NJW Fall Fundraiser Rocks Limelight!

September 13 was NJW's 9th Annual Fall Fundraiser, held this year at the Limelight. The event featured great food by Monell's, a Live Auction courtesy of McLemore Auction, a huge silent auction including NJW's signature "Small Works" art show. Of course, there was great music also -- with Donna McElroy, 3rd Coast Vocals, and an NJW All-Star Faculty Ensemble. You can see photos of the event below, courtesy of Scott Hammaker.

Contemporary Series Rocks with Marcus Finnie Band

A happy crowd braved rainstorms and competing festivals to catch the Marcus Finnie Band at NJW's Contemporary Jazz Series Sunday night. The audience consisted in equal parts of longtime NJW fans and new friends. Most NJW folk know Marcus as a polished and swinging straight-ahead player. This performance allowed him to shine as a bandleader and composer. The performance included original compositions from Marcus's soon-to-be-released album, Boundless, along with contemporary material from the Yellowjackets, Herbie Hancock, and others.




The groove was infectious throughout the evening and everyone had a smile on their face. The personnel announced for the evening included, in addition to the leader (from left, above) Chris Kent (bass), Demarco Johnson (keyboards), Mason Embry (organ & piano), Mark Douthit (sax), and Adam Agati (guitar). An extra surprise was a guest appearance by vocalist Kevin Whalum. Kevin, who taught a clinic at NJW in the early days, hasn't been around in quite a while. After experiencing the vibe in the Jazz Cave, he says he'll be back!

Contemporary Series Debuts at NJW

This Sunday the Nashville Jazz Workshop begins a monthly concert series featuring some of the outstanding contemporary jazz performers here in Music City. What is contemporary jazz, one might ask? Just as the jazz of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie was influenced highly in its concepts by the musicians’ (and audiences’) affinities for the blues of Beale Street and the bright lights of Broadway, so it is with contemporary jazz, which draws much influence from more modern strains of American music – including funk, gospel, and hip hop (yes, hip hop) – as well as more international “cargo,” including Indian ragas, Cuban descargas and European classical music. It is my hope that this series will become one of many important achievements that will propel the NJW towards the status of “crown jewel” in the city’s jazz scene, especially instilling a sense of community for the city’s growing ranks of contemporary jazz performers within the walls of the NJW’s wonderful venue, “The Jazz Cave.”

Not since the days of the long-gone Owl’s Nest coffee-house can I remember any place feeling like home for the city’s most open-minded improvisers and jazz practitioners. I was in high school at Hume-Fogg and on Tuesdays after my homework was done, my Mom would take me and Roland down for a weekly mind-blowing thanks to the leader of that jam session, the artistically-relentless saxophonist Jeff Coffin, now known world-wide for his work as a band-leader and saxophonist with Bela Fleck and the Dave Matthews Band. From hearing those jams at the Owl’s Nest, I recall that one of the most memorable occurrences was always when Coffin and a young, energetic drummer would spin off into exciting duet improvisations, not wholly unlike John Coltrane and Elvin Jones’ trademark romps. Thankfully, both of these musicians became good friends in those important years of my musical growth. The pyrotechnic drummer I’m referring to is Nioshi Jackson, and I can honestly say that in the last decade, he hasn’t dropped a beat.

Thus, it seems quite fitting that Nioshi’s new band, the Nioshi Jackson Reason, will launch the NJW’s Contemporary Jazz Series on Sunday, August 2nd. I’m fortunate enough to play in this band along with pianist Jody Nardone and bassist Jerry Navarro. In a way, it will be a bit of a reunion with that unbridled energy that filled the room when Nioshi and I first began playing together many moons ago at The Owl’s Nest. His musical vision continues to surprise and astound me, and those fortunate enough to grab tickets will not be disappointed by his show, nor the following two shows presented the first Sunday in September and October, respectively. Drumming phenom Marcus Finnie brings his band in to the NJW’s “Jazz Cave” September 6 in between performance stints with acts such as Donna Summer, Kirk Whalum, Larry Carlton and Gerald Albright. On October 4, El Movimiento brings its distinctive and powerful Latin Jazz sound to the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

So it seems a new chapter’s being written in this city’s much-too-often-lamented relationship with the art form known simply as jazz. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this project, having been an active member of the jazz scene here for some years now. I’m optimistic about the NJW’s decision to share music that is so cherished by many of our city’s most creative musicians. On a personal note, I look forward to spotting that young face in the audience, not so unlike mine was over decade ago, that will hopefully pick up an instrument and join the ranks of those moving this music forward with excellence, creativity and love.

-- Rahsaan Barber

NJW partners with Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for new program

The Nashville Jazz Workshop is partnering with Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to provide jazz music & education to the patients and their families. This provides much-needed entertainment to some very special kids, and takes their minds off of their health, financial and other woes.

The Monroe Carell Jr. Music Therapy Program supported by the Julian T. Fouce Fund has been in existence since January of 2007. It was started by Tom and Maria Fouce in memory of their son, Julian, a great lover of music, who passed away in 2006. The program is the first of its kind at Vanderbilt. Its program director and music therapist is Jenny Plume, who conducts individual and group sessions throughout the entire hospital.

To this mix NJW is adding a monthly jazz performance/demonstration for the young patients and their families. The first performance was by NJW faculty member and trombonist, Roy Agee, with Lori Mechem on piano. In June, percussionist Dann Sherill gave a performance and demonstration, bringing drums and other instruments for the children to play and interact. The performance took place on stage in the lobby area. It was also presented on closed circuit television throughout the entire hospital. This allowed patients to enjoy the show from their rooms if they weren't able to attend in person.

We’re very excited to work with Tom Fouce, Jenny Plume, our generous musicians, and the patients at Vanderbilt to bring live jazz to Monroe Carell Jr.’s Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

-- Monica Ramey

Time to Step Up for WMOT

If you've been listening to the radio or reading your emails from NJW, you know that now is crunch time for WMOT radio. The outpouring of support in February helped spare the station from the immediate budget ax, but MTSU's administration has made it clear that, having heard from the community, they expect the community to step up and support the station at much higher levels than before. This means that every listener and fan needs to make a commitment to support the station in order for it to continue in its present form. For those on a very tight budget, even $10 a month will help. (That's almost what you'd pay for a subscription to satellite radio.) For those who can afford more, a contribution of $500, $1,000, $2,000 or more is an investment in a priceless asset for the jazz community.

The link to pledge online is here. Their online fundraising campaign is now. If everyone does not step up now, it may be too late. This time next year the WMOT we hear may not have local programming and may have very little jazz. Please don't wait.

Anthony Wilson @ NJW

NJW audiences got a close look at the varied life of a top-rank jazz artist in April, when Anthony Wilson came to town. A top-flight guitarist, arranger, and composer, Anthony does it all. And, he's a nice, down-to-earth guy to boot! His trip to Nashville was made possible by touring grants from the Southern Arts Federation and Tennessee Arts Commission, that allowed a whole weekend of activities at low cost to audiences. Anthony arrived at the Workshop Friday afternoon, a few hours before his scheduled performance with the Lori Mechem Trio, and the group began picking tunes for that evening's performance. It was a casual rehearsal, belying the intensity with which this gifted artist approaches his work. The evening's performance was sublime, and drew several standing ovations. It was also a study in relaxed intensity, concentration, and listening, as artists who had never before performed together made it sound effortless. The tone Wilson elicited from his handmade Monteleone archtop was by turns rich and liquid, and soft and woody, as the song dictated. The photo below, from photographer Scott Hammaker, shows the concentration with which Anthony approached each note.



Saturday morning Anthony was back at the Workshop shortly before his 11 am youth workshop and concert. He faced an audience diverse in age and musical backgrounds and full of questions. He answered them patiently, performed several tunes, and closed by calling a group of youth to the stage to build an impromptu arrangement. He demonstrated to the audience how an arranger thinks, turning what started as a routine and somewhat tentative blues into a polished gem.

Between performances the NJW staff got a chance to talk with Anthony about his work and his many projects. Besides his main gig as Diana Krall's guitarist, he leads a nonet and gives clinics and schools and colleges. He also has a special interest in Brazilian music, and talked about an upcoming trip to Brazil, where he will record with a group of gifted but under-appreciated Brazilian musicians. A Brazilian Buena Vista Social Club, perhaps?

The visit was capped off by a Saturday evening performance with a nonet made up of some of Nashville's finest jazz players. All are superb readers and Anthony had sent music ahead of time. Good thing, because Anthony's arrangements were some of the most complex and inventive many had seen in a long time. Saturday's audience enjoyed another superb performance!

As an NJW volunteer and worker, I've had the privilege of spending a number of these weekend with jazz artists, and can heartily recommend the experience of spending some extended time listening to an artist over several evenings. At the modest ticket prices that the grants make possible, it's affordable (less than one evening at the Symphony), and just requires that you mark off some time on your calendar. It's worth it, I can assure you.

Enjoy some more photos, below, from NJW's official photographer, Scott Hammaker.

-- Larry Seeman

All-Star Jazz Rally for WMOT a huge success!

If you're a jazz fan in Nashville, unless you've been sleeping under a rock, chances are you know about the All-Star Jazz Rally for WMOT, held Sunday, February 15 at Limelight. Odds are you were there, along with about 700 other jazz fans/WMOT supporters. Sponsored by a "jazz coalition" (the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Nashville Jazz Workshop, & Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society), the event drew massive media coverage and a "who's who" of Nashville jazz. An all-star lineup of musicians donated their time, including the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, Felix Cavaliere (of Rascals fame), Diane Marino, Victor Wooten, Connye Florance, Annie Sellick, Matt Belsante, the Pat Coil sextet, Christina Watson, Rod McGaha, & El Movimiento.

Channel 4's Tom Randles helped with the emcee chores, and WMOT's Greg Lee gave an eloquent statement about the station's value to MTSU and to the arts community. The event raised quite a bit in dollars and even more in contingent pledges. If you haven't made your pledge yet, please download this form to do so. Although the event was a great success, the fight hasn't been won, and we need to keep the pressure up!

Here are some photos of the event, followed by some video! Photos, below: Vocalist Connye Florance w/ NJO Director Jim Williamson; Roger Spencer & Rod McGaha, Victor Wooten.