Music Archives - Susan von Seggern

El evento musical más importante del K-Pop: Music Bank World Tour regresa a Santiago de Chile el 12 de noviembre con NCT DREAM, (G)I-DLE, TXT, ATEEZ, THE BOYZ, and STAYC

11/10/2022 by Susan von Seggern

Santiago, Chile – La gira más emocionante del fenómeno mundial que es el K-Pop regresa a Santiago de Chile a las 8 p. m. el 12 de noviembre en el destacado estadio de fútbol de la ciudad Estadio Monumental con los artistas NCT DREAM, (G)I-DLE, TXT, ATEEZ , LOS BOYZ y STAYC.

El estadio de 47,000 asientos es el hogar del popular club de fútbol Colo-Colo y ha sido sede de conciertos internacionales con Guns N’Roses, Pearl Jam y otros. Este es el primer concierto de Music Bank en Chile desde 2018, cuando TWICE, Wanna One, BAP, SF9 y VIXX se presentaron allí. Ese evento se puede ver en KOCOWA aquí.

El cabeza de cartel de Santiago Music Bank, NCT Dream, es la tercera y más joven subunidad de la sensacional boy band surcoreana NCT de SM Entertainment. Los miembros de NCT Dream incluyen a Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle y Jisung. Sus primeros dos álbumes vendieron millones, han sido incluidos en la lista de 21 Artistas menores de 21 años en Billboard y fueron llamados los artistas más influyentes de 2018.

¡El mejor servicio de streaming con contenido coreano, KOCOWA, está mandando a algunos afortunados ganadores y fanáticos al concierto de Santiago en los asientos “Dreamers” para que puedan sumergirse por completo en la diversión del K-Pop! Para aquellos que no puedan asistir en persona, KOCOWA transmitirá el concierto en su plataforma de streaming el miércoles, 7 de diciembre en Norteamérica.

Desde su creación en 2017, KOCOWA, ha ofrecido más de 1.000 horas de conciertos, eventos y programas de K-Pop con todos los ídolos favoritos para satisfacer a todo tipo de fanáticos. Parte del contenido incluye:

Música En Vivo – KOCOWA transmite tres programas semanales en vivo y series de conciertos que muestran los mejores espectáculos, canciones y bandas de esa semana. Los últimos debuts y regresos de K-Pop aparecen en “Music Bank K-Chart,” “Music Bank World Tour,” “Inkigayo” y “Show! Music Core.” Con KOCOWA puedes disfrutar nuevos episodios cada semana, y también tiene un gran catálogo de presentaciones y entrevistas con las bandas favoritas de K-Pop para que los fanáticos exploren.

Behind the Scenes Shows – ¡KOCOWA tiene espectáculos que llevan a los fanáticos detrás de escena con los mejores ídolos de K-Pop en gira, espectáculos que presentan ídolos como entrenadores de carrera, o rookies audicionando por nuevas subunidads, los viajes lujosos y más! Ahora que BTS se ha comprometido a servir en el ejército, a sus fanáticos les encantará disfrutar sus programas como “Rookie King,” donde BTS ofrece una inmersión más profunda en los comienzos de la banda, entrevistas, ensayos y más en su ausencia. Otros títulos de contenido musical incluye “Travel the World on a Ladder” de EXO, “LOUD” de JYP y Psy, y más.

Los Reality Shows – Muchos de los programas de KOCOWA presentan a los ídolos favoritos de los fanáticos del K-Pop en la vida cotidiana, o como estrellas invitadas que juegan y compiten en desafíos con un elenco regular. Programas con éxito internacional como “Running Man,” “Home Alone,” “The Manager,” “Idol Sports Athletic Challenge” y otros presentan a las principales celebridades musicales de Corea del Sur como BTS, BlackPink, Aespa y muchos otros.

La popularidad de KOCOWA en América Latina es atribuido por esta programación de K-Pop, junto con K-Dramas subtitulados en español. En los EE. UU., la audiencia de KOCOWA es 27% latina, que está significativamente sobrerrepresentada en comparación con el 19% de la población de EE. UU.

Sobre wA and KOCOWA
wA es una empresa conjunta entre las tres principales emisoras de televisión coreanas: KBS, MBC, SBS y SK Telecom. wA lanzó KOCOWA, una plataforma de streaming con suscripción premium en las Américas en 2017, con audiencias principales en los Estados Unidos, Canadá, América Latina y Brasil. KOCOWA ofrece contenido premium con más de 20.000 horas de dramas coreanos, reality shows y K-Pop en varios idiomas. Para mayor información por favor visite:

www.kocowa.com

K-Pop’s Top Music Event – Music Bank World Tour Returns to Santiago, Chile November 12 with NCT DREAM, (G)I-DLE, TXT, ATEEZ, THE BOYZ, and STAYC

11/10/2022 by Susan von Seggern

Santiago, Chile – The most exciting tour in the global phenomenon that is K-Pop is returning to Santiago, Chile at 8 pm November 12 at the city’s noted football (soccer) stadium Estadio Monumental with artists NCT DREAM, (G)I-DLE, TXT, ATEEZ, THE BOYZ, and STAYC.

The 47,000-seat venue is the home of popular football club Colo-Colo and has hosted international concerts with Guns N’Roses, Pearl Jam, and others. This is the first Music Bank concert in Chile since 2018, when TWICE, Wanna One, BAP, SF9, and VIXX performed there. That event can be seen on KOCOWA here.

Santiago Music Bank headliner NCT Dream is the third and youngest sub-unit of the sensational South Korean boy band NCT from SM Entertainment. NCT Dream Members include Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, and Jisung. Their first two albums sold millions, they have been listed in 21 Artists under 21 in Billboard and were called the most influential artists of 2018.

The number one 100% Korean content streamer KOCOWA is sending some lucky winners and fans to experience the Santiago concert in premium seats so they can be fully immersed in the K-Pop fun! For those that can’t attend in person, KOCOWA will be streaming the concert on their platform on Wednesday, December 7, in North America.

Since its inception in 2017, KOCOWA has provided 1,000 hours of fresh and classic K-Pop performances and reality shows featuring all the favorite idols to satisfy every type of fan. Some of the content includes

Live Performances – KOCOWA streams three weekly live performance events and concert series that showcase the top shows, songs, and bands of that week. The latest K-Pop debuts and highly anticipated comebacks appear on “Music Bank K-Chart,” “Music Bank World Tour,” “Inkigayo,” and “Show! Music Core.” While these shows are new each week, KOCOWA also has a huge catalog of performances and interviews with favorite K-Pop bands for fans to explore.

Behind the Scenes Shows – KOCOWA has shows that take fans behind the scenes with the top K-Pop idols on tour, shows that feature idols as career coaches, plus auditioning, traveling, and more! Now that BTS has committed to serving in the military, their fans might love to enjoy shows like “Rookie King” where BTS offers a deeper dive into the band’s beginnings, interviews, rehearsals, and more in their absence. Other reality titles include EXO’s “Travel the World on a Ladder,” JYP and Psy’s “LOUD,” and more.

Reality Shows – Many of KOCOWA’s shows feature K-Pop fan favorite idols in everyday life, or as guest stars who play games and compete in challenges with a regular cast. Shows like the long-running, international hit “Running Man,” “Home Alone,” “The Manager,” “Idol Sports Athletic Challenge,” and others feature top music celebrities from South Korea like BTS, BlackPink, Aespa, and many others.

KOCOWA’s popularity in Latin America is driven by this K-Pop programming, along with K-Dramas subtitled in Spanish. In the US, KOCOWA’s audience is 27% Latino, which is significantly overrepresented than their 19% of the US population.

About wA and KOCOWA
wA is a joint company between the top three Korean broadcasters – KBS, MBC, SBS, plus SK Telecom. wA launched KOCOWA, a subscription video streaming platform in the Americas in 2017, with primary audiences in the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Brazil. KOCOWA provides a robust lineup of over 20,000 hours of Korean Dramas, Reality, and K-Pop content in multi-languages on its direct platform. For more information please visit: www.kocowa.com

Noted Music Exec and Songwriter Brian Lukow Created the ONE SIX to release “Be Afraid,” his Musical Reaction to the Events of January 6, 2021 and the Work of the January 6 Committee

11/10/2022 by Susan von Seggern

TikTok Cancelled the Song by Removing the Video in Just 12 Hours! Twitter Recently Suspended Artist Account as Well!

Mt. Kisco, NY – The One Six is a new ensemble whose musical mission is to make strong and honest political statements against Donald Trump and the dangers he poses to America. Their first single “Be Afraid” has recently been released and is currently building momentum among Democrats, anti-fascists, resistors of all stripes, and regular people concerned about the threats to American democracy.

The One Six was formed by music industry veteran Brian Lukow, using his contacts to recruit four incredibly talented professional singers, who with the rise of violent threats, political backlash, and violence from the MAGA faithful, have chosen to remain anonymous.

Lukow wrote the group’s first single after watching the January 6th committee hearings. Lukow stated, “I was appalled by the insurrection, it’s enablers and the state of our country. I was moved to write “Be Afraid” to put the exposed corruption to words and music.” He adds, “While there have been many musical parodies pertaining to our current political state, this song is an anthem for accountability and change, and was inspired by Bob Dylan’s classic topical hit “Hurricane.”

This song is a departure for Lukow, whose background has been primarily with the creation of teen idols including the successful boy band Dream Street, and girl groups Huckapoo and Drama Drama. This song is accompanied by a powerful lyric video to help further promote his message.

After only 12 hours on TikTok, the video was ironically removed, citing “violent extremism.” The cancelling of the video on the popular video sharing app is all the more shocking since the video is against the violent extremism of the January 6 rioters. Luckily, for everyone concerned about further political violence in the US, the video can still be found on YouTube and the song is available anywhere listeners stream music.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eusa4fENsU
https://open.spotify.com/album/1YkS9S5fU4Ipd40aBBskjE?highlight=spotify:track:0KLoUEyjMCcgdE1AsQfZ0q
https://music.apple.com/us/album/be-afraid-single/1645480919
https://www.tiktok.com/@theonesix_

Presenting AfroClassical Composers Brings Classical Music of the African Diaspora to Life October 16 at Los Angeles’ First Unitarian Church

09/12/2022 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles – Presenting AfroClassical Composers, a new non-profit organization founded to celebrate the contributions of African-American, and other African Diaspora classical music composers is excited to present its first post-pandemic live event Sunday October 16 at 4pm at Los Angeles’ First Unitarian Church, 2936 West 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90005.

The event will feature the music of AfroClassical Composers Dorothy Rudd-Moore, George Walker, R. Nathaniel Dett, and Maria Thompson Corley. The compositions will be performed on piano by Maria Thompson Corley and Presenting AfroClassical Composers’ Executive Director Michael Ligon. The event will also feature a panel of experts discussing the impact of AfroClassical Composers and related disciplines. The event is FREE with RSVP at https://afroclassicalcomposers.org/.

Presenting AfroClassical Composers mission is to increase knowledge and appreciation of legacy and living composers of the African Diaspora through live performances of their compositions, interpreted by culturally diverse musicians and framed by interdisciplinary community conversations.

Michael Ligon, the Artistic Director, is bringing together culturally diverse musicians and conductors who reflect LA County’s demographics and best talent to offer a series of live performances of curated orchestral, solo and ensemble works, at venues around LA County. Performances present classical music by both female and male composers (legacy and living) of the African Diaspora, including those from Canada, Guadeloupe, Brazil, France, Guinea, the U.S., Nigeria and England.

Each performance will be framed by performers and expert panelists from Music, Ethnomusicology, Architecture, Visual Arts, Dance, Literature, Sociology, History or other complementary disciplines, enabling audiences to discuss the social context, and broad historical and cultural influences on featured compositions and composers.

The project was launched in 2018 by Ligon, as a series of monthly Sunday Salons, in tribute to and following the death of Dr. George Walker, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and mentor to Mr. Ligon. The monthly gatherings set the stage for expansion on larger scale community conversations and live performances of works by composers of the African Diaspora.

Presenting AfroClassical Composers helps counter the erroneous perception that classical music involves only European composers – A study by the League of American Orchestras indicated that Black composers’ works are included in less than 1% of the top 10 compositions performed in subscription programming!

Another issue is the absence or lack of culturally inclusive studies at schools and universities. A pre-COVID/Pre-George Floyd online review of university and schools of music curricula in LA County shows that they often exclude composers of the African Diaspora. Consequently, many music and liberal arts students at universities, schools of music and conservatories are hard pressed to name only one or two (if any) classical composers of the African Diaspora, but can easily name, from memory, some five Russian composers.

Excluding such diversity creates limitations in jobs, careers and livelihoods of Black classical musicians and composers. Less than 2% of musicians employed by major symphony orchestras are Black, according to a League of American Orchestras study. Visual observation reveals similar employment stats reflected in the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestras. The pit orchestra of Long Beach Opera during performances of the 2020 Pulitzer-winning opera Central Park Five, reflects similar lack of cultural/racial diversity among its musicians.

Presenting AfroClassical Composers is unique in that its events feature performances of excerpts and sections of curated compositions, rather than performances of them in their entirety. This offers listeners a much wider range of repertoire and composers, while providing more cultural context than do conventional performances of entire compositions. Printed programs provide listeners with information for expanded discovery and learning after, and inspired by the presentation.

All performances are framed by interdisciplinary discussions with expert panelists, concluding with interactive, community/audience discussion (talkbacks). The organization focuses on works by accomplished composers of the African Diaspora that prior to George Floyd’s death, were rarely included in subscription concerts by similar organizations who receive public funding from LA County (like the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra).

Future musicians who neither see themselves in orchestras nor hear works by diverse composers – including those of the African Diaspora – experience a form of perceived exclusion, perpetuating a general and often unspoken conclusion that they don’t belong in those organizations. Inversely, Afro-Latina conductor Kalena Bovell reflects in a YouTube interview for Sewanee Summer Music Festival, her surprise in learning that at a school she visited repeatedly, a young boy stood behind her regularly mimicking her conducting motions. He saw himself in her actions and her presence.

Mr. Ligon notes, “The current absence of cultural representation and diversity in performances offered to young musicians and composers often implies an erroneous conclusion that Black musicians and composers perceived value in those roles is diminished.” Adding, “Presenting AfroClassical Composers offers exciting programs with accomplished musicians performing the works of African Diaspora classical composers, with experts discussing their impact to bring these important composers and their brilliant work to life for current and future generations of classical music lovers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy.”

Star of New Documentary, Forte, Brings “The Power of Sound” Performance to Venues Everywhere

06/12/2022 by Susan von Seggern

Acclaimed Violinist Explores Noise Pollution and the Power of Sound with Transformative New Program
Los Angeles, CA. May 19, 2022 – Today, violinist Tatiana Berman announced The Power of Sound – an innovative new performance that explores music’s ability to heal, and also raises awareness for the transformative impact sounds have on our everyday health and emotional well-being.

Featuring customizable classical and contemporary repertoire, this performance includes informative spoken vignettes that provide context for the corresponding pieces. There are multiple variations of the program, ranging from solo to chamber music to orchestral.

“We are exposed to thousands of sounds on a daily basis, but how does this actually impact our health and well-being?” says Berman. “Our bodies are composed mostly of water, which happens to be an excellent conductor for vibrations, so essentially, we are walking conduits of sounds. As we are extremely sensitive to sound, noise, and music, they affect our emotions, behavior, and shape our reality.”

Recently, Berman piloted her music and spoken-word program to private audiences across the U.S. to an incredibly encouraging response. “It has been a cathartic event for so many audience members, and the feedback is that we need these transformative experiences more than ever.”

“I have always loved to explore non-classical music topics, including how modern science intersects with ancient philosophy and sound healing practices,” said Berman. “As a result, I created a project that raises awareness of how noise and sound affect us in everyday life.”

Berman is touring The Power of Sound throughout the U.S. and Europe with a series of private engagements and limited performances open to the public. She is partnering with various organizations including orchestras, performing art centers, retreats, and wellness centers.

Berman stars in the upcoming documentary Forte, available on Apple TV and other platforms on May 27 in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Ireland.

For more information, and inquiries regarding bookings and partnerships, visit www.TatianaBerman.com.

Grammy-Winning Be Why Music Founder Jai Anand Releases Debut Single “Ra Ma Da Sa”

12/08/2021 by Susan von Seggern

“This is stunning,” says noted KCRW DJ Chris Douridas
LOS ANGELES, CA – Jai Anand (née Julie Yannatta) is the founder, owner, and now, an artist on Be Why Music. The California-based, multi-Grammy-winning record label is dedicated to releasing music that uplifts humanity. She is also a yogi and the founder of Club Kundalini, a global digital community of yoga teachers and students whose purpose is to heal the planet by exploring and applying the wisdom and sacred technology of Kundalini Yoga and Sikh Dharma. Club Kundalini was launched earlier this year on the Clubhouse app and has developed into a community of over 3000 people.

“The two ventures have long roots in my life and through the years have grown together to culminate in my first release for the label,” said Jai Anand. “Working with Japanese musician and arranger Heday Ikumo, we created a lush, symphonic rendition of the Ra Ma Da Sa mantra. Also known as the Siri Gaitri mantra, Ra Ma Da Sa is said to embody the radiant healing energy of the cosmos. Part of my practice also includes mandala art, so I also created the cover at for the single.”

Recorded at the famed Apogee Studios in Santa Monica, California, Jai Anand tapped Billboard Top-10 New Age Artist Joss Jaffe for his tabla chops. The track was mixed by Brandon Duncan, acclaimed engineer known for his work with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and Nick Cave.

The track is off to a strong start with noted DJ and music supervisor Chris Douridas giving the track a sneak peek spin on this show on LA’s trendsetting NPR station KCRW on November 21st. Douridas said of the track “This is stunning.”

After living in various parts of the U.S., an extended stint in Finland where she recorded and sang in a rock band, completing college and a law degree, Jai Anand directed her lifelong love of music into working in the business. Settling in Los Angeles, industry icon Jeff Ayeroff hired her at the indie label Shangri-La Music, where she became General Manager. In 2007 the pair executive produced Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur benefit album, an anthology of John Lennon covers for which Yoko Ono donated the publishing. In 2012, they released a follow-up — Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International. The 76-track collection features an unparalleled assemblage of well-known artists who covered songs from Dylan’s catalogue. Bob Dylan also donated his publishing and together, the two albums have raised over six million dollars for the charity.

Leaving Shangri-La Music in 2010, Jai Anand launched Be Why Music, distributed by Warner Music Group’s Alternative Distribution Alliance. She released the work of artists in various genres but, in time, came to embrace her affinity for music that lifts and inspires. In addition to growing the label, from 2013-15 she also served as president of SandbagUSA, the US division of Radiohead’s merchandise company. In 2017, Be Why’s release of White Sun II won a Grammy for Best New Age Album. In 2019, her release of Opium Moon’s self-titled album won the same award. With the label’s recent signing of Jim “Kimo” West, who won the award in 2021, Be Why Music now has three Best New Age Album winners in its artist family.

Be Why Music recently released Snatam Kaur’s “River Ganga”, featuring Krishna Das, Deva Premal, C.C. White Soul Kirtan, Manose, Todd Boston and Ramesh Kannan, benefitting the WASH Alliance, an interfaith environmental group based in India serving the Ganga and her people. Now, with the release of Jai Anand’s own interpretation of Ra Ma Da Sa, and in the spirit of Sat Nam, the sacred seed mantra of Kundalini Yoga from which great things are said to grow, she continues to entwine her passions to share healing light with the world through yoga and music.

14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Myra Melford, plus the Jamie Baum Septet+1 at the Skirball Center October 15

10/11/2021 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – September 16, 2021 – Angel City Arts ends the 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with performances from two of the top women jazz players, festival favorite Myra Medford plus the Jamie Baum Septet+1 October 15 at the Skirball Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90049, at 8pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/myrajamie/.

Myra Melford, whom the New Yorker called “a stalwart of the new-jazz movement” — has spent the last three decades making original music that is equally challenging and engaging. She’s explored an array of formats, among them ruminative solo-piano recitals (as she’ll perform at this show), deeply interactive combos, and ambitious multidisciplinary programs.

Since debuting on record as a bandleader in 1990, she’s built a discography of more than 25 albums as a leader or co-leader, and has been awarded numerous DownBeat poll placings, a 2000 Fulbright Scholarship, a 2012 Alpert Award in the Arts for Music and, between 2013 – 2016, a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, and the Doris Duke Residency to Build Demand for the Arts.

The Other Side of Air, the most recent release by her quintet Snowy Egret, was named one of the best jazz recordings of 2018 by the New York Times and one of NPR Music’s 50 Best Albums of 2018. “This is music with an endless capacity for elasticity and surprise,” NPR wrote, “along with an affirming spirit of coherence.” http://myramelford.com

NYC jazz flutist/composer, Sunnyside Records artist and 2014 Guggenheim Fellow, Jamie Baum, released her 6th CD, Bridges with The Jamie Baum Septet+, in May 2018. Internationally recognized and listed in DownBeat Critics Polls every year since 1999, she’s toured in over 35 countries and worked/recorded with many renown and diverse jazz artists ranging from Randy Brecker, and Roy Hargrove, to Ralph Alessi, Anthony Braxton, and Wadada Leo Smith, and many more.

A brief backstory… The Jamie Baum Septet was formed in ’99 and has been Baum’s compositional muse ever since. With two highly acclaimed CDs and several tours under their belt, Baum expanded the group in 2010 to the current Septet+. Their Sunnyside release, In This Life (2013), was met with much positive attention, Baum noted: “So many wonderful things came from that recording that I could not have anticipated. Not only was I nominated in 2014 by the Jazz Journalists Association for ‘Flutist of the Year,’ but my band, The Jamie Baum Septet+, was nominated as ‘Best Midsize Ensemble of the Year’ – in the same list with only two other bands, The Wayne Shorter Quartet and Steve Coleman’s Five Elements!” https://jamiebaum.com

In addition to Jamie leading and playing flute, her current Septet+ includes Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Sam Sadigursky on alto sax and bass clarinet, Chris Komer on French horn, Brad Shepik on guitar, John Escreet on piano, Ricky Rodriguez on bass, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums.

For more information on the Angel City Jazz Festival and to purchase event tickets please visit http://www.angelcityjazz.com/.

14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble with Dianne Reeves at The Ford October 14

10/11/2021 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – September 15, 2021 – Angel City Arts enters the third week of their 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble featuring special guest Dianne Reeves Thursday, October 14 at The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd E, Los Angeles, CA 90068 at 8 pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/jazzchamber/.

Billy Childs has emerged as one of the foremost American composers of his era, perhaps the most distinctly American composer since Aaron Copland – for like Copland, he has successfully married the musical products of his heritage with the Western neoclassical traditions of the twentieth century in a powerful symbiosis of style, range, and dynamism. A native of Los Angeles, Childs grew up immersed in jazz, classical, and popular music influences. By the time of his graduation from USC, Childs was already an in-demand performer in the LA jazz scene, soon thereafter he was discovered by trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard. He recorded and performed with a number of other influential jazz musicians including J.J. Johnson, Joe Henderson, and Wynton Marsalis. Thus far in his career, Childs has garnered thirteen GRAMMY nominations and four awards. In 2006, Childs was awarded a Chamber Music America Composer’s Grant, and in 2009 was the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. He was also awarded the Doris Duke Performing Artist Award in 2013, and most recently, the music award from The American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2015. https://billychilds.com

Five-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world. As a result of her breathtaking virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings – a Grammy first in any vocal category. Featured in George Clooney’s six-time Academy Award nominated Good Night, and Good Luck, Reeves won the Best Jazz Vocal Grammy for the film’s soundtrack. Reeves has recorded and performed with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. She has also recorded with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Barenboim and was a featured soloist with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic. Reeves was the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the first vocalist to ever perform at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall. https://diannereeves.com

Child’s Jazz Chamber Ensemble players are Larry Koonse on guitar, Carol Robbins on harp, Daniel Rotem on sax, Dan Chmielinski on bass, Christian Euman on drums, and Sara Andon on flute. They will be joined by Reeves along with Moira Smiley on vocals and Alexander Gedeon presenting a poetry recitation. They will also be accompanied on some numbers by The Lyris Quartet, a string quartet that focuses on the music of living Los Angeles composers. Its members are Alyssa Park and Shalini Vijayan on violin, Luke Maurer on viola, and Timothy Loo on cello.

For more information on the Angel City Jazz Festival and to purchase event tickets please visit http://www.angelcityjazz.com/. For the Angel City Jazz Festival COVID safety policy, please see https://angelcityjazz.com/safety-policy/.

14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Elliott Sharp & Jeff Parker + Muttdoggs with Petra Haden at the Lodge Room October 10

09/14/2021 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – September 9, 2021 – Angel City Arts ends the second weekend of their 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with a highly anticipated premiere performance of Elliott Sharp & Jeff Parker as a duo, plus the Muttdoggs with Petra Haden October 10 at Highland Park venue, the Lodge Room, 104 N Ave 56 2nd floor Los Angeles, California 90042, at 8pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/muttdogs/.

American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer Elliott Sharp is a central figure in the avant-garde and experimental music scene in New York City and globally for over 30 years, Elliott Sharp has released over eighty-five recordings ranging from orchestral music to blues, jazz, noise, no wave rock, and techno music. He leads the projects Carbon and Orchestra Carbon, Tectonics, and Terraplane, and has pioneered ways of applying fractal geometry, chaos theory, and genetic metaphors to musical composition and interaction. http://www.elliottsharp.com

Jeff Parker is recognized as one of contemporary music’s most versatile and innovative electric guitarists and composers. With a prolific output characterized by musical ideas of angularity and logic, he works in a wide variety of mediums – from pop, rock and jazz to new music – using ideas informed by innovations and trends in both popular and experimental forms. He creates works that explore and exploit the contrary relationships between tradition and technology, improvisation and composition, and the familiar and the abstract. His sonic palette may employ techniques from sample-based technologies, analog and digital synthesis, and conventional and extended techniques from over 40 years of playing the guitar. An integral part of what has become known as “The Modern Chicago Sound,” he is a longtime member of the influential indie band Tortoise, and is also a founding member of Isotope 217˚, and Chicago Underground. https://www.jeffparkersounds.com/

Muttdoggs are an experimental project put together by fest favorite Motoko Honda, eclectic drummer and circuit bender Joe Berardi, and legendary SoCal bass player Mike Watt. They’ll be joined on this gig by noted vocalist and violinist Petra Haden.

Mike Watt co-founded and played bass guitar for the rock bands Minutemen, Dos, and Firehose. He is also the frontman for the supergroup Big Walnuts Yonder, a member of the art rock group Banyan and is involved with many other musical projects. From 2003 until 2013, he was the bass guitarist for The Stooges. Watt has been called “one of the greatest bassists on the planet.” CMJ New Music called Watt a “seminal post-punk bass player.” Readers of NME voted Mike Watt one of the “40 Greatest Bassists of All Time” and LA Weekly awarded him the number six spot in “The 20 Best Bassists of All Time.” http://www.hootpage.com

Motoko Honda is a concert pianist, composer, and interdisciplinary artist who has created a distinctive sound through her holistic approach to music, and her exceptional sensitivity in relating to other art forms and technologies. Employing a “virtuoso technique paired with her intensely imaginative mind” (LA Splash Magazine), and with stylistic influences ranging from jazz to Indonesian music to contemporary prepared piano with electronics, Motoko’s compositions and structured improvisations are intended to affect the skin, organs and minds of the listener rather than simple recitations of rhythmic and harmonic themes. Called both a “keyboard alchemist” (LA Times), and the “embodiment of a muse” (Metaljazz), Motoko’s performances transport audiences on sonic adventures that transcend the boundaries and conventions of contemporary music. https://www.motokohonda.com

Joe Berardi has a long history in the Los Angeles experimental underground music scene, both as composer and performer. Mainly known as a drummer/percussionist, he also plays a variety of instruments, from keyboards to marimba to the occasional cello and viola, along with homemade instruments, sound objects, samplers, synths and toys. His side business, F Hole, provides an outlet for his work in electronics. He creates, builds and sells circuit bent instruments, effects pedals and other sound-making devices, and uses these instruments in his improvisations and recordings. Since first coming into prominence as a member of the groundbreaking avant-rock band The Fibonaccis, Berardi has been involved in a wide assortment of musical ventures, from rock and pop to experimental and free improvisiation. His unique style and use of percussive objects and found sounds within the traditional drum kit have made him a highly sought collaborator. http://www.noncredo.com

As a singer, instrumentalist and composer, Petra Haden has built an impressively varied and accomplished discography. She has released a number of albums which often showcase her unique talent for constructing complex, evocative A-cappella arrangements by inventively layering multiple tracks of her own voice. She is a former member of the alt-rock quartet That Dog and since has collaborated with a broad array of artists including Bill Frisell, the Foo Fighters, the Decemberists, and Susannah Hoffs. As one of the triplet daughters of the late, legendary jazz bassist and composer Charlie Haden, Petra grew up around music and learned about harmony at a very young age Her early fascination with the violin and other instruments led her to develop an uncanny ability to use her voice to recreate the sounds of the instruments she heard, and to develop elaborate pop, jazz, blues and classical arrangements based on those sounds. http://www.petrahaden.com

For more information on the Angel City Jazz Festival and to purchase event tickets please visit http://www.angelcityjazz.com/.

14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival Presents Five Band Orenda Records Fest within a fest at 2220 Arts + Archives October 9

09/14/2021 by Susan von Seggern

Los Angeles, CA – September 8, 2021 – Angel City Arts continues the second weekend of their 14th Annual Angel City Jazz Festival with the Orenda Records Fest Saturday, October 9 at Echo Park area venue, 2220 Arts + Archives, 2220 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (formerly the beloved Bootleg Theater) at 8 pm. Info and tickets are available at https://angelcityjazz.com/event/orenda-records-fest/.

Since 2014, Orenda Records has been a catalyst for creativity and expression in the Los Angeles music scene and beyond. Beginning with a group of core artists, the label has grown quickly, encompassing a huge range of stylistic approaches to inventive music-making from across the US and Europe, and is fast approaching its 100th release! For this special performance at the 2021 Angel City Jazz Festival, Orenda Records presents a lineup of artists that represent both the original core and new horizons of the label and the Los Angeles music scene with Jon Hatamiya’s Big Band, the Bridge to Everywhere project directed by composer Derrick Skye, the Cathlene Pineda Quartet, Alexander Noice’s NOICE, and label founder and artistic director Dan Rosenboom’s Quartet.

Trombonist, composer, and B.A.C. Endorsing Artist Jon Hatamiya (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Michael Bublé, Kyle Athayde Dance Party) is one of the most promising trombonists to come out of the Sacramento area and is rapidly making a name for himself on both the New York and California music scenes. He was recognized in Jet Magazine as the only trombonist on Wynton Marsalis’s list of “Who’s Got Next”, which highlighted the next generation of emerging jazz artists. Jon recently released his debut album as a leader More Than Anything on Orenda Records in early 2020, as well as an electronic EP Some Might Say (Revisited) in December 2020.

Jon Hatamiya’s Big Band will premiere a new piece commissioned by the Los Angeles Jazz Society for their Jeff Clayton Memorial New Note Award. The Big Band players are Jon Hatamiya – trombone/composer/arranger; Saxes: Alex Hahn, Albert Baliwas, Devin Daniels, Chris Sullivan, Nicole McCabe; Trombones: Steven Robinson, Lemar Guillary, Ido Meshulam, Jake Kraft; Trumpets: Ryan DeWeese, Rigo Velez, Harry Ostrander, Aidan Lombard; Rhythm: Adam Hersh – piano/synths, Colin Cook – guitar, Yunus Iyriboz – guitar, Logan Kane – bass, and Colin McDaniel – drums.

Bridge to Everywhere celebrates cultural diversity by bringing people together to experience interwoven musical traditions to foster a more inclusive society. Bridge to Everywhere is a Los Angeles-based classical chamber ensemble and arts organization dedicated to supporting composers, performers, and educators who celebrate cultural diversity through interwoven musical traditions. Through collaborations, performances, and education programs, the organization strives to build bridges between instruments, genres, cultures, and people. Founded in 2015 by artistic director Derrick Skye, Bridge to Everywhere has been presented by Boston Court Pasadena, Brand Library & Art Center, Compose LA, Miles Memorial Playhouse, Eagle Rock Music Festival, Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, and has worked with Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, American Composer’s Forum, Salastina Music Society, and Bridge Projects. The ensemble has premiered and performed works by Derrick Skye, Reena Esmail, Juan Pablo Contreras, Philip Graulty, James Waterman, Anna Kouchnerov, and Poovalur Srinivasan.

The Orenda Records Fest Bridge to Everywhere group includes Rachel Iba – Violin, Nikki Shorts – Viola, Chris Votek – Cello, Rachel Mellis – Flute, Mark Gutierrez – Bass, Philip Graulty – Guitar, James Waterman – Percussion, and Saili Oak –Voice

Cathlene Pineda is a highly sought pianist and composer in the Los Angeles area. In June 2020, Orenda Records released Cathlene’s third album of original music, Rainbow Baby, which chronicles her progression through motherhood, birth, and loss. It was hailed by Jazz Times as “beautifully articulated.” DownBeat said, “The majority of Rainbow Baby comes off as a blue exploration of Pineda’s psyche; the music’s no less gorgeous or entrancing. The emotional backing of California pianist Cathlene Pineda’s Rainbow Baby is startling…the courage to write music about such a personal experience should be recognized.”

In addition to Pineda, her Quartet on the Orenda Records Fest are Kris Tiner – Trumpet, David Tranchina – Bass, and Tina Raymond – Drums.

Alexander Noice is a composer, guitarist, producer, and bandleader based in Los Angeles. Known for his highly personalized style of composition and playing, best displayed by his ensembles NOICE and Falsetto Teeth, Alexander has been a highly sought musician in the creative music scene in Los Angeles and abroad for the past decade. Noice has performed and toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan, and South America performing with many notable artists such as Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, Vincent Gallo, Art Ensembles of Chicago’s Famoudou Don Moye, Vinny Golia, and Dan Rosenboom to name a few. His newest project, simply called NOICE, is a Los Angeles-based ensemble that seamlessly melds art rock, electronica, post minimalism, and jazz into a singular, mesmerizing sound. The ensemble is celebrated for its electrifying live performances – acrobatic in its execution and cinematic in scope. They released their debut NOICE album in 2019 to critical acclaim.

NOICE on the Orenda Records Fest includes Argenta Walther – Voice, Karina Kallas – Voice, Gavin Templeton – Alto Saxophone, Miller Wrenn – Bass, and Andrew Lessman – Drums.

Dan Rosenboom is an internationally recognized trumpet player, composer, and producer. He is known as a prolific member of the Los Angeles creative music scene, having released more than 25 albums of original music as a solo artist and bandleader, and has supported over 60 artists across nearly 100 releases on his label, Orenda Records. Rosenboom frequently performs on major film and television soundtracks, highlighted by the latest Star Wars trilogy, with such notable composers as John Williams, Danny Elfman, James Newton Howard, Alan Silvestri, and Alexandre Desplat. He has also performed often with such elite ensembles as the LA Philharmonic, the LA Chamber Orchestra, and the LA Opera. His own music eschews genre distinctions and draws from such disparate influences as jazz and Black American music, metal and experimental rock, contemporary classical music, folk music from around the globe, and a broad range of progressive music from the avant-garde. He studied music at the Eastman School of Music, CalArts, and UCLA, earning advanced degrees. The Los Angeles Times has called Rosenboom “a musician dedicated to exploration and expression, regardless of anyone’s imagined boundaries,” and “a phenomenon.”

Players in the Dan Rosendboom Quartet for the Orenda Records Fest are Joshua White – Piano, Richard Lloyd Giddens Jr – Bass, and Mark Ferber – Drums.