New Orleans’ music ambassadors in the spotlight
20th January 2015 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
cash loans winchester va Contributing Writer
Germaine Bazzle
It’s Magic
(Musik Bloc)
Germaine Bazzle remains one of the most respected and admired jazz musicians in New Orleans. To describe her as a musician rather than a vocalist is deliberate because when Bazzle steps on stage, or in this case to the microphone, she is a full-fledged member of the band. Her involvement also effects the dynamics of the ensemble as heard here pianist Larry Sieberth, bassist Peter Harris and drummer Simon Lott. Their role goes beyond being merely accompanying Bazzle, though the do that with much sensitivity, but they also enjoy the freedom to add flair and have space for some fine soloing.
Bazzle starts the album out swinging on the standard “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Suddenly, as if bursting out, she starts doing some hardcore scatting. She’s not foolin’ around though she sounds like she’s having fun going down for those low notes and then reaching to her upper register. Bazzle has more tricks in her bag, improvising on the tune’s lyrics payday loans no guarantor no fees and phrasing. On “Blackbird” her scat has a yodel-like quality and elsewhere she uses her voice in imitation of a trombone.
The album, full of classic material from composers like Duke Ellington and Cole Porter, boasts some quieter moments such as Irving Gordon’s “Be Anything.” Bazzle delivers a dramatic interpretation of the tune, so much so that there are moments when her voice is barely recognizable as her own.
Germaine Bazzle always carries herself with great dignity though on It’s Magic she also lets her sense of humor come through. Swinging with Bazzle is a given; smiling broadly at her unique stylistic approach is less expected.
Ellis Marsalis To Be Honored
Pianist, composer and educator Ellis Marsalis will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 20th annual Best of the Beat awards party, Thursday, January 22, 2015. Presented by OffBeat magazine that featured Marsalis on its February cover, the awards ceremony will include a musical tribute performed by a band led by the honoree’s son, drummer/vibest Jason Marsalis. sada cash loans “We’re going to play his compositions that are less familiar like “A Moment Alone” and “Nostalgic Impressions” and some things people haven’t heard before,” Jason explains. Austin Johnson, who is a member of Jason’s Vibes Quartet, has the challenging position of sitting at the piano in the tribute band that includes trumpeter Aslin Parker, saxophonist Rex Gregory, bassist Jason Stewart and, of course, Jason Marsalis on drums.
An array of music awards in categories from rock and rap to jazz and gospel will also be presented. Other musical performances include sets by The New Orleans Suspects, the Honey Island Swamp Band and more.
The party takes place at Generations Hall, 310 Andrew Higgins Drive and begins at 6 p.m. Tickets, the price of which include complimentary food from some 25 restaurants, are available online and at the door.
The Cookers
Time and Time Again
(Montema Music)
Okay, simply put, Time and Time Again is a great album. That is not at all surprising considering the depth, experience and power first american cash advance chillicothe ohio of the members of The Cookers. To get the drift, it is absolutely essential to mention their illustrious names and a (very) few of their jazz credits.
The Cookers, all of whom are leaders in their own right, include the influential bassist Cecil McBee, 79 (trumpeter Miles Davis, saxophonists Pharoah Sanders and Wayne Shorter). On trumpet is Eddie Henderson, 74 (lessons from Louis Armstrong, pianist Herbie Hancock). Henderson also recorded with fellow Cooker, drum master Billy Hart, 74 (trumpeter Miles Davis, pianist Herbie Hancock).
The group of post-bop era giants also boasts pianist George Cables, 69 (saxophonist Sonny Rollins and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard). On tenor is the forward-thinking Billy Harper, 71 (pianist Randy Weston, drummers Art Blakey, Elvin Jones and Max Roach). At 49, trumpeter David Weiss, who founded The Cookers, is the youngest member of the group. Time and Time Again stands as New Orleans’ own, alto saxophonist, Donald Harrison Jr.’s., 54, first recording with the band that has been together for seven years.
The length easiest acceptance payday loans of time these remarkable musicians have been performing as The Cookers also makes a huge impact on the resulting product. It undoubtedly contributes to the clarity of their ensemble work and back-up support. Those elements allow the soloists to fly with confidence. And they do.
Billy Harper fires the first shot, on the opener, his self-penned “Sir Galahad.” Hart’s drums thunder as Harper’s expressive tenor offers a soulfully spiritual introduction. The tune then takes off with everyone pushing their rhythmic and creative limits.
It sets the tone of what’s to come with Harper, Hart, McBee and Cables all contributing material that offers great diversity to the album and challenges the players’ to deliver. They all eagerly accept the invitation of freedom and soar with it. With a rhythm section like this, why not?
The music, like the artists, featured on Time and Time Again represents both the past, the present and the future. It is timeless in its greatness.
This article originally published in the January 19, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
