Hipster Sancturary - By Any Medium Necessary

Re-Opening and activating the Blog passion for Jazz

2012-01-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Coming in Spring 2012 New! Stories... Anecdotes... Pictures.. interviews.. & fun things & outings

Double-Barrel Soul: Jacques Lesure & Dale Fielder at Historic Lighthouse

2010-03-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Jacques Lesure Trio Sunday March 13

at

World Famous Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach

Jazz Guitarist Jacques Lesure and his trio, will be appearing on Sunday at the world famous Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach,California. Lesure has been very active around Southern California over the past five years.
" I like playing this room because of all its rich jazz history,some of the best played here in the 50s,60s, and 70s."stated a sharply-dressed Lesure with guitar in tow.
Accompanying Jacques is the sweet and sultry jazz vocalist, Rita Edmonds. Red hot saxophonist, Dale Fielder has been added as very special guest on Baritone sax. It all promises to be a real swinging affair! The Lighthouse is having a Jazz Brunch with no admission and an Ala Carte menu.
Jazz Brunch starts at 11am until 3pm, with lots of jazz throughout the event.
Simply drive or bike to; 30 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach,CA 90254 Free admission ala carte menu
310-376-9833 for more info or reservations
This is the Hipster Sanctuary's "Can't Miss" pick of the weekend!! Be there "by any medium necessary

Tribute to Leon Thomas: Babatunde Lea

2010-03-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

Babatunde Lea Quintet

in support of his latest CD "Umbo Weti: Tribute To Leon Thomas"

A Tribute To Leon Thomas

Babatunde Lea - drums & percussion

Dwight Trible - vocals

Ernie Watts - tenor sax

Patrice Rushen - acoustic piano

Gary Brown - acoustic bass

March 10 & 11, 2010 @ 8pm

Catalina's Jazz Club

6725 West Sunset Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

(one block EAST of Highland Ave.)

Entrance on McCadden

Phone 323-466-2210

Parma Jazz Festival's Lineup Announced

2010-02-26T01:05:00.000-08:00

Presenters of the Parma Italy Annual Jazz Festival recently announced the musical lineup for the three day gala event. May 5 - 8th is slated as the dates jazz fans from around the world will invade the small, but beautiful Mediterranean city. " Man, I can hardly wait to hit that stage there,.stated George V. Johnson, jazz vocalist.

"They really respect jazz more over there than here, in the United States."

Appearing throughout the festival are, US and European jazz artists such as; Antonio Ciacca, Joe Locke, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Wess Anderson Quintet with George V. Johnson,Ken Peplowski, Bucky Pizzarelli, Spike Wilner, Lucio Ferrara, Kurt Rosewinkel, The Woody Herman Orchestra, Chops the Movie, Four Brothers Band, The Ohio Youth Orchestra & many,many more. link to Washinton DC Jazz Network

http://washingtondcjazznetwork.ning.com/profiles/blogs/parma-italy-jazz-festival-may

The Sanctuary Spotlights: Jacques Lesure

2010-02-25T19:55:00.000-08:00

Jazz Guitarist, Jacques Lesure moves into the Sanctuary Spotlight this week. Los Angeles audiences are all raving about the Detroit born musician and his eclectic style and passion displayed on guitar.Go and see what's the talk is all about at these Southern.California venues.

March 1 2010 7pm
Typhoon Restuarant
3221 Donald Douglas Loop 2nd Floor
Santa Monica,CA.
310-390-6565

March 14 2010 11-3pm
Light House Cafe
30 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach,CA.

March 18 2010 Private Event
Greater LA Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Sheraton Hotel

website:http://www.jacqueslesure.com/live/

Lost Treasure Found: Awakening- The Pharaohs

2010-02-25T01:25:00.000-08:00

The Pharaohs were one of the forgotten treasures of '70s R&B, a freewheeling jazz-funk congregation heavily influenced by Chicago's jazz avant-garde as well as on-the-one funk and African motifs. Unfortunately, they recorded only one album before Earth, Wind & Fire frontman Maurice White (who played in an early version of the Pharaohs) hired several of its members to form the Phenix Horns, the justly celebrated horn section for Earth,Wind &Fire during the 70s.

The group was formed from several jazz bands active around Chicago's Afro Arts Theater, a community educational collective. One of the bands, the Jazzmen, was formed in the early '60s around trumpeter Charles Handy, trombone player Louis Satterfield, and alto Don Myrick (along with three who didn't survive later conglomerations: pianist Fred Humphrey, bassist Ernest McCarthy, and drummer Maurice White). The other main component of the Pharaohs was the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, who had already recorded one late-'60s LP with cornetist Philip Cohran, a veteran of Sun Ra's Arkestra and AACM. By the time of the Pharaohs' 1971 recording debut, Awakening, the group included Handy, Myrick, and Satterfield plus Big Willie Woods on trombone, Oye Bisi and Shango Njoko Adefumi on African drums, Yehudah Ben Israel on guitar and vocals, Alious Watkins on trap drums, Derf Reklaw-Raheem on percussion and flute, and Aaron Dodd on tuba. Though the album's astonishing fusion of funk, jazz, and Afro-beat earned them an assortment of die-hard fans and critics, the group's abstract inclinations hardly geared them for commercial success.

Back in the '60s, before the Pharaohs were formed, Handy, Satterfield, and Maurice White had often contributed to sessions at Chicago's Chess studios, so when White recorded a demo for a new band he wanted to form, both Handy and Satterfield appeared on it. After he signed to Warner Bros., they also began recording Earth,Wind &Fire material and eventually were officially hired by White as the Phenix Horns, with the addition of Pharaohs Yehudah Ben Israel and Rahm Lee, plus Michael Harris. The Pharaohs soldiered on until 1973, but called it quits without recording another studio album. Derf Reklaw became a respected world-jazz leader, while Woods and Dodd both appeared on many soul sessions around Chicago during the '70s. In 1996, the acid jazz label Luv 'N' Haight reissued Awakening and also released the 1972 live outing,
In the Basement.
John Bush, All Music Guide (reprinted from all music guide 2008)
link:http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Pharaohs/dp/B000005O9Q/ref=ntt_mus_ep_dpi

Recent Thelonious Monk Institute Competition Winner Performing

2010-02-24T02:41:00.000-08:00

Texas based saxophonist, Quamon Fowler blasting away a hot sesssion with veteran saxophonist, Dale Fielder at Fielder's CD Rease party for "Stellar Moments" recently held in Los Angeles.

Be Bop Legend to Perform at Dizzy's Coca Cola New York City

2010-02-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

Monday Nights with WBGO Jazz FM featuring

The Freddie Redd Quintet

Mon, Mar 1

7:30pm & 9:30pm
Cover: $20
Students: $10 w/valid student ID

Freddie Redd, piano; Brad Linde, tenor saxophone; Chris Byars, alto saxophone; Ari Roland, bass; Stefan Schatz, drums.

Tonight's performance will be hosted by WBGO's Music Director Gary Walker and host of "Morning Jazz."

Special Note: Don't miss your opportunity to win free tickets to a Jazz at Lincoln Center concert in the 2009-10 Season. After the performance, ask your server for a comment card and for details on how to enter. http://jalc.org

The Music of Cannonball & Nat Adderley at Catalina Jazz Club

2010-02-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

The Music of Cannonball & Nat Adderley featuring Nat Adderley Jr. Nat Junior is the nephew of Cannonball and son of Nat Adderley, longtime band member of the famous quintet. Brother Nat is the composer of many songs that have become jazz standards and heard often on bandstands worldwide. Clarion Jazz label producer, Leonard Herring Jr. is premiering this quintet March 24 2010 8pm, at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood California. Nat Adderley Jr. is an accomplished composer,arranger and pianist. He holds several music awards for compositions and arrangements, including a Grammy in 2004. Rounding out the quintet is trumpeter, Longineu Parsons, saxophonist, Diron Holloway, Trevor Ware,bass and former Cannonball Adderley Quintet drummer, Roy McCurdy. one night only. Door cover is $15 More information: 323-466-2210 www.catalinajazzclub.com

The Atman Quartet Performs at Vinolio's Wine Bar & Restaurant

2010-02-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

8:00pm - 11:00pm

1634 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90034

Featuring Ralph Gibson Tenor Saxophonist

Leimert Park Village Still Flows with Jazz

2010-02-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Event: RANDALL WILLIS TRIO - Whole Lot'o Improvising Part 3
What: Performance
Start Time: Friday, February 26 at 9:00pm
End Time: Friday, February 26 at 11:30pm
Where: The World Stage Performance Gallery 4344 Degnan Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008

Willie Jones Quartet featuring Eric Reed

2010-02-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

Date:	Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Time:	8:00pm - 9:30pm
Location:	Catalina Bar & Grill
Street:	6725 West Sunset Boulevard
	Hollywood, CA Willie Jones III, (drums/leader), Eric Reed (piano), Trevor Ware (bass) Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet) Cover is $15

I Want To Learn About Jazz "KICK- OFF" Party

2010-02-18T01:04:00.001-08:00

Hipster Sanctuary to sponsor Jazz Listening parties at various venues around Metro-Los Angeles. Head Hipster, Robert J. Carmack stated " we wanted to do this to help promote jazz in L.A. and surrounding areas, as well as recruit new jazz lovers to support live music. One of the features of the group is, members can ask questions about musicians, instruments, and venues via the internet, blogs or, in person while at the performance." This will eventually help the artists get more people in the place and, help promote the jazz legacy.We're kicking off our first performance listening party at the Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill in Hollywood California. It features jazz saxophonist Dale Fielder, and the Angel City Quartet. Members gather one hour before the show to enjoy a cocktail hour Q&A session. Also posting gig comments via blog at Hipster Sanctuary or Face Book comment section. Members pay no dues or fees to participate, except the door cover. An open mind is all that's needed. This is an adult social group but, in the near future ,some venues may allow youth to attend with adult supervision. For more info regarding the Kick off party, call The Head Hipster: 951-840-7120

New Jazz Series Coming in March 2010

2010-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

Roots Rumblin' Lions Tumblin'

Articles,Blogs,Poetry & Music Reviews

Bennie Maupin at San Jose Jazz Festival-09

2009-08-26T05:03:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENNIE MAUPIN

August 29th

Dale Fielder Quartet with Friends

2009-08-09T03:36:00.001-07:00

Pasadena,California_ Southern California . based composer,saxophonist, Dale Fielder and his quartet , along with friends strolled onto the Pasadena make-shift stage inside the back yard of Leonard and Cella Olive last weekend. Dale Fielder, cable TV's BET Jazz competition winner, and one of the most sought after groups on the west coast. performing at the 2nd annual Olive Yard Jazz Party, the veteran group wasted no time tearing into a bright-tempo blues number to kick off their first set. Fielder, now anchoring his group with the Baritone sax, paid his respect to "Hog-Leg" players like Pepper Adams or, Sahib Shehab , while being Dale Fielder at the same time. I first heard Dale some 17 years ago at the now defunct, Fifth Street Dick's ,a L.A. Coffee House in Leimert Park Village. Dale would appear on the late jam sessions leading a bevy of raw talented or local professionals "getting in a little work" after their regular gigs. Fielder was mostly playing Alto, and Man! Was he searing off a plethora of ideas that made me put my tenor down and take notes. Now, some 12 CDs and counting(where did the time go!) I even moved away to Atlanta in the late 90's, I had to turn them on to the Dale Fielder Quartet. While the co-founder and president of The Atlanta International Jazz Society, We brought Dale into Atlanta several times to only have him make believers out of them also. While not just another saxophone or horn player with technical skills, Dale composes and arranges with "passion" dripping from the pages of his compositions. DFQ is 10 years old now. while still appearing in different instrumental formats, He maintains a core group of player personnel that just synchronizes and lifts, the band above the fray of sameness that permeates many bandstands in cities across the country.

On this occassion, the Dale Fielder Quartet, consist of long-time DFQ drummer, Thomas "Mr. Taste" White, the highly-touted pianist/composer, Jane Getz, and Bill "The Count" Markus,bass. Its this core of veterans that help Fielder present that unforgetable sound. A sound you associate with the many great groups of the Post-Bop era, many of which Dale listened and studied while growing up in Pittsburg, Pennslyvania. While originally influenced heavily by his big brother, Guy, he later studied the likes of Hank Mobley, Wayne Shorter and the great John Coltrane to name a few. Fielder's highly revered tribute to Wayne Shorter, Dear Sir was a great CD. Even "seconded" by Wayne Shorter himself, at a jazz gathering and debut of the CD
That I attended back in 1996. I have my own favorites over the years, but, Romance Serenade and of course, The Hipster, penned after my jazz handle and former Web E-Zine in Atlanta. I feel his latest CD, in homage to Pepper Adams is some of the best playing I've heard on Baritone saxophone since the passing of Pepper.

The Friends ,consisted of the very sultry, cured in New Orleans Jazz and Blues, Ms. Sandra Booker. Booker has been on the Los Angeles jazz scene for over a decade. Sandra hailing from New Orleans has a very unique and versatile approach to her instrument(voice). when I listen to Sandra, I hear all the great Divas of the swing and Bop era, with some jambalaya on the side.
Booker not only sings a song , but embraces the lyric in the jazz vocabulary that it was intentioned by the composer. Case in point ; Ask Me Now, by Thelonius Monk. her adaption of that number taken from her first CD , "Very Early." To understand Sandra, one would have to go hear her live. You would certainly be hooked, as I have been since the first CD. Sandra took a jazz standard like "It could Happen to You, on the spur of the moment, directing the DFQ as she poured through that song like I've never heard it before. Thats probably why jazz icons the likes of Billy Higgins, Kenny Burrell, Lalo Schifrin, Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, just to name a few have collaborated with Ms. Booker.

Jacques Lesure- guitarist, composer, arranger, educator. what's there not to like about Jacques Lesure, a passionate musician, who loves to play. I had the luxury of listening to Jacques for a solid five years in Atlanta, Georgia. Lesure was based out of Atlanta for many years while co- leading a band, The Swing Association. The TSA was a fitting moniker for Jacques and his peers. they produced some beautiful music and was in high demand by clubs and fans alike. TSA played many festivals, and out of town gigs. Jacques decided to move West! Southern California.
Like one of his influences, Wes Montgomery. Jacques doesn't rest on his ability to play Wes style, he plays the whole guitar, double-stop chords, thumbing, and break neck arpeggios of a Charlie Christian, Grant Green or early, funky George Benson. Lesure is in for the long haul, and you will hear that name more often, if you support live music, because, that's where its at!!

Pasadena Couple Supporting Live Jazz at their Home

2009-08-09T02:11:00.000-07:00

Pasadena,California residents, Leonard and Cella Olive are doing their part to retain the legacy of Jazz. They recently hosted their 2nd annual "Olive Yard" party August 1st. This year's party featured last year's headliner, Dale Fielder Quartet with special guests, guitarist Jacques Lesure and sultry jazz vocalist,Sandra Booker.
This year was like the first one, bursting with pure jazz fans who come just to listen. It all takes place in the backyard of the Olives home with lighting,sound and You bring your favorite vintage wine or beverage of choice, along with food,light hearted chatting and fun,fun,fun!

Upon my arrival to cover this event, I was greeted by a smiling Leonard, who just happened to attend the same Compton high school I went to, Centennial High. His wife Cella was a joy to chat with during the band's break ,and offered me some of the left-over food to take home. I just couldn't pass up on some of the hot wings!(Lol!!) I can't wait until next year's party!

What was your most "head-scratching" event ever, while at a musical concert???

2009-07-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

What's Your Favorite Saxophionist of All Times??

2009-06-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

Without question, I have a tie!! Trane and Sonny Rollins. with Dexter Gordon in the next spot. Amazingly, He influenced both of them as a horn player. send me your input... or, share an anecdote!

J&J: No Band-Aid!!

2009-06-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told...,

John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman is the greatest love story ever
told musically. 1964,I was a student of the saxophone and just learning to play jazz, my father was a big Coltrane fan,he had all of the (Impulse/Atlantic) Coltrane. I must've heard the whole album everyday just to learn to scat the tunes note for note.

Hartman's interpretations of these classic compositions are exquisite.Coltrane is obviously at his best on every song, but as a unit,this session is a once in a lifetime take. You just can't get it anymore perfect.The real sleeper on this CD is Autumn Serenade. From the the top of the tune's intro to the vamping end,you get the picture of New York/Central Park/early Fall as the leaves are turning...a young couple romping through the park carefree.The Producers of Love Story could have easily substituted the musicial score to include all or some of the tracks to this recording.
A restrained McCoy Tyner's comping on these beautiful Love songs only bolsters Trane's lyricism as one would a singer's.

Couple all of this with tremendous brush and stick work by Elvin Jones, this record should have received jazz record of the year, but we all all know what dominated jazz that year. There is no greater recording including,Kind of Blue. a must for all new listeners to jazz vocals.

What's Your Favorite Jazz Club, Past or Present??

2009-06-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

What landmark Jazz club do you remember as having the best musicians appear?
Who did you see?? For this writer nothing beats the legendary California club, The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California.
Each month,
I will take you back in time, and try to open the "time capsule" of my experiences at that club, and who I saw there. I welcome your anecdotes and "snapshot" stories of your own experiences too. My Jazz experience starts in Jr. high school where I played in a "Gerald Wilson sponsored" youth big band in Los Angeles. the passion for this music never has stopped, to this day even

shad shack: [MRL 386] Max Roach/Clifford Brown - Daahoud

2009-06-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

shad shack: [MRL 386] Max Roach/Clifford Brown - Daahoud

Strata-East Fan Club: SES 7413, Charles Sullivan, Genesis, 1974

2009-06-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Strata-East Fan Club: SES 7413, Charles Sullivan, Genesis, 1974

Strata-East Fan Club: SES 19746, Charles Rouse, Two Is One, 1974

2009-06-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Strata-East Fan Club: SES 19746, Charles Rouse, Two Is One, 1974

Nine Sisters: 5045 - Teddy Edwards - Feelin’s - 1974

2009-06-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Nine Sisters: 5045 - Teddy Edwards - Feelin’s - 1974

Coming next week Soul Sauce:Jazz Funk n Fusion reviewed by Robert J. Carmack

2008-06-03T19:00:00.001-07:00

SFBAAAM/Black Musicians Forum presents Mo' Blues & the Abstract Soul Society

2008-06-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

"Mo' Blues & the Abstract Soul Society" is being locked and loaded for the first sunday in July.The show promises to showcase some of the best in the SF bay area in Blues and Soul Jazz. " It'll have that hot & mellow soul-jazz lounge thing going in the first set" said Robert Carmack MC & executive producer, where we will pay tribute the greats of soul jazz like Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Lou Donaldson.

All that followed by a "gut-bucket" second set of ,Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith,Bo Diddley,Albert King,Muddy Waters and Ray Charles(early years),plus many more. Besides all of that, a slammin'refreshments featuring fried chicken wings, and red beans/rice. cold wine and various other libations. This will be played out at their base venue, the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music.July 6 2008 4pm-7pm 1616 Franklin St.,Oakland,California.More information call 510-870-8712.Purchase online tickets at wwww.brownpapertickets.com catering services provided by Dial-A-Chef

Malcom X Day Arts Festival

2008-05-20T09:09:00.001-07:00

Oakland's Best Kept Secret by Robert "The Hipster" Carmack

Saturday, May 17 was a bright day,the smell of burning pork in the air,enthusiastic poets and rappers spitting verbs and vowels in the air, children frolicking and unleashed dogs running around chasing them, an assorted bevy of artists hocking their wares.This was a very serene day,just perfect for a afternoon jazz concert.

As I arrived into San Antonio Park,I could hear a saxophone burning up the speakers. Shortly after I circled the park for the fifteenth time, trying to find parking,I was soothed by the wailing tune being churned out by The Howard Wiley Project. a group made up of Howard Wiley on Saxophone and a female pianist, bass player,and a bad-ass drummer.I never got to hear their names, as they were mentioned before I got parked, by then, I only caught the ending tune.I know I liked what I heard in Howard Wiley.

As he sort of had this great rhythm group and seemed to just float over them,with shades of Avant Gardist,Archie Shepp during the "Impulse years",tunes like "Mama Too Tight". Anyway, the flavor of the moment was real nice. This reviewer was able to mingle with some of the crowd to get reactions to the day's events,and the excitement that was in the air. I spoke to youth, young adults,senior citizens,and just everyday folks who like living in the community.

Most were out for just a typical Saturday,and discovered the groove going on and hung around,to see what else was in store for the afternoon. My reasons for going
to the Malcolm X Day Art festival,other than the open air,and lovely ladies there, was to see my "Homeboy" Dwight Trible,with the Muziki Roberson Quartet. Let me start by saying,Nobody,I mean,Nobody sounds like this group today. Muziki is a fairly respected, and well known amongst the music brethren, but the whole world will soon know the very powerful compositions he writes,and performs.

Dwight Trible hails from Los Angeles,my hometown. I first heard him in a Los Angeles jazz club owned by TV's Marla Gibbs((227,Jeffersons)I heard this very powerful baritone performing an Horace Silver composition,Song for my Father" in the mid 80s.

Not since Leon Thomas recording that tune in early 1971, had I heard such a spirit and,almost perfect blend of gospel/jazz/blues sound being produced by a male vocalist. But, Dwight has even elevated from that level,and now soars above any of the other male vocalists out there today.He is not just a singer, but poetry and theater in motion.But,just like Muziki,he has a large regional base of underground followers, but,the whole world needs to learn of these two Jazz titans.

Roberson's piano has a visceral,Tyneristic/Monk simplicity-like style,but,plenty
of swing that offer lots of room for improvisation. That's the mother's milk of jazz music. It must swing,and leave room for creative ideas to flow. Roberson's compositions has all that built-in.It allows the soloist space to create melodies within a melody.The "Water Bearer"is a very powerful piece,composed by Muziki that grabs you from the very first note to the end.Dave Ellis is the saxophonist in the band and had no trouble taking off in high gear on this tune. Dwight Trible was brought out after a couple of the Band's song were played.The veteran singer wasted no time in capturing the hearts and minds of the attentive crowd in San Antonio park.there were lots of audience participation, especially with the call and response piece,entitled John Coltrane.

I looked around at the people in the audience and many had their eyes closed,and feeling the spirit of the Trible's message about John Coltrane's spiritual being.
He then took us on a journey,when he spoke about the world coming together as one race,the human race. All working as one for peace and serenity on our planet.all based on Wayne Shorter's composition entitled,Footprints.(lyrics written by Dwight Trible)The band and vocalist were levitating the audience, Trible then "morphed" that tune into the old negro national anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing,in
Acappella.The park went wild in a fiery finish with the vocalist's almost sermon like ending.

Needless to say,everyone left the event feeling great about themselves and judging from the buzz afterwards, The world will soon know about Dwight Trible and Muziki Roberson,as they journey upward and onward.for more infomation on Dwight Trible go to this link;www.dwighttrible.com/bio.htm

Soul Sauce

2008-05-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

SFBAAAM Backstreet Sunday Jazz
Presents
Soul Sauce: Jazz-N-Funk-N-Fusion
A Gumbo Pot of Soul-Jazz–Rock-Latin-Blues

Sunday June 1 2008 4-7pm
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
Featured Artists
Tarika Lewis- Electric Viola Glenn Pearson-Piano
Billy Johnson- Drums Lynn Bryant–Keyboards
David Daniel-Bass/Producer
Special Surprise Guest Vocalist???
Robert “the Hipster” Carmack –MC/Poet

Donation: $20 Adults $15 Seniors/Youth 17 & under
Ticket info: www.brownpapertickets.com
1616 Franklin Street (downtown) Oakland California
More information 510-870-8712
Refreshments included in ticket price
Catering services provided by Dial-A- Chef

A Producers Story: Right Now! Tribute to Jackie McLean

2008-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

by Robert J. Carmack

Coming to the Bandstand,Melvin Butts-Jazz saxophonist and composer,arranger.
Melvin took on the dual role of music director and lead horn in a scathing, gut wrenching tribute to hard bop saxophonist,Jackie McLean. accompanied by,pianist
Rudi Mwongozi,bassist,Erich Hunt and master poet/drummer,Baba Kamau Seietu.

Armed with a rich collage of Jackie's most coveted tunes,the group took the Sunday audience on a romp through the alleys and subways of New York, into the smoke-filled clubs of the late 50s' and 60s'jazz scene. As the audience was trying to recover from that,they were seared by the very talented and beautiful,Tranisha Gholston. Gholston,a local singer,whose voice vacillates between gospel,soul,jazz and blues.

She started the evening with a white heat version of "Save Your Love for Me", followed by a bright arrangement of "Route 66". Melvin Butts led the band through some choice plums of McLean's recorded tunes.The likes of, Dr. Jackle, The Plight, Right Now!,Melody for Melonae,Little Melonae,A House is Not a Home and I'll Take Romance. "Jackie's Music always ask the questions we're afraid to answer," stated Butts."It really challenged me a lot, I know I'll go back and shed more, for sure now. It reminded me often of why I became a musician in the first place,especially the saxophone." the quite lively audience were treated to delectable goodies at intermission, prepared by SFBAAAM's in-house caterer, Dial-A-Chef. enthusiasticaly munching on a vegetarian meal of collard greens, red beans and rice with sweet potatoes and all washed down with a choice red or white wine. A quite "full" house audience were ready for the second half of the evening's performances.

This whole production concept was spawned by Robert Carmack,veteran producer and poet.He even performed and composed an original poem entitled ,Let Freedom Ring;a homage to Jackie's much coveted album by the same title,Let Freedom Ring.(issued by blue Note in 1963)

Future plans by this producer and the same group planning to visit the Cannonball Adderley ..Introducing Nancy Wilson album,from the early sixties. this is the album that launched Nancy Wilson's career. Look for next month's exciting show June 1st.
call 510-870-8712 for more information on up coming shows. SFBAAAM/BMF produce the Backstreet Sunday Jazz Series every first Sunday of the month, at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music,Oakland California

May 4th 2008;Right Now!Tribute to Jackie McLean

2008-04-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

BMF/SFBAAAM presents Right Now! A Tribute to Jackie McLean

MAY 4th Sunday 4pm to 7PM
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
1616 Franklin Street Oakland Calif.(17th street & Franklin)
Ticket info: 510-870-8712

Featuring the Music,Art and Legacy of jazz saxophonist Jackie McLean

Melvin Butts- alto Saxophone Ranzell merritt Jr.- Tenor sax Rudi Wongozi- Piano
Kamau Seitu - Drums/poet Robert J. Carmack-Poet/MC Tranishia Gholston-vocals
& many surprise guests
Jackie's Bio includes;Jackie McLean (May 17 1932-April 06 2006)
A quintessential hard bop saxophonist,Jackie McLean was one of the few veterans who encouraged the new ideas of the free-jazz movement that followed. a living connection to the greatest legends of the music.McLean was born on May 17, 1932, in New York. He began playing the saxophone when he was 15 and shortly afterwards played with Sonny Rollins (1948-'49). During the next 10 years, he worked with Miles Davis, Paul Bley and Charles Mingus, and was also a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers before forming his own quintet in 1958. On such records as 4,5, And 6 and Swing Swang Swingin', McLean displayed a heavy Charlie Parker influence, but maintained his own approach to rhythm and feeling for the blues. He also wrote the standards "Dig" and "Hip Strut" and acted in the play The Connection from 1959 to 1961. While he received inspiration from the innovators of the late '50s and early '60s, McLean released New Soil, One Step Beyond, Destination...Out! and New And Old Gospel. These records featured his own increasingly complex writing and Gospel included Ornette Coleman on trumpet. In 1968,McLean began teaching at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.In 2000, the Hartt School of Music was renamed the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz.In 2001, McLean was recognized as a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts. That same year, he was inducted into Downbeat magazine's Jazz Education Hall of Fame.
Currently, Mr.McLean's son,world reknown saxophonist,Rene McLean continues his father's legacy by teaching and touring worldwide with the Rene McLean & the JMac Dynasty Band Recommended recordings: Action, Right Now!,One Step Beyond (Blue Note 46821); 4,5, And 6 (Original Jazz Classics 354, Nature Boy,Lights Out and Let Freedom Ring).

We Love the Lady a Big Hit with Audience

2008-04-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Poet,Actor to Perform as Gangster,Louis McKay

2008-03-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

Actor, poet and musician, Robert J. Carmack, will perform in character as long time boyfriend and husband of the late Billie Holiday. In a moving tribute to jazz icon, Billie Holiday.

Carmack, along with singer/pianist Janice Maxie-Reid and jazz vocalist, Andrea Brembry will perform as part of the Backstreet Jazz series at Oakland Public conservatory of Music. The moving musical tribute entitled, We Love the Lady Billie Holiday. Also appearing with the featured artists are musicians, Guitarist-Calvin Keys, Pianist- Glenn Pearson, Bassist- David Daniel, Drummer- Michael Dennis and special invited surprise guests.

We Love The Lady

Billie Holliday

Sunday, April 6 4-7pm

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music 1616 Franklin Street, Oakland,California

Tickets: General-$20 senior/children under18 years-$15

Available online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/

More info: 510-870-8712

" Stellar Musicians Lineup for BMF's Roots, Sass & Jazz

2007-11-26T09:11:00.000-08:00

SF BAAAM presents Roots, Sass & Jazz

Sunday 4pm-7pm December 2nd

Rhonda Benin- Vocalist

Darlene Coleman- Vocalist

Duane "Muziki" Roberson - Music Director/Piano

Musicians Appearing

Babatunde Lea -drums

Mark Wright-trumpet

Angela Wellman- trombone

Charles McNeil - saxophone

David Daniel- bass

special guest poets: Robert Carmack Julian Carroll

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
1616 Franklin Street (17th street & Franklin)
Ticket information call 510-870-8712

Delicious hot food & beverages catered by Dial-A-Chef

Doors open at 3:30PM Tickets available at door

Appearing:Backstreet Sunday Jazz Dec.2, 2007 4PM

2007-11-14T13:03:00.000-08:00

Duane “Muziki” Roberson-Piano
Muziki Roberson is a gifted, inspired Jazz pianist and composer who for the last two decades has thrived in some of the most challenging and creative environments the Bay Area jazz scene has to offer. For years, he was the keyboardist for the brilliant, jazz/funk/Latin poetry group, Mingus Amungus. And for 12 years, Roberson was keyboard player and award winning composer for the San Francisco Mime Troupe. He’s also performed with inventive jazz violinist Michael White for 4 years, which included a trip to Lagos Nigeria’s 1977 FESTAC where he had the opportunity to play with Stevie Wonder and members of the band Osibisa. Muziki has also played with violinist Billy Bang and Saxophonist David Murray amongst others.

Black Musicians Forum's Maiden Voyage Triumph!

2007-11-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

picture inset( Dr. Bill Bell)

It was announced by Robert Carmack, executive producer and vice president operations for SFBAAAM, that their first concert was a complete success. the first in a continuing series entitled "Back Street Jazz Series", was held Sunday, November 4th at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music in downtown Oakland California. The show which featured the musical leadership of Jazz educator/pianist, Dr. Bill Bell. The SRO crowd applauded,yelled and whistled at the tight band assembled by Bell and a trio of sultry vocalists featured on the first set. jumping blues to ballads with a "big band feel" using arrangements by Bell himself, an accomplished arranger/composer. Sunday's show opened with local favorite Ms. Robin Gregory as she torched the audience with her rendition of Blue Gardenia, followed by a lovely arrangement of Cole Porter's Night & Day. Valerie Cooper, a talented up and coming singer in the bay area followed Robin. "It was truly magical" stated Joye Slayton, a visiting jazz fan from Atlanta,Georgia.

Dr. Bell just simply pointed at certain musicians and they responded with blistering solos and excellent comping and coloring. Finishing up the first set was veteran vocalist, Ms Darlene Coleman, a very talented songstress, who just nailed both her songs with polished tenacity and sheer vocal power.

The evening's host and producer, Robert Carmack then introduced, a panel of jazz educators and musicians to discuss, "how jazz could further develop their audiences" by including more youth and starting early in the exposure of jazz to the young people. Local jazz radio host, Sonny Buxton, Ms. Anna De Leon,Anna's Jazz Island,Karlton Hester, department head of music at UC Santa Cruz, Multi-instrumentalist Roger Glenn and Bill Bell also participated. a great menu of food items were served to the hungry crowd as they purchased dinners and beverages to help raise money for continued jazz programming and to expand the series for the Black Musicians Forum.

The evening was not done, as Carmack gathered the crowd for the start of the second set, which featured an entirely different band and musical director. Mr Glenn Pearson. Pearson,head of music department at The college of Alameda,presented a more "edgy" sound ensemble with sax, trumpet,bass,drums and piano,the sax player, Roger Glenn doubling on vibes and flute. OPCM founder, Ms. Angela Wellman(trombonist/educator) was totally elated at the success of the evenings' joint venture between BMF/SFBAAAM and OPCM. a relationship that is developing into a great marriage quickly .

Many of the patrons spoke volumes of praises as they exited the building for the night. a slogan has been adopted by the two organizations and will be publicize wherever it can. We Own This! use it, feel it, live it! Next event is slated for Sunday, December 2nd at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music http://www.opcmusic.org/

WE OWN THIS !!

2007-10-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Bay Area African American Musicians Association

Presents

Back Street Sunday Jazz Series

“Melody Speaks Our Language”

Sunday November 4th 3-7 pm - Two shows
Oakland Public Conservatory of Music
1616 Franklin Street Oakland CA.
$15 donation (seniors & children $10)
(hot food & beverages will be available on site)

Featured Artist & Music Director: Dr. Bill Bell – jazz pianist & friends
Electric Bass - David Daniel and Eric Hunt – Acoustic Bass,

Pianist Glen Pearson & drummers, Kamau Seitu and Michael Dennis with Yanci Taylor - Vibes

Just added: Roger Glenn, vibes, saxophones, flutes, Angela Wellman, trombone, Calvin Keys-guitar, Mark Wright-trumpet, Kahlil Shaheed-trumpet &

Melvin Butts - saxophones

Special Guest Vocalists: Robin Gregory, Darlene Coleman & Valerie Cooper

brief jazz panel discussion and audience Q&A will be presented one hour befor 2nd show

"What can We do to further develop Jazz audiences"

panel guests include; Greg Bridges- KPFA-KCSM Radio Host, Karlton Hestor- Jazz Educator/musician, Anna- owner of Anna's Jazz Island & Bill Bell Jazz Educator /Musician

“WE OWN THIS” believe it, use it, live it!

Advanced tickets available at door & on-line @ http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/22609

510-836-4649- more information regarding this event
http://www.opcmusic.org/ http://www.hipstersanctuary.blogspot.com/

Executive Producer: Robert J. Carmack

About the Back Street Sunday Jazz Series...
The Back Street Sunday Jazz Series provides a space for audiences to experience some of the Bay Area's most important music - music that just doesn't get heard enough - by providing a space for Bay Area musicians to do what they do best. We want to help listeners find the music they love and we want to give them an opportunity to see how much the musicians here shape the national and international jazz scene. In the coming months we will present exciting, challenging, and always satisfying new music. As well as the music you didn't hear the first time around.
About the Black Musicians Forum...
The Black Musicians Forum (BMF) traces its roots to a collaborative effort by Bay Area African American musicians to re-assert the legacy of the music we call jazz and to make sure that African American musicians will always be a part of it. Through mutual support and artistic cooperation we'll create the performance opportunities we need. The Black Musicians Forum says "accept no substitutes."

Jazz Profile: MB Hanif Reveals Evidence!

2007-05-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Coming in June: Black Music Celebration

The good news about M.B. Hanif, this Los Angeles raised alto/soprano saxophonist, is his unrelenting respect for the legacy of the music and the "roots" musicians that preceeded him.

Join us, as we explore the creative mind of MB Hanif & the Sound Voyagers at "ANNA's JAZZ ISLAND" in Berkeley,Ca. Friday,June 8th 8PM

Profile on MB Hanif :coming June 1, 2007 to kick-off the Black Music Month

Music for People Who Really Listen

2007-05-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

The Jazz Loft: http://ssl.adhost.com/jazzloft/baskets/videos.cfm

The Sacred Jazz Symposium June 9 2007

2007-05-28T17:37:00.001-07:00

Sacred Jazz Symposium Connects the Music and the Spirit

(pictured above Albert Ayler,Mahalia Jackson, Trane & Duke)
Oakland-From John Coltrane's “A Love Supreme” and the sacred concerts of Duke Ellington on down to Mahalia Jackson and Gene Ammons-Jazz music is, essentially, the soul of black folks.

On June 9th during The Sankofa Cultural Institute's “Sacred Jazz Symposium,” jazz enthusiasts and friends are invited to come learn about the connection of that soul to the legacy of Jazz music. “The symposium will focus on the spiritual nature of the community and the spiritual nature of Black folk in America, which is part of the essence of Jazz music,” explains Duane Deterville, founder of Sankofa Cultural Institute. Using performances, poetry and public dialogue “The Sacred Jazz Symposium: Exploring Spirituality in the Music,” taking place at The Black New World, will explore the links between Afrikan Spirituality and Jazz music. We'll hear and discuss how Christianity, Islam and Vodun have influenced the sound from Bebop to Spirituals to modern day hip hop.

Musical performers for the day long event include the John Coltrane Church Band, the Rudi Mwongozi Trio and avant guard jazzists ESP featuring India Cooke.

The poets and panelists for the event are some of the brightest minds working today. They include Archbishop Franzo King DD, from the John Coltrane Church, Karlton Hester, head of Jazz Studies at UC Santa Cruz, music historian and activist Marcel Diallo and Muslim Jazz poet Marvin X.
For the true Jazz lovers, there will be a pre-symposium wine tasting and listening party with some of California's finest Black vintners and rare tracks from some of Jazz's most influential figures.
The Sacred Jazz Symposium will be held in West Oakland's historic Village Bottoms. The neighborhood is the center of a growing Black cultural district located around historic 7th St., once the heart of Black arts and entertainment in Oakland. “We’re putting it right back into this historically black community, literally a few blocks from where these black people first came into Oakland” says Deterville. He emphasizes that all are welcome to join us for this day of celebration and education. “I want to see everybody from the church going elders to the Yoshi’s hip set to the Hip Hop generation.” Jazz is spiritual music. Soul music. Come get saved.

The Sankofa Cultural Institute
Presents
The Sacred Jazz Symposium: Exploring Spirituality in the Music
Saturday June 9th
2-8:30pm
$20 (w/VIP Reception), $10 Donation (No one turned away for lack of funds)
The Black New World and Pleasure Club
836 Pine St., Oakland, CA

For more Information:
Contact:
Duane Deterville
Executive Director: Sankofa Cultural Institute
510.836-6234
Sankofacc@earthlink.net

Bill Jackman Trio Supports Lincoln Child Care Center

2007-05-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Culinary Stars of the Bay
an out of this world tasting event featuring stellar food and drink
Proceeds support Lincoln Child Center
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007
7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
10000 SKYLINE BOULEVARD, OAKLAND
For more information
Visit http://www.lincolncc.org/ or, call Tara at 510 482-6643

Classic Jazz provided by THE BILL JACKMAN TRIO

Bill Jackman on Piano
Terry Hilliard on Bass
Johnny Apperson on Drums

Leaping Drums a Big Hit!!

2007-05-28T15:57:00.000-07:00

The Baobab Circus: Leaping Drums

This writer was totally enthralled and down right floored by the action displayed on stage at the Artaud Theater in San Francisco last Friday night.(May 18) What was billed as the Baobab Circus was far from it. What I witnessed was total entertainment packaged into one big ball of "pyrotechnic-like" feats of athleticism, dance, musicianship and theater. The globetrotting French trained, Guinean nouveau cirque company, Circus Baobab made its exclusive US debut at SFIAF 2007 performing their acrobatically astounding show, The Jumping Drums. The performance depicted the adventures of a group of young Guineans who grew tired of life in their small village. They then set out on a quest to the capital of Conakry in search of prosperity and adventure. The full house audience at first didn't know what to make of the beginning scene, when a lone guitarist came out playing in a sort of "french-patois". This was followed by a group of costumed musicians bursting onto the stage with very rhythmic chanting and gathered behind what appeared to be traditional percussion instruments already situated on stage.

The musicians were superb at their craft, often spurring the audience by coming to the edge of the stage with rapid drumming on various traditional African drums. Lead by the the guitarist who also acted as a narrator or, griot(story-teller) . As good as the musicians were, they were somewhat upstaged by the troupe of acrobatic dancers,both female and men. They swung high above the stage and did aerodynamic flips and somersaults from various points on the stage.

The female dancers were also very good drummers as well, as they delivered frenzied and synchronized dance movements as they played the floor-tom like drums. It very hard to put into words what occurred by writing this short piece. I only hope they return soon, so I can tell everybody I know, "do not miss this spectacular event again."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZxikhelqo&mode=related&search

Street named after Saxophonist Jackie McLean

2007-05-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

May 20 - Hartford, CT._Shown gleeing below street sign bearing the name of jazz saxophone legend, Jackie McLean, is son, Vernon and grand daughter. Also on hand to help celebrate is longtime friend of Jackie and family,Film/TV actor, Michael Gwynne. In addition, Both McLean and his wife of many years, Dollie McLean received Honorary Doctorates from the University of

Conn, at Hartford. Jackie and Dollie founded the Artist Collective, a community center and performance school for the arts. McLean performed with many of the greatest musicians in the world and became an Jazz legend himself through free jazz and hard bop. McLean succumbed to a long time illness in the spring of last year. Renee McLean, often played with Jackie while in the US , continues the legacy on saxophones and flute. Renee and Vernon have a sister , Melonae, which Jackie often named his compositions after.

Billy Harper Quintet, Amira Baraka Shakes East Bay

2007-05-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Last Friday(May 18) at a East-bay Arts Alliance's
brand new Performance gallery was duly initiated by the likes of Billy Harper and his Quintet, and special guest poet laureate, Amiri Baraka. Harper wasted no time in firing up the packed house with an original composition entitled, Illumination. The well traveled quintet bopped, bipped and Banged the audience into a musical "eargasm" for about 10 minutes. That was only for openers! some 4o minutes later , he introduced the The Cat! Baraka grooved into a piece called "Play That!"
Weaving politics, wordsmithing, and Bop-influenced cadence and timbre, Baraka shook the audience every way but loose. pausing for solos , as if his voice was the sixth instrument, it was brilliant!. the two veterans ran the set into a two hour plus set. Then, came back on Saturday at a nearby park where African Liberation day was celebrated as part of the Malcolm X Jazz/Arts Festival.

More shows like this is needed, and it should be presented in venues like the east-bay alliance's center, at the grass-roots level too. No loud cash registers, clanging glasses at the bar, just serious Jazz fans digging the scene without the madness. Much respect and love was given to the Artist, who reciprocated by "tearing the skull off the building." Please send a card of appreciation to the East Bay alliance and its effort to meet the needs of the community with "Right On" programs and presentations.

Hard Bop Bassist,Herbie Lewis Passes

2007-05-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Sadly, Herbie Lewis passed on Thursday, May 17th with a small group of family and friends in attendance. Herbie Lewis (born 17 February 1941) is an hard bop bassist. He has played or recorded with many prominent jazz musicians, including Cannonball Adderley, Bobby Hutcherson, Freddie Hubbard, Harold Land, Jackie McLean, Archie Shepp, and McCoy Tyner. Herbie recorded his latest CD Just a Lucky So and So with the Eminence Portable Upright Bass.
A very good bassist and strong accompanist, Herbie Lewis has never been a star nor a bandleader, simply a reliable session contributor and occasional soloist. Lewis recorded with Lennie McBrowne, Harold Land and Les McCann in the late '50s and early '60s. He moved from California to New York in 1961, and played and recorded again with McCann. Lewis also recorded with Dave Pike, Stanley Turrentine and Jackie McLean before returning to California. He and McCann recorded together again under the leadership of Clifford Scott and Lewis did a session with Gerald Wilson in the mid-'60s. By the late '60s, Lewis had moved back to New York again, where he recorded with Sam Rivers, Bobby Hutcherson and Freddie Hubbard. He played in Cannonball Adderley's ensemble in 1966, and played and recorded with McCoy Tyner from 1967 to 1970. During the '70s and '80s Lewis recorded with Tete Montoliu, Chico Freeman, Bobby Hutcherson and Archie Shepp among others. He has no sessions available as a leader on CD, but can be heard on recent discs by Montoliu, Shepp, Freeman and others as well as reissues by Tyner, McLean and others. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Bay Area Jazz Club Snub True Legendary Artists

2007-05-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

In an effort to quickly get out a CD that reflects the 10 years of Bay area success, Yoshi's Jazz House somehow forgot about how it got to this point. Out of the multitudes of jazz artists of color who's performed on the Yoshi stage, Some this very writer presented congressional Lifetime achievement Awards, including the likes of a Shirley Horn, Oscar Peterson, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Taj Mahal. As witnessed by Greg Bridges a few years ago News Years Eve Night while simulcasting from Oakland with PBS. Its a sad commentary when after so much is given and nothing is given back, its really sad. I will step away from the podium and reprint verbatim a editorial piece by radio host and Jazz historian, Greg Bridges. we welcome your comments at The Hipster Sanctuary . (This is a reprint of an email I received from Greg Bridges, Radio Host and all around jazz promoter.)

As Yoshi's Jazz Club and restaurant celebrate their 10th anniversary in their present location in Oakland's Jack London Square they are set to release a Tenth Anniversary cd compilation featuring live performances from the renowned Jazz house. When thinking about Yoshi's I am reminded of the photographs that line the walls of the performance space and the bar/lobby area, photographs that feature some of the legends of music like Milt Jackson, Nancy Wilson, James Moody, Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Stanley Clarke, Elvin Jones, Ron Carter and many others. Another thought is of the many performances that I've experienced there featuring some of these same Jazz legends, some of today's musicians continuing the legacy such as Regina Carter, Omar Sosa, Roy Hargrove, Geri Allen, Russell Gunn and some of World Music's greats like Hugh Masakela, Salif Keita, Recardo Lemvo and an endless list of others. In my mind's eye I still see sold out sets for just about every Rachelle Ferrell appearance on the Yoshi's stage; I can still hear the roaring applause as Randy Weston takes a seat at the piano, I can still feel the blanket of sound that surrounds me as Pharoah Sanders combines Jazz and Spirituality to create his own uniqueness, I can still see lines of people standing against the wall outside as they wait to experience McCoy Tyner during his annual two week residency. These are but a few of the many thoughts that come to mind when I think of the past 10 years of Jazz at Yoshi's, but none of this is reflected in any way on Yoshi's Tenth Anniversary cd compilation. What I immediately and surprisingly see when I check out Yoshi's 10th anniversary cd is that not only aren't any of the aforementioned musicians present on this compilation, but also the glaring absence of ANY Black musicians and musicians of color other than 2 tracks that feature Poncho Sanchez. What I immediately felt when checking out this cd was disrespect and insult, for again this majestic music that was created by Black musicians from their own life experiences and ideas is being presented as if there's not even been a contribution from Black musicians, let alone the creation of what has been classified as a National Treasure by this nation and is celebrated world wide.I've taken many of the "reasons" and "explainations" into consideration. I recognize that not every musician/bandleader approached would give their permission to have their music released on a project like this. I understand that not every record label would approve a release for artists contracted to said label. I know that it could be costly to get releases from some of the artists and/or labels that would grant such releases. I realize that a great deal of time and work has to be put into the creation of a set of music that would represent such a wide span of time as 10 years, and such a diverse array of talent that's appeared on Yoshi's stage over that period of time. Yet, even with all of these variables taken into consideration it's hard to believe that not ONE Black bandleader would be willing to participate. Another observation of Yoshi's tenth anniversary compilation reveals that eight of the 10 songs listed, by 4 of the 6 artists listed, are from the Concord Music Group. This observation lead to the consideration that perhaps someone from the Concord Music Group selected at least eight of the songs featured. This may or may not be the case, but even if the selections were made by someone from Concord it doesn't excuse the results, for the Concord Music Group is, or has been, home to such artists as Kenny Burrell (who recently celebrated his 75th birthday with a multiple night appearance at Yoshi's), Nnenna Freelon, Tania Maria, Dianne Reeves, Pete Escovedo, Eddie Palmieri and other Black artists and artists of color who've performed on the famed Yoshi's stage over the past 10 years. Amazingly, one of the artists, who has two songs listed on this cd, has been dead for at least 13 years so they could not have possibly performed at Yoshi's during the 10 year period that this cd is said to representFurther inspection of the list of songs and artists represented on this disc reveals that the eight songs refered to are from previously released "Live at Yoshi's" recordings from the Concord label. Although it is understandable that doing it this way may have eliminated the large financial and time consuming burden that could have been accumulated from contacting and negotiating with each artist (and their respective labels and representatives) that has performed at Yoshi's over the past 10 years it still doesn't excuse the makeup of this disc. The MAXJAZZ label features two recordings by outstanding pianist Mulgrew Miller recorded live at Yoshi's; E.W. Wainwright's African Roots of Jazz independantly released a recording of one of their many live performances at Yoshi's; Avotcja and Modupue's independantly released "Live @ Yoshi's" cd was not only highly acclaimed, but also assisted in garnering the group "Blues Band of the Year" awards from the Bay Area Blues Hall of Fame (the last two groups mentioned also bring to light the omission of any of the resident artists who've performed at Yoshi's over the past 10 years). There are numerous live recordings from various labels and artists of their appearances at Yoshi's, which makes the question of the result of this cd even larger. Regardless of who actually put this compilation together Yoshi's name is on the cover and it was put together in their honor... with their blessing.This commentary is not meant to be an attack on Yoshi's. I applaud Yoshi's for continuing to present live Jazz during times when other places around the country were/are either changing their formats or closing their doors altogether due to economic strains. I appreciate the many nights that I've been transported by sound to the land of Martinique courtesy of David Murray and his musicians from the Carribbean island, explored the country of Panama through the fingers of Danilo Perez, danced with the spirits of the Orishas called forth by John Santos' Machete Ensemble, been brought face to face with the sounds of revolution and ancesterial love through Jon Jang, all from the stage of Yoshi's. Yoshi's, on Claremont and in Jack London Square, has allowed me to witness some of the most amazing displays of musicianship, love and reverence in my time. I look forward to many more soul filling moments at Yoshi's. This commentary is not an attack on the musicians who do appear on Yoshi's 10th anniversary cd; they are some gifted musicians who've done much through their careers to promote Jazz.This commentary is, though, a display of the surprise, insult and anger that arose when seeing that, once again Black people and people of color are being omited from a history that we('ve) created and contribut(ed) to greatly.Respect is DueGreg BridgesKPFA 94.1fm (www.kpfa.org)KCSM91.1fm (www.kcsm.org)REFLECTIONS IN RHYTHM

Blues Legend Bo Diddley Hospitalized

2007-05-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

(reprinted from wire sevices)

The 78-year-old singer-songwriter-guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was listed in guarded condition at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., said Susan Clary, a publicist for the musician's management team. Diddley, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, was hospitalized Sunday following a concert in Council Bluffs in which he acted disoriented, she said. Tests indicated that the stroke affected the left side of his brain, impairing his speech and speech recognition, Clary said. Clary said she has no other details on Diddley's condition or how long he would be in intensive care.

New Improvisational Music:Beyond Dolphy

2007-05-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

GET IT NOW !!

Penumbra http://www.benniemaupin.com

Bennie Maupin's highly personal bass clarinet sound helped define such classic jazz recordings as Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, Jack Johnson, Big Fun and On the Corner, as well as recordings by Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band, and the Headhunters. The multi-woodwind player has also recorded with Chick Corea, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Eddie Henderson and Woody Shaw, to name only a few.
The instrumentation of Maupin’s current group, The Bennie Maupin Ensemble, harkens back to the tradition of great saxophone-bass-drum trios, such as the group led by Sonny Rollins with Wilbur Ware and Elvin Jones. Maupin’s approach to his music is intentional and profound, yet alive in the interpretation of the moment.
Bennie Maupin's new CD, Penumbra (Cryptogramophone Records,) is a profound musical statement by an important jazz artist who is at the pinnacle of his artistic powers. Penumbra is dedicated to the memory of Lyle "Spud" Murphy.

Coming Soon:Profile on Dewey Redman

2007-05-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

Soul Jazz Reunion:Lou Donaldson/Dr. Lonnie Smith at Stanford Jazz Festival 07

2007-05-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

Together again in a reunion concert this summer, at Stanford Jazz workshops in July. Jazz veteran,Organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith Grooves with "The Big Daddy" of Soul Jazz, saxophonist Lou Donaldson. (drummer and guitarist not identified).

Night of the Cookers III - Healdsburg,CA.

2007-04-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Cookers (3) http://www.healdsburgjazzfestival.org/weblog/festival/

Eddie Henderson, Billy Harper, Craig Handy, David Weiss, Cecil McBee and Billy Hart

Location: Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg,CA. Time: 8:p.m.

One of the highlights of 1960s was the development of "hard bop", a driving first-born descendent of the bebop era; and the gig where it all exploded into mainstream was at Club La Marchal, resulting in Blue Note's 2-disc classic, "Night of the Cookers" (which featured Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, James Spaulding, Larry Ridley, "Big Black", Harold Mabern; hard bop is ready for its close-up: now a new crew pays tribute to the original musicians in this unique confluence of talent and juice known as "The Cookers."

The all-star line-up features Eddie Henderson on trumpet, brass man to John Handy, Joe Henderson, Art Blakely, and many others over the past. One of "the Doctor's" long-time collaborators is also on board - tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, who continues to elaborate on

the legacy of Coltrane, as he's been doing since the mid-1960s with Max Roach, Thad Jones, Art Blakely, and the other greats. Craig Handy continues to grow and impress; he holds the alto chair of the Mingus Big Band, and has played with Roy Haynes, Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz Messengers, Elvin Jones, and Betty Carter among others. Also on hand is David Weiss, leader of the New Composers Octet and surely a major new talent on trumpet. Meantime, the smokin' rhythm section is held down by Cecil McBee, one of post-bop's most advanced and versatile bassists since his days with Dinah Washington in the 1950s, through the 60s with Charles Lloyd, the 70s with Chico Freeman, and many other stations along the way. Once again Festival favorite Billy Hart returns to drum up a storm, showing once again that this flexible drummer is most at home with the most demanding music. With the addition of a guest pianist, the Cookers will produce big, loud, powerful jazz, as visceral as it is challenging, as stimulating as it is rewarding. If you like the real thing, don't miss this show!

Don't Sleep on the Side(men)

2007-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Mickey Bass - One of the most respected sidemen in Jazz

Mickey Bass-former Jazz Messenger,composer, a bass man's bassist continue to move the jazz legacy forward. Through a litany of CD releases through his own label ,"Early Bird" records, producing other jazz acts, as well as playing with his own group, the Manhattan Burn Unit, the Howard University graduate is blazing new avenues in Jazz. the short list of people Mickey has performed,recorded or produced albums/CDs;Bennie Green, Sonny Rollins, Charles Mingus, Kenny Dorham, Jackie McLean, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Hartman, Joe Henderson, Sonny Stitt, Ramon Morris, Reuban Wilson, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey & The ‘Jazz Messengers’, Ruth Brown, Carmen McRae, Miriam Makeba,Gloria Lynne (for whom he also served as Musical Director for seventeen years) Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan. http://mickeybass.com/

Landmark Jazz Clubs

2007-04-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

What landmark Jazz club do you remember as having the best musicians appear?
Who did you see?? For this writer nothing beats

the legendary California club, The Lighthouse
in Hermosa Beach, California. Each week in June,

I will take you back in time, and try to open the "time capsule" of my experiences at that club, and who I saw there. I welcome your anecdotes and "snapshot" stories of your own experiences too. My Jazz experience starts in Jr. high school where I played in a "Gerald Wilson sponsored" youth big band in Los Angeles. the passion for this music never has stopped, to this day even! http://www.thelighthousecafe.net/history.html

my lighthouse experience went from 1965-1975 , by 1976-77 , a new Jazz spot was on the Pier, "Concerts by the Sea," owned and operated by Howard Rumsey,former bassist for the Stan Kenton's band, he managed the Lighthouse for years(1945-1975) until it was sold by the Levine family. Howard then had a new club built. bigger, better, and still very reasonable to get in. AND, because they sold food, you didn't have to be 21 years old to get in.

The same policy he had at the Lighthouse for years, which gave youngsters like me a chance to see some of the greats appear in-person, up close and personal. free after midnight.

Here are a small smattering of the greats I saw there; MJQ, Jazz Crusaders, Les McCann, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Alice Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, Mark Murphy, Charles Earland, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Thelonius Monk,
Gerald Wilson's Big Band,Herbie Mann, Kenny Burrell, Charles Lloyd,Blue Mitchell, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers,Chet Baker,Marlena Shaw, Carmen McCrae,Rashaann Roland Kirk,
Rufus Harley, Lee Morgan, Three Sounds,Jackie McLean, Chico Hamilton, Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader,Tico Latin All-stars and many, many more. each with a special memory of musical bliss. Stay tuned, and join the Hipster Sanctuary today!

Its Free!! just sign-up with Google
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Sweet Lou hittin' the Clubs in New York

2007-04-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

Legendary Saxophonist, Lou Donaldson with actor Michael Gwynne, hammin' it up backstage at a recent Freddie Redd performance in New York City. Donaldson shared the bill with the rarely seen bop pianist. Redd was recreating the music and spirit from the cult play, The Connection. Saxophone duties were held down by Donald Harrison, who substituted for the late Jackie McLean. McLean passed in the spring of 2006. He had performed in the original play as both actor and musician.

North Sea Jazz Festival & Cruise

2007-04-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.northseajazzcruise.nl/Home/tabid/222/Default.aspx

Bay Area Jazz Legend Still Hittin' It Hard

2007-04-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Jazz musician and educator John Handy is still passionate

about playing after all these years. since before he appeared on stage in 1950 at a Jam session with John Coltrane and Pony Poindexter, John Handy has not slowed one-bit, or lost the passion for the music.

He displayed just such a passion one friday night at Allen Temple Baptist Church during a Black History Month celebration performance. also performing as well local jazz artists, Faye Carole, Kenny Washington, Khalil Shahid, Richard Howell, Ledesi and others in celebration of Black History Month. Just so you know, Handy burned an unbeliveable "solo intro" approach to the ballad,"I can't get started".

Smokin' at Dizzy's- New York City, NY

2007-04-23T18:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Lonnie Smith(left) David "Fathead"Newman

blowin up a storm at the Coca Cola Jazz spot. recently dapped as "the best Jazz room in the city" by singer/icon, Tony Bennett.

Drummer, Ron Jefferson Hospitalized

2007-04-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Send Get Well Wishes and Prayers to: Ron Jefferson who was recently and suddenly struck with a debilitating illness and is currently at St. John's Riverside Hospital in Yonkers

St. Johns Riverside Hospital 967 N. Broadway Rm. 620A Yonkers, NY 10701

Ron Jefferson was born in Harlem Hospital on Feb. 13, 1926. He actually started as a jazz tap dancer before becoming a drummer. A swing and bop musician, he played with all of the greats throughout the fifties including Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Joe Roland, Oscar Pettiford, Freddie Redd, LesterYoung, Randy Weston, Horace Silver, Lou Donaldson, and Charles Mingus. From1957-1959 he was a member of the JAZZ MODES with two of his former colleagues from Pettiford's group, Julius Watkins and Charlie Rouse. He then moved to California, where he recorded with Teddy Edwards, GrooveHolmes, Zoot Sims, Leroy Vinnegar, Carmell Jones, Tricky Lofton, and Victor Feldman. During this period he also toured and recorded with the JAZZ AND PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT, an organization led by Roland Kirk.

Hey!! A Freddie Redd Sighting!

2007-04-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

Freddie Redd, legendary bop pianist, and former Blue Note label artist, prepares for his concert performances in New City recently. The nimble fingered pianist was best remembered for his collaborations with the late Jackie McLean in composing the music for the play, and film " the Connection". the semi-reclusive Redd, now resides in Pennsylvania.

Chasin The Trane: Sonny Fortune all-stars

2007-04-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

Sonny Fortune @ Dizzy's Club Coca Cola

Tue-Sun, Jun 26-Jul 1 2007 - New York City - inside Lincoln Center
Chasin' the Trane: The Sonny Fortune All-Stars featuring Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, Charles Sullivan, George Cables, Buster Williams and Louis Hayes Featuring Sonny Fortune, alto saxophone; Billy Harper, tenor saxophone; Eddie Henderson, trumpet (Jun 26-28); Charles Sullivan, trumpet (Jun 29-Jul 1); George Cables, piano; Buster Williams, bass; Louis Hayes, drums.

Poet Kamau Daaood speaks the Language

2007-04-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Language of Saxophones: Kamau Daaood

Co-founder in 1989 of the World Stage with Billy Higgins and other artists, Kamau Daáood has said, "I am a devout artist, a poet. I have honed my skills in small community arts venues. Great artists laboring in local settings who worked to develop human beings through the medium of art, I consider my mentors. [...] I have witnessed the power of the arts as a vehicle for self-discovery, revelation, inspiration and healing. Words, sounds, shapes, colors and movement used to build bridges of understanding between human hearts. Art is a higher language beyond our native tongues. It is the light that cuts through dogma and spiritualizes our moments and grounds us in the sacredness of time."

http://www.citylights.com/pub/catalog/BCsaxophones.html

Do you like great trumpet players??

2007-04-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

http://trumpetkings.blogspot.com/

Stanford Jazz Festival 2007 tickets on sale May 1

2007-04-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.stanfordjazz.org/events/lineup_preview.html

A Youthful Trane with West Coast Musicians

2007-04-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Jimbo's Bop City Jam Session circa 1950. Photo by Steve Jackson, Jr.

Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane Win Pulitzer Prizes

2007-04-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

It was announced recently by the awards committee board that Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane are to receive Pulitzer Prizes for the arts.
Coleman's "Sound Grammar" recording was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in music 2007. The honor includes a $10,000 prize. Along with Coltrane, Coleman led the Free Jazz movement.

Coltrane received a "special citation," for his "masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz," according to the Pulitzer Prize Board.

In loving Memory of Andrew Hill 1931-2007

2007-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Composer and pianist, Andrew Hill's family announced today, the 75 year old musician lost his battle with cancer. It was reported, he died at 4 a.m. today, April 20, 2007, several years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He lived in Jersey City, NJ. Hill, born June 30, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois (contrary to some previously published places and dates), had a lengthy international career as performer, recording artist and educator. New York University, and elsewhere; he leaves a voluminous and highly varied recorded legacy, dating from the 1950s (So In Love) to his 2006 trio album Time Lines (Blue Note). Hill is survived by his wife Joanne Robinson Hill, and a niece, nephew and cousin, besides friends, creative artists and perceptive fans. As announced on April 11, Andrew Hill will receive an honorary doctorate of music degree from Berklee College of Music at commencement May 12th. This distinction has previously been extended to Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Quincy Jones and Ahmet Ertegun, among a few others.

Jazz Pianist and Composer Randy Weston

2007-04-19T22:54:00.001-07:00

Legendary Jazz composer and pianist (on left) backstage with jazz archivist Gary Windom at Coca Cola's Dizzy's Club - New York City

Dizzy's Club Coca Cola hailed as one of the best clubs in the city.

For info:what's happening at Dizzy's or Jazz At Lincoln Center click on link http://www.jalc.org/

St. John Coltrane Church's Orchestra to Perform

2007-04-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

Coming June 9th 2007

Sankofa Cultural Center & Institute

Sacred Jazz: A Symposium on Spirituality & Jazz Music

featuring the Best of the Bay Area's Musicians Poets and Educators

Special invited guests;

St. John Coltrane Church Orchestra conducted

by E.W. Wainwright- drums with Fred Harris piano, Richard Howell sax/vocals

Gary Brown bass. Poets: The Rudy Mwongozi Trio with Boadiba, Phavia Kujichagulia, Nubia I, Marvin X and Reginald Lockett. Educators: Will Alexander, Karlton Hester and Spiritual Advisor/Ministers:Reverend Fonso King

Place: The Black New World Oakland, California 2:pm June 9th 2007

More information: Sankofa Cultural Center P.O. Box 71814 Oakland, CA 94612

510.836.6234 sankofacc@earthlink.net

Renaissance Woman with a Lotta' Soul

2007-04-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

ESTHER PHILLIPS by David Nathan

She was a remarkable artist capable of investing her soulful vocal talents into an amazing array of diverse musical genres. As 'Little' Esther, the woman born Esther Mae Jones on December 23, 1935 in Galveston, Texas was a child star, singing '50s rhythm and blues when most girls of her age were still in school. By the early '60s, dealing with a drug addiction that would haunt her until the end of that decade, she was interpreting country music, leading to one of her biggest hit records, 1962's classic "Release Me." Three years later, she was no longer little: Ms. Esther Phillips was delving into torch songs, jazz standards - and adding her own unique sound to songs originated by The Beatles (such as "And I Love Him," a pop and R&B hit in the U.S. that led to her first trip to the U.K. in 1965) and even Marianne Faithfull (try "As Tears Go By," one of the cuts on Esther's second Atlantic album, released in 1966). Esther would jump from the out-and-out R&B flavour of singles like "When A Woman Loves A Man" (her answer song to the Percy Sledge '66 smash) and "Cheater Man" to big band arrangements of tunes like "A Taste Of Honey" and "Let There Be Love." By the end of the '60s, Esther's habit forced a temporary withdrawal from the music biz. It was a short-lived hiatus: by 1970, after a quick stop at Roulette Records, Esther was back with Atlantic cutting one of her finest albums, a live set recorded in Los Angeles at the famed Pied Piper club. She finally left her longtime recording home for what promised to be greener pastures in 1971 after hearing about the formation of a new jazz-oriented label by industry veteran Creed Taylor. Taylor had built a strong reputation as producer for such legendary figures as Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Smith and Stan Getz, working with George Benson in the early stages of his illustrious career. Taylor's CTI Records became an important recording home for many of the pioneers in what became known as the 'jazz fusion' movement. Artists like the late Grover Washington Jr. and Hank Crawford were keystone flag bearers for CTI's Kudu imprint. And then there was Esther Phillips. Virtually the only vocalist at the company (save for Patti Austin who joined the roster in 1976), Ms. Esther deservedly had pride of place at the fledgling label and Taylor pulled out all the stops for her Kudu recordings, employing the finest musicians in and around the New York area to give the one-of-a-kind singer the perfect backdrop for her work as a superb song stylist. The credits for "From A Whisper To A Scream", Esther's 1972 Kudu debut - considered by many to be her finest album for the label - listed such renowned players as Crawford on sax, Eric Gale and Cornell Dupree on guitar, Bernard Purdie on drums, Richard Tee on keyboards and Gordon Edwards on bass, with the cream of background singers (Joshie Armstead, Hilda Harris and Tasha Thomas) giving Esther just the right vocal cushion for her blues-tinged interpretations of works by everyone from poet/singer Gil Scott-Heron and the great Marvin Gaye to New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint and soul man Eddie Floyd. Three tracks from that amazing first Kudu LP (so impressive that it prompted Aretha Franklin to give Esther the 1972 Grammy she won) are included on this sumptuous compilation. I miss Esther, her sharp wit and her sass and hearing this compilation is a reminder that on August 7, 1984, we lost a great talent. Her music, her style and her incomparable sound live on: listen…and enjoy!

David Nathan a/k/a "British Ambassador Of Soul" www.soulmusic.com Renaissance

In Retrospect:Joe Henderson

2007-04-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Remembering Joe Henderson as recalled by this writer,

at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, California

Coming Soon!

Faces of the SF International Arts Festival May 16-27

2007-04-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

African Diaspora Lives!

A Conversation Across the Diaspora

2007-04-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,One month from today — it begins: The 4th Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival. Now is the time! Check out the incredible offerings and buy your tickets now online at http://www.sfiaf.org/ or stop by TIX Central in Union Square or call (415) 439-2456.

With a theme of The Truth in Knowing/Now: A Conversation across the African Diaspora (artistic director, Rhodessa Jones), performances include:
Circus Baobab (Guinea): The Jumping Drums — U.S. Debut
Zaccho Dance Theatre: Departure & Arrival at SFO — A World Premiere
Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir in collaboration with Black Voices (UK)
Robert Moses' Kin and Dimensions Dance Theater — World Premieres
Compagnie Li-Sangha (Congo) and Mhayise Productions (South Africa) — U.S. Debuts
REPRESENTA! — World Premiere of a new bi-lingual theatre performance for the hip-hop generation

Cultural Odyssey's Underground Jazz Cabaret featuring Idris Ackamoor, John Santos, Pepe Vasquez (Peru), Aurelio Martinez (Honduras) and Takfarinas (Algeria)
AfroSolo International featuring Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Nawal (Comoros Islands), SuAndi (UK) & Yossi Vassa (Ethiopia/Israel)

A City-Wide International Celebration encompassing the visual, performing and media arts taking place at San Francisco International Airport, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Museum of the African Diaspora, Project Artaud Theater, Dance Mission Theater, City Hall, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Main Library and many other venues. Go to http://www.sfiaf.org

Straight Swingin' Profile:Willie Jones III

2007-04-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

Willie Jones III- Drummer Extraordinaire
Seeping out of the walls and windows of a modest Los Angeles home
is the jazz stylings by LA's finest musicians. Willie Jones II, a pianist and session player, is holding court with the likes of Henry"skipper" Franklin, Bassist;Trumpeter, Oscar Brashear,and drummers Donald Dean and Larry Marable. a very young Willie III couldn't help but love Jazz. After showing more than a keen interest in music by banging on everything he could find and rambling through his father's jazz collection. Willie III began playing snare drum in school.

He was in the marching band by Jr. High. His father then presented him with a new set of trap drums by 15. soon afterwards, he began to shrink on his practice, his stock went down in the band at high school, that's when he sought the mentoring and support of drum master, Charles Johnston. He taught the youngster the value of practice and keeping the passion for playing.

After a brief year at Los Angeles City College, Willie received a scholarship to the California Institute of the Arts.There, he developed further as a jazz musician. While at Cal Arts, He met other young musicians like himself, that wanted more than school classes could offer.
He soon met bassist/composer Marcus Shelby and trumpeter Richard Grant. they all started hanging out together and practicing, when they discovered a Jazz workshop in the Leimert Park section of Los Angeles(The World Stage) being sponsored and conducted by jazz percussionist and legend, Billy Higgins. While at this workshop, they met other serious young musicians at the jam sessions. shortly they met a pianist, Art Sano and James Mahone, saxophonist .

As a core group they started to jell and call themselves, the World Stage Quintet. Later changing their name to, "Black Note". Billy Higgins and Jazz producer, Dennis Sullivan produced their first CD on World Stage records entitled, 43rd & Degnan(location of world stage). This raised the stature and confidence of the young hard-bop players. Another alumnus of the world Stage jam sessions produced Gilbert Constanlano, who replaced Richard Grant. Grant responded to a scholarship offer at Rutgers University Music Department. In the community of Los Angeles, Black Note had lots of "Juice". After signing a record deal with Sony Records, the Quintet took off like a bottle rocket. Black Note soon became one of the hottest groups in Jazz, period! including the other young lions coming on the scene with fervor like a Benny Green, Roy Hargrove, Nick Payton, Christan McBride and Tim Warfield. After the breakup of Black Note sometime in the late 90s, Willie III moved to New York. He wasted no time in making his presence known and felt, which landed him a stint with long time jazz legend, Horace Silver and others. This led the way to Roy Hargrove, where he stayed for 8 years. He's now a first call drummer for sessions, and currently touring regular with vocalist, Kurt Elling. He has a bevy of self-produced CDs out on his own label, WJ3.(http://williejones3.com/)

After following this young drummer's career through the last 18 years, I'm convinced he is destined to become one of the most recorded and innovative percussionist. He seems to not just rest on his laurels and taking a "wait and see" attitude, he pushes the envelope by constantly evolving musically with other musicians and leading by example as being a great bandleader.
With mentors like Billy Higgins, teaching him about character off the bandstand as well as on,
has helped develop him into a class of musician others that can rely on. I find Willie a humble musician, who believes in the Swing, and, Nothing but the Swing. So Don't Knock the Swing! Pick up your copy of his latest CD or one of his recently produced marvels.

4th Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival

2007-04-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

San Francisco International Arts Festival Bursts Forth: May 16-27,2007
It takes more than a village – to put together the 4th Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival (www.sfiaf.org) it takes even more than a city: it takes a community. Led by Artistic Director Rhodessa Jones, SFIAF 2007 will enliven all of San Francisco’s communities from May 16 – 27 at venues across town. An unprecedented gathering of international and local talent will fill the City with a score of performances and exhibitions in venues such as Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco City Hall, the African American Art & Culture Complex (AAACC), the Museum of the African Diaspora and Union Square. Tens of thousands of people are expected to explore this year’s theme The Truth in Knowing/Now: A Conversation across the African Diaspora through an expansive series of performances, exhibitions, symposia, films and happenings. Tickets are available through the Box Office at TIX Central at San Francisco’s Union Square and by phoning

(415) 439-2456 and online at www.sfiaf.org.

Return of the Prodigal Son

2007-04-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

Oakland_California Recently at Yoshi's Jazz House for an night of intense, yet savory, tropical sounds pouring out of the heart of cuban bandleader, Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Gonzo returned to the Jack London location in Oakland California for a quite different look in instrumentation. Better known for his trio, or solo work when touring, this time, after a brief absence from the Bay, He brings in new members to his band. More importantly, he's playing a good amount of the band member's compositions. This made for a quite a fusion of textures, colors and rhythms, fusing the dry,understated tone of saxophonist,Yasvanni Terry, with new comer Mike Rodriguez on trumpet. Rodriguez displayed a very knowledgable jazz vocabulary over a velvety-rich tone of controlled turbulence. Terry and Rodriguez blended very well as the front line of a Rubalcaba led rhythm unit. Terry, at times seemed very unsure of what he wanted to do, but, as he uncurled, he always resolved with flurries of brilliance and poetic ideas. Bass player Matthew Brewer, brought great support as would the "keystone" in the leaning tower of Pisa. his solos were understated and unrushed. Sitting in the Cat-bird seat, drummer Marcus Gilmore always seemed to be preoccupied with the page of music, and didn't look comfortable.
However, he redeemed himself when allowed to step out of the pulse-mode and soloed to a frenzy. but, always returned to a very defined rhythmic mix. Though, I must say his brush work on ballads, was surprisingly good. Saving the best for last is traditional. There's nothing traditional about Gonzalo, except, he's in a long line of great players from Cuba, starting in the 30s & 40s to now. I first saw him in Los Angeles in the early 90s at an auditorium setting. He impressed me then as a young guy trying to prove he could play great. After a couple years of listening to his music in different settings;large/small venues, and on cd. It was apparent to me this guy had made it to the other side of greatness. Now, he just needs to try not to get so bored.
I dont think he can get anymore technical on his "Ax". I don't always agree with his composing, but I love watching this guy play. Think of Chucho,Monk,McCoy,Oscar,Herbie and Bud Powell just for starters. every piece he played that evening at the club, was like a concerto. The voicings of the saxophone and trumpet acted as sentry. his piano was exploring the full orchestral pallet. Unlike other peers on his instrument, he seems to challenge every nuiance of his very syncopated solos thats built on speed, grace and unrelenting harmonic coloring. He presents the very best of a virtuoso, while never leaving the rudiments of classic swing. adding just the right amount of contemporary poly-rhythmic clave'. Watch for the the new realease coming in May or June 07.

Long & the short:Michael O'Neill and Kenny Washington

2007-04-13T19:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.mosax.com/

For some jazz fans listening once is enough. but for me,

I can't get enough of Mike O'Neill CD "The Long and the Short of It". I some how missed it on the radar screen when first released. I now find it often spinning in my CD chamber. it has fresh arrangements and great vocals by the incomparable, Kenny Washington. Washington's vocalese is impeccable, yet he knows how to embrace a lyric when torching a standard or love song. I find that he is, arguably the best of the male vocalist in the business(when he wants to be).

Mike makes good use of his "producer's hat" when he use Kenny's voice as an ensemble instrument on several of the pieces. Mike's playing on his woodwinds are superb. a constant flow of poetic ideas on tenor and flute, while coming back with the bass clarinet as a Picasso-like brush, adding just the right amount of coloring and texture.

This CD should have easily been a Grammy nominated project in the new artist category. But, THAT'S ANOTHER STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME. Don't you run out of time. Go and get this CD for your own listening pleasure. Keep an extra copy handy, someone might "borrow" it and never return.

Bird Lives! on the Internet

2007-04-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.birdlives.com

Wounded Feathers:A Jazz Tradgedy

2007-04-11T18:01:00.000-07:00

seated to left, Robert J. Carmack - standing right, Dale Rosen

Coming to the East-Bay, Fall 07 Wounded Feathers: A Jazz Tradgedy

Original play written by actor, producer,writer and musician Robert J. Carmack

A limited portion of the play was first debuted as a "work in progress"August,06 at the Charlie Parker Symposium. Set in 1954, New York, the play is based loosely on events surrounding "Yardbird" Parker's family and his battle with his personal demons. The play's in pre-production for a fall run. This year's Bird,Bop,Black Art and Beyond II is scheduled to be presented August 24-25, in part by Sankofa Cultural Institute and House of Unity. featured are jazz performances, poetry, and a jazz round-table symposium. Topics include hard-bop, hip hop, sacred music, women in jazz and radio.

For more information email this blog to be placed on the e-mailing list for announcements of lineup of poets,musicians,artists and guest panelists.

Vocalist Debuts New CD: ED REED SINGS LOVES STORIES

2007-04-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

Oakland California _ Ed Reed, recently released his debut CD, Ed Reed Sings Love Stories

out on Reed’s own Blue Shorts label. COMING SOON _ INTERVIEW/PROFILE

Blue Note RVG Connoisseur Series Re-Issue

2007-04-10T17:13:00.000-07:00

The Donald Byrd-Pepper Adams Quintet made a lot of recordings between 1958 and 1961, but "The Cat Walk" is, by far, their best and most inspired album, due in large part to the originals by Byrd and Duke Pearson and the amazing, catalytic drumming of Philly Joe Jones.
DONALD BYRD, trumpet; PEPPER ADAMS, baritone sax; DUKE PEARSON, piano; LAYMON JACKSON, bass; PHILLY JOE JONES, drums.

New York Musings

2007-04-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

Photos and straight-ahead info about Jazz in the city that never Sleeps! Our Man, Ernie In New York!

(pictured here with the the "Fancy Ms. Nancy Wilson)

Jazz Legendary Bassist in Bay Area

2007-04-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ron Carter Quartet at Yoshi's Jazz House

Bay Area Vibist Yancie Taylor Trumps Berkeley Audience

2007-04-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Berkeley,Calif._ Jazz vibist and leader, Yancie Taylor put to bed any utterance of "Hard Bop" being gone from the Bay area, when his quintet plus one, walked in, and blew Anna's Jazz Island out the water with top-shelf arrangements, and spoken word riffs added by Julian Carroll, a local poet. The band opened up the first set with a sparkling ditty called Souleo , followed by a reggae beat- treated "Caravan" by Juan Tizol. They then prepared the audience for Carroll's original poetry set of jazz standards and favorites, mixed into his spoken word elixir.

This was met with a thunderous applause by the often layed-back audiences in Berkeley. Taylor and Carroll would not allow them to catch their breath, while spitting out "hot coals" tune after tune.

Carroll's voice was almost like another instrument as the ensemble enchanted, romanced and again set the stage on fire with blistering tempos, and time signatures, mixed with the cadence of the poetry. Some of my favorites were played during the three-set evening, such as Black Narcissus, Nefititi, Song for My Father, Sister Sadie, and a couple of Strayhorn compositions, Cheslea Bridge and, A Flower is a Lovesome Thing. members of the ensemble were; Yancie Taylor leader /Vibes, James Bailey Saxes, Brian Bowman drums, Ravi Abicarian on bass, with Bill Stillorow at the piano and Julian Carroll on spoken word. Anna's Jazz island is located in the heart of Berkeley, California. They have an assortment of liquid libations for even the most discriminating tastes. Included is an appetizer and eclectic snack menu for the munchies. check the website for the full line-up http://www.annasjazzisland.com/calendar.html

Roy Hargrove's Opening Night's Performance in Oakland

2007-03-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Roy Hargrove Opening Night's performance was AWSOME!