Jazz News

The Comedian as Politician, and Often Vice Versa

Source: Michael Ricci
June 12, 2010

Bob Hope Collection, Library of Congress Its great for a comedian to be honored in Washington, Bob Hope said when he was celebrated at the Kennedy Center in 1985. If there was ever a city that knew how to get laughs ... .

There are so many congressmen and senators here, he added. I don't know whether to tell a joke or pass a bill. Pause. As if there was a difference. Or on another occasion: The farmers ...

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Esperanza Spalding, Liberation Fighter for Jazz

Source: Michael Ricci
June 12, 2010

If you really want to hear Esperanza Spalding get excited talking about jazz, ask her about its effect on 5-year-olds she introduces to free jazz.

Speaking by phone from her home in Portland, Ore., the effervescent young bassist's conversational tempo shifts into another gear as she talks about leading a jazz workshop at an elementary school. Working with pianist and band mate Leo Genovese, Spalding introduced free improvisation to the kids as a musical twist on Cops and Robbers. Spalding ...

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Flickr Loves Facebook

Source: Michael Ricci
June 12, 2010

Social photo-sharing site Flickr has, at long last, added some much-need social networking integration to its online service. You can now simultaneously post your photos to Flickr and Facebook.

Only photos you set as “public" will appear on your Facebook Wall, however, as the new sharing options respect your photos' privacy settings. But don't be confused if you start seeing double-posts of Flickr photos once you enable this new feature: this supplements, but does not replace the native Flickr sharing ...

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The Sounds and Songs of Stanley Cup Rivals

Source: Michael Ricci
June 12, 2010

While the Flyers and the Blackhawks have waged a fierce battle for the Stanley Cup, the singing of “God Bless America" and “The Star-Spangled Banner" has its own competition for bragging rights between the cities of Philadelphia and Chicago.

Kate Smith singing “God Bless America," which had become a Flyers talisman, in 1975. The Flyers won the Cup that year.

If it happens on ice and it involves hitting and scoring, The Times's Slap Shot blog is on it. Go ...

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AAJ Exclusive: New Miles Davis Released at Wolfgangsvault.com

Source: Wolfgang's Vault
June 11, 2010

Wolfgangsvault.com today released a never-before-heard audio recording of Miles Davis at the Fillmore West, October 15, 1970. The Bill Graham produced concert, which included Leon Russell and Seatrain on the bill, features “Honkytonk," “What I Say," “Sanctuary," “Yesternow," “Bitches Brew," and “Funky Tonk." The vintage concert recording, with full context of the show's importance, is now available for free streaming right here.

From the concert summary: As the 1960s wound to a close, Miles Davis was fearlessly forging ahead into ...

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Ojai's Music Fest is a Tuneful Blend of Old, New and Frank Zappa

Source: All About Jazz
June 11, 2010

Don't let the quaint setting fool you. From June 10 to 13, Ojais Libbey Bowla simple band shell with seating for a scant 1,400 listeners on old wooden benches and a lawnwill be the venue for distinguished musicians from all over the world.

They'll be showcasing new, classic and seldom heard works, joining in a legacy that stretches back 64 years and includes Aaron Copland, Igor Stravinsky, John Adams, James Levine, Pierre Boulez, Ravi Shankar, Sir Simon Rattle, Eric Dolphy, ...

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The New World Jazz Composers Octet Releases Second CD: Transitions

Source: Michael Ricci
June 11, 2010

The New World Jazz Composers Octet is releasing its second CD, TRANSITIONS, on the Big and Phat Jazz Productions label. This exciting new CD features eight stylistically diverse compositions written by five of the most talented jazz composers on the scene today. Each piece is presented with a combination of precise ensemble performance and inspired solos. The New World Jazz Composers Octet is led by saxophonist/flutist Daniel Ian Smith. Most of the featured composers and performers are part of a ...

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Big Apple Jazz Gigs

Source: All About Jazz
June 11, 2010

TIM BERNE AND LOS TOTOPOS (Wednesday) Alto saxophonist and composer with a group featuring Matt Mitchell on piano, Oscar Noriega on clarinets and Ches Smith on drums. Tuesday at 8 p.m. I-Beam Music 168 Seventh Street, between Second and Third Avenues, Gowanus, Brooklyn ibeambrooklyn.com Wednesday at 8 p.m. the Stone Avenue C and Second Street, East Village thestonenyc.com

RICHARD BONA GROUP

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