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Interview: Denny Zeitlin on Both/And
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
Pianist Denny Zeitlin's earliest recordings date back to the early and mid-1960s, when he recorded with Jeremy Steig (Flute Fever in 1963) and led his own trio (Cathexis, Carnival, Shining Hour and Zeitgeist). Denny's approach has always been a masterful synthesis of technique and “brain freedom"—the suspension of pragmatism so that his spirit and hands can run the creative show. In most cases, his recorded adventures have been staged on an acoustic grand piano. So imagine my surprise when I ...
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An Interview With Jude Gwynaire
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: Where did the interest in music originate from? A: I guess I’ve always had a natural interest in music from an early age. I started playing keyboards when I was about 12 (a home organ), and this led onto an electric piano and guitars when I was about 17. I’m also an aspiring author and finished my first (unpublished) novel at the age of 15. It was called ‘Dr Clef’s Psychedelic World of Music’ and, although probably badly written, ...
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Face the Music: Badi Assad and the Sleight of Voice
Source:
JazzINK by Andrea Canter
Back in 2005, Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Badi Assad toured throughout the universe with two iconic American guitarists, Larry Coryell and John Abercrombie. They landed in Minneapolis for a night at the Dakota. In addition to the guitar, I recall an odd tube-like “instrument" that Badi used to add another dimension to her already stunning music. But it was a guitar show and she was but one-third of the attraction. Eight years later, Badi returned to the Dakota with her own back-up ...
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Lionel Ferbos in His Second Century
Source:
Rifftides by Doug Ramsey
On July 17 Lionel Ferbos broke his own record as the world’s oldest working jazz musician. The New Orleans trumpeter is now 102. Ferbos celebrated by playing a gig at the Palm Court, where he has performed for a substantial number of his ten decades. This shot of Ferbos recently won Skip Bolen the Jazz Journalists Association’s photo of the year award. Associated Press writer Stacy Plaisance’s birthday article about Ferbos (pronounced Fair-boh) quotes him on his longevity. “Isn’t that ...
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Interview: Andy Waddell
Source:
Eric Taylor
Q: What are your goals as an artist? A: My main goal is to create music that touches people or at least moves someone who is listening. Even if it reaches only one person in the audience, in my mind I have succeeded. Since I am an instrumentalist, obviously the music I write doesn't have any words, but I hope that it can paint a detailed picture in the mind of the listener. My music is very emotional because it ...
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On The Rise, Ryan J Lee
Source:
C. L. Burnett, American Jazz Museum
At age two Ryan Lee began beating on the drums, at six he was learning piano from his grandmother, and at 17, Lee knew he was going to be a jazz musician. “I started getting into Jazz when I saw Kenny Garrett at this festival called Rhythm and Ribs in Kansas City. It kind of floored me, his music was pretty crazy, and I’ve been hooked since,” said Lee. Including his passion for drums, Lee plays piano, bass guitar, and ...
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Bill Charlap: West Coast Jazz
Source:
JazzWax by Marc Myers
West Coast jazz has many definitions, depending on your perspective. To some, this 1950s jazz style conjures up images of the Gerry Mulligan Quartet playing contrapuntal lines at the Haig in Los Angeles. To others, West Coast jazz means Hampton Hawes, Curtis Counce and Harold Land swinging hard at Shelly's Manne Hole. On Thursday July 18, at 8 p.m., pianist Bill Charlap will attempt to crystalize and illustrate West Coast jazz's many influences and styles when he performs in New ...
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Mike Metheny And The Kansas City Trumpet Summit In The Blue Room
Source:
C. L. Burnett, American Jazz Museum
A modest man stands behind the spotlight as he lets the audience soak in the tasteful music. He gazes around the room, looks at his band members, smiles, and picks up his trumpet. The joy, passion, and free living spirit suddenly takes over the room as the three trumpet players begin to play in unity. Mike Metheny, a musician, educator, and music journalist held a performance with his band, the Kansas City Trumpet Summit in the Blue Room near downtown ...
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