j-notes.com: the new groove

Bandleader Ramsey Lewis To Release Concord Jazz Debut

2009-10-29T22:26:14Z

ICONIC JAZZ PIANIST AND BANDLEADER RAMSEY LEWIS TO RELEASE CONCORD JAZZ DEBUT SEPTEMBER 29TH

SONGS FROM THE HEART INCLUDES EIGHT ORIGINAL TRACKS WRITTEN
FOR JOFFREY BALLET COMPANY'S PRODUCTION OF "TO KNOW HER"

On September 29, Concord Jazz will release Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays
Ramsey, the debut Concord Jazz CD from iconic pianist and bandleader Ramsey
Lewis.

Songs From the Heart contains a refined collection of 12 new originals that he
composed over a period of two years, and including music from two
commissioned world premiere performances at the Ravinia Festival in Highland
Park, Illinois, just north of Chicago. Eight songs come from the score of 2007's
ballet To Know Her...written for the Joffrey Ballet Company and four pieces come
from 2008's Muses and Amusements suite performed with the Turtle Island
Quartet.

At the age of 74, Ramsey Lewis has not only continued to be active in the jazz
world, but he's also forging ahead with a newly inspired creative instinct as a
composer. Songs From the Heart, Lewis' first trio recording in five years, features
eight pieces with bassist Larry Gray and drummer Leon Joyce, and four piano
solo performances.

Prestige Records Releases Side Steps

2009-10-29T20:56:33Z

For immediate release:

PRESTIGE RECORDS RELEASES SIDE STEPS,
A 5-CD BOXED SET OF JOHN COLTRANE'S PRESTIGE RECORDINGS
AS A SIDEMAN TO A HOST OF JAZZ LUMINARIES

Over the past three years, Prestige Records has released boxed sets of Coltrane's numerous sessions from the mid- to late '50s, each spotlighting a specific dimension of his tenure with the label.

Fearless Leader - released in September 2006, in celebration of Coltrane's 80th birthday - showcases his recordings as a bandleader. Interplay, released in September 2007, contains Coltrane's early collaborative recordings with a variety of stellar musicians from the same era.

Side Steps is the third and final set in this series, scheduled for release on October 6, 2009. The 5-CD set captures Coltrane in a supporting role, as a sideman to leaders like Sonny Rollins, Gene Ammons, Red Garland, Tadd Dameron and others.

The collection of 43 tracks represents the entirety of Coltrane's session work as a Prestige sideman, from mid-1956 to early 1958, with the exception of his work with Miles Davis (which is featured in The Miles Davis Quintet: Legendary Prestige Quintet Sessions, released in 2006).

The beautiful Side Steps boxed set features:

*24-bit remastering from the original analog master tapes

*72-page book with rare photographs, discography, and sessionography

*Insightful essays by noted music historian Ashley Kahn

*Interview transcript with Prestige founder Bob Weinstock

*Fully reproduced original album cover artwork and notes

AN IDEAL GIFT IDEA FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Editor's Note: I have the opportunity to listen to this wonderful disc and it is most excellent. It is definitely a great addition to your music collection.

Live from Monterey Jazz Festival 2009 - Part 1

2009-09-19T20:34:36Z

My annual pilgrimage to the Monterey Jazz Festival started off a little different. I had stopped at a friend's house to pickup my digital recorder. I got back in my car and it would not start...dead! I called AAA and they came out and pronounced my battery dead. Average car battery life is 3-5 years and my battery was almost 5 years old. David from the AAA dispatch service sold me a brand new battery right on the spot and I was back on the road again. Thank you David and AAA!

I arrived safely in Monterey just before 6pm, checked into my hotel and went to the festival. I initially went without my cameras so I could get my press credentials, festival gear, and some dinner. Typically, Friday evening starts off really mellow and picks up as people arrive throughout the evening.

My first show for Friday evening was singer Lizz Wright in Dizzy's Den, She looked radiant and sounded phenomenal. This was her first visit to Monterey since her debut performance here in 2002 which was also my first visit to Monterey. It is always amazing to watch an artist grow and develop over the years. It's a joy to see Lizz as she brings something new to every performance. Whether it is a nuance, a turn of phrase or just bringing her life experience, her rich vocals captivates her audience. Her set included a smoldering rendition of "I Idolize You," "Hey Mann" a gospel/bluesy "Walk With Me," "Blue Rose," "Another Angel," and "Coming Home." She melted us with "Dreaming Wide Awake" and closed out the evening with "Thank You." We showed our gratitude with standing ovations. Her wonderful band included David Cook on keys, Robin Mactangay on guitars, Nicholas D'Amato on bass, and Brannen Temple on drums.

I stopped in the Night Club, where the John Patitucci Trio was on a serious groove with John on bass, Joe Lovano on tenor sax and Brian Blade on drums. I went back to Dizzy's Den to witness the incredible singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding and her band. This was a hot show as there were lines waiting outside to get in. I closed out the evening in the Coffee House Gallery with 23 year old New Orleans pianist Jonathan Batiste and his quintet. I came in on a composition that included a nod to "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and Jonathan on vocals. Next, he played a composition that alternated seamlessly between a ragtime/stride piano rhythm and a straight ahead rhythm. He was truly spellbinding and just incredible to watch.

There is more great music ahead for the weekend. There are still tickets available. For more information, www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

Monterey Jazz Festival Announces Single-Show Arena Tickets Available For MJF/52

2009-09-12T10:58:09Z

Single-Show Arena Tickets Include Access To One Arena Concert Plus 8 Additional Stages On The Grounds
Monterey Jazz Festival Full Arena Packages And Grounds Tickets Still Available

Single-Show Arena And Grounds Tickets Include World-Class Music, Jazz Education, Conversations and Forums, Clinics, Activities For Kids And Families, International Shopping, Food, And Films On Monterey Fairgrounds, September 18 - 20, 2009

New Grooves Party On Friday; Family Day Activities On Sunday

September 12, 2009; Monterey, CA; Offering jazz fans a rare opportunity to see some of the jazz world's finest talent, the Monterey Jazz Festival has announced that it will be selling Single-Show Arena Seats for the 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival presented by Verizon, September 18 - 20, 2009. Single-Show Arena Tickets give patrons the ability to purchase a reserved seat for the Arena concert of their choice, and includes access to 8 additional stages on the Grounds, as well as all Grounds events and activities.

Prices range from $55 to $65 for each of the Single-Show Arena Tickets, available by phone (925.275.9255), online (montereyjazzfestival.org), and at the Monterey Jazz Festival's Monterey Fairgrounds Ticket Office starting on Monday, September 14th.

Fans can choose from five Arena shows including:

Friday night (featuring Conrad Herwig's Latin Side All-Star Band with special guests Randy Brecker and Joe Lovano; the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars featuring Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, and Russell Malone; and Esperanza Spalding). Friday night tickets are priced at $55.

Saturday afternoon (featuring Susan Tedeschi; Pete Seeger; and John Scofield and the Piety Street Band). Saturday afternoon tickets are priced at $60.

Saturday night (featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; Dee Dee Bridgewater; and the Hank Jones & Joe Lovano Quartet with John Patitucci and Brian Blade). Saturday night tickets are priced at $65.

Sunday Afternoon (featuring George Duke; the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra with Special Guest Wynton Marsalis; and the Los Angeles County High School County for the Arts Big Band). Sunday afternoon tickets are priced at $60.

Sunday night (featuring the Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White Trio; the Dave Brubeck Quartet; and Jason Moran & The Bandwagon). Sunday night tickets are priced at $65.

"This is great news for fans who have always wanted to attend Arena shows, commented Timothy Orr, marketing associate for the festival. "It's unprecedented in recent history. We feel that it's the best value for people on a budget to get an Arena show of their choice, on the day of their choice. Since the Single-Show Arena Tickets also give access to the grounds, it's a tremendous value, especially in today's economy.

In addition to the newly launched Single Show Tickets, the Festival also has available Full Arena Packages (with one reserved seat for all 5 Arena shows), as well as daily and Full Weekend Grounds Tickets. All tickets are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival's website, montereyjazzfestival.org.

Full Arena Packages for all 5 performances begin at $225. Daily Grounds Tickets are from $35 (Friday) and $45 (Saturday or Sunday); full Weekend Grounds Tickets are $110.00. MJF's new Family Discount Pack is $80 for 2 Adult and 2 Youth Tickets for a single day. Grounds Ticket prices will increase by $5.00 when purchased from Tuesday, September 15 through Sunday, September 20 and patrons are advised to purchase tickets now.

Visit http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org for a printable schedule of MJF/52.

]]> Friday night's Grounds artists on the Grounds include Lizz Wright and Esperanza Spalding, performing New Grooves in Dizzy's Den, presented by CareFusion. In the Night Club, the Scott Amendola Trio, the John Patitucci Trio featuring Joe Lovano and Brian Blade and Forro in the Dark will perform. The Garden Stage showcases the Roger Eddy Group, the 2009 Berklee-Monterey Quartet, and Global Noize, with keyboardist Jason Miles and DJ Logic. The Coffee House Gallery will feature three sets from pianist Jonathan Batiste.

Saturday on the Grounds, the Garden Stage will include a tribute to Charles Brown from pianist Martin Headman; Texas blues from Ruthie Foster, the New Orleans All-Stars featuring Henry Butler and Cyrile Neville, vocalist Raul Midón, and Wayne Wallace and Rhythm & Rhyme. Dizzy's Den presented by CareFusion will have a historical conversation 3-time Grammy-winner, producer Michael Cuscuna, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and author Ashley Kahn. Journalist Dan Ouellette returns with the DownBeat Blindfold Test with legendary pianist George Duke. Also featured will be the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars with Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, and Russell Malone, followed by Soulive, featuring John Scofield; and Dee Dee Bridgewater. The Coffee House Gallery will be treated to three sets each from Weber Iago's "The Dhanyavad Project" and the Peter Erskine and Alan Pasqua Trio.

In the Night Club, Saturday gets off to a youthful start with the top college vocal group from MJF's Next Generation Festival, the CSU Long Beach Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Pacific Standard Time, followed by the Monterey Bay Jazz Orchestra and the Hironobu Saito Quartet. The evening's shows feature the Cuban and Latin jazz of the Rodriguez Brothers, post-bop from trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire (a former MJF Next Generation Jazz Orchestra member) and Conrad Herwig's Latin Side All-Star Band, playing the music of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

On Sunday, the Night Club will host the student groups from MJF's Next Generation Festival, including the Berkeley High School Combo "A"; Hamilton High School Academy of Music Vocal Jazz Ensemble; Folsom High School Jazz Choir "A"; Jazzschool Studio Band "A"; Valley Christian High School Jazz Ensemble; Folsom High School Big Band "A"; and the Monterey County High School All-Star Big Band. Sunday Evening's Night Club concerts feature pianist and NEA Jazz Master Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Quartet, followed by Jason Moran & The Bandwagon.

Sunday in Dizzy's Den presented by CareFusion features an afternoon of jazz education and music, with a conversation with NEA Jazz Master Toshiko Akiyoshi, hosted by journalist Yoshi Kato, followed by a Jazz Journalists Association panel entitled Jazz...and the DJs Who Played the Records moderated by Dan Ouellette, with notable radio personalities Alan Schultz, Jayne Sanchez, Herb Wong, and Bob Parlocha. Sunday evening will have shows from Joe Lovano and Us Five, with bassist Esperanza Spalding, pianist James Weidman, and drummers Francisco Mela and Otis Brown Jr; followed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Sunday's Garden Stage will feature the top college big band from the Next Generation Festival, the CSU Long Beach Big Band, followed by master trumpeter, Scotty Barnhart and Cuban pianist, Alfredo Rodriguez. Sunday evening's Garden Stage will debut Buffalo Collision, featuring Ethan Iverson, Dave King, Tim Berne and Hank Roberts; and The Shotgun Wedding Quintet.

The Coffee House Gallery will host guitarist Terrence Brewer for two sets, followed by trumpeter Dominick Farinacci (a former MJF Next Generation Jazz Orchestra member) and two sets from the visionary pianist, Vijay Iyer.

All weekend long in the evenings, Lyons Lounge at the end of Lyons Lane will pulse with Samba, Afro-Cuban, funk and Soul-jazz sounds of Vinnie Esparza (Friday and Saturday) and DJ Logic (Sunday). During the day, from 3 to 7 pm on Saturday and Sunday in Lyons Lounge, students can participate in a new jam session, hosted by the Festival in the Lounge. Judy Roberts will be performing on the Yamaha AvantGrand on the Courtyard Stage, at the entrance of the Festival Grounds.

Sunday, September 20th marks the Festival's 4th Annual Family Day. Families and children of all ages can participate in special activities, hear the country's top student jazz musicians, and join in the fun with the return of the popular Percussion Playshop, MJF's innovative "Instrument Petting Zoo" with high-tech, professional gear provided by Yamaha. The younger set can also bounce in the "Jazzy Jumper" on the West Lawn.

New for 2009, families can take advantage of MJF's Family Discount Pack, which includes two Adult Grounds Tickets and two Youth Grounds Tickets (2 - 18 years old) for only $80 on Friday, $100 on Saturday or Sunday -- a savings of up to $20. With kids under 2 years free, the family can enjoy MJF/52 together and save. Families will enjoy the music, exhibitions, food, beverages, an international shopping bazaar, and much more on the 20 acres of beautiful forested fairgrounds, with lots of room to roam, play, and picnic.

Single-Show Arena Tickets are now on sale on the Monterey Jazz Festival's website, montereyjazzfestival.org and can be purchased by phone (925.275.9255) and by walk-up purchase beginning Monday, September 14 at the Festival's Monterey Fairgrounds on-site Ticket Office at 2000 Fairgrounds Road in Monterey.

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For more information, please contact:

Timothy Orr, Monterey Jazz Festival
Direct Line: 510-652-1122 / MJF Phone: 831-373-3366 X252
timorr@montereyjazzfestival.org
www.montereyjazzfestival.org

Terrence Brewer kicks off the SFJAZZ Hotplate Series on 9/10

2009-09-08T21:01:05Z

Terrence Brewer plays Wes Montgomery

Amnesia
853 Valencia St (between 19th & 20th)
Thurday, September 10th
9PM, $5 cover

The SFJAZZ Hotplate series features some of the Bay Area's best artists celebrating the music of their favorite jazz legend each month. We begin with the SF Weekly's "Best Jazz Artist," guitarist Terrence Brewer, paying homage to the legendary Wes Montgomery on Thursday, September 10th.

"Local jazz just got a big boost." --SF Weekly

"This series is a winner all around... a low-cost introduction to some of the music's greatest names in a wholly relaxed atmosphere." --San Francisco Examiner
The Guardian's "Best Local DJ," Vinnie Esparza, will also spin classic and deep jazz cuts throughout the night. Plus, you can enter to win tickets to the 27th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, as well as valuable SFJAZZ merchandise, including hoodies, t-shirts and CDs. All for just a $5 cover - come dig what's cookin' on the Hotplate!

Upcoming shows:

10/09 - 9pm - Wil Blades plays Jimmy Smith
11/12 - 9pm - Joe Bagale plays Ray Charles
12/10 - 9pm - Spaceheater plays Rahsaan Roland Kirk

For more information, www.sfjazzhotplate.org

Three for Tuesday

2009-08-24T18:47:22Z

It is a good week when three new jazz piano releases are coming out on Tuesday, 8/25.

Jazz piano legend McCoy Tyner's new release, Solo: Live From San Francisco (Dig) [LIVE] was recorded live during the SFJAZZ Spring Season in May 2007. I attended this magnificent concert and am very excited about this album which includes, "Naima," "You Taught My Heart To Sing," "I Should Care," "Sweet And Lovely," and "In A Mellow Tone."

Young jazz piano virtuosos Eldar and Robert Glasper also have new releases on Tuesday.

Eldar's Virtue features mostly original compositions by Eldar performed with bassist Armando Gola and Ludwig Afonso. Eldar also welcomes guest appearances by trumpeter Nicholas Payton and saxophonists Joshua Redman and Felipe Lamoglia.

Pianist Robert Glasper presents both sides of his musical persona with Double-Booked, his third album for Blue Note Records, which will be released on August 25. The album bridges Glasper's parallel careers as the leader of an acclaimed jazz trio and a first-call sideman with hip-hop artists such as Mos Def, Q Tip and The Roots. Moving nimbly from the acoustic Robert Glasper Trio to the hip-hop fusion Robert Glasper Experiment, the young keyboardist puts his versatility front and center. Special guests on the album include vocalist Bilal and a cameo apprearance from rapper Mos Def.

Lizz Wright is coming to the Bay Area - 9/18-20

2009-08-20T05:28:13Z

Vocalist/songwriter Lizz Wright is bringing her sweet music to the Bay Area.

9/18 Dizzy's Den stage at the Monterey Jazz Festival at 8:30pm
9/19-20 Yoshi's Oakland - Shows at 8 and 10pm

Photo Credit: James Knox

Oakland Public Conservatory Screening Film Faubourg Treme - August 29

2009-08-16T23:11:51Z

Memphis Minnie's Bar-b-que Joint of San Francisco Presents

EXCLUSIVE EAST BAY SCREENING

AWARD-WINNING NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT

HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS NEIGHBORHOOD AND ITS MUSIC

Screening and Discussion with Iconic

New Orleans Newspaperman and Author Lolis Eric Elie

Special Appearance by Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir

All Proceeds Benefit the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music

OAKLAND--The winner of "Best Documentary" at the 2008 San Francisco Film Festival, Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans gives viewers a riveting introduction to of a little-known part of American history set in the fascinating New Orleans neighborhood where jazz was born.

Scheduled to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, this exclusive, one-night-only event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 29, at the Kaiser Center Auditorium, 300 Lakeside Drive, 2nd Floor. On hand to discuss the film with audiences will be its co-producer, co-writer and central narrator, nationally renowned New Orleans newspaperman Lolis Eric Elie. Director Dawn Logsdon and producer Lucie Faulknor will also bring their perspective and expertise to the panel discussion.

Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir will make a special appearance. Also featured are the Oakland Public Conservatory Youth Marimba Band and The Frederick Douglass Youth Ensemble.

All proceeds benefit the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, the East Bay's leading source for affordable music education and performance for local youth and families. The event is made possible by Memphis Minnie's Bar-b-que Joint of San Francisco, which Gourmet Magazine said "may well be the finest barbeque restaurant in the state."

"American music would undoubtedly don a different swagger without the city of New Orleans, and the Tremé district in particular," said Angela Wellman, founding director of the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music. "This event is a perfect opportunity for our community to celebrate jazz and the city that birthed it, and to support the Conservatory's efforts to nurture jazz study, scholarship, and appreciation for generations to come."

Arguably the oldest black neighborhood in America, Faubourg Tremé was home to the largest community of free black people in the Deep South during slavery. In the film - which critics have called "revelatory" and "flat-out brilliant" - Elie takes audiences on a tour of his city, and explains why this most un-American of American cities must be saved. But the neighborhood's recovery after Katrina is just another chapter in its singular history.

"In the early 1800s, while most African Americans in the South were toiling on plantations, free black people in Tremé were publishing poetry and conducting symphonies," Elie said. "Long before Rosa Parks, Tremé leaders organized sit-ins and protests that successfully desegregated the city's streetcars and schools. And jazz, the area's greatest gift to America, was born from the embers of this first American Civil Rights movement."

The mission of the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music is to connect East Bay youth and their families the world-class instruction and performance of private conservatories at affordable rates. The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music exists to provide local audiences access to and an appreciation of our rich, shared and diverse American musical heritage.

Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans was executive produced by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer/musician Wynton Marsalis and Stanley Nelson (Jonestown, Murder of Emmett Till); directed by Dawn Logsdon; co-directed and written by Lolis Eric Elie; produced by Lucie Faulknor, Lolis Eric Elie and Dawn Logsdon; edited by Dawn Logsdon, Sam Green (Weather Underground) with original music composed by Derrick Hodge (of Terrence Blanchard's Band).

Tickets for the screening are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and can be purchased at

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/76969.

All proceeds benefit the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music.

Visit the Conservatory online at www.opcmusic.org

To view a trailer or for more information about the film, go to http://www.tremedoc.com.

This film is a co-production of Serendipity Films, LLC, Independent Television Service (ITVS), WYES-TV12 New Orleans and Louisiana Pubic Broadcasting (LPB) in association with the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC).

Media Contact: Laurie Cahn

415-824-2857 (h)

415-608-4092 (c)

Photos and interviews available

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Arena Tickets Still Available For 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, September 18 - 20, 2009

2009-08-13T20:22:52Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2009

www.montereyjazzfestival.org

Media Contact: Timothy Orr
Direct Line: (510) 652-1122
MJF Phone: (831) 373-3366 X252
timorr@montereyjazzfestival.org

Arena Tickets Available For 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival Presented By Verizon, September 18 - 20, 2009

Rare Opportunity For Heirloom Purchase Guaranteeing Seats For Years

Three-Day Arena Package Includes Exclusive Access To 5 Shows Of World-Class Music On The Legendary Jimmy Lyons Stage

Plus Access To 8 Other Grounds Venues

Great Seats Available For Exclusive Arena Performances Including Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke And Lenny White Trio; Dave Brubeck Quartet, John Scofield And The Piety Street Band, Pete Seeger, Susan Tedeschi, Hank Jones And Joe Lovano Quartet, George Duke

August 12, 2009, Monterey, CA; Offering a rare opportunity for fans to purchase and retain Arena seats, the Monterey Jazz Festival has announced that Arena Packages for the 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival are still available. An Arena Package provides intimate access to exclusive world-class music on the legendary Jimmy Lyons Stage, the site of countless musical memories and historic events since 1958.

"Arena Tickets are like an heirloom purchase -- patrons can renew their seats every year," says Timothy Orr, Marketing Associate for MJF. "In times like these, upgrades, which in previous years would have been difficult, are now possible. The Arena is where you feel the weight of history, and this offers our fans a chance to be a part of that history."

Arena Packages are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival's website, montereyjazzfestival.org. Arena Packages are available starting from $225, and include one reserved seat for each of five concerts on the Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage, access to all performances and activities on eight additional stages throughout the Grounds throughout the weekend, plus conversations, exhibitions, panel discussions, international shopping, food and beverages, and more.

Photo of legendary jazz pianist Hank Jones at Monterey Jazz Festival 2006 by James Knox

]]> Exclusive and legendary performances in the 6500-seat Arena are commonplace at the Monterey Jazz Festival since 1958. Exclusive Arena artists for 2009 include the Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White Trio; Dave Brubeck Quartet, John Scofield and the Piety Street Band, Pete Seeger, Susan Tedeschi, Hank Jones / Joe Lovano Quartet, George Duke, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis, and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Big Band.

Arena artists additionally performing on the grounds will include Conrad Herwig's Latin Side All-Star Band, the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars featuring Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, and Russell Malone; Esperanza Spalding; John Scofield, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Joe Lovano with John Patitucci and Brian Blade; and Jason Moran and The Bandwagon.

Sunday Night in the Arena features an Arena exclusive: Three Generations of Pianists, with the Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White Trio; the Dave Brubeck Quartet (celebrating the 50th anniversary of Time Out); and the 2009 Commission Artist, Jason Moran and The Bandwagon, debuting this year's MJF-chartered work, Feedback. The piece refers to another historic event held on the Monterey Fairgrounds 42 years ago - the Monterey Pop Festival, which included the U.S. debut of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. On the Arena stage in 1967, the iconic and influential guitarist shocked audiences by setting his guitar on fire and smashing it on stage. Moran's Feedback will try to recapture the symbiotic relationship when performers and audiences are engaged in a musical and psychic dialog.

Tickets are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival's website, montereyjazzfestival.org. Full Weekend Arena Packages are available starting from $225, and include one reserved seat for each of five concerts on the Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage, access to all performances and activities on eight additional stages throughout the Grounds throughout the weekend, plus conversations, exhibitions, panel discussions, international shopping, food and beverages, and more.

For the full MJF/52 lineup, tickets and additional information, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

The Monterey Jazz Festival is dedicated to perpetuating the uniquely American form of music known as jazz by producing performances that celebrate the legacy and expand the boundaries of jazz; and by presenting year-round local, regional, national, and international jazz education programs. The Monterey Jazz Festival is a nonprofit organization and has donated its proceeds to musical education since its inception in 1958.

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For more information, high-resolution pictures and interview opportunities please contact:

Timothy Orr, Marketing Associate,
Monterey Jazz Festival
Direct Line: 510-652-1122
MJF Phone: 831-373-3366 X252
timorr@montereyjazzfestival.org
www.montereyjazzfestival.org

VidyA @ Yoshi's Oakland

2009-08-11T05:32:48Z

07/06/2009

Prasant Radhakrishnan - tenor saxophone
David Ewell - upright acoustic bass
Sameer Gupta - drums

I had the pleasure of recently hearing the band, VidyA, at Yoshi's Oakland. VidyA, which means knowledge in Sanskrit, intertwines South Indian classical music (Carnatic music) and jazz. The result of this pairing of genres was intoxicating. They played original compositions from their recently released self-titled album, Vidya.

Bandleader/saxophonist Prasant Radhakrishnan told a melodious story with each note. It was beautiful, lush, warm and romantic. His band which includes David Ewell (Marc Cary, Howard Wiley) and Sameer Gupta (Marc Cary) were very succinct. There were great moments of call and response between Prasant and Sameer as well great solos from each player throughout the evening.

"At age 13, bandleader/saxophonist, Prasant Radhakrishnan - now 26 - began rigorous studies with Carnatic saxophone pioneer and maestro Kadri Gopalnath and has earned acclaim among the elite musical circles of Chennai, the mecca of Carnatic music. He has performed hundreds of concerts across India, North America and Japan, both on his own and with Gopalnath. While Radhakrishnan has immersed himself deeply in his Indian cultural roots, as a first-generation American, jazz is also a native art form for him. He became intrigued with jazz in high school; later, as a student in the Jazz Studies program at the University of Southern California, Radhakrishnan began creating compositions integrating the two musical worlds, ultimately leading to the Carnatic/jazz tapestry of VidyA. So for Radhakrishnan, jazz and Carnatic music are an entirely holistic pairing. The sound of VidyA is one he hears in his mind's ear and seeks a way to re-create, as he continues to delve into these disparate, yet complementary elements of his Indo-American identity."

For more information on VidyA:

www.prasantmusic.com
www.vidyamusic.com

Photo Credit: James Knox

Festival season is in full swing!

2009-08-06T19:16:36Z

One of the things I love about the Bay Area is that the music festivals and local events are jumping from now through end of September. If I have missed any, please let me know. :-)

This is the final weekend of the Stanford Jazz Festival with the Stanford Jazz Workshop All-Star Jam on Friday and Dena DeRose and Steve Davis on Saturday.

The East Bay Express Best of the East Bay 2009 Party is Friday evening from 5pm to midnight at Oakland Museum of California.

The 20th AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival is this weekend from Friday through Sunday in Downtown San Jose. Only $15 per day for three days of great music featuring Allen Toussaint, Sharon Jones, Wayne Wallace, Tierney Sutton, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bill Henderson, Sony Holland, Bettye Lavette, Jon Santo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Buster Williams, Patrice Rushen, and many more.

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland Festival is August 15 and 16. New weekend but the same great fun and entertainment for everyone. The lineup includes Shawn Colvin, Will Downing, Bobby Caldwell, and Walter and Edwin Hawkins.

Friends of the Golden Gate Public Library presents Jazz on Sunday Series every Sunday at 3pm at the Golden Gate Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, California.

Don't forget the AfroSolo Arts Festival 16 and the Yerba Buena Art Festival are running now through October.

Oakland City Center Concert Series - Concerts every Wednesday at noon at the Oakland Center in Downtown Oakland.

Kaiser Rooftop Garden Concert Series - Concerts every Friday at noon through September.

Sunnyvale Jazz Series

Aug. 15 - Tony Lindsay w/Tom Politzer (r&b & contemporary jazz)
Aug. 22 - Ed Johnson & ; Novo Tempo Quintet (contemporary Brazilian jazz)
Aug. 29 - Chester Smith Ensemble (organ straight ahead jazz)

This FREE event is open to the public and is located on Murphy Avenue (between Washington & Evelyn). For more information call 408-516-7217 or visit www.DowntownSunnyvale.com

SFJAZZ Summer Concert Series is underway and tickets for the SFJAZZ Fall Festival Season are now on sale.

Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival

Northern California's largest jazz festival returns to the Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord on August 22nd with a new lineup and a new name. Previously the JVC Jazz Festival, now called the Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival, this year brings Anita Baker, Boney James, Fourplay, Jazz Attack and local group Times 4 to Concord. Tickets for the Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival are on sale now at Livenation.com.

Downtown Berkeley MusicFest - August 27-29

Dancing in the streets, drumming in the avenues, and singing on the boulevards: all of these and more are yours this week as Berkeley's arts and entertainment hub springs into action for the Downtown Berkeley MusicFest! Highlighting the amazing diversity of Berkeley's downtown scene, the festival features a rich array of musical performances at venues throughout the downtown area.

Jazz at Filoli

Celebrate our 19th Season and Filoli's 100th Jazz Concert

Filoli Jazz lovers, please join us as we once again showcase six delightful Sunday afternoon jazz concerts held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Filoli. Let us pamper you with great entertainment. Tables and chairs are set up on the tennis court surrounded by glorious oak trees. Parking is free, as well as snacks and drinks, including beer and white wine. Gourmet boxed lunches are available for purchase in advance. This year's program features an incredibly strong lineup of world class jazz musicians. After reading the descriptions below, I think you will agree that this year might just be our best ever. Concerts are from 1:30 pm -4:00 pm.

Next up at Filoli The Bobby Hutcherson Quartet - August 30

33rd Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival

The 33rd Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival has combined two great festivals into one weekend on September 12 and 13 at Johnson Beach Resort in Guerneville. The jazz lineup (September 12) includes Al Jarreau, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliott, Jazz Attack, and Rick Braun with more acts to be announced. The blues lineup (September 13) includes The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Tommy Castro Band, and Bernard Allison with more acts to be announced.

Montclair Village Jazz and Wine Festival

The lineup for the Montclair Village Jazz and Wine Festival on Sunday, September 13 includes Kitty Margolis, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Mo'Rockin Project, and Taylor Eigsti.

52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

The 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival will be held September 18-20 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, Ca. Three days of great music. Performers include Lizz Wright, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Joshua Redman, Soulive, Dave Brubeck, Esperanza Spalding, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, and many others throughout the festival grounds.

Rockridge Out & About Street Festival

On Sunday, September 27th, College Avenue in North Oakland's famed Rockridge neighborhood becomes the stage for musicians, street performers, fashion shows, lifestyle expos, wellness activities, and picnicking.

Sponsored by the Rockridge District Association, "Rockridge Out & About " features food, fun, education, health forums, live music, and dancing at this popular annual event. College Avenue becomes a culinary and shopping extravaganza as chefs fire up the grills and serve tasty delights and unique vendor booths and large tents showcasing the districts unique mix of locally owned retail shops businesses line over half a mile of
College Avenue. Take BART to Rockridge on September 27th to stroll, shop, wine and dine, dance, play and experience Rockridge Out & About.

Photo Credit: James Knox

Media Release -- Performers Announced for the 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland Festival

2009-08-01T00:07:27Z

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BAY AREA'S COOLEST SUMMER FESTIVAL COMES EARLY THIS YEAR

SHAWN COLVIN, THE BODEANS, WILL DOWNING, BOBBY CALDWELL, MO'FONE, RAMANA VIEIRA, WALTER HAWKINS AND MORE

9th Annual Art & Soul Features a Packed Two-Day Schedule of Top Flight Entertainment

OAKLAND, California (July 24, 2009)--The City of Oakland announced headliners and featured performers for this year's 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland Festival. Thanks to guaranteed stellar lineups, abundant parking, easy BART access and the bargain price of just $10 per day, Art & Soul Oakland has been named the Bay Area's "best annual cultural event" by Oakland Magazine and Best Festival by East Bay Express. The SF Weekly added, "Art & Soul is dialed in to practically everything that makes Oakland great." Held in beautiful, re-energized downtown Oakland three weeks earlier on Saturday August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2009, the festival delivers four concert stages offering simultaneous talent and diversity featuring an eclectic all-star lineup of 40 national recording artists and hot Bay Area bands sure to please every musical taste. While stage lineups are still being finalized, the acts continue the diverse and wonderful variety that has made Art & Soul the region's most popular music festival.

Saturday is anchored by headliner and multiple Grammy winner Shawn Colvin on the Art & Soul Main Stage (in association with KFOG 104.5 FM/97.7 FM) Colvin's tender, crystal clear voice sings of poignantly vivid images of relationships and life with great insight. Her performances are all at once astonishing and haunting, provocative and seductive. Sharing the stage are the BoDeans, the danceable, lean and scrappy folk/rock band once named best new band by Rolling Stone magazine. Now, 20 years later, their romantic sensibility and passionate harmonies linked to simple but potent guitar based rock and roll still excite.

The new Yoshi's Jazz Stage is newsworthy in and of itself. The lineup was selected through collaboration with the booking agents for both the Oakland and San Francisco Yoshi's Jazz Club. Headlining on Saturday are the funky brass sounds of Mo'Fone. Jazz Weekly says Mo'Fone, "Snaps and crackles like James Brown's Famous Flames with a New Orleans second line." Jazziz sums it up with, "Mo'Fone brings the grease." The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music under the direction of famed jazz trombonist Angela Wellman opens the day at 12:30 P.M. The smoky saxophone sound of Dayna Stevens follows and then the cool Latin/Soul of Sepia leads into the roaring Mo'Fone close.

Headlining the Plaza Stage's Local Voices programming on Saturday is world renowned Fado singer Ramana Vieira. Called "A rising star in World Music," by the San Francisco Examiner, Ramana has solidified her place as an artist who understands the tradition of Fado singing, but constantly combines new musical textures and original compositions. Berkeley-based Indie Rock singer/songwriter Jesse Strickland (aka Dear Indugu) brings an intensely passionate presence and personal lyrics to open the segment, followed by the Afro-Venezuelan sounds of Oakland 's Rosa los Santos .

Abby and the Pipsqueaks and Jump Street open the Plaza Stage with humorous children's music and family entertainment.

In addition, Saturday features the wildly popular Gospel Stage with Edwin Hawkins and Bishop Walter L. Hawkins and the Community in Praise Mass Choir. An entire afternoon of uplifting, roof-raising Gospel music will abound including Terence Kelly & Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Love Center Choir, Kevin Moore, Carl Wheeler & Men of Endurance and Derrick Hall & Company.

]]> The indomitable Will Downing tops Sunday's Main Stage line-up (in association with KBLX 102.9 FM) In late 2006, Downing was diagnosed with polymyositis, a disorder causing weakness in joints and muscles. As a result, Downing recorded the majority of his vocals for 2008's After Tonight from a wheelchair. Buoyed by fan support, Downing continued to struggle against the disease and released the soulful Classique in 2009. His gorgeous, smooth, deeply personal delivery connects emotionally with the listener, his song choices are excellent, and his arrangements are extremely sophisticated. Also on the Main Stage is blue-eyed soul singer Bobby Caldwell. Best known for his What You Won't Do for Love, Caldwell provides a genuine mix of R&B and jazz signatures with his bittersweet, buttery vocal tones that make him equally adept at his own originals or classic standards.

A perennial favorite, the Oakland R&B Reunion Stage is loaded with great acts. Zakiya Hooker, daughter of the legendary John Lee Hooker, brings her jazzy, sassy, soul blues to the stage. Freddie Hughes, who had R&B hits all the way back in the 60s, will pump out a set of Southern Soul blues. Derick Hughes adds his powerful, moody blues voice and crack band to what should be a great day of blues. The Caravan of Allstars featuring some of Oakland 's finest blues musicians and singers are next. Their shows are very funky, filled with some of Oakland 's greatest legends performing in front of the Allstars roaring rhythm section and horn section. Rounding out a great Blues afternoon is Frankie Lee, a legendary, underrated blues singer with more than 45 years experience. Known for his incredible live shows, Frankie says, "Whether it's one or 1,000, me and my band are gonna put on a show."

Expect people to be up and dancing at the Latin Stage on Sunday. Chino Espinoza y Los Dueños Del Son headline. Their high energy, infectious music is perfect for the dance club and has made them the most popular Salsa orchestra on the West Coast. Building up to Chino's show we have Ba-Tu-Ke with their heady mixture of Cumbia, Son, Merengue and Samba mixed with Brazilian and African percussion and sweet vocal harmonies. Sandy Perez y Su Lade offer Afro-Cuban folkloric music with a strong percussion base, and Fito Reinoso returns to Art & Soul Oakland with his stunning Salsa Cubana.

On Sunday, the Plaza Stage is dedicated to World Dance. The stage opens highlighting the youth and adult classes of Bay Area dance studios. That will be followed by a steady stream of Bay Area hip-hop dance crews. The highlight of the afternoon is sure to be Tribute to Michael Jackson presented by Bay Area hip-hop dance companies and featuring dancers from the hit TV series So You Think You Can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew.

Art & Soul Oakland has great music but that's not all. A family paradise, the festival boasts the largest Family Fun Zone of any festival in the Bay Area, complete with kiddie rides, children's entertainment and free festival admission for ages 12 and under. The ever-expanding Family Fun Zone is jam-packed with interactive activities for children of all ages, as well as kid-friendly carnival games, inflatable bouncers and hands-on activities to create their own art to take home. Every year, Art & Soul Oakland features hundreds of artisan and vendor booths as well as a mouth-watering array of food reflecting the rich cultural diversity found in Oakland--the most diverse city in America.

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland is Northern California 's most accessible festival offering direct service from BART ( 12th Street - Oakland City Center Station) and free parking for thousands of cars. Last year more than 60,000 people enjoyed sensational music, food, fun, dance and art in beautiful downtown Oakland . "Downtown Oakland is hot," says Samee Roberts, City of Oakland Marketing Director. "Scores of new restaurants, clubs, galleries and the renovated Fox Theater are drawing people from all over the region in droves. It all started with Art & Soul -- a multicultural mecca of music, art and food with the most wonderfully fun, diverse festival crowd you will find anywhere."

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland takes place in downtown Oakland on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2009 from Noon-6 PM. The festival is centered in Frank Ogawa Plaza and City Center , encompassing 10 strollable city blocks. Admission is $10.00 per day at the door; $5 for seniors, disabled and youth 13 to 17, with 12 and under free.

For more information on the 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland , visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.

# # #

Media Contacts:

Michael Coats (707) 935-6203 or michael@coatspr.com
Lance Cutler (707) 996-5980 or lance@winepatrol.com
Harry Hamilton (510) 238-2107 or hhamilton@oaklandnet.com

Photo of Wayman Tisdale at Art & Soul Oakland 2006 by James Knox. RIP Wayman.

Friends of Golden Gate Library Present Jazz on Sundays Series

2009-07-25T15:28:20Z

This Sunday, guitarist Calvin Keys and his trio will perform at 3pm at Golden Gate Library, 5606 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, California. This concert is part of the Friends of Golden Gate Library 19th Annual Jazz on Sundays Summer Concert Series which runs through August 30.

Concerts are held every Sunday at 3pm (doors open at 2:30pm), followed by a History of Jazz lecture with jazz legend Randy Moore, and an open jam session. All concerts are held at the Golden Gate Library with the exception of the August 23 concert, featuring the Junius Courtney Big Band (shown above.) This concert at Temescal Creek Park located on 47th Street between Adeline and San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville.

Admission is free and donation are welcome.

Upcoming concerts:

July 26, 2009
Calvin Keys Trio

August 2, 2009
John Handy and Special Guest

August 9, 2009
Bay Area Blues Society Caravan of All Stars

August 16, 2009
Howard Wiley

August 23, 2009
Julius Courtney Big Band (Temescal Creek Park)

August 30, 2009
Rhonda Benin & Quartet

Photo Credit: James Knox

KCSM - Close the Gap Benefit Concert

2009-06-18T20:04:22Z

San Mateo-based jazz station plans benefit concert

By Sean Maher
San Mateo County Times

KCSM-FM, the only remaining all-jazz radio station in the Bay Area, is banking on a one-time-only benefit concert to keep the station from going silent.

On June 30, Yoshi's in Oakland will host a trio of solo pianists spanning three generations of Bay Area jazz piano playing to support the financially struggling station.

"We're one of the very few, one of the last remaining all-jazz stations in the country, in the world," said program director Melanie Berzon, who lamented the recent format change from soft jazz to classic rock at KKSF-FM. "They're dropping like flies. We're losing jazz stations and jazz formats hand over fist.''

KCSM (91.1 FM), licensed to the San Mateo County Community College District, has received the bulk of its funding from listeners for years, Berzon said. But a 12 percent chunk of its operating budget expected from the school district fell through this year when the district, which is funded by the state, experienced deep cuts, she said.

The station's recent pledge drive drew more donations and more cash than ever, but the station is still trying to bridge a $40,000 gap by June 30, when its fiscal year ends and the school has to decide whether to keep the station running, Berzon said.

Three local pianists hope to help. Denny Zeitlin, Jon Jang and Taylor Eigsti, each known as an inventive and fascinating musician, will take the stage at Yoshi's to benefit the station.

"It's kind of a one-time summit, and that's really the appeal to it," said Chuy Varela, the event's organizer and music director for the station. "When you think about the tradition of Bay Area jazz piano, you think of Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi, the many others who have been there. These guys have carried the torch from there."

"Denny is kind of the old-schooler, and he's getting a lot of respect right now for all he's done, all his early work for Columbia," Varela said. "He's also a practicing psychiatrist; he's also written scores for 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and other movies. He's quite an innovator."

Jang, who grew up locally and worked with renowned drummer Max Roach, "has been really instrumental in the Asian-American jazz movement," Varela said. "For him to do solo piano like this really takes away the bridles, if you will. He'll be able to move around freely."

The young buck of the ticket is Eigsti, who in the past three years has become one of the major pianists emerging in the U.S., Varela said.

"You get these three pianists, all very much stylists, individuals who all have something to say, and they're going to say it in a warm and intimate room in a solo piano concert," Varela said. "We're not using any amplification. The room is such a beautiful sounding room, this will just allow it to breathe and have this organic presentation to it."

Tickets will run $50 each, and if both performances sell out, the station should be safe, Varela said.

"People want to help, and part of it is that there are folks that are hurting, and there are folks that are not hurting, but they're being more cautious," he said. "Maybe they see this as a worthy cause and one they have a feeling for, that it will help make this a success."

General manager Marilyn Lawrence said the situation is even more serious at KCSM's television station, and layoffs have been announced. On June 24, she said, she will make a presentation to the board of trustees for the station, at which time she expects they will decide whether to keep both stations or sell one or both.

"In hard times, the first thing to go is culture," Berzon said. "I understand that; we all need to eat, put roofs over our heads, feed our families. But culture, whether it's music, art, literature, it gets us through difficult times and feeds us in a way I personally think is necessary."

KCSM-FM broadcasts at 91.1 and can be streamed online for free at www.kcsm.org. For more information about the event or to donate to the station, visit the Web site or call 800-477-5276.

Uptown Unveiled Tonight 5-10pm

2009-06-18T19:33:58Z

For event information, http://www.oaklandnet.com/documents/0401609_uptown_unveiled.pdf