Jazz News: Ray Brown tribute in Vail; Denver Jazz Orch. celebrates Mr. Noonan; Miles back on the charts
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
Vail Jazz: Ray Brown centennial tribute
2026 centennials are highlighted by Miles Davis and John Coltrane, but there are others we will celebrate: Tony Bennett on August 3, Lou Donaldson in November. Big Mama Thornton in December. But in October, we note the birthdays of Chuck Berry, Jimmy Heath, and bassist Ray Brown.
Ray Brown will be honored at this year’s Vail Jazz Party over Labor Day weekend. The tribute will be led by John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, who played with the Ray Brown Trio for years. SOURCE: Vail Jazz
Denver Jazz Orchestra salutes Jerry Noonan
Denver jazz education legend Jerry Noonan will be celebrated this Wednesday night at Dazzle, thanks to bassist Andrew Hudson and the Denver Jazz Orchestra, which Noonan co-founded. Jerry Noonan directed the Denver East High School band for 17 of his 32 years with Denver Public Schools, and he has been on various bandstands for decades, including baritone sax and flute work with the band “Moment’s Notice,” the pit orchestra at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the Colorado Symphony and other high profile groups around town and around the U.S. And Mr. Noonan will be at the celebration. SOURCE: Dazzle Denver
Miles Davis back on the U.K. charts
A Miles Davis single is back on the U.K. sales charts, thanks to the special Record Store Day re-issue, a four-song, mono, 10-inch EP with tracks from Miles’ 1956 release “Dig” featuring Sonny Rollins.
Forbes’ record industry columnist Hugh McIntyre writes the track “Conception” debuted at No. 50 on the “Official Physical Singles” chart, and No. 81 on the overall Singles Sales chart that includes digital downloads as well.
McIntyre writes Davis was “never as commercially successful as splashier acts that produce pop, hip-hop, or rock, but popular music would sound very different without his talent and innovations.” SOURCES: Forbes.com/Miles Davis charts
Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community! Sign up for the Oasis E-News today!
