"I Remember Sky"
Composed by Stephen Sondheim
Sung by Dianne Reeves
From the I Remember album

I remember sky
It was blue as ink
Or at least I think
I remember sky

I remember snow
Soft as feathers
Sharp as thumb tacks
Coming down like lint
And it made you squint
When the wind would blow

And ice like vinyl
On the streets
Cold as silver
White as sheets
Rain like strings
And changing things
Like leaves

I remember leaves
Green as spearmint
Crisp as paper
I remember trees
Bare as coat racks
Spread like broken umbrellas

And parks and bridges
Ponds and zoos
Ruddy faces
Muddy shoes
And light and noise and
Bees and boys
And days

I remember days
Or at least I try
But as years go by
They're a sort of haze
And the bluest ink
Isn't really sky
And at times I think
I would gladly die
For a day of sky

During its inaugural year at a new, spacious building in East Oakland's San Antonio District, EastSideCulturalCenter showcased some of the greatest living jazz royalty who never quite got their due. The center's 2007 Malcolm X Jazz Festival kicked off with a concert by tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, who recorded a lot of material for the Italian independent label, Black Saint. This year's jazz festival features a Bay Area lineup, with such notable locals as the John Santos Quintet, the Freedom Now! Band led by Howard Wiley, the Ambrose Akinmusire Project with special guest Goapele, and the Muziki Roberson Quintet with vocalist Dwight Trible. Held this Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. in San Antonio Park (18th Ave. and Foothill Blvd., Oakland), the event also features poets, dancers, live graffiti, crafts, games, and on-site HIV testing. EastSideArtsAlliance.org

Price: free
Time & Date: Sat., May 17,
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
San Antonio Park
18th Ave. (at Foothill Blvd.)
Oakland CA

MARY D’ORAZI
EMAIL: mdorazi@lifemarkgroup.com
4499 Piedmont Ave. - Oakland , CA 94611 - Ph: 510/ 228-3218

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CLAIRDEE TO PERFORM AT JAZZ AT THE CHIMES MAY 18

“Jazz-inspired storyteller” brings it to Oakland ’s Chapel of the Chimes

WHAT: vocalist Clairdee at "Jazz at the Chimes" concert and artist reception
WHEN: May 18, 2008 - Sunday 2 pm
WHERE: Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Oakland
TICKETS: $10 - $15 general admission for concert and reception.
Kids under 12 free. Purchase tickets at the door. Cash only.
Ticket sales begin at 12:30 pm.
Info: 510/ 228-3218

Website: http://www.lifemarkgroup.com/oakland/special_events.asp

SAN FRANCISCO/OAKLAND – Bay Area vocal artist CLAIRDEE will perform at JAZZ AT THE CHIMES 4499 Piedmont Avenue , Oakland , on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 2pm. Tickets are $10-$15. For more information, visit http://www.lifemarkgroup.com/oakland/special_events.asp or call 510/228-3218.

Clairdee - who describes herself as a “jazz-inspired” storyteller – is a Bay Area jazz artist who has toured nationally and internationally and shared the bill with the likes of Etta James, the Count Basie Orchestra, Gladys Knight, Johnny Mathis, Eddie Henderson and Billy Higgins to name a few.

Jazz reviewer Andrew Gilbert writes: With her lustrous voice and soulful delivery, she hearkens back to a time when jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues often blended seamlessly together. Combining scene-stealing charisma with heartfelt humility and a sincere belief in the transformative power of music, Clairdee has honed a repertoire of standards set to state of the art arrangements that are equally smart and entertaining.

The May 18 performance will showcase Clairdee’s sophisticated yet contemporary flair with classic American songs by such composers as the Gershwins, Irving Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Jobim, and Cole Porter. "I choose songs that have relevance to my life experiences and to human vulnerabilities. I want the music I sing to stir emotions and touch each listener."

She appears with pianist/arranger Ken French and his trio.

The concert at Oakland 's Chapel of the Chimes on May 18th will be followed by an artist reception where the public can meet the artist, enjoy refreshments and purchase CDs.

Jazz at the Chimes is a monthly series sponsored by the Lifemark Group Arts program that features Bay Area talent. Concerts are held at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland – a designated City of Oakland Landmark designed by Julia Morgan. The Chapel provides a wonderful visual backdrop and acoustic listening venue for live music in a setting like no other.
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Photo Credit: James Knox

From Kim Nalley at Jazz at Pearl's:

May.1.2008

Greetings,

Thanks for the many phone calls and emails of support that we have received in the past month with concern for Jazz at Pearls. I am pleased to announce that on April 23 we received an 11th hour reprieve and will remain open. We have accepted an offer from some local jazz aficionados that love Jazz at Pearls as much as I do and want to keep the club open, with the same terrific jazz and all the old familiar faces on staff, on the stage and in the audience, including myself. As soon as we go through the normal process of transfer of ownership we will announce the names of the new owners. In the meantime please enjoy a wonderful month of world class jazz that I put together at the last minute with the help and patience of many musicians. I hope you can spread the word that Jazz at Pearls is alive and well.

I dedicate this rose to the memory of my mother and to all mothers.

My Mother's Day was pretty nice. I made a few phone calls, went to brunch with friends, did a little music shopping, and took a nice nap.

Hope you had a great day!

If you eat at a participating restaurant in the East Bay on April 24, your Dining Out For Life dollars will go to Vital Life Services. Vital Life Services provides daily meals, transportation, and assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

You can double your donation to 50 percent of the bill by making a reservation at Shelby's in Orinda or at Digs Bistro in Berkeley.

Participating Restaurants & Reservations – East Bay
More Information on Vital Life Services

Image courtesy of Dining Out For Life - East Bay

For Immediate Release

Smithsonian drives national effort to promote America's native art form

SAN JOSE, CA. March 18, 2008 – San Jose Jazz today announced programs to celebrate April 2008 as Jazz Appreciation Month in Silicon Valley. Programs include a new concert series in conjunction with City Lights Theater, exhibits at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, a lecture series conducted by world famous jazz personalities, and master classes at the Tait Museum in Los Gatos.

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has led this initiative and has enlisted a distinguished roster of federal agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and broadcasting networks. The U.S. Congress passed legislation which was signed by the President in August 2003, Public Law 108-72, declaring “(1) the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History should be commended for establishing a Jazz Appreciation Month; and (2) musicians, schools, colleges, libraries, concert halls, museums, radio and television stations, and other organizations should develop programs to explore, perpetuate, and honor jazz as a national and world treasure.”

The concept is simple: designate one month for an annual public spotlight on jazz. Jazz Appreciation Month (or JAM) is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both an historical and a living treasure. The purpose of JAM is to draw greater public attention to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz and its importance as an American cultural heritage. In addition, JAM is intended to stimulate the current jazz scene and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz—to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and support institutional jazz programs. JAM is needed because many people do not fully appreciate the joys, power, and glories of jazz. The celebration this month is an effort by those who are passionate about jazz to share it with those who are not as familiar with it. JAM will encourage people to take jazz more seriously as a vital part of America’s cultural patrimony and as a great gift to the world, as well as to have fun with it. During April, San Jose Jazz, producers of the annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines, presents a jazz workshop, lectures, concerts and a photo exhibit to celebrate Jazz in downtown San Jose.

By the time I post this entry, you will have bought your tickets already. Or you may be like me and trying to decide how many times you will see her during this run. It has been about 3 years since I have seen Lizz Wright in concert. She is at Yoshi's this week promoting her new Verve release, The Orchard, which hit the stores on 2/26. I have listened to it a couple of times and like what I have heard so far. I am most happy that she gets to sing the music that she enjoys. Stop back soon for a review of her concert and the new album.

Photo Credit: James Knox

I am a little behind on concerts this season but I definitely do not want to miss seeing Paula West at the new Rrazz Room in The Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. Paula will be playing there through Sunday, March 16. I have been enjoying her music since I saw her perform Oscar Brown's classic tune, "The Snake," (which has become her signature song) at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 2004. She divides her time singing between San Francisco and New York City and the world beyond. Paula has the ability to blow the dust off a classic song and bring new life to it. Her phrasing is impeccable and the way she interprets a lyric is incredible. In addition, she can give you extensive history on every song in her repertoire. She is definitely not to be missed. See you there!

The Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion this past Sunday was excellent. I am glad that people came out in spite of the crazy we were having over the weekend. Big thanks to my moderator, Cedric Brown, Susan Muscarella & The Jazzschool, and videographer George Kelly. Additional links to the rest of the discussion are below. Enjoy!!!

Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 2
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 3
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 4
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 5
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 6
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 7
Capturing The Moment Exhibit Artist Discussion - Part 8

Related Articles
The Bulletin: Capturing The Moment: Jazz and Photography

I will doing an artist discussion on my current Jazzschool exhibit, Capturing The Moment: Jazz & Photography, on Sunday, February 24, 2008 from 1:30-3:30pm at The Jazzschool, 2087 Addison Street, Berkeley, California. Cost $10. Following the artist discussion, Bay Area sax great Howard Wiley will perform a tribute concert celebrating the music of sax legend Dexter Gordon at 4:30pm. Artist discussion and concert $20. For ticket information, www.jazzschool.com or call 510-845-5373. See you there!!!

The exhibit runs through March 29, 2008.

My mom and I took this photo in June 2007 at Lawry's Prime Rib in Chicago after we went to see The Color Purple. It was definitely a fun day and one of our last fun outings.

Today, 01/29/2008, my mom passed after battling with lung cancer. Thank you for all your love and prayers.

Season Subscriptions Now Available at San Jose Jazz Office
Single Tickets Now On Sale at the Improv

Our twentieth annual Sunday Jazz Series features nine acclaimed jazz acts, performing at the historic Improv in downtown San Jose.

Season subscriptions for all nine concerts available through the San Jose Jazz offices: San Jose Jazz member price: $160-that's like getting three concerts free!
General public: $240
Your season pass is fully transferable-can't attend a concert after all? Lend your pass to a friend or call/email by 5 pm on the Thursday prior to the Sunday you'll miss and we'll put your substitute's name on the door list.
Season pass purchase: 408-288-7557 x2335
Single tickets available through the Improv Box Office:
San Jose Jazz members - $20-$30 (you must have the member code)
General public: $30-$40
Students with id: $20-$30 (walk-up only)
Improv Box Office: 408-280-7475; online at www.symfonee.com/improv/sanjose or 62 S. Second St. between Santa Clara and San Fernando streets

Schedule:
1/20/2008 Brubeck Brothers Quartet
1/27/2008 Ernie Watts Quartet
2/10/2008 Mike Vax Orchestra (Stan Kenton alumni)
2/17/2008 John Worley and Bari Bari featuring three baritone sax players
2/24/2008 San Jose Youth Jazz Orchestra (our high school all star band)
3/2/2008 Patois Records Showcase featuring Wayne Wallace, Alexa Weber Morales, and Kat Parra
3/9/2008 Kim Nalley
3/16/2008 Silicon Valley Composers Showcase (over 90 composers submitted; tunes selected by Gus Kambeitz, Dr. Aaron Lington, and Dave Eshelman; performed by the West Valley Jazz Band)
3/30/2008 Toshiko Akiyoshi

The series features nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists including the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Ernie Watts, pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mike Vax Orchestra, John Worley and baritone sax players-Aaron Lington, Fil Lorenz, and Geoff Roach, vocalist Kim Nalley, and the Patois Records Showcase. Ranging from contemporary and big band to Latin and vocalist's jazz, this 2008 20th Annual Sunday Series has something for the jazz enthusiast in everyone. More information about the Sunday Series at: www.sanjosejazz.org

All concerts start at 3 pm at The Improv, 62 S. Second St. in downtown San Jose. No concert on February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) or March 23 (Easter), 2008.

For Immediate Release

BERKELEY, California, January 14, 2008 – The Jazzschool proudly announces the opening of Capturing The Moment – Jazz & Photography, a photography exhibit celebrating the rich Bay Area jazz scene by photographer James Knox. The exhibit will run from January 12th through March 29th, 2008, in The Bassment, the Jazzschool’s Books and Records store located at 2087 Addison Street in Berkeley California (downstairs in The Jazzschool.) The Bassment hours are Mon-Thurs 4:00-8:30 pm, Friday by appointment, Saturday 10:00-4:00 pm, and Sundays before, between sets, and after concerts. The phone number is 510-845-5373.

James will discuss his passion for jazz and photography on Sunday, February 24th from 1:30-3:30 pm at The Jazzschool followed by Bay Area sax great Howard Wiley in a tribute concert to the music of sax legend Dexter Gordon at 4:30 pm.

“Your shots are really the closest to capturing the moment of just about any photographer I've seen. We all strive to be outside of ourselves, to be another member of the audience when we perform, and your great work really makes that possible, giving you just the right amount of detail that those who weren't there really wish they were. You show us performers a different but equally valid side of our expression with precision & mastery. Thanks for all you do!” – Dayna Stephens, saxophonist

“James’ natural good spirit appears in his photographs. They are fresh, alive and capture the essence of the music being performed.” - Natasha Miller, vocalist

"James Knox is a true talent: a modern-day Francis Wolff who skillfully uses photography to convey the spirit, talent and humanity--as well as his love and respect--of those who create and nurture America 's great musical art form." - Lee Bey, photographer

About the Artist

James Knox is music reviewer/photographer for www.j-notes.com. He has been photographing and reviewing the Bay Area jazz scene for over five years. In summer 2007, James completed a jazz photography exhibit at the San Francisco Public Library African American Center. It received rave reviews. His work is featured on www.jazzreview.com, www.blogcritics.com, and www.sfgate.com. His photographs are featured on album covers for Clairdee and Adam Shulman, in addition to numerous artists’ websites. He recently provided a photo for the Wall Street Journal Weekend Edition. James credits his passion for jazz and photography to his father and dedicates the exhibit to his parents, Ritson and Elizabeth Knox.

For more information, please visit www.jazzschool.com or www.j-notes.com.

Attention Calendar Editors:

What: Capturing The Moment: Jazz & Photography by James Knox
When: January 12 – March 29, 2008
Where: The Bassment, the Jazzschool’s Books & Records Store, 2087 Addison Street , Berkeley , Ca. 94704 (downstairs in The Jazzschool.) The Bassment hours are Mon-Thurs 4:00-8:30 pm, Friday by appointment, Saturday 10:00-4:00 pm, and Sundays before, between sets, and after concerts. The phone number is 510-845-5373.

Artist Discussion – James will discuss his love for jazz and how he captures special moments in music through his lens on Sunday, February 24th from 1:30-3:30 pm at The Jazzschool, 2087 Addison Street , Berkeley , Ca. 94704. Cost $10

The discussion will be followed by Bay Area sax great Howard Wiley in a tribute concert to the music of sax legend Dexter Gordon at 4:30 pm. Cost $10

Media Contact:

James Knox
Music Reviewer/Photographer
www.j-notes.com – where music gets its voice…
simplyjazz@j-notes.com
510-654-4538