The Challenges of A "Nu" Format

The challenges of preparing a release in the new iTunes "LP" were extensive. For one reason we had no real comparisons to go by, nothing to guide us. We were solely limited by the scope of our own imaginations and what we could conceive. To do the computer script I choose Mike Brown, and his team at Cyber-NY. (www.cyber-NY.com)

Mike Briwn was a specialist at creating unique content for independent producers. iTunes is inherently close-mouthed about there scripting and features, in fact some of the things we wanted to do, the iTunes technical staff wasn't sure if the coding allowed. But by working hand in hand, and involving them in the process we found ways around these challenges.

My main goal, was to present an item from every facit of the digital medum we could: music, video, photographic, and literary. We did that and then some. By combining these elements, and creating some compelling content I believe we have created a truly unique package for Ellis Marsalis: An Open Letter To Thelonious. You'll be able to see it on January 4, 2011. Only on iTunes.

New Video Trailers for Ellis Marsalis: An Open Letter To Thelonious

In order to celebrate the forth coming release of the new Ellis Marsalis project, "An Open Letter To Thelonious", we've created some video teasers to introduce it. The first "Jazz LP" in the new iTunes "LP" project it, contains (11) core audio tracks; (3) bonus audio tracks; (4) bonus high-definition video tracks; a bonus song etymology from Robin D.G. Kelley's, Simon & Schuster publication Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original; visual and spoken liner notes; and (10) bonus photos.

When we started this project we wanted to do something completely unque. We wanted to create an experience that jazz buyers have not been able to have in one package before. Music, videos, photos, bonus audio, bonus literary content--- its all here... in one package.

Comes out in January 2011. Check out the first video trailer... the revolution may not be telivised, but it will be on iTunes.

An Army of One For Jazz

What Jazz Once was, is not what it is now. What Jazz should be is not what it has been. For years we ventured to the conferences, and it seemed the ever present question heralded was " Is jazz Dead?". Year after year it was the same questions, same answers. I'd lsilently sit by and laugh when people would say "Wellpop artists do it so we should too!"

Jazz isno longer "Pop" music, it's a niche. It's great entertainment, but it has been "smarted up" (my alternate theory to something being "dumbed down). So I have set my course on the future of what is to come. i am declaring myself Jazz's on "Army of One." To take the risks, to set forth the ideas, to fulfill the acts that will bring jazz screaming head first into the 21st Century.

Stick around, 2011 is going to be something to see.

Nu Jazz on the "Nu" Prez!

As I think of the recent election of Barak Obama I can’t help to think of the many musicians who never lived to see this moment but who assuredly would have found great inspiration and fodder for musical musings.

I wonder what suites Duke Ellington might have written, what names Mingus would have meandered upon, and what notes Miles would have sung. I remember well the stories about the segregations of the past. The musicians who were allowed to play for the white audiences, yet not to walk through the same doors.

I am no doubt sobered by the realities of the world we live in but I am encouraged by the events in America as of date. President Barak Obama, a black man, with a black family. For the first time in my life I feel as though we finally have someone in the White House who can relate to where I’ve come from and where I’d like to go.

Hope is a great thing. Think of all the great musicians who gave so much for the love of country but were never truly appreciated. Who were lifted up because of their artistry and slapped down because of their skin color. We have arrived my friends, but arriving is just part of things… now we have to get somewhere.

I hope that in the months and years ahead, we will have the courage and conviction to stay true to our course, the way someone like Duke Ellington did. I use to think I was a dreamer, but after this election year I think I’m a realist. At this moment we all accepted the challenge to build a better country. At this time we all rallied for the greater good of all humanity. At this junction we all collectively gathered to create an undeniable cry that was celebrated around the world.

I wish some of the musicians I’ve known throughout the years could have been here this week. But when I walked into that voting booth I actually thought: Judge, Miles, Diz… this ones for you.! And as I pulled that lever I heard one of the sweetest sounds ever…. My vote counting.

Nu Jazz Lessons For A Nu Life

There are some things in life I can’t understand and indeed many more I never hope to have to really try to. I recently had a conversation with the son of a deceased and immensely famous jazz musician who transcended the art form for many decades.

It seems that the (biological sons) of said deceased jazz musician had been omitted from the will (either inadvertently or intentionally) and all rewards of said deceased jazz musician’s music (trademark, royalties, etc.) go to a few people who have no immediate blood ties.

Well to hear the story and talk to that person was a sickening experience for me. I mean I like to think that any omission of that nature either intentionally or unintentionally would have been rectified by others regardless of mankind’s human leaning towards greed. Can you imagine for a second your father making some of the most memorable jazz classics in the history of the music and selling millions of records and for you not to have one cent from it? Can you imagine not being able to control the image of one of your parents or how it was used?

It’s a despicable part of human nature to be so greedy that you could commit such acts on or against another, that when there’s enough wealth to go around that someone would hoard such wealth, and try to ostracize the musicians own biological sons) despite what may or may have been in a will.

To do so to me is not only inhumane, but strictly against the soul of what jazz has always stood for. I’m not talking about from a materialistic perspective but from a social perspective. A sharing of things both mundane and of importance. When I look at the lessens that people like Milt Hinton and Mercer Ellington have taught me --- I realize that I was truly blessed. You don’t have to own a lot in life to share a lot. You don’t have to be rich to treat people right. You don’t have to be greedy to get ahead. In essence you just have to do right. Be better than human nature sometimes would have you be. Live life unselfishly. If you are about the music, live life as if you were the music. If you share the music, then share of yourself.
It’s easier said than done, as most things are. But don’t just walk the walk. Talk the talk. If you live the life of a jazz musician it shouldn’t just be reflected in the music, but in the way you deal with others as well.

Paying Tribute To The Old, While Pursuing The Nu!

What makes a man great? What makes a jazz musician great? Does the personal life of a man, and the way he handles himself on a daily basis define his actions? As we lose another legend of jazz this past week (Max Roach) I began to think about these questions, as I do each time a great musician of jazz passes. Over the years we have lost many of our musical forefathers, and we are firmly in a third line…. By that I mean you have the first line, the Duke Ellington’s, Miles Davis’, John Coltrane’s etc….; then you have the second line people like Michael Brecker, Kenny Kirkland, etc.

So what makes these men who often have a questionable personal life great? When one looks at the totality of life maybe some of these people weren’t the most selfless of individuals, maybe some were drug abusers, wife beaters, petty criminals, but in the context which we know them is that really relevant? Max Roach and others like him exemplified the epitome of what true artists (of any art form) are all about. They dedicated themselves and their lives to the perfection of their craft.

In that pursuit of perfection, their musical quest led them around the world, to interact with persons across countless cultural backgrounds, and heralding the “African-American” experience in America through music, in a way which all humans could understand. The pain and degradation of segregation, the jubilation brought from faith—all of these things were relayed through the music Max Roach played, lived, and loved.

Although the failures of a person’s life can haunt them long afterwards, the good that men do is often quickly forgotten. As one who has built a life based upon the backs of those who have struggled before me, I can never forget that everything I have accomplished so far, or yet hope to achieve, has been made possible by the selfless sacrifices of people like Max. We owe much to those who have come before us --- Max Roach, Duke Ellington, Mercer Ellington, Milt Hinton, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis…. and the list goes on and on and on…..

I am steadfastly reminded that though there may be differences in generations those same fundamental values at the core of jazz (love, dedication, purpose) all have root in a “Nu” era…. lest we forget what our fore fathers have taught us…… that making timeless music, will forever make you timeless, and that there is no greater purpose in life for a musician than to seek such perfection.

Thanks Max, you did it with your own style, and own grace, and although you were not perfect in life, you were as perfect as any mere mortal could hope to be. With any luck, we should all aspire to such an immensely difficult feat.