TUNE IN! Rebecca Martin to co-moderate WBGO/NPR’s “Live at the Vanguard” with Chris Potter and his Quintet.
Click on image to be taken to NPR’s Live at the Village Vanguard site. Photography Credit: Michael Piazza
“Dear Educators and Students,
On behalf of National Public Radio, I’d like to invite you to see Chris Potter with his quintet on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6 at 9PM. He’ll be featured LIVE on our website performing from the historic Village Vanguard in New York City with pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Eric Harland, and guitarist Adam Cruz. The week also marks the CD release of The Sirens (ECM), Potter’s new song cycle without words inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey.
It’s FREE. Anyone, anywhere with an internet connection can tune in. Streaming audio and HD video. No login required. Just go to this address next Wednesday, the webpage for our monthly series. It will go live shortly before 9PM:
The singer and songwriter Rebecca Martin has graciously offered to co-moderate the discussion in our webchat forum during the performance. I’m sure she’ll have many insightful things to say and this particular project – as songs without words – will no doubt spark some interesting reflections. Aside from going to the Vanguard in person, there’s no better way to educate yourself in the tradition. Jazz is meant to be heard live – even virtually – but if you miss it, the archived audio will be available within 24 hours.
Happy listening. Hope to see you online!
Cheers,
Lara Pellegrinelli
Consultant, NPR MusicContributor,
NPR Arts Desk
Visiting Lecturer, Princeton University, Spring 2011, 2012 Ph.D.
Ethnomusicology, Harvard University, 2005″
ABOUT THIS SERIES: One of the world’s preeminent jazz venues, the Village Vanguard has regularly presented jazz’s greatest musicians since 1957. Renowned for its rich history and great acoustics, over 100 commercial albums have been recorded within the triangle-shaped basement room in New York’s Greenwich Village. Live At The Village Vanguard is a collaboration between WBGO and NPR Music presenting live broadcasts from the legendary club, both on air and streaming online. WBGO’s Josh Jackson hosts all the concerts; you can join the discussion in a chat room and watch a live video feed. After each show is over, NPR Music will host the archived recordings of all the concerts at this page.
NPR Chooses Jazz Singer and Songwriter Rebecca Martin’s Upcoming Release TWAIN as “One to Look Out For” in 2013.
Photo Credit: Pat Kepic
NPR Chooses Jazz Singer and Songwriter Rebecca Martin’s Upcoming Release TWAIN as “One to Look Out For in 2013”. Record Release and a live recording scheduled at the Rockwood Music Hall in New York City in March.
In anticipation of the jazz singer and songwriter Rebecca Martin’s upcoming release on Sunnyside Records, NPR’s Patrick Jarenwattananon includes TWAIN as one of 15 buzzed about jazz/ish albums to look out for in 2013.
“The vocalist Rebecca Martin’s last album was a collection of standards, recorded only with a saxophonist (Bill McHenry) and a bass player, Larry Grenadier. Think of TWAIN as a sequel of sorts: It’s a program of mostly originals, backed only by Grenadier, who is also her husband. As a singer, she has a sense of nuance that fits a spare setting well; as a songwriter, she’s already put out several albums of her own tunes.”
Rebecca Martin will be accompanied by bassist Larry Grenadier at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall room 2 on Thursday, March 28th, two days after the records release. They will perform one set of original compositions and standards. The performance will also be recorded by Pete Rende in preparation for a live recording. Tickets are $15.00. The Rockwood Music Hall (stage 2) is located at 196 Allen Street, NYC 10002. Tickets can be purchased online at the ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL. For more information, call 212/477-4155.
A highly accomplished husband and wife team, Grenadier and Martin earn continual accolades for their live performances. Renowned critic Alain Burnet of Montreal’s La Presse wrote “In the circles of Jazz in New York…[Martin’s] approval rating has risen steadily over recent years, and for good reason. In Montreal, she still remains a secret….I will not keep it to myself: count me in!”
For more information about Rebecca Martin, contact Patrice Fehlen at September Gurl, PR at 718/768-3859 or email patrice@septembergurl.com
NPR: 15 Jazz Albums To Look Out For in 2013
“Rebecca Martin, Twain: The vocalist Rebecca Martin‘s last album was a collection of standards, recorded only with a saxophonist (Bill McHenry) and a bass player, Larry Grenadier. Think of Twain as a sequel of sorts: It’s a program of mostly originals, backed only by Grenadier, who is also her husband. As a singer, she has a sense of nuance that fits a spare setting well; as a songwriter, she’s already put out several albums of her own tunes. Out March 26.”
SEE the list on NPR. By Patrick Jarenwattananon.
Sunnyside Records will Release Rebecca Martin’s Sixth Solo Album TWAIN on March 26th, 2013
Singer/Songwriter and Jazz vocalist Rebecca Martin’s new album TWAIN features a dozen new original compositions and one classic interpretation, all performed in understated acoustic arrangements based around Martin’s indelible voice and supple guitar work, and the subtly inventive support of her husband and longtime collaborator, acclaimed bassist Larry Grenadier.
Martin reflects “My records over the years have become more quiet and introspective, which probably has to do with the need and appreciation for personal space…it makes sense that my reaction to a world that feels speedy, harsh and loud is to offer music that provokes slowness, emotion, and quiet.”
On such melodically arresting, emotionally vivid new tunes as “To Up and Go,” “Don’t Mean A Thing At All,” “Beyond The Hillside,” and “Some Other Place, Some Other Time,” Martin sings with a quietly commanding intensity that lends immediacy to her lyrical insights.
Meanwhile, her distinctive reading of the Duke Ellington classic “Sophisticated Lady” once again demonstrates the uncanny interpretive skills that she previously revealed on a pair of much-celebrated standards albums.
Writing in the New York Times, critic Nate Chinen shrewdly observed that Martin “exudes the plainest sort of poise, almost radical in its utter lack of flash,” and that though she is “unerringly faithful to the melodies of the songs, both standards and originals,” she makes them seem “less like songs than like articulations of her state of mind.”
Raul D’Gama Rose of All About Jazz wrote “Martin is a composer of considerable talent, approaching the repertoire that she serves up like a master-chef, creating rare and fine epicurean fare,” while Jazz Times’ Christopher Loudon likened Martin’s vocals to “Modgliani portraits,” noting that they “share a sharply honed, less-is-more sensibility that, paradoxically, adds to their depth, their denseness and their haunting aftereffects.”
Martin and Grenadier recorded most of Twain in a small bedroom in the apartment of longtime cohort and pianist Pete Rende, who produced, engineered, and mixed the album. “For the most part, what we did and how we felt on that day became the record,” Martin says. That emotional immediacy comes through on the elegantly spare, eloquently direct recording. Martin muses “This record has been a long time in the making. A lot of living and a lot of energy have gone into the creation of this group of songs.”
A New York City record release performance will be announced shortly.
For more information, contact Patrice Fehlen at September Gurl Music: 718/768-3859 patrice@septembergurl.com
TWAIN by Rebecca Martin coming in 2013
Rebecca Martin’s Collaborative Group “TILLERY” with Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens Host Master Class Series in Boston, MA. in December, 2012.
Gretchen Parlato, Rebecca Martin and Becca Stevens of Tillery. Photo Credit: John Rogers.
Follow this LINK to sign-up for the Tillery Master Class Series in Boston, MA.
TILLERY, a group that features a collaboration between Rebecca Martin, Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens, has organized an entire weekend of master classes in the financial district of Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd, 2012.
Participants will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of four master classes that include topics such as songwriting, band leading, performance, and sharing songs or song ideas in an intimate setting with the three renowned and accomplished musicians.
Students will become inspired and meet new friends in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Each master class is three hours in length and start at $150.00.
Sign-up for two or more to enjoy discounted classes. Students who apply for all four will receive a ticket to a private Tillery concert on Sunday, December 2nd at 8:00pm (limit one ticket per student).
For more information contact: tillerymusic1@gmail.com or visit www.tillerygals.com
WHAT
TILLERY Masterclass Series
WHO
TILLERY is Rebecca Martin, Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens
WHERE
Financial district, Boston, Massachuetts
* The location, hotel accommodations and directions will be sent to each paying student. All accommodations are not included *
WHEN
Saturday, December 1st and Sunday December 2nd, 2012
FEES
Sign-up for ONE
$150.00
Sign-up for any TWO
$275.00 (save $25)
Sign-up for any THREE
$375.00 (save $50)
Sign-up for all FOUR
$450.00 (save $75)
** Students who sign-up for all four master classes will also receive one ticket to a private “Tillery” performance on Saturday, December 1st! **
(1) Saturday, December 1st, 2012: 11:00am – 2:00pm
Methods and process of songwriting.
“Methods and Process of Songwriting” will take participants on a journey through the musical paths and varied songwriting methods of Tillery’s Rebecca Martin, Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens. This revealing lecture with Q&A will enlighten and inspire through a range of topics that include early musical experiences, writers block, breakthroughs, connecting your creative work to your daily life and finding your true voice.
(2) Saturday, December 1st 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Methods in Practice.
“Methods in Practice” guides participants through several unique songwriting processes with hands on writing and composing exercises done individually and in collective groups. Guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing!
(3) Sunday, December 2nd 11:00am – 2:00pm
Who are you really? Presenting yourself and connecting to your audience on and off stage.
“Who are you really? Presenting yourself and connecting to your audience on and off stage” is designed to help participants become more aware of how they are presenting themselves. The group will discuss a range of topics that include performance, band leading, speaking on stage, social media, public image, healthy living and the impact an artist can make in their local communities.
(4) Sunday, December 2nd 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Sharing songs with discussion and feedback
A comfortable and nurturing setting to present finished or unfinished music, songs or poems. Participants may simply share or request valuable feedback while soaking in the creative energy of others. Build confidence and be inspired while connecting with new friends or potential musical partnerships.
Follow this LINK to sign-up for the Tillery Master Class Series in Boston, MA.
Acclaimed Duo Rebecca Martin and Larry Grenadier to Perform at the Jazz Gallery in NYC and Jazz at the Atlas in Washington, DC in November.
Singer Rebecca Martin and bassist Larry Grenadier will perform at the Jazz Gallery in New York City on November 6th, 2012 (their last in a residency series) and then at Jazz at the Atlas in Washington DC (in The Paul Sprenger Theatre) on Wednesday, November 7th 2012.
The duo, whose recently recorded album Twain will be released in March, 2013 on Sunnyside Records will perform original compositions and standards for the audience.
The Jazz Gallery is located at 290 Hudson Street in New York City. Tickets are $20.00 and show times are 9:00pm and 10:30pm.
Jazz at the Atlas is located at 1333 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002. Tickets are $25.00, Students w/ID are $15.00.
A highly accomplished husband and wife team, Grenadier and Martin earned accolades from renowned critic Alain Burnet of Montreal’s La Presse wrote “In the circles of Jazz in New York…[Martin’s] approval rating has risen steadily over recent years, and for good reason. In Montreal, she still remains a secret….I will not keep it to myself: count me in!”
The Montreal Gazette’s Juan Rodriguez praised the duo as a “jewel of wife-and-husband intimacy.”
Writing in the New York Times, critic Nate Chinen recently observed that “As jazz singers go, Rebecca Martinexudes the plainest sort of poise, almost radical in its utter lack of flash.” He continued “She was unerringly faithful to the melodies of the songs, both standards and originals, but at her best she made them seem less like songs that like articulations of her state of mind.”
The New York City Jazz Record recently proclaimed that Martin is “One of the most distinctively original voices in music today. Rebecca Martin transcends the boundaries between jazz vocalist and singer/songwriter in her performances…(Martin) marked herself as a modern-day troubadour, a musical storyteller possessed of a daring willingness to bare her soul in the telling of tales fraught with both personal and universal meaning. Alternately exuding bold confidence and delicate fragility in tone.”
For more information, contact Patrice Fehlen at September Girl, PR at 718/768-3859.
“Rebecca” (A Poem by Frank Tedesso)
“Rebecca” by the Frank Tedesso. Click on this image to hear his music.
Through the open window of the stars unknown winds blow in.
Songs dwell, incomprehensible, in the rude and beautiful language of your need.
Irresistible words scatter themselves all around you.
Your sweet rough trouble contacts me, amazes me.
The elements of your character:
Birds, winter, bare trees, a branch for me to sit in, and light, so much light.
Aching, shuddering light.
And of course, miles and miles of night.
All these rivers criss cross your shape.
The information of the stars seeks you out.
Possessed by this dark and light, you turn in time like night and day.
Waiting in your blood, fitfull songs kick and stir among your future events.
Somehow everything manages to go right on working
Beneath all the curious disappointments in your eyes.
But now things long abandoned wish to be born.
Listen to the sea in your veins.
Accumulate laughter and forgiveness.
Time explains herself in births.
The stars sing in their lightning.
Crowds of words and melodies, fragments of your secrets,
Sweeps and curls of blue rain from your unpunctuated sky,
All go crackling out into the world like a letter from your dreams.
The meaning is not invisible, it is mysterious.
Like music rising from the chimney of a piano.
Like the noisy sentences of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson
Making love in your lustful, poetic demanding heart…
