Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Tony Vella was born on April 4, 1937 in Terrasini, a Sicily commune in the metropolitan city of Palermo, Itlay. In 1957 he gained immense experience working with big and small configurations. In Italyhe was the main arranger, for numerous important record houses.
From 1972 he dedicated his efforts to cultural activities and the formation of young talents holding theory courses, and practical instrumental and ensemble music applied to jazz music. By 1975 Tony participated in the Pescara the Jazz Festival with the New Jazz Society of Palermo, the only Italian group invited to perform along with the Zoot Sims Quartet, Antony Braxton, Elvin Jones Quintet, Red Norvo Trio, Chet Baker Quartet, Charles Mingus Group, Roland Kirk Quintet and Don Cherry Organic Music Theatre.
Three years later he formed and directed L’Orchestra in collaboration with the Reinhardt Center for their concert season. Organized by the Associazione Siciliana Amici della Musica and introduced to Auditorium SS. Salvatore of Palermo.
In the Eighties Vella was a partr of the Messina Jazz Meeting with the Brass Group Big Band, as orchestra director and arranger. With the band he has collaborated with international musicians Archie Shepp, Hernie Wilkins, Mel Lewis, Sam Rivers, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Paolo Lepore, Franco Cerri, and Danilo Terenzi.
The next decade he established The Tony Vella Fusion Jazz Band entirely composed from young Sicialian musicians. A big band, modeled on some of the great American orchestras like Quincy Jones. The Fusion Jazz Band presented remarkable arrangements of a repertoire that includes Brazilian and popular jazz. They accompanied singers Beppe Vella, Gaetano Riccobono, and Tony Piscopo, as well as numerous musicians such asCalderone Ignazio, Aldo Oliveri, Benedetto Modica, Giovanni Mazzarino, Sergio Munafò, Aldo Messina, and Sebastiano Alioto, among others.
Pianist, organist, composer, arranger and orchestra director Tony Vella continues to perform, conduct and record.
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STEVE DAVIS
Featuring voclaist/actress Abena Koomson~Davis, who has starred in the Broadway production of Fela!, and for over 15 years, Abena has been the lead vocalist of the funk rock band Van Davis. She is the musical director for the Resistance Revival Chorus, and her song “Joy in Resistance” is featured on their debut album, entitled “This Joy.”
Abena’s debut jazz album on WJ3 Records, entitled “Where is Love” features time-honored standards and original compositions co-written with her husband, acclaimed jazz trombonist Steve Davis.
The late trumpet giant Freddie Hubbard called Steve Davis, “one of the great trombone players in the world,” and whether on record or on stage, “Stevie D” and his group always produce compelling, enjoyable music.
Steve’s vocalist wife Abena is featured on this gig as she is on his newest all-star album, We See, his 21st as a leader. A protégé of both Jackie McLean and Art Blakey, Davis is perhaps his generation’s leading trombonist.
Tickets: $35.00 +fee $2.75
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SALUTE TO FREDDIE HUBBARD & CANNONBALL ADDERLEY
Among the giants of jazz’s hard-bop and post-bop eras, Freddie Hubbard and Cannonball Adderley were distinctive pacesetters who stretched their talents while still making exciting, accessible music.
Their profound influence on contemporary headliners trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and saxophonist Vincent Herring cannot be underestimated and this all-star quintet pays tribute to their massive contributions. Last year, Herring and Pelt collaborated with other top NY musicians forming the supergroup Something Else!, named after a classic Cannonball recording.
The Players: Jeremy Pelt ~ Trumpet | Vincent Herring ~ Saxophone | Rick Germanson ~ Piano | Richie Goods ~ Bass | Louis Hayes ~ Drums
Tickets: $35.00 +fee
Saturday 7:00pm Show Sold Out
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BILL EASLEY TRIO
He began playing music at the age of 13 and studied at Memphis State University during the 1960s. Easley worked with George Benson in the late 1960s and with Isaac Hayes in the 1970s. He also did sessions at Stax and Hi Records with Ann Peebles and Al Green). He moved back to New York in 1980.
He has worked with Roland Hanna, Jimmy McGriff, Jimmy Smith, Ruth Brown, James Williams, Bill Mobley, George Caldwell, Mulgrew Miller, Grady Tate, Victor Gaskin, Panama Francis, Mercer Ellington, and Billy Higgins.
Bill Easley ~ Alto & Tenor Saxophone | Dino Losito ~ Organ | Jimmy Johns ~ Drums
Tickets: $17.00
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ARI HOENIG TRIO
Exposed at an early age to a variety of musical experiences. His father is a conductor and classical singer, his mother a violinist and pianist. Accordingly, at 4 years of age, Ari began studying the violin and piano. At age 12 he started in on the drums and by age fourteen he was honing his skills with other young jazz musicians at Philly clubs such as Ortlieb’s JazzHaus.
Hoenig has taught and is on the faculty at New York University and The New School in New York. He gives clinics and lectures at music schools and universities worldwide.
Ari Hoenig with his trio featuring Tivon Pennicott on sax and Gadi Lehavi on Piano and Tivon Pennicott on sax. Ari and his trio have continually challenged the status quo of straight ahead jazz while staying true to its form.
Tickets: $50.00 | General Admission
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