All Your Jazz » Mike

Help Us Provide The Latest In Jazz By Writing For All Your Jazz!

Mike — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:36:42 +0000

All Your Jazz is looking to increase its contributors by offering readers and fans the opportunity to write for us.

If you are interested, follow this link or click on “Write For Us” at the top of any page.

Those that sign up with us before August 1st will receive a complimentary CD, I remember you, featuring the latest tracks from jazz greats Tuck & Patti.

Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

Point of Departure: Great online journal and source for jazz

Mike — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:24:54 +0000

Point of Departure was the Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Award Nominee for Best Website Concentrating on Jazz for 2006 and 2007. There are great articles, photo essays, round table discussions, and CD reviews in this online Jazz journal published by Bill Shoemaker.

The design is clean and the writing is intelligent. The emphasis is on Free Jazz and the Avant-Garde, rather than mainstream popular jazz. Actually, I think that anyone who is interested in Jazz as high-art rather than just cocktail enhancement will find Point of Departure interesting.

Issue 23 (June 9th, 2009) features excerpts from:

(1) Workout: The Music of Hank Mobley by Derek Ansell (Northway Publications; London)
and The Jazz Composer: Moving music off the paper by Graham Collier (Northway Publications; London).

(2) A new column: Kevin Patton’s Future Shock

(3) Photographs by Gérard Rouy, Laurence Svirchev and Michael Wilderman.

(4) Recently reviewed albums

No registration or subscription necessary. Just log on to www.pointofdeparture.org and enjoy. Interested to hear people’s thoughts about this journal.

Get Ready For The LA Modern Jazz Series At The Whitefire Theater

Mike — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:18:56 +0000

Event:
March 5th, 2009
(7:30 pm – 10:30 pm)
Whitefire Theatre
Sherman Oaks, CA

On March 5, a new concert series presenting world-class Los Angeles jazz artists will be launched at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. The LA Modern Jazz Series is the brainchild of pianist, vocalist and composer Adrianne Duncan, who wanted to create an accessible concert venue for cutting-edge local jazz artists. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini opens the series with his incisive originals and innovative arrangements on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. Pianist Otmaro Ruiz, bassist Dan Lutz, drummer Dan Schnelle, flute and sax player Katisse Buckingham and clarinetist John Tegmeyer round out the lineup.

Tickets are $20 and can be bought online, over the phone or at the door; valet parking is available. To purchase tickets call 323.251.0748 or visit www.lamodernjazzseries.com.

Location:
The Whitefire Theatre
13500 Ventura Boulevard
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
323.251.0748
www.lamodernjazzseries.com

Press Release: Rhonda Silver releases “Christmas on Credit,” hits home with many this Christmas season

Mike — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:34:17 +0000

With a wink and a nod to the potential financial muddle the season can mean to so many, Christmas on Credit brings some levity to the situation – “Well, Santa’s got the blues ’cause he ain’t got no green”… Written in the summer, how could Rhonda and lyricist ED MOITOSO have known how ironic the song would turn out to be?

Produced by Silver and recorded at Metalworks Studios, Christmas on Credit was arranged by Lou Pomanti and mastered at the studio by Nick Blagona. The band includes Pomanti on piano and organ, Guido Basso on trumpet Ted Quinlan on guitar, Scott Alexander on bass, John Johnson on saxophone, William Carn on trombone and Mark Kelso on drums

For the full story, please visit www.24-7pressrelease.com.

Wayne Bergeron & After Hours Brass Release Christmas Album: “Music & Mistletoe”

Mike — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:47:36 +0000

Grammy nominees Wayne Bergeron, Tierney Sutton and L.A.’s top jazz musicians team up to bring you a great Big Band Christmas recording. The release, Music & Mistletoe, is sure to become the album for this holiday season.

Wayne Bergeron has been extremely active in the L.A. music scene for decades. He got his big break in 1986 when he landed the role as lead trumpet in the Maynard Ferguson Band. Remarking on the talented trumpet player, Maynard Ferguson had this to say during a radio interview:

“Wayne is the most musical lead trumpet player I’ve ever had on my band.”

Bergeron’s been busy ever since with studio dates, international touring, jazz concerts, guest solo appearances and clinics, and he shows no sign of slowing down. Music & Mistletoe follows his previous solo albums, You Call This A Living? and Plays Well With Others.

To make this album even more memorable, Philip Springer (the original composer of holiday classic “Santa Baby”) and R.I. Allen have written a brand new song, that’s destined to become a classic itself, called “Christmas Is The Warmest Day Of The Year”. Such a special song required an amazing voice. Tierney Sutton lent her incredible talent to this song, as well as “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”

Watch for possible upcoming reviews of Music & Mistletoe in national jazz publications such as Jazziz, Jazz Improv and Downbeat. Extensive radio airplay is expected on jazz stations, as well as holiday stations, with an emphasis on “Christmas Is The Warmest Day Of The Year”.

Jack Prybylski Declared Best Saxophonist Of The Year Again: Buffalo Music Awards honors him for the 10th time

Mike — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:56:47 +0000

At the 2008 Buffalo Music Awards, Jack Prybylski was declared the Saxophonist of the Year for the tenth time (four years consecutively from 2004-2008). “It’s flattering and rewarding to be recognized by peers and fans. I appreciate that people continue to find enjoyment in my musical craft,” said Prybylski.

In 2006, Prybylski released one of his great albums Window Shopping, receiving high marks and a top ten listing in the Smooth Jazz News.

“It doesn’t take long to realize why Prybylski has been
awarded top honors for his sax work so many times.”
- Susan Lozinak of the Jazz Review.

Currently, Prybylski is finalizing plans for his upcoming 2009 CD release. “The music will be a more urban direction with elements of dance and chill,” he said.

Jack Prybylski is endorsed by Yamaha, Applied Microphone Technologies and Theo Wanne Mouthpieces.

For more information about Jack Prybylski, please visit his site:
www.jackprybylski.com

Recommended Listening:

(1) Window Shopping (Released 2006)
(2) Soho Strut (Released 2002)

Villa Nova Restaurant In Newport Beach

Mike — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:33:28 +0000

The Villa Nova has been a Southern California dining tradition since 1933. Originally located on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, Villa Nova’s famous clientele included Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby, John Wayne and Dean Martin to name a few. It was at Villa Nova that Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe on a blind date and where Vincent Minelli proposed to Judy Garland.

In the late 1960’s “The Strip” had lost its glamor, and the restaurant moved to the current location on beautiful Newport Harbor. Since that time, Villa Nova has become a landmark establishment in Newport Beach and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Villa Nova uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in their entrees. The pasta is homemade as is our signature sauces; we use only the freshest meats and seafood available and Executive Chef, Sonny Mergenthaler, oversees the preparation of all of our recipes.

The award winning wine list has over 800 offerings featuring one of the most extensive collections of California Cabernets and Italian Brunello and Super Tuscans in Southern California.

Villa Nova is one of the only venues in Orange County offering live entertainment every night beginning at 8:00 pm. Villa Nova’s piano bar is the five time winner of the “Best Piano Bar in Orange County.” The Piano Bar features premium spirits as well as an extensive food menu served until Midnight. in our waterfront lounge.

Upcoming Events:

For information about performers, please visit their Entertainment page.

Hours:
Sunday (4:00 pm – 11:00 pm)
Monday – Saturday (5:00 pm – Midnight)
The lounge is open nightly until 1am.

Happy Hour:
Monday – Friday (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm) in the main lounge.

Reservations:
Reservations can be made by calling (949) 642-7880.
Information for Banquets or Parties can be found by calling (949) 642-1865

Location:
Villa Nova
3131 W. Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 642-7880
www.villanovarestaurant.com

Straight No Chaser: Check out this a cappella group’s new release “Holiday Spirits”

Mike — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:52:27 +0000

For those not familiar with a cappella music, we’d like to direct your attention to the music sensation Straight No Chaser. Not your typical choir boy group, they are talented but also very entertaining. And they are the real deal – no voice editing.

Straight No Chaser is made up of 10 members who are a combination of talented singers, arrangers, and songwriters. Having formed 12 years ago, they have reemerged as a phenomenon, with a huge fanbase, millions of viewers on YouTube, and a contract with Atlantic Records. The group, originally formed at Indiana University, has reunited for their release Holiday Spirits. It features a live version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” and 13 other holiday songs (including two originals).

Be sure to check out the interview we did with this talented group.

Holiday Spirits brings together a great collection of familiar Christmas music. Having written their own “a cappella” versions of the songs, their attempt was to keep the music true to their original versions. Member Dan Ponce describes their approach to this album:

“The goal was to deliver powerful arrangements of the Christmas
music that everyone loves. So many Christmas albums stray too
far away from the original songs, and I think that can be a turn-off.
Ultimately, it’s the time of year when people want to hear songs
they’re familiar with and be able to sing along. We want our
arrangements to re-energize the classics that everyone loves.”

Listen to their track “Hark the Herald Angels Sing / Angels We Have Heard On High”
(from Hoilday Spirits)

Also be sure to check out their YouTube video:

Be sure to visit their site for more information about Straight No Chaser
and their new release Holiday Spirits:
http://www.sncmusic.com/

Thanks to On Target Media Group for materials.

The Lincoln Center Presents 2008 Thelonious Monk Festival

Mike — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:09:01 +0000

Event:
Nov. 15th, 20th-23rd
Lincoln Center
New York, NY

The Lincoln Center is proud to host the 2008 Thelonious Monk Festival which covers five days of music. Everything will kick off with “Who is Thelonious Monk?” on November 15th. It will be hosted by Wynton Marsalis and is addressed to younger people, looking for an introduction to the great legend. The festival will continue November 20th through the 23rd, with appearances and performances by artists such as the Danilo Pe?rez Trio, Marcus Roberts, Eric Alexander, Soledad O’Brien, and Courtney Vance.

FESTIVAL BREAKDOWN:

Nov. 15th
Jazz For Young People: Who is Thelonious Monk? Wynton Marsalis will host this event, speaking about the genius behind the music, giving specific examples of his work. The event will take place in the Rose Theater at 1:00 pm. and 3:00 pm, and tickets begin at $12.

Nov. 20th
Council Member Gale A. Brewer Proclamation Declares Nov. 20, 2008 Thelonious Monk Day.

Nov. 20th-22nd
Jazz Talk Historian Sam Stephenson will present a multimedia program on the music of Thelonious Monk. Mr. Stephenson is Jazz Loft Project Director at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. Pre-Concert Lecture is FREE to ticketholders in the Irene Diamond Education Center at 7:00 pm.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and Special Guest Marcus Roberts. It will be hosted by Soledad O’Brien on November 20th and by Courtney Vance November 21st and 22nd. This concert takes place in Rose Theater and will begin at 8:00 pm.

Nov. 21st-22nd:
Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pe?rez revisits his critically acclaimed release Panamonk and more in The Allen Room, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms and folkloric sounds with the intricate rhythms and originality of Monk’s music. Rounding out Pe?rez’s trio is Ben Street (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums). This series is part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Smokin’ Jazz Sessions. This concert takes place in The Allen Room and will begin at 7:30pm and 9:30pm.

Nov. 21st-23rd:
Mostly Monk: One For All featuring Eric Alexander, Steve Davis, Jim Rotondi, Dave Hazeltine, John Webber & Joe Farnsworth – Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola Who/What: Mostly Monk: One For All features Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Dave Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums). This all-star lineup will feature the music of Monk and more in Dizzy’s Club CocaCola.

More tickets and other information about the festival please visit lincolncenter.org.

Location:
Lincoln Center
70 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY
(212) 721-6500

Catalina’s Presents Grammy-Nominated Trumpeter Christian Scott

Mike — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:12:17 +0000

Event:
Dec. 11th-13th
(8:00pm, 10:00pm)
Catalina’s
Hollywood, CA

Catalina Bar & Grill is pleased to welcome a performance by Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott. For three days, December 11th through the 13th, Scott will be playing two shows each day, starting at 8:00pm and 10:00pm.

A New Orleans native, Scott represents the next generation of Crescent City horn blowers whose lineage started with the legendary King Oliver and Louis Armstrong and has continued with such marquee trumpeters as Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard and Nicholas Payton.

At only 25 years of age, his abilities and talents have amazed listeners and jazz lovers, proving that he has the potential to play with some of the elite greats in contemporary jazz. He dove into the scene in 1998, when he joined up with his uncle, acclaimed Jazz innovator, Donald Harrison’s band. By the very next year, he began to get recognized, as he was playing from gig to gig and getting more experience under his belt.

His breakthrough came when he was 22 years old. After being referred by someone that saw one of his performances, he soon signed with Concord Music Group and released his his first album with the label – Rewind That. Many people took notice of him and the release of this album, leading him to a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album.

Now, at 24 years old, Scott has only increased his popularity, both among jazz traditionalists as well as contemporary players. While his knowledge and experience gives hims the talent to compete with some of the best in traditional jazz, his large scope of music influences allow him to think outside the box and be true to himself as a musician and person. This is apparent not only on his album Rewind That, but also shows up on his latest release of Anthem, which boasts mature compositions and social commentary brought on by his home town’s devastation by Hurricane Katrina as well as other personal and world matters.

His latest addition is a live performance that was recorded earlier this year at the JVC Newport Jazz Festival. The album, Live at Newport, will be released November 4th of this year by Concord Jazz and will feature a stunning performance, including five new songs by Christian that echoes his musical hero Miles Davis.
It was 50 years ago that Miles Davis did his own Newport Jazz recording.

Click here to learn more about the album and listen to some of his tracks online.

But irony strikes twice here because he follows in the footsteps of his uncle, who also signed with Concord when he was 22 years of age. There is no coincidence in either of these two facts, and that we have a lot to look forward to in this young musician is an understatement.

Be sure to catch him at Catalina’s in December, and look for more information regarding latest releases and tour events on his site.

Catalina Bar and Grill
Hollywood, CA
323-466-2210