Piopneering British jazz label Dune Records, founded by Anglo-Jamaican Gary Crosby, celebrates its 10th year this year with new music featuring several of its stellar artists
From saxophonist Denys Baptiste comes Anansi:Reunion, a suite inspired by and expounding on the Anansi stories of West African origin. The suite features storyteller Jan Blake.
Then transplanted American trumpeter Abram Wilson (New Orleans-born, London resident)teams up with Jazz Jamaica All-Stars, the London Community Gospel Choir and Jamaica's own Ernie Ranglin, Marjorie Whylie and Myrna Hague for Roll Jordan Roll and Tighten Up.
go to www.dune-music.com for more details
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Review: Laraque & Co @ Christopher's
It could so easily have turned out to be 'another night', that is to say a night
like many previously, where one hears competent musicians just going through
material already long familiar to the audience who would go abouttheir regular occupations of drinking and chatting
But there was, on Tuesday last, a different kind of energy to Christopher's Jazz cafe as reedman Nicholas Laraque took the stage alongside Ozoune on piano/keys, Nisan on drums and Shurwayne on bass. In fact, Laraque himself repped on several instruments, all of them reeds: he played soprano alto and tenor saxohpone (the latter not seen by this writer in any of his previous appearances) and for good measure, he also starred on flute.
This new energy extendedto the jazz-funk and post-bop standards (Mercy, Mercy and So What among others) and pop classics that the band delivered with effortless vigor.
But the real kicker came late in the session, in the closing moments of the final set, when Laraque brought on two guests: tenorists Tafane (possessed of a robust tone) and trumpeter Craig. The expanded band delivered rollicking impressions of ska classics, bringing the figurative curtains down on 'another' Tuesday night live music episode that will at least stand out on its own merits.
The next session features the return of Seretse & the True Democrats, just before they return to Guyana for a folk-jazz engagement in Georgetown, a repeat of a gig they played earlier this year.
like many previously, where one hears competent musicians just going through
material already long familiar to the audience who would go abouttheir regular occupations of drinking and chatting
But there was, on Tuesday last, a different kind of energy to Christopher's Jazz cafe as reedman Nicholas Laraque took the stage alongside Ozoune on piano/keys, Nisan on drums and Shurwayne on bass. In fact, Laraque himself repped on several instruments, all of them reeds: he played soprano alto and tenor saxohpone (the latter not seen by this writer in any of his previous appearances) and for good measure, he also starred on flute.
This new energy extendedto the jazz-funk and post-bop standards (Mercy, Mercy and So What among others) and pop classics that the band delivered with effortless vigor.
But the real kicker came late in the session, in the closing moments of the final set, when Laraque brought on two guests: tenorists Tafane (possessed of a robust tone) and trumpeter Craig. The expanded band delivered rollicking impressions of ska classics, bringing the figurative curtains down on 'another' Tuesday night live music episode that will at least stand out on its own merits.
The next session features the return of Seretse & the True Democrats, just before they return to Guyana for a folk-jazz engagement in Georgetown, a repeat of a gig they played earlier this year.
Christopher's 3
Laraque on flute at the Tiesday Night music series at Christopher's. Tonight features Seretse and the True Democrats
Christopher's 4
Nicholas Laraque (on flute) leads Shurwayne (bass) Nison (drums) and Ozoune(keyboard0 during the Tuesday Night perofrmance at Christopher's Jazz Cafe
Monday, October 29, 2007
Laraque & Co at Christopher's
Look out for my review of this excellent show (from last Tuesday)
even as we prepare forthe farewell show tomorrow of Seretse
and the True Democrats as they head to Guyana.
even as we prepare forthe farewell show tomorrow of Seretse
and the True Democrats as they head to Guyana.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Riffin for week 22
RIFFIN RUNDOWN FOR WEEK 22/10/07
@NEWSTALK93FM
@8.35PM
STREAMING LIVE AT NEWSTALKFM.COM.JM
MON: Pianist Cyrus Chesnut, plays the music of the”King”, Elvis Presley, and makes it swing.The amazing voice of Everett Greene, one of the music’s best kept secrets.
TUES: WORD SOUND & POWER, from the poet Sundiata, the music of Marcus Strickland, Somalian poet/rapper KNAAN, and Wyclef Jean, rappin on reggae.
WED: The beauty of the “ballad” twice, John Coltrane’s “Ballads” and singer Karrin Allyson’s, remembering John Coltranes’s ballads.
THURS: The accordion of Richard Galliano relives the music of the Argentine Nuevo Tango composer, Astor Piazolla. African guitarist Lionel Louke, demonstrates why he is in demand with artists like Herbie Hancock
FRID: “Another Intensity”, the title of an album by German reggae artist, Gentleman, is just that, lyrically and musically.
@NEWSTALK93FM
@8.35PM
STREAMING LIVE AT NEWSTALKFM.COM.JM
MON: Pianist Cyrus Chesnut, plays the music of the”King”, Elvis Presley, and makes it swing.The amazing voice of Everett Greene, one of the music’s best kept secrets.
TUES: WORD SOUND & POWER, from the poet Sundiata, the music of Marcus Strickland, Somalian poet/rapper KNAAN, and Wyclef Jean, rappin on reggae.
WED: The beauty of the “ballad” twice, John Coltrane’s “Ballads” and singer Karrin Allyson’s, remembering John Coltranes’s ballads.
THURS: The accordion of Richard Galliano relives the music of the Argentine Nuevo Tango composer, Astor Piazolla. African guitarist Lionel Louke, demonstrates why he is in demand with artists like Herbie Hancock
FRID: “Another Intensity”, the title of an album by German reggae artist, Gentleman, is just that, lyrically and musically.
Laraque for Christopher's Tuesday
sax player Nicholas Laraque is the featured act for the weekly Tuesday night
instrumental series come October 23
showtime is the usual 7:30pm
cover $300
instrumental series come October 23
showtime is the usual 7:30pm
cover $300
Check the roundabout
Besure to check (one of) my other blog(s) round-a-bout, at showlist.blogspot.com for periodic listings of select live performances and other premium events
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Carib poets featured on BETJ
Caribbean Dubpoets given a platform on BET J’s
Word Sound Power every Saturday 11am &11pm
Last Saturday at 11am and 11pm, the first show for the series Word Sound Power was viewed by millions on BET J, world wide. For the first time, dub-poets were given a platform on a commercial network to showcase Caribbean poetry for the world to experience.
Word Sound Power is an artistic force uniting the African oral tradition of rhythmic dub poetry and the literary art form of spoken word to form the voice of a new poetic generation.
Hosted weekly by M-1 of legendary Hip-Hop Duo Dead Prez, it features some of the best dub poets like Ansley Burrows, Cherry Natural, Yasas Afari, Suhir Hammad, LSX, Roger Bonair Agaird, Kamika and others.
The first three shows of the series were recorded at Boone Hall in Stony Hill. The cast will return to Jamaica to finish recording the rest of the show, utilizing the beauty, wonderful themes, and perfect location.
Word Sound Power redefines the boundaries of entertainment by directly addressing socio- economic, political issues with prose and purpose while providing an elevated visionary alternative to bridge the gap between cultures and countries of the African Diaspora.
This marriage of cultures brings together talent dub-poets of the world representing Caribbean and African background to express them-selves creatively yet sending strong messages. Produced by Roots Cause Entertainment and Earth Strong Production, Aranthes explains, “Dub Poets have never had a platform like this on a major international network. It’s never been done before. BET J has given us a platform to showcase this art form across the world.” Word Sound Power will air on BET J
Word Sound Power every Saturday 11am &11pm
Last Saturday at 11am and 11pm, the first show for the series Word Sound Power was viewed by millions on BET J, world wide. For the first time, dub-poets were given a platform on a commercial network to showcase Caribbean poetry for the world to experience.
Word Sound Power is an artistic force uniting the African oral tradition of rhythmic dub poetry and the literary art form of spoken word to form the voice of a new poetic generation.
Hosted weekly by M-1 of legendary Hip-Hop Duo Dead Prez, it features some of the best dub poets like Ansley Burrows, Cherry Natural, Yasas Afari, Suhir Hammad, LSX, Roger Bonair Agaird, Kamika and others.
The first three shows of the series were recorded at Boone Hall in Stony Hill. The cast will return to Jamaica to finish recording the rest of the show, utilizing the beauty, wonderful themes, and perfect location.
Word Sound Power redefines the boundaries of entertainment by directly addressing socio- economic, political issues with prose and purpose while providing an elevated visionary alternative to bridge the gap between cultures and countries of the African Diaspora.
This marriage of cultures brings together talent dub-poets of the world representing Caribbean and African background to express them-selves creatively yet sending strong messages. Produced by Roots Cause Entertainment and Earth Strong Production, Aranthes explains, “Dub Poets have never had a platform like this on a major international network. It’s never been done before. BET J has given us a platform to showcase this art form across the world.” Word Sound Power will air on BET J
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Rotary's 'Quad' returns
If it's October then that can only mean one thing - apart from the fact that
Oktoberfest draws nigh - the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston's
Wine + Cheese & Art + Jazz is shortly to be renewed.
The event is scheduled for Sunday October 28 at the Knutsford Court
hotel, beginning at 8:00 pm
More word on the line-up soon
Oktoberfest draws nigh - the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston's
Wine + Cheese & Art + Jazz is shortly to be renewed.
The event is scheduled for Sunday October 28 at the Knutsford Court
hotel, beginning at 8:00 pm
More word on the line-up soon
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The Germans are coming
The School of Music seems to be starting the academic year with a bang.
Not one, but two special concerts coming in short order.
First this, courtesy of Rosina Moder:
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
in association with the School of Music – Edna Manley College
cordially invite to an
Evening of Jazz
featuring Christof Lauer (saxophone) and Jens Thomas (piano)
on October 6, 2007 , at 7 pm
at the School of Music Auditorium ( 1 Arthur Wint Drive , Kingston 5)
Music starts at 8 pm
Admission free
Donations for music scholarships welcome
Christof Lauer (saxophone) and Jens Thomas (piano) are without doubt two of the best jazz musicians in Europe .
They met in 1999 and both found a perfect match in each other.
This fall, following an invitation from the Goethe Institute in Mexico , they are touring Latin America and the Caribbean .
The German Embassy is proud to welcome them in Jamaica .
Apart from the concert on Saturday, October 6, the German Embassy has asked the musicians to offer
a work shop for the master class of the School of Music ( Edna Manley College ) on Friday, October 5,
starting at 10 am .
Christof Lauer and Jens Thomas have produced two CDs together; “Shadows in the Rain” and “Pure Joy”.
but, before that, there is this:
On Saturday, October 6th, starting at 6 p.m. at UWI Chapel, is a special concert
organized by the Instiutute of Jamaica and the British High Commission, in
commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolishion of the Slave Trade.
Admission is FREE, please be seated at 5:30
Not one, but two special concerts coming in short order.
First this, courtesy of Rosina Moder:
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
in association with the School of Music – Edna Manley College
cordially invite to an
Evening of Jazz
featuring Christof Lauer (saxophone) and Jens Thomas (piano)
on October 6, 2007 , at 7 pm
at the School of Music Auditorium ( 1 Arthur Wint Drive , Kingston 5)
Music starts at 8 pm
Admission free
Donations for music scholarships welcome
Christof Lauer (saxophone) and Jens Thomas (piano) are without doubt two of the best jazz musicians in Europe .
They met in 1999 and both found a perfect match in each other.
This fall, following an invitation from the Goethe Institute in Mexico , they are touring Latin America and the Caribbean .
The German Embassy is proud to welcome them in Jamaica .
Apart from the concert on Saturday, October 6, the German Embassy has asked the musicians to offer
a work shop for the master class of the School of Music ( Edna Manley College ) on Friday, October 5,
starting at 10 am .
Christof Lauer and Jens Thomas have produced two CDs together; “Shadows in the Rain” and “Pure Joy”.
but, before that, there is this:
On Saturday, October 6th, starting at 6 p.m. at UWI Chapel, is a special concert
organized by the Instiutute of Jamaica and the British High Commission, in
commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Abolishion of the Slave Trade.
Admission is FREE, please be seated at 5:30
Jazzofonik emcees Singer's Nite
Owing to our continued stronger links
with Griot Music, i'll be hosting tonight's
Singer's Night showcase at Christopher's
The featured artiste is Abby (I believe Abby-gaye Dallas)
a recent graduate of the School of Music with a smoky
voice and a flair for the sensual.
she'll be backed up by other ECM alumni, the Raging Fire band
Turn up the A/C and loosen your collars, guys.
with Griot Music, i'll be hosting tonight's
Singer's Night showcase at Christopher's
The featured artiste is Abby (I believe Abby-gaye Dallas)
a recent graduate of the School of Music with a smoky
voice and a flair for the sensual.
she'll be backed up by other ECM alumni, the Raging Fire band
Turn up the A/C and loosen your collars, guys.
School/Community band for ECM
The follwoing, sent me by email form the School of music,
is encourgaing.
Lecturers, Students, Past Students of the Edna Manley College and friends who are players of Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Stringed Instruments, are invited to be a part of the Edna Manley College Concert Band/Orchestra, Pop Band, scheduled to start on Saturday 20th October 2007 at 11:00a.m. in the School of Music Auditorium.
Come with your instrument and music stand!
For further information please contact:-
Major Joe Williams
Tel: 946-0209; (c) 428-5568
is encourgaing.
Lecturers, Students, Past Students of the Edna Manley College and friends who are players of Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Stringed Instruments, are invited to be a part of the Edna Manley College Concert Band/Orchestra, Pop Band, scheduled to start on Saturday 20th October 2007 at 11:00a.m. in the School of Music Auditorium.
Come with your instrument and music stand!
For further information please contact:-
Major Joe Williams
Tel: 946-0209; (c) 428-5568
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Jazz According to Luke
The Tuesday night Music series at Christopher's in the Quad
continues to provide an interesting smorgasbord of music and
promising new talent;
On our previous visit, we were impressed by a young drummer who
displayed tremendous speed nad power and withthe right guidnace
and some restraint, could emerge asa premier musician.
This past Tuesday night, it was young pianist Luke Dixon (Jazzofonik
remembers his final year cocnert at the School of music)who served
notice that quality improvised music was alive & well at Christopher's.
Supported by Deleon 'Jubba' White on drums and Alves Reid on bass, Dixon began
appropriately enough with Miles' Freddie Freeloader, given that his pianism
displays a discernible touch of Wynton Kelly in additon to some Oscar
peterson influence.
A meandering All Blues (with Akil 'Red Bull' Karram sitting in on the drum kit) was perhaps the only misstep in a delightfully varied programme that took in
pop and even mild classical in addition to jazz
Definitely a musician worthy of wider recognition.
continues to provide an interesting smorgasbord of music and
promising new talent;
On our previous visit, we were impressed by a young drummer who
displayed tremendous speed nad power and withthe right guidnace
and some restraint, could emerge asa premier musician.
This past Tuesday night, it was young pianist Luke Dixon (Jazzofonik
remembers his final year cocnert at the School of music)who served
notice that quality improvised music was alive & well at Christopher's.
Supported by Deleon 'Jubba' White on drums and Alves Reid on bass, Dixon began
appropriately enough with Miles' Freddie Freeloader, given that his pianism
displays a discernible touch of Wynton Kelly in additon to some Oscar
peterson influence.
A meandering All Blues (with Akil 'Red Bull' Karram sitting in on the drum kit) was perhaps the only misstep in a delightfully varied programme that took in
pop and even mild classical in addition to jazz
Definitely a musician worthy of wider recognition.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Riffin in October week 1
Here's the Riffin' schedule for the first week of OCtober
Remember, Riffin streams live on Newstalk 93FM
newstalk.com.jm
RIFFIN RUNDOWN FOR WEEK 1/10/07, NEWSTALK 93FM, AT 8.35PM
STREAMING LIVE AT WWW.NEWSTALK.COM.JM
MON: The first of a two part farewell to Joe Zawinul, and the legendary music of Weather Report.
TUES: Part 2 of a farewell to Joe Zawinul and the music of Weather Report.
WED: Farewell to the smooth Caribbean balladeer, Jon Lucien, whose sound was what started the term “smooth jazz”
THURS: Carlos Malcolm’s Afro-Jamaican Rhythms, made the most creative music of the 60’s, a skillfull blend of mento, ska,afro-cuban and jazz. Malcolm keeps the same spirit alive in his Caribbbean Piano Etudes.
FRID; An acoustic guitar portrait of Bob Marley’s music, by British guitarist Bub Roberts.
Remember, Riffin streams live on Newstalk 93FM
newstalk.com.jm
RIFFIN RUNDOWN FOR WEEK 1/10/07, NEWSTALK 93FM, AT 8.35PM
STREAMING LIVE AT WWW.NEWSTALK.COM.JM
MON: The first of a two part farewell to Joe Zawinul, and the legendary music of Weather Report.
TUES: Part 2 of a farewell to Joe Zawinul and the music of Weather Report.
WED: Farewell to the smooth Caribbean balladeer, Jon Lucien, whose sound was what started the term “smooth jazz”
THURS: Carlos Malcolm’s Afro-Jamaican Rhythms, made the most creative music of the 60’s, a skillfull blend of mento, ska,afro-cuban and jazz. Malcolm keeps the same spirit alive in his Caribbbean Piano Etudes.
FRID; An acoustic guitar portrait of Bob Marley’s music, by British guitarist Bub Roberts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
