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 [...]
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 [...]
by Ken Laster There has always been a special bond between photography and jazz. Black and white images of Miles and Trane, iconic album covers and classic photographs taken in NYC clubs, are as connected to the jazz idiom as is the music itself. Even today photographers are a prominent part of the Hartford Jazz [...]
by Ken Laster Miles Davis is undoubtably one of the most influential artists in the history of the jazz idiom. He is also among the most revered, respected as well as criticized and controversial players in jazz. So, when any new media is released regarding the life and music of Miles, it is always met [...]
by Ken Laster If you have been waiting for this movie to find its way to a theater near you, wait no longer. Bolden is available through your favorite movie streaming service. Click the links to rent or purchase on Apple iTunes or Google Play. I'll rate Bolden 3 of 5 stars just [...]
The Hartford Jazz Society and Hartford Public Library are partnering to present Jazz 101, an introduction to Jazz music and the sounds, history and culture surrounding it. The course is 8 two-hour classes presented once a week . No tests, no papers, no homework, no pressure, no question is too basic! THIS WORKSHOP [...]
by Ken Laster click images to enlarge In September of 2018 Wayne Shorter released an epic 3 CD set of music with his long-standing adventurous quartet of Shorter on tenor and soprano saxophones, Danilo Perez on piano, John Pattitucci bass and Brian Blade drums. This release is so much more than a record [...]
Matt Chasen is an important figure in Hartford's Jazz community. As a musician, educator and historian of this art-form, Matt has recently been documenting many of the important concerts and activities of our jazz scene. Here, he pays tribute to one of Hartford's continuing and endearing jazz traditions. Black Eyed Sally's 350 Asylum Street, [...]