Jul 31, 2013
The jazz-tinged sounds of Steely Dan have inspired a number of musicians to celebrate their catalogue over the years. At least three all-star jazz tribute albums (The Royal Dan, No Static At All and AKA) are in print, along with The Hoops McCann Band Plays the Music of Steely Dan. Now we have the Mark Masters...
Jul 30, 2013
Jazz relief is on the way for victims of the recent Yarnell fire. The M.U.S.I.C. Foundation of Arizona and Arizona Jazz Festival producer Brad Laughlin have teamed with Phoenix City Council Member of District 8 Michael Johnson and Alan “AP” Powell to assemble a galaxy of contemporary jazz stars to perform a benefit...
Jul 28, 2013
Since its beginning in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival has delivered line-ups that have both showcased jazz history and predicted it, while the city of Newport has lent the festival an unparalleled home steeped in history and culture. When you throw in fans that really are more of a community than an audience, you...
Jul 19, 2013
Podcast 362 was a profile of educator/musician Ira Wiggins, so it seems appropriate that this Podcast features a student/musician. Drummer Alex Snydman graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, just a stone’s throw from where this humble writer lives. I became familiar with his name on the local...
Jul 19, 2013
Carline Ray, one of the great jazz pioneers, an activist in women's rights, a performer and educator, and an active member of Saint Peter's Church, died at Isabella House in Manhattan on July 18, 2013. She was 88 years old. Carline is survived by her daughter, Catherine Russell, also a great musician, her sister...