Jazz Music Central

Antigua Video Postcard

keithkeef — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:37:29 +0000

A new video I produced featuring music by Bob Mann!

The World’s Greatest Drummer

keithkeef — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:44:55 +0000

I started playing drums when I was 7 years old and Buddy Rich was my idol. I had every one of his big band albums and used to play along with them. We lived in a council flat in London, luckily we had understanding neighbours, since I used to practice pretty much every minute I wasn’t in school!

This is one of his greatest big band line ups with Don Menza.

Video: Buddy Rich Big Band

Jazz drummer Rashied Ali passes away

keithkeef — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:55:50 +0000

With all the news about the death of Les Paul the passing of another great musician has been mostly overlooked. Rashied Ali a pioneering drummer first became famous in the 1960′s when he played with John Coltrane. An influential drummer from the 60′s right through to the new millenium. He played with Albert Ayler, Archie Shepp, Don Cherry, Gary Bartz, Dewey Redman and Carlos Santana, and most recently with his own quintet.
Rashied Ali was 74.

Is Jazz Dying?

keithkeef — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:52:12 +0000

A very interesting discussion on the state of jazz -

http://www.jazzwax.com/2009/08/terry-and-the-pirates.html

Vineyard Jazz

keithkeef — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:38:14 +0000

On August 22nd from 1-5pm at the Henry of Pelham Vineyard in Niagara stop by The Coach House Café for an afternoon of fine wine, jazz, and oysters. John Neudorf and his Quintet play jazz and blues, from Frank Sinatra to Duke Ellington. Henry of Pelham offer a wide selection of award winning wines, and the oysters are supplied by the always wonderful Rodney’s Oysters.
I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer’s afternoon!

To make a booking visit their website http://www.henryofpelham.com

Charles Mingus’ Loft Sold For $1.85million

keithkeef — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:46:00 +0000

A Manhattan loft at 5 Great Jones Street in Manhattan, once the home of Charles Mingus, sold recently for $1.85million!

I wonder what Mingus got for it?

Images from The Shuffle Demons at Oakville Jazz Fest

keithkeef — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 03:36:08 +0000

Shuffle Demons at Oakville Jazz Fest

keithkeef — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:24:45 +0000

After raining for most of Saturday and Sunday morning I ventured down to Lakeshore Boulevard parked the car and saw blue sky. The sun had come out just in time for the Shuffle Demons performance at the Oakville Jazz Fest.

The band took the stage, actually danced through the audience and then took the stage, for an energetic 90 minutes that saw the line up of Richard Underhill, Perry White, Kelly Jefferson, Stitch Wynston and Brandy Disterheft play a set featuring songs from throughout the bands 23 year history.

With the temperature soaring, the audience, a mixture of young kids with their parents, middle aged fans with their Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Chihuahuas, and Bernese Mountain Dogs, (no mutts here!) and some real old-timers shaking their heads and thinking “well this sure ain’t Glenn Miller” the crowd were treated to a dynamic set of great music, dancing and the general craziness that is the Shuffle Demons.

I’ll post some photos tomorrow!

The Concorde Club Named Most Important Jazz Club In England

keithkeef — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:59:57 +0000

The Concorde Club in Eastleigh, Hampshire, which has been playing jazz since 1957, was named the most important jazz club in England. The Band On The Wall in Manchester was second, with Ronnie Scott’s in London third.

The Club receives a (Kind Of) blue plaque named to mark the 50th anniversary of Miles Davis’ album Kind Of Blue.

I lived in England for the first 24 years of my life and I have to admit I’ve never heard of the place. I’ll have to check it out the next time I go back.

Video: “STRIDE” – Stride Piano featuring Doug Riley, Tyler Yarema, John Roby

keithkeef — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:23:07 +0000

A video of three incredible stride piano players intercut with scenes from the play “STRIDE”. “Crazy Legs” from the album “STRIDE”, featuring Doug Riley, John Roby, and Tyler Yarema.
The CD is available at my website http://www.JazzMusicCentral.com