Bruce Menefield - shaping lives through music

Bruce Menefield is more than an extraordinary Saxophonist - he's an ambassador for the enrichment of music education for our youth. He is the President and CEO of Omni Works Music, a non-profit organization that provides programs demonstrating the expression and creativity of Jazz music to young people. Bruce is a Humanitarian - pulling together some of the city's most talented musicians to hold the "Help them to Sing Again" benefit for the Haitian children displaced from the earthquake last January.

Bruce has played professionally for over 35 years, collaborating with some of the best artists in the industry, and performed in countless venues. Bruce operates on another stratosphere that extends beyond performing music. He navigates his abilities for enriching lives, guidance, and love. The community sees this, and is very grateful for his work. This is why Bruce Menefield is this month's Featured Artist.To learn more about Bruce Menefield, including scheduled shows, visit his website or his facebook page.

- jh

The Winter Blahs

Shortly after the month of January, the "newness" of the new year wears thin. The bleak, cold, and overcast days of winter begins to take its toll on weary cabin-fevered people; as they dream of sunshine, warmth, and cargo shorts (and for me, my scooter). This is traditionally known as "The Stretch of Winter" - that time when everyone's tolerance, moods, and patience is put to the test. As we draw closer to that spring finish line, it actually appears further and further. Some of us have "vices" to get us by: The Superbowl, College basketball, Xbox, the list goes on.

The first two months of the year has already given us the one-two punch of frigid temperatures in January, and a major dumping of snow in February. But fret not, for it's now March, and the first day of spring is within our grasp. Very soon, clocks will move forward one hour, the Reds will begin training, we'll start filling our NCAA brackets, and colouring our easter eggs. To prepare, I recommend shaking off that cabin fever and step out of the house to see some of the many scheduled jazz events this month. It is only fitting that Mr. Larry Kinley starts us off with his quintet at the Fairfield Community Arts Center on March 5th.

And while my next statement to you may be premature, it is in fact imminent: Welcome to Spring; and Congratulations on surviving Winter.

- jh

(the aforementioned is the Editor's note in the Spring edition of the Inner Circle, the official newsletter of The Jazz Half).

The voice of Annie Sellick... soon to thaw out the Tri-State

Nashville Jazz Vocalist Annie Sellick has it all figured out.

You can hear it in her voice, as it struts through tunes with the assurance of a flight pilot. You can also see it in her physical demeanor with the artwork of her past 4 CD's. On March 27th & 28th, the Queen City will see this confidence live at the Blue Wisp.

The level of self-assurance on Annie's 5th CD, "Street of Dreams" (Chalice Music) is no different, and this is proven as it continues to move up the Jazz Week and CMJ charts, (#36 & #14, respectively). Her vocal depth and experience is extraordinary, as she's worked with Bela Fleck, Joey DeFrancesco, and John DiMartino, among many others. Annie's had repeated performances in Jazz Festivals from Montreal, to Newport Beach, to Vail, and more.

Annie also conducts vocal workshops, helping others maximize their singing abilities and realize thetrue potential in their voices. Her students are very fortunate to have guidance from someone with such knowledge of the vocal art, as well as an extensive touring and performing background.

Annie Sellick will be in Cincinnati for two shows, March 27th & 28th; both at 8:30pm at the Blue Wisp, 318 East 8th Street, Cincinnat, OH 45202; phone 513-241-9477. Performing with Annie will be the trio of Rob Allgeyer on Piano, Elisa Pruitt on Bass, and Justin Varnes on Drums. Admission is $15.

We'll see more of the sun shining in late March, and on the 27th & 28th, there no better way to welcome it than with the bright voice of Annie Sellick.

To learn more about Ms. Sellick, visit http://www.anniesellick.com/.

- jh

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