A P A PLACE FOR O R

August 2006 Editor: Tim Coakley

WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG—UPDATED DAILY Here Comes the Fall Season

By Tim Coakley

A Place for bers and offi- Web Site News VOLUNTEER HELP Jazz is ready cers will be WANTED to go with an- posted on our other season On our own Web site There's a new way to reach our web site! The We need help: of top-quality soon: jazz for your www.aplacefo old URL Labeling newsletters (1 hour listening en- In other news, rjazz.org. (www.timesunion.com/com every 3 months…can be done in the process munities/jazz) will still at home) joyment. We of continuing We will still work, so if you've already will kick off our got it in your Favorites, you Writing music reviews the tradition rely on our 2006 season board mem- don't have to do anything. Working on a young people’s Friday, Sept. established by But otherwise, you can project at the Hamilton Hill Butch Conn, bers and vol- 15 with the unteers to out- now get to our web site Art Center our late foun- with Winard Harper line and carry Sextet. This der, A Place www.aplaceforjazz.org. out the many Much simpler and more If you can help, please call top-notch for Jazz is in tasks and du- professional, don't you Tim Coakley at drummer and the process of establishing ties that go think? 518-393-4011 his group with present- have been itself as a non- or e-mail him at profit entity, ing a concert appearing at series like [email protected] festivals and with a board of directors ours. With all cruises Check out our updated- and officers. the help we around the monthly calendar onour This will not have received world to criti- in the past, website at cal and popu- alter Butch's Inside this Issue and in the www.aplaceforjazz.org. lar acclaim. approach of or www.timesunion.com/ com- presenting hope that They should more jazz lov- munities/jazz get our sea- quality per- Fall Concert Series 2-3 formances at ers with come son off to a on board, we Concert Calendar 4-5 rousing start. affordable The calendar is updated prices; indeed, invite you to daily and includes links to Jazz Voices 6 You can find help us keep the rest of our it should en- Jazz Festivals, clubs and Remembering Butch 7 able us to bet- outstanding concert series outstanding jazz perform- Lake George Jazz Festival 8 ter achieve lineup on ers coming to pages 2 and 3 those In Memoriam Hilton Ruiz 9 goals. The our area for in this news- years to Singing Instrumentalists 10 letter. names of the board mem- come.

Page 2 A P l a c e f o r J a z z A Place For Jazz – 2006 Concert Series At the Renowned Whisperdome Unmatched Acoustics – Intimate Space – World Class Musicians

Friday, September 15 Winard Harper and Max Roach. Encouraged by his father to play `This music is powerful. If people the drums, Winard Harper honed his skills in clubs around his na- would spend some time each day listening to it, we would see tive Baltimore. Jazz Times has

many changes in the world." called him "as tasteful a drum- mer as one could ask for." So says drummer Winard Harper about jazz. Harper has Winard Harper's buoyant, force- been leading his dynamic, vi- ful sextet will get the 2006 sea- son of A Place for Jazz off to a brant sextet for nearly a decade. His group of talented young play- rousing start, setting the stage

ers carries on the tradition forged for a full slate of varied and crea- by such giants as Clifford Brown, tive concerts. Drummer Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley

Friday, September 29 Giacamo Gates has been cist, he was selected to sub for praised as one of the most im- him in on a 2004 European tour pressive male Jazz singers for with Mark Murphy and Kurt Elling over 15 years. His 3 CD’s have in the “Four Brothers” group, con- been highly acclaimed for his sidered the ultimate in Male Jazz resonant, smoky baritone, sensi- singing. Gates’ extensive Song

tive lyric interpretation and swing- repertoire ranging from Bop, ing attack. Blues &Swing to the Great Ameri- In addition to performing 3 times can Songbook, is sure to excite Vocalist Giacomo Gates with Jon Hendricks, the Father of all APFJ tastes. Vocalese & preeminent Jazz lyri-

Chris Flory played his mary Clooney. After serving in World Friday, October 13 first gig at the age of He cites guitarists War II, he played in the 13. He took lessons and bands of Woody Her- from the legendary man and Benny Good- Django Reinhardt as Tiny Grimes in Har- influences,and retains man. More recently, he lem, and began playing great respect for the has been a part of the jazz in Providence, blues guitarists who group Swing R.I., where he joined with . inspired him, such as Scott Hamilton's quar- Albert King and B.B. His many recordings tet. King. on Concord and Arbors are treasured by collec- He was part of Benny Pianist John Bunch Goodman's sextet from tors. played in high school 1978 until 1983, as well bands in Indians, while Joined by bass and

as working with such listening to Fats Waller drums, Chris and John Guitarist and artists as , and Count Basie re- will give us a swinging and Rose- evening of standards Pianist John Bunch cords. A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 3

David Fathead Newman he performed with many producing six successful Friday October 27 is a native of Texas. One other jazz greats of the CDs. The most recent, “I of his early jobs was with time, including Lee Mor- Remember Brother Ray,” with saxophonist Buster gan, and was a tribute to Ray Smith, 's Kenny Dorham. He also Charles and became the mentor. became busy in studio most played jazz album In 1954, David began a work, recording with Her- nationwide. 12-year association with bie Mann, Aretha Franklin His robust, authoritative Ray Charles, starting as a and Aaron Neville. and blues-influenced style, baritone player but soon In 1980, he began to focus a virtual summary of the becoming the band's tenor on his own musical iden- history of the tenor sax in saxophone star. He re- tity, recording with Cedar jazz, is sure to make his corded his first album as a Walton, Louis Hayes, concert at APFJ one of the leader in 1959. and oth- highlights of the season. ers. He recorded many albums David “Fathead” for Atlantic Records. After In the late '90s, he began Newman moving to , recording for High Note,

Friday November 10 College North (Coconut Creek, FL), Concert Performances as fea- Holy Names Art Center (Albany) tured soloist/ensemble member: and at Empire State College Albany Symphony Orchestra - (Saratoga Springs). Skitch Henderson, Conductor; Saratoga Pops Orchestra - George Lee was inducted into the Okla- homa Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993, Shiravo, Director;

joining , Chet Baker, Band, Dianne Carroll and Bob

Charlie Christian, Barney Kessel, McGrath - I Love New York Con- Cecil McBee, Ruth Brown and a cert Series; Jazz in the Square Pianist Guitarist Concerts- Syracuse, NY; Westport host of other talented jazz musi- Lee Shaw Jack Fragomeni cians. She was invited to appear on Jazz Festival; JVC Jazz Festi- Marian McPartland's val; Vermont Jazz Center Con- Pianist Lee Shaw has offered a syndicated radio program. NPR certs; Havre de Grace Outdoor variety of courses and clinics on hailed her, along with McPartland Concerts (MD); Garden State Arts jazz improvisation, theory, history and the late Mary Lou Williams, as Center; CUNY Jazz Concert Se- ries and the Washington Park and appreciation since 1972. "one of jazz's premier pianists." Open Air Concerts w/the Albany She received her bachelor of music Her most recent CD is “Little Big Jazz Band. from Oklahoma College For Friend,” featuring Rich Syracuse, Women, her master's degree from bass, and Jeff Siegel, drums. A Jack also teaches at the College of the American Conservatory of Mu- new CD is due out shortly. Saint Rose and Schenectady County Community College. sic (Chicago, Illinois), and com- pleted further graduate studies at He will join Lee, Rich and Jeff for a the Conservatory of Music (Puerto Guitarist Jack Fragomeni’s re- swinging end to our concert sea- Rico). Lee also studied privately sume includes: Featured soloist/ son. with Oscar Peterson. ensemble member with: Sal Amico, Nick Brignola, Ted Curson, Eddie Lee has been an adjunct faculty Daniels, J.R. Monterose, George member of The College of Saint Mraz, Sal Nistico, Rufus Reid, Eliot Rose, Albany, from 1982 to the Zigmund, Attila Zoller and other present. She has also taught recording artists, in New York City courses at Broward Community and throughout the . A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 4 A U G U S T J A Z Z C A L E N D A R Visit Our Website at www.aplaceforjazz.org

Tuesday, August 1 6-8pm, Ed Wool, Parker Inn 9pm, Christopher Bakriges Trio, Mo' Jazz Café 7pm, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie bistro 6:30-9:30pm, George Giroux, Provence Restaurant 8pm, Sarah Pedinotti, Mouzon House 11am,Jac Kelle; 5pm, Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Luncheonette 7-10pm, Tommy Verrigni Trio, Stockade 9pm-1am, Keith Pray Group, 9 Maple Inn Ave 8-11pm, John Dworkin Band, Muddy Cup Friday, August 4 7-10pm, , One Caroline Street 7-9pm, Dennis McCafferty, Jazz in River- side Park, Schenectady's Stockade sec- 7pm, Randy Loren, Brandon's 6:30-9:30pm, Peter Van Keuren (piano/ tion vocals), Panza's Restaurant 6pm, Birdland Duo, Cabernet Café 5:30-9pm, Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarm- 7-10pm, Scott Bassinson, Provence Res- 9-12pm, Walter Donnaruma Trio, Cafe ers, Saratoga Polo Grounds taurant Capriccio 8pm, Bob Connors Sextet, Seven Hills 7-10pm, Ruth Hellkamp, Scrimshaw 8-11pm, Lee Shaw Trio, Castle Street Inn Restaurant Café 8pm, Jazz Jam hosted by New York Jazz 8pm-midnight, , Wallabee's Jazz Bar 7:30-11:30pm, Lovin' Life, Chameleon on Trio, Van Dyck Restaurant the Lake Sunday, August 6 Wednesday, August 2 7:30pm, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie Noon-3pm, Jason Ennis, Café Latino 6-9pm, Lincoln Mayorga (piano) and Otto bistro 10:30am, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie Gardner (bass), Blue Plate 7-10pm, Sonny & Perley, Conkling Hall bistro 7:30-10:30pm, Joan Taub and Michael 5pm, Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Lunch- Live Jazz Jam hosted by Pamela Pen- Lamkin, Circus Café eonette tony and John Esposito, Chow Hound 11am, Himer Morgan; 5pm, Rena Graf & 7pm, 32 Short Films about Glenn Gould, 11:30am-2:30pm, Jazz Brunch Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Luncheon- Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center with , Justin's ette 8pm, Bill Frisell, MASS MoCA 9pm-midnight, Brian Patneaude Quintet, 8-11pm, Joe Barna Trio, Muddy Cup Justin's 9pm-1am, New Regime, 9 Maple Ave 7-10pm, Masters of Nostalgia, One Caro- 8-11pm, jazz jam session hosted by line Street 7-10pm,Sarah Pedinotti, One Caroline Three Play Jazz, Muddy Cup Street 6:30-9:30pm, Sonny Daye, Provence 6-9pm, Peter Einhorn, Malcolm Cecil & Restaurant 6:30-9:30pm, Paul Mastriani (piano), George Deleon, Red Onion Restaurant Panza's Restaurant Thursday, August 3 10am-2pm, Jazz Brunch with Joe Sor- 7-10pm, Michael Lamkin, Provence Res- 7-10pm, April Marie, Arlington House rentino Band, Sargo's taurant 6pm, Birdland Duo, Cabernet Café Monday, August 7 9pm, Vic Bell Combo, Roadhouse 29 7:30-10:30pm, Sensemaya, Chameleon 7-10pm, Sarah Pedinotti, One Caroline 8pm, Either/Orchestra, Sanctuary For on the Lake Street Independent Media, 3361 6th Ave, Troy, 7-11pm, Swing night, Danceland/ 272-2390 Tuesday, August 8 Boomers 7-10pm, Ruth Hellkamp, Scrimshaw 7pm, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie bistro 9pm-12am, Los Mofos (Jason Ennis, Jon Restaurant 7-8:30pm, Reggie's Red Hot Feetwarm- Suters, Nick Halley), Dué Enoteca 7:30pm, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, ers, Concert on the Green, Castleton, 5pm, Shirley Nasner, Four Corners Southern Vermont Arts Center VT, 802-273-2911 Luncheonette 7-10pm, April Marie Trio, Stockade Inn 6:30pm, 2 Broads with Alotta Sound + Noon-1:30pm, Terry Gordon, Jazz on Ron Cremisio & Friends, Cook Park, 8pm-midnight, Tony Jenkins Jazz Trio, Jay Lincoln Ave, Colonie, 218-7782 or 218- Wallabee's Jazz Bar 7438 9pm-midnight, Adrian Cohen Group, Saturday, August 5 Justin's 5pm, Diane Russo & Bob Sbuttoni, Four 7pm, Randy Loren, Brandon's Corners Luncheonette 8-11pm, Keith Pray's Soul Jazz Revival, Muddy Cup 8-11pm, Skip Parsons Quartet, Castle 8-11pm, John Dworkin Band, Muddy Cup Street Café 7-10pm, , One Caroline Street 7pm, Nitro Jive, Round Lake Auditorium, 5pm, Lisa Jacobs & Bob Sbuttoni, Four Round Lake, NY 899-2130 6:30-9:30pm, Noreen Pratt (piano/ Corners Luncheonette vocals), Panza's Restaurant 8pm, Henry Francis Sextet The Swing A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 5 A U G U S T J A Z Z C A L E N D A R Visit Our Website at www.aplaceforjazz.org

Legacy, Seven Hills Inn 8pm, Pete Malinverni Trio, Belleayre Mu- 8pm, Sarah Pedinotti, Mouzon House sic Festival 8pm, Jazz Jam hosted by New York Jazz 8pm, Elite Syncopation, Music Mountain Trio, Van Dyck Restaurant 7pm, Randy Loren, Brandon's 9pm-1am, Jazz Factor, 9 Maple Ave Wednesday, August 9 6pm, Birdland Duo, Cabernet Café 7-10pm, , One Caroline Street 6-9pm, Lincoln Mayorga (piano) and Otto 9-12pm, Walter Donnaruma Trio, Cafe 6:30-9:30pm, Peg Delaney (piano), Gardner (bass), Blue Plate Capriccio Panza's Restaurant 7:30-10:30pm, Jeanne O’Connor and Mi- 8-11pm, Charlie Tokarz Group, Castle 7-10pm, Ruth Hellkamp, Scrimshaw Res- chael Lamkin, Circus Café Street Café taurant 11am, Himer Morgan; 5pm, Rena Graf & 7:30-11:30pm, Lovin' Life, Chameleon on

Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Luncheonette the Lake Sunday, August 13 8-11pm, Joe Barna Trio, Muddy Cup 7:30pm, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie bistro 11:30 am & 1pm, "A Tribute to Doc 7-10pm, Masters of Nostalgia, One Caro- Cheatham" with Theo Crocker, Catherine line Street 10pm-1am, Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz Russell and the Chuck Folds Trio, Band, The Fountain 6:30-9:30pm, Arvid Alle, Provence Restau- Belleayre Music Festival rant 5pm, Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Lunch- Noon-3pm, Jason Ennis, Café Latino eonette 7-9pm, Doc Scanlon with Colleen Pratt, 7pm, Sonny & Perley, Caffe Lena Pruyn House 9pm-1am, John Blood Band, 9 Maple Ave 10:30am, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie 6-8pm, Skip Parsons' Riverboat 7-10pm,Sarah Pedinotti, One Caroline bistro Quartet, Riverfront Gazebo, Green Island, Street 271-6965 Live Jazz Jam hosted by Pamela Pentony 6:30-9:30pm, Peg Delaney (piano) , and John Esposito, Chow Hound Thursday, August 10 Panza's Restaurant 7pm, Brian Melick Spotlights..., Collar City 7-10pm, April Marie, Arlington House 7-10pm, Rennie Crain, Provence Restau- Live! rant 6pm, Birdland Duo, Cabernet Café 11am, Rich Donnelly, Four Corners 9pm, Vic Bell Combo, Roadhouse 29 7:30-10:30pm, Sensemaya, Chameleon Luncheonette on the Lake 7pm, SKP and the Shaggy Rollers, Tang 9pm-midnight, Brian Patneaude Quintet, Museum Rooftop, Skidmore College 7-11pm, Swing night, Danceland/Boomers Justin's 7-10pm, Ruth Hellkamp, Scrimshaw Res- 9pm-12am, Los Mofos (Jason Ennis, Jon 8-11pm, jazz jam session hosted by Three taurant Suters, Nick Halley), Dué Enoteca Play Jazz, Muddy Cup 7-10pm, Lee Shaw Trio, Stockade Inn 5pm, Shirley Nasner, Four Corners Lunch- 6-9pm, Peter Einhorn, Malcolm Cecil & eonette 8pm, Dom Minasi, Van Dyck Restaurant George Deleon, Red Onion Restaurant Noon-1:30pm, Brian Patneaude Quartet, 8pm-midnight, Tony Jenkins Jazz Trip, 10am-2pm, Jazz Brunch with Joe Sorren- Jazz on Jay Wallabee's Jazz Bar tino Band, Sargo's 9pm-midnight, Adrian Cohen Group, Saturday, August 12 Monday, August 14l Justin's 8pm, Branford Marsalis, Belleayre Music 7-10pm, Sarah Pedinotti, One Caroline 8-11pm, Keith Pray's Soul Jazz Revival, Festival Street Muddy Cup 7pm, Randy Loren, Brandon's Tuesday, August 15 6:30-9:30pm, Noreen Pratt (piano/vocals), 8-11pm, Howard Brofsky Quartet, Castle 7pm, Cole Broderick, Chez Sophie bistro Panza's Restaurant Street Café 5pm, Bob Sbuttoni, Four Corners Lunch- 6-8pm, Ed Wool, Parker Inn 10pm-1am, Skip Parsons' Riverboat Jazz eonette 6:30-9:30pm, Paul Mastrianni, Provence Band, The Fountain 8-11pm, John Dworkin Band, Muddy Cup Restaurant 11am 3pm, 5pm, 8pm, Another evening of 7pm, Nitro Jive, Round Lake Auditorium, 5pm, Jr Orchestra, Riverfront Bach, Tango & Ragtime with Joshua Round Lake, NY 899-2130 Park, Albany Rifkin, Maverick Concerts, Woodstock, NY 845-338-5254 8pm, Bob Connors Sextet, Seven Hills Inn 7-10pm, Bobby Massaro Trio, Stockade Inn 9pm, Christopher Bakriges Trio, Mo' Jazz 8pm, Jazz Jam hosted by New York Jazz Café Trio, Van Dyck Restaurant Friday, August 11 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 6 Jazz Voices In Concert,

Jazz Voices is the stel- and four part harmony singing. She bands, and accompanying many jazz lar vocal jazz group that debuted has contributed greatly to Jazz vocalists Starting the group Jazz in the capital district in 1993 . Voices’ repertoire with this writing Voices has enabled her to explore Over the past several years the and arranging talent. Her very suc- arranging and develop the musical group members each took time off cessful solo career, including a sensitivity needed to accompany to pursue their multifaceted careers widely released CD, has her front- three terrific singers. “ Working and after a long hiatus they ing her group called THRIVIN’ ON with some of the area’s best singers have reunited to bring their unique A RIFF. “I find inspiration in a solid not only challenges me musically sound and swinging harmonies grove whether I’m stating the mel- but also has made me aware of a back to the stage where they have ody, harmonizing or scatting. whole spectrum of vocal music that been charming their faithful fans I like to feel free to improvise.” longs to be shared with listeners. from previous years, and winning Colleen Pratt was raised in a home We’re glad to be together again and over many new audiences. full of love of music. Having musi- look forward to our upcoming con- They will perform for the Columbia cal parents provided her with many certs.” City Historic Society on Sept. 3, listening experiences and opportuni- 2006 from 5 - 7 pm on the ties to sing with a variety of musi- Great Lawn of the Historic James cians. With two CDs to her name Vanderpoel House in Kinderhook, and on many with Schenectady’s NY. "Right in the center of town" Empire Jazz Orchestra, she is soon Ticket prices are $15 (or $18 if pay- to release a new recording featuring ing by credit card.) For tickets or EJO. “I feel very fortunate to have info: 518-758-9265 worked with so many talented musi- The voices are Teresa Broadwell, cians in the area and excited to be Colleen Pratt and Jody Shayne. Peg part of yet another musical experi- Delaney, on piano, Otto Gardner on ence. Singing with Jazz Voices is bass and Mark Foster on drums musically challenging and ex- round out the group. Each of these tremely rewarding. I’m just having vocalists has refined her ability to fun doing what I love to do!” The Jazz Voices :L-R: Peg Delaney, Jody Shayne, Teresa Broadwell, Colleen Pratt scat, swing and inhabit a song. Jody Shayne began her profes- Their individual styles are unique. sional singing career in Boston,

Each singer brings a distinctive where she attended Berklee College freshness to the repertoire which is of Music. After working in Boston “Jazz Voices captivates audiences…It drawn from the Hi-Los, Lambert and NYC for a few years, she re- began as a one-time experience but has Hendricks and Ross, and Duke El- turned to the Capital District to per- become one of the brightest musical groups in the Capital Region… Al- lington. The are by form in settings ranging from single though they work hard preparing for a Delaney and Broadwell with many to big bands. Her gift of writing lyr- performance the dominant impression lyrics by Shayne. ics can be heard in many of the the audience gets is one of sheer exu- Take three uniquely talented vocal songs Jazz Voices performs. berance.” —Tim Coakley, Daily Ga- soloists, add one gifted pianist with “Everything I listen to contributes to zette enough creative foresight to envi- the way I interpret a song, from Billy Holiday to Bill Evans, but one sion the possibilities, and you have Jazz Voices- a dynamic group that thing I always try to do is tell a blends diverse styles and influences story.” into an exciting musical montage. Peg Delaney gained experience on Teresa Broadwell spent the first piano by leading her own combos, part of her career arranging for and performing in a variety of settings performing in groups featuring three from solo piano to twenty piece big A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 7 Remembering Butch

to enjoy them. But this was only support the talents of music stu- part of the job. dents. So the day of each concert While his first idea was to pre- included classes and perform- sent musicians in a respectful, ances for young people in col- intimate and professional concert leges, public schools, and after- space, he developed a vision of school venues. He also created making the large and loosely knit a scholarship fund that helps sup- jazz community into more of a port the efforts of talented and "family." dedicated young jazz musicians.

Collecting and writing articles for Amazingly, while balancing all

the newsletter, getting it to the this, Butch made sure that per- printer, as well as labeling, formers were treated with respect This article was originally run in our stamping and mailing them, kept from the initial contact through issue last October . As we remember that connection intact between escorting them to the programs, Butch's passing, we are re-running this concerts. assisting with setups and serving touching tribute to our founder and He distributed posters and fliers, them homestyle meals, he was friend. and kept everyone informed of guided by the principle of treating Butch Conn was the best friend upcoming concerts by articles in every musician as an honored jazz ever had in the Capital Re- the local papers, interviews on guest. gion," said one of his friends. the radio and notices on the Butch, who founded A Place for Website. We hope to run a further tribute Jazz in 1987, passed away in Butch was determined that tick- to Butch in our November issue. August, 2005. Most of us will ets be affordable, so fund raising Anyone with memories or stories remember him greeting people as became one of his continuing about Butch is invited to submit they arrived for the concerts, in- goals, through grant writing, them by October 15 to Tim Coak- troducing the performers and tell- APFJ memberships, and special ley at 1040 Morningside Ave., ing us how much we were going events. For Butch, APFJ was Schenectady NY 12309 or coak- also meant to inspire, nurture and [email protected].

R A D I O J A Z Z WVCR 88.3 FM Cutting edge Afro-Am Pop w/occasional Jazz/Latin flavor WCDB 90.9 FM Bill McCann on Saturday mornings from 8 am to 12 noon WAMC 90.3 FM Great mix. Jazz or jazz related music every evening including: Tim Coak- ley, Sat- urday 10:30 pm-12 midnight; Jim Wilke- Jazz After Hours 1 am to 5 am Friday and Saturday; Marian McPart- land, Sunday 9pm, Jazz Profiles Tuesday 10 pm; Afro-Pop Worldwide, 8 pm Sunday WSPN 91.1 FM Dave Casner’s show, Wednrsday. 12 to 3 pm; Howie Kaplan on Fridays 12 to 3 pm WRPI 91.5 Barbara Kaiser 10 am to noon on Tuesday. with a wonderfully eclectic mixture of Jazz and; Keven Roberts, Thursday. 8-10 pm with his exciting and varied theme shows WVPR 94.3 (Vermont Public Radio) George Thomas is the daily Jazz host (Tuesday-Thursday from 8-10 pm, Friday until midnight)

WKLI 100.9 Sundays on Magic 100.9 FM, Albany 8 am. -10.am.: Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis 12 noon -2 pm.: Swingin' with Sinatra 7 pm. -10 pm.: Big Bands, Ballads and Blues10 pm -midnight: Big Band Jump Newsletter Title A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 8 Lake George Jazz Festival By Paul Pines

In April, 1984 I arrived in Sheila Jordan w/ Steve festival is also a rare oppor- me: Richie Cole walking Glens Falls for a writer-in- Kuhn, and the 3 Davids: tunity to give voice to old into the audience as he im- residence position at the Gonzalez, Sanchez and masters, unsung heroes, all provises, the hush when Crandall Library following Valentin at Shepherd Park those deserving recognition David Amram led the the publication of my novel on the 16th and 17th of for their energy and Glens Falls Symphony Or- "The Tin Angel," based on September 2006. inventiveness, from Bud chestra and T.S. Monk's my experience as the owner What remains every bit as Shank to Sun Ra, young ensemble in a version of of a Bowery jazz club, the vibrant as the tropical sea- Turks like Don Byron and "New York, New York"; Tin Palace, during the '70s. scape is the venue itself. I Matthias Lupri, the weekend after 9/11 Shortly thereafter I re- learned from running my like Ben Allison, soloists when we decided to let the ceived a call from John own club, and watching like Fred Hersch and na- music do what it does best, Strong at the Lake George others bloom and disappear tional treasures like James heal in a time of loss. Arts Project, asking me if I like wildflowers from the Moody. I recall breakfast with Red could help him put together streets of , that We have featured big Rodney at Giuseppe's, a jazz festival. I told him I'd jazz not only shapes, but is bands and drawn heavily on when he confided that as be returning to Belize shaped by the space it occu- the Afro-Cuban community musical adviser on "Bird," in the fall, but thought it pies. that has stirred the idiom he told Clint Eastwood to would be fun to help him At its best, that space can since Machito played the edit the script- that Charlie launch the series. connect the individual to Palladium. Parker never used the Twenty-three years later, the source of all music, a Through it all we have expression M-F or any having met my wife, mar- transpersonal reality that struggled to keep the event other expletive. "He had too ried and raised a daughter my old friend Eddie Jeffer- alive in a culture that mar- much class." in the area, the turquoise son called the real religious ginalizes the deepest home- I'll never forget bassist skies and barrier reef off experience. At Shepard grown art, and built an au- Calvin Hill bumping into Placencia is a memory that Park, light can turn the lake dience that travels from me back stage and calling pales beside the prospect to stained glass, or wind Florida and Ottawa to hear out in spontaneous surprise, of John Faddis, Bobby dance across the amphi- our artists. "Paul Pines, you Floyd with Huston Person, theater with the music. The Some moments stay with survived!"

APFJ Gets Grant from Schenectady County

A Place for Jazz is pleased to be able the thank the Shepard Park, Canada St.., Lake George, NY Schenectady County Initiative Program for its gener- Free Admission ous grant to help us put on the 2006 concert series.

The SCIP makes funds available to nonprofit organi- Saturday, September 16 zations that promote the arts and education in Schenectady County. Our concert series, along with 1-2:15 PM: Bobby Floyd w/ Houston Pierce the workshops and clinics conducted by our visiting 2:45– 4 PM: David Gonzalez and Poetic License artists, are all part of the vision of our founder, Butch 4:30 PM: Jon Vadis Conn. We are pleased and proud to be able to carry on the work he began. Sunday, September 17th 1-2:15: David Sanchez 2:45-4PM: Sheila Jordan 4:30: Dave Valentin A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 9

Justin’s on Lark

Swingtime bills itself as “The Region’s Only Good Music Magazine”. Its empha- sis is on big-band music and main-stream Jazz. It includes articles and pictures of

both historic and current interest. It’s only Corner of Church and Union $10 for ten issues. Send your check to: Streets, Schenectady

C. Robie Booth Ltd 1 North Church Street, Fine Food- Fine Art-Fine 6 Briarwood Rd. Jazz Loudonville, NY 12211 Schenectady, NY 301 Lark St., Albany and tell them you read about it here. Hilton Ruiz-World Class Musician Many of our readers know about itself was the impression that Hil- Louis Blues" with some fiery Latin the tragic death earlier this year of ton made on the students he tunes from his various CDs. He Hilton Ruiz, who gave such a fine worked with during our Friday af- even got up from the keyboard concert for us last October. We ternoon clinics prior to the concert. while the rest of the band was were shocked and saddened by The first group he visited was the playing and walked around the his untimely death, the mysterious class of young musicians that Nat room, half dancing and digging the circumstances of which are still Phipps, one of our talented area music, the crowd and the joyous under investigation. pianists, teaches at the feeling that pervaded the room. Hilton Ruiz was a favorite of sev- Schenectady County Community These mental images, bringing eral of APFJ members, and his College. After Hilton spoke to them back such positive memories, are concert last fall was one that they for a few minutes, he started to tinged with sadness to think that looked forward to with particular give each player, saxophones, Hilton Ruiz will no longer be able enthusiasm. He and his group did trumpets, etc., a phrase to play, to entertain and uplift an audience not disappoint us, with their blend and assigned the drummer a cer- as he did that night. But his spirit of jazz standards and Latin music. tain rhythmic pattern. In a short and music will live on, and perhaps Hilton was an engaging performer, time, he had turned them into an some of the students he touched ensemble, blending together using that day will be inspired by what he these simple phrases. showed them to find a career in music. Later that day, he went to the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, where Nat Phipps said recently that he he was warmly received by a was impressed by Hilton's ability to bunch of after-school kids (see create on-the-spot arrangements. the Daily Gazette Daily the photo), who enjoyed his demon- "He was able to explain some of stration of the different styles of the nuances of the different parts photo by HansPennink courtesy of jazz piano. Like Ray Vega a cou- of an , as well as the Hilton Ruiz shows Shanley Rodriguez, center, and Linaisha Conklin some of the finer points of jazz ple of years ago, Hilton really en- solo aspect of playing," Nat said. piano at the Hamilton Hill Arts Center, prior to his joyed talking to and playing for the "He also gave us some personal APFJ concert youngsters, and showed them vignettes about his life in the music some things to play on the piano. It both playing and talking to the au- business, which is always motivat- was a memorable afternoon for ing." But most important, his re- dience, and the evening was fur- both him and the kids. ther enhanced by the fiery alto laxed attitude set the kids at ease playing of Sue Terry and the dy- The concert itself was a rousing about improvising, which can be namic drumming of Sylvia Cuenca. success, with Hilton mixing stan- intimidating. He took care of all dards like "Satin Doll" and "St. that with them.” Just as important as the concert A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 10 September in the Stockade Villager’s Outdoor Art Show Saturday, September 9, 2006 11--5 Walkabout & Waterfront Faire Saturday, September 30, 2006 11-5 Historical House Tours, Music, Historical Characters, Crafts, Food, Kids Zone, Pony, Carriage, Boat Rides

For information call 377-0469 or go to www.HistoricStockade.com

Singing Instrumentalists – A Vital Current in Jazz by Tom Pierce

The rich river of Jazz, fed by the greatest influence on ALL American as instrumentalists. great musical streams of the Blues, popular vocalizing. A colleague of Nevertheless, numerous excellent Gospel, Marching Bands, Folk, Afro- his, trombonist , was singers have arisen on all other in- Cuban, Classical, Rhythm & Blues also praised for his warm, inviting struments. Alto sax player Eddie and the Great American Songbook singing. Like Armstrong, he was also “Cleanhead” Vinson, a commanding comprises many currents. One of a pioneering innovator on his instru- blues shouter from the 40’s and “30- the most vital and enduring of these ment. The popularity of these brass something” tenor saxophonist Curtis consists of singing instrumentalists, players, as well as several reedmen, Stigers, who charmingly utilizes a whose work reflects all of the above such as alto saxophonist & clarinet- diverse range of contemporary and tributaries. ist Woody Herman, also derived classic songs, are but two reed ex- Musicians have leveraged their from the stylistic and phrasing simi- amples. unique advantages in adapting the larities between the way they sang and the way they played. Two extremely popular singers, American song form, which is the doubling as virtuoso guitarists, are primary raw material of Jazz. Their However, as historically important George Benson and . rhythmic dexterity, compelling phras- and popular as these singing horn Additionally in the string family, ing and sense of dynamics facilitate men were, pianists ultimately be- bassists Jim Ferguson and Jay infusing vocals with the essential came the most prominent category Leonhart express themselves vo- elements of instrumental Jazz – im- of musicians who vocalized. This cally in highly personal, enchanting provisation, blues feeling and swing. has included legends like Fats and witty fashion. Although some have lacked out- Waller, Nat “King” Cole and Ray standingly strong voices, their more Charles, up to today’s best selling Lastly, drummers who sing fasci- meaningful ability to distinctively and Jazz artist, Diana Krall. nate this particular observer more than any other group. The extraordi- convincingly tell a story has always Pianists had the advantage of typi- fascinated and touched listeners. nary ’s engagingly sensi- cally knowing both the music and tive vocal style on the 1956 “Buddy From early , count- lyrics of far more songs than most Rich Sings Johnny Mercer” con- less musicians have added vocals to instrumentalists, as well as having trasts interestingly with his aggres- entertain, to provide lyrical expres- the invaluable experience of accom- sive instrumental approach and out- sion to their compositions or to take panying vocalists, either themselves spoken personality. The warmly ef- a respite from their playing, without or others. Some pianists, like Sarah fective balladeer Grady Tate, a losing audience contact. Vaughan and Carmen McRae, be- much sought after session drummer Trumpeter , the came so much in demand as sing- for over 40 years, has long been a first important Jazz soloist, is also ers, that later fans were frequently personal favorite. still acknowledged as arguably the unaware of their career beginnings A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 11

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Membership Levels (Circle One) Parcel Post Plus No Bread (But Want to Help) * $20 2215 Nott St Individual ** $30 Niskayuna, NY 12309 Family *** $50 Supporter (+1 Series) **** $100 ..Ship...Copy...Fax... Patron (+2 Series)***** $250 (518) 382-2663 ( Tel) (518) 382-8164 (Fax) Underwriter (+4 series)***** $500 [email protected] Jazz Hero (5 Year membership $1,000 -locally owned and operated +2 series tickets until 2008)****** -courteous, friendly and efficient service -Schenectady’s only authorized UPS and FedEx shipping center For information or suggestions, please call 393-4011, or e-mail coak- “Around the Block...Around the World” [email protected]. Checks for membership and tickets should be made out to JAZZ/FUSS and mailed to The First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308

****************** Special Thanks ****************** Norm Ainslie; Rob Aronstein; Ed August; C. Robie Booth; Joe Bowman; Al Brooks; Jody Shayne and Russ Brooks; Joan Chiverton; Tim Coakley; College of St. Rose; Bob Cudmore; Evvie and Bob Currie; James & Margaret Cunningham; Peggy Delaney; Beverly Elander; Charles and Jenny Frank; The Goldberg Clan; Jerry Gordon; The Hamilton Hill Art Center; The Hart Clan; Anita and Al Haugen; The Hyland Clan; Bar- bara Kaiser; Mike and Rosemary Lategano; Peter Lesser; Eleanor Linberg; Chris Martin; Bill McCann; Gail and Bill Mattsson; Bill Meckley; Peg Miller; Bobbie Monterose; John and Donna Moroney; Yves Nazon; Brian Patneaude; Tom Pierce; Karen Rembert; Chuck Rembert; Kevin Roberts; Alice Rudnick; Schenectady County Community College; Joe Slomka and Claudia White; Randy Treece; Chris Waldron; Sharon Wesley; David Wilkinson Special thanks to the Daily Gazette for their promotion of APFJ APFJ and this newsletter are a part of the Adult Programs of the First Unitarian Society of Schenectady, with grants from: Schenectady County Improvement Program, Schenectady Foundation, and membership contributions. Robert A. Weissberg, MD Programs include concerts, public workshops, school- based clinics, a Jazz website, and general support of Jazz and its musicians. We welcome announcements and The Best of Conventional and Alternative Therapies comments. Board Certified in Holistic Medicine and Family Practice

518—438-7705 Albany Editor: Tim Coakley 518-371-6431 Clifton Park

Staff: Peg Delaney, Beverly Elander, Jerry [email protected] Gordon, Bill Meckley, Peg Miller Tom Pierce, Nona Teabout, Randy Treece

Web Mensch: Jerry Gordon Newsletter: Chris Waldron

A Place for Jazz, 122 Wendell Ave, Schenectady, NY 12308

518 393-4011 [email protected]

Advisory Committee Al Brooks, Tim Coakley, Peg Delaney, Mike Lategano, Al and Anita Haugen, Bill McCann, Gail Mattsson, Yves Nazon, Brian Patneaude, Tom Pierce, Randy Treece 1776 Union Street Schenectady NY 518-393-1326 or 1-800-734-7375 Calendar can be found at www.aplaceforjazz.org

A Place for Jazz 1221 Wendell Ave, Schenectady, NY 12308

Check out our website----http://www.aplaceforjazz.org- - for Jazz in our community Printed by Parcel Post Plus