Thursday, October 15, 2009

PORTLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP

PDX Jazz

Mingus Big Band, Dave Holland, Pharoah Sanders

To Headline 2010 Portland Jazz Festival
February 22-28

Festival to also Present
"Is Jazz Dead (Or Has It Moved to a New Address)?-New Music from Norway"
Showcasing Three North American Premiere Performances

The 2010 Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Portland Jazz Festival presented by US Bank will be held February 22-28 with jazz outreach programming in area schools and community centers on Monday through Friday, February 22-26, leading up to a series of headline concerts Thursday through Sunday, February 25-28 throughout downtown and inner Eastside Portland venues.

Lauded as one of the top North American jazz events, the 7th annual Portland Jazz Festival features jazz masters and emerging new artists including 3-time Grammy Award-winning bassist, bandleader and composer Dave Holland Quintet, legendary saxophonist and John Coltrane collaboratorPharoah Sanders, the Mingus Big Band devoted since 1993 to the musical legacy of Charles Mingus, Brazilian vocalist Luciana Souza, and contemporary trumpeter Dave Douglas Brass Ecstasy.

Additionally, Portland Jazz Festival's annual thematic programming asks the provocative question Is Jazz Dead (Or Has It Moved to a New Address)? - New Music from Norway, featuring North American premieres of leaders in Norway's new and burgeoning jazz scene. This "festival-within-a-festival" includes the avant-garde chamber jazz of the Christian Wallumrød Ensemble, the saxophone/ accordion duo of Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli, and the jazz/rock fusion of In The Countryfeaturing Morten Qvenild (keyboards), Roger Arntzen (bass) and Pal Hausken (percussion).

Complete headline concert schedule:

  • Thursday, February 25, 7:30pm, Hilton Pavilion Ballroom, Luciana Souza
  • Friday, February 26, 7:30pm, Newmark Theater, Mingus Big Band
  • Friday, February 26, 9:30 pm, Norse Hall, In The Country
  • Saturday, February 27, 3:00pm, Norse Hall, Trygve Seim & Frode Haltli
  • Saturday, February 27, 7:30pm, Newmark Theater, Dave Holland Quintet
  • Saturday, February 27, 9:30 pm, Norse Hall, Christian Wallumrød Ensemble
  • Sunday, February 28, 3:00pm, Newmark Theater, Pharoah Sanders
  • Sunday, February 28, 7:30pm, Crystal Ballroom, Dave Douglas Brass Ecstasy

The Story behind the Theme
This year's festival theme, Is Jazz Dead (Or Has It Moved to a New Address)?, shares the title of British jazz writer Stuart Nicholson's critically acclaimed book on the contemporary state of jazz. Nicholson confronts traditional jazz musicians and audiences who insist on narrowly defining what jazz should be, while maintaining the importance of this music as being indigenously American. Nicholson claims that such rigidly defined art alienates younger audiences from jazz, and points to the exploding scene in Europe, specifically Norway, that has developed both a new culture and audience for jazz.

The inspiration for artistic director Bill Royston's selection of these three Norwegian groups stems from his direct exposure to Norway's jazz scene while travelling as part of an international delegation invited by the Norwegian government in 2008 to experience the major Scandinavian summer festivals.

"I found a rich and vibrant scene, featuring unconventional performers reinterpreting the American musical legacy and building a whole new jazz lexicon. I'm thrilled to share this discovery with our Jazz Festival audience," says Royston. "The featured American jazz artists are intended as a counterpoint to the work of these exciting Norwegian musicians."

Each of the Norwegian artists represents the vast diversity of Nordic music that has risen from an improvisational gumbo derived from jazz, classical, rock, folk, and even country music styles - pianist Christian Wallumrød, classically trained, performs haunting improvisations in a chamber music setting with an ensemble of cello, violin, Baroque harp, trumpet, percussion and piano; Trygve Seim, who performed with his large ensemble at the 2007 Portland Jazz Festival, has an impressive ability to combine unusual instrumentation like the present saxophone and accordion duo with Frode Haltli; the trio of In The Country comes from a more pop music base that blends jazz improvisation with driving rock rhythms and electronic experimentation. The diverse artists and their music hold a common bond that writer Nicholson refers to as the "Nordic Tone", recognized by deep elongated notes at the center driven by pulsating rhythms and adventurous improvisations around the edge.


"Mingus and Coltrane always superseded traditional forms to create their own sound. They were above the fray, and the Mingus Big Band and Pharoah Sanders continue this legacy. Contemporary innovators like Dave Douglas, Luciana Souza and Dave Holland constantly strive to go beyond the limits of traditional jazz," states Royston. "Similarly, the Norwegian artists have carefully studied American jazz, and developed a distinctive sound. They are the new visionaries, and this festival will affirm for Americans that a new jazz is very much alive!"


Jazz Education and Outreach
Jazz education and outreach events include performances of The Incredible Journey of Jazz, a Black History Month celebration staged in Portland area middle schools each February. The 60-minute musical/theater piece was originally developed by Portland State University professor and pianist Darrell Grant and the Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute. The performance features seven actors and musicians who each play multiple roles in depicting the experiences of African-Americans through the history of jazz. Early scenes have students communicating through African rhythms, and then follow the evolution from gospel, blues, ragtime, Dixieland and New Orleans. Eventually, we witness the migration of Black Americans up the Mississippi River to Chicago and other industrial centers with the big band sounds of Ellington and Basie, to the bebop of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, contemporary experimentation of Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman, and ultimately to rap and hip hop.

Another key outreach component is the popular Jazz Conversations, one-on-one interviews with jazz headliners and members of the Jazz Journalists Association (JJA). These interviews are presented before a live audience in the intimate PCPA ArtBar throughout the festival. The sessions are recorded by KMHD-FM, Portland's jazz radio station, for later broadcast and subsequently are available on the Portland Jazz Festival website, pdxjazz.com, for general listeners.

Tickets
PDX Jazz Members have the advantage of reserving the best seats during the exclusive pre-sale period from October 13 - October 26. New and renewing members can join any time.

Starting Tuesday, October 27 at 10:00 AM PST Portland Jazz Festival tickets will be available to the general public at all TicketMaster locations, by calling 503-228-JAZZ (5299), or online atpdxjazz.com. Those who sign up for the PDX Jazz mailing list will receive the first notification when tickets go on sale to the public.

About PDX Jazz
Founded in 2003, PDX Jazz, Portland's jazz membership organization, presents both regional and international jazz artists throughout the year. Dedicated to nurturing jazz musicians and audiences, PDX Jazz is best known for its critically acclaimed Portland Jazz Festival. PDX Jazz also presents nearly 200 performances annually showcasing Portland jazz artists with the ongoing series PDX Jazz @ RiverPlace (RiverPlace Hotel) and PDX Jazz @ the ArtBar (Portland Center for the Performing Arts), as well as the annual PDX Jazz @ RiverFest each August along Portland's South Waterfront. The PDX Jazz office is located at 133 SW 2nd Ave in Portland. For more information visitwww.pdxjazz.com or call 503-338-5299.


For more information

Portland regional PR contact:
Spencer Crandall, 503-228-5299, scrandall@pdxjazz.com


National PR contact:
Don Lucoff, DL Media, 610-667-0501,
dlucoff@pdxjazz.com


Musician photos and bios available via download from
http://www.box.net/shared/512zee29b2

Portland Jazz Festival logo available via download from
http://www.box.net/shared/e2nglt451j


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Friday, October 2, 2009

GIANTS OF JAZZ 12 SET TO HONOR PIANIST RANDY WESTON ON OCTOBER 17


GIANTS OF JAZZ 12


Sponsored by



JAZZ LEGACY PRODUCTIONS




Randy Weston

2009 Jazz Master Honoree


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2009 7:30 PM


SOUTH ORANGE MIDDLE SCHOOL

70 North Ridgewood Road
South Orange, NJ 07079


This one-night concert is hailed by The New York Times as "New Jersey's premier jazz festival." The Newark Star Ledger called it "The greatest one day jazz event in New Jersey, and probably the entire country."

The 2009 Jazz Master Honoree is internationally renowned pianist and composer Randy Weston, who will perform with a host of other unparalleled jazz musicians. Past Jazz Master Honorees include: Frank Foster, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Barry Harris, Jimmy Heath, Marian McPartland, James Moody, Benny Powell, Dr. Billy Taylor, and Frank Wess.

Over 12 years ago, bassist, producer, and South Orange resident John Lee started organizing the Giants of Jazz Concert each fall at the South Orange Middle School. Each year South Orange would honor a world-class jazz musician at a benefit concert to raise money for the free summertime Concerts in the Park series.

The concert series is presented every Wednesday evening in July at Flood Hill Park. The free outdoor concerts have become a tradition in South Orange, attracting many families, and the picnic atmosphere always makes for a joyous evening of music and fellowship.


featuring


RANDY WESTON ROBERTA GAMBARINI
MONTY ALEXANDER GERI ALLEN
ALVIN ATKINSON, JR ALEX BLAKE
TK BLUE DON BRADEN
GREG BUFORD SHAREL CASSITY
CYRUS CHESTNUT NEIL CLARK
MICHAEL DEASE ROY HARGROVE
BARRY HARRIS JIMMY HEATH
DUKE LEE JOHN LEE
MULGREW MILLER TS MONK
YOTAM SILBERSTEIN BILLY TAYLOR
FRANK WESS PAUL WEST
RUFUS REID BENNY POWELL

and MANY OTHERS!



TICKET PRICES

Reserved area: $55 for limited premier seating
General Seating: $40 in advance; $45 at door;
$35 students with ID and seniors.


For more details, directions, and online ticket purchase, visit www.thebaird.org.

Presented & Produced by John Lee, Lee May, The Baird, and the South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs.



For more information, contact:

Jordy Freed at DL MEDIA (p) 610-667-0501 (e) jordy@jazzpublicity.com

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KAT EDMONSON at Jazz Standard

Kat Edmonson 1

Kat Edmonson

Set to Perform at Jazz Standard, November 11

Austin-based vocalist Kat Edmonson will perform with her sextet--tenor saxophonist John Ellis, pianist Kevin Lovejoy, bassist Danton Boller, drummer JJ Johnson and percussionist Chris Lovejoy--on Wednesday, November 11 at Jazz Standard. Edmonson made her debut at the venue in May while on a northeast tour with her Austin-based band.

Nate Chinen of The New York Times says Edmonson "is a promising young jazz singer with a kittenish voice and an amiably relaxed style."

Edmonson's debut CD, Take to the Sky, (Convivium) includes selections from Cole Porter, Henry Mancini, John Lennon and Carole King. Take to the Sky was produced and arranged by Kevin Lovejoy, and mixed by industry icon Al Schmitt. Click to view a video of Kat performing on Better.tv .

She recently opened for Boz Scaggs at shows in Fort Worth and Austin. Additionally, Kat performed at the 2009 Tanglewood Jazz Festival.

Kat Edmonson cover

Tracks from the new album:
Just Like Heaven: justlikeheaven.mp3
Just One Of Those Things:







Edmonson's original songs include "Lucky" (previously released as an MP3), which was featured on Steven Spielberg's original Showtime series, The United States of Tara, and "Be the Change", a Gandhi-inspired song and video reflecting our historic presidential election. Click to see video footage of Kat on the show Good Morning Texas.



"Austin's Great Jazz Hope." Michael Corcoran / Austin-American Statesman



For Kat Edmonson information and interviews, contact:
Don Lucoff / DL Media: don@jazzpublicity.com
Maria Echeverria / DL Media: maria@jazzpublicity.com
610.667.0501

www.jazzpublicity.com



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41st VOLL-DAMM BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP

Bebo Palau
Photo Credit: Ricard Cugat

41st VOLL-DAMM BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL
JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LINEUP


HEADLINERS TO INCLUDE WAYNE SHORTER QUARTET,
CHICK COREA & GARY BURTON, BRAD MEHLDAU,
MARCUS MILLER, BÉLA FLECK,
AND KIND OF BLUE @ 50 - JIMMY COBB'S SO WHAT BAND


Festival to conclude with Chano Domínguez in NYC
At Jazz Standard, December 3-6

The 41st Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival, featuring over 60 concerts at 13 venues, set for October 18-December 6, is pleased to announce its 2009 lineup including headline performances by Wayne Shorter Quartet, Chick Corea & Gary Burton, Joe Lovano Nonet, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Brad Mehldau Trio, Bill Evans Soulgrass Band, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Allen Toussaint, and Cassandra Wilson.

"Barcelona is definitely one of the places around the world where jazz lives today" opined Joan Anton Cararach, artistic director of the Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival, during a recent interview session with Larry Blumenfeld for Jazziz. With over 60 concerts and lectures scheduled over a month-and-a-half, including newly commissioned works and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue, it is easily discerned that Cararach speaks the truth - jazz lives in Barcelona and is reaching new and existing audiences alike.

The festival opens with a performance by Big Band de l'Esmuc in tribute to 70 years of Blue Note Records. Among the heavyweight champions of jazz headlining the festival are the best and brightest contemporary performers, including Aaron Parks Trio, Magos Herrera, and Maria Schneider(appearing in her own sets with Big Band de l'Esmuc). Of special interest is the festival's Finestresseries - Windows into new deviations of modern music that do not always conform to traditional definitions of jazz. Among the performers in this series are Norwegian indie folk-pop duo, Kings of Convenience, Brazilian electro-samba chanteuse CéU, post-rock Chicagoans Tortoise, and Israeli pop superstar Noa.

This year's festival also includes a dedication to Miles Davis and the 50th anniversary of Kind of Bluefeaturing commissioned works from Omar Sosa with Jerry González (performing their "Afro-Cuban side of Kind of Blue"), and Chano Domínguez Flamenco Quintet performing El duende de 'Kind of Blue', (while there is no English translation for el duende, It is best described as the unique groove-like sensation of Flamenco music). Marcus Miller, with Tutu Revisited Featuring Christian Scott,will be also at the Palau de la Música celebrating the music of Miles Davis. The premier performance of these dedications is Kind of Blue @ 50 - Jimmy Cobb's So What Band (Cobb was the drummer on the original Davis recording).

The Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival not only connects with fans on stage, but at the podium as well. Guest speakers for this year's lecture series include Blue Note Records PresidentBruce Lundvall, jazz author and former Boston Globe columnist Bob Blumenthal, the New Yorker'sAlex Ross, Michael Jackson biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, director of Programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center Antonio Ciacca, producer and Sunnyside Records founder François Zalacain, and Billboard/Downbeat columnist Dan Ouellette who will administer his famous "Blindfold Test" live onChano Domínguez. A featured panel titled "Jazz is Dead? Long Live Jazz!" will take place on November 6, featuring some of the aforementioned speakers alongside industry colleagues. Past guests on the lecture series have included authors Ashley Kahn, Ben Ratliff, Bill Milkowski, Nate Chinen and All About Jazz.com founder Michael Ricci, among others.

For the first time, the Voll-Damm Barcelona International Jazz Festival crosses the Atlantic to New York's Jazz Standard, where Chano Domínguez Flamenco Quintet reprises their El duende de 'Kind of Blue' commission. This celebratory 4-night stand from December 3-6 will also mark the occasion of the English version of the festival's book, which chronicles its 40+ year history, including articles penned by Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein, among others.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the festival in 2008, the festival initiated it's Gold Medal Award. The first recipient was Bebo Valdés. This year's recipient will be Wayne Shorter in honor of the outstanding impact that he has had in jazz history, and still has with his quartet today. Shorter first played the Barcelona festival during the second edition of the festival in 1967. Miles Davis was slated to play with his quintet but left the city before the concert, leaving Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams to play as the Wayne Shorter Quartet. The award will be presented immediately preceding Shorter's performance.

Spain saw its first professional jazz festival in 1966. It started with a concert at the amazing Palau de la Música in Barcelona, featuring pianist Dave Brubeck with his classical quartet. Despite surviving the hostile times of the Franco dictatorship, the festival ceased operations between the years of 1977 and 1980, which were surprisingly in the first years of democracy. Since the late '80s, the festival has been organized by The Project, event organizers whose projects reach upwards of 500,000 people annually. In 2009, the festival celebrates its 41st anniversary with a diverse program that, once again, places it among the pre-eminent fall European jazz festivals.



For a complete schedule of events, please visit

http://www.barcelonajazzfestival.com/

http://barcelonajazzfestival.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/bcnjazzfest


For more information, please contact

Don Lucoff / DL Media: don@jazzpublicity.com
Maria Echeverria / DL Media: maria@jazzpublicity.com
610.667.0501
www.jazzpublicity.com



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