Three Wishes
Dexter Gordon was hanging out with Nica when the subject of three wishes came up and he shared with her his one wish:
- “The things I want you can’t put in your book.”
*Excerpt from Three Wishes: An Intimate Look at Jazz Greats ~ Compiled and Photographed by Pannonica de Koenigswarter
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Joseph Shulman was born on September 12, 1923 in New York, New York. His first professional experience was with Scat Davis in 1940 followed with a stint alongside Les Brown in 1942.
Joining the military in 1943 he recorded with Django Reinhardt while a member of Glenn Miller’s wartime band. Upon his return to the States he played with Buddy Rich and Claude Thornhill, then he played with Miles Davis on the Birth of the Cool sessions.
He went on to work with Peggy Lee from 1948 to 1950 and with Lester Young in 1950. Shulman did a recording session with Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington that same year.
Marrying Barbara Carroll in 1954, the two toured together until his death. Bassist Joe Shulman transitioned from a heart attack on August 2, 1957 in New York City.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Ian Wilfred Hamer was born on September 11, 1932 in Liverpool, England, the son of a successful Merseyside dance band leader. Together with his two brothers he played in the band run by his mother until serving in the Royal Air Force.
Moving to London, England in 1953 he worked for clarinettist Carl Barriteau and for a brief period with the Oscar Rabin Band. For a year beginning in 1955 he was part of the Tubby Hayes octet then later joined the Vic Ash quintet. In 1963, together with Harry South, he led a band called The Six Sounds, featuring Ken Wray and Dick Morrissey. By 1966 the band had developed into the Ian Hamer Sextet. In 1966 Ian joined the Top of the Pops studio orchestra conducted by Johnny Pearson.
Hamer played in big bands led by Tubby Hayes, Ted Heath, Mike Gibbs, Jack Parnell and Harry South. He also played with Kenny Wheeler, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, as well as in smaller bands with Stan Tracey, Benny Golson, Lalo Schifrin, Gary McFarland, Woody Herman’s Anglo-American Herd, Barbara Thompson, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis band, Eric Delaney, John Dankworth and Joe Harriott.
As a session musician, he played on recordings by The Beatles, Bing Crosby, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, James Last, Matt Monro, and Peter Herbolzheimer. Ian played trumpet on the theme tune for The Sweeney, written and arranged by Harry South.
In 1987, Hamer moved to Brighton, England and founded the group Ian Hamer and the Sussex Youth Jazz Orchestra, later dropping Youth. On September 3, 2006, trumpeter Ian Hamer transitioned in Brighton at 73.
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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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VANESSA RUBIN
Set 1: 7:00 pm – 8:20 pm | Set 2: 9:00 pm – 10:20 pm – Sold Separately
Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth, and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. Additional homespun influences include the melodic bell tone clarity of a young Capital Records recording artist, Nancy Wilson, the fire of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, the sweet sounds of trumpeter Blue Mitchell as well as her love of the Motown Sound…especially girl groups like the Supremes.
Rubin’s passion for rich musical stories is evidenced throughout her eight albums thus far, plus numerous guest appearances. Highlights include the evocative “Voyager II” from the pen of Teri Thornton, “Inside a Silent Tear” written by Blossom Dearie, a refashioned waltz version of John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” lyricized by New York Voices, and an arrangement of “Superwoman” by Stevie Wonder inspired by the Ahmad Jamal recording of “Poinciana.” So while she has one foot planted in tradition – sticking close to timeless melodies and exquisite vocal forms – Rubin waxes adventurous, embracing stories lesser told while employing lessons of acclaimed storytellers in songs such as Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, and Freddy Cole. “They mastered the art of believability, Rubin asserts. Additionally, Rubin continues to back her way into The Blues with an urgent appreciation for soulful mentors like Etta Jones and Irene Reid. Also among her current endeavors is highlighting and interpreting well-known, obscure, and new lyrical works of composer/arranger/pianist Tadd Dameron. “I hope to do for Tadd’s music what Carmen McRae did for Monk’s music,” Rubin explained.
Vanessa’s first gigs began around 1980 in small clubs around Cleveland, such as Tucker’s Place, Bob’s Toast of the Town, Lancer’s Steak House, Club Isabella, The Native Son, and The Teal Lounge. Some early band mates included Wynn Bibbs, Skip Gibson, saxophonist and arranger Willie Smith, Neal Creque, Matthew “Chink” Stevenson, and, later, the uniquely soulful organ quartet of The Blackshaw Brothers with Cecil Rucker on vibes. “We worked eight days a week all over Cleveland, catching the tail end of what was left over from the good old days,” Rubin recalls. After two years, Rubin was anxious to set her sights on New York, where she earnestly and humbly soaked up the tutelage of many veterans like Pharaoh Sanders, Frank Foster, and Barry Harris.
Rubin remains a favorite at jazz clubs and festivals in the US and abroad. Her work as a producer and educator/clinician with youth in communities and educational institutions worldwide is ongoing.
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