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Article: Jazz Near Me

Paul Jost: Breaking Through

by Gloria Krolak
November 1, 2014

One of the most endearing moments of jazz vocalist Paul Jost's new solo CD, Breaking Through, in an album of many such moments, is perhaps his chuckle and the “Oh, George," he lets out after a fresh rendition of “Singing in the Rain." Endearing because Jost connects with the listener by the sigh meant for and ...

Article: Interview

Bill Mays: Inventions, Conventions and Dimensions

by Dr. Judith Schlesinger
July 22, 2013

This title is more than a rhyme: it's an attempt to capture some of the legendary versatility of pianist Bill Mays. “Inventions" refers to his unprecedented, working jazz trio of piano, trumpet, and cello. “Conventions" is a nod to his invaluable contribution to the annual meeting of the International Society of Bassists (in 2013, he played ...

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Article: Big Band Report

Sonny Rollins Elected as Member of American Academy of Arts & Sciences

by Jack Bowers
May 7, 2010

This month's most welcome news has nothing to do with big bands but everything to do with artistry and excellence: saxophonist and jazz icon Sonny Rollins has been elected to membership in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. The Academy, a center for independent policy research (I don't quite understand what that has to do ...

News: Obituary

Gene Lees Jazz Historian and Critic Dies

April 26, 2010

A Canadian by birth who moved to Ojai more than 30 years ago, he wrote highly personal essays and biographies of such jazz greats as Oscar Peterson, Woody Herman and Johnny Mercer. Gene Lees, a jazz historian and critic known for his pugnacious, highly personal essays and biographies of such jazz greats as Oscar Peterson, Woody ...

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Article: Book Review

Portrait Of Johnny: The Life Of John Herndon Mercer

by David Rickert
July 5, 2006

Gene Lees Portrait Of Johnny: The Life Of John Herndon Mercer Pantheon Books ISBN: 0-634-09929-9 384 pages 2004 When it comes to songwriting, lyricists don't get much credit. While many people may know, for instance, that Henry Mancini wrote the music for “Moon River, many fewer ...

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Article: Book Review

You Can't Steal a Gift: Dizzy, Clark, Milt, and Nat

by Kyle Simpler
March 8, 2004

You Can't Steal a Gift Gene Lees Yale University Press ISBN: 15843002 When Gene Lees left Canada in 1955 to come to the United States, he had no idea what was awaiting him. Within a few years after his arrival, he landed the prestigious position of editor for ...

Article: The Jazzletter

Tenor Saxophonist, Harry Allen

by Gene Lees
July 30, 1997

Stan Getz was once asked his idea of the perfect tenor saxophone soloist. His answer (pianist Lou Levy was present and heard it) was, “My technique, Al Cohn's ideas, and Zoot's time." The fulfillment of that ideal may well be embodied in thirty-year-old Harry Allen, who is so good that after several takes of ...

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