Tag Archives: Jazz in schools
Remembering Tina Marsh
In just two weeks, it will have been three years since Tina Marsh left us. Even though I never worked with her on her own musical projects, I did hire her for some of mine–and the AJW is much the richer for the experience. Tina had a whole different bag than I work out of–much …
Remembering Marty Allen and Bill Kirchner
No, not the comedian and the saxophonist. Those are two different fellows. Marty Allen was a pianist and dear friend who moved to Austin from the Bay Area some seventeen years ago. A remarkably gifted musician with a highly original approach, Marty worked with many people, and as a soloist, until he died unexpectedly of …
Herding Cats for Fun, Not So Much Profit
Best thing about being leader of a professional jazz ensemble: the players are all accomplished enough to make their own musical decisions. Worst thing about being the leader of a professional jazz ensemble: same thing. But if you’re an easygoing guy like me <hey, quitcher laughing over there>, that’s not the worst thing in …
Musings on Miles
Next Wednesday is the 20th anniversary of Miles Davis’ death. I trust you have the altar in your home prepared, the candles ready for lighting. This year for Season Eighteen, the AJW is presenting Miles’ music for elementary school students. That’s a tough one on a variety of levels. I had some thoughts going in …
How To Do What We Do
From time to time, an email arrives in my inbox from a jazz group in another part of the country interested in starting a school program such as the AJW in their area, and asking for advice. Like this one: “I would really appreciate any advice that you have about starting a program that focuses …
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