With more than a half-century of experience in the jazz world, it would be safe to consider Phil Woods not only one of the music’s living legends but a true aficionado of his fellow instrumentalists. So it speaks volumes that the first time he shared the stage with a then-14-year-old Grace Kelly, he was moved …
Category: KCCK Blog
Shank’s Finale, Urcola’s Tribute – Bob Stewart
U.K. saxophonist Jake Fryer joins the legendary alto saxophonist Bud Shank and Shank’s outstanding rhythm section of pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe LaBarbera for a stellar be-bop session on the new CD, “In Good Company.” This was, sadly, the final recording of Bud Shank as he passed away the day after …
Philly, San Fran and Seattle – Bob Stewart
Although we’ve heard them play together on a track here and there on Papa John’s albums over the years, the Brothers DeFrancesco had never before recorded an entire project together–until now. Keyboardist Joey and guitarist Johnny come together on the new disc, “DeFrancesco Brothers.” While Joey has consistently been winning Downbeat Magazine Critics and Readers …
Sheppard Project, Organic Asherie – Bob Stewart
Bob Sheppard has long been one of the top reed players based in Southern California. Among his most important associations was his eight year tenure with Freddie Hubbard, along with work in the bands of Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker and others. “Close Your Eyes”, just his fourth release as a leader, gives Sheppard …
Flavors of the British Isles – Bob Stewart
Norma Winstone was long considered Britain’s most distinctive jazz singer when, in 2007, she was honored as a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. She began her recording career in 1977 with the group Azimuth, and has appeared on discs by Kenny Wheeler and Eberhard Weber. Since the mid-’80s, she has been a …
The Art of Guitar – Bob Stewart
Longtime Los Angeles-based guitarist Doug MacDonald is a native Philadelphian who was raised in Hawaii. As a sideman on both coasts and some stops elsewhere, his live performances are in the hundreds, including those with Stan Getz, George Shearing, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, and Buddy Rich, among many others. Scott Yanow of Jazz Times describes …
High School Musicians Rub Shoulders with Pros – Dennis
Amidst homework, final exams and holiday concerts at area high schools, the halls are also buzzing with the sound of jazz. Students at ten Corridor-area high schools are in final preparation stages to put their best musical foot forward as they record with a professional jazz educator for the Corridor Jazz Project. The bands from …
Vocals Past and Present – Bob Stewart
Lizz Wright spent her previous three releases defying categorization-contemporary jazz stylist? Neo-soul/neo-folk/Americana artist? None or all of the above? So it’s no surprise that “Fellowship” would introduce yet another wrinkle into the mix: gospel. As the daughter of a Georgia pastor, Wright listened to and sang nothing but religious fare before fate and/or the Lord …