WORLD-RENOWNED DRUMMER CINDY BLACKMAN TO RELEASE ANOTHER LIFETIME

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African American, Cindy Blackman, Drums, Jazz

ON FOUR QUARTERS ENTERTAINMENT, FEBRUARY 23

Cindy Blackman - Another Lifetime

ALBUM PAYS TRIBUTE TO HER MENTOR TONY WILLIAMS

Miles Davis called him a “little genius” and “the fire, the creative spark” of his ’60s quintet, which arguably featured the best rhythm section jazz has ever known. The rhythmic instigator was Tony Williams-only a teenager when he joined the group-who went on to become one of the greatest drummers-if not the greatest-of all time. When he tragically died at the age of 51 in 1997 in the midst of continuing to speed ahead with new compositional projects, he left in his wake a drummer who counted him an invaluable mentor and close friend whose career has been a testament to Williams’ legacy. Cindy Blackman is not only one of contemporary music’s most creative drummers but also a passionate witness to the role model Williams provided to her. In her first recording as a leader since 2005’s double CD Music for the New Millennium, Blackman pays homage to the Jazz-Rock legend with Another Lifetime (Four Quarters Entertainment), a tour de force collection of many of Williams’ songs from his seminal group Lifetime, which he helmed from 1969-1976.

Ted Hogarth | Misconception

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Jazz, Saxophone, Ted Hogarth

Ted Hogarth | Misconception – [Musicomania Produzioni Discografiche, 2003]

Ted Hogarth - Misconception

In 1985 I began studying at Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Northern Michigan. Here I found people my age who were just as enthusiastic and driven to learn and perform. I had no formal music training before Interlochen. I studied with Dr. Frederick Hemke, professor of saxophone at Northwestern University, and his teaching assistant Ron Blake. My introduction to jazz harmony and theory came from Tom Knific and Pete Brockman. I continued my studies at Arizona State University playing tenor in combos and on gigs until I decided that my musical future was in Chicago.

Here I entered a world where players get together to play and express themselves through their music. It is a community that I’m proud to be a part of. I played baritone in big bands for most of my high school and college career though I did not own one. After a year of playing tenor exclusively I began to miss playing baritone. I knew I needed to have my own horn. After acquiring a new baritone, I began working more than ever. I was fortunate to start working in radio and television commercials, as well as doing some independent film soundtracks.

Jimmy Haslip | Blues for Tony

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Bass, Jazz, Jimmy Haslip, Yellowjackets

Jimmy Haslip | Blues for Tony – [Moonjune, 2010]

Jimmy Haslip - Blues for Tony

When drummer Tony Williams died of a heart attack on February 23, 1997, at the relatively young age of 51, it was a tremendous loss for straight-ahead post-bop and hard bop as well as for fusion. Williams had numerous acoustic jazz credentials … Full Description(including his contributions to Miles Davis’ legendary mid-`60s quartet), and his band Lifetime was one of the most important fusion outfits of the `70s. The late drummer’s fusion side is what electric guitarist Allan Holdsworth, electric bassist Jimmy Haslip (of Yellowjackets fame), keyboardist Alan Pasqua and drummer Chad Wackerman pay tribute to on Blues for Tony, an excellent two-CD set that was recorded live in 2007.

Billy Childs | Take For Example This

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African American, Billy Childs, Jazz, Piano

Extraordinary is the word when it comes to describing pianist Billy Childs … his 1988 debut on Windham Jill Jazz titled “Take for Example This” by the Grammy winner is still within and arms reach in my music collection. Without hesitation, I boldly say this remarkable talent and a gifted artist voice should be heard and embraced by music enthusiast. The versatile Childs has recently worked as the music director for smooth jazz trumpet player Chris Botti. Stay tuned, for the follow up to his award winning “Lyric.” His forthcoming record is appropriately titled, “Jazz Chamber Music Vol II” which is due out early 2010″ via ArtistShare. Word has it, Childs shaped this jewel with the same intense innovative spirit as he brilliantly executed on “Lyric.” ~ Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Billy Childs | Take For Example This – [Windham Hill Jazz, 1988]

Billy Childs

This early effort from Los Angeles-based pianist and composer Billy Childs starts out on a decent level and gets stronger as it goes along. Childs is a versatile writer whose compositions are creative and complex post-bop. His piano playing on this set sometimes recalls Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea, but already shows strong signs of his emerging musical personality. With excellent playing from Bob Sheppard on tenor, flute, and soprano on six of the eight selections (all Childs originals) and a couple tight rhythm sections, Billy Childs’ early set is well worth searching for. – Scott Yanno

Source: AllMusic.com also, please visit www.billychilds.com.