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Article: Live Review

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival 2021

by R.J. DeLuke
July 7, 2021

Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY June 26-27, 2021 The possibility of Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival returning this year was shaky in the spring months of 2021. COVID was showing signs of remission, but troubles still lingered. Both Danny Melnick, president of Absolutely Live ...

Article: Interview

Ulysses Owens: Big Band, Big Sound

by R.J. DeLuke
June 29, 2021

Some jazz drummers, as remarkable as they may be and as successful as their careers are, just aren't suited to drive a big band. It's not for every percussionist. But every big band needs a good one or the effort will fall short. A ship needs a rudder. Ulysses Owens Jr., who started beating out rhythms ...

Article: Interview

Fabia Mantwill: Realizing a Dream

by R.J. DeLuke
June 21, 2021

As a child in Germany, it seemed clear Fabia Mantwill would do something in the field of music. She went to a musical kindergarten. That's how early on she was touched by the arts. At the age of 6, she was taking classical piano lessons. By age 10, it was on to saxophone. Now in Berlin, ...

Article: Interview

Rickie Lee Jones: Peg Leg’s Granddaughter Rises Above

by R.J. DeLuke
June 5, 2021

Last Chance Texaco: Chronicles of an American Troubadour, the memoir of the eminent Rickie Lee Jones, is not a collection of stories about the famous singer who sprouted from the hippie era under the radar before blazing like a shooting star across the American sky with her self-titled debut album that contained the megahit “Chuck E's ...

Article: Interview

Samara Joy: Ascension Into Jazz

by R.J. DeLuke
May 7, 2021

When Samara Joy performs, she takes her place, stands confidently and sings. Immediately the strength and richness of her voice—which is natural—grabs the attention of the listener. There are no gyrations. It's refreshing that a young artist doesn't see the need for unnecessary vocal gymnastics. Too often, those can miss the mark. Her style ...

Article: Interview

John Pizzarelli: The Metheny Project

by R.J. DeLuke
May 3, 2021

Guitarist/singer John Pizzarelli has been a road warrior in a long career spanning some five decades. He's known for following in the footsteps of his father, the great jazz guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, as a champion of the Great American Songbook working with classic jazz musicians and singers. He eventually became one of those singers that keeps ...

Article: Interview

Joe Lovano: Finding New Adventures

by R.J. DeLuke
April 13, 2021

The loss of gig and the accompanying income stream, caused by the insidious and evil coronavirus, has hurt musicians across all genres. It has separated them from friends and band mates, from projects and from going to special places—physically and artistically. Coping with it is the order of the day. It has created some dark moments ...

Article: Interview

Roxana Amed: More To Be Heard

by R.J. DeLuke
March 17, 2021

Relaxed and casual, speaking via Zoom from her mother's home in Buenos Aires, singer Roxana Amed--of the smoky, sultry voice and soulful delivery--reflected on where her musical path has taken her. A native of that city, she moved to Miami in 2013 when her spouse had been offered a good job. Acclimating to the ...

Article: Interview

Franco Ambrosetti: Busy Businessman, Exquisite Artist

by R.J. DeLuke
March 16, 2021

Franco Ambrosetti, a horn player from Switzerland, has a unique perspective on music and art. Because his vantage point is different than many musicians, having held the position as CEO of a significant company in Europe. He plays trumpet and flugelhorn with a rich tone and an approach that has matured over time, shifting from a ...

Article: Interview

Janis Mann: Authentic And In The Moment

by R.J. DeLuke
March 5, 2021

Janis Mann, a singer now based on the west coast, had made it a practice before the pandemic to periodically travel back east for gigs in the New York City area, of which she is a native. Mann still wants that, but she's waiting for the right time. Making music is a necessity for this artist. ...