JerseyJazz MARCH 2021 - THE STARS ALIGN - THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY
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JerseyJazz
IN THIS ISSUE
THE MAGAZINE OF THE MARCH 2021
NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY VOLUME 49 ISSUE 03
ARTEMIS
THE STARS ALIGN
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 01
IN THIS ISSUE
ARTICLES/REVIEWS COLUMNS
09 Big Band in the Sky: 03 All That’s Jazz
Chick Corea
05 Editor’s Choice
13 Artemis
40 Not Without You!
17 Talking Jazz: Alexis Cole
24 Rising Star: Danny Jonokuchi
CORRECTIONS
27 Grammy Awards Re “Understanding the Real Meaning of
‘The Blues;” (JJ, February 2021), the trio that
Catherine Russell’s mother, Carline Ray, played
30 Jazz Guitar ‘Mecca’ in performed at the Town Hill club in Brooklyn
that was managed by her father, Luis Russell.
By then, Russell had retired from performing.
ON THE COVER_ From left, Allison Miller, Renee Rosnes, 34 Book Review: This Is Bop Re “Steve Williams Proves You Can Go
Noriko Ueda, Ingrid Jensen, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Anat Home Again” (JJ, February 2021) WBGO
President/CEO Steve Williams studied at
Cohen, Melissa Aldana. PHOTO BY KEITH MAJOR 36 Other Views American University, but he didn’t graduate.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 02
ALL THAT’S JAZZ
BY CY DNE Y HA LPIN
I
t’s hard to comprehend that it’s and ARE making to the art of jazz. Swing” (Google it—it’s a must read highlights a host of fierce, fabulous,
been one year since we first heard I recommend the following and features Renee Rosnes and female artists and influencers:
about the Covid-19 pandemic, materials for all who wish to learn Artemis, also in our feature story on Allison Miller, Renee Rosnes, Noriko
that has in multiple ways, changed more about women’s historic p.13) sheds new light on the role of Ueda, Ingrid Jensen, Cecile McLorin
all of our lives. No one has escaped place in the jazz lexicon: 1.) The women within this art form. With Salvant, Anat Cohen, Melissa Aldana,
the physical, emotional, spiritual article focused on the ‘20s, ‘30s this focus, I want to take women out Summer Camargo, Carolyn Dorfman,
or financial impact of this virus. & ‘40s titled “The Best of the All- of the history books and highlight the Gia Maione Prima, Alexis Cole, Alexa
The board of directors and I thank Women Swing Bands” by William extraordinary influence women are Barchini, Rosalind Grant, Roseanna
you for your continued patronage Ewanick for medium.com. 2.) the having on today’s jazz scene. Rosnes Vitro, Sandy Sasso, and Veronica
and support, not only to us but also 2011 documentary, The Girls states, “I’m hoping for a future when Swift. Know their names and know
to the greater jazz community, as in the Band, directed by Judy people don’t look at it [women in jazz how they’ve influenced and will
we’ve all faced the sadness, isolation, Chaikin which presents the untold and Artemis an all female band] like continue to enrich the art of jazz.
challenges and changes of these stories of female jazz and big a novelty act and people will laugh Guitarist Mary Havorson speaks
difficult past 12 months. We can’t band instrumentalists and their at articles like this and wonder,’Can the truth when she says, “The more
do what we do without you! journey from the late 1930s to the you imagine? They had to write women out there doing it, the more it
present day. 3.) Sherrie Tucker’s like that about women in jazz?” encourages young women to start.”
book, Swing Shift, chronicling the Music critic David Hajdu notes, This month celebrate Her-story.
M
arch is Women’s History forgotten history of the all-girl big “Some fearless women plowed Celebrate Her-story in jazz!!
Month. Please join me bands of the World War II era. through with machetes so that anoth-
in acknowledging and The culture and conditions er generation can say, ‘This is possible.
P
celebrating the vital role of women the have historically existed for Maybe there’s a place for me.’ Women lease join me on Saturday,
throughout history, and more women within the genre of jazz are as performers, composers, and in- March 20th at 7 p.m. as we pres-
specifically recognizing the great well documented but the August novators is the story in jazz today.” ent our Virtual Social featur-
contributions women have made 2019 Vanity Fair article “Sisters of This issue of Jersey Jazz ing trumpeter Summer Camargo, a
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 03
ALL THAT’S JAZZ
Jazz Studies student at the Juilliard This fabulous streaming concert nizations have embraced technology parking deck—starting in May. Brett
School. Camargo was the first female can be viewed on our Facebook to stay connected, productive and en- Messenger, Curatorial Director of
to win the songwriting award for the page and on our YouTube channel— gaged with their audiences, present- Live Arts, and the museum staff did
best original composition and ar- by searching “New Jersey Jazz ing a vast array of incredible new and an incredible job last year presenting
rangement of her song “Leapfroggin’” Society”. I hope to “see” you there. archived content. To this end, I hope an amazing lineup of talent, in a safe
AND the first female trumpet player you’ve enjoyed our Virtual Socials via and enjoyable environment. I’ve no
to be named best soloist at the 2019 our Facebook page, and have also dis- doubt that this season will be even
I
Essentially Ellington High School f we’ve learned anything through- covered Jay Daniels’ weekly Simply better and that tickets will sell out
Jazz Band Competition and Festival out the Covid-19 pandemic it’s Timeless Radio show—available any- even faster. For more information
in New York—the “Super Bowl” for that change is here to stay! The time on our website—www.njjs.org. and for tickets please consult their
the next generation of American jazz creativity that has emerged via virtu- ›› Please note, we’ve expanded our website www.morrismuseum.org.
performers. Wynton Marsalis has al online platforms from musicians, concert streaming capabilities to our
this to say about her, ”She is spec- venues, cultural institutions, etc., has website, for those who may not have
M
tacular in her playing and presence.” been amazing. Individuals and orga- access to Facebook. You can now watch any advertising and spon-
our scheduled Socials in real time di- sorship opportunities exist
“
rectly on our homepage www.njjs.org. within NJJS. If you’re inter-
ested in advertising in Jersey Jazz,
THE CREATIVITY THAT HAS EMERGED or on our website, or both, would
W
ith spring on the horizon, the like to sponsor a Social—in part or
VIA VIRTUAL ONLINE PLATFORMS return of outdoor concerts in full—make an In Memoriam do-
FROM MUSICIANS, VENUES, CULTURAL isn’t far away! I’m thrilled
to announce that an extensive jazz
nation, or become a corporate spon-
sor, please contact me at pres@njjs.
INSTITUTIONS, ETC., HAS BEEN AMAZING.” series will return this year to the
Morris Museum—on its elevated
org. NJJS is a qualified I.R.C. 501(c)
(3). Donations are always welcome.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 04
EDITOR’S CHOICE
BY SA NFO RD JOS EPHSON
Celebrating the ‘Humor’ and Selecting which songs to be per-
formed from the huge Prima cat-
in October at the South Orange Per-
forming Arts Center in a “very struc-
‘Virtuosity’ of Louis Prima at alog was no easy task, but Carolyn tured setting. We had been working
Ocean County Teen Arts Festival Dorfman, CDD’s Choreographer and
Founding Artistic Director, said, “We
on zoom and had a fair amount of
material,” Dorfman said. “We had
wanted to present a range of his work, the whole Loft at SOPAC and took
and I loved the power of the female all the precautions – masks, shields,
I
t was May 1962, and Louis Prima “Pure Prima”, celebrating Prima’s voices. I wanted to feel the strength filters, keeping people apart, square
was appearing at the Latin Casino five-decade career, to the students of the women. The selections: “Sing dividers. Other than solos, these
in Camden, NJ. Twenty-year-old attending the virtual Ocean Coun- Sing Sing”, probably Prima’s most are the first pieces I’ve done where
Gia Maione, a waitress at a Howard ty Teen Arts Festival, whose theme famous composition; the combina- nobody is touching each other.”
Johnson’s in Toms River, NJ, told her this year is “Jazz and New Jersey”. tion of “Just A Gigolo” (adapted by Dorfman included “Undecided” in
mother she was going to try to meet From March 22-25, adjudica- Irving Caesar from an Austrian tango) order to feature Gia, whose singing she
Prima and audition for him. Maione, tors will review videos from stu- with the Spencer Williams/Roger A. prefers over the better known Keely
who collected all of Prima and Keely dents, aged 13-19, who live in Ocean Graham tune, “I Ain’t Got Nobody; Smith. “The goal,” she said, “was to
Smith’s recordings, had studied voice County. They will be competing in Sid Robin and Charlie Shavers’ “Un- create a musical journey for the au-
and piano at Toms River High School. several arts categories including in- decided”; and a medley of Prima’s dience, with a broad range of humor
She traveled to Camden, met strumental music, vocal music, and “Jump Jive an’ Wail”, his“Oh Babe”, and virtuosity. I believe that comes
Prima, and, two days later, she was dance. I will be presenting a virtual and the Sherman Brothers’ “I Wan- through in the dancing.” The perfor-
his new “girl singer”. A year lat- workshop to the students on “Jazz na Be Like You”, sung by Prima in the mance, which will now become part
er, they were married. That home- History in New Jersey” at 9:30 a.m. 1967 Disney movie, The Jungle Book. of Carolyn Dorfman Dance’s regular
town connection will be on full on March 22, and the Carolyn Dorf- Shut down by the pandemic in repertory, is supported in part by the
display Tuesday, March 23, when man Dance performance will be pre- March 2020, members of Carolyn National Endowment for the Arts and
Carolyn Dorfman Dance presents sented at 11 a.m. the following day. Dorfman Dance came back together the Gia Maione Prima Foundation.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 05
ABOUT NJJS
F
ounded in 1972, The New Jersey Jazz Society MEMBER BENEFITS JOIN NJJS
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NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 06
Editorial Staff New Jersey Jazz Society, Officers 2021
EDITOR PRESIDENT
Sanford Josephson, editor@njjs.org Cydney Halpin, pres@njjs.org
ART DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE VP
Magazine of the New Jersey Jazz Society
Michael Bessire, art@njjs.org Jane Fuller, vicepresident@njjs.org
VO LU M E 49 • I SSUE 03
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR TREASURER
Fradley Garner Dave Dilzell, treasurer@njjs.org
fradleygarner@gmail.com
NJJS org CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR
VP, MEMBERSHIP
membership@njjs.org
Mitchell Seidel, photo@njjs.org
VP, PUBLICITY
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sanford Josephson, sanford.josephson@gmail.com
Bill Crow, Schaen Fox,
VP, MUSIC PROGRAMMING
Joe Lang, Dan Morgenstern
Mitchell Seidel, music@njjs.org
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
RECORDING SECRETARY
Andrew Bogard, Guinera Kamatova,
Irene Miller
Keith Major, Connie Norkin, Anna Yatskevich
CO -FOUNDER
WEBMASTER
Jack Stine
Christine Vaindirlis
Jersey Jazz (ISSN 07405928) IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
is published monthly for members
Mike Katz
of The New Jersey Jazz Society Advertising
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NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 07
Featuring
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BIG BAND IN THE SKY
Chick Corea, ‘One of the Great Modern In the history of jazz piano,
Pioneers of Jazz Piano’, Dead at 79 Chick Corea has earned his
right to be in the top echelon.”
Created Return To Forever, Popular Jazz-Rock Band of the ‘70s — GEORGE WEIN,
Founder of the Newport Jazz Festival
BY SANFORD JOS E P HSON
“One of the greatest jazz
pianists and human beings to
From left, ever walk the planet. Heaven’s
Herbie Hancock, jam session is rockin’ out a bit
Quincy Jones,
harder tonight.” — QUINCY JONES
Chick Corea
T
hose two comments, both on
Facebook, are just the tip of the
iceberg regarding the reaction
to the death on February 9, 2021, of
the keyboardist/composer Chick
Corea in Tampa, FL, at the age of 79.
The stories about Corea are end-
less, all of them recounted on Face-
book in the days following his death.
The guitarist Russell Malone recalled
a double bill with Corea at the Blue
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 09
BIG BAND IN THE SKY
“
Note. “He stopped me and my broth-
I WAS STRUCK BY HOW DOWN TO EARTH
er, bassist Ben Wolfe, dead in our
tracks with an intro that he played to
AND FRIENDLY HE WAS.”
‘It Could Happen To You’. Later, we
asked him, ‘What the heck was that?’
He grinned and told us that it was in-
spired by Art Tatum and Bud Powell.
Well done, Maestro. Take your rest.”
Keyboardist Mike LeDonne re- One moment pianist Renee on! It was such a surreal experience. Bush. And, in 1998, Mike Abene and
membered discovering Corea when Rosnes will always cherish is, “when I was both honored and amused.” I arranged some of his tunes for a
he (LeDonne) was 15 years old. “I our band—what is now known as (See article on Artemis, page 13) concert with the Carnegie Hall Jazz
will never forget listening to Light Artemis—was performing at the 2018 The first Chick Corea album pia- Band, featuring Chick and his trio.”
As A Feather for the first time with North Sea Jazz Festival. Chick and nist/composer Jim McNeely heard To 29-year-old pianist Emmet Co-
some of my musician friends and Bela Fleck’s duo had preceded us on was Tones For Joan’s Bones “with Joe hen, Corea was “one of the great mod-
not believing anyone could play pia- the same stage, and Chick was hang- Farrell and Woody Shaw. Knocked ern pioneers of jazz piano and impro-
no like that and come up with those ing out backstage. When the band me out. Then, of course, Now He visation. His music made the world a
incredible songs.” LeDonne “did went out to play, and I sat down at Sings, Now He Sobs ... Our paths better place, and we thank him for all
get to hang out with him once at the piano bench, I noticed the cur- crossed a few times. In 1982, I played he’s contributed to humanity.” Bass-
the Blue Note when Cedar Walton tains at the far corner of the stage with Stan Getz at the White House, ist Marcus Miller believes Corea’s
was playing opposite him. I went to part, and out popped the head—and and Chick was there with his trio— “fusion of jazz, rock, latin, classical,
hang with Cedar during the break, only the head—of Chick! His face was Miroslav Vitous, Roy Haynes. After and whatever other style tickled his
and Chick came in. I was struck by wedged, below his chin, by the cur- the concert, we hung out in the State fancy turned a whole generation of
how down to earth and friendly he tains, and he stayed there for quite Dining Room by an immense bowl of young listeners on to jazz. He took
was ... he was just one of the cats.” some time, smiling and cheering us shrimp, talking with VP George H.W. our hand and said, ‘Here, come walk
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 10BIG BAND IN THE SKY
through this door. You will not re- preceded him as Davis’ pianist.
gret it.’ And he changed our lives.” The last time Corea played at
Corea was perhaps best-known the Newport Jazz Festival was in
for his band, Return to Forever, which 2016. “He played three complete
he created in 1971 after leaving Miles concerts in two days,” Wein re-
Davis’ band. Return to Forever was at called, “with Christian McBride on
the forefront of the fusion movement bass and Brian Blade on drums ... He
and became one of the most popular was tireless, generous, and giving.”
jazz-rock bands of the 1970s. Throughout his career, Corea
Prior to playing with Davis, made close to 90 albums and won 23
Corea perfected his skills as a side- Grammy Awards. He is nominated for
man with such jazz giants as Getz, two Grammys this year for his per-
Woody Herman, and Freddie Hub- formance with McBride and Blade
bard. From the ‘80s on, he gravitat- on the Concord Jazz album, Trilogy
ed toward more acoustic jazz, often 2 (See list of Grammy nominees, page
playing compositions by his piano 29). In 2006, he was named a National
heroes such as Bud Powell and The- Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.
lonious Monk. At a May 2013 memo- Cause of death was a rare form
rial tribute to Dave Brubeck, Corea of cancer. Corea is survived by
played a solo of Brubeck’s “Strange his wife, Gayle Moran, a former
Meadowlark”, a lesser known piece singer and keyboardist with the
from his Time Out album. And, in Mahavishnu Orchestra; a son, Chick Corea, left, and
Russell Malone
recent years, Corea often performed Thaddeus Corea; a daughter, Liana
in duos with Herbie Hancock, who Corea; and two grandchildren.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 11The Mark Clemente Chord Melodies ™ for Guitar
Playable, performance-ready arrangements for solo jazz guitar. Each
song is written in notation, tablature, and with chord diagrams. Choose
from nearly 50 standards, which are included in two songbooks and
available individually.
Praise from players at all levels ...
“Lots of guitarists who do weddings would benefit from your
arrangements. I’ve learned Fly Me To The Moon, and I’ll be playing it
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201.444.9830 -DL, KentuckyARTEMIS
Renee Rosnes’ Septet
Combines Individual
Star Power With A
‘Cohesive Group Sound’
2018 Performance at Newport Jazz Festival
Was Catalyst for Blue Note Album Release
BY SA NFO RD JOS EPH SON
I
n 2016, a French promoter asked
pianist Renee Rosnes for help in
assembling an all-female band,
which she would lead, to perform
concerts at the Paris Philharmonie
and the Luxembourg Philharmonie,
celebrating International Wom-
en’s Day, observed every March 8.
“I chose musicians whose playing
I loved,” Rosnes said, “most of whom I
already had a relationship with.” The
six other jazz artists were: tenor sax-
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ FEBRUARY • 2021 13ARTEMIS
ophonist Melissa Aldana, drummer regarded as a patron of girls and
Terri Lyne Carrington, clarinetist/ young women. Jensen and her hus-
tenor saxophonist Anat Cohen, trum- band came up with the name. “We
peter Ingrid Jensen, bassist Linda were looking for Greek goddess-
May Oh, and vocalist Cecile McLorin es and powerful women,” she said
Salvant. “The two concerts,” Rosnes (Jersey Jazz, May/June 2020).
said, “were very successful, and there The first performance in the Unit-
was the suggestion of perhaps doing ed States as Artemis was March 2,
more together. Terri Lyne and Linda 2018, at a sold-out performance at
were very busy with other projects, so I the 92nd Street Y’s Kaufmann Con-
invited bassist Noriko Ueda and drum- cert Hall in New York City. When the
mer Allison Miller to join the group.” 92nd Street Y decided to stream the
That was the birth of the all-wom- concert for its pandemic-sequestered
an septet, Artemis. During the summer audience in August 2020, it was de-
of 2017, though, the band was known scribed as, “one of the most electric
as “Woman To Woman”, making a nights in jazz ever on our stage.”
14-city tour of European jazz festivals. Later in 2018, Artemis was in-
“We soon realized we had something vited to perform at the Newport
special,” Rosnes recalled, “an organ- Jazz Festival. Rolling Stone’s Hank
Artemis at ic chemistry, which our audiences Shteamer singled out Artemis’ New-
Newport Jazz
seemed to recognize, too. At the end of port performance as one of the “clear
Festival in
August 2018 that tour, we decided to make the band highlights ... Their set played like an
official by branding it with a name.” expertly crafted mixtape, moving
The Greek goddess Artemis was from a knotty version of Theloni-
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 14ARTEMIS
“
THESE INCREDIBLE MUSICIANS DWELL IN THE
ity,” Rosnes said, “but with the com-
mon goal of creating a cohesive group
sound. Regarding the album’s reper-
RARIFIED AIR OF BANDS WHOSE WHOLE IS GREATER toire, I invited each member of Ar-
temis to contribute an original com-
THAN THE SUM OF ITS ALREADY SUBLIME PARTS.”
position or an arrangement. It was
important to me that each of our voic-
es and musical points of view be heard.
In live performances, we feature the
same type of diverse program, and I’m
sure our repertoire will continue to
ous Monk’s ‘Brilliant Corners’ to a the thousands of fans attending the and tenacious nine-song set that develop and grow as time goes on.”
surprisingly dramatic arrangement Newport Jazz Festival who had their catches fire immediately with Miller’s The connection with Blue Note is
of the Beatles’ ‘Fool on the Hill’.” minds blown by Artemis. Although ‘Goddess of the Hunt’, a wily compo- a reunion for Rosnes. “I’ve had a long
He wasn’t the only one who no- each individual member of this su- sition that brings each member to the relationship with the Blue Note label,”
ticed. “Blue Note President Don Was pergroup is a bona fide jazz titan, fore without breaking the ensemble’s she said, “recording my first album as
happened to be there,” Rosnes said, these incredible musicians dwell in inherent integrity.” The album is a mix a leader for them back in 1990. Since
“and, from what I understand, decid- the rarefied air of bands whose whole of original compositions, new arrange- then, I’ve made a total of 10 albums for
ed then that he would like to invite us is greater than the sum of its already ments of well-known tunes such as Blue Note—not including the Artemis
to record for the label.” In the official sublime parts. Their musical conver- “The Fool on the Hill” and Stevie Won- release—and am thrilled to be back on
September 2020 launch of the group’s sation is sophisticated, soulful, and der’s “It’s Magic”, topped off by Rosnes’ the label with such a great project.”
initial Blue Note album, self-titled powerful, and their groove runs deep.” new, softer arrangement of the Lee In January 2020, Artemis per-
Artemis, Was said: “On a sunny Au- AllAboutJazz’s Mike Jurkovic de- Morgan classic, “The Sidewinder”. formed at Purdue University in
gust afternoon in 2018, I was among scribed the album as “a tough, tight, “We celebrate other’s individual- Lafayette, IN, and led several clin-
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 15ARTEMIS
ics the next day. “There was stand- I will be recording for Paul Stache’s
ing-room only and lots of enthusias- Smoke Sessions label sometime
tic questions from all the students,” soon. It will be my third release for Artemis on
The Jazz Cruise in
Rosnes said, adding, “It was such the label, and the band will include
February 2020
a pleasure to help guide the young [saxophonist] Chris Potter, [bass-
players, and the time just flew by.” ist] Christian McBride, [drummer]
The band’s last live gig before the Carl Allen, and Rogerio Boccato on
pandemic was on The Jazz Cruise percussion. I’m hoping it will be out
in February 2020. Among canceled sometime during the fall of 2021.”
performances were a European tour, Since 2011, Rosnes has also been
the Monterey Jazz Festival, and an a member of bassist Ron Carter’s
appearance at the Hollywood Bowl. Foursight Quartet. “The first time I
Currently, “We’ve mostly seen each played with the ‘Maestro’ was during
other on Zoom interviews and on- my initial recording session as a
line listening sessions. When the leader at Rudy Van Gelder’s studio in
pandemic allows, we’ll pick up Englewood, NJ, in 1990,” she recalled.
where we left off. We all miss trav- “I was 28 at the time and thrilled to
eling and playing with each other.” be playing music with one of my he-
Rosnes was planning to release a roes. Of course, he’s magic. From his
new album of her own in January, but perfect choice of notes, how he re-
that has been delayed. “During this sponds, how he inspires, the weight
period,” she said, “I’ve spent a great and centering way he approaches
deal of time composing and have an the time, to the artistic freedom he
album’s worth of new material which exudes, he is pure joy to play with.”
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 16TALKING JAZZ
A Jersey Jazz Interview
with Alexis Cole
BY SC H A E N FOX
V
ocalist Alexis Cole has recorded four albums for
the Japanese label, Venus Records, and hopes to
do a fifth when the pandemic is over. Last July, she
appeared in concert (online) at her alma mater, William
Paterson’s Summer Jazz Series, and, in rehearsal, burst
into tears. “This is the first time I’ve sung with anybody
PHOTO BY ANDR EW BO GAR D
since this started in March,” she said, “and it was very
emotional for me.” Here, she talks about recording
with Bucky Pizzarelli, her passion for teaching and
volunteering, and her love of New York’s Hudson Valley.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 17TALKING JAZZ
JJ Please tell us about your to solo on. I knew where I wanted February in Tokyo when I performed.
2015 CD with Bucky Pizzarelli, those to go in, but Frank, Bucky, and Now it is funny because when
A Beautiful Friendship. Nicki decided when they would solo I play piano, I always use the same
AC That CD came to be because Bucky on what. I also felt like letting him guys, Kenny Hassler on drums, and
was playing in my neighborhood of provide most of the arrangements so David Finck on bass. We’ve worked
Peekskill, New York, every quarter or that we would get his stamp on it. out these arrangements over the
so with Jerry Bruno. I would always years that sound really tight together.
go and sit in with him at the venue, JJ I noticed you don’t always
the Division Street Grill. When Ve- have the same musicians backing JJ When did you discover
nus Records asked me to do another you on your recordings. your love of teaching?
CD, I suggested doing it with Bucky. AC Regarding my four Venus Records AC When I started teaching, I was a tu-
CDs, Mr. Hara, the owner of the label tor at a Princeton Review Center when
JJ How did you select the wants every CD to be a new concept. I lived in North Carolina in my early
other musicians? Bucky be in the driver’s seat and (Tokyo-based Venus Records is an 20s. To get the job, we had to go to a
AC I heard Frank Vignola in a have a lot of artistic input. I just had independent label established in 1992 day-long orientation and teach the oth-
two-guitar format, and I just thought to get out of the way, let him do his by Tetsuo Hara, a longtime record er people how to do something. That is
he is incredible. I asked him to do thing, and plug into what he was producer at RCA). He doesn’t pick the when I realized I had a talent for ex-
it. I knew he and Bucky played to- doing. I really wanted the session musicians, necessarily, but he wants plaining things to people in a passion-
gether often. Frank and Bucky rec- to be his vision, his arrangements. a proposal for a concept. Different ate way and making things easy to un-
ommended Nicki (Parrott) on bass, It was great. I gave him a list of people fit in different concepts. Actu- derstand. So, I taught vocabulary, and
who I love. They said they played about 300 songs that I sing, and he ally, the Bucky CD is the most recent English for SAT prep. It was pretty fun.
together with her a lot. Bucky want- and I went through them and he of the Venus CDs that I’ve recorded. I Then I went on to teach singing at
ed Warren (Vache), and I asked picked the repertoire. I had a few think I’ll do another with them when the 92nd Street Y when I was in my
Anat Cohen to be on clarinet. I let things that I wanted different horns the pandemic is over. They saw me in late 20s. I have to say that, just like
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 18TALKING JAZZ
doing anything, there are days that tized, too. She never really played is in composing. He’ll come home ing in the moment around you
some lessons are good and other les- professionally again, as far as I know. from working two jobs and sit down or how you are feeling. You make
sons are not. It is all about interper- She became a housewife, which was to write a song that he had been choices, it’s infinitely flexible.
sonal relationships; and also, if you typical of her generation. She passed thinking about all day. He has never
are reaching the person, and if the away when I was 30, so I knew her stopped writing or lost interest in JJ How did your family react
person wants what you have. When well. She was really a talent. She had the piano or music. It is just who he to your decision to make
it is working, and the person wants beautiful interpretation, really amaz- is. He has lived for the last 40 years music your career?
what you have, it is super exciting. ing spoken style. I never heard my in Saratoga Springs, New York. AC I think my mother was really hap-
great grandmother sing. She passed py. She saw my father’s talent, and
JJ I read that your great when I was eight, but I heard that JJ What attracted you to jazz? was very frustrated that he didn’t have
grandmother, grandmother, she had a beautiful operatic voice. AC I really love the improvisa- a career in music. Since I was very
and father were all singers, and My father is a semi-pro. He’s tional nature of jazz. Nothing has little, I was singing and dancing, so
your father was also a pianist got a day job to make money, but he to be the same way twice, and you I think it was obvious to her that is
and composer. Please tell us a has always made music. His real life get to respond to what is happen- what I was born to do. She did every-
little about their musical lives.
“
AC My grandmother had this crazy
incident when she was 19. She was
playing piano and singing in a bar,
and a bar fight broke out. She got hit
in the face with a bottle and lost the
AT WILLIAM PATERSON I STUDIED
vision in one eye forever. That ended
her professional career. I guess she WITH NANCY MARANO. SHE STILL REMAINS
was from a pretty conservative family,
and her parents forbade her working
again; and maybe she was trauma-
A WONDERFUL INFLUENCE ON MY LIFE.”
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 19TALKING JAZZ
thing she could to help me. She never tually, my classical teacher there, Nan
argued with me to have a fallback or Guptill-Crain, was also a wonderful
anything. I was very lucky. Everyone mentor. She not only helped me to be
was very supportive. The only person technically a better singer, but she
who wasn’t supportive was my grand- also nurtured me as an artist. She is
mother. When she found out that I was retired now, but I still stay in touch
going to school for music, she told my with her. Todd Coolman was my com-
mother, “I can’t believe you are going bo director, and I really learned a
to send her to college to be a lounge lot from him, and I went on to teach
singer.” She famously changed her alongside him at SUNY Purchase.
tune after she realized how much I had
learned and was growing, even when JJ You became an AmeriCorps
I was still in college and hadn’t proven volunteer for a year. Where
myself yet. She thought it was valuable. and how did you serve?
AC In Paterson. I went to India
JJ You started college at right after that, and people would
the University of Miami and say, “Oh India. Did you have cul-
finished at William Paterson ture shock?” I’d say, “No I just came
University here in New from a year in Paterson. That was
Jersey. Who were some of your my culture shock.” Paterson is re-
important teachers/mentors? ally rough. It has so much need and
AC At William Paterson I studied so much poverty. I worked in an af-
with Nancy Marano. She still remains ter-school program. I was the only
a wonderful influence in my life. Ac- person on the staff with a valid driv-
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 20TALKING JAZZ
“
I’M EXCITED ABOUT
er’s license, so I had to drive the bus
every day. I would pick all the kids
JJ You spent two tours in the
Army and sang with the West
EMPOWERING there. My friend, the singer Nicole
Pasternak, was playing in Westport,
up and drop them off after. Seeing
where they all lived was really sad,
Point Jazz Knights. Did the Jazz
Knights still have any of the old OTHER SINGERS IN Connecticut, with Pete Malinver-
ni, the new Director of Jazz Studies
but it was inspiring that we could
give those kids a safe place after
Glenn Miller Army-Air Force
arrangements? THE TIME OF THE at SUNY Purchase. I just thought,
“Okay, there is a new director. Let
PANDEMIC.”
school where they would have a meal AC Yes, of course. I think all the mil- me go and meet him.” I thought, “It’s
and be able to do their homework. itary bands do and still play those an hour drive from my house, but
charts sometimes. Those are a really let me go, and introduce myself.”
JJ You studied music in Mumbai, important part of the military band’s Pete knew of me, and had heard me
India, with the Jazz India Vocal history. That’s probably the reason granddaughter talk about him at somewhere. Next thing I knew, I
Institute? How did that happen? jazz big bands exist in the military. length. It was just beautiful. Then got a call from him asking if I could
AC I worked for (saxophonist/edu- to get up and sing that song, and teach! I started in the fall of 2015.
cator) Jamey Aebersold all through JJ You performed at General give dignity, as music can do, for
college. When Niranjan Jhaveri, Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.’s somebody who carried the weight JJ You stayed in the West Point
who ran the Jazz India Vocal Insti- funeral. What was that like? of so many lives on his shoulders. area after leaving the service.
tute, was looking for people for his AC That was one of the most inter- Frankly, I just felt humbled and hon- Were you familiar with it before
program, he asked Jamey if he could esting and humbling experiences ored to be a part of that service. you were assigned there?
recommend anybody. Jamey thought of my military career. We sang this AC Yes. When I was an undergrad
of me, and I said, “Yes.” Niranjan beautiful arrangement that Scott JJ When you left the Army, at the University of Miami, I had a
Jhaveri had actually come to the Archangel, the Jazz Knights’ Mu- you began teaching at SUNY. friend who lived in New Paltz. I vis-
University of Miami when I was a sic Director, wrote of “America the How did that happen? ited him and fell in love with the
freshman there and given a talk, so Beautiful,” after hearing Colin Powell AC Right place, right time. I knew Hudson Valley. I said if I ever get a
I was already familiar with him. speak, and Norman Schwarzkopf ’s they didn’t have a jazz vocal program chance, I want to live here. This is so
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 21TALKING JAZZ
beautiful. It has always held a special they were in Zambia. They were giv-
place in my heart. When I realized ing bicycles to AIDS healthcare work-
where West Point was located, I was ers who would go all over a village
like, “Wow! I could live there.” And I and administer drugs and give care to
ended up settling in the Hudson Val- people with HIV. I love the idea that a
ley even beyond my time in the Army. bicycle can change so many aspects of
I have been all over the world, and a person’s life. It is such a simple thing.
I have seen places that are equally
beautiful; but I have never been any JJ Final question, why did you
place that I feel is more beautiful. establish JazzVoice.com?
AC I’m pouring all of my life expe-
JJ How did you become involved rience, which has been very varied,
with World Bicycle Relief? into this new endeavor. I’m excited
AC I’m into cycling, so it was a natural about empowering other singers in
fit. World Bicycle Relief is owned by the time of the pandemic and help-
Sram, a company that makes bicycle ing people learn to sing better. It is
parts. They have all these humani- obviously a passion of mine. I love
tarian projects. They give bicycles to making this level of teaching acces-
girls in some countries that can’t get sible to people who wouldn’t be able
to school without a bicycle. Some- to go to college. It’s great teaching
times people have to walk two hours at college. I love it, but what about
to school. They give bicycles to small everybody else? I think it makes
scale entrepreneurs in some coun- the world a better place when more
tries. When I was working with them, people are engaging with music.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 22TALKING JAZZ
The Grunin Center and Ocean County College Support the Arts
I started working on the website coming weeks, we’ll have Vanessa
at the beginning of last May, and we Rubin, Jay Clayton, Sheila Jordan,
launched in June. The whole idea is Tierney Sutton, and Nicole Zurai-
to provide world class jazz education tis. All those teachers are available
from top professional performers for private instructions on the site. I
and educators to the general pub- conceived it as a booking agency for
lic. Everybody loves to sing. There private study, but it evolved over its
are semi-pro and amateur singers creation to become so much more. Jazz and New Jersey
all over the world who can now take I can see on a map from where
advantage of the same kind of in- people have visited the website. It March 22-26, 2021
structions that people pay big money is really all over the world, South
to go to college for, and they can have America, Africa, the Middle East,
it a la carte. Everybody wants to be a Asia, all over Europe, all over Ameri-
better singer, but sometimes people ca, and Canada. The site is currently
don’t have access to the instruction available in Spanish, French, Kore- Several workshops open to the public!
that they need. Now, I’ve created that an, Italian, Chinese, Russian, and
access for a very affordable price. Japanese. Over time we will focus
Membership starts at $15 a month our efforts on different countries as oceancountyteenarts.com/workshops
for four master classes each month well. It is really wonderful to see the
with top vocalists and educators. far reach the site has had. I’m really
So far, Karrin Allyson, Jane Mon- so happy that I’ve been able to get grunincenter.org
heit, Cyrille Aimee, Catherine Rus- this high level of instruction out to Grunin Center Box Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 10:00am-5:00pm
sell, Tony DeSare, and John Proulx the amateur and semi-profession- 732-255-0500
have all done master classes. In the al music community in this way. College Drive P Toms River, NJ
Contact the Box Office two weeks prior to any show
to arrange for disability and accessibility services.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 23RISING STAR
Danny Jonokuchi &
The Revisionists Win
First-Ever ‘Count Basie Great
American Swing’ Contest
California Trumpeter Immersed Himself
in New York’s Big Band Community
BY SANFORD JOS E P HSON
W
hen Danny Jonokuchi was nokuchi said. As a result, he decided
attending Agoura Hills High to travel across country for college
School in Agoura, CA, trum- to major in Jazz Studies at Temple
peter Terell Stafford visited in 2006 University’s Boyer College of Music
and 2008 to conduct clinics, prepar- and Dance in Philadelphia where
ing the high school band for com- Stafford is Director of the program.
PHOTO BY ANNA YATSKEV ICH
petition in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “It was definitely a big transition, but
Essentially Ellington festival. (Agou- it was a chance to study with Terell
ra Hills took second place in 2006). and [saxophonist] Dick Oatts.”
“I was completely blown away by Stafford recalls meeting Jonoku-
his teaching and personality,” Jo- chi during that California trip. “I
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 24RISING STAR
remember him being a very good Danny Jonokuchi & The Revision-
trumpet player with a great attitude, ists. He also conducts The New Al-
humility, and openness to learn,” he chemy Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece
said. “At Temple, he was the perfect big band which he co-leads with
student! He was really hard working trumpeters John Lake and Mike Sail-
and absorbed every bit of knowledge ors, and saxophonist Steve Kryka.
shared with him. I love his playing! Last year, an expanded version of
So melodic, heartfelt, and honest.” Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists
After graduating from Temple in won the first-ever “Count Basie Great
2012, Jonokuchi moved to New York American Swing Contest”, launched
and started teaching to help support Revisionists: Six members of Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists, from left: in September by the independent
trombonist Robert Edwards, drummer Kevin Congleton, Jonokuchi,
himself while he began acclimating to publishing and management compa-
vocalist Alexa Barchini, guitarist Greg Ruggiuero, and bassist Noah Jackson.
the jazz community, with an emphasis ny, Primary Wave Music Publishing
on big bands. “I would look up where in collaboration with the Count Basie
big bands were playing,” he said, “and zy’s—anywhere that had big bands.” er. I witnessed his natural ability Estate. Professional and amateur
introduce myself. I went to the Village Bonilla, who was second trom- to communicate with an audience jazz musicians 18 years or older were
Vanguard on Monday nights. After a bonist in the Village Vanguard Jazz of one or 1,000. He always has the asked to submit a unique cover of
couple of years of going and learning, Orchestra for nearly 20 years, rec- same clear mind and the same poi- one of three Basie classics—“Blues in
PHOTO BY GU INERA KAMATOVA
I had a last-minute opportunity to ognized Jonokuchi as “a young per- gnant message. He is all about mu- Hoss’ Flat”, “Jumpin’ at the Woodside”,
play with the band. [Trombonist] Luis son that had an insurmountable sic and has the heart and generosity or “One O’Clock Jump”. The larger
Bonilla was a mentor of mine, as well amount of talent. I’ve hired him as to make an everlasting impact.” 15-piece Revisionists won with its per-
as [trumpeters] Nick Marchion and a trumpet player. He’s an excellent Jonokuchi formed The Danny formance of “One O’Clock Jump”. The
Scott Wendholt. I also hung out at the trumpet player. I’ve hired him as an Jonokuchi Big Band and a smaller eight regular Revisionist members
Garage, Jazz Standard, Minton’s, Diz- arranger. He’s an excellent arrang- group (seven to nine pieces) called are: Jonokuchi, vocalist Alexa Barchi-
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 25RISING STAR
ni, drummer Kevin Congleton, trom- the entry in a professional studio for a bassist Christian McBride. Harris “Right now,” he continued, “I’m
bonist Robert Edwards, bassist Noah final recording to be released this year. told DownBeat: “There was a clear- working on a few projects. I’m ar-
Jackson, guitarist Greg Ruggiero, alto Pre-pandemic, all the musicians cut winner. All the judges took a look ranging new albums for Ricky Al-
saxophonist/clarinetist Jay Rattman, would have been in New York, “but, at the videos independently, and it exander and [vocalist] Martina
and keyboardist Ben Paterson. All ex- now,” Jonokuchi said, “they were all was a unanimous decision.” Addi- DaSilva, and I’m studying remote-
cept Ruggiero were part of the group’s over. We had started making some tional partners in the contest include ly for my Masters in Jazz Com-
digital album, Let Me Off Uptown. videos. It was a great way to play and DownBeat, the Blue Note Jazz Club, position from Queens College.
Trombonist Mariel Bildsten, tenor for me to write new arrangements. Jazz at Lincoln Center, the New- At the beginning of 2020, The
saxophonist Ricky Alexander, and When we found out about this com- port Jazz Festival, and SiriusXM. New Alchemy Jazz Orchestra was in
guitarist Jocelyn Gould were among petition, I wrote a new arrangement.” Jonokuchi had seen the Count its third year of a monthly residency
those added to the award-winning The winner was selected from 30 Basie Orchestra, led by Scotty Barn- at The Django in Tribeca. In late Feb-
bigger band. The prize for winning entries, and the panel of judges in- hart, at Birdland. When he learned ruary, Jonokuchi went on a tour of
the contest: An opportunity to work cluded vibraphonist Stefon Harris, his band won the contest, he told Israel with Israeli multi-reedist Eyal
with some of the judges to re-record saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and Primary Wave, “The first time I ever Vilner. “We had done half the shows,”
heard Count Basie and ‘One O’Clock he said, “when the rest of the tour
“
Jump’ was after I won a raffle in was canceled. We had another gig in
eighth grade and received a box set of the UK, but they were talking about
THERE WAS A his music. I’ve been a huge fan ever
since.” His favorite bandleaders, he
told Jersey Jazz, “are Duke Ellington
potential lockdowns. I got on the
first plane home. That was March 7.”
Jonokuchi was motivated to enter
CLEAR-CUT WINNER ... IT WAS and Count Basie, but there is such a
long list of bandleaders and arrang-
the Basie competition, he said, “to cre-
ate some positivity in this tough time
A UNANIMOUS DECISION.” ers: Thad Jones, Quincy Jones, Neal
Hefti, Sammy Nestico, Don Sebesky.
for musicians, to get the band togeth-
er, and to inspire other musicians.”
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 26GRAMMY AWARDS
Lionel Hampton and
T
wo jazz legends—the late vibra- instrument, broke new ground as a
phonist Lionel Hampton and member of Benny Goodman’s inte-
Benny Golson to Receive 92-year-old tenor saxophonist/
composer/arranger Benny Golson—
grated quartet in the 1930s, and led
his own big band as one of the stars
Special Recognition will be honored at this year’s Grammy
Awards, to be held on Sunday, March
of the swing era. Among the many
highlights of his career were his 1939
This Year’s Jazz Winners in Six Categories 14, at the Staples Center in Los Ange- collaboration with Goodman on Sid
Will Be Revealed March 14 les. Hampton will receive a Lifetime Robbins’ “Flying Home” and his 1998
BY SA N FO RD JOS EPHSO N Achievement Award, and Golson duet with President Bill Clinton (on
will be given a Trustees Award. saxophone) at the White House in
The Lifetime Achievement honor of Hampton’s 90th birthday.
Award celebrates performers who In 2015, The Lionel Hampton
have made outstanding contribu- Estate granted permission for the
tions of artistic significance to the launching of a Lionel Hampton Big
field of recording, while the Trustees Band featuring vibraphonist Jason
Award honors such contributions Marsalis, bassist Christian Fabi-
in areas other than performance. an, multi-reedist Cleave Guyton,
Hampton, who died on August 31, Jr., and saxophonist Lance Bryant
2002, at the age of 94, pioneered and as co-leaders. Four years later, the
popularized the vibraphone as a jazz band released its first album, Live
at Rossmoor on the Alfi Records la-
bel, and it reached No. 7 on the Jazz
President Bill Clinton and Lionel Week charts the same week the band
Hampton at the White House, 1998 performed at New York’s Birdland.
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 27GRAMMY AWARDS Benny Golson
and Emmet
Cohen
The current Hampton band MI, and then drove to Cincinnati to
consists mainly of musicians who play at Xavier University. There was a
played with Hampton, something huge snowstorm, and flights were being
Fabian “will never forget. My first canceled.” When they became aware
performance, I had tears in my eyes that some of the concerts might have to
because I never experienced such a be canceled as well, Golson’s response,
groove and tight band. It was over- said Cohen, was: ‘It’s your band, and
whelming, and I felt so much joy.” I’m willing to do whatever you want
Bryant was recruited by Guyton in In the November/December Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and to do.’ We wound up not doing it.”
the late 1980s. “When I got in the band, 2020 issue of Jersey Jazz, tenor sax- Art Blakey. Among his most notable To Sherman, “Mr. Golson’s
I didn’t know that much about Lionel,” ophonist Weldon said playing with jazz standards are: “Whisper Not”, strength and energy were amazing to
he said. “I was only excited about Col- Hampton was “where I learned to “Blues March”, “Along Came Bet- witness—early lobby calls, traveling
trane and Joe Henderson. But Lionel become a professional, the way he ty”, and “I Remember Clifford”. and performing with very little sleep,
led mostly by example. Most of his paced a set, put a set together, fol- The young pianist Emmet Cohen but Mr. Golson was unfazed by it, at
instructions were verbal, about physi- lowed one tune into the next ... The and drummer Evan Sherman toured over 90 years old! At the end of one of
cally or visually putting on a big show. thing that I got the most from Hamp with Golson on Midwestern college our sets, he started playing John Col-
It was very important to him to put on is how he gave 110 per cent every campuses during January 2020. Pre- trane’s ‘Mr. P.C.’, and we all had sweat
an energetic show. It was also great single night, every single night.” viously, Cohen recorded with Golson running down our faces! Of course,
learning from the older musicians in Golson, who celebrated his 92nd as part of the pianist’s Master Legacy playing with Mr. Golson was an in-
the band such as trombonist Charles birthday on January 29, has com- Series. “I’ve loved him forever,” he said. credible dream—his compositions and
Stephens. He would calm us down posed more than 300 pieces of mu- “After I recorded with him, he invited sound are top shelf. He’s played with
sometimes. Jerry Weldon would come sic during his 70-year career. He me to play with him at the Jazz Stan- all the greatest drummers and musi-
back and play with us every once in a wrote and arranged music for a jazz dard. That last tour in January was cians so it was a tremendous learning
while. That was like a lesson to me.” ‘who’s who’ including Hampton, incredible. We went to Grand Rapids, experience that I’ll always cherish.”
NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ MARCH • 2021 28You can also read
