Jazzfest facts, hot off the press. - New Jersey Jazz Society

’RoundJerseyBridgewater JazzSomerset County Vocationaland Technical High SchoolBridgewater, NJ 08807Tickets/Information: 908-725-6640Jazz in Bridgewater announces their 14th Season this month (see ad page 47),and it exhibits the creative diversity and balance that’s been a hallmark ofthe series from the beginning. The New Jersey Jazz Society is proud to continueco-sponsorship, and encourages members to sample the series. There’ssomething there for everyone. Perhaps you especially enjoy:All-Star Bands: Red Squires ran the Music Committee withan iron hand during the early years of NJJS. He had a knackfor assembling interesting and truly swinging all-star groups,witnessed best at the Waterloo Village weekends. But thesame character was evident in his monthly presentations atthe Watchung View Inn/Bridgewater Manor. He was also part ofthe triumvirate that ran the Chicken Fat Ball, which continuesto this day with his partners Al Kuehn and Don Greenfield atthe helm. REMEMBERING RED is their homage to their friend, and they’veassembled a crackerjack band of the sort Red would have loved, to honor hismemory, including Ken Peplowski, Derek Smith, James Chirillo, Chuck Reddand more.Organized Bands: All-star groups have the magnetism of top names, butorganized bands, playing together for years, can often tackle more interestingand complex arrangements and master deserving tunes whose structure istoo involved for musicians to work out on stage. The principal players in NewEngland’s Galvanized Jazz Band have been at it for more than three decades,yet they still attack a tune with the enthusiasm of young players who do it forthe love of traditional jazz. “The band also offers a wealth of distinguishedsoloists,” writes David DuPont of Cadence, “notably cornetist Fred Vigoritoand reedman Russ Whitman, who adds variety by doubling clarinet and foursaxophones, including bass saxophone.” These festival favorites are rarelyheard in New Jersey.Vocalists: We have plenty of vocalists locally, but bringing Banu Gibson upfrom New Orleans is always a exceptional treat. “Gibson has her own vocalstyle,” according to The Detroit News, “which imitates no particular singer whilestrongly reflecting a certain bygone era.” More than just bringing her “sassy, fullthroated” voice, she backs herself with some ofthe finest musicians available. For this outing it’sRandy Reinhart, Mark Shane, David Sager, JoeAscione, Marc Phaneuf and Frank Tate. It’sworth coming just for her “sizzling ensemble,”specializing in material from “an era when wittylyrics and catchy melodies were prized,” observesDoug Wyatt in the Savannah Morning News. That’swhy festivals worldwide book her with her bandas their headliners.Swing Era Material: Past seasons featured theMidiri Brothers selling out the hall playing BennyGoodman material. This time they’ll focus onmusic associated with clarinetist and band leaderArtie Shaw, whose popularity was based onplaying more complex, cutting edge arrangementsthat were no less endearing. A good choice,because the Midiri Brothers are considered byJerseyEventsJazzApril isJazzAppreciationMonth!many to be the best organized band doing Swing Era material these days. HearJoe Midiri (clarinet), Paul Midiri (vibes),Dan Tobias (trumpet), Pat Mercuri (guitar), Jim Lawlor (drums), Joe Holt(piano/harpsichord) and Gary Cattley (bass), keeping pace with Shaw’s fastand lively numbers, caressing his ballads and unearthing lesser known, butdeserving titles from the extensive Shaw legacy.Jazz Piano: Dick Wellstood was loved by NJJS members, as much for his impishsense of humor as his scorching stride piano work. He passed away suddenly20 years ago, but his artistry lives on in a new generation of stride players.Jeff Barnhart and Mark Shane are two of the best, and they’re playingtogether for the first time to honor the acknowledged master.Jazz Strings: Living legend guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli joinsphenomenal young violinist Jonathan Russell (remember himsparring with Kenny Davern at Jazzfest last year?) and veteranbassist Jerry Bruno to probe the limits of what can be done withjust strings, in a freewheeling jazz program.All the dates and prices are in the Jazz in Bridgewater ad.Broaden your jazz experience with a season subscription,support the series…and save some money too!Morris JazzThe Bickford Theater at the Morris MuseumMorristown, NJ 07960Tickets/Information: 973-971-3706The Wyeth Jazz Showcase has greeted Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM, ofcourse) withenthusiasm in the Jeff Barnhart burnspast, but this yearup the keys.has booked threecompelling concertsduring April.The Smithsonian,key organizer ofthis annual tributeto jazz, has listedthem with otherRossano Sportiello makes a stop in New Jersey.events across the country on their website, www.smithsonianjazz.org.Preeminent ragtime composer ScottJoplin died 90 years ago, just as emergingjazz recordings were displacing the parlorpiano as the entertainment medium inthe home. Torrid ragtime and stridepianist Jeff Barnhart has prepared anevening of Joplin material for thisanniversary appearance on Monday, April9. He’s certainly qualified, having beenartist-in-residence at the prestigious ScottJoplin International Ragtime Foundation.52 April 2007 JerseyJazz