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Showing posts from 2013

1939 Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey USA

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In November 1939, in a meeting at the Palmer House in Chicago, Sinatra was asked by bandleader  Tommy Dorsey  to join his band as a replacement for Jack Leonard (the vocalist, not to be confused the comedian Jack E. Leonard), who had recently left to launch a solo career. This meeting was a turning point in Sinatra's career. By signing with Dorsey's band, one of the hottest at the time, he greatly increased his visibility with the American public. Though Sinatra was still under contract with James, James recognized the opportunity Dorsey offered and graciously released Sinatra from his contract. Sinatra recognized his debt to James throughout his life and upon hearing of James' death in 1983, stated: "he [James] is the one that made it all possible."   - Wikipedia I Think of You - Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey ( link )

1964 Oscar Peterson Trio "C Jam Blues" Denmark

Piano - Oscar Petersen Bass - Ray Brown Drums - Ed Thigpen

2013 Art Abrams Swing Machine "In The Mood" USA

(video credit Shawn Kirkeby /  Lincoln Lab Portland ) This is part of a performance by the Art Abrams Swing Machine at the 2013 Portland Marathon. They are a big band based in Portland, Oregon. It took place on October 6, 2013 at 121 SW Salmon Street, World Trade Center in Portland. They have been performing here since 1986, just 2 tenths mile from the finish line.

1918 Norman Granz USA

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Los Angeles. Today would have been the 95th birthday of Norman Granz. For me as a jazz lover he captured a special place. He was a talented and visionary producer who demanded respect for his artists in a time America was openly practicing racism. Jim Crow laws directed black musicians to a rear entrances, but Granz would require for his artists the same access as any of the white patrons - occasionally pulling his performers when they were still denied that access by club owners. In my jazz expedition, Norman Granz has stood out - richly deserving the many accolades as a producer and social activist during a very fertile time in jazz, about 1949-1960. He died on November 22, 2001 in Geneva, Switzerland.  He was the founder of record  labels -  Clef ,  Norgran ,  Down Home,  Verve  and  Pablo . Norman Granz and Louis Armstrong

2011 Sachal Studios "Take Five" Pakistan

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Recorded at Sachal Studios, Lahore, Pakistan - "Take Five." This version of the great "Take Five," would inspire and invigorate Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. For composers, it is the most revered form of flattery-   Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Sachal-Music/198714516829311 Visit our Website! www.sachal-music.com Map:  Lahore, Pakistan  

2011 Eyolf Dale "Prolleprepp" Norway

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 Norwegian jazz pianist, Eyolf Dale - Prolleprepp (solo piano)

1973 Bill Cosby Jack Benny on Dick Cavett "Sonny Stitt is the alto sax version of the violin's Issac Stern" USA

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Bill Cosby, Jack Benny, Dick Cavett. THE DICK CAVETT SHOW. February 21, 1973.

1963 Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers Italy

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Sanremo, Italy. March 23, 1963. Art Blakey, drums. Freddie Hubbard, trumpet. Wayne Shorter, saxophone. Curtis Fuller, trombone. Cedar Walton, piano. Reggie Workman, contrabass.