Jazz at Lincoln Center

Today marks the birthday of the late, great pianist and composer Hank Jones. A master of the keyboard who embraced and expanded the language of bebop, Jones quickly rose to become one of the most influential, versatile, and in-demand pianists in music history. His impressive performance resume includes collaborations with legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, and Frank Sinatra.

Wynton Marsalis once described Jones as “one of the most important jazz musicians of our time.” In 2007, Jones took the stage at Dizzy’s Club alongside Joe Lovano for a live recording of their album, Kids. As Jazz at Lincoln Center prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Frederick P. Rose Hall and honor all the artists who have graced our stages over the past two decades, we extend our heartfelt birthday wishes to Hank Jones. Thank you for being a cherished part of the first 20 years in the House of Swing.

For more information on the 20th anniversary and upcoming season concerts, visit jazz.org

(Photo: Hank Jones at Monterey Jazz Festival 9/22/85 by Brian McMillen)

Happy birthday to trombonist and educator Delfeayo Marsalis, who was born in 1965! Marsalis has recorded eight solo records and appeared on countless others as a sideman for Benny Green, Wycliffe Gordon, and more. Alongside his father and brothers, he went on to receive an NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2011. Marsalis is also the founder of Uptown Music Theatre, which promotes community unity among New Orleans youth.

(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

Happy birthday to Jon Faddis, an electrifying performer, inspiring educator, and dedicated instrumentalist! For years, Dizzy’s Club has been the venue for Jon’s annual birthday celebrations. This year, from July 25-28, Jon will continue the tradition, assembling a formidable lineup of musical individualists at the club.

Later this year, from October 18-20, Jon returns to Dizzy’s to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The House of Swing and the Dizzy Gillespie Birthday Celebration at Dizzy’s namesake club.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jazz.org/dizzys

Photo by Frank Stewart / Jazz at Lincoln Center

Today marks the birthday of the alto saxophone legend Charles McPherson! Emerging as one of the leading lights of the alto saxophone in the 1960s, McPherson fully absorbed and mastered the language of bebop while also expanding the art form into incredible new territories. Widely renowned for his work with luminaries like Charles Mingus and Barry Harris, McPherson also is one of the music's great bandleaders, with more than half a century of iconic albums to his name from the classic Bebop Revisited! to The Journey, to everything in between. He remains one of the alto saxophone's most brilliant soloists, deepening and expanding his artistry with each new year.

(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

Families are invited to join Ms. Sofía and the WeBop Family Jazz Band for a bilingual show celebrating Latin jazz rhythms on September 14 for Jazz at Lincoln Center's WeBop Family Jazz Party: ¡Vamos a g***r! A Latin Jazz Jam

Guests will take an imaginary trip to El Barrio (Harlem, New York), discover the clave, sing WeBop favorites ¡con mucho sabor! and groove through the Latin legacy of NYC.

WeBop Family Jazz Parties are designed for children ages 8 months – 8 years but all are welcome to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets: jazz.org/wfjp

(Photo by Lawrence Sumulong for Jazz at Lincoln Center)

On July 18, 1957, bassist Charles Mingus began recording work on tracks that would ultimately become Tijuana Moods. Recorded in lengthy sessions on July 18 and August 6, the album featured some of Mingus' most remarkable writing, which sought to evoke some of his memories of Mexico (a country he had visited frequently while growing up in Southern California). The July 18 date resulted in some incredible music, including "Los Mariachis," "Ysabel's Table Dance," and "Dizzy Moods."

Happy Birthday to legendary drummer Philly Joe Jones, born on this day in 1923. One of the most celebrated celebrated drummers of jazz, Jones’ signature fourth-beat rim taps earned him a spot in the Miles Davis Quintet. He also recorded with Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Red Garland, and more.

We recommend listening to Jones’ solo on Miles Davis’ “Billy Boy.” What are your favorite Philly Joe Jones songs or fills?

(Photo courtesy of Metronome/Getty Images)

On this day in 1935, Benny Goodman--rapidly rising as one of jazz's brightest stars--entered the studio to record with one of his most dazzling and influential ensembles: the Benny Goodman Trio. An integrated band featuring Goodman, pianist Teddy Wilson, and drummer Gene Krupa, this ensemble would prove to be one of the greatest small ensembles of the 1930s as well as one of the very first Jazz bands to formally integrate their lineup! On July 13, 1935, the trio delivered a stunning debut, knocking out sterling takes on works like "After You've Gone" and "Someday Sweetheart." The highlight of the day, however, is a breathtaking take on "Body and Soul" in a performance that still feels as fresh, vibrant, and heartfelt today as it did in 1935.

Classes start Monday, July 15! Register today: jazz.org/swingu

Jazz at Lincoln Center mourns the loss of trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator Jim Rotondi. Kenny Rampton, trumpet player for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis bids farewell to his dear friend:

"The jazz community and the world lost a beautiful human being, but heaven regained a beautiful soul. A great trumpeter, jazz musician, composer, arranger, and educator, Jim Rotondi was also a great person and dear friend who will be missed by everyone who knew him. He made a positive difference in this world for countless people and will always be remembered with deep respect, love, and admiration. My deepest condolences to Jim's wife and love of his life Julie, the family, and all who knew and loved him."
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(Photo: Kenny Rampton, Jim Rotondi and Wynton Marsalis post JLCO concert in Clermont-Ferrand, France. October, 2021)

Dizzy's Club is temporarily closed until July 11 due to exciting updates.

Join us when the club reopens for DJANGO Festival All-Stars, July 11-14!

www.jazz.org/dizzys

Happy birthday to saxophonist and composer Hank Mobley, born in Eastman, Georgia in 1930!

Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey with a musical family, Mobley began his career at the age of 19 playing with Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach. He even took part in one of the earliest hard bop sessions, alongside Art Blakey, Horace Silver and others, which was later released as Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers. Though the band split in 1956, Mobley continued to work with Blakey and Silver on other projects. Throughout the 1960s he performed with Grant Green, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and even a stint with Miles Davis. In 1979, he released his album "A Slice at the Top" to critical praise.

Mobley's is remembered for his laid-back, yet melodic style, which has continued to inspire countless musicians across generations.

On this day in 1939, Billie Holiday recorded her version of “Them There Eyes” for Vocalion Records. The tune was written by Maceo Pinkard, Doris Tauber, and William Tracey and first published in 1930. In 1931, the song was featured in the film “Let’s Do Things” and subsequently recorded that same year by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, and Duke Ellington. Holiday’s version however, remains one of the best known recordings of the tune.

(Photo by William P. Gottlieb)

Happy "Birthday" to the one-and-only Louis Armstrong! Although research indicates that the trailblazer was most likely born on August 4th, 1901, Louis—lovingly hailed as a "firecracker baby” by his mother—celebrated his birthday on July 4th. A tradition we continue today.

Photo: Courtesy of Mandadori via Getty Images

In the July issue of Earshot magazine, recent high school graduate and Earshot intern Hazel Beaman sits down with Tuuli Walton, a Garfield High School senior who reflects on performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2024 Essentially Ellington.

The bands all gather to cheer one another on, creating an atmosphere of accomplishment and prestige. “They definitely make you feel very special right from the beginning,” Tuuli said. “The clinicians were always telling us how proud they were of us.” Whatever the future holds, says the article, these musicians walk away with the greatest awards: irreplaceable memories with irreplaceable people.

Read full article: https://www.earshot.org/project/2024-07-the-essentially-ellington-experience/

Photos by Gilberto Tadday / Jazz at Lincoln Center: https://www.earshot.org/project/2024-07-0on-the-scene/

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis concluded their weeklong residency at Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC on June 29. Performances included works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and more.

The orchestra is back on the road next month. For info and to purchase tickets, visit jazz.org/tour.

August 2024 tour stops:
8/14:
Anderson Center for the Performing Arts at Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY

8/15:
Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA
Opening act: Cécile McLorin Salvant

8/21:
Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY
Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise with the Music School Festival Orchestra and Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, Timothy Muffitt, conductor

8/24:
Skaneateles Festival, Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards, Skaneateles, NY

Photos by Gilberto Tadday / Jazz at Lincoln Center

Swing University is now open for enrollment! Courses this summer explore the musical legacies of iconic performers including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Patsy Cline, and Rosemary Clooney.

Registration is open now through July 1. Students can save 20% on the All-Access Package with early bird registration at jazz.org/swing-u

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis kicked off a weeklong residency at Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC with education workshops and performances. Through July 29, the orchestra performs works by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and other jazz legends will be featured.

Limited seats remain - grab yours now at brevardmusic.org/tickets.

(Photos: Gilberto Tadday/Jazz at Lincoln Center)

Feel the rhythm throughout the city as free concerts light up New York City’s streets well into the summer night. Join us in celebrating summer with renowned artists from the Jazz at Lincoln Center family!

More info: jazz.org/swinginthestreets