Jazz News

Johnny Frigo 1916 - 2007

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2007

Jazz legend switched from bass to violin Chicago musician also played background for commercials, co-wrote songs and penned 'Hey, Hey, Holy Mackerel' in honor of '69 Cubs Johnny Frigo, 90, a musician whose skill, encyclopedic song recall and late career switch from bass to violin made him a legend in jazz joints from Chicago to Europe, died Wednesday, July 4, of complications related to a fall, his family said. Born on Chicago's South Side, Mr. Frigo took up the violin ...

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Jazz Stars Shine in the Classroom

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2007

This is one summer school students are happy to attend The love of performing came naturally for piano player Angus Grundy. Less easy in coming was any sort of professional expertise to cement that love. “As an amateur, you soon realize that it's hard enough to play badly," he says. “If you want to play well, you need to commit some serious time. Having a full-time job, I didn't make much progress for several years." Amateur musicians like Grundy will ...

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Jazz Singer George Melly Dies at 80

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2007

LONDON (Reuters) - Flamboyant jazz singer and author George Melly died on Thursday at the age of 80, his wife Diana said in a statement. Melly had been suffering from lung cancer but refused all treatment. He also developed dementia. His last appearance was a performance in June at London's renowned 100 Club in aid of a dementia charity. His wife said in a statement: “For 60 years he has been an acclaimed, popular and much-loved performer." Melly, wit. raconteur ...

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Summer Jazz Concert Series in Harlem

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2007

Casa Frela Gallery Presents Summer Jazz Concert Series in Harlem

Casa Frela Gallery 47 West 119th Street NY, N.Y. 10026 212-722-8577 Fax: 565-342-9038

Featuring Octavio Kotan & Xiomara Laugart July 14th 8:00PM-10:00PM

The son of one of Cuba's most legendary guitarists, Octavio Kotan's remarkable career reflects the richness of the three cities he has made home during his lifetime: Havana, Madrid, and currently, New ...

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Paul Taylor Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2007

Saxophonist Paul Taylor became interested in music at the age of seven, but it was not until he joined a local high school band that he decided to make it a career. He is perhaps best known for his signature smooth jazz vibe and instantly recognizable sound. There is a common thread of romance on all of his songs that enraptures the listener. A fixture in the smooth jazz community, he has recorded with many artists including pianist Keiko Matsui, ...

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The Nat Janoff Group at the 55 Bar

Source: All About Jazz
July 4, 2007

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Charlie Hunter Trio at the Bennett Alliance Music Fest in Rochester, NY (July 21)

Source: Bennett Alliance
July 4, 2007

The Bennett Alliance Music Fest is a genuine musical treasure! On July 21, hundreds of music lovers will gather at the Honeoye Falls Firemen Field (south of Rochester, NY) for the fourth annual Bennett Alliance Music Fest. Headlining the festival is the Charlie Hunter Trio. Also on the bill is Boston-based saxophonist Daniel Bennett, Gregory Paul, the Jazz Mad Lab, and much more. The Bennett Alliance network has rapidly spread across the northeast since it's inception in 2003.

Bennett Alliance ...

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Mike Westbrook Orchestra: "On Duke's Birthday" (Hatology 635)

Source: All About Jazz
July 4, 2007

Mike Westbrook Orchestra, On Duke's Birthday Recorded live May 12th, 1984 Le Grand Theatre, Maison de la Culture, Amiens/France Hatology 635 (reissue, remastered) What's most remarkable about the music's resultant structural integrity and intricacy is that it all flows so seamlessly, sounds so spontaneous and organic, without artifice or contrivance. Mike Westbrook seems to share similarities with Gil Evans in this regard - long, slowly evolving pieces built upon a few seemingly static chords ...

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