Quick bit of news. I'll be at Arturo Sandoval's Jazz Club in Miami Beach on January 9th with the Gene Krupa Orchestra. Come see us if you're in Florida.
The Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club is located at the Deauville Beach Resort on Collins and 67th. We are surrounded by water, nestled between the famed Art Deco District and the shops at Bal Harbour. Gifted with
AAl e Atlantic Ocean to the East. Charmed and intrigued by the thrill of Miami to the West. The setting is perfct for hosting world class jazz artists and exquisite cuisine.
The Club is at the Deauville Resort is Miami Beach...
Another review of THINKING OF GENE...The new album...Makes a wonderful stocking stuffer!
Fritz the Nite Owl Jazz
Smooth Jazz WJZA 103.5FM/104.3FM Sunday 9pm to 12 Midnight
Visit www.wjza.com
Email Fritz at www.wjza.com/sections/contact/index.asp
or email info@shortnorth.com (Attn: Fritz)
Want to learn more about this guy? http://m.homestead.com/m.html
DECEMBER 2007
Give youself a jazzy little Christmas
Make your spirits bright. Good jazz sounds put your troubles out of sight. So give yourself, and the jazz fans on your Gift List, one of these albums and enjoy your holidays even more.
Michael Berkowitz and the Gene Krupa Orchestra: Thinking of Gene (Sea Breeze-SBJ-2143)
This CD will cause explosions of delight to any jazz friend-or-fiend to whom you give it. On the other hand, after hearing it, you may decide to keep it for yourself and send the friend a fruitcake. Whatever. Suffice it to say, whoever gets this outstanding set will love it and play it repeatedly for years.
The legendary Gene Krupa was the first drummer in jazz history to achieve national and international acclaim after his appearances as a main guest-attraction with Benny Goodman. His featured performance and drum solos on Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing" in 1941 are still quoted and used by many modern drummers in the 21st Century. As Buddy Rich once said, "If it wasn't for Krupa, there wouldn't be any of us today."
Krupa's first big band as a leader ran from 1938-1943. It was enormously popular due to such stars as Roy Eldridge and Anita O'Day. He also worked in gigs with Goodman, Dorsey and others before reforming and leading a new version from 1944-1951. His steady, relentless beat, ever-improving technique, showmanship, and dynamic personality contributed enormously to his sustained popularity over the years. So much for the brief bio and history of Krupa.
Drummer Michael Berkowitz was first inspired by Krupa at age 4; met him and became friends at 16. Who'da guessed that 35 years after Gene's passing in 1973, Berkowitz would now be the leader of the current Gene Krupa Orchestra?
Using modern arrangements, which are extremely faithful to the originals, Berkowitz and his 16-piece band easily evoke that great '40s swing-sound, yet burst with the fire that defines the best of big band jazz today.
Krupa's theme and intro, "Starburst," is, to me, the most exciting show opener-ever! It is as dynamic here as when originally recorded. The same can be said for the 12 other selections. This is timeless music that will keep the spirit and sound of Krupa alive for years to come - and introduce him to new fans who never had the thrill of seeing or hearing him perform in person.
Until 2008!!!
Have a Wonderful Holiday!!!
Warmly,
Mike Berkowitz
