Jazz News

U.S. Sends Musicians to Make Overtures in War Zones.

Source: All About Jazz
May 5, 2009

In March four musicians from Alvin Atkinson and The Sound Merchants, traveled with the U.S. State Department for a new diplomacy program called Musicial Overtures.

When pianist Jonathan Lefcoski walked into a rehearsal at a Baghdad music club, he didn't know what to expect. He didn't know whether the Iraqi musicians would welcome him or whether they'd know how to play the same music he did.

Within minutes, however, Lefcoski and an Iraqi bass player were working their way through ...

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"KPLU School of Jazz - Volume 5" to be Released on May 19

Source: All About Jazz
May 5, 2009

Several of the finest Western Washington high school bands and jazz professionals are showcased on KPLU School of Jazz-Volume 5, the result of this years mentoring project. The CD features some of the same high school jazz bands as the previous years projects, and includes a number of new guest artists. The complete list of 2009 participants: Stadium High School (Tacoma), North Thurston High School (Olympia), Inglemoor High School (Bothell), Roosevelt High School (Seattle), Squalicum High ...

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Flugelhorn Legend Hugh Masekela Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
May 5, 2009

"I think it is incumbent, not just on every artist, but every person who has as their source communities that are disadvantaged, to give back," says Hugh Masekela, antiapartheid champion, friend of the downtrodden and musician extraordinaire who is still going strong at the age of 70. “If you don't give back, I think you end up somewhere down the line looking at yourself in a mirror that will eventually crack."

He's spent his life doing just that. Playing his ...

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Announcing the Winners of the "Eli Degibri - Live at Louis 649" Giveaway!

Source: All About Jazz
May 5, 2009

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Trumpeter/Composer Jon Hassell Interviewed at AAJ... And Much, Much More!

Source: All About Jazz
May 4, 2009

He may well be one of the most insidious influences in modern music. Trumpeter, composer and deep thinker Jon Hassell may not have the same name recognition as, say, Miles Davis, but his unmistakable approach to music--he calls it Fourth World music--has affected musicians around the globe, ranging from now friend/co-conspirator Brian Eno, British post-rock crooner David Sylvian and singer/songwriter Tim Elsenburg (aka Sweet Billy Pilgrim), to jazz-centric artists including trumpeters Arve Henriksen, Nils Petter Molvær and Matthias Eick, as ...

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Trumpet Summit: The Friends of Jazz Team with the International Trumpet Guild for 29th Annual Festival

Source: All About Jazz
May 4, 2009

The eyes and ears of brass players around the world will turn to Harrisburg, PA on May 26-31, 2009. First, the International Trumpet Guild (ITG) visits May 26-30 for its 34th International Conference. It is hosted this year by Messiah College and features an eclectic mix of Classical, Jazz, Fusion, Latin and World music. The conference promises to bring in thousands of “brass-loving" aficionados from around the country, and the Central Pennsylvania Friends of Jazz (CPFJ) Festival will culminate their ...

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A Night of Jazz at the New Black Hawk Fundraiser Event Set For May 9, 2009!

Source: All About Jazz
May 4, 2009

Saturday May 9, 2009 at 7:30 pm Post performance reception at 10:30 pm. The North of Market/Tenderloin Community Benefit District is hosting a special ONE NIGHT performance event with legendary Jazz performers: Eddie Duran, guitar Dean Reilly, bass Vince Lateano, drums John Handy, saxophone In addition to these musical icons, the venue will be redesigned to resemble the original Black Hawk Jazz Club--right down to the cigarette girls, cocktail tables, and wire mesh. Please ...

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George Wein's Folk Festival 50

Source: All About Jazz
May 4, 2009

Celebrate five decades of folk music in Newport, RI, August 1 - 2 at George Wein's Folk Festival 50. The 2009 festival, which takes over Fort Adams State Park from 11:30 am - 7:00 pm each day, will celebrate 50 years of rich history in Newport, where Pete Seeger and Joan Baez helped shape the course of American music. This summer, they return to usher in the next 50 years, performing alongside Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie on a festival ...

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