Volume 40 • Issue 6 June 2012 Journal of the New Jersey Society Dedicated to the performance, promotion and preservation of jazz.

Clockwise: , Louis Prima Jazzfest 2012 and Louis Jordan. Publicity is here! photos courtesy Featuring Tribute CTSIMAGES. to Three Louies by Swingadelic …among many other delights! Saturday, June 16.

Details on page 5 and at www.njjs.org

Get tix today! New JerseyJazzSociety in this issue: NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY Prez Sez ...... 2 Bulletin Board ...... 2 NJJS Calendar ...... 3 Jazz Trivia ...... 4 Editor’s Pick/Deadlines/NJJS Info ...... 6 Prez Sez April Jazz Social: Roseanna Vitro ...... 44 Crow’s Nest ...... 46 By Frank Mulvaney President, NJJS New/Renewed Members ...... 46 Change of Address/Support NJJS/Volunteer/JOIN NJJS ...... 47 ell, Jazzfest is just a couple of weeks marketing and public relations experience. STORIES Waway and I hope you will be able to get He has authored numerous articles on jazz Jazzfest 2012 Preview...... cover tickets, if you have not ordered them already. and many were compiled and published in Jazz in July Moves to Budd Lake ...... 4 in the Sky...... 8 The lineup is fabulous and we are expecting a book form in Jazz Notes: Interviews Across the Talking Jazz: Sachal Vasandani ...... 16 sellout. Last year’s Jazzfest was very successful Generations (Praeger, 2009). Sandy also writes Vince Giordano at Mayo PAC ...... 21 despite the rain and we learned a lot from Jersey Jazz’s “Big Band In the Sky” obituary Remembering Sonny Igoe ...... 22 column. We still have a vacancy on the board Birthday at Ramapo ...... 24 our first experience with the College of Saint New NJJS Patron Benefits Program . . . . 24 Elizabeth. The only real problem we had was that we want to fill and anticipate another at Jazz Journeys ...... 25 that the university food services did not have year end. If you have skills that can help us Q&A with Marcus Roberts ...... 27 a viable bad weather contingency plan. That carry out our mission, why don’t you step Dan’s Den ...... 28 at Newark Museum ...... 29 will not happen this year — guaranteed. up? Noteworthy ...... 30 Craft vendors are signing up in record ■ May was a very busy month for the Jazz Dan Morgenstern Feted ...... 31 numbers so there will be lots of diverting Society. I hope you were one of the lucky REVIEWS activity between sets besides Emily Asher’s ones who attended the concert at the Mayo Sonny Fortune at Highlights ...... 32 Garden Party which will play in different Glen Rock Inn ...... 33 Center on May 6 for the fabulous Vince Other Views ...... 34 locations on the beautiful grounds. With Giordano and the Nighthawks. The Jazz College Jazz...... 38 good weather there will be ample Society has had a special relationship with Hyman/Peplowski at the Kitano...... 42 opportunity to enjoy your own picnic on the Vince for many years and we are so happy for Mickey Freeman at Hibiscus ...... 43 lawns, under the trees or indoors. Need I tell his success doing the music for the HBO EVENTS you there are many great restaurants and series Boardwalk Empire, topped off by his ’Round Jersey: Morris, Ocean ...... 48 quick food service establishments in Institute of Jazz Studies/ Grammy award for that music. We were also Jazz from Archives ...... 49 downtown Madison just two miles down delighted to have had the phenomenal young Somewhere There’s Music ...... 50 Park Avenue? The excellent parking facility clarinetist Dave Bennett for our May Sunday The Name Dropper ...... 51 and your ticket bracelets make quick trips Social at Shanghai Jazz. I hope you were able ADVERTISERS and re-entry a snap. I get excited every time to get in the door for that one. Shelly Productions ...... 4 I think about this fantastic event. NJJS Jazzfest 2012 ...... 5 ■ If you haven’t heard already, this year is the WBGO ...... 7 ■ I am thrilled to announce that Sandy 40th Anniversary of the Jazz Society and we Shanghai Jazz ...... 9 Jazz in July — Budd Lake ...... 11 Josephson is joining the Board of Directors are planning an appropriate celebration. We Arbors Records ...... 13 of the Jazz Society. Sandy brings to the board have booked the magnificent Drew Barron Arts Center ...... 15 his impressive and valuable executive University concert hall for Sunday afternoon Riverboat Swing ...... 17 92nd Street Y ...... 23 Jim Eigo Jazz Promo ...... 24 John Nobile SummerSwing Orchestra . . 24 Stay tuned to www.njjs.org Latin Jazz Express ...... 25 Leonieke Scheuble ...... 26 Diane Perry ...... 28 Swingadelic...... 29 NJJS Bulletin Board WBGO PhotoBlog ...... 32 PA Jazz Society ...... 35 Member Discount Claim your member privilege! Get free admission Full Count Big Band ...... 36 to NJJS socials, discounts to music events, discounts from partners! Sandy Sasso ...... 37 Hot Steamed Jazz Festival ...... 37 NJJS Members Discounts Hibiscus offers NJJS members a discount of 10% off their check. The Mill at Spring Lake Heights ...... 39 The Berrie Center at Ramapo College offers NJJS members 5% off event tickets. Centenary Jamming in July...... 41 Great CT Trad Jazz Festival ...... 42 FREE Film Series…Now on THURSDAY nights at 7 PM at Library of the Chathams. Marlene VerPlanck ...... 43 See calendar page 3 for details. Best of all? Free, free, free…invite your friends. LauRio Jazz ...... 43 FREE Jazz Socials…ongoing. Join us for music and mingling. Free for members, $10 non-members CTS Images ...... 43 (applicable to membership) with just a $10 venue minimum. Watch calendar page 3 for upcoming dates and details. Princeton Record Exchange ...... 52 Beyond the schmooze, there are some serious musical prizes raffled off at our socials!!

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Tell them you saw it in Jersey Jazz!

November 4, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. The plan University Latin Jazz Ensemble on April Matching Gifts is for an all-star jam featuring many of the Fool’s Day. I had the pleasure of hearing artists that you know and love, the proceeds some fascinating original student big band to NJJS of which will go towards our jazz studies compositions and arrangements at Rutgers scholarships and in-school jazz education and Rowan. (I make no excuses for being a Corporate matching gifts programs. A post-concert catered reception big band junkie.) The fabulous jazz vocalist really add up! will allow the performers to mix and mingle Roseanna Vitro was the guest artist at our Please check with your employer to see if with attendees. Look for more information Sunday Social and it was such a pleasure for the company offers matches of dues and in the coming months. It will be an event to me to introduce her and her young voice donations to NJJS. We are an eligible remember. If you should feel the urge to students. The Ralph Bowen Quartet at make a special financial gift to the Jazz 501(c)(3) institution. Funds sustain our Makeda on the 12th was awesome. Society on the occasion, please do. scholarships and musical programs. Trombonist/trumpeter/singer Frank Lacy For more information,contact NJJS ■ I can’t believe the tempo of jazz related was phenomenal at Skipper’s on the 15th. Treasurer activity I have been experiencing. I’m often Emerging star tenor saxman Brandon Jersey Jazz is an NJCSPJ Mike Katz at out somewhere for a meeting or a Wright had a wonderful gig at the New “Excellence in Journalism” [email protected] Award-Winning Publication performance five and six days in a row. Brunswick Hyatt on the 18th. I was also able Writing, planning, research and meeting to take in two terrific “Talkin’ Jazz” or preparation are also very time consuming. programs with the Jazz Arts Project in Red 908-273-7827. Fortunately, I am able to get to see a lot of Bank. There would have been more except great live music that I love so much. April I was on the West Coast for eight days. was a particularly enjoyable month. The great Paquito D’Rivera was amazing in Let me take this opportunity to wish performance with the William Paterson you all a great summer. JJ

Jersey Jazz magazine seeks your help to cover jazz in Jersey as comprehensively as possible. Please help us expand our reach to all corners of the musical Garden State. Consider submitting a story or even a brief paragraph when you visit any venue featuring jazz. If you can include a high-res photo, even better. We’ll happily credit your work when we print it and you’ll have the satisfaction of spreading the jazz message and fulfilling your creative impulses! JJ for updates and details.

Saturday June 16 Thursday September 27 Thursday October 25 JAZZFEST FREE FILM — TBA FREE FILM — TBA DeSare, Asher, Monteiro, Burr, Library of the Chathams Thursday November 15 Harlem, Swingadelic, Farber 214 Main St., Chatham 7 PM FREE FILM — TBA and more Sunday October 14 PM Sunday November 18 Noon – 9:00 JAZZ SOCIAL— TBA College of St. Elizabeth JAZZ SOCIAL 2 Convent Rd. Sherrie Maricle Morristown, NJ Shanghai Jazz see ad page 5 NJJS Calendar 24 Main St., Madison 3 – 5:30 PM

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Jazz Trivia The Legendary Count Basie By O. Howie Ponder Orchestra and The Artie Shaw Orchestra headline Jazz In July

azz In July, now in its 9th Jyear, will be located in a The Numbers Game new venue, the 600-seat Mount Olive Middle School esides individuals, great jazz has been made by organized small Theatre. The facility is Bgroups numbering from 2 to 10 players. Over 10 gets to be a Big fully air conditioned with Band, however. Try your hand at naming noteworthy jazz groups excellent acoustics and comprised of 2, 3, 4, etc. up to 10 players. convenient parking and all one level access. Howie admits that (for once) he hasn’t all the answers here and if you come up with more than he has listed on the Answer Page, you might Saturday, July 7 the series get Howie’s job. Be sure to notify the Editor! begins with the great Artie Shaw Orchestra. Houston Person appears in Mt. Olive (answers on page 47) The 16-piece band, under on July 14. the direction of Matt Koza, features many of the band’s memorable arrangements plus some Howie also welcomes suggestions for future exciting new arrangements that feature soloists in their solid swing and jazz orchestra. Tickets are $30.00 advance and $35.00 questions — or comments from readers. day of the concert. Contact him at [email protected]. Saturday, July 14 features the Houston Person Quartet, the boss of the tenor sax, backed by his rhythm section. Houston plays ballads and uptempo tunes that keep the audience engaged with the music in a way that provides an evening of great entertain- Shelly Productions presents ment. Tickets are $22.50 advance and $27.50 day of the concert. Saturday, July 21, the Jesse Green Sextet features Marvin Stamm on trumpet and Joe Cohn on guitar with Danny Walsh on tenor Live Jazz Thursday Nights sax and Jesse Green on piano. Tickets are $22.50 advance and $27.50 day of the concert. at The Glen Rock Inn On Wednesday, July 25, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra will JUNE 7: Bob DeVos & Vic Juris appear under the direction of Dennis Mackrel. The band features JUNE 14: Jerry Bruno & Al Caiola great soloists in each section and the band will be playing Basie originals from the ’30s through the ’80s. Remember “too much JUNE 21: Vic Danzi & Lou Sabini Basie is never enough.” Tickets are $30.00 advance and $35.00 day JUNE 29: & of the concert. NO MUSIC ON JULY 5 Jazz In July is presented by the Hackettstown Rotary Club, Coyne Enterprises, Inc. and WRNJ Radio. All proceeds will JULY 12: Jerry Bruno & benefit the charitable work the Rotary Club does. The concerts (Make Reservations) are sponsored by Hackettstown Regional Medical Center JJ JULY 19: Joe Caniano & Mitzi Rogers and they take place at 160 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake, NJ 07828. JULY 26: Bob Leive & Patty Graham FREE TURNTABLE 222 Rock Road, Glen Rock, NJ Entertainment Starts 7:00 PM Call for Reservations NJJS member Walter Bennett is offering a 201-445-2362 Host — Victor Quinn BSR 3-speed turntable. In good working order, Shelly Productions, Inc. with original plastic lid. For more information, call 732-920-1414. P.O. Box 61, Elmwood Park, NJ • 201-796-9582

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The Editor’s Pick The Journal By Tony Mottola Jersey Jazz Editor of the New Jersey Jazz Society Volume 40 • Issue 6 Coming Attractions USPS® 00-668 Jersey Jazz (ISSN 07405928) is published monthly Thank You Les: The Les Paul Trio eleven times per year with a combined July/August issue for members of The New Jersey Jazz Society, With Special Guests 382 Springfield Ave., Suite 217, Summit NJ 07901. Membership fee is $40/year. Periodical postage (Showplace Music Productions) paid at West Caldwell, NJ. Postmaster please send address changes to 382 Springfield Ave. uitarist Lou Pallo was Les Paul’s accompanist, and straight man, for Suite 217, Summit NJ 07901. Gthe better part of 40 years. So it’s hardly a news flash that he’s All material in Jersey Jazz, except where another copyright holder is explicitly acknowledged, is recorded an album in tribute to his old friend. You’d expect as much. But copyright ©New Jersey Jazz Society 2012. the scope and ambition of the Thank You Les project, produced by Dover, All rights reserved. Use of this material is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the NJJS. NJ’s Showplace Music Productions, makes you sit up and take notice. Tony Mottola Editor 27 Upper Mountain Ave., Montclair, NJ 07042 For starters, that small type subtitle on the cover — “With Special e-mail: [email protected] Guests” — is no empty come-on. More than a dozen notable rock, blues, Linda Lobdell Art Director/Co-Editor 352 Highland Ave., Newark, NJ 07104 jazz and country artists appear on one or more tracks, among them 201-306-2769 Keith Richards, Steve Miller, Slash, Jay Leonhart, , Lexi and e-mail: [email protected] and Jose Feliciano. There’s even an American Idol finalist, Fradley Garner International Editor e-mail: [email protected] Melinda Doolittle, in the mix. Dan Morgenstern Contributing Editor e-mail: [email protected] Pallo was instrumental in pairing Les’s songs with each artist, 21 cuts in all. Among the recordings Mitchell Seidel Contributing Photo Editor are “Vaya con Dios” by Lexie Roth, “September Song” by Billy Gibbons and “Tennessee Waltz” e-mail: [email protected] performed by Les Paul Trio bassist, and nicely maturing vocalist, Nicki Parrott. Fran Kaufman, Tony Graves Contributing Photographers I admit that I’ve only heard partial cuts of half the tracks — thanks to a sneak preview by the CD’s John Maimone Entertainment Contributor 908-753-6722 | e-mail: [email protected] co-producer Joni Forte — but I’m already gearing up to crank out a rave review. Listening to snippets Fred McIntosh Entertainment Contributor of Keith Richards crooning “It’s Been a Long, Long Time,” Johnny A’s smoking “Sweet Georgia Brown” 201-784-2182 | e-mail: [email protected] and Eddie Brigati smoothly gliding through “I’m Confessing that I Love You” over Bucky Pizzarelli’s NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY feather light guitar have just whetted my appetite to devour the whole thing. OFFICERS 2012 Frank Mulvaney President I’m already prepared to declare Jose Feliciano’s “Besame Mucho” the showstopper, although Pallo is 219 Eton Place, Westfield, NJ 07090 908-233-4824 | e-mail: [email protected] touting Doolittle’s “‘Over the Rainbow’ “It was beautiful,” he says. “It was Les’s favorite song and one Andrea Tyson Executive Vice President of mine as well.” 732-356-3626 Mike Katz Treasurer The recording was made old school on analog tape (Showplace’s chief engineer Ben Elliott has a vast 908-273-7827 collection of vintage gear) and is being released on vinyl as well as CD. There’s also Caryl Anne McBride Vice President, Membership 973-366-8818 | e-mail: [email protected] an accompanying DVD feature-length documentary about Paul, whose bonus Sheila Lenga Vice President, Publicity features include six complete music videos from the Showplace sessions, 973-366-88188 | e-mail: [email protected] classic stories, plus never-before-seen vintage footage of the late guitarist. Al Parmet Recording Secretary 908-522-1163 It’s a lot to look forward to, and we’ll have more in September when the album is Jack Stine President Emeritus 908-658-3515 released. In the meantime, you can get more information about the project at Laura Hull Immediate Past President www.thankyoules.com. JJ 973-229-4275 Joe Lang Past President 973-635-2761 DIRECTORS Kate Casano, Carolyn Clemente, Jersey Jazz welcomes your comments on any article or editorial. Cynthia Feketie, Sheilia Lenga, Comments? Stan Myers, Larissa Rozenfeld, Stewart Schiffer, Send e-mail to [email protected] or mail to the Editor (see masthead Mitchell Seidel, Jack Sinkway, Frank Sole, this page for address). Include your name and geographical location. Marcia Steinberg, Elliott Tyson, Jackie Wetcher, Linda Lobdell (Ex-officio), Tony Mottola (Ex-officio) New Advertising Rates Quarter page: $50; Half page $75; Full page $110. Biz card size $25. $10 discount on ADVISORS Schaen Fox, Amos Kaune, Bruce Lundvall, Bob Porter repeat full-page ads. To place an ad, please send payment at www.PayPal.com using our code: [email protected], or Marketing/Public Relations Consultant: Don Jay Smith mail a check payable to NJJS to New Jersey Jazz Society, 382 Springfield Ave., Suite 217, Summit NJ 07901; please Website: www.njjs.org indicate size and issue. Contact [email protected] or 201-306-2769 for technical information and to submit ads. e-mail: [email protected] Hotline: 1-800-303-NJJS (1-800-303-6557) NJJS Deadlines The deadline for submission of material for upcoming issues is as follows: July/August: May 26• September: July 26 To join the NJJS and begin receiving this magazine, go to “JOIN NJJS” (see table of contents) or NOTE: EARLY SUBMISSIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. visit www.njjs.org for complete information.

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Big Band in the Sky By Sanford Josephson

■ Joe Muranyi, 84, January 14, 1928, Martins Ferry, Ohio — April 20, 2012, New York. Clarinetist Muranyi was truly one of the last links to Louis Armstrong. He joined the Louis Armstrong All-Stars band in 1967 and stayed with Armstrong until his death in 1971. Muranyi had been playing with a group called the Village Stompers, which was managed by Joe Glaser, also Clarinetist Joe Muranyi performs with and the Jimmy Ryan All-Stars at the 1978 Newport Jazz Festival-New York. Armstrong’s Photo by Mitchell Seidel. manager. One of Armstrong’s biographers, New Orleans-style jazz and performed journeyman, a professional who played Ricky Riccardi (What a Wonderful World, with many of the leading traditional jazz this familiar style with great passion and Pantheon, 2011), in a blog written the day musicians on the New York scene, including seriousness. He developed a long liquid after Muranyi’s death (dippermouth. guitarist and trumpeters tone and beautiful phrasing.” Henry “Red” Allen and . He blogspot.com), recalled a conversation Multi-reedist Scott Robinson spent quite a became the leader of the Village Stompers in about Muranyi’s first rehearsal with bit of time with Muranyi toward the end of 1963, a band that had an unexpected hit, Armstrong. “Joe was a lifelong worshipper his life. “Joe,” Robinson told Jersey Jazz, “was “Washington Square,” which reached of Louis,” Riccardi wrote, “and a real student a dear friend and a great guy. One thing that Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. After of jazz history, so joining the All-Stars was a drew us together, besides a love of Louis dream come true. He told me he ‘was quite Armstrong died, Muranyi played with Armstrong, was an interest in the tarogato, nervous…I just did the best I could and, by another legendary trumpeter, Roy Eldridge, which is a uniquely Hungarian instrument, the end of the evening, Pops was smiling.’” who led the house band at Jimmy Ryan’s. kind of like a cross between sax and clarinet. A well known story about Muranyi’s first Peter Vacher, writing in The Guardian on Being of Hungarian descent, Joe knew all meeting with Armstrong involved the April 26, 2012, recalled seeing Muranyi about the thing and its various makers, pronunciation of the clarinetist’s name. a few years ago at Birdland with David could play it and could tell all kinds of He told Riccardi that when Armstrong Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Centennial fascinating stories about it, such as how asked him how to pronounce it, he replied: Band. “Hearing him,”Vacher wrote, “was to invading occupiers would pile them up and “Muranyi, like . Oh, he loved bask momentarily in the warmth of both his burn them. “A few years back,” Robinson that! He broke up laughing, he never personality and his still-vigorous clarinet continued, “Joe thought he was going to lose forgot it. A lot of cats in the business call playing. Younger musicians liked him for his his apartment, and so he sold me some of me, ‘Hey, Ma Rainey!’” generosity and encouragement. Others more the instruments he wasn’t using. He kept Muranyi’s parents migrated to the United established simply relished his creativity.” his two best ones, but sold me several of States from Hungary, and they moved from Another Armstrong biographer, Terry his lesser tarogatos, one of which I took to Ohio to New York when he was still a boy. Teachout (Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong, Hungary last year and played in the Louis He first studied classical clarinet and also Mariner Books, 2010) has called Muranyi Armstrong Jazz Festival there. A few weeks studied with the modern jazz pianist “an absolutely first-rate clarinetist…He before he died, Joe knew he’d never play his , but he fell in love with was, in the very best sense of the word, a tarogatos again and said he wanted me to continued on page 10

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY In the mid-’60s, however, he gave it all up, moving to the Caribbean and continued from page 8 becoming a charter boat captain. He have the two good ones, so I bought told Myers that he “had begun scuba them and have been playing one diving and fell in love with the quite a lot.” ocean. So, I bought a sailboat — a Robinson visited Muranyi often in 72-footer called the Golden Eagle — the nursing home where he and sailed the Caribbean for 13 eventually died and would play years. The boat was docked in the Armstrong’s music for him. “Even Virgin Islands, and I’d sail it back to when he was too ill to open his eyes New York in the spring with a crew or move very much, he seemed to be of five.” hearing…It was heartbreaking, but He returned to the New York area he heard me, and I hope it gave him a and jazz in the 1980s, and, according little comfort.” to Martin, “ran a charter-boat business, working out of City Island Muranyi is survived by his wife Jorun in the Bronx or Greenport on Long Hansen; a son, Paul; and daughter, Island, returning to the Caribbean Adrianna. for the winter. He performed in ■ Teddy Charles [Cohen], 84, Europe and New York, held weekly vibraharpist, pianist, composer, jam sessions in his home and April 13, 1928, Chicopee Falls, MA lectured on jazz at colleges. The — April 16, 2012, Riverhead, NY. Times [once] described his house as His primary instrument was the ‘Melville meets Kerouac’, noting that vibraharp, but Charles actually got ‘everything seems to have come off a his big break playing piano. Hanging ship deck or a bebop bandstand.’” out on New York’s 52nd Street in the Charles moved to Riverhead eight late 1940s, he was asked to sit in on years ago. An obituary in the Shelter piano for a tardy Thelonious Monk. Island Reporter described him as That exposure led to dates with other being “the most experienced owner- musicians ranging from Benny Vibist Teddy Charles rehearses for a retrospective concert of operator of commercial sailing Goodman and Artie Shaw to Miles Charles Mingus’s music at the Kool-New York Jazz Festival, June charters on the East Coast.” David 1983. Photo by Mitchell Seidel. Davis and Charles Mingus. Berson, a Greenport-based boat Charles was classically trained, but, captain and amateur musician, told according to Marc Myers, writing on Times praised him for having an “imagina- the newspaper’s Tim Kelly that jazzwax.com, April 20, 2012, he “was able tive feeling for a swinging beat.” Charles was, “a musical prodigy who had his to combine long-hair thinking with street- last name given to him by the great Charles smart swing.” Douglas Martin, writing in Charles’s real name was Theodore Charles Mingus. He combined his love of the sea The New York Times, also on April 20, said Cohen, but Mingus suggested he start using and music in a manner that no one had ever Charles “drew praise for his sophisticated his middle name as his surname. He started done before or may ever do again.” out as a drummer and was accepted at compositions,” writing and arranging pieces He is survived by several nieces and for both Davis and Mingus. Don Heckman, Juilliard in 1946. After spending time on nephews. A memorial service was held in his obit in the Los Angeles Times said 52nd Street, he switched to the vibes. on April 22 at D’Latte, the Greenport Charles’s compositions in the mid-’50s He became a central figure in the bebop restaurant where he occasionally played. “were forerunners of the avant-garde jazz movement, and, according to Heckman, Musicians were encouraged to bring their of the following decade.” was “an in-demand vibraharpist by the instruments. time he was in his early 20s. In addition His most famous recording was a 1956 ■ George Mesterhazy, 58, pianist, to performing as a sideman with the likes album called The Teddy Charles Tentet, arranger, April 8, 1954, Hungary — re-released in 2001 on the Collectables label. of , Artie Shaw, John April 12, 2012, Cape May, NJ. In the fall of Contributors to that album included Coltrane, Bill Evans and Aretha Franklin, 2006, vocalist Paula West was scheduled to Mingus and composer-arrangers Gil Evans Charles also recorded more than 20 albums appear in the Oak Room of the Algonquin and George Russell. The 10-piece band that as a leader. And his work as a producer Hotel with pianist Bruce Barth. A month recorded the album was a hit at the 1956 resulted in a series of influential, cutting- before the engagement, Barth was hired by Newport Jazz Festival, and The New York edge jazz performances by young artists.” , leaving West without an continued on page 12

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY Twins. Mesterhazy described it to Ingram Marc Myers, writing on jazzwax.com, as “a dive…I thought, ‘Who the hell is going continued from page 10 April 13, 2012, actually believes McKusick to come into this bar to watch Rebecca influenced the better known Desmond and and I play jazz with a trio?’ I’m just kind of Konitz. “What distinguished Hal,” he wrote, accompanist. Three years earlier, West had closing my eyes and playing. I open my eyes, “was his sound on the alto saxophone. appeared with George Mesterhazy for a and the place is packed! And these two guys Starting in the late 1940s, he pioneered a two-week engagement at the Prince Music in tuxedoes come in.” lighter, dryer tone — without sacrificing the Theater in Philadelphia, so she reached out The “two guys in tuxedoes” were Joel Siegel, aggression or inventiveness needed to hold to him. That was the beginning of what Horn’s manager, and the composer Sir the knowing ear. His technique minimized would develop into a special relationship. Richard Rodney Bennett. Siegel knew that vibrato and leaned on lyrical phrasing and Mesterhazy, West told Jersey Jazz,had Paris and Mesterhazy were going to be in the instrument’s higher register, resulting in become, “one of my best friends. We just appealing, wistful lightness. This approach got each other musically.” Los Angeles at the same time Horn would be having a record release party at the wasn’t lost on Paul Desmond, Lee Konitz The Algonquin gig, she recalled, “was on the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. They met each and other cool masters of the instrument front page of The New York Times Arts other at the party and hit it off immediately, during the era.” section. George’s arrangements were great. which led to the recording of Loving You. McKusick’s career began in 1943 when he He could make something old sound so first played with the Les Brown band and new.” In that Times review, which appeared Ingram would often see Mesterhazy at the then with . Much of his October 26, 2006, Stephen Holden wrote Merion Inn and wrote that he “has a early career was spent as a big band about the eclecticism of West’s set, and natural, accessible way and loves to talk sideman; other bands for whom he played added, “Behind her, the George Mesterhazy about his life’s work and joy, which is jazz. included those of , Charlie quartet stretches with her from Scotland to He seems to know everybody in jazz and has Barnet and . In the mid-’50s, he Nashville.” Her new CD with Mesterhazy’s an endless wealth of jazz stories.” He joined the music staff of CBS studios in quartet, Live at the Jazz Standard (Hi Horse) described how Mesterhazy “moves easily New York. is scheduled for release on May 15, and they from one standard to the next, graciously were booked for four shows at the Jazz taking requests that he mixes into his own McKusick appeared in more than 200 Standard from May 10–13. selections…” recordings, but Voce believes the most notable was Jazz Workshop (RCA, out Through the years, Mesterhazy had become West, clearly shaken by the news of of print), which he described as “revolu- the regular pianist at the Merion Inn in Mesterhazy’s death, described him as “a tionary.” It included the work of such Cape May. The night before he died, he had giving, loving soul without any pretenses. I composers as Johnny Mandel, Gil Evans and performed with his trio at the Sandi Pointe can’t believe he’s gone. He’s one of the best Manny Albam. McKusick was an active jazz in Somers Point, NJ. Dan Anderson, owner people I’ve ever known.”A celebration of performer and studio musician in NewYork of the Sandi Pointe, told Jeff Schwachter of Mesterhazy’s life was held on April 15 at the through 1972. He eventually moved to Sag the Atlantic City Weekly that Mesterhazy Middle Township Performing Arts Center in Harbor and, in 1994, founded the Sag had “become part of the family here. There Cape May. He is survived by his partner, Harbor Jazz Festival. He also taught music are a lot of musicians who we get to know Vicki Watson, whose family owns the at the Ross School, a K-12 independent through events with the Somers Point Jazz Merion Inn. school with campuses in Bridgehampton Society…There are some musicians who and East Hampton. Michele Claeys, people get really, really pumped up [to see ■ Hal McKusick, 87, alto saxophonist, Ross’s head of school, described him to perform] and he was certainly one of them.” June 1, 1924, Medford, MA — April 10, SouthamptonPatch.com as, “an incredible Nick Regine, president of the Somers Point 2012, Sag Harbor, NY. McKusick never and renowned musician, artist and teacher.” Jazz Society, told Schwachter that received the public recognition of other Mesterhazy’s death is “devastating, not similar alto saxophonists such as Paul He is survived by his widow, Jan McKusick. only from the jazz standpoint, but he Desmond and Lee Konitz, but that was not ■ Phoebe Jacobs, 93, jazz advocate and was just the sweetest individual.” due to a lack of talent. His productive publicist, June 21, 1918, the Bronx, NY — Mesterhazy was nominated for a Grammy recording career, according to Steve Voce, April 9, 2012, New York, NY. As a teenager, Award for his performance with Shirley writing in The Independent on April 18, Jacobs worked as the hat check girl at Kelly’s Horn on her 1997 CD, Loving You 2012, “escaped the notice of most jazz Stable, a 52nd Street club owned by her (Polygram Records). In a 2008 profile of listeners…Although he was a musical uncle, Ralph Watkins. After graduating him in the Cape May County Herald’s On revolutionary and composer in the manner from high school, she began working as a Deck magazine, Bob Ingram recounted the of Dave Brubeck or Gil Evans, McKusick publicist for another jazz club, Basin Street story of how Esterhazy met Horn. He was never made it to the top, although he East. From that beginning, she went on to playing with Boston jazz singer Rebecca remained in the middle for an extraordinary become one of the best known publicists in Paris in Washington, DC, in a club called number of years.” jazz, working with such jazz luminaries as continued on page 14

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY innumerable lives with her love, eye for suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, was too talent, dry wit, largesse, incomparable ill to attend the ceremony, but Jackson, continued from page 12 energy and photographic memory.” in accepting the award, described their Jacobs was interviewed at length by collaboration as “a magical journey. We Louis Armstrong, , Ella had a fine time.” Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. After producer Ken Burns for his film series, Jazz. Armstrong’s death, she helped his widow, The transcript of that interview contains Love and Jackson were not typical musical Lucille, establish the Louis Armstrong some fascinating comments about some of partners. According to Douglas Martin, House Museum in Queens; and she was the jazz musicians with whom she worked. writing in The New York Times on April 14, also on the board of directors of the Jazz For example, on Louis Armstrong: “I don’t 2012, “Mr. Love was black, tall and laid Foundation of America, an organization believe Louis Armstrong was a real human back. His musical partner, the trumpeter dedicated to helping elder jazz and blues being. I believe God sent him to this earth Wayne Jackson, was white, short and musicians who are in crisis. to be a special messenger, to make people intense.” But, Douglas added, “They happy…And that’s what he dedicated his became a singular musical force.” In an official statement after her death, life to doing.” Michael Cogswell, director of the LAHM, On December 10, 1967, the two musicians said, “It’s no exaggeration to say that On life on the road with Louis: “The few were scheduled to tour with Redding but Phoebe’s vision and efforts gave the world trips that I made with Louis, we couldn’t go stayed behind in Memphis to overdub the the gift of the Louis Armstrong House into a diner and eat together…I’m talking horn parts on Redding’s “Sittin’ on the Dock Museum. It is a museum that is cherished the ’60s, late ’50s, a white woman with black of the Bay.” Redding was killed later that day around the world.”Wendy Oxenhorn, men. They didn’t care if they were stars. You when his plane crashed in a Wisconsin lake. executive director of the JFA, described couldn’t get waited on.” Only one musician aboard survived. Jacobs to Jersey Jazz as “a one-of-a-kind, no On Duke Ellington: “Mr. Ellington was Love is survived by his wife Willie; a brother frills, cut to the chase kind of gal. She was at adored by ladies all his life. And he recipro- Roy; sons, Vincent and Andre; daughters, the very first discussion when the original cated by adoring them… ‘Sophisticated Terri Lawrence and Angela Parker; Jazz Museum folks folded up their tent and Ladies’ was his great statement, and he took eight grandchildren and three great- changed their mission by forming the Jazz great joy every night in saying when he was grandchildren. Foundation of America in 1989, which saves going to perform it, ‘I’m dedicating this tune ■ the lives and homes of the musicians, Joseph Ciavardone, 83, trombonist, to the most beautiful woman in the room, helping them to survive their art form. Waltham, MA – March 26, 2012, Staten and you know who you are, don’t you Phoebe, I’m going to miss you in all the Island, NY. Ciavardone’s career began in darling?’ So, everybody sitting there would old familiar places.” 1949 with Tommy Reynolds Orchestra in think, ‘Well, this is just for me.’ But that was Boston. After serving in the Korean War, In 2003, Jacobs received the Jazz at Lincoln Ellington.” he joined Charlie Barnet’s band and also Center award for Leadership, which was Geiseler recalled that he once asked Jacobs worked with, among others, Stan Kenton, presented at a concert entitled, “Here’s to Woody Herman and Benny Goodman. A the Ladies: A Celebration of Great Women if she ever wanted to live anywhere else besides . “She looked at me,” highlight of his tenure with Kenton was a in Jazz.” In a paid obituary in The New York several week stretch during which Charlie Times, JALC chairman Lisa Schiff, artistic he recalled, “and exclaimed, ‘Are you nuts? If you leave New York, you’re going Parker and Dizzy Gillespie toured with the director Wynton Marsalis and founding band. chairman Gordon J. Davis paid tribute to nowhere!’” her. “We loved her feisty outspoken spirit,” ■ Andrew Love, 70, tenor saxophonist, In a 2007 interview with the Staten Island they wrote. “We loved her New York accent November 21, 1941, Memphis – April 12, Advance, he recalled that his first trombone and style. We loved to listen to her talk 2012, Memphis. A meeting between Love teacher was from Italy. “When you made a mistake,” he said, “he whacked you on the about the past and her deep friendships and trumpeter Wayne Jackson at Stax head.” His daughter Jennifer Burtner told with Louis Armstrong and so many other Records in the mid-1960s led to the silive.com that Ciavardone was “interested jazz greats…She talked jazz, she swung jazz, formation of Memphis Horns, a group that in nothing except music,” pointing out that she ate jazz, she danced jazz and she lived came to define the “Memphis sound.” he wrote a jazz composition dedicated to his the past and future of jazz.” Among the musicians they recorded with only grandson, David. Christoph A. Geiseler, writing in were: Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes and Aretha huffingtonpost.com on April 10, 2012, Franklin. In February of this year, the Survivors, in addition to Burtner and David, described Jacobs as “New York’s reigning Memphis Horns received a lifetime are his wife Jeanne; a son, Joseph E. Jr.; jazz queen,” adding that, “she touched achievement Grammy Award. Love, who and a sister, Anne Serriello. JJ

Sanford Josephson is the author of Jazz Notes: Interviews Across the Generations (Praeger/ABC-Clio). He has written extensively about jazz musicians in a variety of publications ranging from the New York Daily News to American Way magazine and is currently director of marketing and public relations for the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, NJ.

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Talking Jazz A Jersey Jazz Interview with Sachal Vasandani

By Schaen Fox ne constant in our history is the periodic Oinflux of new peoples. Each has adapted to, and enhanced, our culture. In recent decades, the Indian sub-continent has been the source of many new Americans and, of course, they are true to the pattern. As a result, we have a gifted young singer, composer and arranger from Chicago, Sachal Vasandani, whose parents moved here from New Delhi. He has been around New York for a few years paying his dues and attracting senior artists such as Sheila Jordan, Jon Hendricks and John Clayton to his corner. He now seems poised to receive the recognition his abilities warrant. We spoke both in person and by phone in August and September of 2011. Photo by Raj Naik JJ: I tried looking up your origin of your SV: Absolutely. They love all music, and jazz SV: Yeah, and that really started the bug early. name, but failed. Would you tell us about it? especially. They went to a Keith Jarrett show when my mom was pregnant with me. They still are very big SV: Well, the last name is not typical. The “i” is a JJ: What types of jazz did you hear at believers in the arts live. For as long as I can rudimentary entomological indication that my home? remember, we have been going to the Art Institute, family’s heritage is traced back to the Sindh region the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and of course of the Indian subcontinent. That is a very long way SV: My dad’s preferences were more towards the jazz clubs. There was certainly a time as I got older, of saying that the root of my name, “ani” tells you modern. He had Keith Jarrett’s Exploration record, late in high school and college, that the only live or that I am Sindhi. [Chuckles] Duke Ellington and Ray Brown’s This One’s for Blanton, some Mingus and others. His tastes artistic things I was interested in seeing was jazz. JJ: And did your parents name you after crossed the board genre-wise. He loved his Mozart Then, sure enough, you get back to your roots the great Sufi poet Sachal Sarmast? as well, but with jazz and rock and roll it was more and sometimes people talk about the gospel or standards they grew up with; for me, that is being SV: That’s correct. My parents love literature, art, towards the modern. I think what turned my dad on inspired by all art at a high level. My family still is artists and poetry. I think they were aware that in to jazz was the great, great documentary of the trying to expose me to a multi-disciplinary that generation, and now, it is still a pretty Newport Festival from the late ’50s with Anita approach to inspiration. uncommon name. One notable exception is in O’Day and Louis Armstrong. I think when the arts Pakistan there is a Sachal Orchestra that is doing are in the water at the family tap it mixes with JJ: Did you start into music by learning to some jazz covers and making a little buzz. whatever is in the local groundwater. The pipeline play an instrument? is open for artistic elements to be nurtured. JJ: I read that your parents introduced SV: Yeah, I started on piano, and before I settled you to jazz. It sounds like their tastes are JJ: Nice analogy. Did they take you to on voice I tried any number of instruments; French very eclectic. concerts? horn, electric bass and a little bit of flugelhorn. I continued on page 18

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SACHAL VASANDANI JJ: John Clayton has been prominent in What inspires me is his tirelessness towards knowledge and growing. continued from page 16 promoting your career. How did you connect with him? I found that in the greats when I was growing up SV: I met him when I was a student at Michigan. and admiring them from afar. I remember John He encouraged me to keep doing what I was doing. Coltrane really stuck out because of this idea that no matter what was tried to have fun in a lot happening, he was of different settings. always pursuing Actually, I took the piano betterment in music; and French horn whether or not his gig seriously for a while. went well or badly; JJ: When did you whether or not he had seriously focus on a million people there your singing? or just one. There was going to be this axiom SV: Maybe around 14. of pursuing music I had gotten into jazz as tirelessly, and growing. an instrumentalist. There I’ve always found that was so much stuff that I inspirational. To see was hearing on records one of those people that I was trying to get who really does to that freedom on a embody it and not French horn. I would go to know it as a myth across the hall to the but a reality is one jazz choir and sing the of the deep, deep stuff that was in my fundamentals of why head so much easier. I do what I do. Gradually, I realized that was making more sense JJ: I just saw for me. that you will be performing with JJ: Where did you Jon at Jazz at go to school? Jon Hendricks visits Sachal Vasandani backstage at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Photo by Vicki Fox. Lincoln Center. SV: University of SV: I just found out Michigan. that it is confirmed and JJ: Did you have any fellow students there Then, when I signed with Mack Avenue, they put I’m very excited. I’ll get to sing with Jon and it is a that are making their way as professional me in touch with him. He was just as warm and blessing. This is in honor of him. He asked me to do musicians? kind as I remembered him from my college days. one of the numbers from our record together, the Our relationship grew into something more than tune “Hi-Fly,” which is the title of my latest record. SV: Sure. One of my dear friends is Randy just professional. I consider him a mentor, a I understand there are going to be a lot of people Napoleon, a great guitar player now with Freddy champion of mine and somebody I can turn to whom I love and admire up there. Cole. Also, David Cook, who is Taylor Swift’s musical when the chips are down musically, professionally director. In the classical music field, a great friend, and even personally. I look up to him in a lot of JJ: About your CD, Hi-Fly, where did you Steve Jarvi, is an up-and-coming conductor and there ways. do those action photos showing you are a few other people who are doing good things. jumping fences? JJ: Right now Jon Hendricks is also JJ: I read that when you came to New York prominent in your career. SV: [Chuckles] In LA, and the majority were at the you started a career on Wall Street. Hollywood Bowl early in the day. We did about four SV: He is just one of those guys that never ceases or five locations in the course of one tiresome day. SV: Oh, no, no, no. [Chuckles] The way to describe to surprise you — first on record and then as you I don’t think they used any from the end of the day it is that I had been in college for music and was get to know him. He has a real joie de vivre that I when I was tired. absolutely enamored with the idea of coming to hope to emulate as I get older. He is always in New York. I had wanted to ever since I was a search of something musical. It is not just a zest, it JJ: Well, you look very energetic. What is teenager. When it came time to finish college with is a pursuit. I think of great artists as having that the octave range of your voice? my degree in music, I did want to have some kind tireless pursuit. Anytime you talk to him, he is of independence to pay my own way. I took this job thinking about music, his contributions and what SV: It is easy to put it down to a three and a on Wall Street, and it was cool, but it wasn’t what I music can teach him. This is a man who has seen half thing or something like that. I am always started with. I always wanted to be a singer. the world and written part of the history of jazz. scrutinizing my sound. Sometimes with caveats,

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with different colors, I can get to a pretty wide and the audiences were fantastic, and as you can than the physical goals, then stay on your journey. range like three, sometimes four. I really am imagine, they really loved what Shelia had to offer. Don’t leave New York. Don’t give up being a interested in sounding a certain way and getting musician. Once the dust settled and I was, “Are you JJ: Do you have any memories of 9/11 that my sound to find the right space. Sometimes I all right?” “Is the city alright?””Can we move on you would like to share? shy away from some of the extremes. Maybe I from the initial deep, deep cuts?” Then I think a lot can only get one type of of people asked, “What am I doing and is it really sound, and that is not the worth it?” It was a type of sound that I want resounding flag-waving to share. In the course of “Yes!” for me. So a song it doesn’t mean although I hadn’t that I’m using that full thought of it explicitly in palette. Neither would these terms, probably someone who really had September 11th gave me an additional fuel of all that at their disposal. purpose. The main thing Sometimes I focus on the for me was feeling sounds I can make renewed after a time. within, say, two octaves and really make them JJ: Is there a film, drive home the point. I play or book that you think I have a big range, feel would give us but that is only part of non-musicians a the story. Developing the real idea of what a tail end of that is really musician’s life is like? the thing. To say not that I know there are you have all these notes SV: some movies and things at your disposal but that that I’ve read that get it all of them can do what tangentially. The only you want them to do. I’m thing that is coming to far from that, I’m afraid. my mind is the Turkish JJ: Well, if you are author Orhan Pamuk. talking about driving His characters are not home a point, I do Sachal Vasandani performing at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Photo by Vicki Fox. musicians; they are like the way you Turkish journalists and drive. ex-pats and that kind of thing. There is a melancholy he creates with his SV: Ah, thank you. SV: I had been in New York a year. I had the language and descriptions and a solitude that I banking job and felt the need to get on with what I JJ: How did you connect with Sheila think is connected to the heart of all the artists I knew was my purpose being in New York and on love and respect. For me, it is not just road life, but Jordan? this earth. I had quit the job in July and was getting the time at home. It is not just the particular gig at SV: Shelia is one of those figures, not unlike Jon my bearings in New York as a musician and living Carnegie Hall but the journey. It is also a state of Hendricks, who is just a warm spirit for all of us that dream for real. Looking back now, I was deeply mind that has to reconcile the real world and the younger singers. I was originally exposed to her affected. I did what I could to help with the Red world we live in and ambitions and careers and not through a friend, and she was one of those people Cross. When I think of the people who were really just monetary success but acceptance of all we do. who just was, “Yeah, drop by.” We have kept in doing it, the First Responders, then I didn’t do It has to reconcile with impulses we have to make touch and done some singing together. I’d always anything. What I did was just try to help in any way artistic statements. The best analogy I have for that I could. I tried to see if I could get down to help, but like to do more. Just being in her presence again is is not from somebody’s book but for something as what did I know? They wouldn’t allow it unless you like somebody who has lived it all and still manages pure and as simple as fire. Each of us as artists has were a trained professional. So what we did on the to make the time to give. You see that with her some kind of fire that we feel, selfishly or not, performances and her general energy towards all Upper West side we helped make sandwiches for the First Responders. It wasn’t anything special. I needs to be shared with the world. The rest of life of us. She is just a lot of love and doesn’t ask just did what everybody else in New York felt like is just figuring out how to share that in a world that much in return. doing. doesn’t know yet that it feels that way. JJ: Would you care to share any memories There was another current of “this is your home, JJ: Your band has been with you since 2001. of your tour together in Japan? this is your time,” and this kind of thing reminds That is most impressive. Would you tell us SV: It was great. We were mostly in Tokyo and a you — don’t let another day slip. If you really how you got together and what keeps you little bit in Yokohama. The people were very kind believe about the journey you are on being more going? continued on page 20

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SACHAL VASANDANI SV: Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that. I haven’t gotten into continued from page 19 the “What’s in a name” thing. I guess I’ve just been born with it. SV: I met all the gentlemen I play In terms of thinking about with now in New York, and mostly exploration and digging deeper, it was through word of mouth or then maybe this is about the fact meeting them at jam sessions that I’m named after a poet. I also and finding a connection. That believe in choosing your own connection has kept us together. adventure as well as your own I think there is a kinship, a heritage, what’s in a name and friendship and a desire to that kind of thing. I definitely keep making music that has a believe in choice as well. combination of jazz vernacular as well as forward-thinking JJ: Do you have any other momentum. I think, more than me, interests outside of music? the band [members] enjoy playing SV: I guess I’m just pretty with each other. They have a normal. I exercise a lot. I enjoy kinship, and when they have their running. I like to read fiction and own projects they call one another non-fiction; as long as it is written or recommend one another for well I’m interested. I’m a slow other people’s projects. reader, but I get there. I like to see friends and talk to people JJ: You have a total of 10 who do different things trying to original pieces on your three change the world with their own CDs. When did you start unique skills. composing music? JJ: Do you have any SV: Since I was about 16 years souvenirs of your career? old. It has been really rewarding. I guess I have written a whole SV: I actually try to keep my album of music. I love to write. possessions kind of minimal. But Each process is different. gifts that come from the heart Interpretations of songs and mean so much. Last week, at the contribution to songs both have Detroit Jazz Festival, after my their important place in the performance someone came up repertoire and in the role of the to me and thanked me for my Photo by Raj Naik artist. I just happen to love to do performance and pulled out of his both and intend to do that for a backpack a sketch he had drawn long time. I have written a lot of of me while I was performing. It things and intend to write a lot more. Who knows? Maybe my next record will was actually fantastic. I was touched not only that he had done that at such a be all originals, or maybe all covers. It is a wonderful challenge and something I high level but that he felt like giving it to me. I said, “What can I do in return?” am really excited about continually doing. He said, “You already did it. You sang.” I don’t like to collect things, but when it is something like that it is hard to not see the value in it. JJ: Do you work like Cole Porter did, writing both words and music at the same time? JJ: Thank you for doing this interview. SV: Yes, I do. I don’t know about trying to live in the shadow of someone as SV: My pleasure. Thanks for your time. JJ great as Cole Porter, but I certainly try to approach music from all the possible angles. You’ve got to tell a story and in order to tell a story I like to have all the Sachal will appear in New York on May 21 as tools needed. Ultimately the story has got to be potent, as potent as anybody else’s. That is where editing comes in. When I am actually creating I love to part of Mark Murphy’s birthday tribute, on have the tools to write a lyric or chords or harmonies or rhythms or computer July 2 for the River to River Festival and on sounds or whatever. So the more information I have at my fingertips, the more ways I have to express the next level. July 19 at the 92nd Street Y. Find more information about Sachal Vasandani online JJ: Do you think that your being named after a poet may have influenced your song writing? at: www.sachalvasandani.com

Schaen Fox is a longtime jazz fan. Now retired, he devotes much of his time to the music, and shares his encounters with musicians in this column.

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Jazz in the Afternoon Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks at MPAC By Tony Mottola Photography by Lynn Redmile

t may have been a sun-drenched after- I noon outside of the Mayo Center for the Performing Arts (Morristown’s erstwhile Community Theatre) on May 6, but inside the darkened hall bandleader Vince Giordano seemed to think the moon had risen. After remarking “It’s great to be here tonight” and “Thank you for coming out this evening,” he self-corrected. “You have to forgive me, musicians mainly work at night,” he explained. percussionist Arnie Kinsella, But there’s nothing wrong with a little who deftly performs the varying Nighthawks in the afternoon, right? And two- and four-beat tempos and timeless is maybe the most apt word to drives the hard-charging band describe the peerless performances of from behind a vintage drum kit Giordano and his Grammy Award-winning — surrounded by gongs, chimes, crew. The show opened and closed with a a wooden xylophone and stomp — “Sugar Foot” and “Casa Loma” various percussive accoutre- respectively. The 19 numbers in between ments, all of which is occasion- mined the fertile fields of early jazz ranging ally punctuated by a well-placed, over two decades from Kid Ory’s 1921 high-pitched whistle. At the close rendition of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” of the last number Kinsella raises to tenorist Andy Farber’s note-for-note a mallet high above his head in reprise of Coleman Hawkin’s iconic 1939 triumph. The venerable recording of “Body and Soul.” The program Nighthawks have just nailed included a generous helping of Ellingtonia another killer performance. and nods to many of the era’s jazz greats like After the show Vince lingered in Jelly Roll Morton, Chick Webb and Fletcher The Nighthawks are packed with star players the theatre lobby where he patiently chatted Henderson, with a few pop tunes (“Three and the highlight reel of great performances with fans and signed CDs for well over an Little Words” and “Moonlight, the Stars and this afternoon would have to include hour. Nearby, the tuxedo clad NJJS president You”) thrown in for spice. Dan Levinson’s soaring clarinet lead on “Let’s Dance” and Jon-Erik Kellso’s growling Frank Mulvaney beamed; the band had plunger-muted reading of drawn a big crowd and the show’s receipts “Echoes of Harlem” — also were in the black. And the sun was still known as “Cootie’s shining. Concerto” (people get upset The Nighthawks perform in their natural if you don’t mention both habitat — at night, in a nightclub — at titles Giordano, both Sofia’s Restaurant downstairs Club Cache showman and historian, at the Edison Hotel, 221 W. 46th Street, explains). NYC, every Monday and Tuesday. For But the heart and soul of information call 212-719-5799. Doors the Nighthawks just may be open at 7:00 PM. JJ

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Remembering Sonny Igoe

By Don Robertson Former Editor Jersey Jazz

wen Joseph “Sonny” Igoe 1962 Russian tour. (Perhaps Odied suddenly on March that should be “infamous” 28 at the age of 88. He had according to Bill Crow’s retired from active playing a recollections in his To Russia few years ago after suffering a Without Love essay.) I never saw small stroke. During the early him angry or heard him swear. days of the NJJS Sonny was one If one were to meet him, of the most frequently hired without knowing his vocation, musicians at events, either with he might conclude that Sonny small groups or as co-leader, was an IBM executive. Or with Dick Meldonian, of a maybe a clergyman, but with a swinging big band. Sonny was taste for martinis? in the first band that played for the Society in 1973 and he and Students referred affectionately Dick provided the music at the to “Sonny’s Drum Training NJJS’s 25th Anniversary party. Camp” with its Marine Corps Many described Sonny as a boot camp overtones. He was great “big band” drummer, but serious about his profession Bucky Pizzarelli said that Sonny and wouldn’t waste time on was his favorite, too. casual students. He told about having John F. Kennedy, Jr. as a Sonny enjoyed a very successful student in his New York studio. career, starting as a teenager A cadre of Secret Service agents by winning a Gene Krupa always preceded his arrival, but drumming contest at the Sonny said the lad had no Meadowbrook, then four years talent for the drums — or of service as a musician in the interest. On dropping JFK Jr., US Marine Corps in WWII. he said he told Mrs. Kennedy Stanley Kay was a fellow she was wasting her money! Marine percussionist at Parris Sonny Igoe and kit in a 1950s publicity photo. Island. (He later managed I had a special entree into Buddy Rich and the Diva big bands.) After the war, Sonny played in Sonny’s world when I decided to take lessons from him in 1993. I the bands of Les Elgart, Ina Ray Hutton, Benny Goodman and was 66 years old at the time. I had played drums in a high school Woody Herman and in small groups led by Charlie Ventura, Billy dance band in the 1940s, but whatever playing skills I ever possessed Maxted and Phil Napoleon. He later worked in the NBC and CBS had atrophied from 30 years of inactivity. Now retired, I could television studios on shows headlined by Garry Moore, Jackie pursue things I enjoyed. I had a lesson every Tuesday at 1 PM. By this Gleason, Carol Burnett and Ed Sullivan. Sonny’s technical, yet time Sonny had closed his Manhattan studio and gave lessons at his swinging style attracted the admiration of other drummers and home. A wooden plaque over the studio entrance was engraved Sonny took on students in a studio on West 46th Street in “Owning drums does not a drummer make” and it spoke to me. Manhattan. His growing teaching practice served to absorb the Like every great teacher, he tailored the lessons to what he perceived decline in studio work and by 1973 he was teaching full-time. the student could handle and didn’t follow a rigid plan. Some think Ultimately his was one of the largest drum teaching practices on the that Sonny also taught students how to play as he did, his style and East Coast. Beside his musical achievements many looked to Sonny methods for getting around the drums, etc., but he didn’t. He valued as a role model for their personal lives. improvisation and believed, I think, that if one had acquired enough Although immersed in the jazz world, Sonny lived an exemplary ability, the rest would take care of itself. Sonny always expressed his family-oriented life. He and his wife Claire, an ex-dancer herself, admiration of his friend Buddy Rich. He always said, “The better lived in a nice split-level home in Emerson where every blade of you get, the more you will appreciate Buddy.”After five years, I grass and shrub were trimmed just so. They had had three children, concluded that I had learned enough for my own purposes. At 71, I Jan, Joan, and Tommy, and most of Sonny’s career decisions were wasn’t going to make jazz history, although there was a lot more to based on benefiting his family. He turned down touring, even, for learn. “He taught me everything I know — but not everything he example, when Benny Goodman wanted him for the band’s famous knows,” was my mantra.

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Don Robertson and Sonny Igoe at a “Cheeseburger Club” meeting in the 1980s.

My relationship with him continued, however, and we talked on the phone on birthdays and he showed an interest in my growing playing “career” as his was winding down. In recent years the death of his beloved wife, Claire, was followed by a stroke that left him unable to play at his usual high level. He retired from performing, but kept some adult students; he lamented that the young people “Don’t want to know what we know.” His semi-retirement gave him more time to observe and appreciate the career of his son, Tommy, one of Manhattan’s busiest drummers; principal percussionist with “The Lion King” from its beginnings, leader of his own Friday-night big band at Birdland and author of the most popular drum method DVD series. He was immensely proud of Tommy’s achievements and claimed not to understand where all that talent came from. In recent years, Sonny and Tim Herrmann, an alumnus of “Sonny’s Drum Training Camp” from the Hyde Park, N.Y. area, got together for lunch pretty regularly at the Tom Sawyer Diner in Paramus. I became an occasional member of “The Cheeseburger Club” where the table talk was mostly of drums, drumming and drummers. Sonny and Tim were to have lunch there the day he died. Robbie Scott, another “alumnus” and I attended Sonny’s memorial. There was a large turnout of “graduates,” friends and other musicians who told of their admiration and affection for Sonny and how he had touched their lives, perhaps best summed up by Ed Polcer, who had played with Sonny on many occasions. Ed e- mailed me when he heard the sad news, “I have so many fond memories. He was truly a really nice person, always cheerful and positive One of my personal role models. I will miss his smile.” So shall we all. JJ

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Mahwah Museum Hosting NJJS Launches Les Paul Birthday Gala New Patron Level Benefits at Ramapo College on June 9 he New Jersey Jazz Society is a non-profit organization with a Tnumber of ambitious programs and a finite level of resources. he Mahwah Museum Event ticket sales and member dues cover only a fraction of our Twill hold a gala party to expenses, making it necessary to find sponsors and partners to help celebrate the birthday of us make ends meet. Your donations in excess of basic member dues are a great way of partnering with us, and very much needed. Les Paul — who would have been 97 years old this In an effort to encourage higher-level memberships, New Jersey Jazz year — at the Trustees Society has defined several new categories of benefits for such donors. Pavilion of Ramapo College Fan ($75 – 99): acknowledgement in Jersey Jazz on Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 Jazzer ($100 – 249): acknowledgement in Jersey Jazz, PM. Tickets to the event are 1 Pee Wee Stomp ticket plus preferred, reserved seating $25 per person of which Sideman ($250 – 499): acknowledgement in Jersey Jazz, $10 is tax deductible as a 2 Pee Wee Stomp tickets, 1 Jazzfest ticket, plus preferred, contribution to the reserved seating at both events Museum. Bandleader ($500+): acknowledgement in Jersey Jazz, Guests will enjoy wine, hors 2 Pee Wee Stomp tickets, 4 Jazzfest ticket, plus preferred, d’ouevres, light fare and a reserved seating at both events birthday cake. There will be Please consider making an extra donation in one of these amounts, or live music by Lou Pallo and an amount of your choosing. Donations are tax-deductible to the full others. Many autographed extent of the law. For more information, contact Caryl Anne McBride collectibles donated to the at [email protected] or call 973-366-8818. To make a donation Museum by a prominent right away, send a check to NJJS, c/o Mike Katz, 382 Springfield Ave., Les Paul autograph Suite 217, Summit, NJ 07901or call him at 908-273-7827. JJ collector will be offered in a silent auction. There will be a live auction of autographed guitars — including one signed by and another This Fender Strat, signed by Eric Clapton, signed by Eric Clapton — is among items to be auctioned on June 9 and other music at Ramapo College. memorabilia.

At 9:30 PM the Museum will pick the winning ticket in its raffle of two guitars. First prize is an Epiphone E Series guitar signed by Les Paul, Lou Pallo and many of the guitarists who played with Les Paul at the Iridium around 1989. Second prize is a Fender Stratocaster Series signed by Les Paul and Steve Miller in 2006. Tickets are $25. Tickets to both the gala and the raffle can be purchased at the Mahwah Museum, 201 Franklin Turnpike, open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 1–5 PM. Tickets are also available at Devon Fine Jewelry (303 Franklin Ave., Wyckoff), Robbie’s Music (280 Route 17, Mahwah) and Alto Music (328 Route 59, Airmont, NY) and Mahwah Bar and Grill (2 Island Road, Mahwah). Go to www.mahwahmuseum.org to order tickets by mail or online. “Les Paul in Mahwah: A Tribute” continues at the Mahwah Museum on Wednesdays and weekends from 1–5 PM through June 30 and on Sundays from 1–5 PM through July. The multi-media exhibit celebrates the life and genius of Les Paul who lived in Mahwah for more than 50 years. JJ

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Jazz Journeys has produced four highly acclaimed record- School of Music in New York. Scott demon- ings under his label “Kroonatune Records, strates a soulfulness, deep love and appre- Newark Museum LLC,” In My Path, Señor Kroon, El Mas Alla, ciation of music. Known as “The Barefoot and newly released Without a Doubt. Contessa,” she plays with grace and joy. Her Jazz in the Garden performances combine themes, original Summer Concert Series July 19: Gregory Generet (vocalist) Native New Yorker Gregory Generet grew compositions, traditional jazz and gospel. Thursdays, June 28–August 2, 12:15–1:45 PM up listening to vocal legends Billy Eckstine, (rain or shine); Suggested Admission:Adults $3; Jon Hendricks and Joe Williams. Whether Jazz-y Music at the Minstrel Children and Museum members FREE singing a ballad or a blues, he is captivating in Morristown For more detailed performer information visit www.newarkmuseum.org and swinging. This crooner has re-imagined On Friday, June 15, instead of the usual folk the Great American Songbook, adding music program, the Minstrel will present For more than 40 years, the Newark unique vocal styling and flexibility. Generet’s Diane Perry. Diane is a natural, born to her Museum has presented jazz greats during its desire to hone his craft as a singer resulted instruments: the violin and her voice. And annual Jazz in the Garden Summer Concert in his 2009 debut CD (re)Generet-ion. her genre is the American Popular Series. This year’s line-up: Generet lives in Harlem with his wife, Tony Songbook she fell in love with as a teen. June 28: Jeremy Pelt (trumpeter) Award winner Tamara Tunie. Classically trained at Juilliard, her violin Los Angeles native Jeremy Pelt graduated July 26: David Gibson “4tet” playing combines the tone of the concert- from the Berklee School of Music and (The DG Organ 4tet) hall virtuoso with the weighty swing feel of landed in New York City in 1988, where he David Gibson has enjoyed a varied musical the big bands. And her vocal interpretations was immediately noticed by leading musi- career deeply rooted in the genres of jazz are unique and perfect for the material. The cians, which led to his gig with the Charles and funk. He has performed with Slide Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series is held at the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Mingus Big Band. At age 35, he has 10 Hampton, Jon Faddis, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ at successful recordings. His most recent CD, Heath, James Moody and others. Gibson’s 8 PM. Admission: just $7 on your way in Soul, has brought him further recognition. newest recording, End of the Tunnel, is music “plus the balance of what you think the His band — featuring JD Allen, tenor sax; that evokes the essence of ’60s Blue Note show was really worth on your way out.” Danny Grissett, piano; Dwayne Burno, bass; Soul-Jazz in combination with modern www.folkproject.org. Gerald Cleaver, drums — has a bright future elements. Jared Gold-organ and Rudy with him at the helm. Royston-drums will continued on page 26 be on board. July 5: Akua Dixon (cellist) Performance A cellist, composer, arranger and conductor, sponsored by the Dixon has a debut CD, Moving On,where William Paterson she performs original works and arrange- University Jazz ments of jazz classics. Her authoritative, Studies Program. fresh and beautifully arranged recording August 2: Rhoda illustrates that the cello can be effectively Scott (organist) used to play jazz. Armed with the experience A Newark native, of working with the likes of Duke Ellington, Rhoda Scott has Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Itzak Perlman, returned after to name a few, Dixon supplied the string making her home in arrangements for the five-Grammy award France for more winning CD The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill than 30 years. A and Aretha Franklin’s Grammy-nominated minister’s daughter A Rose Is Still A Rose. who was brought up July 12: Steven Kroon (percussionist) in the classical music One of most exciting Latin jazz percussion- tradition, she was ist/band leaders, the “hard-hitting,” Kroon surrounded by has been a professional musician for more traditional Afro- than 35 years. Kroon soaked up all genres of American music. music from R&B to jazz. He began working At the age of seven, with notables such as Luther Vandross from Scott began playing 1981 to 2001; from 1987 to 2004 he the organ for the performed, recorded and traveled with choir. Later she bassist Ron Carter. In the past five years he attended Manhattan

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JAZZ JOURNEYS continued from page 25 limited edition record was made which was but they were limited to the cover art, liner coupled with a tribute concert to Armstrong notes, recipe booklet and other intangibles Armstrong Concert Released by Glenn, Gwaltney and friends. Together but not to the music itself. to Public via Smithsonian with some Cajun recipes the album was Doyle had contacts at Smithsonian Folkways Folkways called “Red Beans and Rice-ly Yours: Recordings, and the Press Club began to Satchmo at the National Press Club,” and More than 40 years after Louis Armstrong meet with them to discuss what could be was given to about 300 Press Club members stood on stage in the ballroom of the done to bring the music public. Eventually who attended the Louvier inaugural. National Press Club and let loose some the Press Club granted Smithsonian what shining, golden trumpet notes for 300 For the next 40 years most of these records rights it had, in exchange for Smithsonian journalists to hear, the huge global audience found their way to attics, basements or agreeing to take on engineering, production, of Armstrong fans will now hear for the first garages. A couple of copies made it to the distribution, marketing and legal costs. time what is believed to be his last known Library of Congress where they were Eventually Smithsonian met with the Louis recorded trumpet concert. catalogued. And the Press Club kept a Armstrong Foundation. Agreement was reached in late 2011 that Smithsonian The story of how this obscure recording couple copies in its own Archives. Like many good topics the discussion of the Louis Folkways could produce a public issue of heard by only a few hundred people that lay the 1971 record. dormant for 40 years came into public Armstrong record existed only at the bar of access is the jazz version of a treasure hunt. the National Press Club where members The Club built a webpage detailing would say to each other how great it was the process which can be found at It begins with the election of Vernon and that something more should be done http://www.press.org/satchmo. To order Louvier, a son of New Orleans, as President about it. Press Club member Daniel Doyle, a the music, visit Smithsonian’s site at of the National Press Club. Louvier wanted music lover and producer who had collected http://www.folkways.si.edu or via iTunes. Armstrong to consider playing for the crowd all the stories of older members, was a at his black-tie dinner. British journalist bridge forward to the next generation. Doyle Dirty Dozen Brass Band New David Frost was the master of ceremonies. wanted the Press Club to produce and Album Twenty Dozen on House Speaker Hale Boggs was there as were distribute the record. But the Club was not Savoy Jazz, Released May 1 George Romney, Walter Mondale and in the music business. Comedian Mark Russell. Armstrong SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 27, 2012— brought along his wife Lucille and his band In 2008 Doyle found a willing ear among Exactly 35 years ago, born in the New of All Stars including Tyree Glenn on Press Club staff. The Press Club agreed to Orleans neighborhood of Treme, the Dirty trombone and Tommy Gwaltney on submit an application for copyright to the Dozen Brass Band revolutionized the New clarinet. And they were all in tune. Library of Congress for the record. In the Orleans brass band by incorporating funk end the Library of Congress would agree and bebop into the traditional style. But Armstrong’s health had been failing in that the Press Club had rights to the record Anchored by original members Roger Lewis, 1970 and he rarely played trumpet anymore. Kevin Harris, Gregory His shows had become Davis, Efrem Towns and appearances of two songs or Kirk Joseph, the band has 10 minutes. Late in 1970 he signed with Savoy Jazz who began to try to play celebrate their auspicious trumpet again. But on this anniversary with the release night in January 1971 he of Twenty Dozen — an all performed for nearly 30 new 11-track album minutes and played released on May 1. trumpet as well. The crowd Produced by Scott of enthusiastic National Billington at The Music Press Club members did not know that this was one Shed in New Orleans, the of the last times Armstrong album showcases the Dirty would perform in public Dozen Brass Band’s and that they were quintessential sound mixed witnessing history. Within with a heady Caribbean five months Armstrong flavor. For more would pass away in his sleep information, visit: from a heart attack. (http://www.savoyjazz .com/sites/savoy/ A crew of CBS newsmen sjDetails/d_dirtydozen recorded the concert. A brassband.asp JJ

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Q&A with Marcus Roberts

By Jim Gerard

arcus Roberts is best known for his respectful reinterpretations of saxophonists. How and why did you decide to do that? works by the pianist-composers of jazz’s Golden Age. His most M MR: At first, I was going to play them as written, but as I worked recent project was a concert with an octet playing the music of Jelly Roll on his pieces, I realized that you could adapt them and incorporate Morton at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall. any kind of music. Jersey Jazz caught up with Roberts, who JJ: Exactly how do you do that? graciously granted us a few minutes of Q&A time before rushing off to a MR: It is a lot of work. You have to rehearsal. mesh the psychology of other styles into Jelly’s style, understand his music JJ: When did you first encounter Jelly so thoroughly that you can bring it Roll Morton’s music? up to date without making it MR: Actually, it was pretty late in my unrecognizable. jazz studies. I don’t think I heard his JJ: Can you give us an example? music until I was 23 or 24. MR: You can incorporate Trane’s JJ: What musical characteristics struck rhythms, and a lot of modern swing you most forcefully? works with Jelly Roll’s music. A lot of MR: So many things. First and this transforming is centered on the foremost, his soul. There’s a great sense bass and drums, and since Jelly Roll’s of joy in both his playing and writing. music sounds as singular as Monk’s — Also, I could see how well-organized when you listen to him, you know it’s and clear his music was, and the him and nobody else — the orchestral way he used the piano. I syncopations and the folk element and didn’t understand a lot of it at the time, the funk in his music make you feel like but I wanted to investigate it. figuring out where a Monk or Trane or a Mingus rhythmic groove would work. JJ: What pianistic challenges does it present? We took one of Jelly Roll’s pieces written in a minor key, such as “The MR: You’ve got to have a good left Chant,” and found that it might work hand and great balance between your with a more modern rhythmic hands. His rhythms are complicated and approach, so we added the kind of you can’t play them statically. You have Elvin Jones 4/4 groove that he played to have a certain feeling to play them with Trane, plus an appropriate bass properly. You can’t just be hanging out. Pianist Marcus Roberts. Photo by John Douglas. line with it in certain sections, and it You’ve got to be clear and strong. works. It’s a celebration of Jelly Roll’s music. JJ: Do you have any particular favorites? JJ: Jelly Roll purists would argue that you shouldn’t take such MR: I have a bunch. “Black Bottom Stomp,”“Dr. Jazz,”“Steamboat liberties with his music. How would you answer them? Stomp,”“The Chant.” They’re very varied. He had a very creative imagination and was a genius of harmony and form. MR: I don’t agree that you’re obligated to stick to his original scores. You could play them either way, and the audience should be JJ: Morton wrote numerous works to be performed solo and happy and not feel cheated. with his ensembles, such as the Red Hot Peppers. How do the compositions differ when you play them alone as opposed to JJ: What did you learn from this endeavor? when you play them with a group? MR: It’s one of the most important projects I’ve worked on. It MR: They’re great both ways. I think there’s more inspiration when confirmed what I’ve suspected: As a pianist, when you study I’m in the group, because there are other players, both young guys masters such as Jelly Roll, it gets you deeper into the piano. and veterans, contributing their own ideas. At that point it becomes Playing his music makes me feel great about being a musician, jazz for me. about why I did it in the first place. It’s very uplifting. JJ: You’ve written new arrangements of Morton’s tunes and Jelly Roll’s playing was phenomenal, and he made a huge changed the instrumentation slightly, such as adding two tenor contribution to the art form. JJ

— © Jim Gerard, 2012

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Dan’s Den they’ve been holding forth for a dozen years. The tuba-playing leader draws on a pool of A Swell Farewell — And Onward first-rate players; on this occasion, Randy Reinhardt on cornet, Jim Fryer on By Dan Morgenstern trombone doubling baritone horn, Anat Cohen on clarinet, and Marion Felder on drums. The band’s repertory is music associated with Louis, and when David wanted to pay n April 13, Rutgers University-Newark on call at the institute when needed. On tribute to fallen comrade Joe Muranyi, a not Othrew a swell party for me on the another front, I’ll be here in my Jersey Jazz infrequent guest, he picked “Ochi Chornia” occasion of my retirement as director of the Den as long as the welcome mat is out. in honor of Joe’s Eastern European roots. Institute of Jazz Studies. Elsewhere in these (Editor’s Note: Nuestra casa es su Casa.) Anat was the star on this appropriate in pages [page 31], you’ll find my dear friend memoriam for a fellow clarinetist, while and colleague Ed Berger’s visual documenta- Awesome Twosome Dick scored on his feature, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” which I’ve heard him do so tion of the bash. I won’t go into the social It was a special treat to encounter Dick often, but always a bit differently. On the and musical details here, but do want to Hyman twice within two weeks in New York traditional closer, “Swing that Music,” Randy thank all my friends who showed up, and City, in April. The first was at the Kitano and Jim switched instruments — no the many others who sent regrets — New York, where the pianist was dueting surprise for the former, an accomplished notably Sonny Rollins, whose gratifying with Ken Peplowski, who played tenor as trombonist, but Jim’s trumpet chops were message was read by Dr. Clem Price, well as clarinet. Ken is a master of both new to me. This was a nice front line, but director of the Rutgers Institute of Ethnicity, horns, with his own voice. While he was the one a couple of weeks before, of Bria Culture and the Modern Experience. already special when I first encountered Skonberg, Harvey Tibbs and Anat, was him, he has reached a new plateau — as Clem did such a great job of hosting the special in the way it jelled. That was evident on his most recent albums. This party, and I’m pretty certain was responsible especially evident on the rarely heard Hot awesome twosome never made you miss a for the surprise appearance of Newark’s Five classic, “Hear Me Talkin’ to You.” Mayor Cory Booker, as well as the musician rhythm section, and both are conversant friends who so graciously came to play: with the full range of the art form. You never know what can happen on a late , Anat Cohen, Randy Sandke, afternoon and early evening with the So we were treated to “Panama” as well as Ostwalds, but it never disappoints, and the Daryl Sherman, and the Institute’s own Joe Horace Silver’s take on “Lover Come Back to Peterson. setting is one of the pleasantest for jazz in Me.” Dick, that swinging encyclopedia of the city. Aside from Vince Giordano’s Many kind words were spoken, and I was piano history, gave out with some stride as estimable Nighthawks at the nearby Hotel presented with the Rutgers University well as bebop, and Ken’s tenor was heard in Edison’s Sofia Restaurant, it’s the only Award, symbolized by a medal — which, two different grooves, a moving ballad regular traditional jazz game in town. believe me, beats a gold watch. Once again: version of “Gone with the Wind,” and a (Both, by the way, amenable as adjuncts to a I am not cutting the umbilical cord. I plan booting ride on “Stuffy,” the Coleman theater night on Broadway, before or after.) to continue hosting the Jazz From The Hawkins-Thelonious Monk opus on rhythm Archives radio show, as well as my associ- changes. The presence of some unusual Remembering Muranyi ation with the Journal of Jazz Studies. I’ll be microphones makes me suspect there may Speaking of Joe Muranyi, who left us on be some recorded April 20, after a long battle with ill health, evidence to come. he was one of my oldest friends. I first met Joe at the Stuyvesant Casino, a bit after he’d Dick Hyman was made his recording debut with a band that the special guest included . Joe would not with David record again until 38 years later, when they, Ostwald’s Dick Sudhalter and Marty Grosz formed the Louis Armstrong Centennial Band Classic Jazz Quartet. (Marty had come up at Birdland, the with a much better name, The Bourgeois following week — Scum, but they were advised to change it as usual on a when DJ Jonathan Schwartz refused to say Wednesday, from “scum” on the air.) 5:30 to 7:15, which That group had a unique distinction: All is where and when four members mastered words as well as

28 ______June 2012 JerseyStoriesJazz music, and their debut album had liners by Jazz Tribute to Romare Bearden each. Joe was, in fact, the author of many excellent liner notes for a variety of with pianist and composer, Geri Allen performers. He studied with Lennie Tristano, but early trad and swing were closest to his heart. t the Newark Museum, 49 Washington In 2008 Allen was invited by Ms. Jessye AStreet, Newark, on June 7 at 7 PM, Norman to participate in “Honor, A Joe also was active in mid-career as a record pianist Geri Allen will take a solo piano Celebration Of the Legacy Of African producer. But he will surely go down in journey of classic, original and improvised Music,” held at Carnegie Hall. She has history for his stint as the Louis Armstrong music inspired by the life and work of received the key to the city of Cambridge All Stars’s last clarinetist, from 1967 to 1971. artist Romare Bearden. A reception and during “Geri Allen Week” at Harvard After Louis died, Joe joined Roy Eldridge’s gallery tours will follow. University, and the key to the city of house band at Jimmy Ryan’s, doubling on Cleveland. Howard University has honored soprano sax, as he had with the Scum. He Geri Allen is an internationally known her with its Benny Golson Award, while also frequently led his own groups, and in composer and pianist. Since 1982, she has Spelman College bestowed its African later years often performed in New Orleans. recorded, performed or collaborated with Classical Music Award on her in 2007. There, in 2001, he made one of his best artists as diverse as Ravi Coltrane, Dianne Allen is also a 2008-2009 Guggenheim records, Joe Muranyi with the New Orleans Reeves, Liz Wright, Bill Cosby, Mal Fellow for Musical Composition. Waldron, Lee Konitz, Vernon Reid, Ron Real Low Down, a title that makes it sound Allen has won commissions from Jazz at more traddy than a repertory that includes Carter and Tony Williams, Carmen Lundy, Lester Bowie’s From the Root To The Lincoln Center, Music Theatre Group, his own “Dippermouth Suite,” dedicated to American Music Theatre Festival, Stanford you-know-who, the Ellington Rarity Source, Kevin Maynor, Meshell Ndegeocello, Howard University’s Afro University, and, most recently, from The “Azalea,” which he also sings, and “Jeepers Walt Whitman Arts Center and Meet the Blue, , Dr. Billy Taylor, Creepers.” (That’s on Jazzology, which Composer. Currently Allen has been Joan Rivers, and Mary Wilson and the means it’s still in catalog.) commissioned to compose an Opera for Supremes, and many more. Joe Muranyi was the subject of a choice Trilogy: An Opera Company. Geri Allen documentary film made for Hungarian TV. Allen has released a number of recordings continues to concertize all over the world. under her own name, including The He was proud of his Hungarian heritage. On This concert is one of numerous special one of our first get-togethers, when he lived Nurturer, Eyes in the Back of Your Head, programs in conjunction with the in Greenwich Village, and we’d walk to his Maroons, Homegrown, The Printmakers, exhibition Romare Bearden: Southern apartment after a Stuyvesant or Central Twenty One, The Gathering, The Life of a Recollections, on view May 23–August 19, Plaza session and listen to records from his Song and, most recently, the ambitious 2012, which features 80 works of art that already interesting collection, he produced a and critically acclaimed Timeless Portraits span the career of this internationally tarogato. He drew warm sounds from this and Dreams. Timeline, Live presents Ms. renowned artist. The exhibition old Hungarian woodwind relative of the Allen on piano, Kenny Davis on bass, underscores not only Bearden’s artistic recorder. Kassa Overall on drums, and tap mastery, particularly in the technique of percussionist Maurice Chestnut. Flying collage, but also his development of Joe often visited Hungary and was revered Toward the Sound, a work for solo piano narrative and thematic explorations of his by the local traditional jazz players. For composed during the period of her native South. Collages, paintings, and many years, he worked on a book about Guggenheim Fellowship, was released works on paper will be assembled from Louis. It was nearly finished, and this by Motema in 2010. acclaimed public and private collections. friend hopes that Joe’s Organized to celebrate the centennial of heirs will find some- Bearden’s birth, the exhibition will one to complete the examine how the South served as a source biography and of inspiration throughout his career. see it into print. JJ Complementing this exhibition is an installation of Bearden’s work from the Dan Morgenstern, Newark Museum’s collection, on view in contributing editor of the Museum’s Picturing America galleries. Jersey Jazz, is the former Plan to spend some time in the galleries director of the Institute of before and after the concert. Concert Jazz Studies at Rutger’s tickets are $15 for Museum members, University, Newark. He is $25 non-members. Order tickets by the author of Jazz People phone st 973-596-6613 or online at (Pantheon Books). www.newarkmuseum.org. JJ

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Noteworthy Fradley Garner International Editor Jersey Jazz ‘LONG PAIR BOND’ TITLE LINKS A COUPLE … 1939 NYC CLUB TEETERS ON EXTINCTION … AMY WINEHOUSE FUND GIVES KIDS MUSIC TRAINING AND THERAPY … WHAT IS JAZZ? USPO HAS THE ANSWER … ENTER THIS JAZZ BOOK RAFFLE

ICELAND’S TOP JAZZ PIANIST blues to soul and jazz. Her 2006 album, and bandleader, Sunna Gunnlaugs, Back to Black, won five Grammy Awards, needed a title for a new tune she’d tying the record for most wins by a written. Sunna videotaped the song and female vocalist in a single night. The uploaded it to Facebook, inviting viewers singer died of alcohol poisoning on July to send suggestions. A California lady 23, 2011. Amy’s CD then became the offered “Long Pair Bond,” likening it to United Kingdom’s best-selling album of Thelonious Monk and Keith Jarrett “as the 21st century. synthesized by incomparable Sunna.” WHAT IS JAZZ? On Jazz Friends, a Gunnlaugs grabbed it not only for the Linkedin blog, that topic still draws tune, but the title of her latest album. A comments. On the back of a sheet of 20 male viewer in Pennsylvania suggested U.S. Postal Service Jazz Appreciation “Autumnalia.” Sunna loved that, too, and On an Iceland landscape, pianist Sunna Gunnlaugs is “Forever” stamps, issued in 2011, there’s wrote a song for it. “Then I blogged about flanked by her drummer, Scott McLemore, left, and bassist Thorgrímur (Toggi) Jónsson. a worthy definition: “Jazz, America’s it, and those two people wrote lengthy musical gift to the world, developed comments on my blog and fell in love. originally as an innovative combination of European, American, and Can you believe it? They now live together in California.” Sunna African influences. It first flowered near the dawn of the 20th and her drummer, Scott McLemore, will tour the U.S. West Coast century in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Africans from various for the first time, starting June 16 in Berkeley and ending June 30 places mixed with native-born Americans of diverse ancestry as well in Washington, DC. They’ll perform June 18 at Scandinavia House as European and people from the islands of the Caribbean. Some of in Manhattan. the musical characteristics brought to New Orleans by its African JAZZ CLUBS MAY BE the newest trend for luxury hotels from population included rich rhythmic content, an emphasis on New York and New Orleans to Shanghai, as Forbes.com recently spontaneity and improvisation, and the use of musical instruments reported, but some old, stand-alone urban clubs are threatened. to imitate the human voice. In the development of jazz, the Lenox Lounge, on Lenox Avenue between 124th and 125th streets in European tradition of composition was transformed by these traits, Harlem, was on the verge of closing at press time. The bar, founded while at the same time some of its elements were incorporated. in 1939, was a venue for artists like , Willie “The Ragtime and blues were important precursors to the new style of Lion” Smith and Art Tatum, and a hangout for Harlem Renaissance music. Jazz today is a global phenomenon, welcoming influences writers like Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. It went downhill from divergent sources. It is performed in small clubs, concert halls, in the 20th century and had stopped hosting live music when and on festival stages around the world.” Alvin Reid, Sr. bought it in 1988. Reid, now 72, is faced with a rent JJ doubling from $10,000 to $20,000 in June. Even though the owner ✽✽ WIN-A-BOOK ✽✽ is his actor pal Robert DeNiro, “There’s no way I can do that — I’m not mad,” Reid told the Daily News. One of a dozen groups who’ve THIS IS THE 48TH NOTEWORTHY column. Can you look up stopped by to check out the 72-person room wanted to turn it the first item in the first column (JJ January 2008) and tell me the into a rock club. name of the pianist it’s about? Add your name and e-mail and geographic addresses. Mails with the correct answers, received by THE LATE AMY WINEHOUSE’S parents opened the U.S. May 15, will be printed out, scented with tuna fish oil, and the branch of a foundation named for their daughter at Manhattan’s winner pawed out by Fnuggi, our cat. If she’s not in the mood, Joe’s Pub, where the problem-beset British singer and songwriter milady Hanne will do it. Winner gets a free copy, postage paid, of made her American debut five years ago. Also on April 12, Amy’s Harlem Jazz Adventures, the memoir of Danish Baron Timme family announced a $10,000 donation to the New Orleans Jazz Rosenkrantz. NJJS officials and Jersey Jazz staffers are (sniff!) Orchestra. The foundation, set up to aid children “without access to ineligible to take part. [email protected] music education and music therapy,” according to Amy’s father, Mitch Winehouse, has raised over $1 million. Amy Jade Winehouse Thanks to NJJS member Joán McGinnis had a deep contralto voice, and her styles ranged from rhythm and of Mission Viejo, CA for Web research assistance.

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NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern Feted by Rutgers at Newark Club Story and photos by Ed Berger

n April 17, friends and colleagues gathered at the ONewark Club to pay tribute to Dan Morgenstern, who retired in January after 35 years of service as Director of the Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University. With a spectacular view of the metropolitan area as a backdrop, speakers from Rutgers acknowledged Dan’s contributions in overseeing the tremendous growth of IJS during his tenure. Vice President for Information Services and University Librarian Marianne Gaunt and Assistant Chancellor and Dana Library Director Mark Winston stressed the importance of IJS to Rutgers in general and the prestige Dan has brought to the University. Former Library directors Henk Edelman (RUL), and Lynn Mullins (Dana), provided the historical context of IJS at Rutgers, while David Cayer, one of those responsible for bringing the Institute to the University in 1966, recalled its early Dan receiving award from Interim Dan with Mayor Booker. days on campus and the hiring of Dan in 1976. Clement Chancellor Philip Yeagle. Price, Distinguished Service Professor of History at Rutgers-Newark, and a longtime IJS supporter, served as emcee. Interim Chancellor Philip Yeagle, a dedicated jazz fan, presented Dan with the Rutgers University Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University. Previous winners include Albert Schatz, co-discoverer of streptomycin, and U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg. The tag-team of long-time IJS Dan colleagues Vincent Pelote and Ed Berger recounted being some of the lighter moments of Dan’s tenure. toasted. The festivities were capped by a surprise appearance by Newark Mayor Cory Booker. The mayor, hands still in bandages as a result of his heroic rescue of a neighbor from a burning building a few days earlier, spoke movingly of the importance of jazz in his life and the life of his city. During an open mic segment, musicians, writers, and other luminaries of the jazz community got a chance to express their feelings about the honoree, emphasizing Dan’s willingness to share his deep knowledge and the many kindnesses he rendered to so many over a lifetime. In between the speeches, some of Dan’s closest musical friends played in his honor, including Anat Cohen (clarinet), Randy Sandke (trumpet), James Chirillo (guitar), Daryl Sherman (piano, vocals), and Joe Peterson (bass). To honor Dan and to support the work of the Institute, Rutgers has created the Dan Morgenstern Endowment Fund. Those wishing to make a contribution (completely tax-deductible) may send checks, made out to Rutgers University, to: Elsa Alves, Institute of Jazz Studies, John Cotton Dana Library; RutgersUniversity, 185 University Dan with the band (from left): Joe Peterson, Anat Cohen, Dan, James Chirillo and Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07102. JJ Randy Sandke.

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Sonny Fortune Rises from the Living Highlights in Jazz Highlights Free Jazz Luminary

By Jim Gerard

ur society has a strange form of The quintet became a piano trio for Oselective memory: It tends to “You Stepped Out of a Dream” with remember to pay tribute to artistic Cables conjuring Bill Evans’s light, masters only after they’ve left us. It’s as if dreamy sonorities. their worth was immediately elevated by their fatality — we roll out the eulogies Next up, a rhythm section composed at the precise point at which they can no of the exquisite Gene Bertoncini, Sean longer demonstrate their mastery. Smith on bass and Willard Dyson on drums, played “The More I See You,” That’s why Jack Kleinsinger gets kudos then brought on vocalist Tessa Souter, for having feted and honored living jazz whose five numbers — including “I’m masters; every year since he launched his Glad There Is You,” an Albinoni long-running “Highlights In Jazz” series, composition to which Ms. Souter he has honored a living jazz musician for appended lyrics (not the famous Jack Kleinsinger with Sonny Fortune. Photo by George Wirt. his or her “matchless musical “Adagio in G”), “All or Nothing at All,” achievements.” and two tunes by Marilyn and Alan © Jim Gerard 2012. Jim Gerard is an author and Previous honorees have included Lionel Bergman — were homogenized by an journalist who has written profiles of Dizzy Gillespie, Hampton, Roy Eldridge, Frank Wess, over-reliance on a generic Latin rhythm. , Benny Carter and other jazz notables. [email protected]; 917-609-1574 Roy Haynes, Maxine Sullivan, Hank Jones and Dr. Billy Taylor. The second half of the show belonged to The most recent honoree is Sonny Sonny Fortune, who Fortune, whose career in one of the was backed not by his tributaries of Coltrane’s late-period wake regular group but by makes him an obscure object of regard Cables, Williams and for the HIJ audience. Hart (with whom Perhaps with that in mind, Kleinsinger Fortune had recorded). saved both the kudos and Fortune’s Fortune played a hand- performance for the second half of the ful of his compositions, show, softening up the audience with including “Long Before several ensembles that adhered to more Our Mothers Cried,” conventional (what we usually term picking up, respectively, “mainstream”) notions of jazz concept the alto (his main and repertoire. instrument), soprano and, lastly, flute for a A rhythm section of high-end talent — Tenor saxophonist Lew Tabackin goes over the drill at a sound check for George Cables (piano), Buster Williams quiet, much less “Tenor Madness,” produced by pianist Ted Rosenthal at the Da Capo Theater in NYC on February 5, 2009. Listening intently are bassist Martin Wind and drummer Tim Horner. (bass) and Billy Hart (drums) — ably riotously “free” tune, backed the front line of Robin Eubanks backed only by Cables (trombone) and Lew Soloff (trumpet). and Williams. Fran Kaufman photographs the world of jazz —on stage and behind the scenes. The quintet opened with Monk’s “Well, Kleinsinger presented You Needn’t,” and while Soloff kicked off Fortune with his See what’s happening—with a new photo every day— his solo with some modal excursions plaque and Cables on the WBGO Photoblog. and Eubanks seemed to anchor his lines delivered a brief, to a vamp, Cables was able to his weave heartfelt panegyric, Check out where Fran’s hanging, silken lines at a brisk tempo without which tops a eulogy and see what she sees, at sacrificing a whit of articulation. every time out. JJ www.wbgo.org/photoblog

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Old Friends Three Musical Veterans Ply the Dinner Trade at the Glen Rock Inn Story and photos by Tony Mottola Editor Jersey Jazz

hursday night is “Shrimp Night” at Tthe Glen Rock Inn, from Francaise to scampi and every which way in between. It’s also the night that music impresario Shelly Rosenberg presents a weekly jazz night at the cozy restaurant. While there is occasional variety in the bookings, guitarists are Shelly’s passion and more often than not a guitar duo holds forth beginning at 7 PM.We’re talking top shelf players here. Among those who have performed at the Bergen County bistro are Frank Vignola, Roni Ben Hur, Howard Alden, Gene Bertoncini, Joshua Breakstone and to name a just a few. Whenever Bucky Pizzarelli is on the bill here with his longtime partner, bassist Jerry Bruno, the event’s ads read: “Make Reservations.”Adding the legendary Al Caiola to the bill this night just guar- antees the place will be packed. Packed in part because restaurateur Victor Quinn cedes precious little floor space for the band, and the musicians squeeze in at the far wall beneath a mural of the Glen Rock Municipal Building just a few feet from the ringside tables. Several murals of local scenes decorate the walls of the room that one patron affectionately describes as “old school Bavarian.” The musical menu is much like the restaurant’s bill of fare, mostly old standards. But nobody’s complaining, that’s what they come for. of Great American Songbook and jazz tunes At $17.95, the shrimp comes with for a medley of Caiola’s 1960s hit records — soup or salad, potato and vegetable, There’s no rehearsal or planned arrange- “Theme from the Magnificent 7” and ments. The musicians play what they want, making Thursdays at the GRI the “Bonanza” — after which Bruno bellows picking tunes at random as they go, and the best jazz guitar lover’s bargain around. “Yahoo” to get in the spirit of things. audience gets to listen in. The trio covers a For more information and the lot of ground squeezing more than 30 Inexplicably, Bucky does not play upcoming jazz night schedule visit favorites into their two sets. Towards the end “Honeysuckle Rose.” Maybe he forgot www.glenrockinn.com or see their of the show they deviate from the program his lead sheet. ad on page 4. JJ

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British ambassador serve to highlight her connections, “Strayhorn,” Claire Fisher’s portrait of Other contributions to her art. the man known as Ellington’s alter ego, and the Strayhorn composition “U.M.M.G.” The balance of Views Perhaps the most intriguing moments in the film the program consists of three Treni originals, “Boy’s are those where Marian is speaking, giving us a By Joe Lang Night Out,” “In My Quiet Time” and “What Is the taste of her musical perspective, inimitable wit, and Past NJJS President World Coming To,” plus very original and different dedication to furthering the art form that she has takes on “Something’s Coming,” “Lullaby of served so well as a performer, advocate and Birdland” and “Here’s That Rainy Day.” Treni asks a educator. There are ample examples of Marian’s lot of his musicians, and also challenges his have been doing a lot acumen as a composer. listeners to open up their ears to exciting music of listening, and a bit I Huey has done a wonderfully creative job of piecing that pushes the envelope on big band writing. of watching, this month, and now it is time to tell together the various elements that are included in (www.bellproductionco.com) you about the best of what I have seen and heard. the film to create a coherent whole that is a fitting ■ Pianist TAUREY BUTLER has an interesting tribute to a special woman who has attained a story. He has a degree in Electrical Engineering from DVDs position of prominence in a field where it took a Dartmouth, but his interest in jazz has been with ■ IN GOOD TIME: The Piano Jazz of Marian long time for women to become recognized and him since his teenage years, and it became the McPartland (A Film by Huey) is an intimate accepted. She helped to pave the way for what is focus of his ultimate career choice. Listening to portrait of one of the true living legends of jazz. now a vibrant roster of fine women jazz musicians. Taurey Butler (Justin Time – 242), it quickly Through interviews, performance footage and This documentary will serve as a permanent becomes apparent that those who dig jazz piano vintage photographs, a portrait emerges of a reminder of the legacy of Marian McPartland. will agree that Butler made the right choice. He woman with an abundance of talent, elegance, (www.filmsbyhuey.com) cites Oscar Peterson as an inspiration, and while intelligence and wit, who has enriched the lives of he has his own style, he certainly has the chops to those lucky enough to have had contact with her, CDs recall the great Peterson. He has put together a either in person or through her music. ■ The EYAL VILNER BIG BAND is fronted by the well-paced program for his initial album, one that Marian McPartland, who was born and developed Israeli-born saxophonist/composer/arranger Eyal mixes familiar tunes like “Sunrise, Sunset,” “The her interest in jazz in England, has been an integral Vilner. He has been leading a big band both in New Lady Is a Tramp,” “Moonlight in Vermont,” “Please part of the jazz scene over here since she arrived York City and Israel for several years, but has not Send Me Someone to Love,” “Emily” and “The on these shores in the late 1940s with her released a recording of his fine aggregation until Preacher,” with five nice originals. From the first husband, Jimmy McPartland. After spending some Introducing The Eyal Vilner Big Band (Gut track, where he performs “Sunrise, Sunset” as a time in Jimmy’s hometown of Chicago, they made String Records – 007). The band is tight, the waltz, to his spirited mixture of gospel feeling their way to New York City where Jimmy was a arrangements are superb, and the program is well with a party atmosphere on “The Preacher,” his constant presence on the traditional jazz scene, selected. Vilner has four finely crafted originals imagination and creative sense are constantly and Marian formed a trio that enjoyed great mixed in with three jazz standards, Dizzy Gillespie’s evident. His ballad playing on “Moonlight in popularity during lengthy engagements at the “Woody ‘N You,” Ray Bryant’s “Tonk” and Bud Vermont” and “Emily” is sensitive and playful Embers and the Hickory House. The latter Powell’s “Un Poco Loco,” plus two Irving Berlin simultaneously. He is nicely abetted by bassist engagement lasted 10 years, and she had players classics, “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” and “Remember,” Eric Legacé and drummer Wali Muhammad. like bassists Vinnie Burke and Bill Crow, and and the Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington gem Taurey Butler is a welcome new voice on jazz drummer as sidemen. “The Nearness of You.” The last three songs piano. (www.justin-time.com) While a well known name in jazz circles, it was her mentioned are vocal selections from the fine singer ■ A Distant View (Summit – 581) is a superb award winning NPR series Piano Jazz that made her Yaala Ballin, like Vilner an Israeli native who now straight ahead album from trumpeter JIM KETCH, a familiar figure to a larger circle of listeners. With resides primarily in New York City. This is a big band currently Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Piano Jazz having played such a critical role in her that reflects the ingenious imagination of its gifted Studies at the University of North Carolina – Chapel success, it is fitting that the director, Huey, used that leader. Like most big bands, Vilner’s crew has had Hill. He is joined on this recording by two fellow program as the focus of much of this engaging film. some difficulty finding venues to display its talents. UNC faculty members, tenor saxophonist Dave There are excerpts from many of the shows, This album should open up the ears of some of the Finucane and pianist Stephen Anderson, plus interviews with several guests and her producers, major New York City clubs to a big band that bassist Jeffrey Eckels and drummer Ross Pederson, and Marian’s comments about hosting the show. swings with freshness and spirit. and they make some impressive music together. She credits composer Alec Wilder with having (www.eyalvilner.com) The program of 12 selections includes two recommended her to NPR as the host for a show to ■ Boys Night Out (Bell Production Company) standards, “Long Ago and Far Away” and “My One follow up on the success of Wilder’s American is the latest from one of the hippest big bands in and Only Love,” several jazz tunes by the likes of Popular Song series. Among those who appeared on New Jersey, THE MICHAEL TRENI BIG BAND. Russell Kerschner (“Grace”), Marcus Roberts (“You the show, comments are provided by Dick Hyman, Treni is a composer and arranger with a singular Won’t Believe Me When I Tell You This”), Tom Harrell Diana Krall, Elvis Costello and Nnenna Freelon. vision who has gathered about him a stellar cast of (“Sail Away”), Bobby Watson (“Beatitudes”), Dewey Another recurring occasion is the ceremony in New musicians to execute his demanding charts, and Redman (“Dewey’s Tune”) and Roy Hargrove York City where Marian was presented with the those of Jerry Coker who provided the arrange- (“Strasbourg/St. Denis”), and three originals by Order of the British Empire. The comments of the ments for two pieces with Billy Strayhorn Ketch and plus one by Finucane. It is an eclectic

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program with roots in hard bop, but cats are great technicians whose not limited to that genre. Ketch, music is infused with an innate Finucane and Anderson are swing feeling. Each gives us a taste interesting improvisers, and their of their tasteful vocalizing, Smith imagination carries the program on “Along the Alamo Trail,” and along in a way that keeps you Munisteri on “Singin’ the Blues” alert. A Distant View deserves and “You’re Bound to Look Like a close up attention. Monkey,” all of which have Western (www.summitrecords.com) Swing roots. The latter selection is the one that was taken from a live ■ I was unfamiliar with the guitarist performance at Barbes in Brooklyn. KENNY POOLE until a fellow The best word to describe the guitarist, Andy Brown, sent along to interplay between Munisteri and me Heritage (Stork Music – Smith is simpatico. They are 1111), performances by Poole — obviously having fun playing who passed away in 2006 — at the together, and listening to the Heritage Restaurant in Cincinnati. results is a joyful experience. Poole spent most of his 40-plus (www.cdbaby.com) years as a professional playing in and around the Cincinnati area, ■ Vocalist DEBORAH SHULMAN mostly in small clubs and and trombonist LARRY ZALKIND restaurants. He worked with many address the work of three musicians who came through composers on Lost in the Stars: Cincinnati like Jack McDuff, Mark The Music of Bernstein, Weill Murphy, , Herb Ellis and and Sondheim (Summit – 588). Barney Kessel. He recorded duo CDs The personnel backing Shulman’s with Gene Bertoncini and Cal Collins. vocals varies from track to track The 13 selections on this CD give a with Zalkind on trombone, Terry nice taste of what a creative and Trotter or Jeff Colella on piano, tasteful player Poole was. At times, Chris Colangelo on bass, Joe he reminds me of Harry Lehay, a LaBarbera on drums, Larry Koonse great New Jersey guitarist who could on guitar, Roberta Zalkind on viola make his solo playing sound like it and Matthew Zalkind on cello on must have been overdubbed. His various selections. Frank Marocco’s program is replete with fine tunes, accordion is added on “Mack the most of them familiar, with the big Knife,” and Ken Wild plays the bass surprise being “Skin of Ivory,” one of on “Lost in the Stars.” There are five several bossa novas on the album. tracks of Leonard Bernstein material, I was particularly taken with his “Something’s Coming,” “Lucky to Be sensitive performance of the John Me,” “It’s Love,” “I Feel Pretty,” and a Lewis jazz classic “Django.” Now rarity, “Ain’t Got No Tears Left,” a that I know about Kenny Poole, I song cut from On the Town. Stephen shall seek out other releases Sondheim gets the attention on five containing his artistry. selections, “The Ladies Who Lunch,” (www.cdbaby.com) “Children Will Listen,” “Losing My ■ Hell Among the Hedgehogs Mind,” “Could I Leave You,” and a (Old Cow Music – 1004) features medley of “No One Is Alone” and MATT MUNISTERI and WHIT “Not While I’m Around.” The other SMITH, assisted by bassist Tim four selections are from the Kurt Luntzel exploring nine selections Weill catalog, “Mack the Knife,” that vary from jazz classics to tunes “September Song,” “My Ship,” and associated with Western Swing. This the title song, “Lost in the Stars. is not surprising considering that The arrangements by Colella, Trotter, Munisteri is most known for Ted Howe and Brad Warnaar place exploring older jazz styles, and Smith these show tunes in a jazz setting. is the guitarist with the Hot Club of Shulman, however, does not have a Cowtown, a current Western Swing jazz feeling in her readings, which group based in Austin, Texas. Both are rather understated. This works continued on page 36

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OTHER VIEWS Stay,” “Love Walked In” and “I’ve Got a Crush on “April Showers,” “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom You,” it is hard to say “Oh no, not again,” and Fisher White,” “It Might As Well Be Spring,” “Some Other continued from page 34 gives us no reason to feel that way. Koonse is a Spring,” “I Love Paris,” “Spring Can Really Hang You marvelous accompanist, Henry is one of the top Up the Most,” “Spring Is Here,” “Suddenly It’s jazz bassists around, and Harnell provides tasty Spring,” “There’ll Be Another Spring,” “They Say It’s for most of the songs, but the edginess of songs accents while keeping perfect time. Fisher plans Spring,” “You Must Believe in Spring” and “I’ll like “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Could I Leave on a series of albums dedicated to the songs of Remember April,” is a treasure in Parrott’s hands. You” require more passion than Shulman provides, writers of classic popular music, and this album Her band is outstanding, particularly the sensitive and “Lost in the Stars” could benefit from a more makes such a prospect a welcome one. pianism of Di Martino. This is the perfect album to dramatic reading. Overall, the album is a satisfying (www.luleefisher.com) be listening to and writing about as the robins are listening experience that could have been an chirping outside. (www.cdjapan.co.jp) exceptional one if the vocals matched the jazziness ■ BRIA SKONBERG has quickly become a favorite of the arrangements. (www.summitrecords.com) among New Jersey Jazz Society members with her ■ It is difficult when listening to Double Exposure fine trumpet playing, appealing vocalizing and witty (Whaling City Sound – 056) to believe that ■ There are many, many albums devoted to the personality. So Is the Day (Random Act vocalist FRANK D’RONE is celebrating his 80th songs of George and Ira Gershwin, so it takes some Records – 1007) shows off another creative side birthday this year. His voice is still vibrant and his imagination and taste to make a new collection of the Skonberg talents, that of songwriter. Nine of phrasing is still as uniquely his as it was when he make one sit up and take notice. LULEE FISHER the 12 tunes on this album have words and music first came to national attention with his first album does just that with The Great American Song by Skonberg, the exceptions being “Let Yourself on Mercury in the late 1950s. The new album has Writers, Vol. 1: George and Ira Gershwin (Red Go,” “Big Yellow Taxi” and an intriguing instrumental 11 selections with the tracks alternating between Road). With backing from guitarist Larry Koonse, interpretation of Erik Satie’s “Gymnopedie.” selections with swinging big band charts arranged bassist Trey Henry and drummer Jason Harnell, Skonberg’s originals are catchy, with clever lyrics. and conducted by Phil Kelly, and others where Fisher explores 14 Gershwin evergreens. Fisher A special treat is a vocal duet with John Pizzarelli D’Rone accompanies himself on guitar. In either breaks no new ground, but she has a pleasant and on “I Wish I Hadn’t Forgotten,” with Pizzarelli adding setting, D’Rone hits it out of the park on each track. welcoming sound. Her phrasing is right on target. a few guitar licks. The band on most of the tracks His voice is a rich, deep baritone, expressive and There are no real surprises in the songs that she includes Skonberg on trumpet, flugelhorn and supple. As has been his trademark throughout his has included, with “By Strauss” and “(I’ve Got) vocals, Victor Goines on clarinet and tenor career, D’Rone carefully selects his material. This is Beginner’s Luck” being the selections that have not saxophone, Jeff Lashway on piano, Randy Johnson illustrated by the program on this disc, “When the been done over and over again. With songs like “I on guitar, Kelly Friesen on bass, Ulysses Owens, Jr. Sun Comes Out,” “Make Someone Happy,” “Pure Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” “Love Is Here to on drums and Roland Guerrero on percussion. Imagination,” “Just Imagine,” “Pick Yourself Up,” Wycliffe Gordon adds his robust trombone on two “The Very Thought of You,” “The One I Love,” tracks, and Michael Dease is the trombonist on one “Dancing on the Ceiling,” “Speak Low,” “Oh You track. Skonberg’s trumpet and flugelhorn playing is Crazy Moon” and “Lover Come Back to Me.” always tasty, with nicely subtle twists and turns. Welcome back to the world of recording Frank Her singing is natural and her voice easy on the D’Rone. Make sure that you get back into the studio ears. So Is the Day is an album that should gets again soon and often. (www.whalingcitysound.com) lots of airplay, and garner much attention ■ I had already set aside the discs that I had for the rising star of Bria Skonberg. planned on reviewing for this issue when the (www.RandomActRecords.com) mailman brought To Carmen with Love ■ Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom, (Whaling City Sound – 057) from vocalist a harbinger of the spring season. The latest SHAWNN MONTEIRO. One listen, and I knew that Japanese release from vocalist/bassist NICKI I could not wait to hip you to this terrific album PARROTT is Sakura Sakura (Venus – 1068), and from Monteiro who is the daughter of legendary consists of 14 spring-related selections, including bassist Jimmy Woode. As the title indicates, this the traditional Japanese title song. For her album honors the memory of Carmen McRae, one springtime excursion, Parrott is joined by Lisa of the true giants of jazz vocalizing. Often you hear Parrott on soprano and baritone saxophones, tribute albums where the performer attempts to Dominick Farinacci on trumpet, John Di Martino on channel the subject of the tribute with less than piano, Paul Meyers on guitar, Tim Horner on drums satisfactory results. In this case Monteiro is spot on and Martin Wind on cello. With each succeeding in capturing the sound and phrasing of McRae album, Parrott’s vocalizing becomes stronger and without incorporating some of the excessive more confident. She now is one of the elite jazz mannerisms that McRae sometimes let slip into vocalists on the scene, one who has a sense of performances in her later years. The tunes are phrasing that makes each song sound like it is representative of the McRae oeuvre. They include being recorded for the first time. Somehow, “Old Devil Moon,” “Yesterdays,” “I Concentrate on spring has a particularly inspirational quality for You,” “Old Black Magic,” “You’re Looking At Me,” songwriters. Each of the songs here, “April in Paris,” “Mean to Me,” “Come in from the Rain,” “Miss

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Brown (To You),” “Speak Low,” and enhances the feeling that she “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” “I lends to her reading of lyrics. Have the Feeling I’ve Been Here Hagan is a terrific accompanist Before” and “Nature Boy.” The trio who finds just the right notes to fill of Mike Renzi on piano, Dave Zinno the space behind the Lewis vocals. on bass and Steve Langone on She kicks off the set with a robust drums provide the kind of backing take on “Love Me or Leave Me” and that most singers dream of brings things to a conclusion with a enjoying. If you are a fan of Carmen sensitive reading of “Where or McRae, To Carmen with Love When.” Along the way she puts her should be a welcome addition to unique stamp on “Midnight Sun,” your collection. (www.whaling “It’s Alright With Me,” “A House Is citysound.com) Not a Home,” “Lover Come Back to ■ Midnight Sun (Surf Cove Jazz Me,” “My Love,” “I Believe in You” – 102) finds vocalist LESLIE LEWIS and The Man I Love.” Lewis and in the company of the Gerald Hagen, who are married, make a Hagan Trio, Hagan on piano, fine team, and this album gives a Domenic Genova on bass and Jerry nice taste of their musical Kalaf on drums, with special guests empathy. (www.surfcoastjazz.com) trombonist Joey Sellers and tenor Remember that these albums are saxophonist Chuck Manning. Lewis not available through NJJS.You can swing out with verve on one should be able to obtain most of tune, caress a ballad convincingly them at any major record store. on the next track, and inject a bit They are also available on-line from the websites that I have shown of soul as the occasion strikes her. after each review, or from a Her voice has a burnished quality variety of other on-line that gives richness to her sound, sources. JJ

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Jazz Goes to School | The College Jazz Scene E-mail: [email protected] By Frank Mulvaney NJJS President JAZZ U William Paterson (drums) Dean Johnson (bass) and Zach selections were Newman songs that are not University, March 11: Brock (violin). Ro is Jersey’s own by way of on the album. The first was “Political Jazz Singer Roseanna Vitro Arkansas and Texas. Professor Vitro has Science,” which has sardonic lyrics reflecting been a mainstay of the jazz faculty at NJ Randy’s solution to world problems (“Let’s This day the opening group of talented City University since 1998. She has recorded drop the big one”). The second was “Simon students was a septet known as the a dozen albums and represented our Smith and His Amazing Dancing Bear” Golson/Dameron Ensemble, directed by country as a Jazz Ambassador on two tours with lyrics that I found somewhat eccentric. Professor Marcus McLaurine. Four were for the US State Department. She has a very Ro had fun with it as only she can with from Jersey, while California, Arizona and distinctive voice and possesses the phrasing more phenomenal scatting. I’d say this Maryland were also represented. Their and soulfulness to do justice to the wonder- wonderful concert was the jazz highlight initial selection was a very melodic Benny ful storytelling songs of Randy Newman. of my year so far. Golson tune called “Stablemates.” Mr. The first selection of the set was William Paterson University, Golson, a Jazz Hall of Famer, is credited “Baltimore,” a very catchy tune, and Ro with more than 300 compositions and is really hooked me with her emotional rendi- April 1: Paquito D’Rivera and still blowing great tenor sax at the age of 83. tion of this song of urban survival. The the WPU Latin Jazz Ensemble The rhythm trio of David Zaks (piano), quartet was really cookin’ and Mark took I have spent oh so many pleasant Sunday Chris Brawley (drums) and Dan Filipak off on an awesome solo followed by some afternoons at WPU but this definitely was (bass) found the groove without haste amazing violin lines from Zach. “Sail Away” one of the best. The first part of the and was strong throughout the set. The is an entrancing song, beautifully delivered, program was a showcase for the students ensemble playing was a pleasure, augmented about Africans lured into slavery by the majoring and minoring in vocal jazz and by excellent solos from Zach Gillespie promise of a great life in America. Zach I was amazed by the talent of the seven (trumpet), Peter Lin (trombone), Charlie provided an exquisite intro and later a soloists. First up was a young lady from Sigler (guitar) and Mr. Zaks. Golson’s stunning solo but Mark’s piano work really Kansas named April Webb. She is from a dedication to Clifford Brown, “I Remember made me take notice. Three Dog Night had very talented family and I have the privilege Clifford,” followed. This slow ballad can be a big hit with Newman’s “Mama Told Me of knowing her two musician brothers who difficult to play and trumpeter Gillespie did Not to Come” but I thought Ro’s version graduated from WPU in the last two years. the heavy lifting admirably. Fine trombone was truly sensational. It was rhythmically April knocked my socks off with a fabulous and guitar solos enhanced the piece. Todd complex, real jazz conceived, she said, as a rendition of “Willow Weep for Me.” For Dameron’s “On a Misty Night” is a popular 3/4 feel and a chorus in 5/4. The solos by someone so young, she is so poised, posses- standard and one of my top favorites. The each member of the quartet were awesome. sing a remarkable jazz sensibility to go along boys did a terrific job with it and tenorist Ro scatted masterfully and was having a lot with a voice of extraordinary range. Nilani Ben Kovacs was the main man, leading a of fun right up to the end when it got to be Clisset, who hails from Colorado, took on pack of impressive solos and some very a little raucous. “In Germany Before the a formidable challenge with the Annie Ross enjoyable trading of fours and eights War” is a haunting story song of tragedy vocalese song “Twisted.”While this young between drummer and horns. Dameron’s with a hypnotic beat that moved me. At lady has a wonderful flexible voice, she must “Hot House” was torrid from note one and this point I felt privileged to experience have the nerves of a cat burglar to tackle a featured some marvelous three-horn this magnificent vocal and instrumental art. song with six parts — an awful lot of lyrics, harmony. Tenorist Kovacs and guitarist I was totally enraptured by Roseanna’s which she handled extremely well. Anna Sigler made important contributions before rendering of Newman’s gorgeous ballad, Petrillo from Bayonne did a wonderful job drummer Brawley got a chance to show off “Every Time it Rains.” It occurs to me that with the Jimmy van Heusen/Johnny Burke his splendid chops, and the piece concluded she is gifted with a vocal quality that has a standard “Like Someone in Love.”Anna has with superb ensemble playing. different coloring or timbre at different a fine voice, marvelous stage presence and The featured professional was vocalist diva, dynamic levels. It’s a rare quality that is only she sure can scat, too. Tyrell Belle from Grammy-nominated Roseanna Vitro. She found in some of our most famous singers. nearby Paterson did a terrific job with would treat us to a selection of material “Last Night I had a Dream” was a vocal “Tenderly.” Ostensibly, to a non-musician, from her hot CD: The Music of Randy challenge with some kooky lyrics and tricky this is a simple song but I have it on good Newman. For this gig she was backed by an rhythm changes, which featured an excep- authority that superior aural familiarity all-star quartet of long–time Sonny Rollins tional violin solo. It’s a fun tune and Ro with extended and altered harmonies are a associate Mark Soskin (piano), Karl Latham scatted like nobody’s business. The final two requisite to performing it well. “While We’re continued on page 40

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COLLEGE JAZZ was a bossa that Paquito dedicated to the amazing Tanya Darby contributed a great one with whom he played many blazing trumpet solos (boy, are we going to continued from page 38 times. He jokingly said the alternate title miss her when she completes her Master’s this May.) Guitarist Jessica Ackerley also Young” is certainly not a staple of jazz was “A Night In Englewood.” He played had some cogent comments to make. repertoire but Katlin Fay sure fooled us clarinet on this one, taking a long solo and Pianist Marc Stasio exhibited his with a marvelous version of the Alec finished up with an extended cadenza that arranging skill on Strayhorn’s “Lush life.” Wilder gem. Her cool scatting and included snippets of some tunes made Muted brass carried the melody as the sax adventurous approach was impressive. Kate famous by Mr. Gillespie. Paquito was a section interjected elegant comments. The Victor did a sensational job with “So in trained classical musician and he called the piece acquired some pleasant harmonic Love.” She was relaxed like an old pro next selection simply “Bach,” recognizing color from two flutes and a clarinet as the navigating a cool tempo change. Harrison one of his strongest musical influences. His tempo ratcheted up to swing. Ms. Darby Young sang “Invitation” and really blew me alto playing on this one was awesome and again made her presence known and a away. I threw some bouquets his way in a the harmonic blend of the ensemble was dynamic rise and fall followed before this previous column. I can’t wait to see this kid scrumptious. A bolero followed and at first impressive arrangement ended quietly. in a club; he is just that good. The seven it was just piano with Paquito. Nilani “Guess Who” was an aggressive blues by soloists were joined by six more voices to Clisset came on to sing the Spanish lyrics drummer Jarrett Walser in the tradition make a harmonic ensemble and delivered a along with the rest of the rhythm section. of Frank Foster/Count Basie. It was gorgeous rendition of “Lullaby of the A WPU Latin jazz concert is not complete brassy and roared, featuring a bunch of Leaves.” Backing up the singers was an without a Chico Mendoza vibraphone marvelous solos: Dan Stark (alto), Matt outstanding piano trio of Will Dougherty, feature. This time surprisingly, it was “I Get Echols (trombone), Tassili Bond (bass), Daniel Duke (bass) and Evan Hyde By with a Little Help from My Friends,” the James Ohn (tenor) and especially Marc (drums). Professor Nancy Marano can famous Beatle’s tune. There is nothing like Stasio. Trombonist Adam Machaskee was justifiably be exceptionally proud of her a big, hot Latin jazz tune to close out such on his feet and out front throughout his students. a fabulous set and today it was a Tito Puente classic. We had several fine solos arrangement of “Isfahan.” a segment of the The WPU Latin Jazz Ensemble took the Ellington/Strayhorn Far East Suite.The from the ensemble players and Chico, now stage for the second half of the program. spirited arrangement was different in playing piano, and Paquito had a ball. Living jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera drew a tempo from the original and hardly nice crowd but it should have been a Rutgers University, April 10: recognizable, although pleasant nonethe- sellout. Mr. D’Rivera, who is mostly known Student Big Band Arrangements less. Altoist Brett McDonald (2011 NJJS as a jazz artist, was a child prodigy and has and Originals Scholarship recipient) chipped in with dabbled in every musical genre. The son of Tonight’s performance of the Rutgers Jazz some eloquent statements. Next we had a famous Cuban musician, he sought Ensemble was a cornucopia of student Brett’s own composition, “Southwest,”sort asylum while on tour in Spain in 1980. He originals and arrangements of jazz classics. of a big band tone poem. The harmonics won his first Grammy in 1979 and since Opening the program was John Petrocelli’s produced by muted brass and the sax then has added 12 more. Paquito was on arrangement of Cole Porter’s “Night and section all on flutes and clarinets were very stage from the outset as the 18-piece Day,” featuring a clever fanfare intro and interesting. The tempo was adagio. The sax ensemble, under the direction of the played at a slightly quicker tempo than section switched to their usual instruments irrepressible Chico Mendoza, opened up usual. John, a marvelous tenor sax player for a delightful strong finish. The final with one of Paquito’s compositions, a carved out a solo for himself, which I composition was by Jazz Studies Director, mambo called “Chucho.” He soloed first on thoroughly enjoyed. Trombonist Philip Conrad Herwig called “Land of Shadow,” clarinet and then switched to alto sax. You Menchaca also added a smoking solo. We which he wrote to feature drummer Deon don’t have to know anything to recognize a would hear several outstanding trombone Parson. Deon was alone in the spotlight for master musician when you see them play. solos this night. Bassist Will Macirowski almost two minutes at the start with For the second tune we saw a quartet of (2012 NJJS scholarship recipient) put varying dynamic percussive effects — most horn players come out front to play with together an amazing arrangement of Jaco impressive. Complex ensemble playing was Paquito and it was a pure delight. This was Pastorius’s “Three Views of a Secret.” It’s a followed by a dynamite solo from Mark followed by a marvelous harmonic tune fascinating piece of music that you might Chernoff on bari sax, with plenty of room that featured an outstanding soprano sax call a lazy blues. The colors and textures for solos from trombonist Scott Smart, solo by the first alto player. “Memories” were simply wonderful with a gradual trumpeter George Maher and guitarist was a gorgeous ballad that Paquito wrote build to a controlled crescendo. Drummer Jessica Ackerley. The piece ended like it as a tribute to the great Latin jazz pioneer Jarrett Walser did a heck of job driving the began with a masterful drum solo from Mario Bauza. Paquito’s playing was simply bus on this lengthy trip. Toby Whitaker’s Deon. It remains a mystery to me why fabulous and the band’s layered harmony wailing trombone solo was stunning and more lovers of big band jazz don’t come was deep and lush. “I Remember Dizzy” provoked an appreciative response. The out for these wonderful free concerts. JJ

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Dick Hyman & Ken Peplowski: Dick Hyman handled the introduction for the classic Weill/ Gershwin composition, “My Ship” but after the enthusiastic Alone Together at the Kitano applause died, Ken noted, “I’m so glad I wrote that.” Ken then introduced Horace Silver’s “Quick Silver” by saying By Schaen Fox it was based on “Lover Come Back to Me.” He then mused if “Quick” is your nickname it may explain he Kitano Hotel’s jazz lounge is a why your lover has left. Some resulting audience beautiful, intimate space holding only groans caused the reedman to impishly ask, T70 people. On Saturday, April 21, Dick “What? Did I hit a nerve?” Hyman and Ken Peplowski made it their The playlist ranged from Monk’s “Ugly Beauty” recording studio and treated those lucky and “Stuffy” to “Dream Dancing,”“Panama” and enough to be there to an exceptionally finished with “No More Blues.” Every number was beautiful performance. From the first number, a masterpiece crafted by two masters. The “Alone Together,” it was clear that none of the audience focused on the artists with rapt attention. Enlightenment monarchs listening to the likes of Mozart in their Even those at the bar were quiet with the bartender loudly leading private concert space had musicians of higher quality or had better their applause. The only exception came when Ken’s soloing clarinet acoustics; and no doubt that while Mozart had some big hits, Dick soared into the upper registry only to be capped by a loud sneeze and Ken beat him at swing. from out in the hotel lobby. In addition, Ken’s humor always adds to the joy of his musical People only began to stir when the lights came up for the break. performances. After reminding us that the opening number was by These were serious fans unwilling to miss any part of this rare treat. Dietz and Schwartz he added, “…sounds like a law firm.”“The Ken noted that several had also been there the night before and very Duke” followed and continued the pattern of the evening; Dick few left after the first set. Obviously, many who waited too long to Hyman playing a gorgeous solo then providing a tasteful musical make reservations had been disappointed. Hopefully, the sound cushion for Ken’s inspired explorations. Finally Ken reminded us engineer was able to get a good recording so everyone can that Brubeck’s classic was written “…for Count Basie.” someday hear a performance it was my great privilege to attend. JJ

2012 Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Festival 26TH ANNIVERSARY One Day Jazz & Blues Extravaganza Saturday July 28 Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Meridien CT (275 Research Parkway — same location as last year) GALVANIZED JAZZ BAND Two Venues: Tent – Trad Jazz 3 to 9 PM MIDIRI BROTHERS SEPTET Ballroom – Blues 5 to 11 PM HEARTBEAT • Excellent Food and Drinks available JAZZ BAND • Abundant seating/ wheelchair friendly • Dancing CONNECTICUT FESTIVAL BAND • Free Parking and more groups to come • 8 Hours of Music

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Mickey Freeman and Friends at Hibiscus

By Andrea Tyson Former NJJS President

Mitchell Schecter, Mickey Freeman and Brian Glassman. Photo by Frank Sole. really lucked out one recent Friday night at Hibiscus Restaurant I in Morristown. It was a win-win and win again, due to the ambiance of the venue, the food, which really is delicious and unique and the varied array of musicians, singers, and tasty songs that created a wonderful evening out for me. Singer Mickey Freeman was my ticket to such a special evening and I could’ve stayed all night. Mickey had her sidemen, Mitchell Schecter on the NJJS baby grand, Brian Glassman on bass, and others were called up to join in from time to time and did a fine job. NJJS board member, guitarist Frank Sole, joined in, Mickey’s “Moonlighters” singing group came up, Bobby Miller joined in on sax, and Rio Clemente joined in for the “pièce de résistance,” a four-handed piano performance of “There will Never be Another You.”What a night! Mickey was a delight. She involves the audience immediately with her rich banter which draws you into the intimate jazz setting. The audience is close to the bandstand so a warm relationship develops quickly. Mickey was right at home in the setting, and made sure to give credit to the composers. Her body language was very comfortable and casual and it felt like we were at a house party with lots of back and forth. Some of the repertoire included “’s Wonderful” (which it was), “Bye Bye Blackbird” (a sing along), “I Got Nothin’ But the Blues,” (done with just enough angst and swing to carry the audience right into that genre). Frank accompanied Mickey on “Wade in the Water” and the performance was very compelling. The audience was just tappin’ and snappin’ through most of the evening. Mickey sings a wide range of music from many genres of jazz, and great scatting is judiciously sprinkled throughout her stylistic performances as well. Mickey had a full house this night so if you plan to catch her, be sure to make reservations. JJ

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April Jazz Social | Roseanna Vitro and Friends

Story and photos by Tony Mottola Editor, Jersey Jazz ew Jersey singer Roseanna Vitro has Love,” with almost a Chet Baker-like lack Nserved as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador of affect and a simple stand and deliver and recorded 11 critically acclaimed performance style. “I’ve been listening to CDs, including her latest, The Music of jazz at home as long as I can remember,” Randy Newman, which was nominated he explains. As you can see there’s a as “Best Jazz Vocal Album” at the 54th pattern developing here. Grammy Awards. She was inducted into Brittany Henderson, a 17-year-old senior the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame, in a class from Elizabeth’s Benedictine Academy, that included legends Bob Dorough and who has been accepted into Berklee John Stubblefield in 1998, and received a College of Music in Boston, closes the “Jazz Leadership Award” from the New first set with “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” but Jersey Jazz Society in 2009. only after a false start. “That’s a long Roseanna is also Chair of Vocal Studies intro,” she chides her accompanist as at New Jersey City University and a they come round for a second go at it. faculty member of the Wells Fargo “Jazz But it’s all good, the young lady seems to for Teens” program at the New Jersey love to sing as the beaming smile never Performing Arts Center, and those two leaves her face. roles — performing and teaching — At the outset of the second set Roseanna came together at the NJJS April Jazz proposes a dilemma: “It’s always a hard Social when Ms. Vitro shared the bill choice — a beautiful love song or a dirty with three of her young protégés from rotten blues?” To which a wag in the the NJPAC program. audience suggests, “How about a dirty Describing herself as a “rock ‘n’ roll blues rotten love song?” The singer splits the baby from the South,” she turns to Brazil difference and bookends “I Love You for an opening “Laia Ladaia,” singing in Madly” with “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ but the both English and Portuguese. Next a nod Blues.” to Bill Evans, whom the singer got to Lead sheets for the Sweets Edison/Jon know in Texas in the 1970s when her Hendricks classic “Centerpiece” are ears were being turned to jazz. The passed around the room for a pianist’s “Funkallero” (with lyrics by combination vocal class/audience sing- Karen Gallinger) is “about having a along, perhaps not the vocal highpoint really bad day,” she explains. From her of the afternoon. One can imagine Newman album she performs “Every Mitch Miller wincing. Time It Rains,” apropos, she says, of the The youngsters came back on to finish day’s weather. Mike King’s piano the afternoon in fine form: “Teach Me accompaniment is spare and open here Tonight,” by Makyra, “I Remember as befits the lyric’s portrait of loss and April,” by Sam and “The Boy From loneliness. Ipanema” by Brittany. As they say, the By now it’s time for some student show kids are alright. Oh, and they each got and tell. First up is Makyra Harden, a paid for the gig — 20 bucks a piece, not 10th grader from Newark’s Vision bad for a couple of tunes. Academy, who sings “When I Fall in On a side note, you can get an earful of Love.”Very sweet and straightforward, one of Professor Vitro’s recent NJCU but clearly well schooled. “I first fell in Vocal Studies graduates at this month’s love with jazz when I was 10,” she says, NJJS Jazzfest where the up and coming “my mother played it around the house.” Vanessa Perea will appear with Sam Bien, an 11th grader from Leonia Hoboken’s Swingadelic, performing the High School follows. He continues the original Keely Smith vocals as part of theme singing “I’m in the Mood for the band’s tribute to Louis Prima. JJ

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My Grammy Daze opportunity to get together with only nominees. stand as you move along the carpet. There was a That was one of the most fun parts of the press corps of about 50 guys taking pictures. They By Roseanna Vitro Grammys. You have all this food, and then you get were calling, “Roseanna, look this way look that (as told to Schaen Fox) in a line to have your picture taken where they give way.” you a Tiffany gold medallion. I was so excited I had he day the Grammy nominees were announced, Tierney had already said to me, “You better have my husband take a picture that I put on my I was home. The phone rang and my manager, comfortable shoes on and a bunch of power bars.” T Facebook page. I had “Miracles Do Happen” over Jeff Levenson, said, “Are you sitting down?” I said, The Grammy people had set out a buffet in the the picture. Unfortunately it misled some people to “I am.” He said, “You have been nominated.” At that hallway, but there was no way I was eating before think I had won the Grammy. moment I relived the last 30 years; the moment I accepting an award; no chicken wing touching my left Texarkana on the bus to start my career, all the For the jazz musicians, that was really the best fingers, no power bars in my teeth, nothing like gigs, records and teaching. I must have cried for 30 party because they had two or three youth jazz that. And I was so nervous. I could feel my stomach minutes. I felt I had won the Lifetime Achievement bands playing. Justin DiCioccio, from the Manhattan churning at the possibility they might call my name. Award. To get that nod from as many recording School of Music, conducted one. It had Daryl Johns, This is a plus: I discovered that if you don’t eat you academy voters it would take to be chosen over Steve Johns’ son, playing bass. Arturo O’Farrill’s son actually lose weight. I managed to lose almost 10 hundreds of submissions is just a real honor. It was Adam was on trumpet and John Hart’s son was a pounds. too late to call my 85-year-old mother. I called my sax player in the band. Jazz musicians know that After Terri Lynn got her award, I said, “Gang, we are daughter Sarah. The next day, I called mom, my we are not the draw that a Bruce Springsteen or not eating a power bar. Get your shoes and let’s husband’s mother, my sisters and the Hollywood Lady Gaga are. We are lucky that NARAS has go.” We all had these little slip-on shoes. We kicked entourage started forming — a total of 13 people. started a Grammy jazz education program. They those fancy high heels off and headed out to El My husband Paul said, “You are not bringing all had some great performances at the parties by Cholo. Then we came back for hours of long lines, these people. You need to focus.” I said, “Listen, students which they call “Grammy Camp.” There long show and nonstop wild music — opening with I have to share this moment with all of my family are also serious jazz musicians on the board. Jazz is Bruce Springsteen. It was grand and flashy, all that that have loved and supported me all of these in there, but we are just a small category, like you would expect. The greatest moment was years.” classical music. Jennifer Hudson’s tribute to Whitney Houston. She The time between the announcement and the After that, my family met for dinner at Villa Blanca is a tremendous presence and singer. Even seeing ceremony was months of suspense and everybody in Beverly Hills. I had rented one of those white our beloved Paul McCartney sing with Diana Krall at calling me a “Grammy nominee.” Right before we limousines that will hold 12 to 16 people. We went the piano wasn’t as touching. For me it was went to LA, I bought some fancy shoes. This woman up into the Hollywood Hills and, I have to say, it Jennifer Hudson. asked, “Oh are you going someplace special?” I would be better to sightsee in the hills during the I was so hoping I was going to meet Randy said, “Actually, I’m going to the Grammys.” I was day. At night there are some incredible gorgeous Newman. When he gave me that great quote I speaking like a covert agent who didn’t want vistas, but it was really cold. We did look, but it was thought he must be one of the nicest guys on the anybody to hear a state secret. “Going to the jumping out, looking, going, “Oh, that is beautiful,” planet. I’ve never spoken to him, he has never Grammys?” she screams, “I’ve never known anyone and back in the car. We had more fun rambling e-mailed me. I speak to him through his manager who’s gone to the Grammys.” My eyes sparkled and around Grauman’s Chinese Theater and looking at and she is always very nice. When I knew I was I said, “Well don’t tell anyone — I’m nominated.” the Walk of Stars. coming to LA, I asked, “Am I going to meet him? She goes, “OH, MY GOD! THIS WOMAN IS The next day, everybody got there around 12:30. All I’d like to shake his hand and say, ‘Thank you.’ for NOMINATED!” I’m thinking, “Oh, God, none of these my family was with me. I think the biggest thrill for the quote and the beautiful music.” She said, women will know who in the hell I am. They are that was looking at the listing up on the big screen “Nope. He is going on the road.” going to say, ‘What is a Roseanna Vitro?’” of the names in my category: Terri Lynn Carrington, The weekend ended and we all went home but it’s On Friday, February 10th, we got into LA and Tierney Sutton, Karrin Allyson and Kurt Elling and still a very exciting time for me. I’ve had all kinds of headed straight to the Staples Center. That is like seeing “The Music of Randy Newman — Roseanna interesting experiences. Soon after returning, I was four Madison Square Gardens in one. You need a Vitro.” I’m sitting there, saying, “It looks good up on Skype for an hour with 94 FM in Pakistan and motorcycle to get around. You have special there.” They had the afternoon pre-telecast jazz received a request from the John F. Kennedy Center instructions to follow and ID to pick up your tickets. announcements around 4:00 PM and announced for a concert in the fall. My husband was recording We got them, finally, and discovered El Cholo across that Terri Lynn had won. some students here in our studio. I was cooking the street. It is the best Mexican place ever. We At 5:00 we got into another line to walk the official and making tea for everyone and a student asked, started the weekend with the margaritas. I’m not red carpet. My husband had said, “Oh let’s not do “Will you listen to me sing?” I giggled because much of a drinker, and no salt, but one felt pretty this.” I said, “Are you serious? I’m walking the red before I was nominated he would have never asked good. We finally made it to our hotel around 7:00, carpet.” I was in this big line of stars and this me. I said, “Well, sure, I’ll listen.” After I made a big pretty exhausted. woman said, “This line is only for nominees. Who dinner for all these guys, they said, “How does it The big thing on Saturday was the Lifetime are you?” I said, “Roseanna Vitro. I am a nominee.” feel to be a Grammy nominee?” I said, “Today when Achievement Award. That was from 3:00 to 7:00. Then as she wrote my name on a board, “How do I was cooking dinner and scrubbing the toilet, I was Until 5:00 we saw videos about different artists and you spell that?” She scribbled it down and wrote thinking, ‘You know what? I’m a Grammy if they were alive they came up and received their “Jazz” and held it up for the press. They have four nominee.’” I’ve come back, but it was an award. Then from 5:00 until 7:00 there was an different places with red tape on them where you amazing, magical time. JJ

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From the Crow’s Nest What’s New? By Bill Crow Members new and renewed erb Gardner passed this one along to We welcome these friends of jazz who recently joined NJJS or Hme: Dan Levinson thought Stan Rubin renewed their memberships. We’ll eventually see everyone’s name sounded a little strange on the phone, so he here as they renew at their particular renewal months. (Members asked, “Stan, are you O.K.?” Stan replied, “Of with an asterisk have taken advantage of our new three-years-for-$100 course not! I’m in the music business; how membership, and new members with a † received a gift membership. could I be O.K.?” Members who have joined at a patron level appear in bold.) Here is some advice attributed to Thelonious Monk, transcribed Renewed Members Ms. Sandy Sasso, Oakhurst, NJ by Steve Lacy (1960) and posted on the Internet by Shaun Usher: Ms. Kate Casano, Jackson, NJ * Adam H Schikkinger, Andover, NJ Just because you’re not a drummer, doesn’t mean you don’t have to Dr. & Mrs. William Chenitz, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Schneiderman, keep time. Livingston, NJ Bridgewater, NJ Mrs. Hope Colt, Princeton, NJ * Dr. Howard Stoll, Hamburg, NY Pat your foot & sing the melody in your head, when you play. Barbara Dammel, Flemington, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Swartz, Jr., Chatham, NJ Stop playing all those weird notes (that B.S.): play the melody! Mr. & Mrs. Albert DeRienzo, Ken Weaver, Randolph, NJ Make the drummer sound good. Summit, NJ Mrs. Gerry DuBoice, Kingston, PA * Danny Zack, North Brunswick, NJ You’ve got to dig it to dig it, you dig? Ms. Sheila A. Falk, Bloomfield, NJ New Members Don’t play the piano part, I’m playing that. Don’t listen to me. Kevin Faughnan & Kris Yang, Michael Bond, Plainsboro, NJ I’m supposed to be accompanying you! Somerset, NJ Karen Frisk, Cromwell, CT * Joe Brisick, Springfield, NJ The inside of the tune (the bridge) is the part that makes the outside Mr. & Mrs. James R. Gilmartin, Mr. Orin Chait, Morristown, NJ sound good. Chatham, NJ Mr. Charles Glasser, Don’t play everything (or every time); let some things go by. Some Mr. Michael Gilroy, Wellfleet, MA * West Orange, NJ music just imagined. What you don’t play can be more important Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Gore, Martin Horowitz, Park Ridge, NJ that what you do. Scotch Plains, NJ Mr. Tom Huetz, Mt. Tabor, NJ Mrs. Doris Huyler, Morris Plains, NJ Ms. Linda Maciborski, Always leave them wanting more. Sanford Josephson, West Orange, NJ Bound Brook, NJ A note can be small as a pin or as big as the world, it depends on Jeffrey Kunkel, Maplewood, NJ * Mr. & Mrs. Anne & John Meany, Basking Ridge, NJ your imagination. Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E. Lee, Far Hills, NJ * Paul Nelson, Old Lyme, CT Stay in shape! Sometimes a musician waits for a gig, and when it Ms. Marcia Levy, Englewood, NJ comes, he’s out of shape and can’t make it. Ms. Betty Liste, Wyckoff, NJ Gus & Susan Loukedis, Montvale, NJ When you’re swinging, swing some more! Mr. & Mrs. Jeremiah Mahony, Don’t sound anybody for a gig, just be on the scene. Scotch Plains, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. McEvoy, These pieces were written so as to have something to play, and to get Ridgewood, NY cats interested enough to come to rehearsal. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Messner, Founding Member (To a drummer who didn’t want to solo): You’ve got it! If you don’t Woodcliff Lake, NJ want to play, tell a joke or dance, but in any case, you got it! Mrs. Ruth W. Morgan, Port Richey, FL * Whatever you think can’t be done, somebody will come along Anita & Ken Murski, and do it. West Milford, NJ * A genius is the one most like himself. JJ Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Paredi, Savannah, GA Bill Crow is a freelance musician and writer. His articles and reviews have appeared in John Patterson, Garwood, NJ Down Beat, The Jazz Review, and Gene Lee’s Jazzletter. His books include Jazz Anecdotes, Dr. Charles Poskanzer, Albany, NY From Birdland to Broadway and Jazz Anecdotes: Second Time Around. The preceding stories Charlton Price, Seattle, WA Building an International Jazz Community are excerpted, with permission, from Bill’s column, The Band Room in Allegro, the monthly Mrs. Suzanne La Croix Robinson, newsletter of A.F. of M. Local 802. West Orange, NJ

Got E-mail? Friends Got E-mail? Get on Board for Raffles, Freebies, Discounts! Some special offers for NJJS members are late-breaking — so please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. Some of our partners make discounts and free tickets available to us, and often we are only able to pass those deals on via our e-mail list.

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JAZZ TRIVIA ANSWERS About NJJS questions on page 4 Mission Statement: The mission of the New Jersey Jazz Society is to promote and preserve the great American musical art form known as Jazz through live jazz performances and educational outreach initiatives and scholarships. To accomplish our Mission, we produce a monthly magazine, JERSEY JAZZ, sponsor live jazz events, and provide scholarships to New Jersey college students studying 2. Mitchell-Ruff Duo, Earl Hines-Louis 6. John Kirby Sextet. jazz. Through our outreach program, “Generations of Jazz,” we go into schools to teach students about the history of jazz while engaging them in an entertaining and Armstrong, Carl Kress/Eddie Lang Duo. 7. Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven, ______interactive presentation. 3. Trio, Benny Goodman Kansas City Seven, Louis Armstrong Founded in 1972, the Society is run by a board of directors who meet monthly to Trio, Bill Evans Trio, Red Norvo Trio, Hot Seven, Woody Herman conduct the business of staging our music festivals, awarding scholarships to New Jersey college jazz students, conducting Generations of Jazz programs in local Art Tatum Trio. Woodchoppers (1941). school systems, and inducting pioneers and legends of jazz into the American Jazz Hall of Fame, among other things. The membership is comprised of jazz devotees 4. BG Quartet, Joe Mooney Quartet, 8. Dave Pell Octet. from all parts of the state, the country and the world. Quartet, Dave Brubeck The New Jersey Jazz Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust. 9. Birth of the Cool Nonet, Quartet. Visit www.njjs.org, e-mail [email protected], or call the HOTLINE 1-800-303-NJJS WH Woodchoppers (1944-46). for more information on any of our PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: 5. BG Quintet, Louis Jordan Tympany ■ Generations of Jazz (our Jazz in the Schools Program) 10. Gerry Mulligan Tentet. ■ Five, Artie Shaw Gramercy Five, Louis Jazzfest (summer jazz festival) Marty Paich Dek-tette. ■ Memorial Stomp ■ e-mail updates Armstrong Hot Five, Quintette du Hot ’Round Jersey (Regional Jazz Concert Series): Club de France, Herbie Hancock ■ Ocean County College ■ Bickford Theatre/Morris Quintet, Marty Paich Quintet, V.S.O.P. ■ Student scholarships ■ American Jazz Hall of Fame Member Benefits What do you get for your dues? ■ Jersey Jazz Journal — a monthly journal considered one of the best jazz society publications in the country, packed with feature articles, photos, jazz calendars, upcoming events and news about the NJ Jazz Society. ■ FREE Jazz Socials — See www.njjs.org and Jersey Jazz for updates. CTSIMAGES |The Face of Jazz ■ FREE Film Series — See www.njjs.org and Jersey Jazz for updates. ■ Musical Events — NJJS sponsors and co-produces a number of jazz events ICENSING ESEARCH PPRAISALS L • R • A each year, ranging from intimate concerts to large dance parties and picnics. Members receive discounts on ticket prices for the Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp and Jazzfest. Plus there’s a free concert at the Annual Meeting in December and occasionally other free concerts. Ticket discounts (where possible) apply to 2 adults, plus children under 18 years of age. Singles may purchase two tickets at member prices. ■ The Record Bin — a collection of CDs, not generally found in music stores, available at reduced prices at most NJJS concerts and events and through mail order. Contact [email protected] for a catalog. Join NJJS MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Member benefits are subject to update. ■ Family $40: See above for details. ■ NEW!! Family 3-YEAR $100: See above for details. ■ Youth $20: For people under 25 years of age. Be sure to give the year of your birth on the application where noted. ■ Give-a-Gift $20: NEW! Members in good standing may purchase one or more gift memberships at any time for only $20 each. Please supply the name and address of giftee. Good for new memberships only. ■ Supporter ($75 – $99/family) ■ Patron ($100 – $249/family) Members at Patron Level and above ■ Benefactor ($250 – $499/family) receive special benefits. These change periodically, so please ■ Angel $500+/family) } contact Membership for details. ■ © Ray Avery/CTSIMAGES.COM © Ray Corporate Membership ($100) Photo Archives include vintage Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Rock, Country/Western, To receive a membership application, Radio Personalities, Big Bands, Vocalists, Hollywood and more. for more information or to join: • PHOTOGRAPH RESEARCH • LICENSING FOR COMMERCIAL USE Contact Caryl Anne McBride Vice President, Membership • FINE ART LIMITED EDITION PRINTS • GALLERY EXHIBITIONS at 973-366-8818 or [email protected] • RECORD & PHOTOGRAPH APPRAISALS OR visit www.njjs.org OR simply send a check payable to “NJJS” to: WWW.CTSIMAGES.COM e-mail: [email protected] NJJS, c/o Mike Katz, 382 Springfield Ave., Suite 217, Summit, NJ 07901.

June 2012 ______47 JerseyEventsJazz ’Round Jersey Morris Jazz The Bickford Theater at the Morris Museum Morristown, NJ 07960 Tickets/Information: 973-971-3706 Neville Dickie The Anderson Twins Bob Seeley ondon-based stride pianist Neville Dickie has been a visitor each summer since the first L to refine their interpretations of early jazz pieces, with his steam-hammer rhythm. “His technique is jazz season at the Watchung Arts Center over 20 without resorting to slavish note-for-note amazing, especially his left hand,” attests a Dutch years ago. He remains popular with fans because recreations. reviewer. “He played two of the famous Ammons- he makes the frenzied action required of this Johnson duets from 1941 and it really sounded as enjoyable style seem almost effortless…even As you might expect, Dan Levinson is the senior if there were two pianos playing at once.” though the eye can hardly follow the motion of his member of the group, playing both clarinet and left hand! “Acclaimed on both sides of the Atlantic saxophone and These four for his brilliant Waller-style playing, Neville is also a doing the neces- String of Pearls concerts are the Boogie and Ragtime exponent, but Stride remains sary research on first of eleven his forte,” writes Eddie Cook in Jazz Journal the tune selec- that make up International. “Neville Dickie is one of the best tions. You’ll the Bickford’s practitioners of the art,” concludes Peter Silvester probably recog- annual Jazz in A Left Hand Like God, the definitive work on hot nize pianist SummerFest, piano. Draw your own conclusion when he returns Gordon with lively music to solo on Monday, June 4. Webster, bassist on an almost Rob Adkins, weekly basis. With respect to clarinetists during the swing era, drummer Kevin July keeps a the two top names were Benny Goodman and Artie Dorn and similar pace, Shaw. The Anderson Twins have presented their vocalist Molly with special Shaw tribute at festivals, clubs and halls large and Ryan from groups small, with praise coming from all quarters. “Pete previous visits assembled by and Will Anderson are virtuosos on both clarinet with other Bria Skonberg and saxophone,” writes Stephen Holden in The New groups. Trombonist Matt Musselman drew praise (famous vocal and trumpet pairings, 7/10) and York Times, describing the performance as “swing when he played here with The Cangelosi Cards, but Randy Reinhart (7/30, with Mark Shane, Matt executed with great respect.” “The highly touted hot cornetist Andy Schumm will be a new face for Anderson brothers were also exhilarating,” adds Hoffmann, Brian Nalepka, James Chirillo), the big Will Friedwald in The Wall Street Journal, “and the most local fans. Louis and Bix were quite young band sounds of the Jordan Thomas Orchestra audience response reflected that energy.” They when they heard and played related music, as were (7/16), the return of the South Shore Syncopators choose excellent sidemen too. You’ll see and hear Nick LaRocca, Larry Shields and the rest of the (1920s hot dance music, 7/23) and a new and lively Jon-Erik Kellso on trumpet, Kevin Dorn behind the ODJB, so it is entirely appropriate to have an import from Holland, the Dixie Crackerjacks (7/17). energetic youthful band celebrate this important drum set, Ehud Asherie at the piano and Clovis August tapers down a bit, allowing the Bickford Nicolas on string bass when you come to their hot jazz anniversary. staff a little vacation time. But Allan Vaché will be concert on Monday, June 18. Even a fussy fellow Appropriately, the June offerings end the next day back with some Benny Goodman material for the like Artie Shaw would have approved of what they (Tuesday, June 26) much as they began, with a Palomar Ballroom anniversary (8/7), ending with do with his best material. piano solo. Bob Seeley attracted the attention of swing selections from the 5000 tune book of the It is difficult to say exactly local fans when he emerged Full Count Big Band (8/13). All start at 8 PM and when jazz was born, but the from the crowd to play and carry the same budget pricing first recordings were made in hold the audience when Neville early 1917 by the Original Dickie’s flight was late. His Jazz For Shore Dixieland Jass Band. That’s 95 international fame is rooted in Arts & Community Center years ago, so it seems boogie-woogie, although his at Ocean County College appropriate to celebrate the stride playing is clearly excep- Toms River, NJ 08753 anniversary with the New tional. The sheer power of his Tickets/Information: 732-255-0500 Millennium Jazz Band,a “industrial strength” presenta- youthful group that captures tion led Dick Wellstood (himself une will be a double treat for downstate jazz the spirit of the music that a potent interpreter of James P. Jfans, with the String of Pearls vocal trio playing swept the nation’s young Johnson) to label Seeley “that MidWeek Jazz for the first time on Wednesday, people. They’ll be returning steel-fingered monster from June 13. Sue Halloran, Jeanne O’Connor and from the Hot Steamed Festival Detroit.” Few other octogen- Holli Ross start with the memorable music of the on Monday, June 25, so they arians have the stamina and Boswell, Andrews and McGuire Sisters — which will have that entire weekend unerring accuracy to keep pace itself is a significant accomplishment — and build Dan Levinson

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The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University– Newark is the largest and most Bucky Pizzarelli comprehensive library and archive of jazz and jazz-related materials in the world! — a valuable resource for jazz researchers, students, musicians and fans. The archives are open to the public from 9 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday, but please call and make an appointment. from there. “One of the top ten jazz events of the Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers, The State University of NJ John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102 year” declares the Schenectady Daily Gazette. They Web site: newarkwww.rutgers.edu/IJS 973-353-5595 show “an authentic and affectionate spirit with an extraordinary kaleidoscope of group singing styles,” calendar: adds WBGO’s Michael Bourne. Cadence found their free JAZZ RESEARCH ROUNDTABLES roundtables presentation “a fun session that’s very fresh and A series of lectures and discussions. Programs are free and open to the public and entertaining.” A French reviewer was effusive, take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Dana Room, 4th floor, concluding that “they responded to many curtain John Cotton Dana Library, Rutgers University, 185 University Ave., Newark, NJ. Refreshments are served. Information: 973-353-5595. Names in italics are the presenters. Financial support for the Roundtable is calls from a conquered audience.” This is a rare provided by the Rosalind & Alfred Berger Foundation. opportunity to hear this polished vocal group in a ■ watch for future listings beginning in September proper concert setting, backed by their own hand- picked trio. free CONCERTS/PERFORMANCE concerts Bucky Pizzarelli is the second attraction this Newark Jazz Legacy Concert Series, Dana Room, Dana Library, 2-4 PM month, but he is second to none in terms of filling Rutgers-Newark (free admission) 973-353-5595 This series is designed to bring to campus leading jazz soloists in duo and trio settings. Each concert will include an seats in this arena. His return appearance on interview/Q&A segment. IJS will again partner with local schools to give students an opportunity to meet and interact Wednesday, June 27 will have him surrounded by with these noted artists. Funded by a grant from the Rutgers-Newark Cultural Programming Committee. violinist Aaron Weinstein and bassist Jerry Bruno, ■ Watch for new season of free concerts. both quite familiar to the Toms River audience from previous outings. Bucky is an octogenarian who still has a full calendar that takes him around the JAZZ FROM THE ARCHIVES on Broadcast hosted by IJS Director, 2007 NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern, country and, indeed, the world. He is recognized WBGO radio every Sunday at 11:00 PM on WBGO Radio (88.3 FM). www.wbgo.org. as a jazz and swing icon, with his distinctive seven- string guitar allowing him greater latitude than ■ May 20 – Adventures of a Jazz Baron: Dan Morgenstern’s most players. Other guitarists and dedicated fans guest is Fradley Garner, translator-editor of the recently will compete for those front seats, so get your published memoirs of Timme Rosenkrantz (1911-69), who ticket orders in early for this one. Amazingly, the recorded, presented, photographed and hung out with jazz usual low prices prevail. royalty.

The intensive summer schedule will bring back Al ■ May 27 – “2 Pianos, 4 Hands, Part 3”: Join host Bill Kirchner as Harrison’s Dixieland Band on July 11, recognizing he continues his survey of piano duos such as Dick Hyman and the enthusiastic reception he and the guys got here Dick Wellstood, Brad Mehldau and Kevin Hays, Benoit Delbecq last year. The Vaché Brothers Band returns on and Andy Milne. August 8 with two acknowledged stars, cornetist ■ June 3 – TBA – Joe Peterson Warren Vaché and clarinetist Allan Vaché, sharing ■ June 10 – Queen of the Big Band Singers: Featured with Artie the leadership role. The season closes with what Shaw, Benny Goodman and Harry James, Helen Forrest merits can only be considered a grand finale, the Jazz more attention from jazz fans, says host Dan Morgenstern. Lobsters Big Band, sporting 18 pieces and an ■ June 17 – Remembering Wes: Vincent Pelote pays tribute to extensive repertoire that spans the swing era guitarst Wes Montgomery on the 44th Anniversary of his death JJ and beyond. by playing newly discovered recordings from his early years in Indianapolis. ■ June 24 – Raving About Rava: Trumpeter Enrico Rava’s music ’Round Jersey concerts are produced is examined by host Bill Kirchner. by Bruce M. Gast in conjunction with the New Jersey Jazz Society. Performance photos by Bruce Gast.

June 2012 ______49 JerseyEventsJazz You can find jazz all over the state Somewhere There’s Music in venues large and small. Here are just some of them. Listings alphabetical by town. We continually update entries. Please contact [email protected] if you know of other venues that ought to be here. Asbury Park MERION INN Garwood Hopatcong Manville ROD’S STEAK & SEAFOOD 106 Decatur St. GRILLE CHICO’S HOUSE OF JAZZ CROSSROADS PAVINCI RESTAURANT RHYTHMS OF THE NIGHT One Convent Road 609-884-8363 78 North Ave. 631 Lake Ave. 453 River Styx Road 729 S. Main Street (Madison Ave.) Jazz Piano daily 5:30 – 9:30PM 908-232-5666 732-455-5448 (973) 770-4300 908-707-8757 973-539-6666 chicoshouseofjazz.com www.xxroads.com 3rd Tuesday of the Month rhythmsofthenight.net Jazz 6 nights a week Closter Jam Session Tuesday 8:30 PM (Big Band) Open jam session THE SIDEBAR Wednesdays 7–10 PM AT THE FAMISHED FROG HOTEL TIDES HARVEST BISTRO & BAR 18 Washington St. 408 Seventh Ave. 252 Schraalenburgh Road Glen Rock Jersey City 973-540-9601 (732) 897-7744 201-750-9966 GLEN ROCK INN CASA DANTE RESTAURANTE Maplewood www.famishedfrog.com/ www.harvestbistro.com 222 Rock Road 737 Newark Ave. BURGDORF thesidebar LANGOSTA RESTAURANT Thursdays & Fridays 100 Ocean Ave. 201-445-2362 (201) 795-2750 CULTURAL CENTER (732) 455-3275 www.glenrockinn.com 10 Durand St. MADAME CLAUDE CAFÉ Mount Holly Cresskill Thursday 7 PM 973-378-2133 TIM McLOONE’S 364 Fourth St. www.artsmaplewood.org THE FIREHOUSE CAFE SUPPER CLUB GRIFFIN’S RESTAURANT (201) 876-8800 20 Washington Street 1200 Ocean Ave. 44 East Madison Ave. Hackensack PARKWOOD DINER 609-261-4502 1958 Springfield Ave. 732-744-1400 201-541-7575 MARRONE’S 160 www.thefirehousecafe.net (973) 313-3990 timmcloonessupperclub.com Every Tuesday & Wednesday 160 Prospect Ave. Lincroft Mondays (201) 880-8750 BROOKDALE COMMUNITY MOONSTRUCK COLLEGE Newark 517 Lake Ave. Cranbury SOLARI’S 765 Newman Springs Road 27 MIX (732) 988-0123 Mendham BLUE ROOSTER CAFÉ 61 River St. (732) 224-2390 27 Halsey Street 201-487-1969 BLACK HORSE TAVERN THE SAINT 17 North Main St. 973-648-9643 1st Tuesday 8:00 PM 1 West Main St. 601 Main St, (609) 235-7539 www.27mix.com Rick Visone One More Once Linden (973) 543-7300 (732) 775-9144 Big Band ROBIN’S NEST Saturday Nights BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Dunellen No cover RHYTHM & BLUES 275 Market Street Belmar ROXY & DUKES ROADHOUSE 3103 Tremley Point Road 973-623-8161 STONY HILL INN Linden, NJ 07036 Metuchen www.bethany-newark.org NICCHIO RESTAURANTE 745 Bound brook Road 231 Polifly Rd. 908-275-3043 NOVITA 1000 Main St. (732) 529-4464 NEWARK MUSEUM 201-342-4085 www.robinsnestrhythm New & Pearl Streets (732) 280-1132 49 Washington St. www.stonyhillinn.com andblues.com 732-549-5306 973-596-6550 Friday and Saturday evenings novitanj.com Edgewater STARBUCKS www.newarkmuseum.org No cover Bernardsville THE CRAB HOUSE 693 West Edger Road Summer Thursday afternoons BERNARD’S INN 541 River Road Hasbrouck Heights (908) 862-8545 (201) 840-9311 NJPAC 27 Mine Brook Road HOULIHAN’S Mondays Jazz, Thursdays Montclair 1 Center St. 908-766-0002 5 State Route 17 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL 888-466-5722 www.bernardsinn.com (201) 393-9330 Lyndhurst CHURCH www.njpac.org Monday – Saturday 6:30 PM Englewood Thursdays 40 South Fullerton Ave. Piano Bar WHISKEY CAFÉ 973-744-6560 THE PRIORY BERGEN PAC 1050 Wall St. West, 07071 233 West Market St. 30 N. Van Brunt St. Hawthorne 201-939-4889 PALAZZO RESTAURANT 973-242-8012 201-227-1030 Brooklawn ALEX BISTRO www.whiskeycafe.com 11 South Fullerton Ave. Friday 7:00 PM www.bergenpac.org BROOKLAWN AMERICAN 142 Goffle Road One Sunday/month 973-746-6778 No cover LEGION HALL swing dance + lesson Friday/Saturday 7:00 PM BLUE MOON MEXICAN CAFÉ (973) 310-3019 Browning Road & SKIPPER’S 23 E. Palisade Ave. Railroad Ave. 08030 TRUMPETS PLANE STREET PUB (201) 848-4088 856-234-5147 Highland Park Madison 6 Depot Square 304 University Ave. Sundays 973-744-2600 973-733-9300 Tri-State Jazz Society SHANGHAI JAZZ PJ’S COFFEE www.trumpetsjazz.com www.skippers usual venue 24 Main St. 315 Raritan Avenue Tuesday/Thursday/ planestreetpub.com www.tristatejazz.org 973-822-2899 Ewing 732-828-2323 Sunday 7:30 pm Some Sundays 2:00 PM www.shanghaijazz.com VILLA ROSA RESTAURANTE Sunday 1–5 PM Somerset Jazz Friday/Saturday 8:30 PM Wednesday/Thursday 7 PM 41 Scotch Road Consortium Open Jam New Brunswick Friday/Saturday 6:30 PM (609) 882-6841 DELTA’S Cape May Sunday 6 PM Montgomery 19 Dennis St. VFW POST 386 Hoboken No cover 419 Congress St. TUSK RESTAURANT 732-249-1551 Fairfield MAXWELL’S 1736 Route 206 South www.deltasrestaurant.com/nj 609-884-7961 1039 Washington St. usual venue for BRUSCHETTA RESTAURANT Mahwah (908) 829-3417 Saturdays 7–11 PM 292 Passaic Avenue 201-798-0406 Cape May Trad Jazz Society BERRIE CENTER/ THE HYATT REGENCY 973-227-6164 Every other Monday 9:00 PM PM RAMAPO COLLEGE NEW BRUNSWICK Some Sundays 2 Swingadelic live Dixieland www.bruschettarestaurant.com 505 Ramapo Valley Road Morristown 2 Albany Street Live piano bar every night www.capemaytraditional PILSENER HAUS & 201-684-7844 THE BICKFORD THEATRE 732-873-1234 jazzsociety.com BIERGARTEN www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter AT THE MORRIS MUSEUM NO COVER CALANDRA’S 5 Normandy Heights Road New Brunswick Jazz Project MEDITERRANEAN GRILLE 1422 Grand Street MAD BATTER 973-971-3706 presents live Jazz 118 US Highway 46 201-683-5465 19 Jackson St. www.morrismuseum.org Wednesdays, 7:30–10:30 PM (973) 575-6500 www.pilsenerhaus.com/ Manalapan 609-884-5970 Some Mondays 8:00 PM http://nbjp.org or 732-640-0001 Piano – Fri. & Sat. events.html MONMOUTH COUNTY Jazz at the Batter for dates/times Live music Wed & Thur, 8–12 PM, LIBRARY THE COMMUNITY THEATRE Wednesdays 7:30–10:30PM CALANDRA’S CUCINA no cover charge 125 Symmes Drive 100 South St. MAKEDA ETHIOPIAN 216-234 Route 46 RESTAURANT Sun Brunch Jazz Sessions 732-431-7220 973-539-8008 BOILER ROOM, (973) 575-7720 338 George St. CONGRESS HALL noon – 4 PM with solo TTY Hearing Impaired: www.mayoarts.org guitarist Greg Graham, 732-845-0064 732-545-5115 251 Beach Ave www.makedas.com no cover www.monmouth HIBISCUS RESTAURANT 888-944-1816 NO COVER Parking: 6 hrs for $4 just At Best Western Morristown Inn Blues and Latin Jazz Saturdays countylibrary.org New Brunswick Jazz Project July 18 – Sept. 19 across from Pilsener Haus Free monthly jazz concerts 270 South St. | 866-497-3638 presents live Jazz Thursdays, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM at 1501 Adams Street Sept.–June www.hibiscuscuisine.com 7:30 – 10:30 PM Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun brunch

Since music offerings frequently change, we recommend you call venue to confirm there is live music at the time you plan to visit.

50 ______June 2012 JerseyEventsJazz

Tell them you saw it in Jersey Jazz!

We want to include any locale that offers jazz on a regular, ongoing basis. Also please advise us of any errors you’re aware of in these listings. STATE THEATRE SALT CREEK GRILLE Somerville Succasunna VAN GOGH’S EAR CAFÉ WESTFIELD JAZZ FESTIVAL 15 Livingston Ave. 1 Rockingham Row, 1017 Stuyvesant Ave. 4 Street Locations VERVE RESTAURANT ROXBURY ARTS ALLIANCE 732-246-7469 Forrestal Village 908-810-1844 (908) 789-9444 18 East Main St. Horseshoe Lake Park Complex www.statetheatrenj.org 609-419-4200 www.vangoghsearcafe.com Tuesdays (June-Sept) 908-707-8605 72 Eyland Ave. www.saltcreekgrille.com Sundays 8 PM TUMULTY’S www.vervestyle.com (201) 745-7718 $3 cover 361 George St WITHERSPOON GRILL Occasional Thursdays 6 PM West Orange 732-545-6205 57 Witherspoon Street Fridays/Saturdays 8:30 PM New Brunswick Jazz Project 609-924-6011 Summit HIGHLAWN PAVILION presents live Jazz & Jam www.jmgroupprinceton.com Verona Eagle Rock Reservation REEVES-REED ARBORETUM Session Tuesdays 8–11 PM Tuesday night jazz 6:30–9:30 PM MIELE’S (973) 731-3463 South Brunswick 165 Hobart Ave. http://nbjp.org for dates/times 125 Bloomfield Ave. Fridays JAZZ CAFÉ (908) 273-8787 (973) 239-3363 South Brunswick (Dayton) Summer Series Rahway Fridays LUNA STAGE New Providence Municipal Complex 555 Valley Road UNION COUNTY SUMMIT UNITARIAN CHURCH 540 Ridge Road (973)395-5551 PONTE VECCHIO PERFORMING ARTS 4 Waldron Ave. RISTORANTE CENTER 732-329-4000 ext. 7635 Watchung At Best Western Murray Hill Inn 1601 Irving Street [email protected] Sunday McCLOONE’S BOATHOUSE 535 Central Ave. www.ucpac.org first Friday every month WATCHUNG ARTS CENTER 9 Cherry Lane (Northfield Ave) 908-464-4424 732.499-0441 $5 admission includes light 18 Stirling Road (862) 252-7108 Monthly Jazz Nights (Call for schedule) refreshments Teaneck 908-753-0190 3rd Saturday of each month THE JAZZBERRY PATCH AT [email protected] 6:30–9:30 PM THE CLASSIC QUICHE CAFE www.watchungarts.org Wood Ridge Red Bank South Orange 330 Queen Anne Rd. Jazz programming; MARTINI GRILL Teaneck, NJ 07666 check for details COUNT BASIE THEATRE ABOVE RESTAURANT 187 Hackensack St. Newton 201-692-0150 99 Monmouth St. 1 South Orange Ave. 201-939-2000 TRINITY LOUNGE MySpace.com/thejazzberrypatch 732-842-9000 (973) 762-2683 Friday–Saturday 173 Spring St. No cover Friday nights. Wayne Fridays (973) 940-7916 ”JAZZ IN THE PARK” WILLIAM PATERSON PUFFIN CULTURAL FORUM Fridays Riverside Park PAPILON 25 UNIVERSITY 20 East Oakdene Ave. 732-530-2782 25 Valley St. 300 Pompton Road 201-836-8923 (973) 761-5299 973-720-2371 MOLLY PITCHER INN North Branch ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN www.wpunj.edu 88 Riverside Ave. SOUTH ORANGE STONEY BROOK GRILLE CHURCH Sunday 4:00 PM (800)221-1372 PERFORMING ARTS 1285 State Hwy 28 CENTER 61 Church St. (201) 837-3189 (908) 725-0011 OYSTER POINT HOTEL One SOPAC Way Weehawken 146 Bodman Place 973-235-1114 Sundays (800) 345-3484 SPIRIT OF NEW JERSEY Oakland ULTRABAR KITCHEN 1500 Harbor Blvd. & COCKTAILS 866-483-3866 HANSIL’S BAR AND GRILL South River 400 Cedar Lane Somewhere There’s www.spiritofnewjersey.com 7 Ramapo Valley Rd. Sewell LATAVOLA CUCINA 201-357-8618 201-337-5649 Monthly Jazz Cruise; Music is new and TERRA NOVA RISTORANTE Call for Dates 590 Delsea Drive 700 Old Bridge Turnpike improved, thanks Orange 856-589-8883 South River, NJ 08882 Tom’s River http://terranova 732-238-2111 to the effort of NJJS HAT CITY KITCHEN OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE West Orange restaurantbar.com www.latavolacucinanj.com/ FINE ARTS CENTER 459 Valley St. Fridays & Saturdays Live Jazz The New World Order College Drive WHOLE FOODS MARKETS board member (862) 252-9147 Open Jam Session 732-255-0400 Baldwin Jazz Piano Series Tuesday, 6-8 PM/Free Stew Schiffer, PRIVATE PLACE LOUNGE Every Thursday 7:30-11 PM. www.ocean.edu/campus/ 29 South Center St. Somerset No cover, half-price drink specials fine_arts_center who recently took (973) 675-6620 SOPHIE’S BISTRO Some Wednesdays Westfield 700 Hamilton Street on the task of 732-545-7778 Spring Lake Heights 16 PROSPECT WINE BAR & BISTRO Princeton NO COVER THE MILL Trenton confirming each 16 Prospect St. 07090 MCCARTER THEATRE New Brunswick Jazz Project 101 Old Mill Road CANDLELIGHT LOUNGE 908-232-7320 and every entry, 91 University Place presents live Jazz Fridays (732) 449-1800 24 Passaic St www.16prospect.com 609-258-2787 8–11 PM www.jazztrenton.com Jazz on Tue-Wed-Thu | 8 PM fearlessly cleaning http://nbjp.org or 732.640.0001 609-695-9612 MEDITERRA for dates/times Stanhope Saturdays 3–7 PM 29 Hulfish St. THE OFFICE BAR & GRILL house after 609-252-9680 STANHOPE HOUSE 411 North Ave. 45 Main St. (908) 232-1207 many years of NO COVER Union www.terramomo.com/ (973) 347-7777 accumulated restaurant/mediterra Blues CAFÉ Z SORRENTO RESTAURANTE 2333 Morris Ave. 631 Central Ave. dust and debris. (908) 686-4321 (908) 301-1285 Thurs. & Fri. Thanks, Stew!

The Name Dropper Recommendations may be sent to [email protected]. At the Glen Rock Inn, 6/29 JACK WILKINS Radam Schwartz on the Hammond B3 Organ and Atkinson Qt…and at the Hyatt, 6/6 vocalist Vanessa & HOWARD ALDEN. Victor Jones on the Drums; every Wed. Russ Brown Perea & band; 6/13 Saxophonist Sharel Cassity Qt.; vocals, Dan Kostalnik organ, Matt Chertkoff guitar, 6/20 Vocalist Najwa Parkins featuring Luke Brandon At the Whiskey Cafe in Lyndhurst 6/10 James L. Dean Steve Phillips on the drums. on trumpet, Dan Hanrahan on guitar and Justin Big Band; dance lesson 6pm Sekelewski on bass. In New Brunswick, at Makeda, 6/7 Drummer Chris At Skipper’s in Newark, every Sun. Jazz Matinee Brown Qt; 6/14 Drummer Rudy Royston Qt; 6/21 Swingadelic at Swing 46 NYC every Sunday in June, features well-known regional artists; every Mon. Live Organist Akiko Tsuruga Qt; 6/28 Drummer Andrew and at Pilsener Haus Hoboken 6/14. Jazz Jam hosted by Eugene “Goldie” Goldston!, Also visit Andy McDonough’s njjazzlist.com

June 2012 ______51 c/o New Jersey Jazz Society PERIODICALS Michael A. Katz Time Value Material 382 Springfield Ave., Suite 217 Deliver Promptly Postage PAID at Summit NJ 07901 West Caldwell, NJ Send all address changes and additional to the address above mailing offices

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