Blue Note Jazz Festival has announced their Miami Beach pop-up this June. During the first two weekends of June, three great acts will take the stage at the North Beach Bandshell.
In collaboration with the Rhythm Foundation, Blue Note will host performances from George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Buika and Robert Glasper with surprise special guests. These artists were picked based on their contributions and influence within the music industry.
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic will kick off the first weekend to remind fans of how he helped to revolutionize R&B in the 70’s. Award-winning vocalist Buika will follow with her custom fusion of jazz and flamenco and Robert Glasper will end the second weekend with a two night run.
2019 Blue Note Jazz Festival
Blue Note Jazz Festival was founded in 1981, with the desire to preserve the rich history of jazz, while also welcoming new audiences. As one of NYC’s cultural institutions, Blue Note has hosted a number of jazz artists including Robert Glasper, Pat Metheny and Ron Carter, along with many rising jazz, soul and hip hop artists.
Emerging from Connecticut, the Funky Dawgz Brass Band is back after years of silence. Harnessing the soulful spirit of New Orleans R&B, the seven-man act delivers a level of bounce and warmth that can only be found along the sidewalks and plazas of bustling city nightlife.
The Funky Dawgz Brass Band
“Love Don’t Cost a Thing” showcases this feeling. Over six minutes, the track bursts with vibrancy and energy that can only be found walking down the streets of New Orleans on a Friday night. The feeling of funk, jazz, and celebration are intoxicating for any soul connoisseur. For those interested in groove, bounce, and the nuances in between, this single is not one to miss.
Alongside this release, the band is releasing a new studio album titled Vertical. The album is set to release on June 17th. The album is arriving in celebration of the band’s formation ten years ago at the University of Connecticut. Colin Walters of the band, the alto saxophonist, speaks on the album:
The music from this album definitely highlights the growth we have made as a band, individuals, and musicians over the last 10 years. We each have different musical tastes and that made the recording process exciting as we worked through various melodic and harmonic ideas.
Colin Walters
Since then, the horn players have played at venues all across the country, including Madison Square Garden. For more information on the Funky Dawgz Brass Band, visit funkydawgzbrassband.com.
Brooklyn-based artist Max ZT shared his new performance video for his single “Daybreak,” off of his solo debut album Daybreak, released on April 8.
Max ZT
Daybreak traces its roots to the darkest darks of the pandemic, with all the lockdowns. Max turned to music for healing and restoration at a time when society’s future was uncertain. He would send recorded improvisations to friends and family, who found them to be extraordinary sources of solace and relief.
The reaction was shocking. I know music has always been a balm for me, but to see the effect it had on others, on such a direct, one-to-one level, was honestly incredible.
Max ZT
NPR has described him as the “Jimi Hendrix of dulcimer.” He has scored an Emmy-winning ESPN documentary, co-wrote the music for his wife Priya Darshini’s GRAMMY-nominated debut Periphery, and shared the stage with the likes of Ravi Shankar and more.
His first lead single “In It” shows his unique ability to invite deep thought through his music as the track goes through different emotions to get to a resolution. The new single “Daybreak” is beautiful and heartbreaking as it takes you on a journey through deep melodies and strong conclusions.
Max ZT’s new album Daybreak will be out on April 8 and will be available on all streaming services.
Southern Blues Rocker Dana Fuchs will be releasing her 8th studio album, Borrowed Time, on 4/29. This is her fourth release with Ruf Records.
In contrast to Fuchs earlier work, Borrowed Time is centered around the stories of other people and what they’ve learned throughout their lives. By combining her southern rock upbringing with inspiration from legends like Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, Fuchs has created a universal listening experience that many can relate to.
This marks the beginning of Chapter 2, in music as well as in life, I’m going out into the world and writing about the people who share it with me. My own story is always going to be in there, too, but this is the first album where other people’s stories are informing my own emotions.
Dana Fuchs
Songs on the album have themes ranging from love and companionship to political distrust and justice, with each inspired by different real world events and headlines. Producer Bobby Harlow lent his expertise to help Fuchs step away from her previous method of mixing influences and dive deeper into the rock and roll that first inspired her.
Fuch’s newest album was recorded in Michigan, with the help of a number of people including her bandmates, bassist Jack Daley and guitarist Jon Diamond, recording engineer Kenny Tudrick, drummer Todd Glass and keyboardist Jordan Champion. With recording completed in eight days, it’s safe to say that this was the perfect combination of people for the process.
On Saturday March 26, 2022, the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater presented Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues, a special evening to honor the great blues artists in history and thank them for their contributions throughout the years. The night was augmented byphotographer Joseph A. Rosen’s photos from “A Photographic Journey, Keeping The Blues Alive” projected behind the artists during the evening.
The Professor Louie’s Century of The Blues bill included Professor Louie along with his compatriots in music, The Crowmatix. Hudson Valley based Professor Louie & The Crowmatix are known for working with The Band and other notable Woodstock performers. The night also featured multiple Grammy nominated Guy Davis. Davis is affectionally known as “An Ambassador of the Blues.” Guy has traveled the world bringing his style of the blues to all. Completing the triad of performers was Joe Louis Walker. Walker is also a Grammy nominee in additional to being a four-time Blues Music Awards winner, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the prestigious W.C. Handy award.
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, background photo by Joseph A. Rosen
Each act performed a set, sharing its take on the blues. The five-piece Professor Louie & The Crowmatix opened the night sharing songs that influenced and inspired the band through its long tenure. Professor Louie and fellow band mate Miss Marie traded lead vocals, with Louie stepping out from the behind keyboards to play accordion on a few songs.
Guy Davis
The middle slot belonged to Guy Davis. Sitting center stage with his acoustic guitar, Davis shed light on the origins of this classic genre with his playing style. Drawing from Lead Belly and other blues notables, Guy’s set merged classics with originals, most strikingly his “Kokomo Kidd.” To close out, Davis had the audience backing him on vocals as he sang a cappella accompanied by his harmonica.
Joe Louis Walker
After a brief intermission, Joe Louis Walker and band took the stage. Walker, originally from San Francisco and now a Hudson Valley resident, lit up the stage with his guitar prowess. His playing let everyone know that the blues are here to stay. With a powerful rhythm section supporting Walker, the band took the blues to the next level. Joe interspersed his own compositions in the set as he and keyboard player Scott Milici traded leads throughout their time on stage. To finish off the journey through the blues, the house brought Joe and crew back for an encore to close out the night.
Blue Note New York has announced the 11th Annual Blue Note Jazz Festival, presented by Sony. Kicking off June 1, there will be a free show in Washington Square Park headlined by Robert Glasper in association with Washington Square Park Conservancy.
The Blue Note Jazz Festival Lineup.
Since 1981, the Blue Note Jazz Club has been a cultural institution in NYC and one of the premiere jazz clubs in the world. Blue Note strives to preserve the history of jazz, and the club practices the foundations of jazz on a nightly basis.
Alex Kurland, Director of Programming at the festival had a lot to say about this year’s festival.
This year’s Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York presents an exceptional range and depth of artistry. We’re excited and proud to present a diverse lineup within different settings and at venues featuring the most established, iconic and influential artists as well as the next generation of cutting edge progressive artists at venues ranging from Washington Square Park, Central Park to the Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village and more. We are grateful again to bring a tasteful city-wide music festival to the culture of New York City.
The European Sounds Series returns to the Blue Note Jazz Festival this summer with weekend brunch shows at the club. It features international acts from places like Switzerland, Estonia, Romania, Spain, France, Poland, Austria, and Slovakia. Tickets for the festival can be bought here.
Sony presents Blue Note Jazz Festival 2022 5/31 – 6/1 – DOMi & JD Beck – Blue Note New York 6/1 – Robert Glasper – Washington Square Park (FREE) 6/2-3 – Madeleine Peyroux – Sony Hall 6/2-5 – Kenny Garrett – Blue Note New York 6/3 – An Evening with Kenny G – The Town Hall 6/6 – Dizzy Gillespie Afro-Latin Experience – Blue Note New York 6/7 – The Robert Cray Band – Sony Hall 6/7-12 – Al Di Meola – Blue Note New York 6/8 – The Legendary RAKIM with Special Guest Ravi Coltrane – Sony Hall 6/10 – Fabrizio Sotti w/ Ice T & M1 of Dead Prez – Sony Hall 6/11 – Herbie Hancock w/ Special Guest Opener: Keyon Harrold – SummerStage (FREE) 6/13 – Raul Midón – Blue Note New York 6/13 – Bilal – Sony Hall 6/14 – Los Pericos – Sony Hall 6/14-19 – José James – Blue Note New York 6/15 – George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic – Summerstage 6/16 – The Zappa Band – Sony Hall 6/18-19 – Chris Botti – Sony Hall 6/21-26 – Dave Holland and Kenny Barron Trio with Johnathan Blake – Blue Note New York 6/22 – Big Bad VooDoo Daddy – Sony Hall 6/23 – Con Tumbao ft. Robert Ameen, Issac Delgado, Oscar Hernandez, Conrad Herwig, Pedrito Martinez – Sony Hall 6/26 – An Evening with Charles Lloyd w/ The Chapel Trio featuring Bill Frisell & Thomas Morgan + Kindred Spirits featuring Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, Reuben Rogers & Kendrick Scott – Sony Hall 6/27-29 – Theo Croker – Blue Note New York 6/29 – Harlem Gospel Choir Sings Nina Simone – Sony Hall 6/30 – Dizzy Gillespie Big Band – Sony Hall 6/30 – 7/3 – Macy Gray – Blue Note New York
Considering April is Jazz Appreciation Month, Flushing Town Hall has announced their celebration of this monumental genre with performances from Bill Charlap Trio, Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam, Alicia Lieu, and last but not least, Mark Wade.
Flushing Town Hall is a cultural nonprofit that is known for being a sanctuary for jazz music. In fact for over 40 years, the organization has held numerous jazz music programs, in addition to events with jazz legends like Jimmy Owens, Barry Harris, Sheila Jordan, Akua Allrich, and many more. Considering Queens has been home to a variety of legendary jazz musicians, Flushing Town Hall is a creative space to keep jazz alive and discover more musical talent.
The Bill Charlap Trio, consisting of pianist Bill Charlap, bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Kenny Washington, was formed in 1997 and have been a notoriety group ever since. In fact the group has been Grammy nominated numerous times for Uptown Downtown (Impulse!/Verve), Somewhere: The Songs of Leonard Bernstein, and The Bill Charlap Trio: Live at the Village Vanguard.
The Grammy Award-nominated Bill Charlap Trio is set to perform on April 8 at 8:00 P.M. During this performance the group will play some of the songs from their latest jazz album Street of Dreams. In person general tickets are $25 and $20 for members; while virtual viewing is free.
The next event at Flushing Town Hall will be held on April 13 at 7 P.M., with the Louis Armstrong Legacy Monthly Jazz Jam. This organization invites jazz students, musicians, and music educators to Flushing Town Hall to join together as one with the sole purpose of creating new music in a comfortable setting. Furthermore, the house band led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter always begins a performance with the work of Louis Armstrong, a true pioneer of jazz. For this event, in person tickets are $10, while it is free for members, students, and jamming musicians. However, virtual viewing is free.
New Music Horizons will make an appearance at Flushing Town Hall to present classical composer Alicia Lieu and jazz composer Mark Wade on April 24 at 2 P.M. Alicia Lieu is not only a composer, but is also the founder of the Composers Collective, Pitches Brew, and New York Con-ducting Institute. At the Flushing Town Hall, she will perform new material from her opera in progress, “Unwrapping Fortune”. This work of art demonstrates the culture behind Chinese food, in addition to love.
Mark Wade is known to be one of the best bassists of this era and has played with other noteworthy jazz artists, like James Spaulding and Jimmy Heath. In fact, Downbeat Magazine Readers Poll voted him as one of the top bassists five of the last six years. The Flushing Town Hall is inviting the Mark Wade Trio, known for their improvisation to perform next month. In-person tickets are $10, while for seniors, students, and members the event is free; as well as virtual viewing.
Grants totaling $235,000 from MPTF will support 224 live, admission-free events throughout the US and Canada. Funding will support professional musicians to perform at different venues and live streams on Facebook.
MPTF sponsored event.
Jazz Appreciation Month was created at the Musuem of American History in 2001, and it celebrates the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz. It was also made to encourage people of all ages to study the music, listen to jazz, read books about jazz, and attend concerts.
MPTF’s Trustee Dan Beck spoke about the new events scheduled for Jazz Appreciation Month.
Seeing regional jazz greats working again, coming out of the past 24 months of the pandemic, is extremely exciting and so culturally important. Jazz Appreciation Month has been a significant focus of the MPTF’s efforts throughout its history.
Binghamton’s Local 380 represents over 160 professional musicians in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes region of New York.
Schedule
April 3 2PM- Empire Saxophone Quartet (with percussion) @ The Heart at Castle Gardens
April 6 6:30PM- Island Hoppers Steel Band @ United Methodist Homes: Hilltop
April 15 4PM- Alpha Brass @ Willow Point Nursing Home
April 17 3PM- Chris White Trio @ Bridges’ Tudor Houses
April 27 7PM- Southern Tier Brass @ Good Shepard Fairview
For six years, acclaimed bassist Michael Bisio and his artist wife Dawn have been bringing some of the jazz world’s finest to Lace Mill, the 55-unit affordable artist housing, gallery and performance space in Kingston that is also their home. On Thursday, March 24, the Bisios presented yet another astounding hour of improvisational invention in their long-running performance series, when the bassist was joined by guitar great Nels Cline, pianist Thollem and drummer Michael Wimberly.
Bisio has been called “a poet, a wonder and one of the most virtuosic and imaginative performers” on the double bass. He has over a one hundred thirty recordings in his discography, more than two dozen as leader or co-leader as well, as a dozen more documenting his extraordinary association with piano icon Matthew Shipp. His newest release which dropped a few days back, MBefore (Tao Forms), is an already critically-raved about work that finds Bisio in the company of another Hudson Valley great, world-renowned vibraphonist and Creative Music Studio founder Karl Berger, along with Mat Maneri (viola) and Whit Dickey (drums). Guitarist Nels Cline has been featured on over 200 recordings over the past few decades in every conceivable genre. But Cline is best known for his 17-years and counting stint as lead guitarist for Wilco. Drummer Wimberly has propelled greats like Charles Gayle, Henry Rollins, David Murray and Steve Coleman’s always excellent 5 Elements ensemble, while the perpetually globe-trotting Thollem has recently completed a 25-album cycle, one that found him collaborating with over 70 musicians worldwide.
The 40 or so attendees who packed the small performance space at Lace Mill included quite a few of Bisio’s fellow musicians and collaborators including the aforementioned Berger and Juma Sultan, the forever young percussionist best known for his appearance with Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock.
Bisio and company collectively conjured two, 30-minute improvisations during the concert. These were really ever-evolving examples of spontaneous composition, ones that demonstrated both their individual instrumental mastery and the resources in seemingly shortest supply among musicians – the arts of listening and injecting silence to give oxygen to the music.
The first improvisation kicked-off with Bisio moving from resonant chording to drone-like bowing, then to rubbing the strings behind the bridge and even punching his double bass. Pianist Thollem alternated between machine gun runs a la Cecil Taylor and tapping, plucking and even drumming the insides of his instrument. A master of stomp box f*ckery, Cline kept a clean and relatively untreated sound on both improvisations, crafting new harmonic avenues for exploration with his spare but richly intelligent chord structures and his darting leads. It was a place where subtlety and cacophony co-existed, all within an arresting, ever-spiraling musical architecture, one that seemed to evolve into whole new nations of sound every four or five minutes. The piece concluded with a thundering solo by drummer Wimberly, who used sticks, brushes, mallets and his bare hands to wrestle unique sounds from the world’s oldest instrument.
The second improv commenced with Thollem singing and whistling into his piano. He was soon joined on the vocalese by drummer Wimberly, who together created a sound resembling the chanting of monks, a Cambodian temple music of sorts. Cline added to the drama by getting percussive on his Fender Jazzmaster guitar, now outfitted with two sticks to mute its strings. The whistle of a passing freight train on the tracks adjacent to Lace Mill only added to the otherworldly ambience. In this latter musical adventure, Bisio took a masterful 5-minute solo. It concluded with his bowed bass generating high-pitched overtones that sounded like a Shehnai, a double-reeded Indian wind instrument heard on tracks like The Beatles’ “Inner Light,” or a flock of seagulls caught up in a typhoon! There was a wonderful guitar solo from Cline propelled by Thollem’s thunderous chordal comps and Wimberly’s circular drum rolls and shouts.
Bottomline? Dissonance never sounded so luscious!
Bisio will be back at Lace Mill on Sunday, April 10 at 4 pm for a performance with the quartet featured on his new release, MBefore (featuring wonderful cover art by his wife Dawn). Hudson Valley guitar aficionados can catch Nels Cline on Saturday, April 2 at 8 pm at Colony Woodstock.
Bisio, Berger, Sultan and many more of the Hudson Valley’s most creative jazz and electronic improvisers are being featured at a new concert series at the Kingston Library curated by another Lace Mill resident, Daniel Rhiner of the Kingston Artist Collective. More excellent improvisational ensembles are being presented regularly, both live and via concurrent livestreams curated by owner D.b. Schnell at Green Kill, his long-running art and performance space at 229 Greenkill Avenue in Kingston.
Newport Jazz Festival is making its summer return with a packed 2022 lineup. From July 29th-31st, fans will be able to see performers like Norah Jones, PJ Morten, BADBADNOTGOOD, and more in Fort Adams State Park.
This year’s festival will celebrate the life of George Wein, founder of the Newport Jazz and Newport Folk festivals. Surprise special guests will join the tribute. Artist Director Christian McBride’s annual Jawn Jam will include performances from ensembles like Makaya McCraven, Chris Potter, Vijay Iyer, Brandee Younger & Mike Stern; the Jack DeJohnette Quartet with Don Byron, Matt Garrison, and Luisito Quintero; Pino Palladino, Blake Mills and Sam Gendel & Abe Rounds.
Alongside big names and ensembles, the festival will also feature Cory Wong, Sons of Kemet, Nubya Garcia, Jazzmeia Horn, Nate Smith + KINFOLK, Sampha the Great, Lady Blackbird, The Soul Rebels, Theon Cross, Samara Joy, The Nth Power and Jazzmeia Horn. More artists will be announced at a later date.
Newport Jazz Fest 2021
The Newport Jazz Fest works closely with the Newport Festivals Foundation to provide musicians with the support they need during tough times. The non-profit helps maintain music programs in Rhode Island and around the country.
Since 2018, the Artist Gives initiative has provided over 100 grants to music education programs in over 30 states, including instruments for public schools, funding for music instruction workshops for Veterans and after school music lessons for children with learning disabilities.
Newport Jazz Fest 2021
Tickets are on sale now. Student discounts are available. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be announced at a later date.
