This year marks the twentieth anniversary of Jazz Appreciation Month. Taking place every year in the month of April, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History recognizes and celebrates the history of jazz. Offering guidance on how jazz can be celebrated in schools and communities throughout the United States. Each year, the Smithsonian uses a […]
Ralph Peterson Jr., a prolific drummer and bandleader, died today (March 1) at the age of 58 in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. His publicist reported that his death is attributed to complications from cancer. Known for his hard-bop drumming style and exciting arrangements, Peterson was a highly sought-after drummer in jazz. He was a prominent drummer […]
(Photo: Charles Mingus with Nat Hentoff early 1960s) Nat Hentoff had many interests as a writer—both within and outside the music industry. He authored over 30 books as well as a myriad of articles for various magazines, newspapers and online sources. However, his 50+ year career as a writer of liner notes for records and […]
Just across the border, there is a 30-year ongoing project that celebrates Canadian heritage and history. The Heritage Minutes collection is a bilingual Canadian legacy project comprised of 60-second short films, each depicting a significant person, event or story in Canadian history. They are produced by the non-for-profit organization, Historica Canada. First released in 1991, the Heritage Minutes have been […]
The legendary pianist, keyboardist, arranger, and composer, Chick Corea has died at the age of 79. The cause of death is due to a rare form of cancer, according to his family. Corea passed on Tuesday, February 9th. Corea is considered one of the most important influences in jazz and jazz fusion. Having performed on […]
Music Workers Alliance members marching in New York City (photo: Daniel Efram) “No gigs, no relief, that’s why we are in the streets!” The group proceeds to march down Seventh Avenue to Times Square, playing a series of familiar melodies. For those on the sidewalks witnessing the demonstration pass by, it’s impossible not to dance […]
The month of October has been a somber and unkind one for many Buffalo Jazz and music lovers. We have seen four significant jazz and music artists as well as influencers meet their final resting place. Assembled here are four featured obituaries appearing at the Buffalo News. Links are provided for each. A way to […]
Musically, shortly after leaving Monk, Dunlop signed with Atlantic Records. In 1964, Frankie recorded several rather commercial singles under this own leadership, Frankie Dunlop & His Orchestra, including Latin Twist, Lowdown Waltz, and Uptown Downtown. He freelanced on some small group recordings with Mose Allison, Sonny Rollins, and bassist Richard Davis. The Davis album, The […]
The story of Thelonious Monk’s engagement at the Five Spot in the summer of 1957 has entered into jazz lore as possibly the most consequential club engagement in the history of jazz, bringing together Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane and serving to rapidly propel both careers forward. But Frankie Dunlop’s very short role in it […]
Buffalo, by virtue of its large and growing Black population as well as its geographic location- about halfway between New York City and Chicago, 200 miles from Cleveland and 90 miles from Toronto, Canada- was a frequent destination for the nationally known big bands as well as small groups playing “the new thing,” bebop. Nothing, […]
