Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Anthony Ocaña was born in the Dominican Republic on March 7, 1980 and from an early age discovered his love for music. At age 5 he started taking piano and violin lessons and by 12 he began playing the guitar. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music of the Dominican Republic, received a scholarship to study at Manhattanville College New York in 1998.

While in New York he worked with Elliot Magaziner, the Frank Sinatra Orchestra conductor, and received the “Senior Josephine Morgan Award” for his professional and academic achievements. 

In 1999 and 2001, he opened for Gonzalo Rubalcaba at the National Theater of the Dominican Republic; in 2001 Anthony recorded his first album titled “A Paso de Cebra”  (Zebra’s Pace) and 2002 saw him moving to Madrid to further his study of composition and guitar.

By 2003 he was again at the National Theatre opening for Brazilian guitarist and pianist Egberto Gismonti, integrating percussion into his music. Ocaña has received several awards for composition, has performed over 50 concerts at all the major venues in Spain, in 2006 he released his self-titled sophomore project was released. He continues to perform all over the world playing concerts and festivals in conjunction with composing and recording.

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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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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Chris Potter was born on born January 1, 1971 in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. His prodigy for music appeared early and he mastered several instruments including guitar and piano but gravitated toward the saxophone.

Playing his first professional jazz gig at age 13, Chris quickly developed a devoted local following. He attended college in New York City, first at the New School and then the Manhattan School of Music.

He has released more than a dozen albums as leader and has garnered top ten jazz CD honors from both Jazziz and Slate magazines and the New York Times. He has an equally impressive catalogue as a sideman having performed and recorded with many leading musicians including Patricia Barber, Kenny Werner, Marian McPartland, Red Rodney, Paul Motian, Adam Rogers, the Mingus Big Band, Ray Brown, Dave Holland, James Moody and Joanne Brackeen to name just a few.

Chris Potter, alto and tenor saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and composer continues to perform, tour and record.

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