Jazz and Blues Lounge

Hot Jazz and 6 Cool Nites

by balaspa on July 23rd, 2008

WDCB is a great radio station and you know I believe that. I rant and rave about that place and that station ad nauseum around here. But they are really a great source of information about jazz and blues music in and around the Chicago area and suburbs. In fact, since they are located in the suburbs, they are the finest source of suburban jazz music and concerts and festivals for those of you living in and around the Chicago area.

One of their sponsored events is called “Hot Jazz - 6 Cool Nites” which is taking place in the suburb of Naperville in August. Naperville is one of the largest cities in Illinois, once you get out of Chicago, and one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Chicago. They are the location of North Central College and this is where this particular celebration of jazz music is taking place.

From the North Central College website:
Featured Vocalists

Janice Borla, a native Chicagoan and North Central College visiting lecturer of music, has performed with such jazz talents as Clark Terry, Bobby Watson and Gary Bartz. Her current CD “From Every Angle” (Blujazz) has earned her enthusiastic critical acclaim, including a coveted four-star review in DownBeat magazine, and selection as one of its “Best CDs of 2007.” Jazz Improv magazine declares it “Great jazz singing…One of the best jazz releases of the year.” AllMusic Guide cites her “…adventurous, risk-taking approach…An impressive performance. Janice Borla clearly deserves far wider recognition with this release.” Jazz Times: “Genius. Pure genius.”

Based in New York City and a founding member of Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp’s artist roster, Jay Clayton has worked with jazz luminaries including Bobby McFerrin, Fred Hersch, Steve Reich and the internationally-acclaimed improvisatory vocal group Vocal Summit. Her current CD “Brooklyn 2000″ (Sunnyside Records) has won wide critical praise. Francis Davis (Downbeat magazine) writes: “Clayton is an important singer…one who proposed dramatic change in style and roles…Her musicianship is impeccable.” Debra Bresnan (Woodstock Times): “Clayton can swing, percolate, lay down a blues, soar in ethereal realms, avant you, romance you, and generally spin your concept of jazz singing a full 360…” This will be Clayton’s fifth appearance in the series.

Judy Niemack divides her time between Europe and the United States. Currently based in Berlin, she has recorded with Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Fred Hersch and Lee Konitz. Jazz Times magazine declares “Niemack represents jazz singing at its finest and most accomplished” and describes her newest CD release “Blue Nights” (Blujazz) as “at once a sublime testament to her long-established musical prowess and an utterly refreshing exercise in interpretive brilliance.” AllMusic Guide calls it a “brilliant effort” from ”one of the most underrated jazz vocalists of her generation.” Steve Getz of the Blue Note in New York City proclaims her “a world-class jazz vocalist. Period.” Niemack made her first “Hot Jazz—6 Cool Nites” appearance in 1990 and has been on its artist roster ever since.

In-residence instrumentalists

Trumpeter Art Davis is a former featured soloist with the Ray Charles Orchestra. Based in Chicago, he has performed and/or recorded with such notable artists as Louis Bellson, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Sinatra, and is a member of the Janice Borla Group.

Pianist Dan Haerle is an alumnus of the Clark Terry Group and has performed with Al Jarreau, Joe Henderson, Pat Metheny and Mel Torme. Based in Denton, Texas, he leads the Dan Haerle Trio, whose current CD “Standard Procedure” (Blujazz) was selected by Downbeat magazine as among the best CD releases of 2005.

Bassist Bob Bowman has played with such jazz greats as Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Toshiko Akyoshi, Carmen McRae and Karrin Allyson. Based in Kansas City, he is currently the leader of Interstring as well as a member of the Dan Haerle Trio and the Janice Borla Group.

Drummer Jack Mouse, coordinator of North Central College’s Jazz Studies Program, is a member of the Janice Borla Group and the Dan Haerle Trio. A staff artist for Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads and Vic Firth Drum Sticks, he has performed with James Moody, Clark Terry, Bunky Green, Randy Brecker and Stan Kenton.

Belgian guitarist Jeanfrancois Prins has performed with such jazz talents as Toots Thielemans, Lee Konitz, Kenny Werner and Bud Shank. He can be heard on Judy Niemack’s latest recordings as well as his own most recent CD “Light” (GAM).”

Price: $17/$14 students and seniors

Dates and Times: July 18 - 24; 8 p.m.

Mark it on your calendar and be sure to check it out.

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POSTED IN: Bands, Chicago, Festivals, jazz