Pianists Junior Mance and Eldar Topeka Jazz Festival Djangirov leads a charmed life By Tom [neck, Photos by Rich Hoover· ...... hey say the third time is the charm. T But the Topeka Jazz Festival has led a charmed life from its birth in 1998 to its infancy in 1999 to its playful and precocious childhood this year. It's not just growing older; it's rapidly developing into one of the premier jazz events in the United States. On the Berman Music Foundation's third annual trip to Topeka, the festival truly began to feellilee a home away from home. The Topeka Perfonnmg Arts Center is a wonderful place to spend the Memorial Day weekend with friendly In this issue of Jazz... . musicians and familiar fans. The event attracts an audience of several hundred Topeka Jazz Festival...... 1 dedicated jazz devotees, some of whom plan their lives around annual jazz parties 1ilee this one. The Prez Sez...... 2 That means there is " ... the festival plenty to talk about at Pizza relli...... 3 lunch and dinner, those truly began to feel brief respites to fortify Tomfoolery ...... 4 fans for the next barrage like a home away of music. Jazz in the Venues ...... 4 With the help of a from home." couple of nap breaks, I managed to attend nine of the festival's 11 ses- Jazz in June ...... 5 sions, or about 18 hours of music between 11 :20 a.m. May 27 and noon May Artie Shaw ...... 12 ·29. What follows are some of my lasting impressions: Discorama ...... 13 The opening "Horns A Plenty" session was a brass lover's dream, with Gary Foster on alto sax, Ken Peplowski and Bob Kindred on tenor saxes, Dan Barrett Jazz on Disc...... 14 on trombone, and Marvin Stamm on trumpet. Theylaunched into the bop Jazz on the Radio ...... 15 classic "Blues Walk" with a rock-solid rhythm section consisting of pianist Unsung Hero ...... 16 Alan Broadbent, guitarist Rod Fleeman, bassist John Clayton and drummer Blues Corner ...... 17 Todd Strait. The large ensemble then broke into smaller groups - one pairing Peplowski Blues on Disc ...... 17 and Barrett, another featuring Stamm on a fluid flugelhorn reading of "Medita Rock 2000 ...... 18 tion," yet another matching Kindred's tenor with Foster's alto. Evetyone re united for a madcap "How High the Moon." . The audience's introduction to pianist Paul Smith of California was in a solo format. Lilce Art Tatum, Smith's prodigious technique and stylistic breadth are perhaps best appreciated without the constraints of accompanying musi cians. "Here Comes Ralph and Dick," composed by Smith for fellow pianists Ralph Sutton and Dick Hyman, showed his effortless stride style to good ef- (Topeka continued on pg. 6) )a e 2 Berman Music Foundation Jazz t~•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••• ' P rez Sez The Real Losers and Winners By Butch Berman· . . . . . Taken by Surprise on a wonderful new flautist Holly Hofmann and the return label we hope to gel and be creative of my current fave (live in perfor with. Norman just cut a video with mance) piano player, Monty Alexander. BET, which should start airing in early You can't register too soon - may even fall. By the time they roll into the Lied save a buck to call Jim Monroe now at Center March 24th with the Jerry 785-267-1315 and tell 'em that Butch Gonzales Fort Apache Band - will be sent ya and he'll set you up. cookin'. Outside of Norman's upcoming Oh yeah - back to the jazz clubs release the BMF is anxious to await you know the right place, a groovy mix the rearrival of trombonist Benny of investors and cats to run the joint Powell to lead the NJO in their 25ili ili Boom!!! and with the foundation's consultation year celebration on January 25 . Our and PR, who knows? Anybody out Valentine's Day gig at the Seventh d1 There, my heat of the surruner/4 there? Write us and keep your ears and Street Loft features pianist Frank ofJuly greeting to all you jazz fanciers eyes open. Like I said, you never Kimbrough (from the Jazz Compos out there. know... ers Collective) and my dear friend, I'm writing to you today following singer Kendra Shank, who just got a a fun, but lOSing weekend at one of whole. page feature in the current is our Nebraska/Iowa casino boat geta " ... you can get singed in a sue of Down Beat. Way to go, Kendra. ways. Upon reading the Sunday paper flash by either the over With that I'm outta here 'til next I discovered that over the same week neediness of the artist and/or time. We're moovin' and groovin' the end the real losers were a couple of the over-greediness of the best we can - stay with us. restaurants that had to close for one record company." reason or another. Bingo - the light in Your jazz ringmaster, my head immediately went off think ing - hrrunm - could one of these soon They sure did all the right things at to be vacated spots tum into lincoln's Topeka this year with their best festi E~~~ newest, jaZZiest nightclub? val ever - and the flrst two were pretty Then of course ...the mind boggles damn good. Special kudos to Jim Butch Berman at what a vast, difficult project this Monroe and the entire T.P.A.C. staff could be - could even tum a music for knowing how to put on a great lover into a music hater with all the show and treat people right. See Tom aggravation. Even with my early ven Ineck's special report for all the details Check out the new tures into the recording industIy - you later in this issue and dig Rich Hoover's Berman Music Foundation can get singed in a flash by either the fab photo shoot he shot that memo Web Site. Filled with more over-neediness of the artist and the rable Memorial Day Weekend. photos, articles and infor over-greediness of the record company And on a personal note - showing mation about artists we - so you need to stay pretty focused or guitar master Bucky Pizzarelli the origi support you could flip. nalJohn Falter drawing presented to I'm lucky that in my #1 artist - me by the State Historical Society for WVWI'N.OOmarm.JsicfoLr.org Norman Hedman - he's a true friend sponsoring the gallery event by him and a player of valor - handling the drawn 35 years ago was a complete foundation's money like it was his own gasser. They even showed it off on an and making the artistic side of the biz easel on stage throughout Pizzarelli's a pleasure. By the next newsletter major performing slot. I'm hoping to debut the release by Next year features the Ray Brown Norman Hedman's Tropique called Trio with America's premiere female July/ August 2000 Page 3 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jazzis usually published six times a Pizzarelli remembers artist year by The Berman Music Foun dation, 719 PSt., Studio G, Lincoln, John Falter NE68508. By Tom Ineck· ...... Editor: Dave Hughes hirty years ago, guitarist Bucky Newsletter and computer con T Pizzarelli was a young fret mas "I might have been one of the sultant: Rebecca Kaiser ter already making a name for himself youngest guys in the whole thing, at Contributing writers: Butch on the jazz scene. He was touring in a that time, and I thought it was just Berman,Dan Demuth, Rich Hoover, duo with legendary tenor saxophonist marvelous that he caught everybody, Dave Hughes, Tom Ineck, & Bill Zoot Sims. One of their stops was in because I draw myself," he said. "I Wimmer. the Denver area, where they performed thought it was just magnificent." Photographers: Butch Berman at the famed Dick Gibson jazz party. and Rich Hoover For inclusion of anyjazz of blues re in Also attendance was lated events, letters to the editor, or artist and Saturday suggested articles, you can either Evening Post illustrator mail them to the office, phone us at John Falter of Falls City, 402476-3112,faxusat402475-3136, Neb. Over a period of or e-mail us at: many years at the Gibson
Brazilian music jam Morse at 402-421-2160. Jazz in the On the second Tuesday of every Jazz at The Oven month, there is an informal Brazilian On Thursday and Sunday evenings venues music jam in Lincoln. The jam will be at The Oven, 201 N. 8th St. in lin CompUed by Dave Hughes' held in the lower level of 4 Friends coln, you can still hear the duos of ei (formerly Ebenezer's and Miscellanea), ther: Dave Novak & Dennis Taylor; Monday Night Big Band continues 2110 Winthrop Rd. (31st & South Steve Hanson & Nancy Marshall; John The Monday Night Big Band is still Streets) starting at 7:30 p.m. Carlini & Andy Hall; or Peter Bouffard . playing every Monday night at P.O. It's a mance to play some great Bra &John Carlini. Pears, 322 S. 9th St in Lincoln. zilian music just for the fun of it, to Call 402-475-6118 for more infor Every week features a different socialize, to drink a few beers, and have mation. music director that leads the group in a good time. This isn't a perfomunce, Jazz at The Five Reasons three sets from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Audi it's a mance to hang out and play some On Friday and Saturday evenings ence members are still encouraged to music together. from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Five Reasons bring their own instruments and sit in It's also very informal, and is open Lounge in the Cornhusker Hotel, 333 with the band during the second and to all interested musicians. Whoever S. 13th St in Lincoln, pianist John Carlini third sets. The cover charge is still $4, shows up plays. If you have some (occasionally with saxophonist Bill $3 for students. music, bring it along, otherwise some Wunmer) continues to play. For more information, call 402- lead sheets will be proVided. Call 402-474-7474 for more informa 477-8008. For more information, call Randy tion. July/ August 2000 Page 5 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jazz in June 2000 packs 'em in By Tom Ineck· ...... lowed in a bouncy, bluesy rendition with vocal licks with Embrey on the Rodgers ~ its ninth year, th~Jazz inJune se Larson displaying his penchant for un and Hammerstein classic "It Might as I nes seems to continue to grow usual harmonies. Rusty White ventured Well Be Spring," and exhibited a supple in popularity, despite repetitive lineups into the upper octaves with a percussive play with the hilarious lyrics of David that promise few surprises. bass solo, Bouffard created lush textures Frishberg's "Peel Me a Grape." The Tuesday evening audiences now with Wes Montgomety-style octaves, and The quintet galloped ilirough a ver completely fill the grassy knolls, steps and Darryl White alternated piercing high sion of Cole Porter's "Love for Sale," fea terraces of the Sheldon Sculpture Gar notes with bluesy patterns in tl1e lower turing a typically masterful guitar solo by den. Many folks arrive laden down with register. Embrey. Rigazzi's warm tone and taste picnic baskets, lawn chairs and children, "Rollos's Revenge," one of Bouffard's ful playing was displayed to good effect making it a family outing in which the contributions, imaginatively moved from a on ilie ballad "I've Grown Accustomed music has become relegated to second nxk beat to a waltz terr:q::D and had the rom to His Face." aty importance. Nevertheless, the month p:rer soaring into the stratosphere with gui The music took on a Brazilian tinge long series has become a lincoln institu tar syntheSizer riffs reminiscent of John wiili Baden Powell's "Berimbau," but re tion that deserves support as one of the Scofield and Pat Metheny. Retumingto the turned to more conventional jazz terri few live music events in an otherwise bleak standard repertoire, the quintet gave a stlm tory with Charlie Parker's "Now's the summer schedule. ning performance ofTI1elonious Monk's Time," with lyrics by Eddie Jefferson. Two of this year's four concerts de ".Bemsha Swing," including a typicallyidio "You Turned the Tables On Me" fea serve special mention: syncratic, Monkish flair. tured another fine Embrey solo, and The University of Nebraska-Iincoln Larson's recently composed "KA" Rigazzi returned for another solo on Music Department has made some wise was the only ballad of the evening, and it "Street of Dreams." hires in recent years, adding to an already was a winner. Beginning with an intro Hagenbach's vocal range and talent capable faculty and replacing the seem spective solo piano introduction quoting for vocalizing were exercised on 'Jumpin' ingly irreplaceable instructors to create a Gershwin, it also featured some wonder wiili Symphony Sid." Embrey offered a solid group of teachers and musicians. ful playing by Dartyl White on flugelhom, delicate guitar solo on his arrangement Proof of that could be heard June 6 Bouffard on acoustic guitar and Lyles on of "Tenderly." After "The Heart of Bra at the fIrst concert of the Jazz inJune se brushes. zil," a tune deploring the depletion ofilie ries, as the UNlJazz Quintet showed its For the closer, ilie UNL Jazz Quintet Amazon rainforest, ilie quintet finished stuff in a two-hour performance for an simply launched into one of ilie classics with Juan Tizol's timeless "Caravan." audience estimated at nearly 2,500 on a of tl1e genre iliat needs no introduction, Conspicuous in his absence was pia mild, springlike evening. "When the Saints Go Marching In." nistJoe Cartwright, a brilliant musician Fronted by trumpeter Darryl White, Lyles' Crescent City march mythms can1e who co-led Hagenbach's Brazilian music the group also consisted of guitarist Pe to ilie fore and trumpeter White cranked group Musa Nova for several years. In ter Bouffard, pianist Tom Larson, bassist up ilie Annstrong-style horn blasts and an e-mail exchange after the singer's lin Rusty White and drummer Sig Lyles, a growls for the jubilant fmale. coln appearance, Cartwright told me that New Orleans native living in Omaha. Kansas City singer Angela Hagenbach he had "decided to step away from llie Most of the tunes they played were origi returned to the Jazz inJune stage June accompanist role and devote more time nals, with compositions by all but Lyles. 27, fronting a five-piece ensemble instead to developing my own musical direction." For openers, White launched into of the billed sextet. More indicative of a professional falling "Ancient Memories," the title track from Looking as elegant and stunningly out is his statement that "You won't see his recently released CD. Its beautiful, beautiful as ever, Hagenbach ranged well me perforrning willi Angela in the fu well-crafted melody can almost be mis beyond the Latin jazz repertoire iliat has ture." taken for a jazz standard, and the quintet been her stock in trade. She was ablyac That is bad news for Hagenbach, but made the most of the memorable chord companied by Kansas City stalwarts good news for tl10se of us who iliought d1anges. Danny Embrey, guitar; Steve Rigazzi, Cartwright was underemployed in his role Larson's "lhe Storm" featured White bass; Doug Auwarter, drums; and Gaty as accompanist. wid1 the release of his navigating the angular melody lines on the Helm, percussion. new quartet CD, "La Luna Negra," (re flugelhom and Bouffard delivering an ex Hagenbach deftly interpreted Nnena viewed in the March-April edition of emplaty guitar solo. The Charles Mingus Freelon's "I Am Changed" as a declara Jazz) he is well on his way to a successful standard "Nostalgia in Times Square" fol- tion of independence. She traded scat- career as a leader. ~ge 6 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ...... •...... ,. (Topeka continued from pg. I) Nothing Till You Hear From Me," sionism. fect. On "Over the Rainbow," he ap "Imagination" and "When Sunny Gets "Isn't It Romantic?" opened with a peared to channel Tatum with astound Blue." On "I Thought About You," her beautiful bowed bass-piano duo quot ing single-note flourishes, abrupt range of emotion spanned from long ing Tchaikovsky. "52nd Street Theme" changes in tempo and orchestral har- ing to rage, a realistic evocation of lost featured a blazing solo by Hendelman, love. A vocal gymnast with a throaty and "3,000 Miles From Home" dis resonance, Parris is a scat-singer of the played the leader's versatility as he fITst order and a stylist who is not afraid switched from brushes to sticks and to improvise both lyrics and phrasing. back to brushes. Again emphasizing his Clarinetist Ken Peplowski, vibra brush skills, Hamilton did a very hip phonist Terry Gibbs and guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli fronted a tribute to the music of the Benny Gcxxlman Sex tet, with pianist Paul Smith, bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Butch Miles. Beginning with a swinging "Seven Vocalist Rebecca Parris Come Eleven," the group continued monies borrowed from classical mu with a mid-tempo "Poor Butterfly" and sic for an epic fmale. a ballad rendition of "Body and Soul" Rather than follow Smith alone, before returning uptempo with "Air pianist Frank Mantooth asked Stamm, mail Special." Peplowski's playing was on flugelhom, to join him on compara- inspired, and Pizzarelli laid down a chunky rhythm line as Gibbs joined Smith at the keyboard for a four-fisted Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs fmale. The Jeff Hamilton Trio was the "soft-shoe" on "The Best Things Hap epitome of easy-swinging melodicism, pen While You're Dancing," from the with a level of subtle sophistication movie "White Christmas." unrivaled by anyone at the festival. One of pianist Alan Broadbent's Drummer Hamilton led with gently specialties is orchestration, including urging authority (often using only writing charts for recording projects by brushes) as bassist Lynn Seaton pro singer Natalie Cole, pianist Marian Drummer Jeff Hamilton and vided a gargantuan underpinning and McPartland and Charlie Haden's Quar bassist Lynn Seaton pianist Tarnir Hendelman seemed to tet West, a working group that also tively subdued renditions of "Just in paint the melodies with lyric impres- features Broadbent. Even performing Time" and "Lover Man." solo, the pianist's talent for orchestra In its ftrst of ftve appearances over tion was evident in his lush arrange the weekend, the Junior Mance Trio ments of "Body and Soul" and John showed its penchant for the blues and Lewis' haunting "Django." its ability to breathe as one. Bassist A cohort of Kansas City musicians Keter Betts phrased his lines like a - including guitarists Rod Fleeman and singer, and drummer Jackie Williams Danny Embrey, bassist Bob Bowman spoke a percussion language that in and drummer Todd Strait - has be cluded his hands as well as his drum come the festival's linchpin, the essen sticks, as Mance drew on his Chicago tial rhythm section on which other play blues roots and his affinity for ers can always rely. But this year's fes Thelonious Monk. tival also showcased Fleeman, Embrey, Singer Rebecca Parris, a New En Bowman and Strait as Interstring, a glander virtually unknown in the Mid quartet with a unique sound and a west, made a lot of new fans during a musical compatibility developed over stunning set that included "Day by many years. With equal success, they KC guitarist Danny Embrey Day," "I Concentrate on You," "Do mix originals like Fleeman's "Hawai- July/ August 2000 Page 7 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ian Nights" and Embrey's "Winter and "Problem" - as in "My problem ing "We'll Be Together Again," Alan Song" with swing standards like is you." Broadbent delivering a solo version of "Limehouse Blues." Jeff Hamilton fronted a formidable "Laura," and the whole ensemble fin Terry Gibbs led an all-star, bop ishing with "Things Ain't What They oriented sextet with Gary Foster on alto Used to Be." sax, Marvin Stamm on trumpet, Paul The guitar trio of Pizzarelli, Smith on piano, Lynn Seaton on bass Fleeman and Embrey worked the and Jeff Hamilton on drums. They strings in a variety of settings, from charged through the bebop standards Pizzarelli's solo take of Fritz Kreisler's "Now's the Time," "Lover Man," and "Stars in Your Eyes" to the Pizzarelli "A Night in Tunisia," with Stamm soar Fleeman duo on "Nuages" to the ing like a young Dizzy Gillespie. Pizzarelli-Embrey teaming for Parris was warmly received for her "Lullaby of the Leaves" to the trio's second set, which was highlighted by combined attack on "Undecided," in a devastating version of Billy which the threesome reveled in the Strayhorn's "Lush Life" that showed lively string interplay. her ability to empathize with a lyric and Taking the stage in his frantic deliver it as though she wrote it, the hipster mode, vibraphonist Terry singer's true art. She did similar justice Gibbs declared a jazz crusade by not to "Detour Ahead" and "Over the ing that Roger Williams' corny rendi Rainbow." tion of "Autumn Leaves" sold five The Junior Mance Trio's Saturday million copies, while Charlie Parker's night set moved from Basie ("Broad brilliant reconstruction of "All the LA bassist John Clayton way") to Ray Bryant ("I Don't Care") Things You Are" sold five copies. "The to the Johnny Mandel ballad "Emily," late-night set also featuring bassistJohn world is really screwed up," Gibbs as the pianist displayed an unhurried Clayton, pianist Paul Smith, deadpanned to the audience's amuse style attractively decorated with right flugelhornist Marvin Stamm and gui ment. hand trills. During an uptempo version tarist Bucky Pizzarelli. "In a In addition to the Parker classic, the of "What is This Thing Called Love?" Mellotone" had Pizzarelli charging Williams cut loose with a percussion ahead with a chorded solo and Smith solo that utilized tambourine, mallets, tossing in interpolated quotes from sticks and hands in a frenzied tour de "Love in Bloom" and "Laura." Stamm force. confidently took the lead on "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" - highlighted by Clayton's exquisite bowed bass solo - and on "Tangerine." Sunday began with a touching trib ute to longtime Kansas City area jazz radio personality and festival emcee Dick Wright, who died Nov. 23 at age 68. Beginning with the Gary Foster penned theme song from Wright's ra Pianists Tamir Hendelman, Alan dio program "The Jazz Scene," the Gary Foster Broadbent, and Eldar Djangirov memorial set induded often-humorous Gibbs-led quartet, with pianist A comic composer with an eye for personal comments from Wright's Alan Broadbent, bassist John irony and an ear for the absurd, bass friends Foster, Bob Kindred, radio Clayton and drummer Butch Miles, istJay Leonhart (with Ken Peplowski announcer Bob McWilliams and festi scurried through Cole Porter's on tenor and Danny Embrey on gui val organizer Jim Monroe. "Love for Sale," Bob Haggart's tar) continued a festival tradition by But more to the point were the "What's New?" and the 52nd Street performing several of his own tunes, heartfelt musical statements - Kindred closer "Wee." Again Gibbs moved including "Change My Occupation," on tenor saxophone playing "In a Sen to the piano, joining Broadbent for "Impossible to Sing and Play the Bass" timental Mood," Karrin Allyson sing- (Topeka continued on pg. 8) ge 8 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• " I
(Topeka continued from pg. 7) evening. He moved away from the Parris and Allyson joined voices a single-digit workout on the keys blues to a more impressionistic key on "Honeysuckle Rose." and ratcheting up the excitement board style on "The Single Petal of Marvin Stamm fronted a sextet level to make way for a Miles a Rose" and "Sunset and the Mock drum solo. ingbird," two Ellington-Strayhorn Later in the day, Rebecca Parris compositions from "The Queen's returned to the stage accompanied Suite." A similar solo set by Tamir Hendelman yielded something totally new, a wistful and pro foundly beautiful spontaneous composition based on three chords suggested by the audience. Karrin Allyson, who had re cently become a resident of New York City after many years in Kan sas City, thrilled her longtime Mid west fans with a set accompanied by a host of old and new friends and colleagues - including pia nist Paul Smith (of Kansas City, not California), bassist Bob Bow man and drummer Todd Strait. But first she showed her own key board skills with a solo rendition Californian Paul Smith, Gerald of "In Love in Vain." Spa its, and Eldar Djangirov Bucky Pizzarelli plays as Alan . "0 Pato (The Duck)" featured on a fast rendition of "Alone To Broadbent looks on guitarist Danny Embrey, "I Fall in gether," exhibiting his talent for by trombonist Dan Barrett, pianist Love Too Easily" was performed rapid fingering and clean, fluid Frank Mantooth, bassist Gerald with the group Interstring, and lines on flugelhorn. He offered Spaits and drummer Todd Strait. She Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" got a numerous variations on "There is drew from a varied repertoire that facelift from a new arrangement No Greater Love" and went head included Gershwin's "But Not for by guitarist Rod Fleeman and a to head with guitarist Bucky Me," Tadd Dameron's "If You Could guest appearance by bassist John Pizzarelli on "I Fall in Love Too See Me Now" and Monk's "Straight Clayton. Ken Peplowski on tenor Easily." No Chaser." When the Junior Mance Trio TI1eJeffHamiiton Trio's inspired took the stage Sunday night, Jeff late-afternoon set featured the deli Hamilton was at the trap set cate touch of pianist Tamir (J ackie Williams had injured him Hendelman on Billy Taylor's "Easy self earlier in the day during a Walker." The drummer exploded typically enthusiastic solo). The in a dark, barbaric slugfest of a per trio soared on "Straight No Chaser," cussion solo on the German blues "Good Bait" and an uptempo "Old Man Fluss," a Hamilton origi "There is No Greater Love." nal inspired by his experience get Graced by the constant pres ting locked out of a hotel room in ence of Ken Peplowski's roman the rain. The traditional Scottish folk tic tenor sax style, Rebecca Parris melody "Hamilton House" was a was the consummate showwoman fitting vehicle for the drummer's during a set that included "I'm military-style snare tattoo and bass Beginning to See the Light," the ist Lynn Seaton's drone. "Love for ballad "Never Let Me Go," "Them Sale" got a very fast, very hip read There Eyes," an uptempo "I Could KC bassists Bob Bowman and Write a Book" and a stunning ren ing with precision stop-time inter Gerald Spa its vals, fiery piano work, a bowed dition of the little-heard "The bass solo and a dandy brush solo sax joined the ensemble for "My Shadow of Your Smile," from the by Hamilton. Little Boat," and Allyson returned movie "The Sandpiper." She fin Perhaps the most interesting of to the piano for Jay Leonhart's ished with "That Old Black Junior Mance's many appearances "Robert Frost," with Leonhart and Magic." was his short solo spot Saturday Peplowski only. Finally, Rebecca Gary Foster on alto sax and Bob July/ August 2000 Page 9 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Kindred on tenor sax renewed Evans' "Comrade Conrad," Ornette fourth year. Already booked as their mutual friendship on Monk's Coleman's "Turnaround" and the headliners are such international "Blue Bolivar Blues Are" and a bop evergreen "Scrapple from the favorites as the Monty Alexander fast -moving rendition of "What is Apple." A well-programmed Trio, the Ray Brown Trio with This Thing Called Love?" with Paul showcase of complex modula- pianist Larry Fuller and featured Smith (of California) offering end flutist Holly Hofmann and the less variations during his piano Frank Capp Juggernaut. Artists solo. Foster rendered Jobim's new to the festival will include "Wave" on flute, and Kindred tenor saxophonist Scott Hamilton, turned in a lovely interpretation trumpeter Stacy Rowles and pia of "Body and Soul" on tenor be nist Gerry Wiggins. fore the two reunited on alto and Popular returning artists for tenor for "A Beautiful Friendship." 2001 include versatile reed play Complaining good-naturedly ers Bob Kindred and Ken about the lO-hour hiatus be Peplowski, bassists Jay Leonhart tween his early afternoon and and John Clayton, drummer Jeff late-night sets, Terry Gibbs Hamilton and vocalist Karrin joked, "I had to rehearse three Allyson. times to wake up." He then In a phone conversation in mid launched into a spirited version Jim Monroe with Jeff Hamilton July, Jim Monroe reported that the of Horace Silver's "Sister Sadie" setting up in background festival's bottom line is in the black with solid support from pianist tions, accelerating single-note runs Alan Broadbent, bassist John and devilish tempos, the young Clayton and drummer Butch virtuoso's performance nonethe Miles. The unusual choice of less begged the question, "Which style is truly his and when will we hear it?" After an entire weekend to gether, some musicians started tak ing pot shots at one other, but it was all friendly fire fostered by a growing camaraderie and the heat of improvisation. At the start of the last set I heard before head ing back to Lincoln, the impecca bly tailored Ken Peplowski blis tered Dan Barrett when the trom bonist walked on stage wearing a leather "flight" jacket. Despite Peplowski's constant bombardment of hilarious asides about Barrett's recent return from "a bombing run over Tokyo" and a feigned warning about possible Bob Kindred snipers in the balcony, the group NY bassist Jay Leonhart turned strictly professional for and that audience members had Leon Russell's "Masquerade" performances of "Goodnight My given the event high praise in worked well, as did the Tommy Love," "Cry Me a River" and "The surveys distributed at the festival. Dorsey ballad "Sentimental You" One 1 Love Belongs to Somebody But the most telling responses and Gibbs' own jazz samba Else" (Peplowski announced this were from the performing artists. "Sweet Little Song of Love." one as "written by Isham Jones, "Many of the musicians who Pianist Eldar Djangirov, who Monica LeWinsky and Mrs. Rudy have been there every year said amazed last year's festival crowd Giuliani.") it was the best of the three," Mon with his advanced technique, re This comic relief was a great roe said. "The comment among turned this year (at age 13) with way to end a weekend that had the musicians was that it just bassist Gerald Spaits and drum threatened sensory overload. seemed there was a lot more ca mer Todd Strait for a 40-minute If the advance bill is any indi maraderie and meshing of the hu stylistic crazy quilt that included cation, the Topeka Jazz Festival man soul on the stage, that there Monk's "Straight No Chaser," Bill may approach full maturity in its hadn't been in the past." DICK WRIGHT MEMO~JAZZCONCERT
A FUND RAISER FOR THE DICK WRIGHT MEMORIAL JAZZ SCHOLARSHIP FUND
OCTOBER 22, 2000 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE 8th Ave., Topeka, KS
GARY FOSTER, BOB KINDRED, PAUL HAAR, KARRIN ALLYSON, ELDAR DJANGIROV TRIO, INT'L CONCERT PIANIST: JULIE RIVERS, DICK WRIGHT MEMORIAL SAX QUARTET
Paul Smith, Bob Bowman, Todd Strait, Danny Embrey, Mike Metheny, Mike Ning, Joe Cartwright, Tommy Ruskin, Gerald Spaits, Russ Long, Vince Gnojek, Kerry Strayer
TICKETS: $20.00 ($15 Tax Deductible) AVAILABLE THROUGH TPAC BOX OFFICE & ALL TICKETMASTER LOCATIONS, 785-297-9000 OR 785-234-4545 We strongly urge you to consider writing your check for an additional amount to be added to the Scholarship Fund, $100, $250, $500, $1000. (I[you cannot attend and would like to contribute, send your check to the Scholarship Fund). Make checks payable to: TOPEKA JAZZ WORKSHOP, Inc., P.O. Box 452, Topeka, KS 66601.
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American Federation of Musicians • 1501 Broadway, Suite 600 • NewYork,NewYork 10036 • (212)869-1330' E-mail:[email protected] Page 12 Berman Music Foundation Jazz •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Artie Shaw, A Living Legend? You Bet! By Dan Demuth ......
ecently the Prez (Butch bers. In addition to the states, mem pearance as a guest artist with the R Berman not Lester) and I were bership encompasses over 30 foreign Paul Whiteman band. With no prior discussing one Artie Shaw. Some re countries. rehearsal with this group, he literally cent events such as listening to the Artie was also featured in articles freezes you to the bone with his ren great playing of Ken Peplowski at in Newsweek and Vanity Fair last dition of "The Blues". In a similar the Topeka Jazz Festival have kept year, not bad for a musician who situation, when he discovered the hasn't played professionally for 45 night before a network radio debut years, and who turned 90 this last that he needed a theme song, he May. A new book, Artie Shaw, A wrote "Nightmare." Other favorites Musical Biography and Discography of mine would include "Stardust" by Vladimir Simosko has just been (both versions) and "Moonglow." published by Scarecrow Press, and Great artists and their music truly is an absolutely excellent document. defy dating. There is Shaw's self-penned "The Fascinating to me is the way he Trouble With Cinderella" and I have managed to create all of this great a copy of a bio-discography pub music while simultaneously living a lished in England in 1973 authored very extroverted and highly visible by Edmund Blandford. Recently, I lifestyle. This from the aforemen Shaw in my mind. SO,this article is came into possession of a copy of tioned Vanity Fair article, "Shaw was the result of Butch's suggestion. the Canadian documentary video, habitually attracted to sensual I'm not sure how this fits in a produced by Brigette Berman in women who were not intellectually newsletter whose format is to cover 1983, containing another wellspring inclined," defines just part of the current events and review recordings of information from the man him often controversial and conflicting in the jazz vein except to say Artie self. events in this man's life. I have Shaw continues to be a current event. As a long time vinyl collector and trouble making menu choices in a Realizing words such as "timeless" admitted Shaw-o-phile, I would sub good restaurant while Artie chose to and "legend" are overused; I would mit that his excellence in creating drop Betty Grable and elope with posit they belong when discussing music on the clarinet is indeed time- Lana Turner! Choices? Where's the Mr. Shaw. justice in this world? Any readers who are also mem On a more serious note, the man bers of the International Association "I would submit that his is an artist, writer and a lover of the of Jazz Record Collectors (IAJRC) excellence in creating music great literary works. He walked out would know that Artie was the fea on the clarinet is indeed on his music and fans several times tured speaker at their annual conven timeless. " in his career before finally hanging tion in 1998. I was fortunate enough it up in the fifties while on the top to view a video of his words at that less. Shaw's contemporaries included of his craft. Since then he hasn't at event which bears testimony that he some very good stick men, Benny tempted any embarrassing come is still as brilliant and irascible as Goodman, Woody Herman, Jimmy backs and has never looked back. ever. He fielded questions in an im Dorsey and Edmund Hall, and just Have you ever attended one of promptu manner for just short of a little later, the great Buddy those seminars where the question two hours with total candor. DeFranco. Now, (here comes that is asked, "If you could go back in Incidentally, the aforementioned opinion) it may be argued that he time and meet any famous person, IAJRC is a great vehicle for anyone didn't swing as much as Benny, but whom would it be?" The answers interested in collecting or discussing his brilliance with tones and inter cover everyone from Jesus Christ to jazz of all idioms. It is non-profit pretations set the benchmark. Napoleon, but I would name Artie organization, issues some timely A few of my favorites, other than Shaw. Over a libation I would say, newsletters and four great journals his gazillion selling standards, would "OK, Artie, now tell me, what was yearly with articles written by mem- include his 1938 Carnegie Hall ap- it really .. .?" July! August 2000 Page 13 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Discorama By Butch Berman . DON LANPHERE All members new to me - guitarist It was at a Claude Williams gig Like a Bird Mimi Fox is a breath of swinging fresh at the Zoo Bar here in Lincoln, Ne Origin air to the jazz world and cooks through braska about six years ago that I out. Organist Barney McClure, a respect met this most remarkable man and ful throwback to tlle styles of yore in heard some of the best jazz piano cluding Milt Buckner and Larry Young outside of New York that I could - yet putting his stamp of authenticity remember at the time. His name upon it with taut propelling pedal work was Frank Smith. meshing totally in the pocket with clrum Recently deceased, this legendary KC mer Mel Brown, who literally takes you born and bred musician made an indel on a rhythmic journey, backdropping ible impression on me that magical night. Don's sax work as if an evolving canvas When I heard of his passing - my ftrst ometimes you just know it at ftrst of majestic beauty, color, and tone con thoughts were - damn, I never owned Sglance or listen ... like deju-vu eye verged kaleidoscopically - making Don any recording ofhis-or even wondered contact with past life lovers. So .. .when Lanphere one of my faves willi every ifhe had recorded. I received my Washingtonian friend's offering. Now - voila! - with thanks to the hard (who I still haven't met fact-to-face YET It's not been usually my writing forte work, love, and ~emncecihiswidow -almost a running gag by now) newffi . to review CDs cut by cut - I generally Doreen Maronde we all now can groove like a Bird - I expected to pop it on the report my sum of llie parts concept as a on Frank Smith foreverwith the newpN CD player, and - Bingo! - immediately whole - eillier it grabs me or it doesn't. humous release of the best of a vault of digit Well ... Like a Bird has flown into my past gigs collected on a new CD entitled Well I dug it - it was very good - but house and like all Don Lanphere projects From Kansas City to Tokyo. for some odd reason rll try to explain as made it a happier place to live. I must The recording quality may vary a I go on, it wasn't love at ftrst sight. The say in closing that his heartfelt rendition bit ... but the music - Oh, God - this second replay made me think - wait a of "My Ship" sez it all willi soul for what outpouring of keyboard virtuosity minute - this is even better than good a pro sax player is all about. Atta boy, touches all bases and scores at least four and like a properly attended. relationship Don! stars on chops and feelings alone. - my feelings grew deeper, it kept get If not in the stores yet - order like a From "Misty/I Remember Clifford" ting groovier and by the third spin (and Bird from: to Frank's bluesy vocalizing on "Rock not thinking, 011, I have to hearthis again OriginArts Me, Baby" - this treasure is a must - - but I can't wait to hear it again), like a 5206 liz Ballard Ave Nw, No. 11 and guess what? - the proceeds of tl1is Bird has crept into my heart as well as Seattle, Washington 98107 fme work of art will go towards a schol my brain. 206-781-2589 arship fund created after his passing to As I think I've stated before - Don's enrich and educate other aspiring, tal FRANK SMITH a thinking man's player for people who ented kids, yean1ing to make their own From Kansas City to Tokyo can appreciate the difference. like a fme marks on society. ]CCC Foundation wine - his music breathes, mellows, and Write Doreen to get this must-have seems to grow brighterwith age. A pretty CD, or if you wish to make additional mean feat considering his stuff always contributions to llie fund at: comes to you near perfect, the first time. Frank Smith Jazz Scholarship Fund The JCCC Foundation By the way - near perfect seems to 12345 College Blvd beftt his marvelous new band. They Overland Park, KS 66210 reach a zone - track for track that con I never got to know Frank Smilli as stantly threaten to explode, but rather well as I would have liked - but now just simmer real tight, teasing you, the can appreciate and share his large talent listener. with you - my readers and listeners. Go for it! Page 14 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• I' Jazz on Disc: Nebraska heat wave inspires Latin jazz listening By Tom Ineck ......
aybe it's the tropical heat and generations of Brazilian jazz enthusiasts 13 minutes, allowing everyone ample M humidity that settle over the worldwide. At age 69, he has created time for improvised statements. Midwest about this time of the year. another masterpiece of the genre. As the Bunnett has gathered another ster Maybe it's the wge to travel to an exotic title indicates, it is simply 'Joao Voice ling group of Afro-Cuban masters, in place without the financial means to do and Guitar." cluding pianist Hilario Duran, bassist 9.J. Soothing in its breathy vocaliZing Roberto Occhipinti and percussionists W'hateverthe rea9.Jn, Nebraska sum (Miles Davis once said of Gilberto that Jjacko Backo, Emesto "EI Gato" Gatell, mers seem to demand a high volume of "he could read a newspaper and 9.Jund Dafnis Prieto, Lucumi and Pancho Latin jazz listening. Apparently, record good"), brilliant in its simplicity and a Quinto. Trumpeter Larry Cramer and companies are aware of this phenom mere 30 minutes long, it includes such Bunnett provide the only brass contrasts enon and have recently provided us with familiar Brazilian standards as Antonio to the rhythmic tour de force. Carlos Jobim's "Desafinado" and ~ "Chega de Saudade" byJobim and New MICHEL CAMILO & TOMATITO ~ ton Mendonca. Also included are newer Spain compositions by Gilberto Gil and Vetve Records ~ Caetano Veloso, who produced the re- Dominican jazz pianist Michel ~·cording. . Camilo and Spanish flamenco guitarist
;::.~ Tomatito Vv'hip up a flfestorrn as the duo .. "'"JANE BUNNETI & THE tackles Chick Corea's famous composi SPIRITS OF HAVANA tion "Spain" and other Spanish-tinged Ritmo + Soul tunes. Coming from diverse back Blue Note Records grounds, they meet somewhere in the Jazz flutist and 9.Jpmno saxophonist middle for an intriguingly new hybrid. Jane Bunnett's music has been strongly Camilo's virtuosity is reminiscent of influenced by Afro-Cuban rhythms for Corea's audacious piano style. Tomatito's several years, and she is not just dabbling in a trendy music style for fi nancial gain. The flISt lis ten will convince anyone Joao Gilberto that she is sincere and that this is authentic a wealth of new Iatin-based music. Here Afro-Cuban music, witl1 are a few of the best: complex polyrhythms, virtuosic drumming on JOAO GILBERTO kalimba, congas and bata drums and fre-breathing Joao voz e violao Tomatito and Michel Camilo Vetve Records perfonnances. There is no better way to satisfy the 'Joyful Noise" is an eight-minute virtuosity is sin1ilarly notable, sort of a hunger for Brazilian jazz than the latest celebration befitting its title. Gospel mu Spanish variant of fusion guitarist and release by the legendaryJoao Gilberto. sic blends sweetly with Cuban rhythms former Corea cohort AI Di Meola. With his first three albums, recorded on the 10-minute "The River/El Rio." Corea's title track is typically cerebral between 1958 and 1%1, Gilberto helped "Drume Negrita" weaves a hypnotic and closer to the jazz mainstream than to set the mood and the standard for rhythmic pattern for 10 minutes, and the other recordings listed here. More Brazilian popular music and inspired "Fransisco's Dream" extends to nearly (Jazz on Disc continued on pg. 13) July/ August 2000 Page 15 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
(Jazz on Disc continued from pg. 12) interesting is their soulful rendition of Jazz on the radio "Besame Mucho," with Tomatito taking By Dave Hughes· ......
~Jazz on Nebraska Public Radio to 12 noon, and "Hotter Than That" o a- Nebraska Public Radio, KUCVat with Warren "Rude Dog" Rudolph 90.9 FM in Lincoln and at other fre from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on Mondays; quencies around the state (except "NightTown," with Tom Ineck from ~ Omaha), offers two nights of jazz each 8:30-10 p.m. on Thursdays; and, some week. western swing on the "KZUM At 11 p.m. on Friday you can still Heyride" on Fridays from 7:30 to 9 hear National Public Radio's "Jazz p.m. with long time hostJohn Schmitz. Profiles," an audio biography of jazz If you would like detailed infor artists. At midnight Graham House mation about the jazz programs on presents "'Round Midnight" a pro KZUM, or would like to receive a cur gram that still features some locally rent copy of their program guide, give Jane Bunnett programmed jazz. them a call at 474-5086. On Saturday nights Don Gill hosts Jazz and blues on KIOS the lead and Camilo adding amazing fills "Big Band Spotlight" at 8 p.m., fol KIOS at 91.5 in Omaha has jazz and flourishes before launching into a lowed by two NPR programs, "Piano (and some blues) every weekday from brilliant piano solo. The guitarist con Jazz," with Marian McPartland at 9 1 p.m. until 3:30 pm. tributed two compositions - "A rni nino p.m. and "Jazzset," with Branford On Mondays at 1 p.m., "Riverwa1k: Jose" and "La Vacilona" - while Carnilo -Marsalis, at 10 p.m. Then at 11 p.m., Live from the Landing" starts off the penned "Two MucM.Dve Theme." "Late in the Evening" with host Dave week, then at 2 p.m is "Blues in the The mystery and rhythmic drive of fla Hughes, gives you a set of jazz, then a Afternoon" hosted by Mike Jacobs. On menco music is abundant throughout mix of blues, roots rock, Cajun, Tuesdays, it's the "Brazilian Hour" at this magical collaboration by two instru zydeco, reggae, and world music. 1 p.m., followed by 'jazz in the After mental giants. For a free copy of NPRN's pro gram guide "Choice," call 472-2200, noon" with Chris Cooke from 2-3:30 p.m. On Wednesdays at 1 p.m. it's BOSSA NOVA or 1-800-290-6850. "Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz," Original Motion Picture Soundtrack then 90 minutes of 'jazz in the After Verve Records Jazz on KZUM noon" hosted by Mike Jacobs. On Perhaps the best of the bunch is this KZUM Community Radio, at 89.3 Thursdays, "One Night Stand" with compilation of great Brazilian jazz stan FM in Lincoln, offers jazz programs host Chris Nielsen kicks off the after dards. You get the original Stan Getz and Monday-TI1ursday afternoons from 1 noon of jazz at 1 p.m., followed by Joao Gilberto recordings of "The Girl to 3 p.m. and some other days and another 'jazz in the Afternoon" at 2 From Ipanema" and "Corcovado" (also times. p.m. with Cooke. On Fridays "Jazz known as "Quiet Nights of Quiet The weekday afternoon schedule From Studio 1" starts it off at 1 p.m., Stars"),Jobim performing "Wave" and now goes like this: on Mondays, Rachel followed by even another 'jazz in the "No More Blues" (AKA "Chega de Principato programs "Rachel's Jazz;" Afternoon" with Jacobs again that lasts Saudade"), and Claudia Acuna's rendi on Tuesdays, Herb Thomas guides until 3:30 p.m. tion of "Suddenly." "Zero Street;" Randy Morse hosts On Saturdays KIOS now airs Eurnir Deodato ties it all nearly to "Som do Brasil" on Wednesdays; and NPR's "Jazz Profiles" at 8 p.m. fol getherwith incidental music and an origi on Thursdays, Butch Berman does lowed by "Jazz Junction" with Rick nal soundtrack score that he composed, "Re-boppin'. " Erben at 9 p.m. and "Last Call" with arranged and conducted Singer Batbara There are other jazz programs scat Cooke again at 11 p.m. Mendes is featured on several tracks , tered throughout the schedule, includ For a free copy of the KIOS pro including "Useless Landscape," "One ing: "Dance Bands: When MelodywdS gram guide, give them a call at 402- Note Samba" and "Once I Loved." On King," with Con Good from 8 to 10 557-2777 in Omaha. Jobim's "How Insensitive," Sting and the a.m., "Jazz Journey," hosted by jazz composer join voices in one ofjobim's musician Bill Wimmer from 10 a.m. last recordings. Page 16 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Unsung Hero: Rufus Reid By Bill Wimmer· ...... turn to the U.S., and shortly thereaf of Landmark stuff. These are but a ter hired George Cables, Eddie Glad few of the more than 250 recording den and Rufus to create rhythm sec that Reid has appeared on. tions of its day. Gordon's popular ity, recording and constant touring Any performance by Rufus Reid helped build an already awesome tal will have all the trademarks of his ent into a truly incredible musical playing. His impeccable time, into force. This group would stay to nation and taste, an absolutely huge gether for four years and create some sound and complete technical com very memorable music. mand of the instrument allow him to fit in, propel and contribute to al In the years preceding and fol most any jazz situation. While a lowing his tenure with Gordon, master of solid, tasteful walking Rufus Reid has gone on to many as lines, Reid also excels at a kind of sociations with some of the greatest post-Scott Lafaro, post-Mingus me names in jazz. His list of credits lodic approach that accompanies the Bill Wimmer include work with Gene Ammons, soloist while supporting the whole Kenny Dorham, Sonny Stitt, Don band. When you add to all of this na colurrm like this, it seems only Byas, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, the soulful, bluesy approach he of I natural of try to shed more light Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, ten takes to the music, Rufus Reid on someone from the back row of Donald Byrd and Art Farmer. has very few true peers on the in the band. The guys in the rhythm strument. section just don't reach the spotlight There are a wide variety of clas so easily as someone out in front of sic recordings that Reid has appeared While currently leading the group the band. That being said, a musi on over the years. They include Tanareid with drummer Akira Tana, cian like bassist Rufus Reid deserves "Manhattan Symphony," "Great En Reid continues to be a very respected all the attention he can get. counters" and "Night At The Key- educator, and he only recently left William Patterson University. After Rufus Reid was born February 20 years as Director ofJazz Studies. 10, 1944 in Atlanta, and was raised "Rufus Reid has very His book, "The Evolving Bassist," in Sacramento, California. Although few true peers on the is still considered the reference stan he played trumpet in his younger instrument. " dard for jazz bass. years, while in the Air Force he be came interested in the bass. After All in all, Rufus Reid has stepped his stint in the military, he moved to stone" with Gordon. "Something To out from the rhythm section to re Seattle to study bass seriously. He Live For," "Blame It On My Youth" ally spotlight his talent over the years. later moved to Chicago and attended and "P.H.D." with Art Farmer, and His ability to seamlessly drive the Northwest University, also studying both Stan Getz's "Anniversary" and music has made him a hero of mine with the principal bassist of the Chi "Serenity." Another true showcase for many years, and I cherish every cago Symphony. of Reid's work can be found on well-placed note he plays. "Cruisin' the Bird," by Bobby Rufus Reid's most important Hutcherson. This fantastic out-of playing started in Chicago and his print LP on Landmark has not yet career really exploded when he been reissued on CD, but 32Jazz has moved to New York in 1976. That the rights to the Landmark catalogue was the year that saxophonist Dex and it seems only a matter of time ter Gordon made his triumphant re- since they've already reissued a lot July/ August 2000 Page 17 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• and lockin' up the party with the soul Sept. 8, Bull Durham Blues Fest, Blues searing blues of Sista Monica. Durham, NC, 800-845-9835 There is a second stage in the (nicely Sept 9, Mississippi Gulf Coast Blues chilled) Energy Square building featur Fest, Pascagoula, MS, 228-497-5651 Corner ing local and regional groups With a Sept. 15, Telluride Blues Fest, Tellu By Rich Hoover . . . . . jazzier feel, along with gobs of arts for ride, CO ell, the blues music festival fan all to enjoy. Of course there will be plenty Sept. 23-24, Boston Blues Fest, Bos W ciers are in the deep heat now. of food and drink from some of ton,MA There are all kinds of places to get the Lincoln's best places. Sept. 29-30, Bean Blossom Blues bum and!or stroke of your life. Ifyou are traveling around, orwant Fest, Bean Blossom, IN, 800-783-7996 July Jamm, one of the better festi to travel, the Blues fests abound. Here is Oct. 6-7, King Biscuit Blues Fest, vals is right here in Lincoln and it's a a short list of places I would go if I Helena, AR, 901-328-5464 steamer startin' July 27th with The could Od. 10-15, Tucson Blues Week, Tuc Heartmurmurs, a blues/R&B icon for July 21-23, Kansas City Jazz & Blues son, Al, 520-887-2126 25 years; the Rumba Club, an upbeat Fest, Kansas City, MO, 800-530-5266 Oct. 21-22, Cotton Jubilee, Afro-Cuban band; and show-stopper Aug. 5, Bowl Full of Blues, New Greenville,TX, 903-455-1510 Roy Gaines, a top-notch entertainer. ton, fA, 515-259-3337 July 28th starts right with the Aug. 6, River Rock'n Blues Fest, If that is not the right stuff for you, Fabtones, another group of hot musi Pueblo, CO, 719-549-2414 check out bluesfestivals.com or your lo cians from the area, then the Prairie Cats Aug. 11, Sunflower River Blues & cal blues bar wall. continue the show into the evening, Ga>pel Fest, Uukrllie, MS, 662.(;27..(fQO The Zoo Bar keeps on puttin' it out keepin' the stage fresh for the 1-2-3 Aug. 20, Musconetcong River Blues and the fall looks to be hot and heavy punch of LU' Brian and the Zydeco Fest, Hampton, NJ, 908-832-0156 with the blues. There shouldn't be m~ch Travelers, Deanna Bogart, and LU' Aug. 25, Madison Blues Fest, change in the venue with the newown Ed and the Blues Imperials. Madison,WI ers being right in the thick of it for many July 29th fires off with the Toasted Aug. 26, Blues Fest 2000, Osage years. Good Luck to all involved in the Ponies, the Doug Lynn Band, Randy Beach, MO, 573-346-7266 Zoo Bar transition. McAllister, Mark Sailings, and head Sept. 2, Big Bottom Blues Fest, Check out www.zoobar.com or 402- liners Blue Riddum wi Ernie Smith, Tekamah, NE, 402-374-2421 435-8754 for info.
the arrnyforfouryears. Upon his return he successful record pnxluCet; session playet; Blues on Disc started a hillbilly band in his hometown of and club performer. In 1975 Billy started By Rich Hoover· ...... Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 1955 he married hissemndmmiage andgepped hlckfran BILLY LEE RILEY and moved to Memphis and met and re music for a while, but after doing the Beale Shade Tree Blues corded for Jack Clements of Fernwood Street Blues Fest in 1979 he began touring Icehouse Records Studios who took the product to Sam Europe and has been successfu1lytouring Phillips of Sun Records. forthe la& twenty years. Sun Records signed Billy Lee, and he He has returned to his homeland in was there for five years. While there he re Newport, Arkansas and is back into his leased the tunes 'Trouble Bound," "Rock rocts, playin' fue blues. With Me Baby," "Flyin' Saucers Rock & Startin' the m with a "holler and harp" Roll" and his very popular "Red Hot," call and response is a good attention getter whichindudedJerry Lee Lewis (also at the for the blues fancier. From the beginning beginning ofhis career). the m rolls right through the blues genre Billy then started Rita Records with with me slowwalkin' 9yle of"Gonna Bring illy Lee has been adding his award bandm:mber RolandJanesand pnxluced It On Home To You" to the uptempo beat Bwinning rcx:k-a-billy signature to the the million selling hit "Mountain of Love" of "I Hear You Knockin'." blues that initially lured him to d1e "other" ~lliro~DoonmB~thffi~dhis~ There are 14 blues drippin' tunes laced side of town since he was a young boy in of Rita Records and started fue Mojo label with rock-a-billy highlights for your listen the early 19405. By 1948 at the age of 14 and released the blues classic ''You Don't ing plea.9JreS.1here are three tunes penned he was singing gospel songs for a street Love Me" ~ Willie Cobb. ~ Riley with anaherwritten ~ Riley and preachet; at 15 he falsified his age and pined Through the 19705 Billy worked as a earlierbandmember RoiandJanes. Page 18 Berman Music Foundation Jazz I ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ! Rock 2000 By Butch Berman· ......
axing nostalgic here as we pre- members as Pat Glenn, and the late the band that endured the longest, in Wpare for the Til Annual Ne- Wynonie Harris andJoe Gray to name cluding many tours and recordings, braska Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - a few as well as the inspirational origi The Hiccups/Cutouts. A reunion not celebrating a colorful array of great nal Kansas blue-eyed soul band The to be missed! "" Fabulous Flippers. Non-performing Look for the return of the original ~ entities such as Omaha's Sandy's Es members of J. Harrison B & the " cape and Lincoln's Royal Grove along Bumbles; and the Single inductions of ....~ with Doug Fenton's Dietze Music a bunch of stellar players that all played Q House were honored. a part in my career - drummer of the This year will be no exception with stars Dave Robel, blues guitar ace Sean the additions of Omaha's Howard Benjamin; and Seattle bassist, accom Street Tavern and Lincoln's famed Zoo plished writer, and member of my first Bar. Original owners Jim Ludwig and band - The Exploits - Mark Dalton. of course the retiring Larry Boehmer Also appearing are the fine guitar Charlie Burton and Walter will accept the awards. Artifacts and ist and artist Jack Davis, and master Warnsholz (rt.) memorabilia have been donated and of all string instruments Steve Hanson, rockers from the last 25-35+ years and continually collected as a search for a who will both perform. And when you inducting them into our hall of fame building space to house and showcase thought it couldn't get any better the - officially known as the Nebraska these incredible rock and roll treasures whole show will cap off with famed Music Hall of Fame Foundation - titled is already in the works. '50s-'60s recording legends-The Fire this year for the gala August 5th Pla This year features all of the former balls ("Bulldog," "Sugar Shack," and Mor show - Rock 2000. bands of singer/songwriter now Aus "Bottle of Wine") ... and more. The organization was founded by tin, Texas Twelve Stepper Charlie Bur See you at the show. Be there or be ex-Smoke Ring now Nashville ton including the country tinged Star square at Rock 2000 - the Pla-Mor, th songwriter Jim Casey when the bug Spangled Wranglers; rockin' rhythm August 5 . was planted in his ear by Norfolkian and blues showstoppers The rock and roll aficionado Mel Sanders. Megatones; the band that almQ"t made THE ROCK SHOW OF THE With the seed planted and with coop it to the big time - Rock Therapy; and YEAR - EVERY YEAR eration from former J. Harrison B & the Bumbles guitarist/singer now Fre mont banker Mike "Pinky" Semrad and the inclusion of my former Perks and now Nebraska Rocks All-Stars Bob andJudi Letheby (who helped pro mote the original Norfolk and Colum bus events), along with moi, the orga nization continues. We constitute the board of direc tors that meet yearly and confer regu larly to commiserate and revere the amazing multitude of Nebraska musi cians, living or dead, performing or non-performing. Past inductees in clude my '65 group The Modds, The Coachmen, The Chancellors, The Smoke Ring, and The Fay Hogan Charlie Burton and Rock Therapy (L to R): Butch Berman, Charlie Experiment. .. and such individual (lying down), Gary "Otto" Spalti, Dave "Rebel" Robel 7~~ "R.k &Roll Hall of FaOla" 92. 9 The Eagle & Budweiser tPre68nt •
Performances by individual 2000 Inductees:
Saturday August 5, 2000 Jc{CR DC{V~S Pia-Mar Ballroom D~ve RobeL Lincoln NE M~r~ D~LtoV\.. FEATURI~ steve H-C{V\..$OV\.. J Harrison B. & The Bumbles se~V'v f5,e~~~LVI"
Charlie Burian With: along with members of: The Nebr~sk:,C{ The Star Spangled Wranglers Rock:, c:tV'vvt RoLL ALL-stc:tr$ Rock Therapy The Megatones Non-Perfonning Inductees: The Cutouts TVte tcceV'vtrLcs & The Hiccups Zoo "E;c:tr H-ov'lc:trc:\ street T~verV'v
And Special Guests The Fireballs
Tickets-$15 in advance
Show starts 7:30PM Doors open 6:30PM Umited Seating Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1359 Lincoln, NE
719 PSt. Studio G Lincoln, NE 68508
Address Correction Requested
How can vou help die foundation;» 11Ie Bennan Music Foundation isa non-profit, tax exempt 501[c]l3] privateloundation, andvourtax deductible donation is needed to help ofIsetllle COSlS "Killer Joe" Topeka Jam oflllis newslenerand itS programs. ____ $10 ____ $25 ____ $50 _$100_$250 _$OIher ~.------ ~.------CilV,------~ ~.------~m.______RW ______hm~ ______~,------MakevourcheckP8V8bleto"11IeBennan Music Four drummers and a licorice stick: Jackie Will iams, Jeff Hamilton, Joe Ascione, Butch Miles, and Foundation," and send ilto: Ken Peplowski. 11IeBennanftlSicl'1llndalion 119 PSt, SUldio G Uncoln, NE 68508 11IankslorsuPPOI'IingiaZZl