Archives for 2009

As readers of Rifftides know by now, The Wall Street Journal provides more than financial news and market reports. The newspaper has a Leisure And Arts section with extensive, varied, informed cultural coverage. It includes writing about music by several contributors. I am happy to be one on … [Read more...]

If you are at all disturbed by what we human beings are doing to one another in Israel, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Georgia, Russia, Colombia, the Koreas (sorry if I" left out your favorite), spend a few minutes with a man who died 98 years ago. I wish I'd thought of this, … [Read more...]

Today is the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records, and -- what a coincidence -- I have at hand an advance CD by the Blue Note 7. That is the all-star band of Blue Note artists on" the verge of a three months tour to celebrate the longevity of a company that has made a difference in music. The tour … [Read more...]

Dena DeRose: Live At Jazz Standard, Volume Two (MaxJazz). Spontaneity and a sense of discovery continue in this second set by DeRose and her trio at the New York club. She, bassist Martin Wind and drummer Matt Wilson connect with one another and with an enthusiastic audience. The connection comes by … [Read more...]

This spring will see the release on DVD of a documentary film that dramatizes the degree to which we're all in this troubled world together. The film uses music to make that point and the further one that music can help heal our differences. Its producer, Mark Johnson, took video and sound equipment … [Read more...]

A concert in memory of Richard M. Sudhalter, the distinguished jazz musician, historian, biographer, and critic, will be held on Monday, January 12, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church," 619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street, New York City, from seven to ten p.m.

Sudhalter died last September. For a … [Read more...]

Freddie Hubbard's family has released information about his funeral service." 1:00 PM, Tuesday, January 6, 2009 -- viewing from 11 AMFaithful Central Bible Church's Tabernacle321 North Eucalyptus AvenueInglewood, CA 90301The trumpeter died December 29. For a Rifftides appreciation of his career, go … [Read more...]

Bill Ramsay is a veteran saxophonist widely admired in jazz circles across the US but little known to the public outside the Pacific Northwest. Accomplished on alto and baritone saxes,he co-leads the Ramsay-Kleeb band and is the baritone sparkplug of the Seattle" Repertory Jazz Orchestra. Ramsay … [Read more...]