Thomas Ferrella shares his thoughts shaped by 7 years of promoting jazz in Madison.
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CodaFest is back!
In early March, CODA FEST will bring four consecutive days of great jazz to Cafe Coda, 1224 Williamson St. See the poster for a quick overview and either check the calendar or go to their site for more info.
Paul Dietrich’s 5+4
On October 13, 2023 Paul Dietrich released an album of original material composed for jazz quintet plus string quartet. It was recorded in January 2023, some of it at Shirk Studios in Chicago and the rest at Audio for the Arts in Madison. You can buy it on Bandcamp (or directly from Paul), and hear it live when the group performs on Feb 23rd at ALL (see the calendar). Listening samples are below.
Musicians on the album:
Dustin Laurenzi on tenor saxophone and clarinet
Jason Kutz on piano
Brian Courage on bass
Jon Deitemyer on drum set
Paran Amirinazari on violin
Wes Luke on violin
Kayla Patrick on viola
Lindsey Crabb on cello
Doug White Quintet issues Studio Recording
“Walking in Beauty” is the first studio recording for this relatively new quintet. Pianist Doug White is the leader and composed the first four tracks. He is joined by a Wisconsin all-star group: Tom Gullion, Dave Cooper, Mark Urness, and Dane Richeson. Here are the album liner notes:
Walking in Beauty offers creative improvisation, original compositions and fresh interpretations of modern classics expressing thanks for the beauty of nature and kindness of friends. Special thanks to the collaborating artists Dave, Tom, Dane and Mark, who helped bring the songs to life! Dedicated in loving memory of Helen White, a light spirit with a warm heart. Offered on a gift basis, all proceeds go to preserving wild, diverse nature.
released October 16, 2023
Dave Cooper, trumpet and flugelhorn; Tom Gullion, saxes and flutes; Dane Richeson, percussion; Mark Urness, bass; Doug White, piano. Original jazz compositions by Doug White, and modern jazz classics by Wayne Shorter. Recorded and mixed at Audio for the Arts, March -May, 2023, Audrey Martinovich, audio engineer. Album images by Gayle Alexander, @gaylealexanderpaintings
Precarious Towers releases 2nd Album
Ten Stories is the second album by Precarious Towers, a Midwestern all-star band with strong Madison ties. It was released on September 1st and features Downbeat ‘rising star’ alto saxophonist and flutist Sharel Cassity, vibraphonist Mitchell Shiner, drummer Devin Drobka, bassist John Christensen, and pianist Johannes Wallmann. All are accomplished band leaders and recording artists, and the album features compositions by each of the quintet’s members. The album can be purchased from their Bandcamp page.
Last year for Darren Sterud Orchestra
This notice was found on Darren’s Instagram page and apparently showed up first in the Greater Madison Jazz Newsletter.
Changes for Madison Jazz Jam
Madison Jazz Jam (MJJ) will continue holding a student-led jam at Cafe Coda on the 1st Saturday of every month. The jam that had been on the 3rd Saturday at Coda has been moved to Wednesday evenings at COPA in Fitchburg. Those jams will be led by local professional musicians, with a workshop led by Laurie Lang preceding the jam. This format is set for the next 6 months with a few exceptions such as January when Coda is usually closed.
The other major change is MJJ is now part of the revamped Madison Jazz Society. Laurie Lang had been president of MJJ, and has recently taken over as president of the Madison Jazz Society.
The MJJ website has not been updated in awhile, but upcoming jams are listed on The Madison Jazz Calendar, MJJ facebook page, and the MJJ newsletter.
Related posts: Update on Madison Jazz Jam
Bill Grahn
Sorry for the sad news; Bill Grahn has died. Bill was one of the last of a breed of beloved long-time local jazz musicians that have moved on. He was a great musician and a great person in his own quiet way. If you knew him, you know what a loss this is. If you didn’t, I suggest reading his obituary and the guestbook comments for a strong sense of who he was.
As for myself, I didn’t know Bill deeply, but he still made an impact. I took lessons from him for a bit, and would occasionally hear him play with Rand’s group and we’d talk afterwords. He was a gentle soul, and an impressive musician. Even at 83 he was robust, easily stood for 3 hour gigs with his baritone sax, and sounded better than most other sax players in Madison. He will be remembered by many.
Kurt Dietrich releases Al Jarreau biography
At 12pm on Saturday, October 21, the Wisconsin Book Festival presents author Kurt Dietrich to discuss his biography of Al Jarreau, “Never Givin’ Up,” Kurt is the father of local jazz trumpeter Paul Dietrich. He is also a trombonist, Professor Emeritus of Music at Ripon College, and author of three books.
His previous book, “Wisconsin Riffs: Jazz Profiles from the Heartland,” is an extensive compilation of Wisconsin jazz musicians biographies, including many currently active Madison jazz artists. This latest book is the first to chronicle Al Jarreau’s life and career, from humble beginnings in his hometown of Milwaukee to international fame. It is full of behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the man and the music, and features images spanning Al’s life.
The event is at the Wisconsin Historical Society, and is free and open to the public. More info is available at the Wisconsin Book Festival site.
2023 Jazz at Five Schedule
For 2023 Jazz at Five returns to State Street. All concerts in the free series will be back at the original location at the top of State Street. For more information see the Jazz at Five website.
Update: opening acts have been added to 8/30 and 9/6. See the calendar for details.
