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| Kidd Jordan and Hamiet Bluiett saxophone improvisers at Music at the Mint Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the power of free improvisation presented by two legends of the art form; Sir Edward "Kidd" Jordan and Hamiet Bluiett on Thursday, April 30. The two kings of improvisers appropriately team up on International Jazz Day for a night to be remembered at the Old U.S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans for a 9:00 PM show at the Music at the Mint series. Kidd Jordan is acclaimed internationally as one of the true master improvisers still performing today. Indie Jazz aptly describes Kidd Jordan as a "genteel man" who is probably the single most under-documented jazz musician of his generation, a fact that is even more remarkable when you consider that he is also one of the busiest musicians in the world. Jordan was recognized as a jazz maverick as far back in the 1940s intent on exploring jazz rooted music's outer reaches. In recognition of his great musical achievements, knighthood was bestowed on him by the Republic of France where he holds the title Chevalier des Artes et Lettres. This virtuoso unselfishly shared his gift of and passion for music for more than 50 years, 36 of which he spent at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) until he retired in 2006 as head of the jazz studies program. Indie Jazz aptly describes Mr. Jordan as a "genteel man" who is "probably the single most under-documented jazz musician of his generation, a fact that is even more remarkable when you consider that he is also one of the busiest musicians in the world." Hamiet Bluiett was born in Lovejoy, Illinois just north of East St. Louis. He moved to New York in 1969 where he was a member of The Charles Mingus Quintet and the Sam Rivers large ensemble. Hamiet was a founding member of The World Saxophone Quartet, perhaps the most celebrated saxophone ensemble in the history of jazz. "The most prominent baritone saxophonist of his generation, Hamiet Bluiett combines a blunt, modestly inflected attack with a fleet, aggressive technique, and (maybe most importantly) a uniform hugeness of sound that extends from his horn's lowest reaches to far beyond what is usually its highest register. Probably no other baritonist has played so high, with so much control; Bluiett's range travels upward into an area usually reserved for the soprano or even sopranino. His technical mastery aside, Bluiett's solo voice is unlikely to be confused with any other. Enamored with the blues, brusque and awkwardly swinging, in his high-energy playing Bluiett makes a virtue out of tactlessness; on ballads he assumes a considerably more lush, romantic guise. Like his longtime collaborator, tenor saxophonist David Murray, Bluiett incorporates a great deal of conventional bebop into his free playing. In truth, Bluiett's music is not free jazz at all, but rather a plain-spoken extension of the mainstream tradition..." (Chris Kelsey) This special presentation is hosted by the New Orleans Arts and Cultural Host Committee, presenters of the Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp. The Jazz Camp Alumni and Faculty band will open the show. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. write your comments about the article :: © 2015 Jazz News :: home page |