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Lazaro Vega
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January 22, 2016
The Jazz Datebook:
Regular Hits:
Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com.
Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341.
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944.
Tuesdays, vocalist Kathy Lamar performs with pianist Dutcher Snedeker and Mario Copeland, 7- 10 p.m., at Bar Divani, 15 Ionia Avenue S.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 774 – 9463.
Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com.
Wednesdays from 8 to 10, a new jazz concert series features the Robin Connell Trio and special guests. The Harris Building Jazz Series is held at 111 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, www.theharrisbuilding.com. Here’s the schedule of guests: January 27th, “Mambo Combo” with Latin percussionist Rob Mulligan and vocalist Kathy Lamar; February 3rd, The Connell-Brewer Jazz Band CD Release Party with saxophonist Laurie Sears and trombonist Paul Brewer; 2-10, trombonists Earlie Braggs and Paul Brewer present a tribute to the J.J. Johnson/Kai Winding band; 2-17, Michigan State University Professor of Jazz, saxophonist Diego Rivera; 2-24, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra soloist and renowned jazz educator, trumpeter James Sawyer.
Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, occasionally features jazz and blues. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic .
Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. Pianist Steve Talaga plays on 1-28. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night.
Thursdays through May 2016, The Jeff Haas Quartet with saxophonist/flutist Laurie Sears, pianist Haas, bassist Jack Dryden and drummer Randy Marsh performs from 7 – 9:30 at West Bay Beach Resort, 615 E Front St, Traverse City. Phone (231) 947-3700.
Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686.
Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Sundays at 7 p.m. Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids (616) 458 – 2689. A fun jam session celebrating a 3rd year anniversary Oct 18. Student jazz musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian have a chance to play from 8:15 until 9:00 p.m. Anyone under 21 has to leave at 9 pm. The host trio plays from 7:00 - 8:00. www.speakezlounge.com.
First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com.
Timely Hits:
Saturday, January 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 23 at 3 p.m. the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Fox Motors Pops Concerts present a tribute to Louis Armstrong and the spirit of New Orleans with special guest trumpeter Byron Stripling and vocalist Marva Hicks in “What A Wonderful World.” Associate Conductor John Varineau is on the podium this weekend at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. See www.grsymphony.org for more.
Saturday, January 23rd from 7 to 10 p.m., transplanted Chicago saxophonist Mike Frost leads his band at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis St. N.W., Grand Rapids. See www.mikefrostproject.com.
Saturday, January 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. vibraphonist/pianist Jim Cooper celebrates his 65th birthday with an open house at The What Not Inn, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. Including live music and cake, and musicians are welcome to sit in and jam. See www.jimcooper.net or phone the What Not, (269) 543 – 3341.
Saturday, January 23rd at 8 p.m. the Robin Connell Trio appears at Morat’s Bakery and Pub, 4747 1st Street, New Era. See www.moratsbakeshop.com or (231) 259-0073.
Monday, January 25 at 7:30 the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, www.grjo.com, performs at Kretschmer Recital Hall in the Art and Music Center at Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Road S.E., Grand Rapids.
Tuesday, January 26th at 8 p.m. vocalist Edye Evans Hyde commands the stage with husband Mike Hyde on guitar, the great Tim Froncek, drums, Terry Lower, piano, and Denis Shebukov on bass at the New Vintage Jazz Series at New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Avenue NW, Grand Rapids. Cocktails at 7, music from 8-10. See www.wmichjazz.org or phone (616) 498-0855. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence returns from California to play there on February 9th and guitarist Ed Stone is heard February 23rd.
Friday and Saturday, February 5th and 6th pianist Wally Michaels and vocalist Tony Reynolds entertain at The Porto Bello, 41 Washington Avenue, Grand Haven. Music from 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 7th the River Rogues traditional jazz band (see www.theriverrogues.org ) play the New Harmony Hall, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Phone: (616) 233-9186, or on the web, www.harmonybeer.com. The band returns on Sunday, February 21st.
Sunday, February 14th at 3 p.m., the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Edye Evans Hyde plays a free concert at First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton SE, Grand Rapids. (616) 451-2879.
Monday, February 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society presents their Monday Night Jazz Series at The Guest House 634 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with The Mike Frost Project. Frost, a Chicago born saxophonist and working musician for 30 plus years, recently relocated to Grand Rapids. For 22 years, Mike served as Director of Entertainment for Premier Yachts Inc. providing and creating all of the entertainment for their dinner cruise ships at Navy Pier in Chicago and the sister ships in Boston, Washington D.C. and New York. For this hit, he’s joined by Bill Boris on guitar, Dave Rosin, bass and David Hilliker, drums. See www.wmichjazz.org.
Saturday, February 20th the Keith Hall Drum Choir Experience is held, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave SW, Byron Center. Tuition for this day long workshop is $75. Bring your drum set. Sign up at www.keithhallmusic.com or phone (201) 406 – 5059.
Sunday, February 21st at 3 p.m. the Beer City Saxophone Ensemble plays a concert as part of the Underground Series presented by www.adventuremusic.org and curated by Blue Lake Public Radio’s own Lazaro Vega. The “Super Sax” style group includes saxophones by Gary MCourry, Jim Hayward, Mike Lutley, Tom Lockwood, Tom Stansell, Greg Marsden and Bob Nixon with a rhythm section of pianist Steve Talaga, bassist Joe Oprea and drummer Tim Froncek. The concerts are held in LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids. (616) 451 – 9820.
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As James Carter tours Europe with his organ trio, just having debuted the Sierra Concerto with orchestras in Leipzig and Berlin, Blue Lake Public Radio celebrates the music of the Detroit native during Jazz From Blue Lake, available here, temporarily, on demand: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl
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Jimmy Cobb was on our mind yesterday as the great jazz drummer celebrated his solar return. We heard music he recorded with Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Pepper, as well as Michigan's own Ron Di Salvio, and took the program "Out on Blue Lake" in the 3rd hour. Here's hoping you'll check out these temporary links to the broadcast:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl
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Kenny Wheeler was a master of his instrument. We remembered him last night during Jazz From Blue Lake by presenting his recordings in the first part of each hour, including an appearance he made live on Blue Lake in 2002. Here's hoping you'll enjoy the new format for our on-demand listening. The sound quality is truly spectacular. Here is the page with the links, which expire at 10 p.m. eastern time tonight:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl
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Multi-instrumentalist Scott Robinson embodies Roscoe Mitchell's notion of the "super musician" in that he plays it all at the highest level possible. From tributes to Louis Armstrong and "trad" jazz with The EarRegulars, to the complex bop of Thad Jones to the lovely melodic and colorful orchestrations of Maria Schneider, to far flung sound work in the freest settings, not to mention his own compositions, Robinson is completely of our time. Here's a temporary link to last night's broadcast featuring his music at the start of each hour: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20151124.mp3
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Larry Young played organ while Elvin Jones powered their music from the drums. With guitarist Grant Green they became one of the 1960- era's premier combinations, as Blue Note Records wonderfully documented. Here's a link to last evening's broadcast of Jazz From Blue Lake, featuring the music of Larry Young in the first 20 minutes of the hour, and "Out on Blue Lake" two hours into the file. http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20151007.mp3
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October 7, 2015
The Jazz Datebook:
Regular Hits:
Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com.
Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341.
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944.
Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Notos Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com.
Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, features jazz and blues. October 21st, the John Shea Trio. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic .
Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. The last Thursday of the month belongs to trumpeter Brad Fritcher and Trios. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night.
Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686.
Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Sundays at 7 p.m. Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids (616) 458 – 2689. A fun jam session celebrating a 3rd year anniversary Oct 18. Student jazz musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian have a chance to play from 8:15 until 9:00 pm. Anyone under 21 has to leave at 9 pm. The host trio plays from 7:00 - 8:00. www.speakezlounge.com.
First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com.
Timely Hits:
Thursday, October 8thtrumpeter Brian Lynch joins the Michigan State University Bebop Spartans directed by bassist Rodney Whitaker at Van Singel Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, MI. (616) 878-6800.
Friday, October 9that 6 p.m. the Art Prize award ceremony streams live from the Harris Building, 111 S. Division, Grand Rapids, with live music by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra quartet including Paul Brewer, Robin Connell and Tim Froncek. www.artprize.org
Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 Park Church in Grand Rapids presents “Sweet Honey In the Rock” as part of the “Great American Voices Concert Series.” The five women African-American a cappella ensemble is rooted in African American History and Culture and blend their voices in a spectrum of styles, from blues, gospel and jazz. Tickets are available from www.parkchurchgr.org or by phone from series curator Dr. Patrick Coyle, (616) 459-3203 ext. 129.
Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. The Michigan State University Bebop Spartans with special guest, trumpeter Brian Lynch, continue their tour of the state with a concert at Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, Scottville. An afterglow jam session will be held at the Jamesport Brewing Company, 410 South James Street in Ludington, starting at approximately 10 p.m. There is no cover charge for this event, however early seating or reservations are highly recommended. See: http://www.westshore.edu/about/public_relations/2015/09/bebop.html
Tuesday, October 13th at 8 p.m. Organissimo, the jazz organ trio, christens The New Vintage Jazz Series at New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids. For members of the West Michigan Jazz Society tickets are $10, or $75 for the season of 10 concerts (once a month through February). For information see www.wmichjazz.org or phone Steve Hilger at (616) 498 – 0855.
Tuesday, October 13th at 7:30 p.m. the Western Michigan University Jazz Lab Band directed by Tom Knific plays a free concert at the Dalton Center Recital Hall, Van De Giessen Rd #3001, Kalamazoo Twp, MI. See www.wmich.edu/music.
Thursday, October 15th Hope College’s Jazz Arts Collective, a student ensemble, performs as part of the Visiting Writers Series at 6:30 p.m. (reading at 7:30) in the new Jack H. Miller Center, John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. Phone (616) 395-7890 or see www.hope.edu/music.
Friday, October 16th at 7:30 p.m. pianist Aaron Diehl’s Trio performs in in the new Jack H. Miller Center, John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. See http://calendar.hope.edu/event/guest_artist_-_the_aaron_diehl_jazz_trio#.VhUxzvlVhBc or Phone (616) 395-7890.
Friday, October 16th at 8 p.m. pianist John Mortensen presents a solo recital of classical compositions and jazz compositions and improvisations at Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. See: https://www.cedarville.edu/Academics/Music-and-Worship/Faculty-Staff/Music/Mortensen-John.aspx
Monday, October 19th at 7:30 p.m. saxophonist Dave Liebman presents his newest group “Expansions” in the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, Jack H. Miller Center, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI. See: http://www.hope.edu/news/2015/arts/expansions-dave-liebman-group-to-perform-on-oct-19-2015.html
Monday, October 19th at 6:30 the West Michigan Jazz Society’s Monday Night Jazz Series presents drummer Fred Knapp’s Trio with the return from China of vocalist Kathy Lamar and including jazz great Jeremy Siskind, piano, and David Rosin, bass. Held at The Guest House, 638 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. For details, www.wmichjazz.org.
Friday, October 23rd, Hope College’s Jazz Arts Collective performs as part of an Art and Humanities Symposium featuring insights from architect Bill Blanski and jazz musician/educator Brian Coyle. This event takes place in the new John and Dede Howard Recital Hall, Jack H. Miller Center, 221 Columbia Avenue, Holland, MI.
Thursday, October 29th at 6:30 p.m. vocalist Dianne Reeves in the Great Artist Gala. The Great Artist Gala is St. Cecilia Music Center’s biggest fundraising event of the year. By purchasing a ticket to this benefit you can support SCMC and all of its programs, while enjoying a fabulous evening of food, wine and music. All tickets ($125) include a roaming dinner and wine at 6:30 on all three floors of the historic Music Center at 24 Ransom Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, then an intimate concert with Grammy winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves in Royce Auditorium at 8pm. Benefactor tickets ($250) also include a donation to St. Cecilia Music Center AND a Post-Concert Reception with Dianne Reeves. Reservations from (616) 459 – 2224. See: http://www.scmc-online.org/great-artist-gala-dianne-reeves/.
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Thursday, October 8thtrumpeter Brian Lynch joins the Michigan State University Bebop Spartans directed by bassist Rodney Whitaker at VanSingel Fine Arts Center Auditorium, 8500 Burlingame SW, Byron Center, MI. (616) 878-6800.
Saturday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. The Michigan State University Bebop Spartans with special guest, trumpeter Brian Lynch, continue their tour of the state with a concert at Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, Scottville. An afterglow jam session will be held at the Jamesport Brewing Company, 410 South James Street in Ludington, starting at approximately 10 p.m. There is no cover charge for this event, however early seating or reservations are highly recommended. See: http://www.westshore.edu/about/public_relations/2015/09/bebop.html
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They played Elastic after Grand Rapids and then went into the studio. We shall see. I know Steve grabbed a recording of the Grand Rapids hit, which he said was one of the best of the tour. Trying to add some photos here, but they're too big.
Ann Nessa took some good ones which are on FB: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=454277281445450&set=pcb.454278914778620&type=3&theater
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September 20, 2015
Sometimes, you just need to be ready. Ready to listen and accept what you’re hearing.
When trombonist/composer Steve Swell and his musical partner for 14 years tenor saxophonist/bass clarinetist Gebhard Ullmann start their concerts, the begin improvising. Freely.
That’s how the second season of the Underground Series at LaFontsee Gallery presented by adventuremusic.org in Grand Rapids began Sunday afternoon, September 20th – with quiet long tones shaped by tension and release in free time. Though the trombonist and saxophonist have appeared a number of times in west Michigan starting in 2004 with bassist Hillard Greene and drummer Barry Altschul, who have their own authentic identity, this ensemble was going somewhere else.
This time was different. This time was new. Yes, cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm and percussionist Michael Zerang have played together for 20 years, but the first tour integrating their Chicago bred-concepts with Swell and Ullmann’s compositions and instrumental methodologies was right here, right now. Thus the band’s title: The Chicago Plan.
In those quiet long tones rising and flexing like crescents of fine bending metal, Swell’s extended high register trombone sounds, colored by mutes and uncanny breath control, disappeared into the cello’s bowed notes, long sounds colored by subtle electronics, which Zerang commented on with perfect obbligatos, lovely fills from the drums, and Ullmann fuzzed up with bass clarinet overtones. As 10 minutes or so slipped by the band combined and recombined in instrumentation – trombone, cello, percussion; trombone, bass clarinet, cello; cello, drums, full ensemble – rising and falling in dynamic level, until the rhythmic counterpoint based in intervals characteristic of Ullmann’s compositions arrived as the piece “Deja vu.” Then they just kicked ass.
You could sense those in the audience who weren’t ready, who were lost, grabbed for that theme like a life ring. Here now was jazz energy. Here was meticulous virtuosity. Here was wild, driving rhythm and horns in a front-line part. Here was free jazz. Stopping on a dime, returning to the previous mood. Finding a way to end. The ebb and flow of formal composition and instantaneous improvisation is what makes this approach to music making so exciting, especially when it works as well as it did on Sunday.
Swell’s series of “Composite” compositions continues to expand. On Sunday, the newest, “Composite #10,” began with Michael Zerang’s solo for metal candy dish. Not kidding. He laid the 12 or so inch silver dish on the snare drum, held it with his left hand and used a tympani mallet or drum stick with this right to whack the metal into music. He’d dampen the sound, bend the sound, let it rattle on the drum, and created a melodic structure by doing so. He took his time. Eventually that melody idea came to range across the drum set (Zerang plays with a middle-Eastern rhythmic accent at times, which, to over simplify, you know from “Blue Rondo a la Turk” – dancing in 11 and 9). By staying on the drum kit and using the cymbals for accents, Zerang propelled us into Swell’s suite-like excursion which, after more than 15 minutes of amazing, high energy development, came to rest on Lonberg-Holm’s “cello” solo.
Quotation marks because it was more about Lonberg-Holm’s manipulation via electronics of sound, sound looping and squealing, thumping and unplugging -- zap! -- chorusing and thickening and screaming and mewing, than it was a “straight” cello solo. Returning to the long tones that gave rise to his episode in the first place, Lonberg-Holm bridged a return to structure and the band took it out.
Ullmann’s “Variations on a Master Plan Part 2” was the lone purely quiet piece in the concert – there was the sense of autumn in the cello’s downcast color. Swell’s “Rule #1” is a bit similar to his composition “Box Set,” which is hard driving, inspired by alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons, though elastic in time sense. Zerang was up for the challenge, as propelling a high energy jazz cymbal sound as you’ll ever hear. And if you know Ullmann’s “7-9-8,” which rocks a funky tipping point between 7/8 and 9/8 time signatures with extra sensory unison parts for sax and trombone, you would have enjoyed the concert closer “Variations Part 3.”
Ullmann and Swell have developed a challenging rapport over the years. Their moments of collective improvisation -- whether in rhythmic counterpoint or unison fly overs – would strain even the most practiced chops. That they do it for fun is our delight.
Whether entirely bemused or completely bewitched, Sunday’s crowd stayed through to the end -- because, really, “what is going to happen next?” is a powerful attention getter-- then swarmed the band with a prolonged standing ovation.
www.Adventuremusic.org indeed.
Lazaro Vega
Jazz Director, Blue Lake Public Radio
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Donald Clarke wrote John Coltrane's music was a "broad church." So the mantra-like characteristics of his playing was celebrated, yet it's important to remember his earlier mastery of form, which is why we began Jazz From Blue Lake last night with John Coltrane playing the music of Duke Ellington. Hope you'll join us, temporarily, here: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150923.mp3
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Since creating the original film score for the 2014 film “Birdman,” drummer Antonio Sanchez issued two albums, a double CD of three trios playing three original pieces or Sanchez arrangements of jazz standards, and a suite or music composed for his ensemble Migration. We featured both recordings last night on Jazz From Blue Lake. Here's a temporary link to the broadcast (with, hopefully, higher bit rate improving sound quality).
http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150922.mp3
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He's on a new album by the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra and takes a few features, notably "September Song." Sounds like Doc. It's not as wild as he once was, which may actually be a good thing.
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Great to see you, Chuck. And thanks for the heads up on Roscoe this Sunday in Chi.
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Good discussion about important elements of how and why the music is handed down. Appreciate it. Musicians in their 60's, and the community around them, know. They just know -- this is what it is about. Being an individual, playing recognizably as you. As in literature, having a voice. It might be a mash up of other voices as in the encyclopedic style of Thomas Pynchon, but it's still unmistakably his voice. Then there's the ensemble awareness and how one's frequency range contributes to the whole range the band is putting out, as opposed to stomping on it and hogging the range. What is it to contribute to the ensemble...playing standards or improvising, who's taught to think about that by academia?
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Basement Research, Ta Lam, Conference Call, Double Trio of Clarinets....these are bands featuring Gebhard Ullmann. Tonight on Jazz From Blue Lake, please join us for the saxophonist/composer/multiple band leader who Paul Bley calls, "...one of the finest improvising artists in the world today," Gebhard Ullmann. The program streams live, 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. eastern time from www.bluelake.org/radio
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Opening their tour tonight at Constellation in Chicago. From Steve Swell: Hey Midwest! I'll be coming through with a new band co-lead with my good friend Gebhard Ullmann along with some Chicago friends Fred L-Holm and Michael Zerang starting this coming Wednesday, September 16th. We will be in Chicago (Constellation), Lafayette, Indiana, Cleveland, Detroit and Grand Rapids then back to Chicago and the recording studio. I will also be toting a bunch of new CDs most notably my 60th Birthday Double CD (NotTwo), "Kanreki" with 4 of my paintings and 4 of my poems in the booklet. Hope to see you there. For specific venues you can click here: http://www.steveswell.com/UpcomingPerformances.htm
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH AT 3 P.M. GEBHARD ULLMANN AND STEVE SWELL PRESENT THE CHICAGO PROJECT AT LAFONTSEE GALLERIES, GRAND RAPIDS.
“Gebhard Ullmann is one of the finest improvising artists in the world today,“ (Paul Bley)
In collaboration with LaFontsee Galleries and Blue Lake Public Radio’s Lazaro Vega, Adventuremusic.org presents the second season of experiential concerts, The Underground Series, with a new international improvising ensemble co-led by saxophonist/bass clarinetist Gebhard Ullmann and trombonist Steve Swell: The Chicago Project, featuring Chicagoans cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm and drummer/percussionist Michael Zerang.
As part of a 6 concert tour the Chicago Project’s performance in Grand Rapids offers a glimpse into the evolution of an improvising ensemble, a nightly experience of musical growth and possibility.
“Gebhard Ullmann is one of the finest improvising artists in the world today, “said pianist Paul Bley of the Berlin-based tenor saxophonist/bass clarinetist with 50 recordings released under his own name. Steve Swell has a foundation in the teachings of veteran trombonist Roswell Rudd and blossomed from there into a socially conscious, virtuosic trombonist and visionary bandleader (hear his ensemble “Slamming the Infinite”).
Together Ullmann and Swell developed a musical simpatico leading to more unique concert experiences than are generally fielded outside of major cities (Berlin, New York and Chicago, in this instance). They put Grand Rapids on their tour route in 2004, leading a quartet including jazz giant Barry Altschul, drums, and Hilliard Green, bass; returning in 2007 and 2008, then Ullmann’s Clarinet Trio performed in west Michigan in 2010. Each memorable concert in that history was improvised and will never be heard again. Experiencing this music live is unlike anything you’ve ever heard in your life.
Adventuremusic.org continues to present music at the highest level of creativity in the intimate, listener friendly concert environment of LaFontsee Galleries at 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI.
Here’s hoping you’ll tell your friends about the explorations in sound occurring Sunday afternoons in Grand Rapids. This year’s series will include performances by Adam Rudolph, Hamid Drake, the Gary McCourry Saxophone Ensemble, the Matt Ulery large chamber jazz ensemble In the Ivory, and more.
This concert is made possible in part by The Goethe Institute.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $10 for students with a student I.D. and $25 at the door. Kids ages 12 and under are free. Advance tickets available only from www.adventuremusic.org . Please use the site to inquire about how you can insure the future of this series through a larger financial commitment. The phone number at LaFontsee Galleries is (616) 451 – 9820. LaFontsee Galleries is wheelchair accessible.
To find LaFontsee Galleries please see, www.lafontsee.us/.
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Last night Jazz From Blue Lake dug into the musical world of Dr. Lonnie Smith, including a 1975 session featuring Joe Lovano and George Bensonwailing on an "Impressions" variation. The premier organist opens the Indy Jazz Fest tonight. Hope you have time to catch Dr. Lonnie Smith via this link on Jazz From Blue Lake: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150910.mp3
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September 1, 2015
The Jazz Datebook:
Regular Hits:
Mondays from 8 to 11 p.m. pianist/vocalist John Shea swings downtown Grand Rapids from the front window of The Republic, 45 South Division, Grand Rapids. With bassist Warren Jones III and drummer Fred Knapp, John presents a wide variety of jazz and songbook standards. www.republicgrandrapids.com.
Mondays from 6 to 10 p.m., Fridays 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays 6-10 p.m. The What Not Inn features a revolving cast of local musicians each weekend and Mondays hosts a jam session open to musicians and vocalists. See the full schedule here: www.whatnotinn.com. The What Not Inn is located at M89 and the Blue Star Highway, 2405 68th Street, Fennville, MI. (269) 543-3341.
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 10:30, there’s an open mic jazz jam session at The Grand, 22 Washington, Grand Haven, MI. (616) 847 – 8944.
Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. The Tom Hagen Trio with vocalist Rick Reuther have been appearing at Notos Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids for more than 13 years, the longest continuous jazz hang in west Michigan. (616) 493 – 6686, or www.notosoldworld.com.
Wednesdays, House of Music Entertainment at The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, 49503, features jazz and blues. September 2, the Steve Talaga Trio (great jazz piano); 9-9, The Steve Hilger Jazz Fusion Project; 9-30 Evidence (straight ahead and Latin jazz); 10-7, The Steve Hilger Band; 10-21, the John Shea Trio. More from www.thebob.com/houseofmusic .
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday live piano jazz is heard from 7 to 10 p.m. at Mangiamo, 1033 Lake Drive S.E., Grand Rapids. Information from (616) 742 – 0600. www.thegilmorecollection.com.
Thursdays at 7 p.m. a variety of jazz bands rotate the schedule at The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8744 Ferry Street in Montague. The last Thursday of the month belongs to trumpeter Brad Fritcher and Trios. See www.thebooknookjavashop.com and click on the calendar for Thursday night.
Fridays, 7 p.m. the John Shea Trio plays at the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Saturdays at 7:30, pianist John Shea leads his trio at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining, 6600 28th Street S.E., Grand Rapids. See www.notosoldworld.com or call (616) 493 – 6686.
Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. guitarist Greg Miller brings his 6-1-6 guitar concept to the J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Sundays, Randy Marsh’s Sunday Night Jazz Hang at The Speak EZ Lounge, 600 Monroe Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids, is a fun jam session. Information from (616) 458 – 2689. Student musicians under 21 with a parent or legal guardian will have a chance to play with Marsh from 7 to 9; the host trio plays from 9 p.m. – 10 p.m. www.speakezlounge.com.
Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. through the summer, pianist/vocalist John Shea leads his trio through the great American song book and jazz standards at New Holland Brewing Company, 66 E. 8th St., Holland. See www.newhollandbrew.com or phone (616) 355-6422.
First Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Avenue S.W., downtown Grand Rapids. The GRJO is the region’s premier professional jazz orchestra. Information from www.grjo.com.
Timely Hits:
Friday, September 4th through Monday, September 7thThe Detroit Jazz Festival takes place in downtown Detroit. Hundreds of concerts are scheduled, including four by artist in residence, Pat Metheny: Pat Metheny Trio with Antonio Sanchez, Scott Colley & special guest Kenny Garrett; Pat Metheny acoustic duo with bassist Ron Carter; Pat Metheny Reunion with Gary Burton Quartet; Pat Metheny, Scott Colley, Antonio Sanchez, and Danny Gottlieb with the Detroit Jazz Festival Big Band and String Orchestra, Conducted by Alan Broadbent, perform new works including the North American premiere of Metheny’s multi-movement/multi-media tribute to Eberhard Weber. More from www.detroitjazzfest.com.
Thursday, September 3th through Sunday, September 6th, The Chicago Jazz Festival is held at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St, and Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. This year’s highlights include the Chicago Jazz Orchestra’s Billy Strayhorn Centennial Celebration, Art Hoyle Sextet’s tribute to Clark Terry, Jose James singing the music of Billie Holiday, and the re-union of Muhal Richard Abrams Experimental Band with Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, Wadada Leo Smith and many others. See www.chicagojazzfestival.us.
Thursday, September 3rd at 7 p.m. Robin Connell and Paul Brewer lead their band at Mill Point Park, 203 S. Cutler Street, Spring Lake, MI. Free.
Friday, September 4th at 8 p.m. the Robin Connell Trio with drummer Paul B. Smith and bassist Chris Kjorness perform at Morat's Bakery 4747 First St, New Era, Michigan.
Saturday, September 5th saxophonist Mike Frost leads his band called Project at the JW Marriott downtown GR, Mixology Lounge, 7 – 10 p.m., J.W. Marriot Hotel, 235 Louis Street N.W., Grand Rapids. (616) 242 – 1448.
Saturday, September 5th at 7 p.m. the General Assemble Big Band, with vocalist Ginny Dusseau appears at Wenger Pavilion in Baldwin.
Saturday, September 5th at 8 p.m. Swingtooth plays Newaygo Brewing Co, 19 State Rd, Newaygo, Michigan 49337.
Thursday, September 10th at 7:30 p.m. the Israeli singer/actress Ester Rada performs at Hope College’s Knickerbocker Theater, 86 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI. Rada credits Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin as her musical influences, alongside Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. Tickets from (616) 395 – 7890.
Thursday, September 10th at 9 p.m. organist Tony Monaco jams at Our Brewing Company, 76 E. 8th Street, Holland, MI. (616) 994 – 8417. See: http://www.allmusic.com/artist/tony-monaco-mn0000013079.
Thursday, September 10th at 7 in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center, University of Indianapolis, IN, the 10 day Indy Jazz Fest kicks off. Friday, September 11th, Dr. Lonnie Smith plays organ, among others. A full schedule is available from www.indygo.net.
Sunday, September 13 at 3 p.m. “Jazz in the Sanctuary” returns to Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids, with pianists Robin Connell and Paul Johnston, associate professor of jazz studies at Eastern Illinois University and a member of the jazz piano faculty at Interlochen Arts Camp. Tickets from (917) 846 – 2081 or ruthstein@gmail.com.
Sunday, September 13th at 3 p.m. world flutist Gary Stroutsos with a quintet featuring woodwinds by Ken Morgan, world percussion and voice by Carolyn Koebel; vibraphonist Jim Cooper; and bassist Denis Shebukhov appear in “Woodwinds Without Boundaries” at Petter Wine Gallery Barn, 161 N. Blue Star Highway, Douglas MI. Information from kenmorganjazz@gmail.com or (269) 358 – 8028.
Saturday, September 19th at 6 p.m. the Jim Cooper Quartet with trumpeter Dmitry Matheny at Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas, MI. See: http://saugatuckbrewing.com/events/live-music-jim-cooper-trio/ .
Sunday, September 20th at 3 p.m. the Gebhard Ullmann/Steve Swell Chicago Project with cellist Fred Lonberg-Holm and drummer/percussionist Michael Zerang open the new season of The Underground Series, curated by Blue Lake Public Radio’s own Lazaro Vega and made possible with support from www.adventuremusic.org, at LaFontsee Galleries, 833 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. “Gebhard Ullmann is one of the finest improvising artist in the world today,” said pianist Paul Bley of the Berlin-based saxophonist/bass clarinetist. This concert is made possible in part by the Goethe Institute. Further explorations in sound are scheduled from The Gary McCourry Saxophone Ensemble, the Matt Ulery large chamber jazz ensemble In the Ivory, and a one of a kind meeting between percussionists Adam Rudolph and Hamid Drake. Information from (616) 451 – 9820 or www.lafontsee.us.
Monday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m. the West Michigan Jazz Society launches their new Monday Night Jazz Series season at The Guest House, 638 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, with vocalist Patty Gayle and the Mark Kahny Trio. See www.wmichjazz.org.
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http://www.yourclassical.org/programs/performance-today/episodes/2015/08/28
From Foley Schuler: Exciting news! As many of you know, Performance Today (nationally syndicated program, heard every evening at 5 on Blue Lake Public Radio) has, all summer long, featured great music inspired by distinctive American places. The final stop on PT's "Summer Road Trip" is none other than right here at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, home of Blue Lake Public Radio. Tonight's segment (airing toward the end of the 5 o'clock hour) will feature a recently commissioned piece by Timothy Mahr entitled "by blue lake, listening, dreaming," inspired by the camp and its beautiful setting in West Michigan's Manistee National Forest. See link below for further details...
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This is an alert of the emergency swing system. This is an actual emergency: you are being directed to the nearest Lester Young recording session. This is not a test: http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150827.mp3
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Blue Lake Public Radio celebrated Wayne Shorter's 82nd lap around the sun by highlighting the recently released recordings by the Miles Davis's quintet live at the Newport Jazz Festival-NJF in 1966 and 67. We also took it "Out on Blue Lake" two hours in. Here's the 5 hour broadcast:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand/17-1-20150826.mp3
Benny Golson on Jazz From Blue Lake
in Jazz Radio & Podcasts
Posted · Edited by Lazaro Vega
Yesterday Blue Lake Public Radio celebrated the music of saxophonist/composer Benny Golson during the first part of each hour, opening with Arron Diehl's new recording featuring the master. Here's hoping you'll check out the program via these temporary links:http://199.176.235.218/ondemand.pl