Jazz News

An Appreciation: Lena Horne

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

Toward the end of her very full life, Lena Horne suggested to a PBS interviewer that, after decades of struggling to define her image as an artist and a black woman, she finally had seized possession of her identity. “I don't have to be a symbol to anybody," said Horne, who died Sunday night in a New York hospital at the age of 92. “I no longer have to be a 'credit.' “ Americans born before 1960 will recognize Horne's ...

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Staff Picks from AccuJazz Internet Radio

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

AccuJazz.com, a leader in streaming Internet jazz radio, is making things personal with the addition of its new “Staff Picks" channel. Consisting of music from program director Lucas Gillan's favorite 15 new jazz releases, the channel makes for a diverse and engaging listen. As with all AccuJazz channels, it is free to use and available 24/7 at AccuJazz.com. In his job as program director, Gillan receives dozens of CDs every week for airplay consideration. While only some of those make ...

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Lena Horne Biography Tells of a Star Shaped by Rejection, Racism

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

'Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne' by James Gavin reveals a woman whose life reflects the civil rights struggles of the times.

According to James Gavin's new biography, “Stormy Weather: The Life of Lena Horne," the legendary singer-actress was never comfortable being an icon. “As I say in the introduction of my book, icons are not allowed to be human beings," explains Gavin, a lifelong fan who interviewed Horne in 1994. “Once you step up on that pedestal . ...

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Carmen Souza Savors Cape Verdean Swing & Red-Hot Sodade

Source: rock paper scissors, inc.
May 11, 2010

Carmen Souza's voice purrs like kernels of corn swirling on a traditional wooden platter one moment and bursts with a perfect blue note the next. It rings like a red-hot solo and sighs like a ship-deck lament. It finds the sweet spot between Birdland and the white sands of Cape Verde, the archipelago far off the coast of West Africa.

Protegid (Galileo Music; June 8, 2010), the London-based musician and songwriter's latest album, lives in this magical Trans-Atlantic space, thoughtfully ...

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Returning the Call: More Jazz from the Unsung Heroes of Chicago Hardbop

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

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Grammy Nominated Garcia Hosts Day of Percussion

Source: Tellem Worldwide
May 11, 2010

Pasadena, CA: Los Angeles Music Academy College of Music (lamusicacademy.edu) is partnering with the Drum Department's own Richie Gajate Garcia for a “Day of Percussion" on Saturday, June 12th starting at 9:00am. The man known as “El Pulpo" ("The Octopus") has done nearly 500 clinics and is one of the most in-demand educators and clinicians in the world of drums and percussion. Originally from Puerto Rico, Garcia has accompanied Phil Collins, Sting, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and Diana Ross among ...

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Lena Horne Singer and Civil Rights Activist Who Broke Barriers

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

Horne achieved a place in the pantheon of female jazz vocalists and broke ground in Hollywood as an African American star in the '40s. She also won acclaim on Broadway and as a cabaret performer.

On screen, on records and in nightclubs and concert halls, Horne was at home vocally with a wide musical range, from blues and jazz to the sophistication of Rodgers and Hart. “Stormy Weather" was Lena Horne's signature song as well as a chillingly apt metaphor ...

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Litchfield Jazz Camp Announces Teach the Teacher: 2 Day Professional Development Training

Source: Michael Ricci
May 11, 2010

Kent, CT: Teach the Teacher was developed by Litchfield Jazz Camp to help music teachers at all grade levels develop or expand effective strategies for educating their students about America's national music Jazz. Held on the campus of Kent School in Kent, Connecticut, July 20 and 21, the workshop is open to music teachers and undergraduate music education students.

This inaugural program is led by saxophonist/composer/educator and Music Director of Litchfield Jazz Camp, Don Braden, and an all-star faculty. Master ...

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