ArkansasArkansas JazzJazz CalendarCalendar Vol. 6 No. 4 Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation Newsletter November/December 1998 ______In this issue: Monday Jazz welcomes Mose ARKANSAS JAZZ Allison, Michael Marcus in Concert. NEWS ...

From New York... - The Jazz Club of Arkansas regularly MOSE ALLISON meets on the first Sunday of each month at Returns to the MICHAEL MARCUS the American Legion Post #1, 315 E. on the Straight Alto Sax Capitol, Little Rock, from 2 to 5 PM. AfterThought November’s meeting will be on the second Tuesday Nov. 24 Sunday to accommodate musician Monday Nov. 23 schedules but returns to the first Sunday in It is not very often you get a second Capitol Keyboard Recital Hall December. If you are interested in chance in the same year to see your favorite membership and activities call Doug Stiles “Over the past ten years, saxophonist at (501) 663-5414. entertainer. If your choice is Mose Allison, Michael Marcus has carved out a niche you’re in luck because he returns to the with his stritch, a unique instrument that - The Arkansas Jazz Heritage Monday Jazz Project at the AfterThought Foundation Board meets quarterly at was championed in the ’60s by Rahsann Capitol Keyboard, 13401 Chenal Parkway, on November 23, 1998. If you missed Roland Kirk and played by very few other Mose in April, he will be back for two Little Rock. Call Cece Rich (501) 228- saxophonist since then.” - Bill Milkowski 9999 or James Thomson 663-5264 for info. shows, 8 and 10 p.m., $10 per show general of JazzTimes, September 1998. admission. Tickets available from the Remember to send in those membership renewals. Thank you to Andrew Collins, AfterThought 663-1196, Capitol Keyboards Joe Kenady, Jim and Jo Lake, Jim Porter, (501) 228-9999, and Been Around Records and Rex Perry for becoming Jazzman on South University. members. - The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will perform at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre at 2:30pm on November 8, 1998. Tickets are $40 and available through the Memphis Symphony Box Office at 901-324-3627 or through Ticketmaster. Michael Marcus - Folly Jazz in Kansas City presents the The instrument to which Mr. Milkowski 12th Street Series 1998/99 season featuring is referring is the Straight Saxophone or the Charles McPherson Quartet, Saturday Saxello (configured soprano, dubbed Nov. 14th, 1998, 8PM in the Folly Theater, manzello by Rahsaan). The Marcus 300 W. 12th Street, Kansas City MO. Also on Discography includes 10 CDs covering the series the Freddy Cole Quartet, Friday Dec. seven labels including Westwind, ITM, 11th at 8PM. For tickets call (816) 474-4444. Qwest/Warner Brothers, C.I.M.P., Enja, - The Region VI All Region Jazz Band Soul Note, and his latest carrier JustinTime will hold a concert on November 14,1998, Records. Marcus teamed with the Jaki Byard at 5pm in Metcalf Auditorium on the Trio for “Involution”, his second recording campus of Little Rock Parkview Arts project for Justin Time Records, and a Magnet High School. For more information, subsequent tour which included stops at the call (501) 228-3030. Toronto Jazz Festival and the Museum of - Marvin Stamm, Memphis native and Modern Art. internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet player will be the featured artist with the Mose Allison The show features Marcus on saxophones, Chris Parker on piano, Dave Arkansas State University Jazz Band, “The As his 1998 Blue Note album Gimcracks Rogers on drums, and Joe Vick on bass. Tribe”, on November 23rd. Mr. Stamm & Gewgaws evidences, the 71-year old Show starts at 7:30 PM Tuesday November studied at the University of North Texas Mississippi native is an adept artist and a before touring with Stan Kenton and Woody 24, 1998 in Capitol Keyboard Recital Hall, Herman. He has also recorded with Bill tasteful tunesmith. Allison’s lyrics exhibit 13401 Chenal Parkway, $10 general Evans, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, the a rare and wry wit made better only by admission. Beverages and snacks included Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, and James Mose’s skillful piano playing & unique with $10 ticket. Tickets available at Capitol Brown. The concert is free to the public and vocal delivery. Keyboard (501) 228-9999 and Been-Around begins at 8pm at Wilson Auditorium on the Records & CDs on S. University Ave. (Continued on page 2 - Monday Jazz ) (Continued on page 2 - Jazz News) Continued from page 1 - Monday Jazz KURT ELLING TRIO Continued from page 1 - Jazz News by Jeff Putterman, host of Jazzonia campus of Arkansas State in Jonesboro. On November 9, the Monday Jazz every Saturday night on KABF 88.3FM Project presents trumpeter Nokie Taylor - The International Association of Jazz from Memphis. Taylor graduated form Little Rock jazz fans are big on singer Educators will hold the 26th Annual Arkansas A.M.& N college (Now UAPB), Kurt Elling. Back in 1996, at the now International Conference on January 7-9, 1999 at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, legendary three-day Wildwood Jazz Festival where Taylor’s fellow students included California. For more info, call (785) 776-8744. John Stubblefield, James Leary, and other (which marked the “birth” of the Cypress Arkansas and Memphis native jazz artists. Jazz Associates) a relatively unknown Elling - The Arkansas River Blues Society He toured and / or recorded (Stax records in worked his vocal magic. By the end of his presents their weekly Blues Jam at Memphis), with such names as Isaac Hayes set, he had the crowd literally leaping from Juanita’s, 9 p.m., $3 general admission (toured with for nine years), Jimmy Reed, its seats. His performance then was so Every Tuesday evening in Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom , 1300 S. Main, Little Rock. Percy Mayfield, and Rufus Thomas. His powerful that after the show one novice Sign-up with Jeff Weeden at the event to group in Little Rock will include Herman confided in me: “Now I know why you participate in the Jam. Call (501) 374- Green on saxophone, Charles Thomas on guys like jazz so much.” 3660 for more information. piano, Joe Vick on bass, and Dave Rogers Thursday Oct. 1, 1998, at the Stella at the drums. $5 cover. - Vagabonds has live jazz Thursday, Friday Boyle Smith concert hall at UALR, the and Saturday nights at 5913 Kavanaugh, Cypress Jazz Associates again brought Kurt Little Rock. Don’t miss it! There is a Jam Elling to Little Rock. This time the audience Session every Thursday. Call (501) 296- was more familiar with him. After all, Kurt 9696 for information. now has three Blue Note CDs under his belt - The North Arkansas Jazz Society and has already won a Grammy award and presents jazz events in Fayetteville, several more nominations. He sits at the top Arkansas. Support jazz in Northwest of the male vocalist category in many jazz Arkansas by sending a check for $20 magazine polls. So the attendees had heard (individual), $30 (family), $10 (Student), him sing, and knew about Kurt, his trio, and $50-$100 (Sustaining), or $100 - UP his music. But Elling did it again. Proving (Corporate) payable to North Arkansas Jazz that his talent for improvisation, energy Society, 40 East Elm, Fayetteville, AR and wit have yet to be properly captured in 72703, or call President Robert Ginsburg for information at (501) 521-1255 or 442-0990. digitized form, Kurt again “knocked out” the large and appreciative audience. - The Pine Bluff Jazz Club meets every 3rd Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. of each month. For Backed by long time partner Lawrence location and date for their next meeting call Hobgood on piano, Rob Amster on bass, (501) 879-2059 for further information. and Michael Raynor on drums, Elling showed why he has quickly become regarded - The Star Dust Dance Band with vocalist Shirley Chauvin performs monthly in Hot as one of the top male vocalists in jazz. His Springs. Call for schedule (501) 767-5482. Nokie Taylor stage persona is part smooth crooner, part November 16th features the John Craig beat hipster, and part bebop scat man. Mixed, - The Hot Springs Jazz Society supports Trio. Craig, a former member of the Ike I might add, with an intellectual’s playful jazz programming in the Spa City including and Tina Turner band and the leader of the use of ironic musical and literary allusions. the annual Hot Springs Jazz and Blues Festival which is September 11 - 13, 1998 Arkansas River Blues Society’s jam night Although he carefully caresses soulful in Hot Springs, Arkansas. To join send house band at Juanita’s, will show us his ballads, to call him a singer belittles his check for $25 to The Hot Springs Jazz jazz chops. $5 cover Again don’t forget style. And though he scats, to characterize Society, PO Box 972, Hot Springs, AR Nov. 23, featuring Mose Allison, two him as a bebop vocalist, ignores his use of 71902-0972. For further information shows 8 and 10 p.m., $10 per show. Then “vocalese.” Rather Elling, as he proved in contact Shirley Chauvin at (501) 767-5482. on Nov. 30 is the Monday Jazz Project Jam Little Rock, is an accomplished musician The next calendar deadline is December and Showcase. Open mike for local area who “plays” his voice. And the way he 7th, 1998. Please reply with jazz happenings jazz players every last Monday of the month. reinterprets and reinvigorates old tunes— to The Arkansas Jazz Calendar, c/o The House trio includes Buck Powell on piano, playing with tempo, harmony, and phrasing Arkansas Jazz and Heritage Foundation, PO Joe Vick on bass, and Dave Rogers at the while keeping unerringly swinging time Box 251187, Little Rock, 72225-1187. drums. $3 cover. and marking the versions as “his,” Elling You may also FAX your info by dialing December means our start time moves demonstrates that he is a Jazz singer as well. (501) 228-8915, when machine answers from 8 to 8:30 p.m. beginning with pianist transmit or call AJC editors James Thomson This was obvious early on in the show. at (501) 663-5254 , Robert S O’Connor (501) Rex Bell and a Jazzy Christmas. Bell is After Elling’s trio warmed up with a lyrical releasing a new CD with some jazzy 614-9710, or Cece Rich at 228-9999. You “You, the Night and the Music,” he took the may visit us at our website www.arjazz.org Christmas favorites and you are invited to stage, “holding” a saxophone. Soloing, he the party. His last offering featured his Hot or send e-mail to [email protected] Write us vocalized a slow introduction to “I Can’t with events, a letter to the editor, an ad Hands Band performing the Suite, the music Get Started,” then “played” the rest of the ($12.50 per col. inch for ready copy), and/or of composer Claude Bolling. $5 cover. song. It was, both vocally and musically, a just jazz news, today! refreshing version of that old tune. He (Continued on page 4 - Monday Jazz ... ) (Continued on page 3 - Elling ... ) Page 2 Continued from page 2 - Elling for Jen,” an example of his vocalese. Taking THE JAZZ RADIO followed this up, ably accompanied by the the music of Freddie Hubbard’s “Delphia” CALENDAR OF ARKANSAS trio, with a version of “April in Paris” similar as the melody, Elling added his own words. ¥ KABF 88.3 FM Community Radio(Little Rock): to that on his second CD The Messenger. Although it was Hubbard’s tune, Elling Sunday 9 am- noon The Quiet Storm w/Griff Monday-Friday 9 am-12 noon The Jazz Venue However this live version included both made it his own song, as the attentive, Saturday 7-10 pm. Cool Jazz straight ahead singing, in his clear assured sympathetic trio stayed right with him Call (501) 433-0088. voice, and searing hot scatting. After that, through sure changes of tempo and Elling had the audience in his hands. dynamics. ¥ KUAR 89.1 FM / NPR (Little Rock): Sunday 6:30-7 pm. Jazz Revisted He followed with a touching performance After a short break (during which 7-8 pm. Swinging down the Lane w/ David Miller Cypress Jazz Associates classily treated 8-9 pm. McPartland’s Jazz Piano of “Too Young to Go Steady,” from his 9-12 midnight 52nd Street Jazz w/ John Cain latest CD This Time It’s Love. Sung as a the audience to soft drinks and iced tea) Monday 8-9 pm. Jazz Classics straight ballad, Elling’s voice and the backing Elling returned for a second set. This featured 9-10 pm. Four Queens Jazz of the trio gave the tune a gravity the teenaged mainly love songs from his last CD, “Tanya Tuesday 8-9 pm. Jazzset w/ Branford Marsalis 9-10 pm. Worldwide Jazz persona would have lacked. That, again, is Jean,” “Where I Belong,” “Sugar Lips” and Wednesday 8-9 pm. Jazz Profiles the sign of a true jazz singer, one who can “All is Quiet” (a duet with Hobgood that 9-10 pm. Jazz from Lincoln Center sing the same old words but imbue them Elling recently recorded as a guest for another 10-11 pm. Harlem Hit Parade with a new, fresh meaning. band). A rousing encore of his scat version Call (501) 569-8485 for select show info. of Jimmy Heath’s “Gingerbread Boy” left ¥ KUAF 91.3 FM / NPR (Fayetteville): Holding himself to that level of the audience again on its feet. The “buzz” in performance, Elling interrupted his next tune, Monday-Friday 12:30-1 pm. Noon jazz show the lobby after the show indicated that Elling 9 pm.-midnight Shades of Jazz “I Feel So Smoochie,” with a beat/bop and his trio were greatly admired and Tuesday 9 pm.-midnight Jazz Show recitation of a hipster’s rent party. The appreciated. Wed. 9 -10pm.Four Queens JazzNight from Las Vegas audience had a hard time keeping up with 10-11 pm. Jazz Classics and Wholehearted thank you for yet another 11-midnight Jazz from Lincoln Center some of the slang, but Elling did a good job Thurs. 9-10 pm. Marion McPartland’s Jazz Piano of signaling with his body and face the more night of great music from Little Rock’s 10-11 pm. JazzSet w/ Branford Marsalis, humorous and touching passages. He jazz fans to the Kurt Elling group, UALR, 11-midnight Jazz Profiles followed “Smoochie” with “Freddie’s Yen and the Cypress Jazz Associates. Bravo Call (501) 575-2556 for info. (Continued ... ) all! ¥ KTXK 91.5 FM / public radio (Texarkana): Sunday 1-2pm Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson 2-3-pm Jazz from Lincoln Ctr with Wynton Marsalis EL BUHO by Robert S. O’Connor 3-4pm Jazz Scene Monday thru Friday 6:30-7pm Jazz Tonight El Buho might be more accustomed to crowds of 300 young fans of modern jam music, Monday 7-8pm Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland getting high on groove and beer in some SEC College bar in Atlanta, Tuscaloosa, or Oxford. Call (903) 794-6135 for info. But, Arkansas musician Gary Gazaway could not have hoped for a more sincere and heartfelt reception for his acid jazz project than the audience at the last installment of this year’s “Take ¥ KASU 91.9 FM (Jonesboro): Five” Jazz Series sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Center on Friday, October 2nd. “(The Little Something Blue show with Hairy Larry. Rock audience) blew my mind,” said Gazaway, referring to the response from a crowd of both Mon-Fri 1pm Afternoon Moods with Marty older arts patrons and younger fans from his alternative forays groups like Phish. Scarbrough and Terri Pratt Mon 9:30pm Jazz at the Kennedy Ctr with Late afternoon rain brought cool temperatures, as El Buho introduced “Autumn Leaves”, Dr. Billy Taylor featuring silk-smooth vocals from Lisa Ahia from Maui, Hawaii. While the band used standards Tue 9:30pm Jazz Profiles with Nancy Wilson like “As Time Goes By”, “But Not For Me”, and a tentative-but-spirited take on “Don’t Get Wed 9:30pm Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland Around Much Anymore” to loosen up, the crowd took in what was, if not a well-traveled unit, Thu 9:30pm When Swing Was King with Russ Dixon a solid group of backing musicians. In addition to Gazaway on trumpet and flugelhorn, the El Fri 9:30pm Smithsonian Jazz with Lena Horne Buho cast included Northwest Arkansas drummer Darren Navatni, keyboard player Jack Sat 7pm When Swing Was King with Russ Dixon 8pm Jazz from Paradise with Marty Scarbrough Martin, bassist Claire Starr, and Little Rock guitarist Perry Israel. Call (870) 972-3070 for more info. Gazaway briefly highlighted his interest in world music and jazz-fusion before introducing “The Phoenicians”, the first in a set of well-received original instrumentals. His cautious ¥ KIPR 92.3 FM (Little Rock): Sunday 10 am-2 pm. jazz format. introduction of the original material was reminiscent of a parent urging a child to try spinach Call (501) 663-0092. for the first time, but clearly unnecessary. Other originals included “Wild Blue Yonder”, inspired by Gazaway’s experiences in Hawaii; an ode to Oxford, Mississippi “Wham Bam ¥ KYFX 99.5 FM (Little Rock): Boodle” (complete with comical strains of “Dixie” from Gazaway’s horn); and “Always With Sunday 5 am-2 pm. jazz format. You”, dedicated to Gazaway’s close friend and Arkansas native, the late New York Timesmusic Call (501) 666-9499. writer Robert Palmer. ¥ KFFB 106.1 FM (Fairfield Bay): Vocalist Ahia rejoined group for “I Remember You” and “Route 66”, before El Buho Wednesday & Friday10-11pm. accommodated an audience request for Cuban flavors with a medley of Freddie Hubbard’s Saturday 7pm.-midnight “Straight Life” and “Anti-Calypso”. Send revisions or new entries to: Based in Nashville, El Buho shares a management agency with jazz guitarist Larry Carlton and vocalist Michael McDonald, and fans can expect a soon-to-be-released album of original The Jazz Radio Calendar of Arkansas, material. Just as El Buho’s sound defies the conventions of any one distinct idiom, the new c/o the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation album eschews modern digital technology. According to P.O. Box 251187 Little Rock, AR 72225-1187 Gazaway, Warren Peterson at Havalina Studios in Nashville recorded all tracks “live” to two- track. “We want to set a new precedent,” said Gazaway. “Our approach is organic, and the Email: [email protected], or essence of our sound is live music performed spontaneously.” Phone: (501) 663-5264 Page 3 Continued from Page 2 - Monday Jazz Monday Jazz Schedule - Fall 1998 Other features include Dec. 14, with the Dave The AfterThought, 2721 Kavanaugh, Little Rock, Rogers Trio (Rogers is anticipating a CD release 501 663-1196 soon), $5 cover. and Dec. 21, with vocalist Chris Thomson, $5 cover. Chris Thomson, aka November BlindBoy White, is featured in the Fall 98 issue 2 Gene Rush Trio. $5 cover. of NightFlying. Don’t forget to ever popular Monday Jazz Jam and Showcase on Dec. 28th, 9 Nokie Taylor Quintet. Features Nokie Taylor on $3 cover. trumpet, Herman Green on saxophones, Charles Thomas on piano, Joe Vick on bass, and Dave Rogers at the This weekly jazz event has been sponsored drums. $5 cover. by the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation, La 16 John Craig Trio. $5 cover. Scala Restaurant / the AfterThought, and the 23 Mose Allison. Two shows, 8 and 10 PM, $10. Tickets Legacy Hotel. All nights in November start at 8 available at the AfterThought, Capitol Keyboard, and p.m., but the start time will change to 8:30 p.m. Been-Around Records & CDs. Get you tickets early! starting December 7th, 1998. The main purpose 30 Monday Jazz Jam & Showcase. Open Jam. $3 cover. of the Monday Jazz Project is to preserve and promote regular live jazz performances. Remember, this event acts as our main fund- December raising effort for AJHF. 7 Rex Bell Trio. $5 cover. Also, you may eat at the AfterThought until 14 Dave Rogers Trio. $5 cover. 10 p.m. on Monday evenings. Your patronage 21 Vocalist Chris Thomson (aka BlindBoy White). $5 cover. means higher funds for AJHF on Monday Nights. 28 End of the year open jam session. $3 cover. Come early, get a good table, and good food! For more information about Monday Jazz Project All shows start 8 p.m. every Monday at the Afterthought, 2721 call (501) 228-9999. The AfterThought is at 2721 Kavanaugh, Little Rock, (501) 663-5264. Visiting artists are cosponsored Kavanaugh in Little Rock, (501) 663-1196. by the AfterThought, the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundatin, and the Legacy Hotel. Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation Check the Arkansas Jazz Heritage Foundation on the Worldwide Board of Directors Web at www.arjazz.org where you can get the latest jazz news as well as purchase jazz recordings andbooks. Cece Rich, President Rex Perry, Vice President Send Arkansas Jazz Calendar entries to James Thomson, Secretary Albert Everett c/o AR Jazz Calendar P.O. Box 251187 Michael L.Cobb,Treasurer Pauline Porter Little Rock, Arkansas 72225 Brian Atkins Dave Rogers ARKANSAS JAZZ HERITAGE Email us: [email protected] FOUNDATION To advertise call (501) 663-5264 or 225-2133 http://www.arjazz.org AJC, the perk of AJHF membership! email: [email protected]

The Arkansas Jazz Calendar P. O. Box 251187 Little Rock, AR 72225-1187