Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Trumpeter, Educator Jim Rotondi Dies at 61
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
Jazz vocalist Allan Harris, who has recorded six jazz albums to date including The Music Of Duke Ellington, has recently completed the first 10 songs of his musical trilogy entitled Cross That River. The album features songs written by Harris that reflect on life as a slave, as well as songs that tell of joyful expressions of freedom and compassion. Through these songs listeners encounter a group of free African American characters during the 1850s.
Harris combines jazz and country, both genres that have greatly influenced him and his music, to create a musical work that attempts to answer questions about the African American experience in this country. In response to what the artist calls the “negative portrayal of our culture in America’s history,” Harris writes music that he hopes will be “a source of pride for all Americans.”
Cross That River will be available in February 2006 through ArtistShare, which allows artists to connect with their fan base during the artistic process. Harris has debuted the title song from the collection during “Jazz at the Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall” and will debut the complete work at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in March as part of Country Music Week.
For more information, go to www.allanharris.com.
Jim Rotondi was acclaimed for his wide, round trumpet tone, remarkable virtuosity and assured swing.
Jul 9, 2024 11:35 AM
Jim Rotondi, a renowned hard-bop trumpeter, composer and educator, died suddenly on July 7 at a hospital in France. He…
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