notes

The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie January 2009 Vol. 15, Issue. 1

14 Years Serving the Jazz Community SAVE THIS DATE WMCE MERCYHURST • • • • Valentine’s Day • • • • GOES ALL-JAZZ • Sat., February 14, 8:00 PM • by Bob Protzman, Contributing Writer for a date with your sweetie to hear the Erie area jazz fans could hardly have asked for a better holiday Robin McKelle Quartet at the D’Angelo gift than the announcement that Mercyhurst College radio station Performing Arts Center. WCME (88.5 and 104.9 FM) is going jazz – all jazz. When WCME officially drops its current classical music and Tickets: mixed genre format in favor of 24/7 jazz, it will put Erie in the Gold Circle...... $40 radio big leagues with major cities such as New York, Chicago, (includes a reception Los Angeles, New Orleans, Dallas, Atlanta, Philadelphia and with the performers.) Detroit. The Mercyhurst station, which will now be called “Jazz Adult...... $35 FM, Erie’s Jazz Station,” already has a full jazz schedule posted on its website (www.ErieRadio.com) and will begin carrying some of Senior/Student...$30 those programs sometime between Christmas and January. Youth...... $15 The goal, says station director Michael Leal (pictured Mercyhurst Student at right), is to be (with ID)...... $10 broadcasting jazz fulltime This event is in February. When that co-sponsored by happens, Jazz FM will JazzErie. offer 161 hours per week of jazz – nirvana for jazz lovers. That compares McKelle has found her voice in the American Songbook, with the 19 hours of jazz as evidenced by her latest CD “Modern Antiques” (available on – all of it at night, and iTunes.) She has sung with her quartet at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s mostly on weekends – on Club Coca-Cola, has performed with the Boston Pops, and is WQLN-FM 91.3, Erie’s currently completing a whirlwind three-month European tour. National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate. Leal Ed Goebel, JazzErie President, spells out an additional revealed his plans in incentive to come and enjoy: “Mercyhurst has made this concert a October to some members fund raiser for JazzErie. Each ticket JazzErie sells to it’s members of WQLN management, or the general public will earn JazzErie $10! These funds will who he says expressed support. Asked for a reaction, Tom New, help us continue to bring world class jazz musicians to Erie. Vice director of creative services at WQLN, said, “I’m excited about President Ted Ely and his wife Georgiana will lead this effort. the addition of jazz on Mercyhurst radio. I think anything that Please contact them at 814.218.0861 to but tickets or help in promotes jazz in the community is a good thing.” this effort.” ...continued on pg. 6 For More Information: www.jazzerie.com Jazz Erie DIXIE DOODLERS NAMED HOUSE JazzErie is a com- BAND FOR ERIE BAYHAWKS munity of music lovers and musicians and, a member- Dick Sertz, President of ship organization dedicated Erie’s new NBA Development to sharing with children, Team, the Erie Bayhawks, has adults and one an-other an awareness and love of named Don Haener’s Dixie music, particularly jazz. JazzErie brings Doodlers as the official band of toget-her people who want to listen to jazz, the Bayhawks. The Doodlers learn about it, play it and just live it. will play for all home games at the Civic Center, beginning Check out our website at with the inaugural which www.jazzerie.com for complete was on December 11. The information on current and upcoming events. Bayhawks are affiliated with both the Cleveland Cavaliers 2007-2008 Board of Directors and the Philadelphia 76ers. The current Doodlers lineup includes Bill Beggs on drums, Don Haener, trumpet President...... Ed Goebel and leader, Kent Tucker, trombone, Stan Bialomizy, clarinet, and Stan Yopek, Vice President...... Ted Ely Treasurer...... Liz Scarpelli keyboards. The band is working on an original theme song/chant for the Bayhawks. Directors Sertz was the originator of the annual High School Tournament at Gannon Joe Curlett Robb Hoff University, one of the major high school tourneys in the U.S., and has long hired the Charles Lute Al Lubiejewski Doodlers to provide music for that event. Bill Flannegan, Prep Director of Athletics, is John Marzalek Scott Meier the new president of the high school event and has already scheduled the Doodlers for Carl Hultman Sheldon Peterson the four games at Gannon on Friday and Saturday, January 16 and 17, 2009. Allen Zurcher Mary Watson Dick Thompson John Kytic Paul Bates Kathy Danielson JAZZERIE 2008-09 May (date TBA): The Next Past Presidents Generation, 7:30 p.m., location TBA; David F. Van Amburg 1994-1995 PERFORMANCE $5. High school jazz stars of tomorrow (Founding President) SCHEDULE: present great ensemble work and solos with area tutors. Atty. Al Lubiejewski 1995-1997 Sat., Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day): Virginia M. Pelkowski 1997-1999 Vocalist Robin McKelle Quartet. JazzErie is still working on additional R. Patrick Rodgers 1999-2002 Award-winning jazz singer will provide Spring events. For further information as the season develops: www.jazzerie.com Steve Eidell 2002-2003 a song-filled evening for you and your and JazzErie News Notes, Erie Times- Tom McLaren 2003-2005 sweetie. D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst College, 7:30 PM. News Showcase. Carl Hultman 2005-2008 Co-sponsored by JazzErie. Adults $35, JazzErie Notes is published monthly Seniors and students $30, Youth $15, This project was supported by the Pennsylvania by JazzErie which is a subsidiary organiza- Mercyhurst students $10. Council on the Arts, a state agency, through its tion of the Erie Art Museum, regional arts funding partnership, March 14: Singers Night, 8 p.m., East Pennsylvania Partners in the a nonprofit organization. Erie Turners, 829 Parade St.; $15, $10 Arts (PPA). State funding JazzErie Notes for members; $5, students. Program will for the arts depends upon an feature local vocalists Joe Dorris, Marty annual appropriation by the Editor - Dick Thompson Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published by O’Conner, and Paula Holmes backed by an all-star combo, plus the General and support from the National The Erie Art Museum for JazzErie Endowment for the Arts, a federal printed by McLane High School Jazz Ensemble, agency. PPA is administered in PIP Printing West directed by Bruce Yates. Admission for this region by the Arts Council 2825 West 26th St. • Erie, PA 16506 adults $15, $10 for JazzErie members, $5 of Erie. for students. Deadline is the 15th of each month. Send articles to: April (date TBA): Local bassist JazzErie is a grateful Harry Jacobson and ensemble explore [email protected] recipient of support the history of the bass in jazz, 8 p.m., or Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505 Walker Recital Hall, Mercyhurst; $15, from the Arts Council $10 for members; $5, students. of Erie.

Page 2 JazzErie Notes Armstrong was the first great rhythmically LOUIS soloist in jazz. New Orleans style jazz and have (Dixieland) is based largely on the softened accents ARMSTRONG concept of collective improvisation. In on syncopated By Dr. Allen Zurcher other words, each member of the band rhythms. It in the front line is improvising at the should not same time during the course of a given be confused performance. As a result no single with the genre soloist or member of the band is more of music prominent than any other. Although associated with there were individual solos in New jazz, popular Orleans style groups, the emphasis was from 1935 – 1945 known as ‘Big Band on collective improvisation. Armstrong Swing’ or just ‘Swing’. led two very important groups in New Although ragtime is highly York City in the mid 1920s called ‘The syncopated it has more in common with Hot Five’ and ‘The Hot Seven’. Up to marches played by bands such as John this point Armstrong had been a sideman Philip Sousa’s than jazz as we understand in various groups led by trumpeter Joe it. Armstrong took the syncopated ‘King’ Oliver. Armstrong’s groups played rhythms from ragtime and smoothed them what would be considered Chicago style out by using softer accents. This had the Dixieland, where the emphasis was effect of making ragtime rhythms and more on solo improvisation rather than syncopations much less regimented and collective improvisation. stiff. Armstrong further refined the ‘feel’ It is generally acknowledged by jazz It’s important to point out that there by making the length of the first eighth historians that Louis Armstrong is the are no authentic recorded examples of note in a group of two slightly longer single most important figure in early jazz. New Orleans style Dixieland Jazz, as than the second. This altering of length Virtually every jazz musician can trace the first recordings were done in 1917 gave the melodies he played a ‘lilting’ or their influences back to ‘Pops’ regardless in New York and Chicago by a group of ‘floating’ feel not found in New Orleans of what their current influences or white New Orleans musicians known as style jazz. Finally, Armstrong sang and stylistic preference may be. The Original Dixieland Jazz Band. New played melodies which sounded ‘late’ Orleans style jazz had been evolving in compared to the same melody played in As with Armstrong, people who New Orleans since around the turn of the a ragtime or march style. This had the are given the moniker of ‘Legend’ often century, and its musical predecessors; the effect of further relaxing the ‘feel’ of the take on a ‘larger than life’ persona. blues, ragtime and brass band music well music. Although ‘Laying back’ or ‘back Unfortunately in the transformation from before that. phrasing’ was common in interpretations ‘working musician’ to the latter much is of early blues songs by singers like lost in the process. Let me explain. Armstrong was one of the first musicians to successfully base his Bessie Smith, Armstrong is considered to If I were to ask a typical jazz improvisations on original melodic ideas be the first instrumentalist to popularize musician or fan of jazz what they thought rather than the melody of a given tune. the technique. The combination of of Louis Armstrong, the vast majority His successful departure from the melody softened accents, altering rhythmic feel would say, “Oh yeah, he’s great.” My opened up many melodic and rhythmic and ‘laying back’ on the melody combine next question would probably be; “Why?’ possibilities that had not been previously to produce the ‘swing’ feel which is Unfortunately, the ‘why’ of it is often available. prevalent in most styles of jazz. lost when figures are separated from Above are just a few of Armstrong’s the public by time and what I would Armstrong popularized ‘scat’ singing. Scat singing is a vocal technique many contributions to jazz. This list is by call the ‘lowest common denominator’ no means complete, nor does it include syndrome. This article is written in an in which nonsense syllables such as ‘Bop’, Shu-bleeh’ or ‘Ba-doo-dle- contributions he made to trumpet playing attempt to answer the ‘why’ portion of in terms of technical facility, range, or the this conversation. da-she-dot’ are used instead of lyrics. This technique was originally used to inventiveness and originality of his solos. For the sake of brevity, this article is imitate the improvisations of trumpet As always, if you have comments or limited to an or saxophone solos. One of the most questions, please feel free to email me at exploration accomplished scat singers in recent [email protected] of the general history was Mel Torme who sounded References: Marc C. Gridley, Jazz characteristics much like a trombone when scatting. of jazz Styles: History and Analysis, Tenth Ed., Armstrong’s singing style also had a Upper Saddle River, NJ 2009 influenced by major influence on Billie Holiday(above Armstrong right), and Louis Prima. and will not deal with his Perhaps the most far reaching and contribution least understood contribution Armstrong to trumpet made to jazz was to refine the concept playing of ‘swing’. Swing in this context is specifically. used to define a style of playing eighth note patterns which are not quite even

Issue No. 165 Page 3 Sat., Jan 31, 7:00 & 9:30 PM and Sun., The CONCERTS Feb. 1, 2:30 PM & AREA EVENTS Take Six, contemporary American a ERIE capella singing group, integrating R&B, Jazz Line jazz and gospel sounds. Tickets $39.50 MERCYHURST/D’ANGELO www.jazzerie.com PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Sun., Feb. 15, 2:30 PM. (Advance tickets are sold out.) Schedules below reflect information available Fri., Feb. 13 -- 8 PM Jazz Ensemble Brubeck Brothers Quartet. Dave’s at the time of publication, and are subject to Concert. Student vocal concert change. Call Club to confirm. sons Daniel – drums, and bassist/ – standards in the jazz and big band trombonist Chris are joined by guitarist SCOTTY’S JAZZ CLUB repertoire. Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb 301 German St. • 459-3800 Sat., Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day) 8:00 PM in eclectic concert of straight ahead Singer Robin McKelle Quartet, jazz/fund – and unusual time signatures. Live jazz from 10 PM to 1 AM. $5 cover. whose credentials range from Tickets $39.50. Call for January listings. appearances with the Boston Pops to the Blue Note, will be backed by her Fri., Feb. 27, 7:00 & 9:30 PM COLONY PUB & GRILLE own band. Bring your sweetie. Event Kurt Elling seven times Grammy- 2640 West 8th St. • 838-2162 co-sponsored by JazzErie. Adults nominated, six times winner of Downbeat critics and readers polls. With Live jazz every Thursday: $35, Seniors/Students $30, Youth $15, Mercyhurst students $10. Lawrence Hobgood – piano, Rob Amster Colony Club House Band featuring – bass, Ulysses Owens, Jr. or Kobie Weds., Apr. 22 -- 7:30 PM. Jazz Gene Leone Watkins – drums. Mandolin Project. Multimedia project ALTO CUCINA celebrates Earth Day with video, narrator Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild 3531 West Lake Road and musical accompaniment to focus Spring Calender: on “How Much Land Does A Man 835-3900 Mar. 7 Jimmy Heath Quartet Need,” Tolstoy’s short story. Adults $20, Music weekends from 6:30 – 9:30 PM Mar. 14 Tierney Sutton Band Seniors/Students $15, Youth $12.50, Apr. 4 Blue Note Records 70th Sat., Jan. 10 Sam Hyman Band Mercyhurst students $10. Anniversary Apr. 16-19 Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Sat., Jan. 24 The Heliotropes CORRY Band Apr. 24 Luciana Souza Sat., Jan. 31 Sam Hyman, solo piano/ Sun. Feb. 8 Faith Evangelical Church vocals Triumphant Swing Band. Visit the May 7-10 John Pizzarelli band’s website for directions, more CLEVELAND Every Weds., 6:00 – 10:00 PM information: www.triumphantswingband. Sam Hyman com. Tri-C Jazz Fest, THE BREWERIE MEADVILLE Cuyahoga Community College. Nothing at UNION STATION new on the website at the time of this Bosco’s Restaurant & Bar continues to 123 West 14th St. • 454-2200 printing, but stay tuned. Dates for the offer a Jazz Jam every Tuesday, 8 – 11 Festival appear to be April 23 – May 3, Sat., Jan.3 Hard Luck Story PM. Musicians are encouraged to sit 2009. A list of “Artists in Residence” blues band 10 PM – 1 AM in. For more information, contact Dan has been posted, which includes hard Fri., Jan. 9 Duke Sherman Hallett 814/336-1580. bop tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce (his 9 PM – 1 AM two most recent CD releases were with PITTSBURGH Mulgrew Miller, Ira Coleman Alan Fri., Jan. 16 Tri This Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Dawson, Tony Reedus and Bill Mobley 9 PM – 12 AM as sidemen. ‘Nuff said.) Other listed Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. artists are trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, Sat., Jan. 24 String Theory Call 412/322-0800 or visit www.mcgjazz.com. 9 PM – 12 AM pianist Carlton Holmes and drummer Ron Savage. There’s also a list of local Sat., Jan 31 The Heliotropes “Educators”: Ernie Krivda, Joe Hunter, 9 PM – 12 AM Dave Sterner and Steve Enos. Part of DOCKSIDER the program is a High School Jazz Fest Experience, which will include the 1015 State St. • 454-9700 premier of a new work by vibraphonist Fri. Jan. 9, 10 PM Ahimsa Beat Cecelia Smith, commissioned for featuring G. Calvin Weston, avant funk the Jazz Fest. Watch the website: www.tricjazzfest.com. Page 4 JazzErie Notes Nighttown Restaurant,12387 Cedar JAZZERIE higher, louder and faster than the band Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 216/795-0550 which appeared last weekend. Since www.nighttowncleveland.com. DISCUSSION GROUP this endeavor is primarily a showcase for brass instruments, the saxophonists, Weds. & November 20, 2008 whose traditional position is at the Thurs., Jan by Charles Ventrello front of the band, bear the brunt of this 14 & 15: 7 thunderous affront and are subsequently Ed. note: Charles informs us that, PM Weds. 8 rendered deaf and vertiginous at an early while he is recovering from his illness, he PM Thurs., age. will still be out of action for 3+ months. $30. cover. As he says: “Bummer.” The monthly bridge, n. the middle section of a Elaine Elias, meetings of this group continue, however. typical song comprised of a change in from Brazil, tonality and melody. Familiarity suffers Unfortunately, the November vocalist/ in that the bridge is heard only once meeting was cancelled because of pianist and while the top and bottom are repeated difficult weather conditions, the first Blue Note three times. A bridge can evade the time in ten and a half years of monthly recording artist most accomplished of musicians, and meetings. If there is ever doubt brings music from her new CD “Bossa fortunately, likewise for the average concerning a meeting, please call me at Nova Stories.” listener. The vaguery may attain such a 866-2731. degree as to allow the bridge of another Sun., Jan. 18 7 PM $20 cover. Horns For lack of literary fodder I will song or a clever improvisation to satisfy & Things. Saxophonists Kenny improvise: Ambrose Bierce, caustic all concerned. LeeGrande and J.T.Lynch, and their band. American writer and journalist has head, n. the musical statement at the few peers at satirical impalement. His beginning of a jazz performance and a Thurs., Jan. 22 8 PM $20. cover. “Devil’s Dictionary” is a wry and signal to the audience that they will not Fahir Alakoglu Trio from Turkey, with cunning example. Suppose Bierce had hear this beloved melody again for 12 Matthew Garrison – bass and Chris directed his iconoclastic curmudgeonry to 20 minutes or more when, after the Almond – drums. toward jazz….. drum solo, the head will be repeated to Sun., Jan. 25 7 PM $10 cover. Tracy audience, jazz, n. six rude fellows the surprise and delight of the audience, Silverman, violinist from Turtle Island at the Village Canguard bar intent upon which has forgotten what was being altering their attitudes with Johnny String Quartet with Jim Brinkman’s played. Walker while the Bill Evans Trio defines group. Smooth Jazz, n. a genre of jazz aural poetry nearby. employing studied and repetitious Weds. Jan. 28 7 PM $20. Deep Blue back beat, n. the beats which receive inflections creating a musical trip to Organ Trio from Chicago: Bobby Broom emphasis. In the performance of Jazz Comatose City. – guitar, Chris Foreman – Hammond B-3, this is normally beats 2 and 4 of 4/4 vamp, n. a chordal progression Greg Rockingham – drums. time. As a demonstration of “hipness” which can be played as long as necessary, the listener should at least nod his head often used as an introduction or to OTHER CLEVELAND on these beats and in some circumstances gain time and inform the bar owner of extreme revelry may be required to AREA EVENTS: that indeed the band is fulfilling its clap the hands on said. As this practice contractual obligation. This allows Feb. 8, 8 PM FREE Cleveland State is culturally dictated one should not be opportunity for the saxophonist to affix surprised upon visiting Greece or the University, Drinko Hall, 2001 Euclid yet another reed to the mouthpiece, the Balkans to observe the natives snapping Ave. “Concert in Progress,” Howie trombonist to disgorge a pint of moisture the fingers on back beats 5 and 7. Smith, saxophone. from his slide to the dance floor and big band, n. usually a congregation permit the drummer to extinguish a Want your upcoming performance or of 17 members including 4 trumpets, small blaze originating in his left jacket special events listed in Jazz Line? 4 trombones, 5 saxophones, 3 rhythm pocket. The errant partially consumed Contact me at 814/734-4344 or and an unnecessary leader who lends cigarette found, the band members join [email protected]. his name to the bus. Typically the bus the patiently vamping pianist for another arrives at the engagement with twenty Information must be received by the perfect performance. minutes to spare whereupon the members Our next meeting: Thursday, 15th of the month preceding publication are unleashed from their 15 hours January 15, 7:30 PM, Erie Art Museum (January 15th for the F issue). -Dick passage from Cheboygan or some other Annex, 20 East Fifth St. Great recorded Thompson, ed. rustic location. The members are to be jazz, latest music news and stimulating commended, considering the deprivations dialogue. associated with this lifestyle, for rising to the occasion and adhering to the aesthetic • • • • • tenets of this genre, which are to play Issue No. 165 Page 5 may also try to connect students with our WMCE Jazz local hosts.” from pg. 1... Leal said word is already getting Why the change at Mercyhurst? around on the internet and elsewhere “We wanted to offer something different about the fulltime jazz format. “And I’m for the community,” said Leal. “That’s already hearing back from a number of one of the goals of public radio.” The people who are very excited about it,” he decision came after about a year of says. “We hope to make Jazz FM home research and discussion among Leal for people who love jazz.” – a 30-year radio veteran (the past 18 Thanks to Erie Times-News. Bob years in public radio) who became Protzman is a nationally ranked jazz station director in May, 2007 – the journalist. college’s Communication Department, places and events in jazz, they are the administration, and a variety of folks informational and instructive. “We also JAZZERIE THANKS THE from the community. plan to provide a significant number of FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS “There has been criticism of radio local programs,” said Leal, adding that FOR THEIR SUPPORT in Erie for having too many dual formats local hosts will be announced sometime – two country stations, two rock, two between mid-January and February. Gannon University, 109 University sports, and two classical,” said Leal. Further, Jazz FM plans to offer special Square. “Well, there will be only one fulltime jazz programs highlighting activities and MacDonald, Illig, Jones and station.” WCME shared a primary format events at Mercyhurst, such as D’Angelo Britton, Attorneys, 100 State Street, of classical music with WQLN and that Performing Arts Center performances. Suite 700. created a less than favorable situation for “The other thing we want to Glenwood Beer, 2177 W. Grandview WMCE. “It’s difficult to get support for emphasize is community jazz events, Boulevard. two classical music stations, and we felt and we’re looking forward to taping Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts that for many of our current listeners, we live performances by some of our local Center, Mercyhurst College. were their secondary station,” said Leal. jazz musicians,” Leal added. Down Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street. “We are looking for an audience that will the line, he said, tapings could include Glass Growers Gallery, make us their first choice, and we hope performances by nationally known artists 10 E. 5th Street. to get – we need to get – that kind of presented by JazzErie. World of Music, support from jazz fans.” Another reason 1355 W. 26th Street. Jazz FM radio will cede radio news to leave classical for jazz, Leal said, Froess Pianos and Keyboards, 2558 dominance to WQLN, running only is that recent research has shown that W. 8th Street. one-minute national news updates each classical listenership in the past ten years hour from the Associated Press. “Of Romolo Chocolates, has remained static, while the audience course, we’ll carry news bulletins and 1525 W. 8th Street. for jazz nationwide has grown by about continuing coverage of big stories,” said Lynch Music, Rte. 9 & Rte. 20, six per cent. Leal. Two well established non-jazz Fairview. Most of Jazz FM’s hours will programs will remain part of the Jazz FM Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th Street. come from another fulltime jazz outlet schedule – “Despierta Latino” (9 AM – 1 Raven Sound, 2617 Peach Street. – WDUQ-FM at Duquesne University in PM Saturdays) and “Polka Celebration” Edinboro University of Pittsburgh. “Our partnership with them (10 AM – 1 PM Sundays.) Finally, the Pennsylvania, Edinboro will be Jazz FM-s foundation,” says Leal. station will carry a greatly reduced sports Penn State Erie, The Behrend Also on the schedule are such high profile lineup, concentrating on major sports and College, Wesleyville syndicated programs as “Jazz at Lincoln rivalries, although additional sportscasts Lake Erie Fanfare, 113 W. 10th Center,” with trumpet and jazz education – all handled by students – will stream on Street. icon Wynton Marsalis, “Jazz Profiles,” the web separately from the streaming in Coors Beer hosted by veteran, Grammy-winning jazz. Scott Enterprises/Ambassador vocalist Nancy Wilson, and “Radio Center, 8040 Peach Street Leal also promises plenty of student Deluxe,” featuring personable vocalist/ East Erie Turners Club, involvement in Jazz FM. “We have about guitarist John Pizzarelli and his cabaret/ 829 Parade Street. a half dozen students helping us get ready pop singing wife Jessica Molaskey. Mercyhurst College, 501 E 38th St. for the new format and once underway, as A common denominator among part of the Communication Department, Second Hand Rose, 351 W 26th St. the syndicated programs, aside from the station will not only be a tool for Frank Corapi great jazz, is that through interviews students, but also we hope to get some RockErie and discussions chronicling the people, students either on air or behind the scenes Builder’s Hardware doing production work,” he said. “We 2002 W. 16th Street

Page 6 JazzErie Notes WMCE-FM Jazz (88.5 & 104.9) On The Radio Mercyhurst College “JAZZ” WQLN FM (91.3) The following programs hosted by The following comes to us from The Source for Jazz nationally known figures will begin JazzErie member Harry Aldrich, who to appear during January/February provides his explanation about origins Monday thru Thursday 2009: of the term “jazz.” We welcome the 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. contributions of other researchers. Jazz Flight - Rob Hoff Mondays, 2 PM – “Jazz at Lincoln What are its roots, and where did Center” with Wynton Marsalis it get its name? I’ve read where Joe Friday Tuesdays, 2 PM – “Jazz Profiles” “King” Oliver claims he started jazz by with Nancy Wilson combining ragtime and blues, and adding 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. a tinge of Spanish. One of the great Bob ‘n Blues - Al Lubiejewski Wednesdays, 2 PM – “Jazz “jazz” tunes from that era was written by 10:00 p.m. - Midnight Inspired” with pianist Judy Oliver and Walter Melrose, called “Dr. Deep Blue - Jason Gibbs Carmichael Jazz,” so maybe that giver credibility to Thursdays, 2 – 4 PM – “Radio his claim. Saturday Deluxe” with John Pizzarelli, Where did the actual name JAZZ 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. his trio, and wife, singer Jessica come from? Well, here’s the skinny on Saturday Swing Session Molaskey that mystery. For years the strange, new, -Bill Garts Sundays, 1 – 3 PM – “Jazz up-beat rhythms performed by musicians 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Variations” with Tania King. in and around New Orleans were referred Lush Life - Aubrey Dillion Jazz, blues and world music. to as JASS rhythms, with the word JASS coming from one of the African Hours devoted to regional jazz Sunday dialects. However, it was basically the hosts will include: New Orleans Creole musicians, who 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. often had (European) musical training Riverwalk - (Network) Monday through Friday, 6-10 AM and Mondays through Thursday, and could read and write music as well 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. as improvise and play by ear, who took “Jazz, Ballads & Blues” 3 – 6 PM: Bonnie Grice, a name familiar to Ohio NPR listeners those rhythms and turned them into with Al Lubiejewski commercially acceptable songs. 9:00 p.m. - Midnight – author, librettist, flautist, actor and aspiring singer. Juke joints and small bistros would “Everything Jazz” compete Saturday nights for business with Bob Protzman Mondays through Friday, 10 and often advertised that new music as AM – 2 PM: Jeff Fox, Associate JASS TONIGHT on “sandwich boards” Classy 100 Professor of English and Japanese, out front of their place of business. and working musician (sax, guitar After hours of drinking and dancing, WXKC-FM (99.9) and for a joke, the drunken patrons & bass). 20 years in jazz radio. Sunday would sometimes come out and wipe the J off the sandwich board, so it would 9:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 PM - 2 read…you guessed it…___ TONIGHT! Jazz Tracks AM: Rony Mowed, president and After a while, one of the enterprising founder of Pittsburgh Jazz Society, bistro owners got fed up with it all and wrie-am (1260) 40 years of involvement in jazz took off the two SS letters from the word, Sunday radio, receiving many awards. replacing them with two ZZ letters, so it read JAZZ TONIGHT. 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. Now you know the rest of the story, Big Band Jump Saturday and Sunday, 3 PM – midnight: Bob Studebaker, and that is how we got the word “JAZZ” also from Pittsburgh. Active in in our musical lexicon. wERG-Fm (90.5) public radio since 1980. Teaches Gannon University “History of Jazz” at Carnegie 8:00 - 11:00p.m. Mellon’s Academy for Lifetime Dan Jones, “Mr. J” Learning.

Issue No. 165 Page 7 Non Profit JazzErie Notes Organization U.S. Postage January 2009 Vol. 15, Issue 1 Paid Erie, PA The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie Permit #44

Erie Art Museum 411 State Street

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