November with JazzBoston
Table of contents: Jazz At The Firehouse series I JazzBoston is listening I Jazz Musicians from Boston: Harry Carney I Member's Connection: Win free tickets I No-cost jazz
Newsletter Editor: Grace-Mary Burega, Managing Editor: Jon Taubman
Executive Editor: Emmett G. Price III
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JazzBoston wants to personally thank all the venues that have supplied free tickets in support of our monthly ticket drawings. JazzBoston's free ticket drawing wouldn't exsist without your dedication and generosity. Thank you all!
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With much gratitude, a special thank you goes out to all our subscribers who completed the JazzBoston survey last month. Your constructive comments and user feedback gained us valuable insights we can use to shape the direction of the organization in 2017.
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ZUMIX presents its annual Jazz At The Firehouse series
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ZUMIX is an East Boston non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through music and the arts. The organization was founded in 1991 by Bob Grove and current Executive Director, Madeleine Steczynski, as a response to Boston youth violence. Since then, ZUMIX has expanded their offering to include; year-round community events, after-school and summer programs serving hundreds of young students, and partnerships with schools and the local community. By bringing accessible music to the community, ZUMIX's mission is to give youths something to be passionate about in order to inspire transformation in their lives and elevate communities.
In this spirit, since 2011, ZUMIX has brought local and national jazz acts to an intimate performance space with its Jazz At The Firehouse (JATF) series. This year, the annual series will present two concerts inside the renovated ZUMIX Firehouse in East Boston. Sunday, November 6th will feature the Nick Grondin Group with Marco Pignataro for a special tribute to Wayne Shorter's classic Blue Note albums, and December 4th will feature Gene Bertoncini, with Dave Clark. The series is presented with support from the ASCAP Foundation, Louis Armstrong Fund, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. All proceeds from these events support ZUMIX’s mission to empower the community through the arts.
I was able to speak with Development Associate, Anni Leff, at ZUMIX about the Jazz At The Firehouse series.
GM: Can you describe the experience of listening to jazz inside the ZUMIX renovated firehouse building? How does the firehouse ambience contribute to the sound and concert experience?
AL: Shows at the Firehouse are a totally unique experience. Music can happen anywhere, but often we're restricted to spaces that are more traditional. Sitting in a renovated space that's taking on new life as a music venue is a way to hear an older genre of music in a new and exciting way. The priorities for Jazz At The Firehouse are that it's affordable, top-quality, and intimate. The atmosphere of a JATF show is familial and warm - the feeling of a private show without losing any of the professionalism. We want audience members to feel as if they’re an extension of the neighborhood, like they’re part of a community of jazz and music lovers.
GM: What is your hope with presenting jazz in an untraditional venue? Do you hope to bring jazz to a new audience with this series?
AL: The Jazz At The Firehouse series is meant to introduce jazz music to new listeners in a really intimate setting, while simultaneously offering a top-notch show to aficionados. It's a mixed crowd, which is exactly what ZUMIX aims to accomplish with all of our shows of all genres.
GM: How do you pick the performers to be presented in the Jazz at the Firehouse series?
AL: Jazz At The Firehouse is curated by a volunteer committee made-up of long-time jazz lovers and members of local radio and community media outlets. The group brings a vast collective knowledge of the genre with a focus on New England based artists. The nights are curated in partnership with ZUMIX and always feature a ZUMIX youth opening act. Over the past 2 years, the series has strived to foster inclusivity and feature a wider range of faces.
GM: Can you describe the participation of ZUMIX youth music students in these events?
AL: ZUMIX youth artists open the shows, and often collaborate with the headlining acts by joining them on stage for a song or two. This creates an opportunity for our young people to gig in a professional setting. Audience members are routinely blown away by their talent. Moreover, it's an opportunity for our youth to get a glimpse into life as a professional musician, and close the distance between them and their role models. When an aspiring young artist has a chance to share the stage with a working musician, build relationships, and practice their craft all at the same time, it's really a beautiful thing to witness.
GM: Do you plan on continuing the annual Jazz at the Firehouse series? Do you have any plans for the future?
AL: Jazz At The Firehouse will continue but may change in structure as we grow our community arts programming. Currently the series is presented twice a year - we may be interested in exploring more of a “festival” structure similar to other “jazz weeks” in the area. In the future we would love to partner with other organizations and individuals both as partners and within our volunteer committee to continue to grow this model and always be presenting the best and brightest musicians we can!
For more information, visit www.zumix.org. To purchase tickets, visit jazzatthefirehouse.eventbrite.com. ZUMIX, 260 Sumner Street, Boston.
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| Your FREE portal to great jazz radio shows around the globe
JazzBird®, the free jazz radio app from JazzBoston, provides access to hundreds of jazz radio shows streaming live 24/7 from broadcast and Internet stations around the globe. In the crowded field of music streaming, it is the only app that delivers a listen-live-now experience anytime you “tune in,” anyplace you are, from anywhere in the world.
Download from iTunes Download from GooglePlay
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JazzBoston is listening: which initiatives are important to you?
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JazzBoston is building new partnerships and developing new initiatives for 2017, but before we build a program development plan we want to hear from you. Tells us which initiatives you value most in this short 6 question survey. Takes 2 minutes or less to complete. Click the button below to get started.
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Jazz Musicians from Boston: Harry Carney
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Boston native Harry Carney (April 1, 1910 – October 8, 1974) is most known for his 45-year tenure as a saxophonist in the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Carney performed on baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, Bb clarinet and bass clarinet. His virtuosity on the baritone saxophone allowed him to stand out as one of the most iconic players on the instrument. Carney’s rich, singular voice became a signature of the Ellington sound.
Carney began his professional musical career at the age of 13 playing clarinet and saxophone in Boston area bands. At age 17 Carney’s childhood friend, Johnny Hodges, recruited Carney to move to New York and play in New York City dance bands. Carney was eventually offered a gig at the Bamboo Inn, a ChineseAmerican restaurant where Duke Ellington was know to dine on his nights off. It was weeks later, after the Bamboo Inn burned down, that Carney bumped into Ellington on the street. Having obviously made a good impression on Ellington during his short stint at the Bamboo Inn, Carney was offered a job.
Ellington, with sites set on New England hired Carney in 1927, with Carney starting in the alto saxophone and clarinet chair. When the original baritone saxophonist, Otto Hardwick, moved to Europe, Carney switched to baritone saxophone which immediately became a mainstay of the section. While touring with the Ellington Orchestra, Carney also recorded his own album as band leader “Harry Carney with Strings,” a 1955 Clef Records release.
Carney’s full-bodied, low registered rich tone, coupled with techniques such as circular breathing and virtuosic improvisations made him an inspiration for several Ellington compositions. Ellington would eventually feature Carney's robust sound on such compositions as "Sophisticated Lady," "In a Mellow Tone" and the showpiece feature, "Frustration." The arrangements were orchestrated to specifically target Carney’s individuality on the instrument, as Ellington wrote for the strengths and personality of each member of his ensemble. As an ensemble member, Carney can be heard as an anchor to section parts, paired with different combinations of instruments to add depth.
Carney’s relationship with Ellington went beyond the band stand. He often drove Ellington to and from shows, allowing Duke to compose and share ideas with him. They were close friends and confidantes for many years, with Ellington trusting Carney to run rehearsals in his absence. Carney’s work with Ellington lasted until Duke’s death 47 years later in May 1974. Ellington's death completely disheartened Carney, who was shocked saying, “This is the worst day of my life. Without Duke I have nothing to live for.” Carney himself died a little over four months later at the age of 64.
Harry Carney leaves Boston with a multitude of recordings showcasing the flexibility and beauty of the baritone saxophone both as an ensemble member and as a solo instrument. His music continues to influence generations of performers by being the anchor to one of America’s greatest music ensembles.
"You still hear musicians say the height of their ambition is to play in the Ellington band."
– Harry Carney
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Volunteer opportunities
A non-profit thrives with a strong network of donors, partners and volunteers. Email us at volunteers@jazzboston.org if you are able to assist, or would like more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities.
- Spreading the word on social media
- Graphic design
- Marketing
- Assistance with JazzBird®, JazzBoston’s free global radio app
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Clockwise from top: The Bad Plus, Wallace Roney, Pedrito Martinez, Juanito Pascual
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If you are a JazzBoston member, write to:
newsletter@jazzboston.org now to enter a drawing for free tickets to any of the events listed below, and please note which shows and dates you are interested in.
You must be a JazzBoston member to be eligible to win.
Not a member? Join JazzBoston today for as low as $20/year and participate in our free ticket drawing listed in every issue of the JazzBoston newsletter. Members also receive discounts at participating venues. See the full list of venues here.
World Music/CRASHarts is offering a pair of tickets to the following show:
Scullers is offering a pair of tickets to the following shows:
Regattabar is offering a pair of tickets to the following shows:
- Oz Noy Trio, November 11, 7:30 PM
- Jarrett Cherner CD Release Show, November 15, 7:30 PM
- Juanito Pascual Trio, November 18, 7:30 PM
- Julia & the Zerounian Ensemble, November 29, 7:30 PM
- Daniel Bachman, November 30, 7:30 PM
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Tell us how we're doing
We want to hear from you. Email newsletter@jazzboston.org and share your thoughts on our organization, newsletter, the website. User feedback is a critical piece in making effective organizational change. Your opinion matters!
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Clockwise from top: Charenée Wade, Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Kenny Werner.
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Contemporary Improvisation Salon Night
The Contemporary Improvisation Salon Night series features various NEC CI ensembles performing repertoire they have been developing over the course of the semester. The concert atmosphere spans a wide variety of genres, ranging from dance hall to Persian classical music. 7 PM, Tuesday, November 8, Pierce Hall, 241 St. Botolph Street, Boston.
Synergy
Synergy is a partnership of modern jazz and art, marrying color with pitch. The result is a cornucopia of visuals and sounds, where paintings by Jim Zingarelli are represented in sound by the music of Gail McArthur-Browne (soprano sax), Helen Sherrah-Davies (five-string violin), Mark Walker (drums), Ed Lucie (bass), and Maxim Lubarsky (keys). 7:30 PM, Tuesday, November 8, David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.
Autumn Serenade: Advanced Jazz and Blues Ensemble
Berklee vocalists perform original arrangements of jazz and blues standards. Directed by Rebecca Shrimpton. 7:30 PM, Monday, November 14, David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.
America? America!
Under the direction of Contemporary Improvisation co-chair and multi-instrumentalist Eden MacAdam-Somer, Contemporary Improvisation students and faculty take a look at the music that makes the U.S. who we are, in our country of many cultures. Anthony Coleman leads Survivors Breakfast in Earl Robinson’s Ballad for Americans, the CI Chamber Ensemble presents Charles Ives’ General William Booth Enters Into Heaven, and Nedelka Prescod’s African American Experience Through Music Ensemble shares their version of Mahalia Jackson’s Canaan Land. 7:30 PM, Monday, November 14, NEC's Jordan Hall, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston.
Berklee Global Jazz Institute Concert Series and Jam Sessions
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) will feature an original repertoire as well as arranged standards in this concert. This particular performance will feature the BGJI Purple, Green, and, Blue Ensembles. 6:30 PM, Tuesday, November 15, Zero Gravity Room, 1260 Boylston Street, Boston.
Jazz Composer's Ensemble and Gospel Ensemble
The NEC Jazz Composer's Ensemble allows student composer-performers an ensemble opportunity that is focused on arranging original and traditional repertoire for jazz ensemble. The NEC Gospel Ensemble explores contemporary gospel music as it is currently being created and performed. This ensemble works with repertoire composed within the last 20 years and highlights key composers and choir leaders. 8 PM, Tuesday, November 15, Brown Hall, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston.
Odd-Meter Workshop
Pianist Doug Johnson presents a workshop to explore novel ways of approaching odd-meters such as 5/7, 7/4, and 11/8. If you do not have previous experience with these meters you will find it is easier than you thought to be successful. Those with experience will be able to achieve more rhythmic variety freedom. Bring your instruments. 1 PM, Wednesday, November 16, Berk Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston.
Kenny Werner Master Class
Kenny Werner of the Effortless Mastery Institute will host a master class for piano. 2 PM, Wednesday, November 16, David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.
Best Of Jazz Composition Fall 2016
Each semester, the Berklee’s Jazz Composition Department presents a concert of works by some of the finest jazz composition students, performed by the Jazz Composition Ensemble, and directed by the student composers. 7:30 PM, Wednesday, November 16, David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, Boston.
Music in the Home Key
This evening you will hear famous works all composed in the key of C by Bach, Mozart, Schumann and Terry Riley. New faculty member Spencer Myer will join Longy’s Big Band, conducted by Mark Zaleski. 8 PM, Wednesday, November 16, Longy School of Music, Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall, 27 Garden St, Cambridge.
Beautiful Songs From Latin America
This concert presents the work of vocal students who have selected, transcribed, and rehearsed music of different styles from multiple regions of Latin America. The songs and arrangements reflect the lyrical and poetic content of these different genres and grooves, as well as our jazz and Latin aesthetics. 1:30 PM, Thursday, November 17, Berk Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston.
Offering: The Music of Gil Scott-Heron with Charenée Wade Quintet
Wellesley College’s Music Department would like to welcome Charenée Wade Quintet in Offering—The Music of Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson. 7:30 PM, Friday, November 18, Wellesley College, Jewett Art Center Auditorium, 106 Central Street, Wellesley.
The Makanda Project
The Makanda Project performs the music of Bill Barron and Ndikho Xaba. 7 PM, Saturday, November 19, Dudley Library Auditorium, 65 Warren Street, Roxbury.
MIT Vocal Jazz Ensemble
This program by the MIT Vocal Jazz Ensemble will feature Standards with a Twist, arrangements created by the members of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and its coach Liz Tobias. A MIT student jazz trio will accompany the group as they explore the music of Arlen and Harburg, Loesser, Porter, Hamilton, Burke and Van Heusen to name just a few. 7 PM, Sunday, November 20, MIT’s Killian Hall, MIT Room 4-246, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge.
Longy @ Regattabar
Regattabar has been an outstanding venue for our efforts to bring music out from the proscenium and into the city. This year all the concerts will center around the music of our American homeland. 7 PM, Monday, November 21, Regattabar, The Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge.
Berklee Global Jazz Institute Concert Series and Jam Sessions
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) will feature an original repertoire as well as arranged standards in this concert. This particular performance will feature the BGJI Silver, Amber, and Red Ensembles. 6:30 PM, Tuesday, November 22, Zero Gravity Room, 1260 Boylston Street, Boston.
Ned Rothenberg: Composing in the Moment
Composer and woodwind artist Ned Rothenberg presents an evening of group improvisations with students from his fall workshops and creative Berklee faculty members and alumni. Rothenberg has a 40-year career of solo and group improvisation, including collaborations with John Zorn, Evan Parker, Anthony Braxton, George Lewis, Peter Evans, and many more. 7 PM, Thursday, December 1, Oliver Colvin Recital Hall, 1140 Boylston Street, Boston.
BlueJazz Strings & Combos Fall Concert Sweethearts of Rhythm
The BlueJazz Strings and Combos Fall Concert celebrates women musicians, past and present, in the world of improvised music. From the rhythms of swing to jazz fusion, Afro-Cuban to contemporary pop, our small jazz ensembles create an evening of lively music for all. Please join us and our special guests! 7:30 PM, Friday, December 2, Wellesley College, Jewett Art Center Auditorium, 106 Central Street, Wellesley.
World Music Ensemble Concert
Boston University’s World Music Ensemble performs works TBA. 8 PM, Friday, December 2, College of Fine Arts, 855 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston.
Boston Conservatory Contemporary Music Ensemble
An evening of works with ensemble members and electronics. 8 PM, Saturday, December 3, Boston Conservatory, Room 106, 132 Ipswich Street, 1st Floor, Boston.
LongyLab 3
Longy's official unofficial outlet for experimentalism of any kind. Curated by Dr. Peter J. Evans. 1 PM, Sunday, December 4, Longy School of Music, Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall, 27 Garden St, Cambridge.
Berklee Global Jazz Institute Concert Series and Jam Sessions
The Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) will feature an original repertoire as well as arranged standards in this concert. This particular performance will feature the BGJI Purple, Green, and Blue Ensembles. 6:30 PM, Tuesday, December 6, Zero Gravity Room, 1260 Boylston Street, Boston.
NEC Jazz Orchestra
The NEC Jazz Orchestra will present a concert led by Ken Schaphorst, Chair of NEC's Jazz Studies Department. 7:30 PM, Thursday, December 8, NEC's Jordan Hall, 290 Huntington Ave, Boston.
Composers' Recital Series
An evening of student compositions performed by Boston Conservatory’s contemporary music performance students. 8 PM, Thursday, December 8, Boston Conservatory Studio 401, 31 Hemenway Street, 4th Floor, Boston.
Wellesley BlueJazz Big Band Fall Concert Blues Walk: Blues Revisited
Wellesley BlueJazz Big Band presents their Fall Concert: “Blues Walk: Blues Revisited”, a spirited exploration of one of America’s greatest art forms. Wellesley BlueJazz is directed by saxophonist Cercie Miller. 7:30 PM, Friday, December 9, Wellesley College, Jewett Art Center Auditorium, 106 Central Street, Wellesley.
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