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| Dee Dee Bridgewater Performs with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble The Chicago Jazz Ensemble and Artistic Director Jon Faddis continue the Eighth American Heritage Series at the Harris Theater on Friday, December 15, in concert with special guest vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. An award-winning vocalist, actress and radio host, Bridgewater is known the world over as a vibrant storyteller and as the captivating host of National Public Radio's JazzSet. Making her debut with the CJE, she first performed with Faddis in 1971 when they were members of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band (now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra). They also performed together at Chicago's Symphony Center in the fall of 2004. Featuring holiday favorites, jazz standards and original tunes, the evening is sure to be full of surprises when these two old friends get together. Bridgewater ranks among an elite group of artists. Few entertainers have been rewarded with Broadway's coveted Tony Award (Best Featured Actress in a Musical for "The Wiz"); nominated for the London theater's West End equivalent, the Laurence Olivier Award (Best Actress in a Musical for "Lady Day"); won two Grammy Awards (1998's Best Jazz Vocal Performance and Best Arrangement Accompanying a Vocal for "Cottontail" and "Dear Ella "); and France's 1998 top honor Victoire de la Musique (Best Jazz Vocal Album). She made her New York debut in 1970 as the lead vocalist with Jones and Lewis and later made her mark in concerts and on recordings with jazz giants including Sonny Rollins, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Max Roach and Roland Kirk. She also gained rich experiences with Norman Connors, Stanley Clarke and Frank Foster's "Loud Minority." In 1974, she jumped at the chance to act and sing on Broadway where her voice, beauty and stage presence won her great success. This began a long line of awards and accolades as well as opportunities to work in Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris and London. Taking over the reigns of JazzSet from Branford Marsalis, Dee Dee continues to bring her message to listeners while presenting today's best jazz artists in performance on stages around the world. The Chicago Jazz Ensemble is recognized internationally as one of America's leading jazz ensembles. Founded in 1965 by distinguished composer and conductor William Russo, and currently led by trumpeter Jon Faddis, the CJE remains dedicated to preserving the innovative tradition of American jazz music, performing and reinterpreting the classics of big-band repertoire, while promoting the continuing evolution of the art form by regularly performing and commissioning contemporary works. As a professional jazz ensemble in residence at Columbia College Chicago, the CJE is equally committed to education, building new audiences and fostering the next generation of American talent by training and mentoring young musicians. The 2006/2007 season marks the CJE's 41st Anniversary and third year with Jon Faddis as Artistic Director. Faddis draws on more than 30 years experience in performing with superb big bands and leaders, including Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra) and Gil Evans. Faddis served as music director for Dizzy Gillespie's GrammyTM-award winning United Nation Orchestra, for Dizzy Gillespie's 70th Birthday Big Band, and, after his mentor's passing, Faddis led the Dizzy Gillespie All-Stars Big Band. Renowned for his leadership of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Faddis conducted more than 40 concerts in 10 years at Carnegie Hall, featuring over 135 musicians and 70 guest artists. Faddis is reaping great audience and critical acclaim with his new album, Teranga, which was released on Koch Records in June. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |