Tag Archives: Piano

"HAPPENINGS", concerts, jazz event, Poetry / Literature, Theater

WHO ARE THE POCKET JAZZ CONTRIBUTORS: LEADERSHIP/FACILITATORS

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POCKET JAZZ MANAGEMENT ~ Robert J. Carmack-Band Leader,Producer, Writer, Actor, Director, Publicity, Percussion,

Photo Artists: Chuck Koton, Robert J. Carmack, Valerie Huffman-Herring, Craig Johnson

Artists (Painters, Assemblage,Graphics) SAM PACE, MICHAEL BRADLEY, SANDRA MARCHAND

Musicians: Robert J. Carmack -percussion/sax/spoken word,Bobby West-Piano, Keyboards,music directo ~Andrew Acosta, all Percussion & Toys, Don Littleton Traps/ Percussion, Pablo Cologero -flutes,saxes and bass clarinet, Mike Alvidrez basses electric & acoustic.. Aladeen- sax/vocals

Booking Roster: Jazz groups-MAIA all-female jazz ensemble, Acknowledgement, Plight and Elephants Nda Park

Actors: Robert J. Carmack, Phil Bell, Pat Sligh, Windy Barnes-Farrell, Michelle LaChaux,TBA

Poets: Robert J. Carmack, TBA                                                                           

             

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"HAPPENINGS", Poetry / Literature, Theater, THEATER/FILM, trending

COMING 2018 INTERVIEW WITH THE HIGH PRIESTESS:NINA SIMONE ~ ORIGINAL PLAY

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an Original Play by Robert J. Carmack – Black History Month

COMING  to the Los Angeles area  February 2018

The Actors

Ms. Jana Wilson as

High Priestess Nina Simone

~in Loving Tribute~

 

 

 

 

 

Robert J. Carmack as    the Reporter~Karl Lee

written,produced and directed ~R.J.Carmack

Music-Poetry-Drama

HIPSTER RETRO-JAZZ SERIES

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA MUSIC EDUCATOR MOURNED BY MANY

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San Francisco Bay area jazz pianist, arranger, composer and educator from East Moline(Iowa) widely known as “The Jazz Professor” died Saturday evening at the age of 80 at his home in Oakland, Calif.    July 1936 – March 2017

“Professor” Bell mentored and inspired many professional musicians as a college music professor and jazz band director.

He also recorded several jazz albums and worked with the likes of Benny Carter, Roy Eldridge, Clark Terry, Lou Rawls, Louie Bellson, The Supremes, and Carmen McRae.

He never forgot the Watertown section of East Moline where he grew up being called “Little Bill.” Those who knew him are mourning his loss and treasuring their memories. Those in the East bay and through-out the San Francisco bay area are mourning too, along with family and loved ones.

Mr. Bell did make recordings and composed a “work” for the San Francisco Symphony. He also began a long career as an esteemed educator that included being chairman at the College of Alameda, Music Department, jazz improvisation teacher at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the Stanford University Jazz Band.

Prominent students Bell mentored included Sheila Escovedo, better known as Prince’s collaborator Sheila E.; jazz pianists Benny Green and Michael Wolfe also, trumpeter Jon Faddis.

The following text is a reprint of a Hipster Jazz blog review written by Robert J. Carmack ,November 7 2007, Oakland,California.

It was announced by Robert J. Carmack, executive producer and vice-president operations for SFBAAAM, that their first concert was a complete success. the first in a continuing series entitled “Back Street Jazz Series”, was held Sunday, November 4th at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music in downtown Oakland California. The show which featured the musical leadership of Jazz educator/pianist, Dr. Bill Bell. The SRO crowd applauded, yelled and whistled at the tight band assembled by Bell and a trio of sultry vocalists featured on the first set. jumping blues to ballads with a “big band feel” using arrangements by Bell himself, an accomplished arranger/composer. Sunday’s show opened with local favorite Ms. Robin Gregory as she torched the audience with her rendition of Blue Gardenia, followed by a lovely arrangement of Cole Porter’s Night & Day.

Valerie Cooper, a talented up and coming singer in the bay area followed Robin. “It was truly magical” stated Joye Slayton, a visiting jazz fan from Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Bell just simply pointed at certain musicians and they responded with blistering solos and sublime “comping” and coloring. Finishing up the first set was veteran vocalist, Darlene Coleman, a very talented songstress, who just nailed both her songs with polished tenacity and sheer vocal power.

The evening’s host and producer, Robert Carmack introduced a panel of jazz educators and musicians to discuss, “how jazz could further develop their audiences” by including more youth and starting early in the exposure of jazz to young people.

Local jazz radio host, Sonny Buxton, Ms. Anna De Leon, Anna’s of “Jazz Island” night club, Karlton Hester, department head of music at UC Santa Cruz, Multi-instrumentalist Roger Glenn and “Professor” Bell, conductor of first set’s band, also participated.

An assorted menu of food items were served to the hungry crowd, as they purchased dinners and beverages to help raise money for continued jazz programming and to expand the series for the Black Musicians Forum.

The evening was not done, as Carmack gathered the crowd for the start of the second set. It featured an entirely different band and musical director. Mr. Glenn Pearson. Pearson, head of music department at The College of Alameda presented a more “edgy” sounding ensemble with sax, trumpet, bass, drums and piano, the saxophonist Roger Glenn doubling on vibes and flute. OPCM founder, Ms. Angela Wellman(trombonist/educator) was totally elated at the success of the evenings’ joint venture between BMF/SFBAAAM and OPCM. a relationship that is developing into a great marriage quickly .
Many of the patrons spoke volumes of praises as they exited the building for the night. a slogan has been adopted by the two organizations and will be publicize wherever it can.

We Own This! Use It, Feel It, Live It! Next event is slated for Sunday, December 2nd at the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, Oakland California.

Posted 7th November 2007 by
"HAPPENINGS", HALL of SOUL, jazz event

STRATO-SPHERE: THELONIOUS SPHERE MONK TURNS 100 – JAZZ-POETRY TRIBUTE

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thelonious-monk-sun-glasses-008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A ROBERT J. CARMACK PRODUCTIONS Presents

Strato-Sphere:Thelonious Monk Turns 100

A moving and eclectic project involving Jazz legend Thelonious Monk’s most prized compositions performed by Los Angeles’s most talked about Jazz musicians,vocalists, poets and dancers.  Follow this blog for all information forthcoming.

If you’re interested in participation as co-sponsor, artist or media  email me. blues2jazz2003@yahoo.com  attn: Robert J. Carmack

 

t-monk-at-piano-plaid-jacket  monk-and-charlie-rouse

Robert J. Carmack Plight Jazz Ensemble
Robert J. Carmack Plight Jazz Ensemble
"HAPPENINGS"

POETRY JAZZ ENSEMBLE PLIGHT DEBUTS AT BILLY HIGGINS WORLD STAGE

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Posted by Kamaad Tauhid   #blues2jazzguy

Recently in Los Angeles California, Night of the Grassroots Hip-Nosis featuring PLIGHT Jazz Ensemble took the Billy Higgins World Stage’s audience on a “Time machine” ride back to the Jazz scene 1960s style.” according to one audience member. Plight ,a jazz/poetry band led by jazz journalist and producer Robert J. Carmack  paid homage to Bobby Hutcherson and Jackie McLean music.

Robert J. Carmack Plight Jazz Ensemble
Robert J. Carmack Plight Jazz Ensemble

Carmack and his group performed to a very receptive audience as they plumbed through such classics as  Jackie McLean’s,Riff Raff, Blues in a Jiff, HipNosis and Plight. In addition to McLean’s compositions, they also tackled some of Bobby Hutcherson’s dynamic tunes from his early Blue Note years like, Slow Change, Nights in Barcelona, and Little B’s Poem. Robert Carmack wrote original poems and performed them along with the band in an orchestrated approach to presenting these classic gems with a new spin.

The evening began with special guest, the award-winning playwright and poet, TU’NOOK, who’s highlight piece of her solo set was a poem about women prostitutes that ply their trade on a fairly infamous street in Los Angeles.
Plight, then opened up their first set with a non-playlist song to warm up the room with an uptempo version of Speak Low. After two blustering solos by Dale Fielder and Bobby West on Speak Low, the group tackled the evening’s playlist.

Busting out of the gate with Hutcherson’s recording penned by Harold Land, Night in Barcelona. the cut featured eclectic solos by Dale Fielder on soprano sax and Derf Reklaw on Flute while Bobby West stunned the audience with a piano accompaniment and Synth “Vibes” on electronic keyboards. The versatile band was able to pivot all evening with McLean’s hip and bluesy tunes balanced with Hutcherson’s complex harmonic and melodic treasures. One of the more exploratory tunes of the night was Slow Change a harmonic rich minor piece in 3/4 Sus. Carmack’s intertwining of the original lyrics and the new spoken word content sent the audience over the top. Hipnosis from the album with same title by Jackie McLean. It was presented in a unique ensemble-like statement of melody without a bridge. a haunting bass line with the vamping of the solo parts in a minor blues form that sets-up inside-out improvisations by pianist Bobby West and flautist Derf Reklaw. After his solo on Baritone sax, Fielder joins the bass line on the melody parts. followed by Carmack’s spoken word to take the song home.

PLight Band consisted of Bobby West on piano, Reggie Carson bass, Derf Reklaw percussion & flute, Cornell Fouler drums with special guest saxophonist,Dale Fielder. Robert J. Carmack Poet.

Plight gig-Robert and Dale alto photo by Shead
photo by Mike Shead

Hipster Sanctuary.com is happy and excited that we had great sponsors on our project look forward to their participation in our upcoming Pocket Jazz series in the coming months.

our sponsors:

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Taco Pete  take-out & catering  Taco Petes NOW1

 

 

Russell Harrison Master Herbalist   Russell Harrison

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People to Watch

THE WOLFMAN OF JAZZ ~ VIBIST WARREN WOLF

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posted by Robert J. Carmack  #blues2jazzguy

The phenomenal multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf is one of the most important and exciting young jazz artists performing today.

Multi-Instrumentalist Warren Wolf
Multi-Instrumentalist Warren Wolf

The jazz bassist Christian McBride once said that “Wolf’s talent is so far off the radar screen. Everything you want in a musician:he has that times 20.” Christian met Wolf in 2000 and pledged that one day,Wolf would play in his Band. That plan became a reality, and Wolf has been a regular member of McBride’s band INSIDE STRAIGHT since its inception.

Warren Wolf NOWWarren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore,MD. From the young age of three years old, Warren has been trained on the Vibraphone/Marimba, Drums, and Piano.  Under the guidance of his father Warren Wolf Sr., Warren has a deep background in all genres of music,beginning with classical music, but,In Jazz Warren has studied artist and composers like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Return to Forever, Weather Report, Wynton Marsalis and many others.

Warren has several recordings as a leader. Warren’s first two records are on the M&I label which is based in Japan. The first record is titled “Incredible Jazz Vibes” which features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Vicente Archer on Bass and Kendrick Scott on Drums. Warren Wolf Incredible Jazz Vibes NOWThe second record is titled “Black Wolf”. That record features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Rodney Whitaker on Bass and Jeff “Tain” Watts on Drums. Warren has a self-produced CD which is titled “RAW”. That record features Darren Barrett on Trumpet, Walter Smith on Tenor Saxophone, Jason Palmer on Trumpet, Plume on Alto Saxophone, Kris Funn on Bass, Peter Slavov on Bass, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes and Charles “Dogg” Haynes on Drums. On “RAW” Warren performs on both the Vibraphone and Drums. The fourth recording is titled Warren “Chano Pozo” Wolf. On this recording, Warren performs on the Vibraphone,Drums/Fender Rhodes and Piano. This recording features Tim Green on Alto Saxophone, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes, John Lamkin on Drums, Dana Hawkins on Drums, Kris Funn on Bass, Louis Cato on Electric Bass, Delandria Mills on Flute, Tabreeca Woodside on Vocals and Integriti Reeves on Vocals. Warren is currently signed to the Mack Ave recording label. A future record will be released in the near future.   http://www.warrenwolfmusic.com/

 

"HAPPENINGS"

KCSM JAZZ 91 SAY THANK YOU JAZZ COMMUNITY FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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posted by Robert J. Carmack #@blues2jazzguy

Congurero Poncho Sanchez
Congurero
Poncho Sanchez

KCSM Jazz 91 invites you to spend the day with us at           Jazz On The Hill! This day-long celebration is our gift to you, our jazz community, to thank you for the support you’ve given to your favorite jazz station: KCSM 91.1 FM. Join us at College of San Mateo campus for live jazz with a great line-up of musicians who cover many genres of jazz from straight-ahead, blues, to Latin and more!  1_antonschwartz
Again we will have two music stages! The main stage will be located on the lower mezzanine in front of the library steps, with seating alongside the fountain and plenty of lawn seating…bring your picnic blanket, umbrella and come early to claim your spot!
The 400-seat Little Theater is again the venue for the Youth Stage which will showcase the next generation of jazz musicians.

Giant Steps Jazz Big Band
Giant Steps Jazz Big Band
SF Jazz AllStars Combo
SF Jazz AllStars Combo

ARTS & CRAFTS AND FOOD TRUCKS, TOO!

It’s a long day, so come hungry! There will be a variety of food trucks on site … check back soon as we begin to add the types of food available. We will also serve beer and a variety of great wine from Domenico winery. No matter what your taste….we’re sure to have scrumptious food and drink to wow your palate.
In addition to our food vendors, there will be local artisans showcasing their wares, and other organizations will also have information about local businesses that might interest you. Check back soon, we will be adding the list as they si

"HAPPENINGS", People to Watch, Poetry / Literature

DALE FIELDER QUARTET ROBERT J. CARMACK PERFORMS JAZZ & POETRY CONCERT

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MOON GLOW PRODUCTIONS presents The SATURDAY JAM                 

eclectic jazz Improvisations and riveting original poetry

THE DALE FIELDER QUARTET  with Special Guest Poet  

Dale fielder sax orange shirtROBERT J. CARMACK          

@ KINGSTON CAFE 333 FAIR OAKS Blvd.  off  DEL MAR Ave.  PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91105

SAT.  APRIL 18 2015   7pm to 9pm 

$15 cover (pay at door only)  

Limited Seating 

Robert J. Carmack Publisher ,writer, musician, playwright ,poet http://www.hipstersanctuary.com

  KINGSTON CAFE    Upscale Jamaican Cuisine restaurant featuring all of your favorite entrees, along with a fully-stocked Bar for your pleasure and delight .

2015 is proving to be a very special year for both talents as The Dale Fielder Quartet is celebrating 20 years as a group, virtually unheard of in today’s music business. Robert co-founded a jazz newsletter 17 years ago (The Hipster) as part of the Atlanta International Jazz Society, thats grown into a full-blown music Blog dedicated to classic Jazz, Blues and Soul music makers and their roots/history.

Both Leos, Dale Fielder & Robert Carmack are longtime friends and artists in constant creative mode. Fielder is set to record his 16th CD; “RESILIENCE.”  A release date has not been set yet.

Carmack has penned another unique musical revue set in the 1950s and 60s Los Angeles, weaving a story around the music scene in L.A. while paying Homage to the music of, Nellie Lutcher, Ray Charles, Etta James, Bobby Blue Bland and Sarah Vaughn to name a few.

“CHITLIN’ CIRCUIT” written,directed and produced by Carmack, is debuting a Sneak Preview in late June 2015, as part of Black Music month (www.hipstersanctuary.com) production. “I met Dale while hanging out at a very popular coffeehouse in the 90s, 5th Street Dick’s in Leimert Park, said Carmack. It was in early 1993 as the area was trying to get back on track after the L.A. riot in 1992. an entire community of artist all came together inside a small area called Leimert Park (Village) groups of small business people, often marketing Afro centric wares, and crafts. One was a former homeless person living on the streets of downtown Los Angeles, who parlayed his 12 step-recovery and saved enough money to open a Jazz coffee-house. That owner gave Dale Fielder a spot hosting the jam sessions at midnight every weekend, while jazz flowed downstairs and out into 43rd  and Degnan sidewalks. People came and came and came including the media cameras, movie celebrities and all the best young cats in jazz to jam and people watch.

This all coincided with what was happening with the Wynton Marsalis crowd, created an upsurge in Jazz spots in LA once again, because of three spots, Marla’s Memory lane, 5th Street Dick’s and Billy Higgins, master jazz drummer & Kamau Daaood developed the World Stage. A performance /workshop for musicians, poets and writers. Dale Fielder was at the forefront of all that. He went on to win the Jazz Discovery artist at TV network, BET in 1995/96. By then, he’d already produced three very solid CDs, including “Dear Sir” a moving tribute to Wayne Shorter’s music and was getting wide rotation and coverage on radio across the country. Fielder even had the blessings of Wayne Shorter himself as Dale performed songs from the newly released CD with the maestro himself in the house staying late and digging on the young saxophonist peppering solos.

Dale has been all around the world practically with the Quartet, sometimes Quintet. After 20 years, the passion has only gotten stronger with Dale, and his historic band, Pianist Jane Getz, Drummer Thomas White and Bassist, Bill “The Count” Markus. This band just knows how to squeeze every drop of soul, power, passion and sometimes romance out of the notes. The stories they tell through their instruments are like classic volumes in your personal library.

Don’t miss out on celebrating 20 years of fun-filled excitement and adventure with Dale Fielder as leader of the DFQ.

Save the date and RSVP for April 18th 7pm to 9pm @ The Kingston Café Pasadena California  

333 South Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105

For questions about show or tickets *** contact Moon Glow Productions Marcia (626) 818-3160

Hipster Sanctuary.com  Robert 951-840-7120

@Moon Glow

 

HIPSTER RETRO-JAZZ SERIES, Jazz Hall of Fame

HIPSTER RETRO-JAZZ SERIES: POINT OF DEPARTURE * ANDREW HILL

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Justin Scoville- Jazz Blogger/contributing Editor
Justin Scoville- Jazz Blogger/contributing Editor

 

POINT of DEPARTURE -Andrew Hill  posted by  Justin Scoville

 

 

Andrew Hill (1931-2007) was a masterful jazz pianist and composer whose impact on jazz is only beginning to be understood and appreciated. Largely overshadowed during his early career by both the monumental contributions of Miles Davis’s “Second Quintet” and John Coltrane’s cosmic forays into Free Jazz, Hill quietly amassed an impressive body of work during the 60’s and beyond. He fearlessly (and successfully!) combined elements of Free Jazz, Modal, Hard Bop, and Classical music into a fascinating, frothy brew of innovative jazz.

 
Point of Departure (1964) is one of Hill’s true masterpieces and a cornerstone of the Blue Note repertoire. His challenging material, ranging in emotional complexity from dirge-like hymns to crackling avant-garde anthems, is ably anchored by an on-point Tony Williams (drums) and joyously off-kilter Richard Williams (bass). Old pals Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone) and Kenny Dorham (trumpet) make up two-thirds of the horn section, with the fearless trailblazer and reed master Eric Dolphy (alto saxophone) rounding out the group.
“Refuge” is a Post Bop magnum opus in which Dolphy, Henderson, and Williams show off their transcendent virtuosity at warp speed. The tune is completely refreshing and original in terms of form, harmony, and structure. “New Monastery,” alluding to Hill’s role as a successor to Thelonious Monk, is beautifully interpreted by Kenny Dorham, who incidentally was a key player for Monk’s first recordings for Blue Note. “Spectrum” is a jaw-dropping study in contrasts. Hill’s solo ends with a complete group tacet, followed by Williams’s snare intro to an other-worldly, triad based groove, punctuated by Hill’s left hand and Dorham’s trumpet (complete with plunger mute). “Flight 19” is a controlled experiment in group improvisation, alternating an ostinato motif with unpredictable outbursts from the entire horn section. “Dedication” closes out the set, with Henderson’s oblique ballad saxophone tone sometimes clashing, sometimes melding with Hill’s subtle piano accompaniment.
The Rudy Van Gelder edition tacks on alternate takes of “New Monastery,” “Flight 19,” and “Dedication,” along with expanded liner notes.
In a sense, Hill bridged the gap between the warring factions of jazz of his time, bringing harmony to a discordant world. Point of Departure 
is a fascinating look into Hill’s musical mind, and his sympathetic supporting cast make his music come to life.
This post was contributed by Denver-based musician and blogger Justin Scoville. He maintains his own website www.thejazzdaddy.com, He also contributes actively to jazz blogs throughout the Denver area.