Jazz News

Pianist Michele Rosewoman Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
February 5, 2007

From Oakland CA, pianist/composer/educator Michele Rosewoman began playing piano at age six. Prior to moving to New York and while still in her late teens she began playing percussion and studied Cuban/Haitian folkloric idioms. In New York Rosewoman formed new ensembles, while nurturing associations with notable New York-based artists such as Julius Hemphill, Carlos Ward, Rufus Reid, Reggie Workman, Freddie Waits, James Spaulding and Billy Hart. In the Latin music genre, Rosewoman has performed with Cuban master drummer/vocalist Orlando “Puntilla" ...

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For Musicians: "Making AAJ Work for You" Updated

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

We updated our “Making AAJ Work For You“ page to include our new (free) feature, “Take Five“.

If you're a musician, please take advantage of each item on the “Making AAJ Work For You" page.

Free Services

1. Your Musician Profile 2. Regional Calendar of Events 3. Be Heard - Post a Download! 4. Post Announcements 5. Upload Your Photos to the AAJ Gallery 6. Post Your Upcoming Releases

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The 51th Anniversary of Tale Ognenovski's Carnegie Hall Concert, January 27, 1956

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

Internationally renowned jazz and classical clarinetist and composer Tale Ognenovski performed as clarinet and reed pipe soloist Folk Dances in the world-famous Carnegie Hall, a symbol of artistic excellence on January 27, 1956. He has appeared with Macedonian Ensemble of Folk Dances and Songs “Tanec". Ensemble 'Tanec's North American tour was sponsored by International Artists in association with Charles E. Green and Lee V. Eastman. 'Tanec's American tour began with their debut on one of the most popular television programmes ...

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Joanna Pascale Gives Old Wax New Life

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

Philadelphia-area jazz singer has penchant for obscure musical gems Philadelphia jazz singer Joanna Pascale discovered her love of storytelling at age 15, when she heard her first Billie Holiday record. “I was attracted to the lyrics, and the passion behind them. I guess I was an overdramatic teenager," she said in a telephone interview. “That record just opened a floodgate." Twelve years and a music degree later, Pascale's enthusiasm for emotional narrative still burns bright. She'll be singing some story-driven, ...

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Philadelphia Jazz Calendar 2007 Features Area Musicians and Photographers

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

Philadelphia area jazz listeners can support local jazz musicians in need of medical care by purchasing a Jazz Bridge Project wall calendar. Developed by local jazz musicians and vocalists, this 12-month wall calendar on high quality paper features a prominent Philadelphia jazz musician with a personal quote highlighting their musical philosophy and the region's unique jazz history. Photographs are by local artists. About the Jazz Bridge Project

The Jazz Bridge Project is a non-profit organization established by a group of ...

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For Don Byron, the Music Has to Feel Right

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

Near the close of a concert a few years back in Seattle, Don Byron asked the intimate crowd what they wanted to hear next. “Whatever you feel like!" came the reply from one audience member. “It's gonna be that no matter what," shot back Byron. That intangible thing called “feel" may be the only element that unifies Byron's otherwise staggeringly disparate body of work. Over the past two decades, he's tackled klezmer, funk, classical and all manner of jazz music ...

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Dianne Reeves Speaks on Judged Jazz Artist (Billy Strayhorn)

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

If jazz legend Billy Strayhorn were straight, his work may have not been underrecognized. A companion soundtrack to the 90-minute documentary film about the pioneering composer, arranger and pianist, “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life," will take a hard look at the intolerant society Strayhorn infiltrated his music with and his complex relationship with Duke Ellington. The documentary debuts nationally as part of PBS's Independent Lens series on Feb. 6. “Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life," the soundtrack, features 15 Strayhorn compositions performed by ...

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New Film Examines Billy Strayhorn's Rich Contributions to Jazz

Source: All About Jazz
February 4, 2007

Anyone familiar with Pittsburgh's rich jazz legacy will recognize the name Billy Strayhorn and his contributions to the 20th-century jazz canon. But folks outside the cognoscenti might wonder: Who was Strayhorn, and why does he matter? Before his death from cancer at 51 in 1967, Strayhorn shared a musical relationship with Duke Ellington that spanned nearly 30 years. His sound and originality contributed heavily to the Ellington oeuvre. Strayhorn's best-known works are “Lush Life," “Chelsea Bridge" and “Take the 'A' ...

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