- Details
- Written by Dave "Bippy" Boyer
Written by: David N. Boyer 
Photography by: David Boyer Photography
(aka: "Bippy" Cartoonist / Caricaturist)
SPOILER ALERT! Yes, I'm going to be clever here and give you the ending first! If you really like Jazz, or enjoy seeing many venues with a very wide range of music, don't mind crowds over 185,000 plus, being swept in the undertow of a large mass of concert goers rain or shine, then plan on attending the 14th Series 2015 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF) June 19-27, 2015. The concert producers realize they have the trust of many people to stage and schedule some of the best music genres and performers from all over the world. Many performers have Rochester and Western New York roots. Almost no concert goer walks away disappointed. Thousands are impressed with their spirits recharged to experience this internationally known jazz festival year after sell out year. Concert enthusiasts can order tickets or club passes early at the jazz festival website www.rochesterjazz.com.
An Interview with Chet Catallo of Spyro Gyra:
This year, everyone in jazz was celebrated at the XRIJF. From a student trumpeter, taught by Bob Sneider at the Eastman School of Music, to a major record album performer and composer, Chet Catallo of Spyro Gyra, the wide range of music presentations was exciting, and the talent was consistently excellent.
Originally from Buffalo, New York and now with, Chet Catallo and the Cats, Chet was kind enough to give us a candid interview. We were very humbled and grateful to Mr. Catallo! You can follow his music on www.ChetCatallo.com. Watch the award winning Chet Catallo, of the well known jazz ensemble, Spyro Gyra, talk about his music writing, new projects, and the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival:
Read more: The 13th Series 2014 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival (XRIJF)
- Details
- Written by Bluebird
Gordon Lightfoot has recorded 20 albums and has five Grammy nominations. His songs have been aired regularly for 50 years, earning him Radio Singles Chart Positions in North America achieved by few others. Lightfoot's radio hits in the USA have earned Five #1s, Five Top 10s and Thirteen Top 40 hits.
In Canada, he has earned Sixteen #1s, Eighteen Top 10s and Twenty One Top 40 hits. Aside from his success in writing, singing and performing his own songs, Lightfoot has found fortune in having his songs recorded and performed by other great artists including: Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Jr., Marty Robbins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Judy Collins, Johnny Mathis, Anne Murray, Olivia Newton-John, Sarah McLachlan, Barbra Streisand, Peter Paul & Mary, Harry Belafonte, Jane's Addiction, Richie Havens, Glen Campbell, Toby Keith, George Hamilton IV and Eric Clapton.
Read more: Gordon Lightfoot Embarks on 50 Years of the Carefree Highway
- Details
- Written by Bluebird
Catching up with Brooklyn art music songwriter and composer, Rebecca Brandt ...
We reviewed her first release, Numbers and Shapes in 2012. Rebecca Brandt: Numbers and Shapes . The record was nominated for a Grammy!
Here is her update:
As you know, I released my first record back in May 2012, and what you may not know is that it received a top-25 shortlist nomination at the 2013 Grammy Awards. A newly-formed label Green Village took notice and pitched the idea of curating a remix album based on the original pieces, and thus our new baby was born, Numbers & Shapes: Revisited. It features 14 remixes created by different producers and DJs from around the world, including Starkey, Policy, Liondub, Rabit and more. The project had no guidelines or expectations - we just wanted to create dance floor-driven tracks built off classical elements, to try to challenge and play with the rules of genre and have some fun.
- Details
- Written by Bluebird
"I just can't wait for this record ... When I was expecting for a North African, more exotic trip, Robert goes back home, to his celtic roots ... I love this soooooo much!" (Adriana, BBR Facebook Page).
"It takes me back to his Fate of Nations days. Really haunting but good." (Michelle, Led Zeppelin Ultimate Fan Page).
Readers and listeners worldwide are in a buzz of discussion about Robert Plant's new single, "Rainbow." This song is the first release from the highly anticipated record, lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar. Nonesuch Records will publish the album in September, 2014. Some fans immediately recognized Plant's honorable return to his Celtic roots, Dreamland or the Fate of Nations sounds. Plant himself, acknowledged revisiting the "boundaries" of the roots from whence he's come. Listen to the newly published track here:
- Details
- Written by Giovanni "Gio" Pilato
Rome, Italy 30/05- 01/06/14
There is no half way to describe formidable events like these, in which all you can taste is the delicacy of raw, wild, honest talent and passion. The Mojo Station Festival is an idea of Gianluca Diana and Pietropaolo Moroncelli, who know each other since 30-odd years and love the blues straight to the bone to the point of self-finance the whole event just for the love of music and blues in particular. A story made of endless visits to Mississippi and New Orleans, purely to connect their blues DNA stronger and stronger with this part of the United States through living and breathing the sounds and the soul of the roots and bonding great relationship with musicians belonging to this well-aged but formidable genre. A project created and supported by the immense work done by Pietropaolo and Gianluca, (the latter living literally his life for the blues through writing for an Italian National Newspaper, DJing for the Italian National Radio and hosting shows in Local Radio, always in the name and love for the genre) and without whom, would have no reasons to exist.