gram PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 WWW.JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG NEW JUST FOR YOU! MEMBERS-ONLY WEBSITE PORTAL

Dear Jazz Institute Members,

April is Jazz Appreciation Month AND the JIC’s 52nd Birthday . . . but You Get the Gift!

We know that 2020 saw a lot of loss and we missed seeing you and holding special events just for you. It is our members – the Jazz Institute Family – that keep the music alive by investing in the future of jazz.

Because of you we can offer free programming, expand the horizons of Chicago Public School students, keep musicians working, and so much more. We hope to see you out and about safely, and will let you know which of our events are virtual, in-person (masks up and fingers crossed!), or a mix of the two. Together, let’s envision a new day of getting together soon.

Be on the lookout for more special events and perks, but for now here is our gift to you.

A brand new MEMBERS ONLY PORTAL on the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s new website including:

Members Discussion Forum Get to know fellow JIC members through this blog-style chat designed to foster interaction and discussion about Chicago Jazz topics. We will also post contests and giveaways based on monthly themes, jazz history, and more!

JazzGram Archive You can view your current JazzGram here as well as issues from previous years. Read and reread your favorite articles by prestigious Chicago jazz writers, event throwbacks, and reviews.

Exclusive Video Content A sneak peek of your Members Portal Check out some behind the scenes footage, master classes and never-seen-before performances from our signature events including the Chicago Jazz Festival, JazzCity, Made in Chicago and Straight Ahead Jazz Exchange. Specially curated just for members only!

Quiz of the Month Have fun testing your knowledge and learn more via our monthly quizzes about Chicago jazz and artists throughout history.

Special Offers and Discounts Including magazines, event tickets, promotions, merchandise discounts and much more. We partner with local businesses to offer the best deals to you!

Check your email for portal login password and other details. We can’t wait to connect! Thank you again for all you do.

Stay Safe & Keep Swingin’!

Heather JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 2 MARCH RECAP & UPCOMING EVENTS

We hope that you have watched and/or participated in our virtual education and public events that are available on our new website and social media pages. Whether you missed our March videos or you want to rewatch, here is a summary just for you:

Jazz Links Virtual Jam Sessions: Katie Ernst Jazz Links Fellow Camila Mennitte Pereyra Quintet at (Released on 3/10/21) Constellation Katie talks about walking bass lines and the different roles (Released on 3/13/21) that bassists play as members of the rhythm section.

JazzCity 2021 - Women of Chicago Jazz feat. The Coco NEW. NEXT. NOW. Panel Discussion featuring the Elysses' Elixir Ensemble & Angel Bat Dawid's Sistazz of 2020-21 New Works Fresh Voices and Jazz Links Tha Nitty Gritty Fellowship Awardees (Released on 3/19/21) (Released on 3/25/21) Presented in partnership with Chicago Park District and Moderated by Heather Ireland Robinson, featuring Fred recorded at the Garfield Park Conservatory Jackson Jr., Camila Mennitte Pereyra, Lenard Simpson and Juli Wood.

IT'S JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH!

April 10 (3PM - 5PM): Her Stories, Our Songs. Gallery event at The Woodshop https://www.jazzinchicago.org/events-1/her-stories-our-songs April 11: Jazz Institute of Chicago's 52nd Birthday! April 14 (5PM): Jazz Links Virtual Jam Sessions feat. Jarrard Harris https://www.youtube.com/JazzInstituteChicago April 21 (7PM): Preserving the Legacy: Conversation with African-American Leaders of University Jazz Programs. More details TBA at jazzinchicago.org April 22 (7PM): NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert. View at jazzinchicago.org April 30 (6PM): Chicago's Wide World of Jazz, an International Jazz Day Celebration. More details on page 3. Art by Raymond A. Thomas

JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 3 APRIL 30: INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY

BY HOWARD MANDEL ©2021 [email protected]

The Jazz Institute of Chicago, in partnership with Fulton Street Collective, presents Chicago’s Wide World of Jazz on International Jazz Day, April 30, 2021, joining a world-wide cultural occasion sponsored by UNESCO, co-chaired by celebrated Chicago-native pianist .

On that day, visitors to www.jazzinchicago.org will access a unique audio-animated video production, highlighting lands from which some of our city's most distinctive musicians have come, dropping in to watch them in exclusive new Jazz Institute video performances.

Bassist Tatsu Aoki, originally from Japan; percussionist Juan Pastor, from Peru; vocalist Grazyna Auguscik, from Poland; pianist Liza Micelli, of Italian heritage and Caribbean experience, with Venezuelan-born bassist Freddy Quintero, and guitarist Fareed Haque, of Chilean and Pakistani background, all retain echoes of their native cultures while reveling in the practical, creative, individualistic Chicago jazz ethos.

That Chicago ethos is exemplified, too, by multiple Grammy Award-winning, platinum selling Herbie Hancock, a child prodigy from the city's South Side. Hancock has been in jazz's forefront for 60 years -- writing "Watermelon Man" for Mongo Santamaria in 1962, as ' accompanist throughout the 1960s while releasing classics of his own with Wayne Shorter, and other firebreathers, ushering in electro-acoustics with his band, having the fusion hit "," inventing instrumental hip-hop with "Rockit" and acid jazz when US3 sampled "," convening all-stars to explore the music of Joni Mitchell and George Gershwin. Fans await the release of his rumored recording with Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat and Flying Lotus.

All the while Hancock has collaborated with artists from Africa (such as Chicago-resident griot Jali on Village Life), Brazil (Gal Costa, Antonio Carlos Jobim), Japan (Kimiko Kasai) and India (Zakir Hussain), and has long worked with international students at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz (formerly the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz). In 2011 he was named a Goodwill Ambassador of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in recognition of his "dedication to the promotion of peace through dialogue, culture and the arts."

In December 2012 the United Nations formally welcomed the UNESCO General Conference's proclamation of April 30 as International Jazz Day, celebrating the art form's global manifestations and "its roots, recognizing it for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality, and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change." From that beginning Hancock has served as a performing host of International Jazz Day webcasts bringing together events from everywhere.

In 2020 IJD was held online due to pandemic restrictions on in-person gatherings, and that will be the case again on April 30, 2021. This gives the Jazz Institute of Chicago an opportunity to proudly hail our city's role as a birthplace – since Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong arrived from New Orleans in the early 1920s -- and continuing generator of new jazz, and a magnet for musicians from the world over, seeking fertile ground and a strong tradition from which to draw. Chicago’s Wide World of Jazz on International Jazz Day cheers on all that! n

JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 4

*PLEASE NOTE: Not all venues have their schedules set by our deadlines EVENTS CALENDAR or present jazz exclusively. Call ahead or check their websites.

JAZZ INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO EVENTS April 14: Andrew Meyer Quintet April 10 (3PM - 5PM): Her Stories, Our Songs. Gallery event at April 15: Chad McCullough's "Sonic Literature" The Woodshop https://www.jazzinchicago.org/events-1/her- April 16: Alyssa Allgood Album Release "What Tomorrow stories-our-songs Brings" April 14 (5PM): Jazz Links Virtual Jam Sessions feat. Jarrard April 20: Brown/Pratt Duo perform Herb Ellis & Joe Pass 1974 Harris https://www.youtube.com/JazzInstituteChicago release "Two for the Road" April 21 (7PM): Preserving the Legacy: Conversation with April 21: Max Bessesen Quartet African-American Leaders of University Jazz Programs. More April 22: Chris Greene Quartet - Virtual Event details TBA at jazzinchicago.org April 26: Juli Wood's Little Rootie Tootie Monk Tribute April 22 (7PM): NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert. View at jazzinchicago.org April 27: De'Sean Jones with Midtown Strings April 30 (6PM): Chicago's Wide World of Jazz, an International April 28: Matthew Davis Sextet Jazz Day Celebration. More details on page 3. April 30 (6PM): Chicago's Wide World of Jazz BARRINGTON'S WHITE HOUSE GREEN MILL 145 W Main St, Barrington, IL/ https://www.barringtonswhitehouse. 4802 N. Broadway/773-878-5552 com SUNDAYS (8PM): Soul Message (224) 512-4284 TUESDAYS: (8PM) Chicago Cellar Boys April 8 (7PM): 2nd Thursdays Jazz Cabaret Series - Virtual Event WEDNESDAYS: (8PM) Alfonso Ponticelli - For more information and Livestream Link, please visit: THURSDAYS: (5PM) Andy Brown https://www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/event/2nd-thursdays- FRIDAYS (5PM): Chris Foreman jazz-cabaret-series-6/ April 1 (8PM): Recession Seven CONSTELLATION April 2, 3 (8PM): Frank Catalano & Jimmy Chamberlin Quartet 3111 North Western Ave/ All performances start ar 8:30PM)/ Livestream concerts by donation April 9,10 (8PM): George Freeman's 94th Birthday Bash www.constellation-chicago.com April 30 (8PM): Delicate Charms April 10 (8PM): Berman/Reid/Abrams/Reed - Virtual Event JAZZ SHOWCASE - Livestream Link: https://www.constellation-chicago.com/ 806 S. Plymouth Ct./312-360-0234 calendar/bermanreidabramsreed Two sets at 8pm & 10pm & *Sunday matinee at 4pm. April 17 (8PM): Junius Paul Quartet - Virtual Event - For more Visit www.jazzshowcase.com for weekday JIC member discounts! information and livestream links please visit https://www. JIC member card required. constellation-chicago.com/calendar/junius-paul-quartet April 1-3 (8PM & 10PM), 4 (4PM & 8PM): Vocalist Dee Alexander April 23 (8PM): Greg Ward's Rogue Parade - Virtual Event Quartet - Livestream Link: https://www.constellation-chicago.com/ April 8-10 (8PM & 10PM), 11 (4PM & 8PM): Saxophonist Isaiah calendar/greg-wards-rogue-parade Collier & The Chosen Few April 24 (8PM): Artifacts | Early and Late Shows - Virtual Event April 15-17 (8PM & 10PM), 18 (4PM & 8PM): Saxophonist Ari - Livestream Link: https://www.constellation-chicago.com/ Brown calendar/artifacts-early-and-late-shows April 22-24 (8PM & 10PM). 25 (4PM & 8PM): Saxophonist Eric ELASTIC ARTS Schneider & Friends elasticarts.org/ 2830 N. Milwaukee/773-772-3616/elasticarts.org MORTON GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY April 2 & 3 (7PM): Freedom From and Freedom To #4 - Virtual 6140 Lincoln Avenue. Morton Grove, IL/(847) 965-4220/ mgpl.org Event - Livestream Link: https://elasticarts.org/event/freedom- from-and-freedom-to-4-2/ April 11 (2PM): Jeanne Becker Trio: Springtime is Here - Virtual Event - For more info and to Register, please visit: https://www. April 5 (8PM): Glass Hand - Virtual Event - Livestream Link: mgpl.org/events/jeanne-becker-trio-springtime-here-online https://elasticarts.org/event/glass-hand-5-april-2021/ April 8 (7:30 PM): Tomeka Reid/Junius Paul Duo & Williams/ NORTHBROOK PUBLIC LIBRARY Marquette/Sandstrom/Damon - Virtual Event - Livestream 1201 Cedar Lane. Northbrook, IL/ 847-272-6224 Link: https://elasticarts.org/event/reid-paul-duo-mars-williams- https://www.northbrook.info quartet/ April 15 (7PM): Jeanne Becker Trio - Virtual Event - For more EXPERIMENTAL SOUND STUDIO info and to Register, please visit: https://visit.northbrook.info/ ess.org / 5925 N Ravenswood/773-998-1069 event/4851989 April 2 (8:30PM): The Quarantine Concerts: SPECTRALINA - WINTER’S JAZZ CLUB Virtual Event - For more info and Livestream Link please visit 465 N. McClurg Court (on the promenade)/ Ph: 312.344.1270/ https://ess.org/esscalendar/2021/4/2/tqc-spectralina www.wintersjazzclub.com/ [email protected] FITZGERALD’S For more info, RSVP, and link to Livestreams, please visit: 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn/708-788-2118 https://www.wintersjazzclub.com/shows Wednesday SideBar Sessions Sponsored by WDCB 90.9 Chicago’s April 2-4 (7PM): Victor Goines Quartet - Virtual Event Jazz Station, 8pm, $10 suggested Donation April 9-11 (7PM): Jeru - Celebrating Gerry Mulligan's Birthday! April 11 (7PM) Jazz Community Quintet - Virtual & In - Virtual Event Person Event - Livestream Link https://www.youtube.com/ April 16-18 (7PM): Petra's Recession Seven watch?v=m4rJpZhUWMo April 23-25 (7PM): Henry Johnson / Jo Ann Daugherty Quartet FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE/ JAZZ RECORD ART COLLECTIVE. - Virtual Event 1821 W. Hubbard/773-852-2481. fultonstreetcollective.com/ jazzrecordartcollective.com /All Shows Are Live-Streamed via Facebook and YouTube from FSC. There will be no on-site audience until further notice. All shows start at 8PM. All shows streaming at https://www.youtube.com/ fultonstreetcollective April 1: Dana Hall's SPRING April 5: Jacob Slocum's AMEN CORNER April 6: Isaiah Spencer Trio April 7: Ashley Summers Quintet April 8: Kyle Madsen Trio April 13: Bonzo Squad

JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 5 MAI SUGIMOTO RELEASES RAGE, CREATES, FOLLOWS THE SPIRIT OF FRED

BY COREY HALL

Anger…release.

Reverence and contemplation.

Injustice then; improvisation now.

These truths enveloped alto saxophonist Mai Sugimoto on July 25, 2020, as she, bassist Josh Abrams, and drummer Isaiah Spencer began exploring “Black Woman,” a song composed by tenor saxophonist Fred Anderson, whose ascension from Earth occurred on June 24, 2010.

“I was feeling helpless about the tragedies involving Black Lives Matter and Breonna Taylor. I wanted to do something dedicated to her life and the symbol that tragedy created,” Sugimoto recalled about this performance, recorded at Elastic Arts, and aired on September 3 as a segment in the Millennium Park at Home Jazz Series. (The performance is available for viewing through this link.)

“I was also paying tribute to Fred and his music, so I eased into it,” she continued. “I started somber, solemn, serene, and then went into more intense playing with Josh and Isaiah.”

Sugimoto’s performance came about when folks from Birdhouse, Inc., a group named after Anderson’s first club, approached her. Andy Pierce, a volunteer with Birdhouse, had heard Sugimoto with the Fred Anderson Legacy Band – reedmen Mwata Bowden, Ari Brown and Edward Wilkerson Jr., bassist Tatsu Aoki, and drummer Avreeayl Ra – at the Jazz Showcase and Fred Anderson Park. (“That experience really woke me up to the creative music scene,” Sugimoto said. “Not only do they have things to say, they also listen and open up space for you to speak up.”) photo by Kioto Aoki As Chicago endured the pandemic, protests, and riots, Pierce found the solace created by Sugimoto’s trio to be a godsend.

“Hearing her go through the first runs of ‘Black Woman’ made me realize, ‘Hey! She’s got this!’” said Pierce about the performance, which he attended in person. “It’s not an easy tune to play, and there aren’t too many players who have taken it on. For her to have transcribed it, learned it, and then played it without the music in front of her was an accomplishment.”

Sugimoto, who relocated to Chicago from her native Tokyo in 1994, first heard Anderson’s music in 2008 through The Milwaukee Tapes. This recording, with trumpeter Billy Brimfield, bassist Larry Hayrod, and drummer Hamid Drake, contained performances preserved from 1980 and released 20 years later. Sugimoto admires “Black Woman” because it proves how Anderson could compose a memorable melody while also excelling at collective improvisation.

continued on page 6

JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 6 continued from page 5

. Mai Sugimoto Trio performance at Elastic Arts. Click on thumbnail to watch.

“The magic of Fred’s compositions is that they can be played with other instruments and still sound like his melodies,” Sugimoto said. “ ‘Black Woman’ has a solid melody and lots of room for many creative things to happen. I played it in the range he played in, which is a lower range on the alto. Then I slowly expelled and shed all sorts of emotions through my horn.”

When the trio’s first interpretation at Elastic ended, Sugimoto recalled, the communication continued through silence.

“We looked at each other and just smiled. It was a beautiful moment we all shared,” she recalled. “It was that shared joy that live music brings us. We were in awe of that moment.”

For Abrams, this experience resembled a journey where focus and freedom flowed, and when it ended…

“I realized the metaphorical distance travelled. It felt like the ongoing manifestation of the tradition that happened at the Velvet Lounge,” Abrams said, referring to the spaces for expression Anderson owned from 1982 to 2010. “I do remember feeling the distance, especially since I hadn’t been playing much with other people because of the pandemic.”

“It was in keeping with what Fred was about: being in the moment,” said Spencer, who performed with Anderson and Abrams in Kansas City in the mid-2000s. “Once you put it out there, that’s it.” n

JAZZGRAM A monthly newsletter published by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for its members. The Jazzgram represents the views of the authors, and unless so designated, does not reflect official policy of the Jazz Institute. We welcome news and articles with differing opinions.

Managing Editor: Adriana Prieto Design: Letterform | Production: Adriana Prieto Correspondents: Aaron Cohen, Corey Hall, Ayana Contreras, Howard Mandel, Rahsaan Clark Morris, Karl E. H. Seigfried Board of Directors: President: David Helverson Vice Presidents: Timuel Black, David Bloomberg, Warren Chapman, Roxana Espoz, William Norris, Keyonn Pope Secretary: Howard Mandel Treasurer: Brian Myerholtz Emeritus Director: Joseph B. Glossberg Executive Director: Heather Ireland Robinson Board Members: Miguel de la Cerna, Dan Epstein, Matthew Goldfine, Rajiv Halim, Jarrard Harris, Bill King, Jason Koransky, Terry Martin, Ted Oppenheimer, Bethany Pickens, Mike Reed, Kent Richmond, Judith E. Stein, Conrad Terry, Neil Tesser, DV Williams, Darryl Wilson Staff: Diane Chandler-Marshall, John Foster-Brooks, Mashaune Hardy, Michael Nearpass, Adriana Prieto, Raymond A. Thomas.

Founded in 1969, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, a not-for-profit corporation, promotes and nurtures jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building Chicago audiences and fostering a thriving jazz scene. 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago IL 60605 | 312-427-1676 • Fax: 312-427-1684 • JazzInChicago.org The Jazz Institute of Chicago is supported in part by The Alphawood Foundation | The Francis Beidler Foundation | The Chicago Community Trust | A CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Crown Family Philanthropies | The Philip Darling Foundation | The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation | The Illinois Arts Council Agency | Lloyd A. Fry Foundation | The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince | The National Endowment for the Arts | The Oppenheimer Family Foundation | The Polk Bros. Foundation | The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation | Wells Fargo Foundation

JAZZ IN CHICAGO APRIL 2021 7 EDUCATION CORNER JAZZ LINKS VIRTUAL JAM SESSION: JARRARD HARRIS

The Jazz Links Virtual Jam Sessions continue April 14th with saxophonist Jarrard Harris.

Taught by the Jazz Links house band members, the Jazz Links Virtual Jam Session video series is ideal for beginners of all ages who want to develop their musical musical proficiency and apply it to their practice routine. The videos are released at 5pm on the second Wednesday of each month and can be viewed on our Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

JAZZ LINKS STUDENT COUNCIL

The Jazz Links Student Council is still accepting new applicants. Created in 2005, the Jazz Links Student Council (JSLC) gives high school jazz musicians the opportunity to develop musically and professionally through exposure to live music, workshops with professional musicians, and performance opportunities throughout the city. In addition, JLSC members have participated in master classes at Columbia College, produced a CD, and are mentored in the business of music by veteran jazz artists. While the Jazz Institute of Chicago will not be hosting in person events during the current pandemic, the Student Council will continue to meet in a virtual format. Meetings generally take place monthly on Friday evenings during the academic year. Participation in Student Council also provides access for students to take part in the NextGenJazz Emerging Artists Project, which provides students with the guidance and resources to begin leading their own groups in a real-world professional setting.

Students wishing to join the Student Council are required to submit an application that can be accessed on our website (www.jazzinchicago.org)

Join us on Saturday, April 10! CLICK HERE to register