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In the 1940s, Frances Ballantyne discovered jazz in Harlem and on 52nd Street, befriending and socializing with many creators of the music, including Sidney Bechet and Willy “The Lion” Smith. She became a lifelong jazz fan and is still attending live shows at 98-years-old. Award-winning baritone saxophonist Claire Daly met her in the late 1990s, and their friendship has been steady ever since. When Claire told longtime friend and tenor legend George Garzone about her plans to record a swinging and straight ahead homage to Frances and the New York jazz scene, he said, “Great, I’ll do the VuVu,” meaning an airy, melodic, mellow sound on the tenor sax. The musicians on the new disc, “VuVu for Frances,” are all veterans who have been gigging extensively for decades.
“Generational” by The Nimmons Tribute is the second volume of a tribute project honoring the legacy of Canadian jazz legend Phil Nimmons, who celebrates his 100th birthday this year. The album brings new life to vintage Nimmons compositions with brand new arrangements by Phil’s grandson, pianist Sean Nimmons. It features some of the finest musicians in Canada (including many JUNO Award winners), a group of Phil’s colleagues, former students, friends and family who have come together in a joyous celebration of Phil and his music.
Also this week, “Raymond Scott Reimagined” is a new collaboration teaming Quartet San Francisco with Gordon Goodwin’s award- winning Big Phat Band and revered Grammy-winning a cappella group Take 6;
the Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band showcases singers Janis Siegel, Antoinette Montague and Jennifer Jade Ledesna on “Vox Humana”;
and trombonist and composer Altin Sencalar, a rising star in the jazz world, debuts with “In Good Standing.”