It’s no secret that some of the most vital artists in the contemporary jazz world can be found residing in Brooklyn. That’s why “A Portrait of Brooklyn” is an appropriate title for an excellent new album from Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records. The CD is full of great tracks showcasing the diverse writing and playing styles […]
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EDUCATION: New music instruction program for city youth
A group of local music and government institutions are collaborating to create RocMusic, a program that will provide tuition-free music instruction to city school students. The pilot program will offer 20 students ages 5 to 8 general music appreciation, and 20 9- to 18-year-olds instruction in string instruments. The program, which starts in the fall, […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, DAY 9: Gov’t Mule, Locarno, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars
So, we’ve reached the end: the last day of this year’s Jazz Festival. It’s been a long ride, but there was still a lot going on Saturday night worth talking about. First up was theSierra Leone Refugee All-Stars. Now, for better or for worse I try to leave politics aside when looking at a musical […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 9: Raul Midon, Joanne Brackeen, Arun Ghosh
While tapping guitar chords with his left hand and keeping up a steady beat on the bongos with his right, Raul Midon turned to the Kilbourn Hall audience Saturday and said, “I want you to notice there are no looping machines up here.” He didn’t need any. He picked, strummed, and slapped percussively on his […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 9: The Sadies, Chic Gamine, Trombone Shorty
I’m always ready to go toe to toe with hammerheads who bitch and moan about the Jazz Fest’s non-jazz content. But the fact that Jazz Fest kingpin John Nugent colors outside the lines and books a band like, let’s say,The Sadies — that is a jazz move. And in the last nine days I’ve been […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 8: Roy Haynes, Jean-Michel Pilc, Orlando LeFleming, Ryan Truesdell
I guess there’s something positive about being in your 80s and having someone call you immature. I’m sorry, but that was my impression of legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes at Kilbourn Hall Friday night. He joked around, tap danced twice, and seemed to be seriously trying to pick up a woman in the audience. Even […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 8: Norah Jones, Jimmie Vaughan, Bridge Trio
Started off entirely on the jazz tip tonight as I took in The Bridge Trio at Max of Eastman Place. The group was impressively tight and impeccably dressed as it ventured in and out of the riffs and shapes each musician created. It was righteously crisp and quite cool. Headed over to the East and […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, DAY 8: Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Robi Botos Trio, Po’ Boys Brass Band
Well, every night can’t be a face-melting, accordion-fueled dance party. After the zydeco chaos that was Thursday at the Jazz Fest, Friday night I operated on the more traditional and laid-back end of the jazz musical spectrum. First up was the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra under the Big Tent. Another big band from Rochester (in […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 7: Colin Stetson, Ruthie Foster, Pokey LaFarge
It can be somewhat difficult to consider your parents as human beings, as individuals with hopes and dreams and desires of their own. Well, as uncomfortable as it may sound, I watched my mother fall in love with bass saxophonist Colin Stetson Thursday night. Stetson is one of those acts at this year’s Jazz Fest […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 7: Daryl Hall & Keb’ Mo’, Bjorn Thoroddsen
The stage was set up in an unusual way for Daryl Hall and Keb’ Mo‘s appearance Thursday night at Kodak Hall. Surrounding the back and side walls of the stage was a faux-wood recreation of the music room where Hall hosts “Live From Daryl’s House.” The webcast features a wide variety of musicians who come […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, DAY 7: Dwayne Dopsie, Terje Rypdal, Barrel House Blues Band
You have certain expectations when a band has the word “hellraisers” in its title. So, Rochester, let me tell you a little story about Dwayne Dopsie & The ZydecoHellraisers. The band came out on the Big Tent stage Thursday night jamming, but with accordionist and front man Dopsie nowhere to be seen. His saxophonist jumped […]
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JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 6: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, Ffear, Yvette Landry
Perhaps it was his comedic timing and wit, or maybe it was his genuine charm. Or maybe it was his crisp blue suit. But wait…could it have been the bluegrass? Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers put on a simply amazing show full of humor and instrumental dexterity. And both the laughs and musical […]
