OT: Jazz Fans

[Jacque O]

KValley and SandyM are jazz fans, I know. Any more of you? St. Louis has really pumped up its efforts to bring bigger and better jazz concerts to the city. Last weekend was the biggest effort yet with a Jazz Festival (although very tiny compared to many other cities). I had the fun of being the escort to Julian Lage and Martin Taylor for their guitar performance. For those of you who are not familiar with Julian, he's a thirteen year old prodigy and VERY worth watching. He did some killer things on the guitar. Several other wonderful performances, my favorites of which were by Terence Blanchard, Regina Carter and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

What's new in the jazz world in your neck of the woods?

Jacque O.

[LGBurns]

I love jazz! My husband is a guitarist and is studying jazz guitar right now (he plays guitar in a rock band but played bass in a jazz combo in college). Living in Chicago, I have the opportunity to see live jazz a lot but unfortunately we hardly ever go because of our hectic schedules. One Chicago artist I love whose been getting a lot of national attention lately is Patricia Barber.

[kwormann]

We LOVE Jazz! Scott is a drummer and pianist and writes fab jaz music! Its wonderful to cook and eat to!

[CathyPA]

Jazz really intrigues me. Must say that I'm very uninformed about many aspects/types of jazz, but have had fun "trying out" different artists. Any recommendations for a very novice listener to learn about the topic? Seem to like things that are "swing" based or bluesy.

Listened just yesterday to one of the public radio stations out of Philadelphia that plays jazz programs on Sundays. Very much enjoyed two of their programs, one about Cannonball Adderley and his brother Julian, the other was hosted by Marian McPartland. Wish my friends liked jazz since I would really like to go to a club, but would never be comfortable going alone. I seem to be the only one in the family, my DH is strictly "oldies".

Cathy

[KValley]

Cathy- there are so many different genres of jazz- classic, which would include big band, swing, be-bop and West Coast jazz (e.g. Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Stan Getz), contemporary (Kenny G., John Scofield, Spyro Gyra, Pat Metheny), traditional vocal jazz (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Harry Connick, Eliane Elias), Latin (Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Buena Vista Social Club, Joao Gilberto). These are certainly not discrete categories, as there is overlap throughout.

If you like swing/blues, you might want to check out some of the discs from Ken Burns recent documentary, "Jazz"- there are separate compilation discs on a multitude of classic artists- try Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sarah Vaughn. I know very very little about the blues, butI love BB King, Etta James, Nina Simone, Muddy Waters.

Philly must have some excellent jazz music stores- tell them what you like and they will have more suggestions than you could listen to in a lifetime!

If you find particular artists that you like from classic, traditional genres or Latin , I'd be happy to suggest some CDs to try- these are my favorite flavors of jazz!

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 06-25-2001).]

[SandyM]

I've only liked jazz for the last 10 years or so, and while I don't listen to anything exclusively, this is what I listen to the most.

I saw a video on VH1 of Pat Metheny doing "Slip Away", and it blew me away. That was my first introduction to jazz. Fortunately my DH and I generally share the same taste in music (although I like some country and he won't listen to it at all).

Only recently was I introduced to "classic" jazz - John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Wes Montgomery - and this has expanded my love of the style even more. I agree with KValley - Ken Burns' collection is a good way to get introduced to the genre.

One of my favorite things to do in the summer is see jazz shows in outdoor theaters. Pat Metheny (my favorite) usually makes 1-2 stops in Detroit, but he's not touring this summer.

I personally dislike Kenny G's music. I think it's probably due to his serious overplay on top 40 radio stations, but I was also extremely disappointed in his overdubbing of "What a Wonderful World" with Louis Armstrong. It makes me cringe.

Personal opinion stated above - everyone is different, and has different likes.

[Jacque O]

SandyM, I'm with you on Kenny G. I confess that I feel similarly about David Sanborn who was the headliner at the Jazz Festival last weekend. And I think my reasons why are similar. I think he's a very talented sax player but I'm disappointed to perceive that his music tends to sound more like pop than anything.

LGBurns, I'm incredibly jealous of your proximity to a lot of jazz opportunities. I know a number of St. Louis jazz fans who trip to Chicago on a regular basis to get their jazz fixes!

Jacque O

[KValley]

Despite Kenny G's status here as a homegrown success, I can't stand his music- to me it's MUZAK jazz. And he DID NOT invent circular breathing, as he contends. But he has served to introduce people to jazz who might not have otherwise shown interest, so I'll allow him his sticky-sweet style... (think I have strong feelings about this http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif?)

My little hometown is holding its 4th Annual jazz festival at the end of July- I am so proud!! Jazz in the Valley here in Ellensburg, WA, July 27-29. It will be hot and dry- gorgeous. Three days of all different types of jazz from Northwest artists- from Dixieland to big band to small combo. If any Northwest jazz fans are reading this, come over and join the fun. Wine tastings, lectures, are also on the bill.

[KellyD]

DH & I listen to a LOT of jazz all year round, but one thing we look forward to every summer is the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. IT's over Father's Day weekend and even though we've moved from SoCal to Houston, we fly back every year with our coolers in tow! It is the perfect combination of food and jazz because you can bring in all your own food and beverages. We cook for 2 days at a friend's house, pack it all up in coolers and head to the Bowl for 2 days of great music. You also meet some of the most fabulous people - and share food!

[AD]

I only like contemporary instrumental jazz. Is anyone familiar with Russ Freeman or the Rippingtons? They are my top favorite in jazz. I like some of Pat Metheny's upbeat tunes ("Facing West" is my favorite.) Dave Grusin's theme from "St. Elsewhere" has been a favorite since I was six years old. I also like David Foster's "Theme from St. Elmo's Fire." Some of Kenny G's music is great and some is lousy. His "Summer Song" and "A Year Ago" are my favorites. I don't like any of his newer music.

As a separate hobby, I collect and organize the background music used on the Weather Channel local forecasts which is where I was introduced to this style of music.

[SandyM]

Originally posted by KValley:
Despite Kenny G's status here as a homegrown success, I can't stand his music- to me it's MUZAK jazz. And he DID NOT invent circular breathing, as he contends. But he has served to introduce people to jazz who might not have otherwise shown interest, so I'll allow him his sticky-sweet style... (think I have strong feelings about this http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif?)

I restrained myself for fear of offending anyone (it's the Libra in me), but I'm with ya. If he brings you to jazz, that's fabulous. But there's so much more out there.

KellyD - how lucky for you! That sounds just amazing!!!

I've considered making the trip to the New Orleans Jazz Fest, knowing full well that it isn't just jazz, but it seems a bit overwhelming.....

[Jacque O]

SandyM- If you're thinking about going to New Orleans for next year's Jazz Festival, think seriously now. I'm sure people would have suggestions on how to be creative with lodging difficulties if you decide to wait, but many of the hotels, etc. book about a year in advance.

[Jacque O]

[Never mind. Accidental double post.]

[This message has been edited by Jacque O (edited 06-26-2001).]

[SandyM]

Originally posted by AD:
I only like contemporary instrumental jazz. Is anyone familiar with Russ Freeman or the Rippingtons? They are my top favorite in jazz. I like some of Pat Metheny's upbeat tunes ("Facing West" is my favorite

Hi AD - My DH and I really enjoy the Rippingtons also. I prefer their older stuff (albums like Curves Ahead, Welcome to the St. James Club, Weekend in Monaco). Jeff Kashiwa is an incredible sax player (for those of you looking for a Kenny G alternative). (He used to play with the Rippingtons, but has since gone solo.) We've seen them in concert a few times.

Bob James is an awesome pianist (he did the theme from Taxi). He also plays with Foreplay, but I liked Foreplay better with Lee Ritenour. He has moved on, and Larry Carlton replaced him.

[KValley]

Originally posted by SandyM:
I restrained myself for fear of offending anyone (it's the Libra in me), but I'm with ya. If he brings you to jazz, that's fabulous. But there's so much more out there.


I did come off too strongly- my apologies for offending anyone- (the opinionated Virgo in me http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif)- when it comes to coffee, wine, jazz, and tennis shoes I get very passionate. Otherwise I am as laid back as they come! SO, knock me over the head and stick up for what you like!

and browneye- I know you are a jazz fan, so if you read this, you won't tell anyone you saw me drinking Almaden box wine over the weekend, will you? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Julie

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 06-26-2001).]

[Mandy]

KValley-

My husband and I watched and and recorded all of Ken Burns "JAZZ". The only thing that we were disappointed with was how little he included Charles Mingus. He only got about two minutes in the entire thing.

My husband has a very extensive Jazz collection, and has a very good knowledge of Jazz history. So I'm slowly learning!

[SusanMac]

Definitely a lot of jazz fans on this BB. I love several different kinds of jazz. DH isn't a big jazz fan. We both discovered flamenco music lately and both love it. So, now I listen to that more often than my FattBurger or Matheny CDs, but figure it's a good compromise.

In Madison, blues is big for live music. Hopefully, I get get DH interested in that, as there are several good bars around that feature live blues music. Wish me luck!

[aggie94]

Originally posted by KValley:
when it comes to coffee, wine, jazz, and tennis shoes I get very passionate.

I don't know much about jazz, but I was following this thread and just wanted to hear more about Julie's passion about tennis shoes. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[KValley]

Originally posted by aggie94:
I don't know much about jazz, but I was following this thread and just wanted to hear more about Julie's passion about tennis shoes. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

New Balance all the way, baby! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif It's just my feet, they won't allow me to wear anything else. Besides, did you know they are the only athletic shoe still made exclusively in the US of all US-made parts? Is that relevant? I certainly can't say this about any of the other clothing I wear- I must have a virtual world atlas in my closet...I'm rambling- it's time for lunch...

[Michael Smith]

CathyPA, in Philly there are many choices. The premiere jazz/blues spots in town are ORTLIEB'S JAZZHAUS
ZANZIBAR BLUE
WARMDADDY'S
They all offer great bands at premium covers. However there are a number of restaurants offering lesser known/local groups for free. Check out the CityPaper or PhiladelphiaWeekly for listings. I was going to offer to go on an outing with you to check out the jazz scene, but don't know how your DH would feel about you being escorted by a single guy who likes jazz. Oh well, check out the above references and have some fun! Keep us posted.

Michael

[MaryH]

SandyM,

definitely, definitely go to NO if you get the chance!! There are at least six stages and just about any kind of music you can think of. Beware, however, that in the jazz tent they take their music very seriously and people wait hours and hours in seats near the front to see the headline act. Now for a completely different feel, go to the gospel tent where there will be people dancing in the aisles. (or you can go to the bluegrass/folk stage and dance outside - hopefully not in the mud and rain, it's been known to happen!) And don't even get me started on the food. My only suggestion is to try to go the first weekend (Jazzfest is always the last weekend in April, first weekend in May) because there are slightly fewer people (but it does depend on who's headlining.)

Having said all that if San Diego is more your type of weather, there is Street Scene every September and it is modeled after NO. (Major difference is weather, and fact that it is downtown on asphalt, not on grass. Oh yeah, and all those pesky CA. restrictions about where you can drink alcohol.) Again a lot of different music and good food.

KValley, another NB fan here. Now if I can just keep finding my 762's (just when I find one I like, they'll discontinue it.)
:D

[lorilei]

One more fan of jazz here... though I'm not going to proport to being an expert by any means. I'll listen to almost anything (minus Kenny G and Dixieland). My husband played in a number of ensembles during college and really got me interested in some of the newer "fusion" styles as well as the more classic jazz. I'm also a huge vocal jazz fan -- everything from billie holiday to john pizzarelli to etta james...

Hey -- what do you guys think of Nora Jones? She's getting an awful lot of press lately... both in the pop and jazz worlds. She was featured recently in JAZZIZ magazine, and has been all OVER the radio.

[pbchipses]

I love jazz, but I mainly just listen to it on the radio and on whatever few CDs I have.

Lorilei- I wanted to add that I got a chance to see John Pizzarelli when he was in Dallas at the end of June. I loved it!!!

[Curleytop]

Love Jazz! Download lots of good stuff off the web!

[nlh]

Don't forget Latin Jazz! I'm a huge fan of the Mambo Kings, all the Buena Vista Social Club---Ruben Gonzalez, Ibrahim Ferrar, Compay Segundo, etc. Tito Puente is also fabulous! When we were in Italy we heard the Gypsy Kings being played in Venice!

I also love old jazz from the 40's-50's like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, and the big band sound. I like the bluesy dark intimate bar sounds. And I also like the Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra kind of sound.

I really don't know much about the technical aspect of what I'm hearing but I do know I really like the older sound instead of the contemporary sound. Much more soul, I guess.

Anyone care for the blues? We have a local guy who sounds just like Stevie Ray Vaughn. Little Dave and the Howlin' Blues Band.

We have a VERY eclectic music collection---Nirvana to Frank Sinatra with stops at country and folk music, jazz, hip hop, blues, latin jazz, etc. There's something to hear for every mood.

[shaunasf]

Speaking of jazz, tonight I'm going to the opening night of the North Beach Jazz Festival in San Francisco. There are 30 bands at 30 locations all along Grant Street and the best part is, it's free. I've never been before, but it sounds like a lot of fun and a good opportunity to hear several different styles of music.

[SusieO]

Originally posted by SandyM



I've considered making the trip to the New Orleans Jazz Fest, knowing full well that it isn't just jazz, but it seems a bit overwhelming.....

Why don't you try to go on a Thursday or Friday? You might miss out on big name performers, but you'd also encounter smaller crowds. It is a great festival. Personally, I could spend the entire day in the Gospel Tent.

[JaneStarr]

I'm not really a huge jazz fan, but my husband just loves it. He particularly likes John Pizzarelli, Diana Krall and Nora Jones.

We saw Diana at the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport last summer and she was excellent (in spite of just having had some wisdom teeth out and a band member who arrived 15 minutes into the concert.

We've seen John P. many times in NY, MA and CT. He was the guest performer with the Hartford Symphony Gershwin tribute. It was a lot of fun since it was outside in a big park in Simsbury, CT. We've also seen him at the Algonquin in NYC and at Tangelwood.

Any suggestions as to other artists my husband might like; I'm always looking for gift ideas.

Jane

[lorilei]

Jane - If your husband really likes that style of vocal jazz, he'd probably also like *bLEEp* (edited). She sounds like a seasoned artist, but is really quite young. And she sings similar tunes.

Scratch that -- it's not Etta James, the blues singer. Etta James, as Sandy reminded me, is no longer with us. Apparently my sleep deprivation is affecting my thought processes...

I'll report back when I think of the name of the woman I'm REALLY thinking of.

[SandyM]

Is it Nina Simone, perhaps? :)

Have a good night, Lori.

[VictoriaL]

I just started listening to jazz a few years ago. DH still calls it "old people's music", but had become more tolerant about it :rolleyes: I love it!
Over the Fourth weekend a man visiting our neighbors, who all came over for drinks before the fireworks, mentioned that he liked jazz. I agreed with him and we started talking about it, then he told me that he works at the Kennedy Center in DC and has personally met all of these great jazz artists, most recently Diana Krall who did an impromptu duet (on separate pianos) with Stevie Wonder for a small group of people who just happened to be in the room. Wow. Then he asked me who my favorite jazz player/singer was, and I completely went blank!!! I guess the visions of all of these wonderful jazz artists, whose names he dropped ever so casually, flustered me. Of course, as in practically every situation of this kind, the day later I thought of a list that I could have recited to him.... :o

[VictoriaL]

Originally posted by SandyM
He also plays with Foreplay, but I liked Foreplay better with Lee Ritenour.

(Whoops, forgot to add this)

Sandy, it's Fourplay ... a little midday dreaming, perhaps???:D :D :D

[MaryH]

SusieO,

I'm with you about the gospel tent. In my personal humble opinion (guess that would be IMPHO) I do not trust anyone who can sit in there and not move. (If you're not at least tapping your feet, you're way too uptight. :D :D :cool: )

[SandyM]

Originally posted by VictoriaL
Sandy, it's Fourplay ... a little midday dreaming, perhaps???:D :D :D

Have mercy........:eek: :eek: :o :o :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[jena_lockwood]

Originally posted by lorilei
Etta James, as Sandy reminded me, is no longer with us.

Did I miss something? Some friends of mine have tickets to her show this weekend.

-jena

[Canice]

(Did this thread magically reappear after a year??)

Yup, another jazz fan here! Been to some great performances at the SF Jazz Festival www.sfjazz.org but have to confess that most of the artists I'd REALLY love to see are gone.
Fortunatley, we do have great jazz on the radio, the country's only 24-hour commercial-free jazz station. They have an incredible library, very knowledgable hosts (including Clifford Brown, Jr.) and great programming, from quieter Charlie Haden -type music from 6-9, NPR jazz programs, and Sundays are Latin Jazz from 2-6. It's great, too, because they don't have playlists. You can listen online at www.kcsm.org ...
PS: Etta Jones passed away, Etta James is still singing!

[KValley]

Originally posted by jena_lockwood


Did I miss something? Some friends of mine have tickets to her show this weekend.

-jena

Hee Hee!

Although she's lived hard, unless she JUST died Etta is indeed alive and well- she just released a live album in May (Burnin' Down the House- I can only hope it's NOT a tribute to the Talking Heads :p)

LOVE the Norah Jones album- I've already raved about it on an Other Stuff thread (am I the only one who feels guilty for responding to this thread seeing as it's on the Great Food board? I'm so anal about these things... :rolleyes: )

Lori Sarah Vaughn, perhaps? Lena Horne? Abbey Lincoln? Did you mention Billie?

Any other Cassandra Wilson fans out there? Her latest "Belly of the Sun" is another gorgeous one. Not my favorite- that's reserved for "New Moon Daughter" She has the most incredible phrasing and original arrangements- taking classics and making them completely her own. And that voice- the most soulful this side of Nina Simone.

My preferences are 1930-early 1960's vocal and small combo jazz: e.g. Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Coleman Hawkins; contemporary vocal jazz e.g. Diana Krall, Mark Murphy, Cassandra Wilson, Al Jarreau, Will Downing; some smooth jazz (thanks to SandyM, my knowledge and collection of smooth jazz grows): Acoustic Alchemy, Rick Braun, Rick Freeman. Latin- all kinds, but Cuban son and Brazilian samba are favorites. I love hearing/seeing big band jazz live, but it's a little too busy for me to listen to at home, though I have some classics- Ellington in particular-that I can jam to should the mood strike.

Ooh- I love jazz!!!

[MaryH]

Big Cassandra Wilson fan here. Have seen her live both in NO (at JazzFest) and in San Diego. Gives an even better live performance!! Personally my favorite album is "Blue Light till Dawn".

And Canice, it was me who made it magically reappear this morning. Did not realize until after I posted that it was over a year old. (was searching for something else and came across it.) Would also give my vote to SFJazz (although I haven't made it there yet.)

P.S. Canice thank you so much for the link!!!!!!!! I always tune it in when I'm in the Bay Area but can't get it here on regular radio. Do you know if Sacramento's jazz station (Capitol Jazz I think) has a link??