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 … [Read more...]
Comment: Diz and Bird
May 31, 2006 by
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 … [Read more...]
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Recent Comments
Jim Eigo on Happy Fatha’s Day
Had the good fortune to see Fatha Hines in 1973 at the New School in NYC. There's a nice live recording of this concert too.Dick Unsworth on Happy Fatha’s Day
Haven't heard "Fatha" Hines and bassist Pedersen for ages. Thanks for the treat.Terence Smith on Happy Fatha’s Day
Earl Hines made every day Fatha's Day every time he played. Thanks to Doug Ramsey for this inspired choice of an inspired "Memories of You." ...Brew on Happy Fatha’s Day
Thanks for posting this gem. The Earl's rhythmic punch is always stunning. He could easily switch between smoothness and roughness like no one else. Like...W. Royal Stokes on Happy Fatha’s Day
Here’s Fatha’s show stopper, Doug. His left hand takes over the melody while his right sustains a 3-and-a-half-minute tremolo! I saw him do this tune...