Best of 2011 Picks:
JazzWeek TOP 100 CDs of 2011 (#93) - TIto Puente Masterworks Live!!!
Best of 2011 Editor’s Picks at Descarga - TIto Puente Masterworks Live!!!
To hear samples from this album, click here
Bobby Sanabria Descarga JazzWeek Jazzheads tito puente manhattan school of music
Need some bounce in your step today? Check out the Hip Hop Hoodios’ music video on YouTube featuring their song Ocho Kandelikas from Carne Masada.
This Latino Jewish Hip Hop group knows how to step it up! Directed by Lori Grossman Elberg.
Carne Masada Hanukkah Hip Hop Hoodios Jewish Josh Norek Latino Lori Gorssman Elberg Ocho Kandelikas Jazzheads
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Latin Jazz Corner Podcast Episode #3
The final portion of this podcast features an interview with Jazzheads Flautist, Mark Weinstein, where they discuss his most recent album El Cumbanchero.
Latin Jazz Corner describes Mark Weinstein and his latest album:
This album is another fantastic chapter in Weinstein’s creative exploration of Cuban music, where he mixes jazz with danzon in a charanga setting. Cuban pianist Aruán Ortiz provided the arrangements, which simply overflow with beauty - these magnificent works in combination with Weinstein’s flute performance make El Cumbanchero a masterpiece.
Weinstein is an important voice in Latin Jazz - from his time with Eddie Palmieri’s La Perfecta to the essential album Cuban Roots and his modern recordings, Weinstein is someone that you need to hear. If you want to get the full scoop on Weinstein’s career, check out the extensive interview with him that I published on LJC - you’ll want to read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.
El Cumbanchero is really a fantastic album that brings together all of Weinstein’s experience into an important statement. You don’t want to miss this one - here’s a link to pick up Mark Weinstein’s El Cumbanchero.
Aruan Ortiz Chip Boaz El Cumbanchero Jazz Jazz Podcast Jazzheads Latin Jazz Latin Jazz Corner Mark Weinstein Eddie Palmieri
As part of the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, Jazzheads’ artists Rob Derke, Carlo De Rosa and Benny Koonyevsky from the NYJAZZ Initiative were guest soloists on the world premiere of Karl Jenkin’s latest work, The Peacemakers, including a 250 voice chorale performed at Carnegie Hall. The Peacemakers, using text by Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and Albert Schweizter as well as Shelley, the Bible, Quran, Hinduism etc, is a work of extolling peace. ‘He had a dream that all mankind could live together in peace and harmony’ - Elegy for Martin Luther King Jr.
Described as an ensemble that ‘plays with perfection’ and includes ‘some of the most expressive musicians on the New York scene,’ the NYJAZZ Initiative is a non-profit organization at the forefront of redefining the future of Jazz. From their latest release, Mad About Thad celebrating the music of Thad Jones, to their educational programs that reach thousands of students, NYJAZZ is committed to the future of Jazz as a vital part of the American cultural landscape.
The audience honored the performance with a well deserved standing ovation!
Carnegie Hall Karl Jenkins Mad About Thad NYJazz Initiative jazz Rob Derke
Jazzheads started off the New Year with participation at the Jazz Education Network Conference 2012 in Louisville, KY. The JEN Conference focuses on Jazz education for both educators and students of Jazz. JEN’s mission is to attract and teach new audiences about Jazz music. And that it did! The atmosphere was inspiring, filled with clinics, presentations and performances including legendary Jazz artists such as newly anointed NEA Jazz Master, Sheila Jordan, the US Army Jazz Band and high school bands from around the country. Educators mingled, shared information and left with inspiration about the future of Jazz (click here for some great JEN Conference 2012 Feedback)
Jazzheads had a profound presence throughout the conference, with several of our artists involved in clinics, panels and performances. Bobby Sanabria’s Clinic “The Latin Side of Jazz: Much More Than a Footnote” is one of the most exciting, entertaining and information packed clinics I’ve ever attended. He traces the history of Latin Jazz from its beginning to the present. And, does this all with a clavé beat playing behind him. The beat never stops. It influences the presentation. It propels the listener into discovering the simplicity and the complexities of the clavé rhythm. By the time Bobby has taken us on the journey from the early days of clavé to present day, he is accompanying the clavé beat by sitting behind a drum kit, playing, chanting and singing. Latin Jazz is part of Bobby Sanabria soul. He lives it, he feels it and makes you want to live and feel it, too. By the end of the presentation the entire audiences is up on their feet dancing, clapping, cheering and loving clavé. Gracias and Mucho Aché Bobby Sanabria.
Photo: Bobby Sanabria conducts clinic ‘“The Latin Side of Jazz: Much More Than A Footnote” at The JEN Conference 2012
President of Jazzheads, Randy Klein’s Clinic “It’s About the Music, It’s About the Business of Music” had an overwhelmingly good response. The clinic is pointed and right on target. Randy discussed the challenges a musician has with balancing pursuits as an artist, while being business savvy and making intelligent choices to promote one’s music. It was satisfying for Randy to share thirty years of knowledge and experience in the music industry, as both a composer/pianist and President of Jazzheads. The clinic will be given next at the University of Kansas in February 2012. “It’s About the Music, It’s About the Business of Music” teaches how to be creative in both the art of music and the business of music.
Photo: Randy Klein presents his clinic “It’s About The Music, It’s About The Business of Music“ at The JEN Conference 2012
The JEN Conference featured a special panel dedicated to spreading the word about the Grammy category elimination, a heated topic. The panel included Bobby Sanabria, Mark Levine, Randy Klein, moderated by Willard Jenkins. Some questions it addressed - Have the Grammys turned into a variety show? Will NARAS’ decision affect Jazz education? Is Jazz to be eliminated next?
Photo: Panel discussion ‘Update on the Grammy category elimination controversy - Jazz next?’ feat. Williard Jenkins, Mark Levine, Bobby Sanabria, Randy Klein at The JEN Conference 2012
A memorable performance during the convention was given by the newly anointed NEA Jazz Master, Sheila Jordan who performed a set with the University of Massachusetts Studio Orchestra with strings. Her performance was nostalgic and heartwarming. Sheila is close to 83 years old and swings like a teenager! She exhibited such joy and love for the music – a beautiful example of what Jazz can bring to your life if you embrace it. Her love of Jazz is part of her being, and what a wonderful thing for future generations to witness in her performance. Jazzheads is honored to have just released her CD with the Bill Kirchner Nonet, One Starry Night (a lost gem from 1987, live at Chicago Jazz Festival)
Photo: University of Massachusetts Studio Orchestra perfomrs with special guest NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan
Tom Knific, who recorded the album Home Bass in the early years of the label, conducted a group a students – a great representation of the future generation of Jazzers.
Photo: JEN Co-founder/President Dr. Lou Fischer critiques the performance of Western Michigan University ‘Desolation Row’ featuring Donny McGaslin directed by Tom Knific
Photo: Director of Jazz Studies of Western Michigan University Tom Knific, Pianist/Composer/Educator/Jazzheads President Randy Klein, Vocalist Christine Guter
One of the ways Jazzheads has been connecting to Jazz Education is through our relationship with Manhattan School of Music. Since our relationship developed, we have released 6 records of select live performances from the MSM Jazz Arts Programs. The CDs showcase MSM’s outstanding student jazz ensembles, including the MSM Jazz Orchestra and Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, and special guest artists such as NEA Jazz Masters Dave Liebman and Candido. The most recent release Tito Puente Masterworks Live!!! Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra Conducted by Bobby Sanabria was a Grammy nominee in 2011 for Best Latin Jazz Recording.
The CDs are publicized and promoted to Jazzheads’ global press and fan base and proceeds from the sales go to the Manhattan School of Music Scholarship Fund. This process is an exciting way for students to be on the front end of the music business and experience the insight of releasing a professional CD before finishing school. Stay tuned for the March 2013 release of Sky Changes, featuring NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman.
Photo: Randy Klein with Distinguished Professor of Wayne State University/conductor/educator Dennis J. Tini, Associate Dean/Chair of Manhattan School of Music’s Jazz Arts Program Justin DiCioccio and drummer/educator Bobby Sanabria
Photo: Pianist/Composer/Educator/Jazzheads President Randy Klein, Associate Dean/Chair of Manhattan School of Music’s Jazz Arts Program Justin DiCioccio with Sigrid Paana and Ruud van Dijk of Amsterdam School of the Arts
We left the JEN Conference inspired to embrace our current Jazz audience and motivated to reach out to the new generation of fans: Jazz players, listeners and those who have yet to discover the magical power behind this ever changing art form of improvised music. Until next year, see you in Atlanta in 2013.
Bobby Sanabria Dave Liebman Dennis J. Tini JEN Conference Jazz Education Jazz Education Network Conference Jazzheads Justin DiCioccio Manhattan School of Music Mark Levine Randy Klein Sheila Jordan Tom Knific US Army Jazz Band University of Massachusetts WIllard Jenkins Western Michigan University jazz
For the audience who experienced the Bobby Sanabria Big Band on June 18 at the Apollo celebrating the musical wonders of Mario Bauzá, it was a magical evening of intense Latin rhythms, improvisational highs, poetry and profound musicianship. Bobby Sanabria and his 19 piece big band, along with guests Felipe Luciano, David Amram, ‘La Bruja, Chareneé Wade, Jon Faddis, and the legendary (90 year old) Candido Camero had the Apollo audience dancing in their seats, singing, chanting and feeling the inner motion of the clavé beat. Electric concerts such as this happen only once in a while and it was an honor to be there. Felipe Luciano got the evening started with a spirited rap to pulsating percussion section with his piece ‘Rhythms’. The players in this band all have individual and strong creative musical voices. When playing together as the Bobby Sanabria Big Band, they soar. The next three pieces, ‘Mosscode’, Nuryorican Son, and Congo Mulence featured soloists from the band and the audience was there with every nuanced note. When Bobby Sanabria introduced Chareneé Wade to sing ‘Since I Fell For You’, she melted the audience and took them on a joyous vocal ride. The 80 year old, musician extraordinaire, David Amram joined the band soloing on penny whistles taking the evening to another high point. Then, La Bruja, Candido and Jon Faddis entered to bring down the house with the performance of Manteca. Latin Jazz is strong and alive in the hands of the leader of the cause, Bobby Sanabria. Be on the lookout for Bobby as he rises to greater recognition. In other words…..check him out!!!!
The late composer and percussionist Tito Puente was one of the greatest contributors to Afro-Cuban Jazz. Manhattan School of Music’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra celebrates Tito’s work with this live performance. The conductor and musical director is Bobby Sanabria. The program is vibrant and electrifying as is most of Puente’s music. The solos are rich and plentiful with Paul Stodolka soaring on trumpet the opener “Elegua Changó”, Bobby on vibes and many more. This is an enjoyable set of mambo and cha-cha performed with engaging fire and spirit.
D. Oscar Groomes - O’s Place Jazz Magazine
Manhattan School of Music on Jazzheads.com
Bobby Sanabria on Jazzheads.com
bobby sanabria manhattan school of music Tito Puente Masterworks Live!!! review press latin jazz jazz
Congratulations to Bobby Sanabria for winning the Percussionist of the Year Award 2011 from the Jazz Journalists Association!
Manhattan School of Music on Jazzheads.com
Bobby Sanabria on Jazzheads.com
bobby sanabria manhattan school of music Tito Puente Masterworks Live!!! review press latin jazz
Twenty five years have come and gone since Thad Jones’ passing, but interest in his music has never waned. Audiences composed of faithful fans and those new to his work still flock en masse to the Village Vanguard on Monday nights to witness the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra exploring his legacy on the very stage where the trumpeter first brought many of his compositions to life. While a good number of Jones’ peers have passed on, those who remain still perform and record his music with the utmost care and respect, as demonstrated on One More: Music Of Thad Jones (IPO, 2005) and One More: The Summary-Music Of Thad Jones, Vol. 2 (IPO, 2007), and subsequent generations of jazz artists continue to keep his work alive with albums like Mad About Thad.
In many ways, the collection of musicians who make up this band reflect the very goals of the organization they represent. The NYJAZZ Initiative was founded in 2008 and aims to keep jazz alive and thriving through education and performance, creating a climate of positive energy around jazz education and promoting the on-the-bandstand learning style that helped so many artists reach their potential. With this in mind, it’s nice to see that practice what they preach, with Vanguard stalwart Ralph Lalama providing a direct connection to Jones for the younger musicians in the group.
The eight tracks on the program cover well-worn classics (“A Child Is Born”) and material that’s often overlooked (“Evol Deklaw Ni”), and the band manages to be faithful to Jones’ vision, while remaining creative with the arrangements and avoiding slavish imitation. The pas de deux between Rob Derke’s soprano saxophone and Sam Burtis’ tuba brings out the best in “Bird Song” and the horn writing on “Elusive” makes this band sound far bigger than they actually are. Six other tracks reside between those two pieces, and each one offers great musical riches. “Three And One” seamlessly moves between an odd-metered Latin groove and straight swing in four and “A Child Is Born” provides pause to admire trumpeter David Smith’s unique phrasing. Burtis and bassist Carlo De Rosa are in cahoots at the outset of “Evol Deklaw Ni,” and both men burn on their respective solo spots. With performances like these, plenty of people will be extremely happy that the NYJAZZ Initiative took the time to put together Mad About Thad.
Dan Bilawsky - AllAboutJazz, March 23, 2011
