February Newsletter
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presenting at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) conference in New Orleans, LA. (Loudoun Jazz Society is a Society Chapter of JEN). I experienced a few things that created lasting impressions.
First, jazz is a part of the cultural fabric of New Orleans, as it should be throughout America. Every you go in New Orleans, such as hotel lounges, elegant restaurants, or the streets, jazz sets the mood. Second, young people take jazz VERY seriously in New Orleans. Picture this: 20 teenage and adult musicians on stage together, all playing their hearts out. Such is the glory of Ashlin Parker's Trumpet Mafia, who I saw at Snug Harbor. Lastly, the flavorful food of New Orleans is a great accompaniment for hot jazz and a metaphor for the fiery spirit of America.
You can experience some of the fire of that spirit in Loudoun County on February 9th at the "Battle of the Loudoun Big Bands" at Old Ox Brewery. It is going to be a night to remember, for sure. Get your tickets now to enjoy big band music from Swing Shift, Loudoun Jazz Ensemble, and Franklin Park Big Band. Tickets are going fast!
Finally, with Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras in February, the jazz calendar is quite full. Check out the new venues where you can see some of our favorite local musicians. Lastly, don't forget to scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter for a special message from our Vice-President, Rob Maletick about the NAMM convention he attended.
John Kocur
President, Loudoun Jazz Society
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Every January there is a very large music convention in Anaheim California called "The NAMM Show" (National Association of Music Merchants). This event typically attracts attendance numbers in the 100,000 range and focuses on serving the music retail industry. Manufacturers of all sorts of music items display their creations and buyers from the retail world attend and some make their entire year's worth of purchases during this show.
I attend this event to represent Antigua Winds as I am an endorsing artist for them. This usually requires performing in their booth and interfacing with other sax players to explain the instruments and why they are good for me.
There is usually a lot of time for me to network and visit other booths as well, and this year did not disappoint! This was the first full return to the regular convention schedule since the pandemic and it was obvious that manufacturers, retailers, and musicians alike were excited to be able to meet again. This year I was able to meet and talk with some of my musical heroes like pianist Greg Phillinganes (who had to take a call from David Gilmore while we were talking), bassist Leland Sklar, saxophonists Bob Mintzer, Mike Smith, and Gerald Albright...and I even had the blessing of crossing paths with Stevie Wonder. Console manufacturer, Harrison Audio even asked me to play on a demo recording for their new software ON THE SHOW FLOOR! I was both honored and blown away by the opportunity. I have included a photo of myself with one of our Loudoun Jazz bass gurus Kevin Johnson who also attended. It was a Loudoun Jazz Society meeting in California!
My takeaway this year was that jazz is very much alive and vibrant. Even listening to the gospel and rock demos around the convention floor had me noticing a lot of jazz elements in their playing. While visiting all the mouthpiece companies and saxophone manufacturers I realized almost 100% of their endorsed artists and in-booth demonstrations were jazz. While there were definitely a lot of what I call the "old guard" (those of use pushing 50 and up) in attendance, the obvious shift to a younger generation of artists was ever so present. I find that very encouraging for the future of jazz and the direction we have taken with the Loudoun Jazz Society. 2024 is a good year to be a jazz fan, musician, teacher etc...
Rob Maletick
Vice President, Loudoun Jazz Society
Voting Member, The Recording Academy
