Jazz News: Vail Jazz alums win Grammys; Langston Hughes poetry picture book; Carrington named Spitzenprofessur
This is Jazz News, a look at what’s news in jazz, music, and the arts.
A follow-up to the “Biggest Night in Music,” the Grammy Awards. Yes, they’re keeping score up at the Vail Jazz Foundation, celebrating several Vail Jazz Workshop alumni who walked away with statues. Pianist Sullivan Fortner and drummer Marcus Gilmore, both in the class of 2002, won Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Southern Nights. Drummer from the 2007 class, Bryan Carter, won Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for Super Mario Praise Break. Several other Vail Jazz Workshop alumni were nominated, and remember, they’re all winners!
But here’s the important information: the highly-regarded summer program for high school-aged musicians is now accepting applications for its 31st year, under the direction of bassist John Clayton and an all-star faculty. There are only 12 slots each year, and the students share the big stage at the annual Labor Day Jazz Party. Applications close on April 30. Details at Vail Jazz (dot) ORG.
(SOURCE: Vail Jazz Workshop)
Droning a drowsy syncopated tune,
Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,
I heard a Negro play.
Down on Lenox Avenue the other night
By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light
He did a lazy sway. . . .
He did a lazy sway. . . .
To the tune o’ those Weary Blues.
So begins Langston Hughes poem “The Weary Blues,” the title track, if you will, from his book of poetry released 100 years ago. During this Black History Month, Harper Collins Publishers is offering classic Langston Hughes poems illustrated for young people in a volume called “Melodies of the Weary Blues.”
The picture book includes select poems paired with artwork by more than twenty talented Black illustrators, including award-winners Oge Mora, Frank Morrison, Janelle Washington, and others.
Poems in the book include “Dream Variation,” “Winter Moon,” and “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.”
The multi-hyphenate Terri Lyne Carrington can add another title to her long, long list of accomplishments. The University of Music and Theatre Munich has named Carrington ‘Spitzenprofessur’. UK Jazz News (dot) COM reports that the Bavarian music program has a substantial targeted budget for its Distinguished Professorship Program. Apparently the arts are part of the “Hightech Agenda Bavaria,” which is located in a region with many scientific universities.
(SOURCE: UK News - Terri Lyne Carrington appointed distinguished professor in Munich)
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