Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Grady Nichols was born on July 11th in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He studied under legendary saxophonist Joe Davis during his high school years and was first exposed to jazz from listening to the Weather Channel. Growing up on a farm he would practice for hours at a time outside. After graduating from John Brown University with a degree in broadcasting, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and became recognized for his mix of jazz and gospel music. Impressing the university staff so much, they let him keep a key to the Cathedral and practice whenever he wanted.

Over a career spanning two decades, Nichols has crafted seven highly acclaimed albums and performed extensively, opening for such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti, Ray Charles, Al Green, Wayman Tisdale and The Beach Boys. A chance meeting with David Sanborn during his college years cemented his desire to become a professional saxophonist. It set him on a course of discovery.

Establishing his own unique sound he recorded his debut album in 1996, Between You and Me. Right after he released the album, Tulsa got a jazz station and they started playing him. Management followed as did more live performances and airplay. As his career gained momentum he played prestigious venues and in the studio he has worked with Chris Rodriguez, Jeff Lorber, Michael Omartian, Zac Maloy and David Hamilton.

Saxophonist Grady Nichols, who has recorded eight albums and has been on Billboard’s Jazz chart, continues to perform and record.

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Requisites

Homecoming – Live at The Village Vanguard ~ Dexter Gordon | By Eddie Carter

I’ve been a Dexter Gordon fan since childhood and saw him perform in an all-star jam session at The 1972 Newport Jazz Festival. In 1976, he returned to the US for an engagement at The Village Vanguard. Dexter received a warm welcome upon his arrival and played to sold-out crowds each night. This morning’s album from the library, Homecoming (Columbia PG 34650), finds Dexter effectively demonstrating he was still a master on the tenor sax. His bandmates on this live date are Woody Shaw on flugelhorn (tracks: A2, D1) and trumpet (A1, B1, B2, C1, C2, D2), Ronnie Matthews on acoustic piano, Stafford James on acoustic bass, and Louis Hayes on drums. My copy is the 1977 US Stereo release.

The album opens with Gingerbread Boy by Jimmy Heath. The front line leads the ensemble in a lively melody. Dexter is off to an adventurous start on the opening solo. Woody and Louis share the spotlight in the following reading; first, in a vigorous exchange; next, Woody takes the reins. Ronnie follows with an exciting closing statement ahead of the reprise. Gordon introduces Woody Shaw’s Little Red Fantasy, a dedication to his wife and manager, Maxine Gregg opens with the ensemble’s attractive melody. Gordon begins the opening solo affectionately, then gradually increases the intensity as it unfolds. Shaw comes behind him with a beautiful performance, then Matthews moves into the third reading elegantly. James walks the bass confidently until the ensemble’s delicate ending.

Fenja, Dexter Gordon’s touching tribute to his wife, begins Side Two with the quintet’s medium theme. Dexter takes the first solo at an easy swing, then builds to a happy groove. Woody adds a bit of home cooking in the following interpretation. Ronnie emerges next for a relaxing reading one can almost dance to, and Stafford eases into a delightfully personal statement preceding the ensemble’s closing chorus. In Case You Haven’t Heard by Woody Shaw picks up the pace for the rhythm section’s introduction and quintet’s melody. Gordon is up first with a lively interpretation; then Shaw engages in a vigorous conversation with Hayes. Matthews has the last spot and dispenses vibrant notes into the melody reprise and ending.

Side Three starts with It’s You Or No One by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne. The saxophonist opens with an energetic introduction, succeeded by the quintet’s spirited melody. Dexter swings hard on the first solo. Woody comes in next for an enthusiastic romp, then Ronnie responds with a passionate improvisation. Louis provides a memorable exclamation point preceding a vibrant closing chorus. Let’s Get Down by Ronnie Matthews begins with his introduction segueing into the group’s peppy theme. Gordon kicks off the solos with an inspired improvisation; Shaw has much to say in the following statement. Matthews settles in for some straight-ahead swinging next, then James’ bass walks smoothly. Both horns share the finale with Louis before the quintet takes the song out.

‘Round Midnight is Thelonious Monk’s best-known and most recorded composition. It opens Side Four with Ronnie’s gentle introduction; then Dexter comes in for the tender theme, accented by Woody’s comments. Dexter continues with a delicately pretty opening solo. Woody delights with velvet smoothness in the following reading. Ronnie shows expressive artistry in the next statement. Dexter provides a final comment ahead of the ensemble’s summation. The rhythm section opens Dexter’s Backstairs with a brisk introduction to the quintet’s quick melody. Gordon gives the opening solo an energetic workout; then Shaw delivers a passionate intensity in the second statement. Matthews raises the temperature in a quick finale leading to the quintet’s climax, and Dex thanking the audience.

Michael Cuscuna produced Homecoming, and Malcolm Addey recorded it. The album has a splendid soundstage that transports the listener to the Village Vanguard’s intimacy as the musicians perform. If you’re a Dexter Gordon fan and are in the mood for an excellent live quintet date, I invite you to consider Homecoming for a spot in your library. It’s a jazz time capsule with many magical moments that not only rewards those in attendance but allows the listener to enjoy these outstanding performances each time it’s on the turntable!

~ Round Midnight – Source: JazzStandards.com © 2023 by Edward Thomas Carter

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JAZZ DIALOGUE OPEN JAM

Earlybird Show | 6:30pm ~ 8:30pm

Lex Korten (p) | Dave Adewumi (tp) | Carmen Rothwell (b) | Connor Parks (d)

Jazz Dialogue Open Jam | 9:00pm ~ 12:00am

Asaf Yuria (ts) | Brian Charette (org)| Jimmy Macbride (d)

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WAYNE PAGE

Wayne Page found an active music scene when he arrived at Drake University in 1980, & it did not take him long to be a part of it. There were on the road gigs with the Don Hoy Orchestra as well as opportunities to play with the Des Moines Big Band, a group of which he has been a member since the late 1990s. In addition to his weekly gig with the big band, Wayne performs with the Turner Center Jazz Orchestra, Max Wellman, Fred Gazzo, the Des Moines Symphony, & his own quartet. Wayne is also a first-call saxophonist for national touring acts including Harry Connick Jr., Leslie Gore & The Temptations. In addition to his playing credits, Wayne has been a valued educator, sharing his years of experience & knowledge with middle to high school students in the community.

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JOHN PERRINE QUARTET

Composer, Saxophonist and Educator John Perrine returns to the BOP STOP! He will be presenting original music with his quartet.

CSU alums Jimmie Parker, piano | CSU faculty member Chris Vance, bass | Crystal Burks, drums

John Perrine, Professor, is Coordinator of Jazz Studies and Director of Jazz Ensembles at Cleveland State University. He has premiered works by Kari Juusela, Aaron Johnson and William Price. Perrine holds a doctorate from Louisiana State University, a masters from Northwestern University, and a BME from Stetson University. His teachers include James Bishop, Fred Hemke, Jonathon Helton and Griffin Campbell. He has studied jazz with Harold Blanchard, Don Owens, Tony Garcia and Michael Koucour.

Recently, Perrine has performed the Bolcom Concert Suite with the Volga Band (Saratov, Russia). Perrine also gave master classes at the Saratov Conservatory and the Rostov On-Don Conservatory and well as at Moscow State University for Culture and Arts where he has been invited back to perform the Ingolf Dahl Saxophone Concerto.

He is a founding member of the Red Stick Saxophone Quartet. The quartet has won national prizes in the MTNA and Fischoff chamber music competitions. Perrine’s composition “Vonnegut: Suite for Saxophone Quartet” was premiered at the North American Saxophone Alliance International Convention in Columbia, South Carolina by the Red Stick Saxophone Quartet.

His recordings “Dance of the Pampanzi” and “Here’s the Thing” are available on most streaming services.

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