Monthly Archives: October 2015

AWARD: Gary Burton 2016 NEA Jazz Masters Recipient

The National Endowment for the Arts will honor four jazz leaders – including Gary Burton – with the 2016 NEA Jazz Masters award for their significant accomplishments in the field.

This year’s honorees range from fiery saxophonists who cut their teeth with the legendary John Coltrane, to a vibraphonist who reshaped the direction of jazz by introducing rock elements, to one who has dedicated her life to assisting jazz musicians in need.

The NEA Jazz Masters award is the highest honor that our nation bestows on a jazz musician and includes a cash award of $25,000 and an award ceremony and celebratory concert, among other activities. As part of the National Endowment for the Arts’ 50th anniversary events, the annual NEA Jazz Masters celebration will take place in April 2016 in the nation’s capital, in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Read the full summary at the National Endowment for the Arts

Gary Burton on TKA

FEATURE: Women Who Rock: Davina and The Vagabonds

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Natalie Nyhus — We are starting a new series on the WCCO This Morning show about Minnesota women who rock.

We know all Minnesota women rock, but we are featuring the women on stage who lead with their voices and musical talents. We start with Davina from “Davina and the Vagabonds.”

We are coming out of the gate hot with this one. Davina puts a new twist on an old sound. WCCO’s Natalie Nyhus went into the home and closet of the woman who rocks a piano and killer vintage looks.

Davina, of Davina and the Vagabonds has been spreading sunshine from her piano seat since she was 6 years old.

Read more on CBS Minnesota

Davina and The Vagabonds on TKA

AWARD: Sonny Rollins receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America

Tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins will be presented with the Jazz Foundation of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award on Oct 22, at the Apollo Theater during the foundation’s 14th Annual “A Great Night in Harlem” gala concert.

The concert segment honoring Rollins will feature performances by Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan), Jimmy Heath, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Bartz, Billy Harper, Randy Brecker, Clifton Anderson, Kenny Garrett, Ravi Coltrane, Al Foster, James Carter, Wallace Roney, the Cecil Bridgewater Big Band, and more.

Sonny Rollins is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. Born in New York City in 1930, his life was changed by a concert by Frank Sinatra which was accompanied by a plea for racial harmony.

Read the full preview on Jazziz.com

Sonny Rollins on TKA

INTERVIEW: Bill Charlap talks with The New York Times

THE NEW YORK TIMES –

Bill Charlap popped a preview of his latest CD, “The Silver Lining,” in the music player last month as he drove from his new job as director of jazz studies at William Paterson University in Wayne to his trio engagement at the Village Vanguard in New York City. Out came the unmistakable voice of Tony Bennett singing “All the Things You Are,” with Mr. Charlap accompanying him on piano.

On the recording, Mr. Bennett was in playful form, and when he pulled one of his signature surprises — a sudden change of key — Mr. Charlap responded without missing a beat. As he listened in the car, the pianist smiled as he recalled the ensemble class he had just finished teaching at Paterson, the first of the semester with this small group of students, which was also observed by a reporter. There, he had warned his students of the need to be prepared for sudden key changes.

“That was a perfect example of why you do your homework,” Mr. Charlap said as the CD played on.

Read more at The New York Times

Bill Charlap on TKA

(10/8/15)

FEATURE: Buckwheat Zydeco on Mountain Stage

Buckwheat Zydeco returns to Mountain Stage, recorded live at West Virginia’s Culture Center Theater. The artist, born Stanley Dural Jr., has spent more than 30 years as the chief ambassador for one of Louisiana’s most distinctive musical products. Over the course of his career, Zydeco and his band have played with everyone from Eric Clapton and U2 to The Boston Pops. He’s performed at the closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, as well as at both of Bill Clinton’s inaugural ceremonies.

Buckwheat Zydeco began his career playing guitar for zydeco architect Clifton Chenier and has since become his natural successor, putting a Louisiana spin on everything from original bayou and funk tunes to Rolling Stones covers. He became the first zydeco act signed to a major label when he joined Island Records in 1986. After four nominations in three different categories, Buckwheat Zydeco finally won a Grammy in 2010 for “Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album.” He continues to branch out with his own YouTube series, “Buckwheat’s World.”

SET LIST

“Allon De Paris”

“Goin’ To Lafayette”

“Jackpot”

“Peace Love And Happiness”

Listen to the live recording on NPR.org

Buckwheat Zydeco on TKA