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| The Jim Cullum Jazz Band Debuts at IAJE Conference The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, best known for their work on Public Radio International's Riverwalk Jazz, takes center stage at the 33rd Annual IAJE Conference in New York City. Masters of the almost-lost art of collective improvisation, the ensemble featuring Cullum's cornet, is the first-ever traditional jazz group to headline for IAJE. Their high-energy performance blends traditional techniques with the band's distinctive approach to tunes by Jelly Roll Morton, W.C. Handy, Jimmy Noone and more. The band will perform Thursday, January 12th on the main stage at the Hilton Towers. This is the first time in its 33-year history that IAJE's conference has chosen to showcase a traditional jazz ensemble during a primetime slot. “The upcoming performance in New York is ground-breaking and long overdue, ” says former IAJE President, Shelton Berg. “Traditional jazz is at the core of the music, and should enjoy a much more prominent status in jazz education. The Jim Cullum Jazz Band is the most dedicated, authentic and swingin' group of its kind.” Bill McFarlin, Executive Director of IAJE notes: “The Jim Cullum Jazz Band is one of the nation's premiere jazz ensembles. They have a strong commitment to jazz history and exposing new audiences to the rich tradition of classic jazz. Jim is passionate about educating younger generations and is an important partner to the International Association for Jazz Education. If you have a chance to catch them live, don't miss it!” The IAJE performance celebrates the February release of The Jim Cullum Jazz Band's CD Chasin' the Blues from Riverwalk Jazz, Volume IX. Chasin' the Blues, The Jim Cullum Jazz Band's long-awaited CD release, features New Orleans vocalist Topsy Chapman, a member of the original Broadway cast of One Mo' Time, and Duke Heitger - perhaps best known for his trumpet work on the Squirrel Nut Zippers' million-selling “Hot.” Chasin the Blues captures the best blues-driven performances from the weekly public radio broadcast series Riverwalk Jazz. The recording mixes blues, Swing and collective improvisation to create the ultimate offering from America's celebrated classic jazz ensemble. The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, a 7-piece acoustic jazz ensemble, is recognized worldwide for its commitment to performing, promoting, and preserving classic jazz with authenticity and integrity. Together for over 40 years, with more than 45 recordings to its credit, the band stars on Riverwalk Jazz, the nationally-broadcast public radio series distributed by PRI, Public Radio International; and is also heard around the world via XM Satellite Radio. For more information visit www.riverwalk.org. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |