Phil Woods introduces Grace Kelly in the Berkshires

Woods, who died on Sept. 29 at the age of 83, was “revered in jazz circles for his bright, clean sound and his sterling technique,” wrote Nate Chinen in his New York Times obituary. A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, Woods’ career spanned more than 65 years. He performed as a leader or guest artist with the royalty of jazz, from Charlie Barnet to Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich to Quincy Jones, plus wide-ranging leaders like Michel Legrand, among others. He was also heard on a variety of recordings with popular artists like Paul Simon and Billy Joel. He was the recipient of four Grammy awards, and in 2007 was named a Jazz Master by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Woods introduced the 14-year-old saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly to Berkshires audiences at the second annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival in 2006, when he was guest soloist with the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors big band. Having mentored Kelly at a jazz workshop, Woods invited her to the stage, an event that has become part of jazz lore. It was not lost on the audience that there was nearly a 60-year age span between the two, yet they jammed as if they had been performing together for years. She played older than her age, he appeared much younger than his.

More info. including Raffle to benefit Berkshires Jazz, please go to: BerkshiresJazz.org.

Article by Dave Read

The 3rd Annual Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend, scheduled for various venues in Lee, MA June 5-8,2014, features The Sounds of Shearing, paying the music of former Lee resident Sir George Shearing. Sounds of Shearing is led by Charlie Shoemake on vibraphone, a member of one of Shearing’s Quintets, and includes Joe Bagg on piano; Ron Anthony, guitar; Luther Hughes, bass; and Bill Goodwin, drums. Concert is Fri. June 6 at 8pm, First Congregational Church; tickets are $20 advance; $25 at the door. Tickets & info.

Berkshire Gateway Jazz Weekend is ponsored by Berkshire Gateway Preservation, Inc., in collaboration with Berkshires Jazz, Inc.

The Sounds of Shearing starts its first-ever northeast tour in the town where Sir George spent his summers for 10 years (in fact, the band will be staying at the very residence where Shearing stayed, the home of Dee Dee Fraser). Sir George Shearing was one of the most beloved and honored jazz pianists of all time. His widow Ellie will introduce the band via video.

Sonny and Perley Thursday June 5

The festival opens on Thursday, June 5 with the exciting duo of Sonny Daye and Perley Rousseau. After a successful performance at last year’s event, Sonny & Perley return by popular demand. The duo achieves a rare musical symbiosis, having spent the last several years developing and perfecting their unique blend of jazz, bossa nova, American songbook standards, and international cabaret, which has become their musical signature. (Spectrum Playhouse, 8pm, $15 advance seating, $20 at the door). Tickets & info.

New Black Eagle Jazz Band, Saturday June 7

The June 7 concert marks the return of the New Black Eagle Jazz Band to the Berkshires after a five-year hiatus. Perhaps the country’s most renowned exponent of traditional jazz, this seven-piece band has delighted audiences all over the world for more than 30 years, with their huge and eclectic repertoire of jazz from the 1920s and 30s. (First Congregational Church; $20 in advance; $25 at the door).

The Black Eagles have a mature mastery of this great American music, from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton to early Duke Ellington to Cole Porter; from blues to rags to popular songs of the era. In fact, the New York Times’ John Wilson wrote that the Black Eagles are “so far ahead of other traditional bands…there is scarcely any basis for comparison.”

BerkshiresJazz.org presents two free programs in Pittsfield the first weekend of May. On May 3 by the Williams College Jazz Group, an ensemble comprising talented students and headed by Andy Jaffe. The 7:30pm concert will take place at Baba Louie’s Backroom, , 34 Depot Street, Pittsfield.

The student members come from around the country and around the world: Max Dietrich, baritone sax (Newton, Mass.); Nina Kumar, drums (Larchmont,N.Y.); Thobo Mogojwe, vocals (Botswana); Chris Janson, bass (Darien,Conn); Jack Schweighauser guitar (Lake Forest, IL). The pianist and leader is Andy Jaffe, the Lyell B.Clay Artist in Residence in Jazz and Director of Jazz Activities at Williams College.

On Sunday, May 5, percussionist, author, activist, and Pittsfield native Royal Hartigan brings the Blood Drum Spirit ensemble to his home town, to honor our ancestors. The 3pm concert will take place at the Zion Lutheran Church at 74 First Street, Pittsfield.

Royal will be joined by saxophonist David Bindman, pianist Art Hirahara, and bassist Wes Brown. His performance will include selections from two of the group’s CDs, “Ancestors” and “Blood Drum Spirit Live in China.” A free will offering is suggested and all proceeds from offerings will be donated to the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations Emergency Fuel Fund and to Berkshires Jazz, Inc. More info at BerkshiresJazz.org.

Berkshires Jazz presents concerts in Pittsfield, MA by the Claire Daly Quartet and the Jeff Holmes Quartet during the last week of March and first week of April, which is Jazz Appreciation Month. The Claire Daly Quartet pays tribute to Thelonious Monk with a Baritone Monk CD release concert at the Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield, MA on March 29, 2013 at 7PM. Tickets are $15, and are available by phone at 413-443-7171, ext. 10.

The Jeff Holmes Quartet will perform a CD release party for Of One’s Own, April 5, 2013, 8PM at Baba Louie’s in Pittsfield, MA. Tickets are $20 and advance purchase highly recommended – available at Berkshires Jazz. Dinner available separately either in Baba Louie’s main dining room or in the backroom.