JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG
PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN CHICAGO
FEBRUARY 2022
NOTES FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greet
Jazz Institute of Chicago Members, We hope you are having a wonderful start to the New Year! As I write this, I am reflecting on the meaning of Black History Month, gazing out of my window onto a fresh "mantle of white" mixed with graying Chicago slush. Through the ups and downs of the past 23 months and the joys it also held, I am hearing Louis Armstrong sing:
We are proud to be keeping toes tapping and heads bopping as we embark on a new year that will bring six new community programs led by Chicago musicians, three new commissioned works, the 25th anniversary of the JazzCity concert series in partnership with the Chicago Park District, and so much more online and in person.
I see skies of blue And clouds of white The bright blessed day The dark sacred night And I think to myself What a wonderful world
Please enjoy this issue of the JazzGram and stories of Chicago's own Dr. Timuel Black's (and JIC Board Member) memorial service, Maggie Brown and Oscar Brown, Jr, and our Education Corner saluting Jazz Links Alumni and students, and updates on our school programs.
ings
Perhaps the sacredness of a dark night is truly the hope of red roses and trees of green. Maybe it is the faces of the smiling people we see online and miss in person. Perhaps it is lessons learned and the silver lining of an otherwise confusing and isolated time. It is indeed the memory of a good time, the hope for those times to come, and the joys found within music, rhythms, lyrics, and harmony.
This 53rd year of the Jazz Institute is extra-special because we will celebrate the centennial of the arrival of Louis Armstrong to Chicago with a full slate of panels, an all-star Chicago trumpeter concert, a partnership with the Armstrong House Museum in Queens, NY, and so much more. No mention of Mr. Armstrong would be complete without celebrating his first wife—composer, pianist, and bandleader Lil Hardin Armstrong. Women's History Month discussions and a JazzCity concert will honor her role in his career and the story of jazz music.
Thank you for being a valued part of jazz's past, present, and future. We thank you are grateful for your support! I do hope, as Mr. Armstrong did at another charged time in American history, that we will be shaking hands and saying, "How do you do?" together soon! All the Best,
Heather Ireland Robinson, Executive Director
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PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN CHICAGO
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CHICAGO CELEBRATES LIFE IN THE KEY OF BLACK A LIFE OF JAZZ AND SOCIAL JUSTICE By Corey Hall
As centenarian, activist, and educator Timuel Black rested in hospice care at his Southside home. Julieanna Richardson massaged his feet, chowed down on some fried bird, drank tea, and, along with his wife, Zenobia Johnson-Black, savored one last lesson from a mind that still worked his wisdom.
Richardson, who first interviewed Black on June 19, 2000, relished an anecdote about a notice he had received to enlist. “My favorite quote was when he said Uncle Sam had come calling, and he said he didn’t have an uncle named Sam,” Richardson said, while the attendees who filled the chapel shared in her laughter. “I repeated that so many times.” (Black eventually responded and served in World War II.) “He was always there for us to talk things through, to provide context, even up to three weeks before his passing,” Richardson continued. “(The History Makers) is the largest and most comprehensive recording of the Black experience in the United States. And we owe that to the support of Tim Black.” Beyond Black’s social justice journeys as a co-organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Midwest-area, he was also a catalyst that ignited Harold Washington’s first successful mayoral campaign. Additionally, he supported the Hyde Park Jazz Society, the Duke Ellington Society, and the South Side Jazz Coalition, among other grassroots groups.
Timuel Black, Memorial Cover
Richardson is the founder/president of The HistoryMakers, which documents Black history through interviews. Along with numerous admirers, she shared memories during “Timuel D. Black: A Life of Jazz and Social Justice,” a celebration for the devoted jazz connoisseur and Jazz Institute of Chicago (JIC) board member, who died on October 13 at age 102. The festival was held December 5 at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, called “Timuel’s House,” by Rev. Dr. Maurice Charles, the chapel’s dean. (December 7 would have been Black’s 103rd birthday.)
In his autobiography, Sacred Ground: The Chicago Streets of Timuel Black, he detailed his love for this music at first listen: “When I was just five years old, Mama took my brother Walter and me to the Vendome Theater on Thirty-Third and State Street. And there I heard this magnificent sound. Louis Armstrong. I had never heard anything like that. It was for me as a small child a sound so profound and embracing. I was absolutely hypnotized by the music of Louis Armstrong. That was the day I fell in love with jazz.” Timuel Black’s participation in the JIC surpassed 25 years, noted Executive Director Heather Ireland-Robinson. Along with board members Don Rose, Jesus Chuy Garcia, and Lew Krineberg, he helped form the Jazz Links Fellowship Program in 2003. This initiative, she added, remains active in the Chicago Public Schools. Whether driving through Bronzeville or dining at Valois, Ireland-Robinson learned a good deal from Black. She emphasized how her appreciation for this education continues. “In addition to preserving the legacy of jazz, rendering and passing on its history to our youth, and keeping jazz in the schools as a vital part of our education,” she began, (“Baba” continued on page 6
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PROMOTING AND NURTURING JAZZ IN CHICAGO
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THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF OSCAR BROWN JR. TO BE DOCUMENTED IN CYBERSPACE CELEBRATION
DAUGHTERS MAGGIE AND AFRICA TO CREATE AN ONLINE EXHIBIT By Corey Hall
While wandering through treasures remaining in her late father's poetry file, Maggie Brown discovered "Gang Gone Good." This poem, she knew, came from his play, Opportunity Knocks Again and was most likely written in 2001. This creation reimagined Opportunity Please Knock, staged by Oscar Brown Jr. in 1967, featuring members from the Blackstone Rangers. The poem began: "A gang gone good/In a real bad 'hood/The police do not believe we should/"Not to be trusted/"Got to be busted!"/They say/Say they". After reading this 28-line poem off the screen, Maggie noticed something else. "The cursor went up, but it turned out the poem was the first of forty-something pages," she said about the words, which led to a memoir entitled "Opportunity Please Knock: Working with the Blackstone Rangers." Eventually published in 2019 by the Chicago Review and available at jstor.org, this memoir reveals all the resistance, rewards, and revelations Brown endured during this time. Brown had created Opportunity as a positive alternative for neighborhood youth involved in gang activity. (Maggie noted, by the way, that not every cast member had a gang affiliation.) "In the memoir, he wrote what was happening politically in the world and Chicago," Maggie said. "It's a guide to help my sister, Africa, and me tell his story. It's what we're using to put something together." Maggie and Africa want to talk about their father, who died in 2005 at age 78. An accomplished singer, lyricist, poet, and activist, Brown's output included nearly 20 plays and 12 solo albums. His lyrics to jazz standards, such as "Afro Blue," "Work Song," and "Dat Dere," have been recorded by Abbey Lincoln, Gregory Porter, Rickie Lee Jones, and Sheila Jordan, among others. Maggie and Africa, who refer to themselves as "2Brown Sisters," are preparing to present their father's legacy in cyberspace. Maggie talked about what is to come at a café located across the street from 5200 South Harper, designated Oscar Brown Jr. Way, in 2015. "Sitting here in this space, I'm reminded that Oscar did a
Maggie Smith on Oscar Brown Jr. Way
show called Summer In the City when the Harper Theater (seen from the café's windows) was a legitimate stage," Maggie said about the play that preceded Opportunity…. "He and my stepmother, Jean Pace, already had a successful run at the Happy Medium on Rush Street. People had to get tickets months in advance." Because of this previous success, producers requested that Brown present something else at the Harper Theater, but the ongoing gang warfare in the neighborhood frightened potential patrons. To resolve this problem, Brown met with leaders from the Blackstone Rangers. Brown's memoir detailed these conversations at his father's real estate office on Cottage Grove. "I felt that perhaps that if their problems were addressed, they might not give me so many, and in our conversations, continued on page 7
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EVENTS CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 2022
JIC EVENTS & SPECIAL OFFERS February 9 (5PM): Jazz Links Jam Session 2021-2022 In Person Event | Jazz Showcase | 806 South Plymouth Court | Free and open to the public!
CLUBS Andy’s http://www.andysjazzclub.com/ 11 E. Hubbard/312-642-6805 Show times: 5pm & 7pm/ 9:30pm & 11:30pm Every Sunday: Winter Hours w/ Andy Brown (7PM & 9:15PM) Every Wednesday: Winter Hours w/ Mario Abney (7PM & 9:15PM) Every Thursday: Winter Hours w/ Micah Collier’s Trio (7PM & 9:15PM) February 4 & 5: Charles Heath’s Fusion (6PM & 8PM), Late Night Concert Series w/ Isaiah Spencer (10:30PM) February 11 & 12: Sharel Cassity (6PM & 8:15), Late Night Concert Series w/ Eric Schneider (10:30PM) February 18 & 19: Ernie Adams (6PM & 8PM), Late Night Concert Series w/ Isaiah Spencer (10:30PM) February 25 & 26: Marques Carroll Quintet (6PM & 8PM), Late Night Concert Series w/ Frank Russell (10:30PM) Cafe Mustache http://cafemustache.com/ 2313 N Milwaukee Ave./ 773-687-9063 Live music Tuesdays-Sundays Constellation 3111 N. Western/ www.constellation-chicago.com Show times and cover charges vary. Most shows 18 and over. February 11 (8:30PM): James Sanders & Conjunto Album Release - Virtual & In Person Event - Livestream Link:https://youtu.be/AGl_F0LmT74 February 12 (8:30PM): Janice Misurell-Mitchell, Mwata Bowden - Virtual & In Person Event - Livestream Link: https://youtu.be/HsMI18YVHH4 February 16 (9PM): Dimension & Extensions - In Person Event February 26 (8:30PM): Frequency Fest: TomekaReid / KatherineYoung&SamScranton et al - In Person Event Elastic ARTS elasticarts.org/ 2830 N. Milwaukee/773-772-3616/elasticarts.org Every Tuesday (8PM): Homeroom Residency: Avreeayl RA & Dream Stuff - In Person February 2,18 (7PM): Avreeayl RA Healing Arts Initiative: Meditation in Motion - In Person February 3 (8:30PM): Adam Shead Solo & Karris/Adams Duo - In Person February 4 (8PM): The Mosley Storey Project - In Person
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February 11 (7PM):Cleat Series: Jovia Armstrong’s Eunoia Society - In Person Event February 12 (6:30PM): Love is Lovefest w/ Lyn Rye & Frann Fatale - In Person Event February 17 (8:30PM): Berman/Roebke Duo + Mai Sugimoto Quartet - In Person Event Experimental Sound Studio ess.org 5925 N Ravenswood/773-998-1069 Fitzgerald’s 6615 Roosevelt, Berwyn/708-788-2118 Wednesday SideBar Sessions Sponsored by WDCB 90.9 Chicago’s Jazz Station, 8pm, $10 suggested Donation February 2 (7PM): Quin Kirchner Trio - In Person Event February 5 (5:30PM): Sidebar Supper Club Concert: Compass Rose 6 - In Person Event February 6 (7PM): Grandstand Big Band - In Person Event February 9 (7PM): Chris Greene Quartet - In Person Event February 12 (11:30PM): Fitzgerald’s Jazz Brunch: Groove Witness - In Person Event February 16 (7PM): The Joel Paterson Trio - In Person Event February 19 (9PM): The Heavy Sounds - In Person Event February 20 (7PM):The Chicago Skyliners Big Band - In Person Event February 23 (7PM):Joe Policastro + Friends - In Person Event February 27 (7PM): British Buddy Big Band - In Person Event Fulton Street Collective/ Jazz Record Art Collective 1821 W. Hubbard/ 773-852-2481. fultonstreetcollective.com/ jazzrecordartcollective.com $10 suggested donation/ $5 with valid student ID. All ages. Cash only. All Livestream Events can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/fultonstreetcollective February 16 (8PM): Nate Lepine Quartet with Edalji/Bedal Duo - Virtual & In Person Event February 17 (8PM): Saxofonix Quartet Live - Virtual & In Person Event February 22 (8PM): Jameson Scriver's Reckoner with Paul/Barnard Duo - In Person Event February 23 (8PM): Abercrombie Quartet Performed Live - Virtual & In Person Event February 24 (8PM): Marques Carroll Quintet Live Virtual & In Person Event
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway/773-878-5552 SUNDAYS (8PM): Soul Message - In Person Event MONDAYS (8PM): Joel Paterson & Friends - In Person Event TUESDAYS: (8PM) Chicago Cellar Boys - In Person Event WEDNESDAYS: (8PM) Alfonso Ponticelli - In Person Event THURSDAYS: Andy Brown (5PM) Alan Gresik’s Swing Orchestra (8PM) - In Person Event FRIDAYS: Chris Foreman (5PM) SATURDAYS: Paper Machete (3PM) - In Person Event February 4 & 5 (8PM): Wertico Haque Gray - In Person Event February 11 & 12 (8PM): Matt Ulery’s Delicate Charms - In Person Event Hungry Brain 2319 W Belmont Ave/773-935-2118 February 2 (9PM): Wednesday Night Fellowship February 5 (9PM): Soul Message February 20 (9PM): Russ Johnson Quartet February 27 (9PM): Sam Weinberg Trio Jazz Showcase 806 S. Plymouth Ct./312-360-0234 Two sets at 8pm & 10pm & *Sunday matinee at 4pm. Visit www.jazzshowcase.com for weekday JIC member discounts! JIC member card required. February 3-5 (8PM & 10PM), 16 (4PM & 8PM): Trumpeter Marques Carroll February 9 (5PM): Jazz Links Jam Session 2021-2022 February 10-12 (8PM & 10PM), 13 (4PM & 8PM): Alexander/ Mclean Project February 14 (8PM & 10PM): With Love from Dee Alexander - Valentine’s Day at the Jazz Showcase February 17-19 (8PM & 10PM), 20 (4PM & 8PM): Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few February 24-26 (8PM & 10PM), 27 (4PM & 8PM): Chris Madsen Quartet Le Piano 6970 N Glenwood Ave/773-209-7631 TUESDAYS: (7PM) "Come to the Cabaret" Daryl Nitz & Friends with Ester Hana WEDNESDAYS: (7PM) Le Piano Open Jazz Jam hosted by The Chicago Freedom Ensemble THURSDAYS: (7PM) Derek Duleba Organ Trio FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS (7PM): Chad Willets Trio with Bobby Schiff & Stacy McMichael, plus special guest SATURDAYS (11PM): "Afterglow Set" with Petra van Nuis/Dennis Luxion Duo SUNDAYS (7PM): Devon Sandridge with Jeremy Kahn, plus guests
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Whistler 2421 N. Milwaukee, Logan Square/773-227-3530 Mondays (9pm): The Whistler Jam Featuring Matt Ulery and Quin Kirchner February 2 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Many Blessings February 9 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Holloway, Hudson, Spencer February 16 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Anthony Bruno Trio February 23 (9PM): Relax Attack Jazz Series: Alta Vista Winter’s Jazz Club 465 N. McClurg Court (on the promenade) Ph: 312.344.1270 www.wintersjazzclub.com info@wintersjazzclub.com SET TIMES Tuesday - Saturday 7:30 & 9:30PM Sunday 5:30 & 7:30 PM ALL ENTRANTS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF BEING FULLY VACCINATEDFebruary 2 (7:30PM & 9:30PM) Andy Brown Trio - A Birthday Tribute to Stan Getz February 3 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Typhanie Monique Quartet February 4 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Jo Ann Daugherty / Henry Johnson Quartet with guest vocalist Sarah Marie Young February 5 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Thaddeus Tukes Quartet February 6 (5:30PM & 7:30PM): Alyssa Allgood Quartet February 9 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Greg Murphy Trio February 10 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): John Dokes Quartet February 11 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Pat Mallinger Quartet February 12 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Denise Thimes Quintet - Love Songs Serenade! February 13 (5:30PM & 7:30PM): Petra's Recession Seven - 7 Hearts a Flutter, A Valentine's Day Special! February 16 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Soul Message Band with special guest vocalist Hinda Hoffman February 17 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Jeremy Kahn Trio with special guest vocalist Josie Falbo February 18 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Better Together - The Jazz Soul of Ray Charles February 20 (5:30PM & 7:30PM): Bobbi Wilsyn Quintet - Sophisticated Lady... Elegantly Ellington February 23 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Michael Lerich Jazz Ensemble - The Music of Artie Shaw February 24 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Steve Million Trio with special guest vocalist Abigail Riccards The Music of Monk & beyond! February 25 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Lezlie Harrison Quartet February 26 (7:30PM & 9:30PM): Bosman Twins Q
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continued from page 2 • Timuel Black
Black fought) the good fight of justice and harmony and dismantling systemic racism. We all promise to keep on keeping on and making sure we keep, as our compass star, the right thing to do.” Following this tribute, the JIC’s Jazz Links Alumni Ensemble, led by Irvin Pierce, performed Joe Henderson’s “Afro-Centric.” Orbert Davis, Robert Irving III, Maggie, Africa Brown, and Dee Alexander offered additional musical praises. Rajiv Halim conducted a 10-piece ensemble through Duke’s “Come Sunday.” IrelandRobinson recited the introduction.
Zenobia Johnson-Black, spoke about Tim’s many loves, “[They encompassed], music, books, social justice, teaching, and, me. But more than anything, Tim loved people. He loved his people and all people.” “Such love,” she continued, existed because her husband loved himself first. And he loved to lead. “Tim always displayed
“Lord, dear Lord above, God almighty, God of love, please look down and see my people through.” “This prayer for humanity…was at the forefront of every action of Dr. Black’s life,” Previous Executive Director Lauren Deutsch added, “The legacy of dedication to his faith, family, and community will resonate for years to come.” A sound clip of Tim played as he reflected on the ancestors and mused on thoughts of the future: “When I look out on the ocean, I see my ancestors being brought here in chains, and I have to wonder what might have been, not knowing where they were going. Who’s going
Jazz Links alumni play at the services L-R: Tony Milano - Piano, Manuel Canchola - Alto Sax, Thaddeus Tukes- Vibes, Carmani Edwards-Bass, Irvin Pierce - Tenor Sax, Not Shown: Josh Ross - drums, Photo Credit: Kent Richmond
to be in charge? What actually was in their minds? To that extent, they had to have had faith... Spirituality, not Christianity. They had to believe that, somehow, there was a power that was bigger that was going to see them through. I had responsibilities to carry on their mission to others, that tomorrow is another day because when you lose that sense of tomorrow, it’s all over.”
Zenobia Johnson-Black, reflecting on her husband's memory and legacy Photo Credit: Kent Richmond
leadership skills since the time he, at age eight months, brought his family to Chicago from Birmingham, Alabama.” As her husband’s life approached the end, acceptance settled him free from fear and anger. “He would say he had lived so much longer than most. He was grateful to be here,” Johnson-Black said. “He regretted that the combined effects of his aging body and the pandemic kept him home most of the time. He would have preferred to be out and about, going to meetings, socializing, and enjoying live jazz at Room 43 on Sunday evenings.” Timuel Black lived life to the fullest, she continued, and he still held onto hope for today’s youth. “I must admit,” she concluded, “seeing so many people gathered here in his honor is quite overwhelming. I can’t help but think how much Tim would have enjoyed this gathering, all the music. So, again, I say thank you.” Julieanna Richardson addressed Johnson-Black directly about her 40-year union. “You loved him into 102 years of wonderful living. You were not selfish with your love,” she said. “You allowed all of us…to sit with him, to engage him, to learn from him, and for that, all of us are indebted to you. And now we need to hold you up in this season of your living.”
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continued from page 3 • Oscar Brown Jr.
I was frankly critical of the violence between them and the East Side Disciples, opining that killing others in their same situation could solve none of their basic problems," Brown wrote. "They generally agreed, but assured me 'gang banging,' once begun, was hard to stop because someone who just had to be avenged was always being hurt or killed." Brown had already seen 1200 youth at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 64th and Kimbark, the gang's headquarters. Even though they had denied his request to speak, his observations about the young men were positive. "He saw that they were amazingly organized because of their leader. Even though they could be raucous, when it was time to pay attention, they would," Maggie said. "Daddy wanted to take their energies, help them see the futility of fighting their brothers, and tap into their talents to empower them." Once he secured permission and participation, rehearsals began. Groups were singing in threes, fours, and fives, along with female boogaloo dancers and a smokin' R&B band. "I stood stunned for a few minutes, then rushed home and brought Jean to see this amazing array of teenage talent. As we entered, we heard three shots ring out around the corner of the church and exchanged looks with each other and with Bop, (the leader) who also heard them as he admitted us," Brown wrote. He later learned the shots had claimed a 15-year-old boy's life. Opportunity Please Knock began with a processional, where the participants sang the title song. Here is Mr. Brown's version from his 1962 album, Between Heaven and Hell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_Q2jp9J2HU "The look and sound of it was young and beautiful, and the audience response was overwhelming. By the time the show had built to the exuberant presentation of our gospel
group, the Crawford Singers, a powerful spirit hit the sanctuary," Brown had written. "For me, it was a tangible presence that, midway through the performance of the show, burst from the cast and the choir stalls, impacting joyously on the audience, and remaining in the room until the show ended to standing cheers." While the 2Brown Sisters have already documented their father's career at oscarbrownjr.com, they want this virtual exhibit to go deeper. Additional plans involve Zoom panel discussions about his life works, photographs from the late Robert Sengstacke, personal artifacts – such as the dashikis he wore onstage, along with anecdotes he shared as a griot. One song that Maggie anticipates including is "Gang Bang." Narrated by an inmate who hears that a rumble is about to happen in a dream. It was recorded in 1972 on Brown's album, Movin' On, and was included in his play, The Great Nitty Gritty. "But when the gangs come together, instead of fighting, they start greeting each other," Maggie said. "And, man, he woke up just wishing my brothers could end their divisions before they end up dead or in a jail cell." Maggie's passion for music history -- displayed through her one-woman show, Legacy: Our Wealth of Music, and as Oscar Brown Jr.'s archive guardian – is rooted in her heart. "I'm trying to salvage some joy and sanity out of dispossession," she said. Such joy is evident in "Gang Gone Good's" conclusion, which she recited from memory: "Gang gone good/No one thought we would/Since no one ever conceived we could/ But now before their eyes/Arose a happy surprise/A prayer that was offered to show/How good a gang could go."
J A Z JAZZINCHICAGO.ORG Z IN CHICAGO
EDUCATION CORNER
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JAZZ LINKS JAZZ MASTERS RESIDENCY PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Congratulations to this year's Chicago Public Schools awarded a Jazz Links Jazz Masters Residency/ Professional Staff Development Program. This eight-week Residency brings some of Chicago's most sought-after Jazz Masters into Chicago Public School classrooms at no cost to the school. In addition, the program also provides a Professional Staff Development Training component for the classroom Music Instructor. The 2021-2022 School Year selected schools include: Walter H Dyett High School for the Arts (Nadine Smith, Music Instructor) Jones College Prep (Michael Block, Music Instructor) Lincoln Park High School (Kelley Glosser, Music Instructor) Mary Lyon Elementary School (Sarah Todd, Music Instructor) Pritzker College Prep (Benjamin Das, Music Instructor)
Senn High School (Colin Cosgrove, Music Instructor) Eric Solorio Academy High School (Madeleine Mollinedo, Music Instructor) Whitney M. Young Magnet High School (James Barbick, Music Instructor) Each Music Instructor has selected a specific curriculum approach from the following offerings: The Jazz Voice and Vocal Improvisation Jazz Band Intensive Jazz Combos Latin Jazz Swinging, Grooving, and Beyond Our world-renowned jazz educators and musicians provide exceptional instruction and interaction:
Maggie Brown, Vocalist Marques Carroll, Trumpeter Philip Castleberry, Bassist John Foster, Saxophonist Darius Hampton, Saxophonist, Clarinetist, Flutist Victor Garcia, Trumpeter Dr. Eric Hines, Percussionist Ernie Adams, Drummer If you are interested in applying for a Jazz Links Jazz Masters Residency/ Professional Staff Development Program for your school next year, check out our website at jazzinchicago.org/education programs for more information. The Jazz Institute's Jazz Links Programs are supported by funding from The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Oppenheimer Family Foundation; Crown Family Philanthropies; Steven Dresner; The Reva and David Logan Center for The Arts; The Chicago Community Trust; The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency and a City Arts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
JAMMING SAFELY Our monthly Jazz Links Jam Sessions are back and in person at Jazz Showcase. Every month, audiences get the chance to check out the next generation of amazing jazz artists for free. And, young players ages 9-19 get the opportunity to play, learn, grow, and connect with their jazz community in a safe and encouraging environment. Our next Jam Session is Wednesday, March 9th!
JAZZ LINKS ALUM WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
What's more, we'd like to help! Reach out and let us know what you're up to. Are you about to release an album? Maybe you're heading out on tour? What about that exciting project you've been working on? Let us know, and we'll help promote your work! Send a message to our Managing Director, John Foster, at john@jazzinchicago.org. He'll reach out to get more information.
EDUCATION CORNER
N CCHHIICCAAG GO O JJAAZZJAZZINCHICAGO.ORG ZZ IIN
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
his musical style. Now, Milano has just released his first album: Dante. As noted in his Artist Statement, he has applied various learned music elements to this endeavor:
After receiving his degree in Jazz Studies from the renowned Brubeck Institute of the University of the Pacific in California, Jazz Links alum, Tony Dante Milano, turned to the studio to further develop and refine his sound. Working with other musicians for over a decade led Dante to explore hip-hop, electronic, and pop music, translating through
"A collective of ingenious originals, DANTE MILANO’s first album integrates a delicate mix of traditional and modern sounds and instruments, challenging the boundaries of jazz. In DANTE’s own words, this album was crafted to encourage listeners to “ponder, interpret, and engage with the elements of each track.” With unconventional time signatures and unique voicings, this album emanates an energy that listeners can use to reflect and get inspired. The album features a few original compositions that DANTE wrote in 2018-2019 that offer an older perspective with a new twist. During his time reviewing some of his older work, he added new components,
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including drum breaks and multiinstrument layering, to produce a fuller, more cohesive sound. Influenced by gospel and classical music, he also incorporated choir vocals on a few of the tunes. The result? A powerful combination of intellect and soul." The Album features: (Main Band) Electric Bass - Xach Wagner Drum Set - Jeremy Warren (Guest Performers) Tenor and Soprano Saxophone Isaiah Collier Tap Dancing - Star Dixon Harp - Joseph Kelly Trombones - Royce Harrington Trumpets - Fernando Lozano Violins - Manny Manriquez Poetry - Carol Laque Vocals - Sloan Crawford, Hannah Lampkin, Sakyrah Morris, Kennedy Ray, Kayla Henderson
LET FREEDOM SWING During last year's required remote learning approach, The Jazz Institute and the Jazz at Lincoln Center partnered to offer a free Pop-up Playground Concert Series entitled "Let Freedom Swing." The program was presented at specially selected Elementary Schools on Chicago's South and West sides. Understanding the healing power of music as a key factor and needed addition to our lives during the pandemic, the program provided an uplifting and positive reminder of the value of all lives. The performers reminded students of the richness and greatness of being part of a community, that when working together can build a better world for all its inhabitants. The "Let Freedom Swing" Quintet is led by the world-renowned jazz trumpeter and educator Pharez Whitted.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education, and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. Like its partnering organization, The Jazz Institute understands that engagement in the arts encourages a lifelong application of creative thinking. The Jazz Institutes' Jazz Links education and artist development programs empower an ever-growing community of teachers and students through collaboration, experiential learning, professional
development, and direct connections to Chicago's rich jazz legacy.
Bennett Elementary School: Andrew Toombs (Piano), Eddie Bayard (Sax), Jeremiah Hunt (Bass), Kenny Phelps (Drums), Pharez Whitted (Trumpet)
To have a "Let Freedom Swing" Popup Playground Concert performance at your school, contact Managing Director John Foster at: john@jazzinchicago.org.
2022 IS THE YEAR OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG! STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING CONCERTS, DISCUSSIONS, SHOWINGS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
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The JazzGram is a monthly newsletter published by the Jazz Institute of Chicago for its members. The Jazzgram represents the views of the authors, and unless so designated, does not reflect official policy of the Jazz Institute. We welcome news and articles with differing opinions. Design: YoojDesign Correspondents: Diane Chandler-Marshall, Aaron Cohen, Corey Hall, Ayana Contreras, Howard Mandel, Rahsaan Clark Morris, Neil Tesser. Board of Directors: President: David Helverson Vice Presidents: Timuel Black In Memoriam, David Bloomberg, Warren Chapman, William Norris, Keyonn Pope, Kent Richmond, DV Williams.
CREDITS Secretary: Howard Mandel Treasurer: Brian Myerholtz Emeritus Director: Joseph B. Glossberg Executive Director: Heather Ireland Robinson Board Members: Miguel de la Cerna, Rajiv Halim, Jarrard Harris, Chiquita Jones, Greg Kelley, Bill King, Jason Koransky, Terry Martin, Ted Oppenheimer, Bethany Pickens, Mike Reed, Judith E. Stein, Neil Tesser, Darryl Wilson. Staff: Scott Anderson, Diane Chandler-Marshall, John Foster-Brooks, Maggy Fouche, Darius Hampton, Mashaune Hardy, Raymond A. Thomas. Founded in 1969, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, a not-forprofit corporation, promotes and nurtures jazz in Chicago by providing jazz education, developing and supporting musicians, building Chicago audiences and fostering a
FEBRUARY 2022
thriving jazz scene. 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago IL 60605 | 312427-1676 • Fax: 312-427-1684 • JazzInChicago.org The Jazz Institute of Chicago is supported in part by The Alphawood Foundation | The Francis Beidler Foundation | The Chicago Community Trust | A CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events | Crown Family Philanthropies | Cultural Treasures | The Philip Darling Foundation | The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation | Dan Epstein Family Foundation | The Illinois Arts Council Agency | Lloyd A. Fry Foundation | The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince | The National Endowment for the Arts | The Oppenheimer Family Foundation | The Polk Bros. Foundation | The Benjamin Rosenthal Foundation | Walder Foundation