concert Series
Saturday Night with Marcus Miller & Friends, with the Iconic George Benson as a Special Guest and Guest Bandmembers Patrice Rushen and Joey DeFrancesco
www.SaturdayNightWithMarcusMiller.com
Vanguard
Concerts available on demand
Harlem Jazz Museum
ARTS FOR ART PRESENTS
ON_LINE SALON SERIES FEATURING MUSIC & CONVERSATIONS
ArtsforArt
107 Suffolk Street
#300,
New York, NY, 10002
212-254-5420
Van Gelder Studio, the legendary recording studio home to hundreds of jazz icons from John Coltrane to Herbie Hancock, has announced the launch of “Live from Van Gelder Studio,” a new virtual music series that will stream live from VanGelder.live.
Live from Van Gelder Studio is expected to continue through 2021 with a 10-show immersive and interactive program. The series will feature talent from original seminal recordings joined by multi-generational artists who will pay tribute to important records that were originally put to tape within the four walls of the studio. Tickets can be purchased directly on the site for $15. 2021 shows will be announced in the near future.
Performances will be live streamed using a new technology built from the ground up that is true to the Rudy Van Gelder sound. It will allow audiences to fully experience the unique studio and its sound in their homes. Upcoming experiences will be crafted to make the audience and musicians feel like they are at an actual live performance.
Live from Van Gelder Studio is created and produced by a team of jazz industry veterans including:
• Five-time Grammy Award-winner Don Sickler, who produced many Van Gelder-recorded artists including Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard and Cindy Blackman Santana.
• Phil Coady, producer of The Ultimate Blue Train, which was created while he was the lead producer in the Microsoft MS4Music Group and where he and Van Gelder first connected.
• Sam Kaufman, who as a talent agent worked with Van Gelder-recorded artists including Ray Charles, Pharoah Sanders and Jason Moran.
• Maureen Sickler, distinguished associate and long-time assistant engineer for Van Gelder, who now carries on the traditions forged in their 30+ year collaboration.
Live from Van Gelder Studio
www.vangelder.live
Adam Hawley
Back on FB Live: Adam will be back at the same time, same place this Mondays at 7pm PST/10pm EST. He’ll be back with your requests, do another show-and-tell on his studio and recording process, and we’ll definitely see an encore performance from his wife and vocalist extraordinaire Kat Hawley.
Just go to his Facebook page!
Jazz, Soul, Funk & World Music
During the entire quarantine period, Qwest TV also broadcasts a flagship program from its catalog every day at 9pm (CET) / 3pm (EST), available from the platform’s Facebook and YouTube accounts. Among the Qwest TV gems, Internet users will discover next week:
For more information on Qwest TV, visit qwest.tv.
Provides five free services:
1. A searchable archive of thousands of carefully hand picked and annotated jazz videos
2. A free Video-of-the-Day service. Love jazz? We deliver a great jazz video to your mailbox every day. You can subscribe here free.
3. The Internet’s only free up-to-date world-wide directory of jazz clubs, jazz festivals, jazz radio stations, and jazz organizations.
4. A podcast series, unique in jazz, that features in-depth interviews on the history – and future – of jazz with jazz scholars, educators, and presenters.
5. One of the most detailed educational resources available anywhere on the music of Cuba and other Latin countries and their under reported, and often under appreciated, impact on jazz past, present and future.
CONCERT
What is Jazz Concert Presentation
New England Conservatory’s Jazz Studies and Contemporary Improvisation Departments feature an array of livestream and virtual concerts
https://necmusic.edu/concerts
Music Habit
https://www.musichabit.com/
My Music Master Class
https://www.mymusicmasterclass.com/
JEN
Jazz Education Network
1440 W Taylor St #1135
Chicago, IL 60607
United States
2022 JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK
13TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
January 5-8, 2022 • Dallas, TX
SPECIAL REQUEST
Guitar legend Kenny Burrell took a fall two years ago. He is still recovering and on sabbatical from UCLA. Essentially, he is still unable to play and/or teach. Help is needed and welcomed. Here’s the link for donations setup by his wife Katherine:
https://www.gofundme.com/support-kenny-burrell?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2B2300-co-team-welcome
Singer/lyricist/pianist Dave Frishberg is not doing well at all. If you who have enjoyed the gift of Dave’s music, please feel inspired to help him now that he needs it. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dave-frishberg
WYNTON MARSALIS, BILL FRISELL, JIMMY OWENS AND ANTOINE DRYE JOIN JIM WATT’S MULTIMEDIA PROJECT, 1000 WATTS – ART, JAZZ & FILMMAKING TO BENEFIT JAZZ MUSICIANS HARD HIT DURING PANDEMIC
1000 Watts aims to raise $100K through sale of 1000 artworks created as musicians improvise, captured on film by legendary photographer/filmmaker Danny Clinch – funds to be distributed to jazz artists in need.
1000W is a multi-dimensional project that centers on 1000 ink washes, painted with Japanese Sumi ink and water on paper. They will be released in five series of 200. The first two hundred are available now. Each series will include a few curated groups. 1-200 features a group of four, two groups of twelve, and a group of thirty. A short digital film capturing the painting of each group will be included with the purchase. The films will be scored by jazz trumpeter Antoine Drye. Drye is a creative partner on the project, as the ink washes are created in conversation with improvisational jazz. The interaction between the painter and an assemblage of featured musicians, curated by and including Drye, will be featured in live performances of 1000W.
Footage of an overhead camera capturing the works as they are created will be projected for the artists and the audience to see. Each artist’s work informs the other. The music and the art are created in real-time, in the same moment. A film, produced and directed by Danny Clinch, will chronicle the entirety of the project. Clinch will draw from the overhead footage, live performances, and studio visits. In addition to the film, an album featuring the music produced in these sessions will be released at the conclusion of 1000W. 1000W seeks to raise $100,000 for the jazz community, which has been especially hard hit during the Covid pandemic with the prolonged closure of most live performance venues. $100 from the purchase of each painting will go directly to musicians in the jazz community.
Bruce Forman, John Clayton, and Jeff Hamilton record their mentor’s original instruments!
Reunion: Revisiting The Poll Winners!
DENISE PERRIER (The Voice With a Heart)
After a 60-plus yeer career that took her around the country and the world, Denise is producing a “legacy” album. It will include songs that have been especially important in her life. Denise hopes to have the CD finished this summer. We will keep you in the loop and please accept our sincerest thanks for helping.
To finance the project, several of her friends and colleages have set up a GoFundMe account with a $10,000 goal. If you would like to contribute, please go to https://gofund.me/3475e6fa.
To send a check, please contact Catherine: ccusic@pacbell.net..
For more info: www.deniseperrier.com
PREVIEW
Although the free jazz movement of the 1960s and ‘70s was much maligned in some jazz circles. Its pioneers – brilliant talents like Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler, and John Coltrane – are today acknowledged as central to the evolution of jazz as America’s most innovative art form. FIRE MUSIC showcases the architects of a movement whose radical brand of improvisation pushed harmonic and rhythmic boundaries and produced landmark albums like Coleman’s Free Jazz: A Collective Inspiration and Coltrane’s Ascension. A rich trove of archival footage conjures the 1960s jazz scene along with incisive reflections by critic Gary Giddins and a number of the movement’s key players.
Submarine Deluxe is pleased to present the theatrical release of FIRE MUSIC, filmmaker and musician Tom Surgal’s documentary on the astonishing sounds (and sights) of the free jazz movement. Counting musicians Nels Cline and Thurston Moore among its executive producers, the film opens in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Glendale on September 17 (following its release at New York’s Film Forum on September 10) with a national release to follow.
FIRE MUSIC
September 17
Laemmle Glendale
207 N Maryland Ave,
Glendale, CA 91206
https://www.laemmle.com/theater/glendale/https://www.firemusic.org/
STAGE
After close to an 18-month wait, eager theatre patrons flocked to see Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sensational masterpiece Hamilton performed live. It was the second run for it at the Pantages Theatre (it was cancel initially in March 2020 due COVID-19). With safety protocols in place to protect all, there was anticipation and a sense of celebration as everyone flocked into the theatre.
The cast is a conglomeration of many former Hamilton actors including: Nicholas Christopher (Aaron Burr), Carvens Lissaint (George Washington), Sabrina Sloan (Angelica Schuyler), and Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton, London), and almost every member of the ensemble is a veteran Hamilton player. These experienced actors demonstrated their joy and professionalism as members of the audience soaked up every line and occasionally chimed in during the chorus of “You’ll Be Back.”
Tears flowed during the painful deaths resulting from the senseless duels, contrasting with the joyful laughter and cheers erupted from the audience during the high and light-hearted moments. There were a few nuances that differ from the original performance, but overall it was the same show that audiences have loved and can’t seem to get enough of.
One of the joys of experiencing Hamilton is the live orchestra during every performance. It skillfully accommodates the live performers and responds to the audiences’ input as well. Although the musical is not the newest kid on the block, it is one of Broadway’s most spectacular; combining drama, choreography and brilliant lyrics, within an historic representation of what life might have been like during the exciting time of our founding fathers.
The acclaimed show will run until January 2, 2022. For more info go to: https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com/. Reviewed by Amanda Wheeler
Under director of music programs Mitch Glickman, Jazz at LACMA and Beyond Symphonic Jazz are celebrations of L.A.’s finest jazz musicians and has featured such legends as Wayne Shorter, John Clayton, Johnny Mandel, Kenny Burrell, Les McCann, Billy Childs, Arturo Sandoval, and Ernie Watts. Jazz at LACMA concerts are broadcast on KJazz 88.1 FM every Sunday evening from 7-9 pm that includes an interview with the featured performer and Beyond Symphonic Jazz every Monday 9- 11 pm. The archives are available for two weeks following the broadcast.
September Special Guests for JAZZ AT LACMA
Sept 5 Phil Ranelin & Friends “Forever Bird”
Sept 12 Leslie Bee
Sept 19 Larry Nash & the Jazz Symphonics
Sept 26 12th Annual L.A. Jazz Treasure Award honoring Quincy Jones
September Special Guests for Beyond Symphonic Jazz
Sept 6 Wayne Shorter
Sept 13 Michael League (Snarky Puppy
bandleader)
Sept 20 David Amram (composer/conductor )
Sept 27 Andrew Burashko
(composer/conductor)
For more info go to: kkjz.org
Any information to be considered for this column can be sent to:
chrisjwalker1@earthlink.net