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Home , Blue Trombone, Rashied Ali

August 2007 Issue No. 150

13 Years Serving the Community 15TH ANNUAL ERIE ART MUSEUM JAZZERIE BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 -Its Time to Renew!!! Frontier Park - Noon til 10 p.m each day August is the month to renew your SCHEDULE Headliner for JazzErie membership, which will expire this day of jazz (8:00 on Sept. 1, 2007. You can return the Saturday, August 4 – Blues day – 10:00 PM) is the membership form on the back of this Rashied Ali Quintet. Newsletter, along with your check, to 12:00 noon – Family performance, the address shown. Or you can get a featuring the Erie African Dance Ali’s bio membership at the JazzErie booth at the Troupe Sylla Kundla describes him as Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival “A progenitor and this month. (If you renewed or joined 2:00 PM – Familiar Spirit Band leading exponent last month, ignore this notice.) of multidirectional 4:00 PM – Geoff Achison rhythms.polytonal You subscription to News Notes will percussion.” With a resume that includes continue through October, and possibly 6:00 PM – Lil’ Ed and the Blues creative excursions with such musical November, but will end then. You will Imperials free spirits as Don Cherry, Pharoah not be eligible for concert admission discounts after Sept. 1. 8:00 PM – Junior Brown Sanders, , and , who’s going to argue? Oh This is you annual opportunity Sunday, August 5 – Jazz day yes, and most especially there was an to refresh your support of Erie’s jazz extended stint with , joining community. Benefits include: 12:00 noon – Gem City Jazz Band in a number of seminal -Co-sponsorship of many jazz concerts and recordings. 2:00 PM – Cats A Bear events during the year -Reduced rates on many JazzErie 4:00 PM – Babik concerts 6:00 PM – Stew Cutler Trio -A monthly newsletter with news of upcoming events and concerts, plus in- 8:00 PM - Rashied Ali Quintet depth commentary

This year’s concert on the lawn -Support of local jazz education in at Frontier Park marks the Erie Art schools and community Museum’s 15th year of procuring great -A monthly Jazz Discussion Group, international and regional talent for the an evening of fine recorded music and enjoyment of Erie’s blues and jazz fans. Rashied Ali stimulating conversation Featured this year, along with Saturday’s Critic Chris Kelsey describes -The knowledge that you are sizzling blues by Junior Brown, Lil’ Ed Ali’s contribution: “From the time he supporting the life and health of this vital and the Blues Imperials and others will joined Coltrane in late 1965 until the music in Erie. be a full day of jazz performances on saxophonist’s death in July, 1967, Ali Sunday. JOIN NOW. Continued on pg. 2 .... For More Information: www.jazzerie.com helped enable Trane’s final, most radical At 6:00, the Festival brings you the break with convention. The drummer’s Stew Cutler Trio. Guitarist/composer/ Jazz Erie skittering, high-energy playing fractured arranger and cross-genre musician Stew JazzErie is a com- the pulse into tiny shards, which he Cutler hails from NYC. He left for the munity of music lovers and reassembled, mosaic-like, into something open road at age 19, for a gig with blues musicians and, a member- quite different. Ali staked out new areas legend ZZ Hill, and has since moved ship organization dedicated of rhythmic independence and sound across a broad musical landscape, to sharing with children, exploration.” including stops with new music pioneers adults and one an-other Bobby Previte and Eliot Sharp, bass an awareness and love of Ali grew up in Philadelphia, studied master Harvey Brooks, and many others. music, particularly jazz. JazzErie brings with , and is a big Cutler has recorded with David Sanborn, toget-her people who want to listen to jazz, admirer of Art Blakey, but has carved his Marty Erlich, Lester Bowie, Bill Frisell learn about it, play it and just live it. own creative niche in jazz percussion. and others. His trio recordings feature After Coltrane’s death he toured Europe sidemen bassist Booker King and Check out our website at for awhile, then returned to NYC, playing drummer Garry Bruer. www.jazzerie.com for complete with cutting edge leaders of the era information on current and – Jackie McLean, , Gary JAZZERIE BOARD upcoming events. Bartz, Dewey Redman and others. He opened his own loft-jazz club, Ali’s Alley, MEETING SUMMARY in 1973. He also started a recording July 10, 2007 2007-2008 Board of Directors enterprise long before this became a The Board welcomes new members trend. President...... Dr. Carl Hultman Allen Zurcher, John Kytic, Brian Vice President...... Ed Goebel Ali’s current Quintet, with whom Sheridan and reelected members Joe Treasurer...... Liz Scarpelli he has made two CD’s: “Judgment Day, Curlett and Mary Watson. Vol. 1” and “Judgment Day, Vol. 2” (CD Directors Baby), may sound more conventional, President Carl Hultman announced Joe Curlett Brian Sheridan but listen close. “It might sound like a number of TV interviews publicizing Robb Hoff Charles Lute that on the surface,” Ali advises, “but the Jazz Walk this week. Al Lubiejewski Al Lubiejewski Julie Masterson underneath you’ll hear a lot of stuff that is working with Erie Times staff on a John Marzalek Scott Meier says I’m really an avant-garde player.” Spotlight article. Arrangements for the Sheldon Peterson Allen Zurcher The group, together now for four years, Jazz Walk are nearly complete. John Mary Watson Dick Thompson includes trumpeter Jumaane Smith, tenor Kytic reported on membership drive John Kytic saxophonist Lawrence Clark, pianist plans, including a special mailing. He Past Presidents Greg Murphy and bassist Joris Teepe has met with former membership chair David F. Van Amburg 1994-1995 * * * * * * * * Nancy Eichelsdorfer. Liz Scarpelli gave (Founding President) a favorable financial report. She will The day will begin with a family prepare a budget next month when Jazz Atty. Al Lubiejewski 1995-1997 concert by the Gem City Jazz Band, Walk receipts are known. Ed Goebel is Virginia M. Pelkowski 1997-1999 followed at 2:00 by that local repository seeking volunteers for the JazzErie Booth of jazz expertise, Cats A Bear, R. Patrick Rodgers 1999-2002 at the Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Steve Eidell 2002-2003 comprised of guitarist/keyboardist Frank Singer, drummer Joe Dorris, bassist Tony Festival on August 4 & 5. Tom McLaren 2003-2005 Stefanelli, saxophonist Phil Popotnik and percussionist Tito Ronzitti. New business: A local group is JazzErie Notes is published monthly discussing youth jazz events/workshops. by JazzErie which is a subsidiary organiza- John Kytic will serve as JazzErie’s tion of the Erie Art Museum, a nonprofit organization. representative to this group. Possible additional grant funding for special JazzErie Notes events was discussed. Editor - Dick Thompson published by CORRECTION PIP Printing West 2825 West 26th St. • Erie, PA 16506 Two important names were Babik inadvertently omitted from last Deadline is the 15th of each month. month’s list of JazzErie volunteers: At 4:00, you will hear Babik (bah- Send articles to: Bob Protzman, a jazz journalist who ‘beek), from Buffalo, a “gypsy swing” [email protected] quartet, direct musical descendents of brings his broad knowledge of jazz and or Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505 Django Reinhardt’s Hot Club bands of invaluable contacts to JazzErie, and Dr. the 1930’s. This acoustic group features Ken Gamble, a saxophonist and part of Stuart Fuchs on lead guitar, Geoff Perry our Gannon contingent. Both serve on on violin, Josh Assad on rhythm guitar JazzErie’s Performance Committee. and Kevin O’Brien on upright bass. Page 2 Erie Jazz Notes HISTORICAL designed to encourage discussion and Now for something completely offer insight into the history of jazz, its different. Don Schwab introduces us PERSPECTIVES important figures, and most importantly, to the Music Educators’ Award winners the music which many of us have for best collegiate vocalist and jazz dedicated our lives to exploring and ensemble: Kristin Grassi with the enjoying. Kutztown U. big band. Kristin professes a desire for the Broadway stage but sings Next month I will examine the ‘Big with an intimacy and phrasing to put over Questions’. What is Jazz? What musical a jazz performance. Her accompanists characteristics define jazz? Why may one are splendid. They could share the stage piece of music be considered jazz, and with anyone. The album is “Dance You another not? Monster” and we listened to “A Time For If you have comments or questions Love.” Do you need a copy? Contact about this series of articles you may Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. email me at [email protected]. or The 1970’s was an interesting time Dr. Allen Zurcher mail your comments to JazzErie, PO Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505-0833. for improvised music as jazz musicians It is with a great deal of excitement fused their sensibilities with the music Thanks for reading. and enthusiasm that Jazz Erie introduces of Africa, India, American Folk, French a new column in the monthly newsletter. JAZZERIE Impressionism and Rock. The swing This segment will examine jazz from rhythm of Benny Moten and Kenny Clark a historical standpoint by looking at DISCUSSION GROUP was abandoned for the straight, even specific styles, such as swing, be-bop June 21, 2007 eighth note rhythm of the aforementioned and traditional jazz (Dixieland), and genres. A small fraction of those to discuss their origins and influences. Each embrace this musical stew were Larry discussion will include a brief description Coryell, Paul Winter, Ralph Towner, of the style, its major contributors and Keith Jarrett, Eberhard Weber, Kenny musical examples pertaining to that Wheeler and . It was a style. This column will also examine refreshing breeze which for a while specific historical figures, such as cleared the air of the frantic chasing of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bill the complex chords of the American Evans, and John Coltrane, (among popular song and bebop. This 1974 others) all of whom had a significant recording chosen by Don Swift features impact on the musical direction of jazz. the Montreux Band led by pianist Barbara Each feature about an individual will Higbie. She is joined on the composition examine how that individual influenced “Egrets” by Darol Anger, violins; Todd jazz, and the impact he or she had on Philips, bass; Mike Marshall, guitar and subsequent generations of musicians Andy Narell, steel drums. It’s delicate, and listeners alike. In addition, each by Charles Ventrillo segment will include specific musical So, we are listening to a Riverside sensitive and hypnotic. references should you, the reader, decide Records compilation playing in the From the album “J.J. Johnson, to approach this series of articles from a background as we socialize a bit after The Trombone Master,” Columbia listening perspective. a month’s absence, and I am suddenly Jazz Masterpieces, Bob Gross chooses struck by a performance by one of the the piece “Blue Trombone.” The The third area of jazz history (and twelve artists represented. What is it the most controversial) I will address trombone has come a long, long way. that is so conspicuous in this collection Contemporary players now routinely play is; what jazz is, or, more importantly, of jovial musical bouncing-about? Its what jazz is not. In these articles I will Coltrane inventions which confounded pianist Bill Evans. I confess to a special other saxophonists for years. Listening look at specific artists and styles with magnetism toward the work of artists an ear towards finding a consistent and to the J.J. of the fifties, one is newly who perform with even the most subtle logical definition of jazz from a historical impressed by a composing improviser, attitude of pathos: Evans, Miles Davis, standpoint, and whether a specific artist playing the right thing at the right time or style of music commonly associated Lester Young and Tom Harrell surface with editorial reserve and authoritative with jazz fits a an accepted definition of quickly. Journalist Wells Tower, in the presence. Oh yes, and he swings like the music.. Doubtless many readers will Washington Post Magazine of May 13, mad. The elusive grail of jazz, “The disagree and may become downright 2007 paints a poignant picture, “…Bill Groove,” was discovered, polished and angry regarding some of the exclusions. Evans, whose playing is so haunted, maintained by , Tommy That’s perfectly OK with me. so gracefully grief-wracked that his Flanagan and . live recordings at the Village Vanguard Regardless of your propensities conjure an image of the pianist quietly Continued on pg. 5.... towards music in general and jazz snugging a noose around his neck to the specifically, this series of articles is audience’s jolly din of table chatter and chiming glassware.” Issue No. 150 Page 3 SCOTTY’S JAZZ CLUB The 459-3800 Live jazz every Friday and Saturday Jazz Line night from 10 PM to 1 AM. $5 cover. Fri., Aug. 10 & Sat., Aug. 11 Tri-This www.jazzerie.com with Jon O’Camb Sat., Aug. 25 Rodger Montgomery PAPERMOON Blues Band 455-7766 Fri., Aug. 31 String Theory Sat., Sept. 1 Torn Curtain Live jazz weekdays 7 – 10 pm, Fri. & Sat. 8:30-11:30 pm, Sun. 5-7 pm AVALON HOTEL, BILLIE’S Thurs., Sept. 6, & Fri., Sept. 7 8 & 459-2220 X231 Wed., Aug. 1 Tri This 10 PM $25 cover. Mose Allison. Fri., Aug. 3 Tri This Live music every Friday & Saturday Legendary vocalist, pianist and Sat., Aug. 4 Basil Ronzitti Trio night, 9 PM – 1 AM songwriter, with Dave Morgan-bass & Sun., Aug 5 Jim Madden BREWERIE at Union Station Roy King-drums. Tue., Aug. 7 Amy Giles 454-2200 Visit website for additional offerings. Wed., Aug. 8 Tri This Live jazz some Thursdays and Saturdays. Thu., Aug. 9 Nick Piccone Call for more information. Fri., Aug. 10 Nick Piccone Sat., Aug 11 Jim Madden Trio Sat., Sept. 1 Dave Callighan Trio Tues., Aug. 14 Amy Giles DOCKSIDER Wed., Aug. 15 Tri This 454-9700 Thu., Aug 16 Nick Piccone Fri., & Sat., Aug. 17 & 18 Tri This GINO’S BISTRO AND JAZZ (Beach Party!) 454-4466 Sat., Aug. 4 and Sun., Aug. 5 Erie Art Jazz Most weekends. 9:30 -1 am. Call Museum Blues & Jazz Festival. Fron- Tue., Aug. 21 Amy Giles tier Park, noon to 10 PM, FREE. Thu., Aug. 23 Nick Piccone for more information. Fri., Aug. 24 JD Jazz Jam Sat., Aug 25 TBA Fri., Aug. 31 Duke Sherman Blues Thurs., Aug. 9 Arts at the Arboretum. Sun., Aug. 26 Jim Madden Trio Band 7:00 PM, Frontier Park, Arboretum Stage. Jim Madden Trio. Tues., Aug 28 Amy Giles AREA EVENTS Thu., Aug. 30 Nick Piccone MEADVILLE Fri.-Sat.-Sun., Aug. 17-18-19 Cel- Fri., Aug. 31 Jim Madden Trio ebrate Erie. Sat., Aug. 18, 2:30-4:00 Bosco’s Restaurant & Bar continues to Sat., Sept. 1 Jim Madden Trio PM. Carl Hultman and Jazz Friends offer a Jazz Jam every Tuesday, 8 – 11 with Barb. COLONY PUB & GRILLE PM. Musicians are encouraged to sit in. For more information, contact Dan 838-2162 Weds., Aug 29 Pennsylvania Soldiers Hallett 814/336-1580. Live jazz every Thursday: and Sailors Home Concert Series. CLEVELAND 1:00-3:00 PM. Dixie Doodlers. Colony Club House Band featuring Nighttown Restaurant, 12387 Cedar Gene Leone JazzErie performances are supported in part Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 216/795-0550 by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a or www.nighttowncleveland.com state agency funded by the Commonwealth of EAST ERIE TURNERS Pennsylvania and the National Endowment of 452-2546 Sat., Aug. 18 8 & 10 PM $20 cover the Arts, a federal agency. Music in Fountain Room (restaurant) is Wallace Roney Sextet. Trumpeter and JazzErie performances are also funded in from 8:30 – 11 pm. Minimal cover. recording associates Antoine Roney-sax, part by The Erie Arts Endowment of the Arts Eric Allen-drums, Rashaan Carter-bass, Council of Erie. Wed., Aug. 1 Duelling Pianos Aruan Ortiz-piano, & Steven Brown- Fri., Aug 3 Elvis (Jim Moore) turntables(!).. Fri., Aug. 17 Touch of Class, Howard Hamme & Stan Bialomizy Sat., Aug. 25 8 PM $10 cover. Howie Fri., Aug. 24 John Kytic Trio Smith-David Thomas-Bill Ransom Cleveland all-star organ trio. Surfeit for the soul. Page 4 Erie Jazz Notes JAMEY AEBERSOLD Smith from Iniianapolis and drummer sax, Ken Karsh on guitar and Tom Wendt Steve Barnes from Los Angeles. An at the drum set. All of the players have SUMMER JAZZ enjoyable experience indeed. performed in Erie at some time and Gene, Aubrey Dillon and myself are alumni WORKSHOP My master class teachers were Jerry of then Edinboro State College way Coker on Monday, Eric Alexander on back when tuition was ninety dollars per Tuesday, Antonio Hart on Wednesday semester and you could take as many and Tim Armacost on Thursday. All credits as you desired. I digress. The instructors gave insights on theory and music is muscular, robust, no monkeying tone production. On Friday, each combo around kick-bootie. Y’uns will love it. gave their performance. Each group Al Lubiejewski chose the tune “Louie had a ten minute slot. We performed and Jazz,” the names of Gene’s cats. “Strollin’” by which Our next meeting, Thursday, August is coincidentally a part of my regular 16, 7:30 PM, Erie Art Museum Annex, 20 repertoire. All in all, a worthwhile East Fifth St. Great recorded jazz, latest experience. I would highly recommend music news and stimulating dialogue. by Dave Callighan this workshop to anybody in the community regardless of experience I attended the Jamey Aebersold level. Louisville, KY is a 7.5 hour drive Summer Jazz Workshop held from July 1 from Erie, so it is not so far as to require JAZZERIE THANKS THE to July 6 at the University of Louisville, flying with an expensive instrument. KY. The week began with an audition to FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS determine your placement with a combo Website FOR THEIR SUPPORT at a particular level. Jack Wilkins from Gannon University, 109 University Go to www.velocity.net/~hardbop Tampa, FL and Greg Fishman from Square. and you will find Dave Callighan’s Chicago, IL were my auditioners. A MacDonald, Illig, Jones and website with soundclips, upcoming typical daily routine consisted of a theory Britton, Attorneys, 100 State Street, performances and contact information class in the morning, an ear training Suite 700. session with Jamey followed by a combo Glenwood Beer, 2177 W. Grandview rehearsal. Faculty members performed JAZZ ERIE DISCUSSION GROUP Boulevard. Continued from pg. 3 .... concerts in the evening. I was placed in Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts a combo with pianist David Hazeltine Center, Mercyhurst College. as the instructor. My group consisted My first jazz recording purchase, Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street. of a young pianist from Kenosha, WI, at the age of fourteen, was the Dave Glass Growers Gallery, an upright bass player from Dallas, TX, Brubeck Quartet. 10 E. 5th Street. a drummer from NYC, and a guitarist It was vinyl, red, and spun at World of Music, from Austin, TX as the rhythm section. 1355 W. 26th Street. Three other horns were present, a young 45 rpm’s. ’s solo on “Stardust” was so perfectly wrought as Froess Pianos and Keyboards, 2558 trumpeter from Miami, FL, another tenor to be rivaled ninety years earlier ony by W. 8th Street. saxophonist from Amityville, NY and a Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburgh Address. Romolo Chocolates, trombonist from Houston, TX. Well, that’s what an impressionable 1525 W. 8th Street. I was in the intermediate theory class adolescent thought. I don’t know what Lynch Music, Rte. 9 & Rte. 20, with instructor Dan Haerle, a pianist who was on the other side. I didn’t look until Fairview. has played on many of the Aebersold the needle came through it. From the Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th Street. album “Jazz Impressions of Japan” we play alongs. Dan was an excellent Raven Sound, 2617 Peach Street. listen to “Tokyo Traffic.” Thanks to Jim teacher who gave good insights into Edinboro University of Metzler for the memory jolt of Brubeck, some concepts that I did not understand Pennsylvania, Edinboro Desmond, Eugene Wright and Joe Penn State Erie, The Behrend too well before. David Hazeltine is a Morello. superb pianist, currently in NYC, who College, Wesleyville Lake Erie Fanfare, 113 W. 10th has performed with many top notch Pittsburgh, about seventy square Street. musicians and had an excellent sense of miles of real estate where even the how a combo should gel together. The natives get lost. Fortunately, these four Coors Beer top groups also had an opportunity to indigenous wailers found their way to Scott Enterprises/Ambassador play for a session with faculty members. the recording studio to put down some Center, 8040 Peach Street The horn players in my group played “get down.” The album is “Hands On, East Erie Turners Club, with pianist Hazeltine, bassist Frank Gene Ludwig.” Gene plays B3 organ 829 Parade Street. and is joined by Eric DeFade on tenor Mercyhurst College, 501 E 38th St.

Issue No. 150 Page 5 And that’s just what he has achieved play?’ ‘Would you like to try trombone?’ Young Musicians: so far… Dempsey studied only classical CHRIS DEMPSEY Professionally, Chris did a ten-week music til he was 19, when he heard Many readers tour with the Artie Shaw band, which he Maynard Ferguson’s “Chameleon,” was may have heard describes as “smokin’.” When the band fascinated, loved it – studied the bass trombonist and was reconstituted a few years ago under line on guitar and on trombone. “”Then Erie native Chris Shaw’s name, Shaw insisted on hiring I went to Penn State where I won the jazz Dempsey at the only the best players, “and they must play chair in the second band. Combining Colony, Scotty’s or bebop.” The band has recently released the high performance expectations of the other Erie venues, a new CD, “Stardust and Beyond,” under band and the new demands of jazz – I but you may not new leader Dick Johnson (Shaw passed practiced four hours a day and immersed yet be aware of the on a couple of years ago.) Chris has also myself in jazz. After that, I had no level of international appeared with other notable bands – Slide interest, desire or ability for orchestral stardom he has Hampton, Gene Krupa and the Ryles Jazz work.” achieved. Consider the following: Orchestra (Boston). Chris’ experience at Penn State • 2003 – Chris won the National While studying at Berklee College of turned sour and he dropped out, Jazz Trombone Competition, sponsored Music in Boston, where he graduated in considered turning to English as a focus by the Eastern Trombone Workshop in 2005 with a degree in Jazz Performance, for study. Then he got a letter from Washington, D.C. and played first chair in the Berklee Jazz Berklee that they were holding auditions. • 2004 – He led the group “Against Band both years he was there, Dempsey “Somebody gave them my name.” The Grain,” winners of the National Jazz played with other greats, including With his parents’ encouragement, Chris Ensemble Competition, Washington, D.C. Michel Camilo, Bob Mintzer and Joe auditioned. Berklee called, offered him (JazzIs Magazine has since included an Lovano. He is currently attending a full scholarship and he was on his way. “Against The Grain” track in their May Manhatten School of Music, one of the The first semester he was already lead mailing.) country’s leading graduate programs in trombone in the first band. jazz. Chris is working on an MA in Jazz • 2005 and 2006 – He placed second Studies with an emphasis on education. I asked Chris where he thought jazz in the International Jazz Trombone He plays lead trombone in the Manhatten was going and his answer was, like his Competition, sponsored by the School’s jazz band and describes his musical ideas, thoughtful and perceptive. International Trombone Association. fellow students as “great musicians. “There’s been a neoclassical revolution • 2005 and 2006 – Chris won Down They play with great bands.” going on in classical music, including Beat awards for Best Jazz Instrumentalist, a lot of experimentation in odd meters. each time the only trombonist named. Dempsey’s list of teachers under This is being picked up by many jazz whom he has studied reads like a Who’s players.” Chris’ tone suggested that Venues of note? Try: Who: Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Steve while significant, this was possibly • Carnegie Hall, where Chris taught Turre (with whom he studied privately), somewhat on the order of the flavor of a clinic on New Orleans music and Herb Pomeroy, Phil Wilson and Hal the day. On a deeper level, Chris said, participated in a big band educational Crook. And others. His self-description? “What I’ve noticed though is the younger outreach. “I’m finally beginning to consider myself generation of musicians is beginning to as a performing artist. I’m working combine all these styles of rock, rap and • International Association of Jazz toward being a teacher at the college new music and integrate them into the Educators conferences in Long Beach level. I’ve been a performer/artist and I music…much like the cats who came and New York City, where he performed want to continue that, but my main goal before us did. For example, ‘70’s fusion, at both. now is teaching. Whether I advance out of disco.” He sees as being • Performed at Music Educators’ the music myself or through someone “an extreme, always on the edge.” National Conference. I’m teaching doesn’t really make any difference to me anymore.” He would What do you enjoy most, I • Performed twice at Dizzy’s Club in like to see greater appreciation for the wondered? “It depends on who I’m Lincoln Center. trombone as a key jazz instrument. playing for and with. Any kind of • Opened for Tony Bennett. music where I can play freely, where I Dempsey’s own music education am comfortable with the music, even • Locally, performed as the featured began at Wilson Middle School. “I asked though I may not have seen it before, and guest artist at the 2006 “Kids Have Their Mr. Peterson, the band director (and have the freedom to know the rules, and Say” concert at Collegiate Academy. Sheldon’s brother), if I could play sax. knowingly break them.” (What better • Chris also taught last year at a He said they already had too many sax definition of the essence of jazz!) feeder school for the La Guardia High players. Trumpet? Too many there, too. School for the Arts in New York City. How about drums, then? ‘We already If you have the chance, hear this guy. have three drummers.” ‘Well, what can I Continued on pg. 7 .... Page 6 Erie Jazz Notes I’m not sure there’s anyone anywhere was to such musicians as James Brown who has the kind of facility on trombone, and Lonnie Liston Smith on organ and Jazz combined with musical (jazz) sensibility on saxophone. His and knowledge that Chris Dempsey orientation to jazz actually began in the On The Radio possesses. He’s at the Colony about 1970’s when straight ahead jazz was twice a month, and keep your eyes peeled undergoing some falling away and avant garde and fusion were finding footing. WQLN FM (91.3) for other performances. He won’t be here However, the greatest appeal came from The Source for Jazz long. interest in the expansive SMOOTH JAZZ by the baby boomers. Though Mr. J. Interview by Dick Thompson Monday thru Thursday was most impressed and moved by Miles Davis’s “Bitches Brew” which literally 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

JAZZ-E became his encyclopedia for the genre of Jazz Flight - Rob Hoff jazz as a musical art form, Mr. J. noted

such musicians as Jeff Lorber, Weather Friday Report, David Sanborn and Wayne 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Shorter were pressing their music to the top of the charts and commanding a huge Bob ‘n Blues - Al Lubiejewski listening audience. 10:00 p.m. - Midnight Deep Blue - Jason Gibbs Mr. J.’s expansive musical inclination views smooth jazz as safe, Saturday not risque and a format sound that seems to have an R&B flavor to it, therefore 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. allowing the listener to become exposed Saturday Swing Session by Joe Curlett to a variety of artists. Its major appeal -Bill Garts is that it expands the listening audience 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. When the Erie jazz community and is most and is most effective with Lush Life - Aubrey Dillion thinks of smooth jazz listening and cool the baby boom generation. Mr. J. feels soothing beats and sounds, only one some smooth jazz lacks creativity. In his Sunday experienced disc jockey comes to mind, estimation, smooth jazz is governed by and that is Mr. J. of Gannon University’s the time period and environment from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. radio station 90.5 WERG. Mr. J. has which it is captured, and sometimes lacks Riverwalk - (Network) been kickin smooth jazz to the hungry a distinct sound, being most all beats and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. listening audience for over thirty years rhythms. He strives to honor his listening “Jazz, Ballads & Blues” and has been tuned into jazz himself audience with smooth jazz that is distinct with Al Lubiejewski for over thirty-five years and still going and different and is not heard on any 9:00 p.m. - Midnight strong. Mr. J. has a keen and profound other station in the area. His collection “Everything Jazz” approach to his musical rotation for his embraces over 2,000 albums and CDs, with Bob Protzman dedicated fans. He strives to expose them as he respects all types of music and sees to music not as background, or to fall it as having many facets from which to asleep to, but smooth jazz to reflect upon successfully blend its distinctive flavor. Classy 100 and just grab their attention for a totally engaging experience. His personal point of view: jazz has WXKC-FM (99.9) credibility and is based on a variety of Sunday I caught up for this interview with well-rounded listening experiences that Mr. J. and his lovely wife, Angela, at the transcends any one dimensional art form 9:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. Catfish Kitchen restaurant one Friday. of jazz music. You can listen to Mr. J.’s Jazz Tracks She says she only came for the “free show Saturday nights from 8-11 p.m. on lunch” but it was obvious that they are Gannon’s 90.5 FM Super Soul Saturday a role model couple who share much in program. wrie-am (1260) common. In his reserved, easy style Mr. Sunday J. expounded on his “take” on jazz and its 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. progression, in addition to his interest in Big Band Jump European music that has been imported to our shores and has become a musical staple for in tune listeners. Jazz, for Mr. wERG-Fm (90.5) J., is an instant expression of harmony Gannon University or music that is played and toyed with 8:00 - 11:00p.m. creating sounds and beats of a distinct Dan Jones, “Mr. J” technique. He is partial to the organ and saxophone because his introduction

Issue No. 150 Page 7 Non Profit JazzErie Notes Organization U.S. Postage August 2007 Issue No. 150 Paid Erie, PA The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie Permit #44

Erie Art Museum 411 State Street

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