Starting this week, Diatic Records will be hosting a new series at Jimmy Mak’s. Each Tuesday, the Mel Brown Septet will play their usual two sets, starting at 8 PM. Then, from 11 to midnight, one of the Diatic artists will play. This should be a great opportunity to hear the younger generation of jazz in Portland. Check out the full schedule on the poster below.
(Click for full size poster)
Diatic Records “New Artist” series at Jimmy Mak’s
July 14th, 2007Podcast Test
July 14th, 2007Here’s the test for a new podcast.[display_podcast]
Leroy Vinnegar’s birthday
July 13th, 2007
One of the most well-known jazz musicians to ever call Portland his home was Leroy Vinnegar - master of the walking bass line. Vinnegar recorded over 600 albums during his career, ranging from “My Fair Lady” with Andre Previn and Shelly Mann, to “Saint Dominic’s Preview” with Van Morrison.
Vinnegar moved to Portland in 1986 where he lived until his death in August of 1999. July 13th, 2007 would have been his 79th birthday.
While in Portland, he played regular gigs all around town, including twelve years of work with pianist Jof Lee. Jof has created a tribute page that has some great quotes from Vinnegar.
Another great page about Vinnegar is the Portland State University Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute. At the Institute’s page, you can find an extensive biography of Vinnegar, as well as information on the PSU-hosted Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Week in May.
Vinnegar’s legacy lives on in many ways - from the players that shared the stage with him to the stage named after him (LV’s Uptown). His presence is etched in Portland’s jazz history.
See and hear Vinnegar below.
Read the rest of this entry »
Music Millennium NW to close in August
July 11th, 2007
Willamette Week reported today that Music Millennium’s Northwest Portland location will be closing this August. Apparently the combination of declining record sales and escalating rent are behind the decision.
Luckily, the East Burnside store will stay open and continue to provide the amazing mix of local, national, and international recordings that the store is known for.
Read more details at the WWeek site.
Image via musicmillennium.com
Mic Gillette with Steve Cannon Big Band at Cathedral Park
July 9th, 2007 |
Mic Gillette will be the featured guest soloist with Steve Cannon’s Blowhard Big Band on July 21st at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival. Gillette is widely known for his work in the Tower of Power horn section, which he led for almost two decades. There is a short documentary video about Gillette’s career that can be viewed at the ROC Video Productions website. Image via MicGillette.com |
Bobby Torres, Ramsey Embick, Farnell Newton featured in the Oregonian
July 7th, 2007 |
On July 6th, Latin-jazz musicians Bobby Torres, Ramsey Embick, and Farnell Newton were featured in the Oregonian article “Latin for Beginners.” The article covers the “key players” in Portland, including people from the cuisine, dancing, and music communities, as well as an extensive list of venues. Image via bobbytorres.com |
Greg Goebel at Jimmy Mak’s on July 16th
July 6th, 2007Pianist Greg Goebel will be playing at Jimmy Mak’s on July 16th, taking Dan Balmer’s usual Monday slot while Balmer is out of town. Goebel’s trio will feature two of Portland’s finest rhythm section players: Dave Captein on bass and Todd Strait on drums. As usual on Monday nights, there is no cover charge.
Patrick Lamb on PDXposed
July 6th, 2007
Patrick Lamb is one of the busiest musicians in the Portland area. Every month, his schedule is a mixture of leading his own bands around the Northwest, and touring with international acts like Diane Schuur, Bobby Caldwell, or Gino Vannelli.
“Soul of a Free Man” is Lamb’s newest CD, featuring a blend of soul, R&B, and jazz. The sold-out CD release party at the Aladdin Theater was covered by the local television show PDXposed for their 60th episode. Below, you can check out the PDXposed clip as well as a television appearance with Diane Schuur.
Read the rest of this entry »