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Smooth sailing?
When smooth-jazz saxophonist Dave Koz looks toward yonder horizon, he sees trouble brewing on a number of business-related fronts. With a run of Dave Koz & Friends At Sea jazz cruises and an array of other successful projects under his belt, the reigning prince of smooth jazz has nicely prepared himself to weather the worst of incoming storms. By Kara Manning. Photos by Lori Stoll.click here
Plus, we complete our coverage of jazz-at-sea with a list of notable jazz cruises.
Yo, Rocco!
As a smooth-jazz artist living in Italy, saxophonist Rocco Ventrella finds himself struggling in a country that displays no discernible interest in smooth jazz. With that in mind, Ventrella’s set on making a splash in the ultra-competitive smooth-jazz capital of the world: the United States.By Ross Boissoneau
One grand acquisition
After owning and operating Festival Productions for 54 years, George Wein finally sold his business to Chris Shields, a young and ambitious admirer who stands at the head of the recently formed Festival Network. For Wein, who now works as a valued employee of the Network, the decision to sell was ultimately a no-brainer. For Shields, the acquisition of Wein’s festival portfolio was a major coup.By Patrick Kirchner
2008 U.S. Festival Guide
Coast to coast, outdoors and in, ready or not, the festival season is set to begin. With that in mind, we offer our annual guide to a great swath of U.S. jazz festivals.
JAZZIZ On Disc
This month’s disc
Featuring fresh tracks byJessy J, Gerald Veasley, Brian Bromberg, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Miller, Brian Hughes, Roni Ben-Hur, Brian Simpson, Amy London, and Jonathan Butler.
Publisher’s Letter
Of frogs and princes. By Michael Fagienclick here
Prelude
Jazz on film at the Museum of Modern Art; Karrin Allyson goes Brazilian while Norah Jones does the silver screen; David “Fathead” Newman celebrates his 75th birthday with a lot of help from his friends; Nina Simone’s daughter revels in her mother’s enduring legacy; Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild founder Bill Strickland brushes off the impossible; essential David Sanborn; and Wynton and Willie, together at last.
Departments
Traditions
Bob Weinberg considers Creed Taylor, CTI Records, and the memorable sounds of bittersweet youth.
Contempo
Jonathan Widran reflects on the many merits of British guitarist Chris Standring.
The Edge
There’s no substitute for live jazz in an environment where anything goes. So argues Alexander Gelfand, on the road in Evanston, Illinois.
Blu Notes
Who is Israel “Cachao” López and why should you care? Hint: He’s a legendary Cuban musician. Larry Blumenfeld explains the rest.
Auditions
Victor Wooten rides again By Michael RobertsReviews: Chick Corea & Gary Burton, Bobby Few, Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, Enrico Rava & Stefano Bollani, Charles Lloyd Quartet, Karrin Allyson, Tony Scherr, Caribbean Jazz Project, David “Fathead” Newman, Drew Gress, Otis Taylor, Eric Bibb, Lizz Wright, Adam Rudolph’s Moving Pictures, Spring Heel Jack, David Finck Quartet, Matt Savage
click here for the reviews
Roundup
Pianist Bill O’Connell finds “another way to play Latin jazz.” Plus, new releases from arranger Marty Sheller, conguero Gene Perry, and trombonist César “Chino” Pérez. By Mark Holston
Worldly Matters
African artists pay handsome tribute to U2. By Benjamin Rennells
Great Taste
Start with sesame seared chicken with crab fried rice and wasabi soy drizzle for an entrée. Then lay into a key lime pie for dessert. You’ll be glad you did.
Travels
Rachel Joyner settles in for a few fine days at the Panama Jazz Festival.