Home » Search Center » Results: Victor L. Schermer

Results for "Victor L. Schermer"

Article: Opinion

Jazz and Assault Rifles: A Peace Barrage

by Victor L. Schermer
March 26, 2018

I just participated in the March 24 “March for Our Lives" event in Philadelphia, one among many cities where the Parkland, Florida Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootout led to a large turnout of people advocating for an end to school violence and greater gun control, including, for many, the banning of assault rifles. You may ...

Article: Album Review

Roberta Piket: West Coast Trio

Read "West Coast Trio" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer

by Victor L. Schermer
March 24, 2018

This album brings together New York-based pianist Roberta Piket with two outstanding musicians from the Los Angeles area: bassist Darek Oleszkiewicz and drummer Joe La Barbera. Hence the title “Roberta Piket: West Coast Trio." To spice things up, Piket brought along her long-time cohort Billy Mintz on percussion on one track, and special guest guitarist Larry ...

Article: Interview

Julian Pressley: From The Duke To Ornette In His Own Way

by Victor L. Schermer
March 12, 2018

Julian Pressley isn't exactly a household name, but it's a name every jazz aficionado should know. When he plays his alto saxophone, ears perk up because he's playing what they came to hear: music that embodies the legacy. Passionate, quick-witted, and full of new ideas, Pressley stands out in the crowd, a genuine original. Yet you ...

Article: Live Review

Branford Marsalis and Jean-Willy Kunz at the Kimmel Center

by Victor L. Schermer
February 18, 2018

Branford Marsalis, Saxophone, and Jean-Willy Kunz, Organ: From Classical to Jazz Kimmel Center for Performing Arts Philadelphia, PA February 16, 2018 This concert of mostly classical works for saxophone and large scale pipe organ turned out to be somewhat of a surprise to the audience of jazz ...

Article: Interview

Dan Monaghan: The Man Behind The Swing

by Victor L. Schermer
February 16, 2018

Dan Monaghan is a working drummer who makes an indispensable contribution to the music by being the one who provides the swing and support that allows the other musicians to achieve their diverse objectives. He performs so often in the Philadelphia area that if you go to a jazz show, there's a fair chance he'll be ...

Article: Film Review

Django: A Film As Much About History and Culture as About A Musical Icon

by Victor L. Schermer
February 12, 2018

Django Director: Étienne Comar Milky Way 2017 Django Reinhardt (1910-1953) practically invented jazz guitar. A product of gypsy culture and music, living and working in Paris in the 1930s-40s, he and his group, the Hot Club Quintet, which notably included violinist Stephane Grappelli, brought their own brand of swing to the ...

Article: Live Review

Mary Ellen Desmond with the Victor North Quintet at Chris’ Jazz Café

by Victor L. Schermer
February 7, 2018

Mary Ellen Desmond with the Victor North Quintet Chris' Jazz Cafe Philadelphia, PA February 3, 2018 It was the Saturday night before the Superbowl kickoff, and the crowds were out and about in Philadelphia with a “Go Eagles" attitude. A full house crowded into Chris' Jazz Café to hear their vocalist ...

Article: Interview

Abby Lee: Born to Sing

by Victor L. Schermer
January 28, 2018

The early development of jazz singers tells us a lot about them. Often, they struggle until they are finally recognized. Jimmy Scott was unknown for many years. Billie Holiday took whatever jobs she could get until she made her first recordings. Ella Fitzgerald's childhood was uprooted and traumatic, and music helped her find her way to ...

Article: Live Review

Bobby Zankel,The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, and Guest Saxophonist David Murray at the Painted Bride

by Victor L. Schermer
January 27, 2018

Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Special Guest: David Murray Painted Bride Art Center Philadelphia, PA January 20, 2018 The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, under the leadership of saxophonist Bobby Zankel, continue to deliver outstanding concerts featuring special guest musicians who are virtuosos on the cutting ...

Article: Book Review

The Universe and John Coltrane: The Physics of Cosmic Vibrations

by Victor L. Schermer
January 18, 2018

The Jazz of Physics: The Secret Link Between Music and the Structure of the Universe Stephon Alexander 272 Pages ISBN: # 13: 978-0465093571; # 10: 0465093574 Basic Books 2016 On the face of it, the premise that jazz and physics are related disciplines seems strange and remote. Because ...