Results for "AAJ Staff"

'Getz/Gilberto' Turns 50

June 11, 2014

In early 1963, the bossa nova was still a novelty in the U.S.—something like “cha-cha-cha lite." Yes, a year earlier Stan Getz had released Jazz Samba—which became a hit album with a hit single, Desafinado—and Dave Brubeck had released Bossa Nova USA. But both albums were really jazz interpretations of the real thing being recorded with ...

Tony Simmons 1963 - 2014

June 11, 2014

Keyboardist Anthony “Tony" Simmons, who played with many St. Louis jazz, R&B and gospel performers over the last three decades, has died. According to messages from friends on his Facebook page, Simmons passed away on Saturday, June 7 from a heart attack. He was 50 years old. Tony Simmons (pictured) was born in Kansas City, MO ...

Can Streaming Music Innovation Be Supported by the Industry Without Reducing Licensing Fees?

June 11, 2014

CB Insights, a relatively new site that's building a database of startup and VC investment information, recently took a look at music startups and noted that, though the kinds of deals they're tracking have risen in the last couple of years, a smaller percentage of them have been for U.S.-based companies. Unfortunately they seem to be ...

7 Tips for Marketing Your Music on Streaming Services

June 11, 2014

We're in a weird transitional period in relationship to streaming music services. It's hard to know which service will survive and whether or not focusing on streaming alternatives to Spotify and Pandora, such as YouTube, is a better bet for the future. But if you are embracing or are now ready to embrace streaming music services, ...

Look What Disc Makers is Reintroducing This Week [video]

June 11, 2014

We'll have more after the official announcemnet. Until then, here is what they put on YouTube: “Everything old is new again. Disc Makers was a pioneer in the vinyl business way back in 1940s and was synonymous with the highest quality record pressing for independent artists and labels in the 70s, 80s, and 90s. After a ...

A Lively Jazz Afternoon Captured for Posterity

June 11, 2014

What do you get when you record before a live audience? In the very best instances - spirited music with no false starts, no retakes and no clams (bad notes).  Such was the case Tuesday afternoon, June 10 when pianist and singer Mike Markaverich recorded his trio with bassist Ernie Williford and drummer Johnny Moore in ...

Bossa Nova, with Feeling

June 10, 2014

Fania Records Celebrates 50 Years from NYC Street Sales to Global Digital Distribution

June 10, 2014

I have to say I was delighted to discover that Fania Records is not only back in business but is again going strong. Last time I checked their CDs were in short supply and the company was in probate court. Acquired in 2005 by Emusica and then sold to Codigo Music in 2008, a revived Fania ...

Bill Russo: 'School of Rebellion'

June 9, 2014

Bill Russo is best known to jazz fans as one of Stan Kenton's top arrangers in the early 1950s. But from time to time, Russo led his own orchestras on recording sessions. His first leadership date came in 1947, and from 1947 to 1950 he led a rehearsal band known as Experiment in Jazz. Russo's arrangements ...

STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Oliver Nelson in Berlin

June 8, 2014

Today, we take a break from previewing upcoming shows to pay a slightly belated birthday tribute to one of St. Louis' all-time jazz greats, the late saxophonist, arranger, and composer Oliver Nelson, who was born here on June 4, 1932. Best known these days for the classic album The Blues and the Abstract Truth, which featured ...