Volume 35 • Issue 07 JerseyJazz July/August 2007 Journal of the New Jersey Jazz Society Dedicated to the performance, promotion and preservation of jazz.

By Tony Mottola Editor with Linda Lobdell Drew U and All That Jazz! Associate Editor Jersey Jazz he 2007 sanofi-aventis Jazzfest had it all. From Trad and Swing T to Bop and Brazilian, from Cabaret to Cool, the best of the world’s best music was all on display on the majestic campus of Drew University. This was jazz from J to Z. continued on page 21 Sixteen acts performing over three days provided highlights far too numerous to recount here. Neither space nor time allows, At the beginning there was the Duke Ellington as this issue is well past its Legacy Band’s Virginia Mayhew joining the normal deadline. But allow Ed Polcer All-Star Jazz Band to wail away on your editors to indulge in tenor as the June 2 free preview concert came to a few personal favorite a swinging close under a cobalt blue twilight sky. moments. The evening’s warm spring weather and hot jazz augured well for what was to come a week later on Jazzfest weekend. Then on Saturday June 9, there was Jersey City’s Winard Harper kicking things off with a sizzling run through Charlie Parker’s “Segment” that was hotter than the nearby barbecue pit. Speaking of hot, how about Five Play leader Sherrie Maricle’s bravura performance of Art Blakey’s arrangement of “Caravan,” replete with some bare handed drumming? The Concert Hall audience literally sprang to their feet at the raucous conclusion of that number. Of course the mellow side of jazz was amply displayed as well. Take for example the ever gracious and gentlemanly Houston Person’s

continued on page 21

Vocalist Denise Thimes with the Earl May Quintet basks in the glow of well-deserved applause on the Concert Hall stage at Jazzfest. Photo by Tony Mottola.

ARTICLES C. White/J. LaRosa/A. Marcovicci...... 34 PA Jazz Society...... 8 in this issue: Classic Stine ...... 9 William Paterson University...... 11 EVENTS NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY Slide Hampton AJHOF Award ...... 9 Salt Creek Grille ...... 13 AFJS Conference Aug 2–3 ...... 38 Pres Sez/NJJS Calendar & Bulletin Board. . . 2 Big Band in the Sky ...... 10 Westminster Arts Center ...... 15 Jazz U: College Jazz Scene ...... 14 JazzFeast in Princeton ...... 38 Trumpets ...... 17 The Mail Bag...... 4 Crow’s Nest ...... 36 NJJS Member Meetings ...... 38 Lana’s Fine Dining ...... 25 Jazz Trivia ...... 4 Institute of Jazz Studies...... 38 Jazzdagen Tours ...... 27 REVIEWS ’Round Jersey: Bridgewater, Morris, Ocean . . . . 40 Editor’s Pick/Deadlines/NJJS info...... 6 Jazz at Chautauqua ...... 31 Freddy Cole at Newark Museum ...... 16 Somewhere There’s Music ...... 42 CTS Images...... 32 Notes from the Music Committee ...... 8 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. . . 18 The Name Dropper ...... 43 Riverboat Swing ...... 33 In the Mainstream ...... 36 Miles Davis Tributes ...... 19 Arbors Records ...... 35 J. Davis/N. Anderson/T. Monk Tribute . . . 20 ADVERTISERS Grove Street Stompers ...... 36 New Members ...... 37 CDs: Compact Views ...... 26 Shanghai Jazz ...... 5 Laura Hull ...... 44 About NJJS/Membership Info ...... 37 CDs: Other Views ...... 30 Cornerstone ...... 7 Weichert Realtors...... 44 New JerseyJazzSociety

NJJS Calendar Saturday June 30 2007 Bridgewater see ad p 29 & p 40 Friday July 13 2007 Whippany dance field trip Prez Sez see p 2 Sunday July 15 2007 By Andrea Tyson President, NJJS Lyndhurst dance field trip see p 2 Friday July 20 2007 ummertime and the Livin’ is Easy!” at this time as well. So if you have interest in Princeton dance field trip I agree. Let’s roll right into the summer discussing your involvement with the Society, see p 2 “S festival season now that our own festival kicked it please also let me know about that. We have Saturday July 21 2007 off. I straddle a fence here, as I’m writing this at many committees and we are a friendly bunch! Bridgewater see ad p 29 & p 40 the end of May and Jazzfest is just about upon us, We have a programming opening for our monthly Friday August 10 2007 so one foot is in May and the other in June. But meetings, we always have need for assistance in the Whippany dance field trip area of development and fundraising, technology, see p 2 maybe the editors will have some pictures for you at the time of this printing. insurance, etc. Like any other organization, we’re Saturday August 11 2007 multifaceted. If you have interest or expertise, Bridgewater see ad p 29 & p 40 ■ I’m looking forward to going to SOPAC on we’d like to hear from you. Friday August 17 2007 the evening of June 30 for “Hard Blues and the ■ Princeton dance field trip Soul of a People” by Scarab-Blues, an educational Through the summer, I hope you get out to see see p 2 some outdoor concerts — there are many county and entertaining group presenting the sounds and and township jazz concerts all throughout our Sunday August 19 2007 images of time-honored Blues, integrated with a Lyndhurst dance field trip Garden State, and also in neighboring NY, CT, PA. mix of cornerstone Jazz and Classic Soul. Sharif see p 2 Check out our website for some jazzy links. Du Bose, whom I recently met at Cecil’s, is the Saturday September 8 2007 ■ Bridgewater see ad p 29 & p 40 Scarab-Blues Chief Executive Officer. Check out And then, in September, we’ll have our Member their website, www.scarab-blues.com or order Meeting on the 23rd. Joe Lang has details in his Friday September 14 2007 Whippany dance field trip tickets through SOPAC, www.sopacnow.org. column in this issue. see p 2 ■ As we head into July and August, I’m looking ■ But the crowning event of the fall will be the Saturday September 15 2007 forward to many jazzy opportunities — for the New Jersey Jazz Society 35th Anniversary Dinner JazzFeast Dance on Sunday afternoon, September 30 at The Princeton see pp 8 & 39 Society to discuss and for my own attendance. We’re heading up to the Great Connecticut Jazz Pines Manor in Edison, with music provided by Sunday September 16 2007 Dr. Lou Iozzi, a past VP of NJJS, and his big band Lyndhurst dance field trip Festival, July 27–29, at Sunrise Resort in Moodus see p 2 (www.ctjazz.org) and encourage you to consider Reeds, Rhythm & All That Brass” with some singing that for a fun weekend. Reduced prices are accompaniment by our own board member/ Friday September 21 2007 songstress Laura Hull. I hope you’ll mark your Princeton dance field trip available through July 21. Elliott and I will once see p 2 again be hosting our veranda cocktail party down calendars for this special event in the history of our Society. If you have your own memorabilia — Sunday September 23 2007 by the riverside and you’re invited. Just let us know bring it along to share or let us know and we’ll try MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING and we’ll put out some extra chairs! Trumpets/Montclair to work it in. We’ll be reminiscing with old friends, see p 8 & ad p 39 ■ We also use this time to plan ahead — if you past presidents, charter members — and looking Sunday September 30 2007 have any suggestions or comments, now is the at some archival materials from way back when. NJJS 35th Anniversary time to pass them along to me at [email protected]. If you were there at the beginning, you’ll Dinner Dance We start thinking about expanding our Board want to be here to celebrate with us. JJ The Pines Manor, Edison see ad p 3 Sunday October 21 2007 Got E-mail? JazzDance September 14 in Whippany; Fridays, MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING We may not have your e-mail address, Have a new adventure this summer! July 20, August 17, September 21 in Trumpets/Montclair Princeton; Sundays, July 15, August 19, see p 8 & ad p 39 especially if you joined before 2005. It‘s easy and fun to get started with Savoy-style swing dancing. Loose and September 16 in Lyndhurst. You must Some special offers for NJJS members Sunday November 18 2007 improvisational, not strict or stiff. YOU be on our email list to get updates and are late-breaking, not possible to include MONTHLY MEMBER MEETING DON’T NEED A PARTNER. ALL AGES details re meeting times and locations. Trumpets/Montclair in Jersey Jazz. So if you haven’t already, WELCOME. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Let us know you’re interested. Contact see p 8 & ad p 39 please send your e-mail address to Upcoming dancing field trips proposed Linda at [email protected] or [email protected]. dates: Fridays, July 13, August 10, 201-306-2769.

2 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz New JerseyJazzSociety

Dinner35thAnniversary Dance Sunday, September 30, 2007

3 – 7 :30 PM at the Pines Manor

dinner buffet and dancing to theIncludes Reeds, Rhythm & All That Brass Big Band with Dr. Lou Iozzi, Musical Director

2085 Route 27 • Edison, NJ • 732-287-2222 www.pinesmanor.com Handicapped Accessible Facility $65 per person • $125 per couple • cash bar

Not a member? Not a problem! Non-members: Join NJJS, order tickets to the dinner dance, and receive a $5 discount on your first year’s dues — normally $40. Pay only $35 when you pay by check, or the discount will be applied when you pay using a credit card. Discount applies to new members only.

Advance reservations suggested. For more information: NJJS Hotline : 1-800-303-NJJS (6557) or visit our Web site : www.njjs.org FOUR WAYS TO ORDER TICKETS • Mail a check and SASE to NJJS, 274 Jackson Pines Rd., Jackson, NJ 08527 • Buy online at www.njjs.org using a major credit card or Paypal • Call 1-800-303-NJJS • Fax your address, phone number, and credit card info to 215-483-7045 We accept Visa/MC/Amex/Discover.

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 3 New JerseyJazzSociety

The Mail Bag

I THANK MR. GARNER VERY I RECEIVED THE BEAUTIFUL During the war Trumbauer was a the highlight for me was Ken MUCH for sending his Jersey Jazz TROPHY which The American Jazz test pilot for North American Peplowski's letting us know about article [obituary, June JJ, p. 14] on Hall of Fame presented to me. Aviation flying B-25s at this same Joe Ascione's troubles — and how Tony Scott. I enjoy a lot to see the Please accept my heartfelt gratitude airport. I met Frank again and we could help. I felt privileged to be “three clarinet players” photo too. for this wonderful recognition. It became acquainted after he resumed there and see the generosity of so About Dick Joseph’s idea of “tragic has a very special place in my home his job as flight inspector for the many. I hope the Society can decline” — could he and your where I, and my family, can enjoy it. CAA, with his office on the 23rd publish this act (both in the journal readers hear the last Tony’s CD floor of the City Hall, Kansas City, and on line) so that our members …I am…sorry that it wasn’t (recorded February 2006), A Jazz and I was an air route traffic who were not there can also get the possible to receive it at a jazz venue Life (Kind of Blue label)? If not, controller working on the 22nd chance to help. on the East Coast. I am presently contact Kind of Blue records. If you floor. playing with the Clayton Hamilton Schaen Fox, Lawrenceville, NJ like to make a review, for sure Frank knew from our conversations Jazz Orchestra and the Gerald [Joe Ascione was scheduled to perform they’ll be glad to send you a copy. that I was interested in jazz. One Wilson Orchestra and, so far, the with Ken Peplowski’s Quintet at Cinzia Scott, Rome, Italy day, as we were riding the elevator, bands are not booked for any East Jazzfest, however the drummer — info@[email protected] he asked if I’d be interested in Coast gigs. who has been fighting multiple [email protected] reading a draft of his memoirs. Of Once again, thank you for this sclerosis — recently broke a hand. course! Two days later, June 11, [Cinzia Bastianon Scott, who is tribute and I sincerely appreciate Peplowski explained Joe’s predicament 1956, before I had the chance, Tony Scott’s widow, is assembling the recognition. to the audience and offered CDs for Frankie Trumbauer died from a the clarinetist’s archives in Rome. sale, the proceeds of which would be Eugene “Snooky” Young heart attack in the lobby of St. Mr. Scott left two daughters from passed along to Ascione to assist him Van Nuys, CA Mary’s Hospital. his second marriage, Monica over the months he will be unable to Sciacca, a jazz singer of WHILE READING “WHITE-HOT JAZZ I keep my pilot’s license, signed work. Peplowski told Jersey Jazz, Manhattan, and Nina Shaka of BALLAD” in The Wall Street Frank Trumbauer, January 11, 1942, “Thank everybody for me — I was Paris, as well as a granddaughter. Journal, June 2, my thoughts framed on the wall in my den with really touched at how quickly and We’re glad to hear from Mrs. Scott; immediately returned to the chilly other prized jazz memorabilia. selflessly everyone contributed — we if we can get the recording she day in January 1942 when I drove As the Journal piece by Tim Nolan made just over $3,000 in about mentions, we will be pleased to from my hometown Topeka to asserts, “the haunting Singin’ the twenty minutes!! Joe and Svetlana review it. —Editor] Fairfax Airport, Kansas City, Kansas, Blues changed American music.” were absolutely overwhelmed at to take the flight test for my private This was the recording by everyone's kindness, so I think we all I READ WITH INTEREST the article pilot’s license. As the flight inspector Trumbauer and Bix that inspired helped him out a bit!” “Kenny Davern, Man and and I were climbing in to the yellow the teenage Lester Young, after If you’d like to help, checks may be Musician” by E.N. Meyer in the Piper Cub, this tall man with black hearing Tram’s solo, to want to play sent to: Joe Ascione, March 2007 issue of Jersey Jazz. mustache reached to shake my hand the saxophone. 205 West 88th Street, As a 1968 graduate of Hamilton saying “I’m Frank Trumbauer.”As a Bill Smith, Palm Desert, CA Apt. 8H, New York, College I would like to point out jazz buff, I couldn’t believe that this NY 10024.— to your readers that Hamilton could be the Frankie Trumbauer, THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HARD Editor] College is located in Clinton, NY universally recognized as the WORK you did for Jazzfest. not in Ithaca, NY as the article foremost C-melody saxophonist Everything about it, the location, erroneously stated. who had recorded with other musicians, etc. showed great Tom Davies, Lyme, CT legends Paul Whiteman, Bix thought, time and dedication. Beiderbecke and Jack Teagarden! While the three days were grand, Don Johnson

Jazz Trivia By O. Howie Ponder II answers on page 36 Questions

1. Many modern jazz tunes were based on the chord changes of existing 2. When they cruised the Harlem nightspots, Willie “The Lion” Smith referred popular songs. The songs in Column A are based on the chord changes to these pianistic giants as “Filthy,” “The Brute” and ”The Bull.” Who were they? of the popular songs in Column B, but not in the order shown. Can you match them up? 3. Charlie Parker referred to this contemporary artist as COLUMN A COLUMN B “The Lily Pons of the alto sax.” ____ A1-Koko (C. Parker) B1-Embraceable You ____ A2-Donna Lee B2-Honeysuckle Rose 4. This tenor saxophonist became famous for taking a long solo on ____ A3-Hot House B3-Indiana Duke Ellington’s Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue. Who was he and ____ A4-Groovin’ High B4-Cherokee how long was the solo? Super Trivia: When and where was it? ____ A5-Scrapple from the Apple B5-What is This Thing Called Love? ____ A6-Quasimodo B6-Whispering 5. Who arranged Louis Armstrong’s 1955 popular hit, Mack the Knife?

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

Thank you LIVE JAZZ FIVE NIGHTS Down Beat Magazine for a WEEK & NO COVER (except special events) again in 2007 naming SHANGHAI JAZZ one Highlights, end of June, & July/August 2007: wed 6/20: DEREK SMITH of the TOP 100 JAZZ fri & sat 6/22 & 23: JAVON JACKSON CLUBS IN THE sun 6/24: DAVID HUMM WORLD!!! wed 6/27: BUCKY PIZZARELLI thu 6/28: BOB HIMMELBERGER & RICK CRANE fri & sat 6/29 & 30: JUNIOR MANCE (to be confirmed) New Jersey’s thu 7/5: KAREN EGERT “Top Jazz Club” fri & sat 7/6 & 7: BRAZILIAN JAZZ W/ HELIO ALVES QUARTET — Star Ledger fri & sat 7/13 & 14: STEVE TURRE thu 7/19: MORRIS NANTON fri 7/20: TONY DESARE ZAGAT 2005/06: sat 7/21: JOANNE BRACKEEN “If you are looking for wed 7/25: BUD SHANK W/ BILL MAYS top-flight live jazz thu 7/26: BUCKY PIZZARELLI fri 7/27: VINCE GIORDANO (to be confirmed) look no further than fri & sat 8/3 & 4: WINARD HARPER (to be confirmed) this Madison fri & sat 8/10 & 11: STEVE WILSON restaurant-cum-club, wed 8/15: BUCKY PIZZARELLI where there’s no cover fri & sat 8/17 & 18: FREDDY COLE (by reservation only) and you’re always fri 8/24: ROB PAPAROZZI

treated like a favorite Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Friday and Saturday two seatings: 6:30 PM & 8:45 PM customer.” Sunday: CLOSED IN JULY AND AUGUST for latest schedules and updates, ”It’s a true night out please visit the new www.shanghaijazz.com on the town.” Please note: We take reservations by telephone only 973.822.2899 and not by e-mail.

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 5 New JerseyJazzSociety

The Editor’s Pick JerseyJazz The Journal By Tony Mottola Jersey Jazz Editor of the New Jersey Jazz Society Volume 35 • Issue 7

Jersey Jazz (ISSN 000-004) is published eleven times per year for members of The New Jersey Jazz Society, PO Box 410, gone fishin’ Brookside, NJ 07926. Membership fee is $40/year. Periodical postage paid at Morristown, NJ 07960. Postmaster: send address changes to PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410.

All contents ©2007 New Jersey Jazz Society.

Tony Mottola Editor mong the many perks 27 Upper Mountain Ave. afforded the editorial Montclair, NJ 07042 Astaff of Jersey Jazz — 973-509-9437 E-mail: [email protected] plush corner offices, fat expense accounts, fancy cars Linda Lobdell Art Director/Associate Editor 352 Highland Ave. — is a month off in the Newark, NJ 07104 summer. Ms. Lobdell and I 201-306-2769 begin our long-anticipated E-mail: [email protected] hiatus…right now. Fradley Garner International Editor E-mail: [email protected] See you in September. JJ John Maimone Entertainment Contributor 908-753-6722 E-mail: [email protected] Fred McIntosh Entertainment Contributor 201-784-2182 E-mail: [email protected]

NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY OFFICERS 2007 Andrea Tyson President 110 Haywood Ave. Piscataway, NJ 08854 732-356-3626 Mike Katz Vice President 908-273-7827 Kate Casano Treasurer 732-905-9063 Caryl Anne McBride Membership Chairperson 973-366-8818 Al Parmet Recording Secretary 908-522-1163 Jersey Jazz welcomes your comments on any article or editorial. Send e-mail to [email protected] or mail to The Editor (see masthead this page for address). Jack Stine President Emeritus Comments? 908-658-3515 Include your name and geographical location. Joe Lang Past President 973-635-2761

DIRECTORS Tune Us In to Your E-mail Address! Some special offers for NJJS members Len Carlson, Carolyn Clemente, Joanne Day, Laura Hull, Mike Katz, Claudette Lanneaux, are late-breaking, not possible to include in Jersey Jazz or to do a separate postal mailing. We only have Sheilia Lenga, Bruce Lundvall, Vincent Mazzola, e-mail addresses for about a third of our members, and only began collecting addresses regularly in 2005. Fred McIntosh, Frank Mulvaney, Stan Myers, So if you haven’t already — please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. Also keep us informed Frank Nissel, Jack Sinkway, Marcia Steinberg, Elliott Tyson, Jackie Wetcher, Paul White, if your e-mail changes. We want to be sure you get the message when we have something special to say! Tony Mottola (Ex-officio)

ADVISORS Advertising Rates Quarter page: $50; Half page $75; Full page $100. 10% discount on repeat ads. Jeff Atterton, Amos Kaune, Bob Porter To place an ad, please send a check made payable to NJJS to Kate Casano, 274 Jackson Pines Rd, Jackson, NJ 08527; please indicate size and issue. Website: www.njjs.org Contact [email protected] or 201-306-2769 for technical information. E-mail: [email protected] NJJS Deadlines The deadline for submission of material for upcoming issues is as follows: Hotline: 1-800-303-NJJS (1-800-303-6557) September issue: July 26, 2007 • October issue: August 26, 2007 To join the NJJS, send a $40 check payable to “NJJS” to: NOTE: EARLY SUBMISSIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED. NJJS Membership, PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410.

6 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz The CORNERSTONE Café and Bistro 25 New Street, Metuchen, NJ The best in live jazz in Central New Jersey.

Jazz Schedule for July 2007 WEDNESDAYS FRIDAYS 7:30 – 11:30 PM 7:30 – 11:30 PM

7/6: FIVE PLAY FROM DIVA

7/11: PAM PURVIS TRIO 7/13: DAVID SCHNITTER QUARTET w/ BOB ACKERMAN w/ LARRY HAM

7/18: HELIO ALVES TRIO 7/20: VIRGINIA MAYHEW QUARTET w/ NORMAN SIMMONS

7/25: SARAH PARTRIDGE TRIO 7/27: HENDRIK MEURKENS QUARTET

• No cover • Jazz Performances 7:30 – 11:30pm For last minute changes, please visit our Web site: www.cornerstonecafenj.com (732) 549-5306

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 7 New JerseyJazzSociety

Notes from the Music Committee

By Joe Lang NJJS Music Committee Chair ell, by the time you read a background of over 50 years Wthis, another Jazzfest will in jazz education and will give be in the books and, hopefully, us his perspective on the it was well attended and the current state of affairs in the weather cooperated. One thing world of jazz. This should be a that I am certain of is that we terrific follow-up to the had a lineup that was guaran- informative meeting that was teed to produce a lot of great held on May 20 with a panel of sounds. college jazz educators. All of us share an interest in keeping jazz P.O. Box 995 • Easton, PA 18044-0995 We already have an active fall alive, and jazz education plays a season planned. vital role in the development of 2007 – Now Our 29th Year! Presents ■ In celebration of the 35th a continuing audience for jazz. Anniversary of the New Jersey As always, there will be a social Jazz Society we are planning a hour from 2–3 PM, and the JAZZFEST dinner/dance at the Pines program will last from 3–5 PM. THREE GREAT BANDS!!! Manor in Edison on Sunday Admission to members is free, CLASSIC DIXIELAND, TRAD & SWING September 30 from 3 – 7:30 PM. and non-members are welcome SARAH SPENCER’S TRANSATLANTIC BAND Music will be provided by the for a charge of $10, applicable BRITISH JAZZ: Sarah Spencer, saxophone, Llew Hird, trombone; Reeds, Rhythm & All That Brass to a new membership should Carl Hird, clarinet; Dave Copperwaite, trumpet; with Jon Penn, Big Band, under the leadership any guests opt to become Nick Ward and Howard Worthington of our past Vice President Dr. members. CAKE WALKIN’ JAZZ BAND Lou Iozzi, who also plays a Leader Ray Heitger, clarinet; Nicole Heitger, vocals; Bob Miller, bass; The additional fall meetings will Betsy Graffing, banjo; Rick Graffing, piano; Buddy Lopez, drums; mean tenor sax. The price of be on October 21, with a pro- Russ Damschoder, trombone; Dave Kosmyna, cornet tickets is $65 per person or $125 gram to be determined, and on KEVIN DORN TRADITIONAL JAZZ COLLECTIVE J B per couple. Dinner is included November 18, when our Jersey Kevin Dorn, drummer, formerly with Jim Cullum JB; and there will be a cash bar. Kevin Blancq, trumpet /voc; Michael Hashim, saxophone; Jazz editor Tony Mottola will Among the event’s highlights Jesse Gelber, piano; Doug Largent, bass present a program about his late will be a display of NJJS memo- father, Tony Mottola, a giant rabilia, and the presentation of Sunday, July 15, 2007 among jazz guitarists. some special awards to members 11:45AM – 6:30PM (doors open 11AM) of the jazz community. Special ■ Finally, here is some informa- Plainfield Township Fire Hall in Wind Gap thanks go to Laura Hull for her tion about the JazzFeast in tireless efforts in bringing all of Princeton’s Palmer Square on the pieces together to make the Saturday September 15.Jack Advance Tickets~ by Mail $20 dinner/dance happen. It Stine has done his usual fine job Tickets at the Door $25 STUDENTS $5 promises to be an exciting and of putting together an outstand- BYOB only – Food, Sandwiches, popular event. The space will be ing program. Alan Dale’s New Coffee & Soft Drinks Available limited, so make a reservation Legacy Jazz Band will follow a For tickets & directions send SASE to: early if you do not want to be long tradition by opening the PENNSYLVANIA JAZZ SOCIETY disappointed. See the ad in this event. Following Alan will be PO BOX 995 EASTON, PA 18044 issue for ticket ordering groups led by pianist Kenny information. Werner, saxophonist Greg Info: 610-253-5781 Piccolo and bassist Jon Burr. ■ Our Member Meetings will This event is free and runs from or 610-258-2082 resume at Trumpets in noon to 6 PM. See ad page 39. Montclair on Sunday Septem- Sept. 23 Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks ber 23. For that meeting, we Have a great summer, and 2 – 5 PM Easton Moose Lodge will have Clem DeRosa, who has keep supporting live jazz! JJ

8 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyArticlesJazz

Colorado that weekend that deserved a and Kenny that made the date a Soprano Classic hearing in the East. Summit experience. Even abroad, and there’s a Stine We set up what I sincerely believe was the first CD of a Soprano Summit gig in England to regular gig of what Bob and Kenny called their attest to this, it was easy for musicians hired on By Jack Stine little musical treat the Soprano Summit. I the spot to provide a floor for the unique talents of Davern and Wilber and their NJJS President Emeritus believe it was at the old Watchung View Inn and I’m certain the members of the audience advertisement of the soprano saxophone. If I were were drawn more by the promise of an There will never be anything like the Summit afternoon of music by Wilber and Davern again, just as there will never be another duo a jazz musician, my than by something that might be suspiciously like Kenny Davern and Bob Wilber to make instrument of choice subtitled Two Sopranos. Recall this was the such an attempt in behalf of this largely time of the Three Tenors in the big rooms in unheralded instrument. The recent death of would not be the the city and not exactly what jazz folks were Kenny Davern has reminded us of just how soprano saxophone… likely to give up a Sunday of football for. fragile this music is that depends so largely on Red’s prediction on this one was, as it was on individual accomplishment. There have been here are plenty of reasons for this, but for several decades now since Soprano Summit so many other occasions, right on the money. Topeners just check out how many of them made its last appearance, too long for many Soprano Summit’s response that afternoon you see on the bandstands these days. So you new fans to have had the opportunity to was beyond expectation despite the promise of can see I’m not alone in this opinion. Plainly experience this unique part of jazz history. two such favorite NJJS players as Bob Wilber there’s not a great call for soprano saxophonists This being so, it was nice to get a phone call a and Kenny Davern. And from that afternoon when they are passing out gigs, and gigs are couple weeks ago from Mat Domber whose the Summit enjoyed a decade or so of hard enough to come by these days for men Arbors Records are, in my opinion, the major appearances around the country and abroad. who play standard instruments like trumpets stabilizing force in the recorded legacy of and clarinets. No need to complicate things by The thing about Soprano Summit that intrigues traditional jazz, telling me he’s planning a adding an instrument that, among other things, me most was that it was decidedly nothing release next spring of a memorial album of doesn’t look like something you can play jazz more than a two man show. The personnel performances of the Soprano Summit taken on. Soprano saxophones look like edematous varied from time to time and other than Kenny from live gigs. It’s to be a twin tribute to the clarinets and they have a fat sound to go with and Bob you might catch such players as Dick passing of two great forces in jazz: the Summit the appearance. The only player I ever heard Hyman, Milt Hinton, Bucky Pizzarelli, Bobby itself and also Kenny Davern. I’d say keep your during the golden years of jazz who played Rosengarden, George Duvivier, or Marty Grosz. eye open for it. We’ll never have anything worthwhile jazz on the soprano sax was Sidney But it was always the musical personas of Bob like them again. JJ Bechet, but even a genius of his order could not inspire others to take up the instrument. For better or worse, the soprano sax has remained a Hampton Receives Award sleeping giant among musical instruments, but there was a brief moment in 1972 at one of Bob NJJS BOARD MEMBER Frank Nissel recently presented Gibson’s famous jazz parties in Colorado when Slide Hampton with his American Jazz Hall of Fame plaque at it looked as though there might be something the Blue Note in New York City where Hampton was leading we’d been overlooking about the jazz potential the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Also playing in the band of the soprano saxophone. I wasn’t there, but I that night was 1996 Hall of Fame inductee James Moody. heard about it later. Hampton, a master trombonist, composer, arranger and It was a chance meeting between Bob Wilber teacher, began his musical career at age 12 playing in a band and Kenny Davern, both of whom showed up led by his father. After appearing with the Hampton Band at at the Gibson blast toting their soprano saxes Carnegie Hall, the young trombonist joined Maynard along as auxiliaries to their clarinets. Ear Ferguson’s band. He went on to work in the bands of Dizzy witnesses I’ve talked to about the meeting Gillespie, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Barry Harris and the famed differ somewhat, but what is certain is that a Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Hampton is a two-time set emerged during the festival when Bob and Grammy winner and was named a Jazz Master by the Kenny traded ideas back and forth on their National Endowment for the Arts. sopranos. Interaction by two such musicians as The American Jazz Hall of Fame was co-founded in 1982 by Bob and Kenny could only generate something the New Jersey Jazz Society and the Rutgers University Institute of Jazz Studies in order to recognize very special, and the audience heard and individuals who have earned a special place in the history of jazz. Since the first class was elected in 1983, understood it. As I said before, I wasn’t there nearly 200 jazz greats have been elected to the AJHOF. It has been the practice in recent years to present but Red Squires, the NJJS’s one man music the Hall of Fame plaques to surviving members at musical appearances in the New York City area. JJ committee at the time, was, and first thing he did on returning to the Garden State was to call me and say something happened in “The purpose of jazz is to help people realize their self worth and individuality.” — Slide Hampton July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 9 JerseyArticlesJazz

Big Band in the Sky

By Fradley Garner Jersey Jazz International Editor

■ Carla White, 55, vocalist, Oakland, CA, Northern Colorado, Sweden’s Birka School ■ Alvin Batiste, 74, educator, clarinetist, Sept. 15, 1951 – New York, NY, May 9, of the Arts and the Music Conservatory of saxophonist, composer and arranger, New 2007. “Success is playing with the musicians Ghent in Belgium. Born September 15, 1951 Orleans, LA, Nov. 7, 1932 – May 6, 2007. I love to play with in situations where the in Oakland, CA, and raised in Bellport, NY At his graduation from the historically black audience is receptive and appreciative,” Carla where her father played trumpet and Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, White declares on her Web site, and note the recorder, White first studied dramatic arts Alvin Batiste played the Mozart Clarinet verb “to play.” Carla White was a singer. And, for two years in London. “I view each song Concerto as the first African-American as Mitchell Seidel, the Star-Ledger jazz critic I sing as a mini-theater piece. Kind of a soloist with the New Orleans Philharmonic. says, “one of the first of many young singers theatrical haiku,” she wrote. Back in New On May 6 this year, just hours before he was who made a go of it in the New York area.” York, she became a pupil of the blind pianist to perform with his pupil Branford Marsalis Seidel told Jersey Jazz that “she was far more Lennie Tristano in 1971–1975, and then of and Harry Connick Jr. at the New Orleans successful than most, having attained a Warne Marsh and the pianist Jill McManus. Jazz & Heritage Festival, the clarinetist reputation as a skilled performer who had Lord’s Jazz Discography 7.0 lists nine career suffered a fatal heart attack. The show went good taste in backup recording sessions, all but on without Batiste. He was 74, and had lived bands.” Carla White “I view each song one with White as the to see a new album, Marsalis Music Honors died in New York leader of mostly trios and Alvin Batiste, released just a few weeks May 9 after a I sing as a mini- small combos. An earlier. “Sunday’s show functioned as a jazz prolonged struggle accomplished scat singer, funeral, but an especially joyous one,” Keith with cancer. She was theater piece. she made her first album, Spera wrote in The Times-Picayune online 55. The following Kind of a Andruline (Stash ST237), Updates. “It’s so profound that the Creator Sunday she had been as co-leader with the chose this day to take him,” the drummer booked to play a jazz theatrical haiku.” Manny Duran Band in Herlin Riley, a former Batiste student, was brunch at The New York, in 1983. On her quoted on the posting. “Because now we Priory, a Newark — Carla White, last listed album, The could all get together in a celebratory club. During her 1951–2007 Sweetest Sounds (CW fashion and pay homage to him.” On the three-decade career, Productions CD) in 1996, Marsalis CD, Batiste plays with the famous the singer had done the vocalist was backed by current sons of New Orleans. He had mostly one-nighters a quartet including the recorded earlier with Wynton and Ellis at other New Jersey tenor saxophonist Lew Marsalis, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny venues as well as Tabackin, who had played Baron, Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette and performing at on some of her earlier many others. He toured with Ray Charles Carnegie Hall and records. A paid obituary in 1958 and toured or wrote songs for the Tow n Hall in was published in The New percussionist Billy Cobham and Cannonball Manhattan, the York Times, whose late jazz Adderley, playing as a sideman on the Kennedy Center in critic John S. Wilson had saxophonist’s final LP, Lovers, in 1975. Washington, and on written that “Miss White’s Batiste founded his own jazz institute while the jazz festival primary assets are her teaching at Southern University from 1969 circuit at home and warm, confident middle until the mid-1980s. He also taught at the abroad. White and low registers and New Orleans Center for Creative Arts conducted master sensitive exploration of (NOCCA). A composer of classical classes and seminars lyrics.”A memorial orchestral works and three operas, he wrote for the New School, celebration was to be held the textbook, The Root Progression System. Vermont Jazz June 8 at St. Peter’s “He was considered one of the founders of Center, University of Church in Manhattan. the city’s modern jazz scene,” according to continued on page 12

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BIG BAND IN THE SKY continued from page 10 the Associated Press obituary. He became sax,” every day. “On his tour-de-force Severinsen, featuring the vocalist Connie more widely known when he recorded with concert piece, Antonio Carlos Jobim’s Evingson. Many other arrangements were John Carter, David Murray and Jimmy ‘Manha de Carnaval,’” Schudel wrote, for star singers such as Vic Damone, Hamilton in the group Clarinet Summit, in “Mr. Eyermann played all nine of his Patti Page, Paul Anka and Joe Williams; the 1980s. His albums included Bayou Magic woodwinds.” drummers Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson; (1988), Late (1993) and Songs, Words and ■ Tommy Newsom, 78, saxophones, flute, trombonist Urbie Green, and saxophonists Messages, Connections (1999). The day before clarinet, composer-arranger, Portsmouth, Boots Randolph and Newsom himself. he died, Battiste and his NOCCA student VA, Feb. 25, 1929 – Apr. 28, 2007. Tommy The archives include his own compositions band performed at a festival in Baton Newsom, a master reeds player, arranger and arrangements for symphonic orchestra Rouge. The clarinetist’s son, Maynard, an and composer who toured the Soviet Union and smaller ensembles. “Tommy’s tune, attorney, sat in on piano for what turned and recorded with Benny Goodman, was the ‘Ensembleu’ is one of the 59 solo guitar out to be his father’s last concert. After the assistant conductor of Johnny Carson’s TV jazz arrangements my dad wrote in his news broke the next day, the band show band and much respected among retirement,” Mottola said. Newsom helped assembled in the Jazz Tent and rearranged musicians. Carson sarcastically dubbed his pay his tuition at the Peabody Conservatory their set to proceed without their instructor. low-profile saxophonist “Mr. Excitement,” in Baltimore by playing in strip joints. “Mr. Batiste would have wanted us to play,” and targeted him with jibes on “The Tonight During a four-year enlistment, he worked said the regular pianist, Conun Pappas, 17, Show.” But Newsom shrugged off the with the premiere Air Force ensemble, “so we decided to keep on moving.” insults. Winner of musical direction Emmy Airmen of Note, then earned a master’s ■ Tim Eyermann, 60, reeds and winds Awards for the “Night of 100 Stars” show in degree at Columbia University. The stint player, bandleader, educator, Pittsburgh, 1982 and the 40th annual Tony Awards with Benny Goodman marked his PA, (?) 1947 – Miami, FL, May 1, 2007. special in 1986, Thomas Penn Newsom died professional breakthrough. “We laughed a Tim Eyermann, who “played everything April 28 not of “natural dullness,” as Carson lot together on the Russian tour, and he was from classical music to polkas” on nine once quipped that he would, but of cancer. a lot better than I was at not letting wind instruments and led the East Coast A lifelong Portsmouth, VA resident, he was Goodman get under his skin,” Bill Crow Offering jazz fusion band for many years, 78. Newsom worked for 30 years on recalled. “Benny liked his writing, and used died May 1 in Miami, FL of lung cancer “Tonight,” whose musical directors were a couple of his charts fairly regularly on the complications. He was 60 and lived in North Skitch Henderson and then Doc Severinsen. tour.” Newsom started with “Tonight” April Miami Beach. Eyermann was a bundle-of- Bill Crow, the bassist in Marian 2, 1962, six months before Carson took over energy bandleader who taught for several McPartland’s trio and many other groups as host. He switched from tenor to alto years at the Duke Ellington School of the over the years, met Newsom at their first saxophone in 1968. During the Carson years Arts in Washington, DC, according to Matt rehearsal for the Benny Goodman Orchestra he often worked as leader or sideman in Schudel of the Washington Post. Airmen of tour of the Seattle World’s Fair and the combos around Los Angeles. Both men Note, the premiere show band of the US Air Soviet Union in 1962. “I liked him immedi- retired on May 22, 1992. One time on the Force, brought him to the nation’s capital ately,” Crow told Jersey Jazz. “I never found show, The New York Times recalled in his where “He was one of those guys who really Tommy dull, either as a musician or as a obituary, Newsom traded his “customary broke ground,” said the former East Coast person. He carried his weight in a great sax conservative garb and wore a screaming Offering guitarist Phil McCusker. Though section: Phil Woods, Jerry Dodgion, Zoot yellow suit, and Mr. Carson cracked, ‘Look Eyermann never became nationally famous, Sims, Tommy, and Gene Allen. Zoot loved at that big, dumb canary.’‘You’ll know what 19 recordings were released, including two him, and appreciated his musicianship, as kind of bird I am when I fly over you,’ Mr. East Coast Offering albums that were we all did.” Tony Mottola Jr., the Jersey Jazz Newsom replied.” Tommy Newsom is nominated for Grammy awards. Friends,a editor, referring to his guitarist father, said 2003 Cape May Jazz CD featuring “Tommy was a close pal of my dad’s and survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia, Eyermann and vocalist Jeannie Brooks, much more than Johnny’s deadpan foil.” and their daughter, Candy Newsom of JJ includes songs like “Softly As a Morning Mottola pointed out that the Library of Teaneck, NJ. Sunrise” and “Route 66.” McCusker said Congress’s Tommy Newsom Collection This department thanks Jerry Gordon, many considered alto saxophone his finest covers half a century of the artist’s work — Joe Lang, Don Robertson and the Jersey Jazz voice, but Eyermann practiced each of his 267 titles, from 1947 band arrangements editors for tips leading to many obituaries wind instruments, “from piccolo to baritone to charts for the 1999 recordings of Doc over the months. fG

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Jazz Goes to School The College Jazz Scene By Frank Mulvaney

his is my fifth column in this series continually demonstrated why he’s one big band. Mr. Daniels is easily the finest and I hope I’ve been successful in of the best in the business. The brilliant clarinetist that I have ever had the pleasure Tenticing some of you to attend a jazz students of the ensemble had ample oppor- of seeing. Mr. Daniels’s joyously demon- program that you read about here. If you tunity to show their stuff with solos as the strated his clarinet virtuosity on some JAZZprogram progressed with student Brian unfamiliar, U but enjoyable tunes from Astor have, why don’t you send me an e-mail ([email protected]) with your McCarthy’s wonderful composition “Next Piazzolla’s “Libertango” and “Mumuki,” comments. I’d love to hear from you. Better Turn.” This was followed by a marvelous Gordon Goodwin’s “Under the Wire” and yet, send a letter to the editor about the student arrangement of “Just in Time,” then his own composition, “Summer’s Gone.” wonderful jazz show you saw. Thad’s “A Child is Born” exquisitely soloed For “Night and Day” and Ellington’s “Warm by Mulgrew. Wrapping up this great Valley” Eddie employed the tenor sax and let Sadly the semester has come to an end but program was Mulgrew’s rhythmically me tell you, the man blows one sweet horn. not before we attended three more terrific complex “Eastern Joy Dance.” Special I look forward to the jazz programs at this concerts. mention must be made of the contribution fine university in the fall. of drummer Garrett Brown and his William Paterson University, flawlessly driving the band through a Princeton University, April 27 very challenging program. May 12 The program this night featured the Jazz Studies Director Anthony Branker puts university jazz orchestra under the direction New Jersey City University, so much creativity and preparation into the of Dr. David Demsey with guest composer/ May 3 Princeton Jazz concerts that I don’t know pianist Mulgrew Miller, the current Director This was the first big band concert that how he keeps topping himself, but he of Jazz Studies. A vocal sextet opened the I’ve attended at this school and I must say consistently does. The program this night program with “Come Home to Me” and I was very impressed by every aspect of the was Afro-Latin. If you tune into a Latin Jazz “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” production, performance and venue. station on the radio, the music seems to with wonderfully rich harmonies. Then we WBGO’s Gary Walker handled the MC sound a lot alike. However, the thirteen heard a nicely done solo by Katelyn Kenny duties like the professional he is. Jazz Studies selections presented in this program could of “You and the Night and the Music.” Director Dr. Ed Joffe did a great job getting not possibly be more diverse. Completing this part of the program was his kids ready for this one. Ashley Pettet doing “More Than You Know.” In the first half, we heard the Afro-Latin I can say honestly that I have never heard The first part of the program featured the Ensemble doing only six tunes which this great song so beautifully interpreted. students with brilliant solos by trombonist consumed more than an hour. The first Miss Pettet is a natural. Robert Edwards and pianist Jason Teborek three tunes were “Iracuba” (Rebecca on Cedar Walton’s composition “Bolivia.” Mauleon), “Episode from A Village Dance” The big band’s first offering was a con- Jason Curry soloed magnificently on alto (Donald Brown) and “Dance of Denial” trolled, yet rollicking version of “All of Me.” sax on Duke Ellington’s “Fantazm.” Then we (Michael Mossman, a fabulous trumpeter). Then they moved on to one of Thad Jones’s were treated to two wonderful vocals by Trombone monster Conrad Herwig then familiar compositions, “Kids are Pretty Hye-Jin Anncho on Frank Foster’s “Deedles joined the ensemble and he brought with People.” Next we heard a Bill Mobley Blues” and “I Love You Porgy.” him his Latin mode arrangements of Wayne arrangement of “Second Thoughts.” Shorter’s “Footprints” and Miles Davis’s Before the intermission special guest Eddie Mulgrew Miller then took his seat at the “All Blues.” The brilliance of the Daniels made his appearance and really piano and treated us to his compostion music and the playing was rather knocked us out with his clarinet work “Carousel” with intense support from the breathtaking. on “Thad Said No” (Gordon orchestra. The material presented would Conrad is Goodwin). The never qualify as swing but it certainly was simply whole second hot, joyful, sweet and dynamic at different incredible. The half was Eddie times. Mulgrew is a genuine piano monster solo contributions by Irwin Daniels and the with over 400 recordings to his credit and he

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COOL Summer School WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY Hall (alto), Andrew Sowa (trumpet) and Michael Mossman’s “Canto Lucumi” Summer Jazz Week July 23–27 Daniel Berry (piano) were fabulous. The and Chico O’Farrill’s “Pure Emocion.” final number of the set saw renowned Monday, July 23 James Weidman & Friends Renato Thoms came on to play conga w/WPU Faculty conga player, Renato Thoms come to for Conrad’s amazing composition the stage and created pure percussion “Reflections of a Man Facing South.” Tuesday, July 24 Swing Night excitement on Professor Branker’s This extensive piece was commissioned w/special guest composition “Depende.” by the Princeton Jazz Program and I Wednesday, July 25 Summer Big Band For the second half of the program we may never have heard such imaginative w/guest soloist had the full 18-piece Concert Jazz use of Latin rhythms in a form that is Ensemble which opened up with the Thursday, July 26 Rebecca Parris unquestionably jazz. Renato Thoms familiar “Afro Blue” (Mongo delivered the most astounding conga Friday, July 27 The Billy Taylor Trio Santamaria). Then we heard two of w/special guest Dizzy’s well-known compositions solo. Capping off this fabulous night of “Manteca” and “Con Alma.” The big Afro-Latin Jazz was the Tito Puente Programs are 90 minutes at the beautiful band found the groove and the place classic “Oye Como Va” which went on Shea Center on the WPU campus starting at for many choruses to great appreciation was rockin. At this point Conrad 7:30 PM. Through corporate underwriting, JJ returned to the stage to be featured on by the audience. daily tickets are only $3 ($10 for the week). Call 973-720-2371 or go to www.wpunj.edu Contact Frank Mulvaney at [email protected] or 908-233-4824 to verify final details. with questions or contributions on the college jazz scene.

JeanieBryson “The Dizzy Songbook” Friday, September 7 at 8 pm Join Jeanie in this intimate, loving and fitting tribute, as she celebrates her father’s life, his music, and above all, his legacy. Bloomfield College Robert V. Van Fossan Theatre Corner of Franklin & Fremont Streets, Bloomfield NJ General $20, Seniors $13 Reservations: 973-748-9000 ext. 279

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A Revelation in the Garden feel-good afternoon Freddy Cole at the Newark Museum Afrom its Panama hat down to its bare toes — By Linda Lobdell Associate Editor Jersey Jazz that was Jazz in the Garden at the Newark Museum on June 7. “The warm and Luxuriating in balmy intimate grace breezes and blue skies dotted with white clouds of Freddy’s art in the Alice Ransom moves us to Dreyfuss Memorial Sculpture Garden, more gladly several hundred embrace life’s patrons in summer garb nodded, swayed, wonder and laughed and warmly embraced the season- love’s mystery.” opening entertainer, Mr. — Grover Freddy Cole, backed by long-time drummer Washington, Jr. Curtis Boyd, Elias Bailey on bass and guitarist Photo by Tony Mottola THE NEWARK MUSEUM JAZZ IN THE GARDEN SERIES got Bruce Edwards. its start in 1965 which means it’s in its 42nd year. Media Atlanta-based Cole, youngest brother of the number called “We Are Getting Sponsor WBGO’s on-air personality Sheila Anderson has late Nat King Cole, stopped in Newark on a Some Fun Out of Life” — “When been programming the series since 2002, populating the brief excursion in the Northeast, followed by we wanna dance, we dance;” next, dates with mostly locally-based musicians and occasionally three shows at Manhattan’s Iridium before a blues, “On the South Side of vocalists from farther afield. She tries to represent the full flying off to Canada and Europe for the next Chicago;” and “Pretend” — spectrum of jazz and in so doing draws an unmistakably hip couple of months. “Pretend you’re happy when crowd that is a cross-section of a major American you’re blue…” city/region and living proof of the power of jazz. Freddy Cole has an immediately engaging presence and a loose, laid-back, yet abso- Freddy then tipped his hat to Remaining dates this year: lutely sure touch on the keys and in his brother Nat with a medley of songs June 28: Oscar Perez Quintet (Pianist); vocalizing. “Welcome to our little ‘thing’,” he associated with him including July 5: Will Calhoun (Drummer); cooed, “it’s our invitation to relaxation.”And “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” July 12: Curtis Lundy (Bassist); so we surrendered to his smooth phrasing, “Sweet Lorraine,”“Mona Lisa,” July 19: Rebecca Parris (Vocalist) his voluptuous voice, his sly wit as he “Nature Boy,”“L-O-V-E,” and July 26: Freddie Bryant and Kaleidoscope (Guitarist) seduced us with nearly 90 minutes of song. “Unforgettable.” Following with his Shows run Thursdays from 12:15 to 1:45 PM. They move to tongue-in-cheek reminder that the Billy Johnson Auditorium in the event of rain. Food and Opening with “I Wonder Why I Went and “I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me” — drink are served up for purchase at The Museum Café, or Fell in Love,” there followed “I Just Found “Hey, if Nat sounds like me, well, you can bring your own, so you really can take your lunch Out About Love,” a bluesy “Candy,” and a what can I say?” hour there and make a brief VIP vacation out of it. samba,“Wild Is Love.” The set next featured Admission is a suggested donation of $2 for adults and $1 Elias Bailey’s bass groove on “Home Fried After a standing ovation, he gave for seniors. Members and children are admitted free. Potatoes” — calling for grits, fried chicken us two more: a blues number, “What Are You Afraid Of?” (“I’m That lovely garden with its open-air artwork features a 1784 and “your kiss for my dessert,” in the midst brownstone schoolhouse, and the Fire Museum, all of which Mr. Cole vowed to start jogging harmless,I’m a church boy”), and finally, “I’ll Be Seeing You.” embedded in lush grass under glorious shade trees. Just “next week.” He moved on to “That’s All,” beyond the music stage, steps lead up to New Jersey’s and then left the piano to stand centerstage Mr. Cole will be back in New largest museum, within which reside the restored 1885 and croon a gently swinging “I Will Wait for Jersey later this year. Catch him at Victorian Ballantine House and a host of eye-opening. See You.” He remained there for “Morning of Shanghai Jazz in Madison August newarkmuseum.org for information. the Carnaval” with its Oscar Brown Jr. lyric, 17 and 18 (see ad page 5) and at As if all this weren’t enough, visitors to Jazz in the Garden accompanied by the expressive guitar work the November Cape May Jazz will be invited to enter a drawing to win a trip to the of Bruce Edwards. Returning to the keys for Festival (capemayjazz.com). Keep Sedona Jazz on the Rocks Festival, September 26 – 30, a tune from his most recent recording track of him at his Web site: including round-trip air provided by Continental Airlines. The (Because of You), we heard a delightful swing freddycole.com. JJ drawing will be held on the final afternoon of the series, July 26.

16 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant 6 Depot Square Montclair, New Jersey 07042 Jazz 6 Nights a Week! and Continental Cuisine

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The New Orleans Some of my most blissful memories: ■ Over in Economy Hall, the venue for traditional jazz, Bob Wilber joined with ■ Astral Project introduced a new tune by Jazz & Heritage guitarist Steve Masakowski, “Once Lost,” a fellow clarinetists/soprano saxophonist slithery blues on which he and tenor player Dr. Michael White and Evan Christopher Festival Tony Dagradi excelled. Then bassist Jim for a soaring, swooping salute to the Singleton turned on his electronic magic on Soprano Summit group Wilber and the Upbeat Jazz Fest in a “Cowboy Bill,” yanking booming notes recently deceased Kenny Davern co-led for while a bowed refrain echoed via Memorex. years. Wonderful tunes by the likes of Beat-Up City Sidney Bechet, James P. Johnson and many ■ Always upbeat trumpeter/singer Kermit By Sandy Ingham others led to a classic three-clarinet take on Ruffins, married recently onstage at the Ellington’s incandescent “Mood Indigo.” French Quarter Festival, was more ebullient ■ azz Fest is such a joyous occasion — a than ever, though his set list hasn’t changed Maurice Brown was the wake-up call on J 10-day marathon reunion of friends and much in a couple of years. the festival’s final Sunday morning. The families from around the world who revel in maturing young trumpeter played with ■ the music, the food and the other pleasures Irvin Mayfield continues to knock me out more melody and less bombast than in the of New Orleans — that it’s hard to reconcile with his compositions and arrangements for past, but remains a way upbeat performer, with the devastation from Katrina and the the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, a smoking with music to match. despair of so many struggling to rebuild big band. And his most recent suite, “Water ■ First lady of jazz Germaine Bazzle jazzed their homes and lives. Rising,” musical commentary on Katrina, is powerful stuff. up one of her favorite songs, “Secret Love,” I didn’t get out to the Lower Ninth during with a spicy double-time groove laid down ■ this year’s festival — been there, done that Terence Blanchard’s quintet played parts by bassist George French that in the end in 2006 — but it’s not news that 200,000 of the soundtrack he and others in the band morphed into the refrain from Coltrane’s city dwellers are still extant, tangled in a web composed for the Spike Lee documentary, “A Love Supreme.” woven by tight-fisted insurers, government “When the Levees Broke.”Alternately ■ Piano Night was a nightlong celebration bureaucracy and the long-standing reflective and passionate, the music evoked of the piano pioneering of Jelly Roll stagnation of New Orleans’s economy. strong emotions in the tent, earning a rare standing ovation in mid-set. Morton, Professor Longhair, James Booker None of this seemed to sap the spirits of and the many other creators of the sound ■ the 375,000 paying customers at the Arturo Sandoval’s tour-de-force perform- that makes jazz and rhythm and blues so Fair Grounds, who made this the biggest ance began with a demonstration of his special here. Jazz Fest since 2003. Most were drawn by chops: a five-octave run on trumpet that ■ The Ponderosa Stomp, also at the House superstars such as Van Morrison, Lucinda began with tuba-deep blats and crested with Williams, Rod Stewart, Norah Jones, Bonnie his trademark stratospheric squeals. The of Blues, rounds up dozens of southern Raitt, John Mayer, the Allman Brothers and Cuban native also exhibited prowess on swamp pop and rock semi-legends, but John Legend. Not to mention Harry keyboard and drums and scatted diversified this year with special sets from Connick, Jr. It is, after all, JAZZ Fest. convincingly. blues and boogie piano master Henry Gray, tender-voiced jazz vocalist Jimmy Scott and ■ Those of us who spent most of our daytime Stanton Moore conducted a clinic on the a big band led by the great R&B arranger hours in the AT&T-WWOZ Jazz Tent were art of second-line drumming, playing Wardell Quezergue and featuring trumpeter treated to sets by visiting celebs Arturo behind the Gentilly Groovemasters on the Dave Bartholomew, the bandleader who Sandoval, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Mose Allison, strutting tune “Port of Call.” collaborated with Fats Domino to put R&B the World Saxophone Group, Danilo Perez ■ Ellis Marsalis led a quintet on the rarely atop the pop charts in the mid-1950s. and the Roy Hargrove big band. heard gem, “Django,” and the more familiar ■ The festival ended on a bittersweet note. Great music, for the most part. “Bags Groove.” The piano professor played Alvin Batiste, 74, the clarinetist and long- with more oomph than I’d heard from him But what really makes Jazz Fest special is time jazz educator, died that Sunday morn- in awhile, especially on a driving boppish reconnecting with the immensely talented ing, the very day he’d been scheduled to be collection of local musicians, many of blues. honored. He was to have played with whom rarely tour. They’re the ones that ■ John Boutte wasn’t in great voice, and his students of his from the city high school for 90 percent of the audience — the out-of- mood was admittedly peevish, troubled by performing artists. After several moving towners — come to see. People like sound system problems and the scattering of eulogies, the tribute went ahead with John Boutte, Leah Chase, Astral Project, his once close-knit family after Katrina. But Branford Marsalis on reeds and Harry Germaine Bazzle, Nicholas Payton, his updated lyrics to the Randy Newman Connick, Jr. at the piano. These two super- Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, any lament, “Louisiana 1927” and gospel- stars teamed up for an unaccompanied of the Marsalises are given heroes’ imbued versions of “City of New Orleans” version of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” welcomes before a single note sounds. and “Sisters” had the audience in his corner. that had eyes glistening.

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Connick then hustled over to the Miles Davis’s Spirit jazz-rock players like Miller, the drummer Lenny mammoth Acura stage for a Fest- White, and guitarist Vernon Reid (from Living closing run-through of his new Hovers Over Color) performing under the flag of Wynton big band and vocal CD, Oh My Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center. Nola. New York Concerts Marsalis, musical director of JALC, has long He’s no kid anymore, but By Mike Zwerin considered Davis’s electric music to be some sort Connick remains a Crescent City of a capitulation, and he is famous for his favorite son, and his playful narrow-minded put-downs of the back-beat- MANHATTAN The spirit of Miles Davis was attitude, as well as his mastery of hovering over Midtown Manhattan. Tribute based jazz-rock from the 1970s and 1980s. Has New Orleans music, shone concerts renewed his music one more time on a he finally awakened to its timelessness, or has the brightly in his singing, playing weekend in early May. Under the banner of The program just run out of other music to present? and big band arrangements. As Many Moods of Miles Davis, Jazz at Lincoln for that butt-shaking dance, let’s Center presented two groups a night for two A Future for Good Music? hope it turns up on video. nights in the Rose Theater in the Time Warner Songs such as “Tutu” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time Harry’s been out front on the Re: building on Columbus Circle. They covered After Time” being featured in this hallowed hall New Orleans recovery effort. And Davis’s career from the late 1940s through the prove that Davis’s electric music has, like the rest he concluded his show with this 1980s. of it, become just plain unavoidable. The vow: “Nothing in the rest of my trumpeter’s spirit, however, seemed most Concurrently, eight blocks south, there was a professional career will ever be comfortable one flight down in the intimate four-night engagement by a Four Generations more important than making Iridium club. Drummer Jimmy Cobb, of Miles band in the Iridium club on 51st Street sure the world does not forget saxophonist George Coleman, bassist Buster and Broadway. this dear city.” Williams and guitarist Mike Stern come from One conclusion that might be drawn after Amen to that. JJ four different Davis eras, but they were totally listening to these events is that jazz music has in the here-and-now down here. Sandy Ingham is Jersey Jazz’s not really advanced all that much since Davis's Long underrated, Coleman proved once more roving reporter. death in 1991. The lack of post-Miles innovation that he is one of the most masterful of the might be sort of depressing if the music being surviving masters. Stern’s rocky, effect-pedal- toasted had not been before its time and loaded electric guitar helped make the music remained fresh. Davis had been so rooted in the sound freshly minted. They played tunes principles of change and unpredictability that “Y’ALL COME BACK” was a associated with their ex-leader, such as “Solar” even musicians doing their best to sound deriva- kind of unspoken theme at and “Freddie Freeloader,” and true to his tive could not help but remain contemporary. this festival…a message memory, the selections were not announced. aimed at the missing In the Rose Theater, the excellent trumpeter There were only minimum traces of melody and 200,000, and at the tourists. Nicholas Payton honored the quintet with harmony, and the improvisations were deep into Spending time, and money, in Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, the mystery of it all. and Tony Williams in the 1960s. Payton can New Orleans is a great way You could only wonder where the people in the testify for pretty much any period he wants to all of us can assist in its sold-out club who paid a $35 entrance fee plus a (he has already done Louis Armstrong). In this recovery, with tourism $10 cover to descend from gaudy Broadway to case, thanks to the immortality of the material, remaining by far the city’s hear such tasteful, difficult, important music and the good, subtle groove of the young biggest industry. Some other had come from. Maybe good music has a future rhythm section — Danny Grissett, piano, ways to help: after all. Vincente Archer, bass, and Eric McPherson, ■ Donate to the New Orleans drums — the past sounded newly hatched. It was easy to fantasize a scowling Davis coming Musicians Clinic or Habitat out of the woodwork in the basement and Featured with Payton, the young tenorwoman for Humanity’s Musicians wandering about holding up signs with the Sophie Faught, a long-tall sophomore jazz Village. given names of the soloists, a wacky on-stage performance major at Temple University, can do crediting he adopted late in life to support his ■ Support the city’s touring a Wayne Shorter impression that may sound like “Prince of Darkness” image. One way or musicians when they come Wayne but it’s somehow not Shorter, if that another, you just knew he would have been to your town. Buy their CDs. makes any sense. Either way, it is delightful to very happy down here. JJ ■ Finally, come election time, hear such a young improviser leave out so many unnecessary notes. Later the same evening, Mike Zwerin played trombone with the original try to vote for leaders who listening to the band led by bassist Marcus Miles Davis “Birth of the Cool” band. He is a critic truly are compassionate. Miller, who produced and wrote most of the for Bloomberg News and occasional contributor 1986 hit Davis album Tutu, it was bizarre to hear to Jersey Jazz. [email protected]

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shouted out a request to hear an instru- “It Never Entered My Mind,” all of which Caught in mental in the midst of a set highlighting the she delivered with touching, straight-ahead the Act vocals of Davis. Davis simply turned things sincerity, investing the last with an over to Little and the rhythm section, and appropriate touch of irony. By Joe Lang they responded with a most unusual, but Anderson then proceeded to a series of NJJS Music Committee Chair interesting rendering of “Triste” that tunes, mostly ones with a lighter touch, forsook the usual bossa nova treatment for “Ain’t She Sweet,”“Alibi Baby,”“True Blue an intense, almost nightmarish approach. As Lou” and “How’dja Like to Love Me,” always, Coolman and Cuenca were solid, Jamie Davis accompanying herself on the uke for the Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, New York, NY laying down a rhythmic underpinning that first of these offerings. As a closer, she chose April 11, 2007 was all that their cohorts could desire. the title song from her album, “Ten Cents a he last few times that I saw the Count Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola is a great listening Dance.” The enthusiastic applause following TBasie Orchestra, I really dug the band’s venue with the spectacular backdrop of this number brought her back for a wistful vocalist Jamie Davis, for he had a voice and Central Park visible through its floor-to- reading of “But Not for Me.” a presence that were impressive. Last year ceiling windows. Davis and company took Throughout the show, Anderson infused her I gave a positive review to a new album full advantage of the setting to present an between-song patter with her infectious by him, It’s a Good Thing, on which he was hour of very hip and pleasing music. backed by a big band that echoed the Basie sense of humor. She is a natural performer, sound. Finally, I had the opportunity to one who grabs the attention of her audience catch him as the featured performer backed Nancy Anderson immediately, and never lets it waver for a by a small group at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola Birdland, New York City second. The band comprised of leader Ross in the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex. May 7, 2007 Patterson on piano, Wayne Goodman on n another era, Nancy Anderson would be trombone, Chris Rogers on trumpet, For his gig at Dizzy’s Club, he was support- Ia superstar. She can sing and dance, Steve Kenyon on reeds, Joe Brent on violin, ed by Bruce Williams on alto sax, Mark chooses terrific material, is pert and pretty, J. McGeehan on guitar, banjo and uke, Little on piano, Todd Coolman on bass and and has a wonderful flair for comedy. In this Tom Hubbard on bass and Eric Halverson Sylvia Cuenca on drums. Following a take day and age, however, she lacks what seems on drums provided a steadily swinging on “Blue Monk” by the band, Davis arrived to sell best — brassy, over-the-top delivery, underpinning for Anderson’s vocals. The on the scene to lay down “I’ve Got the mediocre songs and general crassness. evening just plain flew by, and left this World on a String” with a nice easy bounce listener totally enchanted and satisfied by For her appearance at Birdland on May 7, tempo. Next up was “Night and Day” with a Nancy Anderson and her musical cohorts. Latinish feeling. Having established his ease Anderson performed songs from her with the swing side of the fence, he let us Ten Cents a Dance CD, backed by the They will return to Birdland on Monday know that he knew what to do with a ballad Ross Patterson Little Big Band. With most of July 2 for a 7 PM show. This is part of the by performing “Lush Life,” and doing so the songs on the disc being from the 1930s, ongoing Broadway at Birdland series that with a terrific reading of this most demand- Anderson assumes the style of a vocalist happens each Monday night preceding the ing lyric. Also noteworthy was “How High from that era, although with different weekly Jim Caruso Cast Party. Catch it if the Moon,” with a rollicking piano interlude material, she is capable of rendering you can! by Little. Things came to a close as they had selections of operetta material with a lovely started with a Monk tune, this time a vocal operatic soprano voice, and can effectively Tribute to take on “Straight, No Chaser.” assay show music pieces with the best of the Broadway style singers. Thelonious Monk The instrumental backing was outstanding. Highlights in Jazz Anderson’s opening three numbers, “The Bruce Williams, a strong presence on the Tribeca Performing Arts Center Trouble With Me Is You,”“The You and Me New Jersey jazz scene since his days at April 12, 2007 William Paterson University in the early That Used to Be” and “I’m So in Love with You,” are songs that she learned from f he were still with us, Thelonious Monk 1990s, is among the most in-demand of the would be celebrating his 90th birthday younger saxophonists. He had ample oppor- recordings by Teddy Grace with the Mal I Hallett Orchestra. She followed with three this coming October. In honor of this tunity to demonstrate precisely why on this milestone, Jack Kleinsinger devoted his April evening, and he did so with creativity and songs that she picked up listening to Peg LaCentra, “You’re Giving Me a Song and a Highlights in Jazz program to the music of consistency. Little, who is based in San this unique and important jazz giant. To Francisco, was a revelation to me. He is one Dance,”“It Ain’t Right” and “Darling Not Without You.” provide the performance content of the heck of a pianist with chops that were evening, he chose Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy unrelenting. He and Davis dealt beautifully Next, it was time for three magnificent Septet, pianist supreme Kenny Barron, and with an awkward moment toward the end Rodgers and Hart ballads, “My Romance,” actor Rome Neal, who starred in the of the set when a rude audience member “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” and acclaimed Off-Broadway show Monk. continued on page 26

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JUNE 2 1 3, 7,12: Perfect weather for a jazzy family frolic 5: NJJS Prez Andi Tyson smoky rendition of “Here’s way through classic Kenton, and 11: WBGO’s Brian Delp That Rainy Day.” Person Basie and other Swing era performed with leader Earl charts. 5 May, he of the beatific smile Big Bands may be sparse on and the booming left-hand- comedian to play jazz — the popular music scene ed bass. And, a consummate held forth. When Person these days but they seem to showman as well, for Earl stopped by to listen, be proliferating in New had the good sense to invite Peplowski asked: “Didn’t you Jersey’s high school music St. Louis vocalist Denise used to play sax? Isn’t your programs and student jazz Thimes to join his quartet. name HOWston?” players closed out both days Thimes is the total package. It may be that Ken only of Jazzfest weekend, with the 6 Tall, beautiful and brimming works with jokesters. J.P. Stevens High School Jazz with charisma, she is a true Guitarist Howard Alden, Band (Edison) performing diva and commands the featured on Barney Kessel’s Saturday and the Mendham 8 stage as a larger than life lickity-split “64 Bars on High School Jazz Band presence. Her sonorous Wilshire” quipped: “I’ve only offering the festival’s final voice blended perfectly with performance on Sunday. been in 30 of them myself… Person’s tenor. She cooked they had a lot more fun in Enough said. For the rest 7 on “Don’t Get Around Much the ’50s.” we’ll let the pictures speak Anymore,” soared along with for themselves, but we’d be Houston on “Skylark” and For the Big Band fan (and remiss if we didn’t mention motored home along who isn’t?) there was the 17- the event’s non-musical “Route 66.” piece Dick Meldonian Band. 10 stars, namely the staff and 9 With the septuagenarian The moment the May out- facilities of Drew University. leader Meldonian, the 87- fit’s ovation was over the Jazzfest’s move to Drew year-old Jerry Bruno on bass word started to spread meant its arrival at world- and a number of “kids” around Drew’s campus and class performance facilities sprinkled through the the group’s second Sunday by way of the intimate Black rhythm and horn sections afternoon set was so crowd- Box performance space and 1, 4, 6: Duke Elllington Legacy Band with vocalist this was truly a “band for the ed that, despite opening the the acoustically sensational Nancy Reed; Wycliff Gordon, trombone; Virginia ages.” Meldonian jokes Mayhew, tenor sax; Mark McGowan, trumpet; Concert Hall’s balcony, the Concert Stage in the 11 Jeb Patton, piano; Tom DiCarlo, bass; Paul around and gets lots of Wells, drums; Edward Ellington III, guitar performance was SRO. Dorothy Young Center for laughs in between numbers, 2, 8, 9, 10: Leader/trumpeter the Arts. Ed Polcer’s band with Dan Levinson, Back under the tent, Jazzfest but once he counts off the sax; Vincent Gardner, trombone; Mark Shane, piano; Frank Tate, bass; favorite Ken Peplowski — downbeat this outfit is all Hopefully the event has James Chirillo, guitar; Mark Hoffman who evidently passed up a business, swinging business found a home for years vibes; Tony Jefferson drums; Judy Kurtz, JJ vocalist career as a stand-up that is, as they kicked their to come.

JUNE 9 BLACK BOX THEATRE 14: Sarah Partridge & Trio alternated sets with 13, 15: Bob Dorough Trio

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JUNE 9 IN THE TENT 16 – 19: Winard Harper Sextet 20 – 22: Midiri Brothers Band 33 – 36: J.P. Stevens High School Jazz Band JUNE 10 IN THE TENT 23 – 25: Ken Peplowski Quintet 26 – 32: Dick Meldonian Big Band 40 37 – 41: Mendham High School Jazz Band ALSO IN THE TENT 42, 43: Two of our seven 50/50 winners, presented with winnings by NJJS Publicity Chair Sheilia Lenga and young helpers. 44: The Three Editors. 45: Evelyn Self of sanofi-aventis (here with Madison Mayor Ellwood Kerkeslager) and 46: Gwen Calvier of Hot House Magazine received honors from NJJS. All photos by Tony Mottola, except 44 & 46 by Linda Lobdell.

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64 JUNE 9 IN THE CONCERT HALL 47 – 52: Five Play 54 – 56: Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quintet JUNE 10 IN THE CONCERT HALL 57 – 59: Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage Band 60 – 62: Earl May Quintet JUNE 10 IN THE BLACK BOX THEATRE 63: Nancy Nelson Trio 64 – 65: Jay Leonhart Trio 63 53: NJJS Board member Stan Myers

65 Affordable prices in a casually elegant atmosphere!

The Warren Vaché Trio is here every Thursday from 7 – 11 PM. Live jazz on Fridays, too, 7 – 11 PM.

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CAUGHT IN THE ACT continued from page 20 Compact Views The opening set was a sublime one Board member Stan Myers who was By Joe Lang by Riley’s group, one of the most sitting next to me that “Barron had NJJS Music Committee Chair exciting and interesting working played more notes in that one piece groups on the scene today. The band than Monk would play in an is comprised of leader Ben Riley on evening.” This was not a criticism, drums, Don Sickler on trumpet, just an indication of the contrast in Bruce Williams on alto and soprano their styles. This was reinforced saxes, Wayne Escoffrey on tenor sax, when Barron played “I’m Getting his month Arbors has come through with seven excellent discs Jay Brandford on baritone sax, Sentimental Over You,” a tune Tto be added to NJJS inventory, so here’s the scoop. Freddie Bryant on guitar, and frequently favored by Monk, and ■ “Guys and Dolls” is one of the truly great theatre musicals. The Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass. They Monk’s own “Ask Me Now.” Barron’s HARRY ALLEN/JOE COHN QUARTET is among the best working played “Brake’s Sake,”“Bemsha other selections were “Love Walked groups in jazz today. Turn these cats loose on the “Guys and Dolls” Swing,”“Bright Mississippi,”“Bye- in,” and a brilliant medley of flower- score, add in the marvelous vocal talents of REBECCA KILGORE Ya” and “Epistrophy.” NJJS members themed songs from the Billy and EDDIE ERICKSON and you get one hell of an album, Music who saw this band at Jazzfest last Strayhorn/Duke Ellington catalog, from Guys and Dolls (Arbors – 19354). The disc is wonderfully year are familiar with the unique “Lotus Blossom/A Flower Is a programmed. They kick things off with a hip instrumental take on approach taken by the MLS to Lovesome Thing/Single Petal of a “Guys and Dolls,” and close with a reprise of the same song with Monk’s music. It is a pianoless Rose.” This was an exhilarating set of Kilgore and Erickson adding some vocal embellishments. In tribute to Monk. Sickler has music by a pianist with few peers. between, they explore 13 other tunes from the show with four transcribed performances of the instrumentals, three vocals each from the two singers, and three Thelonious Monk Quartet, and Rome Neal made occasional tracks with vocal duets. The quartet, with Allen on tenor sax, Cohn arranged the pieces to leave solo contributions playing the role of on guitar, Joel Forbes on bass and Chuck Riggs on drums, is — as space for the horn men and guitarist Monk as he did in the show usual — imaginative and swinging. Kilgore and Erickson know how with the other frontline players referenced above. While the show to put over any type of material from the comic to the romantic. combining to play chords that Monk worked quite effectively, the Kilgore is smooth of voice, and would have been, had she been would play when comping behind inclusion of bits from the show in born earlier, a superlative big band singer. Erickson’s voice is not a his horn player, usually Charlie this context was a bit disconcerting. classic sounding one, reminding me a bit of a slightly more refined Jack Sheldon, but he has a great sense of jazz phrasing, and hits all Rouse on tenor sax. As is evident Monk was known as a man of few of the notes right on. “Guys and Dolls” is a perfect score for from the play list for this concert, words, but within the play he was exploration by jazz musicians, and Allen, Cohn and company do it they have chosen to play several presented as quite loquacious. When full justice. tunes that are more esoteric than I saw the play, I assumed that much one normally hears from people of what Neal was saying was a ■ Guitarist JOE COHN is a special musician, a player greatly playing his music. This band is not representation of what Monk was admired by his peers, a sideman on dozens of albums, but stuck, however in mere replication, thinking more than an attempt to Restless (Arbors – 19329) is only his second as a leader, rather each of the players is a recreate words that might have been although he has co-led a few recording sessions with Harry Allen. creative musician who is allowed the voiced by Monk. Without the For this outing, Cohn is joined by Dmitry Baevsky on alto sax, Hod freedom to bring his own context of the play, it just did not O’Brien on piano, Dennis Irwin on bass and Chuck Riggs on drums, perspective to the Monk oeuvre. seem to make much sense. with Allen guesting on tenor sax for five of the 11 tracks. This is the kind of blowing session that makes jazz such a joyful music to The second set was a solo Hopefully, Kleinsinger’s nod toward experience. The program includes five standards, “Too Marvelous performance by Kenny Barron. the legacy of Thelonious Monk will for Words,” “Restless,” “Shadow Waltz,” “Comes Love” and “I Hadn’t Although he cites Monk as an inspire others to make similar Anyone Till You;” two originals, Cohn and Allen’s “Never Look Back” influence, Barron is his own stylist. efforts, and the result will be a large- and O’Brien’s “Diffusion of Beauty;” two from the pen of Al Cohn, This was immediately evident on his scale celebration of the man that I “Fast” and “Woody’s Lament;” and one each by Buddy Johnson, “I first selection, Monk’s “Well You consider the greatest of all jazz Wonder Where Our Love Has Gone,” and Thad Jones, “Little Juicy.” Needn’t.” I kiddingly said to fellow composers. JJ While each member of this crew is an exceptional musician, a fact that is constantly reinforced on this disc, it is Cohn’s amazing fluidity as a player, and genius as an improviser that dominates the Cape May Traditional Jazz Society proceedings. I expect to see this album on a lot of Top 10 lists at MEMBERS WANTED the end of the year. Send name & address for newsletter, gig information, etc. ■ Whenever I see a new album by JOHN SHERIDAN AND HIS DREAM BAND, a smile immediately crosses my lips. Without fail, [email protected] Sheridan gathers a group of swinging musicians and sets them 609-827-7909 continued on page 28

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COMPACT VIEWS most discriminating and intelligent of singers. Parrott’s vocals are charming, sensual and Dearest Duke (Arbors – 19350) is the third wonderful to hear. The music on People Will Say continued from page 26 album that she has done of songs from the world We’re in Love covers a lot of stylistic territory, and of Ellingtonia, and it is glorious. For this session, is never less than engaging, most often grabbing Sloane is backed solely by the piano of Brad your unflagging attention. Hatfield and the clarinet and tenor sax of Ken ■ Blue Roof Blues: A Love Letter to New Peplowski, a surprising supporting cast, but a wise Orleans (Arbors – 19346) is an exceptional and effective one. There are 12 tracks: album. Conceived as a tribute to the city that “Sophisticated Lady,” “Solitude,” “I Let a Song Go suffered so much from the devastation of Katrina, it Out of My Heart/Do Nothin’ Till You Hear from Me,” is a triumph that evinces both the pain and joy of “I Didn’t Know About You,” “Serenade to Sweden,” the city. Trumpeter JON-ERIK KELLSO assembled a “Mood Indigo,” “Rocks in My Bed/I Ain’t Got Nothin’ company of outstanding musicians who are but the Blues,” “In a Sentimental Mood/Prelude to a steeped in the traditional jazz sounds of the Kiss,” “Day Dream,” “I Got It Bad and That Ain’t Crescent City, but who are constantly taking the Good,” “Just A’Sittin’ and A’Rockin’/All Too Soon” music to places where it has not been before. This and “Just Squeeze Me (But Don’t Tease Me).” creative crew, in addition to Kellso, is Evan Several of these are songs that Sloane has record- Christopher on clarinet, Matt Munisteri on banjo ed before, but these takes are newly conceived and and guitar, Danton Boller on bass and Marion Felder welcome. Sloane and Peplowski connect like few on drums. Kellso once again proves that his is a horn players and vocalists ever do, their empathy unique and exceptional voice on trumpet. In loose playing a program of wonderful tunes, many never in question. Hatfield, a player who was addition, this album highlights his strength as a of which are songs that have generally and unfamiliar to me, is a marvelous accompanist, and a composer who honors the tradition, but adds a undeservedly slipped through the cracks. While the fine jazz player. This is an album they is enjoyable personal and contemporary sensitivity. Christopher cast of players may vary, Sheridan always makes on several levels, accessible to the casual listener, is a player who mirrors Kellso’s eclecticism. sure that vocalist Rebecca Kilgore makes the scene, and full of surprises and delights for those who Munisteri, Boller and Felder keep things vibrant and and that is good news indeed. For Swing Is Still make the effort to dig beneath the surface. moving. The program includes five tracks written by the King (Arbors – 19339), the lineup is ■ One listen to People Will Say We’re in Love Kellso, “Just Like That,” “Blue Roof Blues,” “Door No. comprised of Sheridan on piano, Randy Reinhart on (Arbors – 19335) and you’ll be in love with the 4,” “Just Like This” and “Just Like This, Just Like cornet, Dan Barrett on trombone and cornet, Russ musicianship of pianist ROSSANO SPORTIELLO That,” the latter being a combining and reworking Phillips on trombone, Ron Hockett on clarinet, Scott and bassist/vocalist NICKI PARROTT. There is of the two earlier pieces. Most of the other tunes Robinson and Dan Block on a variety of reeds, Eddie something about the wonderful worlds of main- are drawn from the traditional jazz catalog, Erickson on guitar, Phil Flanigan on bass and Jake stream jazz and the Great American Songbook that “Panama,” “Weary Blues,” “Why” and “Hindustan.” Hanna on drums. Kilgore adds her warm voice to draws enough younger players into their spells to Also included are Duke Ellington’s “Way Back nine of the 15 tracks. The program was inspired by make the most cynical of us keep believing that this When,” and Thelonious Monk’s “Bye-Ya.” The Monk music played by various Benny Goodman groups. special music will always find keepers of the flame. tune might seem like a fish out of water in this The instrumental numbers are “Always,” “Ballad in Sportiello and Parrott are two examples of this context, but once you hear it, you will understand Blue,” “You Turned the Tables on Me,” “Sometimes phenomenon, and very special ones they are. that their reconception of this song is appropriate I’m Happy,” “Shirley Steps Out” and “I Had to Do It.” Sportiello, who hails from Italy, is a classically and magnificent. Given the space limits dictated by Kilgore steps forward for the other selections, trained pianist who opted to concentrate on the the type of reviews that I write, I shall resist the “You’re a Heavenly Thing,” “Did You Mean It,” “Keep jazz music that he grew to love. He is adept at temptation to explore the virtues of each individual Me in Mind,” “Behave Yourself,” “Don’t Be That many styles from stride to bop, all with equal track. Suffice to say that you will find that each of Way,” “Take Another Guess,” “These Foolish Things,” facility and imagination. On one track, Chopin’s them is a gem. This is an album that is ostensibly “Gotta Be This or That” and “Goodnight, My Love.” “Revolutionary Etude,” he demonstrates his aimed at an audience inclined toward the sounds of This is small group swing at its best. From the versatility, beginning with a straight classical traditional New Orleans Jazz, and, indeed, it will opening notes to the final strains, your toe will be interpretation of the piece, and then segueing into certainly find great favor with those devotees. Give tapping, and your life will seem less full of cares his jazz take on the same music, impressively on it a listen, however, and you will hear music that and distractions. both counts. Parrott arrived on these shores from defies classification. I expect that there will be ■ There are many opinions about what makes a Australia in 1994, and has established herself as a many who consider themselves modernists in their singer a jazz singer. I am not sure that this is a premier bassist with credits that include perform- taste being drawn to the music on Blue Roof Blues. definable thing, but there is little doubt that ances with DIVA, Five Play, Warren Vaché, Les Paul, ■ CLARINETIST EVAN CHRISTOPHER, although whatever the criteria, CAROL SLOANE must be and many more, as well as appearing on numerous born and educated in California, has been a fixture included. While a casual listener might say that she recordings, several on the Arbors label. On this disc, on the New Orleans jazz scene since the mid-1990s, is just singing the songs as they were written, a these jazz players from different ends of the world except for a three-year stay in San Antonio with the careful listener will note how she subtly bends or display the kind of empathy that is so much a part Jim Cullum Jazz Band. Christopher is truly a scholar changes notes, does things with phrasing that just of the jazz tradition. Sportiello has chops that do of early jazz styles in New Orleans, especially those cannot be written down, and finds a way to express not quit, and Parrott is a bassist who is never played by the Creole musicians. This music derived the subtext in a lyric that is evident to only the intrusive, but is always in your consciousness. from many influences, and is not strictly what one continued on page 30

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COMPACT VIEWS Szymanski on trumpet, Mike Hashim on tenor sax, exists between Lark and McNeely. I had not heard Dan Block on clarinet and Brian Bonvissuto on Colby before, but his playing, especially on “Star continued from page 28 trombone. Vocalist Carla Cook makes a fine Eyes,” makes me look forward to the prospect of contribution with her reading of “It Had to Be You.” hearing more of him. My suggestion is that you Whether you sit and listen or rise to cut a rug, this obtain a copy of Suggestions. imagines when reference is made to New Orleans album will keep you movin’ and groovin’. (www.JazzedMedia.com) jazz, a term most commonly associated with what has become more commonly known as Dixieland. ■ It is surprising that after almost 40 years as a ■ In reading the liner notes for Charlotte Swing Delta Bound (Arbors – 19325) is an outgrowth of first call bassist with hundreds of recording credits, — The Gift (Redstone Jazz – 4505) by the Christopher’s affection for this music. To and a raft of impressive original compositions, that VINCE LEWIS TRIO, I learned that there was a demonstrate the eclectic nature of this music, RUFUS REID has had relatively few sessions small jazz scene in his hometown of Charleston, Christopher has selected a program mixing his on which he served as the leader. Live at the West Virginia in the 1960s. It was the also the originals with tunes penned by early New Orleans Kennedy Center (Motéma – 9), a CD/DVD set, hometown of my wife, and it was during that period musicians, and has added, for good measure, a few is a welcome addition to the Reid catalog. The that I made an occasional visit to Charleston. I did New Orleans-oriented Tin Pan Alley songs. Joining dynamic quintet on this album is comprised of Reid not have a clue that there was any music that was Christopher on this musical adventure are Dick on bass, New Jerseyan Freddie Hendrix, a graduate not country and western played in any clubs in Hyman on piano, Bill Huntington on bass and of the Jazz Studies programs at William Paterson Charleston. Well, Lewis, who is now based in the Shannon Powell on drums. All of the players are well University and New Jersey City University, on Washington, DC area, got his footing in jazz in that versed in the variety of musical styles explored here, trumpet and flugelhorn, Rich Perry on tenor sax, environment, and has proven to be one hell of a and are a perfect combination for effectively Sumi Tonooka on piano and Tim Horner on drums. fine jazz guitarist. His latest album is a 13-tune presenting the many moods and influences in this Hendrix and Perry are fiery front-liners who com- delight. Lewis is a cat who plays nice clean lines music. The program is wonderfully annotated in the bine prodigious technique with improvisational and logical improvisations that lie easily on the ears liner notes by Dr. Bruce Boyd Raeburn of Tulane imagination. Tonooka and Horner sparkle through- of a listener. He is ably abetted in this undertaking University. This is an album that deserves a bit of out, prodding their band mates and enhancing the by Tom Hildreth on bass and Phil Riddle on drums. extra attention in order for the listener to fully group sound. Reid is always a strong presence, and Their take on “Just a Closer Walk” has immediately appreciate the care and artistic acumen that his solo performance of “Sophisticated Lady” is a catapulted onto my list of favorite versions of this Christopher has brought to this project. thing of beauty from start to finish. The 10-song venerable classic. His inclusion of two tunes by Wes program, there is an 11th bonus track on the DVD, Montgomery, “Road Song” and “West Coast Blues,” We now have available a listing of all CDs in the NJJS is primarily devoted to Reid originals, and they are highlight the influence of Montgomery on Lewis. music inventory. We can either mail a hard copy wonderfully conceived and executed. It is interest- What ultimately stands out about this album is that inventory to you, or e-mail it to you as an attachment ing to listen to the CD before watching the same Lewis has put together a program of familiar tunes, in Excel format. To obtain a copy please contact performances on the DVD. Observing the players and has made each of them seem fresh and Andi Tyson, 110 Haywood Avenue, Piscataway, NJ concentrate and interact enhances the satisfaction interesting. (www.redstoneaudio.com) 08854, or e-mail Andi at [email protected]. that jazz enthusiasts derive from this emotionally ■ I never expected to open a package and find a involving music. This is certainly the case with straight ahead jazz album by BOOTS RANDOLPH, these performances by the Rufus Reed Quintet. and surely did not expect to find such a production (www.motema.com) Other Views on Zoho, a fine label primarily, but not exclusively, ■ Suggestions (Jazzed Media – 1026) is the noted for jazz with a Latin flavor. Well, I did in fact By Joe Lang NJJS Music Committee Chair second album featuring trumpeter/flugelhornist receive A Whole New Ballgame (Zoho – BOB LARK on this label. The prior release, In Her 200706) recently, and found out that at 79 years of ere are some fine new releases that are not Eyes (Jazzed Media – 1018), found Lark in the age, Randolph was able to effectively stretch his included in the NJJS inventory. H company of Phil Woods, Jim McNeely, Steve Gilmore impressive talent into an area that he had never ■ GEORGE GEE is a bandleader dedicated to and Bill Goodwin. This time out Lark is joined by previously explored in quite this way in a recording carrying on the tradition of swing music. He has a McNeely on piano, Mark Colby on tenor sax, Kelly environment. It is obvious from the outset that he full 17-piece big band as well as the Jump, Jivin’ Sill on bass and Joel Spencer on drums. The latter did not just one day decide to play jazz, and rush Wailers Swing Orchestra, a 10-piece small big band. three musicians are colleagues of Lark in the Jazz into a studio to satisfy this sudden yearning. It is the latter group that is featured on If Dreams Studies program at DePaul University. For this Anyone who plays like he does here has been Come True (GJAZZ Records – 3568), a collection recording, the program contains six jazz and pop exploring this kind of music for a long time. It is of 13 hard swinging tracks. The band’s musical standards, “You and the Night and the Music,” surprising that it took him so long to get to a director, trumpeter Walt Szymanski is responsible “Lover Man,” “Joy Spring,” “A Child Is Born,” “Star project like this, as his passion for jazz is obvious. for the bulk of the arrangements. The tunes are “All Eyes” and “All the Way;” three originals by Lark, No, he is not immediately going to take a place the Cats Join In,” “Gin for Xmas,” “Shorty George,” “Suggestions,” “Old School” and “If You Only Knew;” among the great jazz tenor players, but with his “Sent for You Yesterday,” “Down South Camp and McNeely’s “Gracie’s Delight.” “Old School” chops and sound, he will open a lot of eyes. More Meeting,” “If Dreams Come True,” “Puttin’ on the sounds like a tune from a hard bop session from importantly, his broad appeal should open up the Ritz,” “It Had to Be You,” “Ball of Fire,” “You Can Blue Note, Prestige or Riverside. The four ears of his fan base to some sounds that they Depend on Me,” “Lulu’s Back in Town,” “Topsy” and flugelhorn/piano duet tracks are impressive might just decide to explore further. By the way, I “Victory Stride.” Among the outstanding soloists are demonstrations of the natural musical affinity that really dug his take on “Take Me Out to the

continued on page 32

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OTHER VIEWS continued from page 30

Ballgame.” If this is his concept of A Whole New Ballgame, then he should bring ■ The current Broadway revival of Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s 1964 a lot of new fans into the stadium. (www.zohomusic.com) musical 110 in the Shade (PS Classics – 754) is highlighted by an unforget- table performance by Audra McDonald in the role of Lizzie Curry, a plain looking ■ British vocalist CLAIRE MARTIN is among the best of the current jazz spinster who has bleak prospects for finding a mate. While it is difficult to singers. He Never Mentioned Love (Linn – 298), a tribute to Shirley Horn, is accept McDonald as plain in any sense of the word, she effectively subsumes her latest effort, and it is simply terrific. This is a lady who knows how to sing! her natural beauty, and convincingly inhabits her character. When she is on She immediately draws a listener in with her warm sound. Her phrasing makes stage, the world stands still and is totally centered on the force of nature that is you anxious to hear exactly how she is going to render each selection on this McDonald. It is an amazing performance that lifts a relatively innocuous piece 13-song collection. Like any good singer who is under a jazz influence, her of musical theatre to heights that are exhilarating. While it is impossible to singing always has a movement to it, no matter what the tempo. Whether capture the full effect of this performance on a recording, the cast album conveying the yearning of “You’re Nearer,” the desperation of “L.A. Breakdown” serves as a pleasantly jolting memory prod for those lucky enough to have seen or the passion of “The Music That Makes Me Dance,” Martin convincingly her performance, and will bring great pleasure to all fans of musical theatre communicates each lyric. She is wonderfully supported by the trio of Gareth who give it a listen. It really is somewhat unfair to ignore the many fine Williams on piano, Laurence Cottle on bass and Clark Tracey on drums who, performances by other cast members, particularly John Cullum as Lizzie’s father perfectly frame each selection. It is a sure thing that Shirley Horn is nodding H.C., and Bobby Steggert as her younger brother Jim, but the show belongs to down approvingly at the way in which Martin has executed this loving tribute to McDonald, without whom it probably would have received considerably less a lady who provided her with a lot of inspiration. (www.linnrecords.com) critical acclaim. (www.PSClassics.com) ■ It is not unusual for singers performing in the pop/jazz genre, who grew up in Remember that these albums are not available through NJJS.You should be the post-1960 period, to include songs from their formative years in their able to obtain most of them at any major record store. They are also available recordings. On her three previous albums, JESSICA MOLASKEY stayed mostly on-line from the websites that I have shown after each review, or from with songs from the catalog of the Great American Songbook, with a few a variety of other on-line sources. JJ originals written with her husband and musical partner John Pizzarelli added to those programs. On Sitting in Limbo (PS Classics – 751), where she has the musical assistance of Larry Goldings or Larry Fuller on piano, John Pizzarelli on guitar, Harry Allen on tenor sax, Martin Pizzarelli on bass and Tony Tedesco on drums, Molaskey has mixed evergreens like “There Will Never Be Another You” CTSIMAGES |The Face of Jazz and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” with more contem- LICENSING • RESEARCH • APPRAISALS porary material like the title song by Jimmy Cliff and Guilly Bright, “Heavy Cloud, No Rain” by Sting and Billy Joel’s “Summer, Highland Falls.” There are two vocal duets with Pizzarelli, both medleys. One combines the standards “I Want to Be Happy” and “Sometimes I’m Happy.” The other finds Joni Mitchell’s “The Circle” paired with Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Waters of March.” Interestingly, when she is performing the older material, Molaskey adopts a style that is reflective of the earlier periods in which those songs were written, but on the newer material, her approach is closer to that of the singer/songwriters who became an integral part of the pop mainstream somewhere around the mid-’60s. My personal preference is for the former part of her repertoire, but Molaskey’s artistry is on such a high level that Sitting in Limbo is ultimately a totally satisfying listening experience. (www.PSClassics.com)

■ Nostalgia is a powerful phenomenon, especially when it involves music. The original cast album of When the Lights Go on Again (Thoroughbred – 104) brings back 22 World War II era songs, performed by an appealing quartet of singers, Bill Daugherty, Paul Kropfl, Christina Morrell and Connie Pachl, backed by a band of Doyle Newmyer on piano, Jim Conant on guitar, John Loehrke on bass and Chip Fabrizi on drums. The stage production was conceived and written by Daugherty, and concerns a vocal group of the era, and their careers, romantic relationships and involvement in the war effort. The arrangements have the appropriate period sound, and are effectively performed Avery/CTSIMAGES.COM © Ray Photo Archives include vintage Jazz, Pop, Blues, R&B, Rock, Country/Western, by the quartet. Most of the tunes will be familiar to those who lived through Radio Personalities, Big Bands, Vocalists, Hollywood and more. those times, and also by those, like me, who have developed an affection for the music of that era, although some require you to jostle your memory a bit • PHOTOGRAPH RESEARCH • LICENSING FOR COMMERCIAL USE more than others. I am particularly fond of “Humpty Dumpty Heart,” “The Starlit • FINE ART LIMITED EDITION PRINTS • GALLERY EXHIBITIONS • RECORD & PHOTOGRAPH APPRAISALS Hour” and “No Love, No Nothin’.” When I saw this show on stage, there were quite a few damp eyes in the house. This recording will probably have that WWW.CTSIMAGES.COM e-mail: [email protected] effect on some listeners, but it will also bring a lot of pleasure along with the recalled emotions. (www.thoroughbred-records.com)

32 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 33 JerseyReviewsJazz

Out and About

By Robert Daniels

Carla White Remembered There’s a new song bird in heaven. Carla White defined the often elusive art of the left to right: The late Carla White, jazz baby Julius LaRosa at The Manor Bob Daniels with Andrea jazz singer. Darryl Sherman, and the late Susannah McCorkle Marcovicci at the Algonquin at Hunter College The singer, who died at her home in Manhattan on May 9, possessed a Ever Youthful Julius LaRosa Marco’s Suite keen musical awareness. She had a rare Alongside the elite group of surviving The landmark Algonquin Hotel has archaeological gift for unearthing material crooners of the last half century — Tony dedicated suites to the memory of legendary from the jazz repertoire, Broadway show Bennett, Jack Jones and Vic Damone — scribes Noel Coward, Dorothy Parker and tunes and the kind of torchy ballad that can there is the kid from Brooklyn who at age 77 James Thurber among others. Celebrating cut deep into the heart and linger long after is singing the old ones with a firm and her 20th anniversary as a featured performer the last note has been sung. pliant voice. He is Julius LaRosa. With an in the hallowed Oak Room, the hotel has ageless twinkle in his eyes, and a unbridled honored thrush Andrea Marcovicci with a In the unique possession of a dark and boyish sense of humor, the singer returned suite in her honor. dusty voice, she was a sultry and persuasive to the Manor in West Orange for a fifth year. vocalist with a knowing sense of the content Marcovicci returned to the Oak Room for a of a song and a keen knowledge of musical With the sole accompaniment of pianist fortnight turn with her encore program of phrasing. She defined the role of a torch Steve Michaels, LaRosa sang as though he requests, sublimely capturing the bittersweet were accompanied by a big band. singer with an acute blend of ache and textures of romance and its ultimate despair. She was also one of the rare jazz Spotting his repertoire with career high- rapture. With her customary wise and witty singers who could scat with an original lights, the baritone recalled his biggest hit narrative, the diva linked the big hurt of and refreshing edge. “Domani (Tomorrow)” in 1955, which sold such timeless torch tunes as Jerome Kern’s far more than “Eh, Cumpari!” two years “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and Stephen How well I remember how she caressed the earlier. Unfortunately he laughingly claimed Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns,” the latter restrained heartbreak of “Some Other Time,” his take on “I’m Glad I’m Not Young having amassed 79 requests during last penned by Leonard Bernstein with its Anymore,” the Alan Jay Lerner-Frederick season’s engagement. wartime farewell sentiment so deftly Loewe classic from “Gigi,” sold only 17 One of the audience requests was for “The designed by Adolph Green and Betty copies. LaRosa put a sly smile into the song, Saga of Jenny” the irreverent Kurt Weill–Ira Comden. Once in a Gotham restaurant but noted that the title is not necessarily a Gershwin story of a girl whose “equal would she approached the very gracious lyricist true statement. be hard to find.” Marcovicci appeared as Green to personally thank him for his gift Recalling his debut on the Arthur Godfrey magazine editor Liza Elliot in a Philadelphia of genius. show in 1950 as a young sailor stationed at revival of “Lady in the Dark” a decade ago Carla had a passion for world travel which Pensacola, LaRosa revived the first song he and “Jenny” provided a tantalizing mini prompted annual trips in the company of ever sang on television. It was “I Only Have recap of her performance. Eyes for You,” the old movie tune by Harry her mother, and she was a avid and devoted But it is with a love song that Marcovicci Warren and Al Dubin. He demonstrated theatergoer. Once at a rather splashy tourist- ignites the embers of a heart, and the that both he and the song are ageless. aimed Indian musical extravaganza, she was glamorous chanteuse puts a proscenium so taken by the gaudy imagery that she Quips and nostalgia dotted his repertoire, arch around such fervent love songs as “The rushed to the souvenir stand to purchase and when he sang, the phrasing was decid- Folks Who Live on the Hill,”“Two for the not only the CD, but a pair of rather exotic edly well-nuanced and the pipes are still Road” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” looking earrings. blessed with strength. Among the tunes were She has a way of turning each romantic “Here’s That Rainy Day,”“In the Wee Small Carla can be best defined by her 1991 statement into an irresistibly radiant little Hours of the Morning” and “I’m Old JJ recording of a Dave Frishberg tune. theatrical experience. Fashioned.” Summing up the process of living and learning with that little voice from And, oh yes. Never one to be pigeonholed, Mr. Daniels is a jazz, cabaret and theatre within that calls, “Listen here, old friend, LaRosa saddled up for Cole Porter’s only reviewer for Variety, Daily Variety Gotham and listen here.” cowboy song, “Don’t Fence Me In.” New York Theater News.

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In The Mainstream

By Mainstream Mac NJJS Entertainment Contributorr was talking with Radio Ray — or, rather, Thinking about this, I recalled my friend ■ Hawkins’s “Body and Soul” and “Out of Ihe was talking with me. He was telling me Chevy who told me that he never listened to Nowhere” with Django how his management had put into effect anything recorded before 1940. I was ■ this policy of not playing any jazz that was stunned by that. No Jazz Age revolution! No Luscious Billie Holiday: “I Wished on the recorded before 1945. The ostensible reason Swing Era when jazz music WAS America’s Moon,”“Easy to Love,”“Foolin’ Myself,” was the sound quality. A good reason, I popular music! I was energized enough to “The Man I Love” — these were with Teddy suppose. But I remember the days when we make a tape for Chevy. It was called “Before Wilson and Webster prided ourselves on the ability to extract the My Time.” Here is a summary of the music, ■ Then “When You’re Smiling;” Billie, Pres music from under the surface noise. If you all recorded in the 1930s: remember those days, 78s were made of and Benny Morton shellac and their surfaces wore easily. The ■ Some Roy Eldridge with Chu Berry ■ Art Tatum solos noise became worse with each playing. And ■ Ellington’s exquisite “Reminiscing in we played the good ones over and over. You Tempo” (which covered four 78 sides) ■ Basie with Lester Young and the All- were supposed to change the steel needle American rhythm section doing “Lady Be after every play. But no one did that. ■ Duke with Lawrence Brown, Hodges, (During the war the needles were cactus!) Cootie, etc. Good,”“Time Out,”“Every Tub,”“Jive at Five” and “Taxi War Dance” The recording techniques were primitive. ■ Red Norvo’s big band with “Remember.” Much of the audible range was omitted. We Wow! What music! had never heard the words high and fidelity in the same sentence. ■ Benny Goodman (Too bad we can’t hear it on the radio.) JJ

Think JAZZ TRIVIA ANSWERS questions on page 4 New Jersey is 1. A1=B4, A2=B3, A3=B5, A4=B6, A5=B2, July 7, 1956, at the American Jazz the only place A6=B1 Festival in Newport, RI. 2. Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and Art 5. Turk Murphy. Tatum, respectively. 3. Johnny Hodges. to hear 4. Paul Gonsalves took a 27-chorus solo Traditional jazz? on the song with the Ellington band on WRONG! From the Crow’s Nest The By Bill Crow Grove Street ill Crow himself writes: I recently played a BDixieland job with a band Phil Sasson put STOMPERS together for the opening of the new indoor pool built by the town of Ossining. We were stationed in a hallway at the recreation center, near every Monday night 8–11 PM the entrance to the gymnasium and the adjoining pool. A lady stopped and asked the band, “Do you know the way to the pool?” Arthur’s Tavern in Greenwich Village Cornetist Lew Green quickly replied, “We don’t play requests!” JJ 57 Grove Street • 212-675-2263 Bill Crow is a freelance musician and writer. His articles and reviews have appeared in Down Beat, The Jazz Review, and Gene Lee’s Jazzletter. His THE LONGEST GIG IN TOWN (45 YEARS!) books include Jazz Anecdotes and Jazz Anecdotes: Second Time Around. The preceding story is excerpted, with permission, from Bill’s column, The Band Room in Allegro, the monthly newsletter of A.F. of M. Local 802.

36 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz New JerseyJazzSociety

What’s New? About NJJS Members new and renewed The New Jersey Jazz Society is dedicated to the performance, promotion and preservation of jazz. Founded in 1972, the Society is run by a board of We welcome these friends of jazz who recently joined NJJS or directors who meet monthly to conduct the business of staging our music renewed their memberships. We apologize for errors and omissions. festivals, awarding scholarships to deserving New Jersey college jazz studies students, conducting the Generations of Jazz programs in local school systems, and inducting pioneers and legends of jazz into the American Jazz Renewed Hall of Fame, among other things. The membership is comprised of jazz Mr. & Mrs. Frank Adami, Middlesex NJ Mr. & Mrs. Ferris Mahadeen, devotees from all parts of the state, the country and the world. The New Jersey Mr. Britt Adams, Kendall Park NJ West Caldwell NJ Jazz Society is a qualified organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust. Mr. & Mrs. Peter T. Aiello, Mr. Robert Manigian, Sparta NJ Visit www.njjs.org, e-mail [email protected], or call the HOTLINE 1-800-303-NJJS Rockaway Twp. NJ Mr. Arthur G. Mattei, Lawrenceville NJ for more information on any of our PROGRAMS AND SERVICES: Dr. & Mrs. Steven Alexander, Wayne NJ Mr. Robert G. Meeker, Hazel Crest IL ■ Generations of Jazz (our Jazz in the Schools Program) Mr. & Mrs. Terry Allworthy, Mr. Al Monroe, Oradell NJ ■ Jazzfest (two-day summer jazz festival) Flemington NJ Mr. Frank Mulvaney, Westfield NJ ■ Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp ■ e-mail updates Mr. Mitchell Andrus, Stirling NJ Mr. Lawrence W. Nagel, Randolph NJ ’Round Jersey (Regional Jazz Concert Series): ■ Bridgewater Mr. William Ash, Allendale NJ Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Novak, ■ Ocean County College ■ Bickford Theatre/Morris Mr. & Mrs. Richard M. Berlin, South Orange NJ North Plainfield NJ Ms. Ann Pearce, McAfee NJ ■ Student scholarships ■ American Jazz Hall of Fame Mr. Robert J. Bialy, Cedar Grove NJ Mr. & Mrs. Marc V. Pierce, Colts Neck NJ Mr. & Mrs. Mark Boginsky, Livingston NJ Mr. Carl Radespiel, Annapolis MD Mr. & Mrs. George Boyer, Chatham NJ Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Rantzer, Mt. Arlington NJ Member Benefits Mr. Sandy Catz, Ambler PA Mr. Ed Saltzman, New Vernon NJ What do you get for your $40 dues? Mr. Ernest Chrisbacher, Wayne NJ Mr. Bernard Schwartz, Springfield NJ ■ Jersey Jazz Journal — a monthly journal considered one of the best jazz Mr. Robert Citron,Martinsville NJ Dr. & Mrs. Richard W. Scopp, Atlanta GA society publications in the country, packed with feature articles, photos, jazz Mr. & Mrs. Gene Coll, Cranford NJ Mr. & Mrs. Anthony R. Sloan, calendars, upcoming events and news about the NJ Jazz Society. Mr. Gary Darling, Green Pond NJ Millbrook NY ■ NEW! FREE Monthly Member Meetings — See www.njjs.org and Mr. Fred Diese, West Paterson NJ Mr. Frank Sole, Green Village NJ Jersey Jazz for updates. Ms. Verlynda Dobbs, Long Branch NJ Mr. & Mrs. Ron Spinella, ■ Musical Events — NJJS sponsors and co-produces a number of jazz events Mr. & Mrs. David Engberg, Riverview MI Glen Gardner NJ each year, ranging from intimate concerts to large dance parties and picnics. Mr. & Mrs. Donald Engesser, Dr. David Stoler, Wanaque NJ Members receive discounts on ticket prices for the Pee Wee Russell Chatham NJ Mr. & Mrs. Carl Sturgis, Chatham NJ Memorial Stomp and Jazzfest. Plus there’s a free concert at the Annual Mr. Joe Esser, Summit NJ Mr. Robert W. Swoger, Toms River NJ Meeting in December and occasionally other free concerts. Ticket discounts Mr. L. Antony Fisher, Morris Plains NJ Mr. Myles E. Tierney, Whippany NJ (where possible) apply to 2 adults, plus children under 18 years of age. Singles may purchase two tickets at member prices. Mr. & Mrs. Charles Germanetti, Mr. John S. Tomasini, Wayne NJ ■ The Record Bin — a collection of CDs, not generally found in music stores, Kinnelon NJ Mr. Alec Vinopal, Union NJ available at reduced prices at most NJJS concerts and events and through Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Goldstein, Mr. John Viola, Blauvelt NY Marlboro NJ mail order. Contact [email protected] for a catalog. Mr. John J. Vitale, Jr., Roselle NJ Mr. & Mrs. Al Gore, Edison NJ Mr. Chris Volinsky, Morristown NJ Mr. Pete Grice, Flanders NJ Mr. Bruce Wallace, Madison NJ Mr. Henry W. Hagen, High Bridge NJ Join NJJS Mr. Henry Wallhauser, Millburn NJ Ms. Barbara Hann, Bridgewater NJ Mr. Raymond Whearty, Southampton PA MEMBERSHIP LEVELS Member benefits are subject to update. Mr. & Mrs. Donald Holtzman, Warren NJ ■ Family $40: See above for details. Mr. & Mrs. George Wilson, Princeton NJ Ms. Rosemary Hopkins, New York NY ■ Mr. James R. Wilson, Jr., Bridgewater NJ Youth $20: For people under 25 years of age. Be sure to give the year of Mr. Harry Howland, Jr., Wharton NJ your birth on the application where noted. Mr. & Mrs. Vic Ziegel, New Rochelle NY Mr. & Mrs. William Hunt, ■ Give-a-Gift $40 + $20: The Give-a-Gift membership costs the regular $40 Glen Gardner NJ for you, plus $20 for a gift membership. (Includes your 1-year membership Mr. Gilbert M. Jenckes, Franklin Park NJ New and your friend’s first year membership. Not available for renewals of gift Mr. Stephen M. Johnson, Edison NJ Mr. Richard Davala, Lakewood NJ memberships.) Mr. Russell T. Kerby, Jr., Basking Ridge NJ Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Glanzberg, ■ Supporter ($75 – $99/family) Franklin Lakes NJ Mr. Ellwood R. Kerkeslager, Madison NJ ■ Patron ($100 – $249/family) Members at Patron Level and above Mr. & Mrs. Tom Graham, Denville NJ receive special benefits. These Mr. & Mrs. Michael Korzeniowski, ■ Benefactor ($250 – $499/family) Whitehouse Station NJ Mr. Theodore Haftel, Somerset NJ change periodically, so please ■ Angel $500+/family) } contact Membership for details. Mr. & Mrs. Howard Kucher, Stirling NJ Mr. Morris Halpern, Basking Ridge NJ Mr. T. A. Lamas, Decatur GA Mr. Donald W. Johnson, Lyngby Denmark Mr. Nick Lardieri, Princeton NJ Mr. Richard Margo, Southport CT To receive a membership application, Mr. & Mrs. Howard D. Leigh, Mr. Coleman Mellett & Jeanie Bryson, for more information or to join: Toms River NJ East Brunswick NJ Contact Membership Chair Caryl Anne McBride Ms. Sheilia R. Lenga, Union NJ Ms. Abbie Morgan, Caldwell NJ at 973-366-8818 or [email protected] Ms. Marcia Levy, Englewood NJ Mrs. Helen K. Ouellette, OR visit www.njjs.org Hackettstown NJ Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Lewis, OR simply send a check payable to “NJJS” to: North Plainfield NJ Mr. Bennett Skupp, Livingston NJ NJJS Membership, PO Box 410, Brookside, NJ 07926-0410. Dr. & Mrs. George M. Lordi, Mrs. Ann J. Vella, Morristown NJ Old Chatham NY Ms. Roseanna Vitro, Warren NJ

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 37 JerseyEventsJazz

“Keeping Jazz Alive” The American Federation of Jazz Societies (AFJS) was AFJS Annual Conference founded in 1985 by Warren Vaché and others. The NJJS is a founding member. August 2–3, 2007 AFJS is an international nonprofit organization whose Costa Mesa, CA mission is to promote and support jazz through a variety of activities. AFJS fosters mutual support at the Hilton Orange County in conjunction among jazz organizations by managing a network for Building an International Jazz Community with the 2007 Orange Country Classic Jazz Festival sharing information, resources and techniques. AFJS works for the advancement of all forms of jazz osta Mesa California is the site of this year’s American as one music. Our member organizations cover the CFederation of Jazz Societies Conference, which brings entire jazz spectrum from traditional to dixieland to presentations, interviews, panel talks and conversations by and swing to bebop to straight-ahead to Latin to fusion. to jazz society leaders, members, musicians and fans. This Each of our member organizations retains autonomy Conference follows a series of meetings held in the US and over stylistic preferences while pursuing a common Canada through the years as an outgrowth of its annual goal, the advancement of jazz. membership meetings. Recently, teleconferences have replaced The Federation provides several vehicles of assistance face-to-face Board meetings except at the Conference. to member organizations in the development of their Attendees get a well-rounded overview of jazz through its nine jazz programs. Our experts have, literally, thousands of decades, learn how organizations can support jazz and keep its years of experience in promoting the music we all joys alive for generations to come. The conference precedes the love so much. Orange County Classic Jazz festival (see sidebar). NJJS Board To join or for more information, see www.AFJS.org or Member Joanne Day may attend as our representative this year. contact AFJS President Jim Jones at 310-831--3371 or [email protected]. The Conference program is not yet complete, but highlights include: 2007 Orange County Classic Jazz ■ Keynoter and motivational speaker Lew Shaw speaks on Festival “Passing the Torch in the Service of Jazz” August 2-3-4-5, 2007 ■ Jazz researcher, author and performer Dr. Karl Koenig plays 21 HOT JAZZ ACTS! Crazy Rhythm Hot Society music and tells little-known stories in “The Lore of Jazz” Orchestra, Neville Dickie, Yve Evans, Mike Henebry ■ An in-depth roundtable exploration by expert musicians Orchestra, High Sierra Jazz Band, Igor’s Jazz Cowboys, and contributors to the field of “Jazz Training for Young Ivory & Gold, Jazz’n Banjo, Jumpin’ Joz Band, Jurbena Players” Jazz Band, Dan Levinson’s Canary Cottage Dance Orchestra, Dan Levinson’s Roof Garden Jass Band, Dan ■ A success story of how the jazz fans of Los Angeles are Levinson’s Seven Sons Of Rosy, Carl “Sonny” Leyland “Keeping Jazz Alive and Well” Trio, Midiri Brothers, Night Blooming Jazzmen, Sister ■ Seminar with Dr. Phil Cartwright, teacher, jazz society editor Swing, Titan Hot 7, Titanic Jazz Band, Wally's and working musican — “Elements of Jazz Society Warehouse Waifs, We Three. Operations” — how societies work The festival takes place in two hotels across the street ■ One-on-one “Conversation with a Jazz Legend” — legend to from one another, with dance floors in three of the six music venues. Music plays from midmorning to be named later, but it may be a famous songwriter/bandleader, midnight, and performances include some special a historic jazz musician or an industry guru who "knew them features involving twin piano duets, two bands all" and is a great storyteller. combined on the same bandstand, and guest Registration is $49 for AFJS members, $69 for non-members. appearances with certain bands. The weekend badge is less than $100, less if you buy well in advance. Get a registration form at www.AFJS.org or by calling Jim For information and to get on board, visit Jones, AFJS President, at 310-831-3371 to receive Special www.oc-classicjazz.org. Benefits at the Orange County Classic Jazz Festival. Hotel and festival registration are separate but be sure to specify that you are attending the AFJS Conference. JJ

38 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyEventsJazz

Jack Stine & Palmer Square Mgmt. present JazzFeast an al fresco afternoon of fine jazz

Saturday, September 15 The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University–Newark is the 12 to 6 PM largest and most comprehensive library and archive of jazz and jazz-related at Palmer Square Green, materials in the world! — a valuable resource for jazz researchers, students, Downtown Princeton • Off Route 206 musicians and fans. The archives are open to the public from 9 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday, but please call and make an appointment. ■ Alan Dale and the New Legacy Jazz Band with Vocalist Felicia Carter ■ Kenny Werner Institute of Jazz Studies, Rutgers, The State University of NJ John Cotton Dana Library, 185 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102 ■ ■ Trio Greg Piccolo, Tenor Sax Princeton Web site: newarkwww.rutgers.edu/IJS 973-353-5595 University Jazztet ■ Jon Burr, bass • CDs for sale calendar: • Food carts from great local eateries JAZZ RESEARCH ROUND TABLE A series of lectures and discussions. Names in italics are the presenters. Admission is Free No Roundtables in July and August. Next one will be: ■ September 19 www.njjs.org | 1-800-303-6557 Programs are free and open to the public, and most take place Thursday www.palmersquare.com evenings (unless otherwise noted like the one above) from 7:00 to 9:00 1-800-644-3489 pm in the Dana Room, 4th floor, John Cotton Dana Library, Rutgers University, 185 University Ave., Newark, NJ. Refreshments are served. Information: 973-353-5595.

JAZZ FROM THE ARCHIVES Broadcast hosted by IJS Director, 2007 NEA Jazz Master Dan NJJS Monthly Morgenstern every Sunday at 11:00 PM on WBGO Radio (88.3 FM). Member Meetings Information: www.wbgo.org. ■ July 1 — Satch Plays Waller and Handy: Host John Clement plays the recordings of Louis Armstrong performing the music of Fats Waller and Trumpets Jazz Club | Montclair W. C. Handy. Sundays: ■ July 8 — The Electrifyin’ Al Casey: Host Vincent Pelote plays the music of Al Casey after he switched over to the electric guitar. September 23, October 21, ■ July 15 — Three (Young NYC Jazz) Tenors: Host Bill Kirchner plays the November 18 music of Marcus Strickland, John Ellis, and Robert MacGregor. ■ July 22 — A Jazzy Birthday: Birthday girl Annie Kuebler salutes artists See page 8 for details. with July birthdays and a few of her favorite things. ■ July 29 — Don Redman Remembered: On the occasion of his 107th free for NJJS members birthday, the seminal arranger-composer-bandleader-singer's rich legacy is sampled by host Dan Morgenstern. $10 charge for non-members of NJJS; August 8 is the centennial of the birth of Benny Carter and JFTA is this charge may be applied to annual NJJS membership devoting its August programming to the music of this extraordinary multi-instrumentalist/arranger/composer. Carter, who died on July 12, 2:00 – 3:00 PM Social Hour 2003, was a staunch supporter of the IJS and a frequent guest on JFTA. 3:00 – 5:00 PM Program ■ August 5 — Benny Carter Through The Decades: Host Ed Berger food and drink available all afternoon/evening surveys Carter’s extraordinary and prolific career. followed by 6:00 PM show | ($10 music charge/$5 minimum) ■ August 12 — Benny Carter As Multi-Instrumentalist: Host Dan Morgenstern showcases Carter on alto sax, tenor sax, soprano sax, Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant trombone, trumpet, and clarinet. 6 Depot Square Montclair, NJ 07042 ■ August 19 — Benny’s Tunes: Host Bill Kirchner plays the compositions 973-744-2600 • www.trumpetsjazz.com of Benny Carter played by others. ■ August 26 — Benny Carter in Europe: Host Vincent Pelote plays the recordings Carter made while in Europe from 1936 to 1938. For more info: NJJS 1-800-303-NJJS • www.njjs.org

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 39 JerseyEventsJazz ’Round Jersey the state. Joe Holt appears on many of the Midiri recordings, playing both piano and harpsichord for Morris Jazz the Artie Shaw tribute here. The Bickford Theater at the Morris Museum Dick Wellstood was beloved by fans of piano jazz, Bridgewater Jazz Morristown, NJ 07960 and his sudden death 20 years ago was a personal Tickets/Information: 973-971-3706 Somerset County Vocational blow to many NJJS members, who had enjoyed his and Technical High School appearances at Waterloo and various other sites. Bridgewater, NJ 08807 The Silver Starlite Stride piano continues to be popular here, and two Orchestra focuses on Tickets/Information: 908-725-6640 of today’s prime practitioners have been selected Swing Era vocalists enny Goodman may have been the leading to pay tribute to Wellstood on Saturday evening, July 23. B force during the Swing Era, but Artie Shaw August 11, playing together for the first time. he Silver Starlite pushed the boundaries of the music, experimenting Mark Shane is well known to all, turning up as an Orchestra returns with tempos, styles and themes that others never accompanist to singers and a band pianist for both T on Monday, July 23 touched. The Midiri Brothers have always had traditional and swing aggregations. But left to his with an intense pro- some Artie Shaw material in their arsenal, but it own devices, his playing has a strong stride gram paying tribute to was heavily tilted towards Goodman. Upon Shaw’s component, and his repertoire reaches into all sorts the cherished Big Band passing at the end of 2004, the brothers prepared a of odd corners, as Dick’s fertile mind did. Mark is vocalists of the Swing tribute concert to the great bandleader, arranger among the most popular jazz pianists playing today. and composer. Presented at the Bickford Theatre, it Era. They take the term sold out the room and, unfortunately, people were Jeff Barnhart is a stride purist who tours the BIG seriously, fielding even turned away. country — indeed, the world — playing with fully 20 performers, the largest jazz aggregation to popular bands and as a soloist with star stature. grace the Bickford stage. The band has built a The band has gradually added to their Shaw reper- He has only in recent years started building a following with two regular gigs in the area, so their toire, produced their first CD of Shaw material, and following within New Jersey, but those who have established fans will doubtless get the first tickets. “test marketed” their expanded Shaw program for experienced his torrid playing and clever humor Silver Starlite has, over the years, assembled a the MidWeek Jazz crowd at Ocean County College. elsewhere quickly formed a solid base for his library of original charts from the bands of Glenn By then the band had grown to fully seven pieces, informal fan club. and their sound really excited that oversized Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Harry audience. Clearly the Midiris are ready for Jazz in The season closes on Saturday, September 8 as the James, Les Brown, Artie Shaw and more. They’ve Bridgewater on Saturday evening, July 21, when Galvanized Jazz Band travels down from their carefully recruited members from the ranks of Big they will bring their full two-set show to northern New England base to treat us to some red-hot jazz. Band veterans and younger musicians who have New Jersey for the first time. You may have caught If your summertime travels don’t take you to their played this music regularly. Swing Era fans should a taste of them at Jazzfest, but the Bridgewater home turf, or you don’t encounter them on the avoid missing this one, especially considering the appearance will be pure Shaw. Given Artie’s diverse festival circuit, save this date for a rare opportunity price ($13 advance, $15 door) is less than a buck musical interests, it will be a varied evening indeed. to hear them in Jersey. They’ll play tunes you love, per performer! tunes you’ve nearly forgotten and tunes too That’s followed on Wednesday, July 25 by Europe’s The material largely recalls the Gramercy Five intricate to be attempted by musicians who don’t Hot Antic Jazz Band, taking a detour from the period, with some Big Band numbers scaled down play together on a regular basis. to fit their instrumentation. Joe summer festival circuit. This is the band that Midiri, one of the foremost Mark Shane, opened the show for Jim Cullum’s tribute to clarinetists doing Swing Era above, and Turk Murphy — at Carnegie Hall! Most NJJS fans material, leads the group. Brother Jeff Barnhart, probably discovered them when they played two Paul Midiri is phenomenal at the below, pay shows at Bridgewater in 2003. Their infrequent vibes, but also takes a turn behind tribute to East Coast visits have taken them to Boston and the drum set. NJJS fans will Dick Washington, but they’ve also appeared at festivals Wellstood. recognize trumpeter Dan Tobias in Sacramento, San Diego and Orange County on from his recent appearance at the the Pacific Coast, where classic jazz still enjoys Bickford, and Bridgewater regulars tremendous popularity. will recall drummer Brothers Joe Midiri on clarinet Jim Lawlor from the and Paul on drums/vibes Tommy Dorsey tribute with bassist Gary Cattley. last season. Guitarist Pat Mercuri and bassist Gary Cattley are Midiri veterans and major players in the southern part of

The Hot Antic Jazz Band hits Morristown.

40 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyEventsJazz

They’ve toured Europe and Asia, music took the world by storm when visiting festivals in 17 countries and it was first introduced. Once you winning ovations and awards discover Mark, your allegiance to Palomar Quartet with leader Levinson, Mark everywhere. The Hot Antics play a other horn players may change. Shane on the keys, and total of 19 instruments, carrying as Clarinetist Dan Levinson returns on Matt Hoffman on vibes.. many as 14 with them on tour. Monday, August 20 with his Palomar Doubling gives this sextet a fuller Quartet, celebrating the anniversary yourself, but on a recording you’d never believe that sound than you might expect. Their Tom Roberts on of Benny Goodman’s Palomar there are five or six guys missing! The result is a repertoire is huge, borrowing July 30 in Morristown. Ballroom appearance, credited with stimulating evening of mostly swing music, with material from Louis Armstrong, launching the Swing Era. Plenty of each player doing his part, and then some. No Clarence Williams, Jimmy Noone, Roof Garden leader that exciting Goodman small group wonder they’ve been invited to the White King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Fats Dan Levinson material, of course, by the band that House…by both political parties! Waller and even Jabbo Smith. This with drummer has sold out this room to the walls! world class band has recorded on Benny Goodman almost failed as a bandleader, Kevin Dorn. That’s Mark Shane at the piano, four record labels, collected by fans finally finishing a disastrous cross-country tour with Kevin Dorn behind the drum set and all over the globe. an appearance in Los Angeles. But the Palomar young Matt Hoffmann returning for Ballroom was filled with young people who loved Luckey Roberts was a friend and another tour de force on the vibes. his music, and historians consider that night in late mentor to such noted pianists as Standing ovations interrupted August of 1935 to be the start of the Swing Era. Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, James P. previous visits, missed by those who Fast forward to this August 22 — one day from the Johnston, Willie “The Lion” Smith, were turned away at the door. Order exact anniversary — and enjoy the Palomar Eubie Blake... even George your tickets early! Quartet as it makes a return visit to Ocean County Gershwin. The pioneering stride While you are marking your calendar, College. Dan Levinson is at the helm, clarinet in player taught them musical and reserve Monday, September 24 for pianist Rio hand, with Mark Shane at the piano for the Teddy visual tricks that would enhance their aggressive Clemente and vocalist Laura Hull, both extremely Wilson and Jess Stacy roles, Kevin Dorn doing his piano styles. He almost made the first jazz popular in the Morristown area. Tickets may be best Gene Krupa stuff, and young Matt Hoffmann recordings, but the label was hesitant to issue the scarce for that one too. once again showing that Lionel Hampton lives on. work of a black player. They’ve all played this room before and the love Tom Roberts travels in from Pittsburgh on Monday, Jazz For Shore affair with the OCC audience is mutual. July 30 to present a musical tribute to his name- Dan has added to the band’s book since it first sake. You may recall previous piano tributes he’s The Fine Arts Center sold out the Bickford a couple of summers back, done for some of Luckey’s proteges, named above. at Ocean County College so if you’ve experienced this band in other settings, They are all well researched but presented in an Toms River, NJ 08754 this performance will have some different material entertaining fashion, because Tom Roberts is a Tickets/Information: to offer. pianistic force himself. 732-255-0500 Cornetist Ed Polcer has been a fixture on the New There’s a second chance to hear him in a band outh Jersey jazz fans commented favorably Jersey jazz scene since his days at Princeton, but setting on Wednesday, August 1 as the Roof S on drummer Robbie Scott’s work at the September 19 will be his first appearance at Ocean Garden Jass Band celebrates 90 years of recorded GroundHog Day Jam, and organizers took note. They County College. He’s assembled an all-star Swingtet jazz — finally! They had the actual date reserved in invited him to bring his own New Deal Orchestra for that date which includes such people as Ken February, but a snowstorm in the Midwest stranded down on Wednesday, July 11 for a first visit and it Peplowski, Joe Ascione and John Cocuzzi. It’s a a key player on the West Coast, so this is the promises to be an interesting show. talent roster to die for, playing a broad selection of earliest available replacement date. Their program classic jazz and swing numbers, with Ed’s hot horn MidWeek Jazz has had large groups before, but celebrates the jazz standards pioneered by the leading the pack. New Deal is unique. Just 10 pieces, they manage to Original Dixieland Jass Band and other “fabulous create a sound that has the substance of a typical All that, yet the prices are held at $13 for advance fives” of the classic period. 15-piece band. Robbie’s secret is twofold: talent and purchases, going to $15 at the door. No service charges at all, and you can select your seat on the Dan Levinson leads the quintet, mostly on clarinet, arrangements. He draws his musicians from a pool phone! All concerts here are on Wednesdays and, as he has done celebrating significant anniversaries of players he’s worked with for years. Some are well as with the others on these pages, they start at with this group for fully 20 years, constantly known, such as trombonist Herb Gardner and 8 PM. MidWeek Jazz is configured as one extended enriching the program along the way. He’s pleased bassist Ed Wise (recently transplanted from New Orleans). Others are seasoned players with excep- set, so you get out about 90 minutes later, to have access to charter Roof Garden members JJ tional skills who are not yet household names. allowing for a leisurely drive home. Tom Roberts on piano, Kevin Dorn on drums and David Sager on trombone, recently heard in the As for the arrangements, he’s collected them over area playing with Banu Gibson. This performance a lifetime, adjusting and Photos by Bruce Gast. will introduce a fabulous young cornetist from New honing them to give the Robbie Scott leads his New Deal Orchestra ’Round Jersey concerts England named Mark Tipton, whose powerful yet smaller group a bigger sound. July 11. are produced by authentic playing style will help explain why this You’ll have to hear that for Bruce M. Gast in conjunction with the New Jersey Jazz Society.

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 41 JerseyEventsJazz You can find jazz all over the state Somewhere There’s Music in venues large and small. Here are just some of them.

Asbury Park Edgewater Hopewell Montclair JOYFUL NOISE CAFE LA DOLCE VITA HOPEWELL VALLEY BISTRO & INN CHURCH STREET CAFÉ 1400 Asbury Ave. 270 Old River Rd. 15 East Broad St. 12 Church St. “JAZZ Alive Asbury Park” 201-840-9000 609-466-9889 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH second Friday each month 8 PM www.hopewellvalleybistro.com 40 South Fullerton Ave. $8 Englewood Friday/Saturday 7 PM 973-744-6560 BERGEN PAC Minimum $15 Bayonne 30 N. Van Brunt St. PALAZZO RESTAURANT THE BOILER ROOM 201-227-1030 Lawrenceville 11 South Fullerton Ave. 280 Avenue E www.bergenpac.org FEDORA CAFÉ 973-746-6778 201-436-6700 2633 Lawrenceville Road Friday/Saturday 7:00 PM www.arts-factory.com Garwood 609-895-0844 Joe Licari/Larry Weiss Fri/Sat 10 PM; Sun 7 PM CROSSROADS Some Wednesdays 6:00 PM No cover/BYOB RICHIE CECERE’S 78 North Ave. 2 Erie Street Bernardsville 908-232-5666 973-746-7811 BERNARD’S INN www.xxroads.com Little Falls 27 Mine Brook Road Jam Session Tuesday 8:30 PM BARCA VELHA RESTAURANT/BAR SESAME RESTAURANT & JAZZ CLUB 908-766-0002 440 Main St., 07424 398 Bloomfield Avenue www.bernardsinn.com Glen Rock 973-890-5056 973-746-2553 Monday – Saturday 6:30 PM GLEN ROCK INN www.barcavelha.com sesamerestaurant.com Piano Bar 222 Rock Road Fridays 7:30 PM Bossa Brazil Jazz Evening once every month, usually 201-445-2362 No cover 2nd or 3rd Wednesday PORT CITY JAVA www.glenrockinn.com TRUMPETS 55 Mine Brook Road Lyndhurst Thursday 7 PM 6 Depot Square www.fridaynightjazzjam.com WHISKEY CAFÉ 973-744-2600 4th Friday 7 PM Hackensack 1050 Wall St. West, 07071 www.trumpetsjazz.com 201-939-4889 SOLARI’S Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday 7:30 PM www.whiskeycafe.com Bloomfield 61 River St. Friday/Saturday 8:30 PM WESTMINSTER ARTS CENTER/ 201-487-1969 One Sunday/month James Dean Orchestras swing dance + lesson BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE 1st Tuesday 8:00 PM Morris Plains 467 Franklin St. Mickey Gravine Big Band AMBROSIA RESTAURANT & BAR 973-748-9000 x343 No cover Madison 650 Speedwell Ave. SHANGHAI JAZZ 973-898-1111 STONY HILL INN Brooklawn 24 Main St. www.ambrosianj.com 231 Polifly Rd. BROOKLAWN AMERICAN LEGION HALL 973-822-2899 201-342-4085 Browning Road & Railroad Ave. 08030 www.shanghaijazz.com www.stonyhillinn.com Morristown 856-234-5147 Wednesday/Thursday 7 PM Friday and Saturday evenings Friday/Saturday 6:30 PM THE BICKFORD THEATRE Tri-State Jazz Society usual venue AT THE MORRIS MUSEUM Sunday 6 PM www.tristatejazz.org 5 Normandy Heights Road No cover Some Sundays 2:00 pm Hawthorne 973-971-3706 ALEXUS STEAKHOUSE TAVERN www.morrismuseum.org 80 Wagaraw Road, 07506 Mahwah Clark Some Mondays 8:00 PM 973-427-9200 BERRIE CENTER/RAMAPO COLLEGE LANA’S FINE DINING 7 –10 PM 505 Ramapo Valley Road THE COMMUNITY THEATRE 1300 Raritan Rd. No cover 201-684-7844 100 South St. 732-669-9024 AlexusSteakhouse.com www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter 973-539-8008 www.lanasfinedining.com Bucky Pizzarelli & Frank Vignola Warren Vaché Trio Thursdays 7–11 PM on rotating schedule Tuesdays & Maplewood COPELAND RESTAURANT/WESTIN Live jazz (rotating artists) Fridays 7–11 PM every other Thursday GOVERNOR MORRIS HOTEL BURGDORF CULTURAL CENTER 2 Whippany Road Cherry Hill 10 Durand St. 973-539-7300 Highland Park 973-378-2133 www.copelandrestaurant.com TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH www.artsmaplewood.org PJ’S COFFEE Sunday Seafood Jazz Brunch 11:30 AM Rt. 70 315 Raritan Avenue 856-234-5147 732-828-2323 Manville THE SIDEBAR AT THE FAMISHED FROG Tri-State Jazz Society occasional venue Sunday 1 PM Open Jam RHYTHMS OF THE NIGHT 18 Washington St. www.tristatejazz.org 729 S. Main Street 973-540-9601 Some Sundays 2 PM Hillsborough 908-707-8757 www.famishedfrog.com/thesidebar DAY’S INN rhythmsofthenight.net ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Clifton 118 Route 206 South Open jam session Wednesdays 7–10 PM 70 Maple Avenue ST. PETERS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 908-685-9000 973-455-0708 380 Clifton Ave. Thursday 7 PM Open Jam Matawan 973-546-3406 CAFÉ 34 SUSHI LOUNGE Saturdays 7:30 PM Hoboken 787 Route 34 12 Schuyler Place MAXWELL’S Jazz trios Wed and Thur 8 PM 973-539-1135 Closter 1039 Washington St. 732-583-9700 www.sushilounge.com HARVEST BISTRO & BAR 201-798-0406 www.bistro34.com Sunday jazz 6 PM 252 Schraalenburgh Road Every other Monday 9:00 PM 201-750-9966 Swingadelic Mendham Mountainside www.harvestbistro.com ARIRANG SHADES KC’S CHIFFAFA HOUSE Every Tuesday: Ron Affif/ 1230 Route 22W 720 Monroe St. 5 Hilltop Road Lyle Atkinson/Ronnie Zito 908-518-9733 www.shadesofhoboken.com 973-543-4726 Wednesday 7:30 PM 888-374-2337 www.chiffafa.com Deal Live Jazz — Rio Clemente, others AXELROD PAC SUSHI LOUNGE Call for schedule Newark Jewish Community Center Corner of 2nd St & Hudson St. NEWARK MUSEUM 732-531-9100 x 142 www.sushilounge.com Metuchen 49 Washington St. www.arthurtopilow.com 201-386-1117 CORNERSTONE 973-596-6550 Sunday jazz 6 PM New & Pearl Streets www.newarkmuseum.org 732-549-5306 Summer Thursday afternoons Wednesdays & Fridays 7:30 PM No cover.

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

42 July/August 2007 JerseyJazz JerseyEventsJazz

Tell them you saw it in Jersey Jazz!

NJPAC Pine Brook Ridgewood SOUTH ORANGE PERFORMING Wayne ARTS CENTER 1 Center St. MILAN WINBERIE’S AMERICAN BISTRO WILLIAM PATERSON One SOPAC Way 888-466-5722 30 Oak Street UNIVERSITY 13 Hook Mountain Road 973-235-1114 www.njpac.org 973-808-3321 201-444-3700 300 Pompton Road www.milanrestaurant.com www.selectrestaurants.com 973-720-2371 THE PRIORY Thursdays Piano Jazz/Pop Summit www.wpunj.edu 233 West Market St. Fridays 6:30 PM Stein Brothers Fridays/Saturdays Jazz/Pop duos SUMMIT UNITARIAN CHURCH Sunday 4:00 PM 973-242-8012 4 Waldron Ave. Friday 7:00 PM Plainfield Rumson Sunday No cover CAFÉ VIVACE West Caldwell SALT CREEK GRILLE Teaneck T’S TRATTORIA MARTINI BAR 1370 South Avenue 4 Bingham Avenue SAVOY GRILL 908-753-4500 LOUNGE ZEN 1090 Bloomfield Ave. 60 Park Place 732-933-9272 973-882-3110 www.cafevivace.com www.saltcreekgrille.com 254 DeGraw Ave. 973-286-1700 Saturdays 7:30 PM 201-692-8585 Wednesdays/Thursdays/Fridays music www.thesavoy Sayreville www.lounge-zen.com grillnewark.com No cover West Orange Princeton SHOT IN THE DARK SPORTS BAR & GRILL CECIL’S New Brunswick MCCARTER THEATRE PUFFIN CULTURAL FORUM 91 University Place 404 Washington Road 20 East Oakdene Ave. 364 Valley Road DELTA’S 609-258-2787 732-254-9710 201-836-8923 973-736-4800 19 Dennis St. Thursday 7:30 PM 732-249-1551 MEDITERRA John Bianculli Tom’s River FRANKLIN TAVERN 29 Hulfish St. OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE 97-99 Franklin Ave. STATE THEATRE 609-252-9680 Seabright FINE ARTS CENTER 973-325-9899 15 Livingston Ave. www.terramomo.com THE QUAY College Drive No cover 732-246-7469 280 Ocean Ave 732-255-0550 www.ocean.edu/campus/ www.statetheatrenj.org SALT CREEK GRILLE 732-741-7755 Westfield fine_arts_center 1 Rockingham Row, Tuesday nights Jazz Lobsters Some Wednesdays NORTHSIDE TRATTORIA Newton Forrestal Village big band 16 Prospect St. 609-419-4200 BULA Totowa 908-232-7320 134 Spring St. www.saltcreekgrille.com Sewell www.northsidetrattoria.com 46 LOUNGE 973-579-7338 Sunday, Tuesday, TERRA NOVA 300 Route 46 East www.bularestaurant.com Rahway 590 Delsea Drive Thursdays evenings 973-890-9699 Fridays 8:00 PM ARTS GUILD OF RAHWAY 856-589-8883 Wednesday Jazz 7:30 PM 1670 Irving St. http://terranovarestaurantbar.com ACQUAVIVA 115 Elm St. North Arlington 732-381-7511 Fridays & Saturdays Live Jazz SUSHI LOUNGE 908-301-0700 UVA www.rahwayartsguild.org 235 Route 46 West www.acquaviva- 602 Ridge Road 8:00 PM Short Hills www.sushilounge.com dellefonti.com Friday 7:00 PM JOHNNY’S ON THE GREEN 973-890-0007 Fridays 7:00 PM Adam Brenner Randolph 440 Parsonage Hill Road Sunday Jazz 6 PM 973-467-8882 STONEFIRE GRILLEHOUSE & BAR www.johnnysonthegreen.com Woodbridge North Branch 500 Route 10 West Trenton JJ BITTING BREWING CO. NEW ORLEANS FAMILY www.stonefirerestaurant.com Somerville JOE’S MILL HILL SALOON RESTAURANT 973-537-7070 Market & Broad Streets 33 Main Street VERVE RESTAURANT 1285 State Highway 28 Sunday Jazz 6 PM 609-394-7222 732-634-2929 18 East Main St. 908-725-0011 Occasionally www.njbrewpubs.com 908-707-8605 Fridays 9:30 PM 7:00 PM Raritan www.vervestyle.com Union MUGS PUB AND RESTAURANT Occasional Thursdays 6 PM Wood Ridge Nutley 73 West Somerset Street Fridays/Saturdays 8:30 PM VAN GOGH’S EAR CAFÉ HERB’S PLACE 908-725-6691 1017 Stuyvesant Ave. MARTINI GRILL AT THE PARK PUB Fridays 7 PM South Brunswick 908-810-1844 187 Hackensack St. 785 Bloomfield Avenue JAZZ CAFÉ www.vangoghsearcafe.com 201-209-3000 973-235-0696 Red Bank South Brunswick (Dayton) Sundays 8:00 PM Wednesday through 8:30–11:30 PM Saturday COUNT BASIE THEATRE Municipal Complex $3 cover 99 Monmouth St. 540 Ridge Road 732-329-4000 ext. 7635 Oakland 732-842-9000 Watchung HANSIL’S BAR AND GRILL [email protected] WATCHUNG ARTS CENTER 7 Ramapo Valley Rd. ”JAZZ IN THE PARK” first Friday every month 18 Stirling Road We continually update entries. $5 admission includes light 201-337-5649 Riverside Park 908-753-0190 Please contact [email protected] if 732-530-2782 refreshments www.watchungarts.org RUGA’S you know of other venues that 4 Barbara Lane South Orange ought to be here. We want to 201-337-0813 DANCING GOAT CAFÉ include any locale that offers jazz Tuesday thru Saturday 7:00 PM 21 South Orange St on a regular, ongoing basis. Also 973-275-9000 please advise us of any errors you’re www.thedancinggoat.com 8 PM aware of in these listings.

HERB GARDNER is at Ocean The Oskar Schindler Performing August 5 she’s at Fair Lawn July 26.Stockton Then Sandy will appear The THE STOCKTON INN County College July 11 with Arts Center in West Orange is Memorial Park. with a big1 Main band Street at the Clinton Bobbie Scott. presenting a JOHN COLTRANE Museum609-397-1250 July 28. She’s also at Name Tuesday 6:30 PM Jeffrey Gordon TRIBUTE on August 9. The Count Basie Theatre has South Amboy Marine Park on Herb will be at the Randolph HERBIE HANCOCK August 28. August 8. Dropper Library July 16. He appears with MARLENE VER PLANCK is at the GALVANIZED JAZZ BAND the Ridgewood Band Shell July SANDY SASSO will be at the You can catch HOWARD at the Connecticut Jazz Festival 12. Then, Marlene appears at Salt Creek Grille July 19 and at ALDEN at the BIX Festival in July 28 & 29. Westfield Outdoors July 24. On Peninsula Park in Sewaren on Davenport Iowa July 27 & 28.

July/August 2007 JerseyJazz 43 JerseyJazz Time Value Material PERIODICALS PO Box 410 Deliver Promptly Postage PAID at Brookside, NJ 07926-0410 Morristown, NJ 07960 Send all address changes to the address above

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