The music of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan will receive royal treatment when Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield joins the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO) to honor these iconic singers. Tatiana is one of the country’s top rising star vocalists, with a refreshing and beautiful voice. She brings soul, passion and humor to the stage, and may even cook up something new on the spot! A musician, composer and educator from Fort Worth, LadyMay has performed in venues and festivals throughout the U.S. and abroad. She has earned rave reviews and numerous honors, including second place in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Music Competition and a Next Jazz Legacy Award. LadyMay has recorded three albums as a leader and is featured on the CJRO’s fourth album, Golden Lady, to be released in 2025. Tatiana is an assistant professor of Contemporary Popular Music at Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver and has taught at the legendary University of North Texas.—The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra has been a leading force in Colorado’s lively jazz scene since 2012. The CJRO boldly blends big band energy with soul, funk, Latin jazz and more, creating performances that resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. Under the direction of Artistic Director Drew Zaremba and Executive Director Art Bouton, the CJRO takes listeners on a journey through sound, rhythm and creativity, with some of Colorado’s finest professional musicians guiding the way. Tonight’s performance features the super-tight 6-piece version of their trademark sound.—PERSONNELCOLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Drew Zaremba: alto saxophone, flute Jared Cathey: tenor saxophone, clarinet Gabriel Mervine: trumpet Eric Gunnison: piano Gonzalo Teppa: bass Alejandro Castaño: drums Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield: guest vocals

CJRO & Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield

The Alejandro Castaño Afro-Cuban Quartet draws directly from the vibrant traditions of Cuban music, presenting a rich tapestry of rhythm, melody, and improvisation. Led by Castaño’s expert percussion work, the quartet’s intricate interplay and complex polyrhythms capture the true essence of Afro-Cuban jazz. With passion, precision, and deep cultural resonance, this ensemble creates an immersive musical experience that brings the spirit of Afro-Latin soundscapes to life.—The NextUp Series at Gift of Jazz features young artists contributing to the living tradition of Jazz.

NextUp: Alejandro Castaño Afro-Cuban Quintet

<h2>Join us for our first show at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mississippiboy5280.com/">Mississippi Boy Catfish &amp; Ribs!</a> “Birthplace of America’s Music and Great Food.”</h2>This establishment boasts a classy atmosphere, beautiful piano, warm environment, and great food, all settled in the Park Hill neighborhood. We are thrilled to be putting this program of music together for you all.—This evening will honor the work of icon Billie Holiday on Dr. Martin Luther King weekend. Holiday (1915-1959) is remembered for her songwriting skills, creativity, and courageous views on inequality and justice. Her voice was deeply moving and easily identifiable, despite her never having formal musical training. Rather, she learned by singing alongside Bessie Smith and Louis Armstrong in her teens. In 1933 Holiday made her first recordings with Benny Goodman. She wrote “God Bless the Child” along Arthur Herzog Jr., which is now in the Great American Songbook. Thankfully, there are many recordings of Holiday’s singing, and many songs she wrote. She toured Europe, starred in the Hollywood film, “New Orleans” with Louis Armstrong, and signed to Columbia records before her death. Holiday carved out space that was previously unseen in vocal Jazz, especially for women. She captured the attention of many, and changed the course of Jazz for the better. Her courageous expression is an ongoing gift to Jazz and beyond.—Danette Hollowell is a singer, songwriter and classically trained dancer in Denver, CO. After a chance encounter with an opportunity to take part in a jazz scholarship at UCD, her professional career began to blossom. Hollowell has brought an edge, dynamism, and beautiful charisma to the Denver music scene, and it’s her solo vocals and creative stamina that has carried her through the years and changes in the music industry. Hollowell says, “performance art is my passion and I am grateful to have many ways I can express myself through my passion be it theatre, dance or vocal Jazz.” Hollowell went through phases of questioning her “belonging” in the professional music scene, but found solace in learning about icons like Billie Holiday that prompted her to own her passion for music. “I began to see myself in the stories and my own experiences in that icons and greats and decided that I belonged here, hardships and all. There is real beauty in challenges and to me all that I was experiencing was TRUE art.”—Vocalist: Danette HollowellPiano: Luke MaxonBass: Max HassTrumpet: Joshua TrinidadDrums: Alex Armstrong&nbsp;

Danette Hollowell Sings the Music of Billie Holiday

<h2>Celebrate the Season with Gift of Jazz! </h2>__________________________________________________________________________________________***If you make a donation to Gift of Jazz between now and December 7th, you’ll be sent a code to grant you entry to this event in your receipt from Colorado Gives, or from one of us at Gift of Jazz.Enjoy music from the powerful artists Tenia Nelson (piano) and Paloma Ress (bass and vocals), two women who also contribute to the Gift of Jazz board. We are beyond excited to present this woman-focused program of music at the historic <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://dwpconline.org/">Denver Woman’s Press Club</a>. Since 1898, the club has provided a gathering place for professional women newspaper journalists and&nbsp;published authors&nbsp;to organize, socialize, and earn a living through writing. The Club is at 1325 Logan St. Denver, CO.This intimate event will include champagne as well as sweet and savory pastries. Seating is very limited, so plan early and secure your tickets now! Denver Woman’s Press Club | 13th &amp; Logan, Denver, CO<img src="https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/Press-Club-Media-1_0.jpg?itok=x46wo8Ns">If you’d like to make a donation to Gift of Jazz make your way to our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://giftofjazz.org/donate/">website</a>. Colorado Gives Day runs from November 1 - December 10th. During this time, we benefit from incentive funds offered to nonprofits from Colorado Gives. Make your donation do more! *If you make a donation to Gift of Jazz between now and December 7th, you’ll be sent a code to grant you entry to this event in your receipt from Colorado Gives, or from one of us at Gift of Jazz.*<img src="https://www.intermountainhistories.org/files/fullsize/901fa22d1dfe5e12907da4629ea8c0d3.jpg">___________________________________________________________________

Gift of Jazz Holiday Party

<blockquote>“A magical album from start to finish,&nbsp;Rubisa Patrol is an exercise in atmosphere.” — ECM Records</blockquote>With the 1976 release of Rubisa Patrol, pianist Art Lande pushed the scope of iconic record label ECM even further. The vibrancy of the album’s moods remains just as potent after nearly five decades. Originally performing as a quartet and later a quintet, the group played festivals in Europe, California, New York and Florida. With the influences of modern jazz, “free” jazz, electronic, world and classical music, a group sound and identity emerged. As Lande says, it was “a wild, sweet, intense, unpredictable yet clear, controlled chaos.” He continues: “This concert will be a Rubisa Patrol retrospective. All the music will be from our repertoire, including originals by band members and arrangements of other jazz tunes. Mark Isham was a charter member of the group and played on both Rubisa Patrol recordings. He has since had a very successful career writing music for film. Bruce Williamson was also part of the quintet in the ‘70s. Shane Endsley is an amazing improviser, internationally known as a founding member of the band Kneebody. I have collaborated with Shane often over many years in the Russian Dragon Band. Gonzalo Teppa and Dru Heller and are current members of the trio Flex. I know we can bring the Rubisa Patrol music to life and share it with passion and new ideas. Please don’t miss this concert, we look forward to playing for you.” Indeed!—Art Lande: piano Mark Isham: flugelhorn, soprano saxophone Bruce Williamson: saxophones, clarinets Shane Endsley: trumpet Gonzalo Teppa: bass Dru Heller: drums—<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f-vxPMZyRcc?si=4ooUwAeE5MJwq0Z7" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

Denver Jazz Fest & Gift of Jazz present Art Lande

Enjoy live music and support students in our Jazz classes! These adults have been hard at work learning from Carmen Sandim. Our composition students will have multiple pieces performed by a professional band comprised of Phil Norman on Bass, Alejandro Castaño on Drums, as well other guests TBD. You’ll also get to hear some of our piano students perform with the band. All are welcome to this free event!

Jazz Classes Graduation Performance 

Paul Desmond approached alto saxophone with gentleness, ease, and elegant lyricism. For seventeen years he was the lead soloist in one of the most successful jazz combos ever, the Dave Brubeck Quartet. In addition to his work with Brubeck, he led several groups and collaborated with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Jim Hall, and Ed Bickert. In an era that was deep into the frenetic, bebop style of Charlie Parker, Paul Desmond carved out a new space, for tone that he claimed imitated a "dry martini." "I have won several prizes as the world's slowest alto player, as well as a special award in 1961 for quietness."—“To me his lyricism has never been equalled, as far as logic and lyricism combined, because there's always a strand going back some place in his melodies, and in his choruses that shows a great intellect combined with a great emotionalism, and usually you don't find the two things in one person.” —Dave Brubeck—Join us in celebrating this legend, who’s music still has a stronghold for so many. This fantastic evening of music and storytelling will form a context with which you can listen to Desmond’s music on an even deeper level. The artists presenting the program are Rich Chiaraluce - Alto Saxophone, Steve Kovalcheck - Guitar, Gonzalo Teppa - Bass, Jim White - Drums.—From cool jazz to bebop, to hard-bop and beyond, Denver saxophonist Rich Chiaraluce is a masterful improvisor and bandleader who brings incredible energy, bounce and musicianship into the room. He has performed with the Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Bobby Shew, Red Rodney, Carl Fontana, as well a singers Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, and Natalie Cole. Mr. Chiaraluce has taught at the University of Denver and the University of Northern Colorado.Join Rich for this special show as he leads a band of Denver’s finest in exploring the works of Paul Desmond.

A Centennial Tribute to Paul Desmond

“One of the giants of the jazz piano, Bud Powell changed the way that virtually all post-swing pianists play their instruments. He did away with the left-hand striding that had been considered essential earlier and used his left hand to state chords on an irregular basis. His right often played speedy single-note lines, essentially transforming Charlie Parker’s vocabulary to the piano (although he developed parallel to “Bird”).Tragically, Bud Powell was a seriously ill genius. After being encouraged and tutored to an extent by his friend Thelonious Monk at jam sessions in the early ’40s, Powell was with Cootie Williams’ orchestra during 1943-1945. In a racial incident, he was beaten on the head by police; Powell never fully recovered and would suffer from bad headaches and mental breakdowns throughout the remainder of his life. Despite this, he recorded some true gems during 1947-1951 for Roost, Blue Note, and Verve, composing such major works as “Dance of the Infidels,” “Hallucinations” (also known as “Budo”), “Un Poco Loco,” “Bouncing with Bud,” and “Tempus Fugit.” Even early on, his erratic behavior resulted in lost opportunities (Charlie Parker supposedly told Miles Davis that he would not hire Powell because “he’s even crazier than me!”), but Powell’s playing during this period was often miraculous.A breakdown in 1951 and hospitalization that resulted in electroshock treatments weakened him, but Powell was still capable of playing at his best now and then, most notably at the 1953 Massey Hall Concert… His warm welcome and lengthy stay in Paris (1959-1964) extended his life a bit, but even here Powell spent part of 1962-1963 in the hospital. He returned to New York in 1964, disappeared after a few concerts, and did not live through 1966.In later years, Bud Powell’s recordings and performances could be so intense as to be scary, but other times he sounded quite sad. However, his influence on jazz (particularly up until the rise of McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans in the 1960s) was very strong and he remains one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.” ~ Scott Yanow—The Bud Powell Project came together in an effort to honor the music and legacy of one of jazz music’s finest pianists. The project is comprised of five of Denver’s top players:—Derek Banach, trumpetKeith Oxman, saxophoneTodd Reid, drumsPatrick McDevitt, bassStu MacAskie, piano—This ensemble is hungry to dig into Powell’s compositions and legacy.

A Centennial Tribute to Bud Powell

<h2>Who is this class for?</h2>Our jazz improvisation class is created for adults high school age and beyond with a minimum foundational knowledge of how to build a major scale. It will be helpful to know what whole steps, half steps, and major and minor triads are. You are also passionate about learning how to express yourself on your instrument in real time!—<h2>Course Description</h2>This course understands and addresses the hesitations and uncertainties that often accompany the idea of improvisation. Throughout the semester, you'll gain invaluable musicianship tools to liberate your musicality. Step-by-step, we'll guide you through hands-on exercises crafted to build your confidence in improvisation. Elevate your theory, harmony, and ear training skills, all while nurturing your innate creativity. By the end of the class you will have a solid toolkit of skills to improvise joyfully and confidently.—<h2>Educator Bio</h2>As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.—<h2>When &amp; Where</h2>This course will have 8 sessions Saturdays Sept 21 - November 16, 2024, no class Oct 19. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 12:15pm-1:30pm.

Adult Education Series: Improvisation

<h2>Who is this class for?</h2>Our jazz piano class is created for adults high school age and beyond who are looking to learn or continue to develop the magical language of jazz on the piano.—<h2>Course Description</h2>This course will focus on strategies for improvisation while self-accompanying, as well as accompaniment styles and tools, and jazz chord voicings. You will build technical skills on the piano through the lens of jazz. Have you ever wondered why artists voice their chords closely or in a more spread out way? Begin to find your own style as you build your toolkit.__This class will have a workbook available created by your instructor. The cost is $20 paid on the first day of your class.—<h2>Educator Bio</h2>As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.—<h2>When &amp; Where</h2>This course will have 8 sessions Saturdays Sept 21 - November 16, 2024, no class Oct 19. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 10:45am-12:00pm.

Adult Education Series: Jazz Piano

<h2>Who is this class for?</h2>Our jazz composition class is created for adults high school age and beyond with a foundational knowledge of music theory who are looking to create their own music.—<h2>Course Description</h2>Immerse yourself in the versatile world of lead sheet style composition. Together we will explore both traditional and contemporary techniques of theme creation and development, along with empowering insights into harmonic language that breathe life into your melodies. From blues to multi-sectional, we'll traverse the vast landscape of musical forms, offering a comprehensive understanding of music structure and its impact in melodic story-telling. Throughout the course, your compositional palette will expand, amplifying your unique, creative voice. The course will culminate in an end-of semester live performance of student arrangements and compositions.&nbsp;—<h2>Educator Bio</h2>As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.—<h2>When &amp; Where</h2>This course will have 8 sessions Saturdays Sept 21 - November 16, 2024, no class Oct 19. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 9:00-10:30am.

Adult Education Series: Jazz Composition

Guitarist Clint Dadian specializes in jazz, and is fluent in a variety of styles. He studied guitar with Rodney Jones, Peter Bernstein, Randy Johnston, Mark Elf and Chris Rosenberg as well as piano with Bruce Barth and David Berkman. Mr. Dadian has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan with artists such as Houston Person, Etta Jones and Bobby Watson.__Mr. Dadian plays with a warm, rich sound and a flowing improvisational style. He currently leads a quintet featuring all original compositions, which is what we’re after for our NextUp shows. Come here what’s newly brewing in our local jazz scene!__<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EvXVy0iZZ9E?si=TsgC1U51K2TPKnBB" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

NextUp: Clint Dadian Quintet

Trumpeter Kenny Dorham (1924-1972) was famous throughout his career for not being famous enough. Overshadowed by Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Lee Morgan, Dorham’s accomplishments tended to be underrated and overlooked during his lifetime. But now, with the hindsight of history, it is easy to note that he was one of the most significant trumpeters of the 1945-1965 period, a distinctive stylist and a fine composer who had a musical message of his own.—From Derek Banach: &nbsp;When I began to seriously study the major Jazz trumpet players of the last century, I began with Louis Armstrong and moved forward through the decades. My years of listening and record buying eventually led me to Kenny Dorham. Most notably the recordings: "Max Roach Plus Four" (1956), Joe Henderson's "Page One" (1963), and "Point of Departure" by Andrew Hill (1964). I discovered that Kenny could not only play tastefully in his understated way over more "conventional" chord changes, but he had an adventurous side which he demonstrated alongside Eric Dolphy on the Andrew Hill album. I am also intrigued by Kenny's ability to play fluidly over fast tempos and still play melodically (as opposed to simply running scalar-type lines). His composition, "Escapade" is one of many that I often play in my live Jazz performances. Kenny's controlled and thoughtful delivery in his trumpet playing was appealing to me and impacted the way I play today.__Colorado native Derek Banach has performed professionally for 35 years in a variety of settings&nbsp; from Jazz to Hip Hop, Salsa, Classical and Reggae. His roots are firmly set in the Hard-Bop stylings of 60's period icons such as Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. Derek's quintet album, "Tugende" displays his composing talents and personal approach to trumpet playing, He has recorded with Italian producer Nicola Conte, Quintetto X, Paul Mulliken and has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Richie Cole, Joe Bonner and Ron Miles.

A Centennial Tribute to Kenny Dorham 

Gift of Jazz’s NextUp series brings some of the freshest jazz and jazz-inspired music to the Lodge at Woods Boss. See what’s brewing in our rich, local music scene!—Electric Giz draws in audiences with accessible grooves and contemporary sonic elements in a modern electric and acoustic experience. Their original music and unique perspective on jazz classics combines the history of jazz rhythm, harmony and improvisation with elements of modern production and sound design. Electric Giz is the brainchild of Greg Gisbert and Mickey Lenny and was born out of their collaboration with Maria Schneider on her 2020 album “Data Lords.”—<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://soundcloud.com/mickey-lenny/sets/electric-giz">Soundcloud </a>—

NextUp: Electric Giz

Featuring a unique lineup of Vibes, Trumpet, and Trombone, this is the debut outing of Max Moore’s Sextet. Showcasing his band-leading and original compositions, with this project Max put together some of his favorite musicians in Denver and beyond to bring his music to life. Striving to combing all of his influences to make music that is personal to him and his life and experiences in Georgia, Colorado, and New York, Max is exciting to bring something unique to the NextUp series.Max Moore: Piano and Keyboards Alec Streete: Vibraphone Nate Miller: Trumpet/Sax Zach Rich: Trombone Charlie DeGrove: Bass Austin Hass: Drums

NextUp: Max Moore Sextet

Gift of Jazz’s NextUp series brings some of the freshest jazz and jazz-inspired music to the Lodge at Woods Boss. Catch this series every third Thursday to see what’s brewing in our rich, local music scene.—JoFoKe &amp; Same Cloth&nbsp;is a dynamic, genre-bending ensemble based in Denver, led by the creative force of JoFoKe, a talented Black woman vocalist and songwriter. Known for their innovative approach to music-making, JoFoKe &amp; Same Cloth fuse various genres and musical traditions to craft deeply meaningful art that resonates with audiences.—With JoFoKe’s captivating charisma and distinctive vocal stylings at the forefront, the band’s lineup includes Solomon Chapman on keyboards, Will Gaines on bass, Callum Bair &amp; James Tré on guitar, and Matt Campbell on drums. Together, they bring to life original compositions as well as creative reinterpretations of classic tunes, creating an emotionally engaging and energetically eclectic live music experience.—JoFoKe &amp; Same Cloth have established themselves as a fixture in Denver’s vibrant music scene, holding a monthly Last Saturday residency at Dazzle Denver. Their debut single, “No Good,” has amassed over 100k organic streams across digital music platforms and was selected as a featured “Local 303” track, airing on 13 radio stations across Colorado’s front range. Building on this success, their sophomore single, “The Butterflies Have Died,” featuring Monique Brooks Roberts, was released on February 15, 2024, further solidifying their place in the music landscape.—Fans can anticipate the release of JoFoKe &amp; Same Cloth’s debut album in 2024, promising a rich tapestry of sounds and storytelling. Stay updated on their public performances, music releases, and social media presence through&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Linktr.ee/JoFoKe">Linktr.ee/JoFoKe</a>, where their music and engaging content are readily accessible. Join the journey as JoFoKe &amp; Same Cloth continue to push boundaries and redefine the possibilities of Black American Music.—<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/svVGLaXQLiE?si=Xm5h4BLvyl2pF0TA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>—<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rm3iJ9M_yX8?si=7gu7ZW3kZa-tsq9t" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

NextUp: JoFoKe & Same Cloth

Five Points Jazz festival is a free, all-day event held annually in Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music's legends including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more!For the past 20 years, local favorites like Hazel Miller, Buckner Funken Jazz, Jakarta, Conjunto Colores, Purnell Steen, JoFoKe aNem and Wil Alston have graced our stages, as well as national and international artists like Dianne Reeves, Ron Miles and Invisible Bird. Along Welton Street, residents and visitors groove to the music while exploring a culturally diverse collection of food, shopping and entertainment. &nbsp;From its humble first year which featured one stage and only three bands, the festival has grown into an all-day event with tens of thousands of people coming to hear a variety of great jazz bands on multiple stages. In 2020, DAV collaborated with Rocky Mountain PBS and KUVO to broadcast a virtual event that garnered two Colorado Broadcasters Association awards and a Heartland Emmy® nomination. &nbsp;We invite you to come experience this fun, uplifting day for friends and families and enjoy a piece of Denver’s legacy in jazz music. &nbsp;

Five Points Jazz

Blossom Dearie, b.1924, was named Blossom after the pear blossoms her brothers picked and decorated their house with to celebrate her birth. By the age of two Dearie was able to pick up songs on the family piano at their home in New York. Her mother remarked that, unlike most children who would bang at the keys when in front of a piano, Blossom thoughtfully played songs from ear and memory. Debussy's Afternoon of the Faun was a favorite.--Dearie studied classical music, but switched to jazz and moved to Manhattan after high school. She became a regular in the club scene in New York in the 1940s, singing with Alvino Rey's Blue Reys and Woody Herman's Blue Flames, as well as headlining. After meeting Nicole and Eddie Barclay in New York, the Barclays encouraged Dearie to go to Paris. She released her first album soon after.--Many albums later, Dearie's collaborations also continued to grow. She shared a bill with Miles Davis. John Lennon and Dearie wrote songs for one other, and shared much respect for each other. Dearie also began performing in concert halls, taking Carnegie Hall in 1973. She also recorded for School House Rock: "Unpack Your Adjectives", "Mother Necessity", and "Figure Eight", whose album was nominated for a Grammy.--In the 70s Blossom became the first woman to own a successful independent record label in the United States With the creation of Daffodil Records. Dearie wrote whole albums of her own music. She commanded audiences, able to get crowds to settle down and to truly listen. Her sweet, warm and light voice was always paired with strong wit and conviction. Dearie did not suffer fools, exemplified by "I'm Hip," along with many other songs. --<h2>Join us in celebrating the powerful force that was Blossom Dearie, presented by vocalist Dawn Clement. </h2><blockquote>“Dawn has a love for the beauty of a melody and sings with a light, fine, sweet, gentle voice reminiscent of Blossom Dearie." -KUVO </blockquote><blockquote>“She has all the craft skills: She swings, she can read, she has time. She’s really complete. She has the true spirit of the music.” Matt Wilson, Downbeat</blockquote>--Raised mostly in Vancouver, WA, and San Antonio, TX, Dawn Clement credits her mother for her start. Her mother always played piano in church; little Dawn sang harmony without even recognizing it was harmony. —In her youth, Dawn was painfully shy and so was home schooled until high school, even while her siblings attended public schools. In middle school, she again took piano lessons. Today, watching her relate to her audiences, one would never guess she had ever struggled with shyness.After graduation, she was awarded a full ride to Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts, where, after graduating, she became an adjunct faculty member for 18 years. She collaborated with both local and world-famous musicians like Jane Ira Bloom, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and sax and clarinetist Anat Cohen.—In 2015, she also earned a Master of Fine Arts in Music Composition degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts.—Dawn has 6 CDs under her own name and has recorded with the incomparable Jane Ira Bloom on “Wild Lines” and Emi Myers’s “Monochrome.” Dawn is Assistant Professor of Jazz Piano &amp; Voice and Area Coordinator of Jazz and American Improvised Music at Metropolitan State University, overseeing a program initiated by Ron Miles.—<h2>ENSEMBLE</h2><h2>Dawn Clement – Piano/Vocals</h2><h2>Patrick McDevitt – Bass</h2><h2>Dru Heller – Drums</h2>

A Centennial Tribute to Blossom Dearie with Dawn Clement

Gift of Jazz’s NextUp series brings some of the freshest jazz and jazz-inspired music to the Lodge at Woods Boss. Catch this series every third Thursday to see what’s brewing in our rich, local music scene.—Chronologue wields a fierce, contemporary sound that draws from jazz, electronic, and rock, and pop music. Referencing artists from Esperanza Spalding to Bruno Mars, Chronologue explores a sonic space that is rhythmically complex, yet groove-driven; their harmonies are rich, yet approachable. Palatable songwriting and fiery improvisation make Chronologue a band to keep an eye on.—<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/88_7etru0Sg?si=ZN9_PAgqirkghvAp" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

NextUp: Chronologue

Join us in celebrating worldwide International Jazz Day!—Jazziz magazine writes that Nelson Rangell is “an artist of depth, a master of song, and an improviser non pareil.” The Times of London notes his "undoubted virtuosity" and "extraordinary facility on a range of instruments”. Saxophone Journal writes “He commands the alto saxophone with such authority there can be no denying that Nelson Rangell is a true artist,” and Flute Talk Magazine states “Nelson Rangell creates the impression that anything is possible when he improvises.” Such praise is confirmation of what contemporary jazz fans have known since the late 80s: that Rangell is one of the most exciting and diverse performers in the genre.—Nelson Rangell - SaxophoneMike Marlier - DrumsEric Gunnison - PianoBijoux Barbosa - Bass—

Gift of Jazz Presents International Jazz Day with Nelson Rangell

Born out of the uncertainty of pandemic life, the Pet-Friendly Jazz Collective began as a way to bring an organic musical experience to front porches around Denver. Today, captained by the drum/guitar duo of Calvin Davis and Sam Valdez, Pet Friendly takes advantage of a wealth of local talent, featuring some of the community’s best improvisers. Whether it be the music of Miles Davis or Stevie Wonder, a porch concert or a private event, our mission will always be to bring the community together around art, provide opportunities for musicians, and to have fun doing it.

NextUp: Pet Friendly Jazz Collective

Many of us can imagine Sarah Vaughan’s iconic voice in an instant. Born in 1924 in New Jersey, Vaughan’s vocal career spanned more than four decades. Her mom was a laundress and church vocalist, while her dad was a carpenter and amateur guitarist. After growing up surrounded by music, when Vaughan was 18, her friends dared her to enter the famed Wednesday Night Amateur Contest at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. She sang “Body and Soul,” and won first prize. In the audience that night was the singer Billy Eckstine. Six months later, she had joined Eckstine in Earl Hines’s big band along with jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.—Vaughan’s performances, even into her 60s, were exceptional. “Her multi-octave range, with its swooping highs and sensual lows, and the youthful suppleness of her voice shaded by a luscious timbre and executed with fierce control, all remained intact.” She is considered perhaps the best vocalist.&nbsp;—Cecile McLorin Salvant says of Vaughan: “She was an absolute virtuoso, and she could have so many colors and textures with her voice. When I moved to France and started singing jazz and studying it, she was maybe the first person that I would copy.”—We are celebrating the Centennial year of Sarah Vaughan with a performance of her music by Denver vocalist Myra Warren. Warren has a stunningly beautiful voice that resonates with warmth and understanding of lyrics and melody. Her career began in the mid 80’s in Denver’s Five Points. She has performed with Ellyn Rucker and pianist Eric Gunnison, along with performances at the Five Points Jazz Festival, the Estes Park Jazz Festival and the City Park Jazz Festival. Myra is featured as the band singer in the Netflix movie “Our Souls At Night”, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2017, singing "What A Difference A Day Made” in a scene filmed at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel. Myra is currently the vocalist with Purnell Steen and the Five Points Ambassadors.—Myra Warren - VocalsTenia Nelson - PianoMark Diamond - BassJill Frederickson-Drums

A Centennial Tribute to Sarah Vaughan

NextUp: Adam Gang Quintet

Students of Gift of Jazz’s Adult Education Classes will showcase their work. Under the guidance of Carmen Sandim, students have been working hard for over eight weeks on either composing or improvisation. The composition students will have their works performed live by a professional band. This free event is evidence that you can study and learn at any age, and that music enriches and heals our community. Come enjoy the effort of these excellent students! Music will be within the genre of Jazz, with variations for each student’s voice within music.

Adult Education Graduation Performance

Daruma is a fresh, new contemporary jazz project featuring original music by some of Denver’s finest young talent. Their sound takes audiences from deep grooves, to intimate ballads, to Coltrane-inspired swing. Daruma reinterprets the jazz aesthetic for the 21st century and crosses it with progressive rock, film music, and neo-soul in a genre-bending original sound.—Members of the ensemble have performed with leading voices in contemporary music ranging from Billy Childs, Rufus Reid and Tia Fuller to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Dave Kikoski, Joe Farnsworth, Maurice Brown, Adam Deitch, and Big Gigantic. They’ve played at notable venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Blue Note Amsterdam, and Birdland, and have won ASCAP and Downbeat awards.—The ensemble will release their debut album on the respected Monk Music label in the spring of 2024.—Shane Dähler - drumsZach Rich - tromboneHunter Roberts - bassMax Moore - pianoGabriel Mininberg - sax<iframe-embed src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oReG7aXXxes?si=ivgB_bnDEm_PBbDB" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" height="315" width="560" style="" metaposition="flex-start" metatype="youtube"></iframe-embed>

NextUp: Daruma

Sonny Stitt (1924-1982) left a legacy in the bebop and hard bop world. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Saginaw, MI, Stitt developed his sound on tenor and then alto sax. Stitt practiced hard, and came from an incredibly musical family. From the get go people noticed that Stitt played with a very similar style to Charlie Parker. The two found this to be true themselves, not due to intentional emulation. At times, Stitt had to work to differentiate his playing to be able to have his own voice, and began playing tenor more often. However, the similarities were also unifying. Parker himself admitted to hearing himself in Stitt's playing, and when Stitt ran into Parker on the street shortly before Parker's death in 1955, he said, according to Stitt, ''Man, I'm handing you the keys to the kingdom.'' Stitt did extensive playing and recording, alongside Miles Davis, Gene Ammons, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, Dexter Gordon, and many more.&nbsp;Saxophonist Keith Oxman performs and records regularly in Denver. He has taught Instrumental Music at East High School in Denver for the past 20 years, preceded by eight years teaching Instrumental Music in Colorado Springs public schools. A jazz musician since the 1970s, he toured with the Buddy Rich big band in 1986, and has played with artists including Art Blakey, Sonny Stitt, Dave Brubeck, The Temptations and many more. He has eleven CDs on the Capri Records label. Two of his CDs were with John Coltrane's trombonist Curtis Fuller, one with liner notes written by Benny Golson. His 2020 CD release with Houston Person, Two Cigarettes In The Dark, (liner notes by Charles McPherson) was on the National Top 50 Jazz Week Chart for over two months. It received a 4-star review in the June 2020 issue of DownBeat magazine. In anticipation of that review, DownBeat invited him to write an article on improvisation that they published in the May 2020 issue.Our Blind Tiger Series includes food and wine with this incredible music.&nbsp;

A Blind Tiger Tribute to Sonny Stitt with Keith Oxman

Unlock your musical creativity in our course “Introduction to Improvisation for Classically Trained Musicians.”Are you a classical musician eager to explore the art of improvisation? This specialized class is designed just for you. If you can sight-read treble clef and have a foundational understanding of music theory, but have yet to dive into the realm of improvisation, this course is your gateway to deeper musical expression.Tailored for classically-trained musicians, this course understands and addresses the hesitations and uncertainties that often accompany the idea of improvisation.Throughout the semester, you'll gain invaluable musicianship tools to liberate your musicality. Step-by-step, we'll guide you through hands-on exercises crafted to build your confidence in improvisation. Elevate your theory, harmony, and ear training skills, all while nurturing your innate creativity. By the end of the class you will have a solid toolkit of skills to improvise joyfully and confidently.As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.This course will have 8 sessions from Jan 20th - March 16th, excluding Feb 17th. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 10:30-11:45am.

Adult Education Class: Improvisation for Classically-Trained Musicians

Embark on a thrilling musical journey in our Jazz Composition course, tailor-made for adults with a foundational knowledge of music theory. Immerse yourself in the versatile world of lead sheet style composition, where the interplay between melody and chords takes center stage. Together we will explore both traditional and contemporary techniques of theme creation and development, along with empowering insights into harmonic language that breathe life into your melodies. From blues to multi-sectional, we'll traverse the vast landscape of musical forms, offering a comprehensive understanding of music structure and its impact in melodic story-telling. Throughout the course, your compositional palette will expand, amplifying your unique, creative voice. The course will culminate in an end-of semester live performance of student arrangements and compositions.&nbsp;As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.This course will have 8 sessions from Jan 20th - March 16th, excluding Feb 17th. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 9:00-10:15am.

Adult Education Class: Composition and Arranging

Max Roach (1924-2007) is known as one of the leading drummers, alongside Kenny Clarke, of the bebop era. During his childhood Roach was surrounded by gospel, and began playing drums at age 10. Roach graduated high school and became the house drummer for Clark Monroe’s Uptown House in Harlem. He went on to record with Parker, Gillespie, Powell, and Charles Mingus, along with a slew of others. One of Roach's distinguishing traits was the frequent use of his ride cymbal. In the 1960s Roach focused on political impact, as shown by the album "We Insist! Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite." Descriptions of Roach's artistry include words like avant-garde, genius, trance-like... Some moments in the music feel like a composed symphony, using repetition and lack of activity to profoundly express emotion. Born in Newport News, VA and raised in the Washington, DC area, Harold Summey started playing drums and percussion at age 13. With degrees from Hampton and Howard Universities and studies at Eastman School of Music, he has crafted a career that spans decades, genres, and continents.Summey has performed with, as either drummer or percussionist, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, Geri Allen, Pat Metheny, Whitney Houston, James Moody, John Hicks, Ray Charles, Bobby Watson, Frank Sinatra, Jr, and many more. Summey has also performed with many esteemed ensembles including The Cleveland Orchestra, The Virginia Symphony, The American Festival Pops Orchestra, The Airmen of Note, The Navy Commodores, The Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, The Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, The Annapolis Symphony, and The Maryland Symphony. He is retired from The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Washington, DC where he performed as percussionist and soloist with the Concert Band from 2000-2020. Mr. Summey was also a member of The United States Navy Band in Washington, DC from 1989 to 1993.In 1992, Mr. Summey was the first prize winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. We are lucky that Harold now lives in Denver with his wife Leslie, who will also be performing. They have five children, with three still at home.

A Centennial Tribute to Max Roach with Harold Summey

Embark on a thrilling musical journey in our Jazz Composition course, tailor-made for adults with a foundational knowledge of music theory. Immerse yourself in the versatile world of lead sheet style composition, where the interplay between melody and chords takes center stage. Together we will explore both traditional and contemporary techniques of theme creation and development, along with empowering insights into harmonic language that breathe life into your melodies. From blues to multi-sectional, we'll traverse the vast landscape of musical forms, offering a comprehensive understanding of music structure and its impact in melodic story-telling. As you journey through the course, your compositional palette will expand, amplifying your unique, creative voice. The course will culminate in an end-of semester live performance of student arrangements and compositions.&nbsp;As an engaging jazz pianist, composer and music educator, Carmen Sandim combines harmonically-sophisticated post-bop with traditions from her native Brazil. Originally from Sao Paulo, Sandim studied music at Boston's Berklee College of Music and University of Colorado. Sandim first gained attention in the 2000s after moving to Boulder, Colorado. Her debut album, 2011's "Brand New", features cornetist Ron Miles. In 2016, she won a grant from Pathways to Jazz to record her sophomore album, "Play-Doh", released in 2019 via Ropeadope Records. Carmen's latest project "Mini Brazilian Beasts", released in 2022 on Octave Records, features jazz luminaries Ron Miles and Gilad Hekselman. Carmen currently lives in Denver and teaches at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.This course will have 8 sessions from Jan 20th - March 16th, excluding Feb 17th. Graduation performance TBD. Class Location: 800 Kalamath St, Denver 80204. Class time 9:00-10:15am.

Gift of Jazz's newest performance series NextUp brings some of the freshest jazz-influenced music to the stage at Woods Boss Brewery.Alex Heffron is an accomplished guitarist based in Brooklyn, NY. His impressive resume includes performances with acclaimed artists Big Gigantic, Veronica Swift, Ernie Watts, Adam Deitch, Remy Le Boeuf, Kenwood Dennard, John Reily, Matt Wilson, Melvin Butler, Tony Monaco, Pat Coil, Bobby Floyd, Greg Gisbert, Howard Levy, Donald Harrison, and many others.As an active composer, Alex leads his own band that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary jazz styles, with his music featured on stages nationwide and at prominent festivals. Alex was also selected as one of 89.3 KUVO's 30 musicians under 30 initiative and was KUVO’s artist of the month in December 2019. With over a decade of experience, Alex remains dedicated to refining his unique voice in jazz guitar while drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of jazz and other musical genres.The Quintet is a new project from Guitarist Alex Heffron. The new music fuses elements of Heffron's past, present and future to create a fresh sonic experience. Alex's music draws inspiration from all over, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Latin, even a little Metal. The new music has a strong focus on melody, with voices intertwining between the Tenor and Alto saxophone. The blend of these voices mixed with the trio of Guitar, Bass, and Drums, creates a wide open pallet which intrigues the ear. In this world of sonic possibilities, with bright energetic melodies, to solemn ballads, you won't want to miss this show.Remy LeBoeuf - Alto SaxophoneTaylor Clay - Tenor SaxophoneHunter Roberts - BassDru Heller - Drums

NextUp: Alex Heffron Connecting Flights

Mary Lou Williams (1910-1981) is one of the greatest jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers of all time. A swing and bebop icon, she also devoted herself to aiding musicians in need and teaching younger generations about jazz’s rich African American heritage. Williams’s first lessons on piano came from her mother. Once on the scene, top bandleaders of the day, such as Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington, asked Williams to prepare fresh versions of popular songs for them, as well as her own original songs. She became known across genres, and had her work performed by the New York Philharmonic. Williams also carried her music over to her church when she converted to Catholicism in 1954. Williams told the New York Post, "Americans don't realize how important jazz is. It's healing for the soul. It should be played everywhere — in churches, nightclubs, everywhere. We have to use every place we can." Denver pianist Tenia Nelson is integral to our music scene. Recently, Tenia won recognition as 2023 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association. She leads the Tenia Nelson Trio, or "TNT!", and Spherio, a Monk tribute group. While working on her Master’s degree at CU Boulder, Tenia spent ample time studying the life and work of Mary Lou Williams. Tenia is an incredible pianist, and her dedication to music is also expressed by the passion she carries over to music education. Tenia has more than 20 years experience teaching music in public schools, as well as teaching private lessons. She takes much pride in teaching young people about their possibilities in music. We are lucky to have Tenia as a member on the Gift of Jazz board as well.&nbsp; This event is the Gift of Jazz annual fundraiser for our Jazz for the Schools programs. We are seeking to expand Jazz for the Schools into the Adams 14 school district, and will continue to present our programs for Denver Public Schools eight times a year. Your ticket purchase will benefit this work!&nbsp;You will also receive a gift from us, as well as be able to enjoy champagne and treats at the concert.

A Tribute to Mary Lou Williams with Tenia Nelson: Annual Fundraiser

Thad Jones reinvigorated the big-band genre through his harmonically rich arrangements and compositions. He was universally admired by musical peers for his charts. Thad was known as a trumpet player too, and bassist Charles Mingus once called Jones “the greatest trumpet player I’ve heard in this life.” Self-taught on trumpet, he started playing professionally with Hank Jones and Sonny Stitt when he was 16. He served in U.S. Army bands during World War II. After the war, Thad Jones continued his professional music career with Count Basie, for whom he arranged, composed, and performed. In 1965 he and drummer Mel Lewis formed a big band, and they went on to win a Grammy Award for their album Live in Munich. Thad moved to Copenhagen, Denmark later in his life. There, he formed a new band Eclipse, composed for The Danish Radio Big Band and taught jazz at the Royal Danish Conservatory in Copenhagen. After only one more stint back in the U.S., Thad went back to Denmark at the end of his life, passing away in 1986.&nbsp;Saxophonist Keith Oxman performs and records regularly in Denver. He has taught Instrumental Music at East High School in Denver for the past 20 years, preceded by eight years teaching Instrumental Music in Colorado Springs public schools. A jazz musician since the 1970s, he toured with the Buddy Rich big band in 1986, and has played with artists including Art Blakey, Sonny Stitt, Dave Brubeck, The Temptations and many more. He has eleven CDs on the Capri Records label. Two of his CDs were with John Coltrane's trombonist Curtis Fuller, one with liner notes written by Benny Golson. His 2020 CD release with Houston Person, Two Cigarettes In The Dark, (liner notes by Charles McPherson) was on the National Top 50 Jazz Week Chart for over two months. It received a 4-star review in the June 2020 issue of DownBeat magazine. In anticipation of that review, DownBeat invited him to write an article on improvisation that they published in the May 2020 issue.Since 2002 the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra has been entertaining Front Range audiences with big band music performed at the highest level. Versatile in their ability to interpret a broad selection of the classic big band repertoire from the '40s through today's exciting compositions, the band also has a tradition of partnering with Gift of Jazz to present tribute events celebrating iconic composers and band leaders. The music penned by Thad Jones has always been among their favorites. They hope you enjoy this performance celebrating Thad's centenary as much as they will!

A Centennial Tribute to Thad Jones feat. the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Keith Oxman, and the East High Jazz Combo

Gift of Jazz's newest performance series NextUp brings some of the freshest jazz-influenced music to the stage at Woods Boss Brewery.

NextUp: Sonya Walker

Gift of Jazz's newest performance series NextUp brings some of the freshest jazz-influenced music to the stage at Woods Boss Brewery. Manycolors is a new four-piece band that opens up musical space by using a hip-hop format to explore chords and motifs usually reserved for jazz. Led by guitarist/producer Brant Williams, Manycolors explores new sonic spaces. The sounds of Manycolors have an initial groove of lush and spacious lo-fi soundscapes that surround the listener with layers of subtle textures and heavy backbeats. The group is an analog rewind with classic lo-fi piano over grooving bass and drums. Featuring Brant Williams, Braxton Kahn, Eric Luba, Kirwan Brown, and featured artists. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/manycolorsmusic/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/manycolorsmusic/</a><a href="https://manycolorsband.bandcamp.com/track/cherry-blossom" target="_blank">https://manycolorsband.bandcamp.com/track/cherry-blossom</a><a href="https://manycolors.co/music/" target="_blank">https://manycolors.co/music/</a>

NextUp: Manycolors

If you aren’t listening to pianist Ahmad Jamal’s music on a regular basis, consider this your sign to add it into your routine. Jamal’s style on piano is striking, yet brings balance to jazz today. Jamal’s taste for silence and space, textural variety, and gentle clarity of touch is a compass for many musicians. Miles Davis once said, “All my inspiration comes from Ahmad Jamal.”&nbsp; Ahmad Jamal lived til 92 years of age, passing away just in April of this year. Jamal started playing piano at age 3 in Pittsburg, where Earl Hines, Erroll Garner and Mary Lou Williams were neighbors. From a young age Jamal listened not just to jazz, which he preferred to call “American classical music,” but also to classical music from Europe.Jamal stated to the New York Times: “We studied Bach and Ellington, Mozart and Art Tatum. When you start at 3, what you hear you play. I heard all these things.” (Grode 2023) Ahmad Jamal is widely-recorded, with more than 60 albums to his name. He was most drawn to ballads, mesmerized with the lyricism, which he took literally. He found his expression in ballads by actually knowing the lyrics, something saxophonist Ben Webster abided by.&nbsp;Jamal’s music is an inspiration all across music, from contemporary groups like The Bad Plus to Hip-Hop artists like De La Soul, Anderson .Paak, Nas, Jay-Z, Common, and many more.&nbsp;&nbsp; Since forming his first jazz group at age 16, Spencer Zweifel has become a regular member of the Colorado music scene. You may have seen him perform with the Domi Edson Trio this past spring for Gift of Jazz’s Ray Brown tribute. An accomplished jazz pianist, Zweifel has performed professionally across Colorado as well as in tours around the US. In 2021, Zweifel was selected as a national finalist for the Jacksonville Jazz Festival jazz piano competition, where he placed third. Spencer graduated in 2019 with a degree in jazz studies from the University of Northern Colorado and won ‘Best pop/rock soloist’ in the 2018 Downbeat Magazine student awards. In 2021, Spencer completed a Master’s in jazz studies at William Paterson University, where he studied with Bill Charlap, Aaron Diehl, and Geoffrey Keezer. In 2020 Zweifel formed the Spencer Zweifel Quintet which has since released 2 records, including 2022's 'Before It's Too Late.'

A Tribute to Ahmad Jamal performed by Spencer Zweifel

At Dazzle Denver at the Performing Arts Complex, Gift of Jazz proudly presents a grand reunion show with Chie Imaizumi and Randy Brecker. Praised for her unique compositions and explosive energy, Japanese composer<a href="https://www.thousandpictures.org/review" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Chie Imaizumi</a> has been a friend of the Jazz community in Denver for a long time. She creates music at the very top level, composing for Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert, who will be part of these shows, as well as the US Air Force Falconaires and their Concert Band, Japan Air Self Defense Force Concert Band, and the Consulate General of Japan. She has worked on music preparation for John Clayton, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Leon Russell, as well as Jennifer Lopez. She has also orchestrated music for the recent Whitney Houston movie "I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”&nbsp; When Chie lived in Denver, she formed a "little big band" that recorded her first album of original pieces entitled "Unfailing Kindness". Her compositions are very personal, each telling a story of her unique journey and experiences, which she shares with the audiences. Facing many challenges as a woman in Japan trying to succeed in a "man's world," Gift of Jazz and the Denver Jazz scene helped support Chie’s roots when she moved here. Chie was one of the very first educators for Gift of Jazz’s adult education classes, and she won our hearts from the start. This two-night, four-show gig represents her first return to Denver as a Little Big Band since moving to Los Angeles. Chie is extremely excited to be presenting her music with a group of musicians so near and dear to her.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.randybrecker.com/bio" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Randy Brecker</a> holds 7 Grammys for the music made with his brother Michael as the Brecker Brothers. As a trumpeter and composer Randy Brecker has helped shape the sound of jazz, R&amp;B and rock for more than four decades. His trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament/Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius and Frank Zappa.&nbsp; Local phenom<a href="https://www.kuvo.org/local-musician-spotlight-greg-gisbert/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Greg Gisbert</a> on trumpet has his whole heart in this project. Greg organized the coming together with Chie and Randy Brecker, fulfilling their dreams to play together again. Playing on both of Chie’s albums and producing her first, Greg’s playing brings the emotional effect of the music even higher. With both Randy and Greg, supported by a stellar “little big band,” these concerts will leave their mark for years to come. To quote local writer Norman Provizer, “If you can depart after hearing a set of Imaizumi's music without joy in your heart and swing in your head, you need to check yourself for a pulse,” from Rocky Mountain News.&nbsp;&nbsp; Performers:Chie Imaizumi, Randy Brecker, Greg Gisbert, Pete Olstad, Zach Rich, Paul Romaine, Mark Simon, Mike Abbott, Sonya Walker, Leo Corona, David Bernot, John Gunther, Allison Young

Gift of Jazz Presents Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band feat. Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert

Gift of Jazz proudly presents a grand reunion show with Chie Imaizumi and Randy Brecker. Praised for her unique compositions and explosive energy, Japanese composer<a href="https://www.thousandpictures.org/review" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Chie Imaizumi</a> has been a friend of the Jazz community in Denver for a long time. She creates music at the very top level, composing for Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert, who will be part of these shows, as well as the US Air Force Falconaires and their Concert Band, Japan Air Self Defense Force Concert Band, and the Consulate General of Japan. She has worked on music preparation for John Clayton, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Leon Russell, as well as Jennifer Lopez. She has also orchestrated music for the recent Whitney Houston movie "I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”&nbsp;When Chie lived in Denver, she formed a "little big band" that recorded her first album of original pieces entitled "Unfailing Kindness". Her compositions are very personal, each telling a story of her unique journey and experiences, which she shares with the audiences. Facing many challenges as a woman in Japan trying to succeed in a "man's world," Gift of Jazz and the Denver Jazz scene helped support Chie’s roots when she moved here. Chie was one of the very first educators for Gift of Jazz’s adult education classes, and she won our hearts from the start. This two-night, four-show gig represents her first return to Denver as a Little Big Band since moving to Los Angeles.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.randybrecker.com/bio" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Randy Brecker</a> holds 7 Grammys for the music made with his brother Michael as the Brecker Brothers. As a trumpeter and composer Randy Brecker has helped shape the sound of jazz, R&amp;B and rock for more than four decades. His trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen and Parliament/Funkadelic to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius and Frank Zappa.&nbsp;Local phenom<a href="https://www.kuvo.org/local-musician-spotlight-greg-gisbert/" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Greg Gisbert</a> on trumpet has his whole heart in this project. Greg organized the coming together with Chie and Randy Brecker, fulfilling their dreams to play together again. Playing on both of Chie’s albums and producing her first, Greg’s playing brings the emotional effect of the music even higher. With both Randy and Greg, supported by a stellar “little big band,” these concerts will leave their mark for years to come. To quote local writer Norman Provizer, “If you can depart after hearing a set of Imaizumi's music without joy in your heart and swing in your head, you need to check yourself for a pulse,” from Rocky Mountain News.&nbsp;&nbsp;These performances will have an overarching theme of mental wellness, and the artists would like to bring awareness to resources that may help anyone struggling with their mental wellbeing. A donation may be added to all ticket purchases, and will go to United Suicide Survivors International.“Since I know how these emotions feel, I’d like to inspire others to know they're not alone, by expressing my real, raw, and vulnerable feelings through my artistic creations, music.” ~Chie Imaizumi Performers:Chie Imaizumi, Randy Brecker, Greg Gisbert, Pete Olstad, Zach Rich, Paul Romaine, Mark Simon, Mike Abbott, Sonya Walker, Leo Corona, Jared Cathey, John Gunther, Allison Young

Gift of Jazz Presents Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band feat. Randy Brecker with Greg Gisbert

Guitarist Barney Kessel started making a name for himself in the 1940s when bebop was on the rise. Kessel's biggest influence was Charlie Christian, who modeled a unique single-note style that would leave room in the music for fantastic solos. Kessel was always absorbed by jazz. After recording a track with Charlie Parker, Kessel later landed a spot with the Oscar Peterson Trio. He went on to record with our beloved Ray Brown, as well as many others. Reviews of his playing noted that he exemplified how well guitar could take the place of piano in jazz. Kessel held Downbeat's "Guitarist of the Year" award until Wes Montgomery came on the scene in the 60s. Kessel left a huge footprint on the scene of jazz guitar. His music impressed upon many, including Bruce Forman. Bruce Forman is in residency at USC's Studio/Jazz Guitar department. He has recorded beautiful soundtrack performances for Clint Eastwood's films, most notably Million Dollar Baby. Bruce has recorded with many greats, including Ray Brown - like Barney Kessel. The newest project from Bruce called Reunion! revisits the famed Poll Winners sessions with cohorts John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, using instruments owned by Barney Kessel, Ray Brown and Shelly Manne. Bruce's additional projects are vivacious, rooted in American music traditions. He shares much of his playing on Instagram, Youtube and more. Bruce had a great connection with Barney Kessel. In addition to hearing and seeing Kessel's guitar in the hands of Bruce in this solo show, we will get to hear stories and context that wouldn't be the same from anyone else.

A Tribute to Barney Kessel by Bruce Forman

Vince Wiggins has played in the Colorado Front Range for over 25 years with top local musicians, notably Joe Bonner, Hugh Ragin, Carl Dixon, and Freddy Rodriquez Sr. Vince started playing flute at the age of 10 and got his inspiration from players like Hubert Laws, Herbie Mann and James Moody. The Vince Wiggins “Social Groove” performance will be musicians Dr. Hugh Ragin – Trumpet, Harold Summey – Drums, Max Moore – Piano, and Larry Hinley – Bass.&nbsp; The Social Groove will be performing music from great composers of the late 60’s and 70’s. Social Groove band fuses Bebop, Post Bop, Latin jazz, Classical, Blues, 70’s funk and Hip hop, showcasing all the music genres to produce a Social Groove experience. The members of the band have both studied and lived through all the musical genres to contribute to a world beat feel. Social Groove offers audiences a chance to listen, dance or socialize, and will guarantee that you will pat your foot and move your body.&nbsp; A buffet dinner is available at this event. Select the ticket type you prefer in checkout, and make it an evening!

Jazz of the 60s & 70s feat. Denver Flautist Vince Wiggins and the Social Groove

July 2023 is when vocalist Johnny Hartman (well-known for recording with John Coltrane) would have turned 100 years old. To remember the music of this legend, Gift of Jazz presents a Centennial tribute to vocalist Johnny Hartman, performed by Colorado's own Robert Johnson. Our tribute shows are not only a place to hear great music, but are an opportunity to learn about the presenting artist and the musician that is the focus of the tribute. As a nonprofit organization, all Gift of Jazz programs have a tie to education and community. Robert Johnson’s voice can be heard everywhere. As a vocalist he’s shared the stage with Bob Hope, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Mangione, Stan Getz, Roberta Flack, Donna Summer and countless more. He’s appeared in national and regional productions of Porgy and Bess, Ain’t Misbehavin, A Brief History Of White Music, Showboat, Blues In The Night, The Full Monty, Buddy Holly, and also as the voice of the plant in Little Shop Of Horrors. Since making his home in Denver, Robert has been named Best Male Vocalist in the Denver Posts Readers Poll, Best Jazz Vocalist by the Colorado Black Artists Association, and was honored as Colorado’s Best Male Singer by the News and Radio Media and Best Male Vocalist by the Colorado Songwriters Association.

A Centennial Tribute to Johnny Hartman by Robert Johnson

It is the Centennial celebration of Tito Puente this year! Concerts and events are taking place all over the country, and we are thrilled to bring you a night to take part. There will be a beautiful dance floor and a bar at this event! Leader of the Colorado Mambo Orchestra Raul Murciano&nbsp;is “a modern renaissance man.” Raul shares his talents with the globe as a composer, Latin Jazz pianist, artist, dean at the Frost school of Music, and engineer. He is a native of Miami, and an award-winning writer and producer of music for television and film. Murciano’s earliest successes came as a founding member and performer with Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. With the Colorado Mambo Orchestra, Raul focuses on “Contemporary Cuban Salsa, Latin Jazz, &amp; American Pop/Standards, all with our unique Latin tinge.” Vocalist and percussionist&nbsp;Yanko Tortolo&nbsp;will be joining the CMO for this one-time Centennial Tribute to Tito Puente. The son of Puerto Rican immigrants and born in Harlem,&nbsp;Tito Puente&nbsp;went on to be known for his&nbsp;“irresistible swirl of energy” in his performances on timbales. Puente, or the “King of Mambo,” was a force to be reckoned with in Latin jazz. He went professional in the music scene at age 13. Puente served in the Navy in World War II, and went to Juilliard afterwards. His infectious energy at shows built his reputation quickly. His artistry changed the terminology of salsa and mambo in the 1950s and 60s, bringing “salsa” into household language to refer to a variety of dances and music. Puente received five Grammys in his lifetime. His legacy still lives on, and Centennial events for his memory are taking place all over the country. Come take part, dance, and celebrate with Gift of Jazz on June 12th!

A Centennial Tribute to Tito Puente with the Colorado Mambo Orchestra

This free event has taken place annually since 2004 in the historic Five Points neighborhood. From its humble first year which featured only three bands, the festival has grown into a day-long event with 100,000 visitors along Welton Street enjoying a culturally diverse experience of music, food, shopping and entertainment. Residents and visitors groove to the sounds of smooth jazz to bop to swing to funk to blues throughout the day. Throughout the years, the festival has showcased local staples such as Hazel Miller, Buckner Funken Jazz, Jakarta, Conjunto Colores, Purnell Steen, JoFoKe aNem and Wil Alston, as well as nationally and internationally known musicians such as Dianne Reeves, Ron Miles and Invisible Bird. It’s a fun, uplifting day for friends and families to come together to enjoy a piece of Denver’s legacy in jazz music. Once known as the Harlem of the West, Five Points was home to several jazz clubs which played host to many of jazz music’s legends, such as Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and many more! Gift of Jazz is a proud sponsor of Five Points Jazz.

Five Points Jazz Festival

This concert is a showcase of adult students of the composition program at the Gift of Jazz. Their work will be presented by a professional band of some of our favorite local musicians. Students have been working with Donna Wickham of DU for eight weeks! Come here original works by these excellent students.

Gift of Jazz Adult Education Graduation Concert

In this tribute to Roy Haynes, Dru Heller will be playing Chick Corea’s “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs.” Dru has a deep connection to the music and career of Roy Haynes, and shared with us a few words on the drive behind this show.&nbsp;<img src="https://www.giftofjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/now-he-sings-now-he-sobs-gatefold.jpeg" height="800" width="800">“Chick Corea’s “Now He Sings, Now He Sobs” is one of the most important recordings in the jazz canon… Although Chick was already known as a sideman for Blue Mitchell and Stan Getz, this album really put him on the map as a bandleader.&nbsp;Shortly after the release of this record, he would replace Herbie Hancock in Miles Davis’s group.&nbsp;In regard to drummers, this album is absolutely essential listening.&nbsp;Roy Haynes’ playing is creative, bubbly, and open, and he really&nbsp;inspires some great playing from the rest of the band.&nbsp;It also is the first known jazz recording to showcase a flat ride cymbal (a ride cymbal with no bell).”<img src="https://www.giftofjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/DruHeller-685x1024.jpeg" height="1024" width="685">Known for his dynamic and interactive playing,&nbsp;Dru Heller‘s career spans over two decades. He has toured and recorded with some of the greatest musicians in jazz, including Don Byron, John Ellis, Ron Miles, Art Lande and Greg Osby. His own quartets have received accolades and garnered attention from jazz enthusiasts worldwide, and he is a first-call drummer in the greater Denver area. As a teacher, Dru has served as an artist-in-residence at multiple schools and festivals, and he is a music faculty member at Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado- Denver.<img src="https://www.giftofjazz.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/roy-haynes-geneva-51649-amr-original-photograph.jpg__960x0_q85_subsampling-2_upscale.jpg" height="761" width="960">Born in 1925, living legend&nbsp;Roy Haynes&nbsp;had an eye on jazz as long as he could remember. Primarily self-taught, his career spanned more than 50 years. His style of drumming is awe-inspiring. Haynes quoted “I structure pieces like riding a horse. You pull a rein here, you tighten it up here, you loosen it there […] always in the pocket and with feeling. So the music is tight but loose.” Roy Haynes is a force of nature, and his music blows away listeners with its vitality.

A Celebration of Roy Haynes with Dru Heller

Domi Edson is an award-winning bassist, composer, and arranger originally from Seattle, WA, now residing in Denver, CO. She graduated with a B.A. in Classical Bass Performance from Central Washington University and received a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. During her Master’s degree, Domi was selected as the bassist for the 2020 Sisters in Jazz Collegiate Combo through the Jazz Education Network, leading her to perform at the JEN conference in New Orleans under the mentorship of Tia Fuller. Since moving to Colorado, Domi has performed with artists such as Terrell Stafford, Charles McPherson, Greg Gisbert, Dawn Clement, Gayelynn McKinney, Paul Romaine, Annie Booth, Rico Jones, Jenna McLean, and many others. Domi leads the Domi Edson Trio, which in addition to having two albums out (Without the Re, Stories from Solitude), has performed at prestigious clubs around the US and Canada. We are lucky to be able to hear them on International Jazz Day! ﻿In high school&nbsp;Ray Brown&nbsp;thought of taking up the trombone, but could not afford one. With a vacancy in the high school jazz orchestra, he took up the double bass. Soon his career began to take shape. Major artists started to notice him. Ella Fitzgerald (whom he was married to for a time), Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker were just a few collaborators. From the mid-1970s until he died in 2002, Ray Brown remained one of the most prolific players of mainstream jazz during a time when the music was moving away from bebop. Ray Brown’s longevity is notable, in a time where many musicians in bop did not reach older age. We are excited to present an evening diving into Ray’s music and his impact on jazz.

The Gift of Jazz

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