The Jazz Spazz

The Jazz Spazz Gets A Face Lift!!!

2010-07-28T01:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks right friends! The Jazz Spazz has under gone some intensive work and looks better than ever! While the final product is not yet complete, this new look hopes to keep inspiring you all to keep listening to this grand ol' music. More posts to come! I've finally got myself back in the groove of writing and have much to catch up on!

Thanks for swingin' :D

Takin' Five...

The Jazz Spazz

"You intoxicate my soul with your eyes..."

2010-06-09T21:40:00.000-07:00

You Go To My Head

Billie Holiday

Generique

2010-06-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

You ever hear a song that just pierces right through you, giving you that eerie feeling where the little hairs on your forearms stand straight up? Man, this song did just that to me this morning. This is the kind of sound that I long for in jazz. Listen to Miles hold those long note, creating a very spooky and chilling tone that only the trumpet can do so perfectly. Listening to this threw me back to the bone chilling tunes of the 1930's. You know, the kind of tunes you'd hear on an old Hollywood movie soundtrack or an old, creepy hotel. Despite the spook factor (which I think makes the song so unique and irresistible), Miles' Generique is just plain and simple beautiful music. Enjoy!

Takin' Five...

The Jazz Spazz

Autumn Leaves - Stan Getz

2010-05-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

"If you like an instrument that sings, play the saxophone. At its best its like the human voice."

- Stan Getz

32nd Annual Playboy Jazz Festival: June 12-13, 2010

2010-05-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

The biggest jazz event of the summer is just around the corner! Get your tickets now for the 32nd annual Playboy Jazz Festival happening June 12-13, 2010.

The rich tradition of legendary jazz performers as well as new, up and coming talent continues to excite audiences through this amazing event. And this year's lineup is a force to be reckoned with!

The legendary George Benson, Chick Corea, Manhattan Transfer, Kurt Elling, and Los Van Van! are just some of the headliners for this fabulous weekend of jazz. Below is the complete lineup for both days.

Saturday, June 12, 2010 -

2:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Chick Corea Freedom Band with Christian McBride, Roy Haynes, Kenny Garrett
Sax for Stax featuring Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, and Kirk Whalum
Kurt Elling with special guest Ernie Watts
Pete Escovedo Orchestra featuring Shelia E., Peter Michael, and Juan Escovedo
Marcus Miller Band with featured guest artist Christian Scott
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra salutes Louie Bellson
Javon Jackson Band with special guest Les McCann
Naturally 7
Jake Shimabukuro
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue
El Dorado High School under the direction of Richard Watson

Sunday, June 13, 2010 -
2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

George Benson
Manhattan Transfer
Bobby Hutcherson and Cedar Walton Quartet
Salif Keita
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Esperanza Spalding
Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Tiempo Libre
Cos of Good Music with Dwayne Burno, Ndugu Chancler, Mark Gross, Jay Hoggard, D.D. Jackson, and Ingrid Jensen
Jazz Mafia's Brass Bows and Beats
L.A. All District High School Jazz band under the direction of Tony White and J.B. Dvas

Don't miss out on the biggest jazz weekend of the year! Come join Hugh Hefner and host Bill Cosby at the Hollywood Bowl for this landmark jazz event. Tickets start as low as $20. Get yours and I hope to see you there! I'm getting mine!

For more information, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.playboy.com/articles/playboy-jazz-festival-2010-hollywood-bowl-guide-tickets/index.html

The 32nd Annual Playboy Jazz Festival is presented in cooperation with the L.A. Philharmonic Association, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, and 94.7 The Wave.

ALL ABOARD!!!!!! The Night Train!!!!

2010-05-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Talk about a song with many different sounds and a complicated history! Jimmy Forrest's 1951 Night Train has been recorded, re-recorded, sound tracked, and just flat out covered by so many jazz & blues greats as well as rock 'n' roll musicians.

What's so special about this song is that there were so many hands that made it great. The opening riff of Night Train was created in 1940 by a small group led by Duke Ellington along with Johnny Hodges under the title "That's the Blues, Old Man." Forrest's long tenor solo in the middle of the song makes the song unmistakably recognizable. After Forrest departed from Ellington's band, he inserted his own solo over a stop-time rhythm while still using that familiar, earlier riff. Forrest recorded the song on United Records and had a major R&B hit.

Here's Jimmy Forrest's original

With so many bands and musicians covering this song, it's easy to see how "Night Train" gained its popularity. Here are notable recordings:

Louis Prima and Sam Butera

Oh, you got to love these guys! Such energy! Just listen to them wail! Notice their crazy, wild antics versus Keely Smith's cold, manikin persona. Made for a great show in Vegas!

James Brown

James Brown gave the Night Train soul when he brought it to Motown. Got to love that sax!

Oscar Peterson

Now this is a pretty cool cover. Pianist Oscar Peterson puts a mellow groove to the song by slowing it down, making it a smooth listen.

And for MY personal favorite...

Marvin Berry and the Starlighters - Back to the Future

OH! This has got to be one of the best covers of "Night"... period! Besides it being in probably one of the best and most classic movies of all time, this version of "Night Train" really shows off that tenor solo that made the song so unique. Awww.... love the "Night Train." Enjoy!

Takin' Five...

The Jazz Spazz

2010-05-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

"Jazz does not belong to one race or culture, but is a gift that America has given the world."

—Ahmad Alaadeen

Swingin' Souls

2010-05-22T13:47:00.001-07:00

A New Spin To Classic Rock

2010-05-20T23:57:00.001-07:00

What's better than blending some good ol' jazz sounds with some of your favorite rock music? NOTHING! Here's a personal favorite.

"Light My Fire," a signature song of The Doors off their first album titled "The Doors" in 1967, has a long, lengthy, and controversial history. A song that got the group banned from the Ed Sullivan show for not changing the lyric "Girl we couldn't get much higher" during their 1967 show performance has now got a new jazzy tone to it.

Young Holt Unlimited - Light My Fire

Both the saxophone and trumpet are ear cathching in this piece. The piano is a great replacement for the organ (considering the organ made this song quite easy to throw a jazz spin to it).

And if you need it with the lyrics, here is the Young Holt Unlimited once again featuring Jackie Wilson and Erma Franklin on vocals.

And in case you're wondering what the fuss was over the Ed Sullivan show performance was about, here it is. Remember, the word "higher" was not something you could say on network television back in 1967. So when Jim Morrison deliberately used it instead of changing the lyric as he promised... well, it's easy to see why the group was never invited back.

Mixing jazz and rock together wasn't uncommon. In fact, the whole fusion sub category of jazz was exactly this combination. But I think the jazzy version of "Light My Fire" is a great example of how a song can change dramatically just by giving it a different melody and instrumentation. One style is more aggresive while the other is smooth and mellow. You got to love music! The possibilities are limitless! Enjoy!

Takin' five...

The Jazz Spazz

Music and the Dancer

2010-05-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

In a Mellow Tone

2010-05-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

Awww... Ella and Ben do it again. I just heard this song last night for the first time on 88.1FM KJAZZ and fell in love with it. It's a great mix of her unique, raspy voice paired with a sultry saxophone. This is just one of many other Duke Ellington tunes the pair collaborated on. Enjoy!

Takin' Five...

The Jazz Spazz

Sax for the Suffering Soul

2010-05-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

I always get people asking me how I became interested in jazz. People always give me their shocked reactions when they hear me randomly call out the name of a jazz tune or singer anywhere I hear music. They say that people my age don't know this music or appreciate this music. My response is always the same. I tell them, "Well, I do. I have an old soul." Here's how I became acquainted with jazz music.

Before I knew jazz music, before I knew myself, I was in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Uncertainty of my thoughts, uncertainty of my passions, uncertainty of my beliefs, just uncertainty about myself. Living with struggles and questions about one's self is definitely one of most difficult things to get through as I'm sure anyone could understand. But for me, I had so many unanswered questions, uneasy thoughts, pent up frustration, and doubts of myself that I needed an outlet to resort to. Luckily, for my own sense of sanity, I was taught jazz music. It was then, learning about jazz, that I realized a new outlet and new and growing understanding about myself was finally taking place. And I have two amazing men/teachers to thank for it.

Jeff Ellwood - Director of Instrumental Jazz Studies at Mt. San Antonio College, Cal State Fullerton Jazz Saxophonist

Jeff Ellwood was my jazz music history professor over at Mt. San Antonio College. He was the one who introduced to me such beautiful music when I had enrolled in the class by mistake. What a great mistake it was!

Ellwood is one of those hidden saxophone gems that I've been so lucky to hear of. He studied and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Berklee College of Music and Master of Music degree from Cal State Fullerton. In 2001, Ellwood received the "Best College Saxophonist Award" at the Reno Jazz Festival. In 2002 & 2003, he was accepted to the Henry Mancini Institute on a full scholarship and would later appear multiple times with the Henry Mancini Alumni Big Band at the Jazz at Lincoln Center concert in New York City. Ellwood has worked and studied with James Moody, Rick Margitza, Billy Pierce, Hal Crook, George Garzone, Gary Foster, James Rotter, and Charlie Banacos to name a few. He's also performed with legends such as Tony Bennett, James Moody, Randy Brecker, Stevie Wonder, Bob Mintzer, Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval, John Williams, Quincy Jones, etc. Jeff Ellwood can be heard performing with Alan Pasqua Jazz Collective throughout the greater Los Angeles area.

As mentioned before, I was so luckily to be taught jazz music by a professional who had a true passion for the art and sound of it. He took a girl who walked into his class with no expectations, no reservations, and gave her the understanding and love for jazz and desire to keep learning more. I will always be thankful to Professor Ellwood. I even had the pleasure of seeing him perform at a Mt. Sac spring jazz concert a few years ago and it 'snothing but a pure treat. He's amazing! And if he reads this, I would just like to tell him "thank you." He could never know how much truth and meaning those two little words have.

The Man and the Trumpet

2010-05-06T09:11:00.001-07:00

Mile Davis (May 26, 1926 - September 28, 1991)

One of the most influential figures ever to the history and development of jazz was Miles Davis. His many contributions to the different styles of jazz (bebop, modal, cool, fusion, etc.) are the forefront for the development for many new, creative styles of jazz and genres of music. His 1959 Kind of Blue record is considered to be one of the most influential records of all time, and is hailed as a true treasure of the jazz community. Davis is considered to be one of the most innovative musicians, both artistically and personally, in the history of jazz, and music for that matter. His music continues to inspire musicians around the globe, and his legacy lives on in the history of jazz and in the sounds of newly inspired musicians.

The Bird

2010-05-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

"Don't play the saxophone. Let it play you."

- Charlie Parker

A Classic American Metaphor... Bleeding Gums Murphy

2010-05-03T00:40:00.000-07:00

I love finding jazz references in cartoons and TV shows. One of my favorites was Lisa Simpson's saxophone mentor, Bleeding Gums Murphy.

Bleeding Gums Murphy was a reoccurring character on The Simpsons that befriended Lisa until his death. He had a very successful, yet short lived career where he recorded Sax on the Beach. Unfortunately, Murphy found himself broke and resorted to playing on top of a bridge in Springfield in the middle of most nights. This is a great homage paid to the great Sonny Rollins who used to play alone on the Williamsburg Bridge for three years after retiring publicly. For little Lisa Simpson, Bleeding Gums Murphy was the mentor that expanded her mind and her music much further than she could have imagined... much like what some have done for me.

Bleeding Gums Murphy was society's and the media's unique way of paying tribute to an important legend of our country's culture. I hadn't realized the representation of this character until learning about jazz and putting the two together. It truly is a special representation. Play on Jazz Man :)

And the Sax Plays On

2010-04-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

So I came acrossed my latest saxophone favorite today.
Stanley Turrentine - The Sugar Man

Stanley Turrentine came from a musically talented family. His father, Thomas Turrentine, Sr., was a saxophonist with Al Cooper's Savoy Saltans, his mother played the stride piano, and his brother, Thomas Turrentine, Jr., was a also a professional trumpet player. His early career was greatly influenced by another saxophone great Illinois Jacquet, and by the 1950's Turrentine was playing with the groups of Lowell Fulson, Earl Bostic, and Max Roach.

During the 1960's, Turrentine started working with organist Jimmy Smith and made many soul jazz recordings. He later got into fusion after divorcing his wife Shirley Scott. But Turrentine was probably best known for his soul jazz and had returned to that style in the 1980's through the 1990's.

Enjoy! :D

Sax Maaaaannnnnn!!!!!!! Sax Man!

2010-04-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

Sax players are so great...there was even a spoof cartoon made in honor of all of them! Here's a great song Jack Black did with the Lonely Island. It's silly but I think it's great. Enjoy!

Some More Sexy Sounds of the Sax!

2010-04-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some more amazing saxophone players that offer their own unique sound to jazz. While so many of these saxophone greats were influenced by other saxophonists, they've also added their own flair; producing several different saxophone styles. The saxophone is the sound of heaven! Enjoy! :)

John Coltrane - The Spiritual One

Dexter Gordon - The Bebopper

Paul Desmond - The Witty One

Wayne Shorter - The Standard

Of course, there will be more to come. But until then, enjoy the music!

Takin' Five...

Let's Talk About Sax Baby...

2010-04-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me, you know how much I LOVE the sound of the saxophone. So, this week we're going to pay a little respect to those who play that sexy sound.

Where would jazz (or music in general for that matter) be without the seductive, passionate saxophone?

Created by Adolphe Sax in 1841, the saxophone was originally considered to be the sound of the devil and was not generally respected and/or accepted in the horn instrument family. Sax's original prototype was even stolen to keep the saxophone from being played in public and from being mass produced.

Clearly, the saxophone overcame its hexed beliefs and is now one of the most essential instruments of jazz music. The sax can produce a wide variety of sounds and tones that make jazz a truly passionate art form. And thanks to the saxophone, jazz music has some truly remarkable musicians (past and present) that really know how to play the sax!

Here are just a few of my favorite saxophonists. Of course, my list is way too long for one entry, so I will write and/or give an example of many more throughout the week. Enjoy!

Charlie Parker - The Classic

Coleman Hawkins - The Original

Lester Young - The Hipster

Sonny Rollins - The Perfectionist

More to come!

Takin' Five...

Opening The Vault

2010-04-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

Last night I made a fabulous discovery.

The newest Friday night jazz spot in Orange County is definitely the ever alluring Vault V.I.P. Lounge at the OC Pavilion. Once the vault to a large bank chain, the Vault has been transformed into a top quality jazz nightclub featuring today's locally acclaimed jazz musicians. The five star atmosphere offers a plush, romantic vibe throughout the club. A fully stocked vintage style bar gives the Vault an old Hollywood vibe while jazz photos, posters, and leather seating provide for a rich and relaxing lounge environment.

The Vault V.I.P.

at

The OC Pavilion

Fridays 8 p.m.

$10 cover charge with a one drink minimum

Free entrance is also offered for those who dine at the Ambrosia Restaurant just above. The Vault V.I.P. Lounge looks to have a great atmosphere for entertaining any jazz fan! Whether you're an old swing cat or a fresh, cool jazz rookie, the Vault V.I.P. Lounge is the place for great music, drinks, and entertainment.

Sit, relax, and listen to some of OC's very own jazz musicians and bands in a unique, classy jazz atmosphere.

Have a drink at the Vault's vintage style bar featuring top-shelf, world-class liqour and beers.

For more on the Vault V.I.P. Lounge, jazz shows and times, and info on the OC Pavilion, please visit www.ocpavilion.com/The_Vault.html.

Love for Lady Jazz

2010-04-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's time to show the ladies of jazz some love! Here's a video I put together of some more great women jazz icons.

Nina Simone - Singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist, Nina Simone covered a variety of eclectic styles in work: classical, jazz, blues, soul, funk, R&B, gospel, and pop. Her passionate vocal presence and definite emotional expression earned her the nickname "The High Priestess of Soul." Simone is most associated with her work addressing many of the civil rights struggles of her time. "Mississippi Goddam" was one of Simone's most highly controversial songs dealing with racism and segregation of her people... a jazz music classic.

Etta James - Etta James is an American blues, soul, R&B, rock & roll, gospel, and jazz singer/songwriter. She's considered to be one of the most overlooked jazz and blues artist. James is a winner of 4 Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. Her most famed piece of work is "At Last," which has been remade by countless artists throughout music history, and featured in movies, commercials, television shows, and web streaming services across the globe.

Peggy Lee - Jazz singer, songwriter, composer, and actress Peggy Lee whose career spanning almost 7 decades. Lee's innovative style and sensual lyrics have touched the souls of millions throughout the music world. She became internationally known with her signature song, "Fever," a classic that has been covered by numerous artists and groups throughout jazz. With 12 Grammy nominations, for one of which she won for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance in 1969 for her hit "Is That All There Is?" and was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, Peggy Lee is one of most recognizable female voices in jazz.

Keely Smith - Keely Smith was probably best known for her many collaborations with Louis Prima. She played the straight laced manikin role that complimented Prima's wild and crazy antics. She and Prima earned the first ever Grammy Award for Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus for "That Ol' Black Magic." Her cold, disinterested act was a hit with crowds throughout showbiz. After leaving Prima's act, Smith went on to sing on numerous movie soundtracks, signed her own record deal where she had her own Top 20 hits in the UK. She went on to marry record producer, Jimmy Bowen, and retired from music to raise a family. In 1985, she made a comeback to which she earned a Grammy nomination for her album covering Sinatra's work.

Dinah Washington - Dinah Washington was a jazz, blues, and R&B singer. In 1986, Washington was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. She was very known for singing "torch songs," or sentimental love songs, which made her a smooth voice in jazz ballads. "What A Difference A Day Makes" (for which she won a Grammy for) launched Washington into pop music stardom in 1959, while "Unforgettable" gave her a pop gold status. Sadly and unfortunately, a unintentional but lethal combination of alcohol and pills tragically killed Dinah Washington in 1963. She was only 39.

KJAZZ 88.1 FM Presents Jazz at LACMA

2010-04-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oh boy!!!! It's jazz time in LA, and I couldn't be anymore excited!

The ever popular Jazz at LACMA series is back starting April 16th through November. Come enjoy a free outdoor concert every Friday night at one of LA's most unique art museums.

LACMA

Check out April's jazz legends scheduled to appear:

Friday, April 23
Alan Pasqua Quartet

Friday, April 30
John Proulx

LATCC | 6 pm | Free, no reservations

To find out more about Jazz at LACMA, visit http://lacma.org/programs/JazzatLACMA.aspx.

Jazz at LACMA is made possible in part by the Johnny Mercer Foundation.
In-kind support is provided by KKJZ 88.1 FM.

Jazz Art

2010-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Just a little something I put together. Click on the image to enlarge. Enjoy! :)

Smooth & Latin Jazz

2010-04-11T11:49:00.001-07:00

Since we've touched on the subject, let's talk about smooth and Latin jazz.

Smooth Jazz - Smooth jazz began in the 1970s but really took off during the 80s. It's style evolved from fusion but instead of energetic solos, smooth jazz emphasizes a more polished sound. It was heavily influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music genres. The smooth jazz movement took these styles and added it's modern, electronic personality to the music. Instruments that became widely associated with smooth jazz are the soprano saxophone, legato electric guitar, and electric keyboards.

What's unique about smooth jazz is that it's sound is far removed from the classic improvisation. Instead, smooth jazz consists of high tech layering of synthesizers and rhythm tracks, which puts more emphasis on the ensemble rather than the expression (improvisation does just the opposite). Unfortunately, this electronic sound separates smooth jazz from all other "live" performances, which proposes the argument of whether or not the term jazz truly applies.

Latin jazz - Also known as Afro-Cuban jazz, Latin jazz is a fusion of North, South, and Central American sounds using jazz improvisation and highly infectious rhythms. It's Bebop roots are apparent among some of its highly complicated and energized compositions. Original traces of Latin jazz can be attributed to trumpeter-arranger Mario Bauza and percussionist Chano Pozo in the mid 1940s.

Latin jazz consists of a straight rhythm rather than a swung rhythm (something that traditional jazz generally has). This style also uses a form of a clave (a five stroke rhythmic pattern used for temporal organization in Afro-Cuban music) instead of a backbeat. The conga, timbale, guiro, and claves (all percussion instruments) are some of the usual instruments used to give the music a Latin sound. Other predominant instruments in Latin jazz are the trumpet, saxophone, and trombone.

Banda Brothers

Enjoy! :)

Takin' Five...

Santana Plays Europa

2010-04-11T01:52:00.000-07:00

This is a continuation of my Gato Barbieri post. However, the goal of this video is to show how a song can have a different sound when given a different emphasis (and instrument).

Obviously, Santana puts his own unique spin to a classic latin and smooth jazz favorite. Listen to how the structure of Europa remains the same; yet is different between Barbieri and Santana. Both are beautiful. Both are full of passion. I'm not too crazy about latin or smooth jazz, but this song always helps me to understand and appreciate the unique sound and quality talent that emerges from these two styles of jazz. Europa is always a favorite! Enjoy! :D

"Barbieri the Cat"

2010-04-08T23:19:00.000-07:00

Talk about a sound that's both sensual and captivating! Argentine tenor saxophonist and composer, Leandro Barbieri, better known as Gato Barbieri, plays some of the smoothest saxophone you'll ever hear. Born to a family of musicians, Barbieri began playing after hearing Charlie Parker's "Now is the Time." He began his career playing the clarinet and alto saxophone. By the early 1960s, Barbieri was playing tenor saxophone and let the influences of John Coltrane's late recordings, as well as other free jazz saxophonists such as Albert Ayler and Pharoah Sanders, shape his unique sound. It was then a that Barbieri developed that warm, "gritty" tone, which would become Barbieri's trademark.

By the late 1960s, Barbieri was fusing sounds of South American music into his recordings and introduced a whole new world of passionate music. He won a Grammy for his score for Bernardo Bertolucci's film Last Tango in Paris, which led to a record deal with Impulse Records. He's worked with some of music's most recognizable artists such as Carlos Santana, and jazz music giants like Don Cherry and Charlie Haden. Gato Barbieri's smooth, sexy, passionate latin sound has truly made him a jazz icon among the free, latin, and smooth jazz communities.

Here are two of my favorite Gato Barbieri's songs:

She is Michelle - A song Gato Barbieri wrote for his wife Michelle some years after her tragic death. A personal favorite since my name is Michelle :D

Enjoy such an amazing sax!

Takin' Five...

April is Jazz Appreciation Month!!!!!! J.A.M.

2010-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

To help 88.1FM KKJZ kick off Jazz Appreciation Month, let's take a look at one of jazz's greatest figures, Duke Ellington.

Duke Ellington was best known for leading his orchestra and composing music specifically for the style and skills of the members in his orchestra. "Jeep's Blues" was composed for Johnny Hodges, "Concerto for Cootie" for Cootie Williams, which later became "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" with Bob Russell's lyrics, and "The Mooche" for Tricky Sam Nanton and Bubber Miley. Because of Ellington's compositions, many of the orchestra members remained with the orchestra for several decades.

Here is a sample of Ellington's song "The Mooche", again composed to showcase Tricky Sam Nanton on flute and Bubber Miley, jazz trumpeter and cornet player (specializing in using the plunger mute):

"The Mooche" was a great example of how Ellington composed his music to showcase the members of his orchestra. It's no wonder as to why Duke Ellington was hailed as one of the greatest figures in jazz music history.
Here's another cover of "The Mooch" by the Royal Crown Revue. Enjoy! :D

88.1FM KKJZ

2010-04-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a jazz radio station, look no further! Cal State University Long Beach broadcasts one of the best jazz stations in southern California on 88.1 FM KKJZ.

KKJZ has been broadcasting since 1981. It's funded by contributions from listener members and other donors, with about 75% of its funding coming from station memberships. KKJZ offers memberships to their listeners which gives insight on local jazz events, discounts at various local businesses and concerts, chances to win tickets, CDs, exclusive invitations to meet jazz artists, and much more.

KKJZ features a jazz musician and their music in their weekly "Jazz Master of the Week." Here listeners can learn all about the featured musician's music, life, and possible upcoming shows. DJs are quite insightful and have a true passion for jazz and blues music. During the broadcasts, listeners can call in and make pledges that help fund the station. Many promotional offers are available for donations as well.

If you're looking for any upcoming jazz shows, KKJZ has great information on upcoming events and jazz festivals. Traditionally, KKJZ has broadcast at the Long Beach Jazz & Blues Festival, as well as the Playboy Jazz Festival. They also highlight smaller festivities such as the Hollywood & Highland Summer Jazz Concert Series, a great summer event for food, wine, and great music!

Make sure to check out their website for updated shows, artist information, and anything about jazz. April is Jazz Appreciation Month. Make sure to contact the station with your comments and questions about jazz, and your emails could be read on air! Once you discover 88.1 FM, KKJZ, you'll be hooked. It's easily my favorite jazz station. Check out the link below to visit their website.

http://www.jazzandblues.org

30th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival

5th Annual Hollywood & Highland Summer Jazz Concert Series

Enjoy the music!

Takin' Five...

Summertime ... And the Livin' is Easy

2010-03-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

A jazz music staple, George Gershwin's Summertime from the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess is one of the most remade songs in music history. There are over 2600 known covers with new renditions being recorded each year. It's believed that Gershwin tried to base Summertime on a Ukrainian lullaby, Oi Khodyt Son Kolo Vikon (A Dream Passes By The Windows). In 1933, He composed to include his own spiritual sound in the style of African American folk music of that period.

Here's a perfect example of how a new sound can totally change a song. This version is done by Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans. In this song, the saxophone is the highlighted instrument, which gives the tune a smooth sound. This version is definitely my favorite, but that's mainly because I am so in love with the sound of the saxophone. Enjoy! :D

March is Women in JAZZ history appreciation month!

2010-03-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I'm way late on the subject, but I figured I had to give these ladies some love. March is the month for women's appreciation, and what better way to appreciate the females than through their beautiful music. As you all know, jazz music has had an array of amazing female innovators, voices, songs, stories, and legacies. Here are just some of those fabulous voices:

Billie Holiday (1915-1959)

Billie Holiday began singing for tips in various Harlem night clubs during the early 1930s. A penniless Holiday moved an audience to tears when she sang "Body and Soul" in a local club. In 1933, she was discovered by John Hammond, who arranged for her debut recording with Benny Goodman that same year. Two years later, Holiday once again recorded with Goodman along with a group led by pianist Teddy Wilson in which they recorded "What A Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Miss Brown To You." These tunes helped launch Billie Holiday as a major female vocalist, and she began recording under her own name in 1936. One her most famous songs, "Strange Fruit", a song based on a poem about lynching, was highly controversial for its time. Unfortunately, Holiday felt that the song's message had been misconstrued; saying that people would always ask her to sing that sexy song about people swinging. "Strange Fruit" still remains one of her most notable tunes. Other Holiday songs: "Your Mother Son In Law," "Riffin' the Scotch," "What A Night, What A Moon, What A Girl," "Fine and Mellow," "God Bless This Child," and "Lady Sings the Blues"

Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996)

Ella Fitzgerald was one of those stellar finds. She loved the works of Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and The Boswell Sisters. Her career began after winning a contest at the Apollo and joining Chick Webb's band. Fitzgerald had several hits with Webb's Orchestra including "Love and Kisses" and "If You Can Sing It, You'll Have To Swing It." But in 1938, she became widely known across the music scene after the recording of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." From there, Fitzgerald started performing solo and then became big during the big band and swing eras. But probably the one thing most notable thing about Ella Fitzgerald was her invention of scat singing. She developed this style of singing while working with Dizzy Gillespie's band, and she had said that she tried to do with her voice what she heard the horns in the band doing. Little did she know, this improvised way of singing would make her one of the most influential singers in jazz music history. Some of her works would include "Flying Home," "How High the Moon," "That Old Black Magic."

Sarah Vaughan (1924-1990)

Sarah Vaughan, also known as "The Divine One," began her career very similar to Ella Fitzgerald. She won a talent contest at the Apollo just like Fitzgerald did. Shortly after her Apollo performance, band leader and pianist Earl Hines and singer Billy Eckstine had been credited for discovering Vaughan. In April of 1943, Vaughan became Hines' leading female singer. During her time with the Earl Hines band, Vaughan worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Bennie Green. After some time with Hines, Vaughan started her solo career in 1945. Like Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan could move swiftly from pop songs to jazz show tunes. Some of her work includes "Black Coffee," "All Or Nothing At All," and "My Funny Valentine."

Obviously, these are only some incredible women that touched that jazz scene. I'll try to put some others up to continue the celebration of women in jazz. Until then, enjoy the fabulous women!

Takin' Five...

Brubeck vs. Jones??? Drums vs. Sax???

2010-03-28T02:44:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite songs is Take Five. Which version? Heck, I've got the ear that wanders its way to the saxophone...but the original by Dave Brubeck puts up a mean fight.

Written by Paul Desmond and played by The Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1959 on their Time Out album, Take Five is famous for its catchy saxophone melody and use of the quintuple (5/4) time (or more correctly 3+2/4), which was an irregular meter. This meter is what helped the group decide on the track's name. It's been said by some jazz experts that Take Five was originally written for a drums solo. Below is a video of The Dave Brubeck Quartet, and you can really see/hear the mastery of Joe Morello on the drums.

As mentioned, Take Five has been made over countless times. Everyone from Chet Atkins to George Benson to Grover Washington Jr. and even The Specials remade this classic tune. For me, my favorite cover has got to be Quincy Jone's 1983 rendition. Jones heavily emphasized the sound of the saxophone (such a beautiful thing) and gave Take Five such a smooth sound.

These are just two examples of how different a song can sound. You take a melody, add a twist, emphasize something different, and you get magic all over again! I personally enjoy both versions. I think the originality of Desmond's and Brubeck's version is timeless and unique, while Jones' version is sleek and suave. You be the judge and decide which one catches your attention. This last video is really cool. It's a mix or "mash up" of Radiohead's 15 Steps to the background music of Take Five. Enjoy!!!!! :D

Takin' Five...

That Krazy Kat...King Louis

2010-03-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Louis Prima. What can you say? The man who gave swing a vibrant energy, Prima was quite the talented trumpet player who was influenced by Louis Armstrong and the rich heritage of his hometown of New Orleans. He was best known for his performances with singer Keely Smith, and for his Las Vegas nightclub show during the 1950's. Prima's unique, rambunctious on stage persona put his band in high demand among some of entertainment's finest. The Brat Pack were known to frequent Prima's show once they had completed their nightly acts.

In 1967, Prima signed on to voice the character of King Louis in Disney's Jungle Book, which he performed the hit song "I Wanna Be Like You" on the soundtrack. King Louis was considered to be an exact portrayal of Prima's personality.

Some of Louis Prima's most famous songs:

Angelina
Buona Sera
Jump Jive An 'Wail
Just A Gigolo
That Old Black Magic - Won Grammy in 1958 for this rendition with Keely Smith
Sing Sing Sing
Oh Marie
Night Train
The Lip
I've Got the World on a String

Prima will always be remembered for his energy while performing. His crazed antics, charming personality, and talented trumpet playing are what truly make him that krazy kat... King Louis. Enjoy!

Jazz at Newport

2010-03-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...spring time!!! What better way to enjoy the season than outdoors, relishing in some amazing jazz! There are several jazz festivals on the horizon that I am pretty excited about. Here, I'll be talking about some upcoming events and where to find them. So here it goes!

Hyatt Newport Jazz Festival - May 14th, 15th, and 16th
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Southern CA's most famous Smooth Jazz Festival returns to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach on May 14th, 15th, and 16th 2010. Come and enjoy three days of world class performances by 25 top jazz artists. Tickets are on sale now!

Expected line up:

Friday, May 14th
Summer Jazz Amphitheater:

Gentlemen of the Night
Marion Meadows
Paul Taylor
Michael Lington

Saturday, May 15th
Golf Course and Festival Grounds:

Boney James
Brian Culbertson

RnR
Rick Braun
Richard Elliot

Bobby Caldwell
Eric Darius

Lawn Stage Performers:

Ronnie's Band
Otis Day and the Knights

Sunday, May 16th
Golf Course and Festival Grounds:

Dave Koz

Guitars & Sax
Peter White
Gerald Albright
Kirk Whalum
Jeff Golub

Spyro Gyra
Euge Groove
Trombone Shorty

Lawn Stage Performers:

DW3
Randy Jacobs

For more information, check out the link below.

http://www.summerjazzseries.com/festival.php

Defining Jazz - Decades and Decades of Styles

2010-03-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Jazz music is difficult to define by one sound or one identity. Throughout time, jazz has evolved significantly into specific styles, sounds, and techniques. A misconception about jazz is that it all sounds the same. Oh how wrong this misconception is. Jazz has many sounds that have resulted in several distinctive styles. Keep in mind that not all styles are for everyone as they all are not alike. In order for one to understand and appreciate jazz they must do one thing... listen. Finding the specific style of jazz that suits your interests most is the true key to appreciating and understanding such a unique genre. Here are just some jazz styles and examples to help illustrate their notable differences.

Ragtime - Often referred to as the founding form of jazz, ragtime originated in the southern United States during the late 1800s. Ragtime consists of vibrant rhythms associated with African dance. It was primarily composed for the piano.

Dixieland - "New Orleans Jazz" - This style of jazz is an integration of blues, ragtime, and brass instruments. Most common instruments played in Dixieland jazz include a trumpet-cornet, clarinet, trombone, and, sometimes, the saxophone. In the rhythm section, instruments could include a banjo, piano, drums, string bass, or tuba.

Original Dixieland Jazz Band - Jazz Me Blues (1921)

Big Band - Following the dixieland era, big band became really popular in the 1920s. Big band jazz was performed by an ensemble of at least 10 or more instruments ranging from saxophones, trumpets, piano, drums, guitar, and bass. All these instruments combined created a very high energy sound, known as swing, that was very popular to dance to.

Count Basie Orchestra

Bebop - Following the popularity of big band, bebop was a very different style of jazz. Bebop consisted of a small group of musicians (usually between 4-6). It had very complex melodies and chord progressions that were difficult to dance to. This style also gave birth to what we know as "scat" singing.

Dizzy Gillespie & Charlie Parker - Ko Ko

Cool - Cool jazz evolved from the bop styles in the late 1940s and 1950s. Cool jazz had a smoother mixture of bop and swing tones. Cool jazz is also known as "West Coast Jazz" because of the many innovations coming from Los Angeles. By the end of the 1950s, cool jazz spread nation wide with significant contributions from east coast musicians.

Miles Davis - Birth of the Cool

Modal - Modal jazz is based on individual scales or modes rather than keys. With modal jazz, there are fewer chord changes, which allows more time and freedom for melodic improvisation.

Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader

Because jazz is so diverse, there are countless styles. These are just some that greatly demonstrate the sound and help to give a better understanding of jazz music to those who are just starting out with their discovery. Happy listening!

Takin' Five...

Illinois Jacquet on Prestige!

2010-03-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite saxophonists is Illinois Jacquet. A tenor sax player, Jacquet was best known for his solo in "Flying Home", which was recognized as the first R&B sax solo. Not only was he a pioneer of the "honking" tenor sound that became a regular feature of sax playing and a hallmark of rock and roll, he was also a skilled and melodic improviser, both on up tempo tunes and ballads. Illinois Jacquet is considered to be one of the most influential tenor saxophonists in jazz music history.

Flying Home

I Don't Stand A Ghost of A Chance With You

Jacquet's solos of the early and mid 1940s and performances at the Jazz Philharmonic concert series greatly influenced rhythm and blues, the rock and roll saxophone sound, and continue to be heard throughout the jazz scene.

Kind Of Blue - Top 25 Most Influential Albums of All Time

2010-03-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Kind of Blue... what can I say? Easily considered one of the most influential albums to music, Kind of Blue is an ingenious collaboration of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. This album is not only considered to be one of Davis' best selling records but also the best selling jazz record of all time. In 2008, Columbia Legacy Records released the 50th anniversary edition of this jazz masterpiece.

Clearly, I'm quite a huge fan of Kind of Blue. It was the very first jazz album I bought, and I literally played it everyday for nearly a year straight. So, yes, I'm a little bias. Below is a link to So What, my favorite song. Enjoy!

Jazzin' Around!

2010-03-13T19:46:00.000-08:00

CALLING ALL JAZZ FANS!!!!

Welcome to my jazz blog!Jazz music is a true passion of mine that was so graciously taught to me by some AMAZING musicians. Luckily, jazz was an accidental discovery of mine. When I say accidental, I mean I originally took a jazz history course in school in search of what I called "lounge" music (ex. Peggy Lee's Fever) but instead stumbled upon one of the most diverse, creative, and captivating genres of music. Needless to say, finding and learning about jazz has truly given me a greater appreciation for music and its creation.

Here I'll be sharing videos, songs, pictures, artist info, suggestions, and, hopefully, personal jazz concert experiences! Please bear in mind that I don't necessarily understand the technical structure of music (note combination, chord progressions, etc.), but I do know what I like and what sounds good.

With jazz being a beautiful combination of blues, improvisation, polyrhythms, and syncopation, there's a sound and style of jazz for everyone's taste. Take the time to discover which style is for you and enjoy what this blog is all about... jazz. Feel free to comment!

Takin' Five...