Jazz Baltica
Encyclopedia
Jazz Baltica is an intimate jazz festival held each summer in Schloss Salzau (Salzau Palace) close to Kiel
, Germany
, and the coast of the Baltic Sea. It differs from most other festivals in its intimacy and the access that visitors have to the musicians. Despite its relatively small size, the festival features a large number of the world's top jazz musicians, who play side by side with musicians from Northern Germany
, Scandinavia
and the Baltic countries.
Since 2002, Jazz Baltica has been conducted as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
. The festival's founder and musical director is Rainer Haarmann. The festival takes place around the first weekend of July. The dates for 2011 are 1 to 3 July, and the theme is "piano, piano – remembering Esbjörn".
Due to government funding cuts, in 2011 the festival scaled down its activities somewhat. Most noticeably, instead of having simultaneous concerts in two halls, there are fewer acts and they all appear in the main concert barn (Konzertscheune).
The festival begins on Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday night. It concentrates on music from the time periods of bebop through to contemporary jazz with a smattering of world music; there is no Dixieland, and unlike so-called jazz festivals such as Montreux, there is no rock, no hip-hop and no rap. True to its name, Jazz Baltica is devoted only to jazz.
Besides the concerts that require tickets, there are also free midday concerts by young local musicians and free late-night jam sessions in the main palace building starting about 11 p.m. and often going on until dawn. On occasion, some of the biggest stars also join in the jam sessions.
For the last several years, the festival has had a specific focus:
2011: "piano, piano – remembering Esbjörn"
2010: "With Friends"
2009: "Big Band Battle"
2008: "on sax"
2007: "trumpet and vibes"
2006: "on piano"
2005: "on drums"
Because of the festival grounds' semi-remote location, there are no hotels in the immediate vicinity, which means that many musicians take advantage of overnight accommodations directly on the festival grounds. For the most part, concert goers are locals who drive home after the concerts, and a large number stay overnight in camper vans or tents. It is not unusual to see world-famous musicians casually walking along the festival grounds, and they are very approachable for conversation or autographs. The stage entrances to the two concert halls are also easily accessible to the public, and the jazz stars are generally willing to take a few moments to sign autographs or have their picture taken.
In 2011, all paid concerts are held in the Konzertscheune (Concert Barn, seating for approximately 1400). There is no reserved seating, which means that anyone attending has an opportunity to get great seats, although VIPs are given entry to the hall a few minutes before general admission. By standing in line for an hour or so (the queue for the Concert Barn has a covered area to protect against rain), it is possible to get excellent seats in the first few rows; getting in line is recommended because the Concert Barn is somewhat narrow but deep, approximately 30 seats across.
Public transportation to the Salzau compound is extremely limited with only one or two scheduled buses each day. Those few visitors fly in from out of town almost always rent a car. It is best to fly into Hamburg; the drive to Salzau is roughly 90 minutes. Finding the grounds is not easy for the first-timer. Salzau is located just north of the village of Fargau. Coming north from Hamburg, take the Autobahn to Kiel; from there, go east on Route 76; in Raisdorf pick up Route 202, and after 4 km turn north towards Schlesen; then drive east towards Fargau.
There is ample parking in nearby farm fields at no charge. Cars are not allowed on the festival grounds except to let campers move their gear on and off the campsites.
A few people stay at hotels in the general area. The closest reasonably large hotel, where the TV staff who record the concerts for later broadcast, often stay at Witt's Gasthof in Krummbek
, which is roughly 12 km north of Salzau. There are also many hotels in Kiel, and an alternative is to rent a cottage at the seaside resorts near Schoenberg. Getting a taxi from Salzau back to these locations late at night is possible, but expect to wait half an hour or more for the taxi to arrive for a pickup. The vast majority of people who do not drive home prefer to stay overnight in tents or vans without the worry of drinking and driving when extremely tired upon leaving the late-night jam sessions (which are free).
The organizers provide portable showers for campers' use at no charge. In addition, on nice days, some people walk 10 minutes to the nearby lake (Selenter See
) and take a short swim; to get there, follow the dirt road heading south from behind and away from the palace's own pond, cross the street and walk down the boat ramp into the water. If you forget a swimsuit, don't worry—people have simply taken off their clothes and walked into the water.
Kiel
Kiel is the capital and most populous city in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, with a population of 238,049 .Kiel is approximately north of Hamburg. Due to its geographic location in the north of Germany, the southeast of the Jutland peninsula, and the southwestern shore of the...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, and the coast of the Baltic Sea. It differs from most other festivals in its intimacy and the access that visitors have to the musicians. Despite its relatively small size, the festival features a large number of the world's top jazz musicians, who play side by side with musicians from Northern Germany
Northern Germany
- Geography :The key terrain features of North Germany are the marshes along the coastline of the North Sea and Baltic Sea, and the geest and heaths inland. Also prominent are the low hills of the Baltic Uplands, the ground moraines, end moraines, sandur, glacial valleys, bogs, and Luch...
, Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
and the Baltic countries.
Since 2002, Jazz Baltica has been conducted as part of the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival
The Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival is a classical music festival held every year in summer time all over the state of Schleswig-Holstein in Northern Germany....
. The festival's founder and musical director is Rainer Haarmann. The festival takes place around the first weekend of July. The dates for 2011 are 1 to 3 July, and the theme is "piano, piano – remembering Esbjörn".
Due to government funding cuts, in 2011 the festival scaled down its activities somewhat. Most noticeably, instead of having simultaneous concerts in two halls, there are fewer acts and they all appear in the main concert barn (Konzertscheune).
Program makeup
What makes this festival so unique is its intimate nature due to the relatively small concert venues, which limits the number of attendees to several thousand on any given day. This gives attendees unusually close-up access to world-renowned jazz artists; it is an autograph collector's dream. This list of musicians who have made appearances (see highlights) is astounding considering the size of the festival. This is also thanks to the unusual and intimate atmosphere, which the musicians appear to enjoy very much as a change of pace. Where else can they sit outdoors in palace grounds in the sun, next to a small lake, and enjoy a meal? A large number of the musicians stay on the festival grounds rather than at a hotel, which lends to them hanging around with each other more than they might otherwise do.The festival begins on Friday afternoon and runs through Sunday night. It concentrates on music from the time periods of bebop through to contemporary jazz with a smattering of world music; there is no Dixieland, and unlike so-called jazz festivals such as Montreux, there is no rock, no hip-hop and no rap. True to its name, Jazz Baltica is devoted only to jazz.
Besides the concerts that require tickets, there are also free midday concerts by young local musicians and free late-night jam sessions in the main palace building starting about 11 p.m. and often going on until dawn. On occasion, some of the biggest stars also join in the jam sessions.
For the last several years, the festival has had a specific focus:
2011: "piano, piano – remembering Esbjörn"
2010: "With Friends"
2009: "Big Band Battle"
2008: "on sax"
2007: "trumpet and vibes"
2006: "on piano"
2005: "on drums"
Location
The festival takes place at the Schloss Salzau, a small palace-like compound located in the northern German state of Schleswig Holstein about 20 km east of Kiel and 10 km south of the Baltic Sea.Because of the festival grounds' semi-remote location, there are no hotels in the immediate vicinity, which means that many musicians take advantage of overnight accommodations directly on the festival grounds. For the most part, concert goers are locals who drive home after the concerts, and a large number stay overnight in camper vans or tents. It is not unusual to see world-famous musicians casually walking along the festival grounds, and they are very approachable for conversation or autographs. The stage entrances to the two concert halls are also easily accessible to the public, and the jazz stars are generally willing to take a few moments to sign autographs or have their picture taken.
In 2011, all paid concerts are held in the Konzertscheune (Concert Barn, seating for approximately 1400). There is no reserved seating, which means that anyone attending has an opportunity to get great seats, although VIPs are given entry to the hall a few minutes before general admission. By standing in line for an hour or so (the queue for the Concert Barn has a covered area to protect against rain), it is possible to get excellent seats in the first few rows; getting in line is recommended because the Concert Barn is somewhat narrow but deep, approximately 30 seats across.
Logistics
Tickets for the most-popular acts sell out very quickly on the day sales open up. The same typically goes for Festival Tickets, which are good for all concerts from Friday through Sunday. For out-of-towners, persistent calling to the ticket hotline (using the redial button) starting as soon as the telephone lines open up on the first day of sales is generally successful.Public transportation to the Salzau compound is extremely limited with only one or two scheduled buses each day. Those few visitors fly in from out of town almost always rent a car. It is best to fly into Hamburg; the drive to Salzau is roughly 90 minutes. Finding the grounds is not easy for the first-timer. Salzau is located just north of the village of Fargau. Coming north from Hamburg, take the Autobahn to Kiel; from there, go east on Route 76; in Raisdorf pick up Route 202, and after 4 km turn north towards Schlesen; then drive east towards Fargau.
There is ample parking in nearby farm fields at no charge. Cars are not allowed on the festival grounds except to let campers move their gear on and off the campsites.
A few people stay at hotels in the general area. The closest reasonably large hotel, where the TV staff who record the concerts for later broadcast, often stay at Witt's Gasthof in Krummbek
Krummbek
Krummbek is a municipality in the district of Plön, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany....
, which is roughly 12 km north of Salzau. There are also many hotels in Kiel, and an alternative is to rent a cottage at the seaside resorts near Schoenberg. Getting a taxi from Salzau back to these locations late at night is possible, but expect to wait half an hour or more for the taxi to arrive for a pickup. The vast majority of people who do not drive home prefer to stay overnight in tents or vans without the worry of drinking and driving when extremely tired upon leaving the late-night jam sessions (which are free).
Camping
Camping on the festival grounds is free in designated areas and is well organized. The first campers arrive on Thursday afternoon to take the choice spots with most people arriving on Friday afternoon/evening. Out-of-town campers would be well advised to stop at a supermarket on their drive from Hamburg for basic supplies (water, alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages, snacks) given that there are no stores in the nearby vicinity of the festival grounds. Although some people set up a small grill, plenty of food and beverages are available from vendor stands on the grounds even until late hours. In the mornings, a breakfast buffet open to the public is set up in the main palace building.The organizers provide portable showers for campers' use at no charge. In addition, on nice days, some people walk 10 minutes to the nearby lake (Selenter See
Selenter See
The Selenter See is the second-largest lake in the North German state of Schleswig-Holstein, after the Großer Plöner See. It lies at an elevation of and has an area of 22.4 km²....
) and take a short swim; to get there, follow the dirt road heading south from behind and away from the palace's own pond, cross the street and walk down the boat ramp into the water. If you forget a swimsuit, don't worry—people have simply taken off their clothes and walked into the water.
Highlights from 2011 and previous years
| Year | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Pat Metheny Pat Metheny Patrick Bruce "Pat" Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer.One of the most successful and critically acclaimed jazz musicians to come to prominence in the 1970s and '80s, he is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works and other side projects... , NDR Big Band, Joe Sample Joe Sample Joseph Leslie "Joe" Sample is an American pianist, keyboard player and composer.He is one of the founding members of the Jazz Crusaders, the band which became simply The Crusaders in 1971, and remained a part of the group until its final album in 1991 .- Biography :Sample began playing the piano... , Nils Landgren, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews Troy Andrews Troy Andrews , also known by the stage name Trombone Shorty is a trombone and trumpet player from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He has worked in jazz, funk and rap music. Andrews is the younger brother of trumpeter and bandleader James Andrews as well as the grandson of singer and... , Clara Haberkamp, Chris Gall, Don Friedman Don Friedman Donald Ernest Friedman , better known as Don Friedman, is a jazz pianist. On the West Coast, he performed with Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Buddy DeFranco and Ornette Coleman, among others, before moving to New York... , Dave Douglas Dave Douglas (trumpeter) Dave Douglas is an American jazz trumpeter and composer whose music derives from many non-jazz musical styles, including classical music, folk music from European countries and Klezmer. He has been a member of the experimental big band Orange Then Blue... , Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin is an American jazz saxophonist.McCaslin's father was a vibraphonist, and he played in his father's ensemble at the age of twelve. He had his own group in high school which played three years at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He studied under Paul Contos and Brad Hecht, both of whom... , Michael Wollny Michael Wollny Michael Wollny is a German jazz pianist.- Selected discography :*Wollny / Kriener / Leyh: CDNR3 *Heinz Sauer / Michael Wollny: Melancholia *Young Friends: Great German Song Book... , Martin Wind, Nik Bärtsch Nik Bärtsch Nik Bärtsch is a Swiss pianist, composer and producer from Zurich. He lives in Zurich and Berlin. He began studying piano and percussion at the age of 8. In 1997 he graduated from the Musikhochschule Zürich. Between the years of 1989 and 2001 he studied philosophy, linguistics and musicology at... , Vijay Iyer Vijay Iyer Vijay Iyer is a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, producer, electronic musician, and writer based in New York City.-Biography:Born in 1971 and raised in Rochester, New York, Vijay Iyer is the son of Indian Tamil immigrants to the US. He received 15 years of Western classical training on violin... , Magnus Öström, Dan Berglund, Stefan Rusconi, Lars Danielsson Lars Danielsson Lars Danielsson is a Swedish jazz bassist, composer and record producer.-Biography:Lars Danielsson was educated at the Music Conservatory in Gothenburg. He plays double bass, electric bass and cello... , João Bosco João Bosco João Bosco de Freitas Mucci, better known as João Bosco is a noted Brazilian singer-songwriter with a distinctive style as a guitarist... , Theo Bleckmann Theo Bleckmann Theo Bleckmann is a vocalist and composer.-Biography:Theo Bleckmann is a jazz singer and new music composer, he was GRAMMY NOMINATED and received the ECHO award in 2010... , Joachim Kühn Joachim Kühn -Biography:Kühn was a musical prodigy and made his debut as a concert pianist, having studied classical piano and composition with Arthur Schmidt-Elsey. Influenced by his elder brother, clarinetist Rolf Kühn, he simultaneously got interested in jazz. In 1961 he became a professional jazz musician.... , Rolf Kühn Rolf Kühn Rolf Kühn . is a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist.He lived in the United States from 1956–59 and drew favourable reviews, for example a comparison with Benny Goodman by John H. Hammond.... , Cæcilie Norby Cæcilie Norby Cæcilie Norby is a Danish jazz and rock singer. She was born in Frederiksberg into a musical family. Her father is composer Erik Norby, and her mother is an opera singer. In 1985 she had her first commercial success as a singer of the jazz / rock band Frontline... , Bunky Green Bunky Green Bunky Green is an American jazz alto saxophonist and educator.-Biography:Vernice "Bunky" Green was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he played the alto saxophone, mainly at a local club called "The Brass Rail."... , Rudresh Mahanthappa Rudresh Mahanthappa Rudresh Mahanthappa is a New York-based jazz alto saxophonist and composer.Mahanthappa was born in Trieste, Italy, and grew up in Boulder, Colorado. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1992 and received his Master of Fine Arts degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University... , Alex Riel Alex Riel Alex Riel, , is a Danish jazz and rock drummer. His first group Alex Riel/Palle Mikkelborg Quintet won Montreux Grand Prix Award at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1968 and it was published in Billboards June 1968 edition.-Biography:Riel has recorded with, among others, Kenny Drew, Kenny Werner, Bob... |
| 2010 | McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.-Early life:... , Nils Landgren, Michael Wollny Michael Wollny Michael Wollny is a German jazz pianist.- Selected discography :*Wollny / Kriener / Leyh: CDNR3 *Heinz Sauer / Michael Wollny: Melancholia *Young Friends: Great German Song Book... , Don Friedman Don Friedman Donald Ernest Friedman , better known as Don Friedman, is a jazz pianist. On the West Coast, he performed with Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Buddy DeFranco and Ornette Coleman, among others, before moving to New York... , Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin is an American jazz saxophonist.McCaslin's father was a vibraphonist, and he played in his father's ensemble at the age of twelve. He had his own group in high school which played three years at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He studied under Paul Contos and Brad Hecht, both of whom... , Kate McGarry, Céu CEU CEU may refer to:*Continuing education units in the United States*Central European University in Budapest, Hungary*College of Eastern Utah*Centro Escolar University in the Philippines*Centro de Estudios Universitarios in Spain... , Joe Locke Joe Locke Joseph Paul Locke is a US American jazz vibraphonist, composer, recording artist and educator.-Biography:Locke was born in Palo Alto, California, but raised in Rochester, New York... , Wolfgang Haffner Wolfgang Haffner He is currently associated with the band Wolf Gang Haffner.Wolfgang Haffner is a German jazz drummer with an extensive discography.-Discography:* 2009 – Round Silence* 2008 – Acoustic Shapes... , Vladislav Sendecki Vladislav Sendecki Vladislav Sendecki is a Polish jazz pianist. In Polish, his name is spelled Władysław Sendecki.Sendecki studied at the Fryderyk Chopin Music Academy and the Academy of Music in Krakow... , Piotr Wylezol, Portico Quartet Portico Quartet Portico Quartet are a 4-piece modern jazz group from London and Southampton. Their sound is made distinctive by the use of the Hang, a 21st Century percussion instrument used on all their tracks. The group is composed of Jack Wyllie , Duncan Bellamy , Milo Fitzpatrick , and Keir Vine... , Marcus Strickland Marcus Strickland Marcus Strickland is a jazz soprano, alto and tenor saxophonist who grew up in Miami, Florida who currently lives in New York... , Dave Holland Dave Holland Dave Holland is an English jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader who has been performing and recording for five decades. He has lived in the United States for 40 years.... , Pepe Habichuela, Lars Danielsson Lars Danielsson Lars Danielsson is a Swedish jazz bassist, composer and record producer.-Biography:Lars Danielsson was educated at the Music Conservatory in Gothenburg. He plays double bass, electric bass and cello... , Charles Lloyd, Jason Moran, Mathias Eick Mathias Eick Mathias Eick is a Norwegian jazz musician born near the town of Eidsfoss in the county of Vestfold, Norway. He is mainly known as a musician on the jazz label ECM Records. His main instrument is the trumpet, but he also plays double bass, vibraphone, piano and guitar.In his lifetime Eick has... , Martin Wind, Matt Wilson, Chris Potter Chris Potter (jazz saxophonist) Chris Potter is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.-Biography:Born in Chicago, Illinois, Potter spent most of his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina where his mother taught psychology at the University of South Carolina... , Anke Helfrich, Barbara Buchholz Barbara Buchholz Barbara Buchholz is a Berlin-based german musician and composer. She is one of the leading Theremin-players of the world.- Life :... , Benny Green Benny Green (pianist) Benny Green is a hard bop jazz pianist who was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He has been compared to Bud Powell in style and counts him as an influence. As a boy he grew up in Berkeley, California and studied classical piano from the age of seven... , Edmar Castañeda Edmar Castañeda Edmar Castañeda is a Colombian harpist. He performs his own compositions as well as tapping into native Music of Colombia, Music of Venezuela; Joropo and Music of Argentina, Zamba. He tours regularly as the leader of the Edmar Castañeda Trio, together with David Silliman on drums/percussion and... , Mark Turner Mark Turner (musician) Mark Turner is a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist with several recordings to his credit.-Biographical information:Born in Fairborn, Ohio, and raised in Southern California, Turner originally intended to become a commercial artist. In elementary school he played the clarinet, followed by the alto... , Eva Kruse, Steve Swallow Steve Swallow Steve Swallow is a jazz double bass and bass guitarist and composer born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.One of the leading bassists in jazz, Swallow is noted for collaborations with Jimmy Giuffre, Gary Burton and Carla Bley... , Adam Nussbaum Adam Nussbaum -Biography:Nussbaum grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut and started to play drums at age 12 after studying piano for five years. He also played bass and saxophone as a teenager. He moved to New York City in 1975 to attend The Davis Center for Performing Arts at City College... |
| 2009 | The Claudia Quintet The Claudia Quintet The Claudia Quintet is an "eclectic post-jazz" ensemble formed by drummer and composer John Hollenbeck.-Personnel:*Drew Gress – double bass*John Hollenbeck – drums, percussion, composition*Matt Moran – vibraphone*Ted Reichman – accordion... , Nils Landgren, Joe Locke Joe Locke Joseph Paul Locke is a US American jazz vibraphonist, composer, recording artist and educator.-Biography:Locke was born in Palo Alto, California, but raised in Rochester, New York... , Barbara Buchholz Barbara Buchholz Barbara Buchholz is a Berlin-based german musician and composer. She is one of the leading Theremin-players of the world.- Life :... , Mayra Andrade Mayra Andrade Mayra Andrade is a Cape Verdean singer who lives and records in Paris, France.Andrade was born in Cuba but grew up in Senegal, Angola, and Germany. However, she spent around two months of the year in the Cape Verdean island of Santiago... , Steve Swallow Steve Swallow Steve Swallow is a jazz double bass and bass guitarist and composer born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.One of the leading bassists in jazz, Swallow is noted for collaborations with Jimmy Giuffre, Gary Burton and Carla Bley... , Joachim Kühn Joachim Kühn -Biography:Kühn was a musical prodigy and made his debut as a concert pianist, having studied classical piano and composition with Arthur Schmidt-Elsey. Influenced by his elder brother, clarinetist Rolf Kühn, he simultaneously got interested in jazz. In 1961 he became a professional jazz musician.... , Maria Schneider Maria Schneider (musician) Maria Schneider is an American arranger, composer, and big-band leader who has won multiple awards. In 2005, her album Concert in the Garden won a Grammy for "Best Large Ensemble Album"... , Don Friedman Don Friedman Donald Ernest Friedman , better known as Don Friedman, is a jazz pianist. On the West Coast, he performed with Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Buddy DeFranco and Ornette Coleman, among others, before moving to New York... , Joe LaBarbera Joe LaBarbera Joe LaBarbera is an American jazz drummer and composer. He is best known for his recordings and live performances with the trio of pianist Bill Evans in the final years of Evans's career. Prior to joining Evans he worked in the quartet of Chuck Mangione and Joe Farrell.- Early life :He was born... , Stanley Cowell Stanley Cowell Stanley Cowell is an American jazz pianist and founder of the Strata-East Records label. He played with Roland Kirk while studying at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and later with Marion Brown, Max Roach, Bobby Hutcherson, Clifford Jordan, Harold Land, Sonny Rollins and Stan Getz... , Hank Jones Hank Jones Henry "Hank" Jones was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Critics and musicians described Jones as eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable. In 1989, The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the NEA Jazz Masters Award... , James Moody James Moody (saxophonist) James Moody was an American jazz saxophone and flute player. He was best known for his hit "Moody's Mood for Love," an improvisation based on "I'm in the Mood for Love"; in performance, he often improvised vocals for the tune.-Biography:James Moody was born in Savannah, Georgia... , Edmar Castañeda Edmar Castañeda Edmar Castañeda is a Colombian harpist. He performs his own compositions as well as tapping into native Music of Colombia, Music of Venezuela; Joropo and Music of Argentina, Zamba. He tours regularly as the leader of the Edmar Castañeda Trio, together with David Silliman on drums/percussion and... , Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, NDR Big Band, Bunky Green Bunky Green Bunky Green is an American jazz alto saxophonist and educator.-Biography:Vernice "Bunky" Green was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he played the alto saxophone, mainly at a local club called "The Brass Rail."... , Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin is an American jazz saxophonist.McCaslin's father was a vibraphonist, and he played in his father's ensemble at the age of twelve. He had his own group in high school which played three years at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He studied under Paul Contos and Brad Hecht, both of whom... , Miguel Zenón Miguel Zenon Miguel Zenón is an alto saxophonist, composer and bandleader.-Biography:Miguel Zenón was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While studying at the Escuela Libre de Musica in San Juan, he won a scholarship to the “Berklee in Puerto Rico” program of the Berklee College of Music and a scholarship to... , Ashley Kahn Ashley Kahn Ashley Kahn is an American music historian, journalist, and producer. He is also an adjunct professor at New York University, teaching various courses for the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music in NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and at 92nd Street Y in Manhattan.His most critically acclaimed... , Jimmy Katz, Michael Wollny Michael Wollny Michael Wollny is a German jazz pianist.- Selected discography :*Wollny / Kriener / Leyh: CDNR3 *Heinz Sauer / Michael Wollny: Melancholia *Young Friends: Great German Song Book... , Bohuslän Big Band Bohuslän Big Band The Bohuslän Big Band is a modern jazz ensemble from Sweden which started as a military orchestra in the 19th century. They play original music as well as compositions by Lars Jansson, Maria Schneider, Frank Zappa and others.... , George Mraz George Mraz George Mraz is a jazz bassist and alto saxophonist. He was a member of Oscar Peterson's group, and has worked with Stan Getz, Tommy Flanagan, Chet Baker and many other important jazz musicians... , Martin Wind. |
| 2008 | Jay Anderson, Brian Blade Brian Blade Brian Blade in Shreveport, Louisiana is an American jazz drummer, composer, session musician, and singer-songwriter.-Early years:... , Ornette Coleman Ornette Coleman Ornette Coleman is an American saxophonist, violinist, trumpeter and composer. He was one of the major innovators of the free jazz movement of the 1960s.... , Ravi Coltrane Ravi Coltrane Ravi Coltrane is an American post-bop jazz saxophonist. Co-owner of the record label RKM Music, he has produced artists such as pianist Luis Perdomo , guitarist David Gilmore and trumpeter Ralph Alessi.... , Stefano di Battista Stefano di Battista Stefano di Battista is an Italian jazz saxophonist who plays soprano and alto.He was born in Rome. He began playing at thirteen with friends and became interested in jazz on hearing Art Pepper. In Italy he received guidance from Massimo Urbani and by his twenties di Battista was performing in Paris... , Dave Douglas Dave Douglas (trumpeter) Dave Douglas is an American jazz trumpeter and composer whose music derives from many non-jazz musical styles, including classical music, folk music from European countries and Klezmer. He has been a member of the experimental big band Orange Then Blue... , Don Friedman Don Friedman Donald Ernest Friedman , better known as Don Friedman, is a jazz pianist. On the West Coast, he performed with Dexter Gordon, Chet Baker, Buddy DeFranco and Ornette Coleman, among others, before moving to New York... , Rosario Giuliani, Bunky Green Bunky Green Bunky Green is an American jazz alto saxophonist and educator.-Biography:Vernice "Bunky" Green was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he played the alto saxophone, mainly at a local club called "The Brass Rail."... , Vijay Iyer Vijay Iyer Vijay Iyer is a jazz pianist, composer, bandleader, producer, electronic musician, and writer based in New York City.-Biography:Born in 1971 and raised in Rochester, New York, Vijay Iyer is the son of Indian Tamil immigrants to the US. He received 15 years of Western classical training on violin... , Hank Jones Hank Jones Henry "Hank" Jones was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Critics and musicians described Jones as eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable. In 1989, The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the NEA Jazz Masters Award... , Grace Kelly, Lee Konitz Lee Konitz Lee Konitz is an American jazz composer and alto saxophonist born in Chicago, Illinois.Generally considered one of the driving forces of Cool Jazz, Konitz has also performed successfully in bebop and avant-garde settings... , Jonathan Kreisberg, Steve Kuhn Steve Kuhn Steve Kuhn is an American jazz pianist, composer and trio leader.-Biography:He began studying piano at the age of five and studied under Boston piano teacher Margaret Chaloff, mother of jazz baritone saxophonist Serge Chaloff, who taught him the "Russian style" of piano playing. At an early age he... , Joe LaBarbera Joe LaBarbera Joe LaBarbera is an American jazz drummer and composer. He is best known for his recordings and live performances with the trio of pianist Bill Evans in the final years of Evans's career. Prior to joining Evans he worked in the quartet of Chuck Mangione and Joe Farrell.- Early life :He was born... , Dave Liebman Dave Liebman Dave Liebman is an American saxophonist and flautist. In June 2010, he received a NEA Jazz Masters lifetime achievement award from the National Endowment for the Arts.-Biography:... , Joe Locke Joe Locke Joseph Paul Locke is a US American jazz vibraphonist, composer, recording artist and educator.-Biography:Locke was born in Palo Alto, California, but raised in Rochester, New York... , Joe Lovano Joe Lovano Joseph Salvatore "Joe" Lovano is a post bop jazz saxophonist, alto clarinetist, flautist, and drummer. Since the late 1980s, Lovano has been one of the world's premiere tenor saxophone players, earning a Grammy award and several nods on Down Beat magazine's critics' and readers' polls... , Rudresh Mahanthappa Rudresh Mahanthappa Rudresh Mahanthappa is a New York-based jazz alto saxophonist and composer.Mahanthappa was born in Trieste, Italy, and grew up in Boulder, Colorado. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 1992 and received his Master of Fine Arts degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University... , Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin Donny McCaslin is an American jazz saxophonist.McCaslin's father was a vibraphonist, and he played in his father's ensemble at the age of twelve. He had his own group in high school which played three years at the Monterey Jazz Festival. He studied under Paul Contos and Brad Hecht, both of whom... , Wayne Shorter Wayne Shorter Wayne Shorter is an American jazz saxophonist and composer.He is generally acknowledged to be jazz's greatest living composer, and many of his compositions have become standards... , Martin Wind. |
| 2007 | Steven Bernstein, Randy Brecker Randy Brecker Randal "Randy" Brecker is an American trumpeter and flugelhornist. He is a highly sought after performer in the genres of jazz, rock, and R&B, and has performed or recorded with Stanley Turrentine, Billy Cobham, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Sandip Burman, Charles Mingus, Blood, Sweat & Tears,... , Gary Burton Gary Burton Gary Burton is an American jazz vibraphonist.A true original on the vibraphone, Burton developed a pianistic style of four-mallet technique as an alternative to the usual two-mallets. This approach caused Burton to be heralded as an innovator and his sound and technique are widely imitated... , Uri Caine Uri Caine Uri Caine is an American classical and jazz pianist and composer.-Early years:The son of Burton Caine, a professor at Temple Law School, Caine began playing piano at seven and studied with French jazz pianist Bernard Peiffer at 12. He later studied at the University of Pennsylvania where he came... , Chick Corea Chick Corea Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer.Many of his compositions are considered jazz standards. As a member of Miles Davis' band in the 1960s, he participated in the birth of the electric jazz fusion movement. In the 1970s he formed Return to Forever... , Joey DeFrancesco Joey DeFrancesco Joey DeFrancesco is an American jazz organist, trumpeter, and vocalist. Down Beat's Critics and Readers Poll selected him as the top jazz organist every year since 2003.DeFrancesco was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania... , Dave Douglas, Don Friedman, Paolo Fresu Paolo Fresu Paolo Fresu is a trumpet and flugelhorn jazz player, as well as an arranger of music, and music composer.-Career:Fresu was born in Berchidda, Sardinia. He picked up the trumpet at the age of 11, and played in the band Bernardo de Muro in his home town Berchidda... , Richard Galliano Richard Galliano Richard Galliano is a French accordionist.-Biography:He was drawn to music at an early age, starting with the accordion at 4, influenced by his father Lucien, an accordionist originally from Italy, living in Nice.After a long and intense period of study Richard Galliano (born December 12, 1950,... , Bunky Green, Bobby Hutcherson Bobby Hutcherson Bobby Hutcherson is a jazz vibraphone and marimba player. His vibraphone playing is suggestive of the style of Milt Jackson in its free-flowing melodicism, but his sense of harmony and group interaction is thoroughly modern... , Geoffrey Keezer, Femi Kuti Femi Kuti Olufela Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti popularly known as Femi Kuti, is a Nigerian musician and the eldest son of afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.... , Joe Locke, Renee Rosnes Renee Rosnes Irene Louise Rosnes , professionally known as Renee Rosnes , is a pianist, composer and arranger in the hard bop and post-bop mediums.-Biography:... , Trio da Paz Trio da Paz Trio da Paz are a Brazilian jazz group, one of the most visible in the world.Formed in 1986, they consist of Romero Lubambo on guitar, Nilson Matta on bass and Duduka da Fonseca on drums and percussion.... , SFJAZZ Collective SFJAZZ Collective The SFJAZZ Collective is a jazz ensemble comprising eight performer/composers. Launched in 2004 by , a West Coast non-profit jazz institution and the presenter of the annual San Francisco Jazz Festival, with funding from the James Irvine Foundation, the Collective was critically acclaimed by The... . |
| 2006 | Kenny Barron Kenny Barron Kenny Barron , is an American jazz pianist. He is the younger brother of tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, and known for his lyrical, adaptive style.-Biography:... , Stefano Bollani Stefano Bollani Stefano Bollani is an Italian jazz pianist from Milan.He made his professional debut at fifteen and received his diploma in piano from the Conservatorio Luigi Cherubini in Florence. He performs classical music, smooth jazz, avant-garde jazz, Brazilian jazz, and pop rock... , Scott Colley Scott Colley Scott Colley is an American jazz bassist and Composer.Scott has performed extensively in bands led by: Herbie Hancock, Jim Hall, Andrew Hill, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Pat Metheny, Carmen McRae, Edward Simon, Adam Rogers, Brian Blade, David Binney, Antonio Sanchez, Kenny Werner... , Stefano di Battista, Don Friedman, Bill Frisell Bill Frisell William Richard "Bill" Frisell is an American guitarist and composer.One of the leading guitarists in jazz since the late 1980s, Frisell's eclectic music touches on progressive folk, classical music, country music, noise and more... , Benny Golson Benny Golson Benny Golson is an American bebop/hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger.-Biography:While in high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Golson played with several other promising young musicians, including John Coltrane, Red Garland, Jimmy Heath, Percy Heath, Philly Joe Jones, and... , Tord Gustavsen Tord Gustavsen Tord Gustavsen is a jazz pianist. Before studying music, Gustavsen finished a degree in psychology. He studied jazz at the Conservatory of Music Trondheim and jazz theory at the University of Oslo. He has toured internationally several times has been a bandleader of a trio and a later ensemble... , Brad Mehldau Brad Mehldau Brad Mehldau is an American jazz pianist. Besides leading his own group, the Brad Mehldau Trio, he has performed with many renowned artists, including Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Larry Grenadier, Peter Bernstein, Jeff Ballard, Joshua Redman, Christian McBride, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Kurt... , Raul Midón Raul Midón Raúl Midón is a singer-songwriter and guitarist from New Mexico, based in New York City. He combines his distinct voice, strumming, beats, and vocal mouth trumpet sounds to create a one-man performance. His unique style shows influence of virtually every musical genre which came before him,... , Mulgrew Miller Mulgrew Miller Mulgrew Miller is an American jazz pianist who performs in a number of jazz idioms. He began his career as member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.-Biography:... , Pat Metheny Pat Metheny Patrick Bruce "Pat" Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer.One of the most successful and critically acclaimed jazz musicians to come to prominence in the 1970s and '80s, he is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works and other side projects... , Austin Peralta Austin Peralta Austin Peralta is a musician and composer He had two CD's released by CBS/Sony in Japan by the age of 16.Peralta is a piano player, devoted to music from his very young years when he started taking piano lessons at age 6, and continued his music studies with Eleanor Lindboe and Sara Banta at... , NDR Bigband, Antonio Sanchez, Terell Stafford Terell Stafford Terell Stafford is a professional jazz trumpet player and current Director of Jazz Studies at Temple University.Terell Stafford born in Miami, Florida and raised in both Chicago, Illinois and Silver Spring, Maryland. He went on to get a degree in music education from University of Maryland in 1988... , Bobo Stenson Bobo Stenson Bo Gustav Stenson is a Swedish jazz pianist. Stenson was noted as early as 1963, when he stepped up from the local scene in Västerås to start playing frequently in Stockholm, where he accompanied a long line of visiting American players including Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and Gary Burton... , Marcus Strickland Marcus Strickland Marcus Strickland is a jazz soprano, alto and tenor saxophonist who grew up in Miami, Florida who currently lives in New York... , Cedar Walton Cedar Walton Cedar Anthony Walton, Junior is an American hard bop jazz pianist.-Biography:Walton grew up in Dallas, Texas. His mother was an aspiring concert pianist, and was Walton's initial teacher. She also took him to jazz performances around Dallas... , Lizz Wright Lizz Wright Lizz Wright is an American jazz/R&B singer and composer.Wright was born in the small town of Hahira in the US state of Georgia; one of three children and the daughter of a minister and the musical director of their Church. She started singing gospel music and playing piano in church as a child,... . |
| 2005 | Brian Blade, Till Brönner Till Brönner Till Brönner is a German jazz musician, trumpet player, singer, composer, arranger and producer. He has a unique jazz approach influenced by bebop and fusion jazz, but also modern pop music, movie soundtracks , country music and even German pop songs... , Ravi Coltrane, Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette Jack DeJohnette Jack DeJohnette is an American jazz drummer, pianist, and composer. He is one of the most influential jazz drummers of the 20th century, due to extensive work as leader and sideman for musicians like Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Keith Jarrett and Sonny... , Don Friedman, Gilberto Gil Gilberto Gil Gilberto Passos Gil Moreira , better known as Gilberto Gil or , is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter, known for both his musical innovation and political commitment... , Trilok Gurtu, Jim Hall Jim Hall (musician) James Stanley Hall is an American jazz guitarist.-Biography:Educated at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Hall moved to Los Angeles where he began to attract national, and then international, attention in the late 1950s... , Roy Haynes Roy Haynes Roy Owen Haynes is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. Haynes is among the most recorded drummers in jazz, and in a career lasting more than 60 years has played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing and bebop to jazz fusion and avant-garde jazz... , Hank Jones, Geoffrey Keezer, Joe Lovano, Nils Petter Molvær Nils Petter Molvær Nils Petter Molvær also known as NPM is a Norwegian jazz trumpeter, composer, and producer. Molvær is considered a pioneer in fusing jazz and electronic music, showcased on his best-selling album Khmer, released by the German record label ECM in October 1997 in Europe and early 1998 in North... , George Mraz George Mraz George Mraz is a jazz bassist and alto saxophonist. He was a member of Oscar Peterson's group, and has worked with Stan Getz, Tommy Flanagan, Chet Baker and many other important jazz musicians... , Lewis Nash Lewis Nash Lewis Nash is an American jazz drummer. According to Modern Drummer magazine, Nash has one of the longest discographies in jazz. and has played on over 400 records by musicians, earning him the honor of being named Jazz's Most Valuable Player by the magazine in it's May, 2009 issue... , Oscar Peterson Oscar Peterson Oscar Emmanuel Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer. He was called the "Maharaja of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington, "O.P." by his friends. He released over 200 recordings, won seven Grammy Awards, and received other numerous awards and honours over the course of his career... , Tomasz Stanko Tomasz Stanko Tomasz Stańko is a Polish trumpeter, composer and improviser. Often recording for ECM, Stańko is strongly associated with free jazz and the avant-garde.... , Sting, Marcus Strickland. |
| 2004 | Brian Blade, Terri Lyne Carrington Terri Lyne Carrington Terri Lyne Carrington is a jazz drummer, composer, record producer and entrepreneur. She has played with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, Yellowjackets, and many more... , Herbie Hancock Herbie Hancock Herbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancock is an American pianist, bandleader and composer. As part of Miles Davis's "second great quintet," Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the "post-bop" sound... , Dave Holland Dave Holland Dave Holland is an English jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader who has been performing and recording for five decades. He has lived in the United States for 40 years.... , Bobby McFerrin Bobby McFerrin Robert "Bobby" McFerrin, Jr. is an American vocalist and conductor. He is best known for his 1988 hit song "Don't Worry, Be Happy". He is a ten-time Grammy Award winner.-Life:... , Diane Reeves, Wayne Shorter Wayne Shorter Wayne Shorter is an American jazz saxophonist and composer.He is generally acknowledged to be jazz's greatest living composer, and many of his compositions have become standards... . |
| 2003 and Previous | Ron Blake, Lester Bowie Lester Bowie Lester Bowie was an American jazz trumpet player and composer. He was a member of the AACM, and cofounded the Art Ensemble of Chicago.-Biography:... , Michael Brecker Michael Brecker Michael Leonard Brecker was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. Acknowledged as "a quiet, gentle musician widely regarded as the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane," he has been awarded 15 Grammy Awards as both performer and composer and was inducted into Down Beat Jazz... , Dee Dee Bridgewater Dee Dee Bridgewater Dee Dee Bridgewater is an American Jazz singer. She is a three-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, as well as a Tony Award - winning stage actress and host of National Public Radio's syndicated radio show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater... , Oscar Brown Jr., Rainer Brüninghaus Rainer Brüninghaus Rainer Brüninghaus is a German jazz pianist and composer.Born in Bad Pyrmont, Germany, Brüninghaus began in the jazz rock group Eiliff. In 1973 he joined the band of German jazz guitarist Volker Kriegel. In 1975 with bassist Eberhard Weber and Charlie Mariano he formed the band Colours... , Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck Dave Brubeck David Warren "Dave" Brubeck is an American jazz pianist. He has written a number of jazz standards, including "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke". Brubeck's style ranges from refined to bombastic, reflecting his mother's attempts at classical training and his improvisational skills... , Don Byron Don Byron Don Byron is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist. He primarily plays clarinet, but has also used bass clarinet and saxophones.... , James Carter James Carter (musician) James Carter is an American jazz musician.Carter was born in Detroit, Michigan and learned to play there before moving to New York City. He has been prominent as a performer and recording artist on the jazz scene since the mid-1990s, playing saxophones, flute, and bass clarinet... , Bootsy Collins Bootsy Collins William Earl "Bootsy" Collins is an American funk bassist, singer, and songwriter.Rising to prominence with James Brown in the late 1960s, and with Parliament-Funkadelic in the '70s, Collins's driving bass guitar and humorous vocals established him as one of the leading names in funk... , Klaus Doldinger Klaus Doldinger Klaus Doldinger is a German saxophonist, especially well-known for jazz and as a composer of film music. He was the recipient of 1997's Bavarian Film Awards .-Life and work:... , Robin Eubanks Robin Eubanks Robin Eubanks is an American jazz and jazz fusion slide trombonist, the brother of guitarist Kevin Eubanks and trumpeter Duane Eubanks.-Biography:... , Art Farmer Art Farmer Arthur Stewart "Art" Farmer was an American jazz trumpeter and flugelhorn player. He also played flumpet, a trumpet/flugelhorn combination designed for him by David Monette. His identical twin brother, Addison Farmer Arthur Stewart "Art" Farmer (August 21, 1928, Council Bluffs, Iowa –... , Tommy Flanagan Tommy Flanagan Thomas Lee Flanagan was an American jazz pianist born in Detroit, Michigan, particularly remembered for his work with Ella Fitzgerald... , Chico Freeman Chico Freeman Chico Freeman is a modern jazz tenor saxophonist and trumpeter and son of jazz saxophonist Von Freeman... , Andrew Hill Andrew Hill Andrew Hill was an American jazz pianist and composer.Hill is recognized as one of the most important innovators of jazz piano in the 1960s... , Jan Garbarek Jan Garbarek Jan Garbarek is a Norwegian tenor and soprano saxophonist, active in the jazz, classical, and world music genres. Garbarek was born in Mysen, Norway, the only child of a former Polish prisoner of war Czesław Garbarek and a Norwegian farmer's daughter... , Kenny Garrett Kenny Garrett Kenny Garrett is a Grammy Award-winning American post bop jazz saxophonist and flautist who gained fame in his youth as a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra and of Miles Davis's band. He has since pursued a critically acclaimed solo career... , Benny Golson Benny Golson Benny Golson is an American bebop/hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger.-Biography:While in high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Golson played with several other promising young musicians, including John Coltrane, Red Garland, Jimmy Heath, Percy Heath, Philly Joe Jones, and... , Benny Green Benny Green (pianist) Benny Green is a hard bop jazz pianist who was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He has been compared to Bud Powell in style and counts him as an influence. As a boy he grew up in Berkeley, California and studied classical piano from the age of seven... , Charlie Haden Charlie Haden Charles Edward Haden is an American jazz musician. He is a double bassist, probably best known for his long association with saxophonist Ornette Coleman... , Roy Hargrove Roy Hargrove Roy Anthony Hargrove is an American jazz trumpeter. He won worldwide notice after winning two Grammy Awards for differing types of music, in 1997, and in 2002... , Joe Henderson Joe Henderson Joe Henderson was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. In a career spanning more than forty years Henderson played with many of the leading American players of his day and recorded for several prominent labels, including Blue Note.-Early life:From a very large family with five sisters and nine... , Dave Holland Dave Holland Dave Holland is an English jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader who has been performing and recording for five decades. He has lived in the United States for 40 years.... , Abdullah Ibrahim Abdullah Ibrahim Abdullah Ibrahim , born Adolph Johannes Brand, 9 October 1934 in Cape Town, South Africa, and formerly known as Dollar Brand, is a South African pianist and composer... , Milt Jackson Milt Jackson Milton "Bags" Jackson was an American jazz vibraphonist, usually thought of as a bebop player, although he performed in several jazz idioms... , Ahmad Jamal Ahmad Jamal Ahmad Jamal is an innovative and influential American jazz pianist, composer, and educator. According to Stanley Crouch, Jamal is second in importance in the development of jazz after 1945 only to Charlie Parker... , Al Jarreau Al Jarreau Alwin "Al" Lopez Jarreau is a seven-time Grammy Award winning jazz singer.- Background :Jarreau was born in Milwaukee, the fifth of six children. His web site refers to Reservoir, Inc., the name of the street where he lived. His father was a Seventh-Day Adventist Church minister and singer, and... , Randy Jones, Joachim Kühn Joachim Kühn -Biography:Kühn was a musical prodigy and made his debut as a concert pianist, having studied classical piano and composition with Arthur Schmidt-Elsey. Influenced by his elder brother, clarinetist Rolf Kühn, he simultaneously got interested in jazz. In 1961 he became a professional jazz musician.... , Charles Lloyd, Albert Mangelsdorff Albert Mangelsdorff Albert Mangelsdorff was one of the most accredited and innovative trombonists of modern jazz who became famous for his distinctive technique of playing multiphonics.-Biography:... , Charlie Mariano Charlie Mariano Carmine Ugo Mariano was an American jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts and died in Cologne, Germany.-Biography:Mariano was the son of Italian immigrants.... , Marilyn Mazur Marilyn Mazur Marilyn Mazur is a percussionist, drummer, composer, vocalist, pianist, dancer and bandleader. She was born in New York and has lived in Denmark from age six. She is of Polish and African-American descent. Since 1975, she has worked as a percussionist with various groups, among them Six Winds with... , Pat Metheny Pat Metheny Patrick Bruce "Pat" Metheny is an American jazz guitarist and composer.One of the most successful and critically acclaimed jazz musicians to come to prominence in the 1970s and '80s, he is the leader of the Pat Metheny Group and is also involved in duets, solo works and other side projects... , Christian McBride Christian McBride Christian McBride is an American jazz bassist. His father, Lee Smith, and his great uncle, Howard Cooper, are well known Philadelphia bassists who served as McBride's early mentors... , Marcus Miller Marcus Miller Marcus Miller is an American jazz composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Miller is best known as a bassist, working with trumpeter Miles Davis, singer Luther Vandross, and saxophonist David Sanborn, as well as maintaining a prolific solo career... , Airto Moreira Airto Moreira Airto Moreira is a Brazilian jazz drummer and percussionist. Airto is married to jazz singer Flora Purim, and their daughter Diana Moreira is also a singer. He currently resides in Los Angeles.-Biography:... , Maceo Parker Maceo Parker Maceo Parker is an American funk and soul jazz saxophonist, best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. Parker was a prominent soloist on many of Brown's hit recordings, and a key part of his band, playing alto, tenor and baritone saxophones... , Nicholas Payton Nicholas Payton Nicholas Payton is a jazz trumpet player from New Orleans, Louisiana.-Biography:The son of bassist and sousaphonist Walter Payton, he took up the trumpet at the age of four and by the time he was nine he was playing in the Young Tuxedo Brass Band alongside his father... , Michel Petrucciani Michel Petrucciani Michel Petrucciani was a French jazz pianist.-Biography:... , Chris Potter Chris Potter (jazz saxophonist) Chris Potter is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.-Biography:Born in Chicago, Illinois, Potter spent most of his childhood in Columbia, South Carolina where his mother taught psychology at the University of South Carolina... , Antonio Sanchez, Maria Schneider Maria Schneider (musician) Maria Schneider is an American arranger, composer, and big-band leader who has won multiple awards. In 2005, her album Concert in the Garden won a Grammy for "Best Large Ensemble Album"... , Avery Sharpe Avery Sharpe Avery Sharpe is an American jazz double-bassist.Sharpe began playing piano at age eight and also studied accordion in his youth. He learned both electric and acoustic bass as a teenager, then studied with Reggie Workman at the University of Massachusetts... , Esbjörn Svensson Trio Esbjörn Svensson Trio Esbjörn Svensson Trio was a Swedish jazz piano trio formed in 1993 consisting of Esbjörn Svensson , Dan Berglund and Magnus Öström . Its music has classical, rock, pop, and techno elements. It lists classical composer Béla Bartók and rock band Radiohead as influences... (E.S.T.), Toots Thielemans Toots Thielemans Jean-Baptiste Frédéric Isidor, Baron Thielemans , known as Toots Thielemans, is a Belgian jazz musician well known for his guitar and harmonica playing as well as his whistling. Thielemans is credited as one of the greatest harmonica players of the 20th century... , Stanley Turrentine Stanley Turrentine Stanley William Turrentine, also known as "Mr. T" or "The Sugar Man", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist.-Biography:Turrentine was born in Pittsburgh's Hill District into a musical family... , McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.-Early life:... , John Scofield John Scofield John Scofield , often referred to as "Sco," is an American jazz guitarist and composer, who has played and collaborated with Miles Davis, Dave Liebman, Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Joey Defrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Billy Cobham,... , Martial Solal Martial Solal Martial Solal is a French jazz pianist and composer, who is probably most widely known for the music he wrote for Jean-Luc Godard's debut feature film À bout de souffle .-Biography:... , Bobo Stenson Bobo Stenson Bo Gustav Stenson is a Swedish jazz pianist. Stenson was noted as early as 1963, when he stepped up from the local scene in Västerås to start playing frequently in Stockholm, where he accompanied a long line of visiting American players including Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and Gary Burton... , Nasheet Waits, Eberhard Weber Eberhard Weber Eberhard Weber is a German double bassist and composer. As a bass player, Weber is known for his highly distinctive tone and phrasing... |