Jazz In Film

Some Call It Loving is an updated version of Sleeping Beauty about a woman who has been asleep for eight years. Purchased from a carnival by a lonely man, this 1973 vehicle chronicles the erotic fantasies of a young white jazz musician.

Directed by James B. Harris and starring Zalman King, Carol White, Tisa Farrow and Richard Pryor the film is backed by an excellent music track by Richard Hazard with Ronnie Lang ghosting the baritone sax solos for the lead actor.

Accompanied on the soundtrack are trumpeter Conte Candoli, trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, electric pianist Dave Grusin, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Stan Levey. Bassist Leroy Vinnegar appears in a rehearsal sequence with source music provided by Bud Shank, plus strings.

The soundtrack uses Nat King Cole’s recording of The Very Thought Of You.

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Love Lifted Me, recorded in 1962, is the debut album of Ron Jefferson as a leader and is infused with gospel flavoring on the title track to the classic “Flamingo” that features some wonderful work by Bobby Hutcherson. Add up-tempo swingers like “Little One” and “George’s Dilemma” makes for a delightful mix of tunes. However, Leroy Vinnegar’s contribution of timekeeping and soloing gives the listener an opportunity to be enthralled especially on his composition “For Carl Perkins”.

Personnel: 
Ron Jefferson – drums, Laurence “Tricky” Lofton – trombone, Wilbur Brown – tenor saxophone, Bobby Hutcherson – vibraphone, Frank Strazzeri – piano, Leroy Vinnegar – bass

Recording/Release Date: Hollywood, California – 1962

Label: Pacific Jazz ST 36
CD: Toshiba-EMI PJ0036 (Japan only)

Songs: Love Lifted Me, For Carl Perkins, Little One, Ivy League Blues, Flamingo, George’s Dilemma

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The Jazz Voyager

Nestled in a quiet corner of Alpharetta, just 15 minutes north of the perimeter off 400 resides this cozy little nightspot called The Velvet Note that brings welcoming audiences an unplugged jazz experience.The Jazz Voyager steers his rental to the Georgia location at 4075 Old Milton Parkway, 30005. Intimate in its approach, one is swathed in the tapestry of music emanating from the stage, regardless of where one rests comfortably in this forty-seat room.

Within this construct, owner Tamara Fuller has carefully crafted a wonderful ambiance with light, sound, libation and culinary delights that will excite your senses while assuaging any fear that your encounter will be anything less than your desire.

As one who enjoys seeking life beyond the curve, this Jazz Voyager was enthralled as was the entire audience to a powerful and moving set performed by vocalist of Alvin Stone. The music was impeccable and in good company with sumptuous lump crab cakes, a glass of red brought by a delightful and attentive staff.

I highly recommend making a reservation for this acoustic respite at 855.583.5838, look for the menu at thevelvetnote.com and is not fr the fainthearted pocket as this nightspot is rated $$$. But for those who want the unexpected pleasure of experiencing  jazz up close and personal in this 40 seat room, take a moment to refresh your mind, body and spirit. in this acoustic living room.

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The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery is a dazzling display of the unorthodox technique and emotional power that combined to make Wes a literally “incredible” artist. Ever since its initial release in 1960, this album has been a consensus choice of musicians, critics and knowledgeable listeners as a matchless example of the talents of one of the finest jazz instrumentalists of all times.

Personnel: Wes Montgomery – guitar, Tommy Flanagan – piano, Percy Heath – bass, Albert “Tootie” Heath – drums

Producer: Orrin Keepnews

Record Date: New York City – January 26 & 28, 1960

Cover Art: Produced and designed by Paul Bacon, Ken Braren and Harris Lewine

Songs: Airegin, D-Natural Blues, Polka Dots & Moonbeams, Four On Six, West Coast Blues, In Your Own Sweet Way, Mr. Walker (Renie), Gone With The Wind

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Jazz In Film

La Route du Bonheur (The Road To Happiness) is a 1952 film directed by Carlo Mastelli, the young radio presenter of “New Voices” has run short of ideas and his program is likely to be suspended from the radio schedule if he does not find any new ones. He is saved by chance in the person of Marina, a charming young school teacher, who takes advantage of the presence of a radio crew in her village for the recording of a singing contest to broadcast an appeal in favor of Tonino, the most underprivileged of her pupils.

Directors: Carlo Mastelli,Maurice Labro and Giorgio Simonelli

Stars: Georges Guetary, Luis Mariano and Nilla Pizzi

Musical appearances by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra, Sidney Bechet, Claude Luter, Django Reinhardt and Hubert Rostaing.

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