It's the Economy, Man!

Jack Bowers

Senior Contributor since 1997

A former newspaper writer / editor who has been writing about big-band Jazz for more than fifteen years.

Recent articles (1,749 total)

Published: January 29, 2009

The International Jazz Festival Enschede, in cooperation with the Netherlands Millennium Jazz Orchestra, has announced the third edition of the ArtEZ Composition Contest, open to composers of all nationalities with no age limit. A maximum of five jazz compositions will be chosen for the final round. The Millennium Jazz Orchestra, directed by Joan Reinders, will perform them on May 31 at Theatre Concordia during the Jazz Festival Enschede. The winner will receive a prize of 2,500 Euros. Scores must be sent no later than March 24 by registered mail; the date of the postmark represents valid proof. Contest rules may be viewed at ijfe.nl; for more information, please contact anniekjanssen@enschedepromotie.nl

Honors for the Garcias

Composer and arranger Russell Garcia, well-known in Hollywood for having written a number of film and television scores before relocating years ago to Kerikeri, New Zealand, and his wife, Gina, are recipients of Queens Service Medals for their long-time services to music. Russ Garcia, now ninety-two years old, continues to write, teach and travel internationally, often with Gina at his side. While in Hollywood, he worked for MGM, at Universal Studios, and with NBC Studios, writing for the TV series "Laredo" and "Rawhide" (the last of which introduced a young actor named Clint Eastwood), composing music for the sci-fi classic film "The Time Machine," and conducting the album "Porgy & Bess" with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Garcia recorded several big-band albums under his own name and another with strings featuring former Stan Kenton trumpet star (and fellow Baha'i) Buddy Childers.

Saying Goodbye

Among those on the lists of musicians who passed away in 2008 are a number who were associated either primarily or in part with big bands. All of them will be sadly missed by those who appreciate their artistry and devotion to America's music. A partial listing includes the names Norm Baltazar, Sid Bulkin, Pete Candoli, Arnie Chycoski, Jimmy Cleveland, Bill Finegan, Bob Florence, Jimmy Giuffre, Johnny Griffin, Earle Hagen, Connie Haines, Neal Hefti, Humphrey Lyttelton, Teo Macero, Ronnie Mathews, Gene Puerling, Ray Reed, Joe Romano, Jo Stafford, Phil Urso, Klaus Weiss and Gerald Wiggins.

And that's it for now. Until next time, keep swingin'!...

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