Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Notes from the Net: More on the latest Miles reissue; Legends of Jazz DVD reviewed; new CDs from Carter, Denson, Botti and Krall; and more

StLJN's news roundup was slightly delayed this week, due to the need for yr. humble editor to complete some actual paying writing work, but not to worry, the news remains equally tasty even after simmering for an additional day:

* The upcoming Miles Davis reissue The Complete On The Corner Sessions continues to get press coverage, even from rock music site Pitchfork. Meanwhile, the impending release of the box set also prompted Be.jazz blogger Mwanji Ezana to listen once again and review the original version of the album. In addition, Ezana offers links to three interesting essays about Miles from the Web site Race Matters - a career overview by New York Times writer Ben Ratliff; Martha Bayles' "Miles Davis: An Innovator With Dueling Ambitions," and a consideration of Miles-as-pimp, "Miles Davis, Genius Hustler."

* And speaking of Davis, his former bassist Ron Carter is getting more coverage of his new tribute CD dedicated to the trumpeter, Dear Miles .

* The season one DVD set of Legends of Jazz, which features performances from St. Louis natives Clark Terry and David Sanborn (pictured) among many others, is finally out and is reviewed by the Chicago Tribune along with other, more modestly budgeted jazz DVDs from Chicago and New Orleans.

* Catching up with some recent visitors to St. Louis, we find that saxophonist Karl Denson, who's been in town this year with his own trio and with the Greyboy All-Stars, has a new CD out called Lunar Orbit.

* Another funky saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, who's the nephew of St. Louisan Hugh "Peanuts" Whalum and recently appeared at the Pageant with the Guitars and Saxes smooth jazz show, also has a new CD ready to drop.

* Turning to coming attractions, singer and pianist Diana Krall, who will perform at St. Louis' Fox Theatre next Wednesday, has a new "best of" CD coming out next month, and delivered a crowd-pleasing show this past weekend at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

* Trumpeter Chris Botti, who's touring with Krall, also has a new recording coming next month. Italia is Botti's salute to Italy and will be released as special CD/DVD package.

* Singer Tony Bennett, who will play the Fox in October, is plotting a jazz album with Stevie Wonder.

* Moving to coverage of stories StLJN has been following on an ongoing basis, as New Orleans still struggles to rebound almost two years after Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu seems to at least grasp the broad principle that promoting culture is good for the state and the City of New Orleans: "Culture drives tourism," he said. "Culture is in fact business, but unless it is treated like one, the business will not grow."

* Commenters at Doug Ramsey's blog Rifftides take up the issue of one of StLJN's pet peeves, the growing number of non-jazz musicians appearing at jazz festivals.

* Finally, though he had no connections to St. Louis that I know of, we must note the recent passing of legendary drummer Max Roach with respect and appreciation for his many accomplishments and contributions to jazz. Blogger and composer Darcy James Argue has the most comprehensive roundup of related links.

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