Jazz Ramblings

NPR Music - Danilo Perez "Providencia"

2010-08-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Danilo Perez's New Release "Providencia" Available For Full Album Preview As Part Of NPR Music's "Exclusive First Listen" Series. I can't recommend it highly enough. A beautiful album and, as mentioned several times in prior posts, NPR offers this first listen absolutely free.

Maine Bar "Jazzed for Justice" Fundraiser

2010-08-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

The Maine Bar Association's New Lawyers Section will be holding a unique (and jazz-related) fundraiser for the Campaign for Justice. On September 10, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport, ME (yes, the Freeport made famous by LL Bean) there will be a cocktail reception and silent auction with live jazz music performed by Justice Carl Bradford’s jazz quartet, Port City 4.

The silent auction will run from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and select live auction items will be ready for bidding starting at 8:30 pm. If you have questions about the event, email Amanda Doherty at adoherty@sgolawyers.com.

Chicago Jazz Festival Schedule

2010-07-12T16:12:00.000-05:00

The schedule for the Chicago Jazz Festival (September 1 through 5) has been released. Here are the dates, artists, and venues:

THURSDAY, SEPT. 2 Millennium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
•12-12:50 pm - Umbrella Music: Bridging Improvised Music and Dance
•1:05-1:55 pm - Jodie Christian Quintet
•2:10-3 pm - MIYUMI Project Big Band: “Trans-Rooted” feat. JASC Tsukasa Taiko
•3:15-4 pm - Jim Wagner's All Stars featuring Willie Pickens, Ari Brown, Jimmy Ellis, Robert Shy, Frank Russell, Corey Wilkes and Maggie Brown
•7:30-10 pm - Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz Presents A Big Band Birthday Bash for Ahmad Jamal’s 80th with Jeff Lindberg's Chicago Jazz Orchestra

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3 Chicago Cultural Center
Randolph Café
•12-1 pm - Hector Silveira Septet
•1:30-2:30 pm - The Grilly Brothers Sextet
Claudia Cassidy Theater
•12:15-1:15 pm - James Dapogny: "Art of the Solo"
•1:45-2:45 pm - AACM Experimental Ensemble
Preston Bradley Hall
•12:30-1:30 pm - Tomeka Reid's Hear In Now Trio
•2-3 pm - Jim Cooper's Mallet Madness feat. Kathy Kelly & Carl Leukaufe

FRIDAY, SEPT. 3 Millennium Park - Jay Pritzker Pavilion
•4-4:50 pm - Lincoln Park High School Jazz Ensemble and Noteworthy
•5-5:50 pm - James Dapogny
•6-6:55 pm - Mike LeDonne Trio with special guest Eric Alexander
•7:10- 8:10 pm - Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Orchestra
•8:30-9:30 pm - Ramsey Lewis 75th Birthday Celebration

SATURDAY, SEPT. 4 Grant Park
Jazz on Jackson Stage
•12-12:55 pm - Douglas Ewart Nyahbingi Drum Choir
•1:10-2:05 pm - Paul Giallorenzo's GitGo
•2:20-3:15 pm - Maggie Brown: "A Tribute to Abbey Lincoln"
•3:30-4:30 pm - Dana Hall Quintet with special guest Nicholas Payton
•6-7:30 pm - Corey Wilkes
•8-9 pm - Steve Cole
The Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage
•12-12:30 pm - Chi-Arts Jazz Combo
•12:45-1:15 pm - Jazz Ambassadors Combo
•1:30-2:10 pm - Kenwood Academy Jazz Ensemble
•2:25-3:05 pm - Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School Jazz Ensemble
•3:20-3:50 pm - Lincoln Park High School Jazz Ensemble
•4:05-4:50 pm - Roosevelt University Jazz Ensemble
Jazz and Heritage Stage
•12:30-1:30 pm - West End Jazz Band
•2-3 pm - Cameron Pfiffner's Marco Polo
•3:30-4:30 pm - Nicole Mitchell's Sonic Projections
Petrillo Music Shell
•5-5:50 pm - Chuchito Valdez Afro-Cuban Ensemble
•6-6:55 pm - Rene Marie "High Maintenance" Quartet
•7:10-8:10 pm - Charisma: "A Lee Morgan Tribute"
•8:30-9:30 pm - The Either/Orchestra with special guests Getachew Mekurya and Teshome Mitiku

SUNDAY, SEPT. 5 Grant Park
Jazz on Jackson Stage
•12-12:55 pm - Paulinho Garcia Quintet
•1:10-2:05 pm - Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble
•2:20-3:15 pm - Brad Goode Quartet
•3:30-4:30 pm - Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band
•6-7:30 pm - Harlan Jefferson
•8-9 pm - TBA
The Chicago Community Trust Young Jazz Lions Stage
•12-12:30 pm - Northside College Prep Jazz Combo
•12:45-1:15 pm - Whitney Young Magnet High School Jazz Combo
•1:30-2:10 pm - Lakeview High School Jazz Ensemble
•2:25-3:05 pm - John Hersey High School Jazz Ensemble
•3:30-4:05 pm - University of Chicago Jazz X-Tet
Jazz and Heritage Stage
•12:30-1:30 pm - Bethany Pickens Trio
•2-3 pm - NOMO
•3:30-4:30 pm - Saalik Ziyad's 5 After 7 Project
Petrillo Music Shell
•5-6 pm - Brad Mehldau Trio
•6:15-7:05 pm - Ted Sirota's Rebel Souls
•7:20-8:15 pm - Henry Threadgill's Zooid
•8:30-9:30 pm - Kurt Elling Quintet with special guest Ernie Watts

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon

2010-07-08T16:20:00.000-05:00

I just received word from my favorite jazz venue that Jason Moran and the Bandwagon are performing tonight. Check out the Copenhagen JazzHouse for one of my favorite modern jazz artists.

Okay, if you aren't planning to be in Denmark tonight, then I suggest checking out NPR's Music App or website for great -- FREE -- listens of Moran's latest album "Ten."

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon -- "Ten"

2010-06-25T13:46:00.001-05:00

I have just started to listen to Jason Moran's new album "Ten." I am impressed so far. While in the modern genre, Moran's music is multi-faceted and has more depth than say, The Bad Plus. The music is varied, rich, and unexpected.

In addition to enjoying such fine music I have been doubly blessed in using NPR's new music app to download and listen to "Ten" for free. If you are an iPhone user, check out NPR's new Music app.

Jazz Ramblings -- Without Much Jazz

2010-06-11T15:04:00.000-05:00

Some of you have noticed/complained that Jazz Ramblings has been a little light on - jazz. Your message has been heard. However, the discussion of hockey is not without precedent. See here.

Next week, we will be back with jazz news, highlights, events, and artists. Thanks for the follow!

Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup!

2010-06-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

The only news for today is the historic win by the Chicago Blackhawks over the Philadelphia Flyers to claim the Stanley Cup for the first time in almost 50 years.

Congrats to the Hawks. The victory parade is scheduled for Friday morning at 10:30 am on Washington and Michigan Avenues in downtown Chicago.

Blackhawks!!!

2010-06-03T10:25:00.000-05:00

Chicago has gone crazy for its hockey team. Here is some interesting search news from Google:

Globally, searches for [blackhawks] trump searches for [flyers] in the sports category although both are experiencing an unprecedented spike compared to past years.

In both Philadelphia and Chicago, the [blackhawks] and [flyers] were top of mind last week:

Top sports searches in Philadelphia

Top sports searches in Chicago

Searches for [patrick kane] of the Chicago Blackhawks lead the way among searches for players involved in the Stanley Cup Finals.

After each goal scored in Chicago, the Blackhawks play the song “Chelsea Dagger” by the Fratellis. Accordingly, searches for [chelsea dagger] are surging, with Google users in Illinois topping the list and sparking a resurgence of the song across America.

With Googlers in our offices in both Illinois and Pennsylvania, we’ll be watching like the rest of the world to see who wins the greatest trophy in sports. Just make sure you don’t touch the Cup until you actually win it!

Posted by Jim Lecinski, Managing Director, U.S. Sales (and rabid Blackhawks fan)

Groopman: Studies of BPA ‘Too Worrisome to Ignore’ - Health Blog - WSJ

2010-05-24T14:30:00.000-05:00

Groopman: Studies of BPA ‘Too Worrisome to Ignore’ - Health Blog - WSJ

Link to AP Story on Link Between ADHD and Pesticides

2010-05-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

A commenter noted that I failed to include a link to the story on the study which showed a link between ADHD and pesticides in a prior posting here at Jazz Ramblings. Here is the link.

Thanks for your interest and please keep the comments coming!

BBC News - US jazz pianist Hank Jones dies at 91

2010-05-18T09:19:00.000-05:00

BBC News - US jazz pianist Hank Jones dies at 91

Jazz pianist Hank Jones, who famously accompanied Marilyn Monroe in her "Happy Birthday" song to President Kennedy, has died at age 91. He was named pianist of the year at the Jazz Awards in 2009. In 2008 he was awarded the National Medal of Arts.

A Strong Reason to Eat Organic

2010-05-17T10:04:00.002-05:00

ADHD linked to kids' exposure to pesticides: study

Comments

May 17, 2010

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A new analysis of U.S. health data links children's attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with exposure to common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables.

While the study couldn't prove that pesticides contribute to learning problems, experts said it's persuasive.

In the body, pesticides break down into compounds that can be measured in urine. The study, published today in Pediatrics, found the compounds in the urine of 94 percent of the children.

Kids with higher levels had increased chances of having ADHD, the study said.

Obama the Gangsta - At Least According to Michelle Bachmann

2010-04-16T10:17:00.002-05:00

Michelle Bachmann has claimed we have a gangster government. I guess Obama agrees!

Twitter Jazz Network

2010-03-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

The Twitter Jazz Network at twitjazz.net is the latest addition to the Twitter micro-blogging network. TwitJazz will cover jazz tweeps, jazz musicians, and jazz presenters on Twitter. The presenters include jazz venues and festivals.

Howard Reich of the Chicago Tribune

2010-01-27T10:51:00.000-06:00

As many of you have noted, Jazz Ramblings has been a little negative in the past few months. I have taken note and wanted to share my thoughts on what I find to be a true gift to the Chicago jazz scene. Howard Reich, Arts Critic for the Chicago Tribune, is an absolute joy to read.

Reich provides not only the latest on Chicago jazz but he also in-depth interviews and reviews of various musicians and groups. I thoroughly enjoy reading his column. His recent article on Reginal Robinson, MacArthur Fellowship "Genuis" Grant award winner, was superb. Noting the conflicting viewpoints on Robinson's Ragtime compositions, Reich nevertheless portrays the effort, talent, and "rags-to-riches" of Robinson's climb to fame from poverty. It also provides an inside look at a man's music over a length of time, both before and after the Grant and all that came with it.

Cheers to Howard Reich and the Tribune.

Goodreads Favorite Book of 2009 is a Joke

2010-01-14T10:23:00.001-06:00

As some of you may know I occasionally go off topic and discuss books and my joy of reading. I thought I had found the perfect website to accompany it: http://www.goodreads.com/. You will note I have a link to the site (left column).

However, I just received the Goodreads January newsletter and I have to say I am sorely disappointed. The winner of the favorite book of 2009 goes to "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins. With all due respect to Ms. Collins and her readers, the book is clearly in the YOUNG ADULT series. So, based upon the discerning tastes of thousands of Goodreads readers, some kids book is considered the best of the year?!?! Come on people. How mature must you be to find a children's book to be deserving of top honors?

I know several adults who have read the Harry Potter and the Twilight series. I have no complaints if someone occasionally slips in some reading which otherwise might be considered junk food for the brain. But to nominate this rubbish for an adult bookreader's award? Outrageous. There are many other worthy candidates out there (consider the runner-up for the award: "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett).

Let's support those authors who make a worthy and lasting contribution to society and leave the kids' books to kids. The Goodreads' poll had young adults and childrens categories. Those awards should be sufficient.

Chicago Adds New Jazz Club

2010-01-13T13:58:00.000-06:00

Chicago is about to get another jazz venue. Greg Pasenko and his wife, Diane Delin, are in the process of renovating a site at 1540 West North Avenue into the Club Blujazz. Pasenko and Delin run the Blujazz label. It is expected that the club will spotlight their music, as well as other local and national artists.

For more information, click here.

Enjoying Some Christmas Gift CDs

2010-01-06T14:51:00.000-06:00

I received some non-jazz CDs for Christmas and have been enjoying them the past few weeks. The tunes are all Minnesota-grown and include Bob Dylan, The Jayhawks, and The Replacements. The last has to be one of my all-time favorite non-jazz groups.

It has been a good break from the usual for me. I would never have bought the music (let alone CDs!) so a nice detour into the folk/rock genre. Also a great way to start the new year.

Happy New Year to all.

Chicago Tribune Printers Row Article Corrected

2009-12-22T11:21:00.000-06:00

I received word from the Chicago Tribune that a correction has been issued in today's edition on the use of the wrong titles in Elizabeth Taylor's column on best books of the year (Chicago Tribune Printers Row 12/5/09). The correction appears on page 2 of the paper.

As I had previously blogged, Ms. Taylor had provided the wrong titles for both of her choices for best books of the year. After trying to purchase the books at my neighborhood bookstore, I was amazed to find that Taylor's choices were both listed incorrectly.

I am glad to see that the errors have been corrected and am very appreciative of the Chicago Tribune's Amy Guth for following up. I have to say I am a little disheartened by the lack of apparent response by others in the Chicago area. I am hopeful that there are other "book-nerds" out there and I hope to connect with you all.

Merry Christmas to all!

Evanston Township High School Jazz Festival

2009-12-15T14:13:00.000-06:00

Evanston Township High School has announced its Seventh Annual Evanston Jazz Festival. The event focuses on educating high school jazz students and showcasing their talents. The festival attracts more than 300 student musicians from school bands as far away as Winnipeg, Canada to as near as Chicago, Illinois, this year with more than 40 bands and combos from over 16 schools.

The Jazz Festival will be held Saturday February 6, 2010 at the Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, IL. The Festival will run from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm. For additional information check out http://www.ethsjazz.com/.

Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Section

2009-12-06T22:04:00.000-06:00

I am still leading my one man crusade against the outrageous mistakes in this past Saturday's Literary Editor's column on the best books of 2009.

The Editor listed two books (written by her close, personal "friends") as best books of the year. The problem is that BOTH book titles are wrong. We are not talking little mistakes either. The titles are completely wrong with only ONE word correct in each. There still has been no retraction or correction by the Tribune.

Chicago Tribune Printers Row Out in Left Field

2009-12-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

I went to the bookstore today to check out the two suggested Best Books of 2009 from the Chicago Tribune's Literary Editor, Elizabeth Taylor. However, the two titles she suggested ("Freedom from Fear" by Adam Cohen and "Half Life" by Maureen McLane) were BOTH incorrect. The bookstore reference person was dumbfounded. Both books were incorrectly listed in the Tribune article and they were not small mistakes. The thing that makes it particularly egregious is the little note by Taylor that the two authors are "friends" and she would read the ingredient labels on a cereal box if they were to write them.

Perhaps Ms. Taylor should stick to reading cereal boxes and let someone else write her column.

Sorry for such a grumpy post so close to the holidays. I am still getting acclimated to the Chicago scene and had thought the Trib was the more worthy of the local newspapers (the Sun-Times being the other option). I may need to rethink my options for accurate writing.

New, but Classic, Christmas Music

2009-12-03T15:57:00.001-06:00

I stumbled upon a real Christmas gem on iTunes. Check out Christmas Break: a relaxing classical mix. It has many of the traditional Christmas tunes but they are low key -- great for the office. There are some additional non-traditional Christmas songs but they fit the mood perfectly.

I also downloaded Darius Rucker's Christmas album -- Candy Cane Christmas. You may recall Darius as "Hootie" from Hootie and the Blowfish. Having spent time in Charleston, South Carolina, I became well-acquainted with the group's music. He has chosen to head off into a country genre direction but I wish him well.

Fun for the Holidays

2009-12-01T10:25:00.000-06:00

I consider this my "fun" blog, since it allows me to write about non-legal issues. During the months of November and December I tend to listen to mostly Christmas music -- which should be obvious from my last.fm tags! I enjoy the classics mainly and an occasional new version sung by a crooner. I also greatly enjoy Handel's Messiah, though the purists will argue that it is technically an Easter program.

I was surprised to recently read, in The History of Jazz, that Nat King Cole originally began as an instrumentalist. With his voice I can hardly believe that his origins weren't as a vocalist. It is lucky for all that he went down that path to fame. His version of The Christmas Song, in my opinion, cannot be beat.

Another holiday staple is Burl Ives. My introduction to his sound came in the same way many of you may have been introduced to this oddly elfin-looking man; by watching and listening to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Come to think of it, I am not sure what Mr. Ives would have done if not focusing on holiday and folk music. His sound is one that would be unsuitable for most other genres.

There are numerous other classic singers and songs that I hope to bring up during this festive season. What are your favorites?

Engage with Grace Blog Rally

2009-11-24T13:28:00.000-06:00

At the request of my good friend, Bob Coffield, I am joining the Engage with Grace blog rally to spread the word about end of life planning. Unfortunately, I had personal experience with this topic due to the death of my father a few months ago. It is a difficult discussion but one for which I admire my Dad a great deal. He made a decision and we all respected his choice. May you and your loved ones have such a thoughtful and dignified discussion when the time comes.

Happy Thanksgiving.