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Les Thimmig
This is a repost from Facebook. Johannes Wallman is the author.
I just received sad news that my dear colleague and friend Dr. Les Thimmig passed away yesterday. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
For 53 years, Les was an invaluable member of our UW Madison and music communities. I know much will be written about his accomplishments as a composer and performer and his impact on generations of students, but here is a lovely article from 2021 about his work and passion as a Professor of Composition, Jazz Studies and Woodwind Performance.
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Jakob Heinemann – Opacity
The Jakob Heinemann quartet performs at Arts and Literature Lab on Saturday, April 13 at 7pm. Opacity is his maiden recording, released in December 2023.
From the liner notes: “Most of the music is through-composed, but the notation is very open, meaning each performance is a little different, and the performers can add their own ideas and sensibilities as they wish. The compositions are at times collaged with field recordings, group improvisation, and foley sounds, creating a wide palette of colors that blend together to create a unique sonic environment.”
Jakob Heinemann – bass, objects, field recordings
Ishmael Ali – cello
Jeff Kimmel – clarinet
Molly Jones – flutes -
Love Hurts: New Feestet release
This latest EP from Feestet was released the weekend before Valentines day, and is a trio of songs about the dark side of love. Feestet (pronounced “Feest-tet”) is a Madison-based jazz ensemble fronted by vocalist Helen Feest. They can be found in many sizes – from an intimate duet all the way to a groovy sextet. Band members are:
Helen Fest – vocals
Anthony Utehs – guitar
Ari Smith – bass
Frank McKearn IV – electronic valve instrument
Greg Riss – percussion -
Jazz Camp
Laurie Lang, president of Madison Jazz Society, is teaming up with Arts and Literature Lab to run a jazz camp this summer. The class is aimed at 10-14 year-olds and runs from 9am-noon for one week in July. Laurie will be assisted by a team of high school student mentors, college students and other jazz educators. Go to Jazz Club to learn more and register.
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Thomas Ferrella essay
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.
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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
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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.