Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Nelson Symonds was born on September 24, 1933 in Upper Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, Canada. After pursuing the banjo at a young age he switched to the guitar. He gained his first performance experience touring on a travelling carnival from 1955 to 1958 throughout the United States. Upon returning to Canada he settled in Montreal in 1958 and played in the group The Stablemates led by Alfie Wade Jr.
During the Sixties and 1970s Nelson played mainly with bassist Charlie Biddle and drummer Norman Marshall Villeneuve at The Black Bottom, Rockhead’s Paradise and other similar venues. The 1970s saw him and Biddle performing as a duo in numerous Laurentian resorts. Throughout his 30-plus year career, he played at all of the major jazz venues in Montreal including Upstairs, Biddles and Cafe La Bohème among others.
Symonds reportedly resisted recording until the 1990s, cutting three collaborative albums, and one as leader. Unfortunately for the jazz world, in 1996 he underwent a quadruple bypass that put an end to his musical career.
Guitarist Nelson Symonds transitioned on October 11, 2008 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada due to a heart attack at the age of 75.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Robert Falk was born in Paris, France on September 22, 1953 but soon moved to Brussels, Belgium where he studied guitar at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. He started playing folk-music, then jazz-rock before getting interested in computer-aided musical composition.
He played in several bands in the 80’s such as Spring with Michel Delory and François Garny, and Falklands with Alain Rochette and Sam Mc Kinney. In 1989 he visited Zaire giving him the opportunity to get acquainted with African music.
He became active as a producer-arranger for various African artists in the Nineties and has produced Embowassa, Dominic Kakolobango, Malick Pathé Sow & Welnere, and early in the new century Diariyata and Pas Mal +.
He recorded and released his debut album Muzungu as a leader in 2006 featuring his afro-jazz compositions. Mixing intello jazz with african rythms that mainly come from the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.
His sophomore project is afro-jazz centered around West~African music but includes Brazilian influences as in a congolese samba. It is titled Xelu Sowu, which translates to The Spirit of the West in wolof.
Guitarist and composer Robert Falk continues to perform and record.
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RUSSELL MALONE & THE INDIANAPOLIS JAZZ COLLECTIVE
“Wes at 100”
In celebration of what would have been Wes Montgomery’s 100th birthday, the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and Jazz Vivace are proud to present “Wes at 100” at Caffè Vivace.
This special program will feature renowned guitarist Russell Malone and the Indianapolis Jazz Collective performing new arrangements of timeless tunes from the Wes Montgomery Song Book.
As we tribute the legendary jazz guitarist, the Wes at 100 programs will be enriched with insightful commentary by Robert Montgomery, providing a deeper understanding of Wes’ musical genius. Additionally, the event will showcase excerpts from the captivating Wes Montgomery Documentary, “Wes Bound,” directed by Kevin Finch.
Join us on this momentous occasion as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Wes Montgomery and the remarkable influence he continues to exert over jazz music. Experience the “Wes at 100” magic unfolding at Caffè Vivace.
Russell Malone is an acclaimed jazz guitarist known for his impeccable technique, soulful playing, and versatility. He was born on November 8, 1963, in Albany, Georgia, USA. Malone began playing guitar early and quickly developed a passion for jazz.
Throughout his career, Russell Malone has collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Jimmy Smith, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall, and Ron Carter, among others. He has also released several albums as a bandleader, showcasing his virtuosity and musicality.
Malone’s playing style is deeply rooted in jazz guitar tradition, drawing influences from greats like Wes Montgomery and George Benson. His improvisational skills and melodic sensibility have earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
With a discography over several decades, Russell Malone has consistently impressed audiences with his technical prowess and ability to create captivating musical moments. His performances display a blend of swing, blues, bebop, and modern jazz elements, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various styles while maintaining a distinctive voice on the guitar.
Russell Malone continues to be an influential figure in the jazz guitar world, captivating listeners with his expressive playing and lasting impact on the genre.
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DE ANDRÉ: I SAW NINA FLY
If there was still a need to say or sing something that has not yet been said or sung, here is a tribute to the music and words of one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, Fabrizio de Andre’. The four musicians, important exponents of the Italian jazz and world scene, meet to interpret with emotion and refinement some of the most beautiful songs by Fabrizio de Andrè, from the best known ones (bocca di rosa, the song of marinella, song of lost love, creuza de ma, a judge) to those left a little more in the shadows (prayer in January, khorakhanè, I saw nina fly), using different and only apparently distant languages such as jazz.
Raffaela Siniscalchi • Vocals
Gabriele Coen • Clarinet
Stefano Saletti • Buzuki oud – Guitar
Mario Rivera • Bass
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Lawrence William “Beau” Dixon was born on September 5, 1894 in Chillicothe, Ohio, the second of five children. His father was a farm laborer and part-time musician, from whom he learned to play music from an early age.
From 1923 to 1928 he played in Chicago, Illinois and Columbus, Ohio with Sammy Stewart’s Ten Knights of Syncopation, which recorded for Paramount Records. During the Twenties Beau also worked with Vance Dixon’s Jazz Maniacs, Fess Williams, Dave Peyton, Paul Jordan, Clarence Moore, and Grant Williams.
In 1931 he joined Earl Hines’s band and remained with him until 1937 as rhythm guitarist and arranger. Dixon worked with Franz Jackson’s Original Jass All Stars in the Chicago area in the 1950s and 1960s.
Banjoist and guitarist Beau Dixon, who suffered for years with pulmonary emphysema and tuberculosis, transitioned on January 16, 1970 in Chicago.