New Music Monday for June 19, 2017

Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.

 

Resonance Records has dipped into the vaults again and come up with another previously unreleased gem, “Truth, Liberty & Soul—Live in NYC: the Complete 1982 NPR Jazz Alive! Recording.” The first official release authorized by the Jaco Pastorius estate captures the iconic bass innovator leading a 22-piece big band at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City as part of George Wein’s Kool Jazz Festival. Featuring a congregation of the top jazz musicians of the time, such as Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Randy Brecker, Frank Wess, Lew Soloff and Toots Thielemans, the set showcases Jaco’s brilliant compositions for large ensemble with the electric energy of a live performance.

 

 

 

One of the most long-lived and acclaimed bands on the current jazz scene, Ryan Keberle & Catharsis, continue to evolve their unmistakable group sound while speaking out about our troubled times on their new outing, “Find the Common, Shine a Light.” With six years of recording and extensive touring under their belt, the band stays true to its “potent blend of cinematic sweep and lush, ear-grabbing melodies” (Los Angeles Times) while opting for a more layered and multifaceted approach in the studio. Even so, the signature Catharsis front line of trombonist Ryan Keberle and trumpeter Michael Rodriguez remains central. Vocalist Camila Meza assumes an added role on guitar and bassist Jorge Roeder appears more frequently than before on electric bass. Drummer Eric Doob brings not only his supple and animated playing to the project but also recorded the project at his studio.

 

 

 

Also this week, Cuban-born drummer Ignacio Berroa and his trio offer up a mainstream jazz album using old Cuban melodies from his youth on “Straight Ahead From Havana”.

 

 

 

Nigerian-born, London-raised saxophonist Zem Audu is joined by guitarist Mike Stern and bassist Ben Williams on his debut CD, “Spirits”.Award-winning composer and pianist Scott Routenberg unveils his fourth album, “Every End is a Beginning,” featuring the drum work of U of I alum Cassius Goens.

 

 

 

 

Culture Crawl 266 “Beating The Heat”

Sean Ulmer, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, and board member for the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance (ICCA), has some suggestions for fun activities for all ages. Most take place in the cool comfort of air conditioning.

He also reminds us that his organization, the Museum of Art has free admission all summer long, so plan to catch their current exhibits.

Remember, www.culturalcorridor.org is the place to check out thousands of events for all ages. The Museum of Art is at www.crma.org.

IC Jazz Festival Schedule Update

A few adjustments have been made to the schedule and lineup for this year’s Iowa City Jazz Festival.

The biggest change is for the Sunday schedule. Stacey Kent and the Donny McCaslin Group have traded time slots. Kent will now perform at 6pm, and McCaslin will close the Festival, taking the stage at 8pm.

The Cookers have announced that saxophonist Donald Harrison is unable to perform with the group. Stepping in is Jaleel Shaw. Shaw was the Downbeat 2014 Rising Star Saxophonist, and spent many years as a member of drummer Roy Haynes’ band. He’s also no stranger to Iowa City, returning to the Festival after a 2014 appearance with Tom Harrell Colors of a Dream.

Check out the full schedule of Jazz Fest performances and artist bios on our Jazz Fest page.

Clean Up Your Act 7-17-17

The University of Iowa continues to grow some of its fuel – including 2500 acres of miscanthus grass.

Culture Crawl 265 “The Last Festival”

2017 will be the final year for the Irish District Music and Arts Festival in Northeast Cedar Rapids, but that doesn’t mean the festival is ending. Next year, it will be renamed in honor of the new College District neighborhood that now encompasses the area.

Perry and the Pumpers and New Orleans’ Honey Swamp Band headline this festival, which raises funds to provide cash grants to emerging musical artists to help develop their careers.

Tickets are $10 in advance through midnight June 15, $15 at the gate.

Details at www.irishdistrictfest.com.

Culture Crawl 264 “She Writes How Many Books a Year?”

The public libraries in Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha present bestselling authors in a free reading and signing event each year in the “Out Loud” author series.

June 16, it’s poet and Newbury Award-winner Kwame Alexander. June 23, Debbie Macomber, whose books have spent 990 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists.

Admission is free, but pre-registration is recommended at www.metrolibrarynetwork.org.

Talking Pictures 6-15-17

The Mummy (2017), Wonder Woman, It Comes at Night with Hollis Monroe, Denny Lynch and Scott Chrisman 

Clean Up Your Act 7-12-17

Herbicides are likely causing insect-like damage to oak trees in Iowa.