Category: music

Kenny Garrett joins other Honorary Doctorate of Music degree recipients at Berklee College of Music

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date April 30, 2011

Kenny Garrett/Credit: Jimmy Katz

According to a recent news release, Mack Avenue Records recording artist Kenny Garrett will be presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. The presentation will be made at the college’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at the 7,000-seat Agganis Arena at Boston University.
Additionally, Garrett will serve as the commencement speaker, addressing more than 900 Berklee graduates, their parents, and invited guests. Other renowned musicians to receive an honorary degree with Garrett include: Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés, Mavis Staples, and Michael McDonald.
“I was totally elated when I was advised that I’d be receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the world’s largest college of contemporary music!” Garrett said. “This is a dream come true, and I’m deeply appreciative and honored to be a member of this illustrious group of recipients.”
For over 30 years, Garrett has garnered critical recognition for his versatility in jazz, blues, and R&B. The Detroit native began his career performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Mel Lewis Orchestra. In the early 1980s, Garrett began working with Miles Davis, becoming a member of Davis’ working group — a collaboration that lasted for five years. These days, he is working on his sophomore Mack Avenue release, due to be released during the first quarter of 2012.

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Trombonist Joe Fiedler releases “Sacred Chrome Orb” on March 29 on Yellow Sound Records

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date March 16, 2011

Trombonist Joe Fiedler’s Sacred Chrome Orb (to be released on Yellow Sound Records) represents a delight in the incongruous, a refreshingly skewed perspective, and an off-kilter sense of humor, all qualities that pervade the music of his unique, intensely expressive trio.
Sacred Chrome Orb is the Joe Fiedler Trio’s third project. Playing with Fiedler is bassist John Hebert and drummer Michael Sarin – two highly individual voices who meld into a chameleonic unit, able to morph from the airy to the explosive with supple, surprising grace. Fiedler is an inventive trombonist whose talents have found him founding the eccentric brass band Big Sackbut, working with visionary leaders Andrew Hill, Lee Konitz and Maria Schneider and avant-garde giants Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor; in big bands led by Satoko Fujii and Charles Tolliver; a member of the Captain Beefheart tribute band Fast and Bulbous; or accompanying pop stars like Jennifer Lopez and Wyclef Jean.
Fiedler announces his bold take on multiphonics from the outset, entering the opening track, “Occult”, with a sound like a train whistle. The atmosphere that this striking sound creates is sustained throughout the ensuing six minutes, with both the leader and Hebert stretching out over Sarin’s simmering intensity.
As its title implies, the groove-heavy “Two Kooks” is an opportunity for the trio to embark on a more light-hearted excursion. “I felt like we needed to just swing and get funky on something,” Fiedler says in a news release, “to do something fun and not as serious.”
On a more personal note, “Chicken” was named for the composer’s six-year-old daughter, though, as Fiedler says, “it’s not really a kid tune. When I played it for her, she ran out of the room and buried her head in the sofa. I’m not sure what that means.”
Whatever it means for Fiedler’s young daughter, Sacred Chrome Orb is likely to provoke strong reactions in any listener, even if it doesn’t send them scrambling for the couch cushions.

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Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame hosts Saturday Mardi Gras Celebration at the Depot

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date March 5, 2011

Mary Cogan

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame presents a Mardi Gras bash at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011, at the Jazz Depot, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK.
Mary Cogan is the entertainment for Mardi Gras 2011. Joining Cogan will be Shelby Eicher (mandolin and violin), Pat Savage and Ron Morgan, as well as a surprise musical guest. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. King Cake and New Orleans Gumbo will be served and participants are encouraged to wear masks and costumes. For tickets, call Bettie at (918) 281-8609 or go online to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=6962783. Doors will open at 7 p.m.

Cynthia Simmons

At 5 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011, jazz vocalist Cynthia Simmons plans an evening of the “Songs I Love to Sing” highlighting many of her favorite jazz standards, including My Funny Valentine, Cry Me a River, Mood Indigo, Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me and more. Joining Simmons is special guest vocalist Pam Crosby and trumpeter Jeff Shadley. Doors will open at 4 p.m. For tickets, go to http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?organ_val=2762&pid=6950612.

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Grammy Award nominee Kirk Whalum, others to perform at “It Started With a Dream Benefit” on Feb. 13, 2011

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date February 13, 2011

According to a recent news release, the Dream Center, twelve-time Grammy Award Nominee Kirk Whalum and Victory University are hosting “It Started With a Dream” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time (It will be noon Central Time) on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at Angelus Temple, 1100 Glendale Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA. In celebration of this year’s Gospel GRAMMY® Nominees, the event is a pre-awards ceremony, concert and service honoring the nominees and benefiting The Dream Center’s Project Hope. “It Started With a Dream” will feature live performances by Grammy nominees Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jeff and Sheri Easter, Forever Jones, Gungor, Israel Houghton Lecrae, VaShawn Mitchell, Karen Peck and New River, Lalah Hathaway and Kirk Whalum with special guest George Duke.
The event is free and open to all that can attend. The concert’s stellar performances will be streamed live on the web at DreamCenterLive.com inviting the entire world to view for $4.99 for a limited time after airing with proceeds benefiting Project Hope.
The vision of Project Hope is to provide a restoration home for immediate care to those rescued from human trafficking; rebuild one’s physical, mental and spiritual wholeness; and prepare individuals toward returning to society. Project Hope exists for the purpose of helping the lives of individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking. This home offers a safe place to rebuild lives based on biblical principles. The home will focus on the specific needs for each individual.

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GNOTE to headline 9th annual All That Jazz Fundraiser on Feb. 19 in Bartlesville

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 25, 2011

GNOTE (from left): George Allen, Annette Peters and Toby Denton

GNOTE, a high energy trio that specializes in music from the 50s through today’s hits, will headline the 9th annual All That Jazz Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at the Hillcrest Country Club, 1901 Price Road in Bartlesville, OK. Attendees will enjoy a reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and music by the Bartlesville High School Jazz Band at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:45 p.m. and music by GNOTE from about 8:15-11:15 p.m. For ticket information, call (918) 336-6760.
GNOTE, consisting of group members George Allen, Annette Peters and Toby Denton, covers genres from R&B to country to rock-‘n’-roll to jazz as well as blues. Oklahoma Magazine selected the group as one of the Who’s Who of Oklahoma Entertainment in 2005.
All That Jazz is a fundraiser that supports the programs of the Westside Community Center (WCC) in Bartlesville. The Westside Community Center, founded in 1950 as a center for the black community, has enriched the lives of Bartlesville residents through the encouragement of self-motivation and self-reliance. The Westside Community Center also provides vital services and meets many needs that aren’t addressed by other local organizations. Although the center primarily serves minorities, low-income families, senior citizens and children who reside in the western sector of Bartlesville, membership is open to anyone who wishes to join and benefit from WCC programs.

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Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church recording debuts at #7 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 25, 2011

Bishop Alfred A. Owens Jr. and co-Pastor Susie C. Owens, founders and pastors of the Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church, celebrate the Greater Mount Calvary Recording Choir and Calvary Records’ new CD, Greater Mount Calvary LIVE As Told By The Music Ministry, for debuting at #7 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart in its first week sales. “I believe it’s truly a testament to the vision of the church and will give people another chance to experience Calvary,” Bishop Owens said in a recent news release.

This is the first time that Calvary Records and its Choir have landed on a Billboard chart. However, its music ministry is no stranger to the spotlight. The music department produced the Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor ensemble that won Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” Regional (Washington, D.C.) and National VCast People’s Choice Awards gospel choir competition in 2010. Stellar Award winner Maurette Brown-Clark, Courtney Nero, and Grammy-Award winner Steve Lawrence (Bishop T.D. Jakes & The Potter’s House Mass Choir) all hailed from Calvary’s music department.

Greater Mount Calvary LIVE As Told By The Music Ministry is a power-packed, 17-song live set that gives its listeners a front row seat to experience the Pentecostal fervor of a Sunday morning service at the 3,000 member Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church that was founded in 1976. The album was produced by Grammy Award winner Steven Ford who has also produced other artists such as Vickie Winans, Tye Tribbett and Richard Smallwood.

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Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame kicks off 2011 concert series on Sunday, Jan. 16

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 14, 2011

The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 E. First Street (Upper Level) in Tulsa, OK, is pleased to start the new year with pianist & vocalist Justin Echols. Mr. Echols will kick-off the series with his show: “An Evening of Romance” performing some of his favorite jazz love songs. Doors open at 4 p.m., and showtime is 5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and college students; and $5 for high school students and younger; and children under age 12 is free. Attendees may also reserve a front-row table seat for $20 per person. For tickets or more information, call (918) 281-8600. Concessions and Gift Shop are available. All major credit cards accepted.

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The Yellowjackets mark 30th anniversary with new Mack Records release on March 15

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date January 6, 2011

The Yellowjackets will release Timeline on March 15 on Mack Records. Spearheaded by keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, The Yellowjackets offer fans its 21st official recording, not including special side projects and guest spots. The band’s background gleams with various honors, including 17 Grammy nominations and two Grammy awards to show for their efforts.

“We get extremely engaged with every project and we try to elevate and open things up,” Haslip said in a news release. That’s always the goal with every project. I’m not saying we always succeed. But the focus is to always try to do something that is hopefully engaging. And being that Russell, myself and the guys in the band have a certain chemistry. It’s not easy to accomplish this after 30 years.”

The band moves forward with a new relationship with respected jazz label Mack Avenue Records, and the first new album with an important alumnus back in the ranks, the dynamic and flexible drummer Will Kennedy. Kennedy, who worked with the group for 10 years and appeared on half its discography to date, returns to the ranks after a dozen years away. He fits seamlessly into the band, alongside Ferrante, Haslip and the multi-talented saxophonist-composer Bob Mintzer, whose critical role in helping define the group’s current sound goes back to 1991.

Timeline is described as characteristically diverse but also cohesive, melodically accessible and also experimental, in keeping with the Jackets’ concept for three decades. Beautiful balladry, such as Ferrante’s “Indivisible” and Mintzer’s “My Soliloquy,” intertwine with modern-day variations on traditional swing themes, on Mintzer’s “Like Elvin” (also one of the songs featuring a new sound for the band, guest trumpeter John Diversa) and Ferrante’s “Numerology.” Kennedy’s one composition, “Rosemary,” explores an inventive rhythmic-melodic feel, with its lyrical balladic melody laying atop an exotic drum groove.

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Three groups form strategic alliance with JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 5, 2010

JAZZ ROOTS: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series, one of America’s leading performing arts and education programs announces the formation of a new alliance with three strategic partners: IMG Artists, Sony Masterworks and The Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium.

The alliance was made official when JAZZ ROOTS signed an exclusive worldwide representation agreement with IMG Artists, one of the world’s premier talent management and presenting organizations.

“The JAZZ ROOTS brand and unique presentations provides an opportunity to bring this powerful music genre to fans across all demographic and territorial boundaries,” said IMG Artists’ President, Jeff Fuhrman in a recent news release. “We are extremely excited to offer our global resources to help take JAZZ ROOTS to audiences around the world.”

The six-part JAZZ ROOTS series offers a complete 360° experience from concerts and educational programs at performing arts centers across America, to touring theme based shows at concert halls and festivals around the world, to CD packages, television, video and radio productions (including an award-winning National Public Radio program) and iPad Apps.

Launched in 2008 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami- Dade County, JAZZ ROOTS, has the distinction of selling out every one of its concerts in the 2000 seat James L. Knight concert hall from inception to date and is now also being presented at the Winspear Opera House, located in the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, TX, and the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind.
Joining forces is Sony Masterworks, who announced an agreement to produce JAZZ ROOTS products, starting with a branded two disc compilation package (targeted for April 2011 release) tracing the story of the “Drums from Africa” and their effect on the musical DNA of the America.
“JAZZ ROOTS presents the music of the Americas in a most compelling fashion,” said Alex Miller, President, Sony Masterworks. “Larry Rosen’s long career in the music business from musician to producer to entrepreneur has a track record of very successful enterprises, and we are honored to play a role to celebrate JAZZ ROOTS and the amazing musical legacy of the music of the Americas.”
Legendary artist/producer Quincy Jones joins the alliance with a plan to implement his Quincy Jones American Popular Music Curriculum, which will be presented in schools across the country in collaboration with the JAZZ ROOTS education program. The JAZZ ROOTS education and outreach components are designed to reinforce audience development, targeting area middle and high schools as well as adults within respective communities. The series provides an opportunity for schools to bring their students to sound checks and performances, with artist conversation (pre and post show), as well as pre-concert workshops for adults. These initiatives organically connect to local community groups, art centers, and the local board of education.
“Larry Rosen’s JAZZ ROOTS is the most important new concert and educational Jazz series in America,” Jones said. “It’s so important that Americans and particularly our children learn about their culture. This series is simply imperative. You can’t know we’re you’re going unless you know where you’ve come from.”

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Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir hosts dinner/concert for homeless on Dec. 18, 2010

Post author By mitchmuse
Post date December 4, 2010

According to a recent news release, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will sponsor a holiday celebration for more than 1,500 homeless people at 3 p.m. Dec 18, 2010, at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, 17 Smith St. in Brooklyn, NY. The church that the choir is named for will rent buses and bring hundreds of men, women and children from eight different New York-area shelters to the historic church for a hot meal, a gift bag of toiletries, and a special performance of the choir‘s annual Christmas concert.
“We’re in the inner-city,” choir founder/director Carol Cymbala says of the church’s year-round outreach activities like their February benefit that raised $80,000 for Haitian relief efforts. “A lot of the people come from deprived neighborhoods. When they come in the church, it’s an oasis. It brings joy to their hearts. I think of that when we decorate the church for Christmas. The Word of God says we should reach out to the poor. When we go to prisons, Jesus is there to meet us. The poor are very special. We do a special Christmas production just for the people in the shelters and pack this place out with the homeless and they just love it.”
This year’s concert will feature songs from the choir‘s new CD, “A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas” (Integrity Music). The project consists of several tracks ranging from elegant Nelson Riddle-styled tunes such as “It’s Christmas Once Again” to festive pop tunes like “Amazing Love.”
The 300-voice troupe was founded by Cymbala (wife of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir‘s Senior Pastor Jim Cymbala and daughter of the church founder, the late Rev. Clair Hutchins) with eight members in 1973. The ensemble is a blend of ethnic and economic backgrounds, with members ranging from lawyers and doctors to ex-drug addicts. Over the years, the choir has performed at major venues such as Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. The ensemble has backed gospel artists such as CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith. The choir’s musical legacy includes six Grammy Awards, seven Dove Awards, two #1 Billboard charting CDs and sold more than four million albums.