Volume 35 • Issue 06 JerseyJazz June 2007 Journal of the New Jersey Jazz Society Dedicated to the performance, promotion and preservation of jazz.

Jazzfest Is Here! flight jazz artists presenting con- We Like Jazz he New Jersey Jazz Society’s 35th tinuous music from Tanniversary summer jazz festival noon to 6 PM Saturday and Sunday at and picnic is all set for the weekend of three venues on the Drew campus. in June… June 9–10 at Drew University in The sanofi-aventis Jazzfest Saturday Madison, NJ. The state’s oldest jazz artists include: the Winard Harper How About festival will feature more than 60 top Sextet, Five Play, Hendrik Meurkens’s You? continued on page 21

Five Play

JAZZFEST Jazzfest facts, PREVIEW hot off the press. See pp 2, 8, 10 and ad p 3

ARTICLES REVIEWS Shanghai Jazz ...... 7 in this issue: Classic Stine ...... 9 Sonny Rollins at NJPAC...... 30 Lana’s Fine Dining ...... 11 NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY Crow’s Nest ...... 9 CDs+ DVD: Other Views...... 34 Grove Street Stompers ...... 12 Pres Sez/NJJS Calendar & Bulletin Board. . . 2 Jazzfest Preview: The Tent...... 10 Oosterdam Jazz Cruise ...... 38 Newark Museum Jazz in the Garden . . . 15 Salt Creek Grille ...... 17 The Mail Bag...... 4 Big Band in the Sky ...... 13 EVENTS Jazz Trivia ...... 4 Trumpets ...... 27 Dan’s Den ...... 18 Toots Thielemans at the Blue Note . . . . . 42 Stonefire Grille ...... 29 Editor’s Pick/Deadlines/NJJS info...... 6 Jazz U: College Jazz Scene ...... 20 Institute of Jazz Studies...... 43 Jazzdagen Tours ...... 31 Notes from the Music Committee ...... 8 NJJS Honors Frank Sinatra, Jr...... 21 ’Round Jersey: Bridgewater, Morris, Ocean . . . . 44 Jazz at Chautauqua ...... 35 In the Mainstream ...... 40 Benny Carter ...... 22 Somewhere There’s Music ...... 46 CTS Images...... 36 Riverboat Swing ...... 37 New Board Member C. Lanneaux ...... 40 The Name Dropper ...... 47 Generations of Jazz...... 26 Arbors Records ...... 39 New Members ...... 41 Coleman/Coltrane Win Pulitzers...... 28 ADVERTISERS Laura Hull ...... 48 About NJJS/Membership Info ...... 41 Savannah—King Oliver...... 28 Cornerstone ...... 5 Weichert Realtors...... 48 New JerseyJazzSociety

NJJS Calendar Sunday May 20 2007 MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING Trumpets/Montclair see p 8

Sunday May 20 Prez Sez Swing dance field trip Lyndhurst see p 2 By Andrea Tyson President, NJJS

Saturday June 2 2007 Free pre-Jazzfest concert Duke Ellington Legacy Band won’t go into details about Jazzfest; really enjoyed the show and the with Ed Polcer and His All-Stars IJoe Lang has done a fantastic job in venue, as you should know, is Drew Univ./Madison that area. But here we are and we’re gorgeous. What a gem in the crown of see pp 2, 8 & ad p 3 very excited. New venue, great line-up the Jersey jazz scene. And right down Saturday/Sunday — what more could we ask for? Good weather — the street a brand new supper club, The Key Club, June 9/10 2007 ah, yes, that’s a good idea to put on my wish list. has opened, offering jazz, too. We were fortunate Jazzfest But we’re OK putting on performances in two Winard Harper Sextet, Midiri enough to attend recently and met owner Elliott Brothers Band, Earl May Quintet, indoor venues and one large, comfortable tent so James. They’re just getting their sea legs but for Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz rain or shine — we’re psyched. Please join us, after being open only one month, the place looks great, Quintet, Sarah Partridge Group, Madison’s art show during the day, at Drew on Bob Dorough Trio, Ken Peplowski especially the series of artworks on the walls by Saturday evening, June 2 starting at 6 PM, for a free Quintet, Dick Meldonian Big Bradford Brown. His jazz art is unique and his Band, Five Play, Nilson Matta’s pre-Jazzfest concert. We’ve lined up Ed Polcer’s gallery is in East Orange. So, get out, go to NJPAC, Brazilian Voyage Band with Harry All-Stars and the Ellington Legacy Jazz Band. head over to the Key Club and enjoy a day/evening Allen, Jay Leonhart Trio, Nancy Then, on June 5, we’ve scheduled a concert led by Nelson Group. of jazz in Newark. There’s ample parking right Drew Univ./Madison Pam Purvis on the Rooke Family Plaza at across the street and the people-watching outside see pp 8, 10 and ad p 3 Morristown Memorial Hospital for the patients, is terrific. hospital employees and family members of Saturday June 30 2007 ■ Also, we caught Sol Yaged at Richie Cecere’s Bridgewater see ad p 33 & p 44 patients as part of a Jazz and Blues on the Roof Summer Concert Series. Finally, on June 9 and 10, in Montclair. Sol is still formidable after all these Saturday July 21 2007 for the heart of the matter — Jazzfest! We’re years. His band was swingin’ and the dance floor Bridgewater see ad p 33 & p 44 honoring Evelyn Self of sanofi-aventis on her was crowded. Saturday August 11 2007 retirement and for her years of support and ■ Bridgewater see ad p 33 & p 44 All the people who flowed into Rutgers sponsorship of NJJS. Also, we’re honoring Hot University’s Nicholas Music Hall for Frank Saturday September 8 2007 House Magazine for 25 years of service to the jazz Bridgewater see ad p 33 & p 44 Sinatra, Jr. on April 10 had a ball! The music and community. What an achievement. Gwen Calvier, the performer made for just a totally enjoyable Saturday September 15 2007 Hot House President, will be on hand to accept the evening. We were delighted with Frank’s stage JazzFeast award. I look forward to seeing everybody. Princeton (details TBA) presence and how he deferred to the student ■ Since our last chat I’ve been to NJPAC for a musicians. NJJS Vice President Mike Katz Sunday September 23 2007 MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING tribute performance to Ray Charles. The audience presented Sinatra with an NJJS lifetime Trumpets/Montclair continued on page 40 Sunday September 30 2007 NJJS 35th Anniversary Dinner Dance The Pines Manor, Edison NJJS Bulletin Board (details TBA) Jazzfest Hospitality the Patron level or above, see page 41 in Jersey Jazz. So if you haven’t already, Sunday October 21 2007 Tent for Patrons and for information. We thank you for your please send your e-mail address to MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING Above extra support of NJJS. [email protected]. Trumpets/Montclair Calling all NJJS Patrons, Benefactors and Got E-mail? JazzDance Angels! Come to the membership table Let us know you’re interested in dancing! Sunday November 18 2007 We may not have your e-mail address, to be escorted to the Hospitality Tent Contact Linda at [email protected] MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING where you’ll enjoy food and champagne, especially if you joined before 2005. or 201-306-2769. YOU DON’T NEED A Trumpets/Montclair see and chat with musicians at this year’s Some special offers for NJJS members PARTNER. ALL AGES WELCOME. NO Jazzfest. If you’re not yet a member at are late-breaking, not possible to include EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.Tell a friend!

2 June 2007 JerseyJazz New JerseyJazzSociety

9 SUNDAY, J SATURDAY, JUNE Gates open at 11:00 am —UNE Music 10begins at noon Gates open at 11:00 am — Music begins at noon The Ken Peplowski Quintet The Winard Harper Sextet The Dick Meldonian Big Band The Midiri Brothers Band The Earl May Quintet Five Play Featuring Houston Person Hendrik Meurkens’ Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage Band Samba Jazz Quintet featuring Harry Allen Sarah Partridge and her Trio Nancy Nelson Group The Bob Dorough Trio The Jay Leonhart Trio

June 2007 JerseyJazz 3 New JerseyJazzSociety

The Mail Bag

MANY THANKS TO NJJS for the I have to tell you I still pay my It takes a writer with the word two-column space. Focus on opportunity to attend the Sonny dues to the New Jersey Jazz Society power and perspective of Jack melodic, understandable modern Rollins Concert at the NJPAC by — (the last 20 years). I was afraid Stine to give us more insight into compositions and their players. It being one of the Trivia Contest it was going to disappear from departed figures that get multiple follows: you run obits on advanced winners. Sonny Rollins plays what this world. coverage. In April, Stine offers a players like Michael Brecker, then I think is considered “Hard Bop,” The new magazine Jersey Jazz is fetching remembrance of Whitney why not recognize the living Baby Boomer and European players, as which I hadn’t been too familiar wonderful and gives me great hope Balliett — The New Yorker jazz Zwerin suggests? with, so it was a good learning for the future of our still terrific writer and amateur pianist whose experience for me. music! Keep up the good work! career is covered in “Big Band in John Farina Atlantic City, NJ Alec Vinopal Shirley Cook the Sky” in the same issue. I had Union, NJ Hackensack no idea that Balliett was treated [To some degree, we’re in the hands badly by his recent editors, who, of our contributors. We welcome WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME at LOOKING THROUGH BACK ISSUES according to Terry Teachout, did your suggestions for coverage and the [Sonny Rollins] concert and of Jersey Jazz, I see an ongoing not grasp “the significance of his the topics you’d like to see in the ate in the Ironbound district first, emphasis on the good old days and work.” That, rather than his long journal. For example, as we also great fun. The venue was jazzfolk. In April, there is Dan fatal illness, may have been what continue to expand the scope of JJ, pretty impressive too and there Morgenstern on teaching jazz kept Balliett out of The New we plan also to include more one- was a first-rate free jazz group pre- history. There is a long though Yorker for too long — if we can on-one interviews with today’s show. The place was pretty much interesting feature on The Peabody, believe Teachout, who is Stine’s working music makers. Thanks for sold out. Driving in we heard an a dance from the 1920s to 1940s. source on this. your interest. —Editor] interview with the guitarist on “Willy ‘The Lion’ Smith” is a Apropos my point, however, see NOTICE [RE. MR. RIPMASTER’S WBGO, which increased the charming recollection of the how Stine closes his column: NEW BIOGRAPHY OF WILLIS “event” feel of the excursion. Harlem scene of 70-plus years ago. “There’s a saying I’ve heard old CONOVER]: Due to the fact that Max Webb, “Jazz Trivia” always seems to ask jazzmen repeat: He was a good iUniverse, publisher of Willis Arlington, VA historical questions. The obituaries man, but he’s been here and gone. Conover: Broadcasting Jazz to the column covers the departed a Even Whitney Balliett could not World, used an uncorrected [Mr. Vinopal and Mr. Webb were couple of months after they’re have said it better.” Like the proof, a corrected edition of the the lucky winners of a contest NJJS gone, which is good. jazzfolk who leave their recorded biography will be available in June. conducted in April via e-mail. We But long testimonials to departed music for eternity, Whitney Balliett I apologize to those who ordered congratulate them and urge all artists — especially more than one left 15 books, including his master- copies with the errors. members to get on board the e-mail to the same person, in the same work, Journal of Jazz (2000). Terence Ripmaster train!] issue, many weeks after they’ve They’ve been here, left their mark, and gone. What’s new? WHEN I WAS 15 I GOT HOOKED passed on, add to the impression Margaret Van Bergen ON SWING — Benny Goodman that JJ is more memorial than re- and all that Jazz…in Washington, portorial. People who don’t read the Greenwood, NJ DC. I’m now an 84-year-old national trade publications (Down I AGREE WITH MIKE ZWERIN that Grandma, no longer driving or Beat, Jazziz, Jazz Times) or follow Jersey Jazz concentrates on trad to able to get to Watchung or the the webzines (All About Jazz.com swing jazz, giving JJ “the good old many other venues I attended over and a growing number of others) days” scope. Why not start the years. Friends I used to travel may even get the idea that jazz, like covering the 1950–2007 scene? with are all gone. Cubism, is an art of the past. Maybe “From Bop to Now” in a

Don Johnson

Jazz Trivia By O. Howie Ponder II Questions

1. Oscar Levant called this pianist “The Black 3. Charlie Parker died on March 12, 1955. 5. It was simply known as US Navy Band 501 at Horowitz.” Who was he? What was he doing at the time he died? its commissioning in November, 1942, but it was special because of its leader and some of its Who said ”I made the tenor sax. There’s Although better known for his piano playing, 2. 4. musicians. Who were they? nobody plays like me and I don’t play like anybody Earl Hines played a major role in giving three else.” famous singers their early starts. Can you name them? answers on page 36

4 June 2007 JerseyJazz The CORNERSTONE Café and Bistro 25 New Street, Metuchen, NJ The best in live jazz in Central New Jersey.

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June 2007 JerseyJazz 5 New JerseyJazzSociety

The Editor’s Pick JerseyJazz The Journal By Tony Mottola Jersey Jazz Editor of the New Jersey Jazz Society Volume 35 • Issue 6 “Playing ‘bop’ is like playing Scrabble Jersey Jazz (ISSN 000-004) is published eleven times per year for members of The New Jersey Jazz Society, PO Box 410, with all the vowels missing.” Brookside, NJ 07926. Membership fee is $40/year. Periodical postage paid at Morristown, NJ 07960. – Duke Ellington Postmaster: send address changes to PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410. t happens to all of us sooner debuted to an audience near-riot overlooks the affinity more than or later. Some new music that led the composer to flee to a few Trad icons had for smoking All contents ©2007 New Jersey Jazz Society. Icomes along and we just don’t safety backstage. marijuana. Tony Mottola Editor get it. Moreover, we don’t want 27 Upper Mountain Ave. Or how about Thelonious Monk’s It seems we all like jazz, we just Montclair, NJ 07042 to get it. For my father (and lots take on Ornette Coleman: “Man, can’t agree on what the good 973-509-9437 E-mail: [email protected] of others I’m sure) that line in that cat is nuts.” stuff is. Being dedicated, as the sand was drawn at Hip Hop. Jersey Jazz is, to “the perform- Linda Lobdell Art Director/Associate Editor What brings these things to mind 352 Highland Ave. “It’s not Rap, it’s crap,” he ance, promotion and preserva- is some of the chirping we hear Newark, NJ 07104 declared, or words to that effect. tion of jazz” takes in a lot of 201-306-2769 around the virtual halls of Jersey territory and — in our view — E-mail: [email protected] His own father had big problems Jazz. “Too much Trad and offers an opportunity to explore Fradley Garner International Editor with Louis Armstrong, back in attention to the deceased” is one E-mail: [email protected] the past, present and future of the day, when his young teenage refrain, accompanied by a call for the music without a lot of labels John Maimone Entertainment Contributor son played some early Satchmo more “Bop to now” coverage — 908-753-6722 or a pre-conceived agenda. sides on the family Victrola. well, as long as it’s “melodic” and E-mail: [email protected] “understandable.” On the other Hopefully no one feels left out. Fred McIntosh Entertainment Contributor “Well, he can play the trumpet hand we read that the dope- We do, by the way, take 201-784-2182 a little, but he shouldn’t be E-mail: [email protected] addicted Beboppers “wrecked requests. So let us know what allowed to sing.” jazz,” with their chromaticism you think is missing from the NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY And then there’s Igor Stravinsky, and demonic ensembles, which Jersey Jazz stew and we’ll try OFFICERS 2007 whose ballet The Rite of Spring by the way conveniently and mix it in. JJ Andrea Tyson President 110 Haywood Ave. Piscataway, NJ 08854 732-356-3626

None of the above is meant to say there’s anything wrong with strong opinions. Mike Katz Vice President 908-273-7827 They seem, in fact, to be out of vogue in jazz coverage these days. It wasn’t Kate Casano Treasurer always so. In its heyday Downbeat Magazine was full of controversy and 732-905-9063 stinging criticisms. For a taste of the good old days check out Charles Mingus’s Caryl Anne McBride Membership Chairperson Blindfold Test in the magazine from 1960 at this link: 973-366-8818 www.mingusmingusmingus.com/Mingus/blindfold.html. Al Parmet Recording Secretary 908-522-1163 Jack Stine President Emeritus Tune Us In to Your E-mail Address! Some special offers for NJJS members 908-658-3515 are late-breaking, not possible to include in Jersey Jazz or to do a separate postal mailing. We only have Joe Lang Past President e-mail addresses for about a third of our members, and only began collecting addresses regularly in 2005. 973-635-2761 So if you haven’t already — please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. Also keep us informed DIRECTORS if your e-mail changes. We want to be sure you get the message when we have something special to say! Len Carlson, Carolyn Clemente, Joanne Day, Laura Hull, Mike Katz, Claudette Lanneaux, Sheilia Lenga, Bruce Lundvall, Vincent Mazzola, Advertising Rates Quarter page: $50; Half page $75; Full page $100. 10% discount on repeat ads. Fred McIntosh, Frank Mulvaney, Stan Myers, To place an ad, please send a check made payable to NJJS Frank Nissel, Jack Sinkway, Marcia Steinberg, Elliott Tyson, Jackie Wetcher, Paul White, to Kate Casano, 274 Jackson Pines Rd, Jackson, NJ 08527; please indicate size and issue. Tony Mottola (Ex-officio) Contact [email protected] or 201-306-2769 for technical information. NJJS Deadlines The deadline for submission of material for upcoming issues is as follows: ADVISORS July/August issue: May 26, 2007 • September issue: July 26, 2007 Jeff Atterton, Amos Kaune, Bob Porter NOTE: EARLY SUBMISSIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. Website: www.njjs.org E-mail: [email protected] Hotline: 1-800-303-NJJS • (1-800-303-6557)

Jersey Jazz welcomes your comments on any article or editorial. To join the NJJS, send a $40 check payable to “NJJS” to: Comments? Send e-mail to [email protected] or mail to The Editor (see masthead NJJS Membership, PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410. this page for address). Include your name and geographical location.

6 June 2007 JerseyJazz SHANGHAI Restaurant JAZZ and bar 24 Main St. (Rt. 124), Madison, NJ 07940 973.822.2899 • [email protected]

Thank you LIVE JAZZ FIVE NIGHTS Down Beat Magazine for a WEEK & NO COVER (except special events) again in 2007 naming SHANGHAI JAZZ one Highlights, end of May, & June 2007: of the TOP 100 JAZZ wed 5/23: FRANK MORGAN CLUBS IN THE thur 5/24: SARAH PARTRIDGE WORLD!!! fri & sat 5/25 & 26: MICHAEL CARVIN QUARTET wed 5/30: TOMOKO OHNO New Jersey’s thur 5/31: LARRY HAM “Top Jazz Club” fri 6/1: MISHA PIATAGORSKY — Star Ledger sat 6/2: KEITH INGHAM sun 6/3: MARLENE VER PLANCK wed 6/6: HARRY ALLEN ZAGAT 2005/06: thur 6/7: MORRIS NANTON “If you are looking for fri & sat top-flight live jazz 6/8 & 9: BILLY DRUMMOND look no further than tues & wed this Madison 6/12 & 13: JOHN PIZZARELLI by reservation only; $89/person dinner and show (not including drinks, tax and gratuity) restaurant-cum-club, fri 6/15: JERRY VEZZA where there’s no cover wed 6/20: DEREK SMITH and you’re always Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM treated like a favorite Friday and Saturday two seatings: 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM customer.” Sunday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for latest schedules and updates, ”It’s a true night out please visit www.shanghaijazz.com on the town.” Please note: We take reservations by telephone only 973.822.2899 and not by e-mail.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 7 New JerseyJazzSociety

Notes from the Music Committee

By Joe Lang NJJS Music Committee Chair

■ With the sanofi-aventis Jazzfest 2007 providing the sounds for the second set. on the horizon our efforts are concen- Do not be surprised if the third set finds trated on that event. In this and the prior some of the Ellington cats joining in with Who plays where, and when. Tentative schedule. two issues, I’ve given detailed information Polcer’s crew for some real fireworks. With SATURDAY about the groups taking part. The ad in great music and a price that cannot be this issue gives all of the particulars about beat (free), there is no excuse not to TENT Sets 1 and 2 ...... Winard Harper Sextet time, place and prices. As a lead-in to make the scene. Sets 3 and 4 ...... The Midiri Brothers Band Jazzfest, we will be presenting a free ■ This issue will probably arrive after the Set 5 ...... J.P. Stevens High School Jazz Band concert at Drew University starting at 6 PM fact, but if it arrives surprisingly early, on Saturday, June 2. The concert will be CONCERT HALL please remember the Member’s Meeting at held in the field in front of the Tilghman Sets 1 and 3 ...... Five Play Trumpets on May 20. The subject will be House building, the first building on the Sets 2 and 4 ...... Hendrik Meurkens “The College Jazz Scene in New Jersey.”A right as you enter the campus from Route ...... Samba Jazz Quintet panel, comprised of Ralph Bowen of 124 onto Lancaster Road. There will not be BLACK BOX THEATRE Rutgers University, Ed Joffe of New Jersey any seating provided but you are welcome Sets 1 and 4 ...... Sarah Partridge and Her Trio City University, Dennis DiBlasio of Rowan to bring folding chairs or a blanket. In the Sets 2 and 3 ...... Bob Dorough Trio University, David Demsey of William event of inclement weather the concert will Paterson University, and Anthony Branker be held in gymnasium of the Simon of Princeton University, will be moderated Forum and Athletic Center located at the SUNDAY by Board member Frank Mulvaney. Each rear of the back parking lot. of these gentlemen chair the Jazz Studies TENT Ed Polcer and His Jazz All-Stars and the programs at their respective universities, Sets 1 and 2...... Ken Peplowski Quintet Duke Ellington Legacy Band are the and will present a comprehensive picture Sets 3 and 4 ...... Dick Meldonian Big Band Set 5 ...... High School Jazz Band TBA featured acts for the free June 2 show. of the classroom and performance Ed Polcer’s group will feature Polcer on approaches taken at each school. These CONCERT HALL cornet, Dan Levinson on reeds, Vincent meetings are free to members. Non-mem- Sets 1 and 3 ...... Earl May Quintet Gardner on trombone, James Chirillo on bers are welcomed for a fee of $10, appli- ...... featuring Houston Person guitar, Matt Hoffman on vibes, Mark cable to a membership should the guest Sets 2 and 4 ...... Nilson Matta Brazilian Voyage ...... Band featuring Harry Allen Shane on piano, Frank Tate on bass, Tony opt to join NJJS. There is a social hour BLACK BOX THEATRE Jefferson on drums and Judy Kurtz on from 2 – 3 PM, and the program takes place Sets 1 and 4 ...... Nancy Nelson Trio vocals. Members of the Ellington group are between 3 and 5 PM. Food and beverages Sets 2 and 3 ...... Jay Leonhart Trio leader Edward Kennedy Ellington II on are available for purchase. The meetings guitar, musical director Virginia Mayhew are proving to be both entertaining and Set Times on sax, Wycliffe Gordon on trombone, educational. Please take advantage of this Mark McGowan on trumpet, Jeb Patton terrific benefit of NJJS membership. SET 1 – 12:00 – 1:00 PM on piano, Tom DiCarlo on bass, Paul Wells SET 2 – 1:20 – 2:20 PM I expect that by the next issue we will have on drums and Nancy Reed on vocals. the programs for the fall meetings final- SET 3 – 2:40 – 3:40 PM These are two exciting groups guaranteed ized, and I shall fill you in about them at SET 4 – 4:00 – 5:00 PM to provide a steady flow of wonderful jazz. that time. PM The Polcer group will play the first and SET 5 – 5:15 – 6:00 third sets, with the Ellington group SEE YOU AT JAZZFEST! JJ

Mark your Free concert: Jazzfest 2007 Jazz Dinner Calendar for Ellington June 9 & 10 featuring

Jazzfest Legacy Patrons/Benefactors Carrie Jackson Week: Band/Polcer welcome to Hospitality at Hamilton All-Stars Tent. See page 2. Park Hotel June 2 June 9

8 June 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyArticlesJazz

Classic Stine

By Jack Stine NJJS President Emeritus

he articles that Philip Larkin wrote for heated on this, it’s because I love jazz, the workshops these days. I think I’ve stumbled Tthe British Daily Telegraph during the jazz of Armstrong and Bechet and Ellington on to something that may help. 1960s comprise one of the most comprehen- and Bessie Smith and Beiderbecke. To have it In 1924, Stefan Banach and Alfred Tarski, sive surveys of the golden years of jazz that all destroyed by a paranoiac drug-addict two celebrated mathematicians, worked out have survived. Members of NJJS will find made me furious….” something they called the Banach-Tarski them particularly good reading because, This pronouncement, coming from Larkin was Paradox. Briefly, it stated that it is possible unless I’ve seriously misread the preference of to be about his last utterance on behalf of jazz. to take a solid sphere, cut it up into a finite the bulk of our membership, his likes and From that point on, he retired to the safer number of pieces, re-arrange them, using prejudices are pretty much in line with those environs of his beloved jazz recordings, content only rotations and translations, and re- that have kept the Society alive for the past 30 assemble them into two identical copies of years or so. He wrote of the thrill of discovery in the knowledge that he’d fought the good fight for something he dearly cared about. the original. I wonder if Banach and Tarski in his youth of the music of Bechet, had something like a John Coltrane solo Armstrong, Condon, and Waller and charted I’m writing these lines during the week that in mind when they thought this one up. JJ the course of jazz through the curve of the the 2007 Pulitzer Prizes for artistic achieve- 1930s. There seemed to be no reason to ment were announced, and Philip Larkin expect that jazz as he had always loved it would have had a few things to say about would not continue on its own merry way, the awards given to Ornette Coltrane and, picking up new, great performers as the years posthumously, to John Coltrane. As From the went by. I think this is pretty much what we Whitney Balliett wrote in 1968, “The late at NJJS had hoped would be true after the John Coltrane had become a messiah by the Crow’s unpleasant intrusion of World War II had time of his death….He had won all the Nest been settled once and for all. If only it had awards, popular and critical; he was even been so. elected to the Down Beat Hall of Fame.” By Bill Crow In combing the ashes that remained of pre- Balliett went on to say that in his last years. war jazz, Larkin wrote, “What claimed to be Coltrane’s music had attained a religious ave Carey was with the Sinatra orchestra succeeding it grew more and more astrin- quality and he talked more and more about Dthe first time Frank Sinatra Jr. took the gently chaotic.” Quoting James Lincoln uplifting people through his music. “He had baton for a concert. He told me that Sinatra Collier, he continued, “Music in which we a blank, aggressive tone, and in his moments senior rehearsed the entire book that day, cannot find some principle of order, which of frenzy, which were frequent, he repeated which was unusual. The band enjoyed seems to lack relationships, will make us series of manic shrieks, wails, and screams playing all that good music, and the young anxious. We stop concentrating on it, our that hurt the ear and stopped the mind….In Sinatra got to hear everything his father minds drift away; we become, as we term it, a recording he brought together two trum- might sing, and to practice conducting it all. ‘bored.’” This was written in 1984 as Larkin peters, five saxophonists, two bassists, a That night, the fledgling conductor was very looked back on his own pieces written some pianist, and a dummer. And they played a nervous. He gave the orchestra a miscue in 20 years before. He saw no reason to alter or racking non-stop thirty-eight minute piece the middle of one number, and things got so recant some of his more pithy observations that alternated between jittery solos and confused that Sinatra stopped singing and as jazz left the mainstream and plunged into demonic free-form ensembles. Moreover, he cut off the band. He handed the microphone the dangerous waters of “progressive” or believed that long-windedness is not the to his son and said, “Here, you sing, and I’ll “existential” jazz. soul of boredom, for sometimes his solos conduct,”Young Frank sang nicely, Frank went on for forty-five minutes.” Plenty of In an interview published in the Paris Review senior conducted very well, and that was people went for it, and still do, and of such JJ (the interviewer was Robert Phillips), Larkin how they finished the number. stuff are Pulitzer Prizes made. was quoted: “Charlie Parker wrecked jazz — Bill Crow is a freelance musician and writer. His or so they tell me — using the chromatic This month I’ve cheated a little, letting articles and reviews have appeared in Down rather than the diatonic scale. The diatonic Philip Larkin and Whitney Balliett, in Beat, The Jazz Review, and Gene Lee’s Jazzletter. scale is what you use if you want to write a quotations from various published pieces, His books include Jazz Anecdotes and Jazz national anthem, or a love song, or a lullaby. do most of the work. But I wouldn’t want Anecdotes: Second Time Around. The preceding The chromatic scale is what you use to give you to think I’ve not been trying to make story is excerpted, with permission, from Bill’s the effect of drinking a quinine martini and sense of the creative process taking place in column, The Band Room in Allegro, the monthly having an enema simultaneously…If I sound so many recording studios and jazz newsletter of A.F. of M. Local 802.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 9 JerseyArticlesJazz

JAZZFEST Jazzfest in the Tent PREVIEW By Joe Lang NJJS Music Committee Chair

The final installment of Jazzfest 2007 as we move to Drew University…

n Saturday June 9, the first two sets will degree in Jazz Performance Obe performed by the WINARD HARPER at UNC-Wilmington, and SEXTET, and the second two sets by the has recently completed MIDIRI BROTHERS BAND. The groups on his Master’s Degree Sunday, June 10 will be the KEN PEPLOWSKI at Northern Illinois QUINTET for the earlier sets, with the University. He has been DICK MELDONIAN BIG BAND following for active as both a sideman two sets. On each day, there will be a high with performers like school jazz band performing a closing set in Stephanie Nakasian, Alvin the tent. The band on Saturday will be from Atkinson and Wycliffe J.P. Stevens High School in Edison, with Gordon, and has recently the band on Sunday still to be determined. released The New Thought, his first album as a leader. Hailing from ■ This is the third appearance at Jazzfest for Senegal, West Africa, Alioune Faye is a the Winard Harper Sextet, a group that has master of a variety of African percussion always drawn an enthusiastic response. instruments. Harper has always had a Winard Harper is simply one of the premier percussionist in his Sextet to lend additional drummers in jazz. Since he joined the band percussive colorings to his own mastery of of Dexter Gordon at the age of 20, Harper Dick Meldonian, top, leads his big band, featuring the drums. Faye is proving to be an exciting drummer Wayne Dunton and Aaron Behr (a former has worked with the likes of Johnny Griffin, and vital part of the Sextet. Ameen Saleem Pee Wee Russell Scholarship winner) on trombone. Betty Carter, Ray Bryant, Pharoah Sanders, hails from Washington, DC. Following his Clifford Jordan and Billy Taylor. He co-led graduation from the jazz program at North the popular Harper Brothers Quintet with Carolina Central University, he headed for his trumpeter brother Philip, and eventually the New York scene where he has lent his formed his current group. The Sextet has tasty playing. He was a regular member of steady time and creative soloing to players released seven albums, the latest being Make the Tony DeNicola Band, and has played like Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Slide It Happen. Joining Harper at Jazzfest will be with a myriad of NJJS favorites like Kenny Hampton and James Moody. The explosive Josh Evans on trumpet, Stacy Dillard on Davern, Warren Vaché, Allan Vaché, Harry sounds of the Winard Harper Sextet are sure tenor and soprano sax, Sean Higgins on Allen and John Bunch. Pat Mercuri is an to light up the Drew campus. piano, Alioune Faye on percussion and active presence on the Philadelphia scene, Ameen Saleem on bass. Josh Evans is a ■ Although based in the southern part of playing with jazz, classical and pop aggrega- young player with experience that belies his the state, the Midiri Brothers Band has tions. Like Tobias, he is a music educator in age. He has performed with the likes of developed a strong following in the northern the Hamilton Township public school Jackie McLean, Cedar Walton, Victor Lewis, end of New Jersey through frequent perform- system. Joe Holt is a pianist who immediate- Eddie Henderson and Slide Hampton. His ances at the various series produced by ly connects with his audiences, no matter the exciting style is sure to add some fireworks Bruce Gast. Led by brothers Joe, who plays context in which he is playing. In addition to to Jazzfest. Stacy Dillard came to the sax later various reeds, and Paul, who doubles on his performance activities, he is also a music than most, having concentrated his early trombone and vibraphone, with occasional therapist, working mainly with senior citi- efforts on athletic endeavors. Once he took side trips to the drum set, the Midiri zens. Joe’s playing is infused with the deep up music, however, he became a serious Brothers Band takes inspiration from the sense of spirituality that is an important student, attending Central State University in music of the Benny Goodman Sextet. This component of his life. Bassist Gary Cattley’s Ohio where he developed his musical talent. swinging septet is comprised of the brothers first instrument was tuba, and he is still Since his move to New York City in 2002, he Midiri, Danny Tobias on trumpet and active on this instrument, mainly in classical has remained constantly active playing with cornet, Pat Mercuri on guitar, Joe Holt on settings. His great time is an essential ele- many major jazz names like Norman piano, Gary Cattley on bass and Jim Lawlor ment in the Midiri Brothers sound. Jim Simmons, Wycliffe Gordon, on drums. Danny Tobias has Lawlor has been a fixture on the Atlantic Roy Hargrove, John Hicks made several appearances at City scene since 1979, with most of his and Frank Wess. Sean Higgins NJJS events, always garnering playing since 1989 being with the Midiri earned his undergraduate accolades for his swinging and Brothers small groups and big band. continued on page 12

10 June 2007 JerseyJazz Affordable prices in a casually elegant atmosphere!

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Lana’s Lounge has the best happy hour in Union County! Tuesdays through Fridays 4:30 – 6:30 pm. ■ Extra large peel your own shrimp ■ Buffalo wings or buffalo shrimp curls with bleu cheese dipping sauce ■ Little neck clams steamed in white wine — all just $6.50 for 12! Lana’s ■ Imported bottled beer Fine Dining ■ Our newest draft beer selection is Blue Moon Belgium White Ale ■ Specialty martinis and more at the Hyatt Hills Enjoy Lana’s Winter menu: ■ 14 dinner menu items $25 and under 1300 Raritan Road Open to serve you: Clark, New Jersey 07066 Lunch served Tuesday through Friday 11 AM – 2 PM www.lanasfinedining.com Dinner served Tuesday through Thursday 5 PM – 10 PM Friday & Saturday 5 PM – 11 PM 732.669.9024 Private Parties Available for up to 100 people.

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JAZZFEST IN THE TENT continued from page 10

■ Ken Peplowski is always a popular draw at Jazzfest. younger players like drummer Wayne Dunton and This year he will bring a quintet made up of Peps on trombonist Aaron Behr, a past winner of a NJJS Pee tenor sax and clarinet, John Allred on trombone, Wee Russell Scholarship. Excitement is sure to be the Howard Alden on guitar, Frank Tate on bass and Joe order of the day when the Dick Meldonian Big Band Ascione on drums. All of these cats are familiar to is on the stage. NJJS audiences. Peplowski is a wonderfully creative player, noted for ■ For Jazzfest this year, we decided to move the appearances by the his thoughtful solos, beautiful tone, and penchant for finding many youth bands from the beginning of the day to the end of the day. great, but relatively obscure tunes. He always seems to find musical Our objective is to gain a larger audience to appreciate the talents of gems that surprise and delight his listeners. John Allred who recently our future jazz players. The bands that will be performing are among participated at the superb NJJS sponsored concert by the Warren the elite on the high school jazz band scene. A major aspect of the Vaché Quintet at the Community Theatre in Morristown, is a activities of NJJS is support for jazz education. We encourage all trombonist who takes the instrument to places where few others attendees to stick around to dig the amazing playing of these dream of going. His fluent playing style, and awesome soloing are youngsters. Many of them will be playing on bands that always a highlight of any group in which he plays. Howard Alden you see down the road. JJ has a list of credits that is truly impressive. Among the leading jazz players on his instrument, he is a regular presence on the jazz festival and jazz party scenes, as well as being extensively recorded as a sideman and leader. Among his notable credits is his co- leadership with Dan Barrett of the highly acclaimed Alden Barrett Quintet. Frank Tate is one of the busiest bass players in the New Think York City area. He was a long-time member of Bobby Short’s band, and has performed and recorded with Zoot Sims, Ruby Braff and New Jersey is Daryl Sherman, as well as many others. His wonderful sense of the only place humor is always evident in his playing. Joe Ascione is another player who is a familiar face on the jazz festival and jazz party circuit. He is a solid stylist who cites Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich as his main influences. One thing is for sure — he swings hard. to hear He is also a master at creating a wonderful world of musical Traditional jazz? colorations from his drum set. Joe has enjoyed a long time musical partnership in a variety of groups with guitarist Frank Vignola. These gentlemen are guaranteed to produce music that swings like WRONG! crazy, and puts smiles on the faces of all of those within earshot. ■ Jazzfest is not Jazzfest without at least one big band. This year we are fortunate to have a dynamic entry with the Dick Meldonian Big Band. Dick is a cat who not only plays great sax, but also has a The penchant for finding outstanding players to wail on charts by the likes of Bill Holman, Marty Paich and a galaxy of other exciting Grove Street arrangers. Dick has been a professional since his teenage years, playing on many name bands including those of Freddie Slack, STOMPERS John Kirby, Charlie Barnet, Shorty Rogers and Stan Kenton. His every Monday night 8–11 PM move from Los Angeles to New York City in 1953 led to gigs with Neal Hefti, Johnny Richards, Nat Pierce, Gerry Mulligan, Woody Arthur’s Tavern in Greenwich Village Herman, Benny Goodman and oh so many more. Dick plays a wide 57 Grove Street • 212-675-2263 variety of reed instruments, but he primarily performs on the tenor and soprano saxophones. The Dick Meldonian Big Band is manned THE LONGEST GIG IN TOWN (45 YEARS!) by many veteran players from the big band era like trombonist Eddie Bert and bassist Jerry Bruno, as well as some impressive

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Big Band in the Sky

By Fradley Garner Jersey Jazz International Editor

■ Andrew Hill, 75, pianist, composer, trombonist, Bill Russo, also took bandleader, Chicago, IL, June 30, 1931 – Hill under his wing and intro- Jersey City, NJ, April 20, 2007. Andrew duced him to the German Hill, a distinguished modern jazz pianist composer and exiled music voted Jazz Composer of the Year four times theorist Paul Hindemith, who was by the Jazz Journalists Association and composer in residence on the Yale University campus. Hill studied Andrew Hill elected for the 2003 Danish Jazzpar Prize, photos by the music’s short-lived equivalent of a Nobel with the composer for several Jan Persson. Prize, as well as more recent honors, died at years. Moving to Los Angeles, he home after a several-year struggle with lung joined Roland Kirk (later Rahsaan cancer. He was 75 and lived in Jersey City. Roland Kirk), his second mentor, “He was a true musical original and a who brought him to New York in composer of striking works,” Lewis Porter, 1961. There he worked with elite professor of music and director of the M.A. artists such as Ben Webster, Hank program in jazz history and research at Mobley and Joe Henderson, and Rutgers University-Newark, told Jersey Jazz. carved a widespread reputation Andrew Hill was part of the second wave of on Blue Note records. The label’s avant-garde players after Ornette Coleman founder, Alfred Lion, contracted and Cecil Taylor, though he followed his Hill as a bandleader and proclaimed the pianist his “last own muse, “eschewing the ‘noise element’ great protégé.” (An earlier one players,” according to the Biographical was Thelonious Monk.) Hill’s Encyclopedia of Jazz (Oxford, 1999). “It took classic Blue Note recordings were almost 40 years for Mr. Hill’s work to be released in a seven-CD boxed set absorbed into jazz’s mainstream,” Ben Ratliff on the Mosaic label. He made his noted in The New York Times obituary. “From name with Black Fire, Smoke the first significant album in his discography Stack, Judgment, Point of (‘Black Fire,’ 1963) to the last (‘Time Lines,’ Departure and Andrew!!! Hill 2006), his work is an eloquent example of was composer in residence in how jazz can combine traditional and origi- 1970–1971 at Colgate University, nal elements, notation and pure improvisa- where he also taught, and at tion, playing both outside and inside strict Wesleyan University, the time and harmony.” Raised in the black universities of Michigan, Toronto, South Side of Chicago by Haitian parents, Harvard and Bennington College. Hill taught himself to play accordion at age After his wife, Laverne, died in 7, turning to piano three years later. He was 1989, and he was signed again by discovered playing the accordion and tap Blue Note, he moved to Oregon dancing in local clubs and theaters by Earl and taught until 1996 at Portland “Fatha” Hines, the seminal pianist who State University. On his birthday in became his first mentor. Hill began gigging 1997, he received a Lifetime Achievement Time Lines, both for Blue Note. Many critics in 1952 and went on to play with Charlie Award from the Jazz Foundation of had Time Lines on their top 10 lists. When Parker, Miles Davis, Dinah Washington and America. Allowing for a decade-long break he returned to the recording studio, his 2000 Coleman Hawkins. In Detroit, the 23-year- from recording in the 1990s, Hill altogether Palmetto album, Dusk, with his Point of old played a ballroom gig with Charlie took part in more than 60 sessions that Departure Sextet, won Down Beat’s critics Parker, and toured in the early 1960s with yielded releases starting with his own 1945 poll as Jazz Album of the Year. The Jazzpar Dinah Washington, Johnny Hartman and Chicago trios and on LP albums like So In Prize, first awarded in 1990, was the world’s Dakota Staton. Stan Kenton’s arranger and Love, and culminating in the 2006 trio CD, largest international jazz award, embracing a continued on page 14

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY Eleven of the big band’s tracks were issued in what grew into an exemplary collection. and most reissued on several labels, includ- The chief curator retired in 1992. “He was continued from page 13 ing Laserlight and Delta CDs. Tucker worked not only a fountain of information about with the Barons of Rhythm in 1932. In the jazz — and not New Orleans alone — check for 200,000 Danish kroner (about service in 1943–1946, he was the pianist, but also quietly generous in sharing his $30,000), a trophy, a tour of Scandinavian arranger and leader of a military post dance knowledge as very few others do,” Dan venues, and a recording also with a group of band. Billie Holiday hired Tucker as musical Morgenstern, the Newark archivist, told the winner’s choice. The award committee director in 1946–1949; he returned for Jersey Jazz. “And what company this very was headed by Cim Meyer, the editor of the record dates until 1955, meanwhile working special and dear man was! A peerless guide Danish Jazz Special magazine, and included as Billie Eckstine’s musical director, arrang- to the Crescent City’s many pleasures,” the Dan Morgenstern, director of the Institute ing tunes and touring with the singer for Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies leader of Jazz Studies in Newark. The Jazzpar Prize program was suspended in 2004 when the four decades, until Eckstine’s last appear- added. Allen was among the founders of Scandinavian Tobacco Co. withdrew as ances in 1992. With groups led by Lucky the annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage sponsor because of the tobacco ban. The Thompson, Stuff Smith and Babs Gonzales, Festival, which draws thousands to the committee has tried since to find a new he worked the clubs on Manhattan’s 52nd Crescent City. A writer of many articles, underwriter. “Just before his passing, Hill Street. The mid-1990s found him touring jazz album liner notes and program notes, was delighted to learn of two honors which with Tony Bennett. Tom Lord’s Jazz Disco- he acted as a consultant and production now will be designated posthumously,” graphy 7.0 details 39 career recording ses- adviser, producer or curator for a number Sarah Baird, a friend and public relations sions with Tucker as a sideman, leader and/ of organizations, including the Smithsonian counselor, announced in an e-mail. An or arranger. His last listed session was in Institution. Allen studied at Princeton honorary doctorate of music degree from May 1999 with the Count Basie Orchestra, University in New Jersey before serving in Berklee College of Music was to be presented where he and Allyn Ferguson were the Navy during World War II. He returned May 12 at commencement. Earlier awardees arrangers, and Terence Conley replaced the to graduate from the University of Georgia. include Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, deceased Basie on piano. The resulting CD Like Jelly Roll Morton, Henry “Red” Allen Quincy Jones and Ahmet Ertegun. Andrew album, Swing Shift, included Tucker and many another New Orleans musician Hill was also named National Endowment arrangements of “Lonesome Lover Blues” before him, he studied trombone with of the Arts 2008 Jazz Master, joining a roster and “The Very Thought of You.” Bobby “Professor” Manuel Manetta. Whitney of distinguished artists and advocates. Tucker and Irma (nee Johnson), his wife of Balliett, the late New Yorker magazine critic, 50 years, had many grandchildren, “honor- introduced Dick Allen at a 1967 New York ■ Bobby Tucker, Jr., 84, pianist, arranger, ary” grandchildren, great-grandchildren conference as “the curator of present-day conductor, musical director, Morristown, and a great-great grandchild. They loved New Orleans jazz,” pointing out that since NJ, Jan. 8, 1923 – Apr. 12, 2007. Bobby listening to stories of his travels, sitting on the early 1950s, “he has run a record shop in Tucker, Jr., a sought-after yet unsung pianist his lap and singing with him at the piano. New Orleans, made recordings, done count- and arranger who accompanied and less interviews, become the…confidant of ■ Richard B. Allen, 80, New Orleans jazz recorded with Billie Holiday, briefly backed all New Orleans musicians and been an Mildred Bailey and worked with Louis historian, trombonist, Milledgeville, GA, Jan. 29, 1927 – Dublin, GA, Apr. 12, 2007. adviser and guide to everyone from tele- Armstrong, New Jersey’s Count Basie and vision networks to old ladies in pursuit of Dick Allen, a popular French Quarter char- Tony Scott, as well as many other leading George Lewis.” George Louis Francis Zeno acter and Princeton-educated scholar with figures during his more than 60-year career, (1900–1969) was a famous traditional jazz an encyclopedic knowledge of traditional was a lifelong resident of Morristown. He clarinetist born in the French Quarter of jazz, died reportedly of heart failure at the died April 12 and was buried in Heavenly New Orleans. Park in East Hanover. “Because of his Veterans Memorial Hospital in Dublin, GA, subsidiary role as an accompanist,” write where he had been bedridden since moving ■ Dakota Staton, 76, singer, Pittsburgh, Leonard Feather and Ira Gitler in their out of New Orleans in 2003. Allen, who PA, June 3, 1931 – New York, NY, April 10, Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz,“Tucker — “just loved” his adopted Crescent City home 2007. She may have won the public’s ear whose approach ranged from sensitive and town, according to his older sister, Betty when her Capitol album, The Late, Late lyrical on ballads to a swinging bopper at Smith, “must have had a premonition that Show, whirled on turntables in 1957, two faster tempos — never achieved the recogni- he had to leave, because he probably would years after Down Beat voted her most tion he deserved as a soloist.” Born January have drowned [during Hurricane Katrina] promising newcomer, and she may have 8, 1923, Robert Nathaniel (Bobby) Tucker, because he was in a nursing home there,” toured with Benny Goodman and recorded Jr. studied under Cecily Knechtel at the she was quoted by the Associated Press. with the George Shearing Quintet, but Juilliard School. He played his first gig at age Allen founded Tulane University’s William Dakota Staton was a stunning blossom in a 14 and was first heard on records with Louis Ransom Hogan Jazz Archive in 1958, after patch of sunflowers. She bloomed after the Armstrong and His Orchestra, made at a he and a friend, Bill Russell, had begun great perennials Dinah Washington and Carnegie Hall concert in February 1947. recording interviews with local jazz figures Big Maybelle, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah continued on page 16

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY “[Dakota] Staton could catch the telling balance continued from page 14 of romanticism and defiance that a style concocted out of a mix of torchy ballads, blues and soul-music could achieve at its best...” —John Fordham in The Guardian

Vaughan. Staton, long in declining health, died April 10 in April 1, of cancer, in his adopted home of Monterey Park, CA. At Manhattan, her home for many years. She was 76. Born June 3, 1931 age 18, the self-taught Barcelona joined the Hawaii Dixie All-Stars, in Pittsburgh, Dakota Staton began to sing and dance as a young led by his good friend, the expatriate American trombonist, child. She took classical voice lessons before falling under the spell Trummy Young. The sextet toured the Pacific islands and Japan. of the blues and jazz queen, Dinah Washington. At 18, she was He took the leader’s post in 1952, when Young returned to America working as a band vocalist in Detroit and other midwest clubs. She and joined the Armstrong band. At Young’s recommendation, grew into a solo club performer, touring America and Canada and Armstrong invited Barcelona to join his All-Stars, in 1958. He settling in New York. There the Capitol Records producer Dave remained until the unit disbanded after the leader died on July 3, Cavanaugh heard her at the Baby Grand club in Harlem and signed 1971, after which he returned to Hawaii. On an Armstrong African her up. On her first — and career-topping — 1957 album, The Late, tour in the 1960s, Danny Barcelona’s percussion skills reportedly Late Show, pianist Hank Jones and the former Cab Calloway trumpeter, Jonah Jones, were prime supporters in the band that cut dazzled the native Rhodesian drum masters with whom he sat in. “My Funny Valentine,”“Misty,”“Summertime,”“A Foggy Day,” and During tours behind the Iron Curtain, the band was received like the cover title song which became her biggest hit. Late that year she pop idols. “To survive with the All-Stars called for the tricky recorded a dozen songs with George Shearing and a quintet that combination of natural showmanship and willingness always to included Toots Thielemans on guitar or harmonica. The Capitol play a subservient role to the great man himself,” wrote the London album was In the Night: George Shearing/Dakota Staton (Cap Daily Telegraph (April 18). “This Barcelona was able to achieve. ST1003). Staton was front and center at a 1959 New York Town Hall When his moment in the spotlight came round he was all action concert and the next year toured with Benny Goodman. She was a with the tom-toms and cymbals; during the rest of the show he star of the 1963 Newport Jazz Festival. But the mid-1960s brought a provided unobtrusive and utterly dependable support.” The change in listener tastes. Staton’s own muse went into slow eclipse. drummer told the Los Angeles Times that “Pops loved to play the She moved to England in 1965 and sang with European bands. Back horn. That’s what kept him going. If we had two or three days in New York in the early 1970s, she glided into the easier gospel and off, he’d get restless and was ready to play again.” Barcelona and his soul-jazz groove of the period, and went on performing into her wife, Dee, moved to Monterey Park in 1979, where they lived and 60s. The last of her 47 recording sessions listed by Lord was held the drummer continued to work until recently. January 29, 1996 in New York. With a quintet including Houston Person on tenor saxophone, it yielded A Packet Of Love Letters OTHER PASSINGS: (HighNote CD 7008) her final Lord-catalogued album. Live at ■ Ken Albers, 82, vocalist, trumpeter, mellophone and flugelhorn Milestones (Caffe Jazz), a 14-song concert CD, was released in April. player, one of the Four Freshmen vocal and instrumental close- Staton’s saxophonist brother, Fred Staton, is the singer’s only known harmony quartet with top-40 hits (viz., “Day by Day,”“Graduation survivor. Day”) in the 1950s to 1960s, Woodbury, NJ, Dec. 10, 1924 – Simi ■ Danny Barcelona, 77, Louis Armstrong’s last drummer, Valley, CA, April 19, 2007. Waihapu, Hawaii, Aug. 23, 1929 – San Gabriel, CA, April 1, ■ 2007. Louis Armstrong, his employer for the last 14 years of the Herman Riley, 73, tenor saxophone and other reeds, ex-Count megastar’s life, always announced Danny Barcelona as “the young Basie and Jimmy Smith sideman and a favorite of vocalists Lavay boy from Hawaii.” Barcelona was the drummer on “Hello Dolly,” Smith and Sammy Davis, Jr., New Orleans LA, Aug. 31, 1933 – “What a Wonderful World,”“Mack the Knife,”“When It’s Sleepy Culver City, CA, April 14, CA. Time Down South” and other worldwide Armstrong record hits. ■ William H. (Lefty) Bates, 87, left-handed guitarist on dozens of According to Tom Lord’s Jazz Discography 7.0, he took part in 76 albums back to 1930 and “unsung hero of Chicago music,” Leighton, recording sessions; the Associated Press put the number at 130 AL – Chicago, IL, April 7, 2007. sessions and soundtracks with Armstrong alone. Barcelona was briefly featured in the 1960 movie, “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” and This department thanks Jerry Gordon, Joe Lang, Don Robertson seen in other Armstrong films. “The little Hawaiian boy” died at 77, and the Jersey Jazz editors for tips leading to many obituaries. JJ

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Dan’s Den | Axes on Display

By Dan Morgenstern

“Cornfed chords appeal to me I like rustic harmony ow’d you like to take a long loving look at the tenor saxophones of Hold a note and change the key HLester Young — the one he used with Count Basie — and Ben Webster, his faithful “Old Betsy,” a French Selmer, vintage Hey but that’s ‘goofus’” 1937 — and Don Byas, with a unique octave —Phil Harris lyric key in the shape of a snake? You can, most weekdays, at the Institute of Jazz Studies, in Newark. We take great pride in our collection of instruments that were the Brown — a left-handed valve model — gig bag, a Billy Cobham cymbal, and an voices of great musicians. round out this section. African thumb piano that Gil Evans gave Readers who have visited us in recent years us. Soon coming from Texas will be will have seen these saxes. And the trumpet And On Clarinet Herbie Cowans’s drum set. from Roy Eldridge, with a rhinestone- Our clarinets feature Pee Wee Russell’s — a What prompted all this is our most recent studded mouthpiece Roy told me he never gift from Kenny Davern, and I’m still hurting addition to the IJS instrumentarium. In used, and a soft leather case with labeling over his passing in December. Clarence July 2005, we had a visit from a fine Dutch created by “Little Jazz” himself. Another Hutchenrider (1908 – 1991) recorded gentleman who devoted many years of his showpiece is a green-finished Martin “Smoke Rings” and “Maniac’s Ball,” among life to research on his favorite musician: trumpet with Miles Davis’s name engraved, other classics, while he was featured clarinet- the great but, alas, nearly forgotten Adrian but tuned in C and thus rarely used. Prize ist with Glen Gray’s Casa Loma Orchestra in Rollini. Tom Faber was delighted (as I items all. 1931–1943. His horn was a gift from David had hoped) to find some things in our But that’s just what’s on display. Our Ostwald, who befriended Hutch years later Ed Kirkeby Collection. Kirkeby was the trumpet section also includes Buck Clayton, — go catch his Gully Low Jazz Band at founder-manager of the California Pee Wee Erwin and Cootie Williams; a Birdland any Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Ramblers, of which Rollini was the musical trumpet plus flugelhorn from Joe Newman; only 10 bucks at the door and the only backbone. Tom generously presented us cornets from Bobby Hackett, Red Nichols steady trad band gig in NYC. If you luck out, with some rare Rollini on film, including and Kid Ory (yes, he played that, too) — Anat Cohen will be in the lineup. We also soundies I’d never seen, and home footage, and three more that Ruby Braff bequeathed have some winds from Rahsaan Roland Kirk: and in parting promised that we would on his deathbed. On the way to Rutgers- a bass recorder, a “stritch” (straight alto) sans inherit a prize possession, Adrian’s “goofus,” Newark, and maybe here by the time you mouthpiece and a sarrusaphone (ditto) a gift from Adrian’s widow, Dixie. read this, is Wingy Manone’s trumpet. which Scott Robinson is fixing, plus, more Wingy should feel at home with some of the conventionally, a beautiful King baritone sax. Goofus: A Mini-Sax Our other bari is Pepper Adams’s Selmer. above giants, and at least three of our trom- Tom Faber seemed in fine fettle, but just 11 bones: a silver-plated horn Jack Teagarden Strings? Well, they embrace Eddie Condon’s months later we learned that he had passed gave to a sideman, commenting that “people porkchop, a rare four-string Gibson; away. We heard from his widow in early want to see me blowing a golden tram;” a Sam Jones’s cello; Curley Russell’s bass — March, asking how we would like her to unique combination valve and slide instru- the one he made all those classic bebop gigs send the promised instrument. It arrived a ment Brad Gowans invented and dubbed with — and two bass guitars that belonged few weeks later, and as is always the case “Valide;” and the trombone of Dicky Wells, to Hayes Alvis. He played with Jelly Roll when we receive such very personal things, with whom Wingy recorded. We also have Morton and Duke Ellington and many to hold it and touch it was a trip. Some of Dicky’s “buzz mute,” a cup mute he others. To round out the rhythm section is you may recall recordings from the 1920s on punched full of holes. Vic Dickenson, Tommy Benford’s complete drum set, plus which Adrian plays the goofus, the name he another name of Basie fame, and Marshall some Buddy Rich sticks and brushes in a gave to what was patented in 1924 as the

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Couesnophone by the noted French instrument makers, Couesnon. Roy Eldridge acquired a Couesnon trumpet. The goofus, above, with a couple of photos of its owner, Adrian Rollini, and below, with Dan Morgenstern. Photos by Ed Berger. sometime club owner, google What on earth is a goofus? his name or look him up in It is a free reed instrument, Dick Sudhalter’s Lost Chords. shaped like a small And he may well come up in saxophone, with piston-like the chapters from Timme keys in two rows — one a Rosenkrantz’s 1934–1964 C major scale, the other in memoir served up by its groups that yield sharps and editor-translator, our own flats. There was a popular Fradley Garner, in these very 1930 ditty titled “Goofus” pages. Meanwhile, do come (Kahn/King), and the Goofus up and see us sometime — Five was a group culled from by appointment, Monday- the Ramblers that made a lot Thursday, 973-353-5595. of records, far from all of A closing note: the horns which feature the instrument. of Bobby Hackett and Rollini also played a “hot Vic Dickenson, those fountain pen,” a miniature inimitable partners in brass, clarinet, but as everyone came to us through the ought to know, his main horn good offices of NJJS members during the first half of his Jack Stine, for Bobby, and the career was the enormous bass Nelsons, proud parents of saxophone, of which he was Nancy, among our favorite the king; he later added and singers, for Vic. Ding! JJ subsequently switched to the vibraphone, on which he was the first to employ four Writer-editor-archivist mallets. Dan Morgenstern is Director of To learn more about this the Institute of Jazz Studies at remarkable musician and Rutgers University, Newark.

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Jazz Goes to School The College Jazz Scene By Frank MulvaneyJAZZ U pril was another great month for jazz Friends of Music at Princeton and Alvester are currently in Regina Carter’s at New Jersey universities and most of I was fortunate to hear about a terrific jazz band. One highlight was a moving tune he Ait would not have cost you a penny. concert on March 30 at Princeton outside wrote for his wife, Paula Danielle, that was played with great passion. David Demsey, New Jersey City University the auspices of the university jazz program, namely a performance by legendary New WPU Jazz Studies Director said that if I On March 26, I made my first trip to New Orleans musician, Wilson “Willie Tee” liked I could see 30 more senior recitals. If Jersey City University in Jersey City to hear Timburton and his quartet sponsored by the only I had the time! piano ace Bill Charlap. This was a combined Friends of Music at Princeton. This guy is a lecture and concert in a very comfortable triple threat who performs on piano, organ Rutgers–New Brunswick recital hall seating about 150. Charlap sat on and vocals. The concert was a love fest at the The Frank Sinatra, Jr. concert on April 10 at the end of the bench to a concert grand and magnificent Richardson Auditorium (built Rutgers at the beautiful Nicholas Music gave a fascinating lecture about the fabulous in 1894) with a state-of-the-art sound Center has to be the highlight of the season. songwriters who created the Great American system. Willie is an exceptionally engaging This event was co-sponsored by the NJ Jazz Songbook. personality who really connected with the Society. Mr. Sinatra gave one heck of a show He opened with Gershwin and Ellington, audience. We heard an eclectic sampling of that included 28 tunes, a number of which playing “A Foggy Day” and “Sophisticated R&B, blues, funk and straight ahead jazz were associated with his legendary father. Lady.” This man has such a command of the played by a group of real pros: Steve Mr. Sinatra the younger has impeccable keyboard and an intimate understanding of Masakowski on guitar, James Singleton on taste and put together an eclectic mix of the tunes that you could never tire of his bass and Bernard “Bunchy” Johnson on tunes to satisfy almost anyone. He opened creative renditions. He then moved on to drums. The group was joined by Princeton with “Dance Ballerina Dance,” followed by Vernon Duke and “April in Paris.”We staff professional Audrey Wright who “And So Is Love,”“Walking My Baby Back learned that Duke was primarily a classical provided some marvelous alto sax work that Home” and “Don’t You Go Away Mad” (an composer. He then talked about Jerome blended beautifully with the group. Mr. old favorite of mine). “Walk on the Wild Kern, who was regarded as “The Master” by Turbinton magnanimously allowed a septet Side” and “Cry Me a River,” which definitely his song writing peers and presented “Just of student saxophonists to play on a couple were not in daddy’s songbook, were very the Way You Look Tonight” as representative of numbers just before the break and on the well delivered. Also in the first half we heard of Kern’s body of work. You could tell that final number. It just does not get much the beautiful Johnny Mandel tune “Close Irving Berlin was a big favorite by the way better than this and it was a free admission. Enough for Love.” he talked about Berlin’s breaking every Frank’s musical support was the magnificent possible rule of successful songwriting. William Paterson University Rutgers Jazz Ensemble and they did a Charlap played “The “Best Thing for You I had the honor of being invited to the fantastic job with some of the great Billy Would Be Me” and “Always.” He wrapped up senior recital of tenor saxophonist, Anthony May and Nelson Riddle arrangements that the 90-minute session with a discussion of Nelson, Jr. at William Paterson on April 3. Siantra performed. In the second half the Cole Porter, delivering wonderful renditions Anthony had been a touring pro and at 27 band was augmented by five musicians that of “Easy to Love” and “It’s All Right With returned to school to get his degree to fulfill Frank has worked with for years. The first Me.” Charlap graciously took questions for a promise to his wife. The 90-minute recital number was a hot instrumental called another 15 minutes, most from the students, was as good as anything you could hear at a “Lonely Beat” featuring trombone monster and spent considerable time on a question I top club. Anthony recruited five other pros and RU professor, Conrad Herwig and posed about Sondheim. He said that what to play with him: Bruce Williams (alto), soprano saxophonist Mike Smith. After that set Sondheim’s music apart from the others Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Nick Rolfe we heard a wonderful rendition of an was that it was close-ended and did not lend (piano), Matt Parish (bass) and Alvester Ellington tune I didn’t know called “A Cold itself well to improvisation. Mr. Charlap was Garnet (drums). These guys repeatedly Wind.” Frank, Jr. has a warm and engaging rewarded with an extended standing ovation dazzled us on a selection of tunes of mostly personality and knows how to establish a by a grateful audience. impressive Nelson originals. Anthony, Matt rapport with his audience. He did a very

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NJJS Honors Frank Sinatra, Jr.

NJJS Vice President Mike Katz, left, humorous tune called “The Curly Shuffle,” complete with sound effects that enabled presented a Lifetime him to put the audience in his pocket. The Achievement Award finale was “Luck Be a Lady” just as good as to Frank Sinatra, Jr. “Old Blue Eyes” would have done it in his during the artist’s prime. By the way, Jazz Society Vice President, Mike Katz did a terrific job in performance at the presenting Mr. Sinatra with a lifetime Nicholas Music Center at Rutgers University/ achievement award. Douglass College on April 10. Mr. Sinatra both conducted and sang with the Rutgers Rowan University Jazz Ensemble and the Rutgers Symphony The last event that I attended in April was a concert at Rowan University on the 12th. Orchestra in a program that was The Lab Band was on first. This 15-piece cosponsored by the NJJS. The entertainer ensemble that includes French horn, was also named an Honorary Life Member bassoon, tuba and vibes and they offered of the Society. beautiful performances of “So What,”“7 Come 11,”“Little Sunflower,”“Song of Photos © Larry Levanti Photography India” (with a marvelous bassoon solo by Nicole Kosar) and “Cherokee.”We also heard a trio of excellent compositions by student JAZZ IN JUNE — JAZZFEST continued from page 1 trumpeter, Nick Fernandez. Apparently half the band is headed for graduate school on Jazz Samba Quintet, the Midiri Brothers town, Madison Downtown Development scholarship next year. Band, Sarah Partridge and Her Trio and the Commission, PNC Wealth Management, Bob Dorough Trio. WBGO Jazz88FM, Jazzmobile, JazzTimes After the intermission they rolled out the On Sunday the lineup is: the Ken Peplowski Magazine, REXCORP and Verizon. The heavy artillery as the 19-piece big band filled Hamilton Park Hotel on Park Avenue in Pfleeger Hall with that big, deep, percussion- Quintet, the Dick Meldonian Big Band, the Earl May Quintet featuring Houston Person, Florham Park is the official festival hotel and driven sound that I love. I wish I could have Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage Band offers special discount room rates for atten- a recording of the fabulous Mark Taylor featuring Harry Allen, the Jay Leonhart Trio dees. The hotel is hosting a jazz buffet dinner arrangements of “It Might as Well Be and the Nancy Nelson Trio. with singer Carrie Jackson and her Trio on Spring,”“Red Top” and “Blue Bossa.” The Saturday, June 9 (call 800-772-2222 for band was merciless as they blew the house Picnicking is encouraged and there will also reservations). away with Dizzy’s “Manteca.” be food and beverages available from an on- site caterer. Free shuttle bus transportation The sanofi-aventis Jazzfest weekend will be It’s an endless thrill for me to see young will be provided from the Madison Train preceded by a FREE outdoor concert at people making great jazz and carrying on Station. NJJS members at the Patron level Drew on the Carriage House Field at 6 PM the music’s traditions. They really deserve and above are invited to stop by the Saturday June 2 featuring the Duke support and I hope many of you try and Membership Table to be escorted to the Ellington Legacy Band and the Ed Polcer attend some college concerts next Fall. JJ Hospitality Tent to enjoy food and All-Stars. In the event of rain the perform- champagne along with an opportunity to ance will be moved to Baldwin Gymnasium. meet some of the talent first-hand. Contact Frank Mulvaney at There’s still time to save money by taking [email protected] or Sanofi-aventis Jazzfest events are made possi- advantage of advance purchase discounts. ble by the generous support of corporations For more information see the Jazzfest ad on 908-233-4824 with questions or and local organizations, including: Bank of page 3, call 1-800-303-NJJS (6557) or visit contributions on the college jazz scene. America, Drew University, Toyota of Morris- www.njjs.org. JJ

June 2007 JerseyJazz 21 JerseyArticlesJazz From Met Opera to Empire Ballroom — and Benny Carter By Timme Rosenkrantz

Street, is probably the ritziest of all New Editor’s Note: One thing leads to another. once owned a coat York’s private residential clubs. Mr. Adams The story of how the young Danish Baron I and tails. I’d had it had lived there since retiring from a lifetime at the high end of the publishing business. Timme Rosenkrantz meets and befriends the tailor-made just before He was the editor of Spur. great saxophonist-composer-bandleader leaving Denmark, and At the entrance to this retreat stood a Benny Carter and the budding pianist I only got to wear it doorman who looked like a French general at sunrise. I asked for Mr. Adams, and was Teddy Wilson starts in 1934 when a wealthy once, in New York. measured with the kind of look a duchess publisher invites Timme for an evening at Now it has long since been auctioned off, might bestow on a footman who had just because I forgot to renew the ticket at spilled oxtail soup in her lap. Then I pulled the Metropolitan Opera. This is the third “Uncle’s.” But I’ll never forget the time out my crown-embellished calling card. It chapter of Rosenkrantz’s memoir that Jersey I did wear that monkey suit. It marked was worthy of a baron; my father, another the beginning of a many-years friendship baron, had suggested and financed it, and Jazz is pleased to offer our readers. Like the with a great musician and bandleader, I’d had it specially printed on the other two, on Duke Ellington (December Benny Carter, and his orchestra. Copenhagen island of Amager. 2006) and Willie “The Lion” Smith (April The evening began with a fancy dinner The card had been produced with America at the Metropolitan Club in midtown in mind, and this evening it again came in 2007), this chapter is preprinted from Manhattan. An old friend of my father’s, handy. Adventures in Jazzland: A Danish Baron’s a publisher named Adams, had invited me out. My father had provided me with a Shortly afterward, Mr. Adams came down Harlem Memoirs, 1934–1969. The letter of introduction to this distinguished to the lobby. He was a short, stocky, white- haired man, the epitome of the hard-nosed, translator and adapter, Fradley Garner, is gentleman, and I phoned him at the Metropolitan Club, where he lived. The oil tycoon father-in-law film character who our international editor. He is searching for upshot was this dinner invitation. A tuxedo goes all soft and mushy for his daughter at an American publisher for the book and an was required, but I thought I’d take it a the end of the movie. length further, because I owned neither a With a wave of his hand, he ushered me into accompanying music CD. Fradley would like tux nor black tie. I put on my fancy new the dining salon for a grand dinner, and to hear from any reader with a publishing white tie and tails. with more gestures, I devoured it. I looked house contact. ([email protected]) We are Adams belonged to high society, and since around that huge, Victorian room. There this was the first time I’d be mingling with were only men in here, all in the twilight of grateful to the copyright owner, Bente the New York aristocracy, an impression was their years. All these codgers must have Rosenkrantz Arendrup, Timme’s niece in called for. Incidentally, I saw Mr. Adams represented millions of dollars, and not one only this once, not counting one other time of them looked like he’d lend me a dime. Denmark, for permission to print these, as when I tried to hit him for fifty dollars rent The conversation was heavy with gout, well as some other chapters, in future issues. money. That didn’t work — but the tails indigestion, catheters, and the Great surely did! Depression in America. The Metropolitan Club, nestled in a After dinner, Mr. Adams asked what I felt brownstone on Fifth Avenue at Sixtieth like doing for the rest of the evening, and

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what I was most interested in. I immediately others he was the very model of a Swing era bass and Kaiser Marshall or Sid Catlett on replied music, but I never got the chance to jazzman. Carter’s alto saxophone playing drums. Joined to that backbone were Bob tell him what kind of music. Before I could topped anything I had heard, with the Dillard, Shad Collins and Henry “Red” Allen stop him, he went and ordered two tickets possible exception of Johnny Hodges, and as on trumpet; Big Charlie Green and Dickie to “Il Trovatore.” Now, grand opera happens a composer-arranger he was second only to Wells on trombone; Johnny Russell, tenor; to be my least favorite form of aural Ellington. And to think that the man could Glynn Paque and George Johnson, alto. punishment, but since I did not want to double on trumpet with an equally distinct Coleman Hawkins played on all four ses- cast shame on the only father I had, I acted sound! Was that enough? Not for this man sions, and at two of them, Carter, Hawkins overjoyed. And off we shot in a taxi to the of many horns who played superb clarinet and Chu Berry were all present, three of the Metropolitan Opera, arriving just as the and also recorded professionally on finest reedmen of the Swing Era! Wells told curtain was going up. trombone and piano. Stanley Dance many years later, "No one in the outfit had the idea that [Hughes] My host promptly dozed off. I am of that breed that cannot fall asleep while, had so much hell in that valise until we on stage in front of him, people in started rehearsing. It was a good thing period costume are yelling their lungs he had a gang like he had — these were 1 out in a language he does not cats who could see around a corner. ” understand. So I stepped into the Empire Ballroom, During the second act, Mr. Adams draped in tails and prepped with the woke with a snort, pulled The New York highest expectations. Times out of his pocket, and started The Empire was a copycat Savoy ball- scanning the stock quotations. Finally room, only less grand. And it was whites it was intermission time, and we went only, trying to dance the black dances, out to the bar for a couple of well- and try was the best they could do. But, earned restoratives. in all fairness, there was nothing wrong “This is the tenth time I’m seeing ‘Il with the music here. On the second Trovatore,’”Adams said. “There’s not bandstand, across from Carter’s orches- much to the first act, as my old friend tra, was a white ensemble led by another Vanderbilt says. The second act I’ve alto saxophonist, Charlie Barnet. Charlie heard five times. No, intermission and knew how a jazz band should sound. the third act are by far the best.” His white musicians played very “black,” We returned to our velvet seats. The and it was obvious that most of their house lights were still on, and my host arrangements were written by Negroes2. nodded curtly at a dozen or so of This was the saxophonist’s first turn at New York’s crustiest. The lights were fronting a band. Charlie was destined to dimmed and the performance become a famous leader and help open continued. The old gentleman took the way to mixed groups. out his paper, but quickly let it sink But for me, this was Benny Carter night, to his lap as he nodded off. and he commanded my full attention. It was nearly midnight before we got Benny Carter. Photos by Timme Rosenkrantz. At intermission I had a chance to meet out of there. Adams bade me farewell, him, and what an appealing fellow he said he hoped I had enjoyed myself, and The year before, in England, I’d listened to was. A true gentleman, this smiling, round- went back to his club to continue sleeping. a stack of records that Spike Hughes, an faced and dimpled, twinkle-eyed, red- English composer and critic, had recorded brown-skinned colossus of jazz3.Benny had I, of course, was far from ready to call it a during a visit to New York, and they made a this nervous habit of rapidly batting his night. I was on Broadway at Fifty-third big impression on me. Not only was Benny eyes, and he threw back his head and roared Street. Five blocks south, at Forty-eighth, the himself outstanding, the orchestra he had at my timid approach. (Looking back now, it Empire Ballroom beckoned. Benny Carter put together was, to these ears, an all-time might have been that he was laughing at his and his Orchestra topped the bill. dream band. tall thin fan in tails, surely the only patron “That’s where we’ll go,” I told myself. And in the place dressed like that!) During the For four recording sessions in March, April down Old Broadway we went. break we had a long chat about the and May of 1933, the leader had surrounded European scene. Benny was interested in How I looked forward to meeting Benny himself with some of the top musicians of visiting Europe, which he did a year later at Carter! His records had just started coming the day, such as Luis Russell on piano, Leonard Feather’s invitation to come to out in Denmark, and for me and many Lawrence Lucie on guitar, Ernest Hill on continued on page 24

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BENNY CARTER continued from page 23

England and arrange for Henry Hall’s As a soloist, Carter, along with Johnny BBC Dance Orchestra. Union regulations Hodges, was the model for swing era alto prevented him from performing in saxophonists. public, but he did record there. His one He is nearly unique in his ability to double big concert, at London’s Hippodrome in on trumpet, which he plays in an equally January 1937, was sponsored by the distinctive style. In addition, he is an Melody Maker, under the “patronage” accomplished clarinetist, and has recorded proficiently on piano and trombone. As an of Henry Hall. Benny played with the arranger, he helped chart the course of big Willie Lewis orchestra in Paris. Over band jazz, and his compositions, such a three-year period he toured the as “When Lights Are Low” and “Blues In Continent, playing and recording with My Heart,” have become jazz standards. top French, British and Scandinavian Carter has also made major musical con- jazzmen as well as visiting American tributions to the world of film and tele- stars, such as his friend and fellow alto vision. His musicianship and personality pioneer, Coleman Hawkins. In Holland have won him the respect of fellow artists and audiences on every continent. he fronted the first interracial, interna- tional swing band. Virtual Exhibit: BENNY CARTER Eight Decades in American Music, Back at New York’s Empire Ballroom I still bring pure joy — imagine, hearing it Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies said hello to the boys and, of course, http://newarkwww.rutgers.edu/ijs/bc/ sampled the contents of many “pocket larks” played by Benny Carter and His Club Bennett Lester Carter was born in as the hip flasks made their way from hand Harlem Orchestra, arguably the world’s Manhattan on August 8, 1907, and there to hand. At first everyone was on his best most elegant big swing band! his parents raised him. Music was his behavior, but before long I was on first I think it’s fair to say that this fox trot, waxed passion. When he was about ten, his mother names with the whole band. What a sight I on the Columbia label way back in 1933, gave him piano lessons. He was quite a must have been — for all I know, the opened a new era in jazz. This was a more prodigy, and taught himself to play several Empire’s first guest in white tie and tails. supple, lyrical jazz music, a form that in instruments: piano, trumpet, slide trom- And maybe the last guest, too, because the many ways stood apart from the orchestral bone, clarinet, the family of saxophones, place closed down just a few months later. jazz of its day as played by Fletcher especially alto sax. His first inspiration was The Depression took its toll not only of Henderson, Casa Loma, McKinney’s Cotton the Ellington brass man, Bubber Miley. dance halls, but of some fine bands that Pickers, Ben Pollack, and the rest. Benny started out playing with other ama- failed to catch on big with the public. By late Benny’s arrangements were more elegant and teurs his age; when he was only fifteen, he 1934, Benny Carter was forced to disband. personal, especially the way he wrote for was sitting in at the Harlem clubs. Later he It pleased Benny that I was familiar with all reeds, so logically and musically. His solos played in June Clark’s orchestra. For a time his records and arrangements, and he played were cameo masterpieces in their own right. he listened mostly to the white sax player, them all for me that night: His originals, It didn’t take long before every contemporary Frankie Trumbauer, who as he puts it, is “Symphony in Riffs,”“Lonesome Nights,” jazz player had his eyes turned to Benny “the musician who has given me the most.” and lots of others. Unlike facing the Met Carter. Benny was years ahead of his time. opera stars, what a joy to hear how this Yet, although idolized in the ensuing years by His parents wanted Benny to become a band could swing, to listen to the different his fellow musicians, he has never reached the minister, but his formal schooling ended in soloists “live,” in my face. Teddy Wilson was very top, where he belongs. But that too often the seventh grade, so he could hardly enroll an inspired pianist who took long solos on calls for banality, something Benny Carter in college. He traveled to Wilberforce every number. We became lifelong friends, knew nothing about. University, out in Ohio4, to play in the band and decades later, when I opened my own Jazz musicians often split into cliques. Every- with Horace Henderson. Fletcher’s brother “Timme’s Club” in Copenhagen, Teddy was one has his opinion about how to play the Horace led the school orchestra — my second guest star. The wonderful swing music. This does not apply to Benny. If you Wilberforce had its own jazz band, of pianist and composer, Mary Lou Williams, mention Benny Carter to an American jazz- course, as did all self-respecting colleges. was the first. man, no matter whether he’s a New Orleans When Horace and the Wilberforce “Symphony in Riffs” was one of my favorite man, a Dixieland man, or plays Cool, Collegians left to turn professional and go records. Benny’s melody and his arrange- modern or Third Stream — one and all will on the road, Benny went with them. ment were sublime products of the art of bow their heads at the name. “That’s my From then on there was no stopping him. that period. Today, so many years later, they man,” they’ll say, “he can do it all.” From 1927 to 1929 Benny worked mostly

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with Charlie Johnson’s band, with stretches music book of the first, twelve-piece Benny in the Ellington and Fletcher Henderson Goodman band, organized (again with help orchestras. He led and doubled on trumpet from John Hammond) in the spring of 1934. in the new Wilberforce Collegians. He was Benny Carter would bat out a big chart like back with Fletcher in 1930–1931, then with nothing, often without an instrument to Chick Webb, leaving to join McKinney’s lean on, not even in recording studios. Cotton Pickers in 1931–1932. Off and on Some time after we met, I was invited to from the summer of 1932 to late 1934, he spend a weekend at Benny’s home. I was fronted and recorded with his own band — flabbergasted to watch him turn out thanks in large measure to the support of twenty-five dance band arrangements for John Hammond. His first tune, “Nobody Duke Ellington in three days. This is no Knows,” co-written with Fats Waller, was exaggeration, either. He just sat down and published in 1927. Benny Carter made a big wrote them out of the air, never touching a name for himself in Europe before the keyboard or any instrument! It was as if he American jazz public knew about him. Like were writing letters to his mother — they many other American jazzmen, he was dis- flowed from his pen as he laughed and covered first by the British and French fans jived his way through them. What other and critics. John Hammond and the English genius could crank them out like that? composer, Spike Hughes, supervised concerts Mozart, maybe. in England. And the combined efforts of the jazz historians Charles Delauney and Hughes In a musical career unmatched in longevity, diversity, and excellence, Carter [1907– Panassie, through the Hot Club of France, 2003] occupies a unique place in American made him famous in France. music. As Duke Ellington once wrote: “The Benny made his recording debut in 1928 problem of expressing the contributions with Charlie Johnson’s orchestra, based in that Benny Carter has made to popular music is so tremendous it completely fazes Small’s Paradise, up in Harlem. Two me, so extraordinary a musician is he.” His arrangements waxed at the session were by accomplishments span eight decades as a Carter, who had somehow taught himself professional musician — from the 1920s to that skill. It was after his recognition in the 1990s. [In fact Carter was still writing England that he started writing for prac- music and occasionally arranging right up tically all the top colored orchestras and until his death in 2003. fG] many white ones. Not many people know Virtual Exhibit: that Carter was responsible for much of the BENNY CARTER, loq. cit. JJ

1 This paragraph was rewritten by Donald Clarke, and inserted by me to set the record straight. Timme wrote: “The leader had surrounded himself with many of the top soloists of the day: Teddy Wilson on piano; Ernest Hill, bass; Lawrence Lucie, guitar; Cozy Cole, drums. Joined to that backbone were Bill Dillard, Lincoln Mills and Bill Coleman, on trumpets; Big Charlie Green and Dickie Wells, trombones; Johnny Russell, tenor; Glynn Paque and George Johnson, altos. It didn’t get any better than that.” Clarke, the historical consultant for this book, says Timme, “relying on his memory 30 years later,” got this wrong. “Hughes was an Englishman, and Timme has to be talking about his visit to New York and the legendary Hughes/Carter recording sessions of 1933, at which Carter recorded ten Hughes arrangements. Teddy Wilson, Cozy Cole and Bill Coleman were not present at all.” 2 Miles Davis used to claim that he could listen to a band and tell whether it was white or black. Not many musicians today would agree, or go along with the notion that they could choose to “play black or white.” top: Wingy Manone. Teddy Wilson played on Carter recording sessions in 1934, the year of Timme’s first visit to New York. At bottom: Teddy Wilson. Barnet’s first record session, in 1933, Horace Henderson, who was black, is listed as an arranger, but no arranger is mentioned at his second studio date in early 1934, and beginning in January 1935 and throughout opposite page: Glynn Paque, Timme Barnet’s years of greatest fame, most of his arrangers, including Eddie Sauter and Billy May, were white. “What and Fletcher Henderson. Timme is responding to,” as Donald Clarke sees it, “is the fact that Barnet and his whole band were big fans of Photos by Timme Rosenkrantz. bands like Carter’s and especially Duke Ellington, and later Basie.” 3 The musician’s prolific career is documented in the most comprehensive biography ever published of a jazz musician: Benny Carter: A Life in American Music, by Morroe Berger, et al. (Studies in Jazz, 2 vol. set, 2nd ed. 2002. Scarecrow Press, 1360 pp.) 4 Wilberforce is the first four-year institution of higher education owned and run by African Americans.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 25 JerseyArticlesJazz “Generations of Jazz” Program Presented at The Goryeb Children’s Hospital

By Vincent Mazzola

enerations of Jazz, the Barbara Reuther and Patricia GNew Jersey Jazz Society’s Docherty of the Arts Council educational outreach attended the Goryeb Hospital program, was recently performance along with NJJS performed at the Children’s President Andrea Tyson and Cancer Center in the Goryeb board member Marcia Children’s Hospital in Steinberg, widow of Bill Morristown. The performance Steinberg, a former president was made possible in part by funding provided by the Arts of the Society who enthusias- Council of the Morris Area tically supported the through the New Jersey State development of the Council on the Arts/ Depart- Generations program. ment of State, a Partner “We are very grateful to Agency of the National Barbara and Patricia Endowment for the Arts. and Arts Council of the The Generations program, left to right: Bob Ackerman, Pam Purvis, Brandon McCune, Morris Area for their originally conceived of by the Rick Crane, Dan Blocker, and Gordon Lane do that thing they do so generous support of late NJJS Board member/ well. at right, Emcee Stan Myers sets the stage for the ear-opening set. this important pro- drummer/photographer Bill gram to bring the Walters, aims to bring to schoolchildren in historian. He is the emcee at the Ramapo wonders of jazz music grades K through 12 an appreciation of the College jazz series, and hosts a weekly jazz to our young people,” development of jazz and the history which radio show from William Paterson University. said Ms. Tyson. led to the current state of jazz art. These He was also previously an on-air host with Generations of Jazz objectives are accomplished through a series WBGO Jazz 88. Other musicians participating performs at numerous of steps involving tutorials and musical include Bob Ackerman on reeds and vocalist schools and hospitals, entertainment beginning with the origins of Dave Blocker. The rhythm section consisted the music in the rhythms of Africa and of Brandon McCune on piano, Rick Crane on and NJJS is working to continuing through a variety of styles bass and Gordon Lane on drums. expand the program. including Dixieland, Swing and Bebop. The group recently The program began with a demonstration performed at the Morristown High School The program presented at the Children’s of the field call of slaves performed by Dave for the benefit of students in the school’s Hospital was led by vocalist Pam Purvis, Blocker. The band then demonstrated music programs. Members of the Society who has been with Generations for some New Orleans Dixieland playing “When The and other readers of Jersey Jazz are encour- time and who recently succeeded pianist Rio Saints Go Marching In” with Bob Ackerman Clemente as program director. Pam began taking the lead on clarinet. The Blues Era aged to help promote this program. You can her career singing jazz at Gulliver’s in was ushered in with “Everyday I Get the do so by contacting your local school Paterson, New Jersey in 1974. She’s married Blues” sung by Dave Blocker. To demon- officials as well as Parent and Teacher to musician and educator Bob Ackerman strate the transition from Swing to Bebop, Organizations and letting them know about and they’ve worked together for 31 years the group performed “Honeysuckle Rose” this unique program. with ten recordings to their credit. She sung by Pam Purvis and then followed up For information about Generations of Jazz currently sings with Joe Cohn, Dennis with “Scrapple From the Apple” as played by or to request to have the program presented Irwin, and Earl May among others. Pam has Bob Ackerman. Each of the tunes featured a recently been teaching Solo Singing for ages particular musical instrument and musician at your school, please contact Vincent 11 through 15 and a jazz vocal workshop at so that the history and characteristics of the Mazzola by calling 905-507-7697, or JJ several universities and colleges. instrument could be demonstrated, for send an e-mail to [email protected]. The program’s moderator, NJJS board example, Bob Ackerman demonstrated the Vincent Mazzola is NJJS Education member Stan Myers, is well known as a jazz alto sax by playing with “Take Five.” Committee Chair Generations of Jazz, the New Jersey Jazz Society’s educational outreach program

26 June 2007 JerseyJazz Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant 6 Depot Square Montclair, New Jersey 07042 Jazz 6 Nights a Week! and Continental Cuisine June Highlights Sam Ayala Gene Bertoncini Trio FRIDAY 6/1 SATURDAY 6/9 Enrico Granafei Carla Culkin SATURDAY 6/2 FRIDAY 6/15 Bill Kirchner with Jackie Cain Eddie Monteiro SATURDAY 6/16 and Ron Vincent Mel Davis FRIDAY 6/8 SATURDAY 6/30

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June 2007 JerseyJazz 27 JerseyArticlesJazz

Pulitzer Prizes Savannah Music Festival Celebrates the for Coleman Memory of Jazz Pioneer Joe “King” Oliver and Coltrane

NEW YORK: Ornette Coleman had trouble believing his cousin. A Pulitzer Prize for his music? Yes, for his album Sound Grammar, the caller assured him on April 16, the day the news broke. The late John Coltrane was awarded an honorary prize posthumously “for his masterful improvisation, supreme musicianship and iconic centrality to the history of jazz.” Coleman, 77, the saxophonist and pioneer of free jazz whose innovation is compared to that of Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker, is only the second jazz musician to win the annual $10,000 prize. His music is not very simple, but he never wanted it to be inaccessible, he said. He always followed his own aims, and “only really thought about being good.”Wynton Marsalis was chosen in 1997 for Blood on the Fields, a three-hour oratorio on slavery. This press notice was forwarded to Jersey Jazz by event In 1965, the jury voted to honor Duke organizer Dr. Julius “Boo” Hornstein, who wrote: “My Ellington, but the Pulitzer board rejected the selection and chose to give no music records note that New Jersey Jazz Society was instrumental award that year, according to the online Wikipedia. Ellington, then 67, responded: in placing a gravestone for jazz pioneer King Oliver (who) “Fate is being kind to me. Fate doesn’t want me to be too famous too young.” The died in abysmal poverty in Savannah in 1938. I want to critic Nat Hentoff reported that when he spoke to Ellington about it, he was “angrier thank you for what you have done for King Oliver.” than I’d ever seen him before.” Ellington reportedly said, “I’m hardly surprised that SAVANNAH, GEORGIA — On Saturday, March 24 the Friends of King Oliver, the Friends my kind of music is still without, let us say, of African American Arts and the Savannah Music Festival honored the legacy of jazz official honor at home. Most Americans pioneer Joe “King” Oliver at 514 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. with the unveiling of a still take it for granted that European- commemorative plaque. The plaque was affixed to the brick wall of a restaurant at the based music — classical music, if you will site very near where King Oliver lived and worked while in Savannah. Wynton Marsalis, — is the only really respectable kind.” In in town for his Savannah debut with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra at the 1999, the 100th anniversary of his birth, Savannah Music Festival, appeared to speak about Oliver. the Pulitzer board awarded Ellington a posthumous special award citation for his Joe Oliver, one of the most important figures in early jazz, spent the final years of his life lifelong body of work. in Savannah. He was the mentor and teacher of Louis Armstrong, who idolized him and The jury for this year’s Pulitzer Prize in called him “Papa Joe.” Oliver led one of the best and most important bands in early jazz, Music included Yehudi Wyner, a music King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Oliver was the inventor of the Harmon mute and professor; Ingrid Monson, a musicologist; famous for using mutes, derbies, bottles and cups to alter the sound of his cornet. The John Schaefer, a radio host; the musician group’s 1923 sessions were a milestone in jazz, introducing the playing of Louis and educator David Baker, and the critic Armstrong to the world and featuring one the first recorded “solos” in jazz, Oliver’s JJ John Rockwell. fG JJ famous “Dippermouth Blues” from 1923. pulitzer.org/year/2007/music

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June 2007 JerseyJazz 29 JerseyReviewsJazz

SONNYMOON in Newark Rollins at NJPAC

By Jim Gerard

here are many ways I could introduce (developing a solo from motives extracted The saxophonist seemed capable of Tsomeone to Sonny Rollins. I could from a theme); his many outstanding inexhaustible solo ideas, and ingeniously describe him unequivocally as one of the original compositions, his introduction of varied the pattern of interplay with his most important improvisers in the history calypso music into jazz, and his mythic late sidemen, at times allowing entire tunes to be of music. I could declaim that he’s a ’50s al fresco woodshedding on the comprised of fours and eights with Watkins, saxophonist and composer whose ceaseless Williamsburg Bridge that became not only Broom and/or Anderson, giving Dinizulu an quest for creative excellence has produced a part of jazz lore but the inspiration for a unaccompanied five-minute bravura conga seven-decade oeuvre of supreme artistry. Simpsons episode. solo and employing Anderson for not only That he deserves to be mentioned in the On the other hand, I’ll just say that from the obbligati but also piano-like comping same breath as Armstrong, Ellington, and moment he stepped on stage at the New behind Sonny’s solos. Young, Parker, Miles and Coltrane. I could Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Prudential Amid the nearly two hours of musical try quixotically to depict the range of Hall on April 13, ably assisted by trombonist splendor, this reporter felt the urge to sonorities he gets from his horn, from biting Clifton Anderson, percussionist Kimati assemble all the ululating pop idols and squeals to a deep, hollow euphony that Dinizulu, longtime bassist Bob Cranshaw, seems to have emerged from a giant tunnel. tone-deaf record-scratchers and their drummer Kobie Watkins and guitarist Or I might attempt to describe the evolution adoringly mis-educated fans and say, Bobby Broom, to all of whom he generously JJ of his sound, which in his 70s now lingers “This is what music is all about.” provided ample solo space, the full house more in his horn’s upper register, at times Jim Gerard is an author and journalist who has was in the presence of a master, not only of squealing and keening like that of his friend written profiles of Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, music but of life. A guru with a Bb horn. Coltrane (to whom he was often unfavor- Benny Carter and other jazz notables. ably and unjustly compared). Another, more Rollins effortlessly wrung the most rhap- conventional, gambit would be to list his sodic, inventive and transporting patterns [NJPAC regularly presents jazz programming career highlights: his great contribution to from his opening number, the funk-laden in addition to sustaining a program of musical perhaps the greatest of the “hard bop” “Biji,” seldom-played standards such as Noel education for youth. The performance spaces groups, the Clifford Brown–Max Roach Coward’s “Someday I’ll Find You” and are world-class and there’s plenty of parking Quintet; his series of LP masterpieces, from Irving Berlin’s “Change Partners,” and across the street from the entrance. The Saxophone Colossus,to Freedom Suite,to The calypsos such as “Global Warming,” encore- Theatre Square Grill and Calcada offer dining Bridge; his experiments with piano-less ing with a signature unaccompanied solo on-site...all affording a concertgoer-friendly groups and “thematic improvisation” that seemed to traverse his musical sphere. experience. Visit www.njpac.org. —Editor]

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Other Views

By Joe Lang NJJS Music Committee Chair

here always seems to be a steady flow of new and the players. For many years, Ken Poston of the Treleases that do not become part of NJJS Los Angeles Jazz Institute has been presenting inventory worth writing about each month. This spectacular weekends of jazz that take place month is no exception, so here goes. annually during the Memorial Day weekend, and Holman’s band is a frequent participant. At the ■ Los Angeles is the center for more quality big 2006 event, “Encores in Big Band Jazz,” the Holman bands than any other place in the country. There is concert was recorded by Graham Carter for his a wealth of great players and arrangers in the area, Jazzed Media label. I have a wonderful personal and these players greatly enjoy the opportunity to memory of this concert for I sat in the audience dig their chops into the charts flowing from the anticipating the fact that I was going to be giving arrangers. Most of the bands are primarily rehearsal Bill Holman his American Jazz Hall of Fame award bands that play an occasional live gig. Many of the at its conclusion. Hommage (Jazzed Media– players are featured on several of these bands. 1024) documents that concert, plus a selection that Trumpeter WAYNE BERGERON is one of the cats was recorded at the 2005 event, Thelonious Monk’s who, in addition to participating in several of these “Bemsha Swing.” Big band jazz does not get any bands, finds occasional time to gather together an better than the sounds heard on this album. Among all-star lineup as a leader to play some exciting big the highlights are a spectacular arrangement of Billy band jazz. Plays Well with Others (Concord– Strayhorn’s “Raincheck,” a marvelous reworking of 30032) is the second album released under “Woodchopper’s Ball,” and a three-part tribute to Bergeron’s leadership, and it is a wailing delight. Woody Herman, “Hommage à Woody,” that features There are ten tracks played by various combina- some outstanding work on the clarinet from Bob tions of top-flight L.A.-based jazzers. The ensemble Efford. When The Bill Holman Band Live (Jazzed playing is tight, and the soloists are always to the Media – 1007) was released in 2005, it garnered a point and interesting. A particular highlight is Grammy nomination. It would not surprise me if “Maynard & Waynard,” a feature for the trumpets Hommage gains the same honor. of Bergeron, who once held down the lead seat in (www.jazzedmedia.com) Maynard Ferguson’s band, and Maynard himself. This piece, written and arranged by Gordon ■ I seem to recall that Tony Bennett wrote a one- Goodwin, finds these two trumpet masters feeding word note for Rosemary Clooney’s first album on off each other, and the results are extremely Concord — “Perfect.” That could serve as my satisfying. This is not simply two screechers going description of the new CD from pianist/vocalist at each other, but is an occasion where two fine RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT, Words and jazz players inspire each other to play with taste, Music (Chandos–10411). Richard Rodney Bennett control and creativity. If modern big band jazz is for is a man of exquisite taste, in his choice of material, you, Plays Well with Others will certainly be one they way he sings the lyrics, and the notes that he that you will want to grab. chooses to play as he vocalizes. The program is (www.concordmusicgroup.com) comprised of 15 selections. Some like “It Might As Well Be Spring,” “Someone to Watch over Me,” ■ Probably the most prized chair by Los Angeles “Angel Eyes,” “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the jazz musicians is one on the BILL HOLMAN Band. Most,” “I Won’t Dance” and ”How Long Has This This band has been active since 1987, and the Been Going On” are standards. The remaining songs opportunity to rehearse each week under the direc- are superb rarities that certainly deserve more tion of this great arranger, and to play his music, is exposure, that is if they are done with anything treasured by those fortunate enough to be offered approaching the élan that is present when Bennett one of the slots. The live gigs are not frequent, but performs them. Perhaps the most surprising choice when they happen it is a thrill for both the audience is “Don’t Sleep in the Subway,” a tune made continued on page 34

32 June 2007 JerseyJazz CO-SPONSORED BY NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY

June 2007 JerseyJazz 33 JerseyReviewsJazz

OTHER VIEWS continued from page 32

popular by Petula Clark back in the ’60s, and one don’t receive many ■ Go to Plan B that I always dismissed as another piece of pop Ialbums that have bass (Consolidated Artist pap. Listening to Bennett sing it, you receive the full players as the session Productions – 998) is a effect of Tony Hatch’s rather poignant lyric. This is a leader. This month I want to hard swinging album from a classic example of how the intelligent reading of a highlight three such discs, group led by New York lyric can bring a depth of meaning to a song that each by a bassist from a bassist PAUL BRUSGER. had previously not been in evidence, at least not for different continent. The other players present on me. On “Early to Bed,” with a lyric by Frank the date are Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax, George ■ NILSON MATTA, who will be playing at Jazzfest Underwood, and “Goodbye for Now,” with words by Allgaier on tenor sax, John Hicks on piano and John on June 10, is originally from Brazil. He has been Charles Hart, we get evidence of Bennett’s fine Jenkins on drums. Brusger contributed six of the based in the New York City area for over 20 years, talent as a composer. The closer, “Words and tunes on the album, with one each composed by and has played divergent styles of jazz, but he still Music,” is a wry piece of recitative, with both words Cuber and Hicks. The other selection in the program spends a significant part of his musical life playing and music by Bennett, that depicts the mind of a is the Victor Young/Edward Heyman standard “Love Brazilian influenced jazz. Walking with My Bass Letters.” It seems that most listeners of jazz like to clueless patron at a music venue who considers the (Blue Toucan Music – 120819) is an album on classify the music that they hear, and if one needed entertainment an intrusion on his need to converse. which Matta revisits much of his musical past, in to do so with this album, it would probably be best Unfortunately, in this era of in your face entertain- both the music that he has chosen and the players described as a hard bop session with a few roman- ment, delicious outings like Words and Music are all who perform. Each track has different personnel, tic interludes. Things get off to a kicking good start too rare. I am grateful that Richard Rodney Bennett with Matta being the only constant. It is difficult to with Brusger’s “Don’t Stop Now.” Hicks has written cares enough for the good things to persevere and adequately convey the overall impact of this collec- a lovely piece, “Peaceful Moments,” that inserts produce a gem like this. (www.chandos.net) tion in words without examining each track, but some contemplative moments right in the middle of ■ Guitarist RONI BEN-HUR has just released that is not possible in the context of this piece. Let the program. Cuber’s “Ponta Grossa” points things another superb album, Keepin’ It Open (Motema me, therefore, touch upon some of the selections in a Latinish direction. “Listen Today for Tomorrow’s Music – 00010). His cohorts for this outing are that particularly appealed to me. “Samba sem Answer” closes the set making you feel like Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Ronnie Mathews on piano, Você” features vocalist/guitarist Rosa Passos, a long listening carefully for the next album from Brusger, Santi DeBriano on bass, Lewis Nash on drums and time favorite and friend of Matta who has a voice at least if it offers up the kind of quality sounds that Steve Kroon on percussion. Ben-Hur is a versatile and style that is immediately captivating. A medley are present on Go to Plan B. (www.jazzbeat.com) player who mixes accessibility and creativity, of “Take the A Train” and “Smile” by Matta, Mauricio ■ Listening to Unit Five (Music Center – 112) regardless of what style of music is on his plate. Einhorn on harmonica and Duduka da Fonseca on makes you remember those days when you got the He has chosen band members of a similar nature, drums is a fascinating tour de force that gives all latest Blue Note album because you knew that you and they beautifully complement his artistry. The three musicians ample opportunity to display their were going to hear the kind of lines that would program is an eclectic mix of standards, originals, unique talents. You may have never heard “Night make you snap your fingers and enjoy some good jazz tunes, Brazilian and Spanish pieces, and an and Day” played quite as imaginatively as per- blowing that was free of pretension and gimmicks. Israeli folk song. The 10 tracks cover a lot of formed here by Matta, Harry Allen on tenor sax, Well this album happens to have been recorded in ground, but the album does not feel at all Anne Drummond on flute and Cyro Baptista on May 2006 in Italy by a band led by bassist disjointed. It is interesting that he has included percussion. Having pianist Kenny Barron on any MASSIMILIANO ROLFF. Rolff, along with Steffano tunes written by two of the more unique piano session is always a plus, and he is present on two Riggi on tenor sax, Giampiero Lo Bello on trumpet players in jazz, Thelonious Monk’s “Think of One” tracks, “Berimbau” and “Here’s That Rainy Day.” and flugelhorn, Massimo Currò on guitar and and Elmo Hope’s “One Second Please.” Ben-Hur’s Among the other players who participate are Maurizio Borgia on drums, give vibrant life to nine original salute to one of his mentors “My Man, Claudio Roditi, Ivan Lins, and Helio Alves. There are of his compositions. He knows how to write music Harris,” Barry that is, is a niftily cooking affair. While many Brazilian artists also present on the album that makes you want to hear more. It pleases me the pace varies on Keepin’ It Open, this disc always who will probably spark a listener to seek out more that an album that sounds so wonderfully retro is keeps your attention. Ben-Hur demonstrates once of their work. Throughout, Matta’s bass is always an entirely a production of European musicians, for so again that he is among the most interesting players important element in keeping the music tight and much of what arrives here from over there is in the on his instrument currently playing jazz. flowing. Creating this album must have involved a avant garde camp, and not particularly appealing to (www.ronibenhur.com) tremendous amount of time, thought and effort for my ears. If Rolff and his band mates ever make it to Nilson Matta, but the results justify whatever it these shores for some gigs, I hope that I hear about took, as this is a feast of fine music, played with it, and can find a way to catch them. imagination and love. (www.bluetoucanmusic.com) (www.cdbaby.com) continued on page 36

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OTHER VIEWS continued from page 34 DVD Review Wind and drummer Matt Wilson. As you watch and seemingly limitless palate of colorings and shadings listen to them explore seven Mays originals and the to the proceedings. This film, recorded in front of an ne tremendous advantage of watching jazz Jimmy Van Heusen/ Johnny Burke classic “Darn That audience at the studio of WVIA-TV, a public station Obeing played as opposed to listening to Dream,” you realize that these are gentlemen who that serves northeastern Pennsylvania, is a wonder- recordings is the opportunity that you have to are constantly striving to find new ways to express ful example of how flexible and imaginative a jazz observe how the musicians are relating to each themselves, but to do it in a way that keeps the trio can be when it brings together three artists interest of each other and their audience. Mays is other through body language and facial expres- who possess great technical skills and unbounded not shy about suddenly abandoning the keys on his sions. This adds a dimension to your understanding imagination. (www.billmays.net) of their music that is missing without the visual piano to find just the sound that he wants by pluck- ing or strumming the strings of his instrument. element. This was brought home to me emphati- These albums are not available through NJJS.You cally as I watched the performance captured on Wind, whether plucking the strings of his bass or should be able to obtain most of them at any major The Bill Mays Trio, Live at WVIA-TV (WVIA). employing his impressive bowing technique, is a joy record store. They are also available on-line from BILL MAYS is an exceptionally creative jazz pianist. and wonder to behold. Wilson is a drummer who His partners in his working trio are two other cre- finds ways to employ his drum set and percussion the Web sites shown after each review, or from a ative masters of their instruments, bassist Martin instruments to keep great time, while contributing a variety of other on-line sources. JJ

JAZZ TRIVIA ANSWERS

questions on page 4 CTSIMAGES |The Face of Jazz 1. Fats Waller LICENSING • RESEARCH • APPRAISALS

2. Coleman Hawkins

3. Parker was watching the Dorsey Brothers’ Saturday evening variety show on TV.

4. Herb Jeffries, later to record “Flamingo” with Duke Ellington in 1940, sang with Hines’ band 1931–1934; Billy Eckstine sang and played some trumpet with Hines 1939–1943 and Newark’s Sarah Vaughan joined Hines in 1943. And the rest — as they say…

5. Navy Band 501, a.k.a “The Rangers” was led by Artie Shaw and contained jazz stars Max Kaminsky and Dave Tough, as well as big band stars Claude Thornhill, Sam Donahue, Conrad Gozzo and Johnny Best in its 17 pieces.

Cape May Traditional Jazz Society

MEMBERS WANTED Avery/CTSIMAGES.COM © Ray Send name and address for newsletter, Photo Archives include vintage Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Rock, Country/Western, Radio Personalities, Big Bands, Vocalists, Hollywood and more. gig information, etc. • PHOTOGRAPH RESEARCH • LICENSING FOR COMMERCIAL USE • FINE ART LIMITED EDITION PRINTS • GALLERY EXHIBITIONS [email protected] • RECORD & PHOTOGRAPH APPRAISALS 609-898-4291 WWW.CTSIMAGES.COM e-mail: [email protected]

36 May 2007 JerseyJazz June 2007 JerseyJazz 37 JerseyReviewsJazz

Dreams Come True on the Ocean Blue By Walter Olson …days and nights of

hen I was a child, an extreme Too inspired to sleep, fantastic jazz Wchocolate user, I dreamt about being we settled in The trapped in Hershey’s candy factory for a Ocean Bar to hear our music week. That fantasy never materialized, but I favorite guitarist, with over still dream as an adult and now love jazz Russell Malone and his more than chocolate. These days my dreams trio — a musical 80 of the have me in a place where world-renowned nightcap with Russell’s musicians are playing and I can wander lyrical guitar. Since my world’s THE from set to set on foot. dream is now reality I can just rest for seven greatest That dream really did come true last AZZ more days and nights musicians… J October when my wife and I boarded of fantastic jazz music Holland America’s Oosterdam in the RUISE with over 80 of the beautiful San Diego harbor and got C world’s greatest musi- underway for a Jazz Cruise on a balmy cians, including 20 of Saturday evening. As the ship steered toward the best pianists and the brilliant big band for unique, soulful, and spirited inter- the Mexican Riviera warm breezes cascaded arrangements of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz pretations of familiar jazz, gospel and blues over the Lido deck, where the sail away Orchestra (the orchestra for Diana Krall’s classics. Absolutely breathtaking sets. poolside party was underway. Champagne latest CD From This Moment On). flowed freely, and an All-Star trio headed by Larry Fuller — Fuller recently replaced the “Professor of the Piano” Eddie Higgins kept Each day provided unique music treats. incomparable Ray Kennedy in The John the jazz lovers swaying with blues, standards Some of the more memorable sets were: Pizzarelli Trio. He’s a wonderfully listenable and guest “torch” singers — an exciting start The Jay Leonhart Trio — with Jay’s pianist rooted in the hard swinging to a seven night and day musical adventure. upbeat, amusing ditties and Fats Waller traditions of mainstream jazz. He also drove One of the first scheduled events was “A renditions accompanied by the melodic the talented All-Stars Group assembled Tribute to John Hicks” by a trio of great guitar of Joe Cohn and the piano stylings especially for The Jazz Cruise. musicians — Mike Wolford, who was a of Ted Rosenthal. Ken Peplowski — the master of the clarinet pianist and music director for Sarah The Houston Person Quartet — with Stan and saxophone. A man of extraordinary Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, drummer Hope on piano, Per-Ola Gadd on bass and talent, humor and compassion. Victor Lewis and bassist Curtis Lundy. Chip White on drums. We love the unique Clark Terry — a true legend in his lifetime. The group entertained for over two hours saxophone sounds and romantic ballads A heartwarming tribute honoring his featuring Hicks originals and Billy that seem “like a butterfly striking the petals 60 years during which he was a Jazz Strayhorn songs for a memorable jazz of a rose.” moment and a marvelous appreciation Ambassador for The State Department, for the artistry of John Hicks. Freddy Cole Quartet — outstanding a Grammy winner and composer of over renditions of old classics, by a personable 200 jazz songs. After a brief time-out to greet our dining performer who is a great storyteller. Cole’s room tablemates, and quickly devour the excellent piano playing and singing style The ship stopped at the ports of Cabo San gourmet dinner, we raced to the intimate were ably accompanied by Elias Bailey on Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Tours Queen’s Lounge to hear one of the great bass, Curtis Boyd on drums and Jerry Byrd were available or you could just go ashore pianists of this era, Summit’s own Bill on guitar. and walk about these charming Mexican Charlap who was joined by vocalist Sandy cities. I am often asked about jazz cruises Monty Alexander Trio — The special Stewart. After a joyful hour we ventured and I hope this gives you a flavor of a sounds of the Jamaican-born pianist explore to the Crow’s Nest to catch the Wycliffe remarkable jazz experience. If you have the richness of diversity while remaining Gordon Quintet. Trombonist Gordon is any questions or want more information true to his jazz heritage. also a conductor, composer, arranger and please call me at (973-635-3681). JJ educator and he had the “joint” jumping Barbara Morrison — a dazzling, dynamic for several hours. performer. Her melodic voice is renowned Mr. Olson is an NJJS member.

38 June 2007 JerseyJazz June 2007 JerseyJazz 39 New JerseyJazzSociety

In The Mainstream Meet the NJJS Board By Mainstream Mac Claudette Lanneaux NJJS Entertainment Contributor

t was, in some ways, a simpler and gentler orn in Montclair, Claudette is the oldest of four children. Both Iera. At least the telephone exchanges bore Bof her parents were very involved in the fine arts and provided names like Butterfield 8, Beekman 7, private music lessons to all of their children. Pennsylvania 6 (remember?) and Gramercy 5. Bandleader Artie Shaw chose that last one Claudette studied classical piano for more than 15 years and continues to play the as the name for his new jazz sextet. Artie, piano for personal enjoyment. She serves as Board Secretary for the Plainfield Symphony always interested in unusual instrumenta- and is an amateur artist who has participated in numerous art shows and exhibits in tion, had tried two other small bands- New Jersey. within-the-big-band to afford his talented Claudette has been leading efforts to establish a Black History Month Concert by the players a chance to blow, but left them Plainfield Symphony to celebrate African American classical composers, a proposal that behind when “Artie Shaw and his Gramercy recently earned full sponsorship from Essex County College. Five” became a huge success. “Some of my family members were entertainers in jazz and R&B,” said Claudette. “After The group first recorded in August 1940 with hearing music by Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, I fell in love with Billy Butterfield on trumpet, Al Hendrikson the sound (of jazz).” on guitar, Jud Denaut on bass, Nick Fatool on drums and Johnny Guarnieri on harpsichord. Claudette became aware of the NJJS when she met board member Sheilia Lenga at an No question about it, the selection of that Audience Diversity Seminar last year. instrument (the harpsichord) was a stroke of “We spoke of our organizations and what we were trying to do to develop more audience genius. At the time Shaw was living on participation. I had always wanted to get involved with a jazz organization,” she said. Summit Ridge Drive in Beverly Hills with “Sheilia invited me to an NJJS meeting and I’ve been involved ever since.” wife number three, Lana Turner. The group rehearsed there and the address became the Currently Claudette is focusing on development initiatives and assisting the organization title for their most famous offering. with a project to archive items that have been stored by the NJJS over the years. JJ Shaw’s career was disrupted by wars and resignations. His next version of the group in 1945 included Roy Eldridge on trumpet, Barney Kessel on guitar, Dodo Marmarosa on piano, Morris Rayman on bass and Lou PRES SEZ Fromm on drums. One of their recordings was “The Grabtown Grapple.” Guess where continued from page 2 Artie’s wife of that time was born? Correct, Ava Gardner (number five) came from achievement award. You can see the was our 14th wedding anniversary Grabtown, NC. pictures in this issue and in color and we celebrated with all our The 1949 version of the Gramercy Five on-line at www.njjs.org. We’re so friends at the Cornerstone, where recorded transcriptions with Don fortunate to have re-established our we had our first jazz date many Fagerquist, Jimmy Raney and Irv Kluger. relationship with Rutgers Jazz moons ago. There is always good Later editions included Mary Ann McCall, Lee Castle, Don Lanphere, Teddy Kotick, Department. Frank Mulvaney keeps food and very friendly ambience at Stan Freeman, Bob Haggart, George Barnes, us up-to-date with the college jazz this venerable jazz spot. scene in his column. So we’re tuned Trigger Alpert, Buddy Schutz, Connee ■ Our April Member Meeting at into a truly essential facet of jazz in Boswell, Joe Rolland, Hank Jones, and Tal Trumpets featured a select panel of Farlow. The final group, in 1954, had Joe New Jersey. board members discussing their Puma on guitar. ■ Once again the Cornerstone in personal jazz historical Some of those later groups recorded with Metuchen provided a memorable backgrounds. It was informative Music Masters, Clef and Decca. I am not evening for me and Elliott, and entertaining as they played aware of any available recordings. The entire presenting Sarah Partridge (who is their favorites on Joe Lang’s Bose. output of the first two groups is out on Bluebird CD 7637-2-RB Artie Shaw — also on this year’s Jazzfest line-up). We thank them for sharing part of The Complete Gramercy Five Sessions. JJ The evening was special because it their lives with us. JJ

40 June 2007 JerseyJazz New JerseyJazzSociety

What’s New? About NJJS Members new and renewed The New Jersey Jazz Society is dedicated to the performance, promotion and preservation of jazz. Founded in 1972, the Society is run by a board of We welcome these friends of jazz who recently joined NJJS or directors who meet monthly to conduct the business of staging our music renewed their memberships. We apologize for errors and omissions. festivals, awarding scholarships to deserving New Jersey college jazz studies students, conducting the Generations of Jazz programs in local 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 Renewed Ms. Jacqueline Day La Croix, devotees from all parts of the state, the country and the world. The New Jersey West Orange, NJ Ms. Mary J. Araneo, Elizabeth, NJ Jazz Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust. Mr. & Mrs. Arthur E. Lee, Far Hills, NJ Mr. Edward Berger, Princeton, NJ Visit www.njjs.org, e-mail [email protected], or call the HOTLINE 1-800-303-NJJS Mrs. Eileen Leibowitz, Flanders, NJ for more information on any of our PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Mr. & Mrs. William C. Birdsall, ■ North Syracuse, NY Ms. Ginny Llobell, Maplewood, NJ Generations of Jazz (our Jazz in the Schools Program) ■ Mr. Joe Boughton, Meadville, PA Ms. Eleanor M. Malone, Jazzfest (two-day summer jazz festival) West Paterson, NJ ■ Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp ■ e-mail updates Mr. Joseph Catto, Morris Plains, NJ Mr. James McGonigle, Morristown, NJ ’Round Jersey (Regional Jazz Concert Series): ■ Bridgewater Mr. David A. Cayer, Plainfield, NJ ■ ■ Mr. David McLean, Nutley, NJ Ocean County College Bickford Theatre/Morris Mr. & Mrs. Dwight N. Crawford, ■ ■ Penllyn, PA Ms. Gerrie Molnar & Family, Student scholarships American Jazz Hall of Fame Lebanon, NJ Dr. & Mrs. Robert Curran, Wantagh, NY Mr. & Mrs. Farley Moran, Madison, NJ Ms. Patricia C. Curry, Vauxhall, NJ Mr. & Mrs. George H. Morgan, Member Benefits West Paterson, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Charles S. Day, What do you get for your $40 dues? Manchester, NJ Dr. & Mrs. Michael Nakhamkin, ■ Jersey Jazz Journal — a monthly journal considered one of the best jazz Basking Ridge, NJ society publications in the country, packed with feature articles, photos, jazz Mr. & Mrs. Jerry DiRazzo, calendars, upcoming events and news about the NJ Jazz Society. Dingmans Ferry, PA Mr. Bucky Pizzarelli, Saddle River, NJ ■ NEW! FREE Monthly Member Meetings — See www.njjs.org and Mr. & Mrs. George H. Elwood, Ms. Joan K. Preston, Union, NJ Jersey Jazz for updates. Hancock, NY Mr. Samuel S. Rabkin, ■ Musical Events — NJJS sponsors and co-produces a number of jazz events Mr. & Mrs. Joel Farkas, Florham Park, NJ each year, ranging from intimate concerts to large dance parties and picnics. Convent Station, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Ted Radzewicz, Oxford, NJ Members receive discounts on ticket prices for the Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp and Jazzfest. Plus there’s a free concert at the Annual Ms. Theona L. Feibush, Mr. Leon C. Richtmyre, Smithville, NJ Woodbridge, NJ Meeting in December and occasionally other free concerts. Ticket discounts Mrs. Suzanne La Croix Robinson, (where possible) apply to 2 adults, plus children under 18 years of age. Mrs. Joel Feldstein, West Orange, NJ West Orange, NJ Singles may purchase two tickets at member prices. Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln. S. Ferriss, Mr. Marvin Schlaffer, Kendall Park, NJ ■ The Record Bin — a collection of CDs, not generally found in music stores, Denville, NJ available at reduced prices at most NJJS concerts and events and through Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Schnell, mail order. Contact [email protected] for a catalog. Mr. Frederick Fischer, Jamison, PA Scotch Plains, NJ Mr. Howard E. Schulien, Montville, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Fred D. Fisher, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. Cornelius Sewell, Boyertown, PA Join NJJS New York, NY Mr. Roger Flartey, Denville, NJ MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Member benefits are subject to update. Mr. & Mrs. Max Siegel, Sussex, NJ ■ Mr. Chuck Folds, New York, NY Family $40: See above for details. Mr. Joe Thomas, Oxford, NJ ■ Dr. & Mrs. Francis Forte, Tenafly, NJ Youth $20: For people under 25 years of age. Be sure to give the year of Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Whitmore, your birth on the application where noted. Mr. Schaen Fox, Lawrenceville, NJ Intervale, NH ■ Give-a-Gift $40 + $20: The Give-a-Gift membership costs the regular $40 Ms. Doris B. Griffin, Ramsey, NJ Mr. Charles F. Wright, Washington, NJ for you, plus $20 for a gift membership. (Includes your 1-year membership Mr. & Mrs. Robert Heintz, and your friend’s first year membership. Not available for renewals of gift Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Wynant, memberships.) Maryville, TN Basking Ridge, NJ ■ Supporter ($75 – $99/family) Dr. Michael Helliwell, Rutherford, NJ Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Zarrow, ■ Mr. & Mrs. Joseph B. Howell, Fair Lawn, NJ Patron ($100 – $249/family) Basking Ridge, NJ ■ Benefactor ($250 – $499/family) Mr. & Mrs. John Janssens, New ■ Angel $500+/family) Chatham Township, NJ Mr. Don Dellorto, Bethlehem PA Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Josephs, To receive a membership application, Ms. Sally Kopstein, Edison, NJ Wyckoff, NJ for more information or to join: Rabbi Louis Kaplan, Wallingford, PA Dr. Nicholas F. Palmieri, Linden, NJ Contact Membership Chair Caryl Anne McBride Mr. Michael Kolber, Union, NJ at 973-366-8818 or [email protected] Ms. Elaine Koss, Plainsboro, NJ OR visit www.njjs.org OR simply send a check payable to “NJJS” to: NJJS Membership, PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 41 JerseyEventsJazz

Baron “Toots” Thielemans Monarch of Jazz Harmonica Plays Blue Note June 19, 20 By Mike Zwerin

“For 60 years I’ve LA HULPE, BELGIUM (BLOOMBERG) — Virtuoso harmonica player Jean-Baptiste been following Frederic Isidor “Toots” Thielemans turned 85 on March 29 and continues to play, as he puts it, “in that little space between a smile my father’s and a tear.” The man known for the harmonica on Midnight Cowboy and the advice that if you theme from the Sesame Street TV series, among many others, first learned to play jazz make two dollars, on the guitar after hearing a Duke Ellington record during the German occupation of Belgium. use one to live music,” he said. “Between making music for His fingers no longer have the endurance to money and music that I enjoy.” on and put the pick guitar strings for very long. These days he will not perform more than one set a Thielemans is, however, above such night on the less physically demanding discriminations. One way or another, his other in the bank chromatic harmonica: He plans a 10-day unshakable lyricism always finds its way tour of the US in June, including a two- directly to your heart. A partial list of the and forget you evening appearance at New York’s Blue Note people he has soloed with illustrates his (information in box). Toots, as everyone “tightrope” — Benny Goodman, Paul have it.” calls him, was sitting by his swimming pool Simon, Charlie Parker, Jaco Pastorius, Billy in the upscale Brussels exurb of La Hulpe on Joel, Bill Evans, Shirley Horn, Chet Baker, a spring-like afternoon in late winter. George Shearing, Ella Fitzgerald, John Scofield, Natalie Cole, Joe Lovano and Pat Check Thielemans’s Web site Named by Quincy Jones as “one of the Metheny. www.tootsthielemans.com for greatest musicians of our time,” Toots is now all US dates a baron in Belgium. He watched his wife, The first “real money” he made was when he Blue Note Jazz Club Huguette, gardening, with Moet and whistled along with his guitar for an Old Chandon, their cute little dogs, frisking 131 West 3rd Street Spice commercial some 40 years ago. He was about their large lush garden. Looking at New York, NY soon swamped by calls from advertising their baronial home, I said: “It sure is a agencies hooked on the sound. There was Tues., June 19 and pleasure to see someone who plays so well another commercial coup when he played Wed., June 20 living so well.” the Belgian national anthem on TV after at 8 PM & 10:30 PM “I never did drugs,” he explained, somewhat Belgium beat Russia in soccer in 1984. “I McCoy Tyner trio defensively. “I had no expensive divorces, no could have run for president,” he said. These w/ guest Toots Thielemans children to put through college. And for 60 days he’s been working lucrative corporate Reservations/Info, years I’ve been following my father’s advice affairs for the likes of Volvo AB, Ikea, and call: (212) 475-0049 that if you make two dollars, use one to live Siemens AG, mostly in Flanders. He speaks or (212) 529-1038 on and put the other in the bank and forget Flemish, French, English, German, and or visit www.bluenote.net you have it.” Suffering from overwork and Swedish. To please his fans in suits, he depression, he stopped performing late last performs “Bluesette,” the track he wrote that year, on doctor’s orders. He is just now has become a standard. He also plays photo this page: starting to do isolated local gigs again. excerpts from some of the movie Toots Thielemans, Monterey Jazz Festival 2001. “Of course I’ve always been on a kind of soundtracks he’s famous for — Baghdad © Ray Avery/CTSIMAGES.COM tightrope between commercial stuff and real Cafe, The Getaway, Jean de Florette.

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The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University–Newark is the largest and Thielemans smiled that wide, life-assuring better in bed”), he got it right, and said: “It’s most comprehensive library and archive of jazz and smile of his, and said: “I don’t really mind fun to improvise in B major. Playing music jazz-related materials in the world! — a valuable playing weddings and parties and stuff like keeps you feeling young.” resource for jazz researchers, students, musicians and fans. The archives are open to the public from that. Only one thing — we try to plan it so There is a framed autographed photograph 9 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday, but please call they don’t eat when I play.” He relates to of that other harmonica virtuoso, Stevie and make an appointment. music like a child obsessed with a toy. He’s Wonder, in his downstairs washroom. Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers, The State even playing cops and robbers when he Wonder came to sit in during his 80th University of NJ, John Cotton Dana Library, pretends to be worried that the “jazz police” birthday celebration at the Blue Note club 185 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102 are after him for the crime of commerciality. Web site: newarkwww.rutgers.edu/IJS in New York. There was a big tribute concert 973-353-5595 It is lucky that Huguette is around to take in Town Hall last year. The Thielemans own care of his grown-up life. She brings him an apartment on the upper east side of calendar: yoghurt in bed at 8 AM, after which, still Manhattan. JAZZ RESEARCH ROUND TABLE in bed, he practices Charlie Parker’s But he feels “very Belgian.”With his well- A series of lectures and discussions. Names in italics are the presenters. “Confirmation” in the difficult key developed sense of irony, he calls himself of B major. “The Belgian King of Bebop.” ■ June 6 (Wed): Ed Green: Duke Ellington: Master of Motivic Composition — The real Belgian King Albert gave him a ring a Technical and Philosophic Appreciation. Playing Keeps You Young when he made him a baron on the occasion Programs are free and open to the public, and When we met, Toots picked up a trusty of his 80th birthday. Toots has recently lost most take place Thursday evenings (unless Hohner chromatic harmonica to illustrate. some weight, and his finger is too skinny to otherwise noted like the one above) from 7:00 Hohner produces a model named for him, wear it now. Toots displayed the luxurious, to 9:00 pm in the Dana Room, 4th floor, John Cotton Dana Library, Rutgers University, and one of them is never far from wherever leather-bound baronial proclamation, on 185 University Ave., Newark, NJ. he is. After several false starts (“I played it which is printed, in a Gothic font, his credo, Refreshments are served. “be yourself, no more no less.” He Information: 973-353-5595. explained: “Comes from Seneca, one of those dudes.” JAZZ FROM THE ARCHIVES Toots added: “Belgium is like a Broadcast hosted by IJS Director, 2007 NEA Jazz Master Dan Morgenstern every Sunday at friendly old sweater that you keep 11:00 PM on WBGO Radio (88.3 FM). wearing even though it’s worn out. I Information: www.wbgo.org. still love to wear it. It reminds me of ■ June 3 — Many pianists were born in June. “Sophisticated Lady,” and those Dan Morgenstern has picked a dozen for a other old standards you never get bouquet, including Erroll Garner, Jaki Byard, Elmo Hope, Hazel Scott — and tune in for the JJ tired of revisiting.” rest! ■ June 10 — King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band Mike Zwerin, an occasional contributor Revisited: Host Vincent Pelote samples the to Jersey Jazz, is a Paris-based new transfers by Doug Benson of these trombonist and critic for Bloomberg recordings issued on the Archeophone label. News. [email protected] ■ June 17 — I Want To Live: Host © Bloomberg News, 2007. Bill Kirchner plays selections from Johnny Mandel’s 1958 film score. ■ June 24 — “Ahead of the Curve: A Cannonball Adderley Retrospective” presented by host Ryan Maloney with guest, bassist Christian McBride.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 43 JerseyEventsJazz ’Round Jersey Bucky Pizzarelli, GREATS follows on August 11, as Mark Shane and right, on June 2 in Jeff Barnhart combine their stride talents to pay Bridgewater, teams tribute to Dick Wellstood, lost to the jazz world 20 up with Jonathan years ago. The season closes on September 8 as Russell, below. Bridgewater Jazz the exciting Galvanized Jazz Band visits from New Somerset County Vocational England for the first time in years. Buy in advance and Technical High School and save! Bridgewater, NJ 08807 Tickets/Information: 908-725-6640 Morris Jazz ot much has to be said about living legend The Bickford Theater NBucky Pizzarelli. The most popular guitarist at the Morris Museum among NJJS members appears around the Morristown, NJ 07960 state fairly often, most frequently with his Tickets/Information: 973-971-3706 veteran bassist Jerry Bruno. What is special about his Saturday, June 2 (8 PM) visit to he resurgence of interest in traditional jazz that Jazz in Bridgewater is the third member of Jonathan’s Tlaunched the New Jersey Jazz Society was the team, an 11-year-old violinist named photo supplied especially strong along the Pacific, evidenced by Jonathan Russell. by the artist. the fact that there are around 30 weekend festivals out there, thriving to this day. An identifiable style, Those who witnessed Jonathan at Jazzfest last called West Coast Revival by those who study such year, sparring with Kenny Davern in the tent, things, borrows heavily from the music that need no further introduction. The young violinist emerged from New Orleans and traveled upriver is a hot player, able to adapt and improvise under a band of top players in the manner that Red would towards Chicago and New York. West Coast jazz wide range of conditions. He plays as a guest with have. Noted bassist Gary Mazzaroppi has been relies on more ensemble playing for its complex traditional jazz bands, small groups and swing added to the previously announced lineup, which is passages, with solo opportunities not completely bands at festivals across the country, even fitting in headlined by reed maestro Ken Peplowski and denied. Some even employ two cornets, in the with outfits whose only other string player may includes Derek Smith (a frequent PIANO GREATS manner of King Oliver’s bands. have a banjo in his hand. Audiences love him, and Piano Spectacular selection), James Chirillo (the usual guitarist in Kenny Davern’s groups) and To expand the repertoire beyond that which is initially for the novelty of a youngster playing with Chuck Redd, who divides his time between vibes commonly heard here, several important band the pros but, as the set progresses, they realize and drums. leaders created their own material, structured in that his music is first rate for a player of any age. the manner of the traditional masters, whom they All are sought-after musicians, usually leading their Jonathan has played with Bucky before. In fact, the revered. Trombonist Turk Murphy was a major own groups, who don’t often get opportunities like list of well-known musicians and bands he’s worked influence, contributing any number of tunes to the this to play together, bounce new ideas off each with is lengthy, and would be impressive for a violin- West Coast repertoire that are as popular out there other and really swing. Red knew which musicians ist with 30 years in the business! He’s the youngest today…as they are unknown here. Turk was would inspire each other to new heights. His musician invited to take master classes at Jazz at important enough that Jim Cullum threw a Carnegie partners learned the formula well and continue Lincoln Center, but his credentials hardly matter. Hall tribute bash for him shortly before his passing the tradition. Close your eyes and simply listen to his music, in 20 years ago. Now would be a good time to revisit the company of Bucky and Jerry. Each will stimulate The rest of the summer looks promising at Turk’s legacy. the other, making for a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Bridgewater. The Midiri Brothers Septet will build The seven-piece Summit Stompers have under- on the Artie Shaw program they debuted (with an Jazz in Bridgewater has a second treat for us this taken the task of assembling an evening of abbreviated band) to a sellout audience at the month. REMEMBERING RED on Saturday, June 30 exhilarating Turk Murphy material (things he wrote Bickford to present a full evening of Shaw favorites is a trip in a time machine, going back to the days and things he liked to play) for the Wyeth Jazz and new discoveries on Saturday, July 21. PIANO when Red Squires put together surprising Showcase on Monday evening, June 25. Several of and exceptional all-star groups for the the players will have familiar faces: drummer Don NJJS festivals at Waterloo Village. He Robertson (past Jersey Jazz editor and NJJS presi- also programmed the NJJS monthly dent), pianist Fred Fischer (ubiquitous player concerts, the Strides of March in who soloed at Watchung, closing that series) and trumpeter Bart Bartholomew (heard with NYC, and the annual ChickenFat Dr. Dubious). Their leader is trombonist Kent Ball, among others. Blair, whose affection for Turk Murphy shows James Chirillo and Al Kuehn and Don Greenfield, Ken Peplowski in his playing. He’s filled out the band with his ChickenFat partners (who Remember Red in others having a similar musical philosophy still continue that cherished Bridgewater. and solid jazz credentials: talented event every winter) will honor clarinetist Sy Helderman, banjo master Jon their late friend by assembling a Martin and multi-instrumentalist (tuba in this

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Torrid pianist closely followed with a rare visit by Bob Seeley visits the Hot Antics, a European band that Tom’s River this thrilled audiences at Bridgewater… month. and was the band that opened that Carnegie Hall tribute to Turk Murphy! They’re playing on July 25, an unusual Ocean County Wednesday show. Pianist Tom College, where he Roberts, now based in Pittsburgh, will appear for returns to honor namesake Luckey MidWeek Jazz on Roberts with a stride tribute. The Wednesday, Roof Garden Jass Band finally gets June 20. Your a chance to celebrate 90 years of other choice is the Hot Steamed Festival in recorded jazz on August 1, also a Summit Stompers, above, and drummer Connecticut that weekend. Don Robertson is ready for his close-up, right. Wednesday, and the Palomar Quartet Renovations to the Fine Arts Center at OCC have Photo above provided by the band. returns with hot Benny Goodman material on August 20. been postponed, so MidWeek Jazz has been extended through December. These popular concerts run as one 90-minute set starting at 8 PM, band) Mike MacBurney. Frisco Jazz For Shore so fans get home at a decent hour. And the cost is jazz comes east! reasonable: $13 in advance, bumped up to $15 at The Fine Arts Center the door, with no other fees. It is hard to describe what endears at Ocean County College pianist Bob Milne to fans, but he Toms River, NJ 08754 Robbie Scott will bring his New Deal Orchestra to has thousands around the country Tickets/Information: the series on Wednesday, July 11. He’s collected a who savor his playing as well as his 732-255-0500 book of tight jazz and swing arrangements and has stories and dry humor. He tours a substantial stable of accomplished players, such hile boogie woogie piano may nearly full time playing “obsolete” that New Deal can produce a sound that equates to have faded from glory in its styles such as ragtime, stride and even some W a much larger band. We’ll have the band roster for American home, it is enormously popular with boogie woogie. He’s a fixture on the circuit of you next issue, and you’ll recognize that many of young people in Europe. Bob Seeley is the only ragtime festivals that dot the country, and when a his regular players are leaders in other settings. American player constantly invited to perform at jazz festival wants ragtime (clearly at the root of They’ve played the White House (while both parties European boogie and blues festivals, where he’s jazz) represented, he’s likely to be the first call. have been in residence), Tavern on the Green and revered — and studied — by fans and performers other posh NYC nightspots. His tours have taken him to some odd places (the alike. “Seeley is a force of nature,” says Dick aircraft carrier USS George Washington, for Hyman, who knows a thing or two about jazz piano. Robbie Scott himself plays 300 gigs a year, some example) and exposed his fleet fingerwork to some “He’s the best boogie woogie player on the planet.” as far away as Europe. MidWeek Jazz regulars rather large audiences (4000 at the Chautauqua Tex Wyndham and others heartily agree. may remember him as the drummer at the Great Amphitheater, and others). But he’s right at home GroundHog Day Jam here. He’s also heard on the One critic, in awe of Seeley’s stride and boogie with 300 seats at the Bickford Theatre because he soundtrack of a pair of Woody Allen movies, and woogie technique, titled his review “A Terrifying enjoys their Kawai grand piano and can easily has played the Pee Wee Russell Stomp as well. Left Hand.” “It could be said that Seeley turned interact with the audience in that acoustic hall. the piano into a conflagration,” according to the Dan Levinson is also familiar to local fans, having His next pass through NJ allows him to visit there on New York Daily World, “with his hard-driving blues led the exciting THREE BENNY OPERA in January Monday, June 4, playing a single extended set starting and boogie pieces.” Even Dick Wellstood, not that threatened attendance records here. He’ll be at 8 PM. Tickets are $13 in advance but $15 at the easily impressed by other jazz pianists, called back on Wednesday, August 22, leading his door. Building improvements at the parent Morris Seeley, in admiration, “that steel-fingered monster Palomar Quartet in celebration of the anniversary Museum are progressing to the point that close-in from Detroit.” of Benny Goodman’s Palomar Ballroom appearance parking has been expanded and patrons may that launched the Swing Era. Expect his superb “Boogie Bob” Seeley last played for NJJS at the begin to use the new lobby entrance at some clarinet work to be backed by Mark Shane, Hoboken Jazzfest, but people still talk about how Kevin Dorn and that young tornado on the vibes, point in June. he dominated the Piano Matt Hoffmann. More on this next month, but Spectacular slate of the The summer schedule you may want to buy your tickets early, since world’s greatest with his here is packed with OCC will allow you to reserve specific seats. JJ temptations. The 20-piece renditions of “St. Louis Silver Starlite Orchestra Blues” and even the returns on July 23 with a unlikely “Satin Doll.” ’Round Since his visits to New program highlighting Photos by Bruce Gast except as noted. Jersey are so infrequent, the contributions of Big fans throughout the state ’Round Jersey concerts are produced by Band vocalists. That’s Jersey ought to request the easy Bruce M. Gast in conjunction with the driving instructions to New Jersey Jazz Society. Bob Milne appears at the Bickford this month.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 45 JerseyEventsJazz You can find jazz all over the state Somewhere There’s Music in venues large and small. Here are just some of them.

Asbury Park Edgewater Lawrenceville RICHIE CECERE’S JOYFUL NOISE CAFE LA DOLCE VITA FEDORA CAFÉ 2 Erie Street 1400 Asbury Ave. 270 Old River Rd. 2633 Lawrenceville Road 973-746-7811 “JAZZ Alive Asbury Park” 201-840-9000 609-895-0844 SESAME RESTAURANT & JAZZ CLUB second Friday each month 8 PM Some Wednesdays 6:00 PM 398 Bloomfield Avenue $8 Englewood No cover/BYOB 973-746-2553 BERGEN PAC sesamerestaurant.com Bayonne 30 N. Van Brunt St. Little Falls Jazz Evening once every month, usually THE BOILER ROOM 201-227-1030 BARCA VELHA RESTAURANT/BAR 2nd or 3rd Wednesday 280 Avenue E www.bergenpac.org 440 Main St., 07424 201-436-6700 973-890-5056 TRUMPETS www.artsfactory.com Garwood www.barcavelha.com 6 Depot Square 973-744-2600 Fri/Sat 10 PM; Sun 7 PM CROSSROADS Fridays 7:30 PM Bossa Brazil No cover www.trumpetsjazz.com 78 North Ave. Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday 7:30 PM Bernardsville 908-232-5666 Friday/Saturday 8:30 PM BERNARD’S INN www.xxroads.com Lyndhurst 27 Mine Brook Road Jam Session Tuesday 8:30 PM WHISKEY CAFÉ Morris Plains 1050 Wall St. West, 07071 908-766-0002 AMBROSIA RESTAURANT & BAR www.bernardsinn.com Glen Rock 201-939-4889 www.whiskeycafe.com 650 Speedwell Ave. Monday – Saturday 6:30 PM GLEN ROCK INN 973-898-1111 Piano Bar 222 Rock Road One Sunday/month James Dean Orchestras swing dance + lesson www.ambrosianj.com 201-445-2362 Rio Clemente Wednesday 7:00 PM PORT CITY JAVA www.glenrockinn.com Madison 55 Mine Brook Road Thursday 7 PM Morristown www.fridaynightjazzjam.com SHANGHAI JAZZ 24 Main St. THE BICKFORD THEATRE 4th Friday 7 PM Hackensack AT THE MORRIS MUSEUM 973-822-2899 SOLARI’S 5 Normandy Heights Road www.shanghaijazz.com Bloomfield 61 River St. 973-971-3706 Wednesday/Thursday 7:00 PM WESTMINSTER ARTS CENTER/ 201-487-1969 www.morrismuseum.org Friday/Saturday 6:30 PM BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE 1st Tuesday 8:00 PM Some Mondays 8:00 PM Sunday 6:00 PM 467 Franklin St. Mickey Gravine Big Band No cover 973-748-9000 x343 No cover THE COMMUNITY THEATRE 100 South St. Brooklawn STONY HILL INN Mahwah 973-539-8008 231 Polifly Rd. BERRIE CENTER/RAMAPO COLLEGE BROOKLAWN AMERICAN LEGION HALL 201-342-4085 505 Ramapo Valley Road COPELAND RESTAURANT/WESTIN Browning Road & Railroad Ave. 08030 GOVERNOR MORRIS HOTEL www.stonyhillinn.com 201-684-7844 856-234-5147 2 Whippany Road Friday and Saturday evenings www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter Tri-State Jazz Society usual venue 973-539-7300 www.copelandrestaurant.com www.tristatejazz.org Hawthorne Maplewood Some Sundays 2:00 pm Sunday Seafood Jazz Brunch 11:30 AM ALEXUS STEAKHOUSE TAVERN BURGDORF CULTURAL CENTER Clark 80 Wagaraw Road, 07506 10 Durand St. THE SIDEBAR AT THE FAMISHED FROG 973-427-9200 973-378-2133 18 Washington St. LANA’S FINE DINING 7 –10 PM www.artsmaplewood.org 973-540-9601 1300 Raritan Rd. No cover www.famishedfrog.com/thesidebar 732-669-9024 AlexusSteakhouse.com Matawan www.lanasfinedining.com Bucky Pizzarelli & Frank Vignola ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Warren Vaché Trio Thursdays 7–11 PM Café 34 70 Maple Avenue on rotating schedule Tuesdays & 787 Route 34 Live jazz (rotating artists) Fridays 7–11 PM every other Thursday 973-455-0708 Jazz trios Wed and Thur 8 PM Cherry Hill (732) 583-9700 SUSHI LOUNGE Highland Park www.bistro34.com 12 Schuyler Place TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PJ’S COFFEE 973-539-1135 Rt. 70 315 Raritan Avenue Mendham 856-234-5147 732-828-2323 KC’S CHIFFAFA HOUSE Mountainside Tri-State Jazz Society occasional venue Sunday 1 PM Open Jam www.tristatejazz.org 5 Hilltop Road ARIRANG Some Sundays 2 PM (973) 543-4726 1230 Route 22W Hillsborough Live Jazz — Rio Clemente, others 908-518-9733 DAY’S INN Call for schedule Wednesday 7:30 PM Clifton 118 Route 206 South ST. PETERS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 908-685-9000 Metuchen Newark 380 Clifton Ave. Thursday 7 PM Open Jam 973-546-3406 CORNERSTONE NEWARK MUSEUM New & Pearl Streets 49 Washington St. Saturdays 7:30 PM Hoboken 732-549-5306 973-596-6550 MAXWELL’S Wednesdays & Fridays 7:30 PM www.newarkmuseum.org Closter 1039 Washington St. No cover. No minimum. Summer Thursday afternoons HARVEST BISTRO & BAR 201-798-0406 252 Schraalenburgh Road Every other Monday 9:00 PM Montclair NJPAC 201-750-9966 1 Center St. Swingadelic CHURCH STREET CAFÉ 888-466-5722 www.harvestbistro.com 12 Church St. Every Tuesday: Ron Affif/ SHADES www.njpac.org Lyle Atkinson/Ronnie Zito 720 Monroe St. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH THE PRIORY shadesofhoboken.com 40 South Fullerton Ave. 233 West Market St. 888-374-2337 973-744-6560 Deal 973-242-8012 AXELROD PAC Hopewell PALAZZO RESTAURANT Friday 7:00 PM Jewish Community Center No cover HOPEWELL VALLEY BISTRO & INN 11 South Fullerton Ave. 732-531-9100 x 142 973-746-6778 www.arthurtopilow.com 15 East Broad St. SAVOY GRILL 609-466-9889 Friday/Saturday 7:00 PM Joe Licari/Larry Weiss 60 Park Place www.hopewellvalleybistro.com 973-286-1700 Friday/Saturday 7 PM www.thesavoy Minimum $15 grillnewark.com

Listings are alphabetical by town. All entries are subject to change; please call each venue to confirm schedule of music.

46 June 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyEventsJazz

Tell them you saw it in Jersey Jazz!

New Brunswick Rahway South Orange West Orange DELTA’S ARTS GUILD OF RAHWAY DANCING GOAT CAFÉ CECIL’S The Name 19 Dennis St. 1670 Irving St. 21 South Orange St 364 Valley Road 732-249-1551 732-381-7511 973-275-9000 973-736-4800 www.rahwayartsguild.org www.thedancinggoat.com Dropper STATE THEATRE 8:00 PM 8 PM FRANKLIN TAVERN 15 Livingston Ave. 97-99 Franklin Ave. 732-246-7469 SOUTH ORANGE PERFORMING 973-325-9899 Howard Alden will perform at the Raritan ARTS CENTER www.statetheatrenj.org No cover Jimmy McPartland Centennial at the MUGS PUB AND RESTAURANT One SOPAC Way 973-235-1114 Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter Newton 73 West Somerset Street 908-725-6691 Westfield BULA College on June 19. He’ll also be Fridays 7 PM Summit NORTHSIDE TRATTORIA 134 Spring St. SUMMIT UNITARIAN CHURCH 16 Prospect St. there the following night for a 973-579-7338 Red Bank 4 Waldron Ave. 908-232-7320 www.bularestaurant.com Sunday www.northsidetrattoria.com Ruby Braff tribute. Both events are COUNT BASIE THEATRE Fridays 8:00 PM Sunday, Tuesday, part of the JVC Jazz Festival. 99 Monmouth St. Teaneck Thursdays evenings North Arlington 732-842-9000 LOUNGE ZEN 254 DeGraw Ave. ACQUAVIVA Harry Allen plays at Sapa in NYC UVA ”JAZZ IN THE PARK” 201-692-8585 115 Elm St. 602 Ridge Road June 4, 11, 18 and 25. Riverside Park www.lounge-zen.com 908-301-0700 Friday 7:00 PM 732-530-2782 No cover www.acquaviva- Adam Brenner Gene Bertoncini is at dellefonti.com PUFFIN CULTURAL FORUM Ridgewood Fridays 7:00 PM Le Madeleine, NYC, every North Branch WINBERIE’S AMERICAN BISTRO 20 East Oakdene Ave. 201-836-8923 Sunday and Monday. NEW ORLEANS FAMILY 30 Oak Street Woodbridge RESTAURANT 201-444-3700 Tom’s River 1285 State Highway 28 www.selectrestaurants.com JJ BITTING BREWING CO. Bill Charlap will be at Dizzy’s Club OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE 908-725-0011 Thursdays Piano Jazz/Pop 33 Main Street FINE ARTS CENTER 732-634-2929 at Lincoln Center June 1 – 3. 7:00 PM Fridays/Saturdays Jazz/Pop duos College Drive www.njbrewpubs.com 732-255-0550 Fridays 9:30 PM Nutley Rumson www.ocean.edu/campus/ Freddy Cole leads off the Newark HERB’S PLACE SALT CREEK GRILLE fine_arts_center Museum Jazz in the Garden on AT THE PARK PUB 4 Bingham Avenue Some Wednesdays Wood Ridge 785 Bloomfield Avenue 732-933-9272 MARTINI GRILL June 7. Sonny Fortune follows 973-235-0696 www.saltcreekgrille.com Trenton 187 Hackensack St. on June 14 and Javon Jackson 8:30–11:30 PM JOE’S MILL HILL SALOON 201-209-3000 Sayreville Market & Broad Streets Wednesday through appears June 21. Oakland SHOT IN THE DARK 609-394-7222 Saturday SPORTS BAR & GRILL Occasionally Laura Hull will sing at the Sushi HANSIL’S BAR AND GRILL 404 Washington Road 7 Ramapo Valley Rd. 732-254-9710 Lounge in Morristown 6/3. Laura 201-337-5649 Thursday 7:30 PM Union John Bianculli VAN GOGH’S EAR CAFÉ and Rio Clemente appear at the RUGA’S 1017 Stuyvesant Ave. Stonefire June 24. 4 Barbara Lane Seabright 908-810-1844 201-337-0813 THE QUAY www.vangoghsearcafe.com Russell Malone and Bobby Tuesday thru Saturday 7:00 PM 280 Ocean Ave Sundays 8:00 PM 732-741-7755 $3 cover Hutcherson are at the Blue Note Pine Brook Tuesday nights Jazz Lobsters June 1 – 2. MILAN big band Watchung 13 Hook Mountain Road WATCHUNG ARTS CENTER 973-808-3321 Short Hills 18 Stirling Road David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong www.milanrestaurant.com JOHNNY’S ON THE GREEN 908-753-0190 Centennial Band plays at Birdland Fridays 6:30 PM Stein Brothers 440 Parsonage Hill Road www.watchungarts.org 973-467-8882 every Wednesday at 5:30. Plainfield www.johnnysonthegreen.com Wayne Sandy Sasso is at the Red Bank CAFÉ VIVACE Somerville WILLIAM PATERSON 1370 South Avenue UNIVERSITY VERVE RESTAURANT Jazz & Blues Festival with her big 908-753-4500 300 Pompton Road 18 East Main St. www.cafevivace.com 973-720-2371 band June 3. She will be at Allaire 908-707-8605 www.wpunj.edu Saturdays 7:30 PM Village in Wall June 12 –16, and at www.vervestyle.com Sunday 4:00 PM Occasional Thursdays 6 PM the Salt Creek Grille June 27. Princeton Fridays/Saturdays 8:30 PM West Caldwell MCCARTER THEATRE 91 University Place South Brunswick COLORS RESTAURANT Radam Schwartz plays at & LOUNGE 609-258-2787 JAZZ CAFÉ 1090 Bloomfield Ave. Showmans in New York June 15. South Brunswick (Dayton) 973-244-4443 MEDITERRA Municipal Complex Daryl Sherman plays and sings 29 Hulfish St. 540 Ridge Road 609-252-9680 732-329-4000 ext. 7635 We continually update at the Waldorf every Wednesday, www.terramomo.com [email protected] entries. Please contact Thursday, Friday and Sunday from first Friday every month [email protected] if you SALT CREEK GRILLE $5 admission includes light 4 to 7. 1 Rockingham Row, refreshments know of other venues Forrestal Village that ought to be here. Dr. Lonnie Smith and 609-419-4200 We want to include any www.saltcreekgrille.com locale that offers jazz Peter Bernstein are at the on a regular, ongoing Jazz Standard June 1 – 3. basis. Also please advise us of any errors you’re Marlene Ver Planck sings at aware of in these listings. Shanghai Jazz June 3.

June 2007 JerseyJazz 47 JerseyJazz Time Value Material PERIODICALS PO Box 410 Deliver Promptly Postage PAID at Brookside, NJ 07926-0410 Morristown, NJ 07960 Send all address changes to the address above

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