Author: mitchmuse

Global communicator, Journalism, Entrepreneur, Web editor, Blogger, Freelance writer, Jazz enthusiast

Tuscia in Jazz Festival 2010 expands programming

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 8, 2010

Organizers announce in a news release, in the Viterbo region of Italy (about 43 miles from Rome), the countryside town of Soriano nel Cimino and city of Nepi will host the ninth edition of the Tuscia in Jazz Festival from July 8 through Aug. 14, 2010.

For the past eight years, Tuscia in Jazz has been considered one of the most important international jazz festivals, as well as an important vehicle to promote the beautiful region with its Etruscan roots, Roman history, medieval hill towns and unspoiled lakes and forests. Tuscia in Jazz has extended its branches significantly: with a record label to release recordings of its unique live performances, by adding workshops with world-renown pianist Kenny Barron and rising-star drummer Francisco Mela, and incorporating the annual Jimmy Woode Award for bass playing.

The festival has been strongly supported by the local administration of Soriano and it now returns to the squares of the centro storico and thanks to their continued support, all the concerts are free.

The Tuscia in Jazz Masterclass workshops provide an opportunity for young musicians to learn from the masters. This year’s teachers-in-residence include: Dave Liebman, Flavio Boltro, Antonio Sanchez, Shawnn Monteiro, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Eddie Gomez, Tony Monaco, Dado Moroni, Giorgio Rosciglione, Gege Munari, and Karl Potter.

Aside from the townspeople, who volunteer their time and energy, a number of sponsors have lent their financial support to keep every performance at Tuscia in Jazz free. Festival sponsors include Ministero dei Bene Culturali Regione Lazio, Fondazione Carivit, Provincia di Viterbo, and Camera di Commercio e Comunità Montana dei Cimini, and international sponsors MSC Crociere, Warsteiner Beer, and finance organizations like Carivit.

For more information, go to http://www.tusciainjazz.it.

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31st Annual Detroit International Jazz Festival adds more artists to its lineup

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 4, 2010

Photo: Take 6.

Festival organizers for the 31st Detroit International Jazz Festival recently announced artist additions to the 2010 lineup on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, through Monday, Sept.6, 2010, in downtown Detroit. The newly added artists further underscore an already existing diversity of musical genres, including funk, gospel and R&B.
Yellowjackets, Salim Washington and the Harlem Arts Ensemble, Jason D. Williams, and gospel sensation James Fortune and FIYA will join the previously announced roster featuring Mulgrew Miller, Take 6, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Manhattan Transfer, Roy Haynes and Allen Toussaint.
“Soul” is the theme of the opening night, Friday Sept. 3. Performances by Take 6 and the Mulgrew Miller Trio will be followed by the urban soul music of Tower of Power. For over 40 years, this group has thrilled audiences all over the world with their unique brand of music.
The Yellowjackets have been cutting-edge purveyors of innovative, eclectic jazz for nearly 30 years. With every recording since their 1981 debut album, the Yellowjackets have pushed the boundaries of improvisational jazz and have been leaders in the music’s inescapable evolution. Hailed as the “most adventurous quartet in contemporary jazz music” by All Music Guide, this multi-Grammy Award-winning group features Russell Ferrante, Will Kennedy, Jimmy Haslip and Bob Mintzer.
Jason D. Williams has the same musical innovation and on-the-edge attitude as Jerry Lee Lewis. The fiery Memphis-born pianist covers boogie-woogie rock & roll, classical, country and jazz, in what has been described as an “enthusiastic, reckless and stormy” way.
ASCAP Award winner and Stellar Award nominee James Fortune and FIYA will headline the festival’s “Come MONday” gospel celebration on Sept. 6. The Houston artist made music history with “I Trust You” – the longest running #1 single in gospel music. The group’s rapid success in the gospel music industry has garnered international acclaim and opened the door to their sharing the stage opening for distinguished artists Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful and Donald Lawrence. Fortune was a featured guest judge for the 2009 Verizon Wireless How Sweet the Sound Competition.
The “Come MONday” gospel celebration will also feature Detroit’s own Second Ebenezer and Triumph Church choirs.
For the full 2010 artist roster, visit detroitjazzfest.com. The lineup of Detroit-based jazz musicians playing at the festival will be announced in mid-June.

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“The Wayman Tisdale Story” to premiere at Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 5, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 3, 2010

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will be the host of the Tulsa premiere of “The Wayman Tisdale Story” at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Jazz Depot, 111 East First St. Upper Level in Tulsa, OK.
“The Wayman Tisdale Story” is a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of Tisdale, who was a Tulsa, OK, native, three-time all-American, gold-medal Olympian, former NBA basketball player and world renowned jazz musician. The film is directed by Emmy-nominated Brian Schodorf and produced by Hunter, Seamons, Linda Mensch and Rahman Ayi.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., reception/live music by Tulsa group WALLSTREET (winner of the Wayman’s Challenge held at the Depot in 2008) at 7:30 p.m. and finally, the showing of the film at 8:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. For more information, call the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 281-8603, (918) 281-8605, (918) 281-8609 or go online to www.okjazz.org.

arts Earnest Pugh gospel music

Earnest Pugh returns to radio airwaves with “Why Should I Be Bound?”

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date June 1, 2010

For almost a year, Earnest Pugh‘s “Rain on Us” has been one of the most popular songs on gospel radio station playlists and in Sunday morning church services. Aside from reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart, the track has established the veteran singer and stage actor as one of the most in-demand voices in Christian music today. Now, Abundant Harvest Entertainment is supplying the growing public demand for more Earnest Pugh music with the new radio single, “Why Should I Not Be Bound?”
There’s already an incredible buzz about Pugh’s mesmerizing and dramatic live performance of the song that was written by Detroit- based songwriter Rudolph Stanfield who composed gospel classics such as Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s “I’m Going Through,” Colorado Mass Choir’s “Stir Up The Gift,” and Rev. James Moore’s “Bread of Heaven.” It was originally released as “Perfect Peace” by Keith Pringle in 1984 and became a #1 gospel smash. Marvin Sapp and James Grear both covered it; but Pugh has made the song totally his own with awe-inspiring high notes, testifying, and the New Jersey-based Abundant Harvest Choir’s warm and luscious call and responses.
“First of all, I feel honored to have been asked by Bishop Evans and the producers – Gary E. Diggs and Lonnie Hunter to grace the lead microphone on the remake of `Why Should I Be Bound (Perfect Peace)?’ ” Pugh said in a news release. “This is sure to resonate in the hearts of people because it speaks to the current reality of many who allow fear, doubt, and unbelief to rob them of their joy and peace. Thankfully, the opening line of this song gives an assuring message of hope by where it says, `God will keep you in perfect peace if you keep your mind stayed on Him.’ We need this assurance amidst this terrible economic downturn.”
The soon-to-be hit is the third single from the CD, “Bishop David G. Evans Presents Automatic Praise!” The last single was the rousing foot stomper “This Joy” that was written and led by Tracy Shy with the Abundant Harvest Choir. The song spent twenty weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and peaked at #20 before moving to the Top 10 on the Billboard Recurrent chart.

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Former Isley Brothers vocalist Elaine Norwood prepares for June 2010 release

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 28, 2010

After two decades of performing as a backup singer for Mariah Carey, James Ingram and the Isley Brothers, Elaine Norwood is standing in the spotlight. After years of paying her dues, Norwood has her first bona fide national hit.
The dramatic ballad “He’s Still Working on Me” is #19 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and building momentum.
“A lot of people think that when you get saved that you are perfect and that you have no more trials,” Norwood said in news release. “They make idols out of ordinary people, but this let’s people know that in spite of what they used to be or what they used to do, God is still working on us. We’re striving towards perfection. When you make a mistake, don’t throw in the towel because God forgives. We will be perfected when He comes back.”
On her forthcoming fourth CD Released (Highly Favored Music), Norwood shows all the dimensions to her dynamic personality. Her father, Rev. Charles Norwood, joins her on their remake of Rev. James Cleveland‘s 1976 smash, “God Has Smiled on Me.” The polished but passionate album vacillates from traditional ballads such as “Soon I Will Be Done” and a sanctified rendition of Alicia Key’s “Ain’t Got You” to churchy romps like “I’ll Say Yes!” and funky, up-tempo tracks like “Never Let a Day Go By.” Producing duties fell to ’70s funkster Leon Haywood (of “Don’t Push It, Don’t Force It” R&B fame) and gospel producer Sanchez Harley (Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds of Joy).
“These songs really affirm my heart,” Norwood said. “I’ve been a praise-and-worship leader since 1996. The other albums didn’t capture that side of me totally. In the studio, you are locked into the track, and when it ends, you are done but God might not be! We can sing a tag in church for ten minutes but to do that on a CD, the record label is going to say that radio needs no more than four or five minutes of the song. They aren’t going to play a ten-minute song. But, on this project, I was allowed to go longer, so I truly feel that with these songs I’ve been released.”
For more information on Norwood’s project (to be released on June 8, 2010), visit www.elainenorwood.com.
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Myron Butler to produce gospel artist Tonya Baker’s first live recording in July 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 28, 2010

Kingdom Records has tapped Grammy-winning producer Myron Butler to produce Tonya Baker‘s first live recording. The live recording takes place at 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010, at
The Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Admission is free.

Baker made her national debut with the acclaimed CD “Special Friend” in 2008, and Dayton, Ohio, native has been critically-praised for her unusual blend of jazzy vocal riffs with a straightforward gospel message.

“I would be lying if I said I weren’t a bit nervous,” Baker said in a news release. “I’ve been asked for several years, `When are you going to do a live recording?’ Well, I guess this is the time and I pray that God will be pleased with our offering and the people will be blessed and encouraged. There’s nothing like the live experience. You feel the energy from the people and the presence of God in the place. Most importantly, I don’t want the people to just come looking for a great show – but an encounter with God.”

Butler has produced projects with such notables as Smokie Norful and Tamela Mann from TBS’s “Meet The Browns” series. He’s also made a name for himself as an EMI Gospel recording artist with hits such as “Stronger,” “Set Me Free,” and his current single, “Revealed.”

Baker said, “Myron Butler is an incredibly anointed and gifted artist, songwriter, and producer. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to work with him. I’m equally thankful that Kingdom Records’ A&R director Michael Weatherspoon was able to make it happen.”

For more information about Tonya Baker’s recording, call (708) 339-9301 or visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com.

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Kirk Whalum to appear on TV One’s “Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 26, 2010

According to a news release, multi-Grammy nominated saxophonist Kirk Whalum will appear as a guest onTV One’s ‘Washington Watch with Roland Martin” on Sunday, May 30.

Citing Kirk Whalum as one of his favorite musicians, Martin invited Whalum on the show to discuss current events and issues relating to the African American community. Also, as both are avid technology enthusiasts, the conversation is sure to touch on Whalum’s interactive marketing strategies and his active Facebook following of more than 37,000 fans, as well as his latest, chart-topping CD “The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III.”

From health care to the economy, Roland Martin covers issues that matter most in his new “Sunday Brunch” style show, “Washington Watch with Roland Martin.” The show airs every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST on TV One. Check local listings for information on TV One.

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Lucinda Moore to appear on TBN’s “Praise the Lord” program on Monday, May 23, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 21, 2010

Lucinda Moore, who has done vocal cameos on recordings with Hezekiah Walker and Tramaine Hawkins, is celebrating a milestone. The 20-year music veteran, best known for her 2006 breakthrough smash “Pressure into Praise,” has just released her sophomore CD “Blessed, Broken & Given” (Tyscot Records). The album has debuted at #13 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart – her highest entry to date (Her prior self-titled CD peaked at #18 on the same chart in 2007). Now, Pastor Zachary Tims has chosen to have Moore as his special psalmist on Monday, May 23, 2010, episode of TBN’s “Praise The Lord” program.
Tims will host the program and conduct interviews with Bishop Larry Trotter, Dr. Todd Hall, and Pastor Lawrence Powell. Moore will sing songs throughout the broadcast. Visit www.tbn.org and the “Praise Tonight” tab for more information. Visit www.lucindamoore.com or www.tyscot.com for more information on Moore.

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Silent film “Louis” to premiere with five-city tour in late August

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 20, 2010

(Actor Anthony Coleman as a young Louis; photo credit: Peter Sorel)

According to a news release, “Louis,” a silent film directed by Dan Pritzker and starring Jackie Earle Haley, Shanti Lowry and Anthony Coleman, will premiere in the U.S. in late August with live musical accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis, renowned pianist Cecile Licad and a 10-piece all-star jazz ensemble, including Sherman Irby, Victor Goines, Marcus Printup, Ted Nash, Kurt Bacher, Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Nimmer, Carlos Henriquez, Ali Jackson, and conductor Andy Farber.

Marsalis will play a score comprised primarily of his own compositions. Licad will play the music of 19th century American composer L.M. Gottschalk. The group will perform live with the film in a series of special performances in New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Detroit, and Philadelphia on August 25-31. Partial proceeds from the five concerts will benefit Providence Saint Mel School in Chicago, IL, in honor of Paul J. Adams III

Shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond as a modern re-imagining of early silent film, “Louis” is an homage to Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, beautiful women and the birth of American music. The grand Storyville bordellos, alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of lust, blood and magic for 6-year-old Louis as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city. Young Louis’s dreams of playing the trumpet are interrupted by a chance meeting with a beautiful and vulnerable girl named Grace (Lowry) and her baby, Jasmine. Haley, in a performance reminiscent of the great comic stars of the silent screen, plays the evil Judge Perry who is determined not to let Jasmine’s true heritage derail his candidacy for governor.
“The idea of accompanying a silent film telling a mythical tale of a young Louis Armstrong was appealing to me,” Marsalis says in a news release. “Of course, calling it a silent film is a misnomer – there will be plenty of music, and jazz is like a conversation between the players so there’ll be no shortage of dialogue. I look forward to playing with Cecile. The contrast between Gottschalk’s music and jazz can be a revelation to those unfamiliar with Gottschalk’s music and jazz.” “Louis” is a companion piece to Pritzker’s “Bolden,” starring Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce and Lowry. “Bolden” will be released theatrically in 2011.

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Mitch’s Reflection: Jazz legend Hank Jones dies at 91 in New York City

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date May 18, 2010

Hank Jones, pianist and jazz legend, beloved husband of Theodosia, dear uncle to his nieces and nephews across the country, friend to music, inspiration to countless musicians, died May 16, 2010, in New York City, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old and would have been 92 on July 31.
Jones’ longtime manager and Justin Time Records representative Jean-Pierre Leduc says in a news release,”Today we celebrate his spirit, his gift, his joy, his wisdom and his friendship. Hank lived and breathed music, and was never far from a keyboard, even at the end. His incredible burst of productivity these last few years – concerts, recordings, fundraisers, clinics – was unprecedented and truly remarkable.”
Born in 1918 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Hank Jones grew up in Pontiac, MI, the eldest of the acclaimed Jones Family, which included trumpeter, composer and bandleader Thad Jones and drummer Elvin Jones.
Jones started playing in local bands in Michigan, Ohio and Buffalo before moving to New York City in 1943. His first job was with Hot Lips Page at the Onyx Club on 52nd Street, where in 1945 he joined Billy Eckstine’s big band. The following year, he joined Coleman Hawkins, and from 1947-51 he toured the world with the Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) accompanying Ella Fitzgerald. In 1952, he joined Artie Shaw and then worked with Johnny Hodges followed by Tyree Glenn. In 1956 he joined Benny Goodman and the CBS studios as staff pianist in 1959, a position which would last for 17 years. Additionally, Jones accompanied Marilyn Monroe as she sang “Happy Birthday Mr. President” to John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden in 1962.
Although the thought of retirement had crossed his mind, at 87, Jones stayed busy playing concerts worldwide, recording and performing at jazz master classes at various schools, such as Harvard University and New York University.
Jones’ recent awards include a Congressional Achievement Award, NEA Jazz Master (1989), induction in DownBeat Magazine’s Jazz Hall of Fame (2009), Jazz Journalists Associations Pianist of the Year (2009) and a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2009).
Jones released his most recent album, Pleased to Meet You, as a co-leader on Justin Time Records in October with label mate pianist Oliver Jones. Before his death, Jones recorded as a guest artist on a duets album with vocalist Hilary Kole, August 10 release on Justin Time. His final recording is an album of duets with bassist Charlie Haden, due out late this year on Universal France.