Archives for May 2008

A Los Angeles man and wife, Doug McIntyre and Penny Peyser, last night premiered Trying To Get Good, a film about the trumpeter, singer and outrageous humorist Jack Sheldon. They and others know that Sheldon is one of the most gifted musicians alive. They hope that the film will help bring him … [Read more...]

In emulation of Art Kane's photograph Harlem 1958, widely known as A Great Day in Harlem, Great Day photographs have been made in cities all across the United States. Here, by permission of the Art Kane Archive, is the original. "© Art Kane Archive Not all of the copycat shots involve jazz. … [Read more...]

Today is Dave McKenna's 78th Birthday. He plays the piano.   Happy Birthday. … [Read more...]

The other night at The Seasons, I heard four nineteen-year-olds and was impressed. One of them, the alto saxophonist Logan Strosahl, has been intriguing me for a couple of years. The others, who comprise The Uptown Trio, were new to me except for the bassist, Jeff Picker, whom I had previously … [Read more...]

 From 1949 to 1963, the Black Hawk was San Francisco's premier jazz club. It presented a cross section of the world's best musicians. Like legions of other fans, I spent some of the most rewarding listening hours of my life being inspired in the Black Hawk's uninspiring surroundings and have … [Read more...]

Early in his career, pianist Billy Taylor made a difference in jazz by developing an individual approach to the use of chords. His concept fit well with that of the beboppers who in the second half of the 1940s were a new and powerful force in the music. Some swing musicians with open ears and open … [Read more...]

I think one of the best things you can do, no matter what you play, is to take up piano. Music is based on chord changes and harmonies, and you can get 'em more out of an instrument like piano, where you can hear all the notes at once. --Zoot Sims To me, the piano in itself is an orchestra. --Cecil … [Read more...]

Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin recently entered his eighty-first year, still living and playing at full--or nearly full--speed. Martin Gayford today observed Griffin's longevity and vigor in a piece in the British newspaper the Telegraph. Here's an excerpt:   He was described by Richard Cook … [Read more...]

George Moore, who runs Dave Brubeck's office, sent this message:   If you are suffering from bruised or broken ribs, PLEASE WAIT TO OPEN THIS LINK.   Then, rummaging around on the internet, I found this companion piece of video. Now, no matter what kind of day you were having, you'll … [Read more...]

I'm not sure why it took me so long to find out about the Industrial Jazz Group, but life is full of unintentionally delayed gratification. I'm also not sure why it took me so long to come across Amedei chocolate, Norma Winstone, the writing of James Salter or the psychic rewards of gardening. In … [Read more...]

Bob Florence was best known for his big band arranging, as his Grammy award, thirteen Grammy nominations and two Emmys attest. He died last Thursday at home in Thousand Oaks, California, five days short of his 76th birthday. Florence was also a superb pianist and favorite accompanist of … [Read more...]

Rifftides reader John Altman writes from London:   Got an email from the British Film Academy (BAFTA) offering AN EVENING OF CHARLIE PARKER. At last, I thought, the elusive video from Canadian TV with Brew Moore and Paul Bley I've been hearing about for years. Opened the email and it was … [Read more...]

It doesn't take much to make me miss New York City. Bill Cunningham of The New York Times is particularly good at it. The other day, I gave you a hint of what spring is like where I am now. Cunningham's latest photo essay takes us to a special part of New York. Thanks to Rifftides reader Mack … [Read more...]

Correspondent John Birchard patrols the jazz precincts of the US capital city for Rifftides. 13th Annual Women In Jazz Festival Kennedy Center, Washington, DC Second Night May 16, 2008 Review by John Birchard Pianist Helen Sung, who won last year's Kennedy Center Mary Lou Williams Women in … [Read more...]

Rifftides Washington, DC correspondent John Birchard is attending one of the city's major music festivals. Here is his report on the first night. 13th ANNUAL THE KENNEDY CENTER MARY LOU WILLIAMS WOMEN IN JAZZ FESTIVAL May 15, 2008 Review by John Birchard They tried to find a longer name for the … [Read more...]

I took a break from writing this morning and went for a ride with my friend Bianchi Vigorelli (pictured). Here in the lee of the Cascades, it was the first truly hot day of the year. Melted snow is rushing off the mountains, filling the rivers to the tops of their banks, running them fast and muddy, … [Read more...]

After David Remnick took command as editor of The New Yorker in 1998, he curtailed the late Whitney Balliett's contributions to the magazine, relegated him to writing about celebrities like Barbra Streisand and eventually dropped the pre-eminent jazz writer altogether. Characteristically, Balliett … [Read more...]

(Chet) was so sweet when he played, so mysterious. Somehow he was able to express the question mark of life with so few notes. In Italy, we're more sentimental, and we felt that very much. --Enrico Pieranunzi Well, if I could play like Wynton (Marsalis), I wouldn't play like Wynton --Chet … [Read more...]