Chucho Valdes and Norman Berman Music Foundation Hedman Norman Hedman's tropical jazz to warm Spring 2001 the Heartland Vol. 6, Number 3 By Tom Ineck ...... out for concerts, Hedman noted in a orman Hedman's Tropique phone interview from his home in New performs March 24 at the lied York City. Ii> N e Center for Performing Arts, arriving "It gives the band credibility for like a warm, tropical breeze after a long, bookings, and bookings mean sales," In this issue of Jazz .. .. frigid Midwestern winter. Hedman said in his typically straight Hedman to Heartland ...... ,.1 At the time of this writing, the forward manner. New York City-based Recent perfor The Prez Sez ...... 2 band's current release, mances bear out Jazz in the Venues ...... 2 TakenBySUJprlse, is " ... Taken By Surprise, Hedman's assertion NJO ...... : ...... 3 is riding high on the riding high on the that heavy airplay Tomfoolery ...... 4 Gavin jazz charts, at Gavin jazz charts, at the has an indirect effect the No.6 position. No.6 position." on sales, at least Milt Hinton ...... 4 Recorded in Au among those who Jazz on Disc...... S gust 1999 at Eastside hear the band in the Discorama ...... 7 Sound in Manhattan and released last flesh. Hedman said the popular re Blues Corner ...... 7 November on Palmetto Records, Taken sponse at Tropique concerts is heart By Sutprise is the second Tropique CD ening in the very competitive world Unsung Hero ...... 8 funded by the Berman Music Foun of music. Blues on Disc...... 9 dation. The fIrst, One Step Closer, was "It's been excellent," he said. "The Summit Jazz ...... 10 release on Arabesque Records in 1999. show that we did at the Jazz Standard The BMF also is providing major (a Nov. 6 CD release party at the New funding for the Lied Center perfor York City jazz club) we sold the club mance. out, and we sold about 130 to 140 CDs While the Gavin airplay barometer that night." is not a gauge of record sales, it does Appearances outside the group's mean people are hearing the CD. In hometown have been just as success turn, that means more fans of ful, Hedman reports. Tropique's light and lively, "When we were in Barbados polyrhythmic music are likely to tum (Hedman continued on pg. 6) Page 2 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Prez Sez Hedman/Fort Apache--THE Jazz Show of 2001 By Butch Berman· ...... bone as Charlie Parker to his alto In closing, and on an entirely - a Jazz Giant that touched all afi different note, I want to happily cionados worldwide. report that my all-time fave band - Also, after building you all up -Charlie Burton & Rock Therapy- in our past issue I'm sorry to have not only had a ball reuniting at the called off the Valentine's Day show Rock 2000: Rock and Roll Hall of with Kendra Shank and Frank Fame Pla-Mor extravaganza, but Kimbrough. Kendra's agent took have rebanded again to cut a demo solong trying to block book that of four (of many) new Bur-Toons. the cost of air fare had tripled, If my taste in rock and roll making, on paper anyway, no (whether I'm playing on it or not) D ear Readers, Friends, & Foes, chance at all of even breaking even is just - I feel that Charlie Burton's as our budget was destroyed. Any new stuff could propel CB & RT Spring has sprung, Fall has fell, how - we fulfilled our part of the to another level of rockdom. No jazz is cool, so what the heck. One contract as Kendra and Frank still shit - we got along, had a ball, and thing for sure - at least for us Mid got paid - and they promised to sounded great. More news of this westerners - Wmter sucks! We, at least, play here someday soon (we hope) continuing odyssey - as well as all have our music to keep us warm - as when they're in the area. Subse the skinny of our jazz Babylon to well as a big thanx to Ken Burns for quently, no hard feelings were di follow in our Summer issue. his great (no matter what critics may rected towards the artists at all. By the way, you'll receive all the say) 20-hour jazz marathon. Just to Taken by Swprise, the new Palmetto info you'll need to attend the best jazz educate the public with that much release by Norman Hedman's party in the USA - I'm talkin' 'bout prime-time coverage and info on jazz Tropique, has now climbed to #6 on the Topeka Jazz Festival- set for Me is incredible the GavinJazz Chart. He's thrilled and morial Day Weekend in Topeka, Kan I was shocked and saddened to we're very proud. His success only sas. See the ad for the marvi cast of hear ofJJ. Johnson's untimely passing. whets the appetite for his upcoming characters. Guess he was suffering from cancer, show at the Lied Center in lincoln with and at 77 maybe he felt he'd done enuff Jerry Gonzales & the Fort Apache - man, he did it ail, revolutionizing the Band. This will probably be 1HE jazz way he applied bebop to the trom- show of 2001. Not to be missed! Butch Berman
ing the second and third sets. The Jazz at The Five Reasons Jazz in the cover charge is still $4, $3 for stu On Friday and Saturday eve dents. nings from 8 to 11 p.m. at The venues For more information, call 402- Five Reasons Lounge in the th Compiled by Dave Hughes. 477-8008. Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13 St Monday Night Big Band continues in Lincoln, pianist John Carlini Jazz at The Oven The Monday Night Big Band is (occasionally with saxophonist On Thursday and Sunday evenings still playing every Monday night at Bill Wimmer) continues to play. at The Oven, 201K 8th St. in Lincoln, P.O. Pears, 322 S. 9th St in Lincoln. Ca11402-474-7474 for more infor you can still hear the duos of either: Every week features a different mation. Dave Novak & Dennis Taylor; Steve music director that leads the group Hanson & Nancy Marshall; John in three sets from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Brazilian Music Jam Carlini & Andy Hall; or Peter Bouffard Audience members are still en The Brazilian Music Jam at 4 &John Carlini. Ca11402-475-6118 for couraged to bring their own instru Friends has been cancelled until more inforn1ation. ments and sit in with the band dur- further notice according to the co- Page 3 t ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••• • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jazz is usually published six times Veteran Benny Powell a year by The Berman Music Foundation, 719 P St., Studio G, shares talents with NJO Lincoln, NE 68508. By Tom [neck ...... trumpet, Todd Thatcher on trombone Editor: Dave Hughes eteran trombonist and world and a furious tenor saxophone duel Newsletter and computer con sultant: Rebecca Kaiser traveler Benny Powell brought between Rich Burrows and Stan V Contributing writers: Butch more than 50 years of playing experi Harper. Nat Adderly's "Work Song" Berman, Rich Hoover, Dave ence to the stage Jan. 25 when he made was a great vehicle for Tom Harvill's Hughes, Tom Ineck, & Bill Wimmer. a guest appearance with the Nebraska probing, blues-inflected piano and Ed Photographers: Butch Berman, Jazz Orchestra. Love's versatile alto sax. Rich Hoover; and Tom Ineck. But for the program "Learning Powell returned to the stage to From the Master," the local musicians front a combo with Scott Vicroy on For inclusion of any jazz or blues more than held their own in Powell's baritone sax, backed by a rhythm sec related events, letters to the editor; esteemed company, skillfullyentertain tion. They nailed a swinging, midtempo or suggested articles, you can ei ing an audience of nearly 400 in the rendition of the standard "There Is No ther mail them to the office, phone us at 402-476-3112, fax us at 402- ballroom of The Cornhusker Hotel. Greater Love." 475-3136, or e-mail us at: Learning the most during the The full band rejoined Powell and
axophonist Bobby Watson's ap larger ensembles such as the George Watson is expected to share some Spearance March 1 with theNe Coleman Octet, Charlie Persip's Big of those Tailor Made arrangements with braskaJazz Orchestra, entitled "New Band and Dameronia, a tribute band the NJO, including "Ms. B.G (For Betty Horizons," is tailor-made entertain specializing in the music of Tadd Carter)," "Old Time Ways," "Conser ment and promises to be the highlight Dameron. vation" and "Lafiya." Other Watson of the NJO's 25th anniversary season. But it is his 1993 Columbia release favorites on the bill of fare are "In Case A full review of the concert will Tailor Made that raises such high hopes You Missed It," "Karita" and "Curi appear in the next issue ofJazz. for Watson's Lincoln appearance. ous Child." Watson, who has recently returned Fronting a big band featuring the cream From the NJO's own library are to his native Kansas City for a teach of the New York City jazz crop, such likely additions to the program ing position after many years based in Watson clearly articulated his unique as "La Parguera," arranged by John New York City, is an ideal choice for artistic vision by writing and arrang Fedchock, "phil Not Bill," arranged by guest composer, arranger and soloist ing for the larger ensemble. Rob McConnell, "Booke Ends," ar with the NJO. He was musical direc Of the 12 tracks on Tailor Made, ranged by Tom Kubis, "On the tor for Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers Watson penned 10, and his wife, Westside," arranged by Dave Sharp, during his tenure with that Pamela, wrote two. On some tracks, "One More Time," arranged by Mark groundbreaking, hard-bop group, from Watson enlarges the tonal palette with Benson, and "Hey, It's Me You're Talk 1977-1981. He has been a major con the addition of tuba and French hom. ing to," by native Omahan and long tributor in such diverse enterprises as The arrangements are skillful and origi time Watson collaborator, drummer the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, the nal, and the performances are top Victor Lewis. long-standing quintet Horizon and notch. In Memory of Milt Hinton By Bill Wimmer· ...... In time, Hinton joined Cab Callaway's othersbehindalens. BassLineissomum ilt Hinton, one of the elder popular group, staying with him from more than just a walk through the past. statesmen of jazz, passed M 1936 until 1951 and gaining a lot of Hinton is able to tell much about the away last December 19 at a hospital in experience with the great players that hard work and personal integrity that Queens, NY. He lived to be 90 years passed through that band, not the least came through every time he picked up old and enjoyed a storybook life, play of which was Dizzy Gillespie, one of the bass. ing in many different contexts and Bebop's founders. Hinton's discography reads like a through major stylistic changes in the By the time Milt left the Callaway proverbial who's who of jazz. He man music during his long career. band, he was becoming one of the busi aged to play with so many musidans that Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on est musicians in New York, with a hand influenced the music over the years. Jlh'1.e 23, 1910, Hinton moved with his in jazz gigs, commerdals, pop dates, ra Armstrong, Ellington, Basie, Billie Holi family to Chicago, where he started on dio and later television work. Hinton, dayandBennyGoodman benefitedfrom violin but soon found a lot more play who was probably the flfSt black to break his support as did people as diverse as ing opportunities on the bass. Hinton into the major studio scene in New York, Charles Mingus, ElvinJones, Aretha studied classical and jazz and was soon was just as much at home in the studio Franklin and Branford Marsalis. Hinton working withJabbo Smith, Erskine Tate, NORMAN HEDMAN'S Rivers' flute and A.J. Mantas' vibes, ety, energy, brilliant musicianship and TROPIQUE with Misha Tsyganov on piano and sensitive ensemble interplay to take the Taken By Surprise Ron Monroe on bass shaping the har listener by surprise every time, a rare Pahnetto Records monic core that keeps it all together. occurrence for most studio recordings. It is a tribute to the writing and arranging talents of several band mem CHUCHO VALDES bers that Taken By Surprise holds to Solo: live in New York gether so well. Hedman penned most Blue Note Records of the tunes, but among some of the strongest tracks are the opener "That Fresh from his Grammy Award Unpredictable Eugene," by Tsyganov, winning quartet recording Live at the "Felicidad," by Martinez, "The One Village Vanguard, the astounding Cu Left Behind," by Mantas, and ban pianist Chucho Valdes follows "Maurice," Monroe's funky tribute to immediately with a brilliant solo piano Maurice White of the band Earth, session, recorded live inJanuary 1998 t's difficult to remain objective Wind and Fire. in Lincoln Center's intimate Stanley H. I about Taken By Surprise when This is unmistakably Hedman's Kaplan Penthouse. reflecting on those three memorable gig, though. It is evident in the swirl- Alternating between lush, ro days in late August 1999 when ing percussion of the dance tune "Pa' mantic arpeggios and powerful, two Berman Music Foundation photog Bailar," and in the infectious tide track, fisted flurries, Valdes opens fascinat rapher Rich Hoover and I observed the which was written by Hedman and ar- ing musical vistas to the listener who record-making process fIrst-hand. ranged by Chico Freeman and which has an adventurous ear. There are Percussion1'3t Norman Hedman's features a soaring, Eastern-tinged so- hints of classical impressionism, band of seasoned professionals laid prano sax solo by Ahmad Alaadeen. gospel and blues in his virtuosic down the 13 tracks with meticulous Hedman and Martinez co-wrote "Soft playing, though the end result is un care, but always retaining the "edge" Serenade," and Martinez contributed deniably Latin in tone. (or "chicken fat") that makes this mu marvelous arrangements for Hedman's For this very special program, sic so exciting. Hearing it packaged in "Rudy's Mambo" and "Can't Sell a Valdes chose to perform just two of CD form only solidilles the initial im Secret." his own compositions, the gentle, pression that I had witnessed jazz his Two other guest appearances are blues-tinged "A Mi Madre" and the fi tory in the making (documented in worthy of special note. Pianist erier"Rumba Guajira." The rest of the detail in the September-October 1999 George Cables co-wrote the stunning repertoire is a diverse melange of issue ofJazz). "Light at the End of the Tunnel" mostly Cuban standards such as "El Tropique's concept is different with Hedman and delivers a typically Manisero," "Tres Lindas Cubanas" and from any other so-called Latin jazz imaginative and driving solo on the "El Mancicero." From Mexican com ensemble. Drawing on Afro-Cuban, tune. Cables returns for a similarly posers, Valdes chose "Mumequita tropical and funk influences, it is a inspired contribution on the album's Linda" and the familiar melody stimulating, even thrilling musical sleeper, the old Tony Bennett signa- "Besame Mucho." amalgam, pleasingly unpredictable in ture tune "Rags to Riches," which Less obvious a choice, butbeauti its polyrhythmic diversity. Cables has arranged as a slow cha- fully conceived and interpreted, is The intense heat created by the cha number. Last-minute addition Valdes' performance of "Somewhere sizzling percussion of Hedman's con Ronnie Buttacavoli lends just the Over the Rainbow." It perfectly illus gas and Willie Martinez' timbales and right Mediterranean flair with his . trates his ability to juxtapose soft, me the saxophone of Roger Byam is off warm, romantic flugelhorn solo. lodic passages with dramatic keyboard set by the cooling breezes of Craig Taken By Surprise has enough vari- pyrotechnics. Page 6 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Berman Music Foundation Jazz (Hedman continued from pg. I) from the Philadelphia Trl·bune.· contrasting. Tropique's ' lighter, tropical "Tropique represents jazz with a Latin sounds with Fort Apache's harder edge. recently, for the Barbados festival, we tinge, a sweet melding of jazz and "I know all the guys, but this is opened for (smooth jazz saxophonist) Afro-Latin rhythms, with leader the first time that Tropique and Fort Dave Koz, and we were warmly re Norman Hedman's congas bridging Apache have taken the stage together, ceived. I only brought 120 CDs and I the sound of three continents." and we are so different," Hedman said. sold them all. If I had brought more, I Hedman undoubtedly is the band's "I really refer to what I'm doing as not could have sold more. There were over leader, but Tropique is like a family, a Latin jazz. I call it tropical jazz because 2,000 people there." group of dedicated musicians who I'm not trying to be traditional. Jerry Hedman said he doesn't know what believe in each other and in their abil- Gonzalez is really in the Latin jazz the overall sales figures are. Initial sales ity to create a new sound and reach a genre. Their emphasis is more an Afro were sluggish because some CD stores wider audience. Hedman's longtime Cuban influence, whereas we're defi were slow in stocking "Taken By Sur collaborators are timbales player Willie nitely not in that genre at all." prise," but most of those problems have Martinez; saxophonist Roger Bya~; Critics who equate Tropique with been resolved, he said. flutist Craig Rivers; vibraphonist A.J. Cal Tjader's vibes-oriented sound are In the absence of a professional Mantas; pianist Misha Tsyganov; and closer to the mark, Hedman said. agent to promote Tropique, Hedman bassist Ron Monroe. "I'll take that. I think that's a great is booking the band himself, and he Tropique's Lied Center appearance compliment because Cal Tjader was admits it's been tough going. is the band's only solid booking in the able to reach the kind of audience that "That's the hardest part right now, near future, although Hedman has I'm going after. That's the audience I getting the band working the way I'd raised some money for a longer tour. want. That's the audience that really like to see us working. I'm getting the The economic realities of traveling understands and loves music and gives gigs, but they're not coming fast with a seven-piece ensemble - airfare, it staying power. I believe in the integ enough. I just haven't tied in with the lodging, artists' fees and other expenses rity of our music but I don't want to right people, yet. The more write-ups - make it difficult to assemble block say that it's traditional because it's not." I get, the more reviews I get, it helps bookings, especially when club own- The Lied Center appearance me get closer to that goal." ers are leery of hiring a relatively un- should clearly defme the differences of Despite Hedman's long career as known band. style and sound within the Latin (or a versatile percussionist in demand "If you don't have a big name, tropical) jazz world. across the musical spectrum from pop they're afraid that you won't sell out 'We're all looking forward to com to r&b, soul and jazz (his jazz resume the club. Therefore, they're not going ing out there to play," Hedman said. includes work with saxophonists to give you the top dollar or the prime "I think the audience will see how each Arthur Blythe and Chico Freeman and night," Hedman explained. ''You have band complements the other." trumpeter Roy Hargrove), essential to have a lot of press in that area to Eighteen months after Taken By name recognition still eludes the soft get people to come out on a Monday SUlprisewas recorded, Hedman said he spoken bandleader. night to see you. It's hard enough in already has more than enough new "People still don't know who I am your own hometown." material to go back into the studio. because there are not enough things in By spring, Hedman hopes to have "I have 30 pieces that I've writ- print. What I really need is a high-pow a string of dates that will allow ten. I've also written a theme sona for ered public relations person and Tropique to reach the larger audience the band called 'This is frankly, we can't afford it. If;e had Tropique.~I've it needs for greater recognition and a written what I think could be the title somebody doing heavy PR, getting me successful future. track Qf a new album called The Magic a lot of press on the fact that the record "Everybody is excited about tak- ofIt All. is doing so well and the fact that we've ing this on the road. I get calls all the But it's still the live performances played some key festivals, and if I had time, 'Where are we going? What's that reveal Tropique's true colors. my name in the papers and maga7Jnes, next?'" "I like the band the way it is be- then people would start to recognize." At the March 24 Lied Center con cause you still hear a lot of air in the Palmetto Records seems to be cert, Tropique opens for Jerry music, but you feel the drive. There's making an effort to heighten Hedman's Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band, a something else that we have when we profile. Ads in such popular jazz pub hot Latin jazz ensemble also based in play live that somehow translates dif lications as DownbeatandJazzizfeature New York City. The double bill should ferently than it does on record. There's Taken By Surprise among the label's give concertgoers a lesson in diversity, another energy that comes out live." current releases, and include this blurb Spring 2001 Page 7 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Discorama By Butch Berman . ANNE PHILLIPS second, I'm thinking - is this a sequel - always swinging, and his vocal entry Gonna Iay my Heart on the line to her 1959 masterpiece rarity Born to on 'Just When I Need You Most" takes Conawago Records be Blue-torch songs to tear your heart you back to the days of Billy Eckstine out as you replay them over and over? - yet shows you that this is HIS song, Then track two - "Watching You, even if Anne wrote it. Watching Me" - takes you to Town Adam Asamow on piano and gui Hall in New York City showcasing tarist Scott Hardy round out this group Cabaret and Anne's superlative writ most admirably - never overstating the ing, yet with such sophisticated deliv songs but cleverly filling in all the ery. I'm now figuring that this may needed spaces - making the group feel take awhile and take me to many Anne "live" even in the studio. Also, let's Phillips places in such an enchanting not forget the tasty drum work of Tim .. .You've barely had time to sit way. An eclectic mix of torch (you Homer on track one. down, sip your wine and begin to lis gotta hear "Another Day Without Another gem - you bet! Just a ten when Anne stops you in your Him" and "New York Night Time little different journey by a lady who's tracks, making you catch your breath Blues"), cabaret, and pop, with a dash never really left the scene - but is now to get so quiet that you actually lean of whimsy thrown in for good mea deftnitely making the scene - her own into your speakers to capture each nu sure. way -laying her heart on the line from ance - that's a singer, living her story Backed by her husband - the ever start to finish. with song. so saxy Bob Kindred - oozing soul and To obtain this disc, contact That's how the ftrst selection, also passion when called for; bassist Jay Conawago Records at 170 West End the title track of, Gonna lay myHeart on Leonhart - so multi-talented you some Avenue, Suite 16D, New York, NY the Line-Anne Phillips new release times forget what an imaginative bass 10023, or fax them at 212-580-0180. comes across at first spin. In a split player he is; and drummer Grady Tate Blues Corner By Rich Hoover· ...... And the nominees are..• I got my BluesAIbum Historlca1Blues Album w.e. Handy blues awards ballot in the Roots Stewc!BigJackJohnson - Vu Du Mo' Na'kins Please/James Harmon mail and here are the highlights of the Menz/Corey Harris & Henry Butler Live On Maxwell Street/Robert Night nominees for your information: Reservation Blues/Eddy Clearwater hawk - Last CallIOtis Spann - And This Blues Entertainer WickediShemekia Copeland - Lettin' Is Maxwell Street/Various Artists - Tip BB King - Bobby Rush - Little Milton Go/Son Seals Of The ToplWilliam Clarke - Rod Piazza - Shemekia Copeland Acoustic BluesAIbum TraditionalBluesAlbum TajMahal Vu Du Menz/CoreyHarris & Henry Roots StewIBigJackJohnson - Snake Best New Artist Butler - Home To Me/Eric Bibb - Butt bite/Magic Slim - Double Shot/Snooky Beverly Watkins - Calvin Jackson - No. Naked Free/Guy Davis -- Many Miles Pryor & Mel Brown - Lettin' Go/Son Mississippi Allstars - Sean Costello - Of BlueS/Jerry Ricks - Delta Cross Seals - Jukin'/Willie Cobbs Willie King roadslRobert Lockwood Jr. There you have it, the tippy top ofthis Blues Band ContemporaryBluesAIbum yerr's cream ofthe crop. The awam" show AmJnFunclerbwgh&the Rcx::ketsw/ Sam Riding With The King/BB King & Eric will be on Thursday, May 24 at the Myers-BB King Orch. -Johnnie Bassett Clapton - Reservation Blues/Eddie Olpheum Theatre inMemphis. The show & the Blues Insll1gents-Magic Slim & the Clearwater - West Coast Party/Kid will be available live on the web and a PBS Teardrops-Rod Piazza &the Mighty fly Ramos - I Wish I Was In Heaven/RL show will air during the summer. But of ers-Taj Mahal&the Phantom Blues Band Burnside - Wicked/Shemekia Copeland COLUSe the fuing is to ''be there orbe square." Page 8 Berman Music Foundation Jazz • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Unsung Heroes Von Freeman By Bill Wimmer ...... ost of the musicians that was a mouthpiece-just a mouth Rahsaan Roland Kirk, released the M have been featured in my piece! Dyett stressed fundamentals, record Doin' It Right Now. This column may not have been head control, playing in tune and was a record is a good introduction to liners, but they have all supported stern disciplinarian by all accounts. Von's playing, but although it was headliners for a large part of their By the time he was a teenager, recorded in New York with excel careers. For this issue, we look to Von had a group with his brother lent musicians, it didn't really catch someone who's almost unknown the essence or the intimacy of his outside of his hometown of Chi work with his Chicago regulars. cago, someone who most New John Young, the wonderful pianist York jazz fans consider "Chico's who accompanied Von for many dad" more than the brilliant saxo years, and Kirk's enthusiastic pro phonist he is. duction still can't make this more Von Freeman, now 78 and still than a decent record. living in Chicago where he was The middle '70s did usher in a new born, is certainly one of the more era for Von when he was able to record interesting players in jazz. He has some really classic records with his rarely recorded, he has never had quartet, and the reaction to these led any major promotion behind him, to greater notice and a little notoriety and he still plays every week at a outside of Chicago. Have No Fear, a jam session he leads at a local bar, cult classic on the Nessa label, was just like he has for almost 20 years followed up with another album called at The New Apartment Lounge. SerenadeAndBlues. These records fea Freeman was born in 1922 in tured Freeman along with his quartet Chicago, and grew up with two of John Young, David Shipp and brothers who are also professional Wilbur Campbell in top form. musicians, George, a guitarist and Von Freeman In 1981, Freeman was featured on Bruz, a drummer. a live date for Daybreak Records called Von was one of the many play that was working regularly in Chi YoungAndFoolish. This record featured ers who studied at DuSable High cago. Although originally influenced the same quartet with Charles Walton School under the legendary Walter by Coleman Hawkins and Lester replacing Campbell on drums and re Dyett. Dyett turned out such stu Young, Von came under the spell of ally captures Freeman at his best, dents as Johnny Griffin, Gene Charlie Parker in the '40s, and was stretching out in front of a crowd. Ammons, Eddie Harris, CliffordJor soon incorporating bebop harmo This period of Von's career was dan, John Gilmore and others at a nies and phrasing into his playing also helped by the impact of his son time when all of the finest local also. In the early '50s, Freeman Chico, who was making quite a name players went or tried to go to played with Chris Anderson, Ahmad for himself in New York playing with school there. Jamal and Andrew Hill in his quar some of the more forward-thinking All of the above have one thing tet and he worked as well with Sun younger musicians on the scene. A lot in common, and that is that every Ra and some of the future AACM of people got interested in Chico which one of these guys is a complete in players. Freeman hadby this time led to curiosity and discovery of Von, dividual on their horns, and each developed a very open approach to or Chico's roots. Chico's many record one has such a distinctive sound that music. ings and critical acclaim at this time you almost recognize from note one. Although he did a few recordings also led him to bring his dad to New It's been reported often over the in the '50s, Freeman really was an York to play with him on occasion. years about how the ftrst thing Walter unknown until 1972 when Atlan The high point of this association tic, at the behest of producer Dyett gave aspiring wind players (Heroes continued on pg. 9) Spring 2001 Page 9 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (Heroes continued from pg. 8) of recognition has never been a huge problem in that he seems very com Blues on disc fortable with who he is and the choices By Rich Hoover ...... he's made. While many musicians over PACKRAT'S SMOKEHOUSE E.C. SCOTT the years have championed him and Edge of the Swamp Hard Act to Follow some call him the invisible modern King Snake Blind Pig master of the saxophone, Freeman has lived in the same house for the last 50 years or so. One of the biggest reasons for Von's relative obscurity may also be his basic sound and approach to the hom. Freeman's sound is so unlike any other in jazz that it can take some getting used to, and it has to be given more than just a casual pass to really appre This CD is full of smooth, syr E.C isa relatively new gal on ciate. He is the kind of musician who upy rhythms, plaintive melodies, and the blues scene and she is comin' on seems to be playing jazz's past, present lyrics loaded with verve and vitality. strong. Also, she is one of the nomi and future simultaneously. He can call Needless to say, this CD can be lis nees in the Soul Female Artist cat upon Hawkins, Young, Parker, and tened to time and time again. egory for this year's W.C Handy Coltrane's inventions into a completely The boys in the band are: An aw'ards. With her gospel and soul personal sound. Freeman is at once thony "Padillat" Thompson on vo background well intact, she is whirring, burring and careening his way cals, harmonica, and guitar; Robert steppin' into the blues and going through the changes, with great hops "Lightning Boy" Thomas on guitar right to the fast lane from the San and leaps. and vocals; Kenny Sly on bass; Aaron Francisco Bay Area. Often his phrasing contains so "Pops" Watson on drums; Doug . Her band, Smoke, is a solid as many smears and sneaking up to notes Bare on keyboards. set with Curtis Nutall on &urns; Jay that people think he's merely playing They are keeping up a reputa Goudeau and Kent Williams shar out of tune. Many of Freeman's lines tion of being tight, economical, and ing duties on bass; Early Times, Tim are filled with such intricate flights in intense. Not only are they on the Edge landis, and Yasutaka Nakajima cov duding so many tumbacks and embel cfthe Swamp but they are on the edge ering guitar duties; David Halliday lishments that come at a dizzying pace. of being discovered. This is their and Vincent lars doing saxophone; A few years back Von played at fourth CD release after Let's Swamp Tim Hyland on trumpet; and Larry the Kansas City Jazz AndBlues Festi Awhile, SwampJiw, and Cadillac in the Batiste on trombone. val with a pick-up rhythm section. A Swamp, and they certainly are the E.C has also got the knack for jazz musician friend of mine from KC Florida state swamp band to deal lyrics with full credit') on five tunes sat with us, and about halfway through with. and shared credits on five more of the set he turned to me and said, ''You For more info and sound dips the eleven tunes on this; her debut know, maybe it's just me, but I don't checkout: CD release. get it." My friend was one of the best www.kingsnakerecords.com . trombonists in Kansas City, and I as sured him that Freeman was serious and that given some time and hearing him in a better context he might come J,I.I, ~'OClANS to appreciate him, but I'm not so sure. Diet • Nutrition I GUlLO Von Freeman doesn't playa way CALDWELL PIANO SERVICE that everyone will like or really under R. L. "Larry" Caldwell, RPT stand, but for many years he's been Phone 353-4 Mohawk completely his own man. And for that, (402) <88-4858 IAneoIn. NE 685 10 he certainly qualifies as an unsung hero. ••Pa J ••••••••••••.••••••••••••••••.•••••••••••••.•••••••e 10 Berman•••••••••••••••••••• Music Foundationlazz Summit Jazz is a mile-high experience By Dan Demuth ...... musical associations have included Milt answers 'six.'" aturday, January 27, a snowy Wild Bill Davison, Dick Carey, Bud The set continues with Handy's night in Denver, was the setting S Freeman, Jack Lesberg, Peanuts "Beale Street Blues," and in waltz time, for some great mainstream jazz at the Hucko, Dave McKenna, Milt Hinton, "You've Changed." Capp again, "A beautiful Donald Seawell ballroom in Jackie Williams, Earl May, Kieth waltz is a tune with one beat missing in the Denver Center For Performing Ingham and Ralph Sutton. He occa every bar." Arts. Having traveled up from Colo sionally leads his own group and is a Closing out this round was ''Tea For rado Springs as ftrst timers, we had the three-time winner of the Australia Two," a number that Capp and Sutton good fortune to have Juanita Green Gold Coast InternationalJazz Festival's had performed many times on a Euro wood assist us in choosing a close ho Critics Award. Impressive credentials pean tour, and "I Got Rhythm," the lone tel, providing directions, suggestions he wears easily. The Armstrong com solo in the entire show that Capp allowed and the like. parison may be fair as regards Austra himself. Juanita is the jazz maven of the lian notoriety, but his style is his own. Finally Capp added, "Milt frequently Summit Jazz Foundation which spon Three 45 minute sets were played visited and stayed with us. My wife is sors and hosts these frequent pro with the musicians alternating calling Chinese. Milt would tell her he would grams. In an all too brief conversa sets. Barnard started things with the shine her shoes ifshe would do his laun- tion with her, it is obvious she has a Hoagy Carmichael standard "New dry." wealth of knowledge about the music Orleans," the slow tempo featuring Appropriately Ralph Sutton or as well as maintaining a working rela himself and Vache. Bam! Gears dered the menu for the final set. Re tionship with many of the greats over switched! Vache, who critics have com covering from a recent serious back the years. pared to Goodman, got an early start surgery, he is an amazing player, con This was the second night and an on elevating the roof with "Stealin' sidering his career started with Jack excellent crowd was on hand (some of Apples" which I felt was more in the Teagarden around 60 years ago. He whom I spoke with had been there the Herman mode, but lets call it Vache found time to provide me with an au preceding night) despite the not so ala mode - very tasty! Now slow down tograph for the signed John Falter print appealing weather outside. The setting to a Barnard featured arrangement of (of Sutton) I obtained at the recent is a ballroom seating about 500 people the emotion tugger "Black and Blue." BMF sponsored exhibit at the Ne comfortably at shared tables, with one Then, back towards the roof on a braska State Historical Society. wall Windowed in its entirety provid dixieland elevator with "Take Me Out "I Found A New Baby," "Old ing a great top floor view. A small To The Ballgame." Quite a ride! Fashioned Love," "S'Wonderful," dance floor is near the stage, and liba The second set was called by Frank "Sweet N' Lovely," went fIrst, with the tions from an amply stocked bar and a Capp, who enjoys bantering with the traditionally great "Chicago" and light food menu are available through band and the audience and very mod "Swing That Music" closing out the out the performance. But, let's get to estly downplays his skills. Capp said, evening. The great melody that flows the main course. "I'm the nominal leader of this group from his right hand can't suppress the Performing were Ralph Sutton (if - I can play any song in any key." The occasional ostinato of boogie woogie Colorado has a jazz godfather, he is tunes included "Love Me Or Love Me striding out of the left, sweet music the man); clarinetist nonpareil Allan ~ot" and "Always." indeed to this listener. Vache; the subtle but ever present play Capp also said, "I was playing golf Summit Jazz has performances ing of Don Mopsick on bass; Frank with Ray Brown and he related a story throughout the year. I hope to make Capp, aptly transferring his driving about the late great Milt Judge' Hinton. the one in April featuring Dick Hyman, skills from the Capp/PierceJugger "Ray and Milt were appearing Howard Alden, Michael Moore and nauts to a small group setting; and Bob somewhere and during an intermission Ken Peplowski. For more info you can Barnard on comet. Ray spots Milt in the lounge watching contact them at www.summitjazz.org Resumes of the above musicians a World Series game. Brown inquires - or - at PO Box 1150 Evergreen CO are not required, save perhaps Bob as to the score and Hinton replies 'Six 80437-1150. Barnard. Billed as the "Louis to three.' Ray asks who is ahead and Armstrong of Australia," his prior Spring 2001 Page 11 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Nearly three dozen ofjazz's most-acclaimed artists turn up the heat for more than 30 hours ofthe world's finest classic, straight-aheadjazz! Headliner working groups and unrehearsed ensemble improvisation for three sizzling days! 4th Annual 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 All-Session 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 Now! ~TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1359 Lincoln, NE 719 P St. Studio G Lincoln, NE 68508 Address Correction Requested How can vou help the foundalion;J I :!1ro The Berman Music Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, I :::r""0 o 501(c)(S) private foundation, and vour laK deductible I 0" donation is needed to help offset the costs of Ihis newsletter I and ilS programs. 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