New Episode! Re-boot of the show!

Hello! We're back with a brand new episode of the podcast! Listen to five distinctive and vibrant selections from some of the most talented jazz artists in Florida!

Robotman at Stardust Orlando FL May 2017

Hosts: Kenny MacKenzie & Allison Paris

1. Tom McCormick - "South Beat" - from the album South Beat

2. Jeff Rupert with Veronica Swift - "Let's Sail Away" - from the album Let's Sail Away

3. Robotman - "The Chase" - from the album Robotman

4. The Mica Bethea Big Band - "Frahm Out of Nowhere" - from the album Stage 'n Studio 5. Perry Joslin - "Rain" - from the album Dreams of Reality

  podcast copyright 2019 Kenny MacKenzie 

David Fernandez's Favorite Concert - Henderson!

One of Miami's most startlingly original voices in jazz is David Fernandez. His technical fluency and ease of expression on the saxophone are matched with a supple and gorgeous tone; his solos often develop into pleasing deluges of romanticism, backed up with broad harmonic intelligence and a wealth of ideas.

David has toured with Latin pop stars Chayanne, Jon Secada and Gloria Estefan, as well as jazz flute legend Nester Torres. He's shared the stage with the likes of Randy Brecker, Paquito D'Rivera, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Mintzer and Arturo Sandoval. He's currently the Adjunct Professor of Saxophones at Miami-Dade College, also
instructing at MDC-Kendall and Barry University. David has 2 albums available - "Transition Project" and "Symmetry". Both are highly recommended, with killer performances and top-notch, feast-for-the-soul compositions.

David's concert remembrance is unique, in that he was on the stage rather than in the audience. Catch a glimpse into a more intimate observance with one of jazz's most brilliant legends!

Joe Henderson - Miami University 1990's

Joe Henderson - courtesy of Verve Records

I would say the best jazz concert I have ever attended was a concert I took part in when I was at the University of Miami. We had the honor of performing with the late Joe Henderson. He had just recorded a trilogy of records that included a tribute to Miles, Billy Strayhorn, and a big band album, and I also believe he might have even done a tribute to Jobim around that era. Even more spectacular, was rehearsing with Mr. Henderson. I still have the sound of his saxophone engraved in my ears and in my mind. The bell of his saxophone was literally inches away from me since I was playing alto at the time. He had the softest,

warmest, and fullest tone I have ever heard. I also recall the forum he had where he spoke about capturing the lyrics of a song without the benefit of words and how Thelonious Monk was a big influence on his playing even though he played a totally different instrument. Finally, I also remember him dressed to impress. He wore nice trousers with a tie and suspenders. This gentleman was not only a throwback from the great Blue Note era, but an icon and a legend standing before us. A night I carry with me everyday.

Thank you, David, for fun and exclusive insight into Joe Henderson, and especially for taking part in our poll! - PC Jazz

Upcoming dates for David Fernandez include 11/30 at the Globe Cafe in Coral Gables and 12/10 at Van Dykes Cafe, Miami. His albums are available wherever jazz is sold online. For your convenience, links are provided below to albums available on Amazon. Green links take you to the album page for review and info. Below links please enjoy a video of Dave and his band!

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12 Questions (+ 2) for Valerie Gillespie!

photo by Jennifer Smith

Valerie Gillespie is about as talented as they come. Astoundingly proficient on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes as well as flute, she's also a vocalist, with a natural, easy-going, soulful sound. She's played with artists like Chick Corea, Bobby McFerrin, Ray Charles, Rosemary Clooney and even the Xavier Cugat Orchestra. Comfortable in both jazz and classical settings, she also plays with many top symphonic orchestras and is hence one of the busiest musicians in Tampa. So busy, in fact, we felt guilty asking her to do the interview! She cheerfully obliged in between an orchestra gig, teaching a jazz vocal master class and her long-running stand at The Garden Café in Dade City. Because her talents span so wide a territory (we didn't even get into the motorcycle riding), we had to add a few extra questions!

1) Your dad was a singer, did you learn a lot from him? Do you hear him in yourself when you sing, or even play?

Yes! All the tunes I learned as youngster, I learned from him, always by ear.  He'd come in to my practice room (the breakfast nook) and sing tunes to me, and I would just copy them by ear.  It was good because it improved my ability to do any song in any key.


2) What was your first professional gig?

I think I was about 13, and played at the local Elks club with an organ player who played jazz tunes.  The thing I remember about that gig is that I needed to work on remembering the bridges to tunes.  The way most tunes are laid out, the A section is done 3 times for every 1 time of the bridge so I sometimes had to have him play the bridge because I couldn't remember it.  It was a great learning experience for me.


3) Along with a masters in jazz saxophone (USF), you also have a bachelors in classical (Carnegie-Mellon). Is there a favorite composer or piece that you love to play in that milieu?

Just yesterday I listened to Stravinsky's "Firedbird Suite".  He is probably my favorite, but I also love Debussy, Mussorgsky, Bizet and Ravel.  I perform with the Florida Orchestra frequently, and usually end up having solos in the works for which they call me.  This evening is our third performance of Leonard Bernstein's "On The Town" and I have two sultry solos in the third movement.

photo by George Lindsay - Tungsten Photography

4) So far – what has been one of the most memorable onstage jazz experiences for you? Classical?

There are so many, but one that comes to mind is doing a concert with Bobby McFerrin with the Florida Orchestra.  It was mostly classical, but at one point he started to do a jazz jam on Blue Monk with the bass player, and then pointed to me and had me take a solo… it was completely impromptu!  I had a blast, and what an adrenaline rush!  For classical it would probably be the time I played Pictures at an Exhibition, and the conductor Vladimir Verbitski loved it so much, he brought me out onto the podium... 4 nights in a row. That was truly an honor.

 
5) Name 3 albums (any genre) that are currently getting a lot of rotation in your home or ipod.

Ingrid Jensen- Project O, Kenny Garrett- Pursuance, Tierney Sutton- Blue in Green

6) Who do you look to as the ideal jazz instrumentalist? Vocalist?

Kenny Garrett-saxophone, and Ella Fitzgerald-vocalist.  I love these two specifically because they play and sing with such control and yet such abandon, and those are the qualities that draw me to jazz.

7) Tell us about your saxophones/flutes!

Saxes alto, tenor, bari I play Selmer Mark VI, soprano I play a Yamaha Custom. Clarinet, I play a Buffet.  Flute, I play a Yamaha.

Valerie on Bari sax - photo by John DePaola

8) I'm sure you hate this question... if you had to be stranded on a desert isle with only one horn, which would you choose? (or would you hide your soprano and flute in the bari?)

My alto sax, definitely.  It seems to be my natural voice, and feels the most comfortable to me.  I would probably be tempted to sneak the flute and clarinet in as well, though.  'Clara' and I have a secret love affair going on… Don't tell anyone!


9) Is there a composer that you love to sing?

Cole Porter and George Gershwin are two of my favorites, and anything with Johnny Mercer lyrics.  Oh, and also Billy Strayhorn….  So many songs, so little time!

10) As an artist, do you have specific goals that you are trying to achieve when you perform?

On horns, I am trying to create a good shape to the solo, so that it has a definite peak.  Sort of like an author writing a book with a good climax.  Vocally, I love a good ballad, and the key for me is to be understated, not to push too hard.  I always like a relaxed tone, so the warmth is there.  That seems to be my strength vocally, so I try to make sure that comes through.

11) Which of your albums do you feel has come closest to sounding and relaying exactly what you wanted it to?

This is a tough one… I find that I like certain tracks on each CD. If I had to choose, I might be inclined to say "Lush Life" because that is my all-time favorite tune, and I was thrilled to get to record it… "Rough Around the Edges" has been very popular, though, in fact, I'm going to have to place an order for some more, so I guess that one was successful, as well.

 
12) As an adjunct at USF - what's the most important thing to impart or inspire in a student?

Probably getting the student to feel motivated just for the sake of music, not for any particular performance.  If they can practice consistently simply because they want to try new things, then I feel I have really done my job.  And probably the best way to keep that in the forefront is to do a lot of listening.

photo by Alex R. Spassoff

13) I've noticed that even though their are plenty of female jazz musicians out there, many of them very famous - it still seems to be a 'man's world'. I don't see many famous jazz men hiring women, and I don't see women equally talented as their male counterparts reaching the same status. Do you agree? Did you have struggles in this area? Do you have advice for young ladies going into jazz?

I have usually been the only woman in the band, with the exception of some great players like Ingrid Jensen and Anat Cohen, but it does not bother me at all.  I've always been treated with the greatest respect, I think because musicians are only interested in whether you can play or not.  As soon as they hear that, then they're unconcerned with anything else: they just want to play!  My advice to women is practice hard, make sure you have a GOOD sound, and that you know your stuff.  Don't worry about anything except that you play with confidence.

14) What's coming up for you?

I have been doing some jazz festivals and jazz vocal workshops lately, and as far as the band goes, I am looking to add to our repertoire with some obscure ballads, and hopefully some originals.  Also, June 7th & 8th I'll be at Heidi's in Cocoa Beach.  Maybe I will have a couple of originals by then! 

We asked Valerie to choose a video of her performing for this article - she chose a sizzling live version of Chick Corea's "Got a Match?", also featuring flute sensation Jose Valentino on flute! (former student)

Thank you Valerie for a highly entertaining interview. Keep an eye out for appearances by Valerie throughout Florida & don't miss 'em! You can hear her exceptional playing and singing on episodes 11, 13 and 16a of our podcast. Her music is available at iTunes and CD Baby. Below are some purchase links for Valerie's excellent albums on Amazon. Treat yourself! - PCJ

Palm Coast Jazz Episode 16 - Revisited!

This episode warrants repeating, so we added some nice photos, removed the clutter & put buy links at the very bottom. Wonderful musicians making wonderful music from start to finish. Enjoy the soul-moving sounds! (Note: clicking on pictures causes audio to stop)

Most of these selections are available wherever cds & downloads are sold online, but if you enjoy our presentation, please consider using the links at the bottom of this post! Thank you for supporting creativity in jazz!

1. Introduction - Allison & Kenny

2. "MG 1020" - David Fernandez

(Miami Springs, FL)
from the album "Symmetry"

David Fernandez - soprano sax
Carlos Vega - tenor sax
Gabriel Saientz - piano
Gabriel Vivas - bass
Ludwig Alfonso - drums



3. "Coral Sea" - Kenny Drew Jr.

(St. Petersburg, FL)  
from the album "Coral Sea"
courtesy of Random Act Records

Kenny Drew Jr. - piano
Jon Burr - bass
Marty Morell - drums

4. Announcements - Kenny
(background music from the album "Live in the City" by Jack Pierson)
 

5. "Julie's Lament" - Michael Royal Trio

(Sarasota, FL)
from the album "Transition"

Michael Royal - piano
Richard Drexler - bass
Steve Davis - drums






6. "Madcap" - Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge
(Temple Terrace, FL)
From the album "Madcap"

Chuck Owen - keyboard, composer, arranger
Jack Wilkins - tenor solo, John Abercrombie - guitar
Clay Perry - piano, Mark Neuenschwander - bass
Dave Hardman - drums

woodwinds: Valerie Gillespie, Tami Danielsson, Jack Wilkins,
Rex Wertz, Matt Vance
trumpets: John Robinson, Ron Turner, Mike Iapichino, Tom Parmerter
trombones: Keith Oshiro, Chris Clifton, Andrea Rawlison, Jim Hall





7. Announcements - Allison
(background music from the album "Moved" by Kenny MacKenzie Trio)


8. "Pheonix Phunk" - Clay Foster & Carey Frank
(Orlando, FL)
from the album "Bona Fide Sea Monsters"

Clay Foster - guitar
Carey Frank - organ
Frank Brunot - bass
Jonathan "Jon-Jon" Parks - drums





9. "La Noche" - Lynne Arriale

(Jacksonville, FL)
from the album "Solo"
courtesy of Motéma Records

Lynne Arriale - piano







10. Announcements - Kenny
(background music from the album "Second Chances" by Allison Paris)


11. Closing Announcements - Allison

Palm Coast Jazz closing theme by Seven Octaves.

produced by Kenny MacKenzie

Ed Calle's Top 10 Jazz Albums (+ 2)

Mind-blowing saxophonist Ed Calle lives in So. Florida. In the last 10 years alone, the Caracas-born musician has appeared on albums by artists like Santana, Placido Domingo, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Bolton, Arturo Sandoval, Wyclef Jean, Jose Feliciano, Jennifer Lopez, Al DiMeola, Gloria Estefan & Rihanna... just for starters. He's even on Grammy-winning albums by the Chairman of the Board himself. He's had 2 latin Grammy nominations for his own albums, and is a member of the Miami Saxophone Quartet. When he's not laying down unbelievable & memorable woodwind solos or writing horn arrangements for the artists above, he's busy as Associate Professor Senior of Music Business and Production at Miami-Dade College.

It was then thrilling, of course, to have Dr. Calle participate in our humble top-50 jazz albums poll. We celebrate our blog's one year anniversary with his top 12 jazz albums. Though his list favors saxophonists, the stylistic scope is vast, and his thoughts on the albums are both intimate and exuberant.

• 1. John Coltrane - "Coltrane's Sound" – My favorite Coltrane album and time period. The re-harmonization on Body and Soul is so beautiful.
• 2. John Coltrane - "Giant Steps" - Giant Steps, Countdown, Naima, and the rest. A definitive recording if there ever was one.  
• 3. Miles Davis - "Kind of Blue" - No comment is worthy.



• 4. Steps - "Smokin' In the Pit" – Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Steve Gadd, Don Grolnick, Eddie Gomez, and Kazumi Watanabe. On fire.
• 5. Claus Ogerman and Michael Brecker - "Cityscape" – A masterpiece.
• 6. Elvin Jones - "Live at the Lighthouse" – Liebman and Grossman. Influences for a lifetime.
• 7. Dave Sanborn - "A Change of Heart" – Dave is too great. A giant among giants.

• 8. Tom Scott – "Desire" – Tom Scott is a master musician, composer, arranger, and leader. Like the rest of the artists mentioned, Tom established a unique sound that has inspired and enriched all of us. 
• 9. Grover Washington – "Winelight" – Beautiful.
• 10. Arturo Sandoval – "Flight to Freedom and Swingin'" – Making music with Sandoval, Corea, Weckl, Jackson, Brecker, Patitucci, Daniels, Calderazo, and the rest – Life is great.
• 11. Gato Barbieri – "Caliente" – I still love that record. Beautiful vibe, arrangements, and playing. I could care less what the jazz police thinks, Gato is a major musical figure and is particular special to me as someone who comes from South America.
• 12. Jaco Pastorious - "The Birthday Album" – I met Michael Brecker for the first time that day. That day and concert changed my life in a very positive way.
  
  "Truthfully, how can we even rank or comment on all of the beautiful music that has been shared by so many brilliant musicians of yesterday and today? I am thankful and indebted to all of them for the inspiration, information, and joy they share with us. God bless them one and all."

Thank you Ed for your personal list and for participating in our poll! You can visit Ed Calle at his website, where all his releases are also available. Below is a video of Ed playing "Rice and Beans". It's amateur video, but worth it. Hold on to your seat! - PCJ

Turk Mauro's Top 10

Recently we took a poll from jazz musicians from all over the state of Florida, to come up with a relevant Top 50 Jazz Albums list. The results were an education in the sounds that influence and delight the artists who make the music. The lists were so diverse and intriguing, we decided to post some of them individually. First up - Turk Mauro!

Turk in Paris, 1984

Saxophone legend Turk Mauro was born in NYC on June 11th, 1944. First exposed to jazz through hearing his father Don play in local swing bands, he picked up the clarinet at 10 and the alto at age 14; and found work quickly thanks in part to his mentor Harry Allen. After graduating High School, he tried 'real work' for a while, but was soon back in jazz bands touring. After a few gigs with Dizzie Gillespie, Turk's musicianship and prowess landed him a permanent spot in Buddy Rich's band from 1976 to 1979; appearing on Buddy's albums "Speak No Evil" and the posthumously released "Wham!". He then embarked on a solo recording career while still doing sideman work. His fine releases include "The Truth", "Hittin' the Jug" (a tribute to Gene Ammons), "The Underdog" (his solo debut) and "The Heavyweight".


After a long stay in Paris, Mauro moved to Hollywood, FL in 1994. You can catch his brilliant and soulful artistry every Monday night with his quartet; at the new jazz club Blue Jean Blues in Fort Lauderdale from 8-12.


Turk's Top 10 Favorite Jazz Albums:


1. Jazz at Massey Hall - Dizzy  Bird  Bud  Max  Mingus
2. Bird with Strings - Charlie Parker
3. All JATP recordings
4. Atomic Basie - Count Basie
5. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis
6. The You and Me That Used to Be - Jimmy Rushing 
 "Jimmy Rushings last recording with Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Ray Nance, Budd Johnson, Milt Hinton,  Mel Lewis & Dave Frishberg - piano/arranger. The material and musicians are superior and inspired and SWINGING!!!"
7. Boss Tenors in Orbit - Gene Ammons/Sonny Stitt (and Donald Patterson)
8. The Bridge - Sonny Rollins (with Jim Hall)
9. Duke Ellington - The 1940 Band (Ben Webster, Jimmy Blanton)
10. Louis Armstrong - Hot 5 and 7  


Below is a recent video of Turk Mauro playing My Romance with some fine South Florida musicians!




A big thanks to Turk for taking part in our poll! Keep on swingin'! - PCJ