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Interview

Interview: Alex Mercado

Source: Eric Taylor
August 20, 2014

Q: Did you receive any formal training as a pianist? Who taught you? A: I began studying classical music at age 13 with Jose Luis Arcaraz, a classical piano teacher who took me under his wing after discovering I had a special talent and predisposition for music. Through him I got thoroughly introduced to piano technique, dynamics, and the expressive range of the instrument. My passion for music allowed me to make quick progress through long practice sessions, achieving positive ...

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Interview

Interview: Wanda Stafford (PT. 2)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 19, 2014

Wanda Stafford's album In Love for the Very First Time was arranged by Bill Russo and recorded in June 1960—between Russo's School of Rebellion and Seven Deadly Sins for Roulette, with virtually the same band. One of the exceptions was the inclusion of Bill Evans, a quiet period for the pianist during which he played New York clubs with his trio while picking up sideman recording dates for extra cash. For her part, Wanda's phrasing and swing on the album—her ...

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Interview

Interview: Wanda Stafford (PT. 1)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 18, 2014

You may think you own every Bill Evans sideman studio album, but trust me, you don't. The one I'm about to tell you about is so obscure and rare that it wasn't even listed in Tom Lord's Jazz Discography at press time. On June 23 and 24, 1960, at Bell Studios in New York, pianist Evans recorded on a session behind vocalist Wanda Stafford that featured a band arranged by Bill Russo for Roulette Records. The album is Wanda Stafford: ...

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Interview

For Gerard And Linda Carelli, A Life In Showbiz And Artistic Reinvention

Source: Michael Ricci
August 17, 2014

This month's Westchester neighbor profiles a trombonist and dancer from Bedford Hills who’ve seen it all. In 1987, 28-year-old Broadway starlet Linda Sabatelli was enjoying a relaxing dinner out with the cast of 42nd Street when she caught the eye of Gerard Carelli. The talented young trombonist, back from a 10-month stint touring with Ray Charles, had in 1980 relocated to Manhattan and began subbing in the orchestra pit for the production. “I was invited to that dinner, and sat ...

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Interview

Interview: Dr. John

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 14, 2014

A few weeks ago, I was in a car heading across the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. It takes about 25 minutes driving at 60 mph to cross Louisiana's Lake Pontchartrain on the Causeway. There's a point on that bridge where you can't see New Orleans behind you, bayou country in front of you or land on either side. That's one massive lake, leaving you feeling as though you were driving to Europe. I was on my way ...

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Interview

Interview With Don Howatt Of The Apostle Fractal: Progressive Rock Lives On

Source: Eric Taylor
July 19, 2014

Q: Pardon my ignorance, but what does the Apostle Fractal mean? A: The short answer is The APOSTLE Fractal is just the name of our band. The long answer is a bit more complicated. “APOSTLE” was a name I had in mind for a band for a long time. As a young boy I would draw fantasy album covers in my notebooks during class instead of paying attention. When the band was founded in 1978, the original name of the ...

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Interview

The Souls Rebels Brings NOLA Around the World

Source: Michael Ricci
June 27, 2014

By Shannon J. Effinger It is impossible not to fall in love with the Soul Rebels: Derrick Moss (Bass Drum), Lumar LeBlanc (Snare Drum), Julian Gosin (Trumpet), Corey Peyton (Trombone), Erion Williams (Saxophone), Paul Robertson (Trombone), Edward Lee, Jr. (Sousaphone) and Marcus Hubbard (Trumpet). This talented eight-member ensemble takes the pride they have for their beloved Crescent City everywhere they perform. From their recent live set at this month's Celebrate Brooklyn to appearing at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall ...

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Interview

Sandra Nkaké: Music's New Buffalo Soldier

Source: Michael Ricci
June 27, 2014

By Shannon J. Effinger There are few female artists today who balance grace and femininity with strength and conviction, while baring their souls during live performances. Miriam Makeba was one. Nina Simone was another. Susana Baca, most definitely. Very soon, Sandra Nkaké will join the illustrious company of these dynamic performers. This artist has already traversed the globe, including tours in Brazil, her native Africa (Nkaké was born in Cameroon's political capital of Yaoundé) and most recently at ...

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