Pictures of Jeff Peronto Big Band

The Jeff Peronto Big Band, and the trombone quintet, Hot Cross Bones, warmed up the crowd before the Drums On Parade Drum & Bugle Corps show June 28th in Baraboo.  Here’s a link to pictures of the concert. It’s good to see Jeff Peronto appearing healthy.

Tim Whalen Nonet – jazz bursting at the seams

I hope that Jessica Steinhoff, the Isthmus writer who asked, “Whither Jazz,” attended the Tim Whalen Nonet performance last Saturday. Anyone who was at Magnus for that show can appreciate that Madison jazz is more than alive and well. When the Nonet is playing, jazz is bursting at the seams. It was the Nonet’s first Madison show in many months, and the pent up demand was more than could be contained.

Your weekly jazz: El Clan Destino

Several weeks ago in my review of El Clan Destino’s concert at Capitol Lakes, I mentioned that Nick had given me a copy of their 2004 release, “Ruckus.” I said it then and I’ll say it now, this is a great CD: a variety of interesting songs, superb musicianship, and terrific sound quality. This week Madison Jazz features El Ruckus from that CD.

El Ruckus was written by Frank Martinez, the group’s drummer, and presents the rawer, rhythmic side of El Clan Destino. It was difficult to choose just one song since each is good but presents a different side of the band. There also is From Within, a latin jazz tune by pianist, Michel Camilo; a fresh interpretation of Led Boots from the “Wired” CD by rock guitarist, Jeff Beck; and six originals by Vince Fuh. If you want to hear a sweeter, more melodic side of El Clan Destino check out Undine by Vince Fuh. This song plays in the background of their website and is their most popular song according to Nick.

The CD is available through CD Baby or at B-Side Records (on State Street) and Strictly Discs (on Monroe Street). The musicians as pictured from left to right above (with their old hair styles – Jamie is the latest to trim his locks much shorter):

Vincent Fuh – piano
Nick Moran – electric and string bass
Francisco Martinez – drums and percussion
Jamie Ryan – congas and percussion

Your Weekly Jazz: Tim Whalen Nonet

Since Tim Whalen moved to Ohio, performances by the Tim Whalen Nonet in Madison have become rare events not to be missed. This Saturday at 9:30 the Nonet brings its powerful horn driven harmonies back to the Magnus and you will want to be there. I don’t care what the polls say, the Nonet is the most popular jazz group in  Madison. Nobody brings out a larger, livelier crowd. Get there early to get a good seat!

To get you primed, Madison Jazz is featuring “Old School” from the Magnus CD released last year. This is a live CD recorded over a weekend in December 2006 and one night in November 2007. I was at 2 of the 4 nights of recording and the band was on fire as usual. 

Saturday night the Nonet will be highlighting songs from the Magnus CD. The group got its start by covering Art Blakey and the Messengers tunes but now mix in many originals and other jazz songs. The tunes on the CD traverse a  wide range of jazz styles but seven of the eight have one thing in common; they are original compositions by the leader, Tim Whalen.  You can listen to the songs and read more about the CD at CD Baby.

The soloists on “Old School” are Joel Adams and Al Falaschi. Here’s the full list of musicians:

Tim Whalen – piano/music director
Jon Schipper – trumpet
David Cooper – trumpet
Joel Adams – trombone
Al Falaschi – alto saxophone
Paul Daugherty – tenor saxophone
Anders Svanoe – baritone saxophone
Nick Moran – bass
Jamie Ryan – drums

El Clan Destino heats up Capitol Lakes

Like everyone else I don’t like to look foolish. That’s why I rarely write reviews. I’m not a professional musician or writer, and my listening skills are not much better than average, especially with Cuban and other types of Latin music. Keep that disclaimer in mind because I’m wading in anyway. The El Clan Destino concert at Capitol Lakes last Thursday deserves the spotlight. It was a night of exciting music, outstanding musicianship, and educational discussion, all at a great venue that deserves the spotlight itself.

So back to that disclaimer, I wish I were more familiar with Latin song forms. I have a friend who spent years competing in dance contests. She loves to hear Madisalsa play and knows exactly what kind of dance goes with each song. I’ll confess that when I hear Latin music it reminds me of my early experiences listening to bebop, it sounds a bit like a foreign language. I haven’t listened to it enough to have an adequate frame of reference. 

El Clan Destino in performance

  Despite this lack of familiarity El Clan Destino’s music was easy for me to get into because it is all about percussion. Between Frank Martinez on the drum kit, and Jamie Ryan on the hand drums every song has a lively bed of rhythm, sometimes almost a wall of rhythm. The bottom is anchored by Nick Moran on bass while Vince Fuh’s keyboard fireworks explode over the top. All are experts on their instruments and on Thursday all sang, with everyone except Vince taking a turn as the lead singer. Frank is a powerful baritone, and I was surprised that Nick and Jamie sing equally well since I don’t usually think of them as singers.

El Clan Destino Jazz Concert and Lecture

Next week is a good one for jazz in Madison. I’ll write about some of the other events later, but for now let’s focus on a special event this coming Thursday night: El Clan Destino will give a concert performance and lecture on their Afro-Cuban musical influences at Capitol Lakes Grand Hall at 7:30.

 El Clan Destino features music inspired by African and Cuban traditions as well as American Jazz and Funk. Their repertoire features hard-hitting renditions of works by Chucho Valdez, Michel Camilo, and Chano Dominquez (all innovators in latin jazz piano), progressive originals, and arrangements of indigenous sacred and secular vocal music of Cuba.

In addition to the musical performance, the group will provide musical and historical background on the classic, sacred, folkloric, and contemporary Afro-Cuban rhythms they use. Anyone interested in latin rhythms, latin jazz, and understanding more about the African Diaspora will want to attend.

Your Weekly Jazz: Caravan Gypsy Jazz Ensemble

This week’s Madison jazz song of the week is by Chris Ruppenthal of Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble.  “Tango Innominado“  is on their self titled CD.

You can purchase Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble online at www.uvulittle.com. The CD is also available locally (Madison, Wis.) at Spruce Tree Music, Wardbrodt Music Mall, Mother Fool’s Coffee House and at any Caravan performance.

 

Here is what others are saying about Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble:

Your weekly jazz: All That Jazz

This week we highlight All That Jazz Big Band playing “Orange Colored Sky.” This selection comes from their second CD recorded in 2000.

Arranged by Roger Holmes
Vocalist – Ann Nichols

All That Jazz is a 22 piece big band started in 1985 to capture the swing sound of the true American Big Band. All That Jazz keeps an active schedule and has played for many events throughout the Madison, WI area including the Isthmus Jazz Festival, Tunes At The Terrace, many corporate events, wedding dances, anniversaries, company picnics, private parties, and reunions. 

Keep sending in your mp3s for this weekly series. A new song is streamed each week and remains available via the archives. I expect the mix to run the gamut from traditional jazz to the avant garde. The idea is to provide a representation of Madison jazz. Mail to tniwrek AT hotmail DOT com. If your file is larger than 10 MB or you plan to snail mail a CD for me to rip then use the contact form to ask for alternate instructions. Include the name of the song, names of musicians, and any comments you want to include.

Your Weekly Jazz: Swingtime Music

This week we feature Swingtime Music playing, “I Thought About You.”

Dan Barker – piano
Francis Deck – bass
John Lombardo – drums
Donna Van Bogaert – vocals
Rob Shepard – reeds

Keep sending in your mp3s for this weekly series. A new song will be streamed each week and will remain available via the archives. I expect the mix to run the gamut from traditional jazz to the avant garde. The idea is to provide a representation of Madison jazz.

Send your mp3 to tniwrek AT hotmail DOT com or use the contact form if you want to snail mail a CD for me to rip. Include the name of the song, names of musicians, and any comments you want to include.