NYS Music 202​1

Tag: jazz

  • Jazz Artist Senri Oe releases Music Video for Upcoming Album “Letter To N.Y.”

    Pop star turned jazz artist Senri Oe has announced the release of his new official music video for “Out of Chaos.” The song is the first track out of his forthcoming seventh studio jazz album, Letter To N.Y.

    Senri Oe

    As a pop Japanese superstar for two decades during the 80s and 90s, Senri Oe did a complete turnabout on his career after deciding to focus on what was important in his life. It was his first love: jazz. Senri left Japan and his legion of pop fans and headed to New York to study at the School of Jazz at The New School. He proceeded to launch his recording career with his debut album Boys Mature Slow via PND Records in 2012. 

    Letter to N.Y. is very impressionistic in its portrayal of New York music and culture through the lens of the pandemic but heard together, the songs reveal a unique narrative story. It’s about the brokenness and collapse of the old way of life, yet with the hope that as we move into the new normal, restoration and renewal are also possible. The former world is over, so now we have to open a new door and take everything to a brave new level moving forward.

    Senri Oe on Letter to N.Y.

    Composed and produced by Senri completely during quarantine, the 11-track album, Letter to N.Y., is a special homage expressing Senri’s sincere love for New York City. The album captures the eclectic array of the Big Apple’s musical energies.

    Senri Oe

    Senri, who first started on classical piano, and whose influences are both bebop and Miles Davis’ electronic jazz fusion of the 70s and 80s, was inspired by the same electric keyboard and organ sounds on Letter to N.Y.  It follows Senri’s 2020 album Hmmm, and a trio session with drummer Ari Hoenig and bassist Matt Clohesy which hit the Top 40 on JazzWeek and reached number 24 on the Roots Radio Jazz’ Top 50 chart.

    Senri’s other albums include the full big band with Spooky Hotel (2013), Collective Scribble (2015), and Answer July (2016), which featured jazz vocal greats Sheila Jordan, Theo Bleckmann, Becca Stevens, and Lauren Kinhan of the Grammy-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices.

    Senri Oe

    Oe’s love for New York is simply contagious. It is not only apparent in his latest album, but also in messages he has given to his fans. Through musical synergies of jazz melodies, riffs, and rhythms, Oe further expresses his passion for the New York music scene with others. Both his story and his songs are inspiring for those with similar ambitions and drive.

    When you wake up in the morning, you can hear the voice of birds, and when you open the window, the sound of the wind is soothing. They all turn into music in this room where I live now.

    At the beginning of the pandemic, I was at a loss in a tremendously dark tunnel. But after I learned how to live day by day, mindfully, I started to find the birth of soul-shaking events which I have never experienced each day.

    Music is at every corner of the street. Honesty, a sense of humor, and the no-pretense kindness fill everywhere.

    I am in love with New York more than ever.

    Senri Oe’s Letter To N.Y.

    Senri Oe’s official music video for “Out of Chaos” is featured on Letter To N.Y. and releases via PND/Sony Masterworks on July 21. Watch “Out of Chaos” now below

  • Levin Brothers’ Vaccinating Rhythm Tour Announces Bearsville Theater Show

    Woodstock’s Tony and Pete Levin bring their Levin Brothers Vaccinating Rhythm tour to the Bearsville Theater on June 26, 2021, as part of a select tour of shows. The duo was founded by Pete and Tony Levin in 2013, after 5 decades of performing and recording with the titans of music in jazz, fusion, rock, pop, and world music. Now, they are set to tour New York alongside an outstanding supporting jazz lineup at the Bearsville Theater.

    After guesting on each other’s projects, the Levin Brothers finally decided to create their own jazz band. To date, the Levin Brothers have released 2 albums – the self-titled first album in 2014, and the follow-up live album Special Delivery in 2017. The band has toured all over the USA, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Japan.

    Since graduating from the Eastman School of Music, Tony Levin, one of the most recorded bassists in the history of music, has become bass and Chapman Stick voice for Peter Gabriel and King Crimson. He has played on notable recordings for icons John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, Carly Simon, Buddy Rich, Gary Burton, and Chuck Mangione. Currently, tours and records with Stick Men, Levin Brothers, King Crimson, and Peter Gabriel.

    After graduating from the Julliard School, Pete Levin became a synthesizer specialist among New York City recording studio scene. Over the years, he has graced hundreds of jazz and pop recordings, performing with many artists including the following: Gil Evans, Jimmy Giuffre, David Sanborn, Annie Lennox, Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, Lenny White, and Paul Simon.

    A veteran of the New York Jazz scene, Jeff ‘Siege’ Siegel has become a who’s-who of jazz artists. A member of Sir Roland Hanna’s Trio from 1994 to 1999, he has performed and recorded with jazz legends including Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell, Lee Shaw, Jack DeJohnette, Benny Golson, Frank Foster, Helen Merrill, and Mose Allison.

    Additionally, contemporary Jazz guitarist Jeff Ciampa has recorded and toured with some of the most well-known jazz, pop, and rock stars, including the following: Harry Belafonte, Jon Lucien, Dave Matthews, Mark Egan, Bill Evans, Al MacDowell, Ornette Coleman, Lew Soloff, and Lenny White.

    All tickets are $50 General Admission in advance and $55.00 general admission at the door. Doors open at 6:30 PM ET and the show begins at 8:00 PM ET. For tickets, visit www.bearsvilletheater.com

    Bearsville Theater’s Jazz Brunch lineup

    For the finest jazz, food, and drink in the Catskills, experience the Bearsville Theater’s Jazz Brunch every Sunday through Labor Day with the following artists:

    6/20 – Pete Levin
    6/27 – Christine and Elliott Spero
    7/04 – The Peter Einhorn Trio
    7/11 – Elliott Spero
    7/18 – Chris Milletari
    7/25 – Ken McGloin and Jim Curtain
    8/01 – The Peter Eiinhorn Trio
    8/8 – Pete Levin
    8/15 – Marrotta Trio
    8/22 – Baron Raymonde and Bennett Hiscox
    8/29 – Perry Beekman
    9/05 – The Peter Einhorn Trio

  • Arts for Art Announces Free Outdoor Concert Series

    New York City based arts organization Arts for Art is celebrating the return of live music by presenting free outdoor concerts on June 12 and 13. The concerts will take place from 3-5 PM at the First Street Green Cultural Park located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

    Arts for Art
    Photo from the First Street Green Park website

    The event will be in compliance with CDC and New York City Covid-19 guidelines. Notable performers include William Parker, Sam Newsome, Darius Jones, Steve Swell and many more. You can see the full schedule for the weekend below.

    Arts for Art
    William Parker, photo by Jimmy Katz

    Arts for Art was founded in 1996 and its “work is rooted in a commitment to social justice as equity and the promotion and advancement of FreeJazz, an African American indigenous art form in which improvisation is principle.” This upcoming outdoor concert series is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and City Council Member Carlina Rivera. You can learn more about Arts for Art on their website.

    SCHEDULE:

    Saturday, June 12

    3:00 Sam Newsome Trio: Sam Newsome – soprano sax / Hilliard Greene – bass / Reggie Nicholson – drums

    3:40 Darius Jones/ Francisco Mela: Darius Jones – alto saxophone / Francisco Mela – drums

    4:20 Behroozi / Parker / Thompson: Daro Behroozi – tenor saxophone / William Parker – bass / Michael T.A. Thompson – drums

    Sunday, June 13

    3:00 Trombone Insurgency: Steve Swell – trombone / Joe McPhee – trombone / William Parker – bass / Gerald Cleaver – drums

    3:40 Marcelo & Carter x 2: Alexis Marcelo – keyboard / Rashaan Carter – bass / Russell Carter – drums

    4:20 Knuffke / Parker / Wollesen: Kirk Knuffke – cornet / William Parker – bass / Kenny Wollesen – drums

  • Young Jazz pianist Joey Alexander releases his new single “SALT”

    Young Jazz pianist Joey Alexander released his new single “SALT” after his major-label debut album WARNA, and will release two more singles in April and May.

    Joey Alexander

    Alexander has already made a name for himself and has had an eventful journey throughout his career all before turning 18. For about seven years, he has taken the jazz world by storm and achieved an extraordinary amount of success that is rarely seen. He already released five studio albums, My Favorite Things, Countdown, Joey.Monk.Live!, Eclipse and Warna. Alexander received three Grammy nominations and even performed at the preshow and during the 58th Grammy Awards. Also, two of his albums reached the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

    Along with his charting success, he is respected by legendary Jazz musicians and gained attention from mainstream media. Alexander has performed at major events alongside other talented artists. In 2016, he performed with Wayne Shorter and Esperanza Spalding at the International Jazz Day in the White House for President Obama. His show for his debut at Carnegie Hall sold-out as well as the Rose Theater at the Jazz Lincoln Center. While these are significant accolades, there is more in store for the prodigy.

    After his first album release from Verve Records, Warna, which translates to color from his native tongue Bahasa, he has more music on the way. Warna was a reflective body of work describing unfolding his experiences and feelings while on the road. His newest singles “SALT,” “Under the Sun” and “Summer Rising” were written during Summer 2020 while he was in Manhattan during the pandemic. 

    Alexander’s inspiration for “SALT” was the essential use it has in our lives and compared it to blues in jazz, which he believes we need in these worrying times. Each new single is made with the intention of evoking hope, positivity and peace through the blues. The song is the first recording Alexander did with a Fender Rhodes piano. He is accompanied by Daniel Winshall on the electric and upright bass, Tyson D. Jackson on the drums and Jaleel Shaw on the alto saxophone and Gilad Hekselman on the electric guitar.

    “SALT” was released on March 19 and is the first single of 2021 from Joey Alexander. His other two singles will drop within the next two months. 

  • Live Jazz is Making a Comeback at The Terrace at Delaware Park

    The pandemic has caused an immense amount of hardships that swept over the world. Both individual livelihood and business establishments alike have had to deal with these dilemmas. The Terrace at Delaware Park has had to delve into its own resourcefulness to ride out this past year. 

    The Terrace
    The Terrace at Delaware Park

    Located at the historic Marcy Casino building at Delaware Park and Hoyt Lake, The Terrace has experienced various closings and reopening since March 2020. The establishment in Buffalo has altered seating arrangements and event rooms in order to meet COVID-19 regulations. 

    This March, JazzBuffalo is partnering with The Terrace again to help out during this tough time. Jazz events are set to accompany dinner and brunch. Last week Saranaide and Banjo Juice Trio performed outstandingly at The Terrace. Two more performances are set to take place from Mary Ramsey and Inga Yanoski and Carina & The Six String Preacher.  

    A Celtic Brunch with Mary Ramsey & Inga Yanoski

    The Terrace

    Sunday, March 21 @ 11:30 am – 3:00 pm at The Terrace at Delaware Park

    Come to the Pan-Am Room for a St. Patty’s Day Brunch! JazzBuffalo is partnering with The Terrace to bring “A Celtic Brunch.” This event will feature Mary Ramsey, a lead singer, and violist for the 10,000 Maniacs, as well as violinist Inga Yanoski. Inga has toured with 10,000 Maniacs, is a member of the band The Bards, and performs with the BPO. Music performances will be held from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. The cost is $10 per person plus food and beverage purchase.

    Dinner Jazz with Carina & The Six String Preacher

    The Terrace

    Friday, March 26 @ 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm at The Terrace at Delaware Park

    On this date, The Terrace is conducting dinner jazz at this scenic location. Look to reserve a table for dinner overlooking Hoyt Lake and Delaware Park. Carina & The Six String Preacher blend jazz, Latin, and pop to create their signature sound. The cost is $10 per person plus a dinner bill with a $25 minimum.

    Call The Terrace at 716-886-0089 or visit them online to make reservations.

  • Revisit 1930s Jazz from Hickory House

    Where else can you get a steak and jazz performances all in one spot? Step back nearly 90 years and visit Hickory House.

    A New York jazz club located on West 52nd Street, Hickory House was opened in 1933 by John Popkin and was a swinging venue and a great spot to grab cocktails and dinner before a show.

    Hickory House

    Located in a stretch of midtown that was crowded with jazz clubs in the 1940s and 1950s, Hickory House stood out because they also had a branch in Miami Beach, as seen on the menu cover.

    Hickory House
    Vintage menu – source

    With the 18th Amendment repealed in 1933, post-prohibition New York City hit the bars and drank without abandon, and the cheap prices for the time show it.

    Hickory House
    drink menu – source

    The music from the club is somewhat lost to time, but we know that Marian McPartland, as well as the Jimmy McPartland Sextet performed at Hickory House, as well as Hot Lips Page, Zutty Singleton and Jutta Hipp.

    In 2014, NPR profiled Hickory House Trio, a 1950s group of Marian McPartland, Bill Crow and Joe Morello, the latter of whom was part of a reunion session in 1990. Morello fielded offers from both Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, but ultimately went on to work with a small group taking a new direction in jazz led by Dave Brubeck, notably on his “Take Five.”

    NPR notes that during the 1950s when McPartland and company were playing the Hickory House, jazz musicians including Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Oscar Pettiford and Thelonious Monk, would stop by the club for a meal and to watch the band. Some would even sit in with the trio, and after coaxing, Ellington might join them on the bandstand (it didn’t hurt that he shared a publicist with the club.)

    Although all trace of Hickory House is gone, it continued to be in operation at least until 1964. See more images of the venue, and what 52nd Street looks like now, at JAZZ LIVES.

    A similarly named venue, The Hickory Log, located on 47th St., and known simply as Lou Terrassi’s. also hosted jazz performances. While the two venues share a name, they do not seem to be related, and a connection between the two venues is unable to be discerned.

    One recording from The Hickory Log, made available by JAZZ LIVES, provides a glance at a half-hour broadcast recorded at the lost venue. With host Aime Gauvin, a.k.a. “Dr. Jazz,” featuring musicians from the Jimmy McPartland Sextet: McPartland (cornet), Dicky Wells (trombone), Cecil Scott (clarinet), Joe Sullivan (piano), Walter Page (string bass), George Wettling (drums) and Marian McPartland (piano).

    Hickory House
    Hickory House, 1937

    The band is introduced by Leonard Feather, who chats with both McPartlands, amid serene ambiance that is comparable to Central Plaza or Stuyvesant Casino at the time. Listen closely and you’ll hear the crash of dishes, as the stage and kitchen were located near each other.

    Performances on Jazz Club U.S.A. from 1952 include “Love Is Just Around The Corner,” “Tin Roof Blues,” “Embraceable You,” “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home,” and “Sweet Georgia Brown.”

  • Let Love Reign with Flushing Town Hall’s Valentines Jazz Jam

    Jazz musicians from around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Flushing Town Hall’s band leader Carol Sudhalter for a Virtual Jazz Jam.

    jazz jam

    Even though doors are closed to auditoriums everywhere, Flushing Town Hall will still perform this year with its popular Virtual Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong. Their dynamic online entertainment program FTH At Home! will have Let Love Reign on February 10th 2021 at 7:00PM (EST). Jazz musicians from New York City and around the world will play love songs and funny valentines that embrace the theme. 

    Flushing Town Hall at Home has been a resilient force in an environment in which live music cannot exist. Each month, musicians come together to play songs reflecting each month’s theme, showing the power of art and music even in this time. The February Jazz Jam will include 15 love songs, and participants are invited to jam or simply watch with their significant other, perhaps share champagne or heart-shaped chocolates as they watch from the comfort of their homes. 

    Since April 2020, Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam has brought thousands of people together, not only from new york but places such as Germany, Italy, and Australia where viewers watch the beautiful performances in the early hours. The number of viewers has surpassed the capacity of the in-person venue! 

    Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam is supported by the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and has been led by Astoria resident Carol Sudhalter. House band members include incredibly talented musicians such as Joe Vincent Tranchina, Scott Neumann, Joe Vincent Tranchina, and Eric Lemon, who pay tribute to the great Louis Armstrong, performing songs associated with the legendary trumpeter/vocalist each month of the year.

    Anyone who wishes to experience the monthly Jazz Jam is welcome to, free of cost, on February 10th, 2021 at 7:00PM EST. The links are here for Zoom and Facebook.

    To participate, email education@flushingtownhall.org and identify the three- to four-minute tune you intend to play. Only 15 musicians will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Flushing Town Hall’s Jazz Jams are every second Wednesday of each month, and details can be found on the Flushing Town Hall website.

  • Celebrities Come Together to Fundraise for Famous New York Jazz Club Birdland

    In efforts to rescue the legendary New York jazz club, Birdland, a virtual concert will take place with many celebrity appearances on Jan. 24. This is the final attempt to save the iconic venue.

    Birdland
    Photo from Theater Mania

    Birdland is named after and inspired by famous Jazz artist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, opened in 1949. It was located on Broadway and 52nd which was the hotspot for jazz during that time. As inspiration for the club, Parker was the headliner. Several notorious jazz artists performed there, causing 1.4 million people to attend within the first five years of its opening. It attracted the likes of locals and celebrities and continued to do so throughout the years.

    The club closed in 1965 and reopened and relocated Uptown to 2745 Broadway in 1986. While Birdland was able to discover about 2,000 rising artists, the Uptown location didn’t last for long. It moved back to Midtown at 315 West 44th St. in 1996. Since it returned to the area it gained even more popularity for the music and the menu.

    Although the club is a staple in the jazz world, the pandemic’s restrictions recently took a toll. First, the shut down of indoor dining became a setback and caused them to rely on a concert series called Radio Free Birdland. At first, the series took place in the club but as COVID-19 became more unpredictable, there were more restrictions. Producers Tom D’Angora and Tim Guinee created a GoFundMe that raised over $200,000 in hopes of saving it. The virtual concert “Save Birdland: A Celebration of Music, History, and Community” was created in order to call more attention to the GoFundMe. It will stream on the website “Save Birdland”.

    This concert will be a star-studded event with appearances and performances from many celebrities of different backgrounds. Former President Bill Clinton, Michael Broderick, Leslie Odom Jr, Chita Rivera Giancarlo Esposito, and many more are a part of the lineup. With the hopes that “Save Birdland” will bring enough awareness, this is the final effort to save the renowned jazz club.

    Charlie Parker (as), Fats Navarro (tp), Bud Powell (p), Curly Russell (b), Art Blakey (d). Birdland New York, June 30, 1950