Celebrated Jazz great, Trombonist Benny Powell will be one of two jazz legends to be honored for lifetime contributions to the music genre, as part of a prestigious annual ceremony that will feature over 150 musicians! at NYC's historic St. Peter's Church.
Hailed as a Jazz Master and National Treasure, the celebrated veteran trombonist, best known for his many years as a band member of the famed Count Basie Orchestra in an illustrious decades-long career, is slated to receive lifetime honors. Powell, along with noted pianist Jane Jarvis will be honored at this years 38th Annual All Nite Soul tribute featuring over 150 musicians! The awards ceremony will be presented by the Jazz Ministry at St. Peter's Church in NY on October 12, 2008 at 7 pm.
Although it can be said he's played with virtually anyone who's anyone in the jazz world, Powell's impressive roster includes stints with big bands throughout the jazz era; playing in orchestras of successful Broadway shows, on the soundtracks for several memorable films such as Blazing Saddles and episodes of popular TV series like Starsky and Hutch among others, and 10 seasons with The Merv Griffin Show band, as well as collaborations with fellow musicians on ensemble recordings and his solo projects, the highly revered and accomplished jazz luminary believes ardently that everyday is an opportunity to do more.
It is this philosophy that continues to drive the humble 70+ year-old musical icon to pursue each new endeavor that keeps jazz music at the forefront. And with completion of his latest release, the first in five years, titled “Nextep," Powell is looking to top the charts once its officially released in late-October 2008. The new compositions reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the legendary trombone player as an artist.
Powell has been widely recognized for his broad-ranging achievements that have helped further the jazz tradition through music education and activism, which are documented in the Youtube internet video jazzumentary short titled: Benny Powell, Jazz Master, produced by JazzLegacy Productions.
Even with such well-deserved accolades received from a profession he dearly loves, the versatile musician remains a prolific performer. He performs with Randy Weston's African Rhythms, a collaboration that has lasted more than three decades. Powell maintains a passionate commitment to the jazz art form he developed as an impressionable youngster growing up in the musical environment of New Orleans during the early rise of Bebop.
In an in-depth interview with jazz writer Bob Bernotas, Powell says (of the music), “It was just part of everyday life, all you had to do was wake up and listen." Powell, a then eager 12-year-old leapt at the chance to have his own trombone when an uncle gave him the shiny instrument that had completely captivated him. At just 14, he got his first professional gig as a result of many musicians being away in World War II.
After getting the OK from his mother during a school break from Alabama State Teacher's College, which he entered at 16, Powell soon left to join King Kolax's band in Port Arthur, Texas. He says he never looked back. That was the start of a sojourn that has lasted all his life. It was the beginning of a life-long dream for him, which he says he is blessed to still be living over six decades later.
A consummate sideman, Powell played trombone in Lionel Hampton's band for three years (1948-51), but gained the most notoriety from his 12-year tenure with Count Basie (1951-63) and their big hit April in Paris, on which he plays the famous bridge. As a respected lecturer and jazz advocate, Powell founded the non-profit Los Angeles Committee on Jazz in 1978 and has served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the New York State Council for the Arts. He is active with Jazz-Mobile; has taught at Long Island University; Barry Harris' Jazz Cultural Theatre and has been teaching as a faculty member of The New School for Jazz and the Performing Arts in NY for 13 years. Powell continues to adhere to a stringent work ethic, giving thorough attention to detail, a trait no doubt established through his vast musical experiences and early background rooted in jazz.
So what's the next step for Powell? To have “Nextep" get airplay in major markets. Having undergone two kidney transplants in 1990 and 1996, Powell has proved that he can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.
The program will also include a Jazz Vespers performance at 5pm. For ticket information: Contact St. Peters Church (Located at Lexington Ave and 54th Street in NYC). Ph: (212) 935-2200
Hailed as a Jazz Master and National Treasure, the celebrated veteran trombonist, best known for his many years as a band member of the famed Count Basie Orchestra in an illustrious decades-long career, is slated to receive lifetime honors. Powell, along with noted pianist Jane Jarvis will be honored at this years 38th Annual All Nite Soul tribute featuring over 150 musicians! The awards ceremony will be presented by the Jazz Ministry at St. Peter's Church in NY on October 12, 2008 at 7 pm.
Although it can be said he's played with virtually anyone who's anyone in the jazz world, Powell's impressive roster includes stints with big bands throughout the jazz era; playing in orchestras of successful Broadway shows, on the soundtracks for several memorable films such as Blazing Saddles and episodes of popular TV series like Starsky and Hutch among others, and 10 seasons with The Merv Griffin Show band, as well as collaborations with fellow musicians on ensemble recordings and his solo projects, the highly revered and accomplished jazz luminary believes ardently that everyday is an opportunity to do more.
It is this philosophy that continues to drive the humble 70+ year-old musical icon to pursue each new endeavor that keeps jazz music at the forefront. And with completion of his latest release, the first in five years, titled “Nextep," Powell is looking to top the charts once its officially released in late-October 2008. The new compositions reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the legendary trombone player as an artist.
Powell has been widely recognized for his broad-ranging achievements that have helped further the jazz tradition through music education and activism, which are documented in the Youtube internet video jazzumentary short titled: Benny Powell, Jazz Master, produced by JazzLegacy Productions.
Even with such well-deserved accolades received from a profession he dearly loves, the versatile musician remains a prolific performer. He performs with Randy Weston's African Rhythms, a collaboration that has lasted more than three decades. Powell maintains a passionate commitment to the jazz art form he developed as an impressionable youngster growing up in the musical environment of New Orleans during the early rise of Bebop.
In an in-depth interview with jazz writer Bob Bernotas, Powell says (of the music), “It was just part of everyday life, all you had to do was wake up and listen." Powell, a then eager 12-year-old leapt at the chance to have his own trombone when an uncle gave him the shiny instrument that had completely captivated him. At just 14, he got his first professional gig as a result of many musicians being away in World War II.
After getting the OK from his mother during a school break from Alabama State Teacher's College, which he entered at 16, Powell soon left to join King Kolax's band in Port Arthur, Texas. He says he never looked back. That was the start of a sojourn that has lasted all his life. It was the beginning of a life-long dream for him, which he says he is blessed to still be living over six decades later.
A consummate sideman, Powell played trombone in Lionel Hampton's band for three years (1948-51), but gained the most notoriety from his 12-year tenure with Count Basie (1951-63) and their big hit April in Paris, on which he plays the famous bridge. As a respected lecturer and jazz advocate, Powell founded the non-profit Los Angeles Committee on Jazz in 1978 and has served on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the New York State Council for the Arts. He is active with Jazz-Mobile; has taught at Long Island University; Barry Harris' Jazz Cultural Theatre and has been teaching as a faculty member of The New School for Jazz and the Performing Arts in NY for 13 years. Powell continues to adhere to a stringent work ethic, giving thorough attention to detail, a trait no doubt established through his vast musical experiences and early background rooted in jazz.
So what's the next step for Powell? To have “Nextep" get airplay in major markets. Having undergone two kidney transplants in 1990 and 1996, Powell has proved that he can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'.
The program will also include a Jazz Vespers performance at 5pm. For ticket information: Contact St. Peters Church (Located at Lexington Ave and 54th Street in NYC). Ph: (212) 935-2200
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