For the Grand Prize: April Is . . . ?

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 (1,750 total)

Published: April 4, 2010

"All of us know this, of course. On some level, we all know that life is fragile and short. The impact of the sudden and unexpected loss of a friend of the caliber of Vern McCarthy, however, brings it back into focus, down from the brain and mainlined straight to the heart, where it belongs. I think everyone who knew Vern would agree that he's somewhere in heaven, seated in the back of whatever Jazz club God has booked the Kenton band into, smiling broadly and once again digging his favorite music, played by his favorite band. And no doubt he's hanging out with Stan during the breaks. Thanks, Vern. We'll sure miss you."—Jim Peterson

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

New and Noteworthy

1. Phil Kelly, Ballet of the Bouncing Beagles (Origin)
2. Frank Macchia, Folk Songs for Jazzers (Cacophony)
3. Molnycke Storband, Premiere (InVision Group)
4. Glenn Cashman, And the Southland Big Band!
5. DVC Jazz with Bob Mintzer, Live at Yoshi's (DVC Jazz)
6. Igor Butman Big Band, (Butman Music)
7. Century Jazz Ensemble, Live (Self Published)
8. UAB SuperJazz, Featuring Ellis Marsalis (UAB Entertainment)
9. Russ Spiegel Jazz Orchestra, Transplants (Ruzztone Music)
10. Istanbul Superband, Plays Omer Goksel (Muzikal)
11. Warren Smith Composers Workshop Ensemble, Old News, Borrowed Blues (Engine Records)
12. Count Basie Orchestra, Basie Swings Standards (Pablo)
13. Pedro Giraudo Jazz Orchestra, el viaje (PGM)
14. Swiss Jazz Orchestra / Michael Zisman, Close Encounter (SJO)
15. U North Texas Two O'Clock Lab Band, Too Two (UNT Jazz)