"I take music serious, but I don't take it seriously."_ Herbie Nichols
Tadd Dameron as a composer and arranger was the man who in the 1940s and ‘50s was among the first to use the sometimes raw and undisciplined devices of the then-new style of jazz called bebop in well-developed arrangements for big bands and small groups. Perhaps more than any other musician, Dameron added form to the then-emerging style of bop.
Born in Cleveland in 1917, Dameron grew up with music all around him, his mother first taught him to play piano, “not to read, but by memory.” But, it was Dameron’s older brother, Caesar, a saxophonist, who got his brother interested in jazz by listening to the records of the big bands of the 1930’s like Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, and the Casa Loma band that was playing unique arrangements at the time.
Cleveland jazz musician Andy Anderson said he first heard Dameron in the 1930s when Caesar brought his kid brother to a nightclub, and asked if the boy could sit in with the Snake White Band. Anderson said he was amazed when Tadd started playing piano. Anderson said, “He’s got ten fingers and all of them went down on the keys and all of them were on different notes. You didn’t expect to hear anything like that.”
Before long, a Central High School friend, trumpeter Freddie Webster, persuaded Dameron to join his band playing in Cleveland. By 1938 at the age of 21, he began to write arrangements for a band that had been formed in Cleveland by James Jeter and Hayes Pillars. In 1940, Dameron went on the road with bands led by Zack Whyte and Blanche Calloway and went to New York with Vito Musso’s band. When Musso’s band folded, he went to Kansas City where he composed and arranged for Harlan Leonard’s Rockets. Among his compositions for the Leonard band were “400 Swing,” “Rock and Ride” and “A La Bridges.” At this point in his life, Dameron was writing almost pure swing. There was no evidence yet of the modern sounds he would later pioneer.
He began to experiment with a few new ideas while writing arrangements for the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. He was soaking up all the new bebop he was hearing and was beginning to use some of the new style in his big band arrangements. Dameron recalled, “I started writing in my own style when I got on Count Basie’s band.” In 1942, Trummy Young, a trombonist Dameron had known on the Lunceford band, introduced Tadd to Dizzy Gillespie. Arranging for Gillespie’s big band, Dameron took the long phrases, powerful upbeat rhythms and chord changes of bop that Dizzy and Charlie Parker were pioneering, and used them in big band arrangements. Among his early compositions for Gillespie was “Good Bait.”
Dameron was honored by Esquire magazine in 1947 as “The Best New Jazz Arranger.” That same year, he formed his own small group that featured Fats Navarro, an amazing young trumpet player. They recorded some classic sides for Blue Note and Capitol. After Navarro died in 1950 at the age of 26, Dameron found another young trumpeter who would become a jazz legend. Dameron was preparing for a recording session and later recalled he had decided to hire a relative unknown, Clifford Brown. On June 11, 1953, they went into the recording studio in New York City. Clifford Brown’s trumpet soared brilliantly above the chanting nine-piece ensemble. By 1956, only three years after Dameron had introduced him on record, Clifford Brown had become one of the most respected trumpeters in jazz. Dameron continued to write and arrange, including his best known composition, “If You Could See Me Now,” recorded by Sarah Vaughan and Dameron’s old boyhood buddy Freddie Webster. After recording a couple of albums as “Mating Call,” with John Coltrane in ’58, he spent much of 1959-61 in jail, on narcotics charges. After he was released, Dameron wrote for Sonny Stitt, Blue Mitchell, Milt Jackson, and Benny Goodman.
Tadd Dameron’s last session recording was “The Magic Touch of Tadd Dameron,” (1962) a definitive set that sums up much of his career. The record showcases all originals as; “On a Misty Night,” “Fontainebleau,” “If You Could See Me Now,” and “Our Delight.” Recorded with a large group of all-stars, Bill Evans on piano, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin; trumpeters Charlie Shavers, Joe Wilder, and Clark Terry; trombonist Jimmy Cleveland; Julius Watkins on French horn; and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Barbara Winfield was the vocalist on two of the selections. This record is an appropriate farewell from be-bops finest arranger, whose time was cut much too short.
Tadd Dameron died in 1965.
Born: February 21, 1917
Jazz In Demark -A Brief History
Με πάνω από 500 συμμετοχές σε δίσκους από την δεκαετία του 70 και μετά σε συνεργασίες με τον Art Blakey , τον Mose Allison ,τον John Scofield , την Betty Carter , την Annie Rose, τον Joe Lovano και τόσους άλλους , έφυγε από την ζωή σε ηλικία μόλις 56 ετών ο μπασίστας Dennis Irwin .Χτυπημένος από τον καρκίνο ,έφυγε την μέρα όπου μία συναυλία προγραμματιζόταν γι’αυτόν στο Lincoln Center ώστε να στηριχτεί οικονομικά καθώς δεν είχε ιατρική ασφάλεια και τα έξοδα της θεραπείας του ήταν αξεπέραστα .Ο χαμός του ανέδειξε και το πρόβλημα των ανασφάλιστων καλλιτεχνών που ο αριθμός τους αυξάνεται συνεχώς στις Ηνωμένες πολιτείες .
Like many other enterprises that just sort of come into being, Nagel Heyer Records, of Hamburg, Germany, was never planned. It all started on George Gershwin's birthday, September 26, 1992. We produced a jazz concert of Gershwin music, which was recorded live just to have a souvenir of the event. The recording was a great success thanks to the superb musicians who played on it: George Masso, Randy Sandke, Kenny Davern, Danny Moss, Eddie Higgins, Len Skeat, and Jake Hanna. Because of that seven live recordings of concerts in Hamburg followed in 1993.
Since then we have recorded over 100 titles and the label's mission is to present the finest in modern and mainstream jazz. Nagel Heyer's recent catalogue includes recordings by jazz greats such as Eric Reed, Clark Terry, Donald Harrison, Bill Charlap, Terell Stafford, Harry Allen, Buck Clayton, Ralph Sutton, Howard Alden, Bob Wilber and Warren Vaché amongst others.
Nagel Heyer Records aspires to become one of the most influential independent jazz labels of the future ("…it's not hard to say that Nagel Heyer are out-majoring the so-called 'majors'." Tim Dorset, Jazz Review), combining a healthy respect and high regard for jazz's glorious past with a vision that looks eagerly toward jazz's bright future.
Sabine Nagel Heyer, President/CEO of Nagel Heyer, herself observes "there is amazing amount of wonderful talent to be heard far and wide in the jazz world today. Nagel Heyer will continue to expose both established and emerging young artists." Marcus Printup, Wayne Escoffery, Dylan Cramer, Lyambiko, David Gibson, Roy Powell, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, and Byron Stripling are but some of the emerging artists signed to the label.
It is no coincidence that reviewers wrote about us:"Followers of the Nagel Heyer label know what to expect from this high quality, amazingly consistent German firm - hot, live, combo-jam performances by some of the best swing-orientated jazzmen in the world today." Jack Sohmer, Jazz Times"What's the difference between mainstream, then and now? If Concord sets the standard for this kind of album two decades back, then Nagel Heyer are flying the same flag even higher now." Richard Cook, Jazz Review
Nagel Heyer has a love affair with jazz. Each recording is a product of warmth, precision and meticulous attention to detail. Sound is mastered to perfection. Track selection and editing is a delicate and diligent collaboration of artist, engineer and producer. Both live and studio discs are available. That's why the German label has achieved a near legendary status amongst the critics and the International jazz public at large.
In Fall 2002 we have celebrated the 10th anniversary of Nagel Heyer Records - and that is only the beginning…
Nagel Heyer RecordsElbchaussee 232, 22605 Hamburg, GermanyPhone +49 40 880 989 29, Fax +49 40 880 990 29www.nagelheyer.com, info@nagelheyer.com
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THE HOT MUSIC HOUSE OF TADD DAMERON
Tadd Dameron as a composer and arranger was the man who in the 1940s and ‘50s was among the first to use the sometimes raw and undisciplined devices of the then-new style of jazz called bebop in well-developed arrangements for big bands and small groups. Perhaps more than any other musician, Dameron added form to the then-emerging style of bop.
Born in Cleveland in 1917, Dameron grew up with music all around him, his mother first taught him to play piano, “not to read, but by memory.” But, it was Dameron’s older brother, Caesar, a saxophonist, who got his brother interested in jazz by listening to the records of the big bands of the 1930’s like Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, and the Casa Loma band that was playing unique arrangements at the time.
Cleveland jazz musician Andy Anderson said he first heard Dameron in the 1930s when Caesar brought his kid brother to a nightclub, and asked if the boy could sit in with the Snake White Band. Anderson said he was amazed when Tadd started playing piano. Anderson said, “He’s got ten fingers and all of them went down on the keys and all of them were on different notes. You didn’t expect to hear anything like that.”
Before long, a Central High School friend, trumpeter Freddie Webster, persuaded Dameron to join his band playing in Cleveland. By 1938 at the age of 21, he began to write arrangements for a band that had been formed in Cleveland by James Jeter and Hayes Pillars. In 1940, Dameron went on the road with bands led by Zack Whyte and Blanche Calloway and went to New York with Vito Musso’s band. When Musso’s band folded, he went to Kansas City where he composed and arranged for Harlan Leonard’s Rockets. Among his compositions for the Leonard band were “400 Swing,” “Rock and Ride” and “A La Bridges.” At this point in his life, Dameron was writing almost pure swing. There was no evidence yet of the modern sounds he would later pioneer.
He began to experiment with a few new ideas while writing arrangements for the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra. He was soaking up all the new bebop he was hearing and was beginning to use some of the new style in his big band arrangements. Dameron recalled, “I started writing in my own style when I got on Count Basie’s band.” In 1942, Trummy Young, a trombonist Dameron had known on the Lunceford band, introduced Tadd to Dizzy Gillespie. Arranging for Gillespie’s big band, Dameron took the long phrases, powerful upbeat rhythms and chord changes of bop that Dizzy and Charlie Parker were pioneering, and used them in big band arrangements. Among his early compositions for Gillespie was “Good Bait.”
Dameron was honored by Esquire magazine in 1947 as “The Best New Jazz Arranger.” That same year, he formed his own small group that featured Fats Navarro, an amazing young trumpet player. They recorded some classic sides for Blue Note and Capitol. After Navarro died in 1950 at the age of 26, Dameron found another young trumpeter who would become a jazz legend. Dameron was preparing for a recording session and later recalled he had decided to hire a relative unknown, Clifford Brown. On June 11, 1953, they went into the recording studio in New York City. Clifford Brown’s trumpet soared brilliantly above the chanting nine-piece ensemble. By 1956, only three years after Dameron had introduced him on record, Clifford Brown had become one of the most respected trumpeters in jazz. Dameron continued to write and arrange, including his best known composition, “If You Could See Me Now,” recorded by Sarah Vaughan and Dameron’s old boyhood buddy Freddie Webster. After recording a couple of albums as “Mating Call,” with John Coltrane in ’58, he spent much of 1959-61 in jail, on narcotics charges. After he was released, Dameron wrote for Sonny Stitt, Blue Mitchell, Milt Jackson, and Benny Goodman.
Tadd Dameron’s last session recording was “The Magic Touch of Tadd Dameron,” (1962) a definitive set that sums up much of his career. The record showcases all originals as; “On a Misty Night,” “Fontainebleau,” “If You Could See Me Now,” and “Our Delight.” Recorded with a large group of all-stars, Bill Evans on piano, tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin; trumpeters Charlie Shavers, Joe Wilder, and Clark Terry; trombonist Jimmy Cleveland; Julius Watkins on French horn; and drummer Philly Joe Jones. Barbara Winfield was the vocalist on two of the selections. This record is an appropriate farewell from be-bops finest arranger, whose time was cut much too short.
Tadd Dameron died in 1965.
Born: February 21, 1917
Selected Discography :
1948-The Dameron Band (featuring Fats Navarro) (Blue Note)
1949-Anthropology (Spotlite)
1953-A Study In Dameronia (Prestige)
1956-Fontainebleau (Prestige)
1956-Mating Call (Prestige)
1962-The Magic Touch of Tadd Dameron (Riverside)
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"One of the most interesting American pianists on the scene , Moran is a spellbinding virtuoso"_The Guardian
Μετά το 1985 και στην δεκαετία του ’90 η επιστροφή στην mainstream ακουστική jazz αναζωπύρωσε την αμερικανική σκηνή αλλά ταυτόχρονα έθεσε και το ζήτημα της αυθεντικότητας - αν οι νέοι μουσικοί απλά αναπαράγουν τον ήχο και την μουσική των μεγάλων μάστερς του 40 και του 50 ή έχουν κάτι νέο να πουν που να εκφράζει την εποχή τους .Πολλοί διαπίστωσαν ότι οι νέες γενιές βγαλμένες από το Berkley και τα άλλα πανεπιστήμια και όχι από τον δρόμο γεννούν άρτιους τεχνικά μουσικούς αλλά χωρίς δικό τους εκφραστικό λόγο και φαντασία .Η εποχή είναι σίγουρα διαφορετική – το κλίμα και οι συνθήκες έχουν αλλάξει – Γιατί να αγοράσει ή να κατεβάσει κανείς σήμερα ένα σχήμα που παίζει την μουσική του Sonny Rollins ή των Jazz Messengers όταν ο παλιός αυθεντικός κατάλογος κυκλοφορεί σε απίθανες εκδόσεις και με καλύτερες τιμές και είναι μακρύς και ανεξάντλητος ?
Ψάξε σε βάθος την μουσική των παλαιών μάστερς , ανακάλυψε πως η μουσική των παλιών «πληροφορεί» την σημερινή πραγματικότητα και ανέπτυξε τις δικές σου καινοτομίες – παίξε με την δική σου προσωπικότητα – βρες τον δικό σου ήχο .Αυτή την συμβουλή ακούει ο νέος μουσικός και αυτό είναι το ζητούμενο αν θέλει να σταδιοδρομήσει στην τζαζ .Εύκολα όμως το σχήμα αυτό λέγεται δύσκολα πράττεται .
O Jason Moran είναι ο μουσικός που με ευκρίνεια μας δίνει μία νέα ανανεωτική πρόταση , ανασυνθέτοντας την μεγάλη κληρονομιά σε κάτι φρέσκο , ενδιαφέρον και διαχρονικό .Ένας πιανίστας - συνθέτης , μαθητής του μεγάλου καινοτόμου δασκάλου Jaki Byard αποτελεί ένα φωτεινό δείγμα καλλιτέχνη που ψάχνει και αναζητά τον επαναπροσδιορισμό της τζαζ με σαφή κατεύθυνση και προσανατολισμό και όχι ευκαιριακή άρνηση και στείρα αμφισβήτηση .Και το πετυχαίνει .Μουσική που πειραματίζεται κρατώντας λογικές αποστάσεις από το παρελθόν – μουσική του παρόντος – μοντέρνα και ενεργειακή – φρέσκια – απλή και διανοητική όπως του Monk , που με το καινούργιο του project : In my mind –Monk at Town Hall επισκέπτεται ο Moran .
Μουσική με βαρύτητα και βάθος , που ξέρει να αφαιρεί τα ανούσια και να κρατά τα ουσιώδη , πνεύμα και μυαλό που γνωρίζουν , μετουσιώνουν και φρεσκάρουν την αλυσίδα της τέχνης .Αυτή είναι η μουσική του Jason Moran και αυτή την μουσική αποζητούμε .
Selected Disocgraphy :
1999-Soundtrack to Human Motion (Blue Note) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JAZZ PORTRAIT : JASON MORAN
"One of the most interesting American pianists on the scene , Moran is a spellbinding virtuoso"_The Guardian
Μετά το 1985 και στην δεκαετία του ’90 η επιστροφή στην mainstream ακουστική jazz αναζωπύρωσε την αμερικανική σκηνή αλλά ταυτόχρονα έθεσε και το ζήτημα της αυθεντικότητας - αν οι νέοι μουσικοί απλά αναπαράγουν τον ήχο και την μουσική των μεγάλων μάστερς του 40 και του 50 ή έχουν κάτι νέο να πουν που να εκφράζει την εποχή τους .Πολλοί διαπίστωσαν ότι οι νέες γενιές βγαλμένες από το Berkley και τα άλλα πανεπιστήμια και όχι από τον δρόμο γεννούν άρτιους τεχνικά μουσικούς αλλά χωρίς δικό τους εκφραστικό λόγο και φαντασία .Η εποχή είναι σίγουρα διαφορετική – το κλίμα και οι συνθήκες έχουν αλλάξει – Γιατί να αγοράσει ή να κατεβάσει κανείς σήμερα ένα σχήμα που παίζει την μουσική του Sonny Rollins ή των Jazz Messengers όταν ο παλιός αυθεντικός κατάλογος κυκλοφορεί σε απίθανες εκδόσεις και με καλύτερες τιμές και είναι μακρύς και ανεξάντλητος ?
Ψάξε σε βάθος την μουσική των παλαιών μάστερς , ανακάλυψε πως η μουσική των παλιών «πληροφορεί» την σημερινή πραγματικότητα και ανέπτυξε τις δικές σου καινοτομίες – παίξε με την δική σου προσωπικότητα – βρες τον δικό σου ήχο .Αυτή την συμβουλή ακούει ο νέος μουσικός και αυτό είναι το ζητούμενο αν θέλει να σταδιοδρομήσει στην τζαζ .Εύκολα όμως το σχήμα αυτό λέγεται δύσκολα πράττεται .
O Jason Moran είναι ο μουσικός που με ευκρίνεια μας δίνει μία νέα ανανεωτική πρόταση , ανασυνθέτοντας την μεγάλη κληρονομιά σε κάτι φρέσκο , ενδιαφέρον και διαχρονικό .Ένας πιανίστας - συνθέτης , μαθητής του μεγάλου καινοτόμου δασκάλου Jaki Byard αποτελεί ένα φωτεινό δείγμα καλλιτέχνη που ψάχνει και αναζητά τον επαναπροσδιορισμό της τζαζ με σαφή κατεύθυνση και προσανατολισμό και όχι ευκαιριακή άρνηση και στείρα αμφισβήτηση .Και το πετυχαίνει .Μουσική που πειραματίζεται κρατώντας λογικές αποστάσεις από το παρελθόν – μουσική του παρόντος – μοντέρνα και ενεργειακή – φρέσκια – απλή και διανοητική όπως του Monk , που με το καινούργιο του project : In my mind –Monk at Town Hall επισκέπτεται ο Moran .
Μουσική με βαρύτητα και βάθος , που ξέρει να αφαιρεί τα ανούσια και να κρατά τα ουσιώδη , πνεύμα και μυαλό που γνωρίζουν , μετουσιώνουν και φρεσκάρουν την αλυσίδα της τέχνης .Αυτή είναι η μουσική του Jason Moran και αυτή την μουσική αποζητούμε .
Selected Disocgraphy :
2000-Facing Left (Blue Note)
2001-Black Stars (Blue Note)
2002-Modernistic (Blue Note)
2003-The Bandwagon (Blue Note)
2005-Same Mother (Blue Note)
2006-Artist In Residence (Blue Note)
"Let's see, well, one dude said, "Why did you play 'You Don't Know What Love Is' that way? You played it more avant-garde and I would have chosen to play it straight." I preceded to tell this guy, "That's why you're sitting in the audience." His girlfriend started laughing and that's what really made him feel bad and he said, "Well, I'm an architect." I said, "You telling me that is like me telling you that you can only use 90 degree angles in your buildings. You can have no round curves. You can have no circles. You can't use anything but concrete, no marble, no glass. That is the same shit you're telling me." Then he preceded to walk off. "_Jason Moran
"Let's see, well, one dude said, "Why did you play 'You Don't Know What Love Is' that way? You played it more avant-garde and I would have chosen to play it straight." I preceded to tell this guy, "That's why you're sitting in the audience." His girlfriend started laughing and that's what really made him feel bad and he said, "Well, I'm an architect." I said, "You telling me that is like me telling you that you can only use 90 degree angles in your buildings. You can have no round curves. You can have no circles. You can't use anything but concrete, no marble, no glass. That is the same shit you're telling me." Then he preceded to walk off. "_Jason Moran
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EUROPEAN MUSICIANS : DANISH JAZZ & EUROPEAN COMPOSERS JAZZ NETWORK
Η Δανία είναι μία χώρα με παράδοση στην τζαζ και παραμένει ένα κέντρο αναζήτησης και διαρκούς δημιουργίας . Μια νέα σημαντική πρωτοβουλία είναι η δημιουργία του European Jazz Composers Network , μία ομάδα νέων συνθετών της τζαζ που δραστηριοποιούνται στην Κοπεγχάγη .Ο στόχος της ομάδας είναι να ενισχύσει το διανόημα της Ευρωπαϊκής τζαζ , να προσδιορίσει και να ενδυναμώσει τις τρέχουσες συνθετικές αναζητήσεις και την αυτοσχεδιαστική μουσική των μεγάλων σχημάτων και να αξιοποιηθεί ο σύγχρονος συνθετικός Ευρωπαϊκός πλούτος από τις μεγάλες μπάντες που κατά κανόνα παίζουν τους κλασσικούς Αμερικανούς .Η μεγάλη μπάντα Danish Big Band , ο Νορβηγός συνθέτης Geir Lysne , ο γερμανός Steffen Schorn και ο Dane Lars Moller είναι από τους κρυστάλλους μάζας της προσπάθειας αυτής .Πολλοί αξιόλογοι μουσικοί της Δανέζικης σκηνής λόγω της τάσης να χρησιμοποιούνται Αμερικανοί επισκέπτες στις μεγάλες μπάντες χάνουν επαγγελματικές ευκαιρίες .Η ομάδα θέλει μέσω ενός ανοιχτού διαλόγου με παραγωγούς και διοργανωτές φεστιβάλ να προωθήσει και να αναδείξει την αξία των Ευρωπαίων μουσικών ενώ καλλιτεχνικά επιδιώκεται η παγίωση της Ευρωπαικής ταυτότητας στην παγκόσμια μουσική φόρμα που λέγεται τζαζ .To EJCN καλεί όλους όσους είναι ευαισθητοποιημένοι ή εργάζονται στην τζαζ κοινότητα να συνδράμουν και να ενισχύσουν το νέο αυτό κύμα .Jazz In Demark -A Brief History
On 27 August 1924, the saxophonist Valdemar Eiberg and his ensemble went into a Copenhagen studio and cut a double-sided record release for Skandinavisk Grammophon (HMV). This record, of which just 300 copies were made, was later to become recognised as the first Danish jazz recording. Although it sold just 133 copies, and HMV discarded the remainder of the pressing because of the poor sales, the recording survived and now provides a good impression of what Danish jazz sounded like in its youth. Just as in the other European countries, the Danish jazz scene arose from the lively restaurant and café milieu of the roaring twenties, where dance-hungry Europeans enjoyed the latest craze from America.
The 1920s to the 1960sIt was during the years 1920-50 that jazz was established and put down roots in Denmark, with the period of the German occupation during the years 1940-45, in particular, often being spoken of as the 'golden age' of Danish jazz. The main figures on the scene in those days were people like Kai Ewans, Svend Asmussen, Børge Roger Henrichsen and especially ”The Lion”: pianist and band leader Leo Mathisen.In the 1960s new styles and expressions came along, both in Danish and international jazz. With a jazz scene centred on the now defunct club Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen was often visited by famous jazz musicians, especially Americans, some of whom settled in Denmark for good. These included people like Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, Dexter Gordon, Stuff Smith, and Ben Webster.
TodayThe international influences left their mark on the Danish jazz scene, which acquired a lasting reputation for quality, also outside the nation's borders. Today, with several major jazz festivals, a jazz federation, regional music venues, courses of study at the conservatories and, in particular, a wealth of exciting and skilled musicians, Danish jazz continues to make a strong impact both at home and abroad.
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The 1920s to the 1960sIt was during the years 1920-50 that jazz was established and put down roots in Denmark, with the period of the German occupation during the years 1940-45, in particular, often being spoken of as the 'golden age' of Danish jazz. The main figures on the scene in those days were people like Kai Ewans, Svend Asmussen, Børge Roger Henrichsen and especially ”The Lion”: pianist and band leader Leo Mathisen.In the 1960s new styles and expressions came along, both in Danish and international jazz. With a jazz scene centred on the now defunct club Jazzhus Montmartre, Copenhagen was often visited by famous jazz musicians, especially Americans, some of whom settled in Denmark for good. These included people like Stan Getz, Oscar Pettiford, Dexter Gordon, Stuff Smith, and Ben Webster.
TodayThe international influences left their mark on the Danish jazz scene, which acquired a lasting reputation for quality, also outside the nation's borders. Today, with several major jazz festivals, a jazz federation, regional music venues, courses of study at the conservatories and, in particular, a wealth of exciting and skilled musicians, Danish jazz continues to make a strong impact both at home and abroad.
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JAZZNOTES
Ένας από τους πιο ανήσυχους και περιπετειώδης μουσικούς της τζαζ έφυγε από την ζωή σε ηλικία 86 ετών στο Pittsfield της Μασαχουσέτης , ο κλαρινετίστας , συνθέτης και ενορχηστρωτής Jimmy Giuffre .Με μία ηχηρή καριέρα πάνω από 50 χρονιά έγραψε την δική του ξεχωριστή ιστορία , από τον ύμνο που συνέθεσε για την ορχήστρα του Woody Herman , “Four Brothers” μέχρι τα μινιμαλιστικά χωρίς ντραμς τρίο του και τις πειραματικές του ορχηστρικές δουλειές θα παραμείνει στην μνήμη για πάντα στην μνήμη μας .
Στις 28 Μαΐου θα ανοίξει την αυλαία του το 8ο Ευρωπαϊκό Φεστιβάλ Τζαζ της Αθήνας, με τη συμμετοχή 15 κρατών μελών της ευρωπαϊκής οικογένειας. Το φεστιβάλ θα πραγματοποιηθεί στην Τεχνόπολη του Δήμου Αθηναίων, στο Γκάζι, και θα διαρκέσει από τις 28 Μαΐου μέχρι και την 1η Ιουνίου.Πρόκειται για πρωτότυπη καλλιτεχνική συνεργασία της ενωμένης Ευρώπης που αποτελεί πλέον θεσμό στα καλοκαιρινά πολιτιστικά δρώμενα.Η μουσική γιορτή διοργανώνεται και αυτή τη χρονιά από την Ελλάδα, σε συνεργασία με τις πρεσβείες των συμμετεχόντων χωρών και των αντίστοιχων Μορφωτικών Ινστιτούτων που λειτουργούν στην Αθήνα.Το πρόγραμμα του φεστιβάλ περιλαμβάνει τρεις συναυλίες κάθε ημέρα και η είσοδος για το κοινό θα είναι ελεύθερη.Στο φεστιβάλ, εκτός από ελληνικά, θα συμμετέχουν και συγκροτήματα από τη Σλοβενία, το Λουξεμβούργο, το Βέλγιο, την Εσθονία, την Πολωνία, την Πορτογαλία, τη Δανία, την Ολλανδία, τη Σουηδία, την Ισπανία, την Τσεχία, την Αυστρία, τη Φινλανδία και την Ουγγαρία.Η ελληνική συμμετοχή επελέγη από τετραμελή επιτροπή και αποτελείται από τους Γιώργο Κεσίσογλου (ούτι), Παναγιώτη Ράπτη (άλτο & σοπράνο σαξόφωνο, φλάουτο), Ακη Αλεβιζόπουλο (κρουστά), Θανάση Γουρούνα (ηλεκτρικό μπάσο), Παύλο Μιχαηλίδη (βιολί) και Χρήστο Τσαρούχα (κρουστά).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LABEL OF THE MONTH : NAGEL HEYER
Like many other enterprises that just sort of come into being, Nagel Heyer Records, of Hamburg, Germany, was never planned. It all started on George Gershwin's birthday, September 26, 1992. We produced a jazz concert of Gershwin music, which was recorded live just to have a souvenir of the event. The recording was a great success thanks to the superb musicians who played on it: George Masso, Randy Sandke, Kenny Davern, Danny Moss, Eddie Higgins, Len Skeat, and Jake Hanna. Because of that seven live recordings of concerts in Hamburg followed in 1993.
Since then we have recorded over 100 titles and the label's mission is to present the finest in modern and mainstream jazz. Nagel Heyer's recent catalogue includes recordings by jazz greats such as Eric Reed, Clark Terry, Donald Harrison, Bill Charlap, Terell Stafford, Harry Allen, Buck Clayton, Ralph Sutton, Howard Alden, Bob Wilber and Warren Vaché amongst others.
Nagel Heyer Records aspires to become one of the most influential independent jazz labels of the future ("…it's not hard to say that Nagel Heyer are out-majoring the so-called 'majors'." Tim Dorset, Jazz Review), combining a healthy respect and high regard for jazz's glorious past with a vision that looks eagerly toward jazz's bright future.
Sabine Nagel Heyer, President/CEO of Nagel Heyer, herself observes "there is amazing amount of wonderful talent to be heard far and wide in the jazz world today. Nagel Heyer will continue to expose both established and emerging young artists." Marcus Printup, Wayne Escoffery, Dylan Cramer, Lyambiko, David Gibson, Roy Powell, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, and Byron Stripling are but some of the emerging artists signed to the label.
It is no coincidence that reviewers wrote about us:"Followers of the Nagel Heyer label know what to expect from this high quality, amazingly consistent German firm - hot, live, combo-jam performances by some of the best swing-orientated jazzmen in the world today." Jack Sohmer, Jazz Times"What's the difference between mainstream, then and now? If Concord sets the standard for this kind of album two decades back, then Nagel Heyer are flying the same flag even higher now." Richard Cook, Jazz Review
Nagel Heyer has a love affair with jazz. Each recording is a product of warmth, precision and meticulous attention to detail. Sound is mastered to perfection. Track selection and editing is a delicate and diligent collaboration of artist, engineer and producer. Both live and studio discs are available. That's why the German label has achieved a near legendary status amongst the critics and the International jazz public at large.
In Fall 2002 we have celebrated the 10th anniversary of Nagel Heyer Records - and that is only the beginning…
Nagel Heyer RecordsElbchaussee 232, 22605 Hamburg, GermanyPhone +49 40 880 989 29, Fax +49 40 880 990 29www.nagelheyer.com, info@nagelheyer.com
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UNDERRATED JAZZ MUSICIANS : RAY BRYANT
"Ray Bryant is beautiful; that sound he gets is somewhere between a guitar and a harpsichord."
--Art Blakey
"Ray Bryant is beautiful; that sound he gets is somewhere between a guitar and a harpsichord."
--Art Blakey
Αν και θα μπορούσε πάντα να παίζει μποπ , το παίξιμο του Ray Bryant's συνδυάζει μαζί παλαιότερα στοιχεία (συμπεριλαμβανομένων του μπλουζ , του boogie-woogie, του γκόσπελ και stride ) σε ένα διακριτικό, εκφραστικό, και καθαρό ύφος που δεν μπορεί κανείς εύκολα να το μιμηθεί .Απαραίτητος για κάθε τζαζ δισκοθήκη , με μία σταθερά καλή δισκογραφία δεν έλαβε όλα αυτά τα χρόνια δυστυχώς την δέουσα προσοχή .
Ο νεώτερος αδερφός του μπασίστα Tommy Bryant και θείος των Kevin και Robin Eubanks, ο Ray ξεκίνησε την καριέρα του παίζοντας με τον Tiny Grimes στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του ’40.Το 1953 έγινε ο house – pianist στο Blue Note κλαμπ στην Φιλαδέλφεια όπου είχε την ευκαιρία να παίξει πίσω από τους θρυλικούς Charlie Parker , Miles Davis , Lester Young και άλλους αποκτώντας εξαιρετικές εμπειρίες και γνωριμίες .Μεταξύ 1956 και 1957 συνόδευσε την τραγουδίστρια Carmen McRae ενώ το 1957 ηχογράφησε με τον Coleman Hawkins και τον Roy Eldridge στο Newport Jazz Festival παίζοντας ένα αξιομνημόνευτο σόλο στο “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me “ .Το 1958 έπαιξε με το τρίο του Jo Jones και την επόμενη χρονιά εγκαταστάθηκε στην πόλη – πυρήνα της μοντέρνας τζαζ , την Νέα Υόρκη .Εκεί έπαιξε με τους Sonny Rollins , Charlie Shavers και Curtis Fuller μέχρι να σχηματίσει το δικό του τρίο .Με το τρίο του ηχογράφησε και κατάφερε να βγάλει μερικά φάνκυ hits όπως το “Little Susie” και το “Cubano Chant” που τον βοήθησαν να διατηρηθεί ως leader για τις επόμενες δεκαετίες και να σταθεί παίζοντας την μουσική του .Συνεργάστηκε με εταιρίες όπως η Prestige , η Epic , η Columbia , η Sue , η Cadet , η Atlantic,η Pablo και η Emarcy πάντα με ιδιαίτερα ποιοτικά αποτελέσματα ακόμη και οι ηλεκτρικές του προσπάθειες στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του ’70 είναι ιδιαίτερα καλές .Πάντως οι καλύτερη συνθήκη γι αυτόν είναι όταν παίζει σόλο πιάνο και όταν παίζει μπλουζ .
Ο Ray Bryant είναι ένα σημαντικό κεφάλαιο για την τζαζ που παραμένει αδιερεύνητο ..
Ο νεώτερος αδερφός του μπασίστα Tommy Bryant και θείος των Kevin και Robin Eubanks, ο Ray ξεκίνησε την καριέρα του παίζοντας με τον Tiny Grimes στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του ’40.Το 1953 έγινε ο house – pianist στο Blue Note κλαμπ στην Φιλαδέλφεια όπου είχε την ευκαιρία να παίξει πίσω από τους θρυλικούς Charlie Parker , Miles Davis , Lester Young και άλλους αποκτώντας εξαιρετικές εμπειρίες και γνωριμίες .Μεταξύ 1956 και 1957 συνόδευσε την τραγουδίστρια Carmen McRae ενώ το 1957 ηχογράφησε με τον Coleman Hawkins και τον Roy Eldridge στο Newport Jazz Festival παίζοντας ένα αξιομνημόνευτο σόλο στο “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me “ .Το 1958 έπαιξε με το τρίο του Jo Jones και την επόμενη χρονιά εγκαταστάθηκε στην πόλη – πυρήνα της μοντέρνας τζαζ , την Νέα Υόρκη .Εκεί έπαιξε με τους Sonny Rollins , Charlie Shavers και Curtis Fuller μέχρι να σχηματίσει το δικό του τρίο .Με το τρίο του ηχογράφησε και κατάφερε να βγάλει μερικά φάνκυ hits όπως το “Little Susie” και το “Cubano Chant” που τον βοήθησαν να διατηρηθεί ως leader για τις επόμενες δεκαετίες και να σταθεί παίζοντας την μουσική του .Συνεργάστηκε με εταιρίες όπως η Prestige , η Epic , η Columbia , η Sue , η Cadet , η Atlantic,η Pablo και η Emarcy πάντα με ιδιαίτερα ποιοτικά αποτελέσματα ακόμη και οι ηλεκτρικές του προσπάθειες στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του ’70 είναι ιδιαίτερα καλές .Πάντως οι καλύτερη συνθήκη γι αυτόν είναι όταν παίζει σόλο πιάνο και όταν παίζει μπλουζ .
Ο Ray Bryant είναι ένα σημαντικό κεφάλαιο για την τζαζ που παραμένει αδιερεύνητο ..
Selected Discography :
1956 - Ray Byant Trio (Epic)
1957 - Me And The Blues (Prestige)
1957 - Ray Bryant Trio (Prestige)
1959 - Ray Bryant Plays (Signature)
1960 - Con Alma (Columbia)
1962 - Hollywood Jazz Beat (Columbia)
1963 - Groove House (Sue)
1964 - Live at Basin Street (Sue)
1966 - Gotta Travel On (Cadet)
1967 - The Ray Bryant Touch (Cadet)
1971 - MCMLXX (Atlantic)
1972 - Alone At Montreux (live) (Pablo)
1980 - Potpourri (Pablo)
1987 - Ray Bryant Trio Today (EmArcy)
1987 - Blue Moods (EmArcy)
1997 - Ray's Tribute to his Jazz Piano Friends (JVC)
2000 - Somewhere in France (live) (Label M)
Ray Bryant is a Philadelphian who comes from an essentially pianistic family. His mother and sister both play; his eldest brother is a bassist. Ray, himself, started on bass in junior high school before switching to his present instrument.
From 1951 to 1953, Ray got his first professional experience with the local band of clarinetist Billy Kretchmer. Later, he became the house pianist at the Blue Note club (also in Philly) where he backed such greats as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Evidently, he made an impression on Miles, for in 1955, Ray was called in to New York to record with Davis, Milt Jackson and Jackie McLean.
With this first date under his belt, Ray, who was then heading his own trio in his home city, began to be more widely known. He did another recording for Prestige with Sonny Rollins (Worktime, Prestige) and continued to be active around Philly.
In the Encyclopedia of Jazz, Ray named Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson as his favorite pianists, and although his own style is very different that either of theirs, he has definitely learned from them in the matter of approaching the piano. In the abundant crop of fine young pianists playing today, Ray Briant still manages to stand out and shine.
--IRA GITLER, from the liner notes,Ray Bryant Trio, Prestige.
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From 1951 to 1953, Ray got his first professional experience with the local band of clarinetist Billy Kretchmer. Later, he became the house pianist at the Blue Note club (also in Philly) where he backed such greats as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Evidently, he made an impression on Miles, for in 1955, Ray was called in to New York to record with Davis, Milt Jackson and Jackie McLean.
With this first date under his belt, Ray, who was then heading his own trio in his home city, began to be more widely known. He did another recording for Prestige with Sonny Rollins (Worktime, Prestige) and continued to be active around Philly.
In the Encyclopedia of Jazz, Ray named Art Tatum and Teddy Wilson as his favorite pianists, and although his own style is very different that either of theirs, he has definitely learned from them in the matter of approaching the piano. In the abundant crop of fine young pianists playing today, Ray Briant still manages to stand out and shine.
--IRA GITLER, from the liner notes,Ray Bryant Trio, Prestige.
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MOMENTS NOTICE
5 επιλογές κάθε μήνα από την τζαζ δισκογραφία .Στιγμές από την παλιά ή πρόσφατη Ιστορία που χρήζουν προσοχής .
5 επιλογές κάθε μήνα από την τζαζ δισκογραφία .Στιγμές από την παλιά ή πρόσφατη Ιστορία που χρήζουν προσοχής .
RAY BRYANT - RAY BRYANT TRIO (Prestige) 1957
Γεμάτο μπλουζ και γκόσπελ ατμόσφαιρα , ενέργεια , ταχύτητα και δυναμισμό αυτό το άλμπουμ καταγράφεται ως μια ξεχωριστή στιγμή στην καριέρα του υποτιμημένου πιανίστα Ray Bryant .Η ερμηνευτική του ικανότητα σε στάνταρντς όπως του "Django" του John Lewis και το "Daahoud" του Clifford Brown και η δική του φάνκυ συνθετική προσέγγιση με κόμματια όπως το "Splittin" ή το "Blues Changes" οδηγούν εκ του ασφαλούς το τρίο σε ένα ξεχωριστό παίξιμο .Στο μπάσο ο «καθαρός» Ike Isaacs και στα τύμπανα ο ανάλαφρος ,γκρούβι Specs Wright . JACKIE McLEAN QUARTET - LIVE AT MONTMARTRE (SteepleChase) 1972
Αυτή ήταν η πρώτη ηχογράφηση ύστερα από 5 χρόνια για τον Jackie McLean .Το αιχμηρό του άλτο σαξόφωνο εξερευνά δύο κομμάτια του ειδώλου του , Charlie Parker , το κλασικό “Smile” του Chaplin και το δικό του “Das Dat” όλα παιγμένα πάνω από εννέα λεπτά με την δυναμική υποστήριξη του Kenny Drew στο πιάνο , του μπασίστα Bo Stief και του ντράμερ Alex Riel .O Mclean είναι σε εξαιρετική φόρμα και με την γνωστή του ενέργεια αλλά και μία ευδιάκριτη πια ωριμότητα στο παίξιμο του μας προσφέρει ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και ζωντανό live άλμπουμ .RAY BROWN TRIO - BAM BAM BAM (Concord) 1988
Το Γιαπωνέζικο τζαζ κοινό σε ένα επιτυχημένο live απογειώνεται καλύτερα από κάθε άλλο και αυτό είναι έκδηλο σε αυτήν την ηχογράφηση της Concord από το 1988 και το live του τρίο του θρυλικού μπασίστα Ray Brown στο Τόκυο . Στο πιάνο ο μεγάλος Gene Harris και στα τύμπανα ο μοναδικός Jeff Hamilton .O Gene Harris και ο Ray Brown θα μας δώσουν μία σειρά από καταπληκτικά άλμπουμ στην συνέχεια σε μία συνεργασία γεμάτη σουίνγκ και καθαρή soul jazz .DON RENDELL - ROARIN' (Jazzland) 1961
Πρόκειται για ένα σημαντικό ντοκουμέντο για την μέχρι πρόσφατα άγνωστη Βρετανική τζαζ των αρχών της δεκαετίας του 60 και ένας δίσκος που αποδεικνύει τις υψηλές ικανότητες των Βρετανών μπόπερς . ο Don Rendel που θα γράψει την δική του ξεχωριστή ιστορία αργότερα παίζει καθαρό hard bop της εποχής επιλέγοντας συνθέσεις του Thelonious Monk , του Duke Pearson , του Miles Davies και δικά του originals σε ένα σετ με άξιο συμπαραστάτη τον Graham Bond στο άλτο σαξόφωνο .
RED GARLAND - PC BLUES (Prestige) 1956,1957
Όλες οι δουλειές του Red Garland χαρακτηρίζονται από το ευαίσθητο , λιτό και στοχαστικό του ύφος αλλά και το απαράμιλλο σουίνγκ του .Το τρίο του με τον θρυλικό Paul Chambers στο μπάσο (ο τίτλος P.C. αναφέρεται σε αυτόν ) και τον Art Taylor στα ντραμς (εκτός του “Ahmad’s Blues” όπου ντραμς παίζει o Philly Joe Jones) παίζει μαγικά σε ένα σετ από το 1957 .Μουσική αναλλοίωτη στον χρόνο
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JAZZ THINK THINK THINK THINK JAZZ THINK THINK THINK JAZZ THINK THINK DO YOU THINK THINK THINK JAZZ DO YOU THING JAZZ
Buddy Rich was famous for his confrontational management style. "I expect 110 percent f---ing perfection every f---in' tune, you got that?" he once exclaimed during a rehearsal. Some time later, he threatened to throw a trombonist off the bus. The trombonist asked for two weeks pay which he was owed. "I got nothin' for you," Rich replied. "I got a right hand to your f---in' brain if you want it!"
Many may never see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow , but nevertheless , I think we know that what it is that we're doing has tremendous value and that it will leave something that will be lasting.The kind of recognition that I would like to have is the kind I'd like to see for everybody , and that is for this art form of jazz , you know , it should be something you should hear the first thing in the morning when we turn on our radios to make our breakfasts. I would like to hear something beautiful come over the airwaves , you know , so people can be stimulated by something artistic "_ Elvin Jones 1979
Jones, with his rhythmic, innovative style, became one of jazz's most famous drummers under Coltrane. He can be heard on Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" and "Coltrane Live at the Village Vanguard."After leaving the Coltrane quartet, Jones briefly played with Duke Ellington and formed the Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine. He put out several solo albums and continued to tour.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAZZ QUIZ
1) What was Ahmad Jamal's name before adopting his Muslim name ?
JAZZ QUIZ
1) What was Ahmad Jamal's name before adopting his Muslim name ?
a.Michell Carter b.Alvin Jostad c.Fritz Jones d.Marcus Stone
2) Where is Antonio Carlos Jobim buried ?
a.Irving,Texas b.Ixtapa, Mexico c.Sao,Brazil d.Madrid,Spain
a.Irving,Texas b.Ixtapa, Mexico c.Sao,Brazil d.Madrid,Spain
3) Whose first band was called Mwandishi?
a.John Scofield b.John McLaughlin c.Trilok Gurtu d.Herbie Hancock
4) Who wrote the soundtrack for the 1985 movie ,"The Falcon and the Snowman?"
a. Pat Metheny b.Lyle Mays c.David Sanborn d.David Benoit
5) Who was known as , "The Sound?"
a. Brian Auger b. Jack McDuff c. Stan Getz d.John Coltrane
6) Whose career was launched in 1934 , after appearing as a dare at Harlem's Apollo Theater on amateur night singing "Judy?"
a. Billie Holiday b. Bessie Smith c. Sarah Vaughan d. Ella Fitzgerald
7) Who wrote the song "Misty?"
a. Alice Coltrane b. Louis Armstrong c. Erroll Garner d. Jenny Evans
8) On what album can Miles Davis be heard shouting instructions to John McLaughlin and others ?
a. Birth of the Cool b.Milestones c.Sketches of Spain d.Bitches Brew
9) What great female guitarist , who he was romantically involved with , played duo with Larry Coryell on the CD entitled , "Together" in 1985 ?
a. Lita Ford b. Melissa Etheridge c.Emily Remier d.Joyce Cooling
10) What band did Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul co-founded in 1971 that Wayne described as changing day to day like the weather ?
a.Weather Report b.Jazz Crusaders c.Cloud Nine d.The Yellowjackets
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JAZZ ANECDOTES
JAZZ ANECDOTES
There was a college jazz festival in which Buddy Rich was one of the honored judges. During one particular piece the drummer took an extended solo. After his band was done, he went up to Rich at the judge's table and asked how he did. Rich took off his wristwatch, handed it to the guy and said "You need this more than I do, kid."
Buddy Rich was in a bathroom taking leak. A kid, not more than 12, followed him in. He was the stage managers kid. Anyway, this kid has a pair of sticks in his back pocket and was obviously star struck by Buddy. As Buddy turned around from the urinal the kid says to him, "Mr. Rich, every day I practice my single stroke rudiments, roll rudiments, flam rudiments..." At which point Buddy interrupts, "F@#* the rudiments kid! Just play the f@#king drums!"The kid looked up at me crest fallen and said, "What did I do?" I said, "you practiced."
To get this joke, you probably have to know about the legendary unpopularity of Buddy Rich amongst his band... A horn player who had been playing with Buddy Rich for many years came back from vacation to hear a rumour that Buddy had died. He didn't quite believe it, so he phoned Buddy's wife and said "Can I speak to Buddy please?" Buddy's wife said, "I'm sorry, Buddy passed away last week." "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," he said, and hung up. A couple of hours later, he called her again. "Is Buddy there please?" "No, I'm sorry. Buddy's no longer with us," said Buddy's wife. And hung up the phone. Ten minuted later, he called Buddy's wife again. "Can I speak to Buddy please?" he said. She recognised his voice, and said: "Look, I've told you before, BUDDY'S DEAD!" And slammed down the phone. Two minutes later, and the phone rang again... "Is Buddy at home please?" the horn player asked. Buddy's wife was furious. "I'm not going to tell you again, Buddy is dead.. D. E. A. D. DEAD. Why do you keep ringing me to ask for Buddy???!!!!" He thought for a moment, and said: "I just love hearing you say it."
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