I am subbing at “Beautiful” the Carole King Musical, all weekend on Broadway in New York City with my buddy Tatum Greenblatt.
The goal for me this weekend is to sound as “commercial” as possible. One of my favorite trumpet players (who shall go nameless) gave me some tips on how to achieve a commercial sound.
I don’t want to give away his secrets, but I did have to slap on a smaller mouth piece (bach 12c) to help me get that commercial sizzle, à la James Pankow from Chicago (one of my favorite “commercial” trombonists). I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend playing Carole King’s Music.
Jason Jackson and Tatum Greenblatt playing Beautiful the Carole King Musical
I had the pleasure of performing as a substitute on Broadway’s “My Fair Lady” at Lincoln Center with these wonderful musicians Charley Gordon, and Marcus Rojas.
Tonight I will be performing and premiering my composition “Now Is Infinite,” written for the CompCord Big Band at the Bitter End in NYC. There will be 15 other new works on the program as well.
Details:
– CompCord Big Band –
Thursday, March 28th, 2019 at 7pm
The Bitter End
147 Bleecker Street, NYC 10012
As Duke Ellington said, “Art is dangerous. It is one of the attractions: when it ceases to be dangerous you don’t want it.” On March 28th at 7pm at The Bitter End, CompCord Big Band runs amok on a program featuring over a dozen perilous premieres. Adhering to the original Big Band concept of brief arrangements presented in quick tandem, while expanding the repertory with all new compositions for the 21st Century, CompCord Big Band features many iconic instrumentalists, as well as up-and-coming stars: Gerson Galante, Michiyo Suzuki, Daniel Schnyder, Scott Hoefling, Stefan Zeniuk – saxophones; Franz Hackl, Jonathan Finlayson, Peter Oswald, Jack Walrath – trumpets; John Clark – horn; Mike Seltzer, Jason Jackson – trombones; David Taylor – bass trombone; Carlton Holmes – piano; Laurence Goldman – bass; Joe Abba – drums; with Melanie Mitrano – voice; Sebastian Pritsker – voice; Bian Suzuki-Wolf – clarinet; and Gene Pritsker – conductor. Compositions by Aaron Alter, John Clark, Dan Cooper, Gerson Galante, Franz Hackl, Carlton Holmes, Peter Melnick, Melanie Mitrano, Ginka Mizuki, Alon Nechushtan, Gene Pritsker, Sebastian Pritsker, Zinovy Pritsker, Daniel Schnyder, Dave Soldier, David Taylor, and Stefan Zeniuk.
Staying in rotation for 34 years in NYC is a rare feat. In the case of a new music presenting organization, it requires not only diligence and cognizance of achievements of the past, but also an ethic of keeping one’s ear to the ground for emerging stylistic and technological developments, as well as talented new composers on the scene. Composers Concordance strives to present contemporary music in innovative ways, with an emphasis on thematic programming. Directors Gene Pritsker and Dan Cooper co-curate the programs, and lead the CompCord Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, and Big Band. Associate Directors are Milica Paranosic, Peter Jarvis, Svjetlana Bukvich, and Debra Kaye. Composers Concordance has also created a Naxos-distributed record label: Composers Concordance Records, co-directed by Peter Jarvis. Composers Concordance’s overriding vision is to promote contemporary music, composers, and new works as a rightful and respected part of society. Good music, performed and recorded well, pushing the boundaries of sound and composition.
“An unwavering force in giving composers exposure through concert bookings and its own record label, the intrepid new-music organization Composers Concordance” -The Brooklyn Rail. “For the past 30 years, Composers Concordance has been a booster for local composers, through both its concerts across the city and a record label.” -The Wall Street Journal. “Enterprising new music organization” -The New York Times. “The Composers Concordance folks are unpredictable and at times refreshingly irreverent in a reverent sort of way….ingenious fun” -Classical-Modern Music Review. “Edgy… boisterous… demanding our attention” -San Diego Story. “These men and women are creating exciting music with elements of jazz, world music and many experimental techniques blended with equal parts classical tradition and playing techniques.” -Asbury Park Press. “There is considerable evidence to show that Composers Concordance may be one of the most exciting labels in American contemporary music.” -JazzdaGama.
VILLAGE VANGUARD, 178 7TH AVENUE SOUTH, NEW YORK, NY 10014, (212) 255-4037
SAXOPHONES Dick Oatts (lead alto and soprano saxophones, flute) Billy Drewes (alto and soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet) Rich Perry (tenor saxophone, flute) Ralph LaLama (tenor saxophone, flute, clarinet) Gary Smulyan (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet)
TRUMPETS Nick Marchione (lead) John Chudoba Terell Stafford Scott Wendholt
TROMBONES Mark Patterson (lead) Jason Jackson Dion Tucker Douglas Purviance (bass trombone)
RHYTHM SECTION Jim McNeely (piano) John Riley (drums) David Wong (bass)
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is a multiple Grammy Award-winning 16-piece jazz orchestra, comprised of a Who’s Who of New York City’s finest musicians.
The ensemble began its life as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1966. They are celebrating their 53rd year performing at the Village Vanguard with this special week long residency!
The Story
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra is a multiple Grammy Award-winning 16-piece jazz orchestra, comprised of a Who’s Who of New York City’s finest musicians.
The ensemble began its life as the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1966.
The world-famous Village Vanguard jazz club in New York City booked the newly formed band for three Monday nights that February. Those were wildly successful and the engagement was extended indefinitely. The Village Vanguard’s owner, Max Gordon, told Mel Lewis, “We’ll keep it going until it tapers off.” Over half a century and more than 2700 Monday nights later, it still hasn’t. The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra stands apart from all other modern ensembles of its kind and is still as strong and vital as ever.
From the very beginning, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra captivated the jazz world with the fresh sound of Jones’ writing, Lewis’ incredible command of the ensemble and an entirely new approach to the big band genre. The band emphasized a “small group within the big band” concept, allowing its many top-flight jazz soloists to stretch out and play much longer than was previously typical in large ensembles.
Jones and Lewis enjoyed a very fruitful thirteen-year partnership, which produced fifteen albums, a number of world tours and a wealth of compositions that have become standard big band fare, still delighting audiences and challenging even the world’s best jazz musicians to this day.
When Jones unexpectedly moved to Denmark in 1979, Lewis kept the band together, changed its name and became the sole leader. The Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra continued to perform the music of Thad Jones, but the legendary Bob Brookmeyer was recruited as musical director and his groundbreaking compositions provided an entirely new sonic direction for the band. Several other composers contributed new music to the book (including Bob Mintzer and Jim McNeely) and, under Lewis’ leadership, the band added another nine albums to its credits.
After Lewis passed away in 1990, the band became the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. With Jim McNeely as its composer in residence since 1995, the VJO has continued to honor the legacy established by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, but all the while continuing to push the boundaries of the big band idiom.
Over half of the albums (17 out of 32) in the band’s robust discography have been nominated for Grammys, with two of them winning the coveted award. In addition, the orchestra has performed on five continents and has won eleven “Best Big Band” awards in the DownBeat magazine Readers and Critics Polls.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s regular Monday night gig at the Village Vanguard is the longest-running steady engagement in the history of jazz.
Digital downloads available at Band Camp, Amazon, and iTunes.
Selected Reviews:
Downbeat Magazine: “Reeves arrives at his sound – modern metric ideas, sweetly stacked harmonies that move in surprising directions, atypical musical alliances – by utilizing the full scope of his playing experience.” (Suzanne Lorge)
London Jazz News: “His new release, Without a Trace, contains originals and standards, colourfully orchestrated, with an intimate, club-like ambience. These pieces really are ‘composed’…there is always a feeling of forward travel.” (Nigel Waddington)
New York City Jazz Record: “This is an excellent example of both modern big band music and the arranging of Reeves.” (Scott Yanow)
Jazz Times: “Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra is a wonder…hot compositions…a sizzling band…an assemblage of brilliant artists…the music is exciting, even thrilling.” (Travis Rogers)
All About Jazz: “Reeves is a resourceful writer with…a keen ear for melody, harmony and counterpoint, his arrangements scrupulously burnished and invariably engaging.” (Jack Bowers)
Stereophile: “Within the highly specialized, invaluable, economically endangered discipline of composing and arranging for large jazz ensemble, a new badass has arrived. Reeves’s touch is always deft and light, his designs traced in fine lines.” (Thomas Conrad)
Personnel for this event is:
Scott Reeves – director, composer/arranger, alto trombone Vocalist – Carolyn Leonhart Saxophones – Vito Chiavuzzo, Jay Brandford, Tim Armacost, Rob Middleton, Terry Goss Trumpets – Seneca Black, Nathan Eklund, Chris Rogers, Andy Gravish Trombones – Matt McDonald, Jason Jackson, Matt Haviland, Jennifer Wharton Rhythm – Jim Ridl (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), Andy Watson (drums)
Since my last post I have been busy with concerts and teaching. Here is a rundown of my latest and future projects.
Riverdale Country School Music Building
This is my second year at Riverdale County School. Teaching enriches my playing and satisfies my urge to pass along knowledge to the next generation. The faculty/staff at RCC is top notch.
Birdland Big Band
It has been years since I last played with the Birdland Big Band. What a welcome experience it was to join them again recently. The band has evolved over the years. The trombone section was out of sight with Sarah Jacovino on Lead, Ron Wilkins, and James Browski on bass trombone. I hope to be back there again soon.
Since the closure of Carousel, I am back to “subbing” on various musicals. I was back to one of the most enjoyable shows that I sub at, The Lion king.
Migiway Miyajima Colorful CD Cover
I played at Birdland for the CD release of Migiwa Miyagima’s Augmented Orchestra. We recorded the CD last year and I am excited for its release. She packed the house at Birdland and the music sounded fantastic. My mom came out to this one so it was special for me. She lives on the “Left Coast,” so I don’t get to see her everyday.
Rufus Reid’s “Quiet Pride” project took me to Iowa City, IA. The music was challenging and the band delivered an exciting performance. I was impressed with he playing of Ryan Keberly and Michael Dease. Monster players and monster band.
Ron Carter Great Big Band CD Cover
Ron Carters Great Big Band performed at Birdland as well. Mr. Carter takes you on a ride when you are playing with him. He will do something you don’t expect. That is why I love playing in his band. What an honor!!
We had a wonderful concert with the John Eckert New York 9 Nonet at St Peters Church, Manhattan, NY. This is where I have been focus some of my writing lately. This band regularly plays my compositions and arrangements. We have been together for several years and the band is really developing a strong personal sound.
Next week I am busy with The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. First I am taking over the Lead Trombone Position in the band moving forward. Second, we are beginning the New School Residency with an Open Rehearsal on October 29th from 4-6pm, at 55 west 13th St (2nd Floor). The band will be rehearsing various charts from the book, as well as instituting an emerging composer series.
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Third, after the open rehearsal, we pack up and head over to the Village Vanguard for our regular set this Monday, October 29th. Sets are at 8:30PM and 10:30PM. Finally on Saturday, November 3rd, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra Brings Big-Band Swing to Lawrence Memorial Chapel, 510 E. College Avenue, Appleton Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Next month I will be recording with the NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Heath as he puts together another big band album, subbing at the Radio City Musical Hall Christmas Spectacular, and eating lots of “healthy” food for the Holidays.
SAT, SEP 22 2018, 11:00AM I will be performing with a brass quintet for the Consecration of the XI Bishop of Newark at:
NJPAC
1 Center Street
Newark, NJ07102
The Rev. Carlye J. Hughes will be ordained and consecrated a Bishop in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church and Eleventh Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Newark on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 11 AM at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC).
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry will be the Chief Consecrator. The Rev. Brenda Husson, Rector of St. James’ Church in Manhattan, will preach.
Light refreshments will follow the service.
All are invited to attend, and while there is no admission charge, NJPAC requires thateach attendee seated in the auditorium must have a ticket.
Note for consecration, clergy and other and procession participants
A separate registration link has been sent to you. Please use the link sent to you (NOT the link below) so that we can send you the appropriate ticket.
Note for choir
Separate arrangements are being made for participants in the combined choir.
Note for all other attendees
Please register for your open-seating tickets TODAY! The online registration form (click here) will remain open through Wednesday, September 12. Tickets will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis as seats remain.
To accommodate NJPAC’s seating preparations, wheelchair patrons with one companion seat have separate registration fields on the same online form.
While individuals may order tickets using the link above, to facilitate the ticketing process, we are asking congregations and diocesan organizations to register attendees as a group using the same link. To avoid issuing duplicate tickets, the registration form requires each individual’s name.
Tickets can be picked up at the Farewell Luncheon for Bishop Beckwith on September 8; remaining tickets will be mailed the week of September 10. You may pick up (and sign for) someone else’s tickets.
Event day information
While there are several parking lots convenient to NJPAC, on the day of the event, we encourage you to car pool. Parking at Episcopal House is reserved for bishops and the Presiding Bishop’s office. Doors open at 9:45 AM; all guests not assigned to processions or to seats on the stage are requested to be in their seats by 10:30 AM for the music and procession.
The Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra celebrates the release of their 2nd CD, “Without a Trace,” at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola on Monday, Sept. 3 (sets at 7:30 & 9:30). Scott’s arrangements and compositions for “Without a Trace,” along with the 2016 release, “Portraits and Places,” span 18 years and embody a life’s work. Check out this profile of the band in the August issue of “Downbeat.”
Rosena Hill Jackson is playing the role of Nettie Fowler at Carousel on Broadway for the matinee today. I am so excited to hear my wonderful wife sing.
Tonight I am performing with the Grammy Award winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard Jazz Club in New York City. Sets are at 8:30pm and 10:30pm.
Since 2008, Flushing Town Hall’s QueensJazz Orchestra, under the direction of NEA Jazz Master Dr. Jimmy Heath, has performed to thousands of jazz lovers, honoring music made popular by jazz icons who called Queens their home, featuring established jazz heroes and the next generation of greats.
This special 10th anniversary celebration on Friday, June 29 at Flushing Town Hall will honor Jimmy Heath and his life’s journey through jazz. Tickets and more at http://bit.ly/QJO2018
Juneteenth is a festival held annually on the nineteenth of June by African Americans (especially in the southern states), to commemorate emancipation from slavery in Texas on that day in 1865.
I am honored to be performing with the great Johnny Mathis tonight at the Theater at Westbury in Westbury NY. Mathis is an octogenarian that has kept his silky smooth voice.
My wife Rosena Hill Jackson stepped in for Renee Fleming tonight in the role of Nettie at the Broadway production of Carousel in the middle of the second act. The audience gave her a big cheer and loud applause after her performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” I am so proud of her. As a member of the Carousel orchestra, I was so moved that tears began to well up in my eyes as I heard Rosena sing. Everyone in the orchestra was blown away by Rosena’s singing. They all congratulated me. Thank you Rosena!!
This special 10th anniversary celebration on Friday, June 29 at Flushing Town Hall will honor Jimmy Heath and his life’s journey through jazz. Tickets and more at 
