One of the things we at AllAboutJazz-New York are most proud of is the breadth of our coverage. Of course much of it is determined by what folks happen to be playing in our fair city during the month but we take great pains to ensure equality and eclecticism, not just in our features but also in our supplementary articles and CD reviews. What usually ends up happening, often without us realizing until publication, are happy convergences that illuminate the interconnectivity of jazz. August is another month where we can say with confidence that our big three features, our triumvirate if you will, represent a fascinating cross-section of the jazz experience. Pianist Dave Brubeck (On The Cover) is a living legend, both officially and in spirit, still going strong almost into his 90s! Saxophonist Archie Shepp (Interview) in many ways represents the advances of the '60s New Thing musicians and listeners are still grappling with today. And guitarist Duck Baker (Artist Feature) demonstrates that tradition and innovation are merely a matter of perspective.
August is traditionally Charlie Parker month here in New York and to that end we profile Tribes Gallery, the Alphabet City venue that has been promoting Bird's spirit and that of his final neighborhood for 14 years now. Take a trip down to that part of town both for Tribes' activities as well as the city-sponsored Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (Aug. 25th-26th, with the first day held uptown in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park).
Our coverage of festivals national and international continues with writeups from upstate (Rochester Jazz Festival), downtown (Vision Festival) and just over the northern border (Suoni Per Il Popolo). Though August is usually a quiet month as many musicians head off for the festival circuit, there are still plenty of albums to buy and shows to go see. Check out our CD Reviews and Event Calendar for a month of summer fun!
We'll see you out there...
For more information contact All About Jazz.
