When trumpeter Sean Jones begins his residency at Penfield High School, students of all ages will encounter not only a first-call jazz musician, but also a first class educator. Jones, whose visit culminates with performances involving a variety of school ensembles in concerts on Friday and Saturday, has thought a lot about how to teach […]
Ron Netsky
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JAZZ | Laura Dubin Trio
Laura Dubin is proud to play in the tradition of a long line of great jazz pianists. That’s why tributes to Horace Silver and Oscar Peterson (“Silver Lining” and “Ode to O.P.”) are two of the highlights of her debut album. The native Rochesterian, who has played at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz […]
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Family ties
There was a time in the mid-1970’s when you could hardly turn on a radio without hearing the pop hit “Cat’s In The Cradle.” Singer Harry Chapin wrote the music and his wife Sandy wrote the lyrics of the quintessential song about a child and his absent father. Their daughter, Jen Chapin, now a formidable […]
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JAZZ | Andy Calabrese and Chet Catallo
Andy Calabrese has lent his keyboard prowess to a wide range of greats including Aretha Franklin, Russell Thompkins Jr., and Felix Cavaliere. Guitarist extraordinaire Chet Catallo was one of the original members of Spyro Gyra, contributing original tunes to the group’s early albums and livening up hits like “Shaker Song” and “Morning Dance.” When these […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Wave Upon Wave”
Jonathan Kreisberg “Wave Upon Wave” NFN Music jonathankreisberg.com From the bold opening chords of the title track of his new album, “Wave Upon Wave,” it’s clear that New York City guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg is out to set himself apart from the crowd. Kreisberg, who has paid his dues in the bands of Lee Konitz, Joe […]
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JAZZ | Shared Genes
Ted Nicolosi is a virtuoso finger-style guitarist capable of playing such a remarkable number of parts simultaneously that you’ll swear he’s got three hands. When his dad, Sam Nicolosi, supplies the rhythm, Ted’s free to do even more dazzling fretwork. Together they are Shared Genes and whether they are re-creating the sounds of Acoustic Alchemy […]
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JAZZ | Rick Holland Little Big Band
Before forming his own Little Big Band, flugelhorn and trumpet player Rick Holland paid his dues with the Louie Bellson Big Band, the Jimmy Dorsey Band, the Terry Gibbs Band, and others. Now he gets to call the tunes in a style more reminiscent of Gil Evans. The 10-piece, powerhouse ensemble specializes in works by […]
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JAZZ | Phil Haynes & Free Country
In recent years, drummer Phil Haynes has enhanced the Rochester appearances of straight-ahead saxophonist Dave Liebman and avant-garde trumpeter Paul Smoker. Now for something completely different. When he brings his group, Free Country, to Lovin’ Cup, he’ll be exploring the tunes on his new album, “Something Beatles.” Haynes will be joined by cellist and vocalist […]
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ALBUM REVIEW: “Raindrop: Improvisations With Chopin”
Deanna Witkowski “Raindrop: Improvisations With Chopin” Tilapia Records deannajazz.com If ever there was an album that transcends genres, it’s Deanna Witkowski’s gorgeous new CD, “Raindrop: Improvisations With Chopin.” On her fifth album, the pianist, who grew up in Webster, combines three of her passions: Chopin, jazz, and the music of Brazil. She does it so […]
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JAZZ | The Fortuna Quartet
Omar Tamez is capable of coaxing otherworldly chords and melodies out of his guitar. Angelica Sanchez is a formidable pianist with a percussive, avant-garde style. Drummer Harvey Sorgen has worked with artists ranging from The Allman Brothers Band and Paul Simon to Dave Douglas and Dewey Redman. And bassist Joe Fonda has played with Billy […]
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JAZZ | Eastman Jazz Lab Band
The Eastman Jazz Lab Band, directed by Rich Thompson, has a program on tap packed with highlights. For the premiere of “Milestones for EJL” (Eastman Jazz Lab), the band will be augmented by a piccolo and a Mariachi brass section. The piece, arranged by Rochester trumpeter Mike DiMartino, quotes melodies by Miles Davis, Duke Ellington […]
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JAZZ | Helen Sung
Helen Sung has performed with greats like Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Clark Terry. She won the Kennedy Center’s 2007 Mary Lou Williams Piano Competition and has appeared on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. Listen to any of her six wonderful albums and you will understand why she has emerged from a crowded field of pianists. […]
