Jazz News

Diane Birch, a Rebellious Spirit with a Soulful Bent

Source: Michael Ricci
September 16, 2009

Soul music has become a burgeoning youth movement of sorts. The best new artist trophy at the Grammy Awards the last two years has gone to Adele and Amy Winehouse, two-younger-than-30 artists steeped in vintage sounds.

Like the aforementioned artists, Diane Birch is drawing from the decades before she was born. Titled “Bible Belt," Birch's debut pays homage to the sounds of the South -- “Photograph," for example, sways from a comfortably floral orchestration to a full-on gospel coda, and ...

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Henry Gibson, Original 'Laugh-In' Cast Member, Dies at 73

Source: Michael Ricci
September 16, 2009

Henry Gibson, the veteran character actor who came to fame in the late 1960s as the flower-holding poet on TV's landmark satirical comedy show “Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In," has died. He was 73.

Gibson died late Monday night after a short battle with cancer at his home in Malibu, said his son, Jon.

Gibson, who more recently played a recurring role as cantankerous Judge Clark Brown on “ Boston Legal," was part of the original ensemble cast of “Laugh In," ...

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Jazz Piano CD Release - Bill Howland

Source: All About Jazz
September 16, 2009

Bill Howland announces the release of his third solo piano CD “Seascape" (Graycat Productions).

Seascape features a selection of classic jazz recordings including: “All Blues" and “Nardis", (Miles Davis); “Lullaby of Birdland", (George Shearing); “Seascape", (Johnny Mandel); “On Green Dolphin Street", (Kaper, Washington); “My Favorite Things", (Rodgers, Hammerstein); “Speak Low", (Weill, Nash) and “Like Someone in Love", (Van Heusen, Burke). Two original compositions by Bill Howland, “Surfsong" and “Joharis Window" are also included on the CD. Bill has resided ...

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Riviera Maya Jazz Festival Delivers Sweet Tunes & Free Nights at Royal Hideaway Playacar This November

Source: All About Jazz
September 16, 2009

Musician and Resorts Managing Director, Jean Agarrista, Showcases Saxophone Talent at Festival & On-Property Mexico, 2009 The seventh annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival returns to Mamitas Beach November 25-28, and music lovers, foodies, and pampered travelers alike can take advantage of a fourth night free at the award-winning Royal Hideaway Playacar during the event. The festival features four nights of complimentary musical performances by a variety of local and international acts including Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, and, on opening night, ...

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Tom Braxton Releases Highly Anticipated CD "Endless Highway"

Source: Sound Visions Media
September 16, 2009

Saxophonist and composer Tom Braxton's latest release, Endless Highway, takes you on the ride of your life.

Joined by an outstanding array of instrumentalists and vocalists, this recording is a toe-tapping, colorful, groove- oriented excursion with a sophisticated urban flavor that will make you feel like dancing and singing all day long. Endless Highway, his second release on the San Diego-based Pacific Coast Jazz label, lifts Braxton to a new level of artistry as he pays homage to his friend ...

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Sam Hinton Folk Songwriter and Singer Dies

Source: Michael Ricci
September 16, 2009

Hinton was one of the founders of the folk-song movement that began in the 1930s. A onetime San Diego area resident, he also wrote two books on the sea and seashore animals.

Sam Hinton, folk singer, songwriter, naturalist and San Diego civic treasure who delighted school children and folk-festival audiences for decades, has died. He was 92. Hinton died Thursday at an assisted living facility in Albany in Northern California where, in failing health, he had moved two years ago. ...

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Bob Greenberg Music Industry Executive

Source: Michael Ricci
September 16, 2009

Bob Greenberg, 75, a longtime music industry executive who held key positions at several record labels including Atlantic, Warner Bros., MGM/UA and Mirage, died Friday in West Hills, a day after suffering a stroke, his brother Jerry said. Born May 8, 1934, in New Haven, Conn., Bob Greenberg got his start in the business in the 1960s doing promotional work for Eastern Allied Associated Record Distributors. He moved on to oversee promotions for Warner Bros. in the Northeast, then arrived ...

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Jazz Night at the Michener: Lily White in Doylestown (PA) on September 26th

Source: Michael Ricci
September 16, 2009

Saturday, September 26, 2009 8 to 11 PM

James A. Michener Art Museum 138 S. Pine St. Doylestown, PA 18901 215.340.9800

Saxophonist Lily White is one of the most promising and engaging young musicians on the New York jazz scene. In small clubs or large concert halls, on alto, tenor, or soprano sax, Lily never fails to inject her sunny personality and sharp wit into her playing.

In the past, Lily has ...

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