Lady of the Canyon - the M2K Joni Mitchell Project -
7:15 PM
300 South High Street Baltimore Maryland 21202 USA 410.752.4515
Price: $15
Marianne Matheny-Katz -
Lady of the Canyon - The Joni Mitchell Project
May 19, 2012 at 7:15 pm $15
GERMANO'S TRATTORIA
300 South High Street Baltimore, Maryland 21202
410.752.4515
You must call for dinner reservations in advance to guarantee your seating for the show. The Cabaret Room opens at 6:00 p.m. on show nights for pre-show dining. The show will begin at 7:15 pm. Seating is limited and early reservations are encouraged. RESERVATIONS FOR THE CABARET MUST BE MADE BY PHONE OR IN PERSON.
HOWEVER, you must also call the restaurant and let them know you wish to attend the show.
Marianne reprises her October 2011 show for the Creative Alliance - a jazz interpreted tribute to Joni Mitchell -the perennial "Lady of the Canyon". With many new arrangements that are currently being worked on. Marianne will be joined by the stellar musical cast of Alan Blackman-piano, Jeff Reed-electric bass, Eric Kennedy-drums, Michael Raitzyk-guitar and Craig Alston-saxophones. Familiar and not so familiar Joni tunes include Free Man in Paris, Both Sides Now, River, Barangrill, I Had A King, Edith and the Kingpin and the Dry Cleaner From Des Moines - along with many others. Be prepared to be transported back to the days of your youth!!
"Ambitious writing and arranging for the 12-piece ensemble by Philly-based trumpeter, John Vanore. Hauntingly beautiful…well crafted…stirring orchestration…edgy…swinging." Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes
“…their sheer excellence exemplifies creativity in compostion and craftsmanship in the art of arranging…this music is rooted in its heritage while boldly forward looking.”
8 PM Saturday May 26th
John Vanore (trumpet and bandleader) is an alumnus of the Woody Herman Band and was a longtime SONY recording engineer. He has been recording his own and others projects at his current studio at Widener University for many years and has some of the best ears and skills in the business and has worked with a who’s who of stars in the jazz and pop field. (John happens to be the recording engineer for Marianne’s upcoming jazz CD). John is also a prolific composer and has produced three CD's with his 12-piece band from Philadelphia, Abstract Truth, all highly acclaimed jazz recordings. His first CD with Abstract Truth, “Blue Route” placed in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll “Big Band” category with Blue Route placing in the prestigious “Album of the Year” list. Less than two years later, the accolades repeated with the release of "Curiosity". John will debut material from his ambitious new release “Contagious Words”, along with material from “Blue Route” and “Curiosity”.
Tickets, through Instant Seats have been posted at:
“As a soloist, Vanore plays his horn open with a bright searching tone. The writing is complicated enough to sound modern and highly crafted, but remains accessible…rich orchestration throughout.” Greg Simmons, All About Jazz
About John Vanore
A Woody Herman alumnus, John has a strong place in his heart for the power and energy that is part of being a big band. His passion for improvising draws him to the intimacy and interplay of the small group.
As a student of Dennis Sandole, composition and the development of a personal soloist identity were and remain the driving force in Vanore’s writing and playing. After Woody’s band, John became a mainstay in the trumpet sections for performers visiting Philadelphia–Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis, Michel LeGrand, Louis Bellson, and others. He has also recorded and produced for EMI, Wyndham Hill, Miramax and has received a Gold Record for his work with Atlantic Records.
“Curosity” is more than an album title”, Vanore says. “It is my credo!” With hunger for knowledge and accomplishment that is un-relentless, it was decided to write for and create a “new” group, based on the concept of the intimacy of a small group with the fire power of a big band. (The influence of being in Woody’s band). I decided to call the group “Abstract Truth.”
“Contagious Words” continues the evolving identity and redefining the voice of the large ensemble. This collection of 7 originals and one standard displays the palette of the group’s colors, and spans a range of emotions and storytelling, as John calls it.
While attending a summer program, while in college, directed by Oliver Nelson, John experienced the pivotal moment of his career—making the decision to pursue music. Nelson’s unique identity was inspirational. Then, studies with Dennis Sandole forged and intensified the same type of identity thinking. The phrase alone “abstract truth” is a great definition of how jazz exists. The abstract nature of sound, itself -- the honesty of the improviser
About Abstract Truth
There have been 3 iterations of Abstract Truth (the “Truth” as we like to call it). Today, re-organized and back again, the ensemble’s personnel boast rich and diverse experiences including performing with Phil Woods, Buddy Rich, Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, The Philly Pops, Pat Martino and many others. The new release, Contagious Words, has already received critical acclaim and has charted in the Top 100 for Jazz Radio.
Curiosity has been re-issued to reviews giving testimony to the timeless nature of the music. Work on the groups’ 4th CD has already begun.
The early 80’s was the formative period when I decided to write a “book” for a large group (not to be yet another big band). A new and novel approach was a self imposed mandate! After a few experiments I decided on the jazz quintet with a brass section concept that has become Abstract Truth. Guitar (in place of piano) was an important voice for the writing approach and the French horn a must have in the brass section, with saxophones to be part of the “quintet” while providing color to the ensemble voice.
The late 80’s was the “let’s get serious” period. We had been playing in the region with the group’s unique approach receiving enthusiasm and excitement. It was time to record…and Blue Route became the first release (1990). CD Review Magazine’s editor, Dick Lewis named it an Editors’ Choice, Best of the Year and described it as “A widely and wildly varied collection of traditional big band elements blended with contemporary and visionary sounds.” With considerable national radio play the word spread and Abstract Truth placed in the DownBeat Magazine Readers’ Poll “Big Band” category with Blue Route placing in the prestigious “Album of the Year” list. Less than two years later, the accolades repeated with the release of Curiosity.
6004 Hollins Ave Baltimore Maryland 21210 US 410-624-2222
Price: $35/general-$15/Students w ID
Jazzway welcomes 2 hometown Baltimore jazz stars!
Vibraphonist Warren Wolf is back with his band and very special guest, Cyrus Chestnut to celebrate Jazzway 6004's 5th Anniversary.
Warren Wolf - vibraphone
Cyrus Chestnut - piano
Eric Wheeler - bass
John Lamkin - drums
Tickets will offically be posted on the website on May 18th and we expect them to sell out early. However we will be offering 20 presale tickets, starting on May 11th to anyone who has purchased tickets to the May 26th show with John Vanore & Abstract Truth.
If you have purchased a ticket to the May 26th show- email us at mmkatz@jazzway6004.org and you will receive a password to purchase 2 tickets to the Warren Wolf - Cyrus Chestnut show before the tickets officially go on sale!
All tickets include an elegant dessert, cheese and fruit buffett and soft drinks
Warren Wolf
Warren Wolf is a multi-instrumentalist from Baltimore, MD. From the young age of three years old, Warren has been trained on the Vibraphone/Marimba, Drums, and Piano. Under the guidance of his father Warren Wolf Sr., Warren has a deep background in all genres of music.
Beginning with classical music, Warren had studied classical composers from Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Paganini, Brahms, Vivaldi and Shostakovich. Warren also studied ragtime music learning music from the songbooks of Scott Joplin, Harry Brewer and Geroge Hamilton Green. In Jazz, Warren has studied artist and composers from Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Return to Forever, Weather Report, Wynton Marsalis and many others.
Warren attended the Peabody Prepatory for eight years studying classical music with former Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member Leo LePage. During his high school years at the Baltimore School for the Arts, Warren studied with current Baltimore Symphony Orchestra member John Locke. After graduating from Baltimore School for the Arts in June of 1997, Warren headed north and enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston,MA.
During his time at Berklee, Warren studied with Carribean Jazz Vibraphonist Dave Samuels for seven of eight semesters.One semester was spent with vibist Ed Saindon. During his time at Berklee, Warren began to explore deeper into jazz. Some musicians who've helped Warren reach his musical goal during his time at Berklee were musicians such as Jeremy Pelt, John Lamkin, Darren Barrett, Wayne Escoffery, Richard Johnson, Kendrick Scott, Walter Smith, Jason Palmer, Rashawn Ross and many others. Through those musicians Warren becamse an active performer around the Boston area, gigging frequently on the Vibraphone, Drums and Piano. One of the highlights of Warren's stay in Boston was co-leading a quintet with Boston-based trumpeter Jason Palmer at the historic jazz club Wallys Cafe. Warren was the house drummer at Wallys for two years, performing every Friday and Saturday.
After graduating from Berklee in May of 2001, Warren became an active musician on the Boston local scene. Warren was hired in September of 2003 to become an instructor in the percussion department at Berklee College of Music. Warren taught private lessons on the Vibraphone and Drums, as well as teach a beginners keyboard class for entering freshman drumset majors.
After two years of teaching at Berklee College of Music, Warren headed back to Baltimore to start his main goal of becoming a full time performing musician. Since leaving Berklee as a teacher, Warren has landed the piano duties performing in the Rachael Price Group. Recording and touring with Rachael, Warren has had the opportunity to tour throughout the entire Unites States of America. Warren is currently the drummer of choice for Alto Saxophonist Tia Fuller, who tours with internationally renowned pop star Beyonce Knowles. Warren is also a member of the Donal Fox Group which includes bassist John Lockwood and drummers Dafnis Preito and Terri Lyne Carrington. Also, Warren tour and perform with Bobby Watson's "Live and Learn" Sextet, Karriem Riggins "Virtuoso Experience" and Christian McBride & "Inside Straight". With these three groups Warren has traveled the world. Warren has performed throughout the United States of America, South America, Canada, Italy, Spain, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Scotland, London, Greece, Singapore, Thailand, Jarkata, Bangkok, Tokyo, Paris, Moscow and many other countries.
Warren has several recordings as a leader. Warren's first two records are on the M&I label which is based in Japan. The first record is titled "Incredible Jazz Vibes" which features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Vicente Archer on Bass and Kendrick Scott on Drums. The second record is titled "Black Wolf". That record features Mulgrew Miller on Piano, Rodney Whitaker on Bass and Jeff "Tain" Watts on Drums. Warren has a self produced CD which is titled "RAW". That record features Darren Barrett on Trumpet, Walter Smith on Tenor Saxophone, Jason Palmer on Trumpet, Plume on Alto Saxophone, Kris Funn on Bass, Peter Slavov on Bass, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes and Charles "Dogg" Haynes on Drums. On "RAW" Warren performs on both the Vibraphone and Drums. The fourth recording is titled Warren "Chano Pozo" Wolf. On this recording, Warren performs on the Vibraphone,Drums/Fender Rhodes and Piano. This recording features Tim Green on Alto Saxophone, Lawrence Fields on Piano/Fender Rhodes, John Lamkin on Drums, Dana Hawkins on Drums, Kris Funn on Bass, Louis Cato on Electric Bass, Delandria Mills on Flute, Tabreeca Woodside on Vocals and Integriti Reeves on Vocals. Warren has recently signed to the Mack Ave recording label. A future record will be released in the near future.
Musicians that Warren has played with or recorded with are Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Jeremy Pelt and "Creation", Nicholas Payton, Tim Warfield, Adonis Rose, Donal Fox, Anthony Wonsey, Aaron Goldberg, Cyrus Chestnut, Lewis Nash, Willie Jones, Eric Reed, Mulgrew Miller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Yoron Israel, Larry Willis, David "Fathead" Newman, Stefon Harris, Reuben Rogers, Kevin Eubanks, Curtis Lundy, Steve Davis, Duane Eubanks, Ron Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spaulding and many others.
“Cyrus Chestnut is one of jazz’s most convincing anachronisms. His brand of crisp articulation and blues-inflected harmony evokes another era, sometime before the ascent of Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner, to say nothing of Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett. But unlike the typical nostalgist, who pines for the past partly because of a queasy discomfort with the present, Mr. Chestnut appears comfortable with his placement in time. What makes his music fly is a complete security in his style, and that sense of untroubled self-assurance.” — New York Times
Cyrus Chestnut
Born in 1963, Chestnut started his musical career at the age of three, playing piano at the Mount Calvary Star Baptist Church at the age of six in his hometown of Baltimore, MD. By age nine, he was studying classical music at the Peabody Preparatory Institute in Baltimore. In the fall of 1981, Cyrus began jazz education in Boston, MA at the Berklee College of Music. In 1985, he earned a degree in jazz composition and arranging. While at Berklee, Chestnut was awarded the Eubie Blake Fellowship, the Oscar Peterson, Quincy Jones, and Count Basie awards for exceptional performance standards at the college. After Berklee, Cyrus began further honing his craft as a sideman with some of the legendary and leading musicians in the business. Some of these great people include; Jon Hendricks, Michael Carvin, Donald Harrison, Terence Blanchard, , Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Benny Golson, Curtis Fuller, Regina Cater, Chick Corea, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Joe Williams, Isaac Hayes, Kathleen Battle, Betty Carter and, Dizzy Gillespie just to name a few. His association with Betty Carter, which began in 1991 significantly affected his outlook and approach to music, confirming his already iconoclastic instincts. Carter advised him to “take chances” and play things I’ve never heard,” Chestnut says.
As Cyrus was absorbing experiences as a sideman, he was also developing as a leader, recording and playing live around the world. There’s a Brighter Day Coming was his first self-released album, followed by The Nutman Speaks (1992), The Nutman Speaks Again (1992), Another Direction (1993). The records received the prestigious Gold Disk award from Japan’s leading jazz publication, Swing Journal.
In the summer of 1993, Chestnut signed with Atlantic Records, releasing the critically acclaimed Revelation (1994), followed by The Dark Before The Dawn (1995) Earth Stories (1996) Blessed Quietness (1996) and Cyrus Chestnut (which featured Anita Baker, James Carter, Joe Lovano, Ron Carter, Billy Higgins, and Lewis Nash, 1998). In 2000, Cyrus was given a great honor to pay tribute to his favorite cartoonist, Charles Schulz and first jazz influence, Vince Guaraldi in his interpretation of the classic Charlie Brown Christmas, which celebrated Mr. Schulz’s 50th year of writing the saga of Charlie Brown. Vanessa Williams, Brian McKnight, The Manhattan Transfer and the Boys Choir of Harlem were a few of the participants on this star-studded record. In 2001, he released Soul Food, featuring bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash, and special guest soloists including James Carter, Stefon Harris, Wycliffe Gordon, and Marcus Printup. This acclaimed record was included in Down Beat’s list of the best records of 2001 and ascended to the “Top 10” on the Jazz charts. In 2005, Cyrus recorded “You Are My Sunshine” on the Warner Jazz label. This record was and still is a hit with jazz and gospel lovers alike. It featured Neal Smith on drums and Michael Hawkins on bass.
In 2006, Chestnut made his Telarc debut with the release of Genuine Chestnut. The album is a carefully balanced mix of original material with some well-known pop melodies from the past several decades—all driven by Chestnut’s eclectic yet unmistakable jazz sensibility.
In addition to his regular backup unit of bassist Michael Hawkins and drummer Neal Smith, guitarist Russell Malone and percussionist Steve Kroon join Chestnut. The synergy between the regular trio lineup and the two guest players was a natural fit, says Chestnut. “When you have that caliber of musicianship in the studio, getting comfortable is not a difficult task,” he says. “I encouraged everyone to just be themselves. I brought Russell Malone into the studio to be Russell Malone. I brought Steve Kroon into the studio to be Steve Kroon. Likewise, Neal Smith and Michael Hawkins are there to do what they do best.”
In 2007, Cyrus recorded Cyrus plays Elvis for Koch records. A move possibly misunderstood by some wondering how Elvis and jazz can find common ground. Chest nut speaks about this move. “To some the Elvis record was a marketing concept cooked up by Koch. It was not. I found myself connected to Elvis through his gospel and blues roots. It would be a welcome challenge to present the music of an icon in a whole different way.”
As 2008 approached, Chestnut found himself with an opportunity to work once again with more of the great contributors to jazz, Buster Williams and Al Foster as the record Black Nile that was released on M and I records in Japan. “Having the opportunity to record with Al (Foster) and Buster (Williams) was a sheer dream come true. I will treasure that experience forever.
In 2009, Cyrus returned to his church roots with a solo offering on the JLP record label entitled Spirit. It continues to this day to get rave reviews.
Continuing his relationship with JLP in 2010, he returns back to original works with his working trio, Neal Smith on drums and Dezron Douglas on bass. This record will be called Journeys and it is sure to thrill and warm many hearts.
2010 is also a busy recording year for Chestnut as he teams up with pianist Eric Reed in a historic live recording at Dizzys Club Coca Cola as well as a Strayhorn/Ellington tribute record with Bassist John Brown and stellar drummer Adonis Rose.
Cyrus has been featured on film playing a Count Basie inspired character in the Robert Altman film, Kansas City. His leadership and prowess as a soloist has also led him to be a first call for the piano chair in many big bands including the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All Star Big Band, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded with the people before mentioned and including Bette Midler, Freddy Cole, and many others to numerous to name.
Chestnut continually tours with his trio, playing live at jazz festivals around the world as well as clubs and concert halls. With his hectic schedule, Cyrus has also found the time to get into jazz education, doing seminars worldwide and also on occasion, educating students in jazz at Middlebury College in Vermont during the winter months. Joined by bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Neal Smith, he continually uses the trio format to extend, elaborate, and refine the basic conception of the jazz rhythm section. In his own words, “This country and this art form are founded on the basic principles of freedom, whereby a person is able to think, say, or play what he or she chooses. Throughout the years as I look at history, all of my predecessors, regardless of what environment was, shared freely their thoughts and feelings in a swinging, musical way on the bandstand. They swung hard and made the listeners feel better leaving than when they arrived. This is the tradition I intend to preserve.
The future is bright with great possibilities for Cyrus. Expect once again this year to hear a unique and unforgettable recording that only can come from someone like Cyrus Chestnut.
