Thursday, December 24, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum"
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum": If you are looking to give the gift of music for the Christmas season, I recommend Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum",...
Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum"
If you are looking to give the gift of music for the Christmas season, I recommend Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum", from Blue Note Records. This is a good CD. Superb performances are given by drummer and leader Kendrick Scott, saxophonist John Ellis, keyboardist Taylor Eigsti, Mike Moreno on guitar, Joe Sanders on bass, and vocalist Lizz Wright. This is not a show-offish recording (except for Kendrick Scott), but performances are strong.
From Houston, TX, Kendrick Scott began playing drums in church. While in Houston, Scott was awarded the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association For Jazz Education (IAJE). Kendrick Scott has gone on to receive other noteworthy awards. After graduating from high school, Kendrick Scott received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where in 2002 he graduated.
Scott has performed with Pat Methney, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, and others. In 2006, Kendrick Scott`s debut recording "The Source" was the first for Scott`s group Oracle. "We Are The Drum"is Kendrick Scott Oracle debut recording with Blue Note Records.
Comparisons are made to Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, but Kendrick Scott is his own musician. "We Are The Drum" will make a wonderful gift for jazz fans in your life, or if you are selfish, it will be a great addition to your musical library.
From Houston, TX, Kendrick Scott began playing drums in church. While in Houston, Scott was awarded the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association For Jazz Education (IAJE). Kendrick Scott has gone on to receive other noteworthy awards. After graduating from high school, Kendrick Scott received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where in 2002 he graduated.
Scott has performed with Pat Methney, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, and others. In 2006, Kendrick Scott`s debut recording "The Source" was the first for Scott`s group Oracle. "We Are The Drum"is Kendrick Scott Oracle debut recording with Blue Note Records.
Comparisons are made to Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, but Kendrick Scott is his own musician. "We Are The Drum" will make a wonderful gift for jazz fans in your life, or if you are selfish, it will be a great addition to your musical library.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses: Saturday, November 28 football game between University of Southern California, and the University of California, Los Angeles, began wit...
Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses
Saturday, November 28 football game between University of Southern California, and the University of California, Los Angeles, began with the USC marching band performing "The Star Spangled Banner", with Slash from Guns 'N Roses on electric guitar. The audience applauded, and shortly after the game started.
The Star Spangled Banner is a sacred song in American culture and life. After all, it is our country`s national anthem. I prefer hearing The Star Spangled Banner sung by a chorus in four part harmony. There are various ways to present The Star Spangled Banner, but it should always be presented in reverence and dignity.
No, I cannot tell you I enjoyed The Star Spangled Banner performed by Slash, or for that matter by many other show-offish ways that popular entertainers sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner. But I guess that`s the point. We are not all going to like and appreciate every rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, but we can respect the many voices, and the many ways those voices sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner, without desecrating our national anthem.
The Star Spangled Banner is a sacred song in American culture and life. After all, it is our country`s national anthem. I prefer hearing The Star Spangled Banner sung by a chorus in four part harmony. There are various ways to present The Star Spangled Banner, but it should always be presented in reverence and dignity.
No, I cannot tell you I enjoyed The Star Spangled Banner performed by Slash, or for that matter by many other show-offish ways that popular entertainers sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner. But I guess that`s the point. We are not all going to like and appreciate every rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, but we can respect the many voices, and the many ways those voices sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner, without desecrating our national anthem.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: A Salute To Phil Woods
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: A Salute To Phil Woods: On Monday, October 5, 2015, Paul Keller`s 15 piece orchestra is performing "A Farewell Tribute To Phil Woods". This tribute i...
A Salute To Phil Woods
On Monday, October 5, 2015, Paul Keller`s 15 piece orchestra is performing "A Farewell Tribute To Phil Woods". This tribute is for a saxophone great who has contributed so much in the world of music, and will be truly missed in the jazz community.
Those of us in jazz were sadden to hear the passing of alto saxophone great Phil Woods, who died on September 29, 2015, at age 83, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, due to complications from emphysema. For more than 60 years Phil Woods performed in the jazz mainstream.
Phil Woods gave his last performance on September 4, 2015, in Pittsburgh. In his performance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Woods performed "Charlie Parker With Strings". A reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Woods struggled with emphysema, and was retiring.
Phil Woods began saxophone with encouragement from his mother upon the death of his father who left his saxophone for Phil. Phil Woods would go on to be influenced by alto saxophonist Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges, with Phil Woods biggest influence being Charlie Parker.
More than 50 albums to his credit as a leader, Phil Woods has also performed with jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, and Clark Terry. Phil Woods has also won Grammy Awards, and voted top alto saxophonist nearly 30 times in Downbeat magazine`s readers` poll. In 2007, Phil Woods was named a National Endowment For The Arts Jazz Master.
Join the Paul Keller Orchestra as he and his orchestra pay tribute to salute the late jazz great Phil Woods on Monday, October 5, 2015, at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 West Stadium Boulevard, in Ann Arbor, MI. Paul Keller and his orchestra will also be joined by alto saxophonist Doug Horn to celebrate a jazz great.
Those of us in jazz were sadden to hear the passing of alto saxophone great Phil Woods, who died on September 29, 2015, at age 83, in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, due to complications from emphysema. For more than 60 years Phil Woods performed in the jazz mainstream.
Phil Woods gave his last performance on September 4, 2015, in Pittsburgh. In his performance with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Woods performed "Charlie Parker With Strings". A reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Woods struggled with emphysema, and was retiring.
Phil Woods began saxophone with encouragement from his mother upon the death of his father who left his saxophone for Phil. Phil Woods would go on to be influenced by alto saxophonist Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges, with Phil Woods biggest influence being Charlie Parker.
More than 50 albums to his credit as a leader, Phil Woods has also performed with jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, and Clark Terry. Phil Woods has also won Grammy Awards, and voted top alto saxophonist nearly 30 times in Downbeat magazine`s readers` poll. In 2007, Phil Woods was named a National Endowment For The Arts Jazz Master.
Join the Paul Keller Orchestra as he and his orchestra pay tribute to salute the late jazz great Phil Woods on Monday, October 5, 2015, at Zal Gaz Grotto, 2070 West Stadium Boulevard, in Ann Arbor, MI. Paul Keller and his orchestra will also be joined by alto saxophonist Doug Horn to celebrate a jazz great.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Advocates For The Tenor Saxophone
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Advocates For The Tenor Saxophone: As a member of the saxophone family the tenor saxophone is a medium sized instrument within that family of musical instruments. Pitched...
Advocates For The Tenor Saxophone
As a member of the saxophone family the tenor saxophone is a medium sized instrument within that family of musical instruments. Pitched in Bb the tenor saxophone is a transposing instrument, and along with the alto saxophone is one of the most commonly played saxophones. In jazz tenor saxophone is much loved, and very well received, but in classical music the same cannot be said. Saxophonist such as Frederick Hemke, James Houlik, and John Moore have spent time focusing and performing on tenor saxophone as a classical solo instrument.
Classical tenor saxophone recordings make-up a small portion of classical saxophone repertoire and discography. In orchestral music tenor saxophone is heard in Maurice Ravel`s Bolero. Classical recordings of tenor saxophone represent a very small number of classical or concert saxophone recordings, which is dominated by recordings for alto and soprano saxophones. Though generally not heard in classical music, tenor saxophone can be found in concert bands, chamber music, and solo performances. Tenor saxophone can also be heard in military bands, marching bands, and is ubiquitous in jazz ensembles, as well as popular bands and genres.
Saxophonist Frederick Hemke advocated for tenor saxophone back in 1971 by focusing on tenor saxophone as a solo instrument. Frederick Hemke has two LP recordings that are performed on tenor saxophone:
1. The American Saxophonist
2.Music For Tenor Saxophone
If you ever get an opportunity to hear Hemke`s Tenor Saxophone Index on The American Saxophonist LP or CD, it will give you an appreciation for tenor saxophone in classical music. Tenor Saxophone Index is a collection of 15 pieces written of performed by Frederick Hemke on tenor saxophone. Other names to look for in concert tenor saxophone are James Houlik, and John Moore.
James Houlik is considered to be the leading performer on concert tenor saxophone in the world. James Houlik advocates for the tenor saxophone by focusing on tenor saxophone exclusively. James Houlik has inspired over 85 concert compositions written for tenor saxophone, which includes solos, chamber works, and concerto compositions. John Moore has performed as a member of The Trio, Trio Bel Canto, Aeolian Saxophone Quartet, The Saxophone Sinfonia, New York Chamber Saxophones, and the New Sousa Band. Both James Houlik and John Moore are currently Professors of Saxophone at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and University of Louisville, respectively.
Classical tenor saxophone recordings make-up a small portion of classical saxophone repertoire and discography. In orchestral music tenor saxophone is heard in Maurice Ravel`s Bolero. Classical recordings of tenor saxophone represent a very small number of classical or concert saxophone recordings, which is dominated by recordings for alto and soprano saxophones. Though generally not heard in classical music, tenor saxophone can be found in concert bands, chamber music, and solo performances. Tenor saxophone can also be heard in military bands, marching bands, and is ubiquitous in jazz ensembles, as well as popular bands and genres.
Saxophonist Frederick Hemke advocated for tenor saxophone back in 1971 by focusing on tenor saxophone as a solo instrument. Frederick Hemke has two LP recordings that are performed on tenor saxophone:
1. The American Saxophonist
2.Music For Tenor Saxophone
If you ever get an opportunity to hear Hemke`s Tenor Saxophone Index on The American Saxophonist LP or CD, it will give you an appreciation for tenor saxophone in classical music. Tenor Saxophone Index is a collection of 15 pieces written of performed by Frederick Hemke on tenor saxophone. Other names to look for in concert tenor saxophone are James Houlik, and John Moore.
James Houlik is considered to be the leading performer on concert tenor saxophone in the world. James Houlik advocates for the tenor saxophone by focusing on tenor saxophone exclusively. James Houlik has inspired over 85 concert compositions written for tenor saxophone, which includes solos, chamber works, and concerto compositions. John Moore has performed as a member of The Trio, Trio Bel Canto, Aeolian Saxophone Quartet, The Saxophone Sinfonia, New York Chamber Saxophones, and the New Sousa Band. Both James Houlik and John Moore are currently Professors of Saxophone at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and University of Louisville, respectively.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Unfortunately
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Unfortunately: In music "unfortunately" is a word you do not want to hear. "Unfortunately" means you did not get the gig, or your ...
Unfortunately
In music "unfortunately" is a word you do not want to hear. "Unfortunately" means you did not get the gig, or your group will not have an opportunity to perform for that show. No one wants to hear that word, but it is a reality of what we do. Music is a series of yes and no answers to getting that gig, and notice I said "that gig". Music is generally one gig at a time. That is just the music business for musicians. Sure, from time to time we are fortunate to secure multiple performance dates, and even secure long-term opportunities; that happens, and we should consider ourselves blessed to secure those opportunities, but for the most part it is only one gig at a time. No, we are not guaranteed gigs/jobs. Music is a feast or famine profession.
All we can do as musicians is do our best by being at rehearsals on time, practice the music and our instruments, and be ready for the gig. Hopefully, doing what I have mentioned will lead to a successful performance, with many more to come. However, "unfortunately" is a reality of music. Sure, it stings when you hear "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", or just flat-out "no". Again, there are no guarantees in music, but if you are an ablebodied person, who maintains his/her skills in music, you are not doomed to never working again.
When you are presented with "unfortunately", it is wise not to have negative words, and take it personally. Just remember, it is a honor to at least be considered. As musicians we keep going. When someone tells you "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", always maintain your professionalism. "Unfortunately" may only mean this gig at that time, and that`s it! Reasons could vary from there is not enough money in the budget to hire you, the band leader may be looking for a specific chemistry between musicians and singers, or any number of reasons. What ever reason, and what ever happens, maintain your dignity, integrity, and professionalism. See you on the band stand.
All we can do as musicians is do our best by being at rehearsals on time, practice the music and our instruments, and be ready for the gig. Hopefully, doing what I have mentioned will lead to a successful performance, with many more to come. However, "unfortunately" is a reality of music. Sure, it stings when you hear "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", or just flat-out "no". Again, there are no guarantees in music, but if you are an ablebodied person, who maintains his/her skills in music, you are not doomed to never working again.
When you are presented with "unfortunately", it is wise not to have negative words, and take it personally. Just remember, it is a honor to at least be considered. As musicians we keep going. When someone tells you "unfortunately your service will not be needed at this time", always maintain your professionalism. "Unfortunately" may only mean this gig at that time, and that`s it! Reasons could vary from there is not enough money in the budget to hire you, the band leader may be looking for a specific chemistry between musicians and singers, or any number of reasons. What ever reason, and what ever happens, maintain your dignity, integrity, and professionalism. See you on the band stand.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta: If you happen to be visiting Atlanta, GA, during the months of August and September, or if you were in Atlanta in July, hopefully you h...
National Black Arts Festival In Atlanta
If you happen to be visiting Atlanta, GA, during the months of August and September, or if you were in Atlanta in July, hopefully you had the chance to attend the National Black Arts Festival. In its 27 years, the National Black Arts Festival offers a season packed with dance, film, literary arts, music, theater, and visual arts from around the world.
This is a wonderful festival, and the city of Atlanta shines. How do I know? I had the pleasure of performing NBAF with Basiks Reggae Band in 2007, and it was spectacular.
In this blog I will not give you the complete performance schedule of NBAF, but if you go to nbaf.org/2015-festival season/, you should be able to find a schedule of performances.
Go, and enjoy NBAF, and don`t forget, put in a plug for my group Freedom, and who knows, may be they will call.
This is a wonderful festival, and the city of Atlanta shines. How do I know? I had the pleasure of performing NBAF with Basiks Reggae Band in 2007, and it was spectacular.
In this blog I will not give you the complete performance schedule of NBAF, but if you go to nbaf.org/2015-festival season/, you should be able to find a schedule of performances.
Go, and enjoy NBAF, and don`t forget, put in a plug for my group Freedom, and who knows, may be they will call.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Introducing Coretta Bridges
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Introducing Coretta Bridges: Coretta Bridges is a poet, singer, songwriter, music publisher, and proprietor of two businesses: Coretta`s Gift Shop, and Muzik and Ly...
Introducing Coretta Bridges
Coretta Bridges is a poet, singer, songwriter, music publisher, and proprietor of two businesses: Coretta`s Gift Shop, and Muzik and Lyriks Publishing Company. Coretta Bridges has written 42 songs published by her publishing company - Muzik and Lyriks Publishing. All total, Coretta Bridges has 50 songs published. Eight songs are managed by a different publisher.
Simply Me is a Coretta Bridges CD released in 2012. Simply Me features Steve Brooks, who performs double duty playing guitar and engineering the Simply Me project.
In May, 2014, Coretta Bridges released her fourth CD through her Muzik and Lyriks Publishing Company titled "Artistic Awakening". This is a good CD. Coretta Bridges is accompanied by strong background vocals that complements the dynamic song styling of Coretta Bridges, which is truly exemplified in Change Your Ways, and the a cappella singing of I`m There For You. Artistic Awakening is a social commentary by Coretta Bridges that has much to say, for example, Make My Way - Remix is written and performed by Shaun Moore - Bey and Coretta Bridges, is a song that gives hope in its message that struggle does not last always.
Coretta Bridges is also a singing member of Simply Divine. Simply Divine performs mostly cover selections of other artist. I have seen video of Simply Divine, and I recommend taking-in a show, I think you will be impress.
All songs are written by Coretta Bridges on Simply Me, and Artistic Awakening. In Coretta Bridges` library of 50 songs, three songs are co-written with other songwriters. Coretta Bridges has also recorded music helping to launch the careers of others.
In 2010, a 10 year old Rich "Richy Rich" Taylor got the call from Bridges to do an inspirational piece on "Better Days To Come", off her Journey CD. Rich "Richy Rich" Taylor is a rapper, and I must say Coretta Bridges infuses that style effectively.
Simply Me is a Coretta Bridges CD released in 2012. Simply Me features Steve Brooks, who performs double duty playing guitar and engineering the Simply Me project.
In May, 2014, Coretta Bridges released her fourth CD through her Muzik and Lyriks Publishing Company titled "Artistic Awakening". This is a good CD. Coretta Bridges is accompanied by strong background vocals that complements the dynamic song styling of Coretta Bridges, which is truly exemplified in Change Your Ways, and the a cappella singing of I`m There For You. Artistic Awakening is a social commentary by Coretta Bridges that has much to say, for example, Make My Way - Remix is written and performed by Shaun Moore - Bey and Coretta Bridges, is a song that gives hope in its message that struggle does not last always.
Coretta Bridges is also a singing member of Simply Divine. Simply Divine performs mostly cover selections of other artist. I have seen video of Simply Divine, and I recommend taking-in a show, I think you will be impress.
All songs are written by Coretta Bridges on Simply Me, and Artistic Awakening. In Coretta Bridges` library of 50 songs, three songs are co-written with other songwriters. Coretta Bridges has also recorded music helping to launch the careers of others.
In 2010, a 10 year old Rich "Richy Rich" Taylor got the call from Bridges to do an inspirational piece on "Better Days To Come", off her Journey CD. Rich "Richy Rich" Taylor is a rapper, and I must say Coretta Bridges infuses that style effectively.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival: If you happen to be in the Rochester, NY area from June 19 through June 27, why not attend the 2015 Xerox Rochester International Jazz ...
Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival
If you happen to be in the Rochester, NY area from June 19 through June 27, why not attend the 2015 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. This festival will host at least 320 shows, with a minimum of 90 free concerts, at 19 locations throughout Rochester. XRIJF will host musicians from 18 countries, and the United States.
Headline acts for XRIJF are Diana Krall, Jennifer Hudson, Trombone Shorty, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Herb Albert, Steve Gadd, and many others.
Tickets can be purchase on-line at RochesterJazz.com, or if in Rochester you can purchase tickets on the corner of East Ave and Gibbs St., Rochester, NY 14607, or call them at (585)454-2060. Service charge/facility fee ticket cost is $8.00 for ticket orders over the phone or on-line, and $10.00 for mailed tickets. Just contact the XRIJF for more information.
Headline acts for XRIJF are Diana Krall, Jennifer Hudson, Trombone Shorty, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Herb Albert, Steve Gadd, and many others.
Tickets can be purchase on-line at RochesterJazz.com, or if in Rochester you can purchase tickets on the corner of East Ave and Gibbs St., Rochester, NY 14607, or call them at (585)454-2060. Service charge/facility fee ticket cost is $8.00 for ticket orders over the phone or on-line, and $10.00 for mailed tickets. Just contact the XRIJF for more information.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Ortheia Barns-Kennerly and Marcus Belgraves
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Ortheia Barns-Kennerly and Marcus Belgraves: Ortheia Barns-Kennerly and Marcus Belgraves were internationally renowned artist who were loved by many, and especially Detroiters. Tha...
Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly and Marcus Belgrave
Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly and Marcus Belgrave were internationally renowned artist who were loved by many, and especially Detroiters. That is why it is with a heavy heart I prepare this blog. During the month of May we have lost two of our greatest musical artist; Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly and Marcus Belgrave.
I never performed with Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, but I have had the pleasure of seeing Ortheia Barns-Kennerly perform at some outdoor festivals, and on television. Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly`s reputation proceeds herself as a vocalist, and a well earned reputation she has built. I have just recently met Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly as her husband started saxophone lessons with me. My heart goes out to Mr. Kennerly. Also, to the loved ones of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, and her fans throughout the world.
I have known Marcus Belgrave since high school, where he would come to Northwestern H.S. in Detroit, MI., to introduce compositions he composed to our stage band, do clinics, and was always accessible to mentor young instrumentalist. Marcus Belgrave was thoroughly committed to jazz, as was demonstrated through his initiatives, and projects. In the 1970`s, Marcus Belgrave organized the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop, which was a training ground for many of Detroit`s finest jazz musicians. In the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop we would perform big band arrangements from That Jones, and other composers. Marcus Belgrave was also connected to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Hall with his jazz series. Marcus Belgrave touched so many lives, and we are all the better because he did. Thank you, Marcus Belgrave.
We in Detroit`s music community have lost two significant artist. No one can fill the void of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly or Marcus Belgrave, but they left something for us; a passion to serve music with your best.
I never performed with Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, but I have had the pleasure of seeing Ortheia Barns-Kennerly perform at some outdoor festivals, and on television. Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly`s reputation proceeds herself as a vocalist, and a well earned reputation she has built. I have just recently met Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly as her husband started saxophone lessons with me. My heart goes out to Mr. Kennerly. Also, to the loved ones of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly, and her fans throughout the world.
I have known Marcus Belgrave since high school, where he would come to Northwestern H.S. in Detroit, MI., to introduce compositions he composed to our stage band, do clinics, and was always accessible to mentor young instrumentalist. Marcus Belgrave was thoroughly committed to jazz, as was demonstrated through his initiatives, and projects. In the 1970`s, Marcus Belgrave organized the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop, which was a training ground for many of Detroit`s finest jazz musicians. In the New Detroit Jazz Development Workshop we would perform big band arrangements from That Jones, and other composers. Marcus Belgrave was also connected to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestra Hall with his jazz series. Marcus Belgrave touched so many lives, and we are all the better because he did. Thank you, Marcus Belgrave.
We in Detroit`s music community have lost two significant artist. No one can fill the void of Ortheia Barnes-Kennerly or Marcus Belgrave, but they left something for us; a passion to serve music with your best.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Music And The Creative Economy
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Music And The Creative Economy: What does advertising, architecture, art, craft, design, fashion, film, and music have in common? They are all fields involved in the c...
Music And The Creative Economy
What does advertising, architecture, art, craft, design, fashion, film, and music have in common? They are all fields involved in the creative economy. The music business is a combination of companies and individuals that make-up the music industry by creating, making, and selling music. Working in music are musicians, companies and professionals who create and sell music. Also included in music are those who present live music, professionals that assist musicians with their careers, those who broadcast music, journalist, educators, instrument makers, and others. Music as an industry is apart of an economic system known as the creative economy.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts gives the definition of the creative economy as "the enterprises and people involved in the production and distribution of goods and services in which the aesthetic, intellectual, and emotional engagement of the consumer gives the product value in the marketplace". The creative economy includes for-profit creative service businesses, nonprofit arts groups, and independent creative businesses.
Musicians participate in the creative economy by performing in bands, work with groups accompanying dance troupes or musical theaters, working as professional studio musicians, and providing music to churches and other religious institutions. Musicians are also participants in fields such as education and medicine.
As stated, the creative economy is huge, and music and musicians are well in the thick of it. Students, music is a business, and make sure you understand that! A career in music comes with its ups and downs; feast or famine. You can have a rewarding and enjoyable career in music, but you must plan, practice, and persevere. See you on the bandstand in our creative economy.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts gives the definition of the creative economy as "the enterprises and people involved in the production and distribution of goods and services in which the aesthetic, intellectual, and emotional engagement of the consumer gives the product value in the marketplace". The creative economy includes for-profit creative service businesses, nonprofit arts groups, and independent creative businesses.
Musicians participate in the creative economy by performing in bands, work with groups accompanying dance troupes or musical theaters, working as professional studio musicians, and providing music to churches and other religious institutions. Musicians are also participants in fields such as education and medicine.
As stated, the creative economy is huge, and music and musicians are well in the thick of it. Students, music is a business, and make sure you understand that! A career in music comes with its ups and downs; feast or famine. You can have a rewarding and enjoyable career in music, but you must plan, practice, and persevere. See you on the bandstand in our creative economy.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
My Take On The Best Jazz Albums
What is your favorite jazz album? I don`t know! What criterion do you use to make that determination? Being Saxophonist Keith Gamble I would say "Meaning, Truth, and Understanding", because it`s my recording, and I play and compose all the music on that CD. But, that would be rather self-serving, and in poor taste.
My favorite albums are those recordings I listen too over and over again. With these recordings I hear something that grabs my attention at (or almost) every listen.
On Herbie Hancock`s "The Prisoner" album I am just always in awe over Joe Henderson`s tenor saxophone solo on "I Have A Dream". "Speak Like A Child" is another Herbie Hancock album I just love because of the harmonic work, especially on the title piece. Before Herbie Hancock, and before I started playing saxophone, I heard "Offering" by John Coltrane, which is a live recording at Philadelphia`s Temple University. That started my love for this music called jazz. Other jazz albums include: Herbie Hancock`s VSOP album, especially with the Mwandishi 6tet, Joe Henderson`s Inner Urge, Bobby Hutcherson`s Montara and Waiting albums, Woody Shaw`s Rosewood and Katrina Ballerina recordings, Flora Purim`s Butterfly Dreams and Encounter, and Miles Davis` ESP and Nefertiti albums.
Of course many albums are not on this list, and I don`t thing you could include all of my favorites. We are all blessed to have such great albums in the jazz discography.
My favorite albums are those recordings I listen too over and over again. With these recordings I hear something that grabs my attention at (or almost) every listen.
On Herbie Hancock`s "The Prisoner" album I am just always in awe over Joe Henderson`s tenor saxophone solo on "I Have A Dream". "Speak Like A Child" is another Herbie Hancock album I just love because of the harmonic work, especially on the title piece. Before Herbie Hancock, and before I started playing saxophone, I heard "Offering" by John Coltrane, which is a live recording at Philadelphia`s Temple University. That started my love for this music called jazz. Other jazz albums include: Herbie Hancock`s VSOP album, especially with the Mwandishi 6tet, Joe Henderson`s Inner Urge, Bobby Hutcherson`s Montara and Waiting albums, Woody Shaw`s Rosewood and Katrina Ballerina recordings, Flora Purim`s Butterfly Dreams and Encounter, and Miles Davis` ESP and Nefertiti albums.
Of course many albums are not on this list, and I don`t thing you could include all of my favorites. We are all blessed to have such great albums in the jazz discography.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Herbie Hancock`s I Have A Dream
Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Herbie Hancock`s I Have A Dream: Dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Herbie Hancock`s I Have A Dream is a beautiful composition from Hancock`s "The Prisoner"...
Herbie Hancock`s I Have A Dream
Dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Herbie Hancock`s I Have A Dream is a beautiful composition from Hancock`s "The Prisoner" LP. Released in 1969, this was Herbie Hancock`s last recording session with Blue Note Records (at least as a leader). Plush with beautiful harmonic and ensemble writing, and solos that will keep you in awe. Joe Henderson; Wow! He plays a timeless solo on tenor saxophone. Some argue it is his best recorded solo. I don`t know if it is his best solo, but I will say it is Joe Henderson`s top 10, and probably near the very top of the list. The unsung hero is the rhythm section. Buster Williams and Albert "Tootie" Heath on bass and drums respectively work a musical collaboration of expressive artistry.
Other fine gems and recordings can be found on The Prisoner LP, but "I Have A Dream" is my favorite. Personnel on I Have A Dream include; Herbie Hancock - piano and electric piano, Johnny Coles - flugel horn, Garnett Brown - trombone, Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone and alto flute, Hubert Laws - flute, Jerome Richardson - bass clarinet, Tony Studd - bass trombone, Buster Williams - double bass, and Albert "Tootie" Heath - drums. If you are a collector of jazz LPs this is one that has to be in your collection.I Have A Dream, by Herbie Hancock
Other fine gems and recordings can be found on The Prisoner LP, but "I Have A Dream" is my favorite. Personnel on I Have A Dream include; Herbie Hancock - piano and electric piano, Johnny Coles - flugel horn, Garnett Brown - trombone, Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone and alto flute, Hubert Laws - flute, Jerome Richardson - bass clarinet, Tony Studd - bass trombone, Buster Williams - double bass, and Albert "Tootie" Heath - drums. If you are a collector of jazz LPs this is one that has to be in your collection.I Have A Dream, by Herbie Hancock
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