New York Voices’ Darmon Meader to Join 2011 Jazz at Naz Faculty

We’re delighted to announce that Darmon Meader, founder, composer, musical director, chief arranger, vocalist and guiding spirit of the legendary New York Voices will be be joining the Tritone Jazz at Naz faculty, July 24-29.

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.

New York Voices founder Darmon Meader will coach Tritone Jazz at Naz vocalists and maybe play some big-band sax July 24-29.

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.

Jim Doser’s Top Ten Events From Jazz @ Naz 2010!

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

Nice Janet Planet Interview

Is NYC ready for The Planet?  If you’re anywhere near Feinstein’s on August 13 or 14, do yourself a favor and find out.

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

Gottlieb Jazz Photos on Flickr

Our friend Rod Blumenau sent along this link to some outstanding photos of jazz people taken by the great photographer William Gottlieb.  Enjoy.

Tritone faculty reveal favorite recordings

As part of a special master class last week, we asked our Tritone at Bjorklunden faculty about their favorite or most influential jazz recordings.  While admitting that picking a single favorite was nearly impossible, each was able to choose the one recording (or two in some cases) that they would want if stranded on the proverbial desert island.

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.

Tritone makes the Jazz Times bucket list!

We don’t think we’re on Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman’s bucket list, but we’re thrilled to be included in Lee Mergner’s.  The editor of the award-winning Jazz Times has picked Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps as one of the things you just must do before you play your final coda.  Check it out here.

Our Man Ike Scores Again!

4-1/2 stars for his latest recording in this month’s DownBeat magazine!

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

Check it out here.

Babe on the billboard gets more nice press

Check out this nice Broadwayworld.com advance notice for Janet’s appearance at NYC’s Metropolitan Room on June 11 (just a couple days before she travels to Rochester for the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival).  If you’re anywhere near New York State in mid-June, you’ll want to check her out.

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

Who’s the babe on the billboard between Appleton and Green Bay?

Nice to have our faculty noticed, too…

This very nice Jazz Times piece about our wonderful bassist came out in November, but Ike is so humble that we had to find the link to it buried in his equally talented-but-humble sister’s Facebook page.  Enjoy.

http://jazztimes.com/articles/25298-the-double-life-of-jazz-bassist-ike-sturm