All Videos Tagged Iridium (THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG") - THE JAZZ NETWORK WORLDWIDE "A GREAT PLACE TO HANG"

The Pace Report: "Something More" The Buster Williams Interview

2011-02-27T05:05:32.142Z

For 50 years bassist Charles “Buster” Williams has been one of the most prolific musicians in jazz music. Calling him a ‘sideman’ is purely an understatement. Williams musicianship has allowed him to build relationships and partnerships that have lasted well into this decade. The Camden, New Jersey native was exposed to music by this father who was both a pianist and bassist. Buster’s father saw that he wanted to play the bass and developed a rigorous program where he’d eventually become a musician. Today he credits his father for his teaching and playing style.

Upon graduating high school, Buster attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia where he majored in composition and theory. His first professional gigs were with the legendary Jimmy Heath, Gene Ammons, and Sonny Stitt. For almost a decade he backed and accompanied some of the best jazz vocalists like Dakota Staton, Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson. Other notable acts he performed with were The Jazz Crusaders, Eddie Henderson, Miles Davis, and the Bobby Hutcherson/Herald Land quintet.

Jazz fans really took notice and gave him lots of respect when he backed pianist Herbie Hancock’s Mwandisi Sextet from 1969 to 1973. Buster played both the electric and double bass while playing in his unit.

Currently, Williams’s “Something More Quartet” features Patrice Rushen on piano, Steve Wilson on saxophones, and Cindy Blackman-Santana on drums. “Something More” was created a little over 20 years ago and allows Buster to compose and perform his own music. His latest disc HighNote Record’s release “Griot Liberte’” features vibraphonist Stefon Harris, drummer Lenny White, and pianist George Colligan. For upcoming tour dates and info visit Buster online at www.busterwilliams.com

The Pace Report: "Time on The Line" The Geri Allen Interview

2011-01-13T03:43:33.448Z

Over the last 20 years I’ve watched pianist Geri Allen grow as a fine musician and communicator of the past, present, and future of what jazz music represents. Her latest Motema Music release “Geri Allen and Timeline Live” features tap dance sensation Maurice Chestnut, veteran bassist Kenny Davis, and drummer Kassa Overall. The disc is her first live recording as a leader and was recorded in 2009 a series of performances at Reed College in Portland, Oregon and Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. Geri clearly fuses traditional jazz with hip-hop oriented themes that both Maurice and Kassa bring to the music as well as stage presence.

Geri, a native of Detroit, is part of the great tradition of legendary pianists that the city as produced and contributed to the world of jazz. Icons such as the late Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan to Dr. Barry Harris. Geri’s unique piano style fuses both the traditional Avant-Garde musical styles.

Throughout her many years in the business, Geri has backed and played with artists such as Charles Lloyd, Betty Carter, Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Lee Konitz, and Wayne Shorter.

In addition of being a well noted musician, she’s also the Associate Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan.

Geri and I sat down at the Motema Music Showcase live at The Iridium for the 2011 APAP Music Winter Conference.

To order her latest disc or to find out Geri’s upcoming tour dates, visit her on the web at www.geriallen.com

The Pace Report: The Tom Harrell Interview

2011-01-08T07:35:57.374Z

Since he was a youngster, trumpeter and composer Tom Harrell has never stayed stagnant musically. His latest Highnote Records release "Roman Nights"...

The Pace Report: "Kenny Garrett: Sketches of MD...Live at The iridium"

2011-01-08T07:32:24.811Z

Saxophonist Kenny Garrett has been a leader in his own right for over twenty years.He backed some major heavyweights in jazz as well. Coming up next on The P...