Search the Indy Jazz Fest Blog
2011 Indy Jazz Fest Lineup
Monthly Archives: October 2009
Rebirth of Cool pt.1
After reading this blog, I was inspired to ask ‘Why isn’t Jazz considered cool?’  I mean, doesn’t Jazz measure up with other genres and their ‘sex, drugs & trash hotel rooms’ lifestyles? The artists are considered popular figures that can … Continue reading
Today in Jazz
Percussionist/bandleader Poncho Sanchez born 1951 in Laredo, TX. Pancho was a featured artist at this year’s Indy Jazz Fest. Poncho Sanchez live at Indy Jazz Fest 09 video Tweet
Today in Jazz
Tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims born 1925 in Inglewood, CA.*Â In 1976 Sims had a bit of an out of character moment, performing with Alec Wilder’s “Concerto for Tenor Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra” with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Â *All About … Continue reading
Today in Jazz
Trombonist Bill Harris born 1916 in Philadelphia, PA.*Â Bill Harris and Hoosier trumpeter Pete Candoli were instrumental in Woody Herman’s First Herd Big Band in 1944. *Smithsonian Jazz Tweet
Posted in Blog
Tagged Bill Harris, First Herd Big Band, Indiana Jazz Musicians, indy jazz fest, jazz, jazz history, Pete Candoli, Woody Herman
Leave a comment
Today in Jazz
The first published reference to “jazz” appears (Variety) Tweet
Posted in Blog
Tagged Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, indy jazz fest, jazz, jazz history
Leave a comment
Today in Jazz
One of the first tunes Warne Marsh (born October 26th, 1927*) recorded with pianist Lennie Tristano (a group with which he became famous) was ‘(Back Home Again in) Indiana’ in 1948. Smithsonian Jazz Tweet
Today in Jazz
The Brass Ensemble Of The Jazz And Classical Music Society records J.J. Johnsonâs Jazz Suite for Brass featuring trumpeters Miles Davis and Bernie Glow, 1956*Â JJ Johnson was an Indianapolis native and world renowned trombonist. *www.smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Crossroads of Jazz
Indiana’s state motto is the cross roads of America and Jazz is one of those “roads” that has lead many influential musicians to Indianapolis. During the heyday of Jazz, Indianapolis hosted both shows and jam sessions by musicians that would … Continue reading
Today in Jazz
Count Basie records The Atomic Basie, 1957, featuring arrangements by Neal Hefti.*Â Indianapolis resident Everett Greene currently sings in the Count Basie Orchestra. *www.smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Posted in Blog
Tagged Count Basie, Everett Greene, Indianapolis Jazz, indy jazz fest, jazz, jazz history, Owl Studios, Smithsonian Jazz, The Atomic Basie
Leave a comment
Today in Jazz
Trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie born on this day in 1917 in Cheraw, SC.* Here is a great picture of Dizzy’s car parked on Indiana Avenue: *smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Today in Jazz
Pianist/composer Jelly Roll Morton born 1890 in New Orleans, LA.*Â Â Morton recorded for Gennett Records, located in Richmond, Indiana. *www.smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Posted in Blog
Tagged Gennett Records, Indianapolis Jazz, indy jazz fest, jazz, jazz history, Jazz Pianist, Jelly Roll Morton
Leave a comment
Today in Jazz
Trombonist Jack Jenney records his classic version of Stardust with his own big band 1939*. Bloomington’s Hoagy Carmichael wrote the song in 1927 as Star Dust, later to have lyrics added and be renamed Stardust in 1929. *smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Miles of Raggae
I will admit that I am a Jazz fan, not a connoisseur and I have never let this definition prohibit me from enjoying Jazz. It’s through Jazz that I started to dive deeper into other genres of music that share … Continue reading
Today in Jazz
Duke Ellington records Tootinâ Through the Roof, featuring cornetist Rex Stewart and trumpeter Cootie Williams, 1939.* Â Indy’s David Young played in the Duke Ellington band under the direction of Mercer Ellington. Â *www.smithsonianjazz.org Tweet
Posted in Press Releases
Leave a comment