With “Single Petal of a Rose“, the talent-laden Duke Ellington Legacy offers an insightful tour through a program of masterpieces by Ellington and his inimitable creative partner, Billy Strayhorn. A nine-piece multi-generational ensemble founded by guitarist Edward Kennedy Ellington II, Duke’s grandson, the Legacy explores sublime ballads, hard-charging flag wavers, lustrous tone poems and sultry …
Category: KCCK Blog
Geissman’s Trilogy; Evingson Samples Gimbel – Bob Stewart
In addition to leading his own groups, guitarist Grant Geissman has recorded with such artists at Quincy Jones, Chuck Mangione, and Gordon Goodwin. He’s co-written the Emmy-nominated theme for the CBS-TV series “Two and a Half Men” and also writes music for the series “Mike and Molly.” “Bop! Bang! Boom!” is the third in a …
Branford’s New Quartet; Live Crawford/Sample – Bob Stewart
The Branford Marsalis Quartet has built its reputation by bringing intensity to each and every one of its live and studio performance. Says Marsalis, “Even if people don’t know what we’re doing, they’ll feel what we’re doing.” Those sentiments are echoed unanimously by the group members with their newest CD, “Four MFs Playin’ Tunes“, the …
Harrell’s Number 5; Galban’s Swan Song – Bob Stewart
Tom Harrell is one of the world’s most respected jazz trumpeters and composers. His original works achieve that rare balance between intricacy and musicality, being at once intellectually engaging and emotionally satisfying. His playing is marked with a shrewd lyricism and sensitive tone that argues against technique for technique’s sake, high note grandstanding or oblique …
Mobley & Dearie Inspired – Bob Stewart
Last fall, the Vancouver-based saxophonist Cory Weeds began planning his new CD. “Over a number of years, I’ve gotten to know Mike LeDonne as a friend,” says Weeds. “I’ve booked him at my jazz club…and I recorded my first CD as a leader with him.” Weeds brought the keyboardist to his Cellar Live club for …
Fleck/Roberts Collaborate; Big Band Jarreau – Bob Stewart
The Marcus Roberts Trio, founded in 1995, is known for its virtuosic style-a style that is strongly rhythmic, melodic, and filled with dynamic contrast. When long time Roberts fan and banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck stayed late at a Savannah Music Festival jam session just to hear the pianist play, he was asked to join in. …
Jimmy Heath Reads from His Autobiography at Jazz Fest
Jazz 88.3 KCCK and Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature will present jazz legend Jimmy Heath in an opportunity to meet fans and sign copies of his autobiography, “I Walked with Giants,” Sunday, July 1 at 1pm at Iowa City’s Java House Café, 211 East Washington St., prior to his performance at the Iowa City …
Metheny’s Unity Band; Reed on Monk – Bob Stewart
Over the course of more than three decades, guitarist Pat Metheny has set himself apart from the jazz mainstream, expanding and blurring boundaries and music styles. Now, for the first time since his 1980 release “80/81″, he’s recorded with a band that features tenor saxophone. “Unity Band” introduces a new Metheny ensemble featuring Chris Potter …