http://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jrEntertainerenCopyright George V Johnson Jr (C/O Blogtalkradio)Tue, 25 Jun 2019 07:45:00 GMTThu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 GMTEntertainmentBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/d3789181-fd74-4e31-8d00-61f89020ddfbgvj_lorientale_1.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jrEntertainerfeeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comentertainment,classical,music,americas,exploring,jazz,american,exloring,jazz wharold mabernGeorge V Johnson JrnoEntertainerepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/05/27/talkin-jazz-with-trudy-pitts-keyboardist-composer-Classical Musichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/05/27/talkin-jazz-with-trudy-pitts-keyboardist-composer-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/05/27/talkin-jazz-with-trudy-pitts-keyboardist-composer-Thu, 27 May 2010 16:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Trudy Pitts, keyboardist,, composer, arrangerTrudy is a native Philadelphian who began playing piano at age six. Her mother, too, was a musician and inspired this family tradition. "My family was deeply involved in the church community," says Trudy, "and I started playing piano for Sunday school when I was about nine or ten. As time went on, I was introduced to the church organ, and I played organ in Sunday school." Trudy later helped with the senior choir during the main services and from there went on to her own church choirs in various other settings. As she puts it, "It was just a musical atmosphere. You did whatever you had to do wherever you were." Earning a degree in music education was only natural for this talented prodigy. She studied at Philadelphia's Musical Academy, Temple University, and Juilliard, among other institutions. During these years she reached out to the classics and built a base from which future compositions and arrangements would spring. Always seeking new musical challenges, Trudy accepted an offer to sit in the pit as an assistant to the pianist in the Tony Award-winning show Raisin' when it traveled through Philadelphia. "I did that for the month or two that they were in town. Then not too much later I got a call from the manager inquiring if I could join the company for the rest of the tour." Thinking the music was truly beautiful and the show dynamic, Trudy entered yet another level in her development. "It was something I hadn't done before, and it was a great responsibility. I was playing piano and organ. She eventually became the assistant to the conductor of this nationally touring show, but she never lost sight of what she felt was her true charge, creative music. Jazz made its way into Trudy's life and was nurtured by her soul mate and husband, Bill Carney (a.k.a. Mr. C). He became a major influence shaping and implementing Trudy's musical skills. Raisin' ultimately lost Trudy's attention. Read more here: http://www.trudypitts.com02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzTrudy is a native Philadelphian who began playing piano at age six. Her mother, too, was a musician and inspired this family tradition. "My family was deeply inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/14/talkin-jazz-w-frank-proto-arranger-composer-shadowEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/14/talkin-jazz-w-frank-proto-arranger-composer-shadow/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/14/talkin-jazz-w-frank-proto-arranger-composer-shadowWed, 14 Apr 2010 14:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz w/ Frank Proto, Arranger & Composer" SHADOW BOXER"The world premiere of a new American opera based on the life of one of the greatest boxers who ever lived. Joe Louis —“The Brown Bomber” — became a hero to the whole country in an era when a black hero was all but unthinkable. But what happens to a hero when the glory fades and the bills come due? This new opera by Frank Proto and John Chenault brings the triumph and tragedy of an American icon to new life in a stunning production featuring projected images, an onstage jazz band and a 12-member chorus. UM School of Music: Shadowboxer: An Opera Based on the Life of Joe Louis. Maryland Opera Studio music by Frank Proto, libretto by John Chenault, Leon Major, director, Timothy Long, conductor, Erhard Rom, scenic design, David Roberts, costumes, Nancy Schertler, lighting design, Kirby Malone and Gail Scott White, projections,02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzThe world premiere of a new American opera based on the life of one of the greatest boxers who ever lived. Joe Louis —“The Brown Bomber” — became a hero to thehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/08/talkin-jazz-with-ron-myers-founder-chairman-of-natEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/08/talkin-jazz-with-ron-myers-founder-chairman-of-nat/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/04/08/talkin-jazz-with-ron-myers-founder-chairman-of-natThu, 08 Apr 2010 16:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Ron Myers, Founder & Chairman of National Juneteenth Observance FoundationRon Myers Sr., M.D., trumpeter and pianist. Together We Will See Juneteenth Become A National Holiday In America!, 100,000 people who know music saves lives!, Juneteenth, Black Freedom Day is a National Holiday! New York Times, 1990 "There aren't many doctors like Ronald Myers, a jazz-playing Baptist preaching family practitioner, whose dream has always been to practice medicine in the kind of place other doctors wouldn't even stop for a tank of gas." Statement of Faith The Lord Jesus Christ, God's son, redeems us through His death and resurrection and empowers us by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is God's Word and through it we are called to live out justice, reconciliation, serve the poor and redemption. The church nurtures God's people gathered in community to carry out God's Word. Annual Christian Medical Missions Conference The Myers Foundation host an annual medical missions conference. The 9th Annual "TCHULA 2004" Mississippi Delta Medical Missions Conference will be held July 22-25, 2004, at the Ramada Inn, in Greenville, Mississippi. The conference will include site visits to the Myers Foundation Christian Family Health Centers located in Tchula, Belzoni, Greenville and Indianola. The conference will also include the National Day of Prayer for the Mississippi Delta. There will also be worship services at AGAPE STORGE CHRISTIAN CENTER, Thomas Paul Williams, Pastor, Greenville, Mississippi. Support The Myers Foundation Today! We need your support to keep the dream of health care alive in poor rural communities in the Mississippi Delta like Tchula.02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzRon Myers Sr., M.D., trumpeter and pianist. Together We Will See Juneteenth Become A National Holiday In America!, 100,000 people who know music saves lives!,http://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/25/talkin-jazz-with-freddie-redd-jazz-pianist-living-Classical Musichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/25/talkin-jazz-with-freddie-redd-jazz-pianist-living-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/25/talkin-jazz-with-freddie-redd-jazz-pianist-living-Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:30:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Freddie Redd, Jazz pianist & Living LegendSince his emergence as composer of the score for Jack Gelber's harrowingly exact play, The Connection, Freddie Redd has finally been gaining some of the recognition that has eluded him for much of his playing career. Freddie also plays the taciturn pianist in the play with convincing effect. Although he hopes to work again in the theatre, Freddie remains essentially a jazz player-writer, and this album underlines his growth as a composer of vigorously expressive jazz originals. Freddie has been writing since he started playing. In both disciplines, he is largely self-taught. Born in New York, May 29, 1928, Freddie came of a moderately musical family. His mother sang in church, and still does; and his father, who died when Freddie was not yet a year old, had played piano. Unlike most professional jazzmen, Freddie didn't take up an instrument until quite late in his teens. Around 1946, when he was in the Army, Freddie began to pick up the piano on his own. After being discharged, he studied for a month at the Greenwich House Music School in New York, but he became so proficient through his own investigations that he left school to take his first professional job, a jazz gig in Syracuse. With him, by the way, was tenor saxophonist Tina Brooks. After Syracuse, he free-lanced in Harlem, especially in a sit-in room called Club Harlem where pay was small but the chance to learn before an audience and other musicians was extensive. Meanwhile, he was absorbing a number of influences. The first jazz record he recalls having had a sharp impact on him was the Charlie Parker--Dizzy Gillespie "Shaw' Nuff" to which he was exposed in the Army. Later, Freddie heard Bud Powell. "Bud really got me started. I'd never heard a pianist play quite like that--the remarkably fluent single lines and the pretty chords. In time, Thelonious Monk got to me too. Actually, however, I've been influenced by many things I've heard on a lot of instruments. 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzSince his emergence as composer of the score for Jack Gelber's harrowingly exact play, The Connection, Freddie Redd has finally been gaining some of the recognihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/24/talkin-jazz-with-drummer-extraordinaire-winard-harEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/24/talkin-jazz-with-drummer-extraordinaire-winard-har/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/03/24/talkin-jazz-with-drummer-extraordinaire-winard-harWed, 24 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Drummer extraordinaire Winard Harper Inspired by the musicianship of greats such as Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Jackie McLean, Cannonball Adderley, Dr. Billy Taylor, Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, Harper has been the leader and musical inspiration for a vibrant sextet for almost a decade. The group appears regularly all over the United States from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. to Yoshi's, the legendary West Coast jazz club. Harper's first major gig was with Dexter Gordon in 1982, and shortly thereafter with Johnny Griffin. It wasn't long before his drumming skills captured the attention of He spent four years working with Ms. Carter's band, inevitably honing his jazz-as-entertainment sense of showmanship. "With Betty I learned consistency and persistence," Harper recalls. During the 1980s while Winard worked as a sideman to such jazz legends as Ray Bryant, Abdullah Ibrahim, Pharoah Sanders, Clifford Jordan, he also laid the foundation for what would become The Harper Brothers band. He and his brother Philip launched a band that would blaze a brilliant trail both on the charts and on the international touring circuit. Winard Harper is one of the hardest working drummers in jazz today, not only leading his very exciting and hard-swinging sextet, but also continuing as an in-demand sideman. When not touring with his band, Harper continues to work and record with such artists such as Joe Lovano, Avery Sharpe, Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Wess, Ray Bryant, and Jimmy Heath. His newest CD, Make It Happen, goes further than any of his previous six releases to highlight his talent as drummer, composer and bandleader. And now the Winard Harper Sextet moves to a new level of success. Not only is the band gaining increased air play around the globe, they regularly appear in festivals, on jazz cruises, in concert halls and in top jazz clubs, the Winard Harper Sextet is doing their part to bring the power of jazz to audiences everywhere. 01:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzInspired by the musicianship of greats such as Clifford Brown, Max Roach, Jackie McLean, Cannonball Adderley, Dr. Billy Taylor, Art Blakey and Billy Higgins, Hahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/02/11/talkin-jazz-with-jazz-legend-benny-golsonClassical Musichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/02/11/talkin-jazz-with-jazz-legend-benny-golson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/02/11/talkin-jazz-with-jazz-legend-benny-golsonThu, 11 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Jazz Legend Benny GolsonExploring America's Classical Music Jazz w/BENNY GOLSON, Multitalented and internationally famous jazz legend,a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and tenor saxophonist of world note, Benny Golson was born in Philadelphia, PA on Jan. 25, 1929. Raised with an impeccable musical pedigree, Golson has played in the bands of world famous Benny Goodman, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Earl Bostic and Art Blakey. Few jazz musicians can claim to be true innovators and even fewer can boast of a performing and recording career that literally redefines the term "jazz". Benny Golson has made major contributions to the world of jazz with such jazz standards as: Killer Joe, I Remember Clifford, Along Came Betty, Stablemates, Whisper Not, Blues March, Five Spot After Dark, Are you Real? Benny Golson is the only living jazz artist to have written 8 standards for jazz repertoire. These jazz standards have found their way into countless recordings internationally over the years and are still being recorded. He has recorded over 30 albums for many recording companies in the United States and Europe under his own name and innumerable ones with other major artists. A prodigious writer, Golson has written well over 300 compositions. For more than 55 years, Golson has enjoyed an illustrious, musical career in which he has not only made scores of recordings but has also composed and arranged music for: Count Basie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Mama Cass Elliott, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Shirley Horn, David Jones and the Monkees, Quincy Jones, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, Itzhak Perlman, Oscar Peterson, Lou Rawls, Mickey Rooney, Diana Ross, The Animals (Eric Burden), Mel Torme, George Shearing, Dusty Springfield His prolific writing includes scores for hit TV series and films: M*A*S*H, Mannix, Mission Impossible, Mod Squad, Room 222, Run for Your Life, The Partridge Family, The Academy Awards, 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music Jazz w/BENNY GOLSON, Multitalented and internationally famous jazz legend,a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer and tenorhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/01/22/talking-jazz-with-jazz-legend-jimmy-heathMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/01/22/talking-jazz-with-jazz-legend-jimmy-heath/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2010/01/22/talking-jazz-with-jazz-legend-jimmy-heathFri, 22 Jan 2010 20:00:00 GMTTalking Jazz With Jazz Legend Jimmy HeathJimmy Heath has long been recognized as a brilliant instrumentalist and a magnificent composer and arranger. Jimmy is the middle brother of the legendary Heath Brothers (Percy Heath/bass and Tootie Heath/drums), and is the father of Mtume. He has performed with nearly all the jazz greats of the last 50 years, from Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis to Wynton Marsalis. In 1948 at the age of 21, he performed in the First International Jazz Festival in Paris with McGhee, sharing the stage with Coleman Hawkins, Slam Stewart, and Erroll Garner. One of Heath’s earliest big bands 1947-1948 in Philadelphia included John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Specs Wright, Cal Massey, Johnny Coles, Ray Bryant, and Nelson Boyd. Charlie Parker and Max Roach sat in on one occasion. During his career, Jimmy Heath has performed on more than 100 record albums including seven with The Heath Brothers and twelve as a leader. Jimmy has also written more than 125 compositions, many of which have become jazz standards and have been recorded by other artists including Art Farmer, Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, James Moody, Milt Jackson, Ahmad Jamal, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie J.J Johnson and Dexter Gordon. Jimmy has also composed extended works - seven suites and two string quartets - and he premiered his first symphonic work,“Three Ears,”in 1988 at Queens College (CUNY)with Maurice Peress conducting. After having just concluded eleven years as Professor of Music at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Heath maintains an extensive performance schedule and continues to conduct workshops and clinics throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. He has also taught jazz studies at Jazzmobile, Housatonic College, City College of New York, and The New School for Social Research. “All I can say is, if you know Jimmy Heath, you know Bop. Dizzy Gillespie. 01:30:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzJimmy Heath has long been recognized as a brilliant instrumentalist and a magnificent composer and arranger. Jimmy is the middle brother of the legendary Heathhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/12/15/talkin-jazz-with-the-great-little-jimmy-scottMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/12/15/talkin-jazz-with-the-great-little-jimmy-scott/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/12/15/talkin-jazz-with-the-great-little-jimmy-scottTue, 15 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with The Great "Little Jimmy Scott"Exploring America's Classical Music with the Great "Little Jimmy Scott". Jimmy Scott (July 17, 1925 in Cleveland), aka "Little" Jimmy Scott, is an American jazz vocalist. Lionel Hampton gave him the stage name of "Little Jimmy Scott" because he looked so young, and was short and slight of build. However, it was his extraordinary phrasing and romantic feeling that made him a favorite singer of fellow artists like Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, and Dinah Washington. Scott was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Authur and Justine Stanard Scott, third in a family of ten. As a child he got his first singing experience by his mother's side at the family piano, and later, in church choir. His father was absent most of the time as he was taken with drink, gambling, and other women. Jimmy worshipped his mother, and whatever money he could make doing odd-jobs, went to her to help the family. At thirteen, he was orphaned when his mother was killed by a drunk driver. Witnesses say that she pushed one of Jimmy's siblings out of the way of a speeding car but, in the process of saving her child's life, lost her own. Scott first rose to national prominence as "Little Jimmy Scott" in the Lionel Hampton Band when he sang lead on the late 1940s hit "Everybody's Somebody's Fool", recorded in December 1949 and which became a top ten R&B hit in 1950.01:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music with the Great "Little Jimmy Scott". Jimmy Scott (July 17, 1925 in Cleveland), aka "Little" Jimmy Scott, is an American jazhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/08/exploring-americas-classical-music-w-gerald-wilsonMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/08/exploring-americas-classical-music-w-gerald-wilson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/08/exploring-americas-classical-music-w-gerald-wilsonThu, 08 Oct 2009 21:00:00 GMTExploring America's Classical Music w/ GERALD WILSON Preeminent Jazz Orchestra Composer Band LeaderBorn in Shelby, Mississippi in 1918, Gerald Wilson knew early on that he was going to be a musician. While living in Detroit, he studied harmony and orchestration at Cass Tech in addition to working on his trumpet chops. In 1939, when he got the call to join Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra, he was ready. “When I got a chance to join them,” remembers Wilson, “I was thrilled to death. The Jimmie Lunceford band was at the top of the heap at the time and they could outdraw everyone. They had such creative arrangements by Edwin Wilcox, Sy Oliver and Eddie Durham, and their musicians were very good. I made my first arrangements for them, “Yard Dog Mazurka” and “Hi Spook. Back in 1939, Gerald Wilson joined the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra as a trumpet soloist and an arranger. 66 years later, Wilson is still very active, having long been considered one of the top arrangers, composers and big band leaders in the history of jazz. 86 as of this writing, he has lost none of his enthusiasm, skills or creativity, and still manages to sound quite modern. Throughout his career, Gerald Wilson has received incredible acclaim, including winning the Downbeat International Critics Poll both as a composer/arranger and for his big band, and winning the Paul Robeson Award, the NEA American Jazz Masters Fellowship, and a pair of American Jazz Awards. He has been elected to the Mississippi Jazz Hall of Fame, has had his life's work archived by the Library of Congress and has earned six Grammy® nominations. But his real legacy is his music itself. 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzBorn in Shelby, Mississippi in 1918, Gerald Wilson knew early on that he was going to be a musician. While living in Detroit, he studied harmony and orchestratihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/06/Talkin-Jazz-with-Donald-Harrison--Saxophonist--SinMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/06/Talkin-Jazz-with-Donald-Harrison--Saxophonist--Sin/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/10/06/Talkin-Jazz-with-Donald-Harrison--Saxophonist--SinTue, 06 Oct 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Donald Harrison - Saxophonist - Singer - ComposerDonald Harrison Jr. (born June 23, 1960) is an American jazz saxophonist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is nicknamed "The King of Nouveau Swing". His father, Donald Harrison, Sr. was a legendary "Big Chief" in New Orleans cultural history. Donald Harrison played with Roy Haynes, Jack McDuff, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and Don Pullen in the 1980s. He also played with the re-formed Headhunters band in the 1990s. In 1991 he recorded "Indian Blues," which captured the sound and culture of Congo Square in a jazz context. In 1994 Harrison created the "Nouveau Swing" style of jazz, which merges the swing beat with many of today's popular dance styles of music, as well as styles that are prominent from his cultural experiences in his hometown. Harrison also performs in the smooth jazz genre. His group Donald Harrison Electric Band has recorded popular radio hits and have charted in the top ten of Billboard magazine. He performs as a producer, singer and rapper in the traditional Afro-New Orleans Culture and Hiphop genres with his group, The New Sounds of Mardi Gras. The group, which has two recorded 2CDs, was started four years ago and has made appearances worldwide. Harrison is the Big Chief of the Congo Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group which keeps alive the secret traditions of Congo Square. Harrison also writes orchestral works for major orchestras. Harrison was chosen as the "person of the year" by Jazziz magazine in January 2007. His latest CDs, 3D Vols. I, II, and III, feature him in three different musical genres. On Vol. I he writes, plays, and produces music in the smooth jazz, and R&B style. On Vol. II he writes, produces and plays in the classic jazz style. On Vol. III he writes plays and produces in the hiphop genre. As of 2007 Harrison is working on a large orchestral work which investigates what it is like to be a participant New Orleans culture. Harrison was forced to evacuate New Orleans after Hurricane Katrin. www.donaldharrison.com02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzDonald Harrison Jr. (born June 23, 1960) is an American jazz saxophonist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is nicknamed "The King of Nouveau Swing". His father, Dhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/30/Talking-Jazz-with-Frank-Foster-Saxophonist-Flautist-Arranger-Composer-Count-Basie-AlumniMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/30/Talking-Jazz-with-Frank-Foster-Saxophonist-Flautist-Arranger-Composer-Count-Basie-Alumni/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/30/Talking-Jazz-with-Frank-Foster-Saxophonist-Flautist-Arranger-Composer-Count-Basie-AlumniWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:00:00 GMTTalking Jazz with Frank Foster, Saxophonist, Flautist, Arranger, Composer & Count Basie AlumniJazz saxophonist and composer Dr. Frank B. Foster will be honored with the BNY Mellon Jazz 2009 Living Legacy Award in a special ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, October 2, 2009. Frank Foster (born 23 September 1928) is an American tenor and soprano saxophonist, flautist, arranger, and composer, who is best known for his work in different periods with the Count Basie orchestra, as well as under his own name. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and educated at Wilberforce University. Frank Foster is the subject of a feature length documentary entitled "Shiny Stockings". Produced by Jazz Legacy Films and directed by award winning film maker Brian Grady, the film looks at Frank's career as a Jazz parable and "Shiny Stockings" the tune serves as a touchstone in the film addressing the many ways of measuring "success". The film is in final production and is expected to be released in early 2010. 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzJazz saxophonist and composer Dr. Frank B. Foster will be honored with the BNY Mellon Jazz 2009 Living Legacy Award in a special ceremony at the John F. Kennedyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/16/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-the-louis-Musichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/16/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-the-louis-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/16/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-the-louis-Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMTExploring America's Classical Music with The Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong Alumni All StarsThe "Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp" was established by Jackie Harris along with then Mayor of New Orleans, Marc Morial in 1995. This jazz music education program has provided the opportunity to more than 1200 young music students between the ages of 10 to 20 years old to study jazz in its birthplace. Harris serves as Executive Director and Producer of the jazz camp and is the Executive Director of the New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee, the presenter of the program. SEPTEMBER 24TH, WASHINGTON, DC EVENT TO FEATURE JIMMY COBB'S "SO WHAT" BAND AND THE LOUIS "SATCHMO" ARMSTRONG SUMMER JAZZ CAMP ALUMNI ALL-STARS. Featuring Edward Kid Jordan, Kent Jordan-flute, Herlin Riley-drums, Courtney Ryan-piano, Brian Quezerque-bass, Calvin A Johnson-tenor sax, Gregory Agid-clarinet, Troy Andrew-trombone Washington, DC, September 9, 2009: Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Dean of the Congressional Black Caucus, will host the 24th Annual Jazz Issue Forum and Concert during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 39th Annual Legislative Conference, September 23-26, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC 2000102:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzThe "Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp" was established by Jackie Harris along with then Mayor of New Orleans, Marc Morial in 1995. This jazz music eduhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/15/Talking-Jazz-with-Dr-Larry-Ridley-Bassist-ExtraordMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/15/Talking-Jazz-with-Dr-Larry-Ridley-Bassist-Extraord/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/09/15/Talking-Jazz-with-Dr-Larry-Ridley-Bassist-ExtraordTue, 15 Sep 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalking Jazz with Dr. Larry Ridley, Bassist ExtraordinaireExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artists, journalist, enthusiast and other professionals. Featured guest will be Dr. Larry Ridley, President & Executive Director of African American Jazz Caucus www.aajc.us. Special guest Congressman John Conyers, William Brower & Cedric Hendricks discuss the 24th Annual Jazz Issue Forum and Concert during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 39th Annual Legislative Conference, September 23-26, Headlining the Concert will be “Remembering the Miles Davis Classic Kind of Blue @ 50 Years JIMMY COBB’S “SO WHAT” BAND.” 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of the original release date of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue & The Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp Alumni All-Stars, 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artists, journalist, ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/25/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-wallace-roMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/25/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-wallace-ro/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/25/exploring-americas-classical-music-with-wallace-roTue, 25 Aug 2009 21:00:00 GMTExploring America's Classical Music with Wallace RoneyThis is a rare opportunity to see 3 time grammy award winning Wallace Roney live at a venue that has hosted Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ramsey Lewis and countless others. Many of you who are jazz enthusiasts know that Wallace is the only trumpet player who was personally chosen by Miles Davis as a mentee because of his respect for his talent and skill. This engagement at the Bohemian Caverns is an excellent chance to celebrate the lights being turned on again with a revitalized “U” Street. It is also a chance for our type “A” friends to spend a fun evening on U Street with others enjoying this rich uniquely American Treasure… jazz. Heralded as an "improviser who loves complicated almost mathematical lines and who performs with catlike grace" by the New York Times, trumpeter, composer and bandleader Wallace Roney is one of the most exciting and innovative musicians on the creative music scene. His consummate artistry and eagerness to explore and transcend musical boundaries has led him to collaborate with such diverse musicians as Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Carole King, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Prince, Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell, among numerous others~~~Julie Muller Stahl Wallace has kept alive the tradition of nurturing young and talented musicians as key components in his working band. His current configuration has Rashaan Carter on bass, Aruan Ortiz on piano, and 17 year old Kush Abadey on drums. With Wallace and his brother Antoine on Tenor, Soprano and Bass Clarinet, the infusion of new blood has synergized into an incendiary unit, taking the eclectic Roney Quintet repertoire to fiery heights of intensity, and eloquent, poignant expressions of virtuosity. 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzThis is a rare opportunity to see 3 time grammy award winning Wallace Roney live at a venue that has hosted Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Ramsey Lhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/20/Exploring-Americas-Classical-Music-with-Ralph-PeteMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/20/Exploring-Americas-Classical-Music-with-Ralph-Pete/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/20/Exploring-Americas-Classical-Music-with-Ralph-PeteThu, 20 Aug 2009 19:00:00 GMTExploring America's Classical Music with Ralph PetersonRalph Peterson, Jr. (b. May 20, 1962, Pleasantville, New Jersey) is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Four of Peterson's uncles and his grandfather were all drummers, and Peterson himself began on percussion at age three. He was raised in Atlantic City, where he played trumpet in high school and worked locally in funk groups. He applied to Livingston College, Rutgers, for drums but failed the percussion entrance exam, and enrolled as a trumpeter instead. Peterson emerged in the mid-'80s as co-leader of the high visibility ensemble OTB and as a member of the Harrison- Blanchard Group. Peterson's decade-old Fo'tet is the platform by which he expresses deeply held musical principles. "I believe I was predestined to be a drummer." Raised in a musical family, he first hit the traps at 3. "My early playing was a basement experience. I played with records by James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire and Parliament- Funkadelics, where the beat was powerful and primal. I'd wanted to play since I saw Sonny Payne with the Count Basie Orchestra when I was 13. But my interpretation of Jazz didn't venture very far beyond Maynard Ferguson's Primal Scream until I was out of high school. I'm not a jazz baby. I'm a funk baby who came through the Fusion realm of George Duke and Stanley Clarke. In 1983, he joined Art Blakey's Jazz messengers as the second drummer, playing with him for several years. He worked with Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison in 1984, and with Walter Davis, Tom Harrell, Out of the Blue, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Craig Harris, James Spaulding, Roy Hargrove, Jon Faddis, Dewey Redman and Mark Helias, and Wynton Marsalis (with the Count Basie ghost band). In the 1990s, Peterson played as a sideman with Jack Walrath, Craig Handy, Charles Lloyd, Kip Hanrahan, Bheki Mseleku, Courtney Pine, Steve Coleman, George Colligan, Stanley Cowell, Mark Shim,& Betty Carter, Geri Allen,Phil Bowler, Essiet Essiet, Don Byron, Steve Wilson, Melissa Slocum & many more!02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzRalph Peterson, Jr. (b. May 20, 1962, Pleasantville, New Jersey) is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Four of Peterson's uncles and his grandfather werehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/11/Talkin-Jazz-with-Bill-Easley-Entertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/11/Talkin-Jazz-with-Bill-Easley-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/08/11/Talkin-Jazz-with-Bill-Easley-Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Bill Easley Exploring America's Classical Music with multi-intrumentalist Bill Easley. Bill Easley has had a diversified career, as a professional musician. He joined musicians union, Local 115, in 1959, so 2009 marks the 50th year of his professional career. Bill represents the fourth generation of a family dedicated to music. Bill started playing professionally with his parents at the age of thirteen. The Bob Easley Combo played country clubs, dances, and night clubs in and around his hometown of Olean, N.Y. This early experience gave him the foundation on which to build a long and rewarding career. He moved to New York City in Sept. of 1964. He was a part time student at the Julliard School of Music while getting his feet wet in the uptown Jazz Scene. The U.S. Draft Board had other plans and Bill did his military service with the 9th Army Band in Fairbanks Alaska. Easley joined The George Benson Quartet in Jan. of 1968 and traveled with the great guitarist for the remainder of the decade. This band worked in such legendary jazz spots as Minton's Playhouse in N.Y., The Plugged Nickel in Chicago, The Jazz Workshop in Boston, and The Hurricane in Pittsburgh. After a brief residence in Pittsburgh, Pa., Easley followed his instincts to Memphis, Tenn. In Memphis he did a variety of things including: performing and recording with Isaac Hayes, other studio work, big bands, show bands, and jazz clubs. He also continued his formal education at Memphis State University. It was in the mid 1970s that Easley first toured with the Duke Ellington Orch. under the direction of Mercer Ellington. In January of 1980 Bill moved back to N.Y.C., with the promise of a job on Broadway. His Broadway Credits include; Sophisticated Ladies, The Wiz, Black and Blue, Jelly’s Last Jam, Swingin' On A Star, Play On, Fosse, and most recently, The Wild Party.02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music with multi-intrumentalist Bill Easley. Bill Easley has had a diversified career, as a professional musician. He joined musihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/29/talking-jazz-with-jimmy-cobbEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/29/talking-jazz-with-jimmy-cobb/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/29/talking-jazz-with-jimmy-cobbWed, 29 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalking Jazz with Jimmy Cobb Legendary jazz drummer, Jimmy Cobb, was born in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 1929. A superb, mostly self-taught musician, Jimmy is the elder statesman of all the incredible Miles Davis bands. Jimmy’s inspirational work with Miles, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderly and Co. spanned 1957 until 1963, and included the masterpiece "Kind of Blue", the most popular jazz recording in history. He also played on "Sketches of Spain", Someday My Prince will Come", "Live at Carnegie Hall, "Live at the Blackhawk", "Porgy and Bess", and many, many other watermark Miles Davis recordings. 2009 is a crucial year for Jazz and the music industry as a whole. It is a time to reflect, remember, and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the best selling Jazz album of all time: “Kind of Blue”. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Jimmy Cobb and his So What Band featuring: Javon Jackson (Tenor Sax), Wallace Roney, (Trumpet), Buster Williams, (Bass), Larry Willis, (Piano), Vincent Herring, ( Alto Sax), and the Jazz Legend himself, Jimmy Cobb, on (Drums) will embark on the Kind of Blue @ 50 — Jimmy Cobb and the So What Band World Tour. The Kind of Blue @ 50 World Tour featuring: Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band consists of approximately 50 appearances in 25 plus countries including: The United States, Canada, Brazil, The United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Italy, France, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Portugal… Catch Jimmy live on Tour or follow Jimmy Cobb’s So What Band around the World on Jimmy’s official website, Face Book, Twitter or MySpace page.02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzLegendary jazz drummer, Jimmy Cobb, was born in Washington, D.C. on January 20, 1929. A superb, mostly self-taught musician, Jimmy is the elder statesman of ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/28/Talkin-Jazz-with-James-MoodyEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/28/Talkin-Jazz-with-James-Moody/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/28/Talkin-Jazz-with-James-MoodyTue, 28 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with James Moody Exploring America's Classical Music "Jazz" with the legendary saxophonist James Moody. For over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovers with his signature song Moody's Mood for Love an improvisation on the chord progressions of I'm in the Mood for Love. In 1946, following service in the United States Air Force, Moody joined the seminal bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie, beginning an association that - on stage and record, in orchestras and small combos - afforded a young Moody worldwide exposure and ample opportunity to shape his improvisational genius. Upon joining Gillespie, Moody was at first awed, he now admits, by the orchestra's incredible array of talent, which included Milt Jackson, Kenny Clark, Ray Brown, Thelonius Monk. The encouragement of the legendary trumpeter-leader, made his mark on the young saxophonist. His now legendary 16-bar solo on Gillespie's Emanon alerted jazz fans to an emerging world-class soloist. During his initial stay with Gillespie, Moody also recorded with Milt Jackson for Dial Records in 1947. One year later he made his recording debut as a leader James Moody and His Bop Men for (Blue Note). In 1949 Moody moved to Europe where in Sweden he recorded the masterpiece of improvisation for which he is renowned, Moody's Mood for Love. Returning to the States in 1952 with a huge "hit" on his hands, Moody employed vocalist Eddie Jefferson. Also, working with him during that period were Dinah Washington and Brook Benton. In 1963 he rejoined Gillespie and performed off and on in the trumpeter's quintet for the remainder of the decade. Moody moved to Las Vegas in 1973 and had a seven year stint in the Las Vegas Hilton Orchestra, doing shows for Bill Cosby, Ann-Margaret, John Davidson, Glen Campbell, Liberace, Elvis Presley, The Osmonds, Milton Berle, Redd Foxx, Charlie Rich, and Lou Rawls to name a few. 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz" with the legendary saxophonist James Moody. For over six decades, saxophone master James Moody has serenaded lovershttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/21/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show-with-Jazz-Saxophone-lEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/21/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show-with-Jazz-Saxophone-l/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/21/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show-with-Jazz-Saxophone-lTue, 21 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with "Sweet Papa" Lou DonaldsonExploring America's Classic Music Jazz with Saxophone Legend "Sweet Papa" Lou Donaldson. Once he moved to New York, Lou worked weekends in Jersey with Dud Bascomb’s band. One night while working at Minton’s Playhouse -- the famous jazz club, he was approached by Alfred Lyons of Blue Note Records to make a recording and he suggested that Lou make a Charlie Parker-type recording which he did with the Milt Jackson Quartet. At that time, it was Milt Jackson, Percy Heath, John Lewis, and Kenny Clark. Later on this group would be called the Modern Jazz Quartet. The record was successful and the company asked him to make a record on his own and this is why he’s most proud of his time at Blue Note Records-- because this date started a career for him that actually made him bring several musicians to Blue Note Records and today he’s very proud to have been the first to record these musicians -- Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, Grant Green, John Patton, Blue Mitchell, Donald Byrd, Horace Parlan, Tommy Turrentine, Al Harewood, George Tucker, Jameel Nasser, and Curtis Fuller -- with his group at Blue Note Records. Lou brought Gene Harris and the 3 Sounds from Washington DC to New York to record with him on the famous album called LD Plus 3 which was a big hit. His most famous group was Herman Foster on piano, Ray Baretto on conga, Peck Morrison on bass, and Dave Bailey on drums, which was the best move he made during his tenure on the label. This group recorded the famous record which is still selling today, Blues Walk -- and on the back side, The Masquerade is Over. This solo is dearly considered by many disc jockeys as one of the top alto solos of all times and, along with Blues Walk, was used by many as a theme song. Read more: www.loudonaldson.com 02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExloring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classic Music Jazz with Saxophone Legend "Sweet Papa" Lou Donaldson. Once he moved to New York, Lou worked weekends in Jersey with Dud Baschttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/14/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/14/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/14/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowTue, 14 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Harold MabernExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz" with Jazz Pianio Great "HAROLD MABERN" born March 20, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee) is a hard bop pianist. Early in his career, Mabern played in Chicago with MJT + 3 in the late 1950s and then moved to New York in 1959. Mabern has worked with Jimmy Forrest, Lionel Hampton, the Jazztet (1961-1962), Donald Byrd, Miles Davis (1963), J.J. Johnson (1963-1965), Lee Morgan (1965), Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, Joe Williams (1966-1967), Sarah Vaughan, Dizy Gillespie, George Coleman, Danny Moore, Frank Strozier, Eddie Jefferson, with James Moody featuring George V Johnson Jr, and many more. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Mabern led four albums for Prestige Records, performed with Lee Morgan, and recorded with Stanley Cowell's Piano Choir. Harold Mabern has recorded as a leader for DIW/Columbia and Sackville and toured with the Contemporary Piano Ensemble (1993-1995). A longtime faculty member at William Paterson College, Mabern is a frequent instructor at Stanford Jazz Workshop. Saxophonist Eric Alexander was one of Mabern's students at William Pattereson in the late 1980s. Mabern now frequently tours and records with Alexander as part of his quintet. To date, Mabern and Alexander have appeared on over twenty CDs together.02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,Jazz wHarold MabernExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz" with Jazz Pianio Great "HAROLD MABERN" born March 20, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee) is a hard bop pianist. Early inhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/07/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowEntertainmenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/07/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/07/07/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowTue, 07 Jul 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Dr Nelson HarrisonExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artist, journalist, enthusiast and more. Featured guest Nelson E. Harrison, Ph., clinical psychologist, educator, composer, arranger, trombonist, clinician, veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra... Talking Jazz, speaking jazz, real jazz!02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoAmerican,Classical,Music,Jazz,ExploringExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artist, journalist, ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/06/30/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowMusichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/06/30/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-Show/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/george-v-johnson-jr/2009/06/30/The-George-V-Johnson-Jr-ShowTue, 30 Jun 2009 21:00:00 GMTTalkin Jazz with Larry RidleyExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artists, journalist, enthusiast and other professionals. My first guest will be Dr. Larry Ridley, President & Executive Director of African American Jazz Caucus www.aajc.us02:00:00George V Johnson JrnoExploring,Americas,Classical,Music,JazzExploring America's Classical Music "Jazz". Interviews with emerging, established and iconic jazz musicians, singers, playwrights, visual artists, journalist,