Upbeat May/June 2015

MAY/JUNE 2015

WBGO Program GuideJazz 88.3 FM www.wbgo.org

Summer!(Finally!)

May_June_15_Upbt_Workfile.qxp_Jan_Feb10_Upbt_FNLv50.qxd 4/27/15 5:27 PM

2 Upbeat May/June 2015 www.wbgo.org

Upbeat is available in a large print edition upon request.

President & CEO Amy Niles

MarketingManager Brandy Wood

Music DirectorGary Walker

Program DirectorSteve Williams

MembershipDirectorRoslyn Turner

Design/LayoutPenguin Graphics

MEMBER-SUPPORTED Public Radio

54 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102Tel: (973) 624-8880Fax:(973) 824-8888

Vol. XXXVIIINo. 4

E-mail:[email protected] Page:www.wbgo.org

in the wbgo GALLERY

The next Newark Public Radio, Inc. Board of Trusteesmeeting is scheduled for May 11, 2015 at 6:00pm Themeeting will be held at PSEG Headquarters, 80 ParkPlaza, Room 101, Newark, NJ 07102. The meeting isopen to the public, though a photo ID will be requiredto enter the building.

The works of two New Jerseyborn artists are currently ondisplay in the WBGO Gallery,

Evelyn Graves, and an artist who is bet-ter known to the WBGO audience forhis guitar playing, John “Bucky”Pizarelli.

Jersey City native Evelyn Graves, whocurrently resides in South Orange,received a Bachelor of Arts fromBloomfield College. Her roots in thetristate area arts community run deep,as she has exhibited at Passaic CountyCollege, Pen and Brush Inc. in NewYork, Atrium Art Gallery in Morristown,

John “Bucky Pizzarelli

The reception for this

exhibit will take place on

Thursday, May 28 at 6pm.

The event is free and open

to the public.


www.wbgo.org May/June 2015 Upbeat3

and the Stamford Museum inStamford, Connecticut. She is also oneof the curators for the Black History ArtShow at 1978 Art Gallery inMaplewood, New Jersey. Graves’ com-positions reflect the energy, emotionand rhythm of jazz itself. They are donein a collage format with elements thatunify the emotions emulated in vibrantand reflective musical sensations.

John “Bucky” Pizzarelli is a world-renowned jazz guitarist who was born inPaterson, New Jersey. His music careerspans over 70 years from the VaughnMonroe Orchestra, to the JohnnyCarson Tonight Show. He has per-formed hundreds of concerts world-wide, including White House perform-ances for both Presidents Reagan andClinton with Benny Goodman, FrankSinatra, Claude “Fiddler” Williams andPerry Como.

In addition to his vast jazz career,Pizzarelli has been recognized for his

service to his community and wasawarded several honors such as: TheRutgers Institute of Jazz Studies:American Hall of Fame, TheDistinguished Artist Award of BergenCounty, Montclair State University“Carpe Diem” award for distinguishedachievement in the arts and theLifetime Achievement Award atCentenary College’s Performing ArtsGuild. Last year, Bucky became one ofthe very first musicians in New Jerseyto have two of his guitars, along with arecorded history of his lifetime inmusic, inducted into the SmithsonianInstitute in Washington, DC. Heserved on the faculty of WilliamPaterson University, in Wayne, NJ andcontinues to give back to his communi-ty with various performances through-out the state.

Pizzarelli has lived in New Jersey hisentire life and currently resides inSaddle River. His paintings on displayin the WBGO Gallery represent theexperiences and surroundings that thisiconic jazz guitarist have found to beamongst the most memorable in hislife: his birthplace in Paterson, hishome, alongside the tranquil SaddleRiver, and the places he has travelledduring his lifetime performing aroundthe world.

The reception for this exhibit will takeplace on Thursday, May 28 at 6pm. Theevent is free and open to the public.WBGO is a wheelchair accessible facil-ity located at 54 Park Place in Newark,New Jersey. More information atWBGO.org/Gallery.

His (Pizzarelli’s) paintings

on display in the WBGO

Gallery represent the

experiences and sur-

roundings that this iconic

jazz guitarist have found

to be amongst the most

memorable in his life . . .



A re you as ready to get outdoors as we are at WBGO? This spring and sum-

mer, you can find WBGO volunteers, staff and sometimes announcers at

various partner events around the area. When you come to hear the great

music, stop by the WBGO table to sign up for jazz-e-news, enter contests, become a

member, or just learn more about all the exciting things happening at WBGO. During

May and June you will find WBGO at the following:

WBGO’S FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT GATEWAY 2(Wednesdays at noon in Newark, NJ)May 6 David Chamberlain & Band of BonesJune 3 Steve Wilson Quintet

BROOKLYN BRIDGE DANCE PARTIES (Thursdays at 7pm in Brooklyn Bridge Park)May 14 Sonny Knight & The Lakers/The Rhythm Revue With Felix Hernandez May 21 Jamie Lidell/JDH & Dave P (fixed DJs)/Brooklyn United Marching BandMay 28 Poncho Sanchez / DJ Bobbito Garcia/Salsa Lesson with Jose Rivera

SUMMER STAGE(Central Park)Saturday, June 6, 3pm Blue Note Jazz Festival: Meshell Ndegeocello/Roy Hargrove/

Gabriel Garzon-MontanoSunday, June 7, 3pm Angelique Kidjo/Emmanuel Jal

Spring and Summer Events



MONDAY NIGHTS WITH WBGO AT DIZZY’S CLUB COCA-COLA®May 25 Ibrahim MaaloufJune 22 Jamison Ross

EXIT 0 JAZZ FESTIVAL(Cape May, NJ)May 29–30 Dr. John & The Nite Trippers/Rebirth Brass Band/more

CELEBRATE BROOKLYN(Prospect Park Bandshell)Wednesday, June 3, 8pm Chaka Kahn—Opening Night ConcertSaturday, June 6, 4pm Ezra Jack Keats Family Concert: Creole for Kidz! Terrence

Simien & The Zydeco ExperienceFriday, June 12, 7:30pm Esperanza Spalding Presents:

Emily’s D+Evolution/José JamesSaturday, June 27, 7:30pm Jason Moran’s Fats Waller Dance Party/

Butler, Bernstein & The Hot 9

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN(Newark Museum)Friday, June 19, 7pm Dee Dee Bridgewater

MADISON SQUARE PARK OVAL LAWN SERIES Wednesday, June 24, 7pm Chris Potter Underground Orchestra

Visit www.wbgo.org/events to learn more.

PonchoSanchez

Dr. John

EsperanzaSpalding

Jason Moran



MUSIC DIRECTOR GARY WALKER’STOP CDS + RE-ISSUES

Gary’sPlays

Top Tunes

Anat CohenLuminosa (Anzic)

Dave StrykerMessin’ with Mr. T (Strikezone)

Molly JohnsonBecause of Billie (Universal)

Chris Washburne & Syotos BandLow Ridin’ (Zoho)

Harold MabernAfro Blue (Smoke Sessions)

Vincent HerringNight and Day (Smoke Sessions)

Mary StallingsFeelin’ Good (High Note)

SFJazz CollectiveMusic of Joe Henderson (sfjazz.org)

Steve Gadd Band70 Strong (BFM)

Tim WarfieldSpherical (Criss Cross)

New Additions

Billie HolidayThe Centennial Collection(Columbia/Legacy)

The Brecker BrothersThe Bottom Line Archive(bottomlinearchive.com

W as the long, harsh

winter the final cur-

tain call for your car,

truck or motorcycle? If so, did you

know you can support WBGO with

a car donation? Your vehicle is

towed free of charge, and the dona-

tion is eligible for a tax deduction.

When you give a vehicle to sup-

port WBGO, you turn your car

into the music you love! From

Morning Jazz with Gary Walker to

Jazz Night in America—your gift

makes a difference to WBGO.

Donating a car is fast, easy and

secure. WBGO accepts any vehi-

cle — running or not — including

cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcy-

cles, and more. You can fill out the

online form at:

WBGO.org/autodonationor call 1-877-883-4227.

WBGO VEHICLE DONATION


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programguide

May/June 2015

Our Point of ViewOur Point of View is a super group of BlueNote artists assembled for the label’s 75thanniversary. The group consists of: LionelLoueke, guitar and vocals; MarcusStrickland, tenor sax; Ambrose Akinmusire,trumpet; Robert Glasper, piano; DerrickHodge, bass; and Kendrick Scott, drums.We’ll hear stories from each artist and BlueNote president Don Was about how BlueNote impacted their lives.

SUNDAYS6:00 AM SUNDAY MORNING HARMONY

with Dan Karcher10:00 AM SINGERS UNLIMITED

with Michael BourneSingers Unlimited is four hours of new andclassic singers singing ballads and bossas,blues and be-bop. For more than 25 years,WBGO’s Michael Bourne has turned the spotlight on jazz vocalists with live in-studioperformances, interviews and more. 6:00 PM JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICARe-broadcasts on Wednesdays at 6:30 pmMay 3 Prestige Turns 65 Two years ago Jamison Ross took first placein the Thelonious Monk International JazzCompetition. The 26-year-old drummer hasplayed with both veterans Carmen Lundy andWess Anderson, and young talents like Jon

Batiste and Cécile McLorin Salvant. Ross’roots in jazz and gospel give him unfailingfeel, and thrill-inducing chops. His trio cele-brates Prestige Records’ 65th anniversary,live at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

May 10 A Tribute to Kenny WheelerTrumpeter Ingrid Jensen and saxophonistSteve Treseler pay tribute to the life, legacy,and music of the great Kenny Wheeler(1930–2014). Kenny's stunning compositionsand imaginative improvisations on trumpetand flugelhorn have left deep impressions ongenerations of musicians and listeners. Theband features pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassistMartin Wind, drummer Jon Wikan, and vocal-ist Katie Jacobson.

May 17 From Duke to the JLCOSaxophonist and clarinetist Joe Temperley’shas led an illustrious career, spanning severaldecades. Temperley, now 85, has performedwith the orchestras of Humphrey Lyttelton,Woody Herman, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis, ClarkTerry, Joe Henderson, and most notably,Duke Ellington, as well as in the Broadwaymusical Sophisticated Ladies. For the past 25years, Temperley has been the heart and soulof the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Onthis episode of Jazz Night in America, we getto know the man himself and hear his newarrangements of Ellington favorites as well ashis original music.

May 24 Our Point Of ViewSee sidebar.

May 31 The Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival

June 7 The LA Jazz SceneJune 14 Joey Alexander

and the Jazz ProdigyJune 21 Jimmy Green at

Jazz At Lincoln CenterJune 28 Bill Frisell7:00 PM SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC MIX Grammy® nominated record producer EulisCathey plays an eclectic mixture of jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion, jazz/funk, Latin,

JAZZ NIGHT May 24



All programs subject to change.

classic R&B and so much more. From GroverWashington, Jr. to Weather Report; fromJames Brown to Eddie Palmieri; from Charles Earland to Incognito, the SundayNight Music Mix has something for everyone.11:00 PM THE CHECKOUTRe-broadcast of previous Wednesday’sProgramMONDAYS6:30 PM LATINO USA with Maria Hinojosa Multi award-winning Latino USA, the radiojournal of news and culture, is the onlynationally distributed English-language radioprogram produced from a Latino perspective.This program covers the social, cultural and political issues facing today’s Latinocommunity.

Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino USA, is alsourban affairs correspondent for CNN and aformer NPR News reporter. In addition tobeing a broadcaster, Hinojosa is an author,and a frequent lecturer on college campuses.She has received the Robert F. KennedyAward, an Associated Press award and theNational Council of La Raza’s 1999 RubenSalazar Award. 7:30 PM NJ CAPITOL REPORTEmmy Award-winning anchors Steve Adubatoand Rafael Pi Roman host New Jersey CapitolReport which examines New Jersey’s mostpressing public and policy issues. The pro-gram looks at political, social, and culturalissues affecting the people of New Jerseythrough in-depth conversations with thestate’s top legislative leaders, political pun-dits, and “movers and shakers.” TUESDAYS6:30 PM THE CHECKOUTThe Checkout is a weekly one-hour musicmagazine featuring the best content fromWBGO—the leading presenter of jazz onpublic media. Every week, producer SimonRentner crafts a program that aims into theheart of New York’s music scene—featuringexclusive interviews, studio sessions, and

field recordings of today’s leading artists.May 5 NEA Jazz Masters Part One:

Carla Bley and George ColemanMay 12 NEA Jazz Masters Part Two:

Charles Lloyd and Joe SegalMay 19 Snarky Puppy and Melanie

Scholtz with JitzvingerMay 26 Marquis Hill and Aaron Goldberg June 2 Kamsai Washington

and Flying LotusJune 9 David Murray

and Makaya McCravenJune 16 Best Of The Checkout: Live at

Berklee—Ferenc Nemeth andGregorio Uribe

June 23 Montreal Jazz Festival Part OneJune 30 Montreal Jazz Festival Part Two7:30 PM CONVERSATIONS

WITH ALLAN WOLPERConversations with Allan Wolper featuresguests whose ideas are on the cutting edge.Wolper, known as a “journalist’s journalist,” is an interviewer, reporter, documentary pro-ducer and ethics columnist, who has beenhonored by every journalism medium, win-ning over 50 awards.8:00 PM LATIN JAZZ CRUISE

with Awilda RiveraWEDNESDAYS6:30 PM JAZZ NIGHT IN AMERICARe-broadcast of previous Sunday’s Program.

7:30 PM SPORTSJAMSportsJam takes a unique peek into thesports scene as WBGO’s News and SportsDirector Doug Doyle talks with a wide varietyof guests. Bernie Williams, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jon Faddis, Savion Glover and Jazz88 host Rhonda Hamilton all agree there’s astrong connection between jazz and sports.SportsJam recently received the Best SportsAward from the New Jersey Associated PressBroadcasters Association.THURSDAYS6:30 PM SONG TRAVELS

WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN




May 7 Jitterbug VipersAustin, TX based quartet the Jitterbug Vipersplay 1930s-style viper jazz. Their originalmusic recalls classics by Duke Ellington,Count Basie, and Cab Callaway. The JitterbugVipers are vocalist Sarah Sharp, guitaristSlim Richey, bassist Francie Meaux Jeaux,and percussionist Masumi Jones. On thisSong Travels, the band presents a set sure tomake you want to get up and dance!

May 14 Kat EdmonsonVocalist and songwriter Kat Edmonson hasplayed major stages across the country. Sheperformed on The Tonight Show and AustinCity Limits. Her 2014 album, The Big Picture,debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekerschart. This week, Edmonson shares her origi-nal song “Champagne” and teams up withFeinstein for “Long Way Home.”

May 21 Jean-Yves ThibadetFrench pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is one ofthe leading performers on today’s classicalmusic scene. He has more than forty albumsto his credit, including interpretations of theclassical repertoire as well as music byGeorge Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and BillEvans. On this edition of Song Travels,Thibaudet brings his unique perspective toAlec Wilder’s “I’ll Be Around” and Gershwin’s“Embraceable You.”

May 28 Madeleine PeyrouxVocalist Madeleine Peyroux started out busk-ing on the streets of Paris, but went on togain international acclaim for her versions ofbeloved folk tunes and jazz standards.Peyroux joins host Feinstein this week to talkabout her love of song. Musical selectionsinclude her cover of a Buddy Holly tune,“Changing All Those Changes,” and a record-ing from her early days singing with a streetband in Paris.

June 4 Kate DavisVocalist, bassist, and songwriter Kate Daviswas recognized as a National Young Art Silverwinner and twice invited to the Brubeck

Summer Jazz Colony. Hailed as a “talent notto be missed” by The Herald Tribune, she’sperformed at such prestigious venues as TheKennedy Center and Rockwood Music Hall.On this week’s Song Travels, Davis performsher original songs “Movie” and “Every GoodGirl is a Unicorn.”

June 11 André PrevinConductor, composer, and pianist AndréPrevin has received multiple LifetimeAchievement Awards, including honors fromthe Kennedy Center, the London SymphonyOrchestra, and the Grammy® Awards. Withmore than fifty years of recordings to hiscredit, he has conducted and performed withorchestras the world over and was knightedby Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Onthis Song Travels, Previn and host Feinsteinexplore some of his favorite compositions.

June 18 Dee Dee BridgewaterSee sidebar.

June 25 Jon RegenPianist, vocalist, and composer Jon Regenwas an apprentice of the renowned pianist

programguide

May/June 2015

Dee Dee BridgewaterIn honor of Billie Holiday’s centennial, SongTravels features Grammy®-winning vocalistand actress Dee Dee Bridgewater, whoembodied the late singer in the starring role in Lady Day. In addition to her Tony®

Award-winning role in The Wiz (1975),Bridgewater has appeared in shows includ-ing Sophisticated Ladies and Cabaret. Thisweek, she shares about her experienceplaying Billie Holiday and performs “GodBless the Child” and “Good MorningHeartache

SONG TRAVELS June 18



All programs subject to change.

Kenny Barron. He’s performed at venuesworldwide, including a month-long stint atthe Blue Note in Japan, and toured with KyleEastwood’s band. On this Song Travels,Regan performs the title track from his 2015album Stop Time and joins Michael Feinsteinfor a duet of “Young and Foolish.”

7:30 PM PEOPLE’S PHARMACYThis program examines current issues in med-icine, mental health, nutrition and fitness. FRIDAYS6:30 PM PORTRAITS IN BLUERe-broadcast of previous Saturday’sProgram; See Listing.7:30 PM WBGO JOURNALThis program, produced by the multi-awardwinning WBGO team, covers issues of impor-tance to the Newark/NY metro area.SATURDAYS6:00 AM NIGHT LIGHTSNight Lights presents jazz, from 1950 to thepresent, with a late-night sensibility, hostedby David Brent Johnson. “Night Lights is aprogram of jazz in sound, story and song,”says Johnson. “I try to make each show acultural narrative about whatever artist ortheme I’m highlighting.”7:00 AM PORTRAITS IN BLUERe-broadcasts on FRIDAYS at 6:30 pmMay 2 Erskine Hawkins Vol. 3May 9 Billy Eckstine Vol. 1May 16 Jimmy McCracklin Vol. 8May 23 Lucky Millinder—

From the Beginning Vol. 1May 30 Dinah WashingtonFrom the

Beginning Vol. 14June 6 Lionel Hampton—

From The Beginning Vol. 1June 13 Jimmy Witherspoon—

Albums Vol. 6June 20 Sam “The Man” Taylor—Vol. 3June 27 Big Joe Turner—Albums Vol. 78:00 AM SATURDAY MORNING FUNCTIONWBGO’s Bob Porter plays blues, R&B and

classic soul, with an emphasis on the early1950s to the late 1960s. New artists whoperform these styles are also featured. 10:00 AM RHYTHM REVUE

with Felix HernandezRhythm Revue’s blend of classic soul andR&B received the A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio)Award for the Best Weekend Program in NewYork, and was named Best Radio Show byNew York Magazine and the Village Voice.WBGO is the original home of Rhythm Revue.May 2 James BrownRhythm Revue host Felix Hernandez honorsJames Brown in a birthday tribute, part of a4-hour mix of soul and R&B classics.May 9 Steve WonderToday’s classic soul mix includes a birthdaytribute to Stevie Wonder.

May 16 Doubling UpFelix plays two songs each from some of thepioneers of soul and R&B.

May 23 Dance WeekendIt’s the weekend of the dance, and Felixkeeps an up-tempo groove.

May 30 Curtis MayfieldFelix’s classic soul and R&B mix includes themusic of Curtis Mayfield.

June 6 Rare SoulFelix dips into his stash for an extra helpingof rare soul on today’s show.

June 13 Musical PioneersA four hour mix of classic R&B and soulincludes music from the pioneers, includingRay Charles, Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin.

June 20 Roseland Reunion Part 1It’s a Roseland Reunion as Rhythm Revuehost Felix Hernandez plays multiple sets ofmusic that rocked the Roseland dance floorfor over two decades.

June 27 Roseland Reunion Part 2The Roseland Reunion continues with morepicks from decades of dance at the leg-endary venue.



The Newport Jazz Festivalhas been drawing thebrightest stars and pleasingaudiences for 61 years, andno summer on the East

Coast is complete without it! Whetheryou’re a diehard jazz fan or just lovemusic, fresh air, good food, and bettertimes, Newport has something for you.It’s not only America’s first annual jazzfestival, but a yearly collection of per-formers that range from up and comingtalents to icon legends of music. JoinWBGO as we once again travel to theNewport Jazz Festival this summer!

Whether you’d like to indulge yourselfwith our weekend package—with lodgingat the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina,complete with a reception to celebrateyour arrival—or just come up for a day offun-filled jazz enjoyment, WBGO can

Newport Jazz Festival: July 31–August 2

accommodate you. With buses leavingfrom Manhattan, Brooklyn, Newark andBoston, you’ll be taken right to the festivalgate—no waiting to park or find theentrance, just straight to the action. Ourbuses have A/C, WIFI, a restroom, andcomfortable reclining bucket seats so youcan drink in the summery glow as wewhisk you up the coast!

Newport Jazz Festival

Newport Jazz Festival


For those joining WBGO for a full week-end of the summer’s best musical offer-ings, Chris Botti and Jon Batiste & StayHuman perform a Friday night concert atthe International Tennis Hall of Fameafter WBGO’s welcome reception at thehotel. Ferry rides to historic Fort AdamsPark—where the day time concert eventsare held—depart just outside the hotel,and the breathtaking journey acrossNarragansett Bay is unforgettable. Alsoincluded with the weekend trip is a bonvoyage breakfast on Monday! Three andfour night weekend packages are available.

Newport is the stuff legends are madeof! If you would like to learn more aboutour trip, visit WBGO.org/events. Forreservations, call (973) 624-8882 or [email protected].

Friday, July 31Snarky Puppy, Christian McBride Trio withChristian Sands & Ulysses Owens; JohnHollenbeck Large Ensemble; AmbroseAkinmusire Quartet; Steve Lehman Octet;Kneebody; Gerald Clayton Quintet withAmbrose Akinmusire; Ben Wendel; JoeSanders & Justin Brown; Bria SkonbergQuintet; Herlin Riley Quintet; LuckyPeterson—Singin’ The Blues, MatanaRoberts’ Coin Coin; Johnathan BlakeQuartet; Peter Evans Quintet; The BerkleeConcert Jazz Orchestra with special guestsoloist Sean Jones; University of RhodeIsland Newport Big Band

www.wbgo.org May/June 2015 Upbeat 13

Saturday, August 1Cassandra Wilson celebrates Billie Holiday;Jon Batiste and Stay Human; MariaSchneider Orchestra; Ms. Lisa Fischer andGrand Baton; Irvin Mayfield & the NewOrleans Jazz Orchestra; Cécile McLorinSalvant with the Aaron Diehl Trio; JoséJames; Pat Martino Organ Trio; ConradHerwig’s Latin Side of Horace Silver feat.guest Michel Camilo; Jack DeJohnette’sMade in Chicago; Hiromi: The Trio Projectwith Anthony Jackson & Simon Phillips;Kenny Garrett Quintet; Wycliffe Gordon &Friends; Tom Harrell Quintet with WayneEscoffery, Danny Grissett, Ugonna Okegwo& Johnathan Blake; Introducing JoeyAlexander, RI Music Educators AssociationSr. All-State Jazz Ensemble

Sunday, August 2Jamie Cullum; Arturo Sandoval; Dr. Johnand The Nite Trippers; Michel Camilo/HiromiPiano Duets, Mike Stern/Bill Evans Band;Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestrawith special guest Rudresh Mahanthappa;Bill Frisell Trio with Tony Scherr & KennyWollesen; Billy Childs’ Jazz-ChamberEnsemble; Jon Faddis: Triumph of Trumpetswith Marquis Hill, Sean Jones, DavidHazeltine, Kiyoshi Kitagawa & DionParsons; James Carter Sextet—Living MyLife: The Music of Don Byas; Fred HerschTrio with John Hebert & Eric McPherson;Lou Donaldson Quartet; Scott Robinson’sDoctette; Jason Lindner Now vs. Now;Massachusetts Music EducatorsAssociation All-State Jazz Band

Artists on the Festival



wbgomember . . .

Upbeat is beginning a series of articles thatshine a light on the lives of the members whosupport WBGO. Each member is a part ofthe WBGO family, and we want to learnmore about those who actively participate incontributing to what we do as a station and as a community. WBGO MarketingAssistant Josh Landes interviewed WBGOMember Fred Staton. Special thanks to Mr.Staton for opening up his home and life tous, and to his manager Al Vollmer for hisassistance. Interested in being a part in theseries, or know someone who would beappropriate for it? Email [email protected].

“Jazz is a feeling.”

On a gray, late winter day in theBronx, Fred Staton sits beneath apainting of an orange sunset. He

pauses and looks away to a distant some-where. “The only way I can describe it asa feeling. With a feeling comes the intona-tions, the configurations, all the stuff thatadds into one capsule. But it comes outthrough the feeling.”

SpotlightStaton is well acquainted with the feel-

ing of jazz. Over the course of his centuryon earth, he’s been steeped in it. Born onValentine’s Day, 1915, Staton’s musicallife began with the strains of his mother’splayer piano and 78 discs of DukeEllington and Fletcher Henderson. Hecites a Johnny Hodges cut on an Ellingtonbig band record played off the family’sVictrola as the inspiration for his life-longinfatuation with the saxophone.

A singer in his church’s gospel choir,Staton’s introduction to playing jazz camewhen the group’s sponsor brought in a fullband’s worth of equipment, along withcharts of popular music. First gravitatingtowards to the drums, he admits it was thefrustration of having to a pack up his kitwhile his bandmates left to flirt withwomen after gigs that lead him to committo the saxophone.

Staton came up in Pittsburgh during atime that defined the city as a great sourceof jazz talent. He played in the firstensemble Art Blakey ever formed, along-side legendary pianist Erroll Garner.Staton recalls the anxiety of watching theyoung Garner casually risk his giftedhands as he indulged his other great love,high school football.

The lack of opportunity for a youngblack man in segregated Pittsburgh—aswell as the persistent lack of venues forjazz groups—lead Staton to leave the SteelCity and find his fortune gigging on theEast Coast. Along the way, he encoun-tered a recent high school graduate withmagnetic talent in Connecticut—oneHorace Silver—and watched fellowWestinghouse High School graduates Billy

Fred Staton (L), performs with the Harlem Bluesand Jazz Band.

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www.wbgo.org May/June 2015 Upbeat 15

SUPPORT WBGO

A great way to support WBGO isthrough a gift of stock or a

family foundation. If you would likemore information, please call JohnNewcott at 973-624-8880, ext.236. All gifts to WBGO are taxdeductible to the fullest extent ofthe law.

Strayhorn and Ahmad Jamal pen iconiccompositions.

Staton is still playing. He is a ten-yearveteran of the esteemed Harlem Blues &Jazz Band, with whom he’s toured Europeand Russia to much acclaim. He happilyrecalls being billed in St. Petersburg on asign just as large as the Eric Clapton bill-board next to it, and the standing ovationsthe group received at Shostakovich Hall.He’s received commendations fromnumerous groups—from churches to con-gressmen—for his considerable contribu-tions to the jazz world, and awards proudlyline the walls of his apartment.

A member of WBGO, Staton supportsthe station because it “plays the music Ican relate to. Music that I have performedover the years myself. I can feel it, I canpat my feet to it, and I can completelyenjoy it.” His devotion to jazz is one ofdeep connection, to a “flow” he attributesto the spirituals of the cotton fields ofMississippi, a straight ahead beat thatunites gospel, blues, and jazz. “If you canplay one, you can play the other,” he says.“They all interact.”

Staton speaks deliberately and with greatseriousness about the craft that’s definedhis life. The connection he feels is appar-ent, and that flow, that continuity hedraws from the music is as clear in hiseyes now as it must have been all thosedecades ago. In a home surrounded bytablature, CDs, a PA system for his gospelband, and all the other evidence of hisachievements and passions, he quietlycaptures the essence of what music meansto him: “Jazz helps to put me in a comfortzone. It’s a feeling.”


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Upbeat May/June 2015

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