Thursday, October 20, 2011

Alexis Cole to perform Pepper Adams ballads

© Gary Carner. Copyright Protected. All rights reserved.



Singer and pianist Alexis Cole will be performing Pepper Adams ballads at William Paterson University, Bard College, and the Tuxedo Park Library:


Thursday, Oct 20, 12:30pm, William Paterson University, Midday Concert Series in Wayne, NJ
Saturday, Oct 22, 8pm, Bard College Recital, Olin Hall, Annandale-on-Hudson NY
Sunday, Nov 20, 2pm, Tuxedo Park Library, Tuxedo Park NY

Alexis Cole collaborated with lyricist Barry Wallenstein, shaping Wallenstein's poetry to fit Adams' melodies.  She recorded all seven ballads last May in Chicago.  The date was led by pianist Jeremy Kahn, who wrote all the arrangements.  The recording will be released next Spring, featuring saxophonists Pat LaBarbera and Eric Alexander.  See alexiscole.com for concert details.

1 comment:

  1. Here's the Press Release for Sat's concert.

    Chamber Music: Staff Sgt. Alexis Cole, Jazz Vocalist
    "The Music of Pepper Adams with Lyrics by Poet Barry Wallerstein"

    Staff Sergeant Alexis Cole will present a recital of the music of Pepper Adams with new lyrics by poet Barry Wallenstein. Performing with Staff Sgt. Cole will be Master Sgt. Scott Arcangel on piano and Staff Sgt. Mike Reifenberg on alto saxophone. The concert is free and open to all at Bard College on Saturday, October 22nd at 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 845.758.6822.

    The most preeminent baritone sax player in jazz history, Pepper Adams left a legacy of tunes in a unique chromatic style. His dying wish was for lyrics to be written to his ballads, and veteran jazz poet Barry Wallenstein has done just that. Wallenstein, who still regularly performs by reading his poems while backed by a jazz band, was scheduled to perform with Adams just before he fell ill and passed away. As unconventional as the songs themselves, Wallenstein's adventuresome lyrics invite the listener to experience the melodies in a fresh, multidimensional way.

    The West Point Band's Jazz Knights is a Big Band based at the United States Military Academy. Its members are recruited from the country's most prestigious music schools. The West Point Band remains in the forefront of creativity and excellence. Serving a diverse constituency of cadets, veterans and the broader public, the West Point Band seeks to inspire and inform listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

    www.alexiscole.com

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