Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Here is an Interview I did last summer! enjoy!

Lakeville Journal Feature | Jazz camp’s 525 musicians keep the beat
Shaw Israel Izikson | Lakeville Journal - July 22, 2010

KENT — The Litchfield Jazz Camp, held on the grounds of the Kent School, started its 14th session on July 11.
The camp, which is operated by The Litchfield Jazz Festival, offers courses for students from 13-years-old to adult in everything from performance and instruments to jazz history to improvisation, rhythm and music theory.
The camp began a decade and a half ago with only 32 students and a one-week program, according to Lindsey Turner, who is the marketing director for both the festival and the camp.
“This year we have 525 students enrolled,” Turner said. “We have students from all over the country as well as foreign students.”
Musician Don Braden, musical director at the camp, has played with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Betty Carter and Freddie Hubbard, is the musical director for the camp.
“Jazz is such a great thing to study,” Braden said. “It’s the kind of music that is really fun and expressive, yet has quite sophisticated emotional elements that are positive and fun.
“Also it has a spiritual aspect that involves comradery and teamwork. It all ends up being a great combination.”
Braden said the teaching staff combines rigor and a relaxed approach.
“We don’t live on military time, or break people down with tough love, that’s not our culture,” Braden said. “We all lead from the front. Our main thing is showing our students the way. The camp faculty is made up of professional players.”
Assistant Director Albert Rivera started out as a student at the camp when he was 15 years old.
“Originally I lived in New York City and every summer while I was growing up I came up to the camp,” Rivera said. “I think many of the students come from the city, and when they come up here to Kent they see a whole different lifestyle. They start to understand that life isn’t just about their neighborhood. They learn there is a whole other world out there.”
Rivera said another benefit of the camp is that students meet other musicians, and many of them form friendships and bonds.
“Sometimes students wonder if there are others out there like themselves,” Rivera said. “It comes as a shock to them when they see there are hundreds of other students just like them.”
Rivera said the camp welcomes all levels and ages.
“Students also get to see a world-class faculty and professional musicians perform,” he said. “Usually, it takes a trip to New York City and it costs an arm and a leg to see these guys play.”
Throughout the summer, the camp will present 30 free concerts in locations in town by jazz camp students and faculty.
“Jazz is an amazing thing,” Rivera said. “One of the biggest attractions about jazz is that it’s a musical art form that started right here in America. Some parts of jazz are in other kinds of music, including rap, pop and hip hop. I think it will come back to the forefront.”

Monday, March 14, 2011

Ken Ross - New World Feat. Magestik Legend, Jo'Leon Davenue



Some of you may know that I do not discriminate when it comes to good music. I may be a "Jazz" artist by trade, but music is my life.
I met Ken Ross (http://kenrossmusic.net) a few years ago while he was a student at the Litchfield Jazz Camp. His technique at guitar was tight, and he had a great attitude towards music. I've been keeping my eye on what he has been up to musically.

After finding his niche with school, he found himself in Chicago and started making hip hop music. Maintaining a jazz tradition, he is branching out and reaching a wider audience.
If he continues on his path and stays focused I would not be surprised if a much larger calling to fame becomes within his reach.
This video and song is from his first and most current self-released album "Zzzzz" You can download it for from on his website. Yeah...amazing right? I said free! http://kenrossmusic.net/music.html

With quality like this...why not tell your friends about it?

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Litchfield Jazz Festival Announces the 2011 Lineup

http://litchfieldjazzfest.com/ljf/ljf-line-up-off/

2011 marks the 16th Anniversary of The Litchfield Jazz Festival. LJF continues the tradition of showcasing jazz legends and fostering up-and-coming talent as we've done since 1996. "Nothing beats the Litchfield Jazz Festival…an ongoing tradition for those in the know." -- JazzImprov.
Visit our Festival History page for a complete line-up history. 2011 Artist Profile Pages Coming Soon. As soon as they appear you can click the name or photo below to learn more about each artist.
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Artist Profiles Coming Soon...

Friday, August 5th

Friends of the Festival Gala
The Clayton Brothers Quintet
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue -- Special 90 minute set  
After Party and Open Jam - Immediately Following Last Performance

Saturday, August 6th

Albert Rivera Organ Quintet
Champian Fulton Quartet
The Bronx Horns
Vijay Iyer Trio Ray
Charles Tribute with Davell Crawford
Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band*
After Party and Open Jam - Immediately Following Last Performance

Sunday, August 7th

Dena DeRose Trio
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
Matt Wilson Quartet plus Strings
Joe Lovano Nonet
Jimmy Heath Big Band*


Clinics & Artist Talks led by Artist-in-Residence Matt Wilson

Roy Haynes
Jimmy Heath
Joe Lovano
Dr. Lonnio Smith
Vijay Iyer
The Bronx Horns