One of the foremost music critics of the late twentieth century, Gary Giddins wrote a prominent jazz column, “Weather Bird,” for The Village Voice from 1973 until 2003, and has penned books on pop and jazz (Ridin’ On A Blue Note and Rhythm-a-Ning) as well as biographies of Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby.
On Sunday, October 10th, 2004 Cecil Taylor gave the first of the Master Classes Series presented by NYU in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation. Taylor has been known as a controversial figure in jazz. A true innovator, Taylor has taken the roots of music and transcended any limitations or definitions. He has abandoned traditional song forms, preset and repetitive chord sequences and the concept of a steady pulse or meter. However, Taylor's music is not devoid of structure or organization. In fact, his music in particular is highly structured, with solo and ensemble passages worked out in detail. If you would like to visit Cecil's official website, log on to www.the-temple.net/taylor/ for more of his music and scheduled performances.
In this backstage interview, Gary Giddins takes us on a journey through the career of Jazz legend Clark Terry's career. This is in conjunction with the Clark Terry Master Class from NYU.
In this backstage interview, Jazz historian Gary Giddins talks about the life and career of Jazz legend Phil Woods. This interview was in conjunction with the Phil Woods Jazz Master Class from NYU.
In this interview, Mr. Giddins talks about the life and career of Toots Thielemans. This is connected with the Toots Thielemans Master Class, which is part of the Jazz Master Class Series from NYU.
The 4th Master class in the fall series featured two of the incredible Heath Brothers, Percy and Jimmy. The third brother Albert was not attending that day. Coming from a musical family known as one of the first families of jazz, the Philadelphia brothers are known for their impeccable compositions, arrangements and love of bebop. Each brother became musically successful in their own right and played with many of the bebop pioneers such as the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. The rhythm section became known as the famous Modern Jazz Quartet after Percy succeeded Ray Brown, launching a 43 year career. Jimmy also played with Gillespie, exchanging his alto sax for a tenor sax. He is an equally talented composer-arranger. Throughout the master class, you can sense the love of music the brothers have to this day.
The 4th Master class in the fall series featured two of the incredible Heath Brothers, Percy and Jimmy. The third brother Albert was not attending that day. Coming from a musical family and known as one of the first families of jazz, the Philadelphia brothers are known for their impeccable compositions, arrangements and love of bebop. Each brother became musically successful in their own right and played with many of the bebop pioneers such as the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. The rhythm section became known as the famous Modern Jazz Quartet after Percy succeeded Ray Brown, launching a 43 year career. Jimmy also played with Gillespie, exchanging his alto sax for a tenor and is a talented composer-arranger. All through the master class, you can sense the love of music the brothers still have and their smiles alone light up the stage.
The 4th Master class in the fall series featured two of the incredible Heath Brothers, Percy and Jimmy. The third brother Albert was not attending that day. Coming from a musical family and known as one of the first families of jazz, the Philadelphia brothers are known for their impeccable compositions, arrangements and love of bebop. Each brother became musically successful in their own right and played with many of the bebop pioneers such as the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. The rhythm section became known as the famous Modern Jazz Quartet after Percy succeeded Ray Brown, launching a 43 year career. Jimmy also played with Gillespie, exchanging his alto sax for a tenor and is a talented composer-arranger. Throughout the master class, you can sense the love of music the brothers have to this day.
Barry Harris in conjunction with NYU and Artists House Foundation presented a Master Class on November 14th, 2004. Barry charmed us with his talent, humor and the beautiful choral choir scattered through the audience, a surprise and delight to those of us attending. Dr. Harris, a renowned jazz pianist, composer and teacher is a Detroit-bred jazz musician and keeper of the bebop flame. Dizzie Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins influenced Harris' jazz style and you will hear Harris mention some of these masters in the video above. In this master class, you get a taste of Harris' extensive knowledge and love of teaching and how he has and continues to serve as a mentor to developing pianists.
Barry Harris in conjunction with NYU and Artists House Foundation presented a Master Class on November 14th, 2004. Barry charmed us with his talent, humor and the beautiful choral choir scattered through the audience, a surprise and delight to those of us attending. Dr. Harris, a renowned jazz pianist, composer and teacher is a Detroit-bred jazz musician and keeper of the bebop flame. Dizzie Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker and Coleman Hawkins influenced Harris' jazz style and you will hear Harris mention some of these masters in the video above. In this master class, you get a taste of Harris' extensive knowledge and love of teaching and how he has and continues to serve as a mentor to developing pianists.
On Sunday, October 10th, 2004 Cecil Taylor gave the first of the Master Classes Series presented by NYU in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation. Taylor has been known as a controversial figure in jazz. A true innovator, Taylor has taken the roots of music and transcended any limitations or definitions. He has abandoned traditional song forms, preset and repetitive chord sequences and the concept of a steady pulse or meter. However, Taylor's music is not devoid of structure or organization. In fact, his music in particular is highly structured, with solo and ensemble passages worked out in detail. If you would like to visit Cecil's official website, log on to www.the-temple.net/taylor/ for more of his music and scheduled performances.
On Sunday, October 10th, 2004 Cecil Taylor gave the first of the Master Classes Series presented by NYU in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation. Taylor has been known as a controversial figure in jazz. A true innovator, Taylor has taken the roots of music and transcended any limitations or definitions. He has abandoned traditional song forms, preset and repetitive chord sequences and the concept of a steady pulse or meter. However, Taylor's music is not devoid of structure or organization. In fact, his music in particular is highly structured, with solo and ensemble passages worked out in detail. If you would like to visit Cecil's official website, log on to www.the-temple.net/taylor/ for more of his music and scheduled performances.
On Sunday November 28th, 2004 Clark Terry gifted us with the third Master Class in the 2004 fall series offered in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of NYU. Clark Terry, a legend jazz trumpeter is known as a headliner at the world's premier jazz events, a TV personality featured on national programs and one of jazz's finest educators. In 1951 Clark joined Duke Ellington's orchestra as a featured soloist for eight years. He was also the first black musician on the NBC payroll as a spotlighted player in the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was at this time Clark had a smash hit featuring Mr. Mumbles. You will see in the Master Class video Clark gives us a very amusing segment of Mr. Mumbles. Clark is known for his great technical virtuosity, swinging lyricism and his gift as a wonderful dramatist whose musical ?les leave an audience thoroughly delighted.
On Sunday, November 28th 2004 Clark Terry gifted us with the third Master Class in the 2004 fall series offered in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of NYU. Clark Terry, a legend jazz trumpeter is known as a headliner at the world?premier jazz events, a TV personality featured on national programs and one of jazz?finest educators.In 1951 Clark joined Duke Ellington?orchestra as a featured soloist for eight years. He was also the first black musician on the NBC payroll as a spotlighted player in the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was at this time Clark had a smash hit featuring Mr. Mumbles. You will see in the Master Class video ?ark gives us a very amusing segment of Mr. Mumbles.Clark is known for his great technical virtuosity, swinging lyricism and his gift as a wonderful dramatist whose musical ?les?eave an audience thoroughly delighted.
On Sunday November 28th, 2004 Clark Terry gifted us with the third Master Class in the 2004 fall series offered in conjunction with John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and Clark Terry, a legend jazz trumpeter is known as a headliner at the world's premier jazz events, a TV personality featured on national programs and one of jazz's finest educators. In 1951 Clark joined Duke Ellington's orchestra as a featured soloist for eight years. He was also the first black musician on the NBC payroll as a spotlighted player in the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. It was at this time Clark had a smash hit featuring Mr. Mumbles. You will see in the Master Class video Clark gives us a very amusing segment of Mr. Mumbles. Clark is known for his great technical virtuosity, swinging lyricism and his gift as a wonderful dramatist whose musical ?les leave an audience thoroughly delighted.
On Sunday, December 12, 2004, Hank Jones gave a master class produced by John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of the NYU jazz department. This was one performance filled with vitality. Hank now in his eighties, is still touring (recently returning from Japan) arrived bursting with energy and after a long day, was still going strong as he chatted with the jazz students which he had performed and instructed that day. Hank Jones, brother of Elvin Jones (the drummer) and Thad (the cornetist), was born 1918 in Mississippi and raised in Michigan. He was influenced by performers Fat Waller, Earl Hines and Art Tatum and is known for his distinctive swinging style. Hank's first gig was with Hot Lips Page band in 1944, a job Lucky Thompson (the saxophonist) got him. Hank worked as a freelancer with artists such as Artie Shaw, Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman and Julian Cannonball Adderley. Later Hank joined CBS working as a studio musician for 17 years, working on such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show. Jones also was a member of his brother's co-led orchestra with Mel Lewis beginning in 1966. Because of Jones unique and versatile style, he can be found on many recordings. He has also played piano duos with such greats as Tommy Flanagan, George Shearing and John Lewis.
On Sunday, December 12, 2004, Hank Jones gave a master class produced by John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of the NYU jazz department. This was one performance filled with vitality. Hank who in his eighties, is still touring (recently returning from Japan) arrived bursting with energy and after a long day, was still going strong as he chatted with the jazz students which he had performed and instructed that day. Hank Jones, brother of Elvin Jones (the drummer) and Thad (the cornetist), was born in 1918 in Mississippi and raised in Michigan. He was influenced by performers Fat Waller, Earl Hines and Art Tatum and is known for his distinctive swinging style. Hank's first gig was with Hot Lips Page band in 1944, a job Lucky Thompson (the saxophonist) got him. Hank worked as a freelancer with artists such as Artie Shaw, Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman and Julian Cannonball Adderley. Later Hank joined CBS working as a studio musician for 17 years, working on such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show. Jones also was a member of his brother's co-led orchestra with Mel Lewis beginning in 1966. Because of Jones unique and versatile style, he can be found on many recordings. He has also played piano duos with such greats as Tommy Flanagan, George Shearing and John Lewis.
On Sunday, December 12, 2004, Hank Jones gave a master class produced by John Snyder of Artists House Foundation and David Schroeder of the NYU jazz department. This was one performance filled with vitality. Hank now in his eighties, still touring (recently returning from Japan) arrived bursting with energy and after a long day, was still going strong as he chatted with the jazz students which he had performed and instructed that day. Hank Jones, brother of Elvin Jones (the drummer) and Thad (the cornetist), was born in 1918 in Mississippi and raised in Michigan. He was influenced by performers Fat Waller, Earl Hines and Art Tatum and is known for his distinctive swinging style. Hank's first gig was with Hot Lips Page band in 1944, a job Lucky Thompson (the saxophonist) got him. Hank worked as a freelancer with artists such as Artie Shaw, Milt Jackson, Benny Goodman and Julian Cannonball Adderley. Later Hank joined CBS working as a studio musician for 17 years, working on such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show. Jones also was a member of his brother's co-led orchestra with Mel Lewis beginning in 1966. Because of Jones unique and versatile style, he can be found on many recordings. He has also played piano duos with such greats as Tommy Flanagan, George Shearing and John Lewis.
The 4th Master class in the fall series featured two of the incredible Heath Brothers, Percy and Jimmy. The third brother Albert was not attending that day. Coming from a musical family and known as one of the first families of jazz, the Philadelphia brothers are known for their impeccable compositions, arrangements and love of bebop. Each brother became musically successful in their own right and played with many of the bebop pioneers such as the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band. The rhythm section became known as the famous Modern Jazz Quartet after Percy succeeded Ray Brown, launching a 43 year career. Jimmy also played with Gillespie, exchanging his alto sax for a tenor and is a talented composer-arranger. Throughout the master class, you can sense the love of music the brothers have to this day.
