Sons of Sound eNews 07.01.03

In This Issue…

1. In Print: Steely Dan borrows Jay Leonhart's band!
2. On The Air: Chart action for Flip! and friends
3. Artist Spotlight: Paquito D'Rivera honored by Berklee
4. Music Education: Swing 'N Jazz VI hits an eagle; Akira Tana leads Stanford Jazz Workshop
5. Distribution Update: Sons of Sound signs with Maui in Spain

In Print

Can't get enough of Carolyn Leonhart's voice, Michael Leonhart's trumpet and arrangements, or Jim Pugh's trombone on Everything Must Go, the new album from Grammy winners Steely Dan? Then check them out on Rodgers & Leonhart, Jay Leonhart's latest CD, a tribute to the music of composer Richard Rodgers.

In the May 2003 issue of JazzTimes, reviewer Christopher Loudon pays Mr. Leonhart the highest of compliments for his talent and his work on this disc:

"Jay Leonhart's latest, a leisurely stroll through Mister Rodgers' classy neighborhood, is as cozy and comfortable as a Fred MacMurray cardigan. Ah, but don't let the relaxed atmosphere fool you. Leonhart is the Fred Astaire of jazz — a craftsman so seamlessly smooth that casual observers often fail to grasp the immensity of his talent. As a bass player, Leonhart's in the same exalted league as his mentor, teacher and musical hero, Ray Brown. As a vocalist, he remains, much like Astaire, significantly underappreciated."

Look for Carolyn Leonhart on the cover of the July issue of JAZZIZ, an issue that spotlights women in jazz.

On The Air

Andy Parsons, Gene Lewin, John Patitucci and Ben Monder's Flip! rises to #49 on the JazzWeek radio charts during the week of July 27th, a result of play on over 149 stations across the county, with 64 of the stations reporting medium to heavy rotation.

Other Sons of Sound recording artists appear on the JazzWeek charts, as Bob Mintzer's Yellowjackets hold the #17 spot: we feature Bob on two CDs by the American Saxophone Quartet: Gandy Dancer as performer and Spanning the River as composer. The Rufus Reid Quintet holds the #47 spot: we feature Mr. Reid on Secret Agent Men, led by Akira Tana, and on two future releases. Stay tuned.

The CMJ Jazz charts are also rife with Sons of Sound recording artists: Flip! weighs in at #28, while Paquito D'Rivera appears at #32: Mr. D'Rivera guests on The Commission Project by The American Saxophone Quartet. Dr. Lonnie Smith is on the chart at #36: Dr. Smith is also featured on Secret Agent Men by Akira Tana.

Artist Spotlight

On May 30th, 2003 at the 13th International Heineken Jazz Festival of Puerto Rico, Paquito D'Rivera was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Music by the prestigious Berklee College of Music. On stage for the presentation with Mr. D'Rivera were Luis Alvarez, Director of Events, and previous recipients Michel Camilo, Gary Burton and Chick Corea. Lee Eliot Berk, President of Berklee College of Music, presented the award "in recognition to his great contribution to music, the musical education of our country and the world".  Prior recipients of this academic honor include Duke Ellington, Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton and Luis Armstrong. Sons of Sound is proud to represent Mr. D'Rivera's writing and performance on The Commission Project by The American Saxophone Quartet.

Music Education

Sons of Sound artists Jay Leonhart, Akira Tana, Bob Sneider, and Mike Holober joined Music Director Jon Faddis, Walt Weiskopf, Keter Betts and other luminaries to make the sixth annual Swing 'N Jazz event over the May 30 - June 1 weekend a huge success.

Held in Rochester, NY, Swing 'N Jazz spans three days of student workshops and concerts, culminating in a golf tournament and fundraiser for The Commission Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at music education. The Commission Project also sponsored music education events in conjunction with the Rochester International Jazz Festival for the second year. Thanks to all musicians who volunteer their time for the benefit of student musicians.

Led by Sons of Sound recording artist and jazz drummer Akira Tana, the July 19th Percussion Summit brings master percussionists from diverse musical traditions and a world-class jazz ensemble together for an exploration of musical common ground and a world-premiere performance. A versatile jazz drummer who has performed and recorded with many of jazz's top artists, Akira Tana is joined by three master percussionists. Kenny Endo is recognized in the US and Japan as a leading force in contemporary Taiko performance for his synthesis of traditional Japanese drumming, world music and Western jazz. Jazz fusion drummer Ndugu Chancler is a three-time Grammy award-nominee who has played with a host of legendary jazz artists and pop-icons. Afro-Cuban percussionist John Santos is a native of the Bay Area who has become a tireless performer, teacher and student of rhythms from around the world.

Prior to the evening's world premiere performance, the Stanford Jazz Workshop is opening the ensembles' rehearsal free to children 12 and under and accompanying adults. [download the announcement in pdf format.]

Sons of Sound is proud to represent Mr. Tana on his own Secret Agent Men and Girl Talk by Jodi Stevens. Look for Mr. Tana on two future releases.

Distribution Update

Sons of Sound is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with Maui Music Ent. S.L. for the territory of Spain. Thanks to Jorgé Gomez for his support of US independent jazz.

Look for two new CD releases in September 2003. Visit sonsofsound.com for more information.
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