Reverence, from Charles McPherson

      Charles McPherson is a jazz saxophonist born in Joplin, Missouri, and raised in Detroit, MI. From 1960 - 1974, Charles McPherson performed intermittently with Charles Mingus, as well as leading his own groups. McPherson recorded with Prestige, Mainstream, Xanadu, and Arabesque record labels. In 1988, McPherson recorded pieces for the film "Bird".

     Reverence is alto saxophonist Charles McPherson`s latest recording project. McPherson`s Smoke Sessions is dedicated to pianist Barry Harris. Smoke Jazz Club celebrated its 25th anniversary season in May with the Charles McPherson Quintet. This series took place from the 1st - 5th of May. Joining Charles McPherson were  Terell Stafford - trumpet, Jeb Patton - piano, David Wong - bass, and Billy Drummond - drums.

     By the time this blog was written and published, Charles McPherson completed his stay at Smoke Jazz Club. However, you will still be able to see Charles McPherson perform. Charles McPherson will perform at La Jolla Music Society, June 9, in La Jolla, California, 7600 Fay Avenue. July 12 -14, at Keystone Korner Jazz Restaurant/Bar, Baltimore, MD. August 1 - 4, McPherson will be appearing at Jazz Showcase, in Chicago, IL. August 9, Gretna Music, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. August 18, Charles McPherson will be playing at Jazz In The Valley, in Poughkeepsie, NY, and January 28 - February 4, 2025, you can catch Charles McPherson and his Quintet on The Jazz Cruise. 

 

Music In Northern Michigan

      If you are looking for music to enjoy, venture to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Bergonzi Piano Trio is one of many music ensembles you will see if you attend Pine Mountain Music Festival. This series of performances is held in Houghton, Marquette, and Hancock, Michigan. June 17, 2024, at 10:00 am, Bergonzi Piano Trio will present their Children`s Concert, at Portage Lake United Church, Houghton, MI, and their evening concert at 7:30 pm, at Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, in Houghton. This performance schedule repeats again with their Children`s Concert at 12:00 pm, June 18, 2024, at Peter White Public Library, in Marquette, MI, June 19, 2024, at 7:30 pm, at Marquette`s Reynolds Recital Hall, on campus at Northern Michigan University.

     Upstarts! is another series of musical performances in Michigan`s U.P. This year performing for Upstart! are Darrius Morton (tenor), Grace Bergstrom (tuba), and Marlee Matthews (oboe). These Upstart! performances are June 21, 2024, 7:30 pm, at Ontonagon Theater, Ontonagon, MI, June 23 and 24, 2024, at Portage Lake United Church, in Houghton, and St. Paul`s Episcopal Church in Marquette, MI, respectively.

     The History of Opera in the U.P. will be presented through opera and arias. Put this on your calendar for June 20, 2024, at St. Paul`s Episcopal Church, in Marquette, MI, and June 22, 2024, at Orpheum Theater, in Hancock, MI. Both performances begin at 7:30 pm.

     On The Town Concerts feature free 30 - 45 minute concerts highlighting chamber music. These concerts will be held at Bridgefest, in Houghton/Hancock, and Marquette Art Week. These performances will take place in unique gatherings such as the canal storefront, a selected coffee shop, a park, antique store, or photo gallery. Do a google search for On The Town Concerts for 2024 dates and locations.

Busking

      For 36 years, saxophonist Ken Warfield, aka "The Hollywood Bowl Sax Man" has been busking under Highland Avenue at the Hollywood Bowl, in Hollywood, CA. Busking is the activity of playing music in public spaces, such as parks and sidewalks, or other public places for voluntary donations where musicians can be seen by many people. Great places to busk are closed-down shops, and corners of busy streets. Busking should be timed for no more than one hour.

     In Michigan busking is legal, and permits are not required. However, there are ordinance and rules that must be followed. Money can be made busking, and some have made this a career choice. If you are playing great music, and there is much foot traffic, busking can bring in a good earning. A musician could earn $20.00 to 50.00 per hour, if not more.

     Busking and begging are simular, but these two activities are distinguishable. Busking provides performance and entertainment, which makes busking more favorable for public space. Busking is making money with your musical talents, verses asking people for charity.

     If you are looking at busking to supplement your income, or choosing this as a career path, do your homework. Musicians do make money from busking. However, be aware, there are pros and cons of busking. Ken "The Hollywood Bowl Sax Man" Warfield was physically attacked while busking. However, the pros have outweighed the cons for Mr. Warfield. Again, my advice - Do Your Homework!

Celebrating African American Music Throughout Black History Month

      "Message In Our Music" was released from The O`Jays in 1976. This message rings true from our past music, recordings of today, and music in our future. African American music covers a diverse range of musical styles and genres developed from African American culture.

     When addressing African American music, our discussion will begin with slave songs and spirituals. Slave songs, also called work songs were hardship songs of physical labor. These songs also communicated with other slaves without slave owners knowing or realizing such communication was occurring. Religious music to come from slavery were spirituals. This sacred music provided slaves with an enduring spirit to persevere.

     After the Civil War between northern and southern States, black musicians playing in military bands developed a style of music called ragtime. From ragtime, other forms and styles developed. Ragtime was the popular form of music from 1890 to 1917. Ragtime music influenced other styles of music such as early jazz, Harlem stride piano, and European composers such as Claude Debussy.

     In the 1920s, jazz surpassed ragtime as popular music. Jazz was developed and grew out of brothels and speakeasies, and was highly segregated. Louis Armstrong was most noted of early jazz innovators. Other jazz styles to follow were swing and big band from the 1930s, with artist such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie. Bebop followed in the 1940s, with musical artist such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

     Hard bop, modal jazz, Latin and Brazilian jazz would come-out of the 1950s and 60s. Avant garde and fusion were introduced in the 1960s and 70s. Jazz from the 1980s to present day continues borrowing from other styles from classical, hip hop, and electronic music.

     Black music is expansive, and covers an array of genres and styles. These genres and styles include, but are not limited to sacred music, folk music, blues, jazz, R&B, rock and roll, and hip hop. There is a lot there in the African American music canon.

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.

Music, Entrepreneurship and Careers

      Are musicians entrepreneurs? The answer to that is Yes and No. Yes, we can create businesses, but we are members of a gig economy. That is interesting in-that musicians created the word meaning I have a job (gig) to play. As musicians many of us have learned to play our instruments with others. We form friendships, bonds, and collaborations with other like-minded musicians. In music we make life long friends, and are members of a community of musical artist.

     Musicians create music that is meaningful to us as artist, and through that process hopefully we are creating music that you will enjoy and love. As songwriters and composers we work to make our music meaningful, and sustain public interest to our music. That is our responsibility as musical artist, not entrepreneurs.

     Musicians are employed in industries that include entertainment, music business, and arts administration. Careers for musicians include art administrators, business owners, community arts advocates, performing musicians, and public, private or charter music teachers in our school systems. If someone is interested in a career in music you have choices. You can become an independent musician. As a musician you perform and create music. Music industry executive. This professional carries-out the vision of a music company, as well as securing financial backing for music projects. Artist manager. The artist manager has vision, or fulfills the vision of the artist`s career. Managers do everything from negotiating contracts, balancing checkbooks, overseeing tours, and scheduling recording sessions.

     Other opportunities in music include music marketing representative to help artist get their work out to a broader audience by radio, and other nontraditional ways. This professional leverages latest techniques that engages with musicians. Music industry consultant. This professional offers strategies required to elevate an artist`s career. There are other careers in music, just do your research.

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Drummer Nate Smith

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Drummer Nate Smith:       Drummer Nate Smith was born Ira Nathaniel Smith on December 14, 1974, in Chesapeake, VA. Nate Smith is a drummer, songwriter, producer...

Drummer Nate Smith

      Drummer Nate Smith was born Ira Nathaniel Smith on December 14, 1974, in Chesapeake, VA. Nate Smith is a drummer, songwriter, producer, and educator whose love for music began with his record collection, which included recordings of Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock. While listening to these recordings Nate Smith would particularly listen to the drummers.

     Nate Smith began playing drums like many of us in K-12 education. He played in the Indian River High School band program in Chesapeake, Virginia, playing in concert band, marching band, and jazz band. Outside of school Nate Smith played in church. Nate grew-up in a quiet church community of parishioners, so he only played during special occasions. Gospel drumming was not a large part of his drumming foundation.

      Along with his siblings Nate Smith took piano lessons after his mom purchased a piano for the family home. Nate would loss interest in playing piano after a year of lessons, and returned to playing drums. Nate Smith would come back to the piano, but drums was his true passion.

     Nate Smith was greatly influenced by Art Blakely and the Jazz Messengers of the 1980`s. He was also influenced by Elvin Jones, but Smith would not learn about Elvin Jones until he was enrolled in college. During his college years Max Roach was also a discovery, but not merely as a drummer, but a conceptualist and composer. Nate Smith was quoted as saying "Elvin, Max and Art Blakely are the triumvirate for me as a drummer."

     For over 20 years Nate Smith has worked with some of the greatest names in jazz, R&B, rock, pop, and hip-hop as performer, composer, arranger, with Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Jose James, John Patitucci, Ravi Coltrane, Somi, and others. Nate Smith has two Grammy-nominated albums; Kinfolk: Postcards From Everywhere Project, and Kinfolk 2: See The Birds.

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Hippie Live 2022

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Hippie Live 2022:      Yes! American society is back! You see it with traffic jams going into downtown Detroit, and numerous musical performances. One venue i...

Hippie Live 2022

     Yes! American society is back! You see it with traffic jams going into downtown Detroit, and numerous musical performances. One venue is the Hippie Living Fair. Although not in Detroit, this is one of many festivals in the State of Michigan.

     The Hippie Living Fair is not a jazz festival, and I do not even know who is performing at the Hippie Living Fair, but that is not the point. The music community is back after three years of isolation. Yes, it is great to see musicians are working again. So, if you happen to be in the area of Berrien Springs, Michigan, go check-out the festival`s live performances.

     Dates for this years Hippie Living Fair is from July 1-3, 2022, in Berrien Springs, MI. This event has live performances reminiscent of the 1960s Hippie movement, featuring three days of music on three stages with jam bands from around the world. Also, experience Bohemian - themed markets at the Hippie Live 2022 festival.

     Check-out the Hippie Living Fair, at 9122 US Highway 31, Berrien Springs, MI 49103. For more information, call (269)625-0364, or email Info@HippieLivingFair.com. For additional information, just Google Hippie Living Fair. For those of you that attend, please respond by commenting on this blog your experiences at the Hippie Living Fair. 

Favorite Recordings From Herbie Hancock

      As I was reading an on-line article from Jazzwise, titled Herbie Hancock: 21 Essential Albums, by Alyn Shipton, Monday, October 18, 2021, I got an idea to share my list of favorite Herbie Hancock recordings. Alyn Shipton`s Herbie Hancock: 21 Essential Albums is a helpful list that points to the great works pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has shared with his fans throughout the years.

     The Miles Davis Quintet of the 1960s was known as "the greatest small group of the 60s put Herbie on the map as an international star". These notable albums were ESP, Nefertiti, and Sorcerer.

     Herbie Hancock`s 1965 Blue Note recording of Maiden Voyage was an album that captured the grandeur of sea life. Speak Like A Child was a Herbie Hancock recording from Blue Note Records recorded in 1968. Speak Like A Child was also the title sound trac for the album. Speak Like A Child is such a beautiful recording, especially the background harmonies of Jerry Dodgion on flute, and Thad Jones on flugelhorn. The Prisoner is one of my favorite Herbie Hancock albums. I am particularly crazy about the recording "I Have A Dream", and Joe Henderson`s tenor saxophone solo on that recording. The Prisoner was also the end of Herbie Hancock`s association with Blue Note Records.

     Mwandishi was the start of his affiliation with Warner Brother Records, in 1970. Herbie`s line-up featured Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, and Bennie Maupin on woodwinds.

     Herbie Hancock moved to Columbia Records, in 1973. This move to Columbia Records took Herbie Hancock into funk music with his Head Hunters album. "Chameleon" was the popular hit on Head Hunters that introduced Herbie Hancock`s music to huge audiences. Continuing on with Hancock`s Columbia years, other albums have become my favorites, such as V.S.O.P. (Columbia, 1976). I love this album! Especially the Herbie Hancock Sextet. The Herbie Hancock Sextet is the Mwandishi group performing "Toys" and "You`ll Know When You Get There" on the recording. Yes, I have to admit it, the album Future Shock (Columbia, 1983) is a guilty pleasure.

     When you get a chance listen to my favorite Herbie Hancock picks, and I am sure you have yours; please share them. Well, excuse me; I have some listening to do.

Shipton, Alyn. Herbie Hancock: 21 Essential Albums. Jazzwise October 18, 2021, www.jazzwise.com

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: 70`s Soul

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: 70`s Soul:       "People Make The World Go Round", "Pay Back Is A Dog", and many others are recordings I grew-up with as a child in...