HOT PANTS DE FRANCE

Assembling some of the hottest talent from around the world, touring/session guitarist (Maynard Ferguson, NKOTB, Kenny Loggins) and Emmy nominated film/tv composer Sam Kaufmann formed the Gypsy Jazz and Swing Group – Hot Pants de France. Sam has liberated himself from the Hot Jazz canon and presents his own uninhibited, modern style with Hot Pants de France and highlights what is still to come. Well received by both listeners and the press, the vision was to bring a fresh, contemporary feel to hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s by arranging them in the style of jazz great Django Reinhardt. The intention was not to simply recapitulate the music, but to interpret it with a uniqueness, incorporating modern influences, while remaining true to the innovative style created by Django and Stéphane Grappelli in Quintette du Hot Club de France, one of the first all-string jazz bands.

The dichotomy between musical styles of the ’40s and the ’90s is bridged by our various vocalists including Lisa Rittner, and Valeria Koka. Each elegantly bringing the music into the sound of “today”. Lisa honed her chops for a decade on the Queen Mary and the band Sound F/X. In addition to her voice, Lisa gracefully adds her Saxophone prowess to Hot Pants’ samba-esque version of “Black Hole Sun”. While Valeria is best known for her vocal work with Ukranian Superstar Artem Pivovarov and her own Valeria Koka Sextet.

Harkening back to the establishing sound of OG – Stéphane Grappelli, Jane Young (2nd Place International Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Swiss Dream Circus, NBC, Nova/PBS) constructed excellent counterpoint to Sam’s guitar lines. The two play off each other like a conversation between old friends.

Finally, touring/session bassist Jack O’Roonie (Andre Williams, Danny B Harvey, Wanda Jackson and Labella Strings endorsee) outlines the harmony while controlling the dynamics and pace of the band with his fantastical yet proficient bass lines.

Years of experience and effortless interaction are clear – noteworthy on the recordings as well as on stage. Standing on the works by Django Reinhardt, it is this unique mix of pop, jazz, americana and inventive compositions that makes the unmistakable sound of the group.

BAND MEMBERS
Sam Kaufmann – Reharmonizer and Guitar
Lisa Rittner – Vocals and Sax
Valeria Koka – Vocals
Jack O’Roonie – Bass
Andrea Reynolds and Jane Young – Violin

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PARKER HOUSE BAND

The Band: Ryan Davis~piano, Ben Triesch~bass, Jeremy Bruch~drums, and Kris Kimura~woodwinds and vocals, with a special sweetheart appearance by vocalist Jennifer Johnson.

Fall in love with the Parker House Band! Our Funny Valentine Show is a live jazz playlist of love songs for the ages.  We’ll serenade and romance you all night, whether it’s your first date or your 50th, a friend date, a much-deserved date with yourself, or a rare kid-free evening out on the town for a couple of starry-eyed parents.

The show will also be available via livestream at parkerjazzclub.com/livestream, generously sponsored by local nonprofit Texas Jazz Society.

Online donations are welcome—all proceeds benefit Texas Jazz Society’s mission to keep jazz alive and thriving in Texas.

Showtimes: 7:30pm and 9:30pm

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Requisites

All Day Long ~ The Prestige All-Stars | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s discussion is about an album I initially discovered as a youngster and have wanted in my library for a long time. All Day Long (Prestige PRLP 7081) is one of three 1957 jam sessions released by The Prestige All-Stars. It was recorded on January 4 and is the companion album to All Night Long, which the group recorded a week earlier. The sextet on this date is an exceptional ensemble of musicians, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Frank Foster on tenor sax, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Doug Watkins on bass, and Arthur Taylor on drums. My copy is the 1979 Prestige Jazz Masterpieces Series Japanese Mono reissue (Prestige SMJ-6604M) by Victor Musical Industries.

The album opens with the title tune, Kenny Burrell’s All Day Long, a laid-back blues occupying the entire first side. Burrell, Watkins, and Taylor provide the foundation in the opening chorus, then Byrd, Foster, and Flanagan enter to complete the melody. Frank gets the solos underway with an inspired performance, and Donald follows with a down-home statement as satisfying as a delicious meal. Kenny takes the following solo with exemplary poise, then Tommy soars effortlessly into the following interpretation. Doug adds a few elaborate ideas to the finale preceding the closing chorus. Slim Jim by Donald Byrd begins Side Two with a Latin-flavored introduction by piano, drums, and the front line. Foster, Byrd, Flanagan, and Burrell cruise comfortably in each solo, leading to the closing theme and dissolution.

Say Listen, also by Donald Byrd, starts with the sextet’s finger-popping theme in unison. Kenny steps up first with an opening solo as smooth as satin. Frank gets into a spirited groove on the second interpretation, then Donald takes over for an incredibly effective reading. Tommy has the last word and makes his point convincingly ahead of the ending theme and conclusion. A.T. by Frank Foster pays homage to Art Taylor, with the ensemble collectively taking flight on a lively melody. Foster takes the lead and gives a scintillating reading; next, Burrell takes a quick romp on the second statement. Byrd takes over for a presentation of aggressive energy, then Flanagan adds fresh fuel to the fire in a short solo. Taylor engages in a brief conversation with his fellow soloists into the sextet’s vigorous close.

Bob Weinstock supervised the initial album, and Rudy Van Gelder was the recording engineer. The sound is superb, and Victor Musical Industries has done a stellar job remastering this reissue. The highs sparkle, the midrange is crisp, and the low end is stunning, transporting the musicians to your listening room with exceptional sound quality. If you’re a Hard-Bop fan, I offer All Day Long by The Prestige All-Stars for your consideration on your next vinyl shopping trip. Like its companion, All Night Long, the two albums complement each other perfectly; either is a title you won’t regret adding to your library

~ All Night Long (Prestige PRLP 7073), Earthy (Prestige PRLP 7102) – Source: Discogs.com
~ © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter


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JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA

For nearly a decade, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra has been transforming countless aspiring artists from the New York Metropolitan Area into pro-level musicians through training and mentorship, repertoire exposure, and performance opportunities. Come witness each artist’s creative breakthroughs in real time, and hear the swinging and energetic momentum of the entire orchestra. Led by esteemed trumpeter Tatum Greenblatt, this evening’s event features fresh voices from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

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THE JAZZ CORNER ENSEMBLE

Fat Tuesdays ~ A Swingin’ Celebration of New Orleans & Beyond ~

The Jazz Corner Ensemble features pianist ERIC JONES, bassist DAVE MASTELLER and percussionist CHRIS RUSSELL with rotating special guests including saxophonist DEAN ST. HILLAIRE, trumpeter JAMES BERRY and more…. Tuesday nights at The Jazz Corner honor the legacy of our iconic owner, Bob Masteller.

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