Herbie Hancock wins top Grammy award
If you thought the New York Giants winning the Super Bowl was a major upset, imagine the shock when a jazz musician won the top Grammy award for Album Of The Year!
From the AP:
In a major shocker, Winehouse lost the final award of the night, album of the year, to Herbie Hancock’s “River: The Joni Letters.”
“You know it’s been 43 years since the first and only time that a jazz artist got the album of the year award,” Hancock said.
“I’d like to thank the Academy for courageously breaking the mold this time. In doing so, honoring the giants upon whose shoulders I stand, some of whom like Miles Davis, John Coltrane … unquestionably, deserved the award in the past. But this is a new day, that proves that the impossible can be made possible.”
Bake’s Place regular Ben Thomas (vibes/bandoneon) brings a special new project for a night of tango music. Joining Ben will be Eric Rynes (violin), Jerrod Wendland (piano) and Jeff Norwood (bass). They have been playing milongas for dancers in dance halls throughout Washington, but will have a change of venue by playing at Bakes’ Place in Issaquah. Come join them and Craig and Laura Baker for a night of tangos, waltzes, milongas and great food.
On Friday, January 25, saxophonist and Seattle-native Andrew D’Angelo suffered a major seizure while driving in Brooklyn, NY. Tests in the hospital revealed a large tumor in his brain. Andrew will undergo brain surgery at some point in the next few weeks. At this time, it is believed that the tumor is not cancerous, but this will not be confirmed until a biopsy is performed.
JAZZ ALLEY: Chris Botti
Vocalist Kendra Shank (former Seattle resident and now living in New York) is opening for singer-songwriter Kenny Rankin at Jazz Alley this week and will be accompanied by pianists Bill Anschell (Friday and Sunday) and Randy Halberstadt (Saturday).
Friday January 25, 2008
Saturday January 26, 2008
On Wednesday, January 16th, I went to Tula’s to attend the release party for bass player Jon Hamar’s new CD Here After. I have to say that it’s to its credit that Tula’s has eliminated blender drinks from their menu. And why, do you ask, is this suddenly an important revelation? Well, mainly because it would be an otherwise unfortunate place for an acoustic bass player to have a CD release party! As it was, there were no Margaritas and Pina Coladas to interfere with this quiet, intimate CD release party for bassist Hamar and his trio. Of course, the phone rang during an acapella bass solo, raising a slight chuckle in the audience, but I for one was grateful for the chance to hear Hamar’s music with little interference. As a result it was a very satisfying experience.
Wednesday’s audience was a modest but appreciative assembly of friends, family, students from Cornish and Central Washington University, not to mention a few bass players. On stage were pianist Dawn Clement and Byron Vannoy on drums. The three musicians were locked in and sounded like they’ve spent a lot of time playing together. Jon and Dawn had a special simpatico and Byron is a perfect complement to the two. Dawn and Byron are also featured on Jon’s new recording Here After, in addition to John Hansen, Jon Wikan, Hans Teuber and Dan Tyack.