Jazz News

Ringo Gets Star

Source: Michael Ricci
February 9, 2010

Legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony that also marked the 50th anniversary of the tourist attraction's groundbreaking.

Starr's name was the 2,401st to be unveiled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, bassist and music producer Don Was, singer-songwriter Ben Harper and actress-wife Barbara Bach were by Starr's side for the unveiling Monday night.

Starr's star is near the stars of his late bandmates ...

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Banjo Brothers Steve Martin and Ed Helms Get a Little Punchy

Source: Michael Ricci
February 9, 2010

Steve Martin, sporting a jaunty fedora and a suit, spotted Ed Helms across the room.

“I thought I'd find you here," the comic said of “The Office" star.

Birds of a feather and all that. But it wasn't their common pedigree as celebrated funnymen that brought the two to the California Market Center on Saturday evening -- it was their affinity for the banjo and their friendship with Grammy-nominated mandolinist Chris Thile and his new bluegrass-inflected band, the Punch Brothers. ...

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Guitarist/Bandleader Chris Jentsch Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
February 9, 2010

John Coltrane once said, “Let the music speak for itself." The guitarist/composer and band leader Christopher Jentsch adds an interesting twist on that subject by opting to describe himself when asked about the broader subject of how to capture his music in his own words. “I think of myself as a composer/guitarist working with contemporary improvisational forms on the fringe of jazz, but jazz that is inclusive of rock/pop, world music and classical genres. I also strive generally for a ...

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Postal Service Offers "Love Letters from Ella"

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2010

Serenade that special someone in your life this Valentine's Day with classic love songs featuring acclaimed music artist Ella Fitzgerald. On sale for a limited time at select Post Offices nationwide, Love Letters from Ella is a collection of the jazz singer's most cherished love songs, recorded with some of her favorite collaborators - including Count Basie and his orchestra, Joe Pass and Andre Previn. This special edition, first released in 2007, also boasts a full reproduction of Fitzgerald's commemorative ...

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5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens"

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2010

Jazz legends David Sanborn, Cassandra Wilson and Joe Sample are set to take the stage during the 5th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Sun Life Stadium (formerly Dolphin Stadium), 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056. Internationally-known and well-respected, these jazz musicians are at the top of the genre, oftentimes pulling in audiences of over 6, 000 on their own bill. ...

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Performance of Marc Hoffman's "Homeland" Announced

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2010

Marc Hoffman's work, “Homeland" will be performed by the Lake Norman Orchestra, Eduardo Cedeno, Music Director on the LNOs March 13, 2010 concert. The concert will take place at 7:30 PM in the Mack Gray Auditorium in Statesville, NC. Marc Hoffman's music, whether symphonic, jazz, popular or commercial, is known for its eclecticism. Though at times reminiscent of the “Americana" concert works of the mid- 20th century, his orchestral writing can be quite dissonant as well. Marc's film composition has ...

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Kevin Frenette/Forbes Graham Duo @ 119 Gallery on 2/13

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2010

Saturday, February 13, 2010 119 Gallery 119 Chelmsford Street Lowell, MA 01851 8PM Kevin Frenette / Forbes Graham Duo Kevin Frenette (guitar) Forbes Graham (trumpet) + Dr T - video mix Boston area guitarist Kevin Frenette has performed throughout the Northeast USA making music that is inspired by both avant-garde jazz and contemporary improvisation. He studied guitar, composition, and music theory at UMASS-Dartmouth where he received a BA in Theory/Composition. He has ...

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The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Summer Program in Italy

Source: Michael Ricci
February 8, 2010

THE VANGUARD JAZZ ORCHESTRA SUMMER INTENSIVE WORKSHOP/PERFORMANCE PROGRAM IN ASSISI, ITALY FOR STUDENTS, MUSICIANS AND EDUCATORS The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra will be setting up residence in the hills of Assisi this summer from July 10 through July 15 The orchestras summer home will be open to students, musicians and educators from all over the world and will feature a comprehensive schedule of workshops seminars and performances. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Precepts of Swing residency Big band master classes small group ...

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