"We've got the jazz stars of tomorrow," boasted T.S. Monk (known for the occasion as Thelonious Jr.) at the start of last night's Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition finals. Never has that statement rung more true; by the time the evening's three stellar piano finalists had finished performing at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater, it [...]
The last time America was in an economic depression, a vibrant chunk of the era’s popular culture involved folk music about heroic left-wing martyrs. Alas, it’s not quite the same this time. If it was, Lady Gaga might be celebrating the legacy of Joe Hill, the Industrial Workers of the World organizer executed by a [...]
Remember how I said that September was when the magic would happen? Behold, this week, where I severely cherry-picked the week's offerings and am still having to do an extra-long column.
Friday, September 9
There are so many things about The Cookers that scream "All-Star Band." The truth, though, is that they are an All-Should-Have-Been-Stars Band. Organizers [...]
Los Angeles native Gretchen Parlato is among an elite group of musicians who made their breakthrough in Washington, D.C.: She was the winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition for Vocals. Seven years and three albums later, Parlato is one of the most acclaimed and closely watched singers in jazz, and her star [...]
(Update 10/5 7:32 AM: It bears mentioning that I missed the first hour of Sunday's semifinal, which included Salvant's performance for that day. My critique of her singing would surely have been affected if I'd seen her perform twice, as I did Wade and Amie. Caveat emptor.)
Two things to remember:
(1) Singing is perhaps the most [...]
Friday, Oct. 1
The Airmen of Note are a fine attraction all by themselves, aren't they? This is Washington—we know a thing or two about military bands—and "the Note," the Air Force's jazz ensemble, has a storied history of great players and even better arrangers (Sammy Nestico, Mike Crotty, Alan Blaylock) who've both maintained the band's [...]
Washington bassist Ben Williams took first place last night in the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition at the Kennedy Center. His victory was a given after his incredible performance; your humble correspondent went looking to make book on Williams at intermission, and nobody would take the bet. But the D.C. audience put a [...]
Oct. 9
SaltmanKnowles has a single ambition: Melody. Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles, both Howard music graduates and veterans of the D.C. scene, started the quintet specifically to combat the riffs and noodling they kept hearing; they want music that's about lyrical tunes and memorable hooks. Their lush compositions make great ammunition for that cause, [...]
