Patrice Rushen: Being First is Overrated
There is a heavy burden with being a trailblazer or provocateur of change in anything. You have to endure a great deal of pain, doubt – self-inflicted or otherwise – and obstacles, often thanklessly and usually for the sole purpose of making things easier for those who come behind you. …
Neshui Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees
The ceremony was held at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s home, Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City. The Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame honors iconic artists and members of the jazz community based on his or her singular dedication and outstanding contributions to jazz. …
Emily Bear Live at New York’s Le Poisson Rouge
Emily Bear is like any other 11-year-old girl, aside from the fact that she is an accomplished pianist, expressive composer and, if that wasn’t impressive, she also possesses something very few children her age have – the Quincy Jones stamp of approval. The 27-time Grammy-Award winning producer/arranger/composer and all-around legend …
Quincy Jones: The Clairvoyant
Ray Charles. Miles Davis. Duke Ellington. Donna Summer. Michael Jackson. George Benson. Chaka Khan. Frank Sinatra. Lena Horne. These are some of the greatest, most famous recording artists of the 20th century, all of them linked by a common component: Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. The legendary impresario (calling him a …
Dominick Farinacci: 360 Degrees and Rising
To impress the likes of Quincy Jones it takes real talent, dedication and commitment to the art of music and jazz trumpeter Dominick Farinacci has just that – real talent, the dedication to hone is craft and commitment to be the best musician. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Farinacci grew …
Justin Kauflin: Seeing Through His Musical Vision
How many people are fortunate enough to be mentored by the legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry? Say, Miles Davis and Quincy Jones. And how about those Quincy Jones mentored; Michael Jackson, Tevin Campbell and Tamia to name a few. There is an individual who can say he has been blessed …
Jazz Icon Clark Terry’s Life Commitment Mentoring Young Musicians
Legendary Trumpeter Clark Terry “If Clark Terry told me I was playing shit, man, I’d take that seriously. I’d take it to heart.” – Miles Davis Musicians can be a selfish or cryptic people. Even though it may or may not be a fair assessment to make, the truth of …
Alfredo Rodriguez Makes New Sounds from All Spaces
Alfredo Rodriguez photo by Anna Webber Oil and water. These are two items that do not mix. Some would say science and spirituality don’t mix either. Well, when listening to pianist Alfredo Rodriguez’s album Sounds of Space, it’s difficult to support the idea that barriers exist being the technological and …
Terence Blanchard: The Man with the Crescent Touch
When examining the arc of one’s artistry, what must be considered above that individual’s personal aptitude of his respective skill is the fact that you are a product of your environment. Terence Blanchard is an arc type for this principle, extracting the rich spirit of his New Orleans upbringing from …