Manhattan Transfer
We at Code Z had always wanted to peek in on the world of journalists and educators from time to time, so we couldn't resist covering the second year of the spectacular International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) conference in New York City. We remember attending last year and having a wonderful time. During the day, attendees reveled in seminars like vocal and Latin jazz and at night everyone partied hard to amazing live performances. Some 2006 highlights were Robert Glasper and his trio who preformed cuts from his debut Blue Note Record, Canvas. The "Blindfold Test" had piano-man Jason Moran guessing tunes selected by longtime writer Dan Ouelette. We believe the pinnacle moments were the NEA Jazz Masters ceremony where luminaries such as the late Ray Baretto, Tony Bennett , and Chick Corea among others, received their award fellowships amid screaming fans in the Hilton's lavish central ballroom. Another apex of the conference was Mr. Stefon Harris and his band Blackout making folks in the audience nearly catch seizures with their boombonic polyrhythms.
So 2007 brings NEA Jazz Masters awardees bandleader Toshiko Akiyoshi; trombonist Curtis Fuller; pianist Ramsey Lewis; Jazz advocate Dan Morgenstern; vocalist Jimmy Scott; flute player Frank Wess; and composer Phil Woods. Festivities kick off this week and go into the weekend, ending on Sunday. There will be performances by over 500 of the world’s most respected professional jazz groups and musicians. The 2007 IAJE Industry Track, presented under the auspices of Jazz Alliance International (JAI), is geared to members of the jazz recording, journalism, presenting, performing, retail, and radio industry. The panel sessions will focus on career development, new media, the recording industry, and personalized consultation.
11 January 2007