How Are Jazz and Memorial Day Connected?

You might know that Memorial Day is a federal holiday that was established to remember and honor members of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving. But you might not know that Glenn Miller, legendary jazz bandleader, arranger, and trombone player, lost his life in an airplane accident while serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra was among the most popular and successful big bands when Miller enlisted in 1942 at age 38. In January 1943, Miller became Director of Bands for the Army Air Force Technical Training Command. He selected personnel for various AAF bands across the U.S. and recruited others for an elite orchestra. Two AAF orchestra units were established to record and broadcast radio shows from Hollywood, California, and New York City, with Miller leading the New York unit. Its members included musicians from leading jazz bands and symphony orchestras. Big Band music was the soundtrack of that era, and Glenn Miller was an inspiration to his fellow troops and the American people during the war.

In May 1944, before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight D. Eisenhower asked that Miller’s AAF unit be transferred to Europe to establish a combined allied radio broadcasting service. In July that same year, Miller and his 51-piece orchestra began broadcasting musical programs over the radio, under the supervision of the BBC. The orchestra also performed for the Voice of America’s European unit and made appearances, mainly at U.S. military bases. In late 1944, Miller and his commanding officer decided to relocate the orchestra from England to France. Miller hoped to arrive there ahead of his orchestra. He boarded a small military plane on December 15, and was reported as missing three days later. His body was never recovered.

Glenn Miller was awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously in February 1945. A memorial headstone for the famed musician was placed in Arlington National Cemetery almost 50 years after his death. Miller’s music remains wildly popular even today, and even had three recordings posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have “qualitative or historical significance.” Those works were “Moonlight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and “In the Mood”.

Other famous jazz musicians who served during World War II include Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, and John Coltrane. Brubeck was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1942. He trained as a sharpshooter and was sent to France aboard the SS George Washington troopship. He was supposed to join General George Patton’s Third Army, but fate intervened when some visitors from the Red Cross arrived at the base. Brubeck offered to entertain the visitors by playing piano and the commander was so impressed with his talent that he asked the young pianist to stay behind and entertain the troops. Brubeck formed a band called the Wolf Pack, which eventually had 18 members. Some of the musicians had seen combat and been awarded the Purple Heart. Unlike most of the military bands during that era, the Wolf Pack Band was integrated. Brubeck met alto saxophonist Paul Desmond in 1944, and the two musicians were reunited after the war, when Desmond became a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

If you like the Big Band style of jazz music, be sure to check out Night is Alive’s diverse set of albums. World-class jazz musicians perform your favorite classics as well as new compositions that hearken back to that standard swing style in a refreshing way. My Ship in particular includes nine contrasting tracks that each convey their own unique emotion.

To all veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, thank you for your service.

Wayne Shorter—Innovative Saxophonist and Prolific Composer

Wayne Shorter—Innovative Saxophonist and Prolific Composer

The passing of Wayne Shorter at age 89 on March 2, 2023 was a sad occasion for his many fans. Shorter had a career as a jazz saxophonist that spanned almost 70 years. Even after he stopped performing in 2018 due to health concerns, he continued to compose music. 

Shorter was born in Newark, New Jersey, on August 25, 1933. He had an older brother named Alan. Wayne’s mother encouraged her sons to be creative, even excusing them from chores so that they could use their imagination while playing. Wayne and Alan enjoyed reading comic books and recalling film music they heard while at the movies. Wayne hoped to become an artist one day. A watercolor painting of his won first prize in a contest held for children. His artistic talent enabled him to gain admission to the Newark Arts High School. However, after listening to a New York jazz radio program, he became fond of bebop. At age 15, Shorter began taking clarinet lessons. Later he switched to the tenor saxophone. Shorter was influenced by jazz legends such as Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, and Coleman Hawkins.

Wayne performed with local jazz bands so he could save money for college tuition. He majored in music education at New York University, though he wasn’t keen on becoming a music teacher. 

After graduation, Wayne was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he served for two years. He continued to play saxophone while in the Army. After his discharge, he joined Maynard Ferguson’s band for a brief time. He quit when drummer Art Blakey offered Shorter a spot with the Jazz Messengers. He was encouraged to compose music for the Jazz Messengers during his five-year stint and eventually became the group’s music director.  

Shorter went on to join the Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet in 1964. He released eight solo records on the Blue Note label, most of them while he was in Davis’ group. One of his classic compositions, “Footprints,” first appeared on Shorter’s Adams Apple album in 1966. The song was later recorded for Davis’ Miles Smiles album in 1967. With its 6/4 time signature and bluesy melody in the C Dorian mode, “Footprints” perhaps is the composition most associated with Shorter. 

After the quintet broke up in 1968, Shorter continued to collaborate with Davis, appearing on the studio albums, In a Silent Way and Bitches’ Brew. In 1970, Shorter went on to become a founding member of Weather Report, along with keyboardist Joe Zawinul, bassist Miroslav Vitous, and others. Weather Report enjoyed phenomenal popularity and acclaim, thanks to its fusion of jazz, funk, rhythm and blues, and other musical genres. During his 14 years with Weather Report, Shorter played both tenor and soprano sax and composed music for his bandmates.

 He continued to record albums under his own name and worked on side projects with other musicians, including Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, and Carlos Santana. Shorter also toured and recorded albums as a member of V.S.O.P. during the late 1970s and early 1980s. 

Shorter returned to acoustic jazz in 2000, forming a quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade. The Wayne Shorter Quartet released several live albums.  Shorter received numerous Grammy nominations and awards during his lifetime. In his later years, he worked on an ambitious project, an orchestral suite titled Emanon. He also composed an opera titled Iphigenia, inspired by Euripides’ play. It debuted in 2021.  

Patricia Martin 

Remembering Jimmy Heath: Triple Threat

Photo by EAVONE Jazzman on Unsplash

Jimmy Heath, also known as “Little Bird,” was a legendary jazz saxophonist who appeared with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at Playhouse Square in April 2012. Short in stature but long on talent, he was known as a “triple threat” for being a jazz composer, arranger, and musician.

Heath was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1926. Both of his parents had musical backgrounds. His father played clarinet in a marching band and his mother sang in the church choir. Jimmy’s older brother studied violin and later became a founding member and double bass player for the Modern Jazz Quartet. His younger brother Albert (Tootie) played drums. Jimmy Heath began playing alto saxophone at age fifteen. He and Percy attended high school in Wilmington, North Carolina, where Jimmy played saxophone in the marching band. Heath founded his first big band, the Jimmy Heath Orchestra, in 1946. After the band broke up in 1948, Jimmy and John Coltrane joined Dizzy Gillespie’s band. Jimmy also played with Gil Fuller’s Orchestra. Around that time, he switched to tenor sax. He was influenced by Charlie Parker and Johnny Hodges. Unfortunately, Jimmy became addicted to heroin, which ultimately led to his dismissal from Gillespie’s orchestra. He was later convicted of selling heroin and sent to Lexington, Kentucky, where he underwent withdrawal. After his release, he was convicted
again in 1955 for dealing drugs and sentenced to six years in prison. While incarcerated, he composed a number of songs and conducted the prison orchestra. He also learned to play the flute.

Heath was released from prison early and met his future wife Mona Brown shortly afterward. He recorded his first album for Riverside Records in 1959. He briefly toured with Miles Davis, but the terms of his probation made it difficult for him to travel with the band. Riverside Records went out of business in 1964, leaving Jimmy without a record contract until the early 1970s. He began teaching at Jazzmobile, a free music training program in Harlem, where he was commissioned to write several major compositions.

In 1975, Jimmy, Percy, and Albert Heath formed the Heath Brothers, along with Stanley Cowell on piano. Later, Jimmy’s older son James Mtume joined the group as a percussionist. Percy Heath died in 2005, but Jimmy and Albert continued to perform and record as the Heath Brothers with other musicians.

Jimmy Heath joined the music faculty of Queens College at the City University of New York, where he taught for over 20 years.

Jimmy Heath wrote over 100 compositions and appeared on 125 recordings during his career, which spanned over 7 decades. He was nominated for a Grammy Award three times and received the NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2003. One of his noteworthy compositions, “Gemini”, was written for his daughter Rosyln and appears on his 1962 album, “Triple Threat. “ The instrumental has a ¾ time signature and features a haunting flute solo as the piece begins. “Gemini” became a hit for the Cannonball Adderley Sextet, whose live version was released in 1962. Other notable songs include ”Gingerbread Boy” and “C.T.A.”

In January 2020, the scrolling marquee at Playhouse Square announced the sad news that Jimmy Heath had died at age 93. I recalled how thrilled I was when he signed his CD “Turn Up the Heath” for me after the show in 2012.

Saxophonist Wayne Escoffery was one of Jimmy Heath’s former students at the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz Performance at the New England Conservatory. He appears on the recent Night Is Alive releases, “Old New Borrowed and Blue” and “My Ship.”

Author: Patricia Martin for Night is Alive

Celebrating the Life of Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto

(Featured image from: Arūnas Naujokas on Unsplash)

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer and musician who has been a driving force in the world of music for over four decades. He has created some of the most memorable and iconic pieces of music in recent history, and his work has influenced countless artists and musicians around the world.

One of Sakamoto’s most well-known compositions is “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” a hauntingly beautiful track that was originally featured in the 1983 film of the same name. The piece is instantly recognizable for its haunting melody and stirring emotional content, and it has become a classic in its own right.

Over the years, many musicians and artists have covered “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” but one of the most notable covers is by jazz pianist Bill Cunliffe. Cunliffe’s version of the track is a stunning tribute to Sakamoto’s original, capturing the haunting beauty and emotional power of the piece while also showcasing Cunliffe’s own impressive musicianship.

Cunliffe’s cover of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” is a testament to the enduring power of Sakamoto’s music. Despite being over 30 years old, the piece still resonates with audiences today, and it continues to inspire artists and musicians around the world.

Sakamoto’s work extends far beyond “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” however. He has composed scores for countless films and television shows, including “The Last Emperor,” “The Revenant,” and “Black Mirror.” He has also released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Alva Noto.

Throughout his career, Sakamoto has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with music, blending different styles and genres to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmentalism and political activism, using his platform to raise awareness about important issues and to inspire change.

In short, Ryuichi Sakamoto is a true icon of the music world, and his contributions to the art form are immeasurable. His work continues to inspire and move audiences around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

Feature Friday with Josh Nelson

Feature Friday with Josh Nelson

I don’t know about you, but this week seems to have gone by very slowly. The constant weather changes can really put my body in a funk, but alas, it is finally Friday! We made it! It is finally the end of the week, and hopefully, the sun is shining, and the rain will go away. But even if dark clouds come your way, don’t worry, we have something that’ll brighten you weekend … a Feature Friday with pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson!

But first, a little more about Josh. Born and raised in Southern California, he produced his first independent album at only age 19. And he didn’t stop there—he went on to produce seven more albums. One of his latest albums, The Sky Remains,blends narrative and music to tell a story about the city of LA. Nelson has also worked with many famous musicians, like legendary vocalist Natalie Cole, with whom he toured worldwide for six years.  

Now, time to learn some more about this talented and fascinating artist …

If you are not playing jazz, what is your favorite music to play?

I also enjoy playing R&B, classical, and Brazilian music.

If you were a song, which would you be and why?

Probably “The Age of Not Believing,” which is a Sherman Brothers song from the 1971 Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. It’s a classic song to me—wonderful melody, lyric and harmony!

Do you have a favorite place to vacation?

Palm Springs, California!

Who is your dream collaboration (living or legend)?

With visionary Herbie Hancock; he inspires me so much. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

You can always make more money, but you can’t get the time back, so use that wisely! 

 

Interview with Alan Rhody

“The tunes for Night is Alive’s newest album “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be” were selected with the hope of bringing new meaning to a genre of music that is so near and dear to many. A mixture of classic favorites and modern hits, this album includes nine tracks of vibrant holiday music. Diving into the stories behind the songs, Night is Alive presents an exclusive interview with Alan Rhody, co-composer of the tune “Christmas to Christmas”.

Multi-award-winning songwriter and touring solo artist Alan Rhody has written countless songs and released multiple albums over his notable career. He has made dozens of network appearances in the US and Canada and written songs that have been career-changing hits for artists who are now household names.

“Christmas to Christmas” was penned in 1985 by Rhody and hit songwriter, Ron Hellard. The duo has written about a dozen songs together and remain very good friends, still co-writing occasionally. American country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood first recorded the tune and used it for the title of his Christmas album and television special.

“I was very excited and pleased when Night is Alive chose this song,” said Rhody. He has often wondered why the tune hasn’t been recorded by more artists in genres other than country, since he doesn’t consider it a ‘typical’ country song and the intro is set for jazz.

Sony had the publishing rights at the outset, with Rhody reclaiming his half of the song in 2017 retaining SonyATV to administrate, which Rhody believes is a good partnership. 

“I’m hoping more artists will continue to record the song,” mused Rhody. In fact, Night is Alive is the fourth, with soulful vocalist Andromeda Turre. The other artists thus far include Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker and Toby Keith. 

As far as his writing process? Rhody said it was Ron Hellard who brought the title idea to their session that hot summer day they created “Christmas To Christmas” in Rhody’s kitchen. Once he and Hellard finished the chorus, they “knew they had a winner.” He also feels it is one of their very best collaborations.

“It’s very personal when I write songs of this nature. whether alone or with a co-writer.” He said his wife Kathy’s presence is always there inside, with those.

So what did Christmas look like for Alan Rhody this year? It was a small gathering, just their two daughters and two grandsons, who all live in Nashville. Their son and his family live in New York City. Rhody and his family have lived in Nashville since the fall of 1977. 

You can hear Night is Alive’s version of “Christmas to Christmas” on “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be”: www.nightisalive.com/christmas-aint-like-it-use-to-be

Interested in learning more? Sometime in early 2022, Alan Rhody will join the Daily Dose podcast, posted regularly 

on Night is Alive’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yE-rSEiOYWEnIC9F6VXIw