Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Hank Levy was born Henry Jacob Levy on September 27, 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland. He learned to play the saxophone and matriculated through Catholic University studying composition with George Thaddeus Jones. It was here that he became interested in odd meters through their use by such composers as Paul Hindemith, Maurice Ravel, and Igor Stravinsky. An adept composer of counterpoint, his talent can be heard in such compositions as Passacaglia and Fugue and Quintessence among others for both the Don Ellis Orchestra and Stan Kenton.
Levy was also prolific as an arranger of jazz standards, though few of them were published during his lifetime. He was especially fond of the music of the stage as it came through bebop: Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern. In his last years, he more frequently turned to bebop originals by Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Tadd Dameron.
As an educator Hank was a full-time professor at Towson State University in 1967. He founded and directed for nearly a quarter of a century the Jazz Program and created the “Towson State Jazz Ensemble”. By 1970 he had brought the band to national prominence winning the outstanding band honors at the prestigious Notre Dame Jazz Festival, with and additional honor of “Best Lead Trumpet”.
Levy recorded an album in 1975 with the ensemble titled “2 + 2 = 5” comprised of six of his compositions. The “Hank Levy Legacy Band” currently performs his music, they have recorded two live CDs to date, and several of his works are still in print through various distributors. Saxophonist, composer and arranger Hank Levy passed away on September 18, 2001 in Parkville, Maryland.
PIECES OF A DREAM
Celebrating their 50th anniversary this October, Pieces of a Dream has built an impressive legacy of innovation and eclecticism – talents that have kept them fresh and authentic in a jazz world that’s ever-changing. The story of Pieces Of A Dream, who has opened for such luminaries as Miles Davis, Count Basie and James Brown, is a tale of destiny and brotherhood. Dubbed a “tough act to follow” by the legendary Count Basie, the band will bring their trademark catchy riffs, infectious grooves and compelling vocals to Keystone Korner Baltimore!
The Band:
Curtis Harmon ~ drums
James Lloyd ~ keyboards
Tony Watson ~ saxophone
Elec Simon ~ percussion
Stacey Richardson ~ vocals
Carolyn Brewer ~ keyboards & vocals
John Hall ~ bass
Cover: $65.00 ~ $75.00 | $5.56 – $6.26 fees
Streaming: $15.00 + $2.05 fee
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Craig Handy was born Craig Mitchell Handy on September 25, 1962 in Oakland, California and played guitar, trombone and piano before falling in love with the tenor saxophone. He was a part of the Berkeley High School Jazz Program, earned a Charlie Parker Scholarship award and attended North Texas State University from 1981 to 1984, where he was a member of their prestigious One O’Clock Lab Band.
By 1986 at age 23 he moved to New York City and once there he built up a cache of credits performing and recording with Herbie Hancock, Head Hunters, Art Blakey, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Abdullah Ibrahim, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, John Hicks, George Adams, Ray Drummond, Conrad Herwig, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Charles Tolliver, The Cookers, and David Weiss among many others.
He was a member and Musical Director of the Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, and Mingus Orchestra, post-bop tenor saxophonist Craig Handy has recorded as a leader, as a member of the group Chartbusters, portrayed the role of Coleman Hawkins in the 1996 film Kansas City and is credited for performing the Season Six theme of the Cosby Show. He continues to compose, perform, record and tour.
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Requisites
Reflections ~ Frank Morgan Allstars | By Eddie Carter
I discovered Frank Morgan in the 80s while living in Cincinnati, Ohio and listening to WNOP 740 AM, the city’s then jazz station. This morning’s album from the library was his eighth release as a leader and seventh for Lester Koenig’s label. Reflections (Contemporary Records C-14052) by the Frank Morgan Allstars is the only album the group recorded together and isn’t a loose, thrown-together blowing session. The sextet is a powerhouse group of musicians: Frank Morgan on alto sax; Joe Henderson on tenor sax; Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone; Mulgrew Miller on piano; Ron Carter on bass; and Al Foster on drums. I own the 1989 U.S. stereo release.
The first side gets underway with Old Bowl, New Grits by Mulgrew Miller. The sextet’s easy-flowing melody gives way to Joe’s opening solo, inviting us to settle in. Bobby follows with a blissfully happy reading, then Frank continues motoring along next. Mulgrew gets the final word ahead of the theme's restatement and fade-out. The title track, Reflections by Thelonious Monk, shifts the energy toward Frank and Joe taking center stage for the enticingly delicate theme. Frank shows a tender vulnerability in the first interpretation. Joe takes over with a gracefully emotional response, then Bobby takes a sensitive, poignant turn, leading to the theme’s return and gorgeous ending.
Starting Over by Bobby Hutcherson picks the beat back up with a lively opening ensemble. Bobby comes out swinging hard first, then Frank dives into the second solo with surgical precision. Joe jumps right into the third reading next, then Mulgrew provides the exclamation point, soaring cheerfully into the ensemble’s vigorous reprise and climax. Side Two opens with the rhythm section’s introduction to Black Narcissus by Joe Henderson, segueing into a compelling front-line dialogue between Frank and Joe. Frank paints a delicate palette first, then Joe adds a few more elegant colors. Bobby infuses the third statement with tender beauty, and Mulgrew saves the best for last in a gorgeous finale before the close.
Sonnymoon for Two by Sonny Rollins affords everyone solo space and begins with the trio’s introduction to the sextet’s medium melody. Frank’s first solo is a great example of relaxed lyricism. Bobby follows with a bounce that’s pure artistry. Joe sets up the next reading perfectly, then Mulgrew keeps the line moving forward. Ron takes a short, satisfying walk before Al brings the curtain down, preceding the closing chorus. O.K. by Ron Carter is his tribute to album producer Orrin Keepnews, and the ensemble opens with a leisurely paced theme. The solo order is Frank, Joe, and Mulgrew before the melody’s reprise and Bobby, who gets the last word in a gentle fade to nothingness.
Orrin Keepnews produced the album; Danny Kopelson managed the recording console, and George Horn mastered the album. The recording is fantastic, with an exceptional soundstage and outstanding detail that emerges through your speakers with exceptional fidelity. Reflections by the Frank Morgan Allstars is a gorgeous album with an all- star lineup and a wonderful selection of tunes. If you’re a fan of the alto saxophonist and in the mood for a terrific blend of bop and modal jazz, I invite you to check it out on your next record shop visit. I’m sure it’ll be a welcome addition to your library, and you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!
© 2026 by Edward Thomas Carter
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Sil Austin was born Sylvester Austin on September 17, 1929 in Dunnelion, Florida and taught himself to play as a 12 year old. He won the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1945, playing “Danny Boy”. His performance brought him a record deal with Mercury Records and he moved to New York and studied at the Juilliard School of Music.
Austin played briefly with Roy Eldridge, Cootie Williams in 1951–52 and Tiny Bradshaw from 1952-54, before setting up his own successful touring group. He recorded over 30 albums for Mercury with a number of Top 40 hits on the pop charts with tunes like “Danny Boy” (his signature), “Slow Walk” and “My Mother’s Eyes”.
Sil Austin, a saxophonist who considered Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Sonny Stitt as his major influences, passed away of prostate cancer on September 1, 2001.
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