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Interview

A Portrait of Sonny Rollins

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
September 8, 2010

Today is Sonny Rollins' 80th birthday. In addition to his much-anticipated concert at New York's Beacon Theater this Friday night, a new coffee-table book has just arrived that features lush color photographs by John Abbott and engaging text by Bob Blumenthal. Saxophone Colossus: A Portrait of Sonny Rollins (Abrams) is about as close as you will get to Sonny short of actually meeting or spending time with him. Through the nearly 100 images and probing text, you wind up with ...

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Interview

Latin Jazz Conversations: Hilario Duran (Part 4)

Source: The Latin Jazz Corner by Chip Boaz
September 8, 2010

A strong Latin Jazz bandleader carries a specific set of tools that guide them through their multiple responsibilities; the best bandleaders make these skills look natural, but they are actually learned over time. Any good leader spends years, and sometimes decades, as a sideman behind multiple artists. They work hard, watch the masters, learn the necessary inside information, and take notes about their role within the group. The more diverse experiences that any young sideman encounters will broaden their bag ...

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Interview

Sonny Rollins Takes a Ride

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
September 4, 2010

A couple of months ago, I asked Sonny Rollins if he would be willing to visit his old neighborhood in Harlem with me from the back of a comfortable car for the Wall Street Journal. His 80th birthday was coming (September 7). So was a much heralded concert at New York's Beacon Theater (September 10). Now was an ideal time to reflect and look ahead. [Photo by John Abbott] Sonny agreed. So several Sundays ago, Sonny and I traveled uptown ...

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Interview

Eden Brent: A Jazz Queen With a Case of the Blues

Source: All About Jazz @ Spinner
September 3, 2010

Jazz grew out of the blues some time in the late 19th or early 20th century in and around New Orleans. While the two styles grew apart as each developed its own lexicon, there's no mistaking the fact that the they are deeply intertwined—one need look no further than Billie Holiday, Count Basie and most musicians from New Orleans and other places on the Delta. Pianist Eden Brent falls into this nebulous musical world, singing in ...

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Interview

Under Your Skin Interview: The Barbican London

Source: All About Jazz
September 3, 2010

Interview

Happy Birthday, Gene Harris!

Source: Riffs on Jazz by John Anderson
September 2, 2010

Pianist Gene Harris (1933-2000) recorded prolifically during his long career. He started out playing in Army bands during the early 1950s. In 1956, he formed The Three Sounds with Andy Simpkins on bass and Bill Dowdy on drums. (Actually, it was originally The Four Sounds, but saxophonist Lonnie “The Sound" Walker dropped out after a year.) The group recorded exclusively with Blue Note Records from 1958 to 1962, including LPs with the likes of Lou Donaldson and Stanley Turrentine (the ...

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Interview

Zappa Bust to be Unveiled in Baltimore on 9/19

Source: JamBase
September 2, 2010

SEPTEMBER 19 WILL BE DECLARED “FRANK ZAPPA DAY" IN BALTIMORE Details of events were announced today for the unveiling of a sculpture of Frank Zappa and celebration honoring the composer for the legacy of his music and his commitment to the First Amendment. September 19, 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Zappa's testimony on Capitol Hill and at Annapolis against the censorship of free expression by artists. In commemoration of this event, Zappa Records is preparing to release Congress Shall ...

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Interview

Orrin Keepnews on Bill Evans

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
September 2, 2010

In rereading producer Orrin Keepnews' superb book, The View From Within, a collection of his jazz writings and recollections over the years, I came across the following passage on Bill Evans and the recording of Explorations. I've often posted that the years between 1959 and 1965 represent my favorite Bill Evans period, with Explorations being among my favorite recording, primarily for its poetic ideas and bounce. Here's Orrin, a recently named NEA Jazz Master, on the February 2, 1961 session ...

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