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| 10 American Bands Selected To Tour The World Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced today the 10 ensembles who will tour with The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program in 2010. American music groups from across the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip hop and other American roots music - blues, bluegrass, Cajun, country, gospel and zydeco - applied for the opportunity to share their music with the world to promote cross-cultural understanding, with special emphasis on countries not often visited by American musicians. Selected for their artistic integrity, musical ability and educational skills, the finalist bands are: • Charlie Porter Quartet • Chen Lo and the Liberation Family • Johnny Rodgers Band • Little Joe McLerran Quartet • Mark Sherman-Tim Horner Quartet • Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA • Oscar Williams and Perfected Praise • Paul Beaudry & Pathways • The Student Loan • Turning Pointe International tour activities will include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, collaborations with local musicians and media outreach. Over the past four seasons, 118 musicians from 31 ensembles have toured with the program, visiting 97 countries on five continents. Ensembles travel around the globe for approximately one month from March through December 2010. The program also incorporates free performances by each ensemble hosted in New York by Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and in Washington, D.C. presented by National Geographic Live! at the Grosvenor Auditorium. Maura M. Pally, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs: "Music has the power to bridge political, cultural, language and generational differences with audiences around the world. Through music we can celebrate both cultural diversity and common ground." Susan John, Director of Touring for Jazz at Lincoln Center: "The Rhythm Road tours continue the historic tradition of such musical alumni as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie and focus on diverse geographic audiences and the transcendent interaction born of music. The program's emphasis on both education and performance leads to powerful exchange for musicians and audiences alike." Charlie Porter Quartet: Trumpeter and composer Charlie Porter formed his Quartet in 2004 to shed new light on jazz standards as well as new original compositions, which are forward thinking yet steeped in tradition. The quartet has performed in numerous venues on the New York jazz scene, including Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola and The Jazz Gallery. In 2006, the Charlie Porter Quartet toured five countries in West Africa, including Sierra Leone, Togo, Côte D'Ivoire, Nigeria and Cameroon as part of The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. Chen Lo and the Liberation Family: Chen Lo and the Liberation Family is a unique phenomenon in the world of music. This dynamic artistic collective fuses the electronically produced elements of hip hop with the rudimentary, live elements of its forbearers (i.e. jazz, blues, soul). With decades of musical experience among them, Chen Lo and the Liberation Family create in the spirit of musical integrity with an uplifting message of empowerment, improvement and progressive change. Johnny Rodgers Band: Johnny Rodgers Band was formed in New York City in 2003 to bring musical depth to road-tested original songs. Rodgers united accomplished musicians with vast experience who had performed in styles ranging from pop to jazz and classic rock. Their music is a guided tour of Americana pop; exhibiting the piano driven energy of rock and roll blended with jazz sophistication. The band's chemistry and Rodgers's personable stage presence complete the formula that propels their dynamic performances. Little Joe McLerran Quartet: In February 2009, Little Joe McLerran won first place at the 25th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He has dedicated his life, since age eight, to the study of the American roots blues style known as piedmont. He has performed for years with his band, a collection of seasoned musicians drawn from the ranks of Tulsa's finest. For The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad, McLerran has enlisted award winning harmonica player David Berntson, his favorite drummer Ron McRorey and long time associate Robbie Mack on bass. Mark Sherman-Tim Horner Quartet: The Mark Sherman-Tim Horner Quartet has performed globally for the last five years, with numerous tours to Europe, the United States and Canada. The group members, each with strong teaching credentials, bring a deeply rooted post-bop jazz approach to a program of originals and standards which carry on the art form with a high level of invigorating musicianship. Their music is relentless, energetic, and brimming with incredible improvisations from this road tested band. Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA: Drummer Nasar Abadey and his band SUPERNOVA perform jazz in a multi-dimensional and multi-directional way: from the threshold of jazz to beyond space and time. SUPERNOVA exercises its artistic license to perform and explore jazz elements such as traditional African rhythms, bebop, fusion, Afro-Cuban, Afro Brazilian and free form. Oscar Williams and Perfected Praise: Oscar Williams Jr. and Perfected Praise is an award winning gospel ensemble who has traveled throughout the United States and abroad for the past 10 years. They have performed in the Vatican for the Pope, toured with international pop star 'Elisa, ' and performed with GRAMMY winner Jason Mraz. Oscar Williams and Perfected Praise is a committed group of individuals dedicated to bringing gospel and "Good News" to all. Paul Beaudry & Pathways: Paul Beaudry & Pathways performs original music, arrangements and some of their favorite tunes. Performing within the jazz genre, Pathways explores music that is fun yet both challenging and rhythmically driving. Audiences experience inspired scat singing and lively vocal exchanges, along with some great tunes. The Student Loan: With a sound that is both familiar and new, The Student Loan brings a fresh voice to the world of American folk music. This progressive bluegrass quartet incorporates elements of jazz, rock, jam, and classical styles, and strives to reach new heights through its original songwriting and unique playing styles. Turning Pointe: Hailing from Atlanta, Turning Pointe merges four talented, young artists with soulful voices and passion for music. This dynamic gospel quartet is comprised of Tamara Coleman, Sam Collier, Mark Patterson and Priestly Stephenson—together, they have embarked on the quest to change the world one song at a time, and to encourage and uplift audiences worldwide. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |