Jazzville, NJ

Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society Throws It Down At The Newport Jazz Festival (Newport 2010 Recap, Part 2 of 6)

// August 16th, 2010 // No Comments » // Recaps & Reviews

Conductor Darcy James Argue leads the Secret Society in one of several thrilling compositions performed at the 2010 Newport Jazz Festival.

After managing not to fall overboard during our water taxi ride to Fort Adams State Park, D.A. and I headed straight for Harbor Stage to grab close-up seats for the morning’s most anticipated set – Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society.

We pretended he was waving at us during sound check, even though he was really trying to get the technician’s attention. (But hey, one can dream right?) In any case, the place was buzzing by the time the show began. The Canadian jazz composer (turned NYC native) and the members of his 18 piece steampunk big band humbly took the stage after Darcy was introduced as “the most talked-about artist in the genre today thanks to his debut album Infernal Machines.” With that, he led them into their first song, “Transit.”

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Couldn’t Make This Year’s Newport Jazz Festival? We Did! (Newport 2010 Recap, Part 1 Of 6)

// August 12th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jazz Events, Recaps & Reviews

"Over the water and through the boats to Newport Jazz Fest we go!"

Hello again Jazzville, NJ readers! Sorry for not being in touch these last few days, but D.A. Gutierrez and I are only just coming out of our Rhode Island reverie following our trip to the Newport Jazz Festival this past weekend.

Naturally you might be wondering why we went out of state to hear jazz when Jazzville, NJ is dedicated to promoting the great talent we have right here in the Garden State. There are some ways I can answer that:

a)  Jazz knows no boundaries. (Poetic, no?)

b)  Some of the artists/ musicians that were featured have ties to the NJ/NY area.

c)  Hello? Road trip with a side of jazz!

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C’est La Vie! Paris Washboard Charms Bickford Audience

// August 4th, 2010 // No Comments » // Bickford Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Jazz Events, Recaps & Reviews

The musicians of Paris Washboard (left to right) - Daniel Barda, Alain Marquet, Louis Mazetier & Stephane Seva. PHOTO CREDIT: ParisWashboard.org

Mon Dieu! Quelle nuit!

I knew something special awaited us last night – The Bickford Theatre was buzzing with excitement well before the show was scheduled to begin. For those of us who had been regularly attending the Monday night Jazz SummerFest shows, we were warned for several weeks to buy tickets for Paris Washboard in advance because in all likelihood they would sell out.

Hmmm…overrated or was the band really that good? I’m more than pleased to say it was the latter. Holy cow people! I probably won’t be able to do these talented musicians justice with this review, but I will do my best to explain how I fell in love with them yesterday.

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Neville Dickie Tickles The Ivory During Jazz SummerFest

// August 3rd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Bickford Theatre, Morristown, NJ, Jazz Events, Recaps & Reviews

Cover of stride pianist Neville Dickie's 1970 album, "A Salute To Fats Waller." PHOTO CREDIT: Google Images

When my generation thinks of a “piano man,” Billy Joel or Elton John quickly comes to mind. It’s a shame that world renowned jazz pianist Neville Dickie doesn’t register on this popularity radar. But after last night’s performance at The Bickford Theatre, I, along with those in attendance, will consider him one of the greats from now on.

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Newport Jazz Fest 2010 – A Survival Guide For Those Left Behind

// August 1st, 2010 // No Comments » // Commentary, History, Jazz Events, News

The Ben Allison Quartet performing during my fateful 2007 Newport Jazz Festival trip.

In August of 2007, I took a week-long road trip through New England with a friend of mine. The first night’s itinerary called for a stop in my favorite New England town – Newport, Rhode Island.

Since the trip was a spur-of-the-moment event, I was blissfully unaware that we were about to drive into town on one of the most popular summer weekends – that of the Newport Jazz Festival. After driving around to a few bed & breakfasts, we realized finding a room was not going to be easy. But it was only after speaking with the folks at the majestic Hotel Viking and being quoted a rate of $700/night that we found out why we were having such trouble.

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Jazz-Age Lawn Party – The “Do Not Miss” Event Of The Summer!

// July 30th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jazz Events, News

Promo poster for Michael Arnella's Dreamland Orchestra Jazz Age Lawn Party - August 2010

Folks, I just found out about the coolest event… well, probably ever!

Michael Arnella’s Dreamland Orchestra is throwing a Jazz-Age Lawn Party on August 28th & 29th.

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Jazz In Lincoln Park – Friday, July 30th

// July 27th, 2010 // No Comments » // Amiri Baraka, Jazz Events, News

Poet and activist Amiri Baraka will host the jazz portion of the Lincoln Park Music Festival in Newark this Friday. PHOTO CREDIT: DePauw University

For those who didn’t know, Newark has always played a big part in the New Jersey jazz scene, rich in history and cultural traditions. So it’s only natural to learn that a major jazz event will be taking place there this Friday in Lincoln Park.

The 5^th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival is set to kick off on July 30^th at noon. Hosted by famed poet and activist Amiri Baraka, the Jazz All-Star Newark Arkestra will pay tribute to Newark composers, covering James Moody’s “Moody’s Mood for Love,” Babs Gonzalez & Dizzy Gillespie’s “Oo Pappa Da” and Sarah Vaughan’s (the “Divine One”) “Lullaby of Birdland.” Homage will also be paid to Newark icons Woody Shaw and Larry Young.

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Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci Destined For Greatness

// July 25th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jazz Events, Recaps & Reviews

Dominick Farinacci signs CDs after his Jazz Week performance, July 22, 2010.

“As a musician, you grow by surrounding yourself with people who are better than you,” said trumpeter Dominick Farinacci to the audience attending Thursday night’s performance of William Paterson University’s Summer Jazz Week.

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SummerFest Fireworks – Saturday, July 24th

// July 23rd, 2010 // No Comments » // Jazz Events, News

Fireworks like these will blanket the skies over Alba Vineyards on Saturday night.

What:  13th Annual SummerFest Fireworks
Where: Alba Vineyard
When:  Saturday, July 24th (Rain Date Saturday, July 31)  Gates open at 4pm, music starts at 5pm, fireworks after dark.

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Adam Niewood Live This Friday, 7/23/2010

// July 22nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Jazz Events, News

Adam Niewood, son of late saxophonist Gerry Niewood. PHOTO CREDIT: RochesterJazz.com

If you plan on being in the big city (NYC that is) this Friday, head out to La Lanterna’s Bar Next Door to hear saxophonist, EWI player and drummer Adam Niewood play live.

Son of the late Gerry Niewood, this jazz improviser and composer is carrying on his father’s musical traditions without skipping a beat. Earlier in June he performed some of his dad’s never-before-heard compositions at Trumpets, found after the elder Niewood’s death in a plane crash last year.

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