Accomplished Pianist Vijay Iyer and His Trio Appear at Herbst Theater in San Francisco

Veteran Jazz Pianists Gives Another Virtuoso Performance Many years ago, walking down the hall in a dormitory at Boston University, I heard the most amazing music coming from a turntable. The artist was John Coltrane, and the tune was "My Favorite Things."  

Legendary Jazz Pianist Keith Jarrett performs live at Zellerbach Hall at the University of California Berkeley

A new CD from sonic voyager Matthew Shipp is always a treat. With this new venture, Elastic Aspects on Thirsty Ear, Matt takes us on a sonic journey — one which is reflected by the name of such tracks as Circular Temple and Gamma Ray. Matt's music is meditative, reflective and lyrical yet also assertive, boisterous, celebratory, exploratory, sometimes cacophonous, often percussive and frequently orchestral.  

Tomorrow's Jazz, Today! The TD Toronto Jazz Festival now in its 26th year has presented some of the biggest names in jazz. When the Festival kicks off this summer from June 22 – July 1, 2012, you will witness some of the biggest names in todays music.

Renowned vibraphonist and improviser Karl Berger often serves as the centralizing entity on this curiously interesting date. A multinational trio, the music is often patterned with sublime textures, ethereal subtleties, and methodical song-forms, occasionally grounded on succinct pulses and steadily moving waves of sound. Here, Berger is the elder statement via his historic alignments with the crème de la crème of modern jazz stylists and cutting-edge improvisers.

 Although Brian Auger has more than fifty years of music production experience, he is still on a journey.  If evidence of this was required one need look no further than the two current projects with which he is involved (Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and Brian Auger Trinity featuring Savannah Grace) or of course to his current album, the excellent 'Language of the Heart'.

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is the most prestigious Africa gathering. The two days event (Friday 30 March and Saturday 31 March 2012) is a huge international success hosted by the Cape Town's International Convention Centre (CTICC) and features 40-acts performances. There will be bands performing at the Free Community Concert at Cape Town's Greenmarket Square.

On Friday, March 23rd at 10pm,  the first evening of the 2012 Boscov's Berks Jazz Fest, there will be a special concert at the Crowne Plaza Reading hotel ballroom with the group JaZz in P!nk.  

The 2012 Signature Music Series at Berklee wraps up an extraordinary season on Friday, March 30, with An Evening with Kirill Gerstein: Rhapsody in Blue. The Russian-born pianist will perform the world premiere of new works by Chick Corea and Brad Mehldau, commissioned by Gerstein as part of his 2010 Gilmore Artist Award. The jazz-inspired program also features the original 1924 jazz band version of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with a 25-piece ensemble that includes faculty and an 8-piece student string section. Gary Burton, Anat Cohen, and Eugene Friesen are special guests. Produced by Gerstein and directed by professor Phil Wilson, "An Evening with Kirill Gerstein: Rhapsody in Blue" is being recorded for future release internationally on the Myrios Classics label.  

Spanning several decades, progressive-jazz and improvisational icon Anthony Braxton has been no stranger to duet settings amid his large and small ensemble aggregations. Therefore, this 2-CD program recorded live in 1989 is the artist's fruitful collaboration with bassist Buell Neidlinger, noted for his work with Cecil Taylor, Steve Lacy, and educational duties at the New England Conservatory.

 Internationally recognised for his groundbreaking contributions to contemporary clarinet music, extremely appreciated by the International Clarinet association, "Luciano has established himself as the friendly face of contemporary clarinet" according to the Clarinet & Saxophone Society of Great Britain. His latest album "Partenope" is receiving praises in three continents (BBC Radio, Jazzradio.com, CRN Australia nationwide, in Brazil and South America, RTE national broadcaster of Ireland and radios around Europe) including a number of interviews for the press and on radio. 

"Luca Luciano is a noted Italian clarinettist and composer who now makes his home in London, having developed an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso around the UK and overseas via recordings and concert hall appearances" (Musician Magazine)

A thrilling song from a thrilling album. It's albums like this that have me addicting to scouring the new releases listings every week. Outstanding, and highly recommended. - All about jazz -

The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival is one of the most prominent and important jazz events in Israel. It features both Israeli and international jazz luminaries. This 2012 festival will host famous jazz musicians from abroad who will join Israeli artists in original productions and debut performances.

Volume 3 of influential trumpeter Dave Douglas's "Portable Series" casts yet another perspective of the artist's resiliency and broad vernacular.  The premise behind the three volumes, featuring different ensembles is based on informal gatherings, hearkening back to the olden days where musicians would align for pick-up sessions.  Otherwise, Bad Mango is not simply a high-octane bashing session, but offers a polytonal soundscape, spanning a diverse mix that is a nicely balanced package containing equal parts jazz and world music.  Neither genre supersedes the other, although an indigenous setting is laid out via the percussionists' multifunctional approach to the program.

Clarinetist John Carter and trumpeter/cornetist Bobby Bradford aligned forces in 1965 and eventually helped flip the West Coast USA jazz scene on its side, although widespread recognition was fleeting. Bradford still remains a vital exponent of progressive-jazz amid numerous session dates and co-led efforts for various record labels. Carter passed away in1991 and released several landmark recordings for Swiss-based Hat Hut Records, Gramavision and others. He wowed the critics via his Folklore: Episodes in the Development of American Folk Music series (1982-1990), providing a visionary musical account of America's roots, owing to the blues and African-American culture.

When I first heard that Michelle Rosewoman would be playing in a piano shop, I expected her in a small, dusty showroom with pianos clustered around her. What I found instead on San Pablo in Oakland was a shiny showroom with gleaming pianos of many varieties, many of which cost ten to over a hundred thousand dollars.

The new edition of Jazz & Blues Florida, Florida's free online source for information on live jazz and blues in clubs, concerts and festivals, is now available. Readers throughoutFloridaand visitors coming from around the world consult this site for information on the vibrant scene to be found throughout the sate.

The young HUBRO record label issues LPs and CDs by Norwegian artists, pursuing improvisation that touches upon indigenous folk, jazz, minimalism, electronica and avant-garde metrics. As the second album by the trio 1982 offers a striking audio perspective via its unusual instrumentation. With deep-rooted and slightly disfigured Scandinavian folk, the band casts a vista akin to a solemn winter evening sprawled across farmland-like vistas under a full moon, amid a few highly-charged spikes in the action.

Beppe Di Benedetto is a trombone player, composer and arranger born in Italy. Beppe's passion for music began at the age of 12 when one day his father came home with a strange black suitcase in his hand. Inside was a shiny instrument. His constant curiosity in capturing the secret language of music has accorded Beppe many opportunities in sharing the stage with such famous musicians as Eumir Deotado, Solomon Burke, Bob Mintzer, Paul Anka, Burt Bacharach, Mario Biondi, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hengel Gualdi, Jovanotti, Antonella Ruggero, Fabrizio Bosso, Lorenzo Tucci, Daniele Scannapieco, Giovanni Amato, Claudio Filippini, Andrea Tofanelli, Massimo Manzi, Ellade Bandini, Christian Meyer, Michael Rosen, Ernesstico, Mark Harris, Luca Mannutza, Tullio De Piscopo and many more.  

Highly-regarded saxophonist and composer Jack Wilkins morphs a holistic viewpoint derived from Appalachian Mountains culture and spins a hip, Americana vibe into the modern jazz vernacular.  Where other projects of a similar nature fail due to superfluous content or perhaps lean too heavily on one genre, Wilkins' mood-evoking sentiment and zesty arrangements proclaim a well-rounded scenario.

One day dad went back home, a strange black suitcase in his hand; and stood up in front of the 12 years old son. Inside the suit case, there was a shiny instrument, smelling new. Such was the curiosity that the boy decided to snatch the secret language of music: it was so moving, it made me so happy."See the sky" is the fruit of a beautiful journey, a veritable résumé of my experiences, meetings and emotions through years and years spent playing music and living my life. It's a generous cd,  resultance of both enthusiasm and joy in making music; and it's, from time to time, intense, soft, minimal, furious, romantic. The five musicians of the quintet share respect and friendship, and show along the tracks the beauty of many years playing together. Beppe Di Benedetto

Couch surfing. No, it is not a new event you will see at a Peripheral Vision concert, much like Moshing was to Nirvana and Anthrax. But it is an endearing sacrifice band co-leaders Michael Herring and Don Scott made in order to develop a strong friendship with each other. At various times during the first few years that Scott and Herring were friends; they frequently crashed on their respective couches when one had a place to stay and the other didn't. This back and forth "surfing" is ultimately what allowed the two to be such strong musicians with a powerful sense of each other's timing; which allows Peripheral Vision to be such a potent force. It also helps that the band can play their instruments extremely well. "I think musically we know each other well. Playing with someone, when you intuitively understand where they are going, helps the flow of the performance," said band co-leader Don Scott.

 New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton has never conformed to anyone or anything. Reading his Facebook posts and Twitter “tweets”, you sort of get an idea about how un-traditional he is. He speaks his mind and, should someone attempt to challenge him on his views, is hardly lost for words. His outspoken nature has allowed him to create material for “Bitches”, a CD with a controversial title with tracks that draws experiences from his own love life.

Currently residing in New York City, keyboardist John Escreet hails from the U.K and professes a novel outlook, while making a significant impression with critics and progressive-jazz advocates based on five largely acclaimed albums. The artist once again aligns with the crème de la crème of modern jazz adventurists, including saxophonist David Binney on Exception to the Rule.

From Vegas With Love, re-establishes a musical sound reminiscent of the 1940'sand 50's suggesting similarities to Cole Porter, Peggy Lee, Doris Day Louis Armstrong and Glen Miller; combined with cosmopolitan lyrics that are delightfully amusing, engaging, emotionally intimate and some times spicy with persuasive feminine charm. From Vegas With Love- is candid and mature. Sarah's voice expresses her true love for singing and delivers moments of vulnerability that are undeniably delicious!

Time in Transit's self-titled release features ten original compositions by New York-based saxophonist Glenn White. Time in Transit features White with New York notables Casper Gyldensoe (guitar), Dmitry Ishenko (bass), and Rob Mitzner (drums). An exciting balance of modern jazz harmonies with melodic and rhythmic influences from rock and beyond, Time in Transit's music is the statement of four skilled, creative musicians reaching beyond their individual voices, giving strength to a cohesive collective.

Law school creates more than a few challenges. There are hours upon hours of studying, grueling hours interning at law firms, and financial bills that need to find a way to get paid. For many law students the adversity is just too much to overcome and that can lead to despair. For Ola Onabule, it determined his life's journey.

GRAMMY winning guitar virtuoso Frank Gambale announced today the Frank Gambale TV Channel on YouTube.

The newly released Rae Ann Perez CD "Midnight In Paris" has hit the scene. A fresh take, it showcases Rae Ann Perez abilities as a fluent songwriter, pianist and vocalist. The eight originals and four expertly arranged favorites are " world jazz" music with touches of classic standards, funk, and highly influenced Latin sounds and grooves.  

  Is there time to explore and reflect on musical beauty in the frenetic pace of modern life? It’s a question vocalist Anne Walsh asks on her latest CD “Go,” which was released September 27th on AtoZink Music. “The title sums up my wish to move forward as an artist, and strike out into areas of the musical art-form that I haven’t had the opportunity to explore in the past.” Walsh and husband Tom Zink created this memorable musical journey as the follow up to their previous project “Pretty World,” which earned a Grammy nomination for the arrangement of “In The Still Of The Night.”

Dear jazzreview music community - Just this August my debut, 'Cycles Of Fusion' was released. The music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. I have made the track "Eternal Boundaries" available here for free download. Hope you'll enjoy it.

Upcoming masterclasses in Tuscia, Italy by Tuscia In Jazz.  

The subject of equipment is a popular topic amongst the music community. When asked to determine the most important piece of equipment needed by a musician starting out, the responses that we gleaned on Facebook revealed some unique insights that approached the topic from different directions.One respondent pointed out the importance of the digital age in the music industry. "Now that the interweb has become the go-to place for band promotion, an easy-to-operate Mac computer will enable any aspiring musician to record via the Garage Band app, publish a website, network socially on all the right outlets, sync to Spotify and Mog, post videos to YouTube, and so much more. Those who go without will go without," said Guy Arnston, freelance writer based in Chicago, Illinois.

Have you played Guitar Hero and are now ready for the real thing? This article will share some practical advice from a professional player that will help you get started. Although it takes more than just American Idol dreams to be a great guitarist, anyone can learn to play the guitar. Whether you want to rock like Eric Clapton or groove the Latin beats of Carlos Santana, it all starts by choosing the right teacher. "As a novice, you need a teacher who understands that to maintain enthusiasm for practicing ... you have to get some results quite quickly," said Grammy-nominated writer and guitarist Miles Gilderdale of Acoustic Alchemy. A student needs "a teacher who can give you some simple but very effective studies which sound like "real" playing early on." Gilderdale also believes that, "good grounding in technique is essential."

Love listening to jazz records and want to play like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane or David Sanborn? From bebop to jazz fusion, the saxophone is a powerful instrument with a rich musical heritage. There are several types of saxophones. The most recognizable to novice students may include the alto, tenor, soprano and baritone. Each one plays within a specific range of notes. From the low notes of a baritone to the dramatics of a high-reaching soprano, the type of saxophone chosen by a musician or composer can alter the mood and sound of a jazz piece. (Source for types of saxophones: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxophone.)

Studying jazz theory can instill a deeper understanding and appreciation for its rich musical heritage. While the task may seem overwhelming at first to a novice music student, learning jazz theory doesn't have to be as difficult. What is the best way for a jazz fan to learn more about the basics of music theory? "I'm a big fan of learning music by ear, so I'd say for a student to work on imitating a song and solo exactly as it was played will be very helpful. That way, he/she is able to pick up on theory in a melodic context and improvisation as it relates to music on the whole, not just the specifics of what notes to play on a C7 chord," said jazz trombonist and educator Delfeayo Marsalis.

If you are a new student of the jazz bass, finding the right teacher is an important step in beginning your musical studies. Your teacher will serve as the guide in your journey through the rich musical heritage of jazz and introduce you to your role as a member of the rhythm section. What skills should you look for in your instructor? According to John Clayton (Grammy-winning bassist/composer/conductor), the number one thing that a student should look for is "any qualities that give the student a high level of comfort and trust. If a student trusts his/her teacher, they'll be comfortable enough to accept the teacher as a friend, coach and mentor."

Learning to play the piano can provide you hours of education, entertainment and enjoyment. If you've ever thought about learning to play but are unsure of where to begin, this short article will provide some tips to help get you started. First, choose a quality instrument for practice. "A great way to start with piano is to love the sound of the instrument. That's why it's hard to get kids started on cheap little keyboards and such. There's nothin' like the real thing," said contemporary jazz pianist Tom Grant. He also suggest that you get an "easy song, or part of a song, that you can teach the new piano student." This will ensure "early success" on the piano.

The new edition of Jazz & Blues Florida, Florida's free online source for information on live jazz and blues in clubs, concerts and festivals, is now available.

Heather Ramsey, vocalist and CEO of The Midwest School of Voice, honored to be releasing her second CD with "Peace Like a River." Her soulful vocal style and poignant interpretations of holiday classics are a reflection of her diverse influences in music. Renowned pianist, arranger, composer and author Dr. Monika Herzig adds her unique spin to these festive tunes to showcase Ramsey's ability to sing many styles.

  With his ensemble, Viewpoint, Stix Hooper returns to the stage in a rare appearance, Friday, October 28, 2011 at Zipper Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Viewpoint is a progressive instrumental based project and is one of Hooper’s many musical endeavors. With special guest, Hubert Laws, 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award Honoree, along with others, this concert will showcase Hooper’s many eclectic and varied talents.

Time for something new. The new Rae Ann Perez CD "Midnight In Paris" has its official release date on October 7th and will be available on CD baby, Amazon, iTunes and more. A new term "World Jazz", is what best describes the 12 song release of Rae Ann's 8 originals compositions and 4 modernized jazz classics. The style is a multi genre mix that includes unique blends of latin, jazz standards, modern cool jazz, funk, and world music with exciting rhythms. Rae Ann leads the way with creative piano melody improvs accompanied by sweet and cool vocals.

Los Angeles, CA September 21, 2011 – Chart topping jazz guitarist Richard Smith and internationally awarded, classical guitarist Francesco Buzzurro announced today their  first West Coast tour to support their new recording, Un Mondo, Due Chitarre. 

Hendrix meets Bill Frisell and the Dalai Lama

Hello jazzreview music community! I am keyboard and electric guitar player Chris Rossi out of the Boston, Mass. area on the Net Dot Music label - an Internet based independent record label specializing in instrumental fusion: all-instrumental music that blends several styles and genres. My music style blends elements of jazz, rock, blues, R&B, and funk into groove-based compositions featuring retro/vintage keyboards & atmospheric soundscapes over loop/sample-based rhythm section arrangements. If you enjoy jazz rock, jazz fusion, ambient jazz, some progressive rock or other related instrumental music fusion, you will probably connect with my music.

(New York, NY) – Nu Jazz Entertainment -- a long time producer of high quality audio and video content in the genre of jazz--announced the November 2011 release of the special holiday album, Ellis Marsalis: A New Orleans Christmas Carol, from the 2011 National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master, on iTunes, digital music services around the world, and in brick and mortar retail stores.

Jeff Richman is a professional guitarist with a 35 year career in performance guitar, composing, arranging and recording.  He has produced 16 solo albums and toured worldwide.