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Thursday, December 08, 2005

Dave Brubeck and Gen Krupa on "Rumble"

Tonite we go all vinyl with Dave and Gene. Dave live in Europe and at the Pacific College plus tunes from Drummin' man, Gene Krupa.

Dave Brubeck
Born on 6 December 1920 in Concord, California, jazz legend Dave Brubeck is equally distinguished as composer and pianist. Studies at the College of the Pacific and with Milhaud at Mills College led to the founding, with fellow students, of the experimental Jazz Workshop Ensemble which recorded in 1949 as the Dave Brubeck Octet. Later, in 1958, the combination of Brubeck with drummer Joe Morello, double bassist Eugene Wright, and alto saxophonist Paul Desmond quickly achieved an overwhelming popular success as the Dave Brubeck Quartet. The Quartet's experimentation with time signatures unusual to jazz produced works like Blue Rondo a la Turk and Take Five, introducing millions of enthusiastic young listeners to unexplored regions of jazz. The group recorded and performed together continuously through 1967.
As composer, Brubeck has written and, in some cases, recorded several large-scale works including two ballets, a musical, an oratorio, four cantatas, a mass, works for jazz combo and orchestra, and many solo piano pieces. In the last 20 years, he has organized several new quartets and continued to appear at the Newport, Monterey, Concord, and Kool Jazz Festivals. Brubeck performed at the White House in 1964 and 1981 and at the 1988 Moscow summit honoring the Gorbachevs. He is the recipient of four honorary degrees, the BMI Jazz Pioneer Award, and the 1988 American Eagle Award presented by the National Music Council.

Gene Krupa
Gene Krupa was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 15, 1909 and was the the youngest of Bartley and Ann Krupa's nine children. His father died when Gene was very young and his mother worked as a milliner to support the family. All of the children had to start working while young, Gene at age eleven. His brother Pete worked at "Brown Music Company", and got Gene a job as chore boy. Gene started out playing sax in grade school but took up drums at age 11 since they were the cheapest item in the music store where he and his brother worked. "I used to look in their wholesale catalog for a musical instrument - piano, trombone, cornet - I didn't care what it was as long as it was an instrument. The cheapest item was the drums, 16 beans, I think, for a set of Japanese drums; a great high, wide bass drum, with a brass cymbal on it, a wood block and a snare drum."

His parents were very religious and had groomed Gene for the priesthood. He spent his grammar school days at various parochial schools and upon graduation went to St. Joseph's College for a brief year. Gene's drive to drum was too strong and he gave up the idea of becoming a priest. In 1921, while still in grammar school, Gene joined his first band "The Frivolians." He obtained the drumming seat as a fluke when the regular drummer was sick. The band played during summers in Madison, Wisconsin. Upon entering high school in 1923, Gene became buddies with the "Austin High Gang", which included many musicians which would be on Gene's first recording session; Jimmy McPartland, Jimmy Lannigan, Bud Freeman and Frank Teschemacher. In 1925, Gene began his percussion studies with Roy Knapp, Al Silverman & Ed Straight. Under advice from others, he decided to join the musicians union. "The guy said, 'Make a roll. That's it. Give us 50 bucks. You're In.'" Krupa started his first "legit" playing with Joe Kayser, Thelma Terry and the Benson Orchestra among other commercial bands. A popular hangout for musicians was "The Three Deuces." All of the guys playing in mickey mouse bands would gravitate here afterhours and jam till early in the morning. Gene was able to hone and develop his style playing with other jazz players such as Mezz Mezzrow, Tommy Dorsey, Bix Beiderbecke and Benny Goodman in these local dives. Krupa's big influences during this time were Tubby Hall and Zutty Singleton. The drummer who probably had the greatest influence on Gene in this period was the great Baby Dodds. Dodds' use of press rolls was highly reflected in Gene's playing, especially during his tenure with Benny Goodman.

Benny and Gene in 1937.

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Coming Up On "Rumble" This Week....

Gil Scott Heron: A New Black Poet

Gil Scott-Heron was born in Chicago on April 1st 1949. He attended Lincoln and John Hopkins University. He wrote two novels. The Vulture and The Nigger Factory. He met Brian Jackson, his frequent collaborator. Gil Scott-Heron began playing keyboards and, teaming up with Brian Jackson, setting his political poetry to a jazz-funk fusion. First releases were on the Flying Dutchman label in the 70's.
During the 1970s and 1980's for Arista label, Scott-Heron released twelve albums. Then, after a twelve-year break, he signed with TVT Records and released Spirits in 1993. The first cut of this album, "Message To The Messenger," is a warning to today’s rappers, urging them to take responsibility in their art and in their communities. Since then, he has played to sell-out crowds all over the world, performing at major festivals in England; including Glastonbury where I took his pictures of him in the 80's.
More recently he has been arrested for possession of a gram of cocaine and now faces about a year in prison. He is also working on a book "The Last Holiday" for Publisher Canongate http://www.canongate.net/. Defiant as ever he turned down rehabilitation as an alternative to prison. Maybe in prison he will get a fresh perspective and produce more of his articulate insights. Gil Scott-Heron got out of prison on the 28th October 2002.
Since getting out of prison he has teamed up with Brian Jackson. He has played SOB with Brian on October 2003 and there is BBC Documentary showing in December 2003. At the end of October 2003, on his way to a gig in Chicago, he was arrested at La Guardia airport, New York. He’s charged with possession of a controlled substance and detained at Rikers Island Penitentiary in New York. He got out in June 2004.

Rumble thru the crates, presented by DJT: Thursday Nites only on Groove 107.7 FM

Friday, November 11, 2005

On "Rumble" tonite: A tour thru the Playboy Mansion

Tonite we take a musical tour through the infamous Playboy Mansion courtesy of Dimitri-From-Paris. Although Dimitri is onto his third residency at Hugh's, he took time out to compile a little mix tape for us so that we too can sample the velvet wallpaer, 3 inch shag pile, satin sheets and heart shaped king sized beds. Supported by Dimitri's copatriots I:Cube, La Funk Mob, DJnxx and Kwartz tonite promises an evening of decadent aural ambience. So mix up a dry martini, chuck on velour robe and pull up a laz-e-boy.

Tonite we skip the articles and head straight for the centerfold!

And always, cruise with attitude

Rumble thru the crates 6pm to whenever every Thursday on Groove 107.7 - Cafe Style Radio

Further Reading : http://www.astralwerks.com/dimitri/mansion.html#

Friday, November 04, 2005

Music Tours to Note

Dj Mu & Open Souls Sound System... The mash-up to end all mash-ups! / Fri 4 Nov / Wellington
Twisted? Classics A twisted night of classic tunes Sat 5 Nov / Wellington
Frontline Tour. Rap duo, Frontline tour NZ. / Fri 11 Nov /Wellington

Tonite: Rumble thru the Crates

Welcome to Thursday nite! Tonite we feature little known (not!) piano diva, Diana Krall. A native Canadian, Diana wooed audiences in NZ recently. Her smooth, velvet tones and slick pian style breathes new life into many jazz standards. Recently, with help of recently acquired husband, Elvis Costello, she produced her first album of personally penned works. "the Girl in the other room" deals with depression, touring and other introverted "artist" related issues, yet the work is not selfish indeed, no. This work is personal and comforting. Other works earlier visit Nat King Cole and Hoagy Carmichael amongst others. Smart, photogenic and smooth, a nite with Diana is best spent with a good bottle of Cabernet Merlot.

Note: we hope to have her latest album Christmas Songs soon!

Check out her site @ http://www.dianakrall.com

Friday, October 28, 2005

The Vaughan Roberts Big Band! Grrrrreat Stuffff! CD Release

Listen to Groove to hear details of the Vaughan Roberts Big Band CD release - on 1 November at 8PM at the Front Room 9 Hania St Mt Victoria - also features Colin Hemmingsen Quartet, Check it out!

$25 Waged ? $15 Unwaged - Be there or Be Square, Groovers!

Like, Groovy, Man. Check out the Action on "Rumble", Tonite, Cats!



This is where the Action is, Cats.

Tonite we are graced witht the company of Kerouac, McKuen and Ginsberg.

Yep, Daddy-O, It's a night of Beatsville. We travel the path well trodden by Gillespie and Parker and look at the finest moments in the Jazz/Beat era. We also have some up to the day radio interviews that are, like' vintage - Man.

Be Cool, we'll check some groovy, tunes on the box. Ooh, Solid! No grease needed. It's free to air! And I ain't talking no Jive!, Man.

So tune in at 6 on the PM tonite to Rumble thru the Beatsville crates. Only on, like, Groove 107.7 - Home of the Beatsville Beatnik happening Scene, Babies! Don't be square now - Be there!

As ever, Straighten up and fly right, Cats!

Friday, October 21, 2005

Tonite on "Rumble Thru the Crates"

Get Ready to Rumble: - With Richard Cheese (Dick, to his friends). Dick, is the only lounge performer we know who produces his own range of underwear! While other performers have panties hurled at them whilst on stage, Dick manufacturers his own tasteful line (in blue and pink sm/med/xl/and whoa momma!). The Richard cheese orchestra hail from none other than the US west coast, specialising in lesser known standards and heavy metal numbers such as G'n'R's welcome to the Jungle and some dumb band's "Enter Sandman'.

Tonite we celebrate an true artiste fromage with Richard Cheese's 3rd Album "Apetite for Destruction" and embelish the show with other perenials such as Frank Bennet, Blossom Deary and Wellington's Twinset. Get those crackers out, grab the Chataeu Cardboard and settle in...."Rumble Thru the Crates" distastefully presented by DJT - 6-Whenever Thursday nites on Groove 107.7 FM - Wellington's only independently owned Radio Station dedicated to Lounge, Swing and all that shakes.

P.S.

1- Go to Google (http://www.google.com)
2- Type in the word "Failure"
3- Instead of clicking Google Search, click "I'm Feeling Lucky."4- Giggle
5- Spread the word before the people at Google "fix" it.

Straigten up and Fly Right, Groovers!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Get your Groove bumper stickers while they're hot!

  • The first batch of stickers disappeared fast but we have more so if you'd like one or two leave a message with your address on Ph: 381 4766.
  • We are looking for on-air announcers if you have the skills
  • If you're in business do we have a deal for you! Advertising that is proven to increase business and what does the tyre shop say? We gaurantee to beat the published spot rate of any other Wellington radio Stations! Call us to find out more.
  • Look out for Groove 107.7FM supporter packs on the way soon including T-shirts, bumper stickers, movie tickets and more!

In those immortal words: Groovy baby!

Groovemeister

No.9 Wellington International Jazz Festival 26-30 October 2005

Hi, Groovers. The more discerning amongst you may already be lining up for tickets to E.S.T (Estbjorn Svensson Trio) the Swedish phenomenon, headlining this year's festivel. The festival also includes Sax dude Oliver Lake (a living legend), Horn Player Baikida Carroll and Guitarist Ben Moder plus the Turnaround (DJ's Submariner, Mauel Bundy & Cian) and Hawaiian Diva Deva Mahal.

The full programme is available at all the usual places or go to http://www.jazzfestival.co.nz/ for the full programme.

that's it for now

DJT - Straighten up and fly right !

Friday, October 14, 2005

Just to hand...

Every so often the popular lunchtime concerts at St Andrew's on the Terrace 'break out' into jazz. We've had the Norman Meehan Jazz Piano Trio; the Bachbencher Trio; and now there's 'Snoring Waters' - a 'bound-to-be-stunning' performance by pianist Jonathan Crayford.

Here are the details for your community gig notices.

Free Lunchtime Concert, St Andrew's on The Terrace, Wednesday, 26th October, 12.15-1.00 p.m.

'Snoring Waters'
Jonathan Crayford, an established artist in New York who has toured in over 20 countries, moves between classical and jazz in an eclectic programme of his own compositions, and improvised music. Programme includes 'I Loves you Porgy' by George Gershwin; 'Eronel' by Thelonius Monk, and features Crayford's composition 'Snoring Waters', commissioned by pianist Dan Poynton.

All welcome - Bring your lunch! Donation to help with costs appreciated.

Contact:
Celia Lampe / Concert Organiser 04 972 8063

And...

Help out the Film School!
The Film School are looking for extras on the following days with preferable age ranges in brackets:

Friday 28th October - In Porirua mall from earlyish morning until lunchtime. (20-60)

Monday 31st October - "Roar Art Gallery" on vivian street for the entire day (20-40)

Wednesday 2nd November - The Realm in Hataitai from mid morning til late afternoon (20-40)

Monday 7th November - Motel bar off tory st late morning til evening

NB: It would help if extras lived close to locations as transport isn't provided and it would also help if the extra had an email address they access on a daily basis and two contact phone numbers.

Contact: Georgia - o4 9392 953 or 0274989499

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Groove is up and "blogging"



Hey Team,
We are sponsoring the NZ premiere of 'In her Shoes' featuring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley Maclane at the Emabassy TONIGHT! By all means please come along. It is a charity event with proceeds going to 'Women in Film & Television'.

We have our new Groove bumper stickers available. Call the studio for one.

Lately we've noticed a resurgence of new "retro shops in the Cuba street area. This includes a funky new establishment in Ghuznee St selling work by Shag and Coop, primarily on Gasoline shirts, tees etc plus some very cool stickers, badges etc. Also, Hunters and Collectors have moved down to the old Bandong eatery (formerly Manawatu Meats, no less) . Their store is way funkier now! Congrats to them! Big news at the Tuis of, of course with Fat Freddy's drop picking up three wee birdies, one for best lbum; one for best live act and one for best "roots" album. Go guys. Wellington Music -Respect!


On the wireless : This week on Rumble thru the Crates - DJT is covering the Maestro of the Macrabre: Tom Lehrer - the same writer of "Poisoning Pidgeons in the park and the Masochism Tango". Also "Steely Dan Story - 1972 - 1980. This fine retro of the the "Dan's" best work covers all the hits - Hey Nineteen, Aja, Any Major Dude, plus looks at some of their more obscure moments. On Rumble we do things differently... Oh yes indeed. Rumble thru the Crates - Thurs nites from 6.30pm only on Groove 107.7 FM.

New CD's in the studio this week:

New albums' from...
Tim Strong (Kiwi/American) (2 CD's)
Lotus Hartley - Lotus Flower

That's it Groovers, catch you soon.

As always, straighten up and fly right!

- Dean & the Groove Crew

Mobile: 021-457 368 Groove: 381 4766