A P A PLACE FOR JAZZ O R

June 2009 Editor: Tim Coakley WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG—UPDATED DAILY

Ready, Get Set . . . Swing!

by Tim Coakley

Not to rush you through the last few years and have always The management of APFJ summer, but plans are already delighted their audiences. continually strives to find ways in place for the 2009 fall season to better serve the jazz lovers of A Place for Jazz. So, as you of the Capital District. Would- enjoy the sounds and warmth of On Oct. 23, organist Gene Ludwig will bring his big- n't it be good if we could get June, July and August, be sure this newsletter in front of your to mark your calendar for an- sounding trio to our stage, fea- turing guitarist Dave Stryker, eyes quicker? And if we could other series of diverse and en- reduce our printing and post- tertaining concerts at the First who played so well with Karrin Allyson last fall. age costs, we wouldn't have to Unitarian Society of raise our concert prices. Schenectady.

Rounding out the year on Nov. So we're going to start to dis- Kicking off our season on Sept. 6 will be one of the Capital Re- gion’s outstanding group of tribute this newsletter by e- 11 will be the dynamic tenor mail to as many of you as pos- saxophonist Eric Alexander young players, the Steve Lam- bert Sextet. Those who at- sible. We'll continue to mail it and his quintet, featuring trom- to the non-techies among you, bonist Steve Davis, in an eve- tended the Schenectady Musical Union’s bash in April will attest but if you've got a computer, ning of straight-ahead yet ad- please give us your e-mail ad- venturous music. to the skill and professionalism of these fine players. dress. It's really quite simple: Just go to aplaceforjazz.org All concerts are at 8 p.m. on Fri- On Sept. 25, the Latin-jazz and complete the simple form day. Membership and ticket or- that's right on the home page. quartet of pianist Otmaro Ruiz der forms are inside. Be sure to will take the stage to engage us Do it now, because we're go- make your plans now to enjoy ing to start with the next issue with some scintillating rhythms our 22nd season of the best in and original compositions. in August. Thank you for your jazz. cooperation.

Check out our monthly calendar The incomparable vocalist Tier- on our website at ney Sutton and her dynamic www.aplaceforjazz.org. trio will cast their spell over the The calendar is updated daily Whisperdome on October 9. and includes links to Jazz Festi- They have made several ap- vals, clubs and concert series pearances in the region over the Page 2 A P l a c e f o r J a z z

EMPIRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA Symphonies In Riffs

By Tom Pierce (reprinted with the permission of written composer Don Menza, is now www.albanyjazz.com) in 1933 and performed here with especially poignant with the in- brief solos by five different band tense guitar solo of the recently What's so special about big members, contrasts interestingly departed virtuoso, Jack Frago- bands in jazz? Some younger with the other Carter inclusion, meni. music fans who became enam- “The Legend” from 1961. It fea- ored with jazz long after the big tures post be-bop influences, Fans of the celebrated modern band era, might ask this ques- with exciting solos by Steve composer/band leader Maria tion, while pointing out the nu- Lambert and Brian Patneaude. Schneider will no doubt enjoy merous extraordinary recordings her sophisticated 1994 and live performances in the The CD also includes composi- “Wrygrly”, inspired by her un- post-swing years by many tions by two other important usual fascination with monsters. smaller groups. However, these early Jazz innovators - Fetcher Its ensemble complexity is lovers of the unique charm and Henderson and Don Redman. warmly complemented by brac- intimacy possible in duos and Henderson, whose preeminent ing solos from Brian Patneaude, trios, as well as the freedom and all-star orchestra started in Gary Barrow and Jack Frago- extended individual soloing op- 1923, actually predating Duke meni. Despite the inclusion of all portunities in quartets and quin- Ellington's 1927 initial recording, these engaging pieces by the tets, would do well to give a is represented with a jaunty aforementioned renowned com- close listen to this latest (fourth) romp of his “The Stam- posers (plus one by the pro- CD by the Empire Jazz Orches- pede” (1926), highlighted by vocative genius, Charles Min- tra, for a fine example of the Kevin Barcomb and Peter Bel- gus), this observer found himself richly layered and dynamic pos- lino solos. Closely allied in the most repeatedly drawn to the sibilities unique to big bands. early 1920's with Henderson highly moving, extended saga was his chief writer, reedman “The Gate: A Portrait of the Mo- Music director Bill Meckley Don Redman, long considered hawk”, by the talented local chose a wide range of excellent the virtual inventor of big band young composer/bandleader material for the concert this live arranging. The EJO ensemble Keith Pray. recording documents, encom- offers a surrealistic, medium passing the major styles of or- tempo version of Redman's Lastly, for Jazz vocal lovers, no chestral jazz from the 1920's to hauntingly imaginative 1940 performance by this remarkable the finest contemporary artists. “Cupid's Nightmare”. professional repertory ensemble The opening title track is one of based at Schenectady County two works by the incredibly tal- The two most rousing, straight Community College, would be ented composer/arranger/ ahead swingers are the exuber- complete without Colleen Pratt. trumpeter/saxophonist Benny ant Louis Prima's rollicking 1933 Her poise, precision and power Carter. His magnificent contribu- standard, “Sing, Sing, Sing”, is a delightful match for the or- tions spanned eight decades, sparked here by the virile drum- chestra's swinging backing on from 1922 up to the dawn of the ming of Bob Halek; and the very “Too Close For Com- new millennium, before his popular “Time Check”, a favorite fort” (evoking Joe Williams' joy- passing at 95 in 2003. That of fans of the Buddy Rich or- ous 1955 version with Count sprightly syncopated title piece chestra. This tune, written by Basie) and Irving Berlin's clas- passionate saxophonist/ sic, “Cheek to Cheek”. A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 3 Local Jazz Venues (Listed Alphabetically)

9 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, 518-587- Jazz on Jay, in front of City Center (across Red Onion Restaurant, Route 212, Wood- 7759 from Proctor's), Schenectady, 518-372-5656 stock, NY 845-679-1223 The Bar at 74 State, 74 State St, Albany, (summer only) Saratoga Gaming & Raceway, Saratoga 518-434-7410 Justin’s, 301 Lark St, Albany, 518-436-7008 Springs, 518-584-2110 The Basement, 21 Center St, Northamp- Lark Tavern, 453 Madison Ave. Albany, Sarazen Student Union, Siena College, 518 ton, MA, 413-586-9030 518-463-9779 -783-4117 Blue Plate, 1 Kinderhook St, Chatham, Linda Norris Aud., WAMC, 339 Central Sargo's, Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 NY, 518-392-7711 Ave., Albany, 518-465-5233 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, 518-583-4653 Cabernet Café, 1814 Western Ave, Albany, Mo' Jazz Café , 7 South Main St Wilming- Scrimshaw Tavern, Desmond Hotel, Colo- 518-452-5670 ton, VT 802-464-2280 nie, 518-869-8100 Café Capriccio, 49 Grand St, Albany, 518- Moon & River Café, 115 S. Ferry St., Spillin' the Beans, 13 3rd St, Troy, 518-268 65-0439 Schenectady, 518-382-1938 -1028 Castle Street Café, 10 Castle St, Great Bar- Muddy Cup, 1038 Madison Ave, Al- Stella's Lounge, 7 Main St, Catskill, 518- rington, MA, 413-528-5244 bany, 518-459-2022 943-3173 Chameleon on the Lake, 251 County Rt. One Caroline Street Bistro, Saratoga Stockade Inn, 1 N. Church St, 67, Saratoga Springs, 581-3928 Springs, 518-587-2026 Schenectady, 518-346-3400 Chez Sophie Bistro, 534 Broadway, Sara- Panza's Restaurant, Route 9P Saratoga Wallabee's Jazz Bar, 190 Glen St, Glens toga Springs, 518-583-3538 Lake, Saratoga Spgs, 518-584-6882 Falls, NY, 518-792-8282 Circus Café, 392 Broadway, Saratoga Parker Inn, 434 State St, Schenectady, 518- The Wine Bar, 417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 518-583-1106 688-1001 Springs, 518-584-8777 Comfort Inn, 37 Rte 9W, Glenmont, 518- Prime 677, 677 Broadway Albany, 518-427- Zaika, 54 Clifton Country Rd, Clifton Park, 465-8811 7463 518-688-1548 The Fountain Restaurant, 283 New Scot- Proctor's, 432 State St, Schenectady, 518- land Ave, Albany, 518-482-9898 382-3884 Four Corners Luncheonette, 2 Grove St, Provence Restaurant, Stuyvesant Plaza- Delmar, 518-439-0172 Western Ave at Fuller Rd, Albany, 518-689-

Freedom Park, Schonowee Ave, Scotia, 7777 370-0662 (summer only) Quarter Moon Café, 53 Main Street, Delhi, NY, 607-746-8886

R A D I O J A Z Z WVCR 88.3 FM "The Crossroads of Jazz." Saturday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. with a mix of the Essentials and the Contemporary . Hosted by Darrin Scott and Ted Moisides. WCDB 90.9 FM Bill McCann, Saturday 8 am to 12 noon; O.J., "Maiden Voyage", Thursday, 6 - 10 pm; Bill Goss, "TGIF Jazz Party", Friday, 4 - 6 pm; Mark Stevenson, "The Contemporary Jazz Cafe`", Saturday, 6 - 8 am WAMC 90.3 FM Tim Coakley, Saturday 10:30 pm-12 midnight; Jim Wilke, Jazz After Hours 1 am to 5 am Friday and Saturday; Marian McPartland, Sunday 9pm; Afro-Pop Worldwide, 8 pm Sunday WRPI 91.5 FM Barbara Kaiser 10 am to noon on Tuesday. with a wonderfully eclectic mixture of Jazz+; Kevin Roberts, Thursday. 8-10 pm with his exciting and varied theme shows WVPR 94.3 FM (Vermont Public Radio) George Thomas Tuesday-Thursday from 8-10 pm, Friday until midnight WKLI Magic 100.9 FM Sundays Albany (Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch) 6am-8am Dave Koz Radio Show; 8 am.- 10.am; Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis; 10am-12 noon.: Swingin' with Sinatra with Steve Jackson Vicario. Page 4 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Sad Losses in the Jazz Community

JACK FRAGOMENI Orchestra and teamed up with Professional Licensing after 30 One of the Capital Region’s out- pianist Lee Shaw for a rousing years service in the State Edu- standing musicians, guitarist conclusion to the 2006 season cation Dept. Many people saw Jack Fragomeni, passed away of A Place for Jazz. his image on the television spots on April 4. He was only 57, and Besides his mother, Jack is for St. Peter’s Hospital. leaves an enormous musical survived by his wife of 18 years, After his retirement, Jerry legacy. Roswita (Apkarian) Fragomeni; spent a year touring with the his brothers, Mark L. Fragomeni Jack was a graduate of Mont Spots and was an enthusiastic of Malta and Father Richard participant at jazz festivals and Pleasant High School and re- Fragomeni of Chicago; his ceived his bachelor’s and mas- jazz cruises. We can remember nephews, Michael and Jason him telling us with enthusiasm ter’s degrees from the College Fragomeni and Jacob Apkarian; of St. Rose, where he taught, as about the Philadelphia Jazz fes- and nieces, Nicole Fragomeni tival, and what a good time he well as teaching at Schenectady and Sophie Apkarian. County Community College. had there. He was also one of the found- JERRY PORTER ing members of the Swingtime Longtime jazz fan and singer Jazz Society, which is dedicated Jerry Porter died this year at the to promoting concerts by Capital age of 80. Region performers. Jerry was often in the audience at A Place for Jazz concerts, and he will surely be missed on the jazz scene. Jack Fragameni Jerry is survived by his wife, K. Sue Updike- Porter; his chil- Over the years, Jack learned dren, Gerald L. Porter III, from and played with jazz greats Patricia Porter, Joseph B. Por- like Nick Brignola, Atilla Zoller ter , Esq., Julia Porter, and by and Bucky Pizzarelli. We heard his brother, Anthony Gooding. him in so many venues, includ- Jerry Porter Jerry is also survived by grand- ing the Van Dyck, the Grog sons, David Bering- Porter , Shoppe and the Stockade Inn. Jerry was among the fourth Alexander Montalbano and Ben- He was part of several memora- generation of six historic gen- jamin Montalbano. ble concerts by the Empire Jazz erations of Albany residents. He retired from the NYS Division of It’s Deductible! In 2008, APFJ became a not-for are now tax deductible. Mem- example, a $100 Supporter -profit 501C-3 organiza- berships to APFJ are partially Level minus the $60 Series tion. What this means to you, included, that is, the level of Ticket value leaves $40 as a tax our patrons, is important in the membership minus the value of deductible contribution. fact that all direct contributions the tickets, is deductible. For Page 5 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Summertime Jazz Malone and Mulgrew Miller 2:45 p.m. - Steve Turre Quintet FIRST UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH Javon Jackson Band featuring 4:30 p.m. - Diane Moser’s Com- Les McCann, Eddie Palmieri, 55 Fenn St., Pittsfield, Mass. posers Big Band Kevin Mahogany (413) 442-7718. JAZZ ON JAY SKIDMORE SUMMER JAZZ INSTITUTE July 7. 7:30pm. American Jazz Skidmore College, Saratoga Repertory Orchestra Thursdays, Noon to 1:30. Jay Springs Free $20 in advance, $25 at the door Street, Schenectady. Free. Rain ($15 for students) location Robb Alley of Proctors. June 30 - 8 p.m. Bernhard FREEDOM PARK, SCOTIA June 4 --— Colleen Pratt & Theater - Gerald Clayton Quin- All concerts 7 p.m. Free. Friends tet July 9 — April Marie June 11 — Al Haugen & Friends July 2 - 8 p.m. Bernhard Theater July 11 — Brian Patneaude Jun 18 — Yuko Kishimoto Trio - Faculty Jazz Sextet Quintet June 25 — Dino Cimino July 22 — The Joey Thomas Big July 2 — Linda Brown & Air- July 7 - 8 p.m. Bernhard Theater Band waves - Jonathan Batiste Quintet July 30 — Keith Pray July 9 — Patti Melita & the Hip July 9 - 8 p.m. Bernhard Theater Aug. 1 — Sensemaya-Latin Hooligans - Faculty Jazz Sextet July 16 — Keith Pray Quintet Jazz July 3 and 10 - Filene Recital July 23 — Azzaam Hameed w/ Aug. 19 — Doc Spring’s Dixie- Hall - Student concerts land Band Annette Harris & Ron Mayfield Aug. 20 — Signature Brass July 30 — Troika TANGLEWOOD JAZZ WEEKEND FREIHOFER’S JAZZ FESTIVAL August 6 — Paul Mastriani & Lenox, Mass. Saratoga Performing Arts Cen- Friends Sept. 4 - 8 p.m -- An Evening ter, Saratoga Springs August 13 — Terry Gordon with Paquito d’Rivera Saturday, June 27, noon — Patti Quartet LaBelle, Pat Metheny, Steve August 20 — Tim Coakley Trio Sept. 5 - 2 p.m. - “Radio Deluxe” Swallow, Antonio Sanchez, August 27 — Tim Olsen Trio with John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band , LAKE GEORGE JAZZ WEEK- Dred Scott Trio, Wallace END Sept. 5 - 8 p.m. ‑ -Regina Carter Roney Quintet, John Ellis Quar- Quartet with Nnenna Freelon, tet. $62.50, $52, $41.50, $5. Shepard Park, Lake George Vil- lage/Rain site: Lake George Harolyn Blackwell and Mike Sunday, June 28, noon — Garson George Benson, Dave Brubeck High School Free Quartet, Bonerama, Aaron Sat., Sept. 19 Sept. 6 - 2 p.m. - Kenny Barron and Mulgrew Miller Parks, Julian Lage. $56, $49, 1 p.m. - Bill Mays Inventions $41.50, $5. Trio The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Tickets at SPAC Web site at 2:45 p.m. - Ignacio Berroa Quar- Sept. 6 - 8 p.m. - John Faddis www.spac.org or (518) 584- and History of Jazz Trumpet 9330. tet JAZZ IN THE VALLEY 4:30 p.m. - Giacomo Gates Dave Holland Sextet West Park, Ulster County, Aug. 8 p.m. - Christian Sciott Quintet Call (617) 266-1200 or (800) 14-16; Tickets: Before June 30, 266-1200 for tickets and further $35; After June 30, $45; at the Sun., Sept. 20 information. door, $50. (845) 384-6350 or 1 p.m. - Roland Vasquez Quin- [email protected] tet Ron Carter Trio with Russell Page 6 A P l a c e f o r J a z z 2009 Ticket Order Form

Concert Quantity Price Total

September 11 Eric Alexander and his $15 quintet, featuring trom- bonist Steve Davis, September 25 Otmaro Ruiz $15

October 9 Tierney Sutton $15

October 23 Gene Ludwig Trio fea- $15 turing guitarist Dave Stryker, November 6 Steve Lambert Sextet $15

Complete Concert Series (offer good until $60 Sept. 1)

NEA Announces 2010 Jazz Masters

The pianist Kenny Barron, The organization said it had Avakian, who has produced below, the producer George also selected the composer and records by Duke Ellington Louis Avakian and Annie Ross, of musician Yusef Lateef; the pi- Armstrong and Miles Davis, the vocal group Lambert, anist Muhal Richard Abrams; among others, will receive an Hendricks & Ross, were among the vibraphonist Bobby Hutch- award for jazz advocacy. Each eight recipients announced in erson; the composer and ar- winner will receive a grant of May of the National Endowment ranger Bill Holman; and the pi- $25,000 and will be honored at for the Arts 2010 Jazz Masters anist and composer Cedar a ceremony on Jan. 12 at Jazz Awards. Walton for the honor at Lincoln Center. Page 7 A P l a c e f o r J a z z APFJ Membership Form

Date ______

Name ______

Address______

______

Phone ______

E-Mail ______

Membership Levels (Circle One)

No Bread (But Want to Help) $20 Individual $30 Family $50 Supporter (+1 Series Ticket) $100 Patron (+2 Series Tickets) $250 Underwriter (+4 series Tickets) $500 Jazz Hero (5 Year membership $1,000 +2 series tickets until 2011)

***************** Special Thanks ******************

Norm Ainslie; Rob Aronstein; Ed August; C. Robie Booth; Joe Bowman; Al Brooks; Jody Shayne & Russ Brooks; Tim Coakley; College of St. Rose; Bob Cudmore; Evvie & Bob Currie; James & Margaret Cunningham; Peg & Bill Delaney; Jan Egry; Beverly Elander; The Goldberg Clan; Jerry Gordon; The Hamilton Hill Arts Center; The Hart Clan; Anita & Al Haugen; Leslie & Mark Hyland; Pete Jacobs; Barbara Kaiser; Mike & Rosemary Lategano; Peter Lesser; Eleanor Linberg; Chris Martin; Bill McCann; Gail & Bill Mattsson; Bill Meckley; Peg Miller; Bobbie Monterose; John & Donna Moroney; Yves Nazon; Brian Patneaude; Tom Pierce; Kevin Roberts; Alice Rud- nick; Schenectady County Community College; Joe Slomka & Claudia White; Randy Treece; Chris Waldron; Sharon Wesley; David Wilkinson Thanks also to the Daily Gazette for their promotion of APFJ A Place for Jazz is a not-for-profit organization dedi- Going Digital cated to presenting the best in jazz. We receive fund- ing from the Schenectady County Initiative Program well as from our ticket sales and membership contri- The management of APFJ continually strives to find butions. ways to better serve the jazz lovers of the Capital Programs include concerts, public workshops, District. Wouldn't it be good if we could get this news- school-based clinics, a Jazz website, and general support of Jazz and its musicians. letter in front of your eyes quicker? And if we could We welcome announcements and comments. reduce our printing and postage costs, we wouldn't Editor: Tim Coakley have to raise our concert prices. Contributors: Al Brooks, Tim Coakley, Jan Egry, Beverly Elander, Jerry Gordon, Tom Pierce So we're going to start to distribute this newsletter by Web Mensch: Jerry Gordon e-mail to as many of you as possible. We'll continue Newsletter: Chris Waldron to mail to the non-techies among you, but if you've got a computer, please give us your e-mail address. It's really quite simple: Just go to aplaceforjazz.org A Place for Jazz PO Box 1059 , Schenectady, NY 12301 and complete the simple form that's right on the 518 393-4011 [email protected] home page. Do it now, because we're going to start with the next issue in Board of Directors August. Thank you for Norm Ainslie, Al Brooks, Tim Coakley, Beverly your cooperation. Elander, Jerry Gordon, Al Haugen, Anita Haugen, Les- lie Hyland, Mike Lategano, Bill McCann, Leesa Perazzo, Tom Pierce, Andrzej Pilarczyk, Alice Rud- nick, Joe Slomka, Chris Waldron

Calendar can be found at www.aplaceforjazz.org

A Place for Jazz PO Box 1059 Schenectady, NY 12301

Funded in part by a grant from the Schenectady County Initiative Program

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