Results for "Kenny Rittenhouse"

Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra: Bernstein Reimagined

by Jack Bowers
January 24, 2021

This impressive anthology by the superb Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra is not so much Bernstein Reimagined as Bernstein Unleashed. The jazz component in Leonard Bernstein's memorable compositions for symphony orchestra, Broadway shows, films and even liturgical works always lay simmering just below the surface. As Bernstein is said to have confided to Duke Ellington: “Maybe that's ...

Take Five with Hazel Mitchell-Bell

by AAJ Staff
March 30, 2020

Meet Hazel Mitchell-Bell Vocalist Hazel Mitchell-Bell has become one of Washington, D.C.'s first ladies of jazz. With highly praised first album, Stronger than Ever, under her belt, and another album set for release in 2020, she appears on festival, concert and club stages, enjoying one sellout after another. Working closely with pianist and music director, Vince ...

Kenny Rittenhouse

Born: October 2, 1966

Kenny Rittenhouse has been performing professionally for over 30 years, serving as a veteran of the U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) for three decades. A pivotal member of the prestigious Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, he excelled as a section player, jazz soloist, and eventually as the Element Leader, overseeing all administrative duties. Additionally, Kenny was a member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra (PJO), led by renowned trumpeter Sean Jones. He actively participated in PJO concerts featuring jazz legends Freddie Cole, Ahmad Jamal, and Jimmy Heath.

Kenny's musical versatility extends to the stage of musical theater, with notable performances in acclaimed productions such as Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin', After Midnight, Catch Me If You Can, Chicago, Shout Sister Shout!, Play On!, The Great Gatsby, Suffs, and 1776.

Craig Fraedrich: Out of the Blues

by Chris M. Slawecki
July 29, 2018

Out of the Blues, featuring Craig Fraedrich on trumpet and flugelhorn with The Jazz Trumpet Ensemble, would have sounded great in the sweltering hard-bop landscape that Cannonball Adderley, The Jazz Messengers led by Art Blakey, Horace Silver and other jazz legends began to explore in the late 1950s. Fraedrich has been featured trumpet soloist ...

Sonic Styles of the Seventies

by Chris M. Slawecki
July 23, 2018

Hugo Fattoruso Hugo Fattoruso Y Bario Opa Far Out Recordings 2018 Once upon a time in Uruguay, teenage brothers Osvaldo and Hugo Fattoruso stepped out of their musical family trio to play guitar and bass for popular Latin American jazz (swing) and rock 'n' roll ensembles venturing in ...

Jazz from the US Virgin Islands' new breed

by Nigel Campbell
November 4, 2017

September 2017 was a horrible month for the US Virgin Islands (USVI). As the New York Times wrote, “In the Virgin Islands, Hurricane Maria Drowned What Irma Didn't Destroy." We should not forget that from these isles, a pool of talent has created music that has endured, survived, and influenced. Music writers and researchers have investigated ...

U.S. Army Blues: Live At Blues Alley

by Dan Bilawsky
April 13, 2016

When thinking of military bands, many tend to focus on their sterling technique and punctilious performances above all else. Creative concerns are rarely part of the conversation, but this album makes you wonder why. The U.S. Army Blues, a blue-chip big band of brothers that serves as the flagship jazz ensemble in the titular military branch, ...

Spiritual Awakening

By Reginald Cyntje Music

Label: CD Baby
Released: 2015

Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra: Joyful Jazz

by Jack Bowers
November 5, 2015

One way in which to launch an appraisal of this outstanding seasonal album, the first ever by the world-class Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, is to check out its candid--and uncommonly accurate--title. Joyful? Most definitely. Jazz? Without a doubt. For five years, the orchestra's annual holiday celebration has been a welcome tradition for families in the greater Pittsburgh ...

Maryland Summer Jazz Festival Announces Tenth Year Anniversary Season

June 10, 2014

Rockville, MD: For ten years, the Maryland Summer Jazz camp and concerts have been rocking the rafters at St. Mark Presbyterian Church in Rockville in late July. Workshops help adult jazz musicians improve their chops and learn performing skills. Public concerts delight area jazz fans and summer tourists. At the heart of the program is the ...