June 2009

June 2009 Newsletter

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Hello again from ejazzlines!

ejazzlines is based in the beautiful city of Saratoga Springs, NY, home of Skidmore College. Skidmore has a fantastic music program, and is the alma mater of our co-founder, Rob. Early every summer, Skidmore hosts the Skidmore Jazz Institute, which features instruction from many world-class and legendary musicians. At the end of the session, they always have a faculty concert, which packs the music hall, and is one of the best shows in town every year. So, at this time of year, co-founder and brother Doug is reminded of a very memorable encounter with one of his major heroes, the legend of the trombone for over 50 years, the classy Curtis Fuller. Curtis played on Blue Train, was a founding member of the Jazztet, was in some of the best versions of Art Blakey's Messengers, and led many landmark hard bop sessions in the late '50s and early '60s.

For Doug, who listens to everything from Sinatra to Eminem to Bob Marley to Waylon Jennings, and a lot more, there is NO music any better than Lee Morgan and Hank Mobley. So, when Mr. Fuller again graced Saratoga with his presence three years ago, we attended, and Doug, for the first time since Mets games in the 1970s, brought something to get autographed. After the rocking and swinging faculty show featuring Curtis, Ed Shaughnessy, Bobby Shew, Bill Cunliffe, Pat LaBarbera, and Todd Coolman, we took the opportunity to meet Curtis backstage in this relaxed environment. Much to our pleasure, he was gracious, and actually thanked Doug for buying his paper-sleeve edition of Bone and Bari while signing it. And Doug could not pass up the opportunity to ask Mr. Fuller about Lee Morgan and Hank Mobley. Curtis paused and the look in his eyes truly showed that we were indeed taking him back several lifetimes, to the halcyon (well, maybe not as halcyon for the less clean-living Lee and Hank!) days of records like Blue Train, Caddy for Daddy, City Lights, Cliff Jordan, and the heyday of hard bop. Much to our everlasting glee, Curtis looked up and said emphatically "Wonderful people! You'd be surprised!" While Doug could have asked him questions all night, we then thanked Mr. Fuller and let his students get at him. Next time, we are going to ask about Sonny Clark.

For those of you who like to keep up with new jazz releases, below are some items that you may wish to know about.

We once again thank everyone for your support - it is sincerely appreciated every day of the year!

Rob and Doug at ejazzlines

FEATURED NEW DVDs: The below featured selections are complemented by brand new releases of another live DVD from B.B. King. We also have Legends of Soul, which is a fantastic new collection of clips; and two new DVD sets focusing on the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, including one numbered, limited edition box set with many cool collectibles. ALL JUNE 2009 DVDs ALL MAY 2009 DVDs
DIANE SCHUUR: LIVE FROM SEATTLE This DVD features Diane Schuur performing 15 tunes with Big Bop Nouveau (including fan favorite Carl Fischer). The final two songs (Just Friends and It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing) are performed with Maynard. It's a delight to hear Diane and Maynard trade riffs, with Diane occasionally mimicking Maynard's exuberant sound. Diane Schuur comments, "I had a blast working with Maynard and his power packed band. The crowd was in their element and it was so much fun sailing vocally above the brass..."	BUDDY RICH MEMORIAL CONCERT 2008 Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Terry Bozzio, Peter Erskine and others pay tribute to Buddy Rich, one of the greatest drummers of all time. With an all-star big band, they play not only Buddy classics but also their own hits. Over two hours of concert footage, plus almost two hours of rehearsal and backstage footage memorialize this historic drumming event. Special Features include: an interview with Cathy Rich; and rehearsal, pre-show, and backstage footage.
LOUIS BELLSON: THE MUSICAL DRUMMER The Musical Drummer features Louie Bellson at his best--leading an all-star quintet through seven compositions that illustrate a variety of styles and techniques. Clearly and simply, he isolates and analyzes his part in tunes that demonstrate swing, Samba, shuffle, Bossa Nova and jazz/rock beats. Bellson also covers brush and double-bass drum technique.Highlights include two classic solos in the Bellson tradition. Featuring plenty of performance, this DVD is entertaining, as well as instructional.	LET FREEDOM SING Let Freedom Sing powerfully retells one of the greatest stories in American history, the Civil Rights Movement, in a compelling new way...through the singers and songwriters who fought for change through their music. This amazing DVD chronicles the power of lyrics and songs that helped move a generation during turbulent times, bringing change to our country. This story is told for the first time through the music that drove it and those who were there. Narrated by Louis Gossett Jr., interviews with Gladys Knight, Isaac Hayes, Chuck D, Andrew Young, Quincy Jones, Pete Seeger and more. Also features 29 performances, featuring 10 top ten classic hits! Includes Respect, Change Is Gonna Come, People Get Ready, Fight the Power and What's Going On.
JOHN PIZZARELLI: EXPLORING JAZZ GUITAR Renowned jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli shares his take on the key elements of jazz guitar style. Filled with dazzling demos, insightful lessons and great anecdotes, this DVD is perfect for newcomers looking to get their feet wet, or for experienced jazzers. Filmed in hi-def with onscreen music for many of the examples.	CONDUCTING: A HANDS-ON APPROACH This comprehensive DVD on the art of conducting covers a wide variety of conducting issues and techniques, and is an excellent refresher course for all conductors at all levels of ability. Conducting: A Hands-On Approach features a variety of musical examples and styles utilizing a live ensemble, making this DVD a welcome resource for any conductor's library.

FEATURED NEW BOOKS: In addition to the below, we also have new books featuring the music of Steve Tyrell, Duke Ellington, and Dave Brubeck, and a new play-along focusing on the biopic of Ray Charles. We also have How to Play Bass and How to Play Lead Alto Sax in a Big Band, the newest volumes in that series. Finally, there are new 2nd editions in the Jazz Piano Solos Series, focusing on Bebop, Jazz/Blues, Smooth Jazz, and the music of Miles Davis. ALL JUNE 2009 BOOKS ALL MAY 2009 BOOKS
ANDY JAFFE'S JAZZ HARMONY BOOK [3RD EDITION] Andy Jaffe's Jazz Harmony, one of the most definitive texts on the subject, goes into its third edition in 2009. Over the years the book has proven equally useful for students of all backgrounds, whether self-taught, classically trained, or as a useful reference for working professionals. Also appropriate for use as a classroom text. " 'Jazz Harmony' is a brilliant addition to the field of jazz theory. It is well-written and beautifully organized, and the information it contains is thoroughly researched and authentically presented. I recommend it highly." (David Baker)	BUD POWELL PLAY-ALONG Hal Leonard has finally made a play-along of Bud's music available! This book makes this legendary and unique pianist's style accessible to players of all instruments.
PLAYING THROUGH THE BLUES: TENOR SAX This intermediate-level reading book with accompanying CD (12 listening tracks; 12 play-along tracks) contains very melodic, fun to play blues lines and riffs in various styles/feels. The keys and tempos are comfortable. Its an excellent tool for learning what jazz soloing is all about. Besides reading, you can improvise over the play-along tracks using the chords for the tracks shown in the book. New editions also available this month for trumpet and guitar.	DON MOCK'S MODAL MOJO Modal Mojo is an in-depth and complete lesson on modes for modern guitarists. With its 84-page book, and over eight hours of audio instruction, demonstration, and play-along tracks, this is truly one of the most complete studies of the modes available for players of any level. Mock includes etudes and rhythm examples for each mode as he takes you step-by-step through all 28 modal grooves. Don Mock's trio performs using contemporary jazz, Latin, fusion, and rock feels in various tempos and keys.
ESSENTIALS OF ORCHESTRATION At last, a quick reference orchestration book tailor-made for the classroom musician on a budget. Any teacher, student or professional musician, whether a composer, orchestrator, arranger, performer or enthusiast, will find this book full of the most needed information on over 150 instruments. Designed for quick and easy reference, Essentials of Orchestration includes those much-needed instrument ranges, general characteristics, tone quality descriptions, technical pitfalls, useful scoring tips and much more! We also have the new Essentials of Music Notation available this month.	THE JAZZ GUITAR EXPERIENCE Take a trip through the history of jazz with The Jazz Guitar Experience. Designed for intermediate to advanced guitarists who are already comfortable with the basic chordal and melodic vocabulary of jazz, this concise, comprehensive overview of important styles, techniques, and artists covers every era of the genre from gypsy jazz and cool jazz to bebop, fusion, and modern jazz. You will also learn about other styles that have influenced jazz music along the way, such as Bossa Nova and the blues.

FEATURED NEW BIG BAND ARRANGEMENTS: JUNE 2009 BIG BAND CHARTS MAY 2009 BIG BAND CHARTS
MOVE: JOHN LEWIS [FROM BIRTH OF THE COOL] This is John Lewis' arrangement of the bebop tune Move, written by Denzil Best. This chart is not that difficult and features solos for trumpet and alto saxophone. Both solos have been written out as-played, but chord changes have also been included in the event that the players wish to improvise. An alternate B flat part for the French horn is included that may be played by a second trumpet or a tenor sax. And, the tuba part may be played by a bass trombone.	EAST COAST ENVY: GORDON GOODWIN An original by Gordon Goodwin, this is a jazzy half-time groove chart. This chart is not as challenging as some of Gordon's other charts, but it will still work the band. Features solo space for alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone, a sax soli and some fine ensemble writing. As recorded by the Big Phat Band on the CD, Act Your Age.
FLOATING HOME It's a jazz-reggae groove composed and arranged by Gordon Goodwin for the Big Phat Band. Lead alto sax is written for soprano sax, and solos are available for soprano, alto, tenor, trumpet and trombone. Floating Home is not technically difficult but the lead trumpet range is a challenge, as you would expect with Gordon's charts. This is a somewhat mellow chart but has energy and punches. As performed by the Big Phat Band.	HIT THE GROUND RUNNING: GORDON GOODWIN It's funky with all the Big Phat Band attributes, and it's fairly tough to play, but hey, it's Gordon and you know it will be a hot chart if you have the horses. The opening lick for piano is really hot. The rhythm section will stay busy and it includes an auxiliary percussion part. Solo space is for alto, tenor, bari, trumpet and trombone. Open with this chart!

In our all-season and all-terrain efforts to present the best selection of interesting new items for you, as of this newsletter we have added 74 new CDs for the month of June 2009 and 130 for the month of May 2009; 21 new DVDs for June 2009 and 45 for May 2009; 42 new music books for June 2009 and 45 for May 2009; 28 new big band and combo arrangements for the month of June 2009 and 37 for the month of May 2009. If you haven't visited our Imports and Rarities section lately, please check it out. We are now stocking more and more obscure, rare, and hard-to-find titles from Japan and Europe, including many titles that you may not be able to find elsewhere. We are exceptionally proud to announce that our truly unparalleled jazz and jazz-related DVD selection is now weighing in at over 2000 titles! We have all of the live performance DVDs, the documentaries, the method DVDs, the personal master classes - we proudly offer a selection of jazz and jazz-related DVDs that is second to none. We have all of the live performance DVDs, the documentaries, the method DVDs, the personal master classes - we proudly offer a selection of jazz and jazz-related DVDs that is second to none. As always, please keep in mind that many of our new releases are available in limited quantities. We do our best to predict demand and fill orders as quickly as possible, but we do run out of new releases. Even if we run out of stock, everything featured in this newsletter should be available to ship within 3 weeks.