Blogs

We’ve all run into it: a disrespectful band leader, a drummer that just won’t stop being loud, or a saxophone player who can’t give up his Coltrane Chops for a smooth jazz gig. Whether you are the third trumpet player or the bandleader, there are certain ways to be most productive in a rehearsal setting.

Trombonist/bandleader/educator Alan Ferber is one of the most prolific performers and composers on the modern music scene today. A special blend of sideman and leader, Ferber splits his time and creative energies between multiple musical endeavors.

This past Thursday night, the Berklee Global Jazz Institute (Red Ensemble) led another one of their student concerts/jam-sessions in the intimate setting of Café 939′s Red Room to a small and engaged audience.

Sometimes the best thing to do is step back from the instrument, breathe, and let your body and mind relax during your practice sessions (as not to injure yourself physically and mentally).

Upright bass players are some of the hardest workers in the jazz business. Usually holding down multiple gigs with different bands from one night to the next, you will find the best bassists with a packed itinerary and an even longer resume and recording history.

I decided to assemble a top five Classic Jazz Albums list. It’s the sort of list I would give to anyone who wanted to be introduced, slowly, to what I would classify as “classic jazz.”

In Memoriam: Frank Foster September 23, 1928 – July 26, 2011