Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Dom Minasi was born on March 6, 1943 in New York City, New York and was primarily self-taught, a natural musician. In his youth he backed singers and played his share of rock and roll, church dances and small jazz combo gigs beginning when he was fifteen.
While launching his professional career at a young age with Blue Note Records he took on numerous private students. In the mid-1970s, however, Blue Note was being sold and Minasi dropped out of the recording scene and over the next fifteen years he began freelancing, going back to school and occasionally performing with Dennis Moorman.
1993 saw Dom doing off-Broadway shows, writing hundreds of compositions and working with youth in the New York public school system. While doing all this he wrote several books on music disciplines, improvisation, theory and chord substitutions.
By the turn of the century he returned to producing compact discs for his independent label. He would go on to collaborate with a host of musicians and his improvisational excursions opened up a new audience.
Guitarist, composer, and music producer Dom Minasi, who recorded thirteen albums as a leader, died on August 1, 2023, at the age of 80.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Eddie Wasserman was born on March 5, 1923 in Smackover, Arkansas. Growing up he had played the saxophone with many black kids in the neighborhood. After his father died, he moved with his mother to Tyler, Texas and it’s where he fell in love with jazz. His first paid job was in a dance band at age 14.
At the onset of World War II in 1941, Wasserman attended New York’s Juilliard School for a couple of years but he was soon drafted and wasn’t discharged until 1946. He returned to Juilliard to complete his studies and graduated in 1948, and that’s when he started playing with Benny Goodman. In addition to playing with Goodman, he was in big-band live and studio recordings led by Artie Shaw, Manny Albam, Stan Kenton, Louie Bellson and Chico O’Farrell, with whom he co-led a big band in 1953.
By 1955, big band work was beginning to dry up on the East Coast was starting to dry up. On the request of an agent O’Farrell and Wasserman formed a small group to play Latin music in Miami Beach, Florida. Not a good experience but Eddie’s late-1950s quartet recordings with Gene Krupa were great recordings.
Given that the youth-culture explosion in 1966 was changing the face of music, jazz was no longer an ideal way for him to earn a living. So giving up the road and having a degree in education, he became an assistant director of the concert band at Clifton High School in New Jersey. He continued to play club dates and find work in Broadway pit bands.
Saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist Eddie Wasserman died after suffering a heart attack on May 27, 1992. He was 69.
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NNENNA FREELON
A woman of countless talents, six-time Grammy Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is a compelling artist, writer, composer, and producer who captivates audiences in any setting and in any genre. No stranger to the music of the master singer, Freelon toured with master jazz singer Ray Charles as well as Al Jarreau, George Benson, Benny Golson, Ellis Marsalis, Earl Klugh, Ramsey Lewis, TAKE 6, Kirk Whalum, and several others.
As celebrated as she is talented, Freelon’s accolades include the Billie Holiday Award from the prestigious Académie du Jazz as well as the Eubie Blake Award from the Cultural Crossroads Center in New York City. She also received the 2022 Jazz Masters Award from the prestigious Women’s Jazz and Blues Association of Palm Springs.
Tickets: $45.00~$55.00 +fee ~ General Admission | Streaming 5:00pm Show Only ~ $15.00 +fee
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NNENNA FREELON
Multi Grammy Award nominee Nnenna Freelon is known worldwide as a compelling and captivating live performer. Recently, Nnenna starred in the critically acclaimed show Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles – no stranger to the music of the master singer – she toured with Ray Charles, as well as many other great jazz artists including Ellis Marsalis, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Take 6, and others.
Accolades and awards have abounded – performances at The White House, headlining the Asia Pacific Economic Summit for three hundred Presidents, Premiers and Heads of State, receiving the YWCA of North Carolina’s inaugural “Legend Award” for her outstanding artistry and her dedication to education, and so much more
Educating young people, both musicians and non-musicians, and students of all ages has propelled her advocacy – Nnenna toured the United States as the National Spokesperson for Partners in Education. Her master classes and workshops, from “Sound Sculpture” to the ground-breaking “Babysong,” instruct adults and children that you too can change the world – even one person at a time – with her anthem “One Child at a Time” found on her “Soulcall” recording. From Partners in Education to the United Way, Freelon has been a tireless advocate and fundraiser for education and arts causes.
Tickets: $45.00
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ANTHONY WONSEY TRIO
Chicago native Anthony Wonsey is one of the most innovative jazz pianists on the planet. His dynamic compositions and imaginative arrangements make him a much in demand player internationally. Anthony’s introduction to music began at a young age via the influence of his mother Darlene, a classically trained pianist, lessons from trumpeter Zilner Randolph,( musical director for Louis Armstrong’s band) and many moments in his family’s basement with his father Anthony, a Chicago postal worker/jazz fan who schooled his son, via a staticky AM radio, on the music he loved.
His progression flourished, resulting in a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. While a student, he played locally with Roy Hargrove and Antonio Hart; toured with Kenny Garrett and Nneena Freelon, followed by a staggering move when recruited by the legendary drummer Elvin Jones to join his group. Wonsey relocated from Boston to NYC and played with Jones’ Jazz Machine for five years. Mulgrew Miller and James Williams also became mentors.
Singers and instrumentalists welcome to the jam session
The House Band: Anthony Wonsey~Piano, Will Lyle~Bass, Diego Voglino~Drums
No Cover | One drink minimum. | Complimentary vegan food and brownies
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