The Rick VanMatre Quintet: A Showcase of Original Creativity

Place: Fairfield Community Arts Center

Date: April 12, 2013 8:00 PM

Musicians:

Rick VanMatre, Saxes
Ken Pensyl, Keys
Aaron Jacobs, Bass
Rusty Burge, Vibes
Tom Buckley, Drums

Rick Vanmatre is one of Cincinnati's most well-known musicians, covering both jazz and classical music. Over the years, he has performed around the globe in places such as here in the US, Israel, France, Germany, Scotland, Poland, and many other places throughout the world.

Rick retired just two years ago, after spending 30 years as the director of UC's College Conservatory of music jazz studies department. The quintet performed this evening, kicking off the 2013 Jazz Alive!Concert Series.

The quintet opens with an original tune called "High Line"; containing a tight, straight-ahead sound.

Rick then grabs his soprano to play "Grey then Blue", Inspired by his wife's artwork. The colors of the title can truly be heard in this number. At the risk of committing an oxymoron, a tune that sounded "lethargically lively".

Going back to the tenor, Rick Leads in with "Rays Return", a number inspired by the 1923 film, "Return to Reason", directed by Man Ray. This tune was the most eccentric of the evening, with an up-tempo, avant-garde style; off and on again walking bass patterns, and tempo and count changes that were abrupt, yet artfully executed.

The quintet performed "After again", another original that had a "getaway", romantic feel to it; then closed the first set with a feature composition from vibraphonist Rusty Burge called "After 5". This had a hopping sax melody, supported by a solid rhythm section line. Rusty gave a very analytical solo on double mallets, and Tom's killer 36 measure drum solo gave the audience something to talk about during intermission.

The Quintet returns and opens the second set with a tune written by pianist Ken Pensyl. "I had you in mind" is light and breezy, in both tempo and melody. Their next number takes a contrast shift with the deep and dark "Solstice of Another Age", Which, according to Rick, is representative of existing in the dark ages, with hopes to come out, and back into the light. This number draws shades of Equinox to the mind.

The group then closes the evening with another Ken Pensyl composition called "Coming Back to Yesterday". The tightness of this straight-ahead tune, including an exceptional vibraphone arrangement, marked the punctuation on a wonderful evening.

The vast majority of the tunes performed consisted of originals, written from nearly each of the quintet members (except for the performance of one Thelonius Monk tune). This introduced a refreshing change, and was very encouraging to the preservation of the straight-ahead sound of Jazz.

- jh

Tia Fuller: Angelic Warrior

The music of Tia Fuller is reflective of her creative spirit.  Her versatility in Gospel, R&B, and Jazz is driven by a balanced energy; the same energy Tia had touring and playing in Beyonce Knowles band for five years, as well as writing her own music as a bandleader.

Mark your calendars for September 25th; the date for Angelic Warrior - Tia Fuller's 3rd release under Mack Avenue Records.

Angelic Warrior underscores Tia's evolution as a Composer and Producer.  This release demonstrates the balance between the angels' gentleness, and the warriors' strength within; and is interpreted in each track.

Tia and her band made two appearances in the past four years of the "It's Commonly Jazz" series.  The Jazz Half caught up with Tia during both visits.  Click here to listen to the second interview, where she talks about Artistic Energy, inspired creativity, and the importance of group cohesiveness.  And don't forget to pick up your copy of Angelic Warrior on September 25th.

We're talkin' Cincinnati Jazz, on LinkedIn

The Cincinnati Jazz community is a unique, exclusive group of individuals with an

unwavering passion for the music, and the musicians. When these enthusiasts gather for a
show, there's a lot of good talk going on about past and upcoming events, favorite musicians, and more. But at the end of the show when the music stops, why should the conversations stop? Here enters the "Cincinnati Jazz" discussion group on the LinkedIn
social network.   Mostly used as a networking platform for business professionals, LinkedIn is the 3rd most popular social network. The Cincinnati Jazz group is currently 127 members strong (and
growing); consisting of Jazz Enthusiasts, as well as Musicians. Members share different
jazz websites and videos, cover discussion topics such as their personal experiences with
the music, and a lot more.

Click here to access the Cincinnati Jazz Discussion Group on LinkedIn, or visit
www.linkedin.com and search on the group "Cincinnati Jazz". Let's keep the conversation
going.

Note: You must create a linkedin account to join a group.

24-hour Jazz on WGUC-HD2

What's better than a radio station that plays Jazz?

- A radio station that plays Jazz 24 hours

What's better than a radio station that plays 24-hour Jazz?

- A radio station that plays it with crystal-clear digital sound

And what's the best thing about it all? It's FREE!

That's right - All you need is an HD radio receiver to enjoy FREE 24-hour Jazz, brought to you by WGUC HD-2 90.9. This digital, high-quality channel features Jazz music from all the longtime legends, to up and coming artists setting their fingerprint on the Jazz scene. Did I mention that its FREE - with no subscriptions required, to the likes of Satellite radio?

Running out to purchase an HD Radio for your home or car is a small price to pay for free, 24-hour crystal-clear Jazz, so hop to it, Cat!

Click here For more information on WGUC HD2!

- jh

"What if" moment: Bringing the future to the Prohibition Era

As known by most Jazz historians and enthusiasts, since the prohibition in 1920, the impression of Jazz music was not in the best light in the eyes of the general public. This was mostly attributed to the music's association with rebellious groups to likes of Speakeasies, brothels, dance halls, and gambling parlors. These places were popular in Chicago, New York, and of course, the Storyville district in New Orleans.

I find it quite interesting how, during this time, the elements of live Jazz music, alcohol, solicitation, dancing, and gambling could all be found in one area, never too far from one another, and all operated quite carefully to prevent raids and shutdowns. Fast-forward to the Post-Prohibition era and the emergence of World War II, and we see some of these elements slowly breaking apart into their own enterprises.

I can't help but wonder what if these establishments of the prohibition era had the advantage of today's technologies? Think about it: Speakeasies with video & motion detector systems to anticipate a surprise visit from uninvited authorities. As live jazz music plays in the main room, the gambling parlor is located in a room in the back, completely equipped with laptops and Wi-Fi, and patrons playing their hands on partypoker.com. This would be a heck of a lot easier for cleaning up - no chips, cards, or money to clear off tables in the event of a raid (ha-ha).

Bringing some of the technology of today to these types of establishments of yesterday, I can't help but wonder if the lifespan of these places could have ever been extended; in turn, possibly changing the course of Jazz Music. Sort of like taking an iPad with you in a time machine back to the 20's, wouldn't you agree?


- JH

The Blue Wisp - ready to show off their new digs

Happy New Year!

If you thought its been awhile since you've seen a Jazz Half Bulletin, you're not mistaken. We hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful Holiday season. As we all know, a new year brings new beginnings, fresh starts, and renewed hope.

While we all look forward to 2012 with optimism, certain events occur early on, causing the year to take shape, and gives us an encouraging sign of what's to come.

Such an event happens this week. The Jazz Half would like to congratulate The Blue Wisp Jazz Club with its successful relocation, and opening. The Blue Wisp is now located at 700 Race Street, at the corner of Race and Seventh. I don't have to tell you that this is HUGE. Now located near the center of downtown, very close to hotels and shops, and in the path of abundant foot traffic, the Blue Wisp has solidified its place as Cincinnati's Premium venue for live music going on 34 years strong. But wait, there's more.

Accompanying the new digs will be a new full service restaurant, with outdoor dining, an expanded bar, and the opportunity to join their new VIP membership club.

The club opens this Friday, with live music at 4:30. Come downtown and check out what the Blue Wisp has to offer. This club is making some great efforts to continue supporting musicians and live music here in the Queen City. Help them out by dropping in and seeing some of their many shows featuring local, regional, national, and international Artists. See you there!

The Neophonic Music of Stan Kenton

The distinct, artistic vision of Stan Kenton was one of many attributes he possessed as a musician, composer, arranger, and band leader.

By World War II, when many musicians were called to serve and lots of big bands were dissolving, Kenton aimed to lead a concert orchestra accented with high-note trumpeters and thick-toned tenors. Kenton-organized groups include his first band, Artistry in Rhythm, in 1941, 19 and 39-piece bands in the 1950's, and a mellophonium band in the 1960's. His self-described style of "Progressive Jazz" has enjoyed success with Grammy Award winning albums "Adventures in Jazz" and "West Side Story".

A strong advocate for music education, Stan Kenton has been widely recognized as an innovator, composing advanced harmonies over the standard big band swing sound. To this day, the "Kenton Style" continues to be studied in jazz clinics in both high school and collegiate levels.

On Saturday November 5th, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Neophonic Music of Stan Kenton - circa 1960's. This extraordinary event takes place at the Florence Baptist Church at Mt. Zion; in Florence, KY. The show starts at 8:00pm, and tickets are $28, $23, $18 (seniors), and $10 (students).

Now here's where the good news gets better:

To order tickets, visit www.kyso.org, or call 859.431.6216. As a member of the Jazz Half Inner Circle, When placing your order, specify offer code "JH2011" and get $5.00 off each ticket!

The KSO is under the direction of James Cassidy. The KSO and this event is in association with the Arts Wave and the Kentucky Arts Council.

- jh