Acclaimed saxophonist Elan Trotman brought soulful grooves, smooth jazz favorites and an electrifying tribute to Grover Washington Jr. to the unofficial opening of Jazz Urbane Café in Boston’s Nubian Square. Sheryl Aronson reflects on a memorable evening of music, food and community at an exciting new addition to Roxbury’s cultural scene.
I have never seen - nor heard - so many young (jazz) hands clapping with such appreciation as I did during Jazz Outreach Initiative’s (JOI) “Jazz for Young People” Concerts at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center! Over three thousand enthusiastic students from the Clark County School District were bussed in to experience two back-to-back performances with the acclaimed Jazz Vegas Orchestra and world-renowned saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman. She definitely answered this year’s theme, “Who is Ella Fitzgerald?” and then some.
In the story of American music, some careers are defined not by a single genre or moment but by the way they weave across traditions, cultures and eras. Laura Taylor's path, spanning classical roots, disco success, platinum-record songwriting and a distinguished career in jazz, embodies that journey. Her voice, once heard selling Buicks and beckoning travelers to "Fly the Friendly Skies," would go on to resonate in recording studios, concert halls and classrooms.
The neon cowboy Vegas Vic first waved his iconic thumb high above downtown Las Vegas over 70 years ago. Thanks to the legendary Lowden family, Vic still gives his signature thumbs up to a jazz lounge bearing his name.
From its conceptualization, Maxan Jazz Club wanted to do something a bit different. In addition to showcasing the absolute best in jazz music, featuring local and touring artists, they also wanted to provide a fantastic dining experience … something often found lacking in many of the jazz clubs worldwide. If you love tasty sushi and outstanding jazz, you’ll want to see what Maxan Jazz is all about.
Five years ago, one of Sin City’s renowned trumpeters forged a deal with another celebrated jazz icon to form the Jazz Outreach Initiative. JOI was born, and a colossal new musical wave barreled toward the West Coast, crashing to a stop in Las Vegas.
Jazz doesn’t get any better than Lisa Gay with the Uli Geissendoerfer Trio at the Gambit—the newest “HOT SPOT” in Vegas. What a night it was with special guest John Wedemeyer on the guitar and featuring RJ Reyes (bass) and Peppe Merolla (drums)! And, of course, Uli Geissendoerfer on the piano with all his energy and good humor.
Jonathan Karrant is a jazz vocalist who has been described as a storyteller, an interpreter, a singer who brings music and lyric alive. His album “On And On” hit number 4 on the jazz charts, and features a great array of jazz standards.
David Loeb, director of the Division of Jazz and Commercial Music and a professor of music at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Music, is a multifaceted talent in many genres.
This article was printed in the Spring 2020 [...]
