Tuesday, March 31, 2009

RAY CHARLES – GENIUS: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION due in stores April 7

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

(Yes, Ray Charles was a Floridian!)

CONCORD RECORDS TO RELEASE DEFINITIVE RAY CHARLES ANTHOLOGY
RAY CHARLES – GENIUS: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION,
FEATURING 21 HITS FROM HIS MOST CELEBRATED ERA


Set due in stores April 7. Most songs available digitally for the first time.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Commencing an extensive Ray Charles reissue program for 2009, Concord Records will release a 21-song anthology of hits titled Ray Charles — Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection. The volume, slated for a street date of April 7, 2009, presents Charles’ most influential recordings for the Atlantic and ABC-Paramount labels including 1955’s “I Got a Woman” plus “Busted,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Hit the Road Jack” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” concluding with his signature 1972 rendition of “America the Beautiful.” All are digitally remastered from the original tapes.

Late last year, Concord Music Group announced it had entered into an exclusive arrangement with the Ray Charles Foundation to develop the artist’s post-1960 catalog, which contains his classic work for the ABC-Paramount and Tangerine labels. In addition to planning a series of CD reissues, Concord will make the catalog available digitally for the first time ever.

Ray Charles — Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection chronicles the high points in Charles’ catalog. As noted jazz writer Don Heckman writes in his liner notes, “The first feeling that comes to mind after even a short glance at the titles included here is a sense of wonder. The diversity of the material is impressive in its own right — blues, of course, transformed gospel songs, country tunes, an American Songbook standard, a Beatles classic and a climactic American anthem. But more than that, it’s what he does with all these variegated numbers. Good singers can do great interpretations. Great singers like Charles possess the material in a way that makes a song their own, while remaining true to the essence of each.”

Ten of the tracks on this collection made it to #1 on the R&B charts and three songs hit #1 on the pop chart. “That may sound like nothing more than numbers,” says Heckman, “but it represents an extraordinary string of successes in which Charles released a Top 10 R&B single in almost every year between 1954-67, and a Top 10 pop single almost every year between 1959-67.”
The album contains 21 of Charles’ biggest hits, each within its own unique history and meaning.
“Hit the Road Jack,” penned by Percy Mayfield, a #1 pop hit and a 1961 Grammy winner for Charles, opens the collection. Also included are “What I’d Say (Part 1),” ranked #10 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time; the classic “Busted”; “I Can’t Stop Loving You” from the album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, which reached #1 on R&B and pop charts; the Bobby Sharp composition “Unchain My Heart”; Charles’ signature rendition of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia on My Mind, another #1 pop hit; “I Got a Woman” which was Charles’ first #1 R&B hit and was later sampled by Kanye West; “You Are My Sunshine,” the Jimmie Davis standard that Charles brought to #1 R&B; a soulful edition of Hank Williams’ “Take These Chains From My Heart”; the offbeat “Hide Nor Hair”; Ashford & Simpson’s “Let’s Go Get Stoned,” a #1 R&B hit by Charles; “You Don’t Know Me,” earlier a hit for Jerry Vale, which charted #2 pop; “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” originally a gospel hymn; “Crying Time,” a Buck Owens song which Charles brought to #6 on the pop charts; the funky “I’m a Fool for You,” which charted #1 R&B; “One Mint Julep,” Charles’ version of The Clovers’ hit with a big band arrangement by Quincy Jones; “Here We Go Again,” sung as a duet with Betty Carter; “Yesterday,” the Paul McCartney classic, in which Charles, according to Heckman, “embraces the song’s deep inner heart”; and finally his 1972 signature recording of “America the Beautiful,” the perfect ending and relevant once again.

Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection will be packaged in a handsome embossed digipack and presented with a 24-page collectors’ book of rare photos and Heckman’s notes.

“Genius Loves Company was Ray Charles' highest selling record ever,"said Valerie Ervin, President of the Ray Charles Foundation. "In addition to the artistic quality of the music, the release was matched by Concord's skill in finding new ways to market in the increasingly challenging environment.Their incomparable ability to innovate will also be seen in the upcomingreleases."

Concord will release several other Ray Charles reissues this year including Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, Volumes 1 & 2, The Genius Hits the Road, A Message to the People and Genius + Soul = Jazz & More.

Monday, March 30, 2009

South Florida JAZZ welcomes the LYNNE ARRIALE Quartet April 11, 2009

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

April 11, 2009 - 8:00 p.m. - South Florida JAZZ welcomes one of the most acclaimed pianists in jazz, LYNNE ARRIALE, who appears with her new quartet in concert. The 2009 Grammy Award winning trumpeter, Randy Brecker, who is known to all jazz audiences, is the latest addition to the band that will celebrate the release of its CD/DVD Nuance – The Bennett Studio Recordings at this performance during Jazz Appreciation Month.




FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – South Florida’s premier modern jazz organization is delighted to feature one its favorite pianists and one of the most important bands in the current modern jazz genre as Lynne Arriale makes a rare South Florida visit. This concert takes place at the 500-seat Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the Nova Southeastern University campus, 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd in Davie 33314. Tickets are $35 ($25 for South Florida JAZZ members and $10 for students at any level with I.D.) and may be purchased from the AutoNation Box Office by calling 954.462.0222 in Broward County; also toll-free at 877-311-SHOW, as well as online at: southfloridajazz.org, the presenting organization’s official Website.


LYNNE ARRIALE QUARTET




Beginning her musical studies at age four, Lynne Arriale went on to earn a master's degree in classical composition. In her 20s, she discovered improvisation and turned to jazz, soon developing her own sound. "My classical years had a great influence on me," explains Arriale, "Teachers used to tell me: 'You have to sing this line.'...It took me years to teach my fingers how to sing." But sing they do, and beautifully so.

Raised by adoptive parents, Arriale learned later in life that her birth mother had been a professional jazz singer. Lynne states, "It was a revelation. I'd always wondered where my passion for melody and improvisation had come from." Perhaps her background also contributes to the distinctly vocal quality of her style, cultivated through singing the melody when composing and practicing in order to maintain "a strong heart connection." She is in the company of the great trio masters, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau.

Lynne Arriale has developed a singular voice as a composer, leader and pianist, through her compelling originals, known for their heartfelt, folkloric quality and her reinventions of pop classics. Her trios have reached jazz and mainstream audiences around the world with their emotionally stirring performances. Critics have universally praised Lynne for her singular sound, intuitive interaction with bassist and drummer, and consistently excellent recordings that have reached the top of every jazz chart of note.

However, after a decade with her last trio, Lynne has retooled and expanded her concept. Her new band now features the distinguished and renowned Czech bassist, George Mraz, while the dynamic Anthony Pinciotti mans the drum chair. New this year is a quartet format that showcases the celebrated trumpeter Randy Brecker, fresh off his 2009 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Randy in Brasil. The quartet has recorded Nuance РThe Bennett Studio Sessions (Mot̩ma), a CD with a companion DVD, which will be released at this performance for South Florida JAZZ.

Lynne Arriale is sparking the imaginations and stealing the hearts of critics and audiences around the world. Here is what they are saying:

"...One of the most intellectual, introspective and insightful swingers on the current scene. She brings a flawless touch, an impeccable sense of complex rhythms and a harmonic curiosity to everything she attempts." - JazzTimes

“The band crisscrosses genre lines with impunity, elegantly juxtaposing and harmonically refreshing the music of Bernstein, Ellington, Lennon/McCartney, Bacharach and Monk." - Washington Post

“Lynne Arriale's brilliant musicianship and bandstand instincts place her among the top jazz pianists of the day.” - New York Times


“No American pianist has made quite as strong an impression over the past five years as Arriale. Lynne Arriale belongs among the poets. Her singing tone and original material make her one of the best hopes for the coming decade.” - The London Times


Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.





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Universities unite to honor jazz - FSU & Florida A&M

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Florida State University’s College of Music and Florida A&M University’s Office of Black Diasporan Culture presented Scotty Barnhart and Friends: A Tribute to the Origins and Evolution of Jazz, last Friday in Lee Hall.

For the first time the two music programs came together on one stage.

SEE FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.thefamuanonline.com/lifestyles/universities-unite-to-honor-jazz-1.1633916

PHILLIPS JAZZ PIANO COMPETITION SHOWCASES TALENT AT NEWLY-RENOVATED SAENGER THEATRE

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs


March 30, 2009

PENSACOLA- The University of West Florida Department of Music will showcase student musicians from across the United States at the Fifth Annual Kathleen T. and Philip B. Phillips, M.D. Jazz Piano Competition. The competition takes place April 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the recently renovated Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola. The performance is the final round of the competition, with finalists competing for cash prizes totaling $10,000. Each finalist will play three contrasting pieces with or without a jazz combo, including one original arrangement or composition for a maximum of 20 minutes performance time. The event is free and open to the public.

The five finalists are Sean Dietrich from Northwest Florida State College, Jiri Levicek from the University of North Texas, Ross Margitza from Michigan State University, Peter Stoltzman from the University of Texas-Austin and Roberto Verastegui from the University of North Texas. The alternate is Glen Pursello-Seefeld from Michigan State University. The finalists were selected based on technical ability, improvisatory skills and musicality.

Prizes to be awarded include: First place: $5,000; Second place: $3,000; Third place: $1,500; and two Honorable Mentions at $250 each. The winner will also be featured at Pensacola’s annual JazzFest on Saturday, April 4, 2009. This year’s judges are professional jazz pianists Chuchito Valdes, Cuba; John Royen, New Orleans; and last year’s winner Donald Vega, New York.

This annual event, made possible by the generosity of the Phillips family, is part of the University of West Florida’s Festival on the Green, a two-day, entertaining outdoor event. This year’s Festival on the Green is scheduled for April 3 and 4 and will welcome the Northwest Florida and South Alabama communities to the UWF Main Campus in Pensacola. Previous year’s festivals have attracted more than 25,000 attendees.

For more information, contact the UWF Department of Music at (850) 474-2147 or visit uwf.edu/music/phillipsjazz.

For more information on Festival on the Green, visit uwf.edu/festival.
###

Distribution of Press Release By:
Jazz Blues Florida


Sunday, March 29, 2009

Friday, March 27, 2009

Wynton Marsalis First Recording Was Done In Florida? With The Jazz Messengers, At Bubba's, in FLL?


#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs







Interesting, this doesn't show up on the discography for him, but here are multiple references...

























If anyone knows anything about Bubba's Jazz Restaurant, give us a shout at Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com. Interesting that Crown Liquors had a hand in it!








Wednesday, March 25, 2009

More Than One Anniversary Will Be Celebrated at Wanee Festival

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs




The Allman Bros. band is not the only group that will be at Wanee Festival celebrating 40 years of music... LITTLE FEAT joins them in cutting that cake. Little Feat was formed by singer-songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell George and keyboard player Bill Payne in 1969 in Los Angeles.

The currentl line-up is:
Bill Payne - vocals, keyboards
Paul Barrere - vocals, guitar, slide guitar
Fred Tackett - guitar, mandolin, trumpet
Kenny Gradney - bass
Richie Hayward - drums, backing vocals
Sam Clayton - congas, vocals, percussion

The band plays a mixture of blues, R&B, country, New Orleans funk, and rock and roll.

Little Feat’s latest project is "JOIN THE BAND," a most unusual sort of tribute record. On it, they serve as the stellar backing band performing several of their classic songs as sung by the likes of Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, and Chris Robinson.

"JOIN THE BAND," features some of their classic tunes -- "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Dixie Chicken," "Sailing Shoes," "Oh, Atlanta,” as well as new material like Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." This release features an all-star list of additional guest artists such as Jimmy Buffett, Bob Seger, Sonny Landreth and many others.

LITTLE FEAT: JOIN THE BAND
Release Date: 08/26/2008
Label: 429 RECORDS
Song credits:
Lead vocals are listed in order of appearance
DIXIE CHICKEN:
Lead vocals: Vince Gill, Paul BarrereBackground vocals: Paul Barrere, Shaun Murphy, Mac McAnally, Bill PayneGuitars: Paul Barrere slide & electric guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Sonny Landreth slide guitar; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne - piano; Michael Utley (Coral Reefer Band) - B-3 Bass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas; Ralph McDonald (Coral Reefer Band) shakers

SOMETHING IN THE WATER
Lead vocal: Bob SegerBackground vocals: Shaun Murphy; Mac McAnallyGuitar:s: Brad Paisley lead guitar; Paul Barrere slide guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitarFiddle: Sam BushKeyboards: Bill Payne piano and B-3Bass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas

SEE YOU LATER ALLIGATOR
Lead vocal: Paul Barrere; Shaun MurphyBackground vocals: Mac McAnally; Shaun MurphyGuitars: Paul Barrere slide guitar, electric guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne piano; Michael Utley B-3Bass: Jim Mayer standup bass & slapDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas

FAT MAN IN THE BATHTUBLead vocal: Dave MatthewsBackground vocals: Dave Matthews, Shaun MurphyGuitars: Sony Landreth slide guitar and solo; Paul Barrere slide guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally national guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne piano, B-3, synthsBass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas

CHAMPION OF THE WORLDLead vocals: Paul Barrere, Jimmy BuffettGuitars: Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally acoustic & high stringKeyboards: Bill Payne piano, B-3Bass: Kenny GradneyDrums & brushes: Richie HaywardThe Whistler: Paul Barrere

THE WEIGHTLead vocals: Paul BarrereBackground vocals: Fred Tackett, Shaun Murphy, Richie Hayward, Bill PayneGuitars: Paul Barrere acoustic guitar; Fred Tackett mandolin; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarBanjo: Bela FleckKeyboards: Bill Payne piano; Michael Utley B-3Bass: Kenny GradneyDrums Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton tambourine

DON’T YOU JUST KNOW IT
Lead vocals: Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, Shaun MurphyBackground vocals: Fred Tackett, Richie Hayward, Bill Payne, Paul Barrere, Sam ClaytonGuitars: Paul Barrere slide & electric; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally tic tac tellyKeyboards: Bill Payne pianoBass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie Hayward

TIME LOVES A HERO
Lead vocals: Jimmy Buffett, Bill PayneBackground vocals: Paul Barrere, Shaun Murphy, Mac McAnallyGuitars: Paul Barrere slide & electric guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitar (w/pencil)Pans: Robert Greenidge (Coral Reefer Band)Keyboards: Bill Payne synths; Michael Utley B-3Drums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas; Ralph MacDonald tambourine & cowbell

WILLIN’
Lead vocals: Ronnie Dunn, Kicks BrooksBackground vocals: Mac McAnallyGuitars: Paul Barrere electric guitar & slide solo; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally electric guitar, acoustic guitarPedal Steel: Duncan CameronKeyboards Bill Payne piano; Mac McAnally B-3Bass Kenny GradneyDrums Richie HaywardPercussion Ralph MacDonald tambourine & triangle

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND
Lead vocals: Paul Barrere, Shaun MurphyBackground vocals: Mac McAnally, Bill Payne, Michael Utley, Alan SchulmanGuitars: Paul Barrere acoustic slide; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne piano; Michael Utley B-3Bass: Mike GordonDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton tambourine

OH ATLANTA
Lead vocals: Chris Robinson, Bill PayneBackground vocals: Paul Barrere, Shaun Murphy, Sam Clayton, Mac McAnallyGuitars: Paul Barrere electric guitar; Fred Tackett slide guitar & solo; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne pianoBass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas

SPANISH MOONLead vocals: Sam Clayton, Craig FullerBackground vocals: Paul Barrere, Shaun MurphyGuitars: Vince Gill acoustic guitar solo; Paul Barrere slide guitar; Fred Tackett electric guitar; Mac McAnally acoustic guitarKeyboards: Bill Payne piano, B-3, synthsBass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton congas

TROUBLE
Lead vocal: Inara GeorgeKeyboards: Bill Payne piano

SAILING SHOESLead vocals: Emmylou Harris, Shaun Murphy, Paul BarrereBackground vocals: Sam Clayton, Richie Hayward, Shaun Murphy, Mac McAnallyGuitars: Paul Barrere slide guitar; Mac McAnally national guitarMandolins: Fred Tackett, Sam BushFiddle: Sam BushBanjo: Bela FleckKeyboards: Bill Payne piano & B-3Bass: Kenny GradneyDrums: Richie HaywardPercussion: Sam Clayton tambourine
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The upcoming 2009-2010 JAZZ ROOTS concert lineup of talent

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

NOVEMBER 6, 2009 — “THE BLUES”
BUDDY GUY

JAZZ ROOTS launches with Buddy Guy a five-time Grammy-winning blues legend whose unique and wailing electric guitar sound has influenced virtually every major blues and rock guitarist, from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

DECEMBER 4, 2009 — “AN EVENING WITH DAVE GRUSIN”
DAVE GRUSIN, JON SECADA, ARTURO SANDOVAL, NESTOR TORRES, MANCINI ORCHESTRA, AND SPECIAL GUESTS

Dave Grusin – composer, arranger, virtuoso pianist, recording artist and multiple Grammy and Academy Award winner – has given us some of the most memorable and moving film scores of all time. In “An Evening with Dave Grusin & Friends,” Grusin and a host of special guests, backed by the University of Miami’s finest school of music’s Mancini Institute Orchestra, will bring to life these well-loved soundtracks.

The second half of this spectacular evening features Dave Grusin and his special guest stars, including Jon Secada, Arturo Sandoval and Nestor Torres in a rare live performance of his classic contemporary jazz score for Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway hit West Side Story.

JANUARY 15, 2010 — “VOCALESE”
MANHATTAN TRANSFER, NEW YORK VOICES, AND SPECIAL GUEST JON HENDRICKS

Take some of the best-known, most complex and sophisticated instrumental solos in jazz treat them as melodies and add swinging, poetic lyrics: The result is VOCALESE, one of the most technically difficult and musically rewarding singing styles in jazz.

Manhattan Transfer, the eight-time Grammy-winning jazz/pop harmony vocal group, has been releasing stellar albums and drawing rave concert reviews for more than three decades with their sparkling song stylizations and prodigious vocal talents.

Grammy-winning vocal ensemble, New York Voices, is acclaimed for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing.

Jon Hendricks, a NEA Jazz Master, Grammy winner, French Legion of Honor awardee, and “Poet Laureate of Jazz,” is the founder of the legendary Lambert, Hendricks and Ross vocal group, who are considered one of the originators of the vocalese technique.

FEBRUARY 26, 2010 — “JAZZ AND SOUL”
AL JARREAU AND RAMSEY LEWIS

In honor of Black History Month, JAZZ ROOTS presents an evening of music born out of the African-American experience. We celebrate the blend of jazz, blues, gospel and R&B that, along with cultural, political and stylistic elements from our American history, create the music we call Soul. JAZZ AND SOUL spotlights two celebrated stars who took jazz, merged it with soul and made the result their own signature sound.

Al Jarreau pairs a voice that’s recognized as one of the world's most precious treasures with his unique and innovative musical expressions. This combination has made him one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time. Jarreau’s achievements include five Grammys, scores of international music awards, and numerous hit records.

Ramsey Lewis, NEA Jazz Master, multiple Grammy awardee and host of “Legends of Jazz”, the acclaimed PBS TV series, is a legend of jazz himself. A pianist and composer, he is often referred to as "the great performer" – a title reflecting a performance style rooted in his early gospel roots and classical training. His recording of “The In Crowd” is a jazz and soul classic.

MARCH 19, 2010 — “A TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA”
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN AND JOHN PIZZARELLI

To many around the world, the sound of American music is the sound of Frank Sinatra. More than any popular musical artist in American history, Sinatra became not only a cultural icon and a face of America to the world, but an artist who defined his generation. By crossing the lines between jazz and pop and redefining what it means to speak a lyric, Sinatra forever changed American pop culture.

Michael Feinstein is one of the world's foremost interpreters and certainly the most passionate guardian of the body of classic songs immortalized by Sinatra as the American Songbook. With his recently released The Sinatra Project, one of our era’s most expressive voices pays tribute to an American icon.

John Pizzarelli has had a multi-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist and bandleader. Internationally known for his interpretations of classic standards and late-night ballads, the easy humor and prodigious technique he brings to his performances creates the perfect mood for an evening celebrating the king of cool.

APRIL 16, 2010 — “PIANO LATINO”
EDDIE PALMIERI AND MICHEL CAMILO

Celebrating “Jazz Appreciation Month,” two of the greatest living Latin jazz pianists performing today are featured in PIANO LATINO, a tribute to the rhythmic backbone of the genre.

Eddie Palmieri has a discography that includes 36 titles and a career honored by nine Grammy Awards. The legendary pianist thrills audiences throughout the world with his unique style, charismatic power and bold innovative drive.

Michel Camilo, the Dominican-born winner of a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album, is a virtuoso pianist with technique to spare, who flavors his tunes with the spice of Caribbean rhythms and jazz harmonies.

Repost of Press Release By:
Jazz Blues Florida
www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Musical icon David Amram to give free performance at Stetson University

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Composer-conductor-instrumentalist-author David Amram, a world music pioneer, will offer a free public performance/presentation, “At Home Around the World,” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 27, at Stetson University’s new Mary B. McMahan Hall, located at North Woodland Boulevard (U.S. Highway 17-92) and East Michigan Avenue, adjacent to Presser Hall.
Hailed by the Boston Globe as “the Renaissance man of American music,” Amram will be joined on stage by Stetson University School of Music students for the afternoon event. His visit is sponsored by the university’s James Turner Butler Creative Lecture Series.

Amram plans to bring and play instruments from many countries he has visited, to show how they are emblematic of cultures and to illustrate how musical genres and instruments can be multidisciplinary learning tools.

“I hope I can show that music is also a gateway to learning about other aspects of life, and that everyone has a creative gift to offer,” Amram said in an e-mail. “I hope that students from different disciplines will want to spend time with one another after I leave, to share their respective areas of expertise, and to feel that education begins in college and continues for one’s lifetime.”

The multifaceted Amram will collaborate with students earlier in the day when he meets with an Improvisation class. Some of those students will join him on stage for the free performance. Amram also will spend time with student composers.

“Amram has worked with jazz legends such as Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente and Charles Mingus,” noted Dr. Manuel de Murga, director of Composition at Stetson who helped arrange Amram’s visit. “He said he will present the use of improvisation as ‘a positive way of survival … and that can be helpful for everyone.’ Amram’s wide-ranging musical perspective – film scores, jazz, theater, folkloric performance, symphonic works – will be of great interest to Stetson’s composers.”

Composer of more than 100 chamber and orchestral works, Amram grew up in Passagrille, Fla., and has said he discovered his “innate creativity” in elementary school there. He has written operas and Broadway and film scores, including the score for the 1959 documentary “Pull My Daisy,” which was narrated by beat novelist Jack Kerouac. Amram also is a recording artist, guest conductor and author and has appeared on national TV on numerous occasions, including seven times at Farm Aid. He was composer-in-residence of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, where he offered several performances including his “Themes and Variations on Amazing Grace.” He plays French horn, piano, flute, percussion and dozens of folkloric instruments, and continues to compose and collaborate in multiple genres with a new generation of artists.

“David Amram has been a major voice in American music – all kinds of American music – for a long time, and it is an honor to welcome him into our community, said Dr. Sydney Hodkinson, Almand Chair of Composition at Stetson who also helped coordinate the visit.

The James Turner Butler Creative Lectureship is funded by an annual gift from David T. Warner in honor of his grandfather, James Turner Butler, a Stetson alumnus (BA, 1902; J.D. 1904). The gift also honors the Stetson legacy of other family members, including James S. Turner, a member of Stetson’s original Board of Trustees (1885-1904), and Etter McTeer Turner (B.A. 1935), long-time dean of women and dean of students.

The program supports a campus visit or residency by a creative writer or artist who interacts with students and faculty and gives a public reading or lecture. The emphasis is on creativity rather than academic work. A faculty committee oversees selection of each year’s Butler Creative Lecturer.

Warner is the founder of Bellamy Road, a center for fine arts, literature and film near Melrose and Amram’s destination after he leaves Stetson. Amram is taking part in Bellamy Road’s monthlong celebration of the Beat artists and writers.

Warner is also a contributor to regional and national magazines, a writer and producer of travel films and the author of Vanishing Florida: A Personal Guide to Sights Rarely Seen, High-Sheriff Jim Turner and Bimini: Tales of an Island Getaway.

Stetson University
Office of Public Relations and Communications
421 North Woodland Boulevard
DeLand, Florida 32723
Email Address : cferritt@stetson.edu
Phone Number : 386.822.8920


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Monday, March 23, 2009

Where we will be this week (WWWBTW):


#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Tuesday, March 24:
Wednesday, March 25:
Thursday, March 26:
  • Web Radio Afternoon: wwoz.org (time to start thinking about Jazz Fest!)
  • Cuillo Theater, West Palm Beach: John Carey
Friday, March 27:
Saturday, March 28:
  • Web Radio: Stu Grant Hosts "Jazz Impressions" 6-9pm WXEL.org
  • Paddy Mac's, Palm Beach Gardens: Daniel Lombardi.
  • Orange Door, Lake Park: 3 Guitars XXXII w/ David Shelley, Bonefish Johnny and Eddie Gregg
Sunday, March 29:
  • Web Radio Morning: Ed Blanco Hosts "Jazz Cafe'" 7-9am WDNA.org (live)
  • Downtowner, Ft. Lauderdale: JP Soars Gypsy Jazz Solo 1-3pm
  • Mrs. Murphy's, Ft. Lauderdale: Sunday Jazz Jam 6-10pm
  • Fire Rock Restaurant, West Palm Beach: Sunday Jazz Jam 7-10pm (note - this is boat-show weekend in West Palm)

*********

NEWS
* NEW VIDEO SHOWCASE POSTING: The Sauce Boss Bill Wharton cooking his gumbo!
* NEW PHOTO SHOWCASE POSTING: Rebecca Dawkins of The Nouveaux Honkies is the subject and Sandee Lewin Nye is the photog.
NEW PAGE: NEW FLORIDA MUSIC page has been added under the ABOUT menu tab. This page is dedicated to letting you know about new jazz and blues CD releases by Florida musicians.
* Ad deadline for April edition is Wednesday, March 25.
* Featured artists in our April edition will be: Shelly Berg/Jiggs Whiggam, Dena DeRose Trio, Davis and Dow, Juan De Marcos Afro-Cuban Allstars, Chris Botti, Alfredo Triff, Dave Hubbard, Branford, Groove Thangs, Lynne Arriale and Sonny Rollins.
* Promotion announcement: Look for an upcoming WE-BE Going to WANEE announcement on how to enter to win a pair of weekend passes - $300+ value!
* Check out our MySpace for quick links to the performers that are going to be around, including our featured artists. Lookin our TOP FRIEND section.
* News items covered in this past week's JAZZ BLUES FLROIDA BLOG:
  • Dr. Lonnie Smith's RISE UP! CD Release Tour Schedu...
  • Chipola College Jazz Ensemble Plays Jazz in the Pa...
  • LYNNE ARRIALE QUARTET To Perform in FLL April 11
  • Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue Tour With Tommy Cas...
  • Two International Jazz Stars Featured in April Jaz...
  • Gov't Mule To Play Wanee
  • Port St. Lucie Art and All that Jazz Festival 2009...
  • 14TH Annual Giving Hunger The Blues in Sarasota
  • BCF Jazz Band Prepares For Tour
  • Background Information on INSPIRIT - The Healing P...
  • Wynton Marsalis - artist bio
  • Teenage jazz phenom sparkles on TVA Fort Lauderdal...
This edition of WWWBTHW was brought to you by:


Sunday, March 22, 2009

Dr. Lonnie Smith's RISE UP! CD Release Tour Schedule

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Sadly, no Florida shows!

March 30Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioJazz EstateMilwaukee, WI
April 1 Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioBoulder TheatreBoulder, CO
April 3 Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioThe MintLos Angeles, CA
April 17 Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioScullers Jazz ClubBoston, MA
April 19 Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioB Side Music FestivalMinneapolis, MN
April 24 Donald Harrison Group featuring Dr. Lonnie SmithNOLA Jazz Fest Jazz tent 4pm
April 25 Dr. Lonnie Smith TrioWesleyan UniversityMiddletown, CT
April 27 Piano Night House of Blues New Orleans, LA
April 28 Blue Nile Boom Boom Room All StarsNew Orleans , LA

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Chipola College Jazz Ensemble Plays Jazz in the Park at Florida Caverns State Park 3/21.


#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs


By KATE McCARDELL
Floridan Staff Writer
Published: March 20, 2009

One can imagine the trees swaying and butterflies dancing to the music at the annual Florida Caverns Jazz in the Park.

The Friends of the Florida Caverns State Park will host the event, now in its fourth year, this Saturday, March 21.

“If people enter the park by 1:30 p.m., they’ll be at the Blue Hole Pavilion in time for the start of the concert,” Friends member Lois Jones said.

The Chipola College Jazz Ensemble, led by Daniel Powell, is now at more than 25 members and will be performing.“We have seen the group grow in he years they’ve come to the park,” Jones said.

She said the concert is the perfect setting for a relaxing picnic.“Bring your choice of food, a blanket, lawn chair or enjoy the picnic tables that the park provides near the pavilion,” Jones said. There is no cost to attend the concert. Admission to the park is $4 per vehicle.The Friends, a nonprofit group that works to encourage local citizens to visit the park, recently announced new membership opportunities. The cost to be a Friends member for one year is $15. As a Friend, members receive four free passes to enter the park.

A Friends Family membership is $20, providing eight passes for entrance into the park.“So you could become a member of the Friends of the Caverns, use one of the passes to get into the concert and have three left to visit the park some more,” Jones said.

Friday, March 20, 2009

LYNNE ARRIALE QUARTET To Perform in FLL April 11

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

LYNNE ARRIALE QUARTET
featuring Randy Brecker
Saturday, April 11, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314



Beginning her piano studies at age four, Lynne Arriale went on to earn a master's degree in classical composition. In her 20s, she discovered improvisation and turned to jazz, soon developing her own sound. "My classical years had a great influence on me," explains Arriale, "Teachers used to tell me: 'You have to sing this line.'...It took me years to teach my fingers how to sing." But sing they do, and so beautifully.

Raised by adoptive parents, Arriale learned later in life that her birth mother had been a professional jazz singer. Lynne states, "It was a revelation. I'd always wondered where my passion for melody and improvisation had come from." Perhaps her background also contributes to the distinctly vocal quality of her style, cultivated through singing the melody when composing and practicing in order to maintain "a strong heart connection." She is in the company of the great trio masters, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Brad Mehldau.

Lynne's newest trio with bass master George Mraz and drummer Anthony Pinciotti has attained a level of empathetic communication characteristic of all great threesomes. The recent frequent and fortuitous addition of celebrated trumpeter Randy Brecker adds a thrilling dimension to the band without in any way detracting from Lynne Arriale’s virtuosity and lyricism.

Lynne Arriale is sparking the imaginations and stealing the hearts of critics and audiences around the world. Here is what they are saying:

"It's always thrilling when a new star shines in the jazz firmament." - BBC Music Magazine

"...One of the most intellectual, introspective and insightful swingers on the current scene. She brings a flawless touch, an impeccable sense of complex rhythms and a harmonic curiosity to everything she attempts." - JazzTimes Magazine

“The trio crisscrosses genre lines with impunity, elegantly juxtaposing and harmonically refreshing the music of Bernstein, Ellington, Lennon/McCartney, Bacharach and Monk." - Washington Post


Press Release Distribution By:
Jazz Blues Florida
www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue Tour With Tommy Castro, Deanna Bogart, Magic Dick, Ronnie Baker Brooks

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs




THE LEGENDARY RHYTHM AND BLUES REVUE




L-R: Keith Crossan, Tom Poole, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Tommy Castro, Roger Naber,Deanna Bogart, Magic Dick, Chris Sandoval, Scott Southard, Steve Spirn

The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue kicks off its Spring Tour this week.

This is not just another blues show, but a standout blues event! Spearheaded by Tommy Castro and Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise founder, Roger Naber, it brings the energy and excitement of this decade's hottest blues ticket from the High Seas to the land! Roger Naber is celebrating 30 years as a blues music promoter this year. The recent 2009 January LRBC was sold out and the upcoming October 2009 Pacific Cruise is currently 90% full while the LRBR is a 4-hour display of the type of music and jamming, which occurs on the chartered blues cruises.



At the core of The Legendary Rhythm and Blues Revue are renowned guitar slinger and vocalist Tommy Castro and his band. Castro was named B.B. King Blues Entertainer of the Year in the 2008 Blues Music Awards, and his album Painkiller won Contemporary Blues Album of the Year! A native of San Jose, CA, he has become a Bay Area legend over the last two decades, garnering countless awards for his infectious rocking brand of blues, and earning a national spotlight leading the house band on NBC-TV’s "Comedy Showcase" for three seasons. Castro has released a series of widely acclaimed albums over the last decade, and the King of the Blues, B.B. King, personally chose him as the opening act for two tours. Just out of the recording studio, a new CD will be released this summer on Alligator Records.



Magic Dick is best known for his many years as the harmonica man in legendary blues/rock band The J. Geils Band, which he co-founded in 1968. As a member of that group, he toured the world extensively for over 15 years, headlining stadiums and festivals and releasing 14 successful major label albums on Warner Bros. and EMI, culminating in the certified-Platinum album "Freeze Frame", which spent 70 weeks on the national Billboard album charts, including four weeks at #1. One of the most influential and highly respected harmonica players of his generation, Magic Dick has shared stages with many of the greatest names in blues music, as well as branching out into more adventurous territory with artists such as Patty Smyth, Debbi Harry, Full Circle, The Del Fuegos and others.



Blues and boogie-woogie pianist and vocalist Deanna Bogart has been leading her own band since the late 1980s, playing thousands of shows and establishing herself as an unforgettable live performer. Along the way she has shared the stage with widely diverse range of artists, including Ray Charles, Spyro Gyra, Buddy Guy, Leon Russell, Robert Cray, James Brown, They Might Be Giants, Little Feat, Brian Setzer, and many others in venues across North America and Europe. Bogart has released seven CDs and appeared on numerous compilations, highlighting an impressive musical range that includes jazz, western swing, roots rock and more, in addition to her deep blues roots. Bogart is the 2008 Blues Music Award winner for horn/instrumentalist and the 2009 nominee in the same category. Her new album, 11th Hour, released March 2009 on Vista Records features a duet with Tommy Castro called "Love and Attention."



As the son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks grew up steeped in American music tradition. He came of age watching the fieriest guitar players and most soulful singers of a previous era express their deepest feelings through their music. He knows the transcendent release at the heart of soul, blues and rock. Not only does he sing with soulful fire and play with a white-hot intensity; he's also carrying the torch from the previous generation of soul and blues greats and moving the music into the future. "I grew up among the best of the best," Brooks says. "Every time I play, I feel like I've got to do it with the authenticity and passion that I saw in guys like Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and my father. But I also have to put my twist on it." Brooks' twist involves enlivening blues-rock with deep soul and modern hip-hop vocals and funk rhythms. He takes roots sounds and transforms them into something that spans the ages, drawing on the choppy, hip-shaking rhythms of funk, the emotional truth of soul, and the forcefulness of rock to bring a distinctive dimension to his groundbreaking sound. His latest album celebrates this. A man with both a history and a vision, a man uniquely suited to carry The Torch!


3/20/09
Delray Beach, FL
City Limits
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue

3/21/09
St. Petersburg, FL
Tampa Bay Blues Festival
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue
3/22/09

Tallahassee, FL
Bradfordville Blues Club
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Two International Jazz Stars Featured in April Jazz Concert in Ft. Lauderdale

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Jiggs Whigham, Trombone and Shelly Berg, Piano Appear in Ft. Lauderdale


Jiggs Whigham, jazz trombonist and Shelly Berg, jazz pianist, will be the featured artists for the April concert presented by the Gold Coast Jazz Society. A ‘Bone, A Grand and A Band featuring Whigham, Berg and members of the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band will take place on Wednesday, April 1 at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show begins at 7:45 pm. Single tickets are $35 and $40 and Student tickets are $12 with ID. Tickets are on sale through the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office at 954-462-0222 or online at www.goldcoastjazz.org or www.browardcenter.org. A pre-concert Jazz Riff jazz talk will be given by radio personality Stu Grant at 7:00pm in the theater before the show.

Trombonist Jiggs Whigham, is well known in both classical and jazz worlds. A native of Cleveland Ohio, Whigham first came to the attention of critics and fans at age 17 as featured soloist and first trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. He was also first and solo trombonist with Stan Kenton, performed in studio and Broadway musicals engagements in New York, and was featured soloist with the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra at the West German Broadcasting Company in Cologne.

Whigham enjoys an active career both here and abroad. He is currently a soloist and worldwide trombone clinician, conductor of the BBC Big Band in Great Britain, artistic director of the Berlin Jazz Orchestra, visiting Professor at the Guildhall School of Music And Drama in London and visiting tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England. He was recently appointed musical director of both the LaJJOB (Brandenburger Youth Jazz Orchestra) and 'BUJAZZO' (German national Youth Jazz Orchestra). For more information about this artist, go to www.jiggswhigham.com

“Shelly Berg is one of the finest pianists around in the early 21st century playing modern mainstream jazz”, according to the All Music Guide. Also a native of Cleveland, Berg is the son of jazz musician Jay Berg. Shelly entered the Cleveland Institute of Music at age six to study classical music and jazz. A performer, composer and arranger, he has a variety of musical talents but has devoted most of his time to being a music educator. Formerly the Head of Jazz Studies for the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, Berg was recently appointed the Dean of the famed University of Miami Frost School of Music but still maintains an active performance career. He is a past President of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), and he was the 2003 “Educator of the Year”, as named by the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

Berg has written music for television, film, rock bands and symphony orchestras. His TV credits include ABC's Fudge and CBS's A League of Their Own. He has orchestrated for Kiss (Psycho Circus), Chicago (Night and Day), and Richard Marx (Flesh and Bone) and Elliot Smith (XO). His film credits include the Warner Brothers' releases Almost Heroes (1998) and Three to Tango (1999). He has written for the Royal Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra and for orchestras in Los Angeles, Houston, Boston, Chicago and Atlanta. He also has an extensive list of recordings to his credit.

Whigham and Berg will be joined by members of the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band under the leadership of Eric Allison, Music Director.

The Gold Coast Jazz Society, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of jazz music through a mainstage concert series, free community concerts, jazz education programs and other events. Season sponsors include HI Foundation, BankAtlantic, DeMeo Young McGrath, Miller Wiggin & Associates, Morgan Stanley, The PaperMill, WLRN FM and the Riverside Hotel. Go online www.goldcoastjazz.org for more information about the Gold Coast Jazz Society or call 954-524-0805.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council, and by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and Funding Arts Broward.


Pam Dearden
Executive Director
Gold Coast Jazz Society
1350 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-524-0805
www.goldcoastjazz.org
The Best in Classic Jazz
Press Release Distribution By:
Jazz Blues Florida

Gov't Mule To Play Wanee

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs




Gov't Mule is a southern rock/jam/blues-rock band formed in 1994 as an Allman Brothers Band side project. They released their debut album Gov't Mule in 1995.


Members:
Warren Haynes: Guitar, Lead Vocals (1994-present)
Matt Abts: Drums (1994-present)
Danny Louis: Keyboards, Vocals (2002-present)
Jorgen Carlsson: Bass (2008-present, replacing Andy Hess)

The latest Gov't Mule is Holy Haunted House is a live recording released by Gov't Mule in June 2008. It includes the entire 2007 Halloween performance (Oct 31, 2007 at The O'Shaughnessy Theatre in St. Paul, MN). It is available only by download from Gov't Mule's website.

http://www.mule.net/

http://www.myspace.com/govtmule



ASIDE

WARREN HAYNES TO PERFORM AT PETE SEEGERS 90TH BIRTDAY BENEFIT

Warren Haynes will perform at Madison Square Garden on May 3rd as part of Pete Seegers 90th Birthday celebration. The amazing list of performers include:

Pete Seeger
Richie Havens
Bruce Springsteen
Steve Earle
Dave Matthews
Taj Mahal
Eddie Vedder
Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine)
John Mellencamp
Warren Haynes
Juanes
Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet
Ani DiFranco
Bernice Johnson Reagon
Arlo Guthrie
Dar Williams
Bela Fleck
Guy Davis
Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses)
Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
Ben Harper
Kate & Anna McGarrigle
Billy Bragg
Larry Long
Billy Nershi (String Cheese Incident)
Mike & Ruthy Merenda
Bruce Cockburn
Native American Indian Cultural Alliance
Emmylou Harris
NYC Labor Chorus
Joan Baez
Scarlett Lee Moore
Keller Williams
Silvio Rodriguez
Kris Kristofferson
Tao Rodriguez-Seeger
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Tom Chapin
Michael Franti
Tom Paxton
Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers)
Tommy Sands
Preservation Hall Jazz Band with Del McCoury
Tony Trischka
Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Toshi Reagon

Port St. Lucie Art and All that Jazz Festival 2009

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

The 7th annual Art and All that Jazz Festival will take place for the first time this year in Village Square at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center.

The festival is Friday, April 3, 2009 from 5 to 9 p.m., in conjunction with After 5 LIVE, and Saturday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The popular event features artists from all over Florida, as well as live performances on Friday evening by the Showcase Band and on Saturday by the Fort Pierce Magnet School of the Arts Band, Joe Holiday’s Band and Ossie Wright and Groove Division Band.

An arts and crafts village will have more than 40 booths and various food vendors will offer a wide selection of food. Children will have an interactive fountain, free face painting, a make-and-take kids’ craft tent and bounce houses.

Sponsored by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Community Redevelopment Agency, the St. Lucie Professional Art League and the Cultural Affairs Council, admission and parking are free.

14TH Annual Giving Hunger The Blues in Sarasota

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Sunday April 19th, 2009
from 12 noon to 8pm
on Hillview Street, Southside Village.
Sarasota, FL

This is a family entertainment and charity event to raise money and awareness for hunger in our community. Our Mission: To Feed, Protect and Nurture the Children in Our Community.

· Live bands on 2 stages including one stage exclusively for youth bands ·
· Dance demos · Martial arts · Lee’s Tae Kwon Do · Capoeira Volta ao Mundo ·
· Games and activities for children ·
· Delicious food and beverages ·

All proceeds benefit The All Faiths Food Bank and the PAL Sailor Circus

Bands
Main Stage:

Syesha Mercado (2008 American Idol runner up) and Not From Here
My Friend Scott (Tom Petty Tribute) • Anthony J and The Automatics
Fogt’s All Stars • The Boneshakers • Carnival of Crue (The Motley Crue Tribute Band)
H 2 H • (The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute Band) • The Florida Blues Brothers

Youth Stage

Highway Fire • Center for Education Jazz Band • Sarasota Military Academy Drum Line
Drum Studio All Stars • Bad Sara - Chase Vickers Band

Tickets:
$5 for adults, children are free, tickets available on site to purchase food and beverages.

History:
From a modest beginning thirteen years ago as an extension of the annual Taste of The Nation,
“Giving Hunger The Blues” has grown each year and raised over seven hundred thousand dollars.

Local musicians, bands, performers and artists donate their talents and time every year.
This event is wholly volunteer driven.
http://www.givinghungertheblues.org/

The Generoso Foundation
A 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization, EIN#74-3128222
1930 Hillview Street, Sarasota, FL 34239

Phone: 941 366 5555
Fax: 941 366 5037
Email: 5oclockclub@comcast.net

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

BCF Jazz Band Prepares For Tour

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs


Members of the Jazz Band at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) in Graceville have spent countless hours learning new music, brushing up on familiar arrangements, and polishing instruments for their upcoming tour which begins on March 20 when they will be playing for BCF’s Preview Day.

The next morning, the group will leave for Atlanta, Georgia where they will display their musical skills in Underground Atlanta. On Sunday morning, the Jazz Band will be in Greenville, South Carolina, playing for members of Northgate Baptist Church. Following Greenville, the musical troupe will travel to Hendersonville, North Carolina to perform in the evening service at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville.

The Jazz Band will remain in Hendersonville on Monday morning to play for students at Hendersonville High School and conclude the tour Monday afternoon, performing at Union High School in Union, South Carolina.

For more information on the upcoming tour schedule, please contact Professor Ron Branning, Jazz Band Conductor at 850-263-3261 ext. 545.

Press Release Reposting By:
Jazz Blues Florida

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Background Information on INSPIRIT - The Healing Power of Music

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs






Inspirit
Sharing the Healing Power of Music
Karen Antonucci



As Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Project Access reaches out to provide health care services to those most in need, local arts organization Inspirit reaches out to the isolated, often forgotten people living in health care and other restricted facilities. “We believe in the healing power of music,” says co-founder and Executive Director Ginny Meredith, “and Inspirit provides the joy of live music and the performing arts to those who don't have the option of leaving the place where they reside to experience it.” Meredith, a Lake Worth-based violinist who performs with the Banyan Street Jug Band, and with singer/songwriter Suzanne Cannon, co-founded Inspirit to bring live music and the performing arts to people living in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, children’s shelters, mental health centers, group homes, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer’s day care centers, abuse safe houses and many other similar facilities.

Meredith was inspired with how music enriched her own life as she was enduring chemotherapy after a breast cancer diagnosis in 1998. She's been in remission ever since, and saw Inspirit as a way to give something to people in predicaments similar to hers. Founded in 2000 as a 501c3, Meredith conducted a needs assessment and based Inspirit on similar organizations from across the country, including Bread and Roses, a program started by Mimi Farina (sister of folk singer Joan Baez) in San Francisco in the early '70s, Heart and Soul in Salt Lake City, and New York City’s Musicians On Call. Start up funding of $10,000 from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties launched Inspirit performances.

"People are finally starting to understand the relationship between music and healing," Meredith says. "I have seen Alzheimer's patients faces light up as they hear and recall words to songs from an earlier time in their lives." Just ask Ron Radcliffe, Vice President of Specialized Day Care at Alzheimer’s Community Care about the impact on residents, “The music and entertainment offerings provided by Inspirit have proven to be an invaluable resource in providing our patients with opportunities to express themselves through the powerful medium of music”.

The experience of live music brings joy to audience members and provides an opportunity for human interaction on a level that only the arts can provide. During and following an Inspirit performance, participants experience an array of positive emotions, which increases both their physiological and psychological well-being. Research by Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D., a professor of Psychology at the University of North Carolina in the emerging field of positive emotions suggests that experiencing positive emotions, like joy, gratitude, hope or peace – is a sign that a person is, at that moment, not experiencing fear, anger, or sadness. Positive emotions improve coping and produce well being. They do so not just in the present moment, but over the long term as well. Her research also shows that positive emotions can have profound social and organizational repercussions.

Inspirit activities include coordinating production of live cultural performances at no cost to host organizations throughout Palm Beach County. Performances are typically scheduled for one hour in a small group setting and performers are carefully matched with audiences that range in age from 2 to 102. The type of performance varies, and Inspirit’s roster includes a wide range of talent including a jazz trio, barbershop quartet, harpist, acoustic guitarist, keyboard players, singer/songwriters, and everything in between. For the performers, especially the many senior retired professionals, the impact of positive emotions are just as great for them as well as the audience. They are able to experience a unique and appreciative audience and contribute in a meaningful way to their community. Late drummer & vocalist Nat Epstein (formerly with the Spike Jones Orchestra) continued to perform for Inspirit while in his 80’s said, "I experience things through playing for Inspirit that I never even saw performing in New York City. To entertain people in need is equal parts music and therapy - for both myself and the audience."

Since 2000, Inspirit has provided more than 660 performances for over 21,000 people in 85 different facilities. Like many not-for-profit organizations, Inspirit gets by with a part time staff of three, a volunteer Board of Directors, and an annual budget under $50,000. Yet its accomplishments have been well recognized. In 2008, Inspirit was a finalist for a Muse Award from the Palm Beach County Cultural Council for its outstanding achievement in improving the quality of life in Palm Beach County. Other arts groups provide free or discounted tickets, however these opportunities do not reach the audience that Inspirit serves.

Meredith, who has worked full-time in maternal child health agencies while she's doubled as Inspirit's Executive Director says, "We may not be dramatically changing peoples' lives, or the world, but we are spreading hope and joy. Music is the universal language, so we're adding more light to the good side of our existence, and ultimately that's what does change the world." Meredith can tell story after story of how Inspirit performers have touched the lives of audience members. There’s the father whose son smiled for the first time in a week after watching a show at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s in West Palm Beach. And the young man at the Palm Beach Habilitation Center who requested an Elvis song and gave his best impression of the rock legend’s dance moves with the audience cheering him on. “There’s a goosebump moment at every performance” reflects Meredith and for the veterans living at the VA Medical Center Extended Care facility, this year’s Father’s Day celebration included a performance by Middle Eastern (belly) dancer, Laurel Kadouri. Accompanied by a percussionist and with multiple costume changes, she is an audience favorite that brings on lots of clapping and wide smiles.

Percussionist and guitarist Michael Moses and vocalist Gayle Coursol of the duo Night Music recently performed at this year’s Heroes in Medicines Awards luncheon at the Cohen Pavilion. They have performed for Inspirit for years covering all types of resident facilities. “Having an audience that really appreciates the songs is a good thing,” Moses said. “If we make one person smile more today than yesterday, it has made my day because we touched someone”.

Inspirit is striving to keep up with the demand for services, and plans to provide 140 performances this coming year. Supported by grants and individual donors, even small donations make a big impact on this lean organization. Meredith hopes to continue to be able to serve this ever growing population in our community and has set a goal of reaching 200 performances per year by 2010. Help support this arts organization that partners in healthcare and volunteer to serve on their Board of Directors or donate/sponsor a performance at one of your favorite facilities.

For more information, visit http://www.inspiritlive.org/ or call 561.889.4388.











Inspirit is proud to announce its 2009 fundraising event:




Saturday, April 25th
Players Club Restaurant
Wellington

Inspirit Idol “Karaoke for a Cause”

An outstanding night of entertainment that will bring out the area’s best amateur voices to be judged by a panel of local celebrities including:

Frank Cerabino-Palm Beach Post columnist and saxophone player extraordinaire
Virginia Lang- Wild Morning Show host, 95.5FM
Bill Meredith – drummer/percussionist and Palm Beach Post Local Music columnist
Gin Weintraub-Singer/songwriter, founding member of local band Inhouse and Programming Associate at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Participate in this event as a Contestant, Event Sponsor or Audience Member! See for details visit http://www.inspiritlive.org/

Monday, March 16, 2009

Wynton Marsalis - artist bio

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs




WYNTON MARSALIS




As the title to Wynton Marsalis’s fifth Blue Note release indicates, He and She is about that eternally compelling and most elemental of subjects, the relationship between a man and a woman. The Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, trumpeter and band leader, however, hasn’t merely crafted a love story, but a life story – a bittersweet rumination about the evanescence of life as well as the elusiveness of romance. Time is very much at the heart of He and She: the swift passage of time over the course of one’s life, the mood-altering shifts of time in the duration of a song. It’s an ambitious effort, combining spoken word and music, and Marsalis has given his quintet some formidable charts. The album is tempered with flashes of humor and plenty of swing. There’s ease and elegance and more than a little wisdom in these grooves.

He and She began with words, not music, though it was music that brought forth the words. Marsalis had been listening to Max Roach’s Jazz in ¾ Time, along with pieces by Duke Ellington, like “Lady Mac” from Such Sweet Thunder, work that explored waltz tempo in a jazz context. Roach’s classic album features “Valse Hot,” which, explains Marsalis is “a Sonny Rollins piece, a jazz waltz that I started to play when I was in high school.” That tune set off a spark: “I began to contemplate the shuffle rhythm, that the shuffle rhythm is the combination of a waltz feeling and a march feeling, and I thought it would be good for me to do an album of waltzes. I had written a couple before -- one was for a ballet by Twyla Tharp, inspired by the Matisse painting, The Dance. I was thinking about waltzes and how in Vienna today younger people still dance the waltz, a waltz season is still a part of their social calendar. From there, I began to consider the ritual of courtship. The waltz is a courtship dance and at one time it was considered to be risqué. Now, of course, it’s genteel. Then I started to think about men and women, our relationships.”

Marsalis was playing the jazz festival in Marciac, France, during the summer of ’06, when he embarked on writing the poem that provides the framework for He and She: “I would get up every morning and work on it, and I did that for maybe three weeks. I had written one song, but just the melody of the song, the one now called ‘Girls.’ I would get up every morning and try to figure out how to get my ideas together and organize them on the page. I went through a lot of different iterations to get the theme right and to say what I wanted to say about men and women.”

Marsalis had ended his last Blue Note studio album, From the Plantation to the Penitentiary, with a stunning spoken word piece, a concentrated burst of righteous anger that addressed with preacher-like fervor the divisive, post-Katrina state of the nation. On He and She, Marsalis’s voice is more prominent throughout, prefacing just about every track with his words. Marsalis notes, “On He and She, it’s a man talking, but the person who delivers the universal truth of the matter is a woman.”

The spoken word aspect of He and She comes naturally to Marsalis: “Reading poems aloud, singing blues in my house, I do all that. I love to read William Butler Yeats’s poems. I’ve been on the road for thirty years; I bring my book of poems and I read to the other cats at one o’clock or two o’clock in the morning, when everybody’s tired. We make up stories. We’re always talking, reading, I do this stuff all the time. Some people are not talkative, especially musicians. But in my case I like to talk, so the guys get to tell me to shut up a lot of the time. Since I was a boy, I liked talking. It’s easy to talk, but it’s hard to play. I never found talking that difficult.”

Yeats was a touchstone for Marsalis as he composed his own poem– especially Yeats’s “Under Ben Bulben” in which the aging Irish writer frankly addressed mortality. The music has as its inspirational starting point the three-quarter time of the waltz, but that’s also reflected in Marsalis’s words. He and She is ostensibly about a couple, but it’s really about three things: a man, a woman, and the relationship they create together (“1+ 1 = 3/You, me and you and me”). Images continually crop up in threes (“the moon, the desolate sky and the road”


or “a train, a banjo, and a chicken wing”). The arrangements echo the themes. For example, Marsalis explains, “’Sassy’ is in three and modulates up a half step. In music, the interesting thing is that the closest notes physically are the furthest apart harmonically – and that is like a man and a woman. The closest notes to a C are a C sharp or a B natural. But when you play them together they make the most dissonant sound. The spatial relationship belies the harmonic relationship. All these songs are put in unusual and difficult keys and they modulate. ‘Razor Rim’ is the most complex song in terms of its intention, and that has something to do
with the complexity of a woman. I didn’t want to write a typical, slow ballad and say this is a song about a woman, I wanted something that had some complexity and seriousness to it.”

In his poem, Marsalis imagines a country bluesman hovering over the proceedings, and, as with so much of Marsalis’s work, the blues plays a significant part on He and She: “The poem is also about the reconciliation of opposites. A man and a woman is the ultimate reconciliation of opposites on the human plane, but the reconciliation of opposites exists in all aspects of our lives. In terms of how that’s reflected in the music, the blues is the reconciliation of opposites. It’s in the major and minor mode and it has a shuffle rhythm, which, as I’ve said, is a march and a waltz. There are sweet songs that have a tragic undertone or tragic songs that have a happy, grooving undertone. Also, there’s the perspective of the blues, the call and response. You have the words you are singing, the commentary of the person answering you, and both of these things together. That’s also a three.”

The multilayered approach Marsalis has taken represents deep, sophisticated work – and the band gets an intense, ear-popping workout on an expansive track like “Razor Rim.” But Marsalis & Co. are also having some serious fun, especially in the sequence of songs representing romantic milestones in a relationship. Says Marsalis, “‘First Crush’ is a really flowery kind of improvisation, with lots of filigree in it. ‘First Kiss’ is kind of an awkward three; ‘The First Slow Dance’ is the most romantic of all these songs, it’s in D flat, and ‘First Time’” – to reflect the uneasy/excited circumstances of such a crucial encounter – “is very difficult to play. I wrote that to mess with [tenor saxophonist] Walter Blanding and give us something to practice on.” “First Time” is also distinguished by its Latin feel. “Our bassist, Carlos Henriquez, he brings another type of seriousness to our playing Afro-Hispanic music. We’re playing something specific, definite, not just some quasi-Latin groove.”

Before heading into the studio, Marsalis and his quintet traveled to the Iron Horse, in North Hampton, Mass. to perform this new material in front of an audience. Marsalis has been going up to the club for years to test-drive his work. The quintet subsequently cut the tracks live in the Legacy Recording Studios in New York City over a two-day period. The minimally edited result became He and She.

For Marsalis, seemingly disparate ideas about waltzes and women and words coalesce into a single vision. He and She draws its greatest power from telling a familiar story in such a compelling and richly entertaining manner, a unique variation on a theme that everyone, in some way, knows. One detects the sound of all our love stories in here. In other words, He and She is also Us. And that, as Mr. Marsalis would be pleased to note, also makes three.




Posting by:
Jazz Blues Florida
www.JazzBluesFlorida.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Teenage jazz phenom sparkles on TVA Fort Lauderdale

#JazzBluesFlorida #jazz #blues #Florida #Concerts #Festivals #Clubs

Teen musician appeared for the first time on television to tell about monthly Friday night musical happenings for kids, teenagers and young adults.

BY JULIE LEVIN
Special to The Miami Herald

Up and coming young jazz musician Carey Frank played to his biggest audience yet.
The 17-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident was one of two musicians who gave their all during a recent segment of the South Florida Today show on WTVJ-NBC 6 to promote a new program for students sponsored by the Gold Coast Jazz Society.

SEE FULL ARTICLE AT:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/plantation-sunrise/story/947629.html