Cincinnati Jazz responds to those in need in Haiti

On January 12th, massive devastation occurred as a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti’s capital Port Au Prince. Hundreds of thousands of lives were lost. Victims have become homeless and need medical care. Resources such as fresh water, food, and shelter have become close to non-existent. The risk of widespread disease increases with each passing day.

When a natural disaster occurs in any given place in the world (or any disaster for that matter), it’s more than just an issue for that country, it becomes a global issue – everyone on this planet is affected, and there’s a moral obligation to respond by any means, and in any capacity necessary.

In the wake of the Haiti devastation, the spirit of humanity has shined though. It continues to shine through. Doctors from the U.S. and other countries have flown there to assist in treating injured victims. More than 40 charities have collected more than a half a billion dollars in aid. Volunteers offer their time to rescue those caught under building structures, and facilitate incoming resources like food, water, clothing and more.

Natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti, the tsunami in India, and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans serve as resounding reminders that we, as humans, all exist on ONE LEVEL PLANE. Financial or socio-economic status means nothing when the survival of our species is in jeopardy. Many celebrities such as professional athletes, actors & actresses have leveraged their talents and means to contribute to the efforts of restoring Haiti and helping those in need.

Throughout the United States, this effort has reached the local level in many cities and towns. Cincinnati is among those cities with Jazz Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, President and Founder of Omni Works Music.

On Monday, January 15th, Omni Works Music presents “Help them to Sing Again”, a jazz jam fundraiser for the children of Haiti. This event features the best of Cincinnati Jazz, with Saxophonist Bruce Menefield, Global Jazz vocalist/percussionist Eugene Goss, Trumpeter Mike Wade, Marc Fields, and Ricardo Wilkins. This great lineup gets better, as The CCM Student Jazz Ensemble will also appear as special guests.

Come down to the Blue Wisp on Monday, February 15th. The show starts at 7:00pm, with a suggested donation of $10. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Telephone 513-241-9477.

100% of the proceeds will benefit the Haitian Children, through the Bush-Clinton Foundation.

-jh

The playing style of Christian Howes - no strings attached

The playing style of Christian Howes - no strings attached

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Jazz 101 - Arts & Literature in Jazz

As jazz music evolved during the World War II years, writers and photographers began to embrace jazz as another method of artistic expression. On paper and film, the music appeared oblique and absolute. For people who were interested in jazz but not quite sure how to approach the music, pictures and writings were an encouraging introduction.

Gordon Parks and William Claxton were photographers who appreciated Jazz music so much, they found a way to express it through the lens. Gordon Parks has often acknowledged the influence of jazz on his life. As a Photojournalist for Time Magazine, he's captured iconic photos of Duke Ellington; and his edgy black-and-white photos of Clifford Brown and Ornette Coleman, among others have matched the grittiness of hard bop and free jazz.

William Claxton listened to big band, and in the 1950's, started shooting jazz musicians for album covers. Musicians felt relaxed when working with Claxton, allowing him to capture their inner emotions that now represents youthfulness, and the rebellious spirit of the music. Exhibitions of Claxton's work have been held in London, Paris, Tokyo, and Los Angeles.

Writers like Bill Moody and Geoff Dyer have offered perspective through words. Bill Moody presents a look into the life of Evan Horne, a fictional Jazz clarinetist in novels like "Solo Hand" and "Looking for Chet Baker".

Geoff Dyer is an award-winning writer whose authored a collection of stories called "But Beautiful: A Book About Jazz". The music of Art Pepper, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell, and Thelonious Monk was Goeff's inspiration behind these stories.

Many more photographers and writers have collaborated to produce magnificent picturebooks chronicling the history of jazz. Poets like Langston Hughes have also contributed their art to jazz music. The efforts of these artists interprepations of jazz has also resulted in scores of pricesless documentaries that can be found in public libraries across the country. Cheers!

- jh

Dana Hall's "Into the Light" - A CD Review

After nearly 20-plus years playing as a sideman for musicians like Kenny Barron, Branford Marsalis, and many others, Dana Hall gets his just due with his debut CD, Into The Light, as a bandleader. Debut or not, Hall’s professional and masterful approach to the music is without question, and clearly evident with his jaw-dropping, all-star lineup of Terell Stafford (Trumpet), Tim Warfield, Jr. (Saxes), Bruce Barth (Piano) and Rodney Whitaker (Bass).

Cincinnati is very fortunate to be among the stopping places for Hall to celebrate the release of his CD. The Queen City is certainly in for a treat. Into The Light brings forth a spirited welcome to Hall as a bandleader on CD, but make no mistake – there is nothing “rookie” about this project. Six of the nine tunes are Dana Hall compositions. Into The Light journeys through flavours of Modern Jazz, Soulful Bop, and Rhythmic Swing. In an attempt to avoid “spoiling the surprise” for Jazz enthusiasts, five of the nine tracks are covered in this review. The rest you’ll just have to listen for yourself (ha-ha).

The CD opens with the Herbie Hancock tune, “I Have a Dream”. Dana and Bruce jumps in without haste, in a very moving tempo, which is maintained through Tim’s solo on Sax. The pace slows down for a few ticks as Terell enters his solo on Trumpet, but not a shred of intensity is lost. The “Call & Response” melody between Tim and Terell adds spice to this number. The same can be said with Rodney’s walking bass pattern through Bruce’s keyboard solo.

“Conversation Song” sounds as if it’s just that – a conversation. Tim & Terell exchange dialogue through melody and solos with a socially supportive rhythm section. “Orchids” is a modern and mystical tune that showcases Rodney’s masterful bass work as his solo moves through various ranges and tempos.

The Hall-composed title track “Into The Light” is the fingerprint of the entire CD - Intense, driving, and artistically explosive. Everyone lets loose on this number, while skillfully preserving the core. This keeps the listener engaged, as the core prevents them from becoming lost in the layers of the song. The creativity is really pronounced at the end, as every piece “returns to earth” for a contrasting, yet complimenting wrap.

The quintet closes with “Tin Soldier”, composed by Tim Warfield. This tune opens with a punch; as Dana runs a solo lead-in at the head that includes an exhibition of tom rolls of varying volumes. Tim’s soprano provides a lively head-nodding solo that seamlessly transitions to Terell’s trumpet. Halfway through, Bruce’s piano solo effortlessly pushes the rhythm, followed by Tim and Terell’s return to melody. The last 30 seconds is an all-out party, with playful and expressive banter amongst everyone. Wrapping up the tune in a cheerful, optimistic fashion.

The modern and straight-forward sound of Into The Light is a commanding presence, containing drive and purpose. The quintet is locked into the complexity of their ever-changing rhythm patterns; and Dana does an excellent job maintaining the intensity throughout.

This next comment is nothing more than speculation, but the “light” that Hall may be referring to in the CD name and title track might be that which is created by the energy that travels from the quintet’s instruments to our ears.

Congratulations go to Dana Hall and his Quintet. Mr. Hall's CD Release Party will be held at the Blue Wisp on Jan. 29th & 30th at 8:30pm. Admission is $20.

The Blue Wisp is located at 318 E. 8th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 513.241.9477. For more information, visit thebluewisp.com. Cheers!

- jh

A Celebration of Oscar Treadwell

For many years, jazz radio show host and historian Oscar Treadwell provided insight on jazz and blues to Cincinnati and the world. “O.T.’s” smooth demeanor and fluid delivery of words resonated with all his listeners from his opening greeting to his memorable “Sweet Love” signoff. He not only gave us wonderful jazz & blues music from countless artists, he also educated us, and shared stories making us feel as if we were generously invited into his home for a cup of coffee.

In addition to his many listeners, Oscar was extremely recognized and respected by the musicians of the jazz community. In 1949, Charlie Parker recorded “An Oscar for Treadwell” with Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, and Buddy Rich. The following year, fellow saxophonist Wardell Gray recorded “Treadin’ with Treadwell”. And several years later in 1955, “Oska T” was composed by Thelonious Monk.

For decades, O.T. has graced the airwaves of WNOP (1965), WGUC (1973 to 1995), and WVXU where he hosted “Jazz with O.T.” until retiring in 2001.

Oscar Treadwell passed away in April of 2006, and is still missed to this day. But his legacy lives on, and continues to grow. The Public Library of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati MacDowell Society, and the Blue Wisp have joined to give a very special gift to O.T.

On Friday December 18th, the Blue Wisp will host a CD Release Jazz with O.T./Christmas Party. The party starts at 5:00, and this is The Jazz Half "Event of the Month" for December. Oscar’s Radio Show catalog, available at the Main Library downtown, will receive a brand new cover design, along with a new CD index. This index will improve the ability to access information on the 170-plus musicians he’s featured on his show. A new CD will be released as well - Remembering O.T.: A Celebration of Oscar Treadwell will premier the same day. Produced by The Cincinnati MacDowell Society, this CD will only be available at the Public Library.

Also mark your calendar for Friday, December 12, where a preview of the new CD design will be unveiled on the first floor of the Main Library at noon. Cheers!

- jh

Siriusly Miles

Miles Davis is widely recognized as one of the most innovative and prolific figures in the 20th Century. Extending far beyond the reaches of the already unconventional genre of Jazz, he has boldly pioneered paths, deepening the true essence of the music. Over decades, his music has journeyed through bop, fusion, techno, and many others, all while maintaining the core jazz element. In the countless ensembles he's lead, he is credited for the early careers of many other Jazz icons including Herbie Hancock, Cannonball Adderley, Chick Corea, Jerry Mulligan, John Coltrane, and the list goes on. Ask any Jazz enthusiast and most likely they'll all have "Birth of the Cool", or "Kind of Blue" or "Bitches Brew" within their collection.

Learning the trumpet at 13 then playing professionally (while still attending school) at 16, Miles was equally talented on the flugelhorn, piano, and organ.

If you are one of the many who listen to satellite radio, these facts and more are shared on a 6-day exclusive called "Miles Davis Radio". This will be aired on SiriusXM Channel #72 (the original "Real Jazz" channel) from 3:00pm EST November 20th through November 25th. Hosted by Miles' son Erin Davis, his nephew, drummer Vince Wilburn Jr. and bassist Marcus Miller, hear music from his extensive catalog, along with interviews from former band members and some of the most accomplished and respected figures in the industry. There is a clip from Miles 1989 interview on 60 Minutes, and listen to the premiere of the never before heard recording of his soundtrack for the 1986 film Wise Guys.

Set your Sirius receiver dial to channel 72 and learn about the legend. Hear his music, and the many invaluable stories as told by his colleagues. For more information, visit sirius.com/realjazz . Cheers!

- jh

Jazz and mobile technology

Jazz Tenor great Sonny Rollins has an application for the iPhone that allows you to watch video performances, listen to his music, check his performance schedule, and even purchase tickets. Furthermore, with a simple tap of the ‘Buy’ button, you can purchase and download his music directly from the iTunes store.

Think about that: An American classic and original art form, converging with modern mobile technology. Even better, this mobile technology happens to be the most popular and widely used platform on the planet.

The brilliance of iPods, iPhones, and iTunes is how its embraced by people across generations. Obviously, the younger crowd is always up on the hippest, hottest things with clothes, music, and technology. But with the simplicity of how everything that is ‘i’ works, the element of intimidation is minimized, encouraging older demographics to invest in the easy-to-learn gadgetry.

Another thing to think about: The opportunity for broadening the audience of jazz enthusiasts WORLDWIDE. This really spikes the musician’s sales potential. There are over 35 million iPhone users in the world - how’s that for a customer base?

The point? While traditional methods of promoting music (especially jazz) is proven and still practiced, its high time we embrace and leverage technology to supplement, but not replace our current methods. This requires having an open mind to new things, and a little reading, but it does not require programming, or learning how to program; which is a good thing for us non-coders.

And while Sonny Rollins has opened his mind to technology (and significantly increased his already wide visibility), waving the jazz flag is not restricted to the musicians alone. Jazz enthusiasts have the same opportunity to spread the word. So what do you say? Are you ready to wave the flag?

Cheers!

The Free Sonny Rollins iPhone App can be downloaded at
http://www.tinyurl.com/sonnyrollinsapp