A P A PLACE FOR O R

February 2009 Editor: Tim Coakley WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.APLACEFORJAZZ.ORG—UPDATED DAILY Looking Back, Forging Ahead

by Tim Coakley

♦ The 2008 season of A Place VOLUNTEER HELP WANTED for Jazz was a rousing suc- Support Needed cess, especially in the vari- ety of styles and sounds we As always, and especially in We need help: were able to present. these difficult economic times, With publicity: distributing fliers we rely greatly on your support and posters • We began with the sparkling to continue presenting first-rate Writing music reviews for the news- letter trio of pianist Bill Charlap, jazz concerts for your enjoy- who gave us a great open- Greeting people and handing out ment. programs at the concerts ing concert. Please take a look at the mem- • Saxophonist Lee Russo bership form inside and decide If you can help, please call Tim helped us to continue show- Coakley at which level of support is com- 518-393-4011 casing the wealth of musical fortable for you. talent in the Capital Region. or e-mail him at Every contribution we get goes [email protected] • Bassist Ben Allison and vi- directly toward continuing the braphonist Joe Locke each legacy of Butch Conn, who

offered their own very indi- founded A Place for Jazz in or-

vidual takes on the jazz id- der to present the music in a iom, and each of them gave congenial, warm setting that is an inspirational master class conducive to listening and en- for Nat Phipps’ music stu- joying this great American art dents at Schenectady form. Inside County Community College. this • Finally, vocalist Karrin Ally-

son wrapped things up with Issue a warm, winning perform- Check out our monthly calendar ance. She also gave a fine on our website at master class for several of www.aplaceforjazz.org. Karrin Allyson Master Class Page 2 our top local singers. Tales from the Trenches Page 4 • Our advisory committee met The calendar is updated daily Jazz Preview Page 5 In January to begin selecting and includes links to Jazz Festi- APFJ Membership Form Page 7 the artists for what we hope vals, clubs and concert series will be another stellar year. Page 2 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Karrin Allyson Master Class at Union College By Tom Pierce

No doubt, many of us have well as co-producer of several of riety) of hand and body move- favorite activities that almost Karrin’s CD’s. ments, use of rhythmic motifs to border on fantasies. For this After very briefly outlining her grab the listener, opening up passionate fan of Jazz vocals, musical background and vocal more on vowel sounds, focusing who has a deep curiosity and approach, which she described on melodic storytelling in a cho- fascination with listening to Jazz as conversational, Karrin asked rus, versus improvisational solo- singers discussing their craft, each of the four vocalists (all of ing choruses and possible varia- high on the list is attending a whom have years of profes- tions in the tempo utilized. She Jazz vocal master class. Not be- sional experience, as well as also gave them an opportunity ing a singer myself, I’ve only their own recordings available to re-do the song to apply (in had one previous opportunity on cdbaby.com) to do a song of their own unique way), some of (singer Carmen Bradford at the their choosing, accompanied by these thoughts. This was fol- 2002 Syracuse Jazz festival) to Tim Olsen. Nancy Donnelly lowed by very enjoyable duets/ attend one, which was very en- started things off with an ener- scats by her and a number of joyable. getic version of “Just Friends”. them. But on Friday November 7 at Jody Shayne followed with an She also provided additional Union College, my eager antici- interesting take on “A Slow Boat information and insight to the pation was heightened, as this to China”, including some of her group as a whole in responding one was being given (through own interesting lyrics that Karrin to specific questions, especially the auspices of A Place For complimented. Patti Melita did a those from Perley, who came Jazz President Tim Coakley, with a very relevant list. These who I work closely with) by one included queries on vocal warm- of my favorite living vocalists, up techniques, rest, determining Karrin Allyson, prior to her con- song set lists and the possible cert at the Whisperdome, whom value of learning the piano, I had recommended to the APFJ among others. Advisory Committee. As if this Karrin’s singing together and weren’t enough, the attendees trading choruses with them was were four of my singer-friends in Photo By Andrejez Pilarczcyk one of several ways she showed this: Jody Shayne, Perley Rous- fluid “I Let a Song Go Out of My her obviously genuine support of seau, Patti Melita and Nancy Heart”. And after a bit of coax- them and understanding of the Donnelly, all of whom I enjoy ing, Perley did an engaging duet difficult world of Jazz singing. being around for any occasion. with Karrin of “Autumn Leaves,” I personally found her warm I confess to feeling like the pro- which featured both English and French lyrics. physical affection (hugging each verbial “kid locked overnight in of them both before and after the candy store”. After each of their initial rendi- each performance) very moving, The other attendees were tions, Karrin, in addition to ex- as it showed her empathy for jazz pianist Tim Olsen, Tim pressing her enjoyment in hear- them as fellow members in this Coakley, Perley’s husband and ing each of their personal inter- extremely demanding profes- musical partner pianist Sonny pretations of these standards, sion; as well as her enjoyment Daye, and Karrin’s close friend offered very constructive ideas and appreciation, as a fan of the Bill McGlaughlin, a classical for their consideration. These music, for the chance to hear conductor, composer, and na- included suggestions on consis- their approach. tionally known radio host, as tency of tone, simplicity (but va- A P l a c e f o r J a z z Page 3 Local Jazz Venues (Listed Alphabetically)

9 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, 518-587- Freedom Park, Schonowee Ave, Scotia, Quarter Moon Café, 53 Main Street, Delhi, 7759 370-0662 (summer only) NY, 607-746-8886 The Bar at 74 State, 74 State St, Albany, Jazz on Jay, in front of City Center (across Red Onion Restaurant, Route 212, Wood- 518-434-7410 from Proctor's), Schenectady, 518-372-5656 stock, NY 845-679-1223 The Basement, 21 Center St, Northamp- (summer only) Saratoga Gaming & Raceway, Saratoga ton, MA, 413-586-9030 Justin’s, 301 Lark St, Albany, 518-436-7008 Springs, 518-584-2110 Brandon's, 1725 Van Vranken Ave, Lark Tavern, 453 Madison Ave. Albany, Sarazen Student Union, Siena College, Schenectady, 518-347-1329 518-463-9779 518-783-4117 Blue Plate, 1 Kinderhook St, Chatham, Linda Norris Aud., WAMC, 339 Central Sargo's, Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 NY, 518-392-7711 Ave., Albany, 518-465-5233 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, 518-583-4653 Cabernet Café, 1814 Western Ave, Albany, Mo' Jazz Café , 7 South Main St Wilming- Scrimshaw Tavern, Desmond Hotel, Colo- 518-452-5670 ton, VT 802-464-2280 nie, 518-869-8100 Café Capriccio, 49 Grand St, Albany, 518- Moon & River Café, 115 S. Ferry St., Spillin' the Beans, 13 3rd St, Troy, 518- 65-0439 Schenectady, 518-382-1938 268-1028 Castle Street Café, 10 Castle St, Great Bar- Muddy Cup, 1038 Madison Ave, Al- Stella's Lounge, 7 Main St, Catskill, 518- rington, MA, 413-528-5244 bany, 518-459-2022 943-3173 Chameleon on the Lake, 251 County Rt. One Caroline Street Bistro, Saratoga Stockade Inn, 1 N. Church St, 67, Saratoga Springs, 581-3928 Springs, 518-587-2026 Schenectady, 518-346-3400 Chez Sophie Bistro, 534 Broadway, Sara- Panza's Restaurant, Route 9P Saratoga Wallabee's Jazz Bar, 190 Glen St, Glens toga Springs, 518-583-3538 Lake, Saratoga Spgs, 518-584-6882 Falls, NY, 518-792-8282 Circus Café, 392 Broadway, Saratoga Parker Inn, 434 State St, Schenectady, 518- The Winedown, 613 Union St., Springs, 518-583-1106 688-1001 Schenectady NY 518-344-7086 Comfort Inn, 37 Rte 9W, Glenmont, 518- Prime 677, 677 Broadway Albany, 518-427- The Wine Bar, 417 Broadway, Saratoga 465-8811 7463 Springs, 518-584-8777 The Fountain Restaurant, 283 New Scot- Proctor's, 432 State St, Schenectady, 518- Zaika, 54 Clifton Country Rd, Clifton Park, land Ave, Albany, 518-482-9898 382-3884 518-688-1548

Four Corners Luncheonette, 2 Grove St, Provence Restaurant, Stuyvesant Plaza- Delmar, 518-439-0172 Western Ave at Fuller Rd, Albany, 518-689- 7777

R A D I O J A Z Z WVCR 88.3 FM "The Crossroads of Jazz." Saturday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. with a mix of the Essentials and the Contemporary . Hosted by Darrin Scott and Ted Moisides. WCDB 90.9 FM Bill McCann, Saturday 8 am to 12 noon; O.J., "Maiden Voyage", Thursday, 6 - 10 pm; Bill Goss, "TGIF Jazz Party", Friday, 4 - 6 pm; Mark Stevenson, "The Contemporary Jazz Cafe`", Saturday, 6 - 8 am WAMC 90.3 FM Tim Coakley, Saturday 10:30 pm-12 midnight; Jim Wilke, Jazz After Hours 1 am to 5 am Friday and Saturday; Marian McPartland, Sunday 9pm; Afro-Pop Worldwide, 8 pm Sunday WRPI 91.5 FM Barbara Kaiser 10 am to noon on Tuesday. with a wonderfully eclectic mixture of Jazz+; Kevin Roberts, Thursday. 8-10 pm with his exciting and varied theme shows WVPR 94.3 FM (Vermont Public Radio) George Thomas Tuesday-Thursday from 8-10 pm, Friday until midnight WKLI Magic 100.9 FM Sundays Albany (Sunday Morning Jazz Brunch) 6am-8am Dave Koz Radio Show; 8 am.- 10.am; Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis; 10am-12 noon.: Swingin' with Sinatra with Steve Jackson Vicario. Page 4 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Tales from the Trenches (Anecdotes from the Jazz World of Johnny Morris)

by Jan Egry

This is the final in a series by Jan Egry about the end of the week.” was at Birdland all those years. her friend, the famed Johnny Morris. So, I said, “Well how Birdland closed in the late six- Birdland much do you want, Pee Wee?” ties, and I was walking down There was this little guy Broadway, going past Hawaii who worked at Birdland. He “Two dollars a week.” Kai, and there’s Pee Wee Mar- was the master of ceremonies “Okay, Pee Wee,” I said. quette of Birdland fame in a and he was about this tall I gave him two dollars a week. doorman’s outfit, standing in (indicated under five feet) and What was funny, on Mon- front of the Hawaii Kai. I said, they called him Pee Wee Mar- day nights a lot of the black mu- “Pee Wee! Hello!” quette. He was a real character. sicians used to come in and “Hi”, he said. Matter of fact, some people they’d play and they wouldn’t thought he was a lady dressed “Pee Wee”, I said, “don’t have to pay for anything. One you remember me?” as a man. They could never fig- of them, I think it ws Eddie ure it out. “Cleanhead” Vincent -- I’m try- “Eh, you look familiar.” Anyway, Pee Wee was a ing to remember who this was -- “Hey, Pee Wee. I used to real operator. Pee Wee used to saw this transaction with me giv- pay you two dollars a week to introduce the different groups, ing Pee Wee two dollars and he pronounce my name properly at and as soon as I started working said, “How much is he charging Birdland!” with Buddy Rich at Birdland, you? How much is that little So he thought for a min- Pee Wee approached me and (expletive) charging you?” ute. Then he said, “Well, give said, “You know I …I…I study I said, “I give him two dol- me two dollars and maybe I’ll person’s names and I make lars a week.” remember!” sure I pronounce them properly and I really work on understand- He said, “You know that ing how to pronounce names little (expletive) is prejudiced, Johnny Morris is just one of and to give you a big build-up, man. He’s prejudiced ‘cause many professional jazz musicians that have career experiences to relate. you see, and that’s got to be you’re faded. He only charges us black cats a dollar!” There are hundreds of stories out worth something, you know. All there, just waiting to be told. the cats give me a little taste at But, anyway, Pee Wee Musical Tools for Schenectady Schools

Schenectady schools are seek- tact Karen Johnson at 382- ting them in the hands of a ing musical instruments for stu- 3884 Ext. 114 or Steve Weisse young student would be an in- dents who want to learn. Dona- at 346-4266. spiring gift to the community and tions of used instruments are "We know that many people to a future musician." being accepted, and tax deducti- have instruments around the ble receipts will be given to do- house that are no longer being —Mark Anthony, president of nors. For further information, or used. Dusting them off and put- to donate instruments, con- Musical union 85-133. Page 5 A P l a c e f o r J a z z Jazz Preview

Feb. 7 Brian Patneaude CD re- Zenón, alto Dance, Williams College. (413) lease party. 8 p.m. saxophone, flute; Robin 597-2425. Picotte Recital Hall, Massry Eubanks, trombone; Renee Center for the Arts, College of Rosnes, piano; Matt May 1. Gospel concert. 6:30 Saint Rose, 1002 Madison Penman, bass; Eric Harland, p.m. St. John’s Episcopal Ave., drums. Church. Free. Albany. $10 (students with St. $28 (518) 473-1845

Rose ID admitted free). Call 434-6756 or go online at May 1. Salsa dance party. Mass www.brianpatneaude.com. March 22 . Cassandra Wilson, MOcA. North Adams. (413) 662- The Egg, Albany 2111.

7:30 p.m. $34.50. (518) 473- Feb. 8. Cassandra Wilson, The 1845 May 1-2. Intercollegiate Jazz Egg, Albany Festival. ’62 Center for Theatre 7:30 p.m. $34.50. (518) 473- April 3. Terence Blanchard. and Dance. 1845 Skidmore College. Time and site TBA Feb. 14. Jane Monheit. The May 2. Miguel Zenon Quartet. Egg, Albany April 9. Proctors Theatre, ’62 Center for Theatre and 8 p.m. $28. (518) 473-1845 Schenectady. Blue Note Re- Dance. cords 70th Anniversary Tour. 8 Feb. 24. (Mardi Gras) New Or- PM. Bill Charlap, piano; Peter May 6. Vijay Ayer Trio. Clark Art leans Night with Skip Parsons’ Bernstein, guitar; Ravi Coltrane, Institute. (413) 662-2111. Riverboat Jazz Band. 6:30 sax; Lewis Nash, p.m.-9 p.m. Best Western Motel, drums; Nicholas Payton, trum- 1228 Western Ave. Albany. pet; Peter Washington, bass; Fine Food. Cash bar. $35. Cal Steve Wilson, Keep An Eye Out for 618-1125 or email crobin- sax. $20, $32, $36, $40. (518) This Future Event [email protected] 346-6204

April 21. Empire Jazz Orchestra A Place for Jazz is planning March 6. Madeleine Peyroux, with guest soloist Curtis Fuller a concert this summer at The Egg, Albany 8 p.m. Schenectady County 8 p.m. $29.50 (518) 473-1845 Community College. $15. (518) Music Haven in 381-1231 Schenectady's Central Park. March 8. Swingtime Jazz Soci- It will be a free event to kick ety presents The Jazz Factor April 25 Mark O’Connor. The off next fall's concert series. Stockade Inn. From 4-6 pm., Egg, Albany. 7:30 p.m. $28. with jam session to follow from 6 (518) 473-1845 To do it, we need both finan- to 7 p.m. cial and physical help. If you $15. 346-3400. April 30-May 6. Williamstown can provide either or both, Jazz Festival. Williamstown, please contact Tim Coakley March 8. The San Francisco Mass. Jazz Collective. The Egg 7 p.m. April 30. Film “Ben Hur’ with live at 393-4011. , saxophones; Dave big band. ’62 Center for Theatre Douglas, Trumpet; Miguel and Page 6 A P l a c e f o r J a z z

Photos By Andrzej From the 2008 Season

Bill Charlap and Steve Lee Russo Ben Allison Cardenas Andrzej "Andre" Pilarczyk ([email protected]) is a regional photographer who spe- cializes in music related sub- jects and has photographed APFJ performances as a mem- ber of the press in the past and then later as our house photog- rapher (since 2000) for over 20 years. Rodney Green and Ricardo Rodriguez Kenny Washington Half Notes News About Members and Musicians

Jazz Cruisin’ Wishes and Prayers “Fathead” Newman, who lost a APFJ members Beverly Best wishes for a speedy recov- brave fight to pancreatic cancer. Elander, Patti Melita, Tom and ery to local musician Al Newman played to a standing Uta Pierce, and Ruth and Al Haugen, as he recovers from room only concert for APFJ, in Sabo recently spent a week on heart surgery. We hope to hear 2007, and gave an unforgettable the high seas, on their annual his music, soon. Under the lov- concert at SCCC, with the Em- Jazz Cruise. For seven spar- ing care of his wife, Anita, he is pire Jazz Orchestra. He is best kling days, they enjoyed the sure to be on the mend. known as accompanying Ray Charles for many years. likes of Wycliffe Gordon, Ken We regret the loss of APFJ Peploski and numerous other supporter, and local photogra- New Music fine musicians. Ports of call pher Susan Rosenthal. Her Recent CD release parties were Key West, Cozumel and beautiful images will be etched were or will be held by The Lee Belize. Contact any of these in our hearts. Shaw Trio and Brian Pat- JazzCruise veterans for informa- neaude. tion about the Nov 2009 cruise. Also, we remember David Page 7 A P l a c e f o r J a z z APFJ Membership Form

Date ______

Name ______

Address______

______

Phone ______

E-Mail ______

Membership Levels (Circle One)

No Bread (But Want to Help) $20 Individual $30 Family $50 Supporter (+1 Series Ticket) $100 Patron (+2 Series Tickets) $250 Underwriter (+4 series Tickets) $500 Jazz Hero (5 Year membership $1,000 +2 series tickets until 2011)

***************** Special Thanks ******************

Norm Ainslie; Rob Aronstein; Ed August; C. Robie Booth; Joe Bowman; Al Brooks; Jody Shayne & Russ Brooks; Tim Coakley; College of St. Rose; Bob Cudmore; Evvie & Bob Currie; James & Margaret Cunningham; Peg & Bill Delaney; Jan Egry; Beverly Elander; The Goldberg Clan; Jerry Gordon; The Hamilton Hill Arts Center; The Hart Clan; Anita and Al Haugen; Leslie & Mark Hyland; Pete Jacobs; Barbara Kaiser; Mike and Rosemary Lategano; Peter Lesser; Eleanor Lin- berg; Chris Martin; Bill McCann; Gail & Bill Mattsson; Bill Meckley; Peg Miller; Bobbie Mon- terose; John & Donna Moroney; Yves Nazon; Brian Patneaude; Tom Pierce; Kevin Roberts; Alice Rudnick; Schenectady County Community College; Joe Slomka & Claudia White; Randy Treece; Chris Waldron; Sharon Wesley; David Wilkinson Thanks also to the Daily Gazette for their promotion of APFJ A Place for Jazz is a not-for-profit organization dedi- Kudos Coakley and for APFJ cated to presenting the best in jazz. We receive fund- ing from the Schenectady County Initiative Program well as from our ticket sales and membership contri- From albanyjazz.com: Charlap, the Lee Russo butions. Quartet, Ben Allison & Programs include concerts, public workshops, Man Size Safe, Joe school-based clinics, a Jazz website, THE “LOCAL HERO” Locke (who got nosed out and general support of Jazz and its musicians. AWARD (Concert Divi- We welcome announcements and comments. by Blanchard for the “Jazz sion) – TIM COAKLEY Boomerang”) and Karrin Editor: Tim Coakley and his merry band at A Allyson. Of all the ven- Contributors: Al Brooks, Tim Coakley, Jan Egry, PLACE FOR JAZZ gave ues jazz calls home in this Beverly Elander, Jerry Gordon, Tom Pierce the Capital Region yet an- area, APFJ remains in a other vibrant and diverse Web Mensch: Jerry Gordon class by itself season, presenting Bill Newsletter: Chris Waldron

A Place for Jazz PO Box 1059 , Schenectady, NY 12301 "Jazz is the only music in which the same note 518 393-4011 [email protected] can be played night after night but differently each time." Board of Directors Ornette Coleman Norm Ainslie, Al Brooks, Tim Coakley, Beverly Elander, Jerry Gordon, Al Haugen, Anita Haugen, Les- "Jazz is free- lie Hyland, Mike Lategano, Bill McCann, Tom Pierce, Andrzej Pilarczyk, Alice Rudnick, Joe Slomka, Chris dom. Now, you think Waldron about that." Calendar can be found at www.aplaceforjazz.org

A Place for Jazz PO Box 1059 Schenectady, NY 12301

Funded in part by a grant from the Schenectady County Initiative Program

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