Good News in Tough Times

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has awarded NJW a $5,000 grant to provide scholarship assistance to students with economic need. If you've wanted to take a class but can't because of your financial circumstances, this grant can help. In addition to need, other factors will be considered, including motivation, interest, and ability. Scholarship recipients will be students at all levels of ability.

Scholarships will be available beginning with the January class session. To apply, download the application information, fill out the application, and return it to the Jazz Workshop in person or by mail or fax. Applicants will be asked to come in for an audition in early January, to help determine level and interests.

The Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations in all areas, from health and social services to the arts. In the past these grants have funded special projects, including NJW's Community Jazz Series and Jazz on the Move. This year the Foundation's grants are targeted to help organizations provide core services to persons in need. We appreciate the Foundation's help in making this opportunity possible for students!

NJW Library Dedicated to George Tidwell

The Nashville Jazz Workshop's 5,000+ CD jazz library was dedicated to local jazz legend George Tidwell last Saturday, November 14. Mark Edwards, who along with his wife Linda donated the collection to the Workshop, made the surprise presentation to his lifelong friend at the intermission of Marvin Stamm's concert at the Workshop. Besides being a good friend, George taught Mark how to listen to and appreciate jazz and inspired a lasting affinity for the art.



Jazz master Marvin Stamm, trumpeter and longtime friend and musical colleague of George, was brought in to perform for this special occasion, though George was not privy to the real reason. Marvin's performance with the Lori Mechem Trio and Denis Solee was a tour de force, and brought the audience to its feet on several occasions. Marvin was blown away by the Workshop, and offered some thoughts from the perspective of an artist who has traveled nationally and internationally.

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.