Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Marky Markowitz was born Irwin Markowitz but also known as Irving Markowitz on December 11, 1923 in Washington, DC. The youngest of seven children of Russian-Jewish immigrants, he learned the trumpet at the local Police Boys’ Club. He played early in his career in a number of big bands during the Forties, including those of Charlie Spivak, Jimmy Dorsey, Boyd Raeburn, and Woody Herman. He played in Buddy Rich’s orchestra in 1946–47, then returned to service under Herman in 1947–48.

Moving his family from Washington, D.C. to New York City in 1958 he eventually settled in Nyack, New York where he worked primarily as a studio musician in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. During this period in his career he did appear on stage  with Herman, Gene Krupa, Lee Konit, Ralph Burns, George Russell, Al Cohn, Paul Desmond, and Bill Evans. Marky was a first call trumpeter for many top artists of the time including Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Young Rascals, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Maynard Ferguson, George Segal, and many others. He played as well on hundreds of advertising jingles, TV ads and movie scores.

He was a perennial on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, had a vocal impression of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, and performed in his hometown with an All-Star band, led by Nelson Riddle, at the Inaugural Ball for President Ronald Reagan’s 2nd term.

Trumpeter and flugelhornist Marky Markowitz, who recorded one album as a leader titled Marks Vibes, transitioned on November 18, 1986.

GRIOTS GALLERY

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GRAND GATHERING

The Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice Presents: Grand Gathering

In celebration of the release of New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers and its accompanying album, the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice will present Grand Gathering, showcasing all eleven of its ensembles, ranging from modern to mainstream and free to electronic jazz, featuring original compositions and music by contemporary composers. Featuring Kris Davis, Linda May Han~Oh, Val Jeanty, and special guests include Tia Fuller and Marquis Hill.

Admission: $15-20 advance / $20-25 day of show
Discounted admission with Berklee ID: Free-$5 in advance / $5-10 day of show

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Pekka Juhani Pöyry was born on December 10, 1939 in Helsinki, Finland and became interested in jazz music at school and began studying the violin and clarinet. However, he was more taken with playing the alto saxophone, having been inspired by Charlie Parker. In addition, he played the flute and soprano saxophone.

After graduating with a Master of Laws in 1966, Pöyry decided to become a professional musician. In the same year he represented YLE, Finland’s national public broadcasting company at EBU’s concert in London, England. By the mid-1960s, he had his own quartet with pianist Eero Ojanen, bassist Teppo Hauta-aho and drummer Reino Laine. Joining the group was Norwegian-Finnish singer Pia Skaar to form a quintet, going on to perform at festivals and gain recognition from the likes of Bill Evans.

Increasingly interested in progressive rock and jazz fusion in the late 1960s and 1970s, with his later groups he attempted an international breakthrough, including the Reading Festival in England in 1973. However, his band Tasavallan Presidentti, broke up in 1974.

By 1975, Pekka was touring northern Europe with the North Jazz Quintet, later joining the orchestra of Heikki Sarmanto, later the UMO Jazz Orchestra, playing in what was then Yugoslavia, as well as,  Poland, Czechoslovakia, Cuba, the Soviet Union, Britain and the United States with other bands.

Saxophonist and flutist Pekka Pöyry, was part of the Pekka Pöyry Quartet and Quintet, being a manic depressive committed suicide and transitioned in Helsinki on August 4, 1980. The Pekka Pöyry Award is named in his honor and given to young, talented saxophonists in Finland since the early-1980s.

GRIOTS GALLERY

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Matty Malneck born Matthew Michael Malneck on December 9, 1903 in Newark, New Jersey and his career as a violinist began when he was age 16. He was a member of the Paul Whiteman orchestra from 1926 to 1937. During the same period he recorded with Mildred Bailey, Annette Hanshaw, Frank Signorelli, and Frankie Trumbauer.

He led a big band that recorded for Brunswick, Columbia, and Decca. His orchestra provided music for The Charlotte Greenwood Show on radio in the mid-1940s and Campana Serenade in 1942–1943. His group played in the film St. Louis Blues in 1939 and You’re in the Army Now in 1941. At this point in his career he changed the group’s name to Matty Malneck and His St. Louis Blues Orchestra.

Malneck’s credits as a songwriter and composed hit songs such as Eeny Meeny Miney Mo and Goody Goody, both with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, I’ll Never Be The Same, with music by Malneck & Frank Signorelli, lyrics by Gus Kahn, and I’m Thru With Love, music by Malneck & Fud Livingston, lyrics by Kahn.

Violinist, songwriter, and arranger Matty Malneck transitioned on February 25, 1981.

GRIOTS GALLERY

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The Jazz Voyager

Back in the States from a whirlwind roundtrip across the pond to France and back on the east coast, heading south and bundled up and landed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Jazz Voyager is on his way to Middle C Jazz tonight to be in the audience to check out a young, talented pianist and provocateur by the name of Connie Han. She is a member of this new wave of jazz artists who are bringing an edgy brand of modern and traditional energy to jazz.

I am excited to hear what she has to say musically on this one night opportunity. It all happens tomorrow but as usual when I have friends in town I always fly in early to hang out with them. This Jazz Voyager doesn’t waste a trip and not break bread.

Located at 300 S Brevard Street 28202. As always for more information visit notoriousjazz.com/event.

CALIFORNIA JAZZ FOUNDATION

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