Jazz News

Notable New Artists: Estelle and Katy Perry

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

Grammys Midway: Estelle, Katy Perry and an early look at 2008's notable new artists

The year may be at its midpoint, but when it comes to the Grammys, that mark has long since passed. With the eligibility period for next year's awards ending on Sept. 30, there's little more than three months left in the world of Grammy. Though it's admirable that the Recording Academy coincides the end of its year with the conclusion of baseball's regular season, new artists ...

Continue Reading

Plant Krauss at Greek

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

UNLIKELY PAIR: Country-bluegrass star Alison Krauss and rocker Robert Plant at the Greek follow the yellow brick road.

The genre of pop standards is a bit out of bounds for Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, whose high-profile collaboration excavates a more traditional sector of America's musical geography. But when the singers and their band came to the Greek Theatre on Monday, there was something of “The Wizard of Oz" about it. The roles are a little scrambled, but picture Plant ...

Continue Reading

Detroit International Jazz Festival Announces '08 Local Artist Lineup & Pre-Festival Concert Series

Source: JazzStage Productions
June 25, 2008

The Detroit International Jazz Festival announces this year's line-up of Detroit-based jazz, blues, contemporary and gospel musicians. “The quality and quantity of musicians in Southeast Michigan is overwhelming. Because we can't possibly have enough slots at the festival, we have created a pre-festival club series in August" says festival director Terri Pontremoli. “But it still isn't enough!" Detroit Jazz Fest, which showcased 160 Detroit-based musicians last year, will have no less than that again in 2008.

Artists slated for Labor ...

Continue Reading

Remembering George Carlin in Vegas

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

I should have written about George Carlin yesterday, but each time I tried, I was too sad to keep going.

So, history will record that George Carlin's last public performance turned out to be in Las Vegas on June 15, 2008 at the off-Strip casino Orleans. Vegas was a town he told me he hated, filled with audiences he loathed: “It is the most dispiriting, soul-deadening city on earth." We agreed to disagree. After all, to Carlin, Vegas was the ...

Continue Reading

Fred's Youtube Channeling Your Kids

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

Fred's YouTube channel is programming for kids by kids

Last week, someone in the online video business gave me a simple tip.

“Fred," the guy said.

“Fred?" I said.

“Yes," he said. “Kids love Fred."

I had not heard of Fred, much less known that kids loved him. But that would swiftly end. As soon as I could, I searched for Fred on YouTube and found his video channel. There were plenty of videos, and I hunkered down to watch. ...

Continue Reading

You Tube Edicate in the 21st Century

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

The Fear of YouTube Looms over Friendship

In the 21st Century, playing on stage with lesser matched muscian has changed beyond proportions. Or has the performance it self been nulified in society?

ASK AMY

Dear Amy: I am 13 years old. My friends, “Margaret" and “Nancy," and I are planning to perform in a talent show. I'm going to play the piano, and my two friends will sing. Nancy and I have never performed in a talent show before. However, ...

Continue Reading

Surfing Along in My Wireless Automobile

Source: Michael Ricci
June 25, 2008

Chrysler will offer wireless Internet access in 2009 models

The struggling automaker's announcement comes shortly before California enacts a law that requires hands-free cellphone use while driving. Have you ever thought rush hour on the 405 Freeway might be more bearable if you could check your e-mail, shop for a book on Amazon, place some bids on EBay and maybe even, if nobody is looking, download a little porn? Then perhaps you should be driving a Chrysler. The nation's third-largest ...

Continue Reading

First Annual Allgarve Jazz Festival in Portugal

Source: All About Jazz
June 25, 2008

Allgarve Jazz marks the birth of the biggest jazz festival currently held in Portugal and the first to cover a region. Come join us for a lifetime experience in the glamorous holiday atmosphere of the Allgarve from July 4 to July 13. Lucky Peterson July 4 Portimao

Herbie Hancock July 5 Loule

Maria Joao & Mario Laginha July 6 Sagres

Dee Dee Bridgewater July 11

Continue Reading