[contextly_auto_sidebar id="BPxyLyGkHPCXeuzVolRW6t0MbuOB82Og"] From the mid-1960s through the early years of this century, the Art Ensemble of Chicago crafted elements of free jazz into an ensemble personality that brought it extensive exposure. Often, as much attention went to the band’s … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="IUyh26ndsHhFFCYCXimN3CHfOZw0hfNX"] Thanks to the readers—far too many to send individual thank-you's—who responded to the weekend post about Paul Desmond. Your stories made great additions to the piece. The Rifftides staff is lucky to have you all along for … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="qKZSqCVCrDFDG1qrgHpBUDxAcgtK92E0"] Several prominent trumpet players and other well-known jazz artists are expected to perform next Monday in New York City at a memorial service for the late trumpeter Lew Soloff. Here is the announcement from the Manhattan School of … [Read more...]

Carmell Jones Quartet (Fresh Sound) Having proved himself in the jazz milieu of Kansas City, in 1960 the 24-year-old trumpeter Carmell Jones (1936-1996) quit his job as a railroad porter and moved to Los Angeles in search of full-time work in music. He was quick to impress bassist Red Mitchell, … [Read more...]

Since Rifftides began, every year on May 30 I have posted something about Paul Desmond. He died thirty-eight years ago today. For reasons that I cannot clearly identify, this year I struggled with the idea. Until the last moment I put off the remembrance and finally concluded that the best option … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="EBevE4XbOj4xXslblynsqxdknye4NgvQ"] The modern jazz sub-genre called jazz fusion emerged in the 1960s, attracted a wide audience and received extensive radio air play through the second half of the twentieth century. The music combined elements of rhythm and blues, … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="Esa5Li0CUDw01UgIBG66dwwzlAwBhhH0"] …in 90-degree weather was illuminated by sun reflecting on clouds a few hours away from becoming thunderheads... (I managed to stay under 35 MPH). There were plenty of roadside attractions, including wildflowers blooming … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="ewnHiKyMrJjDinBPTTFi1SiheoxOr78V"] In an op-ed column in the weekend Wall Street Journal, Jerry Cianciolo urges readers to visit their local World War II memorials—nearly every town has one—look at the names, touch them and think about the sacrifices they … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="ntNtxJ0KVOSNGluQ490qYG4RGcdjT2vy"] Following yesterday’s post about recently deceased musicians, a Rifftides reader who identifies himself only as Derrick sent a message: I just heard that Ron Crotty, the original bassist of The Dave Brubeck Quartet, died just … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="1ACj3YHM4fARVOLVcvwKlymjB7FS1kb6"] Rifftides was never meant to be an obituary service, but who might have expected that so many people of high accomplishment and value would die in a so short a period. Ignoring their departures would be impossible. Ralph Waldo Emerson … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="GUKVg7zf9uSFF0Hrysj5OWZkJvGPN9DR"] Luis Perdomo, Twenty-Two (Hot Tone Music) The title observes the number of years since the pianist moved from his native Venezuela to New York City. In that time Perdomo has established a musical personality apart from the … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="J8l0BaQiYrMjSaXcuEW59XaNBFWlp7LE"] Following yesterday’s Rifftides post announcing the Jazz Journalists Association poll winners, vibraharpist Charlie Shoemake commented: Randy Weston has had a long and distinguished career as have many of the other deserving … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="RO9eXSF87CidlGsfzWbM1VNpJjmVvGUh"] The Jazz Journalists Association has named 89-year-old pianist, composer and bandleader Randy Weston winner of the JJA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2015. Weston’s 66-year career began in his native New York. In his early years … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="rAHk4ReydpHq2l57Qoln96dTIOznfbtm"] When trumpeter Bobby Shew left Los Angeles after years of work in big bands and the film and recording studios of L.A., he made a major commitment to education. From his home in New Mexico, he travels in the US, Asia and Europe for … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="Hn8GNlPmJNjvWy4Ag8HsjmKWtszLKlzT"] An international campaign is underway to win national recognition for Willis Conover, the Voice Of America broadcaster who sent American jazz to millions of listeners around the world. A petition drive is aimed at persuading the … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="5mkdM9mrAeJovro2BKJRTicbCcDXZvvR"] A recent discussion among jazz researchers centered on the evolution of instrumentation as big bands changed through the decades. The conversation developed into exchanges about not only the makeup of band sections—rhythm, brass … [Read more...]

Jim Wilke’s Jazz Northwest promises a potpourri of music so interesting that wherever you're planning to spend the weekend, you might want to have along a radio, cell phone, iPad or other listening device. Mr. Wilke's announcement serves as a reminder that Seattle has a busy jazz scene. The … [Read more...]

[contextly_auto_sidebar id="MEYFVjxqnP84uoixbk5LZsPvVZCOBWgY"] Following yesterday's Rifftides commentary about the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, I heard from fellow jazz journalist Larry Blumenfeld (pictured). Larry is a New Yorker who in recent years has spent much of his time in New … [Read more...]