notes

The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie November 2007 Issue No. 153

14 Years Serving the Community One good thing to do with your FOR GYPSY end-of-the-year holiday. Make plans now. JAZZ LOVERS... Friday, December 28, 8 PM at the Ambassador Banquet & COMING THIS MONTH Conference Center, 7792 Peach Street. JazzErie presents: GODFATHERS OF GROOVE. Tickets: $25 adults, $20 JazzErie members, $5 students.

Hammond The son of B-3 organist legendary jazz Reuben Wilson guitarist Grant found fame in Green, Grant the 1960’s with Green, Jr. has In a FREE co-sponsored a string of Blue carried on his by JazzErie, Penn State Behrend Note recordings, father’s craft, is presenting The Hot Club of San beginning with from his early Francisco on Thursday, November 15 at “On Broadway,” years in Detroit through many years of 12:00 Noon. The concert will be held which placed him high in the soul and performing at jazz and clubs in at McGarvey Commons, Reed Union jazz pantheon, alongside Jimmy NYC. He is a popular session player and Building at the Penn State Erie, Behrend Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Richard is regarded as a “musician’s musician.” Campus, 5901 Station Road. “Groove” Holmes.

Following the inspiration of the Drummer moved original Hot Club of France, in the to NYC in 1960 IN THIS ISSUE... and had his first 1930’s and ‘40’s, headed by guitarist What is Jazz – 2 ……… ...... ….p.2 Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane hit with King Grapelli, the Hot Club of San Francisco Curtis, which led Jazz-E…………………...... ……p.3 is composed of three guitars, violin to an extended Board Minutes………...... ……..p.3 and upright bass. In addition to San engagement with Aretha Francisco venues, HCSF has played Performance Calender...... …....p.3 across the US, including the Monterey Franklin. Since Jazz Festival (2007). They have recorded then, he’s had a Jazz Line……………...... ……..p.4 seventeen CD’s. substantial studio and performance career with jazz and JD Jazz Jam, at home…...... …p.5 Visit hcsf.com for more information. soul stars ranging from Herbie Mann to Ken Gamble……………...... ….p.5 Isaac Hayes. He has recorded over 3000 albums do date. JE Discussion Group…...... …..p.6 For More Information: www.jazzerie.com may be improvised as well. If a vocalist Jazz Erie WHAT IS JAZZ? -2 sings a phrase exactly the same way every time he/she performs, it would JazzErie is a com- not be considered improvised because munity of music lovers and they are no longer ‘making it up’. The musicians and, a member- same can be said of scat singing. If a ship organization dedicated soloist uses the same ‘licks’ in the same to sharing with children, adults and one an-other spot during a solo because it ‘works’, or an awareness and love of ‘pleases the audience’, it is, by definition, music, particularly jazz. JazzErie brings no longer an ‘improvised’ phrase or toget-her people who want to listen to jazz, melody, but simply a regurgitated learn about it, play it and just live it. phrase or gimmick used because it is comfortable or it gets an anticipated Check out our website at response from the audience (There are Dr. Allen Zurcher plenty of instrumental soloists guilty of www.jazzerie.com for complete this as well). The vocalist which comes information on current and In the last article I discussed the closest to instrumentalists in terms upcoming events. most common definition of jazz and of technical facility and theoretical why or why not it was an appropriate understanding of the art of improvisation 2007-2008 Board of Directors description of the genre as a whole. is Bobby McFerrin. He has consistently This month I’d like to examine another treated the voice as another instrument President...... Dr. Carl Hultman general definition of jazz and see how in the band, and developed the art of Vice President...... Ed Goebel well it holds up under scrutiny. improvising without words to a greater Treasurer...... Liz Scarpelli degree than any vocalist I am aware of. Another definition may include: Directors any music that is associated with the So, if a swing feel does not Joe Curlett Brian Sheridan jazz tradition. This definition includes necessarily mean a piece of music Robb Hoff Charles Lute a much broader range of music than is considered jazz, this leaves Al Lubiejewski John Marzalek the previous one in that it encompasses improvisation. Unfortunately, rock Scott Meier Ted Ely many popular crooners from the past 100 musicians improvise, R & B musicians Sheldon Peterson Allen Zurcher years; including but not limited to Frank improvise country and western Mary Watson Dick Thompson Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, musicians improvise, but they would John Kytic Judy Garland, Diana Krall, and Joni not be considered jazz musicians by any Mitchell just to name a few. Although stretch of the imagination. Most genres Past Presidents each is a top shelf singer in their own of music have included some form of David F. Van Amburg 1994-1995 right, they are not included in many improvisation at one time or another in (Founding President) historical texts as having a significant their existence, including chant used in Atty. Al Lubiejewski 1995-1997 influence on the genre. Maybe the answer the Roman Catholic Mass. Part of the lies within the history of the music Virginia M. Pelkowski 1997-1999 answer lies in the theoretical knowledge itself. Jazz was originally a collective R. Patrick Rodgers 1999-2002 and command of an instrument necessary experience. There was no single element to comfortably improvise on a song in a Steve Eidell 2002-2003 of the music more important than variety of styles (fusion, modal, be bop, Tom McLaren 2003-2005 another, particularly in New Orleans etc.) and in a variety of different keys. style traditional jazz, where the collective It is not enough for the jazz musician JazzErie Notes is published monthly energy and enthusiasm of its performers by JazzErie which is a subsidiary organiza- to be able to play pentatonic and blues made the music exciting to listen (and scales in a couple of keys in order to tion of the Erie Art Museum, dance) to. What is it about the tradition a nonprofit organization. ‘get by’. They must be able to play in of jazz that makes Sarah Vaughn or Billie several different styles in many different JazzErie Notes Holiday a ‘jazz’ vocalist and not Frank keys, using a dozen or more different Editor - Dick Thompson Sinatra or Tony Bennett? One possible scales and countless numbers of chords, published by answer lies in the people who draw on depending on the type and style of a singer’s performances and recordings PIP Printing West music being improvised on. Learning for musical direction or inspiration. If 2825 West 26th St. • Erie, PA 16506 an instrument or voice well enough to you ask a jazz musician what his or her effortlessly move between countless Deadline is the 15th of each month. favorite vocalist is, you often as not hear variations of chords and scales can take a Send articles to: the names , Bessie Smith, lifetime to master. Mel Torme, or Sarah Vaughn. It is rare [email protected] for a jazz musician to tell me his or her or Box 8833, Erie, PA 16505 Secondly, improvisation in most favorite singer is Judy Garland. forms of popular music in the United States is used as a means to create variety Another answer may lie in the music itself. Not only can melodies be Continued on pg. 3.... improvised but, phrasing and scansion Page 2 JazzErie Notes between vocal or melodic sections of on things. Given to the syncopation meeting with Behrend College regarding a tune. The most important part about guitar beats of Jeff Golub, Jonathan future collaborations. The Sept. concert jazz is the improvisation, as a means of Butler, Lee Ritenour, Earl Klugh, at Gannon was well attended and the communicating non-verbally with other Norman Brown or George Benson, workshop at Mercyhurst had 18 students musicians and the audience. The song or the moments of pure retiring listening attend. Joe Curlett volunteered to work composition is simply a vehicle which of any of these musicians takes on on getting PR into various newsletters provides a certain amount of structure refreshing new life. These exceptionally necessary to avoid chaos and acts as an talented string men are prescriptions for and publications throughout the area. anchor for the listener. seductive and ominous fulfillment that There was discussion regarding the size often transcends our own expectations. of the advertising budget. Chuck Lute Arguably the best medium for this For their music is soothing, crisp and reported that there will be auditions in type of communication is the jazz piano melodic, which is a sound diagnosis the near future for the JazzErie All Star trio. Pianists, Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and prognosis to rehabilitate your jazz Band. The next meeting of the board Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Kenny malady. will be Tuesday, Nov.6 at 7 PM at the Werner and their respective acoustic Plymouth. groups have done much to further the art The renown in his hit of non-verbal communication through movie stated, “music is more than a jazz. Unfortunately, much of the act of feeling, but really a state of mind”. And communication between musicians is jazz definitely has that effect on the JAZZERIE lost in recorded format as the listener listener, since it takes one to “Places and does not have the ability to see the Spaces” per Donald Byrd, heretofore, that PERFORMANCE performers, their body language and can only be explored and unearthed by facial expressions which go far towards those who make appointments to digest ‘filling in the blanks’ in terms of musical the music. To allow the instruments to CALENDER communication. As a result much of just minister to your ailing mental state is the expression of jazz from a visual not only therapeutic but performs a good Thursday, Nov. 15 noon, McGarvey standpoint is lost. bedside manner to the attentive ear. Each Commons, Reed Union Building, Penn musician has a medicinal remedy they State Erie, Behrend Campus, 5901 If you have comments or questions are touting via their skill set that may Station Rd. Hot Club of San Francisco. regarding this series of articles, please be renewed with every recurring replay. Free. (JazzErie is a co-sponsor.) contact me by email at The jazz artists is struggling to release [email protected] a sound or melody that will strike a Friday, Dec. 28 8:00 PM, Ambassador harmonious cord with the patient listener Thanks for reading, and himself/herself that will do the trick Banquet & Conference Center, 7792 and resolve all pain and suffering. Peach St. Godfathers of Groove: Dr. Allen Zurcher Reuben Wilson - Hammond B-3; Grant No question, jazz has a profound Green, Jr. - guitar and Bernard Purdie healthy impact on its audience and - drums. $25 adults, $20 JazzErie JAZZ-E will sooth whatever ails you. Take for instance, the popular CDs by pianists members, $5 students. Bob Baldwin, “All in a Days Work” or Friday, Feb. 8 8:00 PM Walker Brian Culbertson’s “Secrets,” each are just what the doctor ordered to calm Recital Hall, Mercyhurst College. those messy, frayed nerves. The stronger Bassist Avishai Cohen Jazz Trio. $15 and more powerful the inclination for adults, $12.50 seniors & students, $10 jazz, the greater the benefit, reward Mercyhurst students, $5 youth under 15. and appreciation will be. Jazz can be a sedative and should be taken regularly, Saturday, March 15 8:00 PM, venue and preferable with heavy doses of a TBA. Singers’ Night, headlined by healthy, healing attitude and aptitude in the Collegiate Academy Vocal Jazz by Joe Curlett mind. JAZZERIE Ensemble, directed by Susan Huster. Jazz as a Sedative The evening will also feature singers BOARD MEETING Katie Chriest, Lydia Marks, Marilyn Because of the stressors, pressures SUMMARY Livosky & Chris Sorce backed by the and downside to daily living today, and Howard Hamme Quartet, with Harry the misfortunes one is confronted with, October 2, 2007 Jacobson, Carl Alanakian & Stan music, preferably jazz, offers a great exotic elixir to be seduced by. The Liz Scarpelli gave a favorable Bialomizy. $25 adults, $20 JazzErie valued investment of time to capture treasurer’s report. John Kytic reported members, $5 students. some “musical healing” by plugging in a that we have 31 new members. In order jazz CD will make one spiritually-fit to to continue receiving the newsletter, April, “Kids Have Their Say.” Date reconfigure their mood and perspective current members need to complete the and venue TBA. application process. Joe Dorris will be Issue No. 153 Page 3 EAST ERIE TURNERS Mon., 11/12 7 PM $20 Pete Mills Quartet, featuring Tony Monaco. The 452-2546 Columbus-based saxophonist with B-3 great. Fri., Nov. 9 John Kytic Trio, with Jazz Line Diane Davies 8–11 PM Weds., 11/14 & Thurs., 11/15 Weds. 7 PM; Thurs. 8 PM $20 Michael Wolff Sat., Nov. 10 Red Hot Rug Cutters www.jazzerie.com Trio. Recording pianist with Victor 8 PM–12 $5 members/$8 non- Jones- drums. Schedules below reflect information available members Fri., Nov. 16 Spa Quintet with Gene Sun., 11/18 7 PM $20. John Ellis at the time of publication, and are subject to Quartet from NYC. change. Call Club to confirm. Leone 8:30-11:30 PM Fri., Nov. 23 Touch of Class, Thurs., 11/29 8 PM $15 Gene Howard Hamme & Bartoncini Trio with Doug Richeson SCOTTY’S JAZZ CLUB – acoustic bass, Dane Richeson – drums 459-3800 Stan Bialomizy 8:30-11:30PM Fri., Nov. 30 John Kytic Trio, with & percussion. Live jazz from 10 PM to 1 AM. $5 cover. Diane Davies 8-11 PM Visit website for additional offerings. Fri., Nov. 2 String Theory. AREA EVENTS Want your upcoming performance Fri., Nov. 9 The Rivers Band or special events listed in Jazz Fri., Nov. 23 Steve Trohoski’s Jazz MEADVILLE Line? Contact me at 814/734-4344 ` Ensemble Bosco’s Restaurant & Bar continues to or [email protected]. offer a Jazz Jam every Tuesday, 8 – 11 Information must be received by the 15th PM. Musicians are encouraged to sit in. of the month preceding publication (Nov. COLONY PUB & GRILLE 15th for the December issue). Dick 838-2162 For more information, contact Dan Hallett 814/336-1580. Thompson, ed. Live jazz every Thursday: PITTSBURGH PAPERMOON CLOSES Colony Club House Band featuring Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Gene Leone Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA 15233. Even though it wasn’t entirely Call 412/322-0800 or visit www.mcgjazz. unexpected (signs of distress have AVALON HOTEL, BILLIE’S com. been showing for some time), the 459-2220 x231 announcement this past month that the Thurs. – Sun., Nov. 8 – 11 At the Guild papermoon restaurant would be closing Live music every Friday & Saturday concert hall, Lalah Hathaway’s Tribute night, 9 PM – 1 AM to Shirley Horn and Sarah Vaughn. as a jazz club sent shock waves though Thurs., Nov. 15 Duquesne University Erie’s jazz community. As with any Jazz Quintet featuring Joe Negri. MCG passing, its fitting to mourn the loss, but BREWERIE Jazz Night at the Omni. Music plus a also to celebrate the memories of the at UNION STATION 3-course meal great music this club has brought to its 459-2220 x231 $24.95. Call patrons during the past six and a half Terrace Room years. 412/553-5235. Fri., Nov. 23 The Man’s Room Band (blues/rock) Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 6-9 Randy DOCKSIDER Weston’s African Rhythms Music from 10 PM - 1 AM Quintet. 454-9700 Fri., Nov. 2 Freak Bass CLEVELAND Fri., Nov. 9 Yo’ Mama’s Big Fat Nighttown Restaurant, 12387 Cedar Bootie Band Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 216/795-0550 or Sat., Nov. 10 Boogie Matrix www.nighttowncleveland.com Fri., Nov. 16 John Welton & The Whole Sun., 11/04 7 & 9 Special thanks to part-owner Don Family (blues) PM $25. Randy McCain, whose vision, financial support Fri., Nov. 23 People of Earth Brecker, virtuoso and love for music gave Erie some of trumpeter and the finest in local and international jazz Telarc recording GINO’S BISTRO AND JAZZ artist, with Jamey artistry. 454-4466 Haddad-drums, Steve Allee-piano and Bill Moring- bass. Continued on pg. 5.... Page 4 JazzErie Notes All participants have active lives JazzErie performances are supported in part JD JAM - at home in the rest of the world. Jim Lynch by the Council on the Arts, a own and manages Lynch state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Music in Fairview, Sam Pennsylvania and the National Endowment of the Arts, a federal agency. Seggi owns an aluminum construction company, Dave JazzErie performances are also funded in part by The Erie Arts Endowment of the Arts Calabrese is retired from GE, Council of Erie. Tony Feranda own A-Line Acoustics in Corry and Julie Warren works at Gannon.

l. to rt.: Dave Calabrese – keyboard, Julie Wilson – vocals, Joe Dorris – host, drums, vocals, Stan KEN GAMBLE - Back! Bialomizy, visitor (but he plays!), Sam Seggi – tenor sax and Jim Lynch – guitar. Dr. Kenneth Gamble, who is by day JAZZERIE THANKS THE a mild-mannered professor of psychology at Gannon University, is in reality… FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS The thing about jazz (and perhaps KEN GAMBLE, the formidable tenor FOR THEIR SUPPORT most music) is – its wonderful to listen, saxophonist seen variously at East Erie Gannon University, 109 University but the most fun is to do it yourself. Turners, the Colony, Scotty’s and other Providing an opportunity for developing venues. Gamble resurfaced on Erie’s jazz Square. MacDonald, Illig, Jones and jazz musicians to hone their skills is the scene in 2004 arter a layoff of 30 years. Britton, Attorneys, 100 State Street, theme of weekly invitational jazz jams Since his resurrection, he has played with Suite 700. hosted by drummer Joe Dorris, who has most of Erie’s finest: Gene Leone, Joe Dorris, Frank Singer, Charles Ventrello, Glenwood Beer, 2177 W. Grandview remodeled his basement to accommodate Steve Trohoski & 3-Bop, Jim Madden, Boulevard. the project. Dan Hallett and many others. Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst College. JD and his cohort, percussionist Nick During Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street. (Tito) Ronzitti, often joined by bassist his extended Glass Growers Gallery, Tony Stefanelli, provide the rhythmic layoff, which began with his 10 E. 5th Street. foundation for these jams. These three World of Music, have brightened many Erie bandstands, return to Erie in 1972 to pursue 1355 W. 26th Street. most notably in recent years with Cats A his career in Froess Pianos and Keyboards, 2558 Bear and the Basil Ronzitti Trio. psychology, W. 8th Street. “I picked up Romolo Chocolates, my horn about 1525 W. 8th Street. twice a year Lynch Music, Rte. 9 & Rte. 20, – once on my Fairview. birthday. But I Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th Street. never stopped Raven Sound, 2617 Peach Street. thinking about it, never stopped listening. Then in 2004, Chuck Ventrello got me Edinboro University of a gig playing with Dave Callighan and Pennsylvania, Edinboro Nick Ronzitti – drums, Tony Faranda – percussion Bruce Johnstone. Don’t think I wasn’t Penn State Erie, The Behrend scared.” But he’s been playing ever College, Wesleyville The other musicians in the group, since. Lake Erie Fanfare, 113 W. 10th with the exception of tenor saxophonist Street. Sam Seggi, who plays in a number of Gamble’s musical career began in Coors Beer of area big bands, have been hidden junior high school, with an R&B band Scott Enterprises/Ambassador made up of classmates. “We had our from public view, except for some brief Center, 8040 Peach Street first gig in 1953, and played weddings East Erie Turners Club, excursions into playing out -- mostly and dances. We were going to Roosevelt at JD Jams at the papermoon. But the Junior H.S. The band was composed of 829 Parade Street. more you play, the better you get, and the Jack Schaaf (now M.D.) on bass, Niel Mercyhurst College, 501 E 38th St. musicianship in these sessions has been Allegretto on piano and Bob DiNicola Second Hand Rose, 351 W 26th St. steadily improving. (now an editor in Indianapolis) on drums, Frank Corapi and me. Then, when I was 14 or 15, I got hooked up with drummer (and Issue No. 153 Page 5 now WQLN DJ) Aubrey Dillon at the visiting my uncle’s store, a salesman clinician heard at Allegheny College Booker T. Washington center. Then I from New York gave me some ‘78’s and many years ago. His band mates are gigged three to five nights a week with a told me ‘Listen to this.’ It was ‘Jazz at Aaron Goldberg, piano; Reuben Rogers, bandleader from Pittsburgh, Lou Brock, the Philharmonic’ with Illinois Jacquet bass and Greg Hutchinson, drums. at the Pope Hotel. A great trumpeter, Getz, Lester Young and all these great Thanks to Ken Gamble. Terry Dymski, often sat in. musicians. I called my friend Bob Nicola and we huddled over these records for “Eventually, we formed our own days.” Witty saxophonist was group – myself, Terry, Vince Young on renowned as an aficionado of fermented bass, Eddie Thompson, piano, and Bob Gamble continued playing through and brewed beverages. From “Jazz Ventrello (Chuck’s brother) on drums. college and graduate school, and his Anecdotes” Bill Crow relates Al in It was a wonderful band. We played placement at the Illinois State Psychiatric Europe drinking at a bar with friends: Horace Silver, Max Roach/Clifford Institute, where he did his internship in “Have you tried the local Elephant Brown, Jazz Messengers, Sonny Rollins clinical and research psychology. He Beer?” he was asked. Al replied, “No, and Coltrane. We copied the charts from rehearsed with a big band of Chicago- I drink to forget.” Al didn’t forget on listening to their tunes on records and based musicians. “It was a great band this album as he displays his full sound, memorized the whole thing just like the and they invited me to stay.” But his assertive swing and what-a-great-time- records, no written music. We played schooling was done, and he returned to I’m-having attitude. The album is “I’m somewhere every week.” Erie where his career took over. Still Swinging” by the Other high points Ken remembers by Dick Thompson Octet. Joe is best known as a featured from this early career were a gig with trumpet soloist with the Mary Alice Brown at the Celebrity JAZZERIE DISCUSSION GROUP Band and displays a swing- Lounge on State Street when he was bop sensibility. Another about 16, and playing with Teddy September 20, 2007 excellent soloist on the gig is Armand’s Big Band – a jazz-oriented by Charles Ventrello alto saxist Gene Quill, who local band active in the late ‘50’s. played with dozens of bands “Chuck and I played tenor, but I played and in the late fifties co-led a alto on one tune, ‘Plokadots and quintet with . The Moonbeams’. tune is “Exactly Like You.” The vintage 45rpm is Jim “I also played briefly with Will Metzler’s. Sunday’s society band. He wanted to do a couple of jazz tunes, so he hired me. Everybody in the band was my father’s Wayne Shorter, Danilo age. But my vibrato wasn’t wide enough, Some of the funkiest music in Perez, Brian Blade and so he fired me after one gig.” jazz was written by a young pianist John Pattitucci have made a miraculous from Austria. Joe Zawinul died only musical union, concretizing and Gamble also remembers gigs with a few weeks ago, leaving a legacy recording experiences of great joy, Walt Slivinski and Harry and Gerald of agile keyboard work, direction- vitality and substance. This is music Osiecki, including “a grueling four hours changing compositions and recorded that lives, breathes and evolves before of mazurkas and polkas, lots of 16th improvisations of stunning fertility. His your very ears. It is a dry exercise notes and nothing else.” Then in the funk period with Cannonball Adderly and to exhaust analytical adjectives as ‘60’s I played in jazz and poetry readings some fusion work with Miles Davis over, multi-dimensional, reductionist and at Allegheny and Gannon – experimental Zawinul and saxophonist Wayne Shorter deconstructionist because ultimately, stuff.” formed the extraordinary ensemble their music is human, vigorous, alive and “Weather Report.” What daring to fuse organic. Improvisation of the highest Gamble grew up in a household collective improvisation, jazz, rock, funk “where everybody loved music. My order to be savored with a cleared mind and French impressionism into a unified grandfather lived on the second floor and while doing nothing else. It’s like being listened to opera all the time. He played whole. As an introduction to this band’s seduced by a good book. This is Dick valve trombone in an Italian band. My work, check out the albums “Weather Thompson’s pick of the evening: “Wayne uncle was a drummer and I often played Report” and “Sweetnighter.” Shorter, Footprints Live.” along with records on his drums. My mom used to get me up in the morning by From the 2000 album “Beyond” we Meanwhile, back in Cincinnati, telling me ‘Dave Brubeck’s on the (Dave listened to the piece “Courage” by the Garraway) Today Show!’ the Blue Wisp Big Band records an Joshua Redman quartet. A very active album paying tribute to their benefactor, “I took clarinet lessons from bass ostinato is joined by a languid tenor the late Marjean Wisby, who owned Anthony Scapelli, a fine musician, and sax melody becoming joyously spirited the Blue Wisp Club. The music also I loved Earl Bostic, Big J McNeely and with the addition of piano and drums. recognizes many jazz greats, of which Bill Doggett. Then in 1952, when I was Redman has matured into a player with Al Lubiejewski chooses Joe Henderson’s a “voice,” transcending the startling “Step Lightly.” This album is also a Page 6 JazzErie Notes tribute to the band itself and to all those Towner’s “Icarus” (which has become amazing musicians everywhere who Paul Winter’s anthem.) It’s a 2001 never “make the charts,” but could. Fine recording of Denny Kitchen’s whose Jazz writing, sensitive ensemble performance internet expertise enables him to obtain and stirring soloists from the eastern recordings from anywhere in this galaxy, On The Radio Midwest. and beyond. He’ll never fail ya, even from Australia. WQLN FM (91.3) The Source for Jazz Herb Geller has schlepped his alto saxophone for thousands of miles Smooth jazz is the Velveeta cheese between longitudes 120west and 15east: of the pop/jazz continuum. With the Monday thru Thursday born 1928 in Los Angeles, to New absence of daring, this coma-inducing 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. York City in 1949, work with several music displays its vacuity in three blinks Jazz Flight - Rob Hoff big bands, back to California where he of a discerning ear. Wouldn’t you really was very active with the West Coast like a nice piece of aged Provalone? Friday movement in the mid-fifties, back to Granted, many of the practitioners of 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. the Big Apple, and more recently a blandness have chops: Kenny G., Najee, member of the North German Radio George Howard. Whoops, I need to Bob ‘n Blues - Al Lubiejewski Big Band. Don Schwab schlepped this reconsider Howard. On this 1988 track 10:00 p.m. - Midnight album to us from the Hep Jazz label in with Stanley Clarke on bass, I hear a Deep Blue - Jason Gibbs England: “Herb Geller At The Movies.” player with vigor and venture, and need Geller demonstrates his Charlie Parker to thank Don Swift for introducing Saturday influence on Harold Arlen’s “Ding Dong something that goes beyond “Weather 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. The Witch Is Dead.” We all agree with Channel music.” Also thanks to Frank Saturday Swing Session Leonard Feather who observes in his McConnell and his May, 1994 article in -Bill Garts “,”..”He is a soloist Commonweal magazine titled Soothing 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. with considerable verve and inspiration, Music For Those In A Coma.” It is Lush Life - Aubrey Dillion never guilty of the blandness that has a learned and entertaining piece of been associated with so many West Coast criticism. performers.” Sunday 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Closing the evening, Ken Gamble Riverwalk - (Network) Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene’s provides a bonus piece demonstrating talent was recognized early by one of his one of the greatest tenor saxophone 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. teachers, trombonist Steve Davis, who tones ever. It’s Benny Golson, probably “Jazz, Ballads & Blues” hired him for Hartford gigs while the best known as a member of the Jazztet with Al Lubiejewski young Greene was still in high school. with Art Farmer, and the composer of 9:00 p.m. - Midnight Greene was First Runner-Up in the 1996 the jazz standard “Killer Joe.” From a “Everything Jazz” Thelonious Monk Competition, studied compilation titled “The Most Relaxing with Bob Protzman with Jackie McLean and has performed Jazz Music In The Universe” the Freddie with Avishai Cohen, Lewis Nash and Hubbard Quintet plays the ballad “Sad To Horace Silver abong others. At age 32 Say.” Golson’s solo makes the case for Classy 100 he is a busy New York player owing to “less is more” in a statement employing WXKC-FM (99.9) his ripe sound, fluid technique and fertile poignancy through restraint. melodic invention. The tune is “Arise” Sunday by Jackie McLean from the album 9:00p.m. - 11:00p.m. Join us for more great recorded jazz, “Brand New World,” 1999. Thanks to Jazz Tracks Bob Gross. latest music news and stimulating dialog: Thursday, November 15, 7:30 PM, Erie Art Museum Anmnex, 20 East Fifth St. wrie-am (1260) The musical instruction piu (pyoo) Sunday means more, thus piu mosso means faster. 7:00p.m. - 9:00p.m. This explains the album title “Pugh Ed. note: C.V. informs us that Mosso” which is pronounced the same next month’s meeting will include Big Band Jump and refers to trombonist Jimmy Pugh who a presentation by musician/writer/ we mentioned last month. Pugh appears musicologist Rick Lopez about his wERG-Fm (90.5) as the guest of a big band, students of experience attending a Sam Rivers Gannon University the Conservatorium Artists at Griffith concert in NYC. 8:00 - 11:00p.m. University in Queensland, Australia. The Dan Jones, “Mr. J” musicianship is stunning from both, the students and Pugh. We listened to Ralph

Issue No. 153 Page 7 Non Profit JazzErie Notes Organization U.S. Postage November 2007 Issue No. 153 Paid Erie, PA The Monthly Newsletter of JazzErie Permit #44

Erie Art Museum 411 State Street

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