Jumping and Jiving with Jazz

It happened April 20-22, 2017,  the Student Jazz Festival, Held at the historic Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

Students from elementary, middle and high schools from around the state get to participate in this annual event. Also, on board are college, junior and 4 year. They always put on a great show and it's all FREE!.

This year I listened to only one set (that's jazz talk)  

Gadsden State Community College did a fine job with their four numbers. 

Matt Leder, director of Gadsden State Show Band

This is my first attempt at video. It may be flipped but at least you can hear it.

They had a mean keyboardist and singer who had to be channeling some of the greats.

After the performance Dr. Leah Tucker, Director of the Jazz Hall of Fame, awarded a trophy*    to band director Mr. Matt Leder for a job well done.

   
* All bands were given trophies.

That's it.

Neo Jazz Collective

The refreshing sounds of cool jazz emanating from Eastwood Public Library was a summer delight last week. Public libraries have become very community oriented. At one time libraries were places that demanded quiet along with straitlaced, cranky librarians and shelves crammed with stuffy, boring books.


Dr. Lud Israel directs the talented young musicians who make up Neo Jazz Collective. It is my understanding that they will be performing at several libraries around the city. If you'd like to see some of their other performance venues watch this YouTube clip . And this one.
The students ages range from 11 to 18 years of age.

They have a CD which they recorded at the famed Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. I would have purchased one but I had to leave while they were still performing.
THAT'S IT***