Esperanza Spalding Named Artistic & Community Ambassador by Portland Jazz Festival

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Bass, Esperanza Spalding, Jazz

Esperanza Spalding - Photo By: Sandrine Lee

PDX Jazz, the presenting organization of the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Portland Jazz Festival presented by U.S. Bank, announce the appointment of Esperanza Spalding as Artistic & Community Ambassador. The celebrated bassist, vocalist, composer and bandleader will officially begin her newly appointed position effective October 14 at the kick-off press conference for the 2011 festival to be held February 18 through 27 in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Rebecca Coupe Franks Showcases An Eclectic Mix Of Instrumentals And Vocals On Check the Box, Set For August 17 Release

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Jazz, Rebecca Coupe Franks, Trumpet

Trumpeter/Composer/Bandleader Celebrates Her 20 Year Career

Rebecca Coupe Franks - Check the Box

“This emotionally heartfelt and driving album brings home spirited, inspired songs and trumpet playing…Rebecca is at her best throughout, and the songs reflect a versatility of music form in a tableau of polished approach, feel and style.” – from the CD liner notes, Lynne Robin Green

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the beginning of Rebecca Coupe Franks’ remarkable career as trumpeter/composer/bandleader. The San Francisco Bay Area native was mentored by Joe Henderson during her youth in the ’80s, became a regular on the New York City jazz scene in the ’90s, and today is the owner of RCF Music Studio and RCF Records, a music composer/producer for film and television, and a freelance trumpet player. Coupe Franks has been continuing to develop her creatively designed music that’s organically crafted as an amalgam of styles including straight-ahead jazz, Latin, and blues & gospel by way of New Orleans, along with inflections of pop. On her fifth outing as leader, Check the Box, on RCF Records, she delivers a sumptuous mix of instrumentals and vocals tunes, with Coupe Franks making her singing debut on four tracks.