Interview News

Photostory 7: Med Flory

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 28, 2009

Today's Med Flory's birthday. Med is a Los Angeles-based saxophonist whose recordings in the 1950s are legendary for their power and swinging out-choruses. After recently interviewing Med here, I received an e-mail from Indianapolis photographer Mark Sheldon, a regular contributor to Down Beat, who sent along a few photos of Med. I loved them so much I asked Mark to provide the story behind the images:

Electric Guitarists 101: Who Are the 10 Best Ever?

Source: Michael Ricci
August 28, 2009

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"Jimmy Forrest, Basie and Me"

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
August 27, 2009

Los Angeles composer and arranger Roy Phillippe and I have been exchanging e-mails on a range of topics. Recently we were on a Neal Hefti tear, particularly Hefti's movie soundtracks. Following my recent post on tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest [pictured in the 1950s with trumpeter Harry “Sweets" Edison], Roy passed along this story:

“In 1976, Harry 'Sweets' Edison had a regular Sunday night gig at The Baked Potato, a jazz club owned by pianist Don Randi in North Hollywood, CA. ...

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Gently, Gently, a Drummer Leads His Pack

Source: Michael Ricci
August 26, 2009

Why are so many good jazz gigs led by drummers these days? Possibly it’s just labor logic: the star system has broken down, the circuit has shrunk and there are fewer high-profile working bands led by great front-line soloists — saxophonists, trumpeters, guitarists. The burden to be charismatic has drained away from jazz a bit, too, for better or worse. When a drummer leads a band, you no longer expect Buddy Rich or Max Roach buttonholing you with virtuosity or ...

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Mike Garson, Long-Time David Bowie Pianist, on "Dreaming the Duke" at Tanglewood Jazz Fest Sept 5

Source: Dawn Singh Publicity
August 26, 2009

The unlikely trio of long-time David Bowie pianist, Mike Garson, classical vocalist Harolyn Blackwell and Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon will perform with a double quartet, a single jazz quartet and a string quartet in “Dreaming the Duke” at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival on Saturday, September 5. In a first-of-its-kind production, Garson serves as the arranger, accompanist and musical director for this concert. He is known for his many years with David Bowie and other rock performers such as ...

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Mike Fasching of Winsted Releases His First CD, "Grandcrafted"

Source: Michael Ricci
August 26, 2009

By Linda Scherer Staff Writer, Herald Journal

WINSTED, MN -- Walking into the home of Mike and Diana Fasching of Winsted, you can’t miss the 9-foot Steinway D concert grand piano on stage in their living room. The piano is not just for show. Mike and his piano, which rates a status close to a family member, have been in tune and pretty much inseparable for the last few years while Mike has been producing his first CD, ...

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Pianist Yaron Herman Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
August 26, 2009

Pianist Yaron Herman, an Israeli now living in Paris, is one of the most talented artists of the Parisian jazz musical scene. He was a promising basketball player on the Israeli national junior team when he was cut short by a knee injury. He then decided to take up playing the piano at age 16. His teacher, the renowned Opher Brayer--famous for his methods based on philosophy and mathematics--taught him the craving for self-knowledge and discovery.

At 19, Yaron left ...

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Regina Carter's "Reverse Thread" at Tanglewood Jazz Festival Sept 5

Source: Dawn Singh Publicity
August 26, 2009

Violinist and composer Regina Carter was presented with the ASCAP Foundation Vanguard Award in June at Frederick P. Rose Hall at Jazz at Lincoln Center. “The Vanguard Award was presented to me based on my ‘innovative musical activity,” Ms. Carter says. “I have been fortunate to participate in many stylistically diverse musical settings and am attracted to music from many parts of the world. For the places and cultures I have yet to experience, the music serves as my connection.” ...

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