Jazz News

Tony DeSare Finding the Mercer That Suits Him Best

Source: Michael Ricci
February 6, 2009

Imagine youre in Johnny Mercers hometown, Savannah, Ga. It is spring 1952, buds are budding, and you can hear train whistles in the distance.

That is how the singer and pianist Tony DeSare, a baby Sinatra, set the scene for his reverent centennial tribute, Mercer, Moon River and Me, at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel on Tuesday evening. If there were a concordance of Mercer lyrics, which are steeped in nostalgic wanderlust, it would abound in images of ...

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Happy Lunar New Year from Emeryville Taiko!

Source: All About Jazz
February 6, 2009

Come and join us on Saturday February 7 as we ring in the year of the Ox with performances in Albany and Oakland. Time and location are below, with links to the official web sites for each event.

Make this new year a great one; get fit, have fun, and make lots of noise! Come learn to play the big drums with us in Oakland. No experience or equipment necessary. Current schedule and details are in the Classes section below. ...

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Radiohead to Get the USC Marching Band Treatment at Grammys

Source: Michael Ricci
February 6, 2009

In addition to Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl and Kanye West, the Grammys will turn to another old favorite to perform in its annual awards gala: the USC Marching Band.

Look for the Trojans to appear with adventurous British rockers Radiohead on Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. A Grammy spokeswoman declined to comment, but Pop & Hiss has faith in the tip, which comes from a knowledgeable insider.

However, Pop & Hiss does not know what song ...

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Remembering Drummer Dewey Martin

Source: Michael Ricci
February 6, 2009

Dewey Martin, drummer for the short-lived but long-resonating rock band Buffalo Springfield whose career after the group split never ignited like those of his former band mates Neil Young and Stephen Stills, has died. He was 68.

He was found dead Sunday by a roommate in his Van Nuys apartment, longtime friend Lisa Lenes said Thursday. The cause of death has not been determined. “We believe it was natural causes," Lenes said, adding that he had suffered health problems in ...

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Grammy Salute to Jazz at Club Nokia

Source: Michael Ricci
February 5, 2009

The pre-awards salute included a tip of the hat to Blue Note Records, but a nagging sense that the label's 1960s heyday may not ever be equaled lends a rueful undertone to the showcase.

At this year's “Grammy Salute to Jazz," there was a lot of talk about the future. Inside the crisp, modern Club Nokia at the L.A. Live complex downtown Tuesday night, performers and presenters such as Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole and Recording Academy President Neil Portnow all ...

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Etta James Versus Beyonce: Divas Duel No. 2

Source: Michael Ricci
February 5, 2009

That woman he had singing for him, singing my song she's going to get her a__ whipped. ETTA JAMES-- 71

Etta James on Beyonc and President Obama, in a recording obtained by TMZ; the pop singer performed James' signature song, “At Last," for the President and First Lady at an Inaugural ball. The ballad became a hit in 1961.

Etta James must be taking lessons from Faye Dunaway in how to be a diva. Etta James came out ...

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Buffalo Springfield Drummer Dewey Martin Passes Away

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2009

Buffalo Springfield drummer Dewey Martin died January 31st of unknown causes. He was 68. Born Walter Milton Dwayne Midkiff, Martin cut his teeth in Nashville, playing with Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers.

He moved to L.A. in the mid-1960s and learned that a fledgling band was looking for a new drummer. The groups guitarist, Neil Young, was highly impressed by Martin during his audition in 1966. He was a sensitive drummer, Young says in his biography Shakey. ...

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International Women In Jazz (IWJ) Jazz Chorus Workshops

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2009

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