Later in the week, I’ll be posting from Rochester, New York, and the ninth annual Swing ‘n Jazz, an event supporting The Commission Project’s music education of young people. In this context, “Swing” refers to both music and golf. A tournament on Sunday raises money for the education. Workshops accomplish the learning during a three-day event, and throughout the year by way of commissioned works that provide educational opportunities for children of all ages. Trumpeter Marvin Stamm is the musical director of this year’s Swing ‘n Jazz. His faculty comes from the Eastman School, other educational institutions and the New York City jazz scene. Reversing the old axiom, this is a case in which those who can, do, and teach.
Last year’s faculty stayed over for two days and recorded a CD, The Swing ‘n Jazz All-Stars, under the direction of the trombonist Fred Wesley. It was just released. I can’t offer a full-fledged review, but I liked what I heard the first time through. Stamm is impressive throughout, and there’s a nifty bass duet by Jay Leonhart and Keter Betts. Sadly, Betts died not long after the session.
Archives for May 31, 2006
Comment: Diz and Bird
Following the posting about Paul Desmond playing “Take Five” in a youtube.com video, Rifftides reader Jon Naylor wrote from Seattle:
In regards to youtube.com, they have a great piece of history with Charlie Parker/Dizzy Gillespie being presented a Down Beat music award by Leonard Feather and columnist Earl Wilson. Watch the look on Parker’s face when Earl Wilson refers to him and Dizzy as ‘you boys’ and the painful look on Feather’s face earlier when Earl tries to use some hipster lingo with the phrase, “Gimme some skin.” A classic.
Wilson’s clueless introduction preceded a performance of “Hot House,” with Parker and Gillespie accompanied by pianist Dick Hyman, drummer Charlie Smith and bassist Sandy Block. It is rare film of Diz and Bird together.
For those interested, see previous Rifftides postings on Parker (and others) on video here and here and here .