Roseanna Vitro Blog

February 12th, 2012 ... Grammy Announcement Day

2012-01-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

I must say that I have been swept up in all the excitement of being a Grammy Nominee this year. But, just like the Federal Government, I believe the NARAS Association needs some house cleaning and reform especially after last year's category cuts. I'm closely watching how NARAS is handling this controversy and I feel strongly there are enough honest members interested in a serious review of last years changes.

On a happier note, this past wednesday, NARAS threw parties on both coasts for Grammy Nominees. This was such a thrill for me to stand with Tierney Sutton, Kurt Elling and Karrin Allyson. I admire them all very much and I am honored to be part of the group. Terri Lynn Carrington could not be there (she is the 5th Vocal Jazz Nominee). Apparently Terri Lynn was allowed in the Vocal Jazz category because she had over 51 minutes of vocals on her album. I've always dug Terri Lynn and she certainly made a fine album.
I am looking forward to hitting the road on February 10th with all of my family in tow. My mother Ruby, her best friend Ann Cox, Sisters Debbie Vitro and Karen Penrod, Debbie's daughter, my niece Lily Smith, husband Paul, daughter Sarah, her boyfriend Dave Pagano, my charming-hair dresser to the stars - Jerry Lambert and his adorable Chef husband Scott Largent. Did I leave anyone out? Lol We're all staying at fabulous Double-Tree where we can hang and party and enjoy what I feel is a 'nod' from my peers.
I'm very grateful at this moment even though this is a difficult time for NARAS. I have faith that it's all gonna work out, that NARAS will re-instate categories that's disenfranchised great artists and whether I win a Grammy or applaud while someone else gets one, it's been an amazing couple of months. My heart is truly touched by all of my friends and well wishers who've posted kudos, called me, texted me and emailed congratulations. Thank you So much. I'm off into a Charlie Parker period for a minute, so you'll see and hear what that's about in April.

Christmas 2011 -

2011-12-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Christmas arrived early for me this year complete with a Grammy Nomination for the Best Vocal Jazz Recording for :The Music of Randy Newman, on the Motéma Music label.
After many years in the music business and doing what we all do in New York; work on our music - this has been a beautiful surprise for me. I'm in a group of nominees who've all been nominated before and one who already has a Grammy. I'm going to close my eyes and enjoy the ride in February when all of my family fly out to Hollywood and join in the big celebration.
I'm very grateful and I Thank everyone who has supported my music through the years and the great musicians who have played music with me.
Paul and Sarah and I will be in Dallas and Marco Island for the Holidays. See you for New Years at The DeerHead Inn..
Love Ro

Thanksgiving 2011 -

2011-11-28T20:24:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving we had a beautiful time with Sarah home, Paul and Jason Teborek joining us.
I feel very lucky to have a loving family, a roof over my head, a job, many friends and inspiration. On December 19th, Sarah and I will head to Texas to see sisters, Debbie, Karen, niece Lily, Gary & Craig and best of all- my mother Ruby who is up walking this year. Then Sarah and I meet Paul in Ft.Meyers, Florida and head to Mary's house, Paul's mom. Love to all my friends this Holiday Season...x Ro

2011 Grammy's-Youtube Madness - Fall in NY.

2011-10-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

On this sunday morning I am thinking of how much I love the fall season in New York. The leaves are changing to deep hues of red, bright gold and orange. The air is cool and crisp and once again it's time for carving pumpkins, for turkeys to hide and the 2011 Grammys. I've released 12 cds in my professional lifetime with the world's greatest musicians singing the hippest songs and arrangements supported by top jazz labels all recorded by Paul Wickliffe (one of the world's greatest recording engineers), website and advertisement designs by my daughter Sarah Wickliffe and advice and management by Jeffrey Levenson. How could I have been any luckier? My latest cd. "The Music of Randy Newman" , (which is up for nomination this year on Motéma Records) was a beautiful musical journey, great lyrics with stories I could believe it. Mark Soskin, great pianist and arranger for this project was Not submitted for of his arrangements on this project. I left the decisions of nominations up to our label which released many great projects this year. If I were lucky enough to be nominated in the Vocal Jazz category, I'll BUY Mark Soskin a ticket to fly out to Hollywood with me. Ms. Sara Caswell, virtuoso violinist on my project, is nominated for her solo on Mark's poignant arrangement of "In Germany Before the War". Sara truly deserves a nomination for her solo, work ethic and vast talent. Dean Johnson and Tim Horner (bassist & drummer) with me for so many concerts, recordings and travel around the world are the finest rhythm section pairing any musician can imagine. I love and respect these two friends with highest esteem and appreciation for their contributions to my music.
Today I was perusing Youtube, listening to new artists and I found a new posting with my latest cd cover, but the track was for " I Don't Need No Doctor" from my "Catchin' Some Ray's" recording on Telarc in 1997. I thought it was a very interesting that someone would post a tune with the wrong cover? Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1lkZ5AgOXE
Ps. Thank you to this blog for posting a new review of "Catchin' Some Rays" all of these years later. http://rfccbh.blogspot.com/2011/06/roseanna-vitro-catchin-some-rays-music.html
Now back to thinking about JVOICE (Vocal Jazz Site on Facebook) and what new project I'd like to grab a hold of. Practice- Practice - Practice -

San Diego - September 20th - The SavilleTheater - Review - The San Diego Reader by Robert Bush

2011-09-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

photo's : Michael Oletta

Jason Teborek
Zach BrockAkira Tana - Roseanna Vitro

San Diego Reader

http://www.sandiegoreader.com/

By Robert Bush | Posted September 22, 2011, 5:23 p.m.

KSDS Jazz 88 launched their fall concert series, Jazz Live, with a performance by Roseanna Vitro, who is touring in support of her latest recording on the Motema Music Label, The Music of Randy Newman.

Vitro was born in Arkansas and spent much of her early career in Houston. "Randy comes out of New Orleans, so I can relate to that sense of barbeque in his music," said the singer.

The arrangements on the Newman record were written by Vitro's regular pianist, Mark Soskin, who didn't just reharmonize everything and turn the idiosyncratic composer's cadences into swing — rather, he chose to adapt the material as close to its original spirit as possible.

Vitro, who now resides in New Jersey, brought pianist Jason Teborek and violinist Zach Brock to the West Coast, and, in San Francisco, enlisted veteran drummer Akira Tana for the San Diego gig. Ubiquitous local bassist Rob Thorsen completed the ensemble.

Vitro's strong, no-nonsense, pitch-perfect alto is a natural fit for the music of Randy Newman. She was able to interpret songs like "Sail Away" into a dynamic that didn't lose sight of Newman's sardonic wit and world-weary sense of irony.

The singer's massive jazz credentials never hijacked the spirit of Newman's music, and when she ventured outside that composer's catalog — her inerrant sense of swing and adventurous musicality served a welcome respite from the empty vocal gymnastics of the "American Idol" world we live in.

Special kudos go to Teborek, who handled the straight-eighth rhythmic flow of the Newman material with considerable grace. His solo's were essays in golden toned, fully formed ideas, reminiscent of Lyle Mays's early work with Pat Metheny.

Tana rocked the house with his everything-but-the-kitchen-sink drum solo on "Mama Told Me Not to Come", rearranged with a sultry, stealth dynamic. Thorsen's growling whole notes and joyous walking bass meshed well with the drummer's aesthetic, even though it was their first time playing together.

The principal melodic counterpoint was handled by the excellent, soulful violin of Brock, who nearly stole the show with his intricate lines and sumptuous glissandi, especially on "Sail Away" and "In Germany Before the War," where his attack took on the nature of a soprano saxophone.

Newman's winsome ballad in waltz time, "Losing You," featured a tricky ensemble arrangement that consumed most of the early rehearsal time I witnessed, but Vitro's unadorned, naked honesty made it a highlight moment worthy of all the effort.

Whether she was re-imagining the music of Randy Newman or swinging like nobody's business, Rosanne Vitro's Saville Theatre performance was a master class in pure musical expression.

Summer's Almost Gone- This was a good one-

2011-08-17T21:35:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in while. I've had a lovely summer, lots of family, cool vacation, lots of support and good vibes for my new cd. : The Music of Randy Newman. I want to 'Thank" everyone who gave my band and new cd. a serious listen, it was a true labor of love. Thanks to Randy Newman for your warm quote, Downbeat for the most stars I've ever received, JazzTimes, AllAboutJazz for the amazing feature this month, Ruth Price for your support and intro to the Bergman's, Jeff Levenson for all of your help and advice, Paul and Sarah for every hug, nod and rewrite, web design help and of course to Jana Herzen at Motema for believing in my project and being such a hip person to work with and for. The RNP Band- Mark Soskin (wow we did it Mark-), Sara Caswell (you are so special), Tim Horner and Dean Johnson- (I love you like we're married but brothers and sisters?!!ha)..As we head into September 1st's Webcast and Concert at Iridium, I'm pretty happy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7Vgi4y3a20 Ro

Vacation Antigua- after some great gigs with RNP-

2011-06-29T18:08:00.000-07:00

I had a beautiful little tour with my new RNP Band...The Motéma Music release: The Music of Randy Newman -we had a great gig June 13th at Dizzy's..Thank you to all my dear friends who turned out. I appreciate your support so much. I don't always do the predictable and so I appreciate those who appreciate that!...The Randy Newman Project is a blast musically. Those who don't know Randy's music are missing out. Yes, some lyrics are silly and fun and others are profound- you just have to listen.

I'm in the caribbean right now. I'll post NY. Denver and LA. photos soon.

Two Shows this week =The RNP Band -Denver - June 16th - Los Angeles - June 18th

2011-06-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Denver - Join us this thursday for our first concert in Colorado with The Randy Newman Project Band featuring: Roseanna Vitro, Mark Soskin, Sara Caswell, Dean Johnson and Tim Horner.

June 16th – The Mount Vernon Country Club Jazz Series (http://www.mountvernoncc.com/) Golden, CO. , 8 pm. One Show!- The Music of Randy Newman

Los Angeles

June 18th – Los Angeles -“The Jazz Bakery Moveable Feast” -The Musicians Institute -1655 N. Mc Cadden Place, Los Angeles, CA 90028: Info http://www.Jazzbakery.org $25. adults – $15. students with ID. 8 pm. 1 show! CD Release Party – LA! Roseanna, Mark, Sara, Tim and Dean – The RNP Band

Check out the latest reviews of “The Music of Randy Newman” in All About Jazz, The Jazz Page, All Music Guide, Metro Weekly, and PR Movie News!

First Review! The AllMusicGuide - **** - 4 stars - The Music of Randy Newman - Motéma Music

2011-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

The Music of Randy Newman

Roseanna Vitro

Artist

Roseanna Vitro

Album

The Music of Randy Newman

Rating

Release Date

May 10, 2011

Label

Motéma Music

Time

53:39

Genre

AMG Album ID

R 2158111

Review

by Ken Dryden

Vocalist Roseanna Vitro has had big ears when it comes to looking for material for her jazz record dates, investigating songwriters overlooked by others. This Randy Newman songbook is obviously a labor of love, interpreting the veteran composer's lyrics, whether sentimental or sardonic. Her band includes the seasoned rhythm team of pianist Mark Soskin (who also provided arrangements), bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Tim Horner, along with the promising young violinist Sara Caswell (who often adds a sublime touch). The rich-voiced alto's rendition of "Sail Away" showcases Caswell to good effect. Vitro has a lot of fun with Newman's hilarious description of attending a pot party in "Mama Told Me Not to Come," with Caswell's whimsical licks complementing the leader's playful, outgoing vocal. The singer captures the essence of Newman's sardonic "Baltimore," though she transforms it with a brisk setting, adding guitarist Steve Cardenas. Vitro's dramatic interpretation of "In Germany Before the War" is also a high point. Jazz fans who grew up listening to Randy Newman will be particularly interested in Roseanna Vitro's novel approach to his music.

Tracks

	Title	Composer	Time
1	Last Night I Had a Dream	Newman	4:55
2	Sail Away	Newman	5:48
3	If I Didn't Have You	Newman	6:16
4	Everytime It Rains	Newman	4:05
5	Baltimore	Newman	5:59
6	In Germany Before the War	Newman	4:35
7	Mama Told Me Not to Come	Newman	4:36
8	I Will Go Sailing No More	Newman	6:06
9	Feels Like Home	Newman	6:02
10	Losing You	Newman	5:17

Sarah Wickliffe- Animator - Fred Hersch presents: My Coma Dreams May 7th and 8th

2011-05-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

Sarah Wickliffe

This coming Saturday is the world premiere of a jazz/theater piece that my daughter, Sarah Wickliffe spent the last year animating and designing: Fred Hersch's "My Coma Dreams." Its going to be beautiful, trippy, and unlike anything you've ever seen. Paul and I are very proud of Sarah and for those of you who don't know her work, check out: http://www.wickpix.com Sarah is a painter, Oscar winning film maker, graphic artist, animator, cd designer and a fine writer too. This production will become a documentary and is scheduled to hit the road, so be on the look out for this amazing work.

Best Roseanna

MY COMA DREAMS, Fred Hersch with Michael Winther

Location: The Alexander Kasser Theatre, Montclair State University

Time: ‎8:00PM Saturday, May 7th & 8th (afternoon).

Bio Update - Roseanna Vitro - The Music of Randy Newman - Motéma release date: May 17th

2011-04-15T18:09:00.001-07:00

Thank you to Terri Hinte for organizing this information-

R O S E A N N A V I T R O

Biography

Today’s jazz singers don’t limit themselves to the classic American Songbook. The singer/songwriter era ushered in by rock ’n’ roll produced a treasure trove of tunes ripe for reinvention, and Roseanna Vitro uncovers a mother lode with The Music of Randy Newman.

Working closely with veteran pianist and longtime collaborator Mark Soskin, Vitro infuses Newman’s songs with her soul-deep feel for blues and gospel. The results are revelatory, insistently raising the question of why no jazz singer has previously tackled a Randy Newman project. Vitro credits the concept to her husband, sound engineer and producer Paul Wickliffe, an idea planted by her yearning version of Newman’s “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today” on her 2006 album Live at the Kennedy Center (Challenge).

“That’s one of the ballads I only present when people are really listening,” Vitro says. “What I love about Randy Newman is his ability to tell a story, and the fact that his music is Southern-flavored with a real taste of New Orleans. I’m from the South, and whether I’m singing swing, Ray Charles, or Bill Evans, I have an undercurrent of blues, country, and gospel that informs whatever I’m doing.”

The project is very much a collaboration with a brilliant cast of musicians, including Mark Soskin, whose long history with Sonny Rollins and his band goes back to the 1970s and who currently teaches at the Manhattan School of Music; rising violin star Sara Caswell, heard recently with Esperanza Spalding’s Chamber Music Society and Mark O’Connor’s American String Celebration; percussion ace Jamey Haddad, currently with Paul Simon’s band; guitarist Steve Cardenas, now touring with Ben Allison and Jenny Scheinman; and Vitro’s working rhythm section of bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Tim Horner, both featured on Live at the Kennedy Center with Roseanna. While The Music of Randy Newman might not register immediately as a jazz session, it’s an album that could have only been conceived and realized by artists powerfully connected to the jazz tradition.

Immersing herself in Newman’s vast catalog, Vitro used the same rigorous process in selecting material as on 1997’s Catchin’ Some Rays (Telarc) and 2001’s Conviction: Thoughts of Bill Evans (A Records), her acclaimed albums exploring the music of Charles and Evans, respectively. Whether interpreting Newman’s early hits or latter-day gems, Vitro and Soskin developed arrangements that flow from the contours of his incisive lyrics and the implied orchestrations of his piano playing. From the opening track, which infuses the almost psychedelic “Last Night I Had a Dream” with a propulsive Latin groove, to the closer, a wrenching “Losing You,” Vitro imbues each song with her highly personal narrative arc.

An artist who has never shied away from politics, Vitro is clearly drawn to Newman’s warts-and-all portraits of America. The Americana fiddle theme on “Sail Away,” which explores the tragedy of slavery, subtly comments on the nation’s founding sin, while the imploring strings on “Baltimore” heightens Newman’s tale of urban despair. Which isn’t to say that Vitro is only interested in Newman’s biting wit and caustic commentary. “If I Didn’t Have You,” the Academy Award–winning theme from the 2002 hit Monsters, Inc., ranks among the sweetest of buddy songs, a mood that Soskin captures by recasting it as an insinuating bossa nova. “I Will Go Sailing No More” from Toy Story is another highlight, a rueful ballad about aging gracefully and on one’s own terms.

In a career marked by one sensational creative swoop after another, Vitro is still soaring into new musical realms. In many ways, The Music of Randy Newman flows from her last album, Delirium Blues Project: Serve or Suffer (Half Note), a fascinating sojourn into vintage blues, jazz, funk, and rock ’n’ roll. Working closely with pianist Kenny Werner, a longtime creative partner, and a world-class cast of players, including saxophone master James Carter, trumpet great Randy Brecker, and bass virtuoso John Patitucci, Vitro turns into a power belter on numbers like the Esther Phillips vehicle “Cheater Man,” Mose Allison’s “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy,” and Tower of Power’s “What Is Hip?”

With its amalgam of musical influences, Delirium Blues Project gave her a chance to live out an early musical ambition. Growing up in Arkansas, Vitro was weaned on music. Her Italian-born father owned a nightclub in Hot Springs and loved opera, and her mother’s family sang gospel. (“You know Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? That’s my family’s music,” Vitro says.) She fell in love with singing as a child, and by the time she reached her teens in the mid-1960s she was determined to become a rock singer. Fleeing Texarkana for Houston, Tex., she started meeting musicians around the Gulf Coast scene through classified ads placed by rock combos seeking a singer.

On one of her early rock gigs, a bassist informed her that she seemed to have the makings of a jazz singer, and she started checking out Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson. Veteran crooner Ray Sullenger, who had performed with Paul Whiteman, took her under his wing, giving her career pointers and organizing a “coming out” party to introduce her to the Houston jazz community. The great Texas tenor saxophonist Arnett Cobb attended the event, and became another important mentor.

“He was such a great example of a blues-steeped player who swung so powerfully,” Vitro says. “I would go to the Third Ward and sit in and jam with Arnett all the time. He’d put on summer jazz workshops for kids, and I’d go trying to learn theory. Bob Morgan, who’s done such amazing work mentoring musicians like Jason Moran and Eric Harland at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, was my teacher at those summer jazz workshops.”

By the mid-1970s Vitro had become a mainstay on the Houston scene, leading a group called Roseanna with Strings and Things. A two-year engagement at the famed Green Room led to a weekly radio show (on KUHF-FM) and jams with the likes of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Eddie Gomez, Tommy Flanagan, and others. Soon she felt New York’s inexorable gravitational pull. She set off with her guitarist Scott Hardy and made the move to Manhattan, where Cobb regularly invited her to sit in when he played the Village Vanguard. He also appeared as a guest on her first disc, 1985’s Listen Here (Texas Rose), an auspicious debut with Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, and Ben Riley that’s yet to be reissued on CD.

Always looking to extend her skills and craft, Vitro studied bel canto with Gabore Carelli at the Manhattan School of Music, jazz singing with Ann Marie Moss, and later Hindustani classical music with Dhanashree Pandit Rae, Purvi Parikh, and Uday Bhawalker. She studied piano with Sid Bernstein and theory and concept with Kenny Werner and Fred Hersch, who both became Vitro’s key creative collaborators.

Hersch accompanied her on 1987’s A Quiet Place (Skyline), 1994’s Softly (Concord Jazz), and Conviction, all sessions displaying her expansive repertoire. Werner has played an essential role just about every other Vitro album, including 1991’s Reaching for the Moon (Chase Music Group), and her major label breakthrough with Telarc, 1996’s Passion Dance, which features the pianist’s lush arrangements and superlative improvisers such as Elvin Jones, Gary Bartz, Christian McBride, and Romero Lubambo. He also backs her on Catchin’ Some Rays, 2004’s Brazilian escape Tropical Postcards (A Records), and Live at the Kennedy Center. All of Vitro’s recordings are distinguished by her canny choice of songs. Rather than delivering the standards defined by Ella, Sarah, Carmen, and Billie, she’s honed a body of songs that are truly Roseanna.

That’s not to say she’s the first singer to explore Randy Newman’s music. His gimlet-eyed character studies bring to life a vast menagerie of American characters, and a spectrum of artists from Ray Charles and Etta James to Dusty Springfield and Peggy Lee has recorded his music. (As Vitro reveals in her liner notes, Newman wrote the orchestration for Lee’s 1969 hit “Is That All There Is?”). His knack for storytelling has made him Hollywood’s favorite tunesmith, a two-time Oscar winner whose music has played an essential role in more than a dozen hit films including The Natural, Meet the Parents, and the Toy Story trilogy.

The fact that Newman’s music is so well suited for movies should come as no surprise. Three of his uncles—nine-time Oscar winners Alfred Newman, Lionel Newman, and Emil Newman—were esteemed Hollywood composers, and today his nephew Joey Newman and cousins Thomas Montgomery Newman and David Newman are successful film and television composers. Spending his early years in New Orleans, he absorbed the city’s rhythms and cadences. It’s no coincidence that his song “Louisiana, 1927,” from his landmark 1974 album Good Old Boys, became an anthem for New Orleans in the wake of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. For Vitro, the combination of wit, sentiment, bruised cynicism, and open-hearted vulnerability made Newman’s songbook an irresistible draw.

“I felt so at home singing Newman’s songs,” Vitro says. “I could make three albums of his music. If you look at the American Songbook, most of that work was created for film and theater. He’s actually expanding the definition of the American Songbook. Some of the greatness has gone under the radar, because it’s being sung by a big wooly animal or created for an animated film.”

If Vitro is turning on the jazz world to a body of work it’s been overlooking, her efforts include her vaunted skills as an educator. A respected professor and symposium director since the mid-1990s, Vitro is the director of vocal jazz studies at New Jersey City University, a program that she founded in 1998. As a mentor to some of the most creative young singers on the scene, she developed a four-year curriculum spanning the history of jazz vocalists, from Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith to the greatest contemporary stylists, most of whom she interviewed about their approach and creative concepts. In 2009 she created the social networking site JVOICE (Jazz Vocalists Offering Instructional Curriculum for Education) for jazz singers, teachers, students, and others interested in technique and issues around jazz education.

“I love what I’ve learned in this business,” Vitro says. “I want to be a great teacher, work on my improvisation, and write substantial music. I love to interview other singers. I still love to perform, but I also love to teach. I want to spread jazz everywhere and fulfill the role I was put here for.” •

Roseanna Vitro: The Music of Randy Newman

(Motéma Music)

Street Date: May 17, 2011

www.roseannavitro.com

www.motema.com

www.RNP.RoseannaVitro.com

(Reverbnation page featuring the Randy Newman Project)

Follow Roseanna on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/RVitroJazz

JVOICE:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/JVOICE-Jazz-Vocalists-Offering-Instructional-Curriculum-for-Education/106379385885

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/roseannavitro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjRKCd_atlg

Media Contact:

Terri Hinte

510-234-8781

hudba@sbcglobal.net

The Music Of Randy Newman - Roseanna Vitro and the RNP Band - June 13th at Dizzy's

2011-04-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Motéma Records is proud to release on May 15th - Roseanna Vitro and The Music of Randy Newman. Join Us on June 13th- Monday at Dizzy's Club Cocoa Cola in Lincoln Center at 8 pm. and 10 pm. $20. Featuring : Mark Soskin, Sara Caswell, Roseanna Vitro, Tim Horner and Dean Johnson. http://www.motema.com/
To Hear sound clips: http://www.RNP.RoseannaVitro.com

The Randy Newman Project features the brilliant compositions of Randy Newman, re-imagined through the arrangements of pianist Mark Soskin. The music marries elements of jazz, blues, folk and country – a rich stew of influences illuminating Newman’s Americana. This group brings a high level of musicianship, improvisation and creativity to Newman’s inspired narratives - all defined and shaped by the vocal poignancy of Roseanna Vitro, a storyteller of great renown. Stellar violinist Sara Caswell - an emerging talent winning accolades - adds luster and musicality to the group sound. Rounding out the ensemble, guitarist Steve Cardenas, bassist Dean Johnson, drummer Tim Horner, and percussionist Jamey Haddad.

The End of the Celebration - but what a week

2011-03-06T11:46:00.001-08:00

Sarah Wickliffe and Paul Wickliffe- Love Yall! Ro

I sent invitations to everyone in the New York area that I care about to join me in celebration of a major birthday. This one was a real page turner for me and a wonderful time of reflection, an accounting of how I'd like to make use of my time in the next 10 years. I felt very loved by those who turned out to share some laughter and song on February 28th. Heartfelt- Thank you's to Paul and Sarah for all of your help in making it possible and to Lorraine Werner for making the best darned cake that I've ever eaten.

The

2011-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

A Big Birthday is coming-February 28th- A Party for Friends at Zeb's Place

2011-02-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

223 West 28th St. 2nd fl. - 212 695 8081 - Zeb's
dear friends - (if you have to ask if you're my friend, then we know the answer-uninvited -shall be escorted OUT) =
I don't celebrate many birthdays anymore, but I've got a Big One coming February 28th. I would like to celebrate my life and the love and wisdom that my friends have shared with me. I have asked the 'angel' of cake bakers Ms. Lorraine Schalamon to create one of her masterpieces and there will be a fine piano, bass and drums in the facility.
I've known some of you for over 30 years. If you are 'Free' please drop by and tell me 'how you're doing' these days? Life is short for some of our comrades and I am grateful to be alive and have the opportunity to grow and share life and music with my family and friends. (bring a food item or your choice of beverage)
Parking on the street is legal after 7pm.
Love - Roseanna
February 28th - 7:30 pm. to 1 am. - There will be a Birthday Celebration at Zeb's Place - 223 West 28th St. 2nd fl. - 212 695 8081

Jazz Singers Hang at Zeb's- (plus report on the JEN and Apap conventions!

2011-01-18T17:07:00.000-08:00

Zeb's Place -	Wednesday, January 26 · 8:00pm - 10:00pm (followed by Jazz Singers Jam!)
Phone - 212 695 8081 - This is a Hip Hang! Good PA. Fine Piano The Vibe is Right...
Location	Zeb's Place - http://www.zebulonsoundandlight.com/pics/JVW.htm 223 W 28th St. 2nd floor- New York, NY 10001

Roseanna Vitro Saul Rubin	Tim Horner Dean Johnson Jason Teborek

	Thoughts on the JEN Convention and the APAP Convention I applaud Lou Fischer and Mary Jo Papich for their hard work in creating the new Jazz Educational Network. (http://www.jazzednet.org/) The loss of the IAJE was a big loss for many jazz entrepreneurs, students and teachers. Not to mention how disillusioned we all were afterwards. This year was the second year of the new organization. Presenting JEN in New Orleans was a perfect choice. All the history and the vibe made this year a memorable experience for all that attended. Walking through the quarter and seeing tap dancers and hearing wailing blues made me feel at home. There were many great teachers and acts performing for the convention. (check out their website to get a full listing) I performed at Snug Harbor on the thursday night with Sachal, Cindy and Maria and we had a blast! I saw many of my favorite singers and instrumentalists. Next year the convention will be held in Louisville Apap - This convention has become the new booking mecca for presenters. The rooms at the New York Hilton were filled to capacity with great artists of all styles. I have recently signed with http://www.motema.com/ . I am thrilled to be a part of this musical family, led by Jana Herzen. This year I was lucky to perform in the Bridge Bar at the Hilton on sunday afternoon with my new Randy Newman Project band. We kicked butt- what a great band! (Sara Caswell, Mark Soskin, Dean Johnson and Matt Wilson sat in to keep Tim Horner's seat warm while he was on the road. Jana presented many great Motema artists over saturday and sunday. This was a great hang...My new cd. will be released in May- can't wait.

New Orleans Bound! January 6th - Snug Harbor - Four Great Singers- Jazz -

2011-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

JEN Convention ---If You Love jazz vocals - Don't miss thursday night! Snug Harbor - 2 shows! 4 great singers!
Roseanna Vitro - Sachal Vasandani - Maria Marquez
Cindy Scott-

January 6th Join us for an amazing night of jazz at New Orleans Premier Jazz Club
-Snug Harbor Show ( 626 Frenchmen Street New Orleans, LA (504) 949-0696)

-2 shows 8 pm. & 10 pm. Featuring!
with the Larry Sieberth Trio

“Highly respected vocalist/educator Roseanna Vitro’s art equates to untainted class. With jazz piano great Kenny Werner and a crack rhythm section blazing forth, Ms Vitro’s impeccable diction, depth and sensitivity strikes a distinct chord here.” (Live at the Kennedy Center cd.) E-Jazz.com Glen Astarita - 2006 Highly recommended

"Vasandani really has something new to bring and creates such intimacy in his phrasing"- Edge Publications- "there's no disputing the jazz credentials of the effervescent young vocalist...Sachal Vasandani New York Times

“Vocalist Cindy Scott strikes gold her first time out. Scott is a musical artist who delivers fables and stories and vignettes of life and love. But the young lady can also swing you into bad health. Highly recommended.” Roger Crane AllAboutJazz.com

Venezuela-born singer Maria Marquez is a local treasure. Her utterly evocative voice - clear, tender and unaffected - was spellbinding on Milton Nascimento's "Ponta de areia."

Don't miss this great show! January 6th
Snug Harbor - 8 pm. & 10 pm.
( 626 Frenchmen Street New Orleans, LA (504) 949-0696)

Happy New Year - a new Decade - 2011 -

2010-12-31T23:13:00.000-08:00

A New Year , a new decade - an age for serious life work. Every note must count now.
2011 - friends , family, music - - -

Thank you - Ruby, Paul, Sarah, Deb, Karen, Jeff, Barbara, Mary and my treasured friends for your love and support.

This will be a beautiful Year .

NJCU Jazz Singers Record at Charlestown Road Studio -Great Job!

2010-12-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Today four fine jazz singers recorded at Charlestown Rd. Studios. Paul Wickliffe is the chief engineer. Paul gave a fine tutorial to start the class, discussing mic techniques and issues such as 'not stopping' the band if a singer makes a mistake, just waiting and fixing it in an overdub. I was very proud of these singers today. They are a true inspiration to me; writing wonderful arrangements, taking charge of the music and the band with creativity, heart and soul.
Kristen Dziuba, Kari Vanderkloot, Moi', Rafaela Gurtler and Kyo Kim
Also pictured is my right hand pianist/partner; Jason Teborek, (behind me) , Pete McCullough bassist and Jon Difiore drummer.

November 13th & 14th - The Seattle Trip - Nich Anderson's World

2010-11-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

Nich Anderson - is nourishing and preserving the art of Jazz Singing in Seattle by creating 'House Concerts' - http://www.jazzvox.com (check out his series!) Thank you Nich!

The Carr's pictured in this photo
also offer up their gorgeous home
in Camano Island for concerts and delicious food. Thank you Patty and Andrew.
Roseanna Vitro and Mark Soskin - Duo!
Mark and I had a blast. We presented an afternoon workshop at Cornish College of Music and then headed to Camano Island to play for a lovely crowd at Patty's gorgeous house.

Saturday we had a workshop with the beauty's in the picture up top and that evening a full house at Nich's. A good time was had by all. You have to hit Nich's hang...

November 9th -Ark.Jazz Hall of Fame Show- Amina Claudine Meyers and Jerry Atkins Inducted 2010

2010-11-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

This was a wonderful event produced by Cece Rich and Dave Rodgers and James Thomson of the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame group in Little Rock, Arkansas. I nominated Jerry Atkins, who passed away last year. Jerry was a great 'jazz head', tenor player, jazz journalist and jazz dj in Texarkana, my home town. Amina Claudine Meyers was also inducted into the Hall of Fame for her talent. Anita hails from Blackwell, Arkansas and she sings like Roberta Flack with a little edge to her music. I liked her talent and personality very much and it was fantastic to hang out with her. I consider her a 'sister in the cause' of good music. We performed on November 9th with Joe Vick on bass, Tom Cox piano, Byron Atkins guitar (Jerry's son) and Dave Rodgers on drums and Barry McVinney on tenor. Shirley Chauvin also drove over from Hot Springs and sang a couple of songs (she was fantastic) and in the front of this picture is Bonnie Atkins, Jerry's wife. She was always by his side. Also in attendance was Scott Atkins and his wife Angie. I thank everyone who made this happen (Gloria and Albert too) Thanks to Dwayne Walden for making the drive to attend too. I can rest at peace now, knowing that my dear friend Jerry Atkins received some respect for the service he gave to the music that we love; jazz.

Listen! WBGO - Live with Michael Bourne November 21st 12 noon til 2 pm.

2010-11-10T20:51:00.001-08:00

Celebrating 25 Years on WBGO - Live Performances -...88.3 fm...join us on your radio!

November 21st. – WBGO Radio 88.3 fm-tune in 12 noon til 2 pm.- 25 years with Michael Bourne Show ‘Live Performances with Allen Farnham on piano, Roseanna Vitro, Bob Dorough, Carolyn Leonhart, Wayne Escoffery, Tom Lellis & Carol Fredette.

Heading to Seattle ! Concerts & Masterclasses -November 12th & 13th

2010-10-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am excited to announce two concerts and two masterclasses November 12th & 13th in the Seattle area. The great Mark Soskin and I will be performing as a duo in Nich Anderson's concert series. Nich is a great singer himself and supporter of vocal jazz artists around the world. To buy tickets and get information - please go to Nich's website:

http://www.jazzvox.com/ November 12th and 13th in the evening!

We will also be presenting two Masterclasses in the afternoons.
The first Workshop will be for Students of Cornish College of Music: November 12th (friday) at 12 noon in Poncho Concert Hall at: http://www.cornish.edu/

November 13th is open! Special Masterclass at Nich Anderson's condo- http://www.jazzvox.com/vitroworkshop/ This class will include a cd and work packet for each student to take home and practice with! All participants must email me to tell me what they want to work on and accomplish in this clinic. Please check the link for all information regarding this workshop. Looking forward!

Ro

Whirlwind Weekend; Jazz at Newport, Or. to the Monk Vocal Finals

2010-10-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

I performed October 1st. & 2nd. in a sweet festival in Newport, Oregon. Holly Hofmann sheperds this festival bringing in the smart choices of John Clayton, Bruce Foreman, Bennie Green, Houston Person, Todd Strait, Alvester Garnett, Bill Cunliffe, Mary Ann McSweeney, Randy Porter and Holly performs too. What a great cast of musicians performing in various groups and also giving panels and workshops. The concert is held in the Performing Arts Center and the audience are jazz fans from all over the country who fly in to hang out for three days in this beautiful spot.
Thank you Holly!

Then I headed to the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal finals. I had been a preliminary judge along with Peter Eldridge and Alan Harris. We listened to 237 singers and chose 12 amazing singers from all over the world. Sunday at the American Indian Museum, I had the opportunity to finally see the people whose voices were merely a number when we first heard them. They were all fantastic! What an inspiring time it is for jazz singers. I'll write a full report, but for now you can go to:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/ablogsupreme/2010/10/05/130344927/cecile-mclorin-salvant-vocalist-wins-thelonious-monk-jazz-competition

It's nice to be back in my bed.

Bob Bowen-Bassist -His Memorial is September 27th -Information below!

2010-09-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

Remembering Bob Bowen- Great Spirit/Bassist

Bob Bowen played bass with me for many years in many different bands and situations. I met Bob at Cleopatra's Needle one night and he told me that he was a total fan of mine and that he would love to play with me, no matter what the money scene was?! I asked him to 'sit in' so I could hear him play-he was great. Bob's - Spirit, Passion and Musicianship blew me away. Bob knew all of my arrangements from my recordings and I could always count on hearing a hardy "Yeah!" behind me when I was singing. When I had an opportunity in 1999 to play the JazzYatra in Bombay, India, I could have taken any bassist with me because I received a grant from Arts International to bring a real upright bassist. Bob Bowen is who I brought with me. That was a trip that neither one of us would Ever forget. Bob wrote a blog about it. The Gully Trail, I think was the title of his blog which described the unbelievable sights, sounds and smells that Bob experienced in Mumbai. Last year, 2009 Bob was the bassist who toured with the JazzIam Band through South America for the Rhythm Road program. We ended our tour by playing the Estoril Festival in Portugal with Kenny Werner, Bob Bowen, Tim Horner and myself - there is a video posted on Youtube of "Freedom Jazz Dance" from that final concert together.
You don't come across many people like Bob Bowen in this life. His sense of family, his creativity, joy and most of all - spirit. Bob was alive at all costs and I really loved him and will miss him.

Kenny Werner releases an Amazing new cd. that you must hear! No Beginning, No End; Half Note Records

2010-09-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Roseanna Vitro Kenny Werner has released a masterpiece new project:; No Beginning, No End. This is dedicated to his beautiful daughter Katheryn-You have to hear it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxFYFvGGeyI

No Beginning No End, Kenny Werner

www.youtube.com

A presentation of Kenny Werner's new album, No Beginning No End. See it also at: www.nobeginningnoend.org. Follow the making of my documentary about Kenny and his family at: www.uncoveredheart-thefilm.com

Vitro/Werner go to Seoul, South Korea ! Sept. 8th & 9th

2010-08-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sepember 8th – Kenny Werner and Roseanna Vitro – www.olympushall.co.kr- 8 pm. Olympus tower B1, Samsung Dong 114-9, Kangnamgu, Seoul, Korea Our duo in Concert -plus special guests Martin Zenker on bass and Ben Ball on drums

I am very excited to announce our workshop at the Paekche Institute of Arts on September 9th. Big Thank you's to Hyejin Cho - the Jazz director and former star graduate student of mine from NJCU in Jersey City.
September 9th -Paekche Institute of Arts, Seoul, South Korea – Workshop Roseanna Vitro and Kenny Werner

Sound Files go to: http://www.reverbnation.com/roseannavitrokennywernerduo

August 19th - Jazz at Foxhollow - Woodbury, LI. Special Event!

2010-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

Rare Show on Long Island this Week!
Please stop by and hang out with us -

August 19th - 7 pm. til 11 pm. You can find me at The Foxhollow in Long Island - for directions please go to: http://www.thefoxhollow.com
I am really psyched to be singing with the great pianist and spirit: Ben Lepley. Ben is a creative and soulful pianist and he is also the priest that married Paul and I so many years ago. How's that for a reunion! Check him out: http://www.robertlepleymusic.com/

The FoxHollow
7725 Jerico Trnpke
Woodbury NY 11797

Monday-August 9th ! The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra - NYC Blue Note

2010-07-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Monday , August 9 th -
- Blue Note Jazz Club-
Sets 8 pm. and 10:30 pm.
$10. cover -
Grammy nominated; Pete McGuinness -
Arranger, Composer, Trombonist and Singer
Extraordinaire
Special Guest: Roseanna Vitro

( Pete and I are collaborating on a new Johnny Mandel project. I will be featured with Pete on
"Emily" and solo on "A Time for Love" )

More Photos from our Istanbul Concert !

2010-07-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dean Johnson, Ferit Odman, Ro, Onder Focan
Zuhal Focan (4th-p-Onder Focan, 7th-p-Ferit Odman, Ro, Mark Soskin
The Turkish girls - Ro & Sibel Kose, Zuhal (someone will soon help me with the names that I'm missing in these photos!
our concert
I am lucky that Zuhal and Onder Focan from the Nardis Club in Istanbul took some photos. I am anxiously awaiting the D Channel's interview and video from our concert.

June 30th Concert in Istanbul, Turkey

2010-07-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from a great two days in Istanbul. The Sheraton Atakoy (http://www.sheratonistanbulatakoy.com.tr/) is putting on a jazz festival this month. Bennie Golson and Ingrid Jensen among others have been featured. I was thrilled to bring Mark Soskin, Dean Johnson and Tim Horner for this gig. We did miss our girl, Sara Caswell (she was in concert elsewhere). I've got some pics of our concert. We would like to Thank: Onder & Zuhal Focan and Manifesto Productions for everything! We had a great show and a Lot of good Turkish food.

June 30th - Istanbul, Turkey - Concert!

2010-06-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

World Travelers and Jazz Lovers in Istanbul - Just Jazz Series of Istanbul Sheraton Atakoy Hotel” featuring ; Mark Soskin, Dean Johnson and Tim Horner http://www.sheratonistanbulatakoy.com.tr/ 10 pm. concert

Sail Away Video - New ! - The Randy Newman Project

2010-06-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aefRTToU5Yg

Our first video of the amazing Randy Newman composition: Sail Away.

The Randy Newman Project - Video and Group/ New Photo

2010-05-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 14th, 2010 - The Randy Newman Project band is Mark Soskin-piano, Dean Johnson-bass, Sara Caswell -violin, Tim Horner-drums and moi' -we met at the arts building located at NJPAC (The New Jersey Performing Arts Center). Special 'Thank you' to Jeff Griglak for allowing us to use the black box theatre at NJPAC's Arts Building to record our video. I have been teaching in the Wachovia Jazz for Teens Program for ten years and this is a performance theatre where the teachers and students perform and record.
Paul Wickliffe, great recording engineer, photographer and videographer agreed to make a video of three of our new Randy Newman tunes which are part of the new Randy Newman cd. project. (Paul@Skylinepro.com) I could not 'Thank' Paul enough for his help and unwavering support! I would also like to thank; Jeff Levenson, my manager and best friend for his support, shuttling musicians, 2nd camera men, Sokphalla, the make up artist, making coffee, running the sound board, wearing all hats that we could put on him and he neary' complained! Thank you!! We are nearing completion of the record that Mark Soskin and I have worked on for over a year. The Randy Newman Project is just about to officially lift off. Stay tuned for news of our release date, the label and a tour.

May 13th - NJCU Jazz Vocalists in Concert, Hosted by Roseanna Vitro

2010-05-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I have four fantastic students that I have been working with at New Jersey City University. Please join us at Cleopatra's Needle, Thursday May 13th at 7 pm., 8:30 pm. and 10 pm. As always we will be performing with an amazing group comprised of Mark Soskin (piano), Dean Johnson (bass) and Jon DiFiore (drums). Kristen Dziuba, Gabriella Gurtler, Vanessa Perea (graduating this semester!) and Kyo Kim. All beautiful and interesting singers. I will perform some tracks from the new, Randy Newman Project: Sail Away.
Please join us for this special night of music.
Cleopatra's Needle -Broadway between 91st. and 92nd. NYC . 212 769 6969

President Doris Leuthard snaps and scats; "Centerpiece" closing Jazzaar's 2010 Great American Songbook Concert

2010-04-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

As I sit and drink my coffee, finally relaxed at home, I can enjoy my triumph accomplishment at the 2010 Jazzaar American Songbook Concert featuring The Aargau Youth Orchestra, plus Buster Williams on bass, Corey Allen; piano, Danny Gottlieb; drumss, Steve Reid; trumpet, Mark Gross; alto, George Robert; clarinet. Fritz and Helen Renoud put together two fantastic concerts and this program is a study/workshop/concert experience for young musicians. I sang for the President of Aarau and she was snappin' and tappin' on my encore where eight hundred of the crowd scatted "Centerpiece" with me and call and answered '4's' scatting, plus great solo's with Buster & student Dave on bass, drummer/student Dave, Mark Gross' sax section and non-stop clapping - an unbelievable close to a great show. Kevin Fields - is a great conductor, Bob Freedman's charts were interesting and entertaining. I will write more soon about Fritz and Helen's incredible hospitatlity in the face of all of the musicians that were held up in Aarau because of the Volcanic Eruption! Many are still there, I am lucky to be home after a 4 day layover in Aarau. Thank you Fritz and Helen.

Jazzaar -2010 www.jazzaar.com - 3 days & Counting!

2010-04-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

We have three days to go before Saturday's concert. Here is a photo of our rehearsal with Kevin Fields as Maestro! He's excellent. The kids are fantastic, we've been coaching a rhythm section and each boy will play on certain songs with me; Yannick on piano, Dave and Dave on bass and drums. Buster Williams has been great on bass and as a hanging buddy. Danny Gottlieb and Corey Allen, the same - both great musicians and teachers. I'll print pics soon of my workshop with Annette Phillip, Sharmistha Chaterjee, Ujwal Nagar and Chayan Adhikari - wonderful Indian singers and we had a great workshp!

Jazzaar -2010 www.jazzaar.com - The Great American Songbook

2010-04-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Fritz and Helen Renold Present the most amazing program for young musicians to participate in. The Aargau Youth Pops Orchestra play: The Great American
Songbook, arranged by Bob Freedman – Roseanna Vitro, Vocalist –
Kevin Field, Conductor – http://www.jazzaar.com (April 11th – 17th – Jazzaar 2010 – Aarau, Switzerland...).
April 16th will be a special "Indian Night" featuring a host of great Indian singers and musicians. Check out the link: http://www.jazzaar.com

9:am. WBGO Interview!!! April 5th -New Jersey City University - Kevin Mahogany Featured with the NJCU Big Band, directed by Ed Joffe Also: Ms. Roseanna Vitro

2010-04-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

April 5th -please join us at 7:30 pm. at the Margaret Williams Theatre (http://www.njcu.edu/) 2039 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305 Tickets: $10. students and seniors; $15. adults

Here these two Together!

March 5th - Trumpets Jazz Club - The Randy Newman Project !

2010-03-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Roseanna Vitro vocals

Please join us tomorrow night at
March 5th !

www.trumpetsjazz.com 6 Depot Square Montclair, NJ.
(973) 744-2600 8:30 pm. & 10:30 pm.

The Randy Newman Project

Mark Soskin piano

Sara Caswell violin

Andy Eulau bass

Marko Marcinko drums

Jazz Stories - duets - Roseanna Vitro and Kenny Werner

2010-02-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

February 8th - My old friend Kenny Werner and I headed back out to Charlestown Studios in Clinton, NJ. to finish our duo record. We had a great time. Kenny is playing fantastic and I was more comfortable and felt free to be creative and express stories that have meaning for me. We covered some amazing music: The Midnight Waltz (Cedar Walton), Some Other Time, The Circle Game (Joni's), Sweet and Lovely. I'm touching up tracks now and hope to have this finished very soon.

The Grammy's, Vitello's & Cathy Segal Garcia's Workshop -

2010-02-02T17:38:00.000-08:00

Bill Cunliffe receiving his Grammy!

I'm just coolin' my heels back home in Jersey recovering from a whirlwind five days in LA. The infamous "Grammys" were sunday afternoon and night. There's always a conversation about the live broadcast and of course, 'who won' . In my category, Kurt Elling finally won a Grammy for his Coltrane/Hartman Tribute. This was Kurt's ninth nomination, so it's nice that he finally got one of these coveted prizes for all of his hard work. Bill Cunliffe, who played piano on my gig at Vitello's on Friday night (Jan.28th) won a Grammy also for a medley that he wrote on "West Side Story". Major congratulations for Bill. This was our first gig and it was really great to work with him.

Tom Warrington played bass at Vitello's. Tom and I played together on my first gigs in New York in 1978. It was cool to play with him again and dig how much he's progressed and appreciate his level of professionalism. Tom printed up his music, listened to the mp3's of the new Randy Newman charts and was ready to go. Man, did I appreciate that! Paul Kreibech was on drums and he was very swinging and a quick study. Steve Cardenas is teaching at Cal Arts this semester and was able to join us on guitar and he is an amazing musician - what a smokin' band I had for my first gig. Thanks guys.

I'm waiting for pictures from Cathy Segal Garcia of my workshop on sunday afternoon in Granada Hills. I'll post about that when Cathy sends the photos. It was a great workshop with eight wonderful singers.

January 29th - LA Gig - Vitello's and Jan. 31st. Workshop

2010-01-26T06:59:00.000-08:00

January 29th - Friday - http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com (check out the site for directions)
Sets 8 & 10 pm.

I am headed to Los Angeles for a rare visit, gig and workshop. Once I realized that the Grammy's were this week, I thought I would snoop around and see if I might find a place to sing and Judy Wexler was a mensch in her recommendations! Thank you Judy. I will be singing with the fine Bill Cunliffe on piano, Tom Warrington on bass, Paul Kreibech on drums and Steve Cardenas on guitar. This is a great Band! Please join me for this rare appearance on the West Coast.

L.A. Singers - Roseanna Vitro will present a workshop next sunday: January 31st. 12 noon til 3 pm. The Elements of Jazz Singing; singing with conviction and swing, improvising with lyrics, technique exercises for tone and safe blues singing, scatting 101 -http://www.cathysegalgarcia.com/teach_workshops.html
Come and jo...in me-Gaea Shell pianist will play with us. Location: Cathy Segal Garcias. http://www.RoseannaVitro.com

Singers check out my new site: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JVOICE-Jazz-Vocalists-Offering-Instructional-Curriculum-for-Education/106379385885

January 23rd. - Recording the second half of the Randy Newman Tribute

2010-01-16T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to report that 'The Randy Newman' Project had great shows for APAP Weekend! Thanks to
Mark Soskin, Sara Caswell, (Curtis Stewart for subbing for Sara at the Hilton Show), Tim Horner taking the drum chair (great job), Dean Johnson (everyone needs a Dean Johnson on bass) and Steve Cardenas on guitar, has been very cool to know musically - great job at the Bitter End show guys.
We are coming down the home stretch with this amazing music. Mark and Sara worked on the string parts thursday afternoon and I'm practicing hard and I can't wait for the finish this coming saturday.
Stay Tuned.

The Randy Newman Project will have it's first presentation January 9th / 10th -NYC - APAP Convention Headquarters and WinterJazzFest

2009-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

The Randy Newman Project is almost all recorded and we are delighted to present our group for the first time at the WinterJazzFest.com which presents the hippest jazz groups in New York City - we are thrilled to close the show at the BitterEnd Jan.9th.
http://www.winterjazzfest.com/ on January 9th -the closing show at 1:45 am. that's right! am. The BitterEnd, 145 Bleeker St. 212-673 7030.
The group will feature: Roseanna Vitro, Mark Soskin, Sara Caswell, Dean Johnson, Steve Cardenas, and Tim Horner.
&
The APAP Presenters Convention - January 10th -Sunday afternoon - 1 set @ 3:30 pm. The Harlem Suite, 4th Floor, Americas Hall 1, New York Hilton, 1334 Avenue of the Americas-212 586-7000.
**********************************
(Fantastic Poster - by Sarah Wickliffe)

Stay Tuned for updates - We finish recording on January 23rd. and then I head to Los Angeles for Grammy Week with a workshop on January 31st. for Cathy Segal Garcia and January 29th at Vitello's.

Tribute to Randy Newman Project is Shinin' -

2009-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

Jamey Haddad, Ro, Mark Soskin

I completed one half of my Randy Newman tribute in October. The music is sterling!...in hindsight, we are now adding guitar, by way of the great Steve Cardenas. We have recorded: Sail Away, Last Night I Had a Dream, In Germany Before the War, Feels Like Home and Baltimore. I am loving our new relationship with violinist extraordinaire, Sara Caswell and the addition of Jamey Haddad - who is family for us. I wish he lived closer, but his percussion magic is special. More Soon!!!

Sara Caswell

Mark Soskin and Dean Johnson

November 9th - Our first recording date! Kenny & Ro Recording

2009-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

We started the day at Charlestown Rd. studios at 1 pm. I came with my Tahini Chicken dish, freshly made at midnight the night before with Sarah Wickliffe's help - Thank you..Kenny loves this dish. Paul Wickliffe, my chief engineer and husband had the piano tuner on hold for the entire afternoon. I had ten songs in tow and was very excited about our musical prospects for this date. My manager and best friend, Jeff Levenson also made the date. Jeff is very supportive and encouraging, so it's always great to have him at a session. We started our session with a 1961 hit song that Vince Guiraldi composed: Cast Your Fate to the Wind. I was playing thru this tune by chance at my piano last week and fell in love with the melody and the message. We may call this new cd. "Cast Your Fate to the Wind." I think we got a lovely take of this song. Then on to Clare Fischer's amazing compostion: Pensativa. Clare also wrote the lyrics and they are about a Pensive lady. I've wanted to sing this amazing melody for years and it's not easy, but absolutely beautiful. Other tunes that we recorded are : Feelin' Good, Upside Down (Flor de lis), Remember, Old Devil Moon, Kiss (a David Budway composition), A Day in the Life of a Fool, Laughing at Life and Soul Eyes. That's all I can remember right now, but it was a beautiful day of music. We're planning one more session on December 4th and I can't wait to finish this little project with my old friend.

New Project baking - Kenny Werner & Roseanna Vitro Duo Recording

2009-09-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Fall in New York is so beautiful. The air is cool and crisp and the leaves are starting to turn from green to red and gold. Kenny Werner and I have recorded six fine cds together and have actually played together since 1979 ! wow...a life of learning and growing, changing and evolving with love for each others familys and a dedication to creative music. Kenny and I will embark on an intimate duo recording October 2009. I have some very special music planned. Stay tuned!

Roseanna Vitro & Mark Soskin recording a tribute to Randy Newman

2009-08-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Jeff Levenson
New Project is born - pianist Mark Soskin, Roseanna and Jeff Levenson-Half Note Records

Mark Soskin - pianist extraordinaire has written some amazing arrangements of Randy Newman compositions. I have contributed to these arrangements and Marks work is fantastic. We are meeting wed. to run down this new music with a new group. I'm looking for a violinist - surprises to come!

JazzIam moving in different directions

2009-08-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

The JazzIam band in Montevideo-
On this posting I'd like to list JazzIam's webpages for any and all fans who would like to keep up with each one of us individually, as we work with different groups and continue to create good music and explore. Hopefully this wonderful group will be together again soon, but until then -
you can find:
Tim Horner at http://timhornermusic.com/
Bob Bowen on Facebook under Robert Emmett Bowen III
Joel Holmes has a Facebook page and website: http://www.joelholmes.com /
and moi' at http://www.RoseannaVitro.com

Looking back on South America

2009-07-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Javeriana University Radio Interview-Bogota, Colombia
Tim Horner, Ro and Joel Holmes
I have been receiving and finding photo's from our tour and I have decided to post a handful of these special moments.
Bob Bowen was featured in the Quito, Ecuador news regarding our wonderful workshops that we presented for Kevin Skillin.

The Arte Bar in Asuncion, Paraguay was a blast and we hung out with great musicians.

My last gig in Santiago, Chile for Father's Day

The Montreal Jazz Festival - 30 years - young

2009-07-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Ben Harper closing the Montreal Jazz Festival -

I decided to fly up to Montreal to experience for the first time one of the biggest Jazz Festivals left in North America. Andre Menard is one of the original founders of this amazing festival. Michael Bourne (WBGO Personality and top Vocalists friend) was in rare form when we met at the press office this afternoon. I also saw Jeff Levenson (Half Note Records , The Blue Note Jazz Club, NYC.) and Mark Ruffin -main brain for XM Satellite Radio. I was lucky enough to receive a pass to slip in and out of various musical events. How I've missed attending this fantastic festival for half of my life, I don't know? There are venues that line several streets, stages everywhere, big concert halls, little clubs, etc.. several blocks filled with music. From the smallest venue to the largest venue the Montreal Festival consists of some of the greatest musicians you will find anywhere in the world.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

The JazzIam Band landed safely back in New York City. We're hitting' the ground running with new projects, gigs and recordings. I'll post as soon as we put together new concerts and tours together. I've decided to keep up this blog and document my projects and any news on Joel, Tim or Bob. We are headed to Lincoln Center on July 15Th for our official debriefing of the Rhythm Road Tour. I have many idea's regarding the program and ways we can all work together to make it more effective and efficient.
It's Great to be back in the U.S.A. ! The fireworks and family were fantastic yesterday.

Estoril Summer Jazz Festival, 2009 - June 27th

2009-06-30T10:33:00.001-07:00

photo's by joaofrazao.estudio@gmail.com
The dinner with Paulo Gil, Carlos, Tim Horner and Ro

Estoril was a great experience. My friend Paulo Gil and I reconnecting.
joaofrazao.estudio@gmail.com -photo

The Estoril Jazz Festival has existed for over 35 years. Duarte' Mendonca is the Jazz Afficianado who loves jazz music and has put together great shows for all of these years. He is a delightful man who still has a twinkle in his eye. I loved meeting Duarte and having a chat with him. The bill was filled with great musicians; James Carter, Chick Corea, Christian McBride and more. Kenny Werner and I were billed together and my right and left arms: Tim Horner and Bob Bowen were on bass and drums. This was a cherry on our touring cake after this month, touring South America. I am still awaiting pictures of all of our workshops and concerts for a more complete look on our blog. Soon I should have photo's of Paulo Gil, my heart in Portugal. I love this man. He is a soul mate to me and to all good musicians in Lisbon and ports in the area of jazz. Paulo took Tim, Bob and myself out for jazz and great seafood on our arrival day. Langostino's, Squids, clams and fine Portugese wine - what a great hang, physically and spiritually. I feel very lucky to experience so many great musicians and see so many great sites this past month. I am more inspired than ever before. Thank you's to all who have made a difference for us on our musicial journey.

Club De Jazz DE STGO & Curico, Chile -

2009-06-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Chile. Thanks to Sandra Perroni and Michael Orlansky from the U.S. State Department (Jen and Carrie too) and Danielle Gilson from the Santiago Jazz Club, also Pepe the "Main Jazz Head" in Santiago (more on him later!) and of course Shana Bromberg and Billy Banks from Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Our gigs in Chile, the first was : Curico, we had a total blast in concert at the 50th Anniversary of the Binational Center.

Curico photo

This center is a meeting place for artists and talent and the walls were covered with incredible paintings. We had a two hour lunch and learned about the "Pisco" (a magical Chilean Brandy made in the fourth region). The audience was Great and we had a wonderful ovation and encore from a Very spirited crowd - Thank you!

Our next day work event was a workshop with the ProJazz School Big Band student musicians and four local singers, led by Danielle Gilson ( a fine singer and jazz support in Santiago). The workshops were great, instrumental and vocal. I am waiting for more photo's, but Armeniabar Ñuñoa took photo's of our concert at the Club - Thank you. Augustine, a great local sax player sat in with us. The regular soundman was gone, so our first set suffered bad sound for me and I sang "More Than You Know" without a microphone for my third song and actually got an amazing response from this sophisticated jazz audience. Jose' Hossiason was on the front row (Pepe). He is a world renown jazzhead, journalist, had a radio show, owns every jazz recording and book ever printed, besides the shows he bootlegged (he has photo's on his wall with Louis Armstrong, Basie, Ellington, Diz - on and on)...Wow..
Our second set found us with good sound and Billy Banks back on the PA. Thanks Billy!!
Bob and Joel met and played with many great musicians in Santiago. I hope they will post about them.

Hello Santiago - Goodbye Quito

2009-06-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

Zazu Restaurant in Quito, Ecuador *****
Chef Alex - Amazing!

Beautiful Santiago

Today we left the lovely Le Parc Hotel in Quito at 6:45 am. Tim, Billy Banks and I had an incredible 'tasting dinner' at Zazu, where Chef Alexander Lau blew our minds and taste buds. Luis from the Embassy wanted us to eat at the best restaurant in Quito - thank you Alex for your artistry.

Our day was filled with two flights, another lay over in Lima, Peru and finally we landed in Santiago, Chile. We are on the home stretch! Michael Orlansky, the cultural affairs officer met us at the airport. In 2004, we worked with Michael in Macedonia, so this was a very nice reunion. We're off to Curico tomorrow for a full day, a two 1/2 hour drive and concert and drive back. The band is lucky to be staying in an Intercontinental Hotel for our last 5 days in the amazing city of Santiago. Stay tuned.

Quito, Ecuador - Workshop and Goodbye

2009-06-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Whole Gang in Quito: Kevin Skillin', Elizabeth Serrano, Pablo our soundman!, The JazzIam Band, Billy Banks
The Workshops in Quito

June 16th - we presented two workshops - one at 10:30 am. and one at 3:30 pm. Our workshops convened at a coffee house across the street from the concert hall. Pablo our soundman set up a little pa. system, electric piano, drums and we were set to go. These workshops were to be 'general -what is jazz? - workshops, but it didn't turn out that way. The room filled with musicians and singers. We played a couple of tunes and opened the discussion for questions. We received many great questions regarding leading a band, what to do if the leader won't let the sidemen solo on his original work?, what should a singer do when her accompanist doesn't listen to her? many great questions and my great band had helpful answers for these young musicians.

I'm waiting for the pictures to post! Until then, here are a few pics from Quito and what a beautiful old city it is.

The Concert in Quito

2009-06-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Teatro Nacional Sucre

I did not have my camera returned from the driver who drove us from Loja to Cuenca. My great photo's of the drive are gone. I am waiting for Embassy personnel and friends and band to give me photo's of the past two days.

We had a great concert at the Teatro Nacional Sucre Theatre on June 15th. This theatre is beautiful, red velvet chairs with balconies like Carnegie Hall. Thankfully we had Pablo the soundman for all of our gigs in Ecuador, which gave the band 'peace of mind' - good sound, a grand piano for Joel and a good mic sound for me, plus good drums for Tim.

A crowd of 400 turned out for our monday night concert. Heather Hodges, the Ambassador of Ecuador introduced us at the concert. The band and I hit the bandstand and played our hearts out. I discovered through questions with the audience that six jazz singers were in attendance. Cathy Elliot is a marvelous jazz singer from New York City who has been teaching vocal jazz in Quito for the past three years and she is growing a lovely crop of jazz singers in this area. I brought all of the singers up on stage at the end of my set and we had a scat fest! Big fun and we ended with one more standing "O" from a great audience.

Ecuador - Quito, Loja & Cuenca!

2009-06-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Saraguro ( I bought jewelry there today)
The Road to Quenca from Loja

I left my camera in the car that transported us for 4 hours today from Loja, Ecuador to Cuenca. I felt like I was in a National Geographics documentary. What a beautiful country this is.
We arrived in Quito at 9 pm. after traveling from Montevideo at 10 am. What a long travel day we had. Kevin Skillin from the U.S. Embassy met us at the airport. We were taken to Le Parc Hotel, which is an amazing hotel. Thanks to Kevin for setting us up in this beautiful hotel. Unfortunately the post had planned a 5:45 am departure for Loja. So we were off the next morning with barely 4 hours sleep, after eating and brushing our teeth. A sore throat/cold has been chasing me and these schedules are not good for a singer or anyone else really.
We blindly hit the airport and off we went to the southern tip of Ecuador. This country is absolutely gorgeous. We arrived in Loja with Elizabeth Serrano (a proud Ecuadoran from the Embassy) and off we drove to the Grand Victoria Hotel. This is an enchanting old hotel and we had a wonderful time with the people here. A great soundman - great concert, then off this morning to Quenca. It's been raining and the drive took longer than expected on the mountain roads. You have to see this country to believe it's beauty. When I get my camera back, I'll post pictures that I took of the drive. We had a lovely concert tonight at the Central Bank Museum. I am grateful that we have today off. On monday we fly to Quito for a big concert.

The Solis Theatre Master Class/ Goodbye Montevideo

2009-06-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we presented a Masterclass in an absolutely gorgeous building called the Solis Theatre. I think they are mainly a classical venue and opera singers perform there. The building is amazingly beautiful.
The Embassy Post staff: Nahir, Lucia and Blanketa copied 20 of my workshop packets and burned the 2 accompanying cd.'s - one vocal jazz history and one that works in tandem with the work packet. We performed three songs and then I took the singers to a separate room. There was over 25 singers in attendance and they were ready to sing and study. We had a Great master class. The instrumentalists taught from 5:30 pm. until almost 8 pm. This was a very rewarding workshop for all involved. Thank you's to the Embassy people who made this event happen.
Off to Ecuador in the morning at 8:30 am.

Concert at the Binational Center / Montevideo

2009-06-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

Our whole gang in Montevideo. Billy Banks from JALC in action on his first night in Montevideo. Welcome Billy. For more photos from Vince Alongi go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=117492&id=10527233063&l=4519f9fb47

Last night we performed at the Binational Center Theatre. This is a theatre which mostly presents plays. The seats are very close to the audience. Migel the sound man was very patient and Billy Banks from JALC arrived this morning and came along with us. Billy immediately got on the sound board. Billy has run tours, worked at WKCR, has his own company, participated with all of Wynton Marsalis's various tours and programs - a man of experience! Good news for us. As usual, Joel was on a small electric piano-oy. I can tell by his face how happy he is or isn't. We eventually got a good sound and the concert hall was packed with invitee's - Ambassadors from Costa Rica and various places. Singer Maria Noels was there ( I listened to her cd. today - very good). We had a great concert! The lights went out in the second song. I was singing a Kenny Rankin song, making a dedication to him, since he passed away last sunday - then Boom! out go the lights for the whole concert hall! You know my band: we just kept playing! Eventually the lights came back on - all white emergency lights. Then the mic chord went out - we had all kinds of events going on, but we never missed a beat. We did perform an encore and had a blast.

Colonia, Uruguay - Beautiful

2009-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

Colonia
The Uruguay Embassy Group (Robin Matthewman, Robert Zimmerman and wife,
Gloria & Sebastian, Tim , Jose', Christian, Nahir Lois, Blanketa & husband, Ro.

Yesterday we hit the road to Colonia. This is a little town, across the Rio de la Plata River. Buenos Aires is about 40 mins. of a boat ride, just across the river. Colonia is a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese lineage. They fought over this land and the 'ish' sound is prevalent in their double ' ll's'. The architecture is filled with Portuguese designs too. This is a lovely town and it was about a 2 hour drive from Montevideo. We started with a lovely lunch in the old town square and started calling the 'soundman' about 3 pm. mmmm Well...he did not arrive with sound equipment until about 5:30 pm. and the concert was to be at 7:00 pm. I waited in my room to receive the call for sound check? Zimmerman and I walked over about 6:30 pm. I knew something was up~! One soundman, an out of tune accoustic piano, a small electric piano, a left handed drum set for right handed Tim - m...am I leaving anything out! ...we had an opening act; Sebastian, Christian and Jose'. Sebastian is a Canadian who connected with Gloria from NYC. (a friend of Will Friedwall?) small world man. I could see the JazzIam was in for a challenge....the opening group sounded great for 20 mins. We hit 'without' a sound check and one lonley Pablo soundman, doing everything. I was ready; we hit...absolutely had a great concert! another "o" and an encore - bap! From the lemons came the sweet lemonade...ahhhh.

Montevideo/ The first day

2009-06-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

The drummers, the Great singer and the dancer (her birthday)

Hats off to Robert Zimmerman, public affairs officer in Montevideo - when we landed we were expedited through the airport/ passport control with total ease...Thank you so much for your help Robert! (hey, he's from Teaneck). We immediately felt at home in Uruguay. This is a peaceful country, which is a relief after the heavy security in Colombia. Tonight we went to, El Milongon, a local dinner theatre, which presented the history of Uruguay, dancers, music, Tango and many styles of singing from this region. The dancers were Hot and the drummers were great!

Taca Airlines/ going up and down South America

2009-06-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Taca Airways
Yesterday we waved good bye to our friends in Colombia. We have had an unusual zig zag up and down the continent of South America. Bogota is near the top and now we are near the bottom on the east coast side.
Our flight arrived at 4:15 am. to Montevideo, Uruguay. We changed planes in Lima, Peru again before boarding the second flight. On our early flight, which was dinner time in the U.S., we did not realize that it is lunch for South America, so we laughed when we saw what we thought was dinner. Tim is enjoying his dinner.

Goodbye Bogota -

2009-06-05T09:31:00.000-07:00

This was the workshop group at Juan Valdez, plus Clara Lopez (our jazz guru).
We are packing once again. JazzIam had a great concert last night to say farewell to the city of Bogota. We performed at Auditorio Jorge Tadeo Lozano to a rousing crowd. The band was on fire, the show was recorded. We drew a standing "O" and an encore. I brought up three of the college singers from Javeriana University for a little 'Blue Monk' blowing which was big fun.
We are headed to Uruguay today at 5 pm. We will arrive in Montevideo at 4:15 am.? On to a new adventure!

Manizales, Colombia

2009-06-03T11:10:00.001-07:00

Clara Lopez is the Jazz 'mom' in Manizales and is making big waves musically for the young musicians futures in jazz here in Manizales.
Clara, Roseanna and Marlene Saavedra.

We arrived yesterday morning to the discovery that Manizales is one of the most beautiful locations in Colombia. It is very San Francisco in it's terrain with deep hills and beautiful views.
We had an incredible concert last night in the beautiful Auditorio Universidad Nacional. They had to turn away 50 people. The audience was great and we had a jam with the local University students afterwards in the concert hall - big fun. Today is a day off - Laundry anyone?

Ambassador Brownfields Big Party

2009-06-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

Conductor of symphony

Monica Giraldo-Grammy Nom artist - Bob,Tim, Ro, Ambassador Brownfield, musician

Tonight we were presented by Ambassador Brownfield. The Ambassador has an amazing, palacial home fit for a king. On his wall are great black and white photo's of 'Lubbock' Texas. He is another Southern escapee. About 150 important writers, artists, musicians, gallery owners, just a great audience of interesting people were there to perform to and converse with. We started the evening with an interview with a National Newspaper, ElEspectador with journalist Juan Piedrahita. Then on to the bandstand outside. The Ambassador gave a great opening speech and then JazzIam blasted off into a great set of music. We finished and were greeted with cheers for an encore and of course we joyously obliged. Joel, Bob and Tim are sounding fantastic. We're all working on our Spanish. Tomorrow morning we're off to Manizales, which is supposed to be lovely.

Radio Interview on thursday at 2 pm. from Bogota!

2009-06-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Radio, Javeriana University - Rad Javeriana io 91.9 FM We headed to the Javeriana Conservatory for an interview which will be played on the internet, June 4th at 2 pm. (we're an hour earlier than NYC here). Go to www.javerianaestereo.com

Batua School Workshop at Ambassador Brownfields

(Claudia-our interpreter and also a lovely singer)
Today was the most beautiful day imaginable here in Bogota. We headed out at 8:30 am. for our security briefing at the U.S. Embassy. Security here is like nothing I have ever seen or experienced. This is a large Embassy with about 4000 employees and if you really need help, they give you a number for the Marines!

Then we had a classic Colombian lunch, with beautiful local soups, shrimps and avocados.

Off to Ambassador Brownfields residence for a workshop with 50 classical students from Batuta school. These kids were all classical musicians. We had another great workshop, four high school singers sat in and scat sang with me and then three of Javeriana's vocal jazz students got up and sang "Autumn Leaves" and scatted very well. Tim has been asked to give a special drum clinic when we come back from Mantizales on thursday. Teaching the kids about jazz and hearing them get it, is the best part of my gig.

The Road to Bogota`

2009-05-31T21:18:00.000-07:00

No musician ever said the 'Road' is easy. This morning we had to leave for the airport at 4:30 am. and I haven't slept yet! We passed through the Lima, Peru airport and I had hoped that I might see my friends Kenny and Lorraine Werner, coming home from their vacation in Peru. Kenny emailed me that he would be there at 4:30 pm. today and we left at 1pm. darn...it almost happened!

Bogota` is a huge city and we are anxious to see some of this amazing country. Tomorrow we will present a workshop and a concert at the Ambassador's residence. Time to rest.

Hotel Bertea, Coronel Oviedo,Paraguay

2009-05-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

This was my pillow at Hotel Bertea.

Coronel Oviedo Festival

2009-05-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Coronel Oviedo Festival - The dancer who can dance with 10 bottles balanced on her head!!!
we played for the President, the Governor and the Mayor - all televised. An Army band played
an orchestra of children and beautiful dancers. They liked "One Mint Julep" -
Tim and Frederico - the Great Sound man in Paraguay!!!

Yo !!! RoHoJoBo

2009-05-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Have a good concert tonight & safe travels to Columbia.. Thanks for the reporting, keep having fun.. Jo

Kamastro Arte Bar Blow out!

2009-05-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sean McIntosh, Ro& Ricardo Espinosa
Assistant Public Affairs Officer & Cultural Affairs Specialist - U.S.Embassy-Asuncion, Paraguay

Last night our program began at the Kamastro Arte Bar at 10 pm. This club is a glitzy night club with two floors and a large bandstand with an electric piano. There's very cool art everywhere and some interesting sculptures floating in the air. We met the artist and I'll have to get his name when we go back to Asuncion.
James Russo, the Public Affairs officer and publicist for the post attended and brought his wife Audrey. James is a kingpin in the operations and is doing a great job.
We were told that the gig was 'loose' ! and that we could play as long or short as we wanted to. Many great musicians came out and we did 'blow out' - we absolutely had a blast musically. Guitarist Jose' Villamayor sat in on guitar with us (we met him at the jam session) and Totti Mosel, sat in on drums. Totti is the most famous drummer in Paraguay. This was big fun and the audience was great. We received another encore and standing 'O' from the crowd. The club owner was very gracious with his excellent fish dinner and fine wine - Thank You.

Master Class at Ruffinelli Music Conservatory

2009-05-29T13:48:00.000-07:00

Carolina Ortiz & Ro
Ruffinelli Conservatory

May 28th
We were lucky today to sleep in and have time to get our bearings. Tim and I made our way to the local supermarket to purchase some supplies. I finally found a $40. hair dryer and also purchased an iron that will work in the outlets here.
At 2:45 pm. we headed to Ruffinelli Music Conservatory, where the children have classes in music and in English. This was a general 'what is jazz' workshop. I did meet three singers, with whom I left my Vitro Vocal series cd.'s and workpackets. I met the daughter of the owner of the school Carolina Ortiz. We had great questions from a classical pianist, wondering 'how' to get into jazz? These school visits are very rewarding and the kids are great.

"El Contrebajo"

2009-05-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

Good to see Bob with a 'real' bass on the first concert.. Good start.. Go Jazziamers.. DJ

Asuncion, Paraguay

2009-05-28T10:04:00.001-07:00

Joel Holmes & Bob Bowen @ IMA
The audience and students at IMA
Ro with Carlos/interpreter

We arrived in Asuncion, greeted by Sean McIntosh, Public Affairs Officer. Sean would be our "go to guy." Sean spent some time in Washington, D.C. and he is a great guy and very helpful. My camera , so far, naturally is not downloading my pics into my new lap top, so I'm going to try to figure out what's happening. Our first day, we met Ambassador Ayalde at the Embassy. Asuncion is a lovely city with beautiful flowers and birds. The Embassy packed in a very full schedule. We performed a master class at IMA Agustin Barrios Conservatory - filled with kids, parents and a translator who plays jazz piano (Carlos). We explained what JAZZ is, played a couple of tunes and heard "David and Jessee" an alto player and his singing girlfriend. (both very good).
Then we were off to CCPA - Teatro de las America's concert hall. We had a great soundman and they had a Jam session prepared with local musicians when we arrived for after sound check... Thank you to all the young musicians who showed their great talent. We heard a young guitarist who tore up some Coltrane with my great band.
Then - 30 mins and right into the concert...I was already Fried beyond tired and all I could think of was : a shower! After quite a bit of grumbling at our dear Sean, I planned the set, composed myself...washed with a wet wipe...and off we went on stage! wow...
Fortunately, the crowd was fantastic. We had a GREAT concert!!! and a screaming standing ovation. Joel Holmes played like their was fire in his fingers...fantastic man and Bob Bowen brought his amazing spirit and musicianship. Tim Horner played his Tail off - and then some. I'm a lucky girl to have such great musicians.

Rhythm Road/ JazzIAm/Passing thru Sao Paul

2009-05-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

May 25th -The JazzIam band left JFK about 9:45 am and we were off to our big adventure in South America. We changed plans in Sao Paulo, Brazil where we looked out the window in the airport and imagined racing out of the airport to hang with Brazilians. We all love Brazilians and their music. So instead, we had a drink of Champagne in the airport and toasted ;how lucky we are.

2009-05-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

GO YOU "JAZZIAMBASSADORS"!!!!! HAVE FUN... DJ

Final Concert ; Bishkek

2009-05-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tahmina Ramazanov and Roseanna

The last concert finally came. We had a sound check in the afternoon, where we learned that famed folk musician Ruslan Jumabaev would play a couple of tunes with us in our concert. I love to play jazz with local musicians, everywhere we go. They speak jazz, so they don't need to speak English. Ruslan plays a 3 string Kyrg instrument called a: Komuz. Ruslan played "Fever and Terrestris" with us and the audience loved him. This concert was a television program and they had a couple of young groups who won composition contests. Vladimir was the announcer and he made a point of telling me that he is a major Kenny Werner fan. I'll tell Kenny...
After a very brief concert, we were wisked to a cocktail party for finger food and then taken to the airport and put on a plane for a 26 hour journey home. This was probably the quickest departure that I've ever had after a concert. We did enjoy all of the musicians that we met and all of the Embassy people..Thanks to everyone who made our visit so special. On to South America!

The Rain Storm show in Bishkek

2009-05-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

I'd like to Thank Michael Rosenthal and Kamila Kojokamtova for all of their help in Bishkek. Also Alita the translator. Michael and Kamila were very helpful, but they could not stop the rain storm for our big outdoor performance and cocktail party. The Jazz Festival in Bishkek is big. They brought in groups from Austria, Turkey and many areas. When we performed in this picture, the rain was pouring and the wind was blowing, but - we played as I watched rain pour into my monitor!

Bishkek Workshop

2009-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

I donot have any photos that the post has sent from this workshop in Bishkek - too bad, because we met with a staunch, classical music department of pianists. On our visit there was conversation in every school workshop regarding; Classical music versus Jazz music? I don' t think you should go without either one. Jazz is a language and creating new music off the top of your head within a chord structure is not easy. In our school workshop, we did not have a pa. system, good piano, or a drum set. Tim Horner played his cymbal, holding it in his hand! and Dean Johnson got a bass that was in pretty bad shape, and yet he made music on it. I sang accoustically and Joel played One more out of tune piano. The teacher was great, very hip lady. Old and young alike attended and one boy got up and played: Take Five. Another jazz soldier in the making -

The Journey to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

2009-05-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Our time in Almaty was too short. I would love to sightsee in the big beautiful city filled with many beautiful statues and interesting architecture. It was spring, so the flowers were blooming and the mountains surrounding were so beautiful. We were met by Gabrielle early in the morning and loaded into a van with a driver who did not speak English and told we were on our own for the four hour journey - naturally - I was concerned! At the border crossing, we met with guards , guns and wished that one of us spoke Russian. Fortunately, thanks to Mark Cameron, that policy is now changed and visitors will be escorted with someone who speaks Russian in the future..thanks Mark!

Almaty Workshop

2009-05-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

This workshop was great. Tim Horner taught his 'span a lang' and tempted all students to get out their metronomes and imagine the hits are on the 'and of 1' or

'and of 3' - Can you do that? Dean wowed them with his amazing soloing and Everyone - always loves Joel Holmes.

Almaty, Kazakhstan Concert

2009-05-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

On April 23rd. we caught an early morning flight to Almaty. This is when I met one of my favorite Embassy personnel, Leila Aitmukhanova. Leila is very soft spoken and patient, an important virtue. We also met the amazing Jazz torch organizer, Karla Makatova. Karla is a human tornado, she started the Jazz Festival and she is a force of nature. We checked into a lovely Hyatt and prepared for an afternoon sound check at the beautiful Palace of Youth Concert Hall. This was the best sound that I experienced on this tour. Mr. Zaripov, who runs the program at the school has a great jazz band (he is a trumpet player) and his daughter Valentina is a budding jazz singer. The school big band played an hour and half before our show and they were great. It is always inspiriing to hear other jazz soldiers around the world - we are family.
We played a beautiful set and Ambassador Hoagland was on the front row. He had flown in to announce us in this concert and we thank him so much. Later Gabrielle Guimond from the embassy accompanied us to a jazz club, jam session and we had a great time with her too.

The Concert, Opera and Ballet Theatre

2009-05-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

After a very long day, an excruciating sound check, the successful masterclass, it was finally time for our first concert. I must say that the crowd in Astana was our very favorite of our entire tour.
The theatre was overflowing, 500 people in a 350 seat theatre and they were ready to have a great time. Thank you Astana! I hope we can come back someday.

Master Class , The Music Academy in Astana

2009-05-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

April 22nd., we loaded up for an 11 am workshop at the Academy. There were many students, anxious and waiting and very knowledgeable. Our trio first played a couple of tunes and the voice teacher scatted with me. She was Great! Then the instrumentalists went to another room and I was left with a large group of fantastic singers. One of the great joys was getting to know Guldona, the Babushka (which is also a nickname for the Russian revolutionary Catherine Breshkovsky).
Guldona has made Jazz happen in the Conservatory. She frequents the U.S. bringing students and checking out her favorite jazz artists. I loved working with these singers and meeting Guldona.

Ambassador Hoagland hosts a dinner

2009-05-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

We could not sightsee too much, as the weather was cold and cloudy. The skyline of Astana is very modern with all sorts of unusual architecture. There's even a museum in the shape of a pyramid, where we found a poster of "JazzIam" advertising our concert on the wall.
We found true warmth later in the evening at a dinner hosted by Ambassador Hoagland. I don't have many pictures from this beautiful dinner because my camera was taken from me, since the Ambassador lives in the Embassy. I do have a couple of pictures of Tim and Joel that Zhanar just sent last night that I'll post soon. The dinner was beautiful and delicious and so was the conversation. The Ambassador is a gardener and he has excellent taste in art and cuisine. He invited four of the most talented students from our masterclass at the Conservatory. One young lady was a singer/television host (she later performed with a friend, in our concert, singing a local folk song; Kamazhai), also a young pianist, a male singer (who they swore is as good as Frank Sinatra) and a female sax player. Marianne, our interpreter left once more without eating one bite, because we had so much good conversation.
Thank you to Ambassador Hoagland for the lovely dinner and an opportunity to sample the local apricots and meet some very interesting people.

Astana - The SOS Childrens Village Visit

2009-05-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely lunch on our first day and learned that horse meat is eaten frequently and a cooked sheepshead is a delicacy. mmm...Natasha Franceschi, our Cultural Affairs Officer was a delight to get to know. I admire our State Department employees, they are very brave. Natasha was headed for a new adventure in Pakistan.
We proceeded to the SOS Children's Village, which is an orphanage created by Hermann Gmeiner from Austria. This facility is a good example of what an orphanage could be. The small houses were clean and modern and seven children lived in each house along with a mom who headed the household. We were introduced to the head of this facility and her beautiful Chinese assistant. We were given a tour of the house and wound up in the room with an upright piano. Joel Holmes sat down and started playing "Centerpiece" which I sang and taught to the children. This was great fun and very rewarding to see the family's photo album and listen to what each child wanted to do with their life. I hope to have pictures to post soon of this event.

Kazakhstan Tour - 2009

2009-05-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

ASTANA, THE CAPITOL OF KAZAKHSTAN

On April 20th, we landed in Astana, Kazakhstan for a tour that would bring the JazzIam band through Almaty and also Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan for workshops and three Jazz Festivals. Kazakhstan is located where the continents of Europe and Asia meet. It is bordered North and West by Russia and China to the East and South by Kyrgyzstan. I was very excited to see this part of the world and to meet local people and learn about their culture. This trip is about 20 hours counting layovers and planes changes. I had already exchanged many texts and conversations with my first and main contact, Ms. Zhanar Kul-Mukhammed (Cultural Affairs Assistant). Zhanar is an amazing whirlwind of a girl who speaks five languages and really takes care of business. (my kind of girl!) I could hardly wait to meet her. We were met at the airport by an Embassy man and taken to the van and driven to the Hotel Rixos President. This was a lovely hotel and we were very happy to have such lovely digs. Our first day, we started the day with an interview with a local journalist. We always had a translator; in Astana, Mary Anne was probably the most amazing translator I will ever work with. She could remember streams of conversations and recall both sides of a conversation; an amazing woman. Our first interview question was: "Why do you have such a pretentious name" ? and of course, I said , "We are a Jazz band, that's all, no pretension." Then he asked, "Don't you think Jazz is a step backwards from classical music"? So - we were on alert, ready and equipped with knowledge of our craft to answer any of these questions. Each member of JazzIam is a serious musician and teacher.