Jazz News

Feds OK Second Commodities Exchange Against Hollywood

Source: All About Jazz
April 20, 2010

Decision comes after Friday's greenlight of Trend Exchange. Federal regulators approved the creation of another commodities exchange hoping to trade in film futures. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has not yet given the greenlight to the Cantor Exchange's actual contracts to be traded. That decision is still pending. Their decision is not much of a surprise. On Friday, the commission approved the creation of the Trend Exchange, which also plans to trade in film futures, but, like Cantor, has yet ...

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Nnenna Freelon Releases New CD - "Homefree"

Source: On Target Media Group
April 20, 2010

The new CD from multi-Grammy nominated vocalist Nnenna Freelon, Homefree, hits stores today (CD & digital) via Concord Jazz Records. The new album is Freelon's 7th Concord release and is a soulful, swinging album that Freelon calls her “home brew." The collection is comprised largely of contemporary interpretations of classic American Songbook tunes as well as a new original (the witty, playful and poignant “Cell Phone Blues" composed by the singer) and spirited arrangements of two ...

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Al Cobine Tribute in Richmond (IN) on April 25th

Source: Michael Ricci
April 20, 2010

A tribute to one of Richmond's musical legends is being planned by the Starr-Gennett Foundation. Al Cobine, 1946 graduate of Richmond High School and 1950 graduate of Earlham College, will be recognized by a concert in his honor on April 25th, 3:30 PM at Reid Hospitals Lingle Auditorium. Cobine, a resident of Bloomington, passed away in the summer of 2009.

According to Ralph Burkhart, a high school friend and long time Richmond High School music instructor, Cobine was one of ...

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International Superstars Headline the 2010 Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival

Source: Michael Ricci
April 20, 2010

The first ever Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival will take place Friday, September 3-4, 2010 at the World Trade Center (WTC) on Piscadera Bay in Curacao. Throughout the Festival, international artists with some of the biggest names in the jazz, funk, soul, Latin, and R&B worlds, will perform in and around the WTC. Headliners include John Legend, Lionel Richie, Sergio Medes, Luis Enrique, La India, George Benson, Simply Red, Raul Midn, Natalie Cole, Grupo Fantasma, Mulato, Randal Corsen, Roy Hargrove, ...

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Anders Bergcrantz #2 Trumpet Player in the World According to the 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll

Source: Michael Ricci
April 20, 2010

#2 TRUMPET PLAYER IN THE WORLD according to The 31st Annual Jazz Station Poll results by Brazil-born jazz historian & jazz educator Arnaldo DeSouteiro Trompete/Trumpet: 1. Randy Brecker ("Nostalgic Journey: Tykocin Jazz Suite" - Summit); 2. ANDERS BERGCRANTZ ("About Time" - Stunt); 3. Al Hood ("Just a Little Taste" - AH); 4. Terell Stafford ("Into the Light" with Dana Hall); 5. Lew Soloff ("25 - Tribute to Art Blakey" with Manhattan Jazz Quintet - Birds); 6. Tomasz Stanko ("Dark Eyes" ...

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3rd Annual Jazz Masters Concert: A Benefit for Kansas City Youth Jazz

Source: Artists Recording Collective + the ARC Record Label
April 20, 2010

The 3rd Annual Jazz Masters Concert Fundraiser is Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at The Madrid Theatre, 3810 Main Street in Kansas City. The event is a benefit for Kansas City Youth Jazz. About Kansas City Youth Jazz In January 2001, Kansas City Youth Jazz program began with one band and a handful of dedicated students and parents. It has since grown to 5 bands and two combos composed of over 100 students from over 50 ...

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Jazz Great Kirk Whalum Named CEO of Stax Museum & Stax Music Academy in Memphis

Source: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
April 20, 2010

MEMPHIS, TN - After an international search for a new CEO of the Soulsville Foundation (which operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and The Soulsville Charter School) to replace interim CEO Deanie Parker, former Director of Publicity and Artist Relations for Stax Records, the foundation board announced today that renowned musician, songwriter, and entertainer Kirk Whalum has accepted the position. The board also announced that Mark Wender has also joined the staff as Chief Operating ...

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Swing Central 2010 Finishes with Unprecedented Momentum for Fostering the Growth of Jazz Through High-Quality Mentorship

Source: Michael Ricci
April 20, 2010

Dillard Center for the Arts from Ft. Lauderdale Takes Home the First Place Faircloth Award

Savannah, Georgia -- On Friday, April 2nd, the 2010 edition of the Savannah Music Festival's (SMF) SWING CENTRAL High School Jazz Band Competition & Workshop, dubbed the “Pro Bowl of high school jazz bands" by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, wrapped up with a sold-out show featuring competition finalists on a bill alongside an original program performed by their mentors. The ...

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