According to Norman Lebrecht, the proprietor of artsjournal.com's Slipped Disc, financial tap dancing led to reports that Abbey Road studios was--or might be--for sale. That does not invalidate the sonic issues raised in this February 21 Rifftides post. It may relieve the anxieties of audiophiles who cherish the great old studios. To read Mr. Lebrecht's followup, go here. … [Read more...]
Montmartre Redivivus
February 23, 2010 by
Unexpected and welcome news from a Danish web site: Denmark's once legendary jazz club Montmartre re-opens in May 2010 in its original premises in Copenhagen. During the 1960's and 70's the club served as a European home for American giants like Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Kenny Drew and many others. Pianist Niels Lan Doky and a partner will operate the club as a nonprofit enterprise. For details, go here. For recent Rifftides posts involving the Montmartre, go here and here. … [Read more...]
Ertegun Hall of Fame Winners
February 23, 2010 by
Jazz At Lincoln Center has just announced the artists posthumously inducted into its Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame for 2010. They are Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Billy Strayhorn and Sarah Vaughan. Those honored are chosen by vote of a panel of experts from 17 countries. Jazz at Lincoln Center will present concerts dedicated to the inductees. Here is the schedule: Intuition: The Music of Bill Evans (May 14-15, 2010) The Music of Billy Strayhorn (November 5-6, 2010) The Music of Sarah Vaughan … [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.
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