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BMF/Palmetto/Tropique pose at Berman pad for jazz conclave/soiree Berman Music Foundation Topeka Jazz Festival most .. III expensive and best yet III By Tom Ineck ......
"\Vlith big-name headliners like recent popular success with three W The Ray Brown Trio, The reggae-influenced funk and jazz re • • Monty Alexander Trio, the big band cordings on the Telarc Jazz label. Be • Frank Capp and Juggernaut and saxo- fore that, he was a longtime recording •III phonist Scott Hamilton, plus a host of artist for Concord Jazz, with such • return favorites, the 4th Annual Topeka memorable releases as 1990's The .. Jazz Festival may be the best one yet. River, 1995's Steamin', and 1997's In this issue of Jazz ... . Of course, that remains to be seen Echoes of lilly s, a tribute to Frank Topeka Jazz Festival...... 1 and heard. But one ------Sinatra. Bassist thing is certain, accord- "With three dozen Hassan Shakur and The Prez Sez ...... 2 ing to TJF founder and artists and more than drummer Troy Davis Tomfoolery ...... 4 Artistic Director Jim 30 hours of music, the will accompany NJO Goes Latin ...... 5 Monroe. This year's 4th Annual Topeka Jazz Alexander in Topeka. Jazz on Disc ...... 6 three-day Memorial Festival again promises Juggernaut is an Day weekend festival to be one of the great 18-piece ensemble Watson at NJO ...... 7 (May 26-28) is the jazz experiences of this based on the West Blues Corner ...... 7 most expensive one so year or any year." Coast and led by Discorama ...... 8 far. drummer Frank Blues on Disc...... 9 Brown, of course, may be the pre- Cappo Juggernaut pianist Gerry eminent bass player on the scene to- Wiggins is well known on his own mer The Week That Was ...... 10 day. A legendary musician with a list its. The rest of the band will consist Unsung Hero ...... 12 of recording and performing credentials largely of handpicked Kansas City and Jazz in the Venues ...... 13 that reads like ajazz who's who, Brown Topeka musicians. has recorded a string of CDs for Telarc After a couple of years as a kind of Jazz on the Radio ...... 14 Jazz, the most recent being a live re- novelty artist at the festival, young piano cording at a Starbucks coffee house in whiz Eldar Djangirov assumes his right Seattle. For his Topeka appearance, he ful role as leader of a trio also featuring will be accompanied by pianist. Larry Kansas City favorites Gerald Spaits on Fuller, drummer Kareem Riggins and bass and Todd Strait on drums. At age 14, featured artist Holly Hofmann on flute. . it appears the adolescent Russian emigre Alexander, an astoundingly gifted with the amazing keyboard technique has pianistandanativeofJamaica, has had (Topeka continued on pg. 3) Page 2 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• PrezSez Norman Hedman's Tropique Triumphs at Lied By Butch Berman ...... Rustici, and Michael Lesser) at the non-stop (10-12 hours a day) jazz, new Embassy Suites in Lincoln. makes for an almost exclusive club Of course - the gig was sensa that anyone that truly appreciates the tional. Even though nearly a thou genre can hop aboard. Dig this scene. sand were in attendance - All went You wake up, and as you're wait home ecstatic from the mesmerizing ing for the elevator in the hotel, gui sounds from Tropique/and their tar legend Bucky Pizzarelli greets and "dark" twin brothers - headliners joins you - the doors open as you Jerry Gonzales and the Fort Apache come face to face with bassist John Band. If I had my way - I'd have Clayton - now at breakfast as you opened with the Apache boys as af wait for your order - Karrin Allyson D ear Springsters, ter Tropique sent everyone in their drifts in, sitting at the next table. As minds on a summer tropical excur you walk to the beautiful deco-esque WOW! Yup, that's the only word sion into happyland and blissville - Topeka Performing Arts Center - you that can convey my feelings 'bout the Jerry and his fab five made us change may find yourself strolling with knock-out week that was shared by gears quite rapidly to a grittier NYC drummer Jackie Williams - and these all those who took part in Norman style night of musical magic - but personal interactions goes on for three Hedman's Tropique blockbuster show deeper and murkier in content to ab- . and-a-half solid days. at the Lied Center in Lincoln on sorb, yet their musicianship was ex This year the festivities move to March 24th. cellent. See Tom Ineck for his crack a different hotel (Capitol Plaza Ho First - a special thanx has to go erjack review. tel), and the cast of characters is im out to Tony Rager and Kay Davis I also don't want to forget to pressive as always (see ad in this is from the Cline, Williams law fIrm that credit Jeff Korbelik for the great cover sue). Believe me, just to hear the mar coordinated all the events linking our story in Focus and the friendly, help velous Monty Alexander Trio do three entire foundation (minus Dan ful staff at the Lied Center including: or four separate shows is almost Demuth, who couldn't take time away Charles Bethea, Bob Vaughn, Gail worth the price of admission; not to from his new gig in Colorado McN air, Eileen Brewster, Mark mention the gorgeous, languid vibra Springs), the entire head staff from Moore, and LaVonne Hanlon for tions emitting from the golden horn Palmetto Records in NYC, and of making everyone feel so at home pre of Bob Kindred; and to experience the course, Norman and his superbo paring for the really big show. jazz icon of bass - in the flesh him band. Also - major kudos must go If we could have sold out the joint self - Ray Brown ... the list goes on out to my main photog and driver, - but you know - jazz in Lincoln - and on. Take a good hard look at the Rich Hoover, who made sure every that's still another story as all bases ad and do yourself a favor to check it one got to their destinations on time, were covered - yet the percentage of out. Truly a jazz phenomenon - es and to my wonderful cook - Vernah jazz interest in Lincoln is still limited. pecially for the Midwest. Petersen (Cookie), who fed everyone Now - onward to Topeka. Now - enjoy our fine newsletter en masse through the entire week and I've been involved with Jim Mon for ... the rest of the story. provided smiles on everyone's faces. roe and his now famous Topeka Jazz A TOTAL JOB WELL DONE! Even FestivallParty since it's inception four See ya in Topeka, late comer Wade Wright - my archi years ago. It started out as a gas and vist/consultant from San Francisco - it keeps getting groovier each year as made it in time for our super bash and returning talent and fans make their jam session at my pad, and to top it way back to Kansas as friends - feel- . off our enticing and informative board ing that the sum of the parts - musi meeting between my BMF staff and cians and followers hanging and eat Butch Berman Palmetto's (Matt Balitsaris, Pat ing together as well as the wonderful Summer 2001 Page 3 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (Topeka continued from pg. 7) it the top military big band in the nation. finally arrived. The trio recently per According to Monroe, Steinmeyer is ca Jazz is usually published six times formed a fundraising concert to help fi pable of hitting a sustained high C that a year by The Berman Music nance a recording. could ''blow the lid offof that auditorium," Foundation~ 719 P St., Studio G, Lincoln, NE 68508. "The house was packed, and they referring to the art deco-style Topeka Per raised more than enough money to do forming Arts Center, the festival's com Editor: Dave Hughes the CD," Monroe said. "He walked out fortable home base. Newsletter and computer con on stage as a young man. The other Trumpeter Stacy Rowles is the sultant: Rebecca Kaiser times he walked out on stage, he was a daughter of the late, legendary pianist Contributing writers: Butch little boy to me. Now, he's composing. and singer Jimmy Rowles, who accom Berman, Rich Hoover, Dave He's arranging for the trio." panied Billie Holiday late in her career. Hughes, Tom Ineck, & Biff Wimmer. Djangirov's trio, by the way, will "I've seen her a couple of times re Photographers: Butch Berman, perform in Lincoln the evening of June cently, and her flugelhorn work is won Rich Hoover, and Tom.lneck. 12 as part of the Jazz in June concert derful," Monroe said. "She'll probably series in the Sheldon Memorial Art Gal sing half the tunes. She sings all of For inclusion of any jazz or blues lery sculpture garden, thanks to fman Jimmy's songs, and she growls just like related events, letters to the editor; or suggested articles, you can ei cial support from the Bennan Music Jimmy." ther mail them to the office, phone Foundation. The only other singer on the bill this us at 402-476-3112, fax us at 402- Beyond these working groups, the year is return favorite Karrin Allyson, who 475-3136, or e-mail us at: 4th Annual Topeka Jazz Festival will be has a new Concord Jazz release reprising
uddenly, almost by default, the "U charts for Ray Brown's bossa nova Sdowntown burger bar P.O. 9: "When You Go" while the rest of Pears has become this city's jazz oa ; his band was setting up. By the sis, where visitors can quench their 6 way, the lineup that night was one ~ of the strongest in recent memory, thirst for jazz by listening to some of ::J • ~ with Krueger SIdemen Scott the area's best musicians perform not A . just once a week, but twice a week. Vicroy on tenor and bantone saxes, Like most of Lincoln's live jazz Larson on piano, Rusty White on success stories, this one was written bass and Adam Reimnitz on by a handful of deeply committed drums. Fans of big band jazz still can musicians who stubbornly badgered Musicians (from left!. Tom Larson, hotel chains, restaurant owners and Rusty White, Scott Vicroy and Bob expect the same high quality of bar proprietors for a place to play. Krueger. music every Monday night from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p;m., with en- Knowing jazz would never be a big ist Cory Biggerstaff, trumpeter Bob sembles led by trumpeters Bob draw for the general public, they Krueger and saxophone quartet Krueger, Dean Haist and Brad chose traditionally slow nights and Group Sax. Obbink, saxophonists Mark Benson venues where even a small improve I visited the pub for the appear and Vicroy, guitarist Peter Bouffard ment in business would be appreci ances by Larson and Krueger and was ated by the management. and trombonist Terry Rush booked pleasantly surprised by the war~ cor well into the summer months. For It all started with the Monday diality of the room and the audIence, these informal affairs, audience Night Big Band, a concept that be many of whom are students in members are encouraged to bring gan several years ago at the Ramada Larson's jazz history class at the Uni their own instruments and sit in with Downtown, then moved a few blocks versity of Nebraska-Lincoln. The the band during the second and third east to the upper level of the Rock raised stage is well lighted, and the sets. 'n' Roll Runza diner before finding rustic wood decor conveys a feeling Admission Mondays is $4 for what feels like a permanent home at of comfortable informality. adults and $3 for students ages 14 and P.O. Pears, 322 S. Ninth St. The big I only hope that the: regularity of older. Admission Thursdays is $5 for band setting affords an opportunity P.O. Pears' small-group jazz format adults and $4 for students. P.O. Pears for a lot of musicians to get together will eventually inspire local musi also offers a wide range of beverages for a few hours each week and prac cians to be more adventurous, to ex and some of the best pub food in Lin tice their chops and sight-reading periment with new compositions and coln. skills. arrangements that don"t always fol With a faithful audience of young But for those of us who still low the predictable formula of play and old, the twice-weekly jazz for yearned for the intimate musical ex~ ing the melody, taking a round of so mat may even survive through the change of a small combo, there was los, trading four-bar phrases with the summer, a rare and precious com something lacking until recently, drummer and returning to the modity in Lincoln, Nebraska. Like when P.O. Pears initiated the Thurs melody. Long years without a regu the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, it also day Night Jazz Series with small lar venue in which to Hex their cre has received valuable financial and groups booked from 7:30 p.m. to 10 ative muscles has made some of them in-kind support from individual and p.m. understandably lazy. corporate donors. So far, the small stage in the bar's Both Larson and Krueger If P.O. Pears permanently estab back room has played host to groups showed encouraging attempts to lishes itself as Lincoln's prime jazz led by saxophonist Scott Vicroy, pia break the mold by including a few venue it will not be a result of pure nist Tom Larson, singer Annette non-standards in their repertoire. In luck, but rather of dedication and sup Murrell, saxophonist Ed Love, bass~ fact, Krueger was still working on the port by musicians and fans alike. Summer 2001 Page 5 I ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• NJO goes Latin in 25 th season finale By Tom Ineck ......
"\VTc. Handy's "St. Louis came "The W Blues" contains a section Peanut Ven with a distinct habanera rhythm. dor," with a Jelly Roll Morton wrote music ~trombone with what he called the Spanish intro by Todd tinge. When Dizzy Gillespie Thatcher and adapted the polyrhythmic percus a trumpet sion of legendary conguero Chano section show Pozo to his own 1940s big band case in the sound, it was dubbed Afro-Cuban upper regis jazz. ters. A new Call it what you will, the Latin Ran d y influence on jazz continues down Percussionist Doug Hinrichs (left) adds rhythmic spice to Snyder ar- to the present day. Beginning in the Ea Love's tenor sax work. rangement of 1960s, the music and beautiful Por Sun Ra's jazz tuguese language of Brazil mambo "A Call for All Demons" achieved great popular appeal when pitted Love on tenor sax with Brian jazz artists put their own unique Grasmick on trumpet for the most spin on the samba and the bossa aptly outlandish solos of the nova. Since then, Latin jazz has ex evening. panded to include styles from all Trombonist Derek Molacek, a over Latin America, South America student at Omaha Northwest High and Spain. School and the NJO Young Jazz As if to recognize the rich vein Artist of the Year, showed his con of Latin tradition in modern jazz, siderable talents by negotiating the the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra fo difficult stop time on Duke cused on that heritage at the sea Ellington's "Blue Cellophane" and son finale April 17 at The by leading a seven-piece combo in Cornhusker hotel. a performance of his own compo Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca" sition, the engaging and tricky was a fittlng opener, marking that "Capistrano." Later in the program, historic occasion when Gillespie's he returned to the spotlight for Ellington's "In a Sentimental big band forever wedded African NJO Young Jazz Artist of the American and Cuban rhythms to Year Derek Molacek shows Mood" and Thelonious Monk's create the Afro-Cuban hybrid still talent on trombone. "Blue Monk," proving his versatil evident in jazz today. Bolstering the ity on ballads and blues. NJO's regular rhythm section for bonist Bryant Scott's arrangement The NJO capped the evening the evening was multi-percussion of "Sambop" from the Cannonball and the silver anniversary season ist Doug Hinrichs, a former Adderley songbook provided with a rousing rendition of Chick Lincolnite now living and perform some difficult section playing for Corea's Latin standard "Spain." th ing in New York City. the trumpets and the saxophones. Looking ahead, the NJO's 26 Paquito de Rivera's "Gdansk" With his rapid, high-note flour season opens Oct. 5 with the contained a powerful, funky bass ishes, trumpeter Bob Krueger ensemble's debut at the Lied Cen line by Cory Biggerstaff that tapped the spirit of Dizzy on ter for Performing Arts, a concert undergirded the tune's unmistak Gillespie's "Tanga," which also featuring guitarist Dave Stryker, an able Afro-Cuban motif. Pianist featured a spirited tenor sax solo Omaha native with a long and suc Tom Harvill contributed a brilliant by Ed Love. cessful music career in the New solo building in intensity. Trom- From the Stan Kenton book York City area. Page 6 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jazz on Disc Palmetto Records rides the jazz tiger By Tom [neck . . . ; ......
BEN ALLISON MATT WILSON THE LARRY GOLDINGS TRIO Riding the Nuclear Tiger Arts and Crafts As One Palmetto Records Palmetto Records Palmetto Records
With song titles calculated to A light touch and a buoyant spirit This may be a conventional organ evoke quizzical smiles and music put the punch in drummer Matt trio - Hammond B-3, guitar and drums guaranteed to inspire serious contem Wilson's latest project, a collection - but there is nothing predictable about plation, bassist Ben Allison continues largely comprised of cover tunes per the playing of organist Larry Goldings, to intrigue listeners as he fronts a ver formed in a quartet setting also featur guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer satile septet on Riding the Nuclear ing Terell Stafford on trumpet, Larry Bill Stewart. Tiger. Goldings on piano and Dennis Irwin The three musical iconoclasts work "Jazz Scene Voyeur" is a rumi on bass. well together, blending their individual native exploration that conjures Roland Kirk's swinger "Stompin' sensibilities into a cohesive harmony. smoky lounges and curious observ Grounds" gets the proceedings off to a Goldings creates a kinetic keyboard ers fascinated by the musicians' quest. dynamic start with a bouncing, irresist canvas on which Bernstein paints broad Allison's fellow travelers are saxo ible swing. Wilson's tune "Lester" pays chordal swashes and distinctive single phonists Michael Blake and Ted tribute to the late trumpeter Lester note lines, while Stewart dabs pointillist N ash, trumpeter Ron Horton, pianist Bowie, with Stafford effectively mim dots of rhythmic color. Frank Kimbrough, cellist Tomas icking Bowie's eccentric, plunger Goldings always manages to ex Ulrich and drummer Jeff Ballard. muted blues style. tract some previously unimagined "Swiss Cheese D" is riddled with Hard bop gets the nod with Bud sounds from his instrument. Here he holes, gaps that suddenly appear in Powell's "Webb City," but the mood imaginatively delves into the intricate the middle of a line, only to be filled shifts to Latin romance on the gorgeous changes of his opening composition, by Allison's beefy bass punctuation. Nelson Cavaquinho composition "Mixed Message," skips lightly over "Weazy" captures Blake's breathtak "Beija Flor." Goldings, usually heard the keys on "Going to Meet the Man," ing two-hom technique (tenor and so on organ, demonstrates his pianistic waxes melodically nostalgic on "Back prano saxes simultaneously!). skills on the easy swinging "There's No in the Day," reinterprets Rod Argent's "Charlie Brown's Psychedelic Christ You," and Stafford stands out on the late 1960s hit "Time ofthe Season" to mas" is a lush ballad in the colliding lumbering, bluesy title track. The quar good effect and ingeniously creates keys of C major and E flat major, giv tet even ventures into the quirky world shimmering shards of "Glass." ing it an Monkishly off-kilter beauty of Ornette Coleman's with his Noone is better at creating a exploited in passages by Ulrich, then celebratory "Old Gospel." sense of rhythmic excitement than by Nash and Horton in tandem and Even when Wilson and company Stewart. On Carla Bley's quirky, gal finally by Kimbrough. dig deep into the past - for Gershwin's loping "Calls," he sets the pace and Riding the Nuclear Tiger is both "Love Walked In" and the traditional never lets up, injecting cymbal flour challenging and accessible, an exhila Welsh melody "All Through the Night," ishes, an insistent, crackling snare rating daredevil plunge into the heart they have a way of bringing new life to beat and a short solo that simply sums of the jazz beast. Hold on tight! the old chestnuts. up the fine art of jazz drumming. Summer 2001 Page 7 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Watson performance jewel in NJO's 25th season By Tom Ineck ...... Love." Pianist Tom Harvill and Hall ''I'm an Old Cowhand." "Karita," a s expected, alto saxophonist urged on Watson's alto sax playing with melodic, mid-tempo tune dedicated to A Bobby Watson's guest appear sensitive solos. Watson's sister-in-law, featured a typi ance March 1 with the Nebraska Jazz From the songbook of Watson's cally adventurous and satisfying solo Orchestra was the sparkling jewel in the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet came by Harvill. NJO's silver anniversary crown. "Curious Child," with Watson and Dave From the Ellington library came Back in his native Kansas City, Sharp on alto saxes, Ed Love on tenor the perennial big band favorite, "Things Mo., after 25 years in New York City sax and Scott Vicroy holding down the Ain't What They Used to Be." Watson and the world at large, Watson is a force essential bass line on baritone sax. Mark began the bluesy trade-offs, leading to with which to reckon-a gifted com Benson replaced Sharp for "Conserva equally satisfying statements by Vicroy poser, arranger and instrumentalist of tion," a lilting melody that Watson en on baritone sax, Scott op trombone and the fIrst order. His experience in small hanced with an opening reference to returning to Watson. group, big band and saxophone quar "Sleighride." Closing the concert was "Ms. tet settings made him a logical choice Victor Lewis' "Hey, It's Me You're B.C.," written by Watson's wife, as NJO collaborator. Talking To" got the full big band treat Pamela Watson, as a tribute to the great The big band warmed up with a fast ment. Watson delivered a lyrical bop jazz singer Betty Carter. Its leaping, blues number by Mark Benson called solo that soared through the chord lyrical lines inspired Watson to new "One More Time," featuring brisk and changes and effortlessly quoted heights on the alto sax. Though capable bright solo passages by trombonist Todd Leonard Bernstein's "Maria" from of virtuosic flights, his solos never Thatcher, trumpeter Bob Krueger and "West Side Story." sound like mere showboating fInger alto saxophonist DaveSharp. "Phil Not The NJO opened the second half exercises but are always an integral part Bill," a jazz waltz from the Rob with the samba "La Parguera" and the of the tune. McConnell songbook, combined trom bluesy "Booke Ends" before inviting All members of the NJO seemed bonist Bryant Scott with Mike Watson back for a series of tunes he ar to rise to the occasion when playing in Brownson on flugelhom and a rapidly ranged for large ensemble. "Old Time Watson's inspiring presence. Smiles all articulated bass solo by Andy Hall. Ways" is a marvelous melding of tradi around confrrmed a sense of playful Watson began his set with rhythm tional and contemporary big band ele ness and mutual respect. section only on an uptempo rendition ments, in which Watson on alto slyly The audience at The Cornhusker of the standard "There Is No Greater interpolated "Over the Rainbow" and hotel was estimated at 350. Blues Corner By Rich Hoover· ...... The outdoor season is upon us Everything for blues lovers! Big lineup of big stars! and there is plenty to do and see, and to go and be. So why not take a trip 6/8~8/3 Blues on the Mississippi 711-3 Alleyfest to a blues fest, or at least, go to one in St. Louis MO, 314-894-3089 Longview TX, 903-237-4040 an area where you're already trippin': Family friendly Friday nights! John Mayall and much more!
5118-19 Ozarks Blues Fest 6/15-16 Fox Valley Blues Fest 7/7-8 Hayward-Russell City Blues W. Plains MO, 417-926-5991 Kaukauna WI, 715-849-8433 Hayward CA, 510-836-2227 Blues divas meet! Plenty of hot acts! Great blues & antique carsl"
5/25-27 Silver City Blues Fest 6/22-24 Monterey Bay Blues Fest For more info check out: Silver City NM, 1-888-758-7289 Seaside CA, 831-394-2652 www.bluesfestivals.com. Don't for Sample the local brews! One of the pioneer fests! get - party responsibly ,md drive care fully, because I'll probably be out 6/7-10 Chicago Blues Fest 6/29-30 Port Townsend Blues Fest there as well. Chicago IL, no # available Port Townsend, WA, 360-385-3102 Page 8 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Discorama By Butch Berman ......
In pianist N ordal-hearing his hip the jazz Samba Getz/Gilberto. You yet lush touch and amazing chops re really can't get enuff of it. Nouveau minded me of first hearing such bass wonder Santi Debriano is again heavyweights as Erroll Garner, a perfect choice on this rich musical Phineas Newborn, and of effort. course ... Oscar, he's that deep - you I don't know much about Hans have a musician tha(possesses a sig Teuber - but his majestic Webster nature style that draws you in close esque tone and Prez-like rides should and virtually takes you away. In Ways propel him to the top rung of today's of the Hand - his own tribute to the jazz cats. I was lucky to come across MARIUS NORDAL piano legends - Marius swings soul Lucky (thanks, Origin). Add this to Ways of the Hand fully and his ode to another virtual your collection and you'll be lucky, Origin Records newcomer Henry Butler shows off a too ... dancing the night away. superior knowledge of the blues. Never before has an old chestnut like "All the Things You Are" literally galloped robustly into your nervous system from the get-go first track. Guest vocalist Floyd Standifer blends his imitable pipes with Nordal's rapturous accompaniment on "Long Ago and Far Away" and "I Concentrate on You." Standifer's in HANS TEUBER clusion was a clever choice to elevate MIKE FREEMAN Lucky both him and Nordal in expanding Wiggle Stomp Origin Records their slightly obscure careers. KC VOF Recordings veteran Bob Bowman rules as usual It's getting hard to keep up with on bass working with Origin session As a nouveau viewer/reviewer/ the breadth of material - and most of drummer John Bishop effortlessly. critic (I hate that word) receiving, lis it, in my opinion, is very good - from Origin bassman Doug Miller steps in tening, and reporting the multitudes Origin Records. Another group of admirably on Marius's dreamy of hopeful CD entries stuffed into my great talented guys (as with Don sendoff to Bill Evans' "Emily." Beau mailboxes almost daily, I've discov Lamphere) - still never met face-to tifully recorded and truly a well ered I needed to rethink my methods face but have been musically ac crafted musical adventure. of just plain ... enjoying music. quainted since both (BMF and Ori Highly recommended ... and on Now, when you meet someone on gin) of our inceptions. Their current equal par with Hans Teuber's new the street - a firm eye-to-eye hand~ Seattle catalog is growing and is of release. shake usually produces a first time superb quality and variety. I first heard Hans Teuber with his "feel" of whomever I just encoun Such are two entrees I for some sly, sweet, and swell sax work back tered. That gut-feeling, initial instinct reason checked out back-to-back and ing Kendra Shank, and his new re approval or not, just doesn't cut it, feel they both deserve contendership lease Lucky - is a rare gem. If there when measuring someone's life work for my fave ten releases for 2001. I'm is a "third-stream" - Hans is the encased in a 60 minute disc. A per speaking of Ways of the Hand by leader of the pack, and with a Brazil fect example was my first experience Marius Nordal and Lucky by Hans ian twist that gets under your skin, with Omaha, Nebraska- born Mike Teuber. Both were compelling and ever so nicely. Best use of guitar Freeman's VOF release of Wiggle formidable. (Paul Meyers) and sax together since Stomp. (Discorama continued on pg. 9) Summer 2001 , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Page 9 • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (Dlscorama continued from pg. 8) r:=:.--::------~.--- ...... ------~..:..::...:..: Sometimes ... when you listen Bid· count~ most, or who you're with (or U e son IS C not wIth), and most certainly no mat By Rich Hoover ...... ter what you may think you just heard or felt - give the artist a second chance and maybe a more truer opinion. Upon first listening to the Latinesque Wiggle Stomp and its opening two tracks ("Wiggle Stomp" and "Floating") all origi nal comps throughout, it seemecl to reach me on a too much cere brallevel and I couldn't sense an . "ownership" of the CD - however VARIOUS ARTISTS VARIOUS ARTISTS later hanging with my friend Road Trip Blues Hellhound on my Trail: Songs of N orman Hedman, also a musician/ House of Blues Robert Johnson composer/producer - we took in Telarc Wiggle Stomp in tandem and a dif 'Tis the travel-time season, and ferent vibe prevailed as melodies unless your travel grip only includes I will start by quoting from the unfolded, touching my heart at a washrag that you sometimes use liner notes, by blues collector, writer, times ("Rain" is truly lovely) - for a towel, you can feel good about and producer, Lawrence Cohn: and in all I really enjoyed Mr. adding this CD to your musical "This anthology is a collection of Freeman's solid rhythmic effort - travel tote. There are 15 great selec diverse approaches to Johnson's ma and I think you will, too. tions from 15 artists or groups - all terial. Some are straight interpreta Only premiere bassist Harvey of them of the highest caliber. I'll tions; others have more of an indi Schwartz's name rang a bell with me, just list them so you can tell how vidual spin. The performers range so sometimes not having previous good this is: from a Johnson traveling companion, recognition of the players gave Wiggle Coco Montoya - "Can't Get My David "Honeyboy" Edwards, to long Stomp a refreshing new feel with no Ass in Gear;" Webb Wilder- "Stay time interpreter Taj Mahal to the only pretensions - and yes, it delivered Out of Automobiles;" Jimmy femme featured here, Susan Tedeschi. mightily. Thackery - "Drive to Survive;" And although the voices may be dif For more info on getting Wiggle Johnnie Bassett- "Cadillac Blues;" ferent, what is present throughout is Stomp delivered to your door and Big Jack Johnson - "Too Many the majestic quality of the music of more stuff on Mike Freeman, check Drivers;" Billy "The Kid" Emerson Robert Johnson." out - [email protected] and - "Every Woman I Know;" Otis There are 16 tunes on the CD fea www.jazzvibe.com. Rush - "Any Place I'm Going;" turing the blues artistry of Chris Tho Muddy Waters -"13 Highway;" mas King, Robert Lockwood Jr., DO THE WIGGLE STOMP! Long John Hunter - "Ride with Carey Bell, Eric Gales, Keith Brown, Me;" Junior Parker - "Pretty Baby;" Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, Joe Louis Check out the new Berman James Harman -"Motel King;" Walker, James Cotton, Lucky Music Foundation Web Site. Omar Dykes - "Highway 49;" Sonny Boy Williamson - "Pontiac Peterson, Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Filled with more photos, articles Blues;" Mike Morgan -"The Road;" Carl Weathersby, and Robert Palmer. and information about artists Canned Heat - "On the Road I don't know, how many times can we support Again." you listen to the same tunes and con tinue to enjoy what is heard? A dozen, www.bermanmusicfoundation.org So whadoya think? a dozen dozen, or maybe that times For more information, ten. I guess that is why they are called www.hob.com. classics. Every blues fan will listen to this CD over and over. Page 10 Berman Music Foundation Jazz
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KIOS-FM (in Omaha) deejay Cooke, a total fan of the genre Summer2001 Page 11 loo.ee •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••• ,
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BMF writer/saxman Bill Wimmer hangs with Tropiques Willie Martinez and Craig Rivers Page 12 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ) ...... Unsung Heroes Kenny Dorham By Bill Wimmer· ......
his month I want to feature Parker was one of the true ge tet and harp on a few songs. The one of my favorite trumpet niuses and his was also some of other real classic from this time T was Blue Spring, featuring Can players, Kenny Dorham. Kenny the most challenging music ever is no longer with us, having nonball Adderley in a larger passed away in 1972 from group that used the theme kidney failure, but there's no of spring as the inspiration better time to honor this im for some excellent writing, portant figure in jazz. Except playing, and arranging. All for Don Sickler, none of of these dates are out of the today's jazz trumpeters seem Riverside catalogue and to look to Dorham as an in available through Original spiration in the post-Miles, Jazz Classics. post-Wynton era. In 1961, Dorham re McKinley Howard corded the Blue Note gem Dorham was born in Whistle Stop, which fea Fairfield, Texas on August tured Hank Mobley, Kenny 30, 1924. He studied piano Drew, Paul Chambers, and at the age of 7 and went to "Philly" Joe Jones. This high school in Austin. After great record is a feature for showing great interest in boxing played. Kenny's composing skills and bringing home numerous After leaving Parker, Dorham and Jones' fiery percussion. The battle scars, bumps and bruises, continued to work with many of early 60s were a particularly cre Dorham's mother bought him a the best groups in jazz, being an ative time for Dorham, marked by trumpet in hopes of inspiring him original Jazz Messenger with Art his association with Joe in a more peaceful direction. Blakey, Horace Silver and Hank Henderson, one of the most indi Kenny had many interests and Mobley, and later replacing vidual saxophonists to come out we!?t on to study chemistry in col Clifford Brown in Max Roach's of this period. Together they lege for two years. At this time group. He was also leading his would create a series of classics he also was playing in the college own groups at this time and re on the Blue Note label. Trompeta dance band that also included cording under his own name. Toccata and Una Mas are excel Wild Bill Davis and trying his Early recordings like The Kenny lent examples of the Dorham hand at writing and arranging. Dorham Quintet on Debut, Quiet Henderderson magic, with the Kenny, on New Jazz.and the clas former featuring Tommy In 1943,WWII interrupted sic Round About Midnight At The Flanagan, and with Herbie Dorham's studies, but by the time Cafe Bohemia on Blue Note were Hancock and Tony Williams grac he was released in 1945 he'd gone some of the better mid-50s ing the latter. from Russell Jacquet's big band records that are still available on to those of Dizzy Gillespie, reissue. The Henderson-led dates, Lionel Hampton, Billy Eckstine which also showcase Dorham's and Mercer Ellington. In 1948, By the late 50s, Kenny's as writing and playing, remain some Kenny really came into his own sociation with Max Roach and of the best of his career and are as a soloist with the Sonny Rollins resulted in such re Blue Note classics. Page One is groundbreaking Charlie Parker cordings as Roach's Max Roach Henderson's debut as a leader, Quintet, where he stayed for two + 4 and Jazz Contrasts, featuring and it remains one of the finest years, replacing Miles Davis. Rollins, Roach and a string quar- records in jazz, one that every (Heros continued on pg. 13) Summer 2001 Page 13 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (Heros continued from pg. 12) jazz fan ought to own. It contains with a beautiful tone. His lines player, as he added compositions Kenny's most famous and over are often very lyrical flowing and and arrangements along with his played song, "Blue Bossa," as bluesy, with the ability to really own musical personality to many well as "Jinrikisha" and evoke a plaintive, wistful cry that different situations. "RecordaMe," two great touches the heart like few trum Henderson lines. The entire peters before or since. Also evident throughout his record has such an incredible feel life, Dorham had many varied in to every different song, and this Many of modern jazz's finest terests outside of jazz that re album also contains some of the sought out Dorham for playing flected the caring and the human finest McCoy Tyner work of the and recording. Although his ity that came out whenever he period, eclipsing even a lot of his health was failing by the late 60s, played his horn. work with Coltrane. Another fine Kenny Dorham's relatively short Henderson-led date from this career covered some incredible All this rhakes Kenny Dorham time is Our Thing, which includes stylistic ground. Very few musi an integral part of the history of Kenny's brilliant tune "Esca cians could fit in with not only modern jazz, and if you feel more pade." It is hard to go wrong Lionel Hampton or Mercer curious, by all means check out with any recordings by or featur Ellington, but with Charlie some of Kenny's music yourself. ing Kenny Dorham. Parker, Art Blakey, Max Roach, You won't be sorry you did, and Joe Henderson, Andrew Hill, and it will become very clear why he's The thing that makes Kenny yes, even Cecil Taylor. one of my Unsung Heroes. Dorham so special is his sound and the feeling he gets on his in Dorham had a good jazz ca * * * * * strument. Dorham's sound is in reer and was involved in teaching fluenced by both the brassy, fat - and writing as well, doing re I would like to also mention toned attack of Fats Navarro or views for Down Beat and writing that I received a warm "Thank Dizzy Gillespie, and that of a some liner notes. He became in You" card from Mona Hinton, lighter, softer Miles-like attack. volved in the 60s in anti-poverty thanking me for the article on her He was able to call on both con and hunger-fighting programs in husband, Milt, the jazz giant who trasts as the mood or song fit him. the inner city, and was appointed passed away this year. I want to He really carved out his own to the Board of the Neophonic Or thank you, Mona, for the warm niche in the pantheon of modern chestra in New York. Throughout thoughts and the kind of class and jazz trumpeters and always had his life, Kenny Dorham was much dignity that both you and Milt his own personal way of phrasing more than just a good trumpet gave us all these years.
own instruments and sit in with Jazz at The Five Reasons Jazz in the the band during the second and On Friday and Saturday eve third sets. The cover charge is nings from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Five venues still $4, $3 for students. Reasons Lounge in the Cornhusker th Compiled by Dave Hughes . For more information, call 402- Hotel, 333 S. 13 St in Lincoln, pia Monday Night Big Band continues 477-8008. nist John Carlini (occasionally with The Monday Night Big Band saxophonist Bill Wimmer) contin Jazz'at The Oven is still playing every Monday ues to play. Call 402-474-7474 for th On Thursday and Sunday eve more information. night at P.O. Pears, 322 S. 9 St th in Lincoln. nings at The Oven, 201 N. 8 St. in Lincoln, you can still hear the duos Every week features a differ Brazilian Music Jam of either: Dave Novak & Dennis Tay ent music director that leads the The Brazilian Music Jam at 4 lor; Steve Hanson & Nancy Marshall; group in three sets from 7:30 to Friends has been cancelled until fur John Carlini & Andy Hall; or Peter 10 p.m. Audience members are ther notice according to the coordi still encouraged to bring their Bouffard & John Carlini. Call402- nator, Randy Morse. 475-6118 for more information. Page 14 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ...... ,. Jazz on the radio By Dave Hughes......
Jazz on Nebraska Public Radio over for Butch Berman, with her show Hour" at 1 p.m., followed by "Jazz in Nebraska Public Radio, KUCV "Jammin' JazzlBoarderline Blues." the Afternoon" with Chris Cooke at 90.9 PM in Lincoln and at other from 2-3:30 p.m. frequencies around the state (except There are other jazz programs Omaha), offers two nights of jazz scattered throughout the schedule. On On Wednesdays at 1 p.m. it's each week, two hours on Friday and Mondays, "Dance Bands: When "Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz," three-plus hours on Saturday. Melody was King" with Con Good then 90 minutes of "Jazz in the Af airs from 8 to 10 a.m.; "Jazz Journey," ternoon" hosted by Mike Jacobs. At 11 p.m. on Fridays you can hosted by jazz musician Bill Wimmer, still hear National Public Radio's runs from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and On Thursdays, "One Night "Jazz Profiles," an audio biography "Hotter Than That" with Warren Stand" with host Chris Nielsen kicks of jazz artists. At midnight Graham "Rude Dog" Rudolph goes from 8:30 off the afternoon of jazz at 1 p.m., House presents '''Round Midnight" to 10 p.m. followed by another "Jazz in the Af a program that still features some lo ternoon" at 2 p.m. with Cooke. cally programmed jazz. "NightTown," with Tom lneck, continues to run from 8:30-10 p.m. On Fridays "Jazz From Studio 1" On Saturday nights Don Gill on Thursdays. starts it off at 1 p.m., followed by even hosts "Big Band Spotlight" at 8 p.m., another "Jazz in the Afternoon" with followed by two NPR programs, "Pi On Friday mornings, Ed Jacobs again that lasts until 3:30 p.m. apo Jazz," with Marian McPartland Rumbaugh starts off your day with at 9 p.m. and "JazzSet," with Branford "Plug in the Sun" from 6 to 8 a.m. On Saturdays KIOS now airs Marsalis, at 10 p.m. Then at 11 p.m., This program features Ed's eclectic NPR's "Jazz Profiles" at 8 p.m. fol "Late in the Evening" with host Dave tastes in jazz and assorted world mu lowed by "Jazz Junction" with Rick Hughes, gives you a set of jazz, then sic. Then on Friday evenings, tune in Erben at 9 p.m. and "Last Call" with a mix of blues, roots rock, Cajun, for some western swing on the Cooke again at 11 p.m. zydeco, reggae, and world music. "KZUM Heyride" from 7 :30 to 9 p.rn. with long time host John Schmitz. For a free copy of the KIOS pro For a free copy of NPRN's pro gram guide, give them a call at 402- gram guide "Choice," call 472-2200, If you would like detailed infor 557-2777 in Omaha. or 1-800-290-6850. mation about the jazz programs on KZUM, or would like to receive a cur Jazz on KVNO Jazz on KZUM rent copy of their program guide, give KVNO at 90.7 in Omaha contin KZUM Community Radio, at them a call at 402-474-5086. ues to have locally programmed jazz 89.3 PM in Lincoln, offers jazz pro on Friday and Saturday evenings. grams Monday-Thursday afternoons Jazz and blues on KIOS from 1 to 3 p.m. and some other days KIOS at 91.5 in Omaha has jazz Jazz runs from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and times. (and some blues) every weekday from on Fridays, and from 6 p.m. to 2 am I p.m. until 3:30 pm. on Saturdays, with hosts Jim Celer The weekday afternoon schedule and Tom Besse. For more informa now goes like this: on Mondays, On Mondays it's all blues as tion about jazz programing on Rachel Principato programs "Beale Street Caravan" starts off the KVNO, call 402-559-5866. "Rachel's Jazz;" on Tuesdays, Herb day at 1 p.m., then at 2 p.m. is "Blues Thomas guides "Zero Street;" Randy in the Afternoon" hosted by Mike Morse hosts "Som do Brasil" on Jacobs. Wednesdays; and on Thursdays, a new host, Robbin Cihal, has taken On Tuesdays, it's the "Brazilian Nearly three dozen ofjazz's most-acclaimed artists turn up the heat for more than 30 hours ofthe world's finest classic, straight-ahead jazz! Headliner working groups and unrehearsed ensemble improvisation for three sizzling days! 4thAnnuaI TOPEKAJAZZ FESTIVAL May 26, 27 & 28, 2001
WORKING GROUP HEADLINERS:
THE MONTY ALEXANDER TRIO (MONTY ALEXANDER, TROY DAVIS, HASSAN SHAKUR)
THE RAY BROWN TRIO - WITH FEATURED ARTIST HOLLY HOFMANN (RAY BROWN, LARRY FULLER, KAREEM RIGGINS) FRANK CAPP AND JUGGERNAUT (KANSAS CITY: KERRY STRAYER, JAY SOLENBERGER, PAUL ROBERTS, STEVE DEKKER; AND TOPEKA: GARY STROUD, CHUCK TUMLINSON, BILL LEIFER, DANNY JACKSON, JIM CANN) THE ELDAR DJANGIROV TRIO (ELDAR DJANGIROV, GERALS SPAITS, TODD STRAIT) FEATURED ARTISTS: Piano: Monty Alexander, GerryWiggins, Larry Fuller, Joe Cartwright, Russ Long, Eldar Djangirov Bass: Ray Brown, Jay Leonhart, John Clayton, Hassan Shakur, Bob Bowman, &Gerald Spaits Drums: Jeff Hamilton, Frank Capp, Troy Davis, Kareem Riggins, Tommy Ruskin, Todd Strait Guitar: Dan Faehnle, Danny Embrey Tenor: Scott Hamilton FOR TICKETS CALL: Tenor &Clarinet: Ken Peplowski, Bob Kindred Alto &Baritone: Alan Barnes (London, England) 785/297-9000 Flute: Holly Hofmann ... QUESTIONS? Trumpet: Stacy Rowles Call T JF Artistic Director Trombone: David Steinmeyer JIM MONROE Vocals: Karrin Allyson 785/267-1315 TOPEKA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2001 AII-~ession Packages:
Patron - $195 per person. All Session reserved seat ticket.
Day Pass - $90 per person: Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 $70 per person: Monday, May 28
Single Session -.$25 per person: Saturday May 26 through Monday, May 28. Early Afternoon, Late Afternoon, Early Evening, and Late Evening sessions available.
Order Your Tickets Nowl • TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1359 Lincoln, NE
Butch Berman Charitable Music Foundation 719 P St. Studio G Lincoln, NE 68508 Address Service Requested
How can vou help the foundation:» The Berman Music foundation is a non-profil, lax exemPl, 501{cH3) privale foundalion, and your lax deduclible donalion is needed 10 help offsel Ihe COSIS of Ihis newsletter and ilS programs. _'_$10 _'$ 25 _$ 50 _$100 __$250 ___$Olher Hame ______
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