Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Bob Zurke came into the world as Boguslaw Albert Zukowski on January 7, 1912 in Hamtramck, Michigan. By the age of 16 he was already using the name Bob Zurke professionally when he first recorded with a group led by pioneering female jazz bassist Thelma Terry. At that time, Zurke also began to work as a copyist for the Detroit-based booking agency run by Jean Goldkette.

Through the end of 1936, he worked in various Detroit, Michigan clubs, mostly as a band pianist, but he occasionally went on tour with other groups. During this period he developed a long friendship with pianist Marvin Ash, who would later go on to record some of Zurke’s compositions.

1937 saw Bob was hired by bandleader Bob Crosby to fill in for Joe Sullivan, then ailing with tuberculosis and it was here that he gained notice, contributing arrangements to the band’s book and as a featured soloist.

As an arranger his arrangement of Meade Lux Lewis’ Honky Tonk Train Blues, became a hit. In 1938 he was named the winner in the piano category in the  DownBeat Reader’s Poll. By 1939 Sullivan was back with the Bob Crosby Orchestra and Zurke subsequently worked with the William Morris Agency to form his own band. They debuted at an RCA Victor recording session that same year as Bob Zurke and his Delta Rhythm Orchestra. His alcohol dependency, alleged drug use and unreliability and volatility led to the group disbanding.

After a period of wandering from job to job Zurke settled in Los Angeles, California in mid-1942 and began an engagement at the Hangover Club in Los Angeles that he held until the end of his days. In 1943, he made one final recording, synchronizing an original piano part to the Walter Lantz cartoon Jungle Jive (in the Swing Symphony series), one of his most difficult and challenging solos.

He published two folios of jazz piano solos and several sheet music editions of single pieces; in addition to that, 14 original compositions from Zurke are known to exist.

Pianist, arranger, composer and bandleader Bob Zurke, who was considered one of the finest boogie~woogie pianists of the time, collapsed at the Hangover Club and was taken to the hospital where he transitioned on February 16, 1944 from complications of pneumonia, aggravated by acute alcohol poisoning. He was 32.

DOUBLE IMPACT FITNESS

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JOHNNY O’NEAL: TRIBUTE TO THE CROONERS

Heartfelt and authentic, Johnny O’Neal’s expression reflects a profound lineage of master song interpreters. The singer and pianist delivers a pureness of melody, spontaneity, and phrasing. His thrilling, often cathartic sets are known to elicit both laughter and tears from captivated listeners. Over the years, he has performed with Art Blakey, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Pass, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Lionel Hampton, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Stitt, Benny Golson, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and Clark Terry.

Lineup

Johnny O’Neal – piano, vocals

Tony Hewitt – vocals

Ilya Lushtak – guitar and vocals

Daralyn Jay – vocals

Luke Sellick – bass

Quincy Davis – drums

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DAAHOUD SALIM QUINTET

Hailed for his expressive compositions and lyricism, pianist and composer Daahoud Salim assembled his international quintet – premiering in the United States for the first time at Dizzy’s Club – in 2015 in Amsterdam. Since then, the artists have released four recordings and performed in leading concert halls and at festivals across Europe. Their music features Salim’s compositions as well as those of his father Abdu Salim, a pioneer of jazz in Spain, founder of the first school of jazz of Andalusia, and a source of inspiration for the entire ensemble. Their stirring live performances transmit energy and spirituality to listeners of all ages.

Lineup:

Daahoud Salim, piano

Bruno Calvo, trumpet

Pablo Martinez, trombone

Hendrik Müller, bass

Andreu Pitarch, drums

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CYRUS CHESTNUT & AFFIRMATION: 60TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Cyrus Chestnut – Piano
Tim Green – Saxophone
Obasi Koto – Bass
Eric Kennedy – Drums

“Chestnut showed what pervasive spontaneity and deep swing rhythm are all about. Chestnut made spirits soar” – Chicago Tribune 

A masterful jazz pianist and Baltimore native, Cyrus Chestnut balances his lithe technical skill with a robust, soulful style that speaks to his deep gospel roots and love of swinging hard bop. Raised in the church, he learned how to infuse his swinging, classically trained style with a warm gospel sound, a style that first marked his work as a sideman, backing legendary vocalists Jon Hendricks and Betty Carter, as well as with instrumentalists like Donald Harrison and Wynton Marsalis. The future is bright with great possibilities for Cyrus. Expect a unique and unforgettable show as he takes the stage at Keystone Korner Baltimore.

We could not be more deeply grateful about the deeply swinging and soulful music that Cyrus Chestnut, Tim Green, Obasi Akoto, and Eric Kennedy are sharing with us as they lift our spirits with every note at Keystone Korner Baltimore. This is truly music that makes the heart dance and our souls sing, no matter what the daunting challenges of our time. Eternal gratitude, faith, and enduring love….

Showtimes

Friday & Saturday ~ 7:00pm | 9:30pm

Sunday ~ 5:00pm | 7:30pm

Stream @ 5:00pm & 7:00pm Only : $10.00

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LOSTON HARRIS

Meet Loston Harris. His piano playing has been described as “percussive” with “incredibly fluid”. His vocals noted as “suave.” Loston himself will tell you he has worked hard during his career but knows he’s been blessed with the opportunities to play the music closest to his heart, jazz. Frank Sinatra, Bobby Short and Nat King Cole can rest comfortably knowing that Loston Harris is keeping the flame alive.

Showtimes ~ 7:00pm | 9:00pm

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