by Ken Laster The second installment of the 2020 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series live-streamed featured alto saxophonist Dakota Austin and his Quartet. The set featured all but one original composition. The band, schooled in the tradition of the hard-bop masters, had a more modern approach with a heavy dose of Fender Rhodes electric [...]
The year 2020 has been so different on many levels. We are all embroiled in a public health crisis and heightened social and political unrest. These issues have affected all aspects of our lives, even our love of live music and traditional summer jazz festivals. Thus, due to COVID-19, the 53rd Paul Brown Monday Night [...]
by Ken Laster In 1967, bassist Paul Brown brought world famous musicians to downtown Hartford for free concerts during July and August. Monday nights were ideal to book these artists, because gigs in NYC were sparse on that day of the week. For the first concert, saxophonist Cannonball Adderley performed on Barbour Street. "PB" had [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic, state-wide quarantines, and an abrupt end to the school year have had a devastating impact on music education as well as other school programs. Despite these obstacles, virtual classrooms with dedicated students and instructors keep jazz music education alive! Here are a couple of examples of teachers and students making the best [...]
Hartford/Netherlands pianist Warren Byrd re-releases rare CD from 1999, “Truth Raised Twice”... **PRESS RELEASE** May 6, 2020 A one-hundred percent American underground post-bebop CD fielded a modest release in America 20 years ago. The album was performed by a group of like-minded musicians led by Hartford, CT. USA-born pianist/composer Warren Byrd. The CD, “Truth Raised [...]
Mike Casey is a Hartford trained, New York based saxophonist. He attended the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz (BA). He then completed Berklee’s master’s program in Contemporary Performance and Music Production at their Valencia, Spain campus. "On Monday May 4 to celebrate International Star Wars Day [...]
by Ken Laster During this COVID-19 isolation, I must have way too much time on my hands. I have been obsessed with DIY facemasks. Since I don't sew, either with a machine or by hand (despite actually trying), I spent way too much time watching YouTube in search of the best "no-sew" face covers. After [...]
Connecticut Office of the Arts announces grants available for Connecticut artists impacted by pandemic ** MAY 4 DEADLINE TO APPLY ** Recognizing that artists provide inspiration, connection, and education, particularly at times when the creative sector is needed most, the Connecticut Office of the Arts – a state office housed within the Department of Economic [...]
Due to concerns over the coronavirus, Hartford Public Library has suspended all large scale events until further notice. Therefore Jazz 201 has been postponed. Check back for information as it becomes available. JAZZ 201 Jazz Appreciation Workshop with Ben Young Hartford Public Library 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT Room: Center for Contemporary Culture [...]
For nearly 50 years, Ed Krech owned and operated this record and CD store in Wethersfield, CT. But this was much more than a place to peruse and purchase the latest jazz CD's. Ed Krech provided a venue for young musicians to showcase their craft and gain experience performing in front of dedicated and knowledgeable [...]