Giant Steps

Ever just type something into a search engine and see where it takes you? These video takes on Coltrane's "Giant Steps" are the result of just such an idle search.

First, for all the sight readers here's a look at the solo.


Next we have McCoy Tyner's version.


Finally, there's this thing.


I hope it has an "off" switch!

Grammy Awards for Jazz

As promised, here is the list of Grammy Award winners in the Jazz categories. As just about everyone knows, Herbie Hancock also won Album of the Year.

Jazz Grammy Winners 2008


Category 45
Best Contemporary Jazz Album

* River: The Joni Letters
Herbie Hancock
[Verve]


Category 46
Best Jazz Vocal Album

* Avant Gershwin
Patti Austin
[Rendezvous Entertainment]


Category 47
Best Jazz Instrumental Solo

* Anagram
Michael Brecker, soloist
Track from: Pilgrimage
[Heads Up International]


Category 48
Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group

* Pilgrimage
Michael Brecker
[Heads Up International]


Category 49
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

* A Tale Of God's Will (A Requiem For Katrina)
Terence Blanchard
[Blue Note]


Category 50
Best Latin Jazz Album

* Funk Tango
Paquito D'Rivera Quintet
[Paquito Records]

Sitting In With Sonny Stitt

My friend Steve sent me the link to this video which, as he put it, is "seriously funny."

You don't have to be a jazz musician to appreciate the tale spun by master storyteller Bill Cosby. Also check out the reactions of both Dick Cavett and Jack Benny.

Enjoy!

The exceptional Ira Sullivan

Like many in this area I was introduced to Ira Sullivan in the 1980's when he made a guest appearance at a jazz society Christmas Party. Up from his Florida home for a private engagement. Sullivan greeted the jazz society crowd with a blistering trumpet solo.

It was only later that I would learn that the trumpet was one of seven instruments over which Ira had command. I also learned that he was primarily self-taught on all those instruments.

His skill on alto, soprano and tenor sax is without match. To hear Ira on alto flute is to bring joy into your heart. On every instrument in his arsenal the man will swing you into bad health!

During the years when Sullivan was a regular participant in the annual Central PA Jazz Festival I had the good fortune to hang with Ira. I even once coaxed him to submit to an interview for my radio show.

I also had the opportunity to observe as he worked with not only his peers but also with the budding musicians who attended his clinics. This kind and gentle man seemed tireless as he coached and encouraged his charges.

The background of Ira Sullivan includes early encounters with Charlie Parker and other royalty of be-bop. Recordings are available of Sullivan's collaboration with Red Garland. Rahassan Roland Kirk and most notedly Red Rodney.

For me personally the ultimate Ira Sullivan experience came when I produced a concert featuring him with pianist Reuben Brown, bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Steve Bagby. The music sizzled that night.

Ira lives in the Miami area and plays frequently in that area of Florida. Occasionally he ventures out for places such as Chicago, Denver or New York. If you get word that he's going to be close by, don't miss the opportunity to witness the exceptional Ira Sullivan.