Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 1933. Moved to Tokyo after graduating high-school. In 1962, moved to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music after participating in many band sessions as a alto saxophone player. Representing as a top Japanese musician, also know as a talented photographer, publishes six picture books. As an Executive Producer of the Japanese Government Exhibition Project for the 2005 in Japan, advocates the message "World Peace" through music. - http://www.sadao.com/en/biography/index.html
One of the many nippon jazz artists that I like. Jazz in Japan was introduced by the Americans and Filipinos in the 1920s, but Japanese Jazz musician became immensely popular in the late 60s and made it big time in the 70s & 80s. Sadao Watanabe was one of the pioneers of modern nippon jazz.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Virtuosos (Sax/Trumpet/Horns) - James Moody
WIKIPEDIA
James Moody (March 26, 1925 – December 9, 2010)[1] was an American jazz saxophone and flute player. He was best known for his hit "Moody's Mood for Love," an improvisation based on "I'm in the Mood for Love"; in performance, he often improvised vocals for the tune
James Moody (March 26, 1925 – December 9, 2010)[1] was an American jazz saxophone and flute player. He was best known for his hit "Moody's Mood for Love," an improvisation based on "I'm in the Mood for Love"; in performance, he often improvised vocals for the tune
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Virtuosos (Sax/Trumpet/Horns) - Chuck Mangione
I was contemplating on posting Chuck's "Feel So Good" but felt that the song is so common and popular already, so I decided to post instead this live version of "Give All You Got" which is equally fantastic.
For more than five decades, Chuck Mangione's love affair
with music has been characterized by his boundless energy,
unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiates from
the stage.
Mangione first attracted attention with his brother, Gap,
in a mainstream jazz band, The Jazz Brothers, in which he
played trumpet much like that of the man who he refers to
as his musical father-Dizzy Gillespie. In fact Dizzy gave
Chuck an 'updo' horn just like his own.
Chuck's years with the Jazz Brothers overlapped with his
attending the Eastman School of Music and eventually
resulted in his solo album debut. Chuck left home to
play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, assuming
the trumpet chair that had belonged to such great players
as Clifford Brown, Kenny Dorham, Bill Hardman, Lee Morgan
and Freddie Hubbard.
Another important step in Mangione's career development was
his return to the Eastman School of Music as director of
the school's Jazz Ensemble. His "Friends & Love" concert
with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded
live and featured "Hill Where the Lord Hides." This led
to a recording contract with a major label, Mercury
records, and his first Grammy nomination.
Those early years with Mercury culminated in the title tune
of one of Mangione's most popular albums. Land of Make Believe,
another Grammy nominee, Mangione then signed with A&M Records
and delivered two extremely successful releases in one year,
Chase The Clouds Away, which was used as background music
during the telecast of the 1976 Olympic Games; and Bellavia
("beautiful way"), named to honor his mother, which won
Mangione his first Grammy award.
During the late 1970's, Chuck received more awards and
accolades for his recordings. He reached new heights
with his mega-hit single and album, Feels So Good.
The 1980 Mangione entry in Current Biography called
"Feels So Good" the most recognized melody since the
Beatles' "Michelle." The Children of Sanchez
double-album soundtrack won the Hollywood Foreign
Press Association's Golden Globe Award, then earned
Mangione a second Grammy award.
In 1980 maximum impact was achieved in front of an
"intimate" television of several hundred million when
Chuck's "Give It All You Got" was heard around the
world as the theme of the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid
which he performed live at the closing ceremonies.
Mangione was also busy with personal projects during
the 1980's. He hosted an 8-hour concert featuring
jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea, which
benefited the Italian earthquake Relief Fund.
The '80's were exceptionally full years for Chuck. Having
signed with Columbia Records he released several albums,
including Love Notes, Journey To A Rainbow, Disguise,
and Save Tonight For Me. Another highlight was working out
with the New York Yankees at their spring training camp at
the invitation of his friend and fan, George Steinbrenner.
Chuck was often seen playing the National Anthem at Yankee
Stadium and All Star games in San Francisco and Chicago.
There was also "Salute to Chuck Mangione" a one-hour TV
special hosted by Dick Clark; numerous performing and
conducting dates with symphony orchestras across the
country, plus television interviews on The Tonight Show,
Larry King, Soul Train, Solid Gold, and many others.
In 1989, Chuck released two live albums, "The Boys From Rochester,"
featuring Steve Gadd, Gap Mangione, Joe Romano and frank Pullara,
plus a double album, Chuck Mangione Live at the Village Gate.
Following these releases, and more than 25 years of one-nighters
around the world, Chuck Mangione stopped playing.
Many people point to the death of Dizzy Gillespie as the event
that propelled Mangione back into music. In 1994 chuck scheduled
a whirlwind of activity that included recording sessions for two
new albums, a series of nightclub performances by himself and
other jazz favorites which featured his "Cat in the Hat" matinees
for kids (they continue to draw SRO audiences and raves from
critics, parents and kids alike). Four major orchestra dates
in upstate New York helped create an endowment fund in honor
of his father, Papa Mangione, and musical father Dizzy Gillespie,
for the Rochester School of the Arts.
Chuck is currently caricatured on the Fox TV hit show,
King Of The Hill.He is the celebrity spokesman for "Mega-lo-mart"
and scored the music for the 1998 Valentine's Day episode.
When Chuck performed in Poland for the 1999 Film and Jazz Festival,
his composition "Children of Sanchez" brought the audience to its
feet. Unbeknownst to the composer, the piece had become somewhat
of an anthem during the struggle for democracy and many in the
audience were in tears, holding their hands over their hearts.
In the year 2000 Chuck made his first ever appearance in Korea to
SRO audiences where Feels So Good has been the top requested
instrumental hit for the past twenty years. He returned to Seoul
in 2001 and was performing there when 9/11 happened.
Chuck has recorded two albums for Chesky Records.
The Feelings Back & Everything For Love.
His 60th Birthday Bash Concert at the Eastman Theater in
Rochester New York raised over $50,000 for
St. John's Nursing Home.
Recently Smooth Jazz stations throughout the U.S. recognized
Chuck Mangione's "Feels So Good" as their all time #1 song.
Chuck received the Eastman School of Music Alumni Achievement Award in 2007
In 2009, Chuck was highlighted at the Smithsonian in an artifacts Donation Ceremony
and Onstage Discussion that pays homage to his illustrious career, artistry,
community service, and dedication to jazz education. - http://www.chuckmangione.com/bio.html
For more than five decades, Chuck Mangione's love affair
with music has been characterized by his boundless energy,
unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiates from
the stage.
Mangione first attracted attention with his brother, Gap,
in a mainstream jazz band, The Jazz Brothers, in which he
played trumpet much like that of the man who he refers to
as his musical father-Dizzy Gillespie. In fact Dizzy gave
Chuck an 'updo' horn just like his own.
Chuck's years with the Jazz Brothers overlapped with his
attending the Eastman School of Music and eventually
resulted in his solo album debut. Chuck left home to
play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, assuming
the trumpet chair that had belonged to such great players
as Clifford Brown, Kenny Dorham, Bill Hardman, Lee Morgan
and Freddie Hubbard.
Another important step in Mangione's career development was
his return to the Eastman School of Music as director of
the school's Jazz Ensemble. His "Friends & Love" concert
with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra was recorded
live and featured "Hill Where the Lord Hides." This led
to a recording contract with a major label, Mercury
records, and his first Grammy nomination.
Those early years with Mercury culminated in the title tune
of one of Mangione's most popular albums. Land of Make Believe,
another Grammy nominee, Mangione then signed with A&M Records
and delivered two extremely successful releases in one year,
Chase The Clouds Away, which was used as background music
during the telecast of the 1976 Olympic Games; and Bellavia
("beautiful way"), named to honor his mother, which won
Mangione his first Grammy award.
During the late 1970's, Chuck received more awards and
accolades for his recordings. He reached new heights
with his mega-hit single and album, Feels So Good.
The 1980 Mangione entry in Current Biography called
"Feels So Good" the most recognized melody since the
Beatles' "Michelle." The Children of Sanchez
double-album soundtrack won the Hollywood Foreign
Press Association's Golden Globe Award, then earned
Mangione a second Grammy award.
In 1980 maximum impact was achieved in front of an
"intimate" television of several hundred million when
Chuck's "Give It All You Got" was heard around the
world as the theme of the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid
which he performed live at the closing ceremonies.
Mangione was also busy with personal projects during
the 1980's. He hosted an 8-hour concert featuring
jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Chick Corea, which
benefited the Italian earthquake Relief Fund.
The '80's were exceptionally full years for Chuck. Having
signed with Columbia Records he released several albums,
including Love Notes, Journey To A Rainbow, Disguise,
and Save Tonight For Me. Another highlight was working out
with the New York Yankees at their spring training camp at
the invitation of his friend and fan, George Steinbrenner.
Chuck was often seen playing the National Anthem at Yankee
Stadium and All Star games in San Francisco and Chicago.
There was also "Salute to Chuck Mangione" a one-hour TV
special hosted by Dick Clark; numerous performing and
conducting dates with symphony orchestras across the
country, plus television interviews on The Tonight Show,
Larry King, Soul Train, Solid Gold, and many others.
In 1989, Chuck released two live albums, "The Boys From Rochester,"
featuring Steve Gadd, Gap Mangione, Joe Romano and frank Pullara,
plus a double album, Chuck Mangione Live at the Village Gate.
Following these releases, and more than 25 years of one-nighters
around the world, Chuck Mangione stopped playing.
Many people point to the death of Dizzy Gillespie as the event
that propelled Mangione back into music. In 1994 chuck scheduled
a whirlwind of activity that included recording sessions for two
new albums, a series of nightclub performances by himself and
other jazz favorites which featured his "Cat in the Hat" matinees
for kids (they continue to draw SRO audiences and raves from
critics, parents and kids alike). Four major orchestra dates
in upstate New York helped create an endowment fund in honor
of his father, Papa Mangione, and musical father Dizzy Gillespie,
for the Rochester School of the Arts.
Chuck is currently caricatured on the Fox TV hit show,
King Of The Hill.He is the celebrity spokesman for "Mega-lo-mart"
and scored the music for the 1998 Valentine's Day episode.
When Chuck performed in Poland for the 1999 Film and Jazz Festival,
his composition "Children of Sanchez" brought the audience to its
feet. Unbeknownst to the composer, the piece had become somewhat
of an anthem during the struggle for democracy and many in the
audience were in tears, holding their hands over their hearts.
In the year 2000 Chuck made his first ever appearance in Korea to
SRO audiences where Feels So Good has been the top requested
instrumental hit for the past twenty years. He returned to Seoul
in 2001 and was performing there when 9/11 happened.
Chuck has recorded two albums for Chesky Records.
The Feelings Back & Everything For Love.
His 60th Birthday Bash Concert at the Eastman Theater in
Rochester New York raised over $50,000 for
St. John's Nursing Home.
Recently Smooth Jazz stations throughout the U.S. recognized
Chuck Mangione's "Feels So Good" as their all time #1 song.
Chuck received the Eastman School of Music Alumni Achievement Award in 2007
In 2009, Chuck was highlighted at the Smithsonian in an artifacts Donation Ceremony
and Onstage Discussion that pays homage to his illustrious career, artistry,
community service, and dedication to jazz education. - http://www.chuckmangione.com/bio.html
Monday, August 2, 2010
Virtuosos (Sax/Trumpet/Horns) - John Coltrane
Merely mention the name John Coltrane and you’re likely to evoke a deeply emotional, often spiritual response from even the most casual jazz fan.
Born September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina, John Coltrane was always surrounded by music. His father played several instruments sparking Coltrane’s study of E-flat horn and clarinet. While in high school, Coltrane’s musical influences shifted to the likes of Lester Young and Johnny Hodges prompting him to switch to alto saxophone. He continued his musical training in Philadelphia at Granoff Studios and the Ornstein School of Music. He was called to military service during WWII, where he performed in the U.S. Navy Band in Hawaii.
After the war, Coltrane began playing tenor saxophone with the Eddie "CleanHead" Vinson Band, and was later quoted as saying, "A wider area of listening opened up for me. There were many things that people like Hawk, and Ben and Tab Smith were doing in the ‘40’s that I didn’t understand, but that I felt emotionally." Prior to joining the Dizzy Gillespie band, Coltrane performed with Jimmy Heath where his passion for experimentation began to take shape. However, it was his work with the Miles Davis Quintet in 1958 that would lead to his own musical evolution. " Miles music gave me plenty of freedom," he once said. During that period, he became known for using the three-on-one chord approach, and what has been called the ‘sheets of sound,’ a method of playing multiple notes at one time.
By 1960 Coltrane had formed his own quartet which included pianist McCoy Tyner, drummer Elvin Jones, and bassist Jimmy Garrison. Eventually adding players like Eric Dolphy, and Pharoah Sanders. The John Coltrane Quartet created some of the most innovative and expressive music in Jazz history including the hit albums: "My Favorite Things," "Africa Brass," " Impressions," " Giant Steps," and his monumental work "A Love Supreme" which attests to the power, glory, love, and greatness of God. Coltrane felt we must all make a conscious effort to effect positive change in the world, and that his music was an instrument to create positive thought patterns in the minds of people.
In 1967, liver disease took Coltrane’s life leaving many to wonder what might have been. Yet decades after his departure his music can be heard in motion pictures, on television and radio. Recent film projects that have made references to Coltrane’s artistry in dialogue or musical compositions include, "Mr. Holland’s Opus", "The General’s Daughter", "Malcolm X", "Mo Better Blues", "Jerry McGuire", "White Night", "The Last Graduation", "Come Unto Thee", "Eyes On The Prize II" and "Four Little Girls". Also, popular television series such as "NYPD Blue", "The Cosby Show", "Day’s Of Our Lives", "Crime Stories" and "ER", have also relied on the beautiful melodies of this distinguished saxophonist.
In 1972, "A Love Supreme" was certified gold by the RIAA for exceeding 500,000 units in Japan. This jazz classic and the classic album "My Favorite Things" were certified gold in the United States in 2001.
In 1982, the RIAA posthumously awarded John Coltrane a Grammy Award of " Best Jazz Solo Performance" for the work on his album, "Bye Bye Blackbird". In 1997 he received the organizations highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
On June 18, 1993 Mrs. Alice Coltrane received an invitation to The White House from former President and Mrs. Clinton, in appreciation of John Coltrane’s historical appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival.
In 1995, John Coltrane was honored by the United States Postal Service with a commemorative postage stamp. Issued as part of the musicians and composers series, this collectors item remains in circulation.
In 1999, Universal Studios and its recording division MCA Records recognized John Coltrane’s influence on cinema by naming a street on the Universal Studios lot in his honor.
In 2001, The NEA and the RIAA released 360 songs of the Century . Among them was John Coltrane’s "My Favorite Things." - http://www.johncoltrane.com/biography.html
Born September 23, 1926 in Hamlet, North Carolina, John Coltrane was always surrounded by music. His father played several instruments sparking Coltrane’s study of E-flat horn and clarinet. While in high school, Coltrane’s musical influences shifted to the likes of Lester Young and Johnny Hodges prompting him to switch to alto saxophone. He continued his musical training in Philadelphia at Granoff Studios and the Ornstein School of Music. He was called to military service during WWII, where he performed in the U.S. Navy Band in Hawaii.
After the war, Coltrane began playing tenor saxophone with the Eddie "CleanHead" Vinson Band, and was later quoted as saying, "A wider area of listening opened up for me. There were many things that people like Hawk, and Ben and Tab Smith were doing in the ‘40’s that I didn’t understand, but that I felt emotionally." Prior to joining the Dizzy Gillespie band, Coltrane performed with Jimmy Heath where his passion for experimentation began to take shape. However, it was his work with the Miles Davis Quintet in 1958 that would lead to his own musical evolution. " Miles music gave me plenty of freedom," he once said. During that period, he became known for using the three-on-one chord approach, and what has been called the ‘sheets of sound,’ a method of playing multiple notes at one time.
By 1960 Coltrane had formed his own quartet which included pianist McCoy Tyner, drummer Elvin Jones, and bassist Jimmy Garrison. Eventually adding players like Eric Dolphy, and Pharoah Sanders. The John Coltrane Quartet created some of the most innovative and expressive music in Jazz history including the hit albums: "My Favorite Things," "Africa Brass," " Impressions," " Giant Steps," and his monumental work "A Love Supreme" which attests to the power, glory, love, and greatness of God. Coltrane felt we must all make a conscious effort to effect positive change in the world, and that his music was an instrument to create positive thought patterns in the minds of people.
In 1967, liver disease took Coltrane’s life leaving many to wonder what might have been. Yet decades after his departure his music can be heard in motion pictures, on television and radio. Recent film projects that have made references to Coltrane’s artistry in dialogue or musical compositions include, "Mr. Holland’s Opus", "The General’s Daughter", "Malcolm X", "Mo Better Blues", "Jerry McGuire", "White Night", "The Last Graduation", "Come Unto Thee", "Eyes On The Prize II" and "Four Little Girls". Also, popular television series such as "NYPD Blue", "The Cosby Show", "Day’s Of Our Lives", "Crime Stories" and "ER", have also relied on the beautiful melodies of this distinguished saxophonist.
In 1972, "A Love Supreme" was certified gold by the RIAA for exceeding 500,000 units in Japan. This jazz classic and the classic album "My Favorite Things" were certified gold in the United States in 2001.
In 1982, the RIAA posthumously awarded John Coltrane a Grammy Award of " Best Jazz Solo Performance" for the work on his album, "Bye Bye Blackbird". In 1997 he received the organizations highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
On June 18, 1993 Mrs. Alice Coltrane received an invitation to The White House from former President and Mrs. Clinton, in appreciation of John Coltrane’s historical appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival.
In 1995, John Coltrane was honored by the United States Postal Service with a commemorative postage stamp. Issued as part of the musicians and composers series, this collectors item remains in circulation.
In 1999, Universal Studios and its recording division MCA Records recognized John Coltrane’s influence on cinema by naming a street on the Universal Studios lot in his honor.
In 2001, The NEA and the RIAA released 360 songs of the Century . Among them was John Coltrane’s "My Favorite Things." - http://www.johncoltrane.com/biography.html
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Virtuosos (Sax/Trumpet/Horns) - Miles Davis
WIKIPEDIA
Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.
Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Many well-known musicians rose to prominence as members of Davis' ensembles, including saxophonists Gerry Mulligan, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, George Coleman, Wayne Shorter, Dave Liebman, Branford Marsalis and Kenny Garrett; trombonist J. J. Johnson; pianists Horace Silver, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Kei Akagi,and Keith Jarrett; guitarists John McLaughlin, Pete Cosey, John Scofield and Mike Stern; bassists Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Marcus Miller and Darryl Jones; and drummers Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Jack DeJohnette, Al Foster; and On October 7, 2008, his album Kind of Blue, released in 1959, received its fourth platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying sales of 4 million copies.[3] Miles Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.[4] Davis was noted as "one of the key figures in the history of jazz".[5]
On November 5, 2009, Rep. John Conyers of Michigan sponsored a measure in the US House of Representatives to recognize and commemorate the album Kind of Blue on its 50th anniversary. The measure also affirms jazz as a national treasure and "encourages the United States government to preserve and advance the art form of jazz music."[6] It passed, unanimously, with a vote of 409–0 on December 15, 2009.[7]
Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and composer.
Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, and jazz fusion. Many well-known musicians rose to prominence as members of Davis' ensembles, including saxophonists Gerry Mulligan, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, George Coleman, Wayne Shorter, Dave Liebman, Branford Marsalis and Kenny Garrett; trombonist J. J. Johnson; pianists Horace Silver, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Joe Zawinul, Chick Corea, Kei Akagi,and Keith Jarrett; guitarists John McLaughlin, Pete Cosey, John Scofield and Mike Stern; bassists Paul Chambers, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Marcus Miller and Darryl Jones; and drummers Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Jack DeJohnette, Al Foster; and On October 7, 2008, his album Kind of Blue, released in 1959, received its fourth platinum certification from the RIAA, signifying sales of 4 million copies.[3] Miles Davis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.[4] Davis was noted as "one of the key figures in the history of jazz".[5]
On November 5, 2009, Rep. John Conyers of Michigan sponsored a measure in the US House of Representatives to recognize and commemorate the album Kind of Blue on its 50th anniversary. The measure also affirms jazz as a national treasure and "encourages the United States government to preserve and advance the art form of jazz music."[6] It passed, unanimously, with a vote of 409–0 on December 15, 2009.[7]
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