Terence Blanchard's story, in his own words: the following excerpts are drawn from a piece the trumpeter wrote, to appear in the October issue of Jazziz magazine. (On his new CD:) The making of my musical requiem, "A Tale of God's Will," brought on its own flood -- of memories in Katrina's wake. Immediately after the hurricane, I think we were all numb. We were trying to make … [Read more...] about a tale of one trumpeter’s will (part two)
wish i were there (pt. 2 of an ongoing series)
Were I still in New Orleans, tonight I'd be at a slamming jam session (the likes of which there are too few) celebrating, and raising funds for, a great New Orleans musical tradition: Satchmo Summer Jazz Camp. … [Read more...] about wish i were there (pt. 2 of an ongoing series)
but i’m in maine instead
For the past seven years, I've driven up to Downeast Maine for the last weekend of July to serve as volunteer-producer of the Deer Isle Jazz Festival at the Stonington Opera House. I fell into this role naturally. Erica and I happened upon this place and fell in love with the charming coves, the pink-and-blue sunsets, the unparalleled lobster, the chilly nights, the warm … [Read more...] about but i’m in maine instead
emancipated lincoln
Listening to Abbey Lincoln's latest recording, Abbey Sings Abbey (Verve), I'm struck by how, in terms of trappings and production, it's the least jazzy recording in her catalog -- yet it may be the truest to her identity as a singer and songwriter. The power and purity of her achievement may be enough to free up jazz singers and listeners previously enslaved to narrow visions … [Read more...] about emancipated lincoln
tray tables down, brains switched to “off” position
A while back, Bethany Bultman, an unflappable supporter of New Orleans musicians, told me of a fairly straightforward promotional effort aimed at airline passengers: Get brass bands to play at Louis Armstrong airport, at baggage claim, to entertain newly arrived tourists and perhaps to offer up flyers listing the various brass-band and traditional-jazz gigs around town. … [Read more...] about tray tables down, brains switched to “off” position