Ingrid Jensen: She-Bop
“One of the first records my dad gave me was “Kind of Blue.” With that kind of introduction, it’s no wonder than Ingrid Jensen turned out to become a trumpet player. One might not expect North Vancouver to be a prime locale for recruiting hot jazz musicians. However, it is, …
Etienne Charles Quintet Campbell Recital Hall at Stanford University
A sold out crowd packed the house at Stanford University’s Campbell Recital Hall to experience the melodic, Caribbean flavored sounds of the Etienne Charles Quintet during the Stanford Lively Arts 2011-2012 Performing Arts Season. Donned in his signature porkpie hat a la Lester Young, Etienne Charles, the progeny of four …
Beating Out Paths Unknown – Master Drummer Brian Blade Muses About Fellowship
From the day that we are born until the day we leave this earth, each of us is on a journey. And most of the time that journey is of the unknown, although there are little and big signs, landmarks if you will, that give indications of where we have …
Marcus Strickland: Jazzin’ in Rotterdam
If you’d asked me a few weeks ago, “Have you ever heard of Marcus Strickland?”, I honestly would have to say the answer would be, “No”. So, how is it possible not to know a guy who played with big jazz names like Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts and Roy Hanes, and …
PJ Morton: Throwback to the Future
Catching up with multi-talented, Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, producer, PJ Morton, was truly a blessing. Between a full touring schedule with Maroon 5, arguably one of the pop music’s most impacting bands, recently inking a deal with perennial chart topping record label, Young Money, dropping a new EP, and …
George Benson Rocks Chicago with Classic Hits
There is probably no musician within the broad encompassing label of jazz who is more of an enigma than guitarist George Benson. Is he a jazz or R&B singer? Is he a pop, straight-ahead jazz or contemporary jazz guitarist? Is he serious about the idiom or just all showmanship and …
Nicholas Payton Debuts His Big Band at Chicago Symphony Center
The extraordinaire Nicholas Payton played with a twenty-piece ensemble as he debuted his own big band, the Television Studio Orchestra (TSO) at Chicago’s Symphony Center. The entire group took to the stage, each member adorned in black from head to toe, with the exception of Mr. Payton – in his …
Herbie Hancock Creates a Jazz Reunion in St. Louis
Herbie Hancock’s St. Louis fans sold out The Bistro, filling more than 1000 seats to hear this legendary musician and his outstanding band. This electrifying concert featured familiar tunes that help to catapult Hancock to fame. The audience showed their appreciation by dancing in the aisles and rocking to the …
Oran Etkin: Music Class
One of the most endearing qualities of music is the unintended effect it has to directly shape the outcome you and me: the listener. The jazz that softly plays in the background brings peace and calm to a tumultuous day that would have regularly been chaotic. A catchy melody stuck …
Gregory Porter: Where Soul Meets Jazz
Grammy nominee Gregory Porter, a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actor is undeniably a compelling man. Not only does he stand out physically, with his combination teddy bear/ football player physique in dress suits and ties, topped with a peculiar head covering, but his soulful voice and captivating ballads speaks to …
First Bass: virtuoso bassist Stanley Clarke keeps winning
Question: What is left for a renown musician to do after more than 40 years in the jazz idiom winning every kind of music award imaginable; innovating a new technique on how to play the electric bass; becoming one of the best known film scorers of the 20th Century; and …
Grace Kelly: Amazing Grace
With over 500 plus performances, seven albums, numerous awards, recordings with music notables such as Esperanza Spalding, Kenny Barron, and Dave Brubeck, and a personal invitation by jazz ambassador, Wynton Marsalis, to play for the President, Grace Kelly has done more at age 19 that most have done in a …