Whoever said “talk is cheap” never attended the Detroit Jazz Festival’s Jazz Talk Tent presented by St. John Providence Health System.
Hosted by Detroit jazz historians Jim Gallert, a veteran jazz broadcaster, researcher and writer and Lars Bjorn, Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The talk tent brings together jazz researchers, local and national musicians, scribes and broadcasters to honor Detroit’s past heroes and celebrate the fantastic array of musical talent on display during Labor Day Weekend. Here are a few of the highlights slated to appear in the tent at this year’s festival:
Savory Stuff! The Savory Acetates - Gems from the Savory Collection with Loren Schoenberg, Director of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
William Savory recorded radio broadcasts beginning in 1938 in stunning sound, capturing the greatest musicians of his day: Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, and many others. Jim Gallert will host this panel with Mr. Schoenberg. This discussion, and the opportunity to hear these recordings, rarely happens outside the Museum.
J.C. Heard - Mr. Rhythm
Heard left Detroit in 1939 to join pianist Teddy Wilson's band before going on to the orchestras of Cab Calloway and Coleman Hawkins. A consummate entertainer, Heard starred in several films, hosted a talk show, and toured the Far East before returning to America and re-establishing himself in Detroit. With Walt Szymanski, hosted by Jim Gallert.
Norman Granz - Taking Jazz To The World
Impressario Granz was a larger-than-life figure in the jazz world. Many of his traveling jam sessions, known collectively as Jazz At The Philharmonic, were recorded and issued on Verve and Pablo. Tad Hershorn, librarian from the Institute for Jazz Studies, and Granz biographer, will present Granz' story using material from his forthcoming biography.
Click Podcast below to hear conversations from Detroit Jazz Festival’s 2010 Jazz Talk Tent. Topics range from remembering Art Blakey to discussing the genius of Betty Carter, Horace Silver and Pepper Adams.
The Jean Goldkette Story with Josh Duffee
Jean Goldkette formed Detroit’s Graystone Orchestra, which made several seminal recordings featuring the legendary Bix Beiderbecke. He also managed the Graystone Ballroom and over twenty orchestras in the city. Josh Duffee, whose orchestra is performing an all-Goldkette program at the festival, will talk about Goldkette. Jim Gallert, host.
Cubano Be, Cubano Bop - Dizzy's Cuban Connection
Gillespie played a pivotal role in fusing modern jazz with Cuban music. His 1940s orchestra (featuring percussionist Chano Pozo) is a jazz benchmark. Saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera and jazz scholar Bob Porter explore Diz's Cuban connection.
Effortless Mastery
Effortless Mastery is an account of Kenny Werner’s musical journey and a guide for all musicians wishing to remove their own barriers to creativity. The concepts apply to every profession and Werner makes a compelling and humorous presentation.
B3 - The Roar of the Groove
Tony Monaco, Mike LeDonne and Chris Benjey talk about the B3’s prominent role in jazz. Hosted by Bob Porter
Mandrill – still funky after all these years
Cited as one of Duke Ellington’s favorite bands, Mandrill has been a leading pioneer of funk since 1968. Bobby Jackson, hosts.
Drum ROLE!!
Percussionists discuss the role of the drum from basic communication to worship and dance across cultures. With Jeff “Tain” Watts’ Drum Club members, Joe Locke, Tony Allen, and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez.
Trans-Atlantic Jazz
Jazz musicians have often been under-appreciated at home. Historically, they have been great ambassadors for jazz in post World War II Europe. This panel will feature stories from Amsterdam and Copenhagen with Maxine Gordon (widow of Dexter Gordon), Toots Thielemans, and Norman Granz biographer Tad Hershorn. Lars Bjorn, moderator.
Jazz Beyond Nation and Gender
Conversations with Israeli clarinetist Anat Cohen and pianist Amina Figarova, on the development of their artistry within socio-cultural boundaries and opportunities. Zak Shelby-Szyszko will moderate this discussion.
MEET THE ARTIST SESSIONS
Joe Lovano
Veteran tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano is a leading figure in mainstream and cutting-edge music. His varied projects span many genres and influences. Lois Gilbert will host this session.
Luciana Souza
Brazilian born Souza has carved out her own musical space since moving to New York City. Her innovative projects include new takes on the samba and the poetry of Pablo Neruda. Mary Catherine Smith interviews.
Dave Holland and Jason Moran
Veteran bassist and bandleader Dave Holland has recently paired up with one of the most adventurous of today’s pianists, Jason Moran. Holland and Moran will be interviewed by Voice of America’s Russ Davis.
For a more complete listing by day and time, check out the festival grid (free when you purchase the Official Festival Program) or detroitjazzfest.com/2011schedule.
