Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Quincy Jones and Sonny Rollins to receive National Medal of Arts


Musician, Composer, Producer, Arranger, Conductor  Quincy Jones, and Jazz Musician, Composer Sonny Rollins to receive National Medal of Arts



Quincy Jones and Sonny Rollins will be presented the honor along with six other honorees (Ten were awarded, but two were not able to attend the ceremony) by President Barack Obama, at ceremony in the East Room of the White House.  Mrs. Michelle Obama will also be in attendance.  The National Medal of Arts is the nation's highest honor for artistic excellence.  


The other honorees include; Robert Brustein/New York, NY (Theatrical Critic, Producer, Playwright, and Educator), Van Cliburn/Shreveport, LA (Pianist and Music Educator), Mark di Suvero/Shanghai, China (Sculptor), Donald Hall/New Haven, CT (Poet), *Harper Lee/Monroeville, AL (Author), *Meryl Streep/Summit, NY (Actress), and James Taylor/Boston, MA (Singer and Songwriter)












Monday, February 28, 2011

March brings a wide variety of jazz to Music City

2011 is off to a swingin' start for jazz fans in Nashville, and the momentum continues with a number of compelling performances scheduled for the month of March.

Along with the weekly Jazz and Blues offerings at the French Quarter Cafe', B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant, F. Scott's Restaurant and Jazz Bar, Carol Ann's Home Cooking Cafe', and the Nine48Jazz Home Concert Series (H.O.C.) and others, here are a few notable sets for your consideration.

ELLA - The Musical - March 1-6 - TPAC 

Ella, the exhilarating new music about "The First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald, makes it's way to Nashville's Tennessee Performing Arts Center's (TPAC), James K. Polk Theater, March 1-6.  This theatrical event weaves myth, memory and music as it tells the uplifting and poignant story of one of the greatest jazz/pop vocalists of 20th century music.

Featuring more than a dozen of her most famous hits, including "A Tisket, A Tasket," "How High the Moon," "That Old Black Magic," and "They Can't Take that Away from ME," this swinging new musical invites audiences to fall in love all over again with the magic and soul of Ella Fitzgerald.


El Movimento - March 3 - Listening Room Cafe 

With the release of their debut CD "The Movement," World Music/Latin Jazz Septet El Movimiento has been building a large local and national following,  garnering extensive airplay on Sirius XM's Real Jazz channel, and reaching number 5, on the national Jazz Week World Chart

The ensemble featuring Imer Santiago (trumpet/flugelhorn), Rahsaan Barber (saxophone), Giovanni Rodriguez (percussion), plus Paul Horton (keys), Dan Eubanks (bass), Jon Estes (guitar), and Derrek Phillips (drums), will perform on Thursday, March 3, at 8:00 p.m. at the Listening Room Cafe, in Cummins Station, 209 10th Avenue South, Nashville, TN.

Greg Bryant Expansion - March 6 - Jazz Cave

The Greg Bryant Expansion featuring Greg Bryant (bass), Cord Martin (saxophone), James DaSilva (guitar), and D.D. Holt (drums), will be the featured artist at the Nashville Jazz Workshop's Contemporary Jazz Series, Sunday, March 6, 6:30 pm. in the Jazz Cave, 1319 Adams Street, Nashville, TN.  

The Contemporary Jazz Series, hosted by Rahsaan Barber is designed to present new, original, and cutting edge jazz that may not have been heard in the Jazz Cave.  Describing "Contemporary Jazz," series host Barber explained that "just as the jazz of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie was influenced by musicians' and audiences' affinites for the blues of Beal Street and the bright lights of Broadway, so is it with contemporary jazz, which draws much influence from more modern strains of American music--including funk, gospel, hip hop -- and more international 'cargo,' including Indian ragas, Cuban descargas and European classical music."

2nd Annual Nashville Blues Festival - March 6 - Municipal Auditorium

Fans of Blues and Southern Soul are in for a treat when the 2nd Annual Nashville Blues Festival returns to the Municipal Auditorium, Sunday, March 6, 6:00 p.m.  The concert is part of national tour produced by Memphis based Heritage Entertainment, and will feature some of the biggest stars on the circuit today including Bobby Rush, The Manhattans featuring Gerald Alston and Blue Lovette, Sir Charles Jones, Shirley Brown, Mel Waiters, and Latimore.



Les Kerr Bayou Band's 20th Annual Mardi Gras Concert - March 8 - Bluebird Cafe'

Les Kerr and The Bayou Band with the Bayou Horns Saxophone Section present the 20th annual Mardi Gras celebration at Nashville's world-famous Bluebird Cafe', 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Tuesday, March 8, 9:00 p.m.  The Fat Tuesday celebration is Nashville's longest running Mardi Gras event, complete with beads, doubloons, moon pies, johnny cakes and music.

Kerr who moved to Nashville in 1987, is a Lousiana native, who was raised in Jackson, Mississipi, and grew up on the Gulf Coast in Pascagoula, MS




Take 6 - March 10 - Blair School of Music's Ingram Hall

Ten-time GRAMMY winner's Take 6 will perform at the University School of Nashville's annual Music Night, Thursday, March 10, 7:30 p.m., at the Blair School of Music's Ingram Hall, 2400 Blakemore Ave., Nashville, TN.

Take 6 which features USN parent Mark Kibble, has performed with such musical greats as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, and Michael McDonald.  They have also performed for four sitting U.S. Presidents.

 

Bruce Dudley with Strings - March 12 - Jazz Cave 



Piano virtuoso and composer Bruce Dudley will be the featured artist at the Nashville Jazz Workshop's Snap on 2&4 series, performing music from his new CD, "Mostly Monk," Saturday, March 12, 8:00 p.m. 


Joining Bruce for this very special performance will be Don Aliquo (saxophone), Jim Ferguson (bass), Jim White (drums), and a string quartet consisting of David Davidson and David Angel (violins), Monisa Angell (viola), and Sari Riest (cello) 


The Jazz Cave is located in the Nashville Jazz Workshop, 1319 Adams Street, Nashville, TN 




Jeff Coffin - March 13 - Frist Center For the Visual Arts



Saxophonist Jeff Coffin will be the featured artist at the Nashville Jazz Workshop's Jazz on the Move Series, Sunday, March 13, 3:00 p.m. at Nashville's Frist Center For the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway.


March's presentation is a departure from the usual format of the series, which is to focus on a historical figure, period or style.  This program entitled "The Art of Composition," will feature Coffin in a rare discussion and demonstration of how he approaches composition.  Besides being a local jazz icon, Jeff is known nationally and internationally for his work with Bela Fleck and the Dave Matthews Band.     






Al Di Meloa - March 18 - Schemerhorn Symphony Center


Former "Return to Forever" guitarist Al Di Meola will perform   Friday, March 18, 8:00 p.m., Laura Turner Concert Hall, Schemerhorn Symphony Center. 


Ever since his emergence with the group Return to Forever, Al Di Meola has been celebrated as one of jazz music's most gifted and versatile guitarists.  


More than just an astonishing technician, he is a musician of tremendous depth and sensitivity who brings grace, lyricism and sophistication to everything he does.  A prolific artist, he has explored a wide range of sounds and styles throughout his career, from flamenco to fusion, all punctuated with his jaw-dropping guitar wizardry. 




Tony Bennett - March 30 - TPAC 


The legendary Tony Bennett will perform at TPAC's Jackson Hall, March 30, 8:00 p.m.  


With worldwide record sales in the millions, and dozens of platinum and gold albums to his credit, singer, painter and author, NEA Jazz Master Tony Bennett is the recipient of fifteen GRAMMY awards, the Kennedy Center Honor, Billboard magazine's Century Award, two Emmy Awards, a Cable Ace Award, and the United Nations Citizen of the World award honoree. 


Tony Bennett is an artist who moves the hearts and touches the souls of audiences.  This is a rare opportunity to see a true legend.    










 




 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Nashville Jazz Scene & Heard

Mostly Monk - Bruce Dudley - Bruce Dudley Records 


Nashville pianist and composer Bruce Dudley has released "Mostly Monk," a lush and swinging new CD featuring his exceptional writing for jazz quartet with a string quartet. 


On "Mostly Monk," Dudley is joined by Don Aliquo (saxophone), Jim Ferguson (bass) and Jim White (drums).   Highlights include Thelonious Monk's "Ask Me Now", "Four in One," "Played Twice," Pannoica," "Think of One," and his mixing of "Monk's Dream" with "Little Rootie Tootie."  

Another outstanding selection is the nearly ten-minute composition "Tango d' Orfero featuring the double quartet in a musical journey through multiple moods, time meters, and modes.  The trio of Dudley, White and bassist Roger Spencer is featured with the string quartet on Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan," Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks," and Ornette Coleman's "Free."

Music City Jazz
Nashville is a city known for Country Music, but Music City as it is known, is home to a variety of styles and a wealth of world class musicians.  The Jazz & Blues scene continues to grow, with more live  performances, and a great selection of CD releases from area artists.  You may want to add some of these to your collection if you haven't already. 

Kirk Whalum - Everything Is Everything:(The Music Of Donny Hathaway) - Rendezvouz/Mack Avenue Records
The breadth and depth of 11-time GRAMMY nominee Kirk Whalum's "Everything Is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway, reflects everything he has been and is as an artist, and bumps it up a notch for a breathtaking, beautiful and breakthrough excurstions.  Kirk reveals, "It is the first time you'll hear me with a chamber orchestra."  From soothing strings to screamin' guitars, from streetwise city funk, blues and gospel charm to the romp and rest of country landscapes, right into the recesses of heart and soul, Whalum and company's creativity never lets up.

Beegie Adair - Into Somethin' - Adair Music Group

Beegie Adair has had a very busy year that included a chart topping CD release in Japan, a Billboard Japan Jazz Artist of the Year nomination, two entries on the ballot for the 2011 GRAMMY Awards, a documentary, and two sold-out tours at Toyko's famed Cottonclub. With all that going on, she still found time to record "Into Somethin'," a new journey, a new direction, and Beegie's first independent recording since 1991.  Beegie says it "is a collection of songs and people that mean a great deal to me," including composers she admires, originals covering a wide range of styles and genres, and a talented group of guests artists: Roy Agee (trombone,vocal), Jim Ferguson (vocal), Jeff Hall (vocal) and Rod McGaha (trumpet).


El Movimiento - The Movement - Nueva Nota Records 
"The Movement" is the debut record of El Movimiento, composed of a dynamtic all-star septet of Nashville's leading Latin Jazz and World Music performers including Rahsaan Barber (saxophone), Giovanni Rodriguez (percussion), and Imer Santiago (trumpet).  The septet's powerful and original sound is a result of a unique multi-cultural partnership, and features contemporary compositons driven by the rhythms of Cuba, Brazil, Africa, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States.  


Annie Sellick - Street of Dreams - Chalice Music
"Annie Sellick may be compared to the greats - "Ella's playfulness, Carmen's attitude, Betty's instincts and Anita's flair...(Greg Lee, WMOT jazz radio).  But, she is is unequivocally and undeniably an original."  With an active tour schedule, as well as performances with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra and her swing band group "Annie and the Hot Club," Sellick's originality shines on "Street of Dreams," her 5th release since 2000. The CD contains something for everyone, each song has been given a special treatment; arrangements that mesh jazz classic with current and hip featuring a stellar cast of musicians including Gerald Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Tamir Hendelman, Rod McGaha, Kevin Kanner, Dan Lutz, and Christop Luty. 


Marcus Finnie - Boundless - Marcus Finnie Music

On Boundless, drummer Marcus Finnie is on point, or as saxophonist Kirk Whalum said "Groovologist with a platinum card..Nuance, depth of expression..Shall I go on?" 
Having toured with artist such as Kirk Whalum, Donna Summer, Larry Carlton, Billy Preston, and Monte Montgomery he is no stranger to great music. The music on "Boundless" represents bits and pieces of this musical journey over the last few years. There is something for every listener to enjoy. Contemporary jazz thats energetic, soulful, and relaxing all in one.


Monica Ramey - Make Someone Happy - Cognito Music
"Make Someone Happy" is an elegant and fun trip back to the west coast cool jazz scene featuring tunes from the Great American Songbook with a fresh twist and modern arrangements. The vocals are fresh, with Monica's intellect, sophistication, and honesty on full display. Ramey's voice floats on top of the music provided by the Lori Mechem Trio, Denis Solee, Roy Agee, George Tidwell, James Hollihan and special guest Beegie Adair. 




Dara Tucker - All Right Now - Watchman Records
Dara Tucker was born into a musical family.  The product of a music minister father, and a songstress mother, she began singing in her Tulsa, Oklahoma church at age 5.  Through her college years, Tucker continued to hone her skills as a vocalist and musician.  After obtaining a degree in International Business and German studies, she relocated to Interlaken, Switzerland, where she began to write the first of her very personal songs.  Since moving to Nashville, TN to pursue music fulltime, Tucker has begun to establish herself as a strong presence on the jazz scene.  Displaying a love for standards and swing that belies her years, Tucker's reverance for the Great American Songbook can be felt in her sensitive delivery.  On "All Right Now" you will be treated to classic standards interpreted with a modern and soulful edge.  


Rod McGaha - A Gentle Man - Nick-E-Music   




In addition to being a gifted jazz trumpet player, the multi-talented Rod McGaha is a composer, vocalist, lyricist, and producer.  "Music is life," declares McGaha matter-of-factly.  "It's about finding the common thread, the commond bond that we all have.  I don't care whether you're a classical musician or a jazz musician-let's see what we have in common, and unite to send a message."  That message is delivered on "A Gentle Man," which features a hand-picked lineup of first-rate musicians with an accomplised string quartet.  The resulting sond is both elegant and intimate, distinguished by both technical virtuosity and emotional drectness. "With its emphasis on dreamy ballads and fresh interpretations of classic material, the album harks back to such string-kissed trumpet touchstones as Clifford Brown With Strings and Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain." (theurbanmusicscene.com)  


Lori Mechem - Return To Ipanema, The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim - Green Hill Records

Nashville pianist, composer and educator Lori Mechem and Ritmos Picantes have released "Return to Ipanema", The Music Of Antonio Carlos Jobim.  Produced and arranged by composer Jeff Steinberg, the CD features top Nashville musicians Denis Solee on sax, Pete Hutllinger on guitar, Roger Spencer on bass, Dann Sherrill on percussion, Chris Brown on drums and the string section of David Davidson and John Catchings.  The tribute CD "seemed like the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of bossa nova and the man who made it all possible" said Mechem. Although this her the first release on Nashville based Green Hill Records, Mechem has recorded two other CD's of Brazilian music including 1997 's "Welcome To Brazil"  and 2005's "Brazilian Christmas".

The Barber Brothers Jazz Quintet - Twinnovation - 2 Soul Music

"Twinnovation" is the re-release of The Barber Brothers debut CD.  In the ten years since young jazz phenoms The Barber Brothers recorded Twinnovation - their debut CD of original compositions - The two have established careers as stellar jazz performers, educators and composers, moving at an incredible pace, growing into celebrated and revered musicians, having sharing the stage professionally with a diverse list of musicians including Wynton Marsalis, Kirk Franklin, The Temptations, Jimmy Bosch, Manny Oquendo, Shelly Fairchild and many more. 


Affinity Trio - Affinity Trio - Affinity Records

Nashville based jazz leaders Don Aliquo, Jonathan Wires and Tom Giampietro continue to push boundaries as they come together on a highly creative effort full of unexpected musical suprises. A true fusion and collaboration of jazz veterans, with special guest Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck, Dave Matthews Band)

Michael Fair - Funk in the Trunk - Michael Fair Music
Nashville based Smooth Jazz musician, Flugelhorn and Trumpet player Michael Fair has released a new 13 track CD entitled "Funk in the Trunk" featuring the ultra warm sound of his Flugelhorn, "superbly produced Smooth Jazz tracks with everything from up tempto funk to buttery smooth ballads," including the Jimmy Webb classic "Wichita Lineman," and mid-tempo Neo Soul artist Kem's "Find Your Way Back."  Produced by GRAMMY nominated writer/producer Brandon Barnes, this is a CD with something for everyone.




Saxophonist Chris West set "The Basement" on fire.

On Thursday, February 10, 2011, the day after a snow storm brought Nashville to a halt, saxophonist Chris West heated things up with a blazing set featuring an All-Star ensemble at "The Basement" on 8th Avenue South.
The standing room only crowd braved the weather to celebrate the release of the first CD, of a three-disc set of original material by West, called The Surprise Trilogy.  West was joined on stage for the adventurous and muscular set by many of the musicians who recorded on the CD including Jeff Coffin, Don Aliquo, Rod McGaha, Derrek Phillips, Pat Bergeson, Charles Treadway, Jerry Navarro, Mason Embry, Oscar Utterstrom, Neil Konouchi, Kevin Rimmer and Justin Amaral.  
Also spotted on the scene enjoying the music and celebration were Music City notables; Rahsaan and Roland Barber, Bob Harson, Chris Dunn, Steve Herman, Evan Cobb, Doug Mosher, Giovanni Rodriguez, Gutherie Trapp, Dana Robbins and Mike Rinnie.

On The Nashville Scene

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave at Mercy Lounge, February 22nd
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave at Mercy Lounge, February 22nd
Grammy nominated Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue returns to Nashville's Mercy Lounge, Tuesday, February 22 at 9:00pm
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Duffy Jackson Big Band at Jazz Cave, Wednesday, February 23, 7PM
Duffy Jackson Big Band at Jazz Cave, Wednesday, February 23, 7PM
The Jazz Cave will host Nashville's newest ensemble, the swingin' Duffy Jackson Big Band, Wednesday, February 23, 7PM
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Denise LaSalle to Blues Hall of Fame, May 4, Memphis, TN
Denise LaSalle to Blues Hall of Fame, May 4, Memphis, TN
Singer/songwriter Denise LaSalle will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, May 4, 2011, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center, Memphis, TN
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Nashville Jazz Orchestra at French Quarter Cafe
Nashville Jazz Orchestra at French Quarter Cafe
The Nashville Jazz Orchestra returns for their weekly Tuesday night performance, 7PM, French Quarter Cafe, 823 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN
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Don Aliquo & MTSU Faculty perform at Wednesday Jazz Jam, French Quarter Cafe
Don Aliquo & MTSU Faculty perform at Wednesday Jazz Jam, French Quarter Cafe 
Join saxophonist Don Aliquo and the MTSU Jazz Faculty for this weeks Wednesday night Jazz Jam at the French Quarter Cafe, 823 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN
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Music City Soul Series Honors Black History Month
Music City Soul Series Honors Black History Month
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau honors Black History Month with the third annual Music City Soul Series Thursday, February 24, 7pm, featuring The Jimmy Church Band at B.B. King's Blues Club & Restaurant, Nashville, TN. More ...

Rod McGaha and United for Peace Orchestra at Christ Church Cathedral
Rod McGaha and United for Peace Orchestra at Christ Church Cathedral
Trumpeter Rod McGaha and the United For Peace Orchestra will perform at Christ Church Cathedral Sacred Space for the City Arts Series, Friday, February 25, at 7:30pm 
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Saxophonist Dennis Taylor's Debut Release "Steppin' Up"
Saxophonist Dennis Taylor's Debut Release "Steppin' Up" 
The debut CD from the late Nashville saxophonist Dennis Taylor. The project, recorded shortly before his death, features organ trios with several distinguished drummers and a guest appearance by Delbert McClinton.  Listening Party/CD Release Celebration, Feb. 27, 3PM at Bluebird Cafe, Nashville, TN -  More ...


Music City Jazz Presents Jazz of Music City Compilation CD
Music City Jazz Presents Jazz of Music City Compilation CD

Jazz of Music City 1 captures a range of the fine jazz produced in Nashville.  Most of these wonderful musicians have played at a TJBS "Jazz on the Lawn" summer concert
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