Tagged: jazz

Perhaps it was because the lead track on Marcus Miller's new CD "Renaissance" was called "Detroit" that the disc resonated so soundly with WEMU listeners and staff.  Whatever the reason, it has become a fast favorite of listeners and staff alike. 

When The Dirty Dozen Brass Band returned to Southeastern Michigan for a show at The Magic Bag Theater, WEMU hosts seized the opportunity to play selections from one of their favorite bands of all times.  We doubt that WEMU listeners minded hearing the ensemble again, as the band was beloved at venues such as The Ark, The Frog Island Music Festival, The Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival and Sully's in Dearborn. 

Trumpeter Christian Scott delivered not only one of the most meaningful jazz CDs of 2012 with "Christian Atunde Adjuah", but he also delivered one of the most inspirational live performances of the year with his appearance in the "Tribute to Treme" at the 2012 Detroit Jazz Festival.   Scott's music is "as serious as your life", yet is imbued with energy and a celebration of life. 

Trumpeter Christian Scott immediately impressed WEMU and listeners with his first CD as a leader, "Rewind That" in 2006.  Since then we have anticipated each new release from this urbane, articulate and alternative trumpeter and composer.  His new CD "Christian Atunde Adjuah" demonstrates his "whisper technique" emphasizing breath control rather than mouthpiece technique.  His highly communicative approach recalls trumpet masters Clark Terry and Clifford Brown with a wholly modern approach.  This modernity also applies to his compositions - stretching the instrumentation and arrangements to

Once again, WEMU hosts and listeners realized the depth and mastery of our regional musicians by awarding the Latin jazz band, Tumbao Bravo, the coveted number one spot on the "Sweet 16".  This marks the fourth week in a row for that theirs was the most played CD on 89.1.  This disc deserves the distinction not just because it is music from local performers, but because it is totally original, beautifully produced and recorded with the highest audio quality.  "Casa Versailles" by Tumbao Bravo deserved national accolades and WEMU is leading the way.

Congratulations are in order once again for conga player Alberto Nacif, saxophonist/flutist Paul Vornhagen,  trumpeter Bob Mojica, pianist Brian DiBlassio, percussionist Javier Barrios and bassist Patrick Prouty with special guest percussionist Pepe Espinosa for gaining the coveted top spot on WEMU's "Sweet Sixteen" for the new CD "Casa Versailles" two weeks in a row.  The members of Tumbao Bravo are based in communities all over Southeastern Michigan and record for bassist Paul Keller's PKO Records label, now operating in Saline, Michigan.  Featuring their music dovetails perfectly with WE

Once again, the WEMU staff and listener favorite, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band top our "Sweet Sixteen".

WEMU “SWEET SIXTEEN” AIRPLAY June 25 to July 1, 2012: 

LINDA YOHN, MUSIC DIRECTOR 

1.    DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND  "Twenty Dozen"  (Savoy Jazz)

2.    JOHNNIE BASSETT  “I Can Make That Happen”   (Sly Dog Records)

3.    BÉLA FLECK AND THE MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO   “Across The Imaginary Divide”  (Rounder)

4.    ESPERANZA SPALDING   “Radio Music Society”  (Heads Up/Montuno)

A WEMU listener favorite since 1984 - The Dirty Dozen Brass Band claims the top spot on this week's "Sweet 16".  This is encouraging news as "Twenty Dozen" is their first release on a brand new record label.  WEMU is proud to support this band which started the international trend of contemporary music arranged for traditional brass band instrumentation. 

WEMU “SWEET SIXTEEN” AIRPLAY June 18 to June 24, 2012: 

LINDA YOHN, MUSIC DIRECTOR 

1.    DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND  "Twenty Dozen"  (Savoy Jazz)

When bassist, composer, vocalist and musical visionary Esperanza Spalding's CD, "Radio Music Society" first came out it was an immediate favorite of WEMU listeners and hosts.  With her appearance at The Power Center on Thursday, June 21st for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, the disc once again rose to the top. 

WEMU “SWEET SIXTEEN” AIRPLAY June 11 to June 17, 2012: 

LINDA YOHN, MUSIC DIRECTOR