A Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camp will become a part of Interlochen's outstanding curriculum in June 2012.

We’re delighted to announce a brand-new Tritone camp this summer.

We’ll be in residence from June 17-22 at the legendary Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan. Our other two camps, Tritone Cool on the Lake (Baileys Harbor, WI) will run from July 8-13, and Jazz at Naz (Rochester, NY) will run from July 22-27.

Interlochen has been providing quality education for children and adults since 1928, but Tritone will be the organization’s first jazz camp designed specifically for adult players and singers.

The Tritone at Interlochen faculty consists of both the familiar and the new, in keeping with our policy of offering fresh combinations of first-rate player/teachers at every camp.

The new include Bill Carrothers (piano),  Jim Fox (guitar), Jose Encarnacion (reeds) and Jim Pugh on trombone.

The familiar include Darmon Meader (voice), and Clay Jenkins (trumpet) who knocked them out at Jazz at Naz last summer; Steve Houghton (drums), who did a spectacular job with Bjorklunden campers a few years back; and the ever-popular Ike Sturm (bass).

Interlochen offers yet another opportunity for an outstanding experience in a beautiful location, where jazzers can spend their days immersed in the music we love and their families can take advantage of a wide range of activities in and around the lovely town of Traverse City.

Like what you hear? Register now!

Hi, Bob.

I am sure you are receiving many responses of feedback as allowed by the forms you provided. My feedback is simple. From my perspective, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” applies. I should stop here, but I can’t. I “gotta explain”.

Would you please foward this email, in its entirety, to the faculty for me?

Every aspect of my recent camp experience, from early arrival to departure, was positive. I take my musical development seriously, and Tritone Fantasy Camp exceeded my expectations. The camp provides an ideal balance of social interaction, education, and the creation of the best music a camp has to offer. It manages to accomplish this in an atmosphere of a relaxed, comfortable schedule wherein each camper makes his own decisions as to which class (or classes) to attend. Although the camp is structured, this flexibility allows the camper to avail him or herself to any of the great classes and music experiences provided. In my case, this was extremely valuable. The opportunity to “gig out” in a public venue was an exciting bonus!

After attending the first Gordon Goodwin Jazz Camp, followed by four consecutive years at Aebersold, I can say, at least from my perspective, Tritone has become my first choice for a summer vacation/jazz education experience.

Many campers were impressed that the big band learned five charts in four days, performed on Thursday night, and had a blast. Clay Jenkins was absolutely marvelous as director, and my dreams literally came true when I found myself playing first tenor in the company of so many fantastic musicians. Clay’s approach to directing was spot-on, positive, accurate, and effective.  His energy, skills, and attitude were major driving forces behind our success. What a great guy and great musician!

Ike Sturm was exemplary, providing us with a combo experience that not only taught, but actually trained us to use our senses and to communicate more effectively with each other in our music. It was a dream come true – to participate in an all-adult combo, directed by a skilled, talented, wonderful human being who has a gift for helping developing musicians. As you already know, Ike is one heck of a nice family man, infusing the experience with expertise and his contagious enthusiasm. Again, what a thrill to be taught by, and play with, the very guy who composed Jazz Mass! Heck, I bought a cd from him on the spot! I will visit his church sometime within the year.

The theory class, taught by the inimitable Jim Doser, was, without doubt, the single best theory class I have attended. His system, understanding of the learning process of non-majors like myself, and clear, concise explanations were outstanding. What a great personality, great instructor/performer, and great person. Jim was able to identify and describe the essential components of improv and theory in such a way that it became practical, rather than merely theoretical. Like the other faculty, he also greeted campers by name, making us feel that we were “included” in the “family”. This is one characteristic that you won’t find in the larger camps.

Dariusz Terefenko’s piano class was one of my choices as an “option”, given that I have played piano for years, although only by “ear”, and with very limited technical facility. Dariusz presented an absolutely fantastic approach to teaching that caught and held my attention every single minute. His entire teaching style was wonderful, and he demonstrated, just as Jim had in his classes, each critical element, for us to see and hear. I was thrilled to learn how to practice and what to practice, and was motivated to continue to develop keyboard skills. Dariusz was so supportive, even for my beginning level of expertise, and this is something that I had not experienced in any prior camp. Dariusz is also very communicative and socially adept, perhaps unusual in someone so cognitively advanced! As a piano enthusiast, I was of course listening to his expert playing during the concerts. If I lived in your area, I would be begging to purchase classes and/or individual lessons from Dariusz!

Darmon Meader, an absolutely astounding sax player, vocalist, and arranger, added so much to the camp experience! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Darmon, experience his performances, and to listen to his ideas about music, the industry, and music education. I hope his schedule allows him to return next year. His combo class members were effusive with praise relative to his approach to vocal and jazz training, and the results of his class were obvious in the combo performances. Darmon was very supportive and involved in the development of his students, and this was particularly obvious to all of the campers. What a thrill to experience Darmon as a person and as an artist!  I hope he chooses to return next year.

Kristen Shiner-McGuire was the penultimate choice for a first-class, first-class-of-the-day experience. What a fantastic, energetic, sincere, wonderful woman is Kristen. Her classes were extremely useful in promoting awareness of rhythms and beats. She also was available for any specific questions and concerns outside of class, and she is another marvelous human being with an inner spirit of love and support that underlies any great musician. Her command of that drumset was obvious, even though we did not get to see her play very much! My goal for next year is to encourage her to play some mallet ‘stuff’ for us as well.

I did get to introduce myself to Rich Thompson, to tell him how impressed I am with his drumset skills and musicianship. Another great guy! He plays so well, and I am sure anyone in his classes is a fortunate student. He has a “real personality” and it shows in his expert and expressive playing style.

Mark Kellogg’s playing was fantastic, but I did not get a chance to talk with him! I played high school trombone, but his high level of expertise makes it sound like a totally different instrument from the one I played. I could hear the classical and the jazz styles embodied in his sound, which was, again, fantastic and soaring. His tone production alone is worth the price of admission!

Gene Bertoncini, with his fame, his accomplishments, and his expertise, is one of the warmest, kindest human beings on the planet. His concert performances, his personality, and his very presence made the entire camp experience even more worthwhile. He literally brought some of us to tears with his Skylark accompaniment and solo work, and having Darmon’s treatment of the song just made it all the more dazzling. To experience two masters perform this great song was beyond description. Gene’s sense of humor is also evident, as is his compelling, infectious zest for life. His combo class, and the entire camp, love him dearly and have a very deep respect for his skills as a musician. I honestly think Gene will remember me, even next year, and that means a great deal to me.

Tom Hampson is obviously an expert regarding jazz history,  performers, performances, and personalities. His listening class provided me with some tunes I had not heard, even as a frequent flyer of Real Jazz and the Sinatra Channel on XM Radio. I enjoyed the Basie evening particularly, and wish I had had more energy at 3 PM to attend every one of his classes. Tom is also very approachable, and he was quite responsive to questions and comments from campers. His class adds a lot to camp, and I look forward to speaking with him again next year. Yet another “great guy” in this world of Tritone.

Finally, Bob DeRosa. Bob, you were my first contact, and although we only interacted via email, I immediately sensed that you are a past master at organization, marketing, sincerity, and that you have a great grasp of human beings. Your communication skills are advanced, and you are a constant organizational force. Your response to my inquiries was the major reason I decided to attend Tritone’s Jazz at Naz. The camp, without you, would not be what it is. You are constantly watching, asking questions, being helpful, and making efforts to make sure each camper has a positive experience. I have to say, I think you are also a great guy, and your skills are obvious. The fact that you are also an accomplished musician adds to your effectiveness. You have achieved meaningful success in life that many others would envy, and your personality is first-rate!

In summary,  my “after-camp reflections” include the fact that I feel that I have made some new and perhaps lasting friendships, with fellow campers, who also made this experience spectacular, and with some accomplished, professional musicians and educators whom I admire so much. I want to emphasize just how important your efforts are – you impact the lives of the campers who have the opportunity to experience Jazz at Naz. Your approaches are very effective in encouraging us to practice, to grow, and to return next year.

Thanks to each of you from the bottom of my heart.

Your Friend in Jazz,

Bruce Henderson

And oh yeah, he’s also a killing sax player, an outstanding teacher, and a great guy.

As a member of New York Voices, Darmon has released numerous recordings on the GRP, RCA/Victor, Concord and MCGJazz labels.

In 2008, he also released his much anticipated debut solo CD, And So Am I, a collection of jazz standards and original works that reflects his varied interests and skills as a singer, saxophonist, writer and arranger.

In addition to New York Voices touring and recording commitments, Darmon is increasingly busy as a soloist, sideman, studio musician, and clinician at jazz workshops around the world.

At Jazz at Naz, he will be joining our pantheon of favorites, including guitarist Gene Bertoncini (feeling like a new man after his December back surgery), trumpeter Clay Jenkins, trombonist Mark Kellogg, pianist Dariusz Terefenko, bassist Ike Sturm, jazz raconteur Tom Hampson, and the energetic rhythmer Kristen Shiner-McGuire.  Drummer Rich Thompson will be rejoining the Jazz at Naz faculty after a couple summers off.

Interested in joining us?  We recommend signing up today before it’s too late.  Click here to register.

It is hard to believe how much fun can be packed into one week of jazz!  For me, Tritone’s Jazz @ Naz was perhaps the best ever. Here is my top ten list:

1. Getting reacquainted with all of our long time returning campers and hearing the tremendous improvement in everyone.
2. Working with an incredible big band this year!
3. Lorenzo Simpson’s killer solo on Maiden Voyage!
4. Dariusz Terefenko’s solo concert, which never ceases to amaze me!
5. A first-of-its-kind accordion duo!
6. The Montreal Triple Threat of Pauline, Cynthia and Marie-Claude!
7. Meeting, for the first time but not the last, Pastor Jeremias!
8. Seeing you all relax, play and have fun at the Strathallan!
9. The great dueling trumpet solos from Glenn and Dan at the combo concert!
10. And last but not least – seeing Larry Priori breathe again!

Wishing you all a great fall and winter and look forward to seeing you next year!

Sincerely,

Jim

http://www.nitelifeexchange.com/interviews-mainmenu-154/1306-interview-with-janet-planet-part-one.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/sets/72157624588645784/

Gene Bertoncini (guitar) chose The Poll Winners recordings featuring Barney Kessel on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums.

Janet Planet (voice) selected Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley.

Dean Sorenson (trombone) went with Blue Trane.

John Harmon (piano/composer/arranger) and Fred Sturm (Tritone co-owner, trombone/composer/arranger) both selected Miles + 19.

Zach Harmon (drums & percussion) chose Clifford Brown & Max Roach.

Tom Washatka (sax) cites Supersax Plays Bird as the album that made the difference for him.

Mike Hale (trumpet) chose two: Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue and Freddie Hubbard’s The Hub of Hubbard.

Rod Blumenau (piano/saxophone) selected one that features his two favorite instruments: Stan Getz and Kenny Barron’s People Time.

Tom Hampson (The Colors of Jazz) also chose two: Woody Herman’s Four Brothers and Carmen McRae at the Great American Music Hall.

Ike Sturm (bass), who missed the master class session, later cited Kenny Wheeler’s Gnu High as a favorite.

Our man Ted Poor (2010 Jazz at Naz drum faculty) gets an assist.

Check it out here.

9:45PM Janet Planet Janet Planet sings from her cosmic repertoire of 20th century lyricists – from Dylan to Dearie…Porter to Jobim. Her powerful, honest delivery reveals new meaning and reignites material that’s as poignant today as ever.

The spirited and vivacious Janet Planet is a productive recording artist, performer, teacher and clinician – her concert schedule takes her to performance halls, universities, jazz festivals and clubs across the USA and internationally. The release of her most recent album, “Of Thee I Sing,” has garnered international attention, airplay and unanimous praise from critics, fans and musicians alike.

With 23 recordings in her discography to date, Janet’s repertoire is unparalleled. She has the ability to hold an audience in the palm of her hand, whether she’s just above a whisper or belting the blues.

Ms. Planet co-founded Stellar Sound Productions in 1995, a recording label that has consistently earned praise from reviewers for both exceptional artistic content and high production values. Stellar recording artists include, jazz singer/piano duo, Nancy King and Steve Christofferson; Cellist, Matt Turner; pianist/composer, John Harmon; and guitarist Gene Bertoncini. Active in all aspects of the recording business, she owns and operates Steel Moon Recording Studio with her husband, saxophonist/composer, Tom Washatka.

Praise for Janet Planet and “Of Thee I Sing”:

“Planet defies expectation…such an exemplary artiste that anything she graces with her vocal chords benefits.” – Cadence Magazine

“The venerable Planet carves a jaunty path from east to west. Long-familiar destinations sound fresh and new…delightful.” – JazzTimes

“The effervescent and supremely talented Ms. Planet can stylishly sing anything.” – Isobel Neuberger, Rochester Public Radio

“Planet’s ‘Of Thee I Sing’ is a very hip trip.” – Tritone Times

“Janet’s exquisite interpretations bring new life to treasures that long to be heard.” – Gene Bertoncini

“The voice of the New Jazz Culture… amazingly powerful, with seemingly limitless expression.” – Jazziz Magazine