In Memory Of Los Angeles’ Pacific Electric Railway: Jazz Songwriter-Musician Jon Hartmann’s New CD Addresses His Environmental Consciousness

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2004

When you think of Los Angeles, environmental consciousness is not what comes to mind. But for one pro-active Los Angeles resident, Environmental activist and jazz musician, Jon Hartmann – his message is in his music as his third self-produced album, Pacific Electric pays tribute to Los Angeles’ long-lost Pacific Electric Railway. Available via Internet on CDBaby.com, the all-original composition Pacific Electric CD is described as ‘modern jazz, with strong roots in old school funk, a deep admiration of Aaron Copeland and Afro-Cuban grooves.’ But the instrumental vibe reflects passion and emotes the feelings of its’ writer/producer/musician, Hartmann.

“My interest in the Pacific Electric Railway began in 1967, when I was given a tour of the remains of the Subway Terminal Building under downtown Los Angeles. I am concerned about the environment, and part of the solution to healthy air is to expand rail service between and inside cities. I was recently elected Chair of the Transportation Committee of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council. I’ve always been a little torn between music and politics. My music mirrors some of my ideals and values. Even though there are no lyrics on these songs, I hope one can easily tell that a pragmatic optimist wrote them. The Pacific Electric Railway was removed under questionable circumstances, and a large measure of American history remains untold and off-limits. On more than one occasion, I would be sitting down attempting to mix something, and thoughts of energy policy, or streetcars and ad campaigns would creep into the room. One must stay focused,” explains Hartmann.

Pacific Electric features Hartmann’s multi-hyphenate title of Writer, Producer, Record label executive as well as keyboards and percussion. The album also features Sid Jacobs on guitar (first North American jazz guitarist invited to perform in Argentina’s “Guitars of the World” festival), Dave Price on saxophone, Larry Williams on trumpet, Lynn Woolever on bass, Jack Lees on drums and percussion and other guitar contributions from Tony Pretzello and Ron Hershewe. Each of the individual songs on the album reflect Hartmann’s impressions of the rhythm of the rails, solid grooves of each track take you on a funk/be-bop sound voyage.

Hartmann’s last two albums, “3 if By Air” and “The 10th House” both featured CD cover graphics which reflect Hartmann’s passionate visual statement about the fragile nature of the orb we populate. He feels fossil fuels have no place in our future. “If we continue to burn them at the current rate, two things will happen as sure as night follows day … our economy will be disrupted beyond repair, and our planet, likewise, may be damaged sufficiently to induce global catastrophe,” states Hartmann.

Hartmann is a songwriter, musician, producer, music publisher and record label executive whose career has encompassed touring the world. From his first overseas gig in Southeast Asia to entertain soldiers for the USO, to performing with Ike & Tina Turner in Germany with the Rolling Stones as audience spectators to co-writing with Jimmy Whitney, King of Pop, Michael Jackson’s 1975 hit “Goodness Knows.” He’s currently producing his own works and others elaborating on his environmental beliefs as an activist and musical artist on his own independent label, Jon Hartmann Records.

For interviews, review copies and additional information, call Publicist, Stacey Kumagai at 818/506-8675 or email mediamonster@yahoo.com . To order Jon Hartmann’s CDs, go to http://www.jonhartmannmusic.com

CONTACT: Stacey Kumagai

818-506-8675

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In Memory Of Los Angeles’ Pacific Electric Railway: Jazz Songwriter-Musician Jon Hartmann’s New CD Addresses His Environmental Consciousness

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz To Lead Cultural Tour of Vietnam, Sponsored by U.S. Department of State

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 19, 2005

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz will tour Vietnam November 22-30 under a Cultural and Speakers program sponsored by the U.S. Department of States Bureau of International Information Programs and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, and the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. The tour will commemorate the 10th anniversary of normalization of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic relations. World renowned jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock will lead a group of jazz artists, which include legendary saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, internationally acclaimed vocalist Nnenna Freelon, and the eight gifted young jazz musicians who attend the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the University of Southern California.

The groups appearances in Ho Chi Minh City will include a “Jazz Thanksgiving” concert at the U.S. Consulate Generals Residence for leaders in the diplomatic, business, and cultural communities; a master class for students at the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music; and a performance at the Ben Thanh Theatre. In Hanoi, the group will lead a master class for jazz students at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music; perform for diplomats and cultural figures at the U.S. Embassy; lead a jam session at Minhs Jazz Club; and perform at the Youth Theatre.

“We are once again delighted to work with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to present such an exciting outreach program to the Vietnamese people on this important occasion. I am particularly pleased that we have the next generation of jazz talent from the Institute at the University of Southern California touring with today’s jazz masters, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Nnenna Freelon,” said Karen P. Hughes, the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the U. S. Department of State.

According to Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock, “The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz is devoted to introducing people around the world to the uniquely American art form of jazz. We look forward to sharing this music with the people of Vietnam in the spirit of peace and partnership.”

Rob Cutietta, Dean of the Flora L. Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California remarked, “This is a great opportunity for our students to represent the University, the Institute and the U.S. jazz community on this educational and performance tour of Vietnam.”

The Vietnam tour builds on the Institutes longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of State. In the early part of 1995, the Institute and the United States Information Agency sponsored a six week tour that took a group of Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition winners to seven African nations to perform and conduct educational programs. The Institute worked with the United States Information Agency again in March 1996 to present a tour of India and Thailand, and for a third time in 1998, conducting a tour of Chile, Argentina, and Peru. A highlight of the 1998 trip was a performance at the Summit of the Americas for 34 heads of state from North America, South America, and Central America. This partnership continued in 2001 when the U.S. Department of State sponsored a tour of Egypt. In 2002, 2003, and 2004, the United Nations sponsored a tour of Paris, where the Institutes college students performed with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and T.S. Monk at an “International Day of Philosophy” event presented by UNESCO.

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (http://www.monkinstitute.org) was established in 1986 with a mission to preserve America’s legacy of jazz through performance and education. The Institute offers the world’s most promising young musicians college level training by America’s jazz masters and presents public school-based jazz education programs for young people around the world. Additionally, the Institute provides scholarships, performance opportunities, and worldwide recognition to gifted young musicians through its many jazz education programs.

Begun in 1995, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the University of Southern California is an intensive two-year graduate level college program that enables a select group of the world’s most gifted young musicians to study tuition-free with major jazz musicians and educators. Acclaimed trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard serves as the programs Artistic Director. Jazz legends who have served as Artists-in-Residence include Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Dianne Reeves, Jackie McLean, Dave Holland, Steve Turre, John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, and Jimmy Heath. This performance-based program is expected to become the model college jazz education program for the world.

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Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz To Lead Cultural Tour of Vietnam, Sponsored by U.S. Department of State

NYC Cultural & Culinary Scenes to be Enhanced by 4/28 Opening in Manhattan of Tutuma Social Club Showcasing Afro-Peruvian Jazz & Food

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 31, 2009

The New York metropolitan area’s cultural and culinary offerings will be enhanced by the opening on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 of Tutuma Social Club. The new venue, at 164 East 56th St. (at Third Ave.), will be the only locale in the region showcasing both Afro-Peruvian jazz and refined Afro-Peruvian cuisine on a daily basis. “Live” music will be featured weekdays at lunch with evening sets by established jazz artists from North and South America presented Monday-Sunday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Tutuma’s kitchen will be open daily from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and an Afro-Peruvian Jazz Brunch, also accompanied by “live” music, will be held Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Unlike most clubs featuring live music, Tutuma will have neither a cover charge nor a minimum. For reservations or more information please call 866.988.JAZZ (5299) or visit the website http://www.TutumaSocialClub.com.

Conceived by Santina Bari Matwey, a second-generation restaurateur whose family has owned and operated the RayBari Pizza parlors in New York City since 1973, Tutuma Social Club will recreate in Manhattan the lively atmosphere found in traditional pe

NYC Cultural & Culinary Scenes to be Enhanced by 4/28 Opening in Manhattan of Tutuma Social Club Showcasing Afro-Peruvian Jazz & Food

Austin Jazz Vocalist, Dena Taylor, Returning to the Studio and the American Jazz Songbook

Austin, TX (PRWEB) September 4, 2010

Word is that jazz vocalist, Dena Taylor, will once again be returning to the studio and her musical roots – jazz standards from the American Songbook.

Currently, Taylor is in that mind-boggling process of selecting which song to include. Anyone knowledgeable of the music industry knows that its no easy chore and nothing that is done quickly particularly if the artist is as picky about her music as is Taylor.

However, this time she is letting her fans become part of that CD by helping her select the songs. Taylor has put a form on her website (http://www.denataylormusic.com) that fans can use to nominate the song they would most like to hear her sing. Shes adding a little incentive onto the whole process .. the nominator of any song selected and ultimately appearing on the CD will also be included in the liner notes.

This new CD will also be more upfront about her charitable work. Taylor lost her mother to Alzheimers in July of 2010 so not only is she dedicating the CD to her but shell be setting aside a percentage of the sales specifically for donation to the Alzheimers Association (http://www.alz.org) in her mothers name.

Taylor lends her personal support & musical talent to a number of causes that support others who have endured adversity or are in the midst of their challenges and it is a testament to Taylor’s talent, however, that her sound never seems “preachy.” Rather, the adversity Taylor has faced personally lends her voice a hard, knowing edge – like that of a Gladys Knight at her prime – that gives her music a ripened maturity so many pop stars lack.

Ms. Taylor changed more than just cities with her relocation to Austin, Texas in 2009. Her recent release, Certitude (rel. Mar, 2010), showed strong confidence in both sound and style and that confidence is well founded. Certitude has introduced a new approach and a new life to the music she sings. Says Bree Noble of Women of Substance Radio, Although Dena has been known for putting her own hip and modern twist on jazz standards in the vein of Ella Fitzgerald, Certitude is a new, mature artistic direction for Taylor.

The opinion of Rosana Caban, when she reviewed Taylors Certitude for MyMusicSuccess.com was: Smoky, sexy, soft – the velvety voice of Dena Taylor dominates not just a corner of the room but indeed the entire wall of sound created by the “on” button of the stereo. And her voice on this new CD is the one thing that has not changed .. it’s still the same singer who captivated listeners with her 2008 release, Round Midnight.

Taylors return to the American Songbook will thrill long-time fans who have been hoping for another award winning repeat of her first CD, Round Midnight. As Tony Lawson of IMI Sound said, There are many artists out there doing a splendid job with the great classics of jazz and blues, but the sensitivity, the depth of feeling and the richness of colour that Dena infuses into her performances are in a class of their own. Duly supported by a band of first-class musicians, Dena is that rare combination of outstanding talent and enchanting charisma that one cannot but feel fortunate to come across in the vast world of music.

This vocalists appeal is international. Argentinas Miquel Montez says, eres maravillosa. From Italys Daybox Record, Max Mafia comes, Dena Taylor is without doubt a splendid surprise. Carol Hayes of Australias Shoalhaven Radio said, It is my pleasure to present Dena to the listening audience of the beautiful South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. American songwriter, Christopher Morse, says, You are the real deal–a classic American jazz singer!

Taylor’s road to success has been hard-won, even inspirational. Upon leaving the military, Taylor found herself in a violent car accident that left her with a severe brain injury requiring a full two years to regain her ability to speak and walk again. And, since that time, she has also waged her own personal battle against breast cancer.

Inspite of it all, this vocalist has one of the brightest smiles you could imagine and she uses it frequently. A jovial spirit with a robust laugh is what you will find if you’re fortunate enough to spend any time with her. Its that spirit combined with her talent that has seen her working with notables such as Ron Teixeira, Ron Pirtle, Dave Dunscome, John Fitzgerald, Redd Volkaert and Ernie Durawa to name just a few.

Taylors music can be heard on websites: http://www.denataylormusic.com, http://www.denataylor.bandcamp.com, http://www.facebook.com/denataylormusic, http://www.reverbnation.com/denataylor and it can be purchased on: iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby (http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/DenaTaylor) and http://www.denataylor.bandcamp.com.

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Austin Jazz Vocalist, Dena Taylor, Returning to the Studio and the American Jazz Songbook

David Grisman Quintet Flutist of 22 years, Stretches out With his own the Matt Eakle Band for a Night of Jazz Fusion at The Osher Marin JCC

San Rafael, CA (PRWEB) January 05, 2012

The Matt Eakle Band

Thurs. Feb. 16 @ 7:30

An evening of jazz fusion from Marin local favorite and flutist extraordinaire Matt Eakle and his band, filling the Hoytt theater with music and cocktails with a twist. With Alex Baum on bass, Jack Dorsey on drums, and Joey Edelman on keyboard, the Matt Eakle Band highlights the long history of four brilliant musicians whose synergy is a force of nature.

The Matt Eakle Band was chosen by the Marin Independent Journal as one of “The Best of the Local Sound” for 2010, an honor given to, “…artists that you should have been listening to this past year.” Paul Liberatore writes: “This is a deep groove band playing jazz fusion at the highest level, showcasing musicians who not only know how to play, but how to listen.”

We perform all original material, says Matt, music that blends the classic sounds of rock, blues, soul, jazz, with the musical traditions of Africa, India and South America.

Head-turning, jaw dropping, spell-binding, adrenaline-pumping jams that transfix and transport. The Matt Eakle Band and their CD, Hardly Work prove just how powerful flute-fired fusion can be.

For Tickets & more info or 415.444.8000

General Admission

Cabaret table seating:

Advance: $ 20/$ 15 JCC members ~ Day of: $ 25

YOU TUBE

ABOUT THE VENUE:

Epitomizing the essence of Marin, with a range of authentic cultural experiences enjoyed by many generations, the Osher Marin JCC offers award-winning facilities, including The Kanbar Center, which has established a strong and well respected reputation within the community as a Center for the Performing Arts in Marin County. Originally known as CenterStage, this performing arts department within the Osher Marin JCC has been presenting a stunning lineup of world-class performances from emerging and established performers annually since 1990. Venues include the grand Hoytt Theater, the intimate Kurland Lounge and outdoor venue, Swig Field. Performances offer concessions including cocktails for those 21+ We invite all to come early, get to know each other and celebrate with us.

More Music Coming:

3/1/12- Bluegrass – The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band/The Pine Needles

3/15 African Music – The Nigerian Brothers

4/21- From Argentina- Los Pinguos

5/3- World Jazz – Meklit Hadero/ Quinn DeVeaux

5/19- Swinging Singer Songwriter- Tony DeSare

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David Grisman Quintet Flutist of 22 years, Stretches out With his own the Matt Eakle Band for a Night of Jazz Fusion at The Osher Marin JCC