Bill Cosby MC Fundraiser Dizzy Gillespie Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fumd helps underwrite the costs of hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and a full range of surgical and medical care for jazz musicians who are uninsured and without the ability to pay. A stellar cast of musicians and poets together will raise money for this most important human endeavor.

Kiawah Island, SC (August 25, 2011) – Since 2004, GRAMMY®-winning guitarist Earl Klugh has been bringing world-renowned artists together with jazz enthusiasts for his one-of-a-kind weekend getaways at 2 Five-Star, Five-Diamond properties; The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The 2nd annual Weekend of Jazz at Kiawah Island will be held November 10-12, 2011 and features 3 incredible nights of music from 10-Time GRAMMY®-Winner CHAKA KHAN in a Rare and Special Jazz Performance, Multi-Instrumentalist BRIAN CULBERTSON, Saxophonist, Vocalist and Composer MINDI ABAIR, Jazz/R&B Saxophonist ERIC DARIUS, Singer, Songwriter and Pianist SPENCER DAY, Lowcountry Favorites The EAST COAST PARTY BAND, PGA Tour Champion & Golf Commentator JOHN MAHAFFEY, Your Host and GRAMMY®-Winning Guitarist EARL KLUGH, and more!

Vibists Joe Locke and Ed Saindon Duo Vibraphone concert at Berklee College of Music   

Isabelle Geffroy, aka Zaz, released her eponymous debut CD in May 2010 and by any standards it is excellent. If you ask Zaz about her musical influences she will explain that she prefers to think of them as meetings. She is expressive, powerful and has such vocal control that the execution of each song appears effortless. Not only will the album will dazzle you but also make you sit up and listen.

Guitar player Razl is back with a new album full of surprises! A psychedelic journey to a microscopic world that doesn´t really exist. In this new album, Razl is accompanied by bass player Bryan Beller (Steve Vai, Mike Keneally Band, Metalocalypse) whose saturated music lines perplex the audience; and drummer Pepe Acebal, whose determination to rebuild rhythmical bases make his sound unusual and crowded. Besides , Razl has had two exceptional guests: guitar player Will Bernard (Stanton Moore Trio) and trumpeter Rubén Salvador.

San Jose, Calif., -- Enter Music Publishing, publishers of hip, drum/percussion magazines worldwide and online, proved for a second straight year that the company can produce highly successful benefits. DRUM! Night, a benefit in which all of the proceeds were donated to Lincoln High’s music program, was a tremendous success. Held in conjunction with the San Jose Jazz Festival, DRUM! Night sold out and was highlighted by a diverse drum lineup of respected drummers and percussionists. But this was no ordinary festival concert. Rather, DRUM! Night resulted in a six hour-drummer’s event of concert, clinics, lessons, and sideshows.

East meets West with an enlivening and entertaining form factor, thanks to Palestinian pianist and buzuq performer Tareq Abboushi. In effect, the New York-based quintet diminishes the mystery and places more emphasis on intrigue. It's a union that combines Middle Eastern traditional music with various forms of Western modalities.  

Dave Flippo's FLIPPOMUSIC explores the role of "musical shamans" as they present "Tao Tunes", a musical jazz setting of the ancient Chinese text Tao Te Ching.  The original music by Flippo explores over 10 different musical styles and presents some extensive arrangements.  Guest Artists: Larry Gray-cello, Neal Alger-guitar, Hamid Drake-percussion.

Sept. 16-18 - The 54th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival, Sept. 16 through 18, will include headliners Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock (pictured), Huey Lewis & The News and Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band starring Terence Blanchard, to name a few.

2011 Tanglewood Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, September 2-4 Judy Carmichael's Jazz Inspired with actress Blythe Danner and special guests from the worlds of Jazz, Broadway, and Hollywood to take place September 3 at 2pm Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves, and Lizz Wright Featured in Sing the Truth with all-star band Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, James Genus, Munyungo Jackson, and Romero Lubambo on September 4 at 8pm A Latin Jazz Tribute to Cachao with Federico Britos Sextet and John Santos Sextet to take place September 3 at 8pm Coast to Coast Septet featuring NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb with vocalist Mary Stalings and the Mingues Orchestra with conductor NEA Jazz Master Gunther Schuller to Perform September 4, at 2pm Festival Opens with Ulysses Quartet (6:30 pm) and the Robin McKelle Quartet and Michael Kaeshammer Sextet (8pm) on September 2 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Life award provides additional Festival Activities including Interviews with Jimmy Cobb and Gunther Schuller (9/3. At 4:15pm), Screening of Charles Mingus "Epitaph" (9/3, at 4:15pm), and Master Class with Jimmy Cobb and Coast to Coast Septet (9/4, at 12:30pm) Taking place in conjunction with the annual Labor Day Weekend Jazz Festival, the Wine and Food Classic returns to Tanglewood September 1-4

The Toronto Jazz Festival may have moved back to its original location in Toronto's theatre district but it did not feature a very strong line up of jazz. Following along with most of the major jazz festivals the organizers attempted to attract a more varied audience by appealing to a wide array of musical tastes. The opening act on day 1, June 24th - Aretha Franklin, a public favorite, The Queen of Soul gave a free concert that shut down one of Toronto's main streets - King St., adjacent to the Metro Square.

A great show by Angelique and Youssou at Oakland's Paramount Theater

San Jose, Calif., — Mike Portnoy, considered one of the most powerful players in the world, has garnered his first “Drummer” Of The Year” award in Enter Music Publishing’s 16th Annual Drummies reader’s poll awards. Definitely a dream come true for Portnoy, he also took “Best Metal Drummer” and came in second place in the “Progressive Drummer” category. Addditionally, Stanton Moore won "Best Funk Drummer" for a second straight time.    

Monika Herzig is a supremely talented jazz pianist/composer/arranger who was born in a small village in Germany.  Upon obtaining the chance to come to the United States on a student exchange program, she seized the opportunity to further her jazz studies and now has merited a prestigious position teaching music at Indiana University.  Her new enchanting CD is titled Come With Me, and includes a DVD which features several live performances and penetrating background information and interviews with both herself and fellow musicians.  The CD exhibits a profound harmonic density with the music manifesting itself on many levels; much like the multiple layers of skin on an onion.

A group of Berklee College of Music students and alumni, and Newton North and Needham, MA, High School students are using the summer break as an educational opportunity. The students will participate in a cultural exchange program in Kenya (June 25—July 15) through local organization Global Youth Groove (GYG), whose mission is to transform the lives of youth through music, where they will teach, perform, study Swahili, learn about traditional Kenyan music, instruments and dance, and be immersed in Kenyan culture. The program is spearheaded by Berklee staff member Sam Lutomia, co-founder of GYG and co-founder of Acacia in Kenya, a fundraising effort that provides support for girls education. The GYG group will spend two weeks in Kakamega, Western Kenya, teaching music and giving workshops at the Matende Secondary School, founded by Lutomia's father Francis. They plan to bring a full ensemble setup—including donated guitars, bass, violin, alto saxophone, clarinets, drums, and keyboards—on which the students will teach and perform. The students will also give presentations in their fields of expertise. Berklee film scoring major Dave Chapman's demonstration of music production software using desktop gear will give people without access to recording studios the tools to self-produce on computers. Making technology more accessible, the group will bring eight MacBook Pros, donated by the college's IT department, loaded with GarageBand and ProTools. At the end of the trip, the laptops and instruments will be given to a community center in Kakamega, allowing talented local youth to continue developing their skills. Lutomia explains, “Unfortunately, we can't leave the laptops at Matende School because of security. The school is still struggling to buy windows and doors for their classes, which is the case for most public schools in Kenya." They also plan to visit other schools and orphanages in the area and will perform at the Kenya Schools and Colleges National Music Festival in Kakamega, June 29-July 2. GYG includes students from Kenya returning home for the trip, and students from the US making their first trip to Africa. “I am really excited because students from Berklee and local high schools get to come to my country and have a little taste of my culture," says Nairobi native Wambura Mitaru, who studies at Berklee on a full Africa Scholarship. “It allows me to share a part of my life that is close to me—my home. I hope to learn from both worlds and see musicians interacting and having a great time speaking the universal language of music." The group will also spend time in Nairobi meeting with Berklee alumni and other musicians, giving workshops, and performing in concert. After returning, the students will give a public presentation in Boston where they will perform, speak about their experiences, and show a documentary produced from the trip.

In the music press, much (perhaps too much) has been made of the need for American jazz musicians to preserve traditional jazz sounds. Never mind that the truest tradition of jazz is one of constant change and rebirth, many use this historical preservation imperative as an excuse to simply regurgitate the past over and over until the listening public is inundated with CDs titled 'So-And-So Plays The Standards.' In fact, what jazz really needs to remain relevant in the 21st Century is original compositions, and a deeper, cross-cutting understanding of the myriad ways that contemporary musical styles relate to jazz and blues. Bay-Area saxophonist and composer Howard Wiley accomplishes this and then some on "12 Gates To The City," where he explores musical traditions – both past and present - with a suite of extended, poly-stylistic compositions that draw inspiration from myriad facets of the vast African American artistic legacy.

Louise Clare Marshall Returns to Delight the Stompin' Crowds   Jools Holland singer, Louise Clare Marshall, is making a return visit to Stompin on the Quomps, Christchurch's popular, al fresco, smooth jazz event. Louise will be performing with local band Not Just Sax. The live event takes place on Christchurch Quay on Saturday 6 August from 12 noon until 10pm and has five professional bands performing throughout the day along with other entertainment. Internationally renowned, Louise Clare Marshall has worked with many of the most famous names in the music business, including: Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry, Ronnie Wood, Lulu, Van Morrison, Madeline Bell, Sheila Ferguson, Ruby Turner, Sam Brown, and many more. Following her Stompin' performance, Louise will dash to join Jools Holland and his Rhythm Orchestra for an evening concert. Organisers have again been able to keep free entry to this community event, thanks to generous support from local businesses, though donations are sought throughout the day. The music begins at noon and the line up will include Lemon Grove, Dutch band, Bazar Bazaar, The Baddest Blues Band Ever plus Not Just Sax with Louise Clare Marshall As ever, the popular Taverners Big Band will complete the line up. Between acts entertainment will be provided by members of the Swish of the Curtain Theatre School and the Funky Little Choir. Event organiser, Adrian Dwyer, said: "We know that Louise thoroughly enjoyed performing at Stompin last year and are thrilled that she wants to once again join an impressive line up of professional jazz musicians. Our event offers the best in professional jazz music and we are proud that we can do this without an entry charge, though we do ask for donations on the day. Last year's event was one of the best ever and we estimate that up to 5,000 enjoyed the music and atmosphere. We hope to see as many people as possible, from families to nonagenarian grandparents picnicking, dancing and soaking up the Stompin' atmosphere." A souvenir programme is being produced and will be available from the Christchurch Information Centre, The Regent Centre, and the Captain's Club Hotel and at the event itself. Details can also be found on the website: www.stompin.org or by calling Christchurch Information Centre on 01202 471780. END CONTACT: Julie Ratcliffe, Julie Ratcliffe Public Relations - 01202 471097 or 07936 554222 IMAGES There are excellent images of Stompin' available at www.stompin.org; however if these are used please acknowledge Andy Cahill. Please contact if higher resolution required. Images of Louise Claire Marshall : http://www.louiseclaremarshall.com/

San Jose, Calif., -- Enter Music Publishing, publishers of hip drumming magazines online and offline, isn't just obsessed with selling magazines. The company has a strong commitment to the community and drummers in need.

Celebrate Canada Day in Metro Square with the TD Toronto Jazz Festival

The story keeps unfolding for this fabled trio that released its first outing in 1978.  With rest stops along the way, the musicians' synergy remains as a source of amazement, coupled with their perpetual creative sparks that sculpt a route embedded with fresh concepts and supreme musicianship. 

"Eric Dolphy His Life and Art" is a dream project for the artist Keith Henry Brown, an illustrator, writer and Art Director who served from 2001 to 2004 as the design director at Jazz at Lincoln Center, working under Wynton Marsalis. "My aesthetic at that time was the wonderful old art of jazz record covers, which I wanted all of JALC'S branding to reflect. I think Wynton felt the same." After leaving Lincoln Center, Brown still continues to use the look of the old Blue Note covers and the wonderful drawings used on the Norman Granz Jazz at The Philharmonic records as an inspiration when designing record covers for many well-known jazz artists.

Even by modern-day standards, jazz piano trios are not customarily designed with sheer firepower and a gargantuan rhythmic presence.   On this album set for USA release in June 2011, Japanese pianist Hiromi fuses her energized musical persona with revered artists, bassist Anthony Jackson and drummer Simon Phillips. 

We had to share a table with a stranger but it was ok -- he bought us a few drinks. It was in “The Blue Room” of the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, circa 1975 and Ray Charles was the headliner. It’s been almost forty years and I can’t remember what we had for dinner or if there was an opening act. I can remember that Ray Charles was still at the top of his game. The Raeletts were there and his stage band performed to perfection as the crossover genius dazzled the crowd with a collection of hits

This album marks a milestone in revered session drummer Adam Cruz’ career as he celebrates his debut as a leader. And he’s supported by instrumentalists who reside at the forefront of progressive-jazz. As a drummer, Cruz imparts a musicality steeped in subtle dynamics and snappy grooves while offering sensitive accompaniment throughout. He’s an accelerator as well, via the Latin-jazz element, dancing rim-shots, and polyrhythmic fills. From a holistic standpoint, he doesn’t steal the show, an

On his debut effort as a solo artist, New York City-based alto saxophonist Curtis MacDonald doesn’t blaze new trails, but offers a holistic agenda that probes the mind and offers a hearty glimpse into his compositional acumen. One of the constants here resides in his penchant for adjusting tonalities and mode of delivery for a particular segment or motif. In essence, these arrangements are designed with firmly planted emotive characteristics.With regal horns choruses and subtle hues, MacDonal

It isn't often I get over-the-top excited about a new CD, but when I received a press release regarding Disney Jazz Volume 1: Everybody Wants to Be a Cat, my heart began to beat wildly. Remembering some very fine Disney interpretations by some of our finest i.e., Bill Evans, Louie Armstrong, Brubeck, Coltrane, Miles, my anticipation was not misguided. After all, Disney has delighted countless trillions of viewers with his cartoons, films and Magic Kingdom, but to understate the music that has accompanied the optical delight of everything Disney would be simply ludicrous. 

An electric guitar is not the first instrument that comes to mind when someone thinks about Latin music, but the idea is not new. Carlos Santana did it in the 70's fusing Rock with his Latin heritage. The difference is that John fuses jazz and Latin music playing the electric guitar.A native of Walla Walla, Washington, John is an experienced guitar player. It was his experience in the 70s of teaching English in Latin America that influenced his music to this day. And, you may hear that influence

One of the ways jazz has grown is by absorbing the sounds and rhythms of other cultures. African and Latin American music were strong early influences. Today, India is making waves. Since classical Indian music has always included extensive improvisation, it seems it might have happened sooner. However, while spirituals, rumbas and African drums readily appeal to Western ears, Indian raga is a more difficult fit—its scales more exotic, its rhythms more austerely complex. But now, saxophonist R

The music on Matt Garrison new album Familiar Places is as impressive as the group of musicians playing on it. Besides Garrison, this album features Claudio Roditi on trumpet and Mark Whitfield on guitar among other amazing musicians. The opening track Try another day starts with amazing harmonies by Matt Garrison on sax and Bruce Harris on trumpet. Garrison, Harris and Zaccai Curtis take turns with good improvisations before getting back to the starting harmonies.A thoughtful attempt has a boss

Even though the members of San Juan Collective are young musicians, they play with the maturity and music knowledge of veteran Jazz players. One can tell their jazz vocabulary comes from years of listening and studying all the legends of jazz and other music styles. They also have the experience of playing and recording with Puerto Rican master trumpet player, Charlie Sepulveda on both of his grammy nominated albums. All that music knowledge and experience are fused perfectly to create the sound

Bill McBirnie is a jazz and Latin flute specialist located in Toronto. He has been chosen Flutist of the Year by the Jazz Report Awards, nominated ...

One of the ways jazz has grown is by absorbing the sounds and rhythms of other cultures. African and Latin American music were strong early influences. Today, India is m…

The music on Matt Garrison new album Familiar Places is as impressive as the group of musicians playing on it. Besides Garrison, this album features Claudio Roditi…

Jackson Garrett Speechless is a unique album in the sense that the artist featured in the title is not the one playing the music. Jackson Garrett wrote all twelve compos…

Rebecca Coupe Franks is a master trumpet player with the ability to mix different influences and create wonderful, interesting music. Exposure is one example of several …

The history of Jazz music is full of great female musicians. But rarely you will have the opportunity to listen to an all female jazz band.Nu Drop is an …

Dual Rhythm goal is to sound like a quartet in a duo setting. Well, mission accomplished. This guys definitly sound bigger, more like a Big Band, even though they are ju…

The music on Matt Garrison new album Familiar Places is as impressive as the group of musicians playing in it. Besides Garrison, this album features Claudio Roditi on trump…

Jackson Garrett Speechless is a unique album in the sense that the artist featured in the title is not the one playing the music. Jackson Garrett wrote all twelve compositi…

Israeli guitarist/composer Yotam transmits fluency, articulation, extraordinary chops and a strong penchant for dynamics on his debut effort for Jazz Legacy Produ…

Rebecca Coupe Franks is a master trumpet player with the ability to mix different influences and create wonderful, interesting music. Exposure is one example of several tun…

Trumpeter, flugelhornist, electronic valve instrument (EVI) performer and composer Mike Metheny may be Pat’s brother, but he doesn’t take a backseat to his better known …

The history of Jazz music is full of great female musicians. But rarely you will have the opportunity to listen to an all female jazz band.Nu Drop is an all female jazz …

This is an inovative CD collection involving accurate performers and capturing the jazz swing of the 1940s era. Retta Christie and her accompanists capture faithfully th…

Tenor saxophonist, flutist and composer Tsuyoshi Furuhashi was born in Mitocity, Japan. His background includes study with Takeru Muraoka and winning an award at the Mai…

PROJECT TRIO the third CD by the chamber ensemble from Brooklyn, NY is a glorious celebration of the music of our time. I say this in part because it is young m…

Toronto-based Flautist Bill McBirnie presents a handful of jazz and Latin classics in a whirlwind tour of everything from a cha cha version of Hubert Laws’ dynamic "Ball…

"I'll See You In C.U.B.A." is the latest release from Pablo Menendez and Mezcla. It features a large cast of musicians and some very special guests. The one thing I can …

Drumming legend Paul Motian is no stranger to trio sessions, given his historic work with legendary pianist Bill Evans, and bass-less endeavors with guitarist Bill Frise…

Even though the members of San Juan Collective are young musicians, they play with the maturity and music knowledge of veteran Jazz players. One can tell their jazz voca…