Archives for 2007

I asked bassist Bill Crow what he remembered about the Gerry Mulligan Sextet concert that is the subject of the next exhibit, posted yesterday. Here is his response: I was delighted to see and hear the sextet again. That was such a good band. I had forgotten about the large orchestra behind us. I … [Read more...]

As noted in this Rifftides post last November, Gerry Mulligan remarked more than once that of all his achievements, the sextet he led from 1955 to 1958 gave him the greatest satisfaction. No wonder. His sidemen in the front line were tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims, valve trombonist Bob Brookmeyer and … [Read more...]

We are pleased to report that Rifftides has been nominated in the 2007 Jazz Journalists Association awards program as Best Website Concentrating on Jazz. … [Read more...]

Nick Moran, The Messenger (CAP). I mentioned Moran's guitar playing nearly two years ago in one of the first Rifftides postings. The piece was about a visit to The Garage in New York's Greenwich Village. It included this observation: Moran is a good young guitarist with a lyrical bebop bent and an … [Read more...]

Have you ever wondered why Buddy Rich was called the world's fastest drummer? Go here. Have a good weekend. … [Read more...]

Rifftides correspondent John Birchard sent a link to this remarkable video with the comment, "It ain't jazz, but it is certainly extraordinary work." Amen. The playing by an unidentified cellist is extraordinary, too. … [Read more...]

The tenth edition of The Commission Project's Swing 'n Jazz event in Rochester, New York, was a canny three-day blend of fund-raising, concertizing and education. Initiated fifteen years ago by Ned Corman, the project sends musicians into schools across the country. As I wrote last year in … [Read more...]

The eminent trumpeter and early morning runner Marvin Stamm responded to the recent Rifftides post about T.S. Eliot and television. I couldn't agree with you more. you are right on the money - 4:00 am or no. Beautifully written! I will take issue with you regarding Stewart and Colbert. Sid Caeser, … [Read more...]

The young veteran broadcaster Jason Crane podcasts from his interesting site The Jazz Session. During my visit to Rochester, he was kind enough to ask me to join him for an extended conversation about jazz, news, Rifftides and other things. To hear it, click here. … [Read more...]

Flying east, two experiences melded into a thought around a phrase. Forty-six years and ten days ago, Newton Minow spoke at the annual meeting of the National Association of Broadcasters, the organization of people who ran television and radio in the United States. Minow was the chairman of the … [Read more...]

The Rifftides Staff is off to the The Commission Project's Swing 'n Jazz X. I will send reports from the road when possible. In the meantime, please enjoy browsing the archives, which reach back to the beginning of this endeavor, nearly two years ago. That may seem a short time to YOU. … [Read more...]

Time out of the writing crunch to hear successive Jessica Williams concerts was time well spent. Williams has taken a liking to The Seasons and returned there with her new trio for two evenings. On Saturday,Williams, bassist Doug Miller and drummer John Bishop played a Duke Ellington program. The … [Read more...]

A contributor with the internet handle Astrotype just sent YouTube five videos taken from a 1966 Dave Brubeck Quartet concert in Germany. If you're thinking of Paul Desmond on this thirtieth anniversary of his death, you may remember him even more kindly as you listen to a "Take Five" solo unlike … [Read more...]

You needn't be a demon sight reader to enjoy Rifftides reader Andy Wiliamson's blog called Jazz Licks. Wililamson transcribes phrases from solos, mostly by saxophonists (he is one). He posts the transcriptions and provides audio clips so that you can read along with the licks as you listen to them. … [Read more...]

Sonny Rollins has returned home from Stockholm, where he was awarded the Polar Music Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy. Terri Hinte, publicist nonpareil, traveled with him and alerted us to the web site that carries photographs of Mr. Rollins and his co-winner Steve Reich receiving their prizes … [Read more...]

We're heading into Memorial Day weekend, the thirtieth anniversary of Paul Desmond's death. Musically, what I remember about Paul is how hard he could swing in that really understated way. He had the most amazing time feel in his playing. People never really talked about that part of his playing. He … [Read more...]

Posting will be scant and seldom this week. I am still cranking on a flurry of assignments that must be completed before I take off for the Swing 'n Jazz fiesta in Rochester, New York. One of the pieces is for the next George Mraz CD, which involves the remarkable Czech singer, violinist and actress … [Read more...]

A message from Rubén González: I"´m reading regularly with pleasure Rifftides from Rosario, Argentina... Sr. González includes a link to his web site and the story of his encounter with jazz in Dublin, Ireland. His account is in Spanish and English and includes video of three Irish musicians … [Read more...]

News releases from publicists come in waves by snail mail, e-mail and that ancient technology the fax machine. By rough estimate, at least half concern the latest CDs, concerts or club appearances of legends: ...the legendary _____________(fill in the blank) ...a legend of the (piano, drums, bass, … [Read more...]