What is Jazz? - PopMatters

Check out this PopMatters article. Interesting thoughts on the state of Jazz and what Jazz is and isn't. (warning:explicit language)

Programmer's Pick - Curtis Fuller

Curtis Fuller's latest project "I Will Tell Her" on Capri Records is a love letter to his late wife, Cathy who passed away earlier this year. At 75, this former Jazz Messenger is still going strong. Read the review at All About Jazz to learn more.

Passings - Francis Dreyfus & Benny Powell

French Music Veteran Francis Dreyfus Dies at the age of 70. (source: Billboard)



Basie Band Alumni, trombonist Benny Powell has died at 80. (source:NPR Blog Supreme)

Happy Birthday - Reggie Workman

Reginald "Reggie" Workman was born June 26, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Workman is an American avant - garde jazz and hard bop double bassist, recognized for his work with both John Coltrane and Art Blakey.He was a member of jazz groups led by Gigi Gryce, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter and Red Garland. In 1961, Workman joined the John Coltrane Quartet, replacing Steve Davis. He was present for the saxophonist's legendary Live at the Village Vanguard sessions, and also recorded with a second bassist (Art Davis) on the 1961 album, Olé Coltrane. After a European tour, Workman left Coltrane's group at the end of the year. Workman also played with James Moody, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Mann and Thelonious Monk. He has recorded with Archie Shepp, Lee Morgan and David Murray.

He is currently a professor at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City.

Programmers Pick - Steve Davis - Images

Trombonist Steve Davis has released a beautiful new project with "Images -The Hartford Project" on Positone Records "Images" is a musical portrait of Davis' hometown of Hartford,CT. Listen for The Modernist, Kenney's and Club 808 on Jazz 89.5 and check out the review at All About Jazz

Programmers Pick - Vocalist/Pianist - Champian Fulton

There's new vocalist on the Jazz scene and she's one to keep an eye on! 24 year old Champian Fulton has just released "The Breeze and I" a collection of standards. Perhaps you've heard her interpretations of "Day In, Day Out" , "I'm Confessin" or "Say It Isn't So" over the past few weeks on Jazz 89.5. If not, then by all means keep listening!

Read a review of "The Breeze and I" at JazzReview.com

Happy Birthday! - Eric Reed

Happy 40th birthday to pianist Eric Reed! Check out his latest project with Cyrus Chestnut "Plenty Swing, Plenty Soul" on High Note Records and listen to it on Jazz 89.5!

Miles Davis' Bitches Brew - 40th Anniversary

Columbia/Legacy has announced that it will release two deluxe repackaged versions of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew in honor of the landmark album’s 40th anniversary this year. The re-release is scheduled for August 31st.

The Bitches Brew: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition box set will include three CDs — two CDs containing the original tracks and six bonus tracks, plus one CD of a previously unissued live performance by Davis with Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Airto Moreira and Gary Bartz at Tanglewood in August 1970. Also included are a 48-page book (including an essay by author/producer Greg Tate), a 180g double-LP gatefold replication of the original album and a DVD of a previously unlreleased November 1969 performance by Davis’ quintet lineup of Wayne Shorter, Corea, Holland and DeJohnette in Copenhagen.

Happy Birthday Sammy Cahn and some guy named Paul McCartney.

What can possibly be said about this guy that hasn't already been said? Even though we all know he's not a Jazz artist, who knows exactly how many Beatles, McCartney, McCartney/Lennon tunes have been covered, arranged and rearranged again for the sake of Jazz.

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Don't discount the the musical contributions of this gentleman just because he happens to share a birthday with that other guy. Sammy Cahn was an amazing songwriter crafting such tunes as "Time after Time" and "I'll Walk Alone". Let's not forget his collaborations with Jules Styne and Jimmy Van Heusen. Check out his extensive biography at The Songwriter's Hall of Fame website.

Happy Birthday, Sammy!

Songwriter Birthdays June 17

Sammy Fain (1902-1989) - Music: Secret Love, That Old Feeling, I'll Be Seeing You, Happy In Love, You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me.







Gene De Paul (1919-1988) Music: Teach Me Tonight, You Don't Know What Love Is, Star Eyes, I'll Remember April, He's My Guy.

Steve Cardenas - Programmer's Pick

Guitarist Steve Cardenas is a new addition to the KEWU musical lineup. Perhaps you've heard "Burt", "West Of Middle" or "Backroad" the tracks currently being played on Jazz 89.5. Frontman Cardenas is joined by Ben Allison on bass and Rudy Royston on drums on this Sunnyside Records release. Check out the review at All About Jazz

Trumpeter Bill Dixon has passed away

Bill Dixon, the experimental jazz trumpeter and composer, died in his sleep last night at his home in North Bennington, Vt. He was 84 years old. Click here to read the full article.

Carol Morgan Trio - Programmer's Pick

Over the past few months on KEWU you've been hearing a new fresh voice on trumpet. That's Carol Morgan, the New York based, Julliard graduate who also has a steady gig with The Diva Jazz Orchestra. Morgan's latest project, "Opening" features Carol on trumpet, Harvie S. on bass and Richie De Rosa on drums.

Check out the review for "Opening" on Blue Bamboo Records.

Welcome!

This blog is a new feature brought to you by Jazz 89.5 in order to share the latest news and goings on at KEWU, in the Inland Northwest and in the world of Jazz.

Jazz News of The Day
The Jazz Journalist Association awards were presented in New York City today, click the link to find out who the 2010 winners are.