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Breton Music is a style of Celtic Music that originated in the North Western region of France. The Breton music tradition dates back several centuries, and much like Irish music, it recently saw a regrowth in popularity following the 1970s folk revival. “Traditional” Breton music (and I say this very generally) typically is defined by …
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Saxophonist Julian Edwin Adderley, better known as Cannonball Adderley was born September 15, 1928 in Tampa, Florida. He began to establish himself during the hard bop era, but is best remembered as a cross-over artist in the pop charts for his recording of “Mercy Mercy Mercy” and his collaboration with Miles Davis on “Kind of …
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Vocalist Ella Fitzgerald, dubbed “The First Lady of Song,” alongside Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday, is one of the most renowned jazz singers of all time. Not only was she excellent in execution, but her swing feel and scat singing were incomparable. You can find some amazing information on the web about her life in …
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Gypsy Jazz, or jazz manouche, is a style of music that is said to have originated in France and made popular by guitarist Django Reinhardt along with violinist Stephane Grappelli during the 1930s. Gypsy Jazz is defined by the percussive rhythmic strumming of the guitar known as la pompe, essentially quick up-down strum followed by …
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This past August, we lost Cedar Walton, a great keyboardist who got his start as a member of Art Blakey’s band. I had the distinct privilege of seeing Mr. Walton perform on several occasions and it was always an inspiring display of musical virtuosity by both him and the members of his band. Cedar Walton …
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Born to parents who were both musicians in 1904, William James Basie was constantly surrounded by music. He began piano lessons with his mother, but he also studied with stride pianists such as Fats Waller. He began his career in music as an accompanist for Vaudeville performers which took him to Kansas City where he …
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This past week we lost legendary keyboardist, composer and performer George Duke. He publicist announced that he passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013. George Duke led a successful career that spanned a variety of genres including funk, jazz, soul and R&B over the last several decades. Throughout his career he not only collaborated with …
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For most, the name may be unfamiliar, but the music of our next Teen Jazz Legend is most certainly not. Diane Warren is the songwriter behind over 100 songs that have been on the charts including “Rhythm of the Night” recorded by DeBarge, “You Pulled Me Through” recorded by Jennifer Hudson, and “I Don’t Want …
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Composer and saxophonist Charlie Parker was born in Kansas City, Kansas in 1920 to Charles and Addie Parker. He went on to become one of the most influential saxophonists by introducing revolutionary styles of performance and improvisation. Charlie Parker first picked up the baritone sax around the age of 11 and later switched to alto. …
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John Birks Gillespie, later known as Dizzy, was born in 1917 to James and Lottie Gillespie. He was the youngest of nine children. His father, James, was a local bandleader, and so, instruments and music were always available to young Dizzy at an early age. Dizzy Gillespie first began music by studying piano. He later …
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