Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Richard Anthony Meldonian was born January 27, 1930 in Providence, Rhode Island. He first began playing the clarinet when he was eight years old and by eleven was proficient on the tenor saxophone. In 1944 he led his first band that he formed.
1949 saw Dick working as a professional musician in the bands of Freddie Slack, and into the Fifties with Charlie Barnet and as an alto saxophonist with Stan Kenton alongside Bud Shank and Art Pepper. He also played with Shorty Rogers, Nat Pierce, Elliot Lawrence and Bill Russo.
Moving to New York City in the mid 1950s, Meldonian worked as a studio and session musician, among other things. with Phil Sunkel, Sam Most and Erroll Garner. In 1957 he was a member of Paul Quinichette’s band with Gene Roland and John Carisi. In 1960 he joined the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band.
He became better known as the leader of his own quartet, The Jersey Swingers , in the late 1970s and through the big band that he led with drummer Sonny Igoe in the early 1980s. During this time, Dick also recorded with the big band and smaller formations under his own name for the Progressive, Circle and Statiras labels. In 1992 he was still working with Harry DiVito and Marty Grosz.
Soprano and tenor saxophonist Dick Meldonian died on January 25, 2017.
More Posts: bandleader,history,instrumental,jazz,music,saxophone
ARTURO O’FARRILL QUINTET
Arturo O’Farrill, son of the legendary Cuban composer Chico O’Farrill, continues his family’s musical legacy with his sensational quintet, which includes the talents of Zack O’Farrill on drums and Adam O’Farrill on trumpet. This is your chance to experience a night of exceptional music, where the past and present of Latin jazz converge at the Faena Theater!
Joining them is Telmary Diaz, one of the most talented and articulate Cuban rappers and singer-songwriters of today. Her unique style and poetic prowess add an exciting dimension to the evening, blending rap, jazz, and traditional Cuban rhythms in a way that only she can.
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,piano,preserving,travel
SAMMY FIGUEROA
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of jazz as the legendary percussionist and Grammy nominee Sammy Figueroa returns to the Faena Theater stage, joined by the virtuosic Gonzalo Rubalcaba and the dynamic Aymee Nuviola. This trio is set to deliver an evening where the essence of jazz fuses with a groundbreaking performance!
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,percussion,piano,preserving,travel,vocal
ACCENT
The six members of ACCENT, drawn together from across the globe by their shared love for jazz, epitomize the reach and unifying power of music in the age of social media. These vocal aficionados from France, Sweden, the UK, and the USA have forged a unique connection that has led to five albums and international tours, culminating in performances at the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
As they bring their collective sound to Faena Miami Beach, expect an evening of sophisticated harmonies and dynamic stage presence, uniting various cultures through the art of jazz vocals.
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,jazz,music,preserving,travel,vocal
RICHARD BONA & ASANTE TRIO
Experience the magic of Grammy-winning Cameroonian multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona, known for his unique bass sound and captivating vocals! Bona beautifully blends African musical traditions with global jazz influences.
His collaborations with music legends and his role as an educator and mentor highlight his diverse talents.
The Asante Trio, his latest ensemble, showcases a fusion of Cuban, Haitian, and African sounds, offering a truly unique musical experience!
More Posts: adventure,club,genius,guitar,jazz,music,preserving,travel