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The 2013 Branford Jazz on the
Green Series is coming JUNE 27th! Please come
join us!
The Branford Jazz on the Green Series is pleased to
announced that we are again back for EIGHT Thursday nights in
row beginning Thursday night, June 27th at 6:30pm and
concluding on Thursday night, August 22nd. (NO July 4th.
Happy Birhtday America!) Click
here to
check out our amazing line-up!
The Branford Jazz on the Green Series ... It's HOT! It's
SMOOTH! It's COOOL!
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GIACOMO GATES~ June
27th
Attempting
to create his own artistic expression as an
authentic jazz vocalist, Giacomo Gates defined jazz
singing by his following of legends Louis Armstrong,
Jon Hendricks, Eddie Jefferson,
Betty Carter, and Anita O’Day, among many others.
Now paving his own successful
musical path with six acclaimed cd’s, this jazz
superstar will make his impact on the Branford Town Hall stage on Thursday, June 27th
as part of the Branford Jazz Series.
Starting early on in his
childhood days, Giacomo sang and played guitar as a
teenager, but with no real opportunities to perform
in Alaska until nearly the end of his time there, he
journeyed to Washington State and
Tucson,
Arizona working on new projects.
After sitting in on a variety of musical activities,
he decided to return to his native Connecticut and devote his full attention to
music.
Blessed with a full-bodied
voice, an extraordinary rhythmic precision and an
unerring sense of lyricism, Giacomo’s music set him
apart from nearly every other vocalist on the scene.
Like his mentors, Giacomo would sometimes translate
great instrumental solos into Vocalese, including
the works of Lee Morgan, Chet Baker, Gene Ammons,
Charlie Rouse and many others in the classical jazz
compositional field.
From that angle, he sometimes
vocalizes as an instrument – trombone, flute, bass
and even drums. Originally developed while
working a steady duo gig with a pianist in Connecticut, Giacomo would improvise bass
lines or drum sounds in support of piano solos.
Playing major U.S. clubs, New
York’s Birdland, the Five Spot, and the Jazz
Standard, Philadelphia’s Zanzibar Blue, Blues Alley
in Washington, D.C. and Snug Harbor in New Orleans
and major festivals like Detroit/Montreux,
Telluride, Caramoor, Sedona, Clearwater, Fairbanks
Summer Arts, and at countless universities and jazz
societies, this internationally recognized recording
artist, singer, educator, interpreter and lyricist
has produced enormous appeal and a grand following
including his tour and teachings thru Europe, Russia
and Australia.
Gates has six heavily
acclaimed CD’s, with his release, “Songs of Gil
Scott-Heron-The Revolution Will Be Jazz” on Savant,
garnering rave reviews in the Wall Street Journal,
Boston Globe, NYC Jazz Record, All About Jazz,
Hartford Courant, Jazz/Times and Downbeat magazines
and a two page feature in Jazziz along with great
reviews on many jazz websites. The Savant cd
reached number one for six weeks on the National
Jazz Week Chart regarding national radio airplay,
the most played jazz recording on jazz radio in the United States and after 12 weeks,
still in the top twelve. Previous to that,
“Luminosity”, on G88 Music, a cd/dvd, reached #18 on
the National Jazz Playlist. “Blue Skies” and
“Fly Rite” both reached the top 12 in National Jazz
Radio Airplay. All six have garnered acclaim, and
were internationally released. His latest
release, “Miles Tones, Giacomo Gates Sings the Music
of Miles Davis” is currently #1 on National Jazz
Radio. Gates was voted “Talent Deserving Wider
Recognition” by the Down Beat Critic’s Poll, for the
past seven years. The Jazz Journalist’s
Association has nominated Gates as “Best Male Jazz
Vocalist” every year from 2003 to 2013. In
2009 & 2010, Gates was voted #1 in the DownBeat
Critic’s Poll for “Rising Star”.
This Branford Jazz Series
entertainer teaches at Wesleyan University
in Middletown,
Connecticut
and Southern Connecticut
State University, along with giving private lessons,
workshops, clinics and master classes.
“I am always happy to
perform in the state that I am from,” said Gates.
“I have traveled everywhere but its so very special
to perform for people who live in Connecticut.”
For more information on Giacomo Gates,
Click Here
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VINCENT
INGALA ~
July 11th
In 2011, contemporary
instrumental R & B performer Vincent Ingala loved
playing in the Branford Jazz Series so much so, that
once he received an inquiry to see if he would be
interested in returning for the 2013 series, it
didn’t take him long to respond.
“We immediately accepted
because we loved playing on the
Branford
Town Green two years ago,”
said Ingala. “We are very happy to return
because we love the town of
Branford
and we get so much satisfaction out of seeing the
enjoyment people show when they listen to our
music”.
With that being said, jazz
fans will once again be able to see and hear the
smooth contemporary r & b music from Ingala and his
group on Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m. on the Branford Town
Green as part of the 2013 Branford Jazz Series.
With his involvement in music
at such a young age, it is to no one’s surprise that
success would come so soon for Ingala. After
receiving his first drum set at the age of four and
later, given his first guitar in third grade, when
he began strumming Elvis Presley tunes, many sensed
that there was something special going on and this
was later evident when in fifth grade he mastered
the keyboard before trading it in for the
saxophone.
The Branford Jazz Series
performer cites tenor saxophone players, Sam Butera,
Richard Elliot and Wilton Felder as being among his
major influences and one of his prouder moment’s
cane when, at age 16, he was asked to open for
smooth jazz superstar, saxophonist, Dave Koz.
With his numerous academic
and music accolades, awards, and scholarships,
Ingala is coming off an exhilarating two years of
show stopping appearances, including performances
with jazz legends Dave Koz and Peter White. Vincent
has opened in the past for saxophonist, Kim Waters,
singer songwriter and guitarist, Jonathan Butler and
trumpeter/composer Chris Botti. Crisscrossing
the nation, he recently made his debut at
Spaghettini’s Grill and Jazz Club, and was featured
on the Dave Koz Alaskan Cruise in 2011 and will be
on board for Koz’s 2013 Mediterranean voyage.
Back in
January of 2011, Smooth Jazz Journalist of the Year
nominee, Denis Poole, commented that ‘North
End Soul’ from Ingala was an outstanding piece
of work. In fact, it proved to be the stepping stone
for what became a truly remarkable year for the
young musician. While in San Diego,
California, at what became
known as “The Lemonade Weekend”, Ingala owned the
stage at Anthology and later performed with Peter
White at the Hard Rock Hotel. Twelve months
later, his ever growing fan-base was rewarded with
his next project, ‘Can’t Stop Now’. With seven original compositions, two
spellbinding covers and guest performances from
contemporary
jazz pianist and multi-instrumentalist
Jonathan Fritzen and
Grammy winning smooth
jazz keyboardist, producer and pianist
Gregg Karukas, ‘Can’t Stop Now’ is just a small sampling of his instrumental
ability.
“It means a lot to us to be
playing at the Branford Jazz Series this year.
We are always honored to keep jazz music going.
We are very happy to be playing in any capacity that
we can” said Ingala. “We are honored to be
performing in front of people who enjoy our music
and it is simply gratifying to see people dancing
and singing along with us at our performances.
Branford is very supportive of jazz as it is and we
couldn’t think of a better place to play.”
For more information on Vincent Ingala,
Click Here
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ED
FAST & CONGO BOP~ LATIN JAZZ~ July 18th
Whether it was sharing
his love for jazz music with fellow Connecticut
followers or touring with premier Broadway shows
throughout Russia, China, Japan or South Korea, the
one thing which remains constant for musician Ed
Fast is his unselfish devotion to the Latin
jazz ensemble. The Branford Jazz Series will
welcome Fast and his “Conga Bop” group on Thursday,
July 18th, 2013, starting at 6:30 p.m.,
on the
Branford
Town Green.
As the percussion playing leader of the group, Ed
has become a celebrated figure in the Hartford, Connecticut
area through his band’s many well-received
appearances throughout the state. As a
versatile, Hartt-School of –Music-trained
percussionist, Fast is right at home sitting-in on
occasion with the Hartford Symphony or gigging in
backup bands at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun
Casinos accompanying big-name favorites, including
Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Martin Short,
and Paul Anka. In addition to being a
bandleader, composer, arranger, and much-in-demand
utility player, this jazz enthusiast is a
multi-instrumentalist who not only plays drums but
also timbales, congas and, far too rarely, vibes, a
percussion instrument he dearly loves.
Fast, who was born in Albany, New York, and grew
up in Old Lyme,
Connecticut, took mariba lessons as his
first step towards playing vibes and for his
following of great vibraphonist Milt
Jackson. However, it was the
swinging, sophisticated music of vibist/bandleader
Cal Tjader that sparked his passion for Latin Jazz,
the musical love of his life. The
drummer was inspired to search for conguero Bill
Fitch, who went on to become an important musical
mentor. Fitch connected Fast to the music’s
history and provided essential insights into the
world of Afro-Cuban percussion. As he moved
from the role of student to professional, he
balanced his work between Latin Jazz, Broadway
musicals, and symphony performances.
All pieces of Hartford’s musical world
benefited from Fast’s impeccable musicality, with
his love for Latin Jazz at the center of his musical
output.
Ed built a wealth of musical knowledge and
experience during his formative years that he
eventually applied with his group, Conga Bop, on the
2007 album
Straight Shot.
Since 1995, Ed has been involved in a variety of
musical projects throughout Connecticut, New
York, and around the world.
He was the drummer on the national tour of “Chicago” and also performed with Chita Rivera on the national tour of “A
Dancer’s Life”. While in New York, the
Branford Jazz Series performer was casted as a
drummer on Broadway for “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”,
Radio City Music Hall, and was Music Director of the
Hartford-based youth group,
Latin Flavor,
at the Havana International Festival of Jazz
(Cuba). Fast was on National Tour of “The 101
Dalmatians Musical”. He has also performed at the
Bushnell Theatre with many Broadway tours including
“Wicked”, “Showboat”, and “Music Man”.
“We are very excited to have a date at the Branford
Jazz Series”, said Fast. “We are looking
forward to this event. We have heard a lot of
great things about the jazz series and the crowds on
the town green and we are ready to share our music
for all to enjoy.”
For more information on Ed Fast & Conga Pop,
Click Here
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BRIAN
TORFF~
July 25th
Clearly when legendary
bassist Milt Hinton offered
North Haven’s Brian Torff an opportunity
to tour with jazz artist Cleo Laine in 1974, the
noted musician sensed he had a promising artist in
his sight. Now, some 40 years later as a
successful performer, composer, author, and teacher,
Torff will be performing his fresh take on the
genius of legendary arranger, bandleader and pianist
Duke Ellington, at the 2013 Branford Jazz Series.
The performance will take place on Thursday July 25,
starting at 6:30 p.m., on the
Branford
Town Green.
A renowned bassist and composer, Brian continued his
professional career by recording and performing with
pianists Mary Lou Williams and Marian McPartland and
toured Australia, New
Zealand and
Hong Kong
with the jazz violin virtuoso, Stephanie Grappelli.
He later played in pianist Erroll Garner’s last
group and worked in the big bands of Oliver Nelson,
and the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra.
Later, in 1979, Torff joined in a duo with pianist
George Shearing. In the course of their 3 ½
year union, they toured throughout the United
States, Europe, Brazil and South Africa and were
featured on such shows as the “Tonight Show”,
“Merv Griffin”, and their own PBS special from the
Café’ Carlyle in New York City. They later
received national attention and were invited to
perform at the White House in 1982 for President
Ronald Reagan. Brian and George’s third album
won a Grammy Award for vocalist Mel Torme’.
The Branford Jazz Series entertainer is a noted
composer who has contributed works for records with
Shearing, Larry Coryell, Union trio and his own
recordings-“Life in East Bumblepuck”, “Hitchhiker of
Karoo”, “Manhattan Hoe-Down”, and “Working ‘On A
Bassline”. Brian has written
scores that have been performed by the Boston Pops,
Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh
Symphony, and has appeared as conductor, composer,
and clinician for numerous high school and college
jazz festivals. He is a published writer on
music and musicians, composer for big bands, and
director of the Summer Jazz Workshop at Fairfield University. Torff is listed in the
Groves Dictionary of Jazz and has been featured in
the New York
Times, Chicago Tribune, Downbeat Magazine, Jazz
Times, and many other publications. He was Fairfield Artist of the Year in 2008.
Brian lived in Paris in early 2008, where he wrote
his book, “In Love With Voices: A Jazz Memoir.”
He is currently featuring his bass playing and new
compositions in a trio and quartet settings.
If that wasn’t enough to impress his followers,
Brian is currently the Music Program Director at
Fairfield University and is the featured bass
soloist, leading his trio and is the musical
director for the Django Reinhardt New York Festival,
which has appeared at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy
Center and the Birdland in New York City.
Scheduled to appear with him at the Branford Jazz
Series are his
Fairfield
University faculty
musicians: Jamie Finnegan (trumpet, cornet), Rick
Saldron (alto sax and flue), Steve Moran (tenor,
baritone and soprano sax), John Fumasoli (trombone),
David Childs (piano), Don Mulvaney (drums), and
Darryl Tookes (vocals).
“It’s a great thrill for us to be performing at this
year’s Branford Jazz Series,” said Torff. “We
are a relatively new group and there is never an
abundance of opportunities to play in jazz.
You cherish ever time you get a chance to perform.
For us, to actually do a summer jazz series is a
real thrill and people, I know, will enjoy listening
to a new beat of Duke’s music.”
For more information on
Brian Torff,
Click Here
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REUNION~
Aug 1st
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MATUTO WITH CLAY
ROSS~
August 15th
Allowing his parents
to believe that one day he would grow up to become a
preacher, Clay Ross didn’t stray far from that at
all. Instead of preaching with words, this
New York City
resident spreads his message through the music of
Brazilian Bluegrass
threads. The artist will be performing at the
Branford Jazz Series on August 15th, 2013
on the Branford Town Green, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Known as a guitarist, vocalist, composer and
songwriter, Ross has released five albums as a
leader through the acclaimed labels Ropeadope
Records and Motema Music. His
music comprises a wide range of styles including
rock, pop, jazz, funk, world, blues, and bluegrass.
After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in
composition from the
University of Charleston, Ross became a vital component of the South Carolina jazz scene and relocated to New York City in 2002.
In 2005, he became a member of Cyro Baptista’s world
renowned percussion ensemble “Beat the Donkey”, with
whom he toured regularly until 2009 before joining
Canadian folk star April Verch from 2009 to 2012.
In 2006, he was honored as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador
and has since represented the United States as a cultural ambassador on tours
to Macedonia, Greece, Kosovo, Turkey, Belfast,
the United Kingdom, Senegal, Cote
D’Ivoire,
Ghana,
Cameroon, and Brazil.
Clay is currently performing at concert halls and
music festivals around the world as a solo artist
and leading his pan-american roots music band
“Matuto”.
Throughout 2010, Clay
Ross delivered a new album of unrelated digital
downloads, one song at a time. The resulting
album, ”Entre Nous,” has a title borrowed from the
lifelong book club of his late grandmother and here,
Ross imagines each track as it’s own musical short
story.
The Branford Jazz Series artist spent much of the
last year touring with Canadian fiddle star April
Verch, who was featured in the opening ceremonies of
the 2010 Winter Olympics. Still, he found time
to lead his own group Matuto, debuting at the
Legendary Blue Note Jazz Club, the Philadelphia Folk
Festival, and The Kennedy Center on the heels of his
2009 Ropeadope Records debut of the same name.
Mixing musical styles has been a signature of Ross’
sound since the beginning. With multiple tours
as a U.S. Jazz Ambassador, a five-year stint with
renowned Brazilian Percussionist Baptista, and
performances at bluegrass festivals across North
American under his belt, Clay‘s resume’ speaks to
his eclectic tastes and versatile talents.
“Matuto”, which is Brazilian slang for “country
bumpkin”, plays original music inspired by
Northeastern Brazilian Rhythms and American Folk
Music. The albums 11 tracks consist of seven
Ross originals, four heavily reworked American folk
tunes and alternates between instrumental and vocal
songs.
“We are thrilled to be performing in the Branford
Jazz Series,” said Ross. “We couldn’t be more
excited. This seems to be an exciting event
and a lot of fun to be a part of. We hope that
the entire Branford audience will get up and dance
to our music.”
For information on Clay Ross - Matuto,
Click Here
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LAO TIZER ~ August
22ND
Inspired by his passion
and drive toward a mixture of jazz, rock, classical,
jam band influences, and Afro-Cuban and world
rhythms, keyboardist/composer Lao Tizer, and his
self-titled group TIZER, will headline the 2013
Branford Jazz Series on Thursday, August 22nd,
2013 on the Branford Town Green starting at 6:30
p.m.
Surrounded by veterans world class musicians, Lao
has created a dynamical rich ensemble with new
melodic, harmonic possibilities, best exemplified in
the title and spirit of his 2007 solo album, “Diversify”.
TIZER’s new album, “Downbeat”,
co-produced by Lao and guitarist Jeff Kollman, includes twelve new original
compositions, including the first single, “World in
Rhythm”, co-written with
Emmy award
winner and
Grammy nominated guitarist Chieli Minucci, who
is best known as the founder and leader of
Special EFX.
Over the last few years, TIZER, a 2011 nominee for “Jazz
Group of the Year,” has taken their
multi-faceted world fusion around the globe,
including the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, the Joy
of Jazz Festival in Johannesburg, the Dubai Jazz
Festival, Barbados Jazz Festival, the Caribbean Sea
Jazz Festival and the Festival International
Providencia Jazz in Santiago, Chile. In
addition to their usual whirlwind of U.S. dates, their 2012 schedule included the
Jarasum International Jazz Festival in
South Korea and four shows in Russia.
The Branford Jazz series performer was a “Best
New Jazz Artist” nominee in 2002.
Diversify
spent many weeks on the
Billboard
Contemporary Jazz chart in 2007-2008. Lao and
his group has a host of multi-genre and
multi-national appeal that expands beyond the usual
jazz enthusiasts. The list includes the likes
of Zappa Plays Zappa, Jethro Tull, Issac Hayes, Al
Jarreau, Spyro Gyra, George Benson, Soulive,
Babyface, Bruce Hornsby, and Robin Thicke.
TIZER’s “Downbeat”
album is the first studio album for his group and
the first album that he has co-produced, with its
balanced sounds of live rhythm sections of drums,
bass, percussion, and keys, translating a funky,
high energy of jazz driven by a swirl of guitar,
saxophone, percussion and old school synth textures.
The collective members of his group include renowned
jazz guitarist, composer and producer Minucci,
violinist, Karen Briggs, bassist Rufus Philpot,
saxophonist, vocalist and percussionist, Steve
Nieves, and drummer Raul Pineda.
Joining Lao and TIZER this August will be Minucci,
Pineda, and Senegaleese bassist Cheikh N’Doye.
“First of all, Connecticut as a whole is a very fertile
ground for jazz. It is a hot button area for this
type of music which is great,” said the 34 year old
Tizer. “We need more areas like this and it is
always a pleasure coming to Connecticut.” “I am
glad to see the town of Branford has started this
jazz series up. These types of events are so good
for the community first of all. It allows
everyone the opportunity to experience the redeeming
quality that jazz brings. I hope to see the
Branford Jazz series grow even more in the future,
so artists will have the same opportunity that we
have to showcase their talent.”
For more information on
Lao Tizer, Click
Here
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