We at AAJ-NY hope that you are opening this issue with a happy stomach still full of turkey (or tofurkey as the case may be). As the weather gets colder, the holidays become unrelenting. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukah, take at least a little time to get away from the family and go hear some jazz. It's even better with cranberry sauce!For our special end of the year issue, we have laid another eclectic table for your pleasure. Ron Carter needs no introduction and will not get one here but many will not know about his extensive credentials as an educator (On The Cover). The holidays would not be the holidays without two weeks of Cedar Walton at the Village Vanguard. The ex-Jazz Messenger spoke with AAJ-NY, reminiscing about his long history with the storied club (Interview). A name unknown to many may be that of Japanese drummer Tatsuya Yoshida but his credentials as an improviser are impressive. Let's call him the experimental dish of our holiday dinner (Artist Feature). Two disparate sides of jazz, though very much in the grassroots tradition are our Label Spotlight and Club Feature for December. Tim Berne's Screwgun Records has been a prototype for the musician-run record label and continues to produce a steady stream of important releases by its owner. Perk's Restaurant in Harlem continues the jazz tradition of that venerable neighborhood, giving jazz an uptown home five nights a week.
As side dishes, enjoy a taste of trumpeter Dizzy Reece (Encore), baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams (Lest We Forget), a heaping helping of CD reviews and a luscious dessert of Event Calendar (okay, that's enough). Of course no end-of-the-year issue would be complete without a look back at the expiring year. Check out our center spread for AAJ-NY's choices for “Best Of" in a wide array of categories. Before you set out to buy those bags of holiday gifts, a look at these lists may provide some inspiration. Also check out our Holiday Gift Suggestions (pg. 34)
Happy Holidays to you and your families and see you at the shows...
Laurence Donohue-Greene & Andrey Henkin
For more information contact All About Jazz.
