December 16, 2022
jerryjazzmusician.com is a non-commercial website to which you’ll want to subscribe. It’s all things jazz curated by Joe Maita, founder and publisher, in Portland, Oregon in 1997. Music, culture, history, art, poetry, interviews, fiction, Maita shares the best in jazz. It’s as if the best museum, book, magazine and newspaper united to present its worldly view of the subject.
The name came from one of Woody Allen’s stand-up routines from the 1960’s. Called “Unhappy Childhood,” Allen describes traveling the subway to his clarinet lessons dressed as “Jerry Jazz Musician,” his idea of what a jazz musician looked like. That might have included a beret, black turtleneck sweater and maybe a beard, if he’d been able to grow one at the age of 15, when he began his lessons. Maybe this was Allen’s first acting role that mattered. Joe Maita doesn’t need to act; his fascination with everything jazz is real and natural and you’ll see it when you visit his website.
The winter 22/23 issue is another sweet poetry collection, which includes a new poem of mine, “And In Vibraphone News…” Different than my previous poetry, this one builds with album titles, not song titles. They’re in italics for easy identification. Here’s the link.
https://jerryjazzmusician.com/a-collection-of-jazz-poetry-fall-winter-2022-23
My lighthearted poetry has to stand on tiptoe trying to reach the height of insightful odes by true poets, to the giants of jazz like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and many worthy others. I’m so excited to be included!
Hail to the Chief!
by Gloria Krolak
We've been almost on music overload (notice I wrote "almost") these past few days as the Jazz for All Ages annual festival spooled out at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, once again the host site. Presented by The Jazz Corner as a fundraiser for their Junior Jazz Foundation, it all began at a jazz brunch with vibraphonist Christian Tamburr and pianist Scott Giddens, a formidable duo under any circumstances. With a vibraphone in the room, you know I'm in my element. They played a variety of tunes honoring Gary Burton and the late Chick Corea, as well as a Tamburr original called "The Chief,' which Tamburr explained is his dad's nickname for him.
The brunch is a new addition to the festival. A hot breakfast, a mimosa in hand and an unbeatable playlist by two well-seasoned players is a great way to start the day! Tamburr/Giddens included "Libertango," an Astor Piazzolla original that Burton recorded on an album of the same name, bringing the tune around full circle.
That night the Count Basie Orchestra headlined the program, after a set by the Junior Jazz Band, a quartet of musicians raised in music by the JJF. Having watched them grow physically and musically as little guys over the years at the summer bandcamp, it is always a pleasure to be entertained by the Rising Stars.
When the Basie band started up it was like standing behind a jet ready for takeoff. What do they call that, the blast zone? Neal Hefti's "Lil Darlin'" was on the playlist, as well as "Honeysuckle Rose," with vocalist Carmen Bradford. And it wasn't just the volume that blew the audience a few feet back, it was the artistry, talent and professionalism that made the orchestra such a big hit.
On the next and last night we heard trumpeter Charlton Singleton and his tribute to the seminal Earth, Wind and Fire band (mostly fire). Quiana Parler paired with Singleton on vocals, both Grammy winners, were explosive together, and the rest of the band played at that same high level. Hearing "Sun Goddess" made my day.
It was a weekend to remember. Next year get your tickets early. It's a festival worth attending and the island is your playground.
10/31/2022
#jazz #hiltonhead #JazzFestival #ChristianTamburr #CountBasieOrchestra #CharltonSingleton #QuianaParler #ScottGiddens
#JuniorJazzFoundation #TheJazzCorner #GoodVibes #EarthWindFire #GaryBurton #ChickCorea