Jazz In Film

      When discussing jazz in film, what comes to mind? Bird (1988), Mo Better Blues (1990), Kansas City (1995), just to name a few. The film I think of is not a jazz film at all. The films I have mentioned are all great films about jazz, and there are others. However, I am speaking of films where jazz in not the focus, but jazz can or may be heard in the film. That film is Street Smart (1987).

     Street Smart is a crime drama that stars the late Christopher Reeve and Morgan Freeman. I enjoy this film, and I particularly love the end credit music. In this film Christopher Reeve takes on the role as Jonathan Fisher, a reporter for a media organization. Jonathan Fisher was given an assignment to cover prostitution, but fails to provide needed information from his sources. He decides to construct his own narrative on this subject. The story Jonathan Fisher fabricated revives his journalist career. However, his story catches the attention of Fast Black (Morgan Freeman); a real pimp. Fast Black is outraged, but makes demands on Jonathan Fisher to be his alibi during a murder investigation of Fast Black. When legal officials get involved, things go from bad to worse.

     Readers of this blog, please let us know and share your favorite jazz music in a film. Please post your comments to this blog. Also, when you get a chance, check out Street Smart, and listen to the end credit music.

Saxophonist Richard Howell

      Before starting this blog I cannot say I was a fan of Richard Howell; I never heard of him! However, I have started learning about him in preparing this blog. In researching Richard Howell, I have developed an appreciation of him. Life provides opportunities to learn and grow.

     Born in 1953, Richard Howell is a saxophonist from San Francisco, CA. Richard Howell has performed with artist such as Etta James, Chaka Khan, Maurice White, Christian Scott a Tunde Adjuah, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and others. In addition to being a great musician, Richard Howell is also a renowned composer and educator.

     Earth, Wind, & Fire`s Maurice White has been quoted as saying, he has the deepest respect for his musical abilities. White goes on to say Richard Howell walks the same path as Don Myrick and Joe Henderson. Wow! that`s profound; both are great saxophonist.

     In addition to playing saxophone, Richard Howell is a lecturer of jazz history with Jazz Tree Education Internationally. He is also involved with jazz education at Oaktown Jazz Workshops. Richard Howell also leads two jazz ensembles; RH Quartet, and Richard Howell and Sudden Changes.

     If you`re in the San Francisco Bay area, you are blessed to have saxophonist Richard Howell in your presence. I hope to someday have an opportunity to experience what his fans from around the world have enjoyed, and that is seeing and hearing saxophonist Richard Howell. 

African American Jazz Caucus

      Jazz is all over the world. Nearly or every nationality performs jazz. However, let us not loss sight of where and whom jazz originates, and cultural heritage.

     The origins of jazz is rooted in the African-American community, starting in New Orleans, Louisiana, as the first commercial place for jazz in the late 19th century. Jazz is firmly established over time in blues and ragtime music.

     African American Jazz Caucus Inc. has as their mission to preserve the cultural heritage and legacy of jazz. African American Jazz Caucus goal is to connect music students, and developing musicians with musicians specializing in music areas as performance, composition, publication, education, music business, and arts administration. The African American Jazz Caucus strives to promote a rich cultural heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominately Black Institutions. This is accomplished through their partnership with the Jazz Education Network. Each year African American Jazz Caucus selects a musical group from either a HBCU or PBI, and features that ensemble at the JEN conference held in January, at a selected city and location. 

     African American Jazz Caucus is dedicated to protecting and preserving jazz`s cultural heritage and legacy as an indigenous art form rooted from Africa. When you get the opportunity, check-out African American Jazz Caucus, and see what programs they offer as they fulfill their mission to preserve the cultural heritage and legacy of jazz.

Hazel Scott

      In writing this blog Hazel Scott is a new discovery for me. Sure, I have heard of Hazel Scott, but preparing this blog has given me more of an appreciation of Hazel Scott, and her contribution to jazz and music. Jazz pianist and vocalist Hazel Scott has hosted her own TV show, and stood against the House Un-American Activities Committee. As a performer, Hazel Scott is known for her jazzy interpretation of classical music.

     Born June 11, 1920, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Hazel Dorothy Scott was given birth to R. Thomas Scott and Alma Long Scott. who was a classically trained musician who played piano and saxophone. Alma Long Scott developed friendships with Art Tatum, Lester Young, and Fats Waller. These connections made it possible for Hazel Scott to audition to Juilliard when she was eight years old, playing "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor", by Rachmaninoff. Hazel Scott received a scholarship and studied privately.

     At 15 years of age, Hazel Scott appeared opposite the Count Basie big band at New York City`s Roseland Ballroom, where she won a competition to host a radio show. In 1938, Hazel Scott appeared on Broadway in a musical revue of  "Sing Out the News". In 1939, Hazel Scott had performances in Greenwich Village at Cafe` Society. Cafe` Society was an integrated club where Billie Holiday ended her engagement, and insisted on Hazel Scott as her replacement. Hazel Scott would perform classical music, with improvisation and jazz lines, runs, and stylings in a full-bodied singing voice.

     Eventually, Hazel Scott made her way to Hollywood, only to face a racist structure that wanted Hazel Scott to play roles of singing maids, which she declined. However, Hazel Scott appeared in five films as herself. Her film career ended in 1945. Hazel Scott took a stand against racism, by refusing to perform for segregated audiences, which was stipulated in her contracts.

     Returning to New York City, and soon after her return, Hazel Scott had an affair with politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Hazel Scott and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr would marry, and give birth to their son in 1946, Adam Clayton Powell III.

     In 1950, Hazel Scott was the first African-American woman to host her own TV show - The Hazel Scott Show, which aired to a national audience. Unfortunately, Hazel Scott`s TV show came to an end due to the Un-American Activities Committee. Hazel Scott was accused of "performing for organizations with Communist ties". The Hazel Scott Show was cancelled.

     After her ordeal with the House Un-American Activities Committee, Hazel Scott continued on with her life and career. Hazel Scott divorced Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1960. In 1957, Hazel Scott moved to Paris, and became one of many Black expatriates to move there. However, Hazel Scott did return to the United States in 1967, performing for her audience base, as well as making a few recordings. Hazel Scott passed away on October 2, 1981, two month after her last performance.

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: L`Eclair

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: L`Eclair:       Reminiscent of Head Hunters from the 1970s, L`Eclair is very much a group form the 2020s. L`Eclair is a cosmic instrumental six piece ...

L`Eclair

      Reminiscent of Head Hunters from the 1970s, L`Eclair is very much a group form the 2020s. L`Eclair is a cosmic instrumental six piece group that hails from Geneva, Switzerland. I spotted L`Eclair on a video performance. On that video L`Eclair performed "Verso", "P+R", and other selections. L`Eclair is heavy with percussion and keyboards. Bass and guitar rounds out L`Eclair. "Cosmologies" is a repetitive piece with layers of keyboard improvisation.

     L`Eclair has three LPs, and an EP. Their debut recording was released in 2017, under the title "Cruise Control".

     L`Eclair has multiple concerts scheduled for Europe. L`Eclair is known for their global groove scene. L`Eclair has developed a following in Switzerland, the Netherlands, the US, and throughout Europe.

     L`Eclair began in 2015. Members of L`Eclair are Sebastien Bui - Keyboard, Stefan Lilov - guitar, Yavor Lilov - drums, Alain Sandri - percussion and keyboard, Quentin Pilet - percussion, and Elie Ghersinu - bass.

Support For Ralph Yarl

      There have been a rash of shootings in the United States of young people for minor things such as ringing a wrong door bell, pulling into some ones driveway, and going to the wrong car. These are mistakes that happen to all of us, and know one deserves to be shot over these mistakes. I am devoting this blog to Ralph Yarl.

     At age 16, Ralph Yarl is described as a kind, quite, friendly, well-mannered, and smart student who is a member of his schools Technology Student Association and Science Olympia team, as well as his high school jazz and competition band. He is section leader in his high school marching band. Ralph Yarl is recognized as being one of the best bass clarinetist in Missouri, and receiving honorable mention in the Missouri All-State Band. Ralph Yarl also performs with the metropolitan youth orchestra. Highly talented, and college bound, Ralph Yarl is looking to attend Texas A&M as a chemical engineer major.

     On April 13, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ralph Yarl was going to pick-up his younger twin brothers who were visiting at their friend`s home. Unfortunately, Ralph Yarl went to the wrong house, and was shot twice. Ralph Yarl survived his injuries, and is recovering.

     You can help Ralph Yarl recover from this ordeal by going to his gofundme fundraiser account established by his aunt, Faith Spoonmore. Funds will cover Ralph Yarl`s medical bills and needed therapies. Additional funds will be used for his college expenses at Texas A&M, and other expenses, including a trip to West Africa. Make this possible for Ralph Yarl by going to GoFundMe, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses. We are all pulling for you Ralph Yarl, and we wish you the best.

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Black Arts & Cultural Center

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Black Arts & Cultural Center:      Kalamazoo, Michigan is a beautiful city in western Michigan. Kalamazoo is also home of Black Arts & Cultural Center, located at 359...

Black Arts & Cultural Center

     Kalamazoo, Michigan is a beautiful city in western Michigan. Kalamazoo is also home of Black Arts & Cultural Center, located at 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 102, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

     Black Arts & Cultural Center develops the potential and creativity of Black artist, while presenting an awareness of Black artistic ability, while preserving Black culture, heritage, and interactions with the Kalamazoo community. BACC exhibits art from local, regional, national, and international artist to youth and adults. BACC works to establish partnerships and collaborations with artist and arts organizations, for example, BACC collaboration with Orchestra Jammbo`laya. BACC does not offer music programming, but provide space for music students of Orchestra Jammbo`laya to rehearse one day per week during the school year. Other musical activities associated with BACC takes place during Kalamazoo`s Black Arts Festival.

     Each year BACC host a Black Arts Festival in Kalamazoo. This is a one day festival that features musical performances. In 1986, musical performances gave rise to Black Arts & Cultural Center which was officially established in 1990. The Black Arts 

Festival has featured musical groups such as the Velvelettes, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues, and various other musical performances through out the years. This years Black Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Bronson Park, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

     If you are in Kalamazoo, MI, check out the art on display at Black Arts & Cultural Center. Make plans to visit Kalamazoo on July 8, 2023 to attend Kalamazoo`s Black Arts Festival. There are things to do in Kalamazoo, MI. If you have any questions, or want to plan a day at Black Arts & Cultural Center, contact them at (269)349-1035, or by email at info@blackartskalamazoo.org. Hope to see you in Kalamazoo.