Jazz, a music of deep history, loves anniversaries. This month is a particularly important one: the 90th birthday of one Thelonious Sphere Monk. There are few musicians in jazz history as significant both as a player and composer as Monk and his influence is still being absorbed, some 25 years after his death. There are a gaggle of events marking this important occasion throughout the city. Browse our Event Calendar for more details. And also check out our Special Feature on one of the fathers on modern jazz producing, Orrin Keepnews, who brought Monk's music to public attention and is being honored with a new CD series released by Concord Records. Continuing the theme of important events, New York City is graced with the rare presence of a jazz legend this month: French pianist Martial Solal (On The Cover) plays a special week-long solo engagement at Village Vanguard. Bassist and educator Larry Ridley (Interview) presents an educational concert honoring the legacy of Duke Pearson, Sonny Clark, and Kenny Drew at Schomburg Center. And trumpeter Ted Daniel (Artist Feature), witness to and participant in much of New York's avant garde history, appears several times throughout October. Also of note is an extremely special appearance by famed Norwegian singer Karin Krog (Encore).
Of course, jazz is still developing. Witness two new additions to the city's jazz world: Anzic Records (Label Spotlight), an imprint devoted to resurgent interest in world fusion, and SPACE Gallery (Club Profile), a gorgeous- looking and -sounding venue in the heart of Lower Manhattan. We also continue our national and international coverage with reports from the Jazz Em Agosto (Portugal), Litchfield (Connecticut) and Newport (Rhode Island) Festivals.
Filling out this fall issue are our usual swath of CD reviews and a massive Event Calendar. Lots to hear and see for everyone.
We'll be right there with you...
