A new year for the Chronicles

By Kathy Edwards McFarland

Yes, I am still alive and kicking – although not kicking as high or in the best tempo … the unfortunate combination of health problems and holiday commitments caused a extended lapse in new posts on all thing Denton Jazz.

First of all,

Not to be ignored …

Banter Bistro’s First Tuesday Jazz Night moved (this one time) to Jan. 8 (second Tuesday) … but what a night!

Andy Cooper playing with Mr. Joe’s Jazz Band, January 8 at Banter Bistro. He’s back! Smith Wilson Photography

Denton Jazz icon Andy Cooper, still recovering from a devastating stroke, was parked at the electric piano during Mr. Joe’s Jazz Band – Dixieland Jazz taking flight on many of the songs. His one hand carried as much musical weight as any of the other band members one their best day.

Rather a shame all that was neglected as a result of my unintended hiatus:

• University of North Texas Jazz Studies held sway at the Jazz Education Network 4th Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this month. Not only did UNT Jazz hold down an exhibit booth, but was very active in performances and workshops … as one reads the Mean Green line-up below.

• Also, during my untimely hiatus, Steve Wilson Group‘s performance streamed over National Public Radio – “Live at the Village Vanguard.” Steve Wilson group streaming live tonight: http://www.npr.org/series/90611896/live-at-the-village-vanguard
• Live Jazz recording with Dan Haerle – Dec. 18, 2012
  UJD | Artists of Interest (AOI): Dan Haerle Quartet Live at Luminous sound – uptownjazzdallas.com
  
  Promotional video for a new Dan Haerle Quartet album. Dan Haerle – Piano; Brad Leali – Saxophone; Ed Soph – Drums; and James Drischoll – Bass.

  And now to the near future …

  Oz Noy Guitar Workshop

  Guitar Workshop

  

  Guitarist Oz Noy

  Monday, January 21
  3:00pm
  Kenton Hall

  Free to Guitar Club Members
  $20 for non-members

  Born in Israel, Oz started his professional career at the age of 13 playing jazz, blues, pop and rock music. By age 16, he was playing with top Israeli musicians and artists. By age 24, he was one of the most established studio guitar players in the country. Oz was also a member of the house band on Israel’s top-rated television show for more than two years.

  Since his 1996 arrival in New York, Oz has made a huge impact on the local and international music scene. His unique and intoxicating style has broken all the rules of instrumental guitar music by focusing on the groove. All stars such as Keith Carlock, Anton Fig, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dave Weckl often contribute on drums, with bassists Will Lee, James Genus, and Reggie Washington.

  For his accomplishments as a trend-setting guitarist, Oz won the highly acclaimed Guitar Player magazine readers poll for “best guitar riff on a record” in 2007. In 2008, Oz won the Guitar Player’s readers poll again; this time for “best new talent.”

  • In the evening, on Jan. 21, Oz Noy will offer up his incredible guitar stylings in concert 8 p.m., at Dan’s Silver Leaf, 103 Industrial, Denton – Tickets: $10.

  Visit: http://oznoy.com/

  More to come, fellow Jazz Babies.