Michael Brecker: March 29, 1949 – January 13, 2007 Michael Brecker Day: Saxophonist and composer Michael Brecker was born on March 29, 1949 in Philadelphia, PA. Michael was the brother of trumpeter Randy Brecker. For most of the ‘70s, the two led the highly regarded … Continue reading
Cecil Taylor: Free Improvisation #3 Pianist and poet Cecil Percival Taylor was born March 25, 1929 in New York City. Cecil Taylor started learning piano when he was 6, and continued his studies at the New York College of Music and the New … Continue reading
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Hancock toured with his V.S.O.P. quintet, which featured all the members of the 1960s Davis quintet except Davis, who was replaced by trumpeter Hubbard. There was constant speculation that one day Davis would … Continue reading
Miles Davis plays New Rhumba with his quintet and the Gil Evans Orchestra. Between 1941 and 1948, Gil Evans worked as an arranger for the Claude Thornhill Orchestra. Evans’ modest basement apartment behind a New York City Chinese laundry soon became … Continue reading
Take Five, George Benson Happy Birthday, George Benson! Guitarist and singer-songwriter George Benson was born March 22, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Benson gave his first concert on ukelele when he was 7, and at age 8 he started playing guitar in nightclubs. He was 10 when … Continue reading
Duke Ellington Orchestra Duke Ellington called his music “American Music” rather than jazz, and described those who impressed him as “beyond category.” He is widely considered one of the most influential figures in jazz, if not in all American music … Continue reading
Tenor saxophonist and flutist Charles Lloyd was born March 15, 1938 in Memphis, TN. Lloyd recieved his first saxophone at age 9, and his childhood teachers included pianist Phineas Newborn, Jr. and saxophonist Irvin Reason. was voted Down Beat’s “Jazz Artist of the Year” in … Continue reading
Remember Shakti is a quintet which combines elements of traditional Indian music with elements of jazz. The band Remember Shakti consists of English guitarist John McLaughlin, and Zakir Hussain (tabla), U. Srinivas (deceased) (mandolin), Shankar Mahadevan (vocals), and V. Selvaganesh (kanjira, … Continue reading
Ornette Coleman, the man who changed jazz in 1959. Saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter, and composer Randall Denard Ornette Coleman was born March 9, 1930 in Fort Worth, Texas. Coleman is one of the giants who not only has created a vast body of work, … Continue reading
A night of explorations: Miles in ’73 Dave Liebman is featured in this excerpt from a live performance of the Miles Davis band in 1973. Liebman is on flute and sax. With Peter Cosey, Reggie Lucas, Michael Henderson, Al Foster, and James Mtume Forman. Calypso … Continue reading