Jazz In Brief

News, Jason Moran, Joshua Redman, Joe Bonamassa

By DownBeat I Jun. 10, 2020

Jason Moran extends his connection to gallery spaces at the Armstrong Center in Corona, Queens.
(Photo: Clay Patrick McBride)

Armstrong House: Pianist Jason Moran is set to curate Here To Stay, a permanent exhibit at the Armstrong Center, an extension of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Corona, Queens. The new building, across the street from the original museum, is set to open next year with the show, focusing on the trumpeter’s work with other performers, as well as his relationship with Lucille, his wife. “Pops is a game changer on and off of his trumpet,” Moran said in a press release.

Jazz Ed: Essentially Ellington, Jazz At Lincoln Center’s high-school band competition founded in 1995, is taking place online this year. Interactive events—alumni performances, performer discussions, masterclasses and student performances—began Monday and run through Friday.

Chicago Fest: The Chicago Jazz Festival won’t take place as planned in 2020. Instead, a series of performances will be hosted at area venues with a limited number of attendees and broadcast online, according to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which plans the fest each year.

Redman Returns: Saxophonist Joshua Redman reconvened an iteration of his namesake quartet that hasn’t recorded together since the 1994 CD MoodSwing. His new album, RoundAgain, which features pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, is set for release July 10 on Nonesuch. Redman also recently was appointed artistic director for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Roots, Jazz and American Music program.

Blues Blessing: Guitarist Joe Bonamassa has initiated the Fueling Musicians Program, aiming to raise $250,000 for performers who have been set adrift amid the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative so far has received donations from Gibson Brands, Reverb and Peter Frampton.

Satchmo Award: Arbors Records owner Rachel Domber and her late husband, Matthew, were honored March 12 with the Satchmo Award at a Jazz Club of Sarasota event during the Sarasota Jazz Festival. The award was created “to honor those who have made a unique and enduring contribution to the living history of jazz,” said Ed Linehan, president of the club and managing director of the festival. “I can’t think of anyone who fits that definition better.” DB