Jazzheads Blog

Jazzheads at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference 2012

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.