TRANSFORMING TRADITION - JerseyJazz APRIL 2021 THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY JAZZ SOCIETY JerseyJazz APRIL 2021 VOLUME 49 ISSUE 04 EMMET COHEN’S Future Stride TRANSFORMING TRADITION
IN THIS ISSUE ARTICLES/REVIEWS COLUMNS 08 Saturdays with 03 All That’s Jazz Ramsey Lewis 05 Editor’s Choice 13 Emmet Cohen’s Future Stride 36 From the Crow’s Nest 17 Jazz History: Scott LaFaro 22 Talking Jazz: John Lee 29 Rising Star: Jocelyn Gould 33 Remembering CORRECTION The bassist who played with Renee Rosnes Carol Fredette at the Paris Philharmonie and the Luxembourg Philharmonie in 2016 was Linda May Han Oh. Her name was misstated on page 14 of the ON THE COVER _ Emmet Cohen. ALL PHOTOS OF COHEN BY TAILI SONG ROTH 38 Other Views March 2021 issue of Jersey Jazz. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 02
ALL THAT’S JAZZ BY CY DNE Y HA LPIN A P pril is Jazz Appreciation it’s potential, summed up and sanc- please contact me at pres@njjs.org. lease join me on Saturday, April Month (JAM). Originally in- tified and accessible to anybody who 17 at 7 p.m. as we present our M tended as a catalyst to encour- learns to listen” — WYNTON MARSALIS osaic™ Box Sets for Sale. Virtual Social featuring Chris- age people of all ages to actively NJJS has received two in- tian Fabian, Lance Bryant and Ja- J participate in jazz, JAM heralds and ersey Jazz magazine is a wonder- credibly generous dona- son Marsalis in a “conversation and celebrates the extraordinary heri- ful benefit of NJJS membership tions of used Mosaic™ Limited clips” presentation highlighting the tage and history of jazz. I encour- and starting in May, it will be Edition Box Sets, one from Robin legacy of Lionel Hampton and the age you to celebrate and do some- password protected with full access Sinkway, the niece of the late, de- New Lionel Hampton Big Band. thing “jazz-centric” this month by available to NJJS members only. voted NJJS member Jack Sink- For more information please attending a virtual or live concert Each month, you’ll receive a way, and the other from Jean see page 5 or visit our website www. event or lecture, reading a book new password when you receive Field. We thank both families for njjs.org/News. This informative devoted to a jazz great; purchasing the eBlast containing the link to their kindness and stewardship. and swingin’ streaming event can be a CD or LP, Googling an artist or the current month’s issue. You’ll be Prized by collectors for their viewed on our website homepage and song you’re interested in finding prompted to input the password af- superior audio quality, most of these on our New Jersey Jazz Society Face- out more about … the possibilities ter you click on the “View Digital CD sets are in mint to very good book page. I hope to “see” you there. and opportunities are endless. Issue” tab. Once you’ve accessed the condition and would make a great This program has been proudly However you chose to celebrate, magazine, you’ll be able to down- addition to your music collection, supported by a grant from Investors actively take part in the preser- load it to your computer or other with proceeds helping NJJS Foundation. vation and promotion of jazz and personal device for ease of access continue to promote and present C share your interest and enthusiasm throughout the month. If you pre- jazz. For more information on the elebrate JAM and help fund our of America’s great art form with fer not to download the issue, keep titles for sale and prices, please programming! Along with our someone else—perhaps introduc- the monthly password handy so you visit our website www.njjs.org/ newly acquired treasure trove ing them to jazz for the first time. can continue to access the issue Donate/Merchandise or contact via of Mosaic™ merchandise, we also “Jazz music is America’s past and online. If you have any questions, email JazzEducation@njjs.org. have a very extensive collection of NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 03
ALL THAT’S JAZZ used CDs, LPs and books for sale. Social, please contact me at and more, with today’s finest jazz of the AmazonSmile Gives program Thanks to the ongoing and hercu- pres@njjs.org. musicians and educators of early jazz. where 0.5% of the price of you eligi- lean efforts of board members James Weekend, one day, single session ble purchases goes directly to NJJS! I Pansulla, Dave Dilzell, Jay Dougherty f you’re craving live music in a and student passes are available. For It’s the same Amazon you and Pete Grice, you can find the avail- beautiful and safe setting, the more information or to sign up/reg- know but a separate website. able inventory lists on our website Morris Museum kicks off their ister visit www.nyhotjazzcamp.com. Same products, same service www.njjs,org/Donate/Merchandise. outdoor “Concerts on the Back - but to generate financial dona- T Deck” series Thursday, April 15 at he circumstances of the past tions to NJJS, you must ALWAYS I ’m delighted to announce that 7:00 p.m. with a pre-season show year have necessitated chang- SHOP AT smile.amazon,com. for the fifth consecutive year, the with Amani featuring Stephen es to every aspect of the way New Jersey Jazz Society has been Fuller, Clarence Conover, Kenny NJJS carries out its mission to pro- awarded a grant from Morris Arts Robinson, Larry Greenberg and mote, present and preserve jazz. to help in part fund our Jazz Socials. Marty Eigen. Bring your dancing I’d like to thank Christine Vaindirl- We’re proud to be one of 28 arts or- shoes! For more information and is who’s provided guidance and techni- ganizations helped by this funding, tickets www.morrismuseum.org. cal expertise as we’ve tackled present- made possible through the Local Arts ing online programming and expanded T Program of the New Jersey State he Second NY Hot Jazz Camp our website to include homepage Log on to www.smile.amazon. Council on the Arts/Department of Virtual Weekend Workshop will streaming and video enhanced News com and select New Jersey Jazz State, a partner agency of the Na- take place April 16-18, 2021. stories. She’s been a “game chang- Society as your beneficiary, then tional Endowment for the Arts. Founded and co-directed by Molly er” for NJJS and we’re very grateful. shop as your normally do. Please The board of directors and I Ryan and Bria Skonberg, this jam- tell your friends and family I wish to thank Morris Arts for their packed weekend workshop will con- f you’ve used Amazon this past members about this amazing continued support of NJJS. sist of interactive workshops, master year for in-home shopping, I’d like opportunity for NJJS and thank If you’d like to sponsor an NJJS classes, presentations, song studies to remind you that NJJS is part you in advance for your support. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 04
EDITOR’S CHOICE BY SA NFO RD JOS EPHSON The Energy and Excitement ories of You.” At the Social, Fabian, Bryant, and Marsalis will be showing gomery, guitarist Wes Montgomery’s older brother, played in Hampton’s of Lionel Hampton video highlights from Hampton per- band in the early 1950s, and Hampton formances as well as footage of the convinced him to shift to the electric current Lionel Hampton Big Band. bass, which had recently been intro- No other single performer special guest, vibraphonist Jason By 1934, Hampton was leading duced by instrument manufactur- in American jazz has so Marsalis, will be celebrating Hamp- his own band at LA’s Sebastian’s er Leo Fender. In a September 1977 consistently and joyously incited ton’s life and music at the New Jer- Cotton Club. He was noticed by Guitar Player Magazine interview, and inspired his fellow musicians sey Jazz Society’s Virtual Social on Goodman, who invited him to join Montgomery recalled what happened. and listening audiences.” That’s how Saturday, April 17 from 7-8 p.m. his trio, with pianist Teddy Wilson “Hamp handed me the Fender,” he George T. Simon described Lionel Fabian and Bryant played with and drummer Gene Krupa. The said, “and told me he wanted the elec- Hampton in his book, The Big Bands Hampton and will be telling some per- importance of that collaboration, tric instrument sound in the band ... (Macmillan Publishing: 1967). sonal stories about those days. Marsa- according to The New York Times’ At first, I freaked out because I was in Hampton, who passed away in lis will talk about Hampton’s influence Peter Watrous (September 1, 2002) love with my upright bass, but I made 2002 at the age of 94, received a Gram- on him as a vibraphonist and what “cannot be overstated, on both musical up my mind to do it and did it well.” my Lifetime Achievement Award last motivated him to try to fill the master’s and social grounds. Not only did Mr. The Virtual Social on Lionel month. (Jersey Jazz, March, 2021). shoes in the current edition of the band. Hampton and Mr. Goodman make Hampton will be streamed on the New He was nominated for the award In 1927, Hampton was the drum- exceptional music, but they, along with Jersey Jazz Society website, www.njjs. by the co-leaders of the current Li- mer for Les Hite’s Orchestra in Los the pianist Teddy Wilson, presented org as well as on the NJJS Facebook onel Hampton Big Band, created in Angeles. By 1930 Hite’s band was being a public, integrated face for jazz.” page and YouTube channel. There is 2015 with the blessings of The Lio- led by Louis Armstrong, who persuad- Another of Hampton’s accom- no admission charge, but donations nel Hampton Estate. Three of those ed Hampton to try the vibraphone. His plishments was his support of the are welcome and encouraged. This co-leaders: bassist Christian Fabi- first recorded solo on the vibes was the electric bass as an important jazz program has been proudly supported an, saxophonist Lance Bryant, and Eubie Blake/Andy Razaf tune, “Mem- instrument. Bassist Monk Mont- by a grant from Investors Foundation. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 05
ABOUT NJJS F ounded in 1972, The New Jersey Jazz Society MEMBER BENEFITS JOIN NJJS has diligently maintained its mission to promote 10 FREE Concerts Annually Family/Individual $45 and preserve America’s great art form—jazz. To at our “Sunday Socials” (Family includes to 2 Adults and 2 children under 18 years of age) accomplish our mission, we produce a monthly Monthly Award Winning Jersey Family/Individual 3-Year $115 Jazz Magazine - Featuring Articles, magazine, Jersey Jazz; sponsor live jazz events; and Interviews, Reviews, Events and More. Musician Member $45 / 3-Year $90 (one time only, renewal at standard provide scholarships to New Jersey college students Discounts at NJJS Sponsored basic membership level.) studying jazz. Through our outreach program Concerts & Events. Youth $15 - For people under 21 years of age. Date of Birth Required. Generations of Jazz, we provide interactive programs Discounts at Participating Give-A-Gift $25 - Members in Venues & Restaurants focused on the history of jazz. The Society is run by a good standing may purchase Support for Our Scholarship and unlimited gift memberships. board of directors who meet monthly to conduct Society Generations of Jazz Programs Applies to New Memberships only. business. NJJS membership is comprised of jazz devotees Fan $75 - $99 MUSICIAN MEMBERS Jazzer $100 - $249 from all parts of the state, the country and the world. Sideman $250 - $499 FREE Listing on NJJS.org “Musicians Bandleader $500+ List” with Individual Website Link Corporate Membership $1000 FREE Gig Advertising in our Monthly eBlast Members at Jazzer level and above and Corporate Membership receive special benefits. Please THE RECORD BIN contact Membership@njjs.org for details. The New Jersey Jazz Society is qualified as a tax A collection of CDs & LPs available exempt cultural organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Federal at reduced prices at most NJJS ID 23-7229339. Your contribution is tax- Visit www.njjs.org or email info@njjs.org concerts and events and through deductible to the full extent allowed by law. For for more information on our programs and services mail order www.njjs.org/Store more Information or to join, visit www.njjs.org NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 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 04 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, Joe Lang, VP, MUSIC PROGRAMMING Dan Morgenstern, Jay Sweet Mitchell Seidel, music@njjs.org CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RECORDING SECRETARY Jessica Cowles, Robert Kessler, Irene Miller Taili Song Roth 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 DIRECTORS P.O. Box 223, Garwood, NJ 07027 DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING 908-380-2847 • info@njjs.org Jay Dougherty, Cynthia Feketie, Pete Grice, Jane Fuller, advertising@njjs.org Carrie Jackson, Mike Katz, Caryl Anne McBride, Membership fee is $45/year. Periodical postage paid at West Caldwell, NJ ADVERTISING RATES Robert McGee, James Pansulla, Stew Schiffer, Postmaster please send address changes Full Page: $135, Half Page: $90, Elliott Tyson, Jackie Wetcher to P.O. Box 223, Garwood, NJ 07027 1/3 Page: $60, 1/4 Page: $30 ADVISORS All material in Jersey Jazz, except where another For reservations, technical information and Don Braden, Al Kuehn, Bob Porter copyright holder is explicitly acknowledged, deadlines contact advertising@njjs.org or visit is copyright ©New Jersey Jazz Society 2020. All njjs.org/Magazine/Advertise. Make payment at rights reserved. Use of this material is strictly PayPal.com: payment@njjs.org, or via check made prohibited without the written consent of the NJJS. payable to NJJS, P.O. Box 223, Garwood, NJ 07027. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 07
SATURDAYS WITH RAMSEY LEWIS April Online Concert Will Reprise Songs from The In Crowd His Saturday Salon Concert Series Covers a Broad Spectrum of Musical Styles BY SANFORD JOS E P HSON A bout five years ago, pianist Lewis will turn 86 on May 27. De- Ramsey Lewis and his wife, spite his “official” retirement, he has Janet, were at Chicago’s O’Hare continued to play the piano every day International Airport, preparing to at home, and in April 2020, shortly fly out for a concert tour. “My wife after live performances were ended asked an attendant what gate the by the pandemic, he began stream- flight was leaving from, and when ing one-hour concerts, called Sat- she saw how far it was, she asked, urday Salon, at 1 p.m. Central Time, ‘Can you get a wheelchair for my on the last Saturday of the month. husband?’ That’s when I started Each month has a different theme. thinking it was time to retire.” On April 24, he will be playing NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 08
SATURDAYS WITH RAMSEY LEWIS songs from his chart-topping 1965 just a fun song, not the meat cut.” azine described “the lines of fans Argo album, The In Crowd. The ti- The song was enthusiastically re- snaking around the block,” adding tle tune, written by Billy Page, was ceived at the Bohemian Caverns, but that, “Pianist Ramsey Lewis, 30, is a Top 40 hit for vocalist Dobie Gray. it was later during a nightclub date in not only In, he is the hottest jazz art- Lewis’ version sold more than one Detroit, that Lewis realized the enor- ist going. And, amazingly enough, he million copies as a single, and the mity of its popularity. “Phil Church is going strongest in the rock-‘n-roll album, which reached Number 1 on of Argo Records told me, ‘I think you market ... The younger generation, it Billboard’s Rhythm & Blues chart guys have a hit. You know that song, seems, has adopted Lewis as the pur- and Number 2 on its Top 200 Al- The In Crowd? We’re going to put a veyor of a new and wondrous sound.” bums chart, won a Grammy Award single out.” In January 1966, after Lewis’ Saturday Salon series for Best Instrumental Jazz Perfor- The Ramsey Lewis Trio appeared at covers a broad spectrum of musical mance by an Individual or Group. Chicago’s London House, Time Mag- styles. On February 27, he presented Lewis, bassist Eldee Young, and “West Side Story and Other Stories of drummer Redd Holt were sitting in a Love.” Those “Other Stories” included “ coffee shop in Washington, DC, trying affectionate medleys of a wide range I HAVE A LIST OF to come up with one more song for of American Songbook favorites in- the album they were going to record cluding Victor Young’s “My Foolish live at Washington’s Bohemian Cav- Heart”, Harry Warren’s “The More I erns. “The waitress came over,” he re- called, “and said, ‘There’s a nice song THREE OR FOUR HUNDRED See You”, Hoagy Carmichael’s “The Nearness of You”, and Cole Porter’s by Dobie Gray that everyone likes. We have it on our jukebox.’ So, she went over and played this song. And, we SONGS I DEARLY LOVE.” “So In Love”. Asked about his favorite composers, Lewis responded, “I go by songs rather than composers—songs said, ‘Yea, that’s perfect.’ To us, it was that I love. I have a list of three or four NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 09
SATURDAYS WITH RAMSEY LEWIS hundred songs I dearly love, and I Number 1 on the magazine’s Black pick songs depending on the theme.” and Jazz charts. His collaborator on The idea for Saturday Salon was the album was Maurice White, who born one day while Lewis was play- had founded Earth, Wind & Fire five ing the piano. “I was trying to re- years earlier. White, Lewis recalled, member a Russ Freeman song that “was a very quiet gentleman, almost was on a Chet Baker album,” he said. bashful, sitting behind those drums. “It came back, and I played the whole But, he gave us a lot of energy. The thing through. My wife heard me way he had the cymbals set up, the playing that song, ‘The Wind’. She audience could hardly see him when recorded it on her phone, and, little he played solo. One day, he brought in did I know, she sent it to my manager. a thumb piano, a Kalimba. I said, ‘You They talked to me and asked, ‘Would got to get up from the drums and play you be open to doing a show once the Kalimba so people can see it.’ He a month? You can do it from your did, and, wow, the reaction he got!” living room on your piano.’” (The Lewis and the late vocalist Nancy album was the 1954 Columbia Re- Wilson made three albums togeth- cords release, Chet Baker & Strings). er—The Two of Us (Columbia: 1984), In 1974, Lewis moved from the Meant to Be (Narada Jazz: 2001), and PHOTO BY ROBE RT KESSL ER acoustic rock ‘n roll of The In Crowd Simple Pleasures (Blue Note: 2006). to an electrified R&B-flavored Colum- “Nancy Wilson,” he said, “was a nat- bia album called Sun Goddess. It was ural performer. John Levy, my man- Ramsey Lewis and Nancy Wilson a crossover hit, reaching Number 20 ager, also managed Nancy. He saw on the Billboard Pop Album chart and something in her that told him she NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 10
SATURDAYS WITH RAMSEY LEWIS would be a big star, and John got the idea we should do something togeth- er; and it went so well. She had big “ I COULD WRITE A BOOK ears. I would take certain liberties as a jazz artist, but whenever I’d take ABOUT BILLY AND OUR RELATIONSHIP. I’LL NEVER FORGET BILLY TAYLOR.” a liberty, she would ad lib, reflecting the fact that she knew what I was do- ing. I was very sad the day she passed.” After pianist Billy Taylor’s death in December 2010, Taylor’s wife asked Lewis to speak at a special memorial the road. We put together a nice show feel of the best jazz improvisation.” Charlie Parker. Other pairings com- service for him a month later in New of about 10 to 15 dates a year. I could In 2006, Lewis hosted his own bined Tony Bennett with Chick Corea York. “Taylor,” said Lewis, “was a spe- write a book about Billy and our rela- television show, Legends of Jazz, pro- and Ray Barretto and Benny Golson cial guy and a special musician. I was tionship. I’ll never forget Billy Taylor.” duced by Chicago public TV station, with Chris Potter and Marcus Strick- a guest on one of his TV shows. He had The two NEA Jazz Masters WTTW, and aired on PBS stations land. “It worked,” Lewis said. “It was two pianos, and he would invite you to made one album together, We Meet across the country. Lewis inter- great getting a conversation going be the second piano. We had such fun Again (Columbia: 1989). Reviewing viewed guest artists who also per- between people who knew of each that we thought we should do some- it in January 1990, the Chicago Tri- formed, and he would strive to “not other but didn’t know each other.” thing else together. We did a concert bune’s Howard Reich wrote, “Lewis get musicians from the same side of Tickets for the Ramsey Lewis in a park in the Midwest. The concert and Taylor work together elegant- the street.” One typical episode had Saturday Salon series are $20 per was free, so there were thousands of ly, producing a sound that`s big and alto saxophonists David Sanborn show and can be purchased online at people to see these two pianos. The brassy without being percussive. And and Phil Woods together—the saxo- StageIt.com/RamseyLewis. A por- reception was great, so that told us though the playing is polished and re- phone star of the contemporary fu- tion of the proceeds are donated to maybe we should take this show on fined, it never loses the loose, breezy sion scene with the veteran protégé of the Jazz Foundation of America. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 11
Featuring Are you a jazz fan and love to cruise? If you are a fan of Swing, Dixieland, Classic Allan Vaché – clarinet John Sheridan – piano Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Traditional Jazz, in fact just Houston Person – tenor sax Eddie Metz – drums about any style which emerged during the Warren Vaché – cornet Brian Holland – piano first half of the 20th century, plan to attend Danny Tobias – trumpet Charlie Silva – bass JazzFest at Sea - presented in a private jazz Paul Keller – bass Jim Lawlor – drums club atmosphere limited to 250 guests! Our John Allred – trombone Bob Draga – clarinet cruise will be departing roundtrip Port Canaveral (Orlando) to the Bahamas and Scott Robinson – tenor sax Ted Rosenthal – piano Mexico on the MSC Divina for 7-nights of jazz Vocalists and fun. Banu Gibson Yve Evans Take a look at what you get! In addition to our internationally acclaimed artists, we will once again be offering more than twenty hours of opportunity Private Performances Every Evening for our guests who are amateur musicians to jam in your own Private Afternoon Performances JazzFest Jammer sessions led by John Skillman and Mike on Sea Days and some Port Days Evans. Plus, if you would appreciate some instruction and critique during the jam sessions, feel free to ask. Mix & Mingle Open Bar Cocktail Party Join our JazzFest Jammer sessions Amazing Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral with ports if you play an instrument or sing! that include an overnight at Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Cozumel and Costa Maya! Ask about our Early Booking October 3 -10, 2021 Inside Stateroom only $999* Onboard Credit! Join us for the only jazz cruise sailing in 2021 as Oceanview Stateroom only $1099* we are sure you need something to look forward Balcony Stateroom only $1299* to! Call us today or check out our website! Aurea Balcony Stateroom only $1649* Aurea Suites from $1999* www.jazzfestatsea.com Yacht Club Suites from $2499* (800) 654-8090 *Pricing is per person, cruise-only based on double occupancy and includes all taxes and fees. Must book with Cruise & Vacation Depot or approved agency to attend private performances. Deposit is $400 per person and is due at the time of We will be following all CDC and cruise line COVID guidelines cabin selection. Fares and performers subject to change. Please be advised the that may be in place during our sailing! performance venue is non-smoking for all guests.
FUTURE STRIDE Pianist Emmet Cohen ‘Fills in the Gaps’ Between Traditional and Modern Jazz New Release Follows Months of Weekly Online Concerts BY SC HA EN FOX A fter nearly 10 months of AllAboutJazz’s Mike Jurkovic called streaming weekly concerts the album, “a wildly entertaining online, the Emmet Cohen Trio modern affair and history lesson all released a new Mack Avenue album, rolled into one madcap, immediate Future Stride, to glowing reviews. whole.” And, The Guardian said the “Close your eyes while listening album, “stands out among a small av- to ‘Symphonic Raps’, the first song alanche of new piano albums because on Future Stride, and you may find it has the rare and elusive quality of yourself transported back to swing- charm. All 10 pieces are perfectly seri- ing 1920s Harlem nightclubs where ous, but not solemn; there are little ec- stride piano players were all the rage,” centricities and the occasional wink.” wrote JazzTimes’ Veronica John- Last March, the pandemic forced son. But, Cohen, she added, “pumps Cohen, drummer Kyle Poole, and new life into the stride tradition.” bassist Russell Hall to halt their ca- NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ FEBRUARY • 2021 13
FUTURE STRIDE reers. Then two factors changed keeping it free, we were able to reach “ things: First, Cecile McLorin Salvant those people, affect them positively and Sullivan Fortner held an online and to keep expanding our audience. concert. “They did one in the very first week of quarantine,” Cohen re- WE WERE TRYING TO CAPTURE We came up with a member-support- ed tiered subscription model. If peo- called. “I said, ‘We’ve got to do some- thing for people, and bring us together THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY ple were able to, they could support us that way. It allowed us to buy pro- IN A JAZZ CLUB.” in that way.’ Salvant and Fortner are fessional sound equipment, software people I really look up to in the jazz and video gear, lighting and blinds. community.” Second, a canceled gig’s We’ve improving on the production producer still offered to pay if Co- every week. A friend had four cam- hen’s trio would stream the concert. eras and a live switcher which was That garnered close to 50,000 views. ten with other people, to live music used to toggle cameras in real time. Their own online concert series that is free, improvisatory and joy- “There were many rewarding soon followed on YouTube and Face- ous. It really became a cool thing for aspects to come out of this. One was book. Like so many other musicians, a lot of people who suddenly didn’t the community we built. People were their motives were both practical have a chance to hear musicians so forthcoming about how much and empathic. Cohen explained, making music together in this time. our concerts and our sense of com- “People need something to fill the “I really wanted to keep the munity helped them. I have a stack void of being unable to go out and to stream free. There were so many of thank you notes from people all have an experience with other hu- people who were going through around the world who say, ‘This is man beings. We were trying to cap- tough times and needed the music. It the one thing we’ve looked forward ture the sense of community in a jazz might have been difficult for some- to for many, many months. We are club, that feeling of being able to lis- one to even pay $5 per ticket. By missing the joy of live music, and you NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 14
FUTURE STRIDE have brought it to us against all odds. the music, they would bring me right was in a position to create something new recording’s January debut. It helps keep us sane.’ The positive back in the greatest possible way. nice for them. It is a testament to the Future Stride followed Cohen’s effect it had on people’s lives was a “Once we were established, it be- music and Russell and Kyle that they Master’s Legacy recordings, a series great joy. And to create something came a platform where I could show would want to come and play with us. done with Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, that could help Russell and Kyle to some lesser-known musicians to the “Each week is like a recording ses- George Coleman, Benny Golson, and keep us all afloat was another re- world and invite other musicians, sion. We don’t go in with too much of Tootie Heath (See Talking Jazz: Em- warding thing. I definitely could not like Catherine Russell, Ken Peplowski, a plan, but have a brief rehearsal and met Cohen in Jersey Jazz, November/ have done this without them. When Alan Harris, and Lezlie Harrison, sound check and try to find common December 2019). “I wanted to take we were having technical difficulties and create some work opportunity ground and just create a meaningful the things I’ve learned from the Mas- in the beginning, I’d be trying to work for them. They watched me grow up moment. That has been the biggest ter’s Legacy series and bring them on the computer and play at the same in New York and welcomed me with lesson: we come together, and bring to the masters of our generation.” time, and they would have my back. open arms. It has been a joy to de- some joy out of our instruments for In 2019, Cohen, Hall and Poole did They would keep me going when I velop friendships with people I’ve all to benefit from.” Undoubtably, a week-long educational residency was stressed out, or if I got lost in looked up to for all these years. Now I the weekly attention helped their with saxophonist Melissa Aldana and trumpeter Marquis Hill. “We played “ some of my compositions, and it came together in an interesting way. I LOVE TO TAKE TUNES THAT I felt that if I ever wanted to record with horns, I wanted this.” And that came true. Aldana and Hill are fea- WERE DONE BY BIGGER GROUPS tured in two tracks on Future Stride in Cohen originals, “Reflections at AND PAIR THEM DOWN TO TRIO.” Dusk” and “You Already Know”. Part of Future Stride is designed NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 15
FUTURE STRIDE to showcase “all the hard work, play- style and our time, with our band.” ing, touring, time and energy we My favorite is the hauntingly have put in as a trio. Also, to show pensive “Reflections at Dusk.” “This the versatility and the holistic range piece,” Cohen explained, is supposed of music that we try to incorporate to be about finding that time at dusk into our styles. There is so much that when there is very little going on and we love and want to put it all into our you can hear your inner thoughts.” music. That is where that tune “Fu- The most surprising selection is Co- ture Stride,” (written by Cohen and hen’s “Toast to Lo.” It memorializ- Poole) and that concept, come from: es another musician tragically lost taking two things that are seem- (drummer Lawrence Leathers, who ingly polar opposite and playing off was murdered in the Bronx in 2019), the paradox to fill in the gaps of the but unlike other jazz tribute classics, possibilities that lie between them.” incredible intro. Kyle always hears done by solo piano and build them up Cohen said, “I wasn’t thinking of the “Symphonic Raps”, written by this hip-hop kind of vibe in it. We for trio. The trio has certain orches- loss of him. I wanted to capture the Bert Stevens and Irwin Abrahams said, ‘Let’s see if we can do some- tration possibilities where you can feeling of what it felt to play with him and recorded in 1928 by Louis Arm- thing with this in the trio.’ Playing make things into something that is and be in his aura. When I played strong, is another example of that. it month after month in different ornate, specific and free. There are so organ with him, I felt like I was fly- “We listen to a lot of music when we settings, we let it evolve. It’s a great many possibilities of what to do.” Co- ing. He was always so kind. He taught are on the road,” said Cohen, “and vehicle, and ties our world togeth- hen selected four standards favored me so much about music and life.” Louis Armstrong is one of our favor- er with the stride of the future. by many past piano masters, because, At presstime, Future Stride ites. This is one of our favorite Louis “I love to take tunes that were “They are in the lineage and a way for was Number 3 on the Jazz Week Armstrong tracks. It’s such a unique done by bigger groups and pair them me to connect with that history and charts after spending seven con- song built on ‘Tiger Rag,’ but with an down to trio, or take songs that were my heroes, but to play them in our secutive weeks at Number 1. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 16
JAZZ HISTORY Bassist Scott LaFaro: Unmatched Talent for Improvisation and Exploration Killed in a Car Crash at Age 25, He Would Have Celebrated His 85th Birthday This Month BY JAY SW E E T R occo Scott LaFaro, one of the right-hand two-finger technique that most innovative and forward allowed him to play melodic phrases jazz bassists of his generation, with a dexterity that had never been would have been 85 years old this year achieved before on the bass. In his on April 3. Even after 60 years since short career, LaFaro worked with his tragic passing, few bassists have legendary figures such as Chet Baker, come close to matching his impact, Stan Getz, Benny Goodman, Ornette technicality, and creativity. During his Coleman, Thelonious Monk, Stan short but impressive career, LaFaro Kenton, and John Coltrane. His most displayed an unmatched talent for celebrated work came as a member bass improvisation and exploration. of the Bill Evans Trio (1959-1961), a His innovations included an exten- group known for its conversational sion of the bass’ range and a rapid approach and its redefinition of the NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 17
JAZZ HISTORY “ bass and drums’ role in a jazz context. start playing the bass until the end of Born April 3, 1936, in Irvington, NJ, LaFaro lived just 15 miles from New York City. His father, Rocco his high school career at 18 years old. He only chose to play it when he was accepted as a music major at Ithaca WITH LAFARO AND DRUMMER Joseph, was a trained concert vio- linist who had a keen interest in jazz College, where all attending stu- dents were required to play a string PAUL MOTIAN, EVANS FOUND and big band music. Throughout the 1930s, Rocco toured regularly with some of the most famous names instrument. He took to the bass quickly and practiced incessantly. Within no time, he began working THE PERFECT COMBINATION.” in big band music, including Paul local gigs, at times with his father. Whiteman and Tommy Dorsey. When In 1955, LaFaro left Ithaca and In 1956, LaFaro began working 1958) showcase his incredible skills. the music scene began to slow in joined Buddy Morrow’s Big Band. with trumpeter Chet Baker. The In a 1960 article for the Jazz Review, New York during World War II, the Morrow was a Juilliard-trained ensemble performed regularly and LaFaro revealed that “I don’t even like LaFaro family moved to Geneva, NY, trombonist who played mainly in a even appeared on the Tonight Show. my records except for maybe the first where Rocco worked first as a night rhythm and blues style and became By 1957, LaFaro was starting to get one I did with Pat Moran.” One high- watchman and part-time musician. popular with hit records such as noticed as one of the most exciting light from these recordings is on the Naturally, music was encour- “Night Train and “Rose, Rose, I Love young bassists on the scene, and he tune “Onilisor.” On this cut, LaFaro aged in the LaFaro household, and You.” LaFaro was not particularly began making a string of small group presents the melody and performs Rocco would often take his family inspired while working with Morrow, recordings that showcased his abili- an extended solo. His playing reveals to area concerts. Scott showed an and after several tours and record- ty. The first of these recordings came a fully realized harmonic, melodic, early aptitude for music and first ings, he left the group and settled in as a member of pianist Pat Moran’s and rhythmic concept that he would began playing piano, bass clarinet, Los Angeles, where he spent his days trio. LaFaro’s playing on This is Pat fully develop throughout his career. and tenor sax in the school band at practicing and his evenings going to Moran, and Beverly Kelly Sings With Another remarkable step in La- a young age. Remarkably, he didn’t as many jam sessions as possible. The Pat Moran Trio (Audio Fidelity: Faro’s career came as a member of NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 18
JAZZ HISTORY pianist/percussionist/vibraphonist Victor Feldman’s group. On the album The Arrival of Victor Feldman (Con- temporary Records: 1958), LaFaro is prominently featured on every track. His work on Arrival may be the best-recorded representation of his true virtuosity. LaFaro would record and perform with Feldman several more times during his career, includ- ing the album Latinville! (Contem- porary Records: 1960). Other notable From left, LaFaro, Bill Evans, Paul Motian recordings from the period include the Cal Tjader-Stan Getz Sextet 1958 Fantasy recording, For Real, where and often bold in his views, he insist- and Herb Geller, and His All-Stars stint with the Miles Davis Sextet and LaFaro is again featured extensively. ed that Kenton replace his drummer Play Gypsy (ATCO Records: 1959). was now looking for a new direction In 1959, LaFaro briefly took a in favor of one of his approval. As a re- On October 28,1959, Scott LaFa- where he could develop a concept in break from small group playing and sult, he was fired from the gig. At this ro’s life changed when he first met pi- which the bass and drums were not toured with Benny Goodman before point, LaFaro returned to freelance anist Bill Evans at a recording session to be used primarily as a rhythmic joining the modernistic Stan Kenton activities where he continued to work for clarinetist Tony Scott. LaFaro was entity but as an equal countrapunc- Orchestra. LaFaro was an admirer of at several Los Angeles jazz clubs and already interested in Evans’ playing tual voice. With LaFaro and drummer Kenton’s music from childhood but on some fine albums such as Modern and had told many of his peers that Paul Motian, Evans found the perfect felt limited in his role within the band. Touch of Marty Paich-The Broadway he desired to work with the pianist. combination that would create the Extremely confident in his abilities Bit (Warner Bros. Records: 1959) Evans had just come off a celebrated mood he envisioned for his new trio. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 19
JAZZ HISTORY The sound of Evans’ trio was first lived a clean and disciplined life. in a free context. Many found the June of 1961, the Bill Evans Trio had revealed on the 1959 recording Por- During breaks with Evans, music jarring and dissonant while a two-week engagement at the Vil- traits in Jazz (Riverside: 1960). The LaFaro hooked up with another great others found it freeing and a sig- lage Vanguard in New York, and the album created an incredible interest jazz innovator in Ornette Coleman. nificant creative achievement. trio was recorded on their closing in the trio and in LaFaro’s bass in- Coleman changed jazz’s trajectory By 1961, LaFaro was mostly di- night on June 25. These recordings novations. LaFaro remained a mem- with his “free” approach, which viding his time between Evans and were released on the album Bill Evans ber of the Bill Evans’ Trio until his eliminated the overuse of written Coleman while still finding time to Sunday at The Village Vanguard and death; however, the group was often and preconceived arrangements. play and record with other jazz ex- Waltz for Debby (Riverside: 1961). The forced to take breaks due to Evans’ With Coleman, LaFaro recorded perimentalists such as trumpeter albums now serve as a dedication to struggles with heroin addiction. The the controversial album Free Jazz Booker Little and composer/conduc- LaFaro’s life and the achievements incredible impact drugs had on Ev- (Atlantic: 1961) which is a 36-min- tor Gunther Schuller. He also began of Evans’s first great trio. After the ans and many of LaFaro’s contempo- ute experimentation in which two taking a serious interest in composi- Vanguard sessions, LaFaro joined raries was a constant frustration for separate groups play unrelated tion, of which he only completed two, Getz, drummer Roy Haynes, and the bassist, especially since LaFaro material together at the same time “Gloria’s Step” and “Jade Visions.” In pianist Steve Kuhn at the Newport Jazz Festival on July 2. The Newport “ gig would be his final performance. On July 5, 1961, LaFaro, who DURING BREAKS WITH EVANS, liked to drive fast, traveled eight hours from Newport to Geneva to visit his mother. He then spent the LAFARO HOOKED UP WITH ANOTHER day swimming and hanging out with old friends. Late in the evening, he GREAT INNOVATOR IN ORNETTE COLEMAN.” and his childhood friend, Frank Or- tley, drove 80 miles to Warsaw, NY, NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 20
JAZZ HISTORY where he met up with several more It has been over six decades since lene LaFaro-Fernandez (Reissued in acquaintances, including musicians LaFaro’s death, and still, he is recog- 2014 by the North Texas University Gap and Chuck Mangione. After a nized as one of the most outstanding Press). Grammy-nominated bassist night of drinking coffee and listening bass technicians of all time. Even and producer Billy Mohler summed to records by Chet Baker, and Bela today, few professionals can match up LaFaro’s impact on jazz bass play- Bartok, LaFaro and Ortley decided his technicality and inventiveness ing by calling him “one of the elite to make the long drive back to Ge- on the instrument. Since LaFaro’s bassists that I would call a virtuo- neva. Around 1:45 a.m. LaFaro fell death, new recordings have surfaced so. His lyrical hornlike phrasing and asleep at the wheel and crashed into of his playing. His life has been com- advanced rhythms put him in his a tree. The car exploded, and both memorated in the biography, Jade own league as a bass soloist. Scott’s LaFaro and Ortley died instantly. Visions: The Life and Music of Scott playing made shockwaves in the jazz Scott LaFaro’s death rocked the LaFaro, written by his sister He- world that are still felt to this day.” jazz world and the musicians who loved him. Bill Evans was so dis- Bassist Jay Sweet is an Adjunct “ traught that he barely performed in Professor in the Department of Music SCOTT LAFARO’S DEATH public for a year. With his passing, and Theatre Arts at Monmouth LaFaro joined a group of jazz innova- University in West Long Branch, NJ, tors such as Bix Beiderbecke, Clifford and is the Founder and Director of Brown, Charlie Christian, Jimmy Blanton, and Booker Little, who died ROCKED THE JAZZ WORLD AND Sweet Music Academy in Howell, NJ. He studied Bass Performance and in their 20s at the peak of their de- velopment. Of course, one can only imagine what more could have been THE MUSICIANS WHO LOVED HIM.” Composition at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and received a Masters in Jazz Research and History achieved had LaFaro lived longer. from Rutgers-Newark University. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 21
TALKING JAZZ A Jersey Jazz Interview with John Lee BY SC H A E N FOX B assist John Lee spent 10 years with Dizzy Gillespie and continues to keep his music alive through several tribute groups such as the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Band, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars, and the DG Afro-Latin Experience. At presstime, he was scheduled to perform with the Afro-Latin Experience in May at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 22
TALKING JAZZ JJ Are you from a musical family? He called me on a Sunday morning, JL No. Actually, my father was a and said, “Max Roach is having au- Methodist minister, but he had played ditions up in New York. You should all the bass clef instruments in the do an audition. It’s good experience Navy band. He played tuba and trom- for you. You won’t get the job, but bone and bass, and he had a great you should do it.” So, I got a buddy of love of jazz. Both my parents did. mine to drive me to New York. I au- ditioned with Max, and I got the job. JJ How did they feel about The dean had a policy that if any your being a musician? music students were able to get a JL They were very supportive. I start- professional job and had to go on the From left, Jimmy Heath, Lee, and Rich Okun, retired Floor Manager of New York’s Blue Note. ed playing the string bass in fourth road — if he approved it — you could grade in the Amityville, Long Island, go for a few weeks, and study on the school system. They had a great trained, and there were a lot of great er died when I was 15. Then I lost road. Monday morning, I told the dean music program, and a great teach- programs in Long Island at that time my father when I was 25. He ac- I had the job with Max Roach. He was er, Carolyn Lush, who taught all the for classical music, but I always had a tually met Dizzy once and always quite impressed, and I got to go with string instruments. She was a great love of jazz. My parents were always talked about that. He did see one of Max. The thing was, I learned more inspiration to many of us. When I was playing Dizzy, Count Basie, Sarah my first big gigs with Max Roach. about jazz in the first two weeks with in the ninth or 10th grade, one of the Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Ella Fitz- After I graduated from high school Max than I learned the whole semes- seniors, a cello player named Ronnie gerald, and Duke Ellington at home. in Philadelphia, I went to what is ter in school. I decided I would take a Feldman, auditioned for the Boston now known as the University of the year off to pursue that course. At the Symphony and made it. For all of us JJ Did your folks get to see Arts. I was in school with a great time Reggie Workman was Max’s reg- young musicians it was an amazing you playing with Dizzy? bass player named Stanley Clarke, ular bass player. He had gone to South thing to witness. I was classically JL No, unfortunately my moth- who was a few years ahead of me. America to work with Stanley Cowell NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 23
TALKING JAZZ and Charles Tolliver. When he came back, Max encouraged me to go back to school and finish getting my degree. “ DIZZY JUST HAD When Gerry and I broke up our band, he moved to Los Angeles. He was more interested in the R&B world. Right after that, Stanley took me over to Herbie Hancock’s house. SUCH A GOOD TIME ON I stayed in New York and joined Mc- Coy Tyner’s band in ‘82. Gary Bartz Herbie had a good friend in Hol- land, a flute player named Chris Hinze. Herbie said, “This guy is on STAGE EVERY NIGHT.” called me one night and said, “McCoy wants an electric bass player. He just made an album with Stanley Clarke CBS Records like myself. He’s look- and Phyllis Hyman, and the music ing for an American rhythm section was written for electric bass. Carlos for a year.” Stanley said, “Well, I just helped us develop our playing, too. We New York, and that’s where I kind of Santana was on the album. And he still joined Chick Corea’s band, but may- spent about a year and a half more started my career as a leader. I started needs a guy that can also swing and be John’s interested.” He gave me the than we had planned with Chris. We freelancing with people like Pharoah play fast tempos on the electric bass.” address, and I sent a little tape over developed a lot of relationships with Sanders, Lonny Liston Smith, Nor- There aren’t many of us who could do to Holland. About two weeks later, he up-and-coming musicians in Eu- man Connors; and I got the gig with that. So, that kind of worked out. And called and said, “I want to hire you for rope. In particular, the Belgian gui- Larry Coryell and the Eleventh House I did that for about 2 1/2 years. Then a year and whoever that drummer is tarist Philip Catherine, German pi- (a jazz fusion group). I did a few re- McCoy broke up that band in ‘84, on the tape with you. I’d like him to anist Joachim Kühn, and the Dutch cords and toured all over the world come, too.” That was Gerry Brown. pianist Jasper Van’t Hof. After that with him for about 2 1/2 years. That JJ Then you went with Dizzy. I was just 20, and Gerry was job was over, we spent the next few took me up to about ‘77. And then How did that happen? 21. Fortunately for us, our neighbor months living there and traveling Gerry Brown and I formed our own JL I was supposed to be subbing for in Holland was a great saxophon- around Europe. We finally came band. We did two records with Blue Bob Cranshaw on a gig, and he called ist named Charlie Mariano. Charlie back to the States in October of ‘74. Note Records and two for Colum- me at the last minute to tell me, “Diz- became like a godfather to us and When we came back, we moved to bia Records right up to about ’82. zy needs a bass player Friday night NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 24
TALKING JAZZ in Memphis. He just fired his bass player, and you’re perfect for the job.” I flew down to Memphis, and played with Dizzy. After the gig, he asked me to join his band. That end- ed up being almost 10 years. I was the mainstay through three different From left, Abelita incarnations of his bands plus the Mateus, Lee, Tommy Campbell, big band and the United Nation Or- Sharel Cassity. chestra. He always kept me along. JJ Did you have to change any- his big band days and then the small bebop, swing music, bossa nova, Latin tired we were, once we hit the stage, thing in your playing going from group, of course, and then there music, Afro Cuban, ballads or music it was a party. Dizzy just had such a the small groups to the big band? is the United Nation Orchestra. influenced by Argentina from his days good time on stage every night. He so PHOTO COU RT ESY O F NEW B RU NSWI CK JAZZ PROJ ECT JL A lot of the songs were the Dizzy always said he loved the with Lalo Schifrin. He would cover enjoyed playing music and his audi- same, the big band arrangement music south of the border. Dizzy was all different styles and keep it fresh. ences. That’s what I remember the of “A Night in Tunisia” and things also one of the first jazz musicians most: the joy of it. It was great joie de like that. The thing was, with Dizzy to explore Brazilian music with his JJ What are your best memories vivre with Dizzy. But he was a man of there were a lot of different musical early recordings of “No More Blues” of being with Dizzy? very, very profound wisdom. I always avenues. We would do a lot of con- and “Desafinado.” Stan Getz gets all JL One thing I should point out is used to say that it felt like there were certs with symphony orchestras. the credit, but Dizzy was actually first, that we traveled constantly. In those three different relationships there: He had his music arranged for an before “Girl from Ipanema.” The won- days, I was on the road 250 days a year. There’s the leader-sideman relation- 82-piece symphony orchestra. Then derful thing about playing with Diz- No matter how hard to travel was, or ship, the father-son relationship, and there is the classic big band from zy was a typical concert would have how far away we had to go, or how a brother relationship. But he was NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 25
TALKING JAZZ just a down-to-earth real soul. We his wife asked if I’d be interested group records. Now there is a third JJ Tell us about your Jazz played for many heads of states and in doing some kind of program to band called The Afro-Cuban Expe- Legacy Productions (JLP). monarchs. He treated the president continue his music. I started a pro- rience or the Afro-Latin Experience. JL After Dizzy left, I got further the same way he treated a garbage gram called “Dizzy, the Man and the So, there’s actually three separate into producing at a small record man. There was no pretension at all. Music.” We’d go to colleges and do projects. The big band, the All Stars, company called Jazz Legacy a multimedia presentation of Diz- and the Afro-Cuban Experience. Productions. We put out about JJ How did you find out zy’s music with films, and photos. 20 Records. Except for the Monty about Dizzy’s cancer? At the time, I was producing JJ I was going to ask; do Alexander albums, which were JL Oh man! We were out in Seat- some records for Shanachie Re- you have any gigs coming done live, they were all recorded tle, and Dizzy got sick. That turned cords. They asked if there was any up? And then I just realized, in my house, in my present studio. out to be our last engagement. We pet project that I wanted to do. I said, we’re still in a pandemic. They’re all a labor of love. were actually on our way to Argen- “I’d like to do a tribute album to Diz- JL We actually have a gig on the The record business got harder tina and South Africa. Instead, we zy.” We did an album called Dizzy’s books in May at SOPAC with the and harder to make money in, but came back to New Jersey, and Diz- 80th Birthday Party — myself, Jon Afro-Latin Experience, featuring I’m still continuing to produce. zy was diagnosed and had surgery. Faddis and Cyrus Chestnut, among Paquito D’Rivera as special guest on Actually, one of my productions That was kind of the end of it. others. That’s where the whole Diz- May 8, God willing. We’ll see how this won the Latin Grammy last year zy Gillespie Alumni thing started. It goes with the pandemic. (The Gi- for the best jazz album of 2019, so JJ How did you get involved in was then called The Dizzy Gillespie ants of Jazz concert produced every I’m a Grammy winner now. The the Gillespie tribute groups? Alumni All-Stars. About a year after year by Lee at SOPAC is tentatively album, called Jazz Bata 2, is with JL I was the straw boss in the band that, we restarted the big band. By scheduled for November 20. Last the great Cuban pianist Chucho for the last five years. I would do a about ‘95, we had the Dizzy Gilles- year’s GOJ was canceled. The 2019 Valdes. It was a really joyous lot of the business for him, helping pie Big Band going and the Alumni event honored the late Harold Mab- project, and we got nominated with payroll and things like that. So, All-Stars. Since then, we’ve done ern and was covered in the January/ for the Grammy. It was a really about a year after Dizzy passed away, three big band records and two small February 2020 issue of Jersey Jazz). nice surprise when we won. NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 26
TALKING JAZZ JJ When you moved to New Jersey Rosnes and Bill Charlap live around were you looking for a place to the corner. Dave Stryker lives five convert into a home studio? minutes from me. Vic Juris lived JL Oh yeah, definitely. I just want- across the street from him. Rosean- ed a house big enough where I could na Vitro just moved down the street isolate some of the musicians. Good from me. Thelonious Monk Jr. and recording is about isolation so all my old partner Gerry Brown live in the sounds blend when you’re put- South Orange. Oscar Perez and Chris ting the record together. The house Berger are over in West Orange. we found has a nice place for the We lost so many people around control room. Then I wired it up here last year. Within two months, we so I could isolate the musicians lost Claudio, Jimmy Heath, Wallace in different places in the house. Roney, Vic Juris ,and Lee May, the wid- ow of the great bass player Earl May. JJ I read that you were influen- Earl was with Dizzy in the old days. tial in getting other musicians to move into the area and that JJ Is there any film, novel or you lived close to Claudio Roditi. play that you feel would give us JL I’m up the hill from where Clau- non-musicians a good idea of dio was. I actually found his house what a musician’s life is like? for him. There are so many guys JL The most memorable jazz mov- around here now. I don’t know how ie in recent years is Round Midnight instrumental I was with the others. with Dexter Gordon, which is really Don Braden lives here, and Renee the story of Bud Powell and his friend NJJS.ORG JERSEY JAZZ APRIL • 2021 27
You can also read