The Final Day of Jazz Lab

Here's Greg Davis, Lee Anderson and Gabe Jarrett in the Lab:

New Millenium Voices, Part IV

Hello again!

Why is Cuba considered La Meca of hand-drumming? Check the BDJazzFest Mad Scientists Lab and you'll find the answer with these veterans and new lions who made a deep footprint in American Jazz and beyond!

Luciano "Chano" Pozo

Cándido Camero

Francisco Aquabella

Armandito Peraza

Carlos "Patato" Valdés

Tata Guines

Orestes Vilató

Walfredo de los Reyes Sr.

Horacio "El Negro" Hernández

Dafnis Prieto

Jimmy Branly

Changuito Quintana

Alex García

Raúl Pineda

Jesus Díaz

Pedrito Martínez

Tomás "El Panga" Ramos

Toni Basanta

WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington

Global Warming Radio Show

Thursday, 6-9 am

University of Vermont

http://www.wruv.org/

It's About to Get Crazy!

Today's musical collaboration on the second floor at Jazz Lab is going to be great. And, well, weird... but a good weird. Let's go there! 

I was just in there as Gabe Jarrett, Greg Davis and Lee Anderson got going, creating swirling sounds of ambient music. Joining them shortly will be Brooklyn-based bassist Todd Sickafoose, who has collaborated with Nels Cline, Ani DiFranco, Anais Mitchell and Don Byron, among many others. He'll be performing tonight at Club Metronome. I'll see you there...

-Beth

New Millenium Voices Part III

A Taste of Cacao with Cuban and Venezuelan flavor = Caribbean Mix

"Rhythm's gonna get ya"

It relates to essential aromas and exotic flavors, connects and captivates through a myriad of forms. These emotions led to the creation of Cacao Music Label in year 2006.

When you read these lines @ The Burlington Discover Jazz Fest Mad Scientists Lab, maybe you'll be among the first fans outside Cuba, South America and the Caribbean to sample the fruits of Cacao Music a label born in Caracas, Venezuela whose mission is to promote an expanding roster that already numbers more than 25 ensembles.

Cacao Music goal has developed an eclectic catalogue which covers Jazz, Afro-Latin, Afro-Venezuelan roots, Pop, Folk, romantic songs, Chamber music and Salsa.

Brushing up with Changuito & Horacio

Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez

Among Cacao'sinitial releases are CDs by two established non-Venezuelan top percussionists - Jose Luis Quintana a.ka. "Changuito" and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez from Havana and New York, whose presences have reaised the global profile of Cacao.

Jose Luis Quintana a.ka. "Changuito"

Other renowned international guests are Israeli born New York raised reedwoman Anat Cohen who plays her clarinet in the CD"Coincidencias= Coincidences" of singer songwriter Luz Marina.

Cuban-Miami based reedman Felipe Lamoglia, arranger of trumpeter Arturo Sandoval Grammy winning album "Rumba Palace" in 2007.

In a truly delightful mixture of Caribbean rhythms, Lamoglia leads his soprano saxophone in Changuito's CD "Wireless Telegraphy" (Telegrafia sin hilo, Track 7, Cacao 2006)

Giovanni Hidalgo "Manenguito" one of the Porto Rico master drummers, Changuito's ex-alumni and "compadre" appears burning the thread with his drums in tracks 7 & 10.

Giovanni Hidalgo "Manenguito"

Central to the founding of Cacao Music are two Venezuelans from different walks of life: drummer and veteran broadcaster Omar Jeanton, owner and director of the Circuito Cultural FM radio stations in Venezuela, and Bobby Abreu, - presently, a star on The New York Yankees baseball team.

Vibes in Dancing Venezuelan Salsa & Caribbean Jazz

Led by vibist and educator Alfredo Naranjo, his band "El Guajeo", has reached an impressive level thanks to its acclaimed international exposure.

Alfredo Naranjo

Together Alfredo and his bandmates have written music for movies and TV, enjoyed applauded concerts and packed ballrooms.

In the symphonic side, have fronted the Orquesta Sinfonica Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho and La Sinfonica de los Llanos - both ensembles conducted by Rodolfo Saglimbeni.

Alfredo Naranjo y El Guajeo are highly regarded in Salsa ballrooms and have successfully toured Festivals in the Caribbean area and Europe.

Their debut album "Tribute to Joe Cuba" took them to performances in Puerto Rico and France, stepping a later commission for the soundtrack of French film"Ferchaux" from director Bernard Stora.

All members of Alfredo Naranjo y El Guajeo teach in music schools and institutes in Venezuela and abroad. Pen soundtracks for local networks and develop projects with musicians who play convincingly in a wide range of idioms: "Grupo Mina", "Bailatino" and "Jazz Etereo".

Favorite tracks in their Cacao Music Label release include "Master Tito" (dedicated to Tito Puente) and "Caramelo" a classic in the voice of Celia Cruz.

Colorful lively percussion elements update and refresh their sound. Featured guests at the recording are Luz Mabel Medina (piano & synths), Ali Bello (violin), Pablo Gil (reeds), Luis Julio Toro (piccolo), David Pena (bass) and Jimmy Bosch (tb).

Blessings Toni Basanta
WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington
Global Warming Radio Show
Thurs. 6 to 9 am
Univ of Vermont station
http://www.wruv.org/

Meg Hammond's Trashy Outfits

As part of the final Thursday performance of JazzLab, Meg Hammond displayed, with the help of her lovely models, her creations of the day. Take a look!



And... the final walk.

Thursday Night's Performance

Thursday was a huge success! The weather held out and the precence of one Ben T. Matchstick was felt by everyone, I think. Here are some videos of the finale performance from Thursday. Friday is the last Lad day - better come on over to the Firehouse and see what all the fuss is about!

-Eric

Performance by Emily Lanxner and Joe Davidian


Chris Thompson explains his artwork before Ben's Performance


Ben Matchstick actualizes Chris' art


More actualization


Continued...

Evening Performance...

Hello Again,

Some highlights from this evening's performance, which featured the work of Meg Hammond, Ben Matchstick, and others...



Trashy Ladies!




Bubble Bride




Bike Tube Girl




and some Fine, Fine Art by Ben Matchstick!




You can click on any of the above images to see a larger version and to connect to our JazzLab Flickr site.

Check back tomorrow for video of the performance!

--Mary

Today in the JazzLab

Hello Folks,

I took a break from managing the darkroom at BCA today to spend some time wandering around the JazzLab...


Silk Screening with Tick Tick:




A student from The Lab:




Ben Matchstick Writing Rather Feverishly:




Lee Anderson from The Radiator, 105.9 and Ben Matchstick:




Yay for Supporting Local Artists and Musicians!:




To see more images, click on any of the images above to link to our Flickr photo site...

Enjoy the rest of Discover Jazz, and be sure to come visit us!

--Mary

Meg Hammond

Meg is here today creating costumes out of... trash mostly. Fun! Meg has several models which will be showing off her designs later on in the 5:30 performance. Not only is Meg an accomplished visual artist, she is a costume designer and most recently worked on the costuming in Anais Mitchell's opera, Hadestown.

-Eric

Tick Tick shows us how it works

Graham and Dale from Tick Tick are in the lab again today, demonstrating how to screenprint on shirts and paper. Here's a glimpse:

Mr. Ben T. Matchstick!

Ben Matchstick is a maniac. I mean that in the really really good sense. Known for his work with Bread & Puppet Theater and Anias Mitchell's Hadestown, Ben is here today in the lab actualizing the artwork of Chris Thompson. Chris' piece in the Firehouse Gallery called Oeuvre=MassMedia+Transformation+Spectacle. The piece is basically 3 big wheels with choices to be made before making art to yield your "maximum artist potential" as it were. Ben's goal today was to spin the wheels three times and then create 3 performances for the end of the day. Here's a few videos of the start of the process:

New Millenium Voices, Part II

Hi everyone!
Happy to be visiting The Burlington Discover Jazz Fest in its Mad Scientists Jazz Lab

This is the playlist of the show I've just presented this morning at WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington the radiostation at The University of Vermont "The GreenMountain State"
The show was almost entirely dedicated to the localtalents, veterans and new comers who are the future ofJazz in America and the world and are giving theirheart and soul in every performance, living for our city without rigid formalities for whoever islistening : Bryan McNamara and Souls' Calling, JoelDavidian Trio, Kate Paradise, The Dan Skea Quartet,Paul Asbell are masterfully embellishing life in theVermont Jazz scene in these 25 years. Their music is apriviledge for me to present it. We also dedicated ourfirst hour from 6 to 8 am to "La Bossa NovaBrasileira" in its anniversary 50 * So 50 years of Brazilian flavor + 25 after the creation of the Burlington Discover Jazz Fest sum up 75 simply filled with music
Hope you all like it!
1) SENSATIONS/ INNOCENT BIRD(themes for presentation)Drummer composer Dafnis Prieto Absolute QuintetCD"Absolute Quintet" Zoho 2006www.dafnisonmusic.com *********************************************************************
2) SONGS FOR THE CALENDAR(by Eduardo Martin)Cuban Guitarist and educator Iliana Matos - domicile in Extremadura, Spain has toured 4 continents spreading her clear and brilliant toneCD"Angels in the street" GSP, 2006"The Solo Guitar Music of Eduardo Martin"www.gspguitar.com
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3) JUST MY IMAGINATIONAmerican singer Dianne Reeves a recognised sensational lead vocalist since the 70'ies CD"When you know"Blue Note Records, 2008"there's more in her voice join us"
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4) WHAT IT'S WORTHVermont pianist composer Joel Davidian and his Trio CD"Silent fire" produced by Joe Davidianfeat. Jamie Ousley (bass)/ Austin Mcmahon (drums)SONIC MIRAGE 2008 www.josephdavidian.comJoe@Josephdavidian.com
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5) ALONE TOGETHER(Howard Dietz/ Arthur Schwartz)Vermont singer Kate Paradise last year opened the show for singer guiatrrist John Pizzarelli in Flynn MainStage presenting her beautiful voice and album "You stepped out of a dream" feat. Joe Davidian (p)/ John Rivers (ab)/ Geza Carr (d)/ Nicholas Cassarino (guitar)/ John McKenna (tenor sax)SONIC MIRAGE 2006www.sonicmirage.net Sound Mirage Media 75 Partridge RunE.Montpelier, VT 05651"a local label with great talents to be discovered, all sound good and are doing even more for reaching international recognition, in these 10 days are putting it all together for The Burlington Discover Jazz Fest'08 " (Anniversary 25, a quarter century)
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6) BRASILEIRA - Naquele Tempo Group fusing the musicof Rio de Janeiro and Havana Written by flutist -bandleader and educator Dominique Gagne another great talent from the Vermont area who hasbeen playing all over the Burlington Discover JazzFestival either piano or flute in hands Naquele Tempo are Rafael Flores (guitars)/ Jeremy Hill (bass)/ BonnieAnderson (perc)CD"Naquele Tempo"Gagne Records, 2008www.dominiquegagne.com/www.myspace.com/naqueletempowww.myspace.com/dominiquegagne"Naquele Tempo" takes its name from a song byBrazilian composer Pixinguinha
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7) CHAMEGO (Betty's Bossa)New York Voices feat. Paquito D'Rivera on clarinetCD"A Day Like This"MCG Jazz, 2007
New York Voices represent the quintaessence of modern vocal groups in America. Together with Manhattan Transfer, Take 6 and The Singers Unlimited they have reached Jazz to the top since their foundation with stunning albums comprising Jazz, Funk, Brazilian and original pieces penned by the members of the band and closer collaborators ******************************************************************
8) WAVE(by Tom Jobim)VERMONT JAZZ ENSEMBLE - enjoying in every show the never-ending legacy of The Big Band Sound either rain or shine CD"25 Years in the moonlight"VJE Records, 2001"The Vermont Jazz Ensemble invites you every Monday ofJune @ Halvorson's Upstreet Cafe @ 7pm
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9) ENCONTROFleurine and Chico PinheiroCD"San Francico" a tribute to the music of BrazilSunnyside 2008artists from Holland, Brazil and the US beating as onefor the amazonic giant spirit
Fleurine is a singer from Amsterdam, Holland who grew up between Holland and Portugal where she fell in love with the fado music and also with "la saudade" present in the Brazilian as welol as the Portuguese artists during her childhood. In her new CD"San Francisco" Fleurine renders tribute to the amazonic giant talents of three Franciscos, better known by their artistic nicknames : Chico Buarque de Hollanda, Francis Hime and Chico Pinheiro. She also writes lyrics for several of the selections
Chico Pinheiro was the bridge to this beautiful recording some years ago when he sent Fleurine some of his creations via her husband and notable pianist Brad Mehldau also present in several tracks of the album
Special collaborations come in the likes of Freddy Bryant (guitar), Doug Weiss (acoustic bass), Gilad (perc). "Encontro" is arranged by Chico Pinheiro and producer Robert Sadin
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10) NEM LA NEM CA(by A,Giffoni)Hendrik Meurkens Brazilian New York EnsembleCD"Sambatropolis"Zoho 2008"Hendrik Meurkens is a German vibist and harmonicaplayer with a band grounded in solid Braziliangrooves. He has been a leading vanguard sinmce his early days and spent years in Brazil learning the idioms of this inspiring territory"
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11) DONA MARIA(by Duduka da Fonseca & Herbie Mann - Brazil and US artists)The Craig Russo Latin Jazz ProjectCD"In the middle"Cagoot Records, 2007www.craigrusso.com"a beautiful recording made in Illinois where there'salso "muchisimo sabor" passion and taste for LatinAmerican music, congratulations for Craig Russo -leading percussionist and educator and his great sidemen"
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12) INTRODUCTION BY NORMAN GRANZ/ I REMEMBER YOU/ THELAMP IS LOWThe introduction by one of the fathers of AmericanJazz his energy and vision let us all enjoy theimportance of Jazz at The PhilharmanicSarah Vaugh and her Trio - feat. Billy Mays (p)/ BobMagnuson (ab)/ Jimmy Cobb (d)CD" Sarah Vaughn Live @ The Monterrey Jazz fest -Sept. 19, 1971Monterrey Jazz Records, 2007SARAH VAUGHN The Divine Sassy is among the founders ofThe Burlington Discover Jazz Fest in 1984 - God blessSarah, she's still here these days. Can't you feel her" ********** ****************************************************************************
15) HALLELUJAH I LOVE HER SO(by Ray Charles) MACEO PARKER & THE WDR COLOGNE BIG BAND Live!CD"Roots & Grooves" A Tribute to Ray Charles feat. Dennis Chambers (d)/ Rodney "Skeet" Curtis (eb)& The WDR Big Band conducted by Michael AbeneWDR The Cologne BroadcastsHeads UP, 2008www.maceo.comquien dijo que en Alemania no?
Germany has been the plot and setting for some of the best Jazz, Rock, Funk, Samba or any other kind in the last 40 years, Germans love Jazz and specially Cologne in its cosmopolitan scene is able to preserve the message of millions of citizens and theuir corresponding identities. As my friend and German broadcaster states in her shows "Jazz is The Teacher" and here in Burlington, VT we approve her message
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16) RED SHIFT(by guitarist Gerard Petit)CD"Passing Through" - a recording engineered by ChasEller @ Chas Eller Studios in Charlotte, Vermont in1993"a happy finding in our WRUV shelves in days of glory@ The Burlington Discover Jazz Fest '08 where allthese Maestros are demonstrating what JAZZ means intheir lives through their many moods and chops THE BRUCE SKLAR & DAVE GRIPPO SEXTET a band to rememberBruce Sklar (p/keys)/ Dave Grippo (as) / George Petit(guitar solo/ composer)/ Stacey Starkweather (basses)/Stuart Paton (perc/ congas solo). Jeff Salisbury (d)"yesterday at The Jazz Lab in The Fire House was alsoa happy finding to present this CD today again means adouble pleasure for larger audiences tuning in @ WRUV90.1 FM Burlington. Music is never old, the musicnever ends"
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17) FESTIVAL DEL RITMODave Weckl GroupCD"Master Plan" GRP, 1990A party in itself . Dave Weckl represents one of the leading artists drumers creators in Modern Jazz appearing in the 90s with different projects under his belt and also with The GRP in Session Big Band and multiple collaborations with The Brecker Brothers, Arturo Sandoval, Michel Camilo and other lions.
For more than 20 Cuban drummers, Dave Weckl produced new sources of inspirations his driving is really steady in any kind of ensemble either acoustic or electric
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18) MISTA CD"Bridges", Blue Note, 1999 (a truly-talented work of art by Dianne Reeves andTerri Lyne Carrington)"Dianne Reeves is a kind of singer to be played andlistened in every day shows all over the US and theworld, I'll always take a chance to present her voiceand her top musical qualities followed by herinseparable Terri Lyne Carrington writing music andplaying the drums, her cousin and keys master-producerGeorge Duke, the great Brazilian Romero Lubambo onguitar, Jimmy Savala on harmonica in a short sweetand beautiful solo, and Munyungo Jackson on percussionThe music of this song takes you far and far to MotherAfrica and gives you a lesson in every word "can't yousee the wonders of the universe? I do, what about y'a" Fell Dianne Reeves spoken words swinging the craddle for new ideas blossoming from her inextinguible roots acquired since her early childhood in Philadelphia where Clark Terry discovered her - Dianne Reeves is still a banner for modern generations of singers
Every track highly recommendable***** ****************************************************************
19) BUSTED (live)MACEO PARKER & THE COLOGNE WDR BIG BANDWith Maceo on vocals - Thinks this tribute to Ray Charles also comprises his years blowing his sax with The Soul Grandfather James Brown. Maceo blows nos for more **************************************************************
20) DANCE WITH MECD"So Many Rivers" Alligator 2003Pianist composer and singer Marcia Ball will be thisafternoon at The Waterfront Park Tent sharing acontagious Louisiana double bill with accordeonistGeno Delafose & French Rockin' Boogie - special showfor the cajun and bluegrass lovers, Marcia goes beyondand expands her frontiers to the BLUES and the boogiepiano, heartfelt ballads and more. I knew her duringthese days before coming to Burlington and I'll really keep her voice in manyother presentations. Her bandmates have also rocked me up!
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21) FREEDOM JAZZ DANCE(by Funky Jazz Saxman Eddie Harris)RAY BARRETO & NEW WORLD SPIRITCD"Ancestral messages" - Concord, 1993soloists: Ray Vega (tp)/ Hector Martignon (p)"Jazz and Funk all leading as one roots with extendedbranches, danceable, contagious, latinized with dates of funky classics with the wise Ray Vegapushing the boundaries, while Colombian-New Yorker pianist Hector Martignon fixes his "tumbaos" making an admirable tapestry for Barretos killer and final solo on congas"
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22) HOW ABOUT ITAlto sax composer and bandleader Bryan McNamara &Souls' Calling - feat. Nicholas Cassarino (g)/ JoelDavidian (keys)/ Geza Carr (d)/ Robinson Morse (bass)CD"Love for all" - love is all we really needBryan Records, 2007"All these musicians are the local headliners to theBurlington Discover Jazz Fest'08 come and meet them"www.discoverjazz.comalso visit burlingtoncityarts.com and click The JazzLab LOGO, you may find them everywhere ********************************************************************
23) NEEDED TIME/ JESUS ON THE MAINLINETwo traditional spirituals in the voice and guitar ofPAUL ASBELL from Kilimanjaro Band fame, The Unknown BluesBand and more - educator @ The Univ of Vermont, Asbell willbe closing the Fest this Sunday afternoon with one of his favorite alumni NicholasCassarino in their Acouctic Explorations Guitar Duet Also pianist James Harvey in a solo flight the unchallenged father of the Burlington jazz scene @ FlynnSpace CD"ROOTS & BRANCHES"Busy Hands Records, 2005really busy these days **********************************************************************
24) COWBOY(by Canadian saxwoman Christine Jensen)CD"Flurry" ArtistShare, 2006Nordic Connect is a working band made by Scandinavianoffsprings born in the US and Canada, I really lovethis album and also 2 or 3 former recordings of Ingridand Christine Jensen two sisters the Burlington audience had thepriviledge to meet in person and feel delighted withtheir music last year at The BDJFest in Flynn SpaceThis piece is arguably my favorite among other 9 whichare also really attractive and played with wisdom andunequal progressive harmonic taste ********************************************************************
25/26) AND THE RAIN KEEPS FALLIN'/ FIVE CHINESEELEPHANTSCD"Carpenter Road" Kenya Sands Music, 2007 - recorded in The Chas Eller Studios in Charlotte,Vermont by pianist bandleader Dan Skea from Waterbury

I'm glad to have received the music of this veteran ofthe fusion. His story is really very interesting andthose who haven't got in touch with Dan Skea yet,must take a chance to follow his music and appreciate longtime dedication to his beloved instrument, the piano, arranging for his own QUARTETand also for The Pine Street Jazz Band - two jazz institutions in The Green Mountain StateWhile in Vegas, Dan Skea played with Walfredo de losReyes, Sr. and our unforgettable Israel Lopez "Cachao" pushing the boundaries of Cuban and Latin Jazz with American stomp The Dan Skea Quartet members are Dan Skea (p) / Chris Peterman (saxophones)/ JohnRivers (ab)/ GezaCarr (d) all involved in these 25years celebration in Burlington, VT
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27) SEVEN STEPS TO HEAVEN(Miles Davis & Victor Feldman)CD"Sketches of Spain Y MAS"The Latin Side of Miles Davis - Trombonist ConradHerwig feat. David Lynch, Paquito D'Rivera and DaveValentin plus other notable Miles' alumni - Live @ The Blue Note , NYC, March 6-8, 2007Half Note, 2006
Conrad Herwig and Brian Lynch visited The BDJFest last year with The Eddie Palmieri Caribbean Septet opening for a Flynn MainStage packed first night hall
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28) INDIA The Dan Skea Quartet CD "Carpenter Road" Kenya Sands Music, 2007 "lovely bass lines by John Rivers. From the firstlistening to this piece the entire album expanded my musicalhorizons making me look inside even more to thegrowing Vermont Jazz scene"
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29) CALLE LOCACD"Siempre Salsa" Emilyn Music, 2006 www.jazzismo.com Trombonist educator Rick Davies & his band JazzismoRick Davies is a New York milestone recording artistwho has brought his wisdom on trombone and writing abilities toThe Vermont Jazz scene. Rick has also become a prolificwriter editing a book entitled TROMPETA thru which heexpresses his fascination for the leading trumpetersof Cuban tresero Arsenio Rodriguez and El SeptetoHabanero - root bands in the early marriage of American andCuban codes in the 20'iesSince year 2003, I've been following the music andlegacy of Rick Davies after his visit to Havana, Cubawhere I began spinning his music in my radio transmissions.There, he let me know about his career as a musicianand educator - playing with all Old Havana streetperformers without rigid formalities just fun and"Siempre Salsa" for better cooking his riffs whileblowing sabrosos havanese montunosTogether with Alex Stewart and Ray Vega, Davies took over forthe educative event PAQUITO VISIONARY OF LAS AMERICAS last Sunday inFlynnSpace, also sat at The Burlington Discover JazzFestival Big Band concert with Paquito's Funk TangoQuintetBravo Maestro Rick. Three solid hits in a row!
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30) SUGAR ( AZUCAR DE AMOR) (by Stanley Turrentine & Ted Daryll/ Spanish lyrics bysinger Kat Parra)Nothing better for closing our Global Warming radioshow @ WRUV than this Mambo/ Salsa cooked with a little bit ofSongo in a brass string section feat. flutist JohnCalloway, violinist Anthony Blea, trumpeter Ray Vegaand arranger producer Dr. Wayne Wallace all renowned soloists of the San Francisco scene
CD"AZUCAR DE AMOR"Patois Records, 2008www.katparra.comwww.walacomusic.com
Lot of beautiful tracks provoking versions to Pan-American classics like "Night in Tunisia", "Misty", "Pedacito de mi vida" and "Cancion con todos" *****************************************************************
Hope you have enjoyed it the same as I!
For streaming and podcasting click www.wruv.org
Blessings Toni Basanta
WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington
Global Warming Radio Show
Thurs. 6 to 9 am
Univ of Vermont station
www.wruv.org

What is it about the Steel Drum?

Have you ever wondered how a steel drum works? I have! And I'm going to ask Emily Lanxner (as soon as she's taking a break, of course) That's what's great about the environment here at JazzLab - the buildings wide open for you to experience how you will. Want to try the turntables? Sure! Want to learn how to screenprint? Okay! Want to jam with some really talented musicians or write some poetry? Come on in!

-Eric

Word Art

I visited the second floor at Jazz Lab to play with words with wordsmith Trevien Stanger. He's encouraging people to make haiku about something they see when peering through cardboard shipping tubes he has set out. "The tradition of haiku is written and read through a careful attention to the interplay of word, object and imagination," says Trevien. "The tube is an insturment of poetic perspective, which focuses on a single image. To patiently read haiku, is to appreciate the delicacy and expansiveness of all music and poetry."

I pointed mine through one of the windows looking out over City Hall Park, and focused on this...



boys and bikes on bricks
t-shirts and shorts back again
summer is alive

-Beth, Burlington's Newest Wordsmith, from State of Mind

Thursday's JazzLab Kicks Off!

Today's lab started out with a bang - Joe Davidian on piano, Emily Laxner on the steel drum, Craig Meyers paying the N'goni and more percussion, and Will Kirk on the guitar! Today is shaping up to be most memorable.

-Eric

Wednesday JazzLab Wrap-up Performance

Cheeks Dance Company

Trevien Stanger and the Wednesday Mad Scientists

Joe Davidian, Mike Gamble, Gabe Jarrett and DJ ZJ

The Boys from The Lab cut it up at JazzLab

Trevien Stanger at the Lab

I just witnessed the Mad Scientists of the day, Joe Davidian, Mike Gamble and Gabe Jarrett and others throw down an off the cuff jam with Trevien Stanger providing spoken word. Basically everyone grabbed implements from the kitchen - pots, drying racks, plastic bottles and a tiny casio keyboard. This is the kind of thing you wished you could pull off in your own living room, but would first need to grab a group as talented as this to play with you to pull it off!

-Eric

Disco, Hip-Hop...Streisand???

JazzLab is all about discovery... A few years back, BCA Education Director Melissa Walker found two records in her office- Barbara Streisand and Disco's Greatest Hits- musical treasures to be sure. Saving them for the rainy day she knew would present itself, Melissa dusted them off today and jammed out with the guys from the Lab. Watch Melissa discover her inner DJ!!

-Rosie

The Lab is in the Lab!

The guys from The Lab are here! Not only are they the coolest, most down to earth guys, they schooled me on tons of history about hip-hop, turntabalism and most importantly, how to make beats and scratch a record. School is in session today and tomorrow at the Firehouse. If you miss them there, check them out on the web, and sign up for a class. I've always had a ton of questions about the DJ process, and they answered a ton and more. I'll be signing up for a session with them this year for sure.

-Eric

Joe Davidian, Mike Gamble and Gabe Jarrett play at JazzLab

Wednesday Mad Scientists

I just witnessed something powerful - Joe Davidian, Mike Gamble and Gabe Jarrett jamming live in the Firehouse!!! The sound is truly amazing - this may sound corny, but I got chills. I can't really describe the feeling - it's something you need to experience for yourself. Maybe it was just the feeling that this is happening right here, right now, and you can be a part of it. You could walk in, grab a chair and your guitar and start jamming. Or be inspired to write some music of your own. Even just standing a listening for a few moments is pretty inspiring. I challenge you to come down and be a part of this thing called JazzLab

-Eric

New Millenium Jazz Voices

Hi Everyone!

We're very very glad to be here at The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival JazzLab '08 presenting a special greeting with artistas coming from Cuba and others highly connected with this beautiful music full of energy absorbing and lending new branches to the main father jazz tree. Here is some of the special music we listened to in the Lab today:

Alfredo de la Fe

These first tracks belong to Cuban-American violinist Alfredo de la Fe from his CD"Salsa, Cuban Latin Jazz Passion" (Disco Fuentes /Miami Records, 2001) Kat Parra

Singer Kat Parra with The Patois All Star Recording Artists brought back "Sugar," a classic of reedman Stanley Turentine in the 70's with new verses, which also gave name to her second inspiring album produced by Dr.Wayne Wallace. Wallace is a recognised trombonist and arranger from San Francisco. The CD"Sugar" (Azucar de amor, Patois 2008 ) combines "Songo elements" from Los Van Van Orchestra a Havana, Cuba non-stop-dancing ensemble founded in 1969.

Habana Ensemble

The perfect mix @ The BDJFestLab continues with Habana Ensemble and the music of their CD"Mambomania" (Latin World 1999,) a tribute to Damaso Perez Prado, Israel Lopez "Cachao", Benny More and The Mambo Kings who brought their craze danceable rhythms to American Jazz in New York in the 40'ies.

Another track presented and enjoyed was "Cerezo Rosa" with the band's horns and whistles.

There were also the titles "Tea for Two," a Cubanized version written by "Cachao" under the title of "Camina Juan Pescao" (Walk on by Johnny Fish) and "Cerezo Rosa" a classic of Perez Prado in his Mexico City adopted homeland.

Hilario Durán

Cuban-Canadian pianist arranger bandleader Hilario Durán recognised since his early years in Havana with Evaristo Aparicio y Los Papa Cun Cun in the 70'ies was the selection of Chucho Valdes to fill in "La Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna" (Cuban Modern Music Orch.) when he decided to create the legendary IRAKERE

Hilario became a recognised arranger for many singers and bands including Los D'Siempre y La Gran Timba del Caribe (EGREM Label) unfortunately with a solo LP.

Later on, he became for about 10 years the bandleader-producer of trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. When Sandoval settled domicile in Miami, Duran created Perspectiva with the former elements of Arturo's Jazz Septet. Perspectiva lasted more than 5 prolific years but Duran opened wings since 1991 to endorse Canadian saxist Jane Bunnett & Los Espiritus de La Habana during her first recording at the EGREM Studios.

Duran became Jane's new adviser in her Latin and Cubanized excursions recording together in more than 11 jazz albums with musicians from Cuba, Canada, the US and Cameroon.

In 2001, Hilario Duran became Canada's Best Latin Jazz Pianist receiving different distinctions as The Canadian Jazz Award and The Juno for his mesmerizing recordings, specially "The New Danzon" an attractive Trio work and "From the heart" recruiting some of the best jazz players of Toronto in a suculent Latin Jazz Big Band explosion

But the tracks presented in our blog went back in Duran's ascending career. His CD"Moon Face or Habana Nocturna" (Justin Time Records, 1998) in which he joins a Montreal Quebec String Quartet, Jane Bunnet on flute and soprano sax, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez and Rodolfo Valdes Terry on percussion "para charanguear" unforgettable American standards in one of Cuba's oldest dancing ensembles, - "las charangas" a Chamber Music Ensemble coming from the French countredanse in the 18th century.

Titles: "UMMM" (B.Strayhorn)/"Harlem Nocturne" (Earl H Hagan/Dick Rogers) and "Esto si tiene que ver" ( a Cuban Danzon = Dance On written by Hilario Duran)

Dusting out WRUV shelves and bringing VT artists out of the shadows

Bruce Sklar-Dave Grippo Sextet

Burlington Discover Jazz Festival also offers us the great opportunity to re-discover the best jazz ever made, played and recorded in The Green Mountain State with the Bruce Sklar-Dave Grippo Sextet in "Passing through" an album recorded in 1994 in the Chas Eller Studios in Charlotte, VT feat. the music of pianist-keyboards wiz and Big Band conductor Bruce Sklar.

The selection includes two tracks penned by guitarist George Petit (Red Shift) and Horace Silver's (Cape Verdean Blues)

The personnel outstands Bruce Sklar on piano, synths, composer/ Dave Grippo (as)/ George Petit on guitar electrifying the Sextet with his solo in "Red Shift" a real shift that turns the album upside down followed by a solid percussion solo by Stuart Paton from "Burlington Taiko" fame on congas, in an appealing Habana Vieja (Old Havana) guaguanco.

Stacey Starkweather (basses) and Jeff Salisburry on drums complete the rhythm section with provocative wisdom.

Another highly recommendable piece is "Violet" smoothy slow and energetic as well*

A romantic jazz selection full of divine jazz poetry. The rest are equally impressive !!!!!!

Dr. Wayne Wallace

Since my arrival in Vermont in November 2006 I began to refresh my ears with great musicians that I had always kept among my favorites in my Havana broadcastings. The CD"The Reckless Search for Beauty" (Patois, 2006) led and produced by Dr.Wayne Wallace and all his friends in San Francisco. This album presents some of the best soloists living in The Bay Area.

Revitalizing the renowned West Coast Jazz are these undeniable lions.
http://www.walaco.music.com/ / http://www.waynewallace.com/

Paquito D"Rivera en el Burlington Discover Jazz Fest '08

Paquito D'Rivera

En la tarde del domingo 1 de junio durante la celebración del Burlington Discover Jazz Fest 2008 en su aniversario 25, nuestro admirado músico, saxofonista, clarinetista y visionario de LAS AMERICAS Paquito D'Rivera acompañado por su Funk Tango Quintet y la Big Band del Fest puso bien el alto su nombre como Embajador del Jazz Cubano y universal.El repertorio definió un espectro bien amplio de la carrera de Paquito D'Rivera desde su niñez cuando comenzó a tocar el clarinete y luego todos los saxofones y la flauta.

Desde las 4:30 pm el Flynn Space - sótano bien musical del Flynn Center for the Performing Arts y uno de los centros creadores del Burlington Discover Jazz Festival en 1984, asistimos a un evento educativo a cargo de tres notables instrumentistas de JAZZ: Ray Vega (tp/fl-h), Alex Stewart (ts/clarinete)/ Rick Davies (tb)

PAQUITO D'RIVERA VISIONARIO DE LAS AMERICAS
De manera coloquial y explicita Ray Vega relato la historia del JAZZ hasta la llegada de Paquito D'Rivera a la ciudad de Nueva York en 1981 y como, con una modestia palpable a pesar de su probada veterania e inteligencia, coronado por un resonante Premio Grammy por el álbum "La Misa Negra" (CBS Records 70s) en sus días como fundador del legendario Grupo IRAKERE fue alcanzando el nombre, los premios, los Doctorados en Música y otros lauros que avalan su prolija carrera musical.

Paquito ha sido el renovador del JAZZ en el concepto mas amplio utilizando todas las formas musicales del continente. Una vez mas, lo podemos reafirmar, si prestamos atención a su discografía con mas de 30 álbumes como líder indiscutible para sus contemporáneos sumándole las colaboraciones que descubrimos a diario sin importarle el rango del interprete en cuestión. Solo la música, lo define como visionario y artista.

Discos como "40 Years of Cuban Jam Session" (Messidor, 1990's) lo reafirman en el podio de los musicos e innovadores que han sabido reunir a sus idolos de adolescencia como Israel López "Cachao", Leopoldo "Pucho" Escalante, Kike Hernandez, Jesús Caunedo y a "Chombo Silva, leyendas vitales de la Isla de Cuba.

Acerca del Funk Tango Quintet?

Su Funk Tango Quintet ? nombrado a partir de la grabación del CD "Funk Tango" (Paquito Records/ Sunnyside, 2007) laureado con el Premio Grammy al MEJOR ÁLBUM de LATIN JAZZ en este ano 2008, estuvo integrado por el joven pianista Alex Brown (21 anos de Maryland, EUA), Massimo Biolcatti (25 anos, Ítalo-Sueco bajo), Mark Walker (de Chicago, drums), Diego Urcola (Argentina/New York -tp/ fl-h/tb de válvula) y Paquito (bandlider, saxo alto /clarinete) al frente de la Burlington Discover Jazz Fest Big Band.

Mark and Diego

Mark Walker y Diego Urquiola son dos reconocidos colaboradores de D'Rivera desde el inicio de los 90s. Ambos aparecen en su discografía y en el filme "Calle 54" del realizador español Fernando Trueba cuyo opening con "La Suite Panamericana" sirvió para dar inicio a la presentación de PAQUITO VISIONARIO DE LAS AMERICAS.

Por otra parte, el filme "Calle 54" , contribuyo al realce histórico del Maestro del piano Bebo Valdés a su aplaudida veteranía, y a su necesaria presencia en el Jazz de Hoy, a partir de sus dúos con Chucho Valdés e Israel López "Cachao" y luego con el CD"Lágrimas Negras" con Diego El Cigala coronado con un resonante Premio Grammy.

Bebo could ride again

El Caballón de Quivican (CD"Bebo Rides Again", Messidor) comenzó a cabalgar de nuevo con esta y muchas otras producciones de su admirado "Paq-Man de Marianao y New Jersey" .

Meeting the artists

También en la tarde del domingo 1 de Junio el destacado comentarista y critico de jazz e invitado en residencia al Burlington Discover Jazz Fest, Bob Blumenthal tuvo a su cargo el "Meeting the Artists" donde Paquito dio muestras una vez mas de su humor y de su posición como músico y ciudadano del mundo.

Las Big Band siguen sonando!

De la Big Band coordinada por el educador musicólogo y saxofonista Alex Stewart (Prof. Univ de VT) vale decir y reconocer la presentación de un trabajo de altos kilates ofreciendo mas de siete orquestaciones de D"Rivera y de su amigo y pianista Carlos Franzetti para ese formato inextinguible del JAZZ.

Hay que destacar que Carlos Franzetti sigue representando un valuarte informativo y determinante en la obra discográfica de D"Rivera si tomamos en cuanta sus orquestaciones para el CD"Portraits of Cuba" (Chesky Records, 90s)

Los títulos del Concierto de Paquito D'Rivera el Funk Tango Quintet y la Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Big Band fueron

"Chucho" (sobre el tema de "Mambo Influenciado" original de Chucho Valdés)

"Song to my son" (orquestación de Carlos Franzetti)

"What about that? (original del baterista Mark Walker)

"I remember Diz" (a la memoria de Dizzy Gillespie)

"Huapango" (en honor a la música de México)

"Per" (original del pianista venezolano Ed Simon, primera pieza del CD"Funk Tango")

"Contradanza" (E.Lecuona interpretada a duo con piano y clarinete, excepcional!)

"Toca algo" - (solo de bajo a petición de Paquito por Massimo Biolcatti)"

"La Yumba-Caravan" (a Quinteto - pieza del CD"Funk Tango" fusión impresionante de la música de Osvaldo Pugliese y Juan Tizol - Tango and Jazz = 5 *****)

"Snow Samba" (original de Paquito D'Rivera y Claudio Roditti) con el acompañamiento de la Burlington Discover Jazz Fest Big Band con Ray Vega y Paquito como solistas.

Para la modernidad

Este Concierto representa uno de los acontecimientos musicales mas aplaudidos del ano 2008 en la ciudad de Burlington donde felizmente se celebra el aniversario 25 de su siempre esperado Festival, el cual paso de 3 o 4 días a 10 de manera consecutiva con sus locaciones llenas de un publico alegre y los talentos locales dando su mejor aporte al JAZZ.

Toni Basanta WRUV 90.1 FM Burlington
Global Warming Radio Show
Jueves de 6 a 9 am

emisora Univ de Vermont
http://www.wruv.org/

Tick Tick in the Firehouse Gallery

Dale from Tick Tick starts out the day by screening JazzLab coats with the spiffy logo. They''ll be here through Friday as part of the lab screening posters, flyers - anything and everything! Bring something of your own like a t-shirt and learn how to silkscreen it!