Jazz News

Maybe Willie Nelson is Too Prolific

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

Willie Nelson is one of music's greatest - few can argue that. His popularity crosses genres, entertainment mediums and socio-economic boundaries. Even as he creeps up on 80, he's cool, he's smart, he's - just as the title of his latest album suggests - an American Classic. Yet American Classic is his second CD this year (the first was with Asleep at the Wheel), and he put out two CDs last year (and we're not counting the constant flow of ...

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George Benson: Songs and Stories

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

Fans of smooth jazz appreciated guitarist/vocalist George Benson's last album, 2006's Givin' It Up, a collaboration with Al Jarreau. While the two seemed to have great fun covering each other's songs as well as other soul and jazz classics, they sounded somewhat reserved, as if afraid to really cut loose. Benson's followup, Songs and Stories, features him doing what he does best: jazz-inflected R&B. While some cuts venture into smooth jazz territory, others allow him to display his funkier side. ...

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Why We Steal Music

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

By Moses Avalon You don’t have to scratch your head too much to recall that Jim Carrey or Schwarzenegger got about $25 million to perform in their movies, or to remember the $280 million dollars it cost to make Titanic. I’d like you to ask yourself a question: why in the hell do you know these facts? They are not important to your day-to-day survival, yet they are part of pop common knowledge. Now ask yourself this: How much did ...

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Chesky Records Releases Jen Chapin's "Revisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder"

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

New York, NY -- Chesky Records, the premiere audiophile label founded by multi-Grammy-nominated composer David Chesky and his brother Norman, announces the release of Jen Chapin's reVisions: Songs of Stevie Wonder. The 12-track Hybrid SACD (Super-Audio Compact Disc), also featuring Stephan Crump on bass and Chris Cheek on soprano, tenor, and baritone sax, includes 10 Stevie Wonder songs and two of Jen's own works. Songs by Stevie include “You Haven't Done Nothin',” “Master Blaster,” “Visions,” “Higher Ground,” “Jesus Children of ...

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University Arts Series Announced for the 2009-2010 Season

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

The 18-event series promises a little something for everyone, including performances by noted musicians Brian Wilson, Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina, and Pat Metheny. Concerts by Kathy Mattea, the Odessa Philharmonic Orchestra, The Ten Tenors, and “RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles" are also on tap. For the musical lovers, the University Arts Series offers the national tours of “Jesus Christ Superstar, “ “Avenue Q, “ “Camelot and The Drowsy Chaperone." The series also includes performances for the entire family: ...

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Joe Maneri Dies at 82

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

It is with great sadness the Maneri family would like to announce the death of Dr. Joseph Maneri to the music and wider arts community. Joe passed away Monday, August 24th 2009 in the company of his close family. Joe is survived by his loving wife Sonja, his five children, eight grandchildren and his incredible music legacy. As a performer, composer and educator Joe touched countless hearts with his innovative and incredibly loving spirit. There will be a private service ...

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Dave Brubeck Takes Time for Jazz Hall

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate its 2009-2010 Membership Campaign with the most celebrated jazz pioneer alive today, jazz icon Dave Brubeck. As the honorary chairman of the new membership campaign, Brubeck invites all Oklahomans to become a member of the Jazz Hall of Fame this year and join him in celebrating two major accomplishments: the Jazz Halls 21st year anniversary and Brubecks 50 year anniversary, commemorating his timeless, historic CD Time Out, which features the ...

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In Walked Monk: Bobby Broom on His New Album and Personal Jazz Heroes

Source: Michael Ricci
August 25, 2009

Bobby Broom was just a teenager when he became enamored with jazz, but even then he figured hed started too late.

As the Chicago-based guitarist explains in the interview below, he realized even in 1976 that human mortality being what it is it would be years before he acquired the chops needed to play with his be bop heroes. How many would still be around when Broom was ready? An impressive percentage, as it turned out. And Broom has made ...

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