The term “crossover artist” wasn’t used much in jazz until after the fusion era (the jazz/rock explosion from the late ’60s to mid-’70s), and was coined when some jazz singers and musicians added pop and R&B elements to keep or increase their popularity. But 79-year-old pianist Ramsey Lewis has always proven ahead of his time. He even pre-dated fusion with his trio's … [Read more...]
Figueroa reaching ahead and reaching out at Lynn Philharmonia
When the student orchestra at New York’s Juilliard School gives concerts, audiences have to line up beforehand to get a ticket. But with free admission, it’s a pretty good deal. So when Guillermo Figueroa, who studied the violin at Juilliard, came to Lynn University to take over the conservatory orchestra, he was astounded and pleased to discover that its audiences in Boca … [Read more...]
Jazzman Batiste looks ahead while looking back to New Orleans roots
The recently completed four-season HBO series Treme brought post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, and the city’s deep musical history, back into the spotlight. Appearances by New York City-based jazz pianist and vocalist Jon Batiste also elevated the stylish young rising star a rung higher, something that’s no coincidence, since Treme was partly based on his own family’s … [Read more...]
‘Thin Ice’ a smart look at your friendly neighborhood sociopath
“He lies artfully and constantly, with absolutely no sense of guilt that might give him away in body language or facial expression. If charm, sexuality and role-playing somehow fail, [he] uses fear, a sure winner. His iciness is fundamentally scary. -- Psychologist Martha Stout, in her best-seller The Sociopath Next Door The person described in this quote is a composite … [Read more...]
James Judd, moving ahead and moving on
When James Judd takes the stage during the first week of December to lead the Boca Raton Symphonia and the Master Chorale of South Florida in three performances of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio Messiah in Boca, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it will mark his first appearances with local musicians since 2001. The former conductor of the Florida Philharmonic has been busy … [Read more...]