Benny Golson, the legendary saxophonist who was supposed to play two shows at this year’s 50th Berlin Jazzfest, is ill. He will be replaced by Archie Shepp: the important Avantgarde saxophonist will play the festival for the fifth time after his performances in 1967, 1983, 1995 and 2012. He’ll be at the Haus der Berliner…
When I found out that Carmen Lundy would be on a European tour, I knew that I had to see her somehow somewhere. As there were no German tour dates on the itinerary, my first thought was to fly to Paris to check her out at Duc des Lombards. It didn’t work out so Vienna…
I’m traveling to Vienna today to see two of my favorite musicians. Carmen Lundy is currently on a mini European tour to present her brilliant new album “Soul To Soul”. Accompanying her on the record and on the tour is pianist Patrice Rushen. Also on stage tonight: bassist Darryl Hall and drummer Jamison Ross. Carmen…
Bebel Gilberto has released her fifth album in 14 years. The Brazilian singer, daughter of Bossa Nova great Joao Gilberto and singer Miúcha, has created another one of her signature Bossa Electric Lounge albums, but doesn’t come near the immensely popular and sophisticated “Tanto Tempo”, her first solo album in 2000 which was one of…
Freda Payne is probably best known for her huge hit “Band Of Gold” which came out in 1970. Her sister Scherrie was a one-time Supreme member. She did a lot of musical and film work, but her love for Jazz has been present more or less all the time. She released a couple of albums…
We went on a three-hour walk with Gina last night through the illuminated city. It was the final night of Berlin’s now very popular annual Festival of Lights. Gina was one of the stars with her red, twinkling collar and the eerie shining eyes……
This mini festival is taking place each October in the Ministergärten, where each German Bundesland has its representation. And each year they open up their houses to the public and offer typical culinary delights from each part of the country, but more important of course, they present live Jazz. I started my tour in the…
He formed the Manhattan Transfer back in 1969 and after several personnel changes, the group which toured the world over and recorded numerous classic albums, with Janis Siegel, Cheryl Bentyne, and Alan Paul, had been together since 1978. With the untimely death of this great musician and singer, you might as well say that an…
The trumpeter from Texas is 45 today. Hargrove was just 21 years old at the recording of his second album “Public Eye”, which was recorded in New York’s Clinton Recording Studios. He had much support from another trumpet master, Wynton Marsalis, and recorded this album with a very young group of musicians who all have…
I think we have to thank Donald Byrd, the trumpet master, for encouraging the young Otis Brown III to pursue a career in playing music instead of music education. And sax ace Joe Lovano for taking him out on tour with his band. Finally, here’s his debut album on Blue Note which, thank heaven, is…