NOTESv e g a s j a z z . o r g

The off icial publication of Vegas Jazz and the Las Vegas Jazz Scene

Vol. 23, Issue 4 - July/August 2014j a z z h a p p e n s h e r e .

20+ year LVJS Members Honored

Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Bistropresents

Dixieland Jazz...as it SHOULD BE!

with the Royal Garden Dixie CatsJuly 27, 2-4 pm

Upcoming Gigs Reviews Meet the Artists

2

SUBSCRIPTION by membership: vegasjazz.org by emailing: info@vegasjazz.orgNewsletter emails: Editor@vegasjazz.org or AdMgr@vegasjazz.org

Deadline for publication is 1st of the month prior to issue date.SEND MAIL TO: JAZZ NOTES!, Editor, P. O. Box 60396, Las Vegas, NV 89160

VEGAS JAZZ MESSAGE LINE: (702) 313-6778VEGAS JAZZ WEBSITE: www.vegasjazz.org

JAZZ NOTES! is published bi-monthly by Vegas Jazz, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.

VEGAS JAZZ OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Judy Tarte

V. PRESIDENT Greg Blando

TREASURER Joyce Devers

SECRETARY Samantha Badgley

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Anderson Tom Hall

Frank Leone Dave Loeb

Maggie Mancuso Tom Marth

Mimi Williams

ADVISORS

Kim Linzy Dave Rowell

Carolyn Freeman

JAZZ NOTES!

EDITOR Judy Tarte

CONTRIBUTORS J.A. Johnson

Gary Marshal

Patricia Ortega-Miranda

PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Evans

Howie Gold

Tom Marth

Web Files

STAFF Mimi Williams

Cover: 20+ year LVJS Honorees

l to r: back-Judy Tarte, Austin Fox,Frank Leone, Scotty Anderson,Andy Anderson, Paul Evansfront-Edith Carlson, Isabelle Mahoney,Jillean Williams, Samantha Badgley

cover photo by Howie Gold

JULY / AUGUST 2014 InSideDEPARTMENTS

3 Notes from the President Vegas Jazz Events Congratulations

4 Cari’s Corner Meet the Artists

5 Upcoming Events

6 ReviewsLaura TaylorEd CalleSpring Mountain Ranch Music FestivalRonnie Rose

8 Midsummer Jazz Party

9 July/August Membership List Meet Vegas Jazz Board Member - Tom Marth Farewells

Med Flory Frank Strazzeri Herb Jeffries Jimmy Scott Horace Silver

11 Membership Application

j a z z h a p p e n s h e r e .

3

Our cover photo this issue is of the honorees who were our guests at the June 22nd Midsummer Jazz Party. These individuals have been members of the Las Vegas Jazz Society for 20 years or more, some going back to the days when Monk Montgomery was forming the organization in 1975-76. Honorees were awarded a special LVJS “20+” year pin, designed by Samantha

Badgley. We applaud these individuals and those listed here for their membership and support of Jazz and the LVJS lo, these many years. Our sincere thanks!

NOTES FROM THE PRESIDENT

Next in the LVJS Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Series:

July 27, 2:00-4:00 pm

Dixieland Jazz...as it SHOULD BE! With the Royal Garden Dixie Cats

Steve Johnson-clarinet & sax; Randy Crawford-trombone; Larry Milonzi-pianoBob Sachs-bass; Paul Testa-drums; Merv Harding-trumpet; Tom Marth-guitar

Come join in on the FUN!!

Bistro seating

PREPAID RESERVATIONS

IN PREMEIR SEATING AREA only

All others on a 1st come, 1st served basis only.

For tickets online, go to vegasjazz.org

or mail checks to

Vegas Jazz P.O. Box 60396 LV, NV 89160

The venue space for the Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Bistro is very generously donated by the Bootlegger. We urge you to support them through your orders of food and drink. That’s how THEY stay in business and how WE maintain this relationship! Please help keep the series going...!

Honorees who were unable to attend:

John & Julie Abraham, Ed Boyer & Jerry Rowland, William Brandt, Patrick Cardoza, Dr Ray & Margaret Cartwright, Norma Cicalo, Tom Clarke, Thomas Clarke, Ottis & Margaret Cornett, Diane Ecker, Cynthia Gaffey, Patrick Gaffey,Ken & Carrie Hanlon, Miriam Lindner, Dr Loren Little, Tom & Jo Mitchell, Zena Montrose, Dr. David Mulkey & Laura Taylor, Bill O’Brien, David & Joanna Rowell, Marlena Shaw, Marc & Patty Solis, Jean Stahl, Art Tillinghast, Carrie Brown Thomas, Martin & Cam Usher Torres, Jodi Warman, Tony Warman.

FROM THE EDITOR: We apologize for any errors and request corrections for any omissions.

LVJS Artist member, JIMMY WILKINS who has been invited to return to Detroit, Michigan to

participate in the 35th annual Detroit Jazz Festival which runs August 29 through September 1. This

event is the largest free jazz festival in the world. Wilkins, who recently celebrated his 92nd birthday,

is being honored in a special salute and will preside over a big band playing arrangements by his

brother, Ernie Wilkins.

CONGRATULATIONS TO…

4

CARI’S CORNERThe best news comes first this time. On May 28, 2014, I became a great-grandmother (I am now called G-Gram by the proud papa). Russell Harper is named after my late husband, Russ Freeman and was born on Russ’ birthday. Needless to say, we are all in a state of wonder.

I have continued to be on the search for the perfect venue for our music. There are many new spots opening up and am attempting to try our various talented Jazz players in these locations. The Inspire Theater downtown had their official grand opening. Ann Parenti has booked several events there including her film celebration Midnight Muse. Also the film by Judy Chaikin The Girls in the Band was shown there. Be sure and see it if you get the chance. It is full of information about a world I knew little about. We have been thinking about putting together our own all Girl band. What do you think?

The Scullery also had their Grand opening. It is a smaller venue patterned after the New Orleans style of bar with a secret music

room in the back. I really liked the intimacy of the room. Calvin Brooks with Kenny Seifert are there on Friday nights. Ambience (Mike Candido, Cocho Arbe and Jeff Davis) performed for the opening and were a perfect fit for the room. Toscha Comeaux joined them and brought the house to its feet. Next week I am going to look at the newly refurbished Lorenzi Park. We were contacted by Councilman Ricky Barlow to look at the possibility of putting some jazz there.

On Saturday, June 21, 2014 Lifelong Dreams presented their first annual “Summer Solstice Affair” to introduce their new space. Director Danny Titus wishes to use this not only as a work space to serve At Risk Youth in the value of art, but to also create an environment for artists to meet and create. The artist Jole’s works are on display. The band “Coda, Inc.” featured the 4 Brothers String Quartet, Toscha Comeaux, Freddy B., and Woody Woods as Emcee.

Remember: “Music is forever!” G-Gram

MEET THE JULY/AUGUST ARTISTSFriday, July 18 - 7:00 pm WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER, 3130 McLeod (north of DI)

JAZZ OUT THE BOX: Julian Tanaka, tenor sax; Nick Schmitt, bass; Eric Schauer, drums are Jazz Out The Box.

The group has been active in the LVJS Jazz in the Schools grant program for the last 3 years. It’s likely the group’s final gig for some time, as Julian is leaving to pursue an advanced degree at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.

The group takes a playful and free approach, often improvising on children’s tunes. For this concert, besides originals and children’s melodies, the virtuosi will play tunes by Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and Sonny Rollins. Not to be missed!

$10 in advance, $12 on concert day Call 702-455-7340 for tickets

Saturday, August 16 - 2:00 pm WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER, 3130 McLeod (north of DI)

BARRY ROSS QUARTET: Trombonist, composer and arranger Ross led the remarkable Nevada Jazz Orchestra for years, releasing the celebrated Latin jazz album “¿Como No?” in 2007. He returns with Bill Zappia, piano; Ken Seiffert, bass; and Boris Shapiro, drums to play standards and to tell a few stories about well-known songs from “Sweet Georgia Brown” to “Corcovado.”

$5 Call 702-455-7340 for tickets

Friday, August 22 - 7:00 pm WINCHESTER CULTURAL CENTER, 3130 McLeod (north of DI)

NEW WEST GUITAR GROUP: This incredible group formed at USC when the players were students; with one substitution, the group remains: John Storie, Perry Smith and Jeff Stein. Among countless rave reviews, Vintage Guitar Magazine gushed, “The group’s creativity in not being afraid to stretch boundaries is helping to forge a new area of music that should inspire other guitarists...” With plenty of originals, the group covers such sources as Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, the Police, and Tears for Fears. The group has released five albums, and this concert marks its first return to Las Vegas in five years.

$10 in advance, $12 on concert day Call 702-455-7340 for tickets

Editor’s note: Carolyn has resigned as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jazz Society to pursue her own endeavors. We thank her for her service, time and energy and wish her well!

5

2014 July / August Events*indicates Vegas Jazz member **indicates Vegas Jazz Artist level member

Please note that events previously scheduled for the E-String have been cancelled or rescheduled at different venues, please watch for further details.

Date/Time Artist(s) Venue Cost

June 28 Tom Hall**and the Boss Bootlegger Bistro $10 at door1:00-4:00 pm Bebop Jazz Septet/with special guests: 7700 So Las Vegas Blvd. mkdiva2@cox.net “THE ISLAND BOYS” From New Zealand (Robindale/LV Blvd, So) or call 702-453-8451

July 5 Jimmy Wilkins** “New Life Orchestra” Viva Las Vegas Event Center $12.00 plus one drink minimum 1:00-4:00 pm Ample parking in secure lot 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South OR $22.00 which includes a VIP buffet For details: mkdiva2@cox.net /702-453-8451 (1 blk south of Charleston) and premier seating

July 6 Nik Mastrangelo** with Bob Sachs and Piazza Lounge/Tuscany Hotel 7:30-11:30 pm Mike Mechem: paying tribute to the 255 E. Flamingo LV 89169 music of Cole Porter

July 12 Bruce Harper “The Great American Music Viva Las Vegas Event Center $12.00 plus one drink minimum1:00-4:00 pm Legacy of Big Band Jazz” West Coast Style 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South includes a VIP buffet & premier seating Big Band mkdiva2@cox.net /702-453-8451 (1 blk south of Charleston) and premier seating

July 13 Nik Mastrangelo** Piazza Lounge/Tuscany Hotel 7:30-11:30 pm with Bob Sachs, Mike Mechem and 255 E. Flamingo LV 89169 special guest Chad Michaels on keyboard

July 18 Jazz Out The Box With Julian Tanaka, Winchester Cultural Center $10 in advance/$12 on concert day7:00 pm Nick Schmitt* and Eric Schauer 3130 McLeod (north of D.I.) call 702-455-7340

July 19 Woody Woods Orchestra Viva Las Vegas Event Center $12.00 plus one drink minimum1:00-4:00 pm with “surprise” guest vocalist 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South OR $22.00 which includes a VIP buffet Ample parking in secure lot (1 blk south of Charleston) and premier seating For details: mkdiva2@cox.net /702-453-8451

July 20 Dr. Gene Redden* presents the Smith Center Cabaret For details contact Dr. Redden B-3 Summit 361 Symphony Park Ave. at jujuprod@yahoo.com

July 27 LVJS presents Dixieland Jazz... Sunday Jazz at the prepaid tickets advised - $102:00-4:00 pm As it SHOULD BE! With Steve Johnson/ Bootlegger Bistro call 702-313-6778 Randy Crawford/Larry Milonzi/Bob Sachs/ 7700 So Las Vegas Blvd. or purchase online vegasjazz.org Paul Testa/Merv Harding/Tom Marth** (Robindale/LV Blvd, So)

August 2 Jimmy Wilkins** “New Life Orchestra” Viva Las Vegas Event Center $12.00 plus one drink minimum1:00-4:00 pm Ample parking in secure lot 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South OR $22.00 which includes a VIP buffet For details: mkdiva2@cox.net /702-453-8451 (1 blk south of Charleston) and premier seating

August 9 Bruce Harper “The Great American Music Viva Las Vegas Event Center $12.00 plus one drink minimum1:00-4:00 pm Legacy of Big Band Jazz” West Coast Style 1201 Las Vegas Blvd South OR $22.00 which includes a VIP buffet Big Band mkdiva2@cox.net /702-453-8451 (1 blk south of Charleston) and premier seating

August 16 Barry Ross Quartet Winchester Cultural Center $5 at door2:00 pm With Bill Zappia/Ken Seiffert/ 3130 McLeod call 702-455-7340 Boris Shapiro (north of D.I.)

August 17 LVJS presents a SPECIAL Sunday Jazz at the prepaid tickets advised - $102:00-4:00 pm Sunday Jazz at the Bootlegger Bistro Bootlegger Bistro call 702-313-6778 Watch for forthcoming details 7700 So Las Vegas Blvd. or purchase online vegasjazz.org (Robindale/LV Blvd, So)

August 22 New West Guitar Group Winchester Cultural Center $10 in advance $12 on concert day7:00 pm 3130 McLeod (north of D.I.) call 702-455-7340

Every Tuesday is vintage entertainment at the German American Social Club of Nevada $4.00 for non-members at the door7:00-10:00 pm Featuring Marsha K** the “DRS Trio” 1110 E. Lake Mead Blvd. with Joe Darro**, Norm Ross,** (just east of Las Vegas Blvd) Cary Stratton, and Guest Performers Great dance floor and drink prices with a special prix fixe meal at $5.00

NOTE: Check EVAN DAVIS* at evendavisjazz.com/calendar for more current listings

6

REVIEWS

Conversation with Ed Calle: A Master Class with students at UNLVreview by Patricia Ortega-Miranda

April brought many good things to the UNLV Jazz Program. Third and second place for the UNLV Jazz Ensemble I and Latin Jazz band at the Next Generation Monterrey Jazz Festival along with various individual recognitions to several students, incredible junior and senior recitals and the very special visit

of a man who is already a legend in jazz music, Miami based saxophonist Ed Calle.

With over fifty years of experience playing with musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Chick Corea and a long list of other important jazz musicians, Calle has an important trajectory as a teacher of numerous universities and is internationally acclaimed as a jazz performer, composer and arranger. His knowledge in the professional and academic fields is vast, which made it a true privilege to have him

LAURA TAYLOR WOWSSMITH CENTER CABARET CROWDApril 24, 2014 - Smith Center Cabaretreview by Gary Marshal

Thursday, April 24th, at the Smith Center Cabaret, gifted singer-songwriter pianist Laura Taylor delighted the crowd with her carefully-crafted show of subtly swinging, jazz-inflected vocals. She was accompanied by the Joe Lano-led quintet of pianist David Loeb, bassist Ken Seifert, drummer Jess Gopen, percussionist Alfredo Alvarenga and Mr. Lano on guitar. The evening was launched most promisingly with a double-time samba reading of the Rodgers and Hammerstein

gem “It Might As Well Be Spring” deftly establishing the seasonal theme while clearly laying out its musical personality of fresh and innovative arrangements of perennial jazz-influenced standards such as the Gene De Paul favorite “I’ll Remember April.” Ms. Taylor’s very relaxed stage persona and vocal style spoke eloquently of the many months of intense, informed preparation and inspired ideas, together with her long musical experience, that must have gone into the making of such a stylish, successful presentation.

as a guest master clinician at UNLV.

Calle began by talking about the value of having teachers who are also players of the highest level and who make a living playing music. This is important, he assured, because they can teach not only theory but practical knowledge. That knowledge is only obtained through the everyday life of a musician, who never ceases to learn and is in constant interaction with what is around him. The saxophonist covered a wide range of topics, starting with something as basic as the position of the reed in the mouth because the sound could be affected by simple details like that, and sound is everything.

Calle’s charismatic personality and his interweaving of personal experiences, philosophical theories, witty comments and reflections make him not only a great speaker but an exceptional teacher. Calle is an innovator, who spoke about opening the spectrum of our understanding in order to allow new, fresher and truly inventive ways of approaching improvisation as well as composition.

The talented saxophonist used several analogies between mathematics and music in order to demonstrate how traditional ideas change and evolve as new forms of understanding emerge. “We are teaching music almost the way it was taught in the 1600s” he said, “ but the world changes, and if we don’t change we are screwed.”

When it comes to improvisation, Calle suggests taking an unorthodox approach as he goes back to geometry in order to illustrate his idea. In music, he suggests, if you find the

Ms. Taylor’s very elegant stage ensemble of head-to-toe black and dashing red pumps fit perfectly with her performance: demure, swinging and ladylike. Using a fly-in video screen to introduce two of her own compositions, Ms. Taylor took us back to our collective youth by having the late Merv Griffin set them up for us. Ms. Taylor’s compositions “Lost in a Dream of You” and “Julie” on which she had collabrated with Mr Lano, “Care For Me” and “Today I Found Me” which were both very affecting to her audience, as well as the challenging scat lyrics for “Up Jumped Spring” were excellent examples of the songwriter’s art, and balanced perfectly with the program consisting of more than 17 songs, many popular hits of yesteryear in modern settings and/or Latin or jazz-tinged.

The large crowd enthusiastically embraced this subtle, clever mix of material. Some of them had made long trips to be in attendance, and were obviously delighted by the performances of Ms. Taylor and her musicians..and they let them know it, making it quite clear that a very good time was had by all!Laura with Joe Lano

7

continued next page

common points on a chord, that will give you the information you need as you build on a tangent, it will allow you to play on a different plane and yet always refer back to that common point from where your tangent originally departed.

He emphasized two points. First, that you should not stick to a single theory or approach, because you are continuously reinventing yourself and learning. He encouraged students to play everything they hear and, like Coltrane, to dedicate time studying all the multiple ways in which a melody can be played, with the various chords and scales that can be used.

Second, “Take piano lessons!” Calle assured that “a big part of hearing is memory, and a big part of memorizing is seeing; and with the piano you develop a photographic or visual memory that becomes crucial when improvising or composing.”

The clinic ended with a memorable interpretation of “The Girl from Ipanema.” Calle invited students to play along. Joining Director of the Jazz Program Dave Loeb on piano, were RJ on bass, Gyasi Greer on drums and Carlos Mata on saxophone, demonstrating their skills, all the while being fascinated by the presence of a great musician that they very much look up to.

Spring Mountain Ranch Music Festival “Support Music. Inspire Our Children”May 10, 2014 - Spring Mountain Ranchreview by Patricia Ortega-Miranda

Frank Carbone, producer and organizer of this event, assures that it is important to provide support for the UNLV Jazz Program not only by the means of organizing fundraising as a way to help the program cover expenses, but by creating opportunities and venues for them to play and by inspiring them to pursue their passions through our participation and encouragement during that process. Carbone, who reached out to several local businesses, found many of them wanting to contribute, demonstrating the possibilities that emerge once we combine our efforts into making an event such as this, happen.

The Spring Mountain Ranch offers a nice outdoor venue with a fully green environment perfect for a relaxing experience. Saturday afternoon’s concert began with a soft breeze that set the bluesy sounds of Four of a Kind in a nostalgic mood. This eclectic band, which covers various music genres from blues to pop to Latin jazz, combines the talents of guitarist Sean Carbone, pianist Jason Corpuz and vocalist Ira Hill to create a musical revival of classic tunes through the student’s own beautiful solos and experimental arrangements. The animated performance of Siren Strings trio followed as the energy level seemed to be rising with the wind speed.

Right after twilight the second half of the night was inaugurated by the UNLV Latin Jazz Ensemble, which delighted the audience with the melodically intense tune by the English band Tears for Fears titled “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” It was a unique experience to see these musicians play at their best among the gusts of furious wind knocking down their music stands and blowing away music sheets. Seeing nature being defeated, faced, and confronted by the festive and rich music of the band was a moment that had something of what in the visual arts is known as the sublime. In an attempt to subdue the tempest, the soothing voice of Halsey Harkins

eased the violent currents singing the words qui caressent le cou. The Brazilian feel and French vocals of the song “Amour t’es la,” originally written by the Brooklyn based group Snarky Puppy, spoke for the multiplicity of influences to which the UNLV Latin jazz band has been exposed. Uli Geissendorfer’s band delivered some originals from his album Colors as well as some of his most recent Beatle’s songs arrangements, among them “Day Tripper.” Pascale Elia’s voice and Julian Tanaka’s solos on the saxophone battled against the furious weather, from which they emerged victorious.

Sunday was a calm evening with mild weather and clear skies. The gypsy ska band, The Mass Distractors, opened up with their upbeat sounds. Later, the award winning UNLV Jazz Ensemble I, directed by Dave Loeb, reunited the best musicians of the program to deliver complex tunes showing the virtuosity of students and their director. The voices of YoBelle Yonelly, Ronnie Rose and Gary Fowler set the mood for a most romantic night under the stars.

These experiences for today’s students have opened doors for a future that has solid foundations. A future that has been built upon the efforts of students and teachers, the support of dedicated parents and an entire community committed to their success. Only at a moment like this, was it possible to hold an event by and for the Las Vegas community, which showcased the best of local jazz for two consecutive evenings.

Jazz at the Bootlegger BistroWith Ronnie RoseMay 18, 2014 - Bootlegger Bistrocomments by J.A. Johnson, photos Paul Evans

Known as an experienced band leader, performer and host, Ronnie Rose assembled a stellar group of musicians for this afternoon of jazz and rhythm and blues, featuring many originial charts written by multi-talented saxophone player,

8

Gary Anderson. Included were Mike Clark, piano; Chris Gordan, bass; Steve Meyer, trombone; Dave Perrico, trumpet and Ryan Rose on drums.

The show was sold out for this date and the Bistro was packed with Jazz aficionados. Prior to the performance, Ronnie and the band tuned up a bit, to adjust the microphones, and sang “Satin Doll”

to the pleasure of the arriving guests.

This program consisted of two sets; the first called “Ronnie’s Bag” and the second “Joe’s Bag”, a tribute to the late, great Joe Williams.

The opening number was a New Orleans style Dixieland romp with the brass band, piano and drums transporting us to Bourbon Street.

Next was “My Foolish Heart” which made the audience wish for a dance floor for the romantics among us to sway with this danceable number as only Ronnie can sing it. But, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” enjoined us to repeat the chorus and join in.

Although, I have attended and danced at many of Ronnie’s shows, I was surprised when he pulled out a harmonica to play and sing the next song, “Clickity Clack,” the sound a train makes while bringing your “Baby back to you.” The audience “Clickity Clacked” as Ronnie sang the lyrics and augumented the band with his harmonica. A little bit of “Latin” was evoked with the next song, “Mary Ann” with a distinctive Latin Beat.

Monk Montgomery was the founder of the Las Vegas Jazz Society and the next number in this set was an instrumental jazz composition dedicated to him. Among the audience, was Charles (Chuck) Carter, a well known and beloved Las Vegas DJ and OLLI Jazz Appreciation Instructor to whom Ronnie dedicated the next song, “Mr. C’s Blues.” This was followed by the Ray Charles rendering of the Hank Williams song, “ Take These Chains from My Heart and Set Me Free.” “Ronnie’s Bag” ended with “Rocking Las Vegas”, a rocking number that set the audience “rocking” with Ronnie.

“Joe’s Bag,” the second set, was dedicated to jazz vocalist Joe Williams. Among the tribute songs were “I Wish You Love,” a classic Joe Williams number as well as “I Love You Baby Like A Root Hog Loves His Corn.” Following were “Too Close for Comfort,” “A Man Ain’t Supposed to Cry” and “ Well All Right, OK, You Win, I’m in Love With You.” Completing the set was “I Was Telling Her About You.” All were wonderfully presented.

Although Joe Williams was an international star and performed worldwide, he had chosen to live in Las Vegas in his later years. Following in that tradition, Ronnie Rose proved to us all that “Jazz is Still Alive” in his appearance this afternoon.

–Editors note: Joe Williams was very active in the Jazz scene in Las Vegas and made many appearance on behalf of the Las Vegas Jazz Society. Before his death he with his wife and several friends and collaborators created the not-for-profit Joe Williams Every Day Foundation to promote music in all its facets and jazz in particular. This foundation has enabled many talented young musicians to continue their education and enabled them to start careers in music. We applaud their efforts.

Midsummer Jazz Party

Honorees Samantha Badgley & Judy Tarte

top l to r: Maggie Mancuso, Judy Tarte, Ginger David

bottom l to r: Janet Safdeye, Mimi Williams

Honorees: Isabelle Mahoney, Frank Leone, Austin Fox, & Paul “Spyder” Evans

Maggie Mancuso, honoree Jillean Williams

Honoree Edith Carlson with son Rob who was

representing his father Bob, who was unable to attend

Honorees Scotty & Andy Anderson Society Jazz Band

attendees…enjoying a good time!

photo: Howie Gold

photo: Howie Gold

photo: Howie Gold

photo: Howie Gold

9continued next page

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I started playing tenor banjo at about age 12 or 13. When I was about 14, a young accordian player, Kenny Kotwitz called and asked me to join a polka band: accordian, bass, drums and banjo. Within a year we were featured on the Lawrence Welk show. After that we were very popular in and around Milwaukee. We started playing the ballrooms and dance halls on weekends. Our parents had to take us.

As I said, the accordian player was very good. By the time he was 16 he was as good as anyone in Milwaukee. So he looked for a teacher in Chicago, 65 miles south. He found that teacher and began studying with Art VanDamme, the world’s foremost jazz accordian player.

Art had a quintet: accordian, vibes, guitar, bass and drums. Kenny (Kotwitz) while still playing polkas, came back from Chicago with Art’s quintet arrangements. He suggested that I get a guitar and we could play one or two of these arrangements

MEET VEGAS JAZZ BOARD MEMBERTOM MARTH

Alto saxophonist, actor MED FLORY died March 12, 2014. He was 87.

Best known to the general public as an actor, most of us remember him as the co-founder and leader of Supersax. He once was quoted as saying that the acting made it possible for him to keep Supersax together.

Formed in 1972 with bassist Buddy Clark, the distinctive sound of Supersax was built around transcribed and harmonized solos from Charlie Parker recordings. The group was comprised of two alto and two tenor saxes with a baritone, accompanied by piano, bass and drums but often featured trumpet solos by Conte Candoli or Frank Rosolino or Carl Fontana on trombone. The group won a 1974 Grammy for best jazz performance for their album Supersax Plays Bird.

FAREWELLS…

Pianist FRANK STRAZZERI died on May 9, 2014. He was 84.

Born in Rochester, New York, Frank attended Eastman School of Music and worked in clubs in the Rochester area. In 1954 he moved to New Orleans and played Dixieland jazz in bands led by Sharkey Bonano and Al Hirt, but his primary interest was in bebop.

After his stint in New Orleans he went on the road with Charlie Ventura and Woody Herman. It was at Herman’s suggestion that he settled in Los Angeles in 1960, where he spent most of his career.

Working extensively as a studio musician, he also toured with Joe Williams, Maynard Ferguson, Les Brown and Elvis Presley (with whom he shared an interest in karate). Over the years, he recorded numerous albums as leader. He worked closely with saxophonist, flutist Bill Perkins with whom he recorded several albums. Additionally he worked with a cross section of jazz artists including Chet Baker, Art Pepper, Joe Romano, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs and Bud Shank.

on our gigs. That was the beginning of my jazz career.

A few years later we were playing jazz five nights a week. Of course we added vibes. That vibe player is now the Vice President of the Las Vegas Jazz Society, Greg Blando. When Kenny left for the NORAD band and Greg moved to Vegas in 1964, I took over the band. By 1966 I had enough and also moved to Las Vegas.

In Las Vegas, I had a mentor, Dick Eliot, a fellow Milwaukean. Every job he was too busy to do, he recommended me. He got me my first jobs, Martha Raye, Shecky Greene, and Sweet Charity with Juliet Prowse…later with Barbra Streisand and Elvis Presley. The rest is history and included stints with Mel Torme, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., B.B. King and the Hallelujah Hollywood production show.

ELLA - IndividualGwendolyn ArtisMike BedikHowie GoldJoan Gilbert MagitCharles MitchellPeggy Sue Ostrander

2014 JUL/AUG MEMBERSHIP LIST*

Please note: the membership lists included in each issue of JazzNotes! are members who have enrolled since the printing of the last issue, not the entire Membership. If you feel your name has been omitted, please contact the Editor and the matter will be investigated. Thanks!* processed as of 6/20/14

MILES - FamilyPhil & Madeline FordCindy Kucik & Neil MaxaClifton & Easter Washington

ARTISTMarty BielaskiJoe DarroJames DeniceTeresa KidderGary ShawShana Tucker

STUDENTStevan Dana

10

Singer JIMMY SCOTT died June 12, 2014 in his Las Vegas home. He was 88.Known for his unusually high-pitched voice and plaintive delivery, Scott’s early life and career were plagued with difficulties and long periods of musical inactivity. After he became orphaned at age 13, he began singing in Cleveland nightclubs and went on the road in 1945 with a vaudeville-style show. He moved to New York City in 1947 and joined Lionel Hampton’s band a year later. It was with Hampton’s Band that he first recorded vocals as “Little Jimmy Scott.” Recordings he made for the Roose and Savoy labels in the ‘50s helped establish his name, garnering a loyal fan base. Included among these fans were Marvin Gaye, Frankie Valli, Nancy Wilson and Madonna, who after hearing him sing in 1994 was quoted as saying Scott was the only singer who ever made her cry.

In 1962 he recorded an album for Ray Charles but its release was blocked by the owner of Savoy Records who threatened legal action claiming Savoy had an exclusive, lifetime contract with him. The matter was dropped in the 1970s but by that time Scott had returned to Cleveland and for nearly 20 years worked in a variety of nonmusical jobs including cook, nurse’s aide and hotel clerk.In 1984 he moved back east and began getting nightclub bookings in Newark and New York City. In 1990 he released a self-produced album and in ’91 signed with Sire Records. His first Sire album, All the Way was nominated for a Grammy Award. From then on his career soared, including a performance at Bill Clinton’s inaugural ball in 1993. He became a popular concert and festival attraction in Europe, Canada, the U.S. and Japan.His last appearance was in June, 2012 at the Blue Note in Greenwich Village. He stopped touring after that but kept recording until about a month before his death.In 2007 Scott was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts and a Living Jazz Legend by the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

Pianist, HORACE SILVER died June 18. He was 85.Silver was well known for pioneering two prominent jazz styles, funk and hard bop, in the early 1950s. In 1954 he teamed up with drummer Art Blakey to form the legendary hard bop quintet, the Jazz Messengers, which set the standard for that genre in jazz history. In the late ‘60s he was at the forefront of the jazz-boogaloo movement. In the ‘80s he formed his own label, Silveto that was ..”dedicated to the spiritual, holistic, self-help elements in music.” After that he formed Emerald Records for straight-ahead jazz. He cared little for the labels that are applied to describe music and throughout his career fought against, as he described it, “getting hung up on one approach.” His compositions utilizied various musical styles such as gospel, blues, and Latin rhythms and, as bassist Christian McBride put it, “never got away from the element of fun.” Compositions such as “Song for My Father,” “Nica’s Dream” and “Senor Blues,” have influenced generations of

musicians. An additional quote from McBride would seem to sum up his influence. “As far as playing, composing, band leading and arranging, Horace Silver’s got to be one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz. No matter what style of jazz that you tend to gravitate toward, Horace Silver always touches you.”

Silver was a recipient of a 1995 NEA Jazz Masters fellowship, the nation’s highest honor in jazz.

Singer, actor HERB JEFFRIES died May 25, 2014. He was 100.Known for his rich baritone voice, Jeffries began his singing career as a tenor. While on tour with Earl “Fatha” Hines, he was struck by the number of black movie audiences viewing white cowboy pictures and realized the marketing potential for an all black musical western. His idea came into fruition in 1937 with the release of the film “Harlem on the Prairie” in which he starred as the only black singing cowboy star in Hollywood history. Filmed in 5 days at a dude ranch near Victorville, it was the first in a series of four “black singing cowboy” films that were released over the next two years.

While promoting the last of these films Jeffries was invited to sing at a performance of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and subsequently invited to tour with them. It was upon the advice of Ellington’s composer-arranger Billy Strayhorn, that he lowered his range and in the early 1940s scored his biggest hit “Flamingo,” which sold millions and became his signature tune.He moved to France in the 1950s and opened a jazz club in Paris called the Flamingo. He continued to perform in Europe as well as the United States and settled in the Los Angeles area in the 1960s, making a number of guest appearances on television and in concerts over the next four decades. Among the honors that came his way late in life was a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, dedicated in 2004.

11

2014 semi-annual MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONPlease send check to: VEGAS JAZZ P.O. Box 60396 LV, NV. 89160 join online at vegasjazz.org

Select a Membership Level: PLEASE NOTE: All memberships are in effect through December 31, 2014. Corporate and individual sponsorships are available. For additional information, contact Greg Blando at 702.456.8653.

Circle Membership Level desired:

Circle: new or returning $5 Monk (Student) $15 Ella (Individual) $20 Miles (Family) $25 Artist $50 Satchmo $125 Duke $250 Coltrane $500 Bird $750 Dizzy (Corporate)

Name(s):__________________________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________ APT #__________________

City:_______________________________________________ State:_________ Zip code:________________

preferred contact method: phone #___________________________________________________________

e-mail address: ____________________________________________________________________________

Circle for interest in volunteer activities: Preferred activities:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Membership dues entitle members to concert ticket discounts, an electronic version of Jazz Notes!, and a bi-monthly mailed version of Jazz Notes!. Additionally, your membership supports the following outstanding jazz functions: Printing/mailing of Jazz Notes!, Jazz Education Programs; maintenance to the website; the Annual Black History Celebration; and partnerships with UNLV, CSN, Clark County School District, the Joe Williams Foundation, and the Las Vegas Academy of the Performing Arts High School. Please consider increasing your membership level to help us continue these outstanding programs.

Vegas Jazz Member Information Policy: All information is confidential, and will never be shared with other organizations or individuals.

STAY CONNECTED: When you change your address, name, or email, please let us know. 702.313.6778, message line; info@vegasjazz.org, email; or mail the info to us.

TICKET POLICY: Members will be asked to show their membership cards when purchasing tickets.

JOIN VEGAS JAZZKEEP JAZZ ALIVE & THRIVING

vegasjazz.org

Please support our advertisers ...mention you found them through their Vegas Jazz JAZZNOTES! ad

Photos by Paul “Spyder” Evans

The Jazz Society at the Government Center Jazz in the Park concerts

photos: Tom Marth