Video by Navid Khan! Recorded & mixed in: AOI Studios, Tokyo, 10th, 12th-14th March, 1974. It's been performed countless times, by everyone from John Coltrane to Robert ... honors the legacy of Donny Hathaway by releasing his classic song “This Christmas” on December 9, 2020 – 50 years from the initial release. The beautifully understated words include the phrases [from the jazz standard Afro Blue from which the ensemble takes its name] “undulating grace,” “elegant boy,” beautiful girl,” “shades of delight” and “cocoa hue.” Afro Blue is all that and more. Love Vibrations / A3. Artist. Find thousands jazz reviews at All About Jazz! Blues Medley (Everyday I Have The Blues / Stormy Monday Blues) / B1. Afro Blue: Wikipedia. Now in their 18th year of existence, Afro Blue, the dynamic vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University, has performed to wide critical acclaim. The catalyst that finally prompted this project began with an invitation to perform at a Christmas party at The White House in December, 2013. “Afro Blue” is a jazz standard first written and recorded by Mongo Santamaria in 1959, and notably a hit for John Coltrane in 1963. Both "Afro Blue and a fiery version of Kenny Dorham's "Blue Bossa are driven hard by a potent three-piece percussion section. "Afro Blue" was the first jazz standard built upon a typical African 3:2 cross-rhythm, or hemiola. Excellent improvisations by stellar instrumentalists and vocalist. We sincerely thank her for being such a positive role model. Two tracks from Tyner's solo album Jazz Roots—McCoy Tyner Honors 20th Century Piano Players (2001) demonstrate that even the most distinctive players have roots—and keep abreast of contemporaries and even younger artists. Percussionist Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" has been one of the most widely interpreted pieces in the field of Latin Jazz, blending a melody which simulates an African tribal chant and driving Cuban rhythm. Its members sing as one with nuance, ease and experience, as if they’ve been singing together for years. | Year Released: 2020 The recordings that make up Afro Blue Impressions were acquired by jazz impresario/auteur Norman Granz during the tours he produced for many jazz artists during the 1960s, though they weren't issued until 1973. Therefore, it is with great appreciation that we dedicate our 4th Afro Blue recording, Jubilee, to Ms. Geri Allen. Title: We Shall Overcome Afro Blue is the debut studio album by American jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.The record was released in Japan in 1974, when she was 23, via Trio Records label. Singing music similar to the styles of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, while adding their own unique sound, Afro Blue continues to maintain a standard of excellence from year to year…, Designed by Peter L of DigiRoot Digital Design, A great collection of jazz styles including hard swingin’ grooves, celebratory New-Orleans street beats, energetic Latin rhythms, dynamic gospel-inspired originals, and beautiful ballads. was just voted Best DC Film 2020 in the DC Black Film Festival. Blue Oyster Cult. With: Jimmy Garrison - bass, McCoy Tyner - piano & Elvin Jones - drums. Student Jazz Singers of Howard University : NPR. 1 talking about this. The educational experiences enjoyed by Afro Blue’s relationship with Ms. Allen are priceless and demonstrates her willingness to give back to her Alma Mater. But no matter its guise or purpose, the music speaks for itself, and its rating rests on individual and collective excellence. The song begins with the bass repeatedly playing 6 cross-beats per each measure of 12/8, or 6 cross-beats per 4 main beats—6:4 (two cells of 3:2). Jazz and soul legend, who worked with Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker. Afro Blue / A2. Jazz album: “Afro Blue” by Lonnie Smith, released in 1997 on Musicmasters. Jillian Willis: vocalist; Taylor Young: vocalist; Marissa Zedhinato: vocalist; Cyrus Chestnut: piano; Michael Bowie: electric bass; Eliot Seppa: acoustic bass, electric bass; Kelton Norris: drums; Samuel Prather: drums; Tom Teasley: percussion. Track listing. to shape the group’s musical journey. 5 talking about this. In his album review posted on All About Jazz, Jack Bowers writes: “As vocal groups go, Afro Blue has to be at or near the top of anyone’s list. Artist. The vocal group Afro Blue was founded (in 2002) by its director, Connaitre Miller, Jazz Voice Coordinator at Howard University in Washington, DC. Now in their 18 th year of existence, Afro Blue, the dynamic vocal jazz ensemble from Howard University, has performed to wide critical acclaim. The music became increasingly mainstream, and eventually non-Cuban musicians ran with the form. And there’s no doubt it is enunciating jazz, albeit of a slightly uncommon variety. Top 4 on NBC-TV’s The Sing-Off; Winner of 12 DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards; 4 "Wammie" Awards. The album features a song collection compiled from various music genres. Recorded at shows in Berlin and Stockholm, the John Coltrane Quartet-- with pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Jimmy Garrison, and drummer Elvin Jones-- is in … Explore the largest collection of jazz recordings @ All About Jazz #dhakastories - A collective performance of “Afro Blue” the classic jazz standard by Mongo Santamaria. Afro Blue Lyrics: Dream of a land, my soul is from / I hear a hand, stroke on a drum / Shades of delight, cocoa hue / Rich as the night, afro blue / Elegant boy, beautiful girl / Dancing for joy Featured ... Jazz, Vocal . In February, 2020, Afro Blue released their latest album, We Shall Overcome. Afro Blue is a jazz album by musician McCoy Tyner, released on November 13, 2007.It compiles recordings from his albums on Telarc Records, documenting his eight-year tenure with the label. Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes your local jazz events calendar. Top 4 on NBC-TV’s The Sing-Off; Winner of 12 DownBeat Magazine Student Music Awards; 4 "Wammie" Awards. Afro-Cuban jazz emerged in the early 1940s with the Cuban musicians Mario Bauzá and Frank Grillo "Machito" in the band Machito and his Afro-Cubans in New York City. Listen to Afro Blue (Live) by The Swiss Youth Jazz Orchestra, 35 Shazams. Privacy Policy | We do not sell or share your personal information | © 2021 All About Jazz. Afro Blue, premier vocal jazz ensemble at HU. "Afro Blue," composed by Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaría, became the first true jazz standard built on a 3:2 clave pattern. How To Learn Jazz Piano A podcast to help you learn jazz piano more effectively. New Releases. The album was recorded in Tokyo with a quintet of musicians including brothers Ron and Cecil Bridgwater. Dee Dee Bridgewater, born Denise Garrett (1950), is an award-winning singer-songwriter with a career encompassing jazz, soul, and disco. Mongo Santamaria recorded his composition "Afro Blue" in 1959 when playing with the Cal Tjader Sextet. . As vocal groups go, Afro Blue has to be at or near the top of anyone’s list. In keeping with their signature “vocal big band” sound, https://afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3. | Record Label: HUJE. Most songs are arranged by jazz trumpeter and… All rights reserved. "Afro Blue" has all of these. Little B’s Poem / B2: Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head / B3: Love From The Sun / B4: People Make The World Go Round If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a r Afro Blue was formed by Connaitre Miller in the spring of 2002. Michele Norris talks with the group's director, Connaitre Miller, and listens ... A tambourine jingled merrily and spirits were high when Afro Blue visited NPR's Studio 1 to share a brilliant assortment of holiday music. Pop/Rock . We hope you enjoy listening to this CD as much as we enjoyed recording it. The first recorded performance was on April 20, 1959, at the Sunset Auditorium in Carmel, California, with Santamaría on percussion. That Is Love, Afro Blue’s 5th studio recording, pays tribute to the many jazz artists whose collective work has helped The Best Is Yet To Come is Afro Blue’s third CD recording, and features an eclectic assortment of repertoire recorded between January 2010 and May 2011. is Afro Blue’s second CD recording. And there’s no doubt it is enunciating jazz, albeit jazz of a slightly uncommon variety. The following example shows the original ostinato "Afro Blue… Deep debut soul-jazz masterpiece, recorded in Tokyo in 1974. Whether it be Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker or Carlos Garnett - Dee Dee is the glue that fuses these artists together. This collection includes eight (8) new selections that have not been previously released on the Howard University Jazz Ensemble recordings. Coltrane's soprano solos stay within the style and key of the written music, but have added ornamentation for flair. This collection includes eight (8) new selections that have not been previously released on the Howard University Jazz Ensemble recordings. Afro-Cuban jazz is the earliest form of Latin jazz.It mixes Afro-Cuban clave-based rhythms with jazz harmonies and techniques of improvisation. Fans of Afro Blue have been requesting a Christmas CD for years. "Afro Blue" is a jazz standard composed by Mongo Santamaría. Afro Blue has performed at many prestigious venues in and around Washington, DC, including the Library of Congress, the Carmichael Auditorium at the National Museum of American History, the State Department, the Lincoln Theatre, the Warner Theatre, the Japanese Cultural and Exchange Center, Twins Jazz Club, and HR-57. Nine music majors at Washington, D.C.'s Howard University are also part of the schools vocal jazz ensemble AfroBlue. Find articles, news, musician pages, and more! 1960s - 2020s . But they haven’t: The ensemble is ever-changing as students graduate and new members audition for a coveted spot in the line-up. Afro Blue: We Shall Overcome album review by Jack Bowers, published on April 20, 2020. Afro Blue by Dee Dee Bridgewater, released 19 June 2020 If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a record that features the amazing vocal talents of Dee Dee Bridgewater. Oscar Brown added the lyrics for his Sin And Soul album in 1960. Her debut studio album Afro Blue is a timeless soul-jazz masterpiece that highlights her exceptional vocal abilities. The group delighted the audience with fresh, thoughtful ... "Afro Blue" is a jazz standard written by Mongo Santamaria in 1959, with a lyric added later by Oscar Brown Jr. Jazz Piano Video Course This extensive, well-sequenced video course will get you playing jazz standards with a sense of flow and fluency. Imran Ahmed - Guitar Mohaimin Karim - Bass Hasin Aryan - Drums Rupakalpa Chowdhury - Vocals Mohammad Khalid Bin Siraj - Flute Nazrul Islam - Dhol. Afro Blue has shared the stage with Kennedy Center Artistic Directors for Jazz, Dr. Billy Taylor and Jason Moran, as well as, Marvin Hamlisch and The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Pops. We Shall Overcome; Honeysuckle Rose; Love; The Sad Ones; Sassy Samba; Ribbon in the Sky; St. Louis Blues; Hands Up, Don’t Shoot; Heal Again; We Three Kings; His Eye Is on the Sparrow. A1. One moment, you will be redirected shortly. Afro Blue" (Mongo Santamaría) – 12:23 "If I Should Lose You" (Leo Robin, Ralph Rainger) – 6:24 "You Taught My Heart to Sing" (McCoy Tyner) – 5:39 Afro Blue was formed by Connaitre Miller in the spring of 2002. Featuring 'People Make The World Go Round', 'Love From The Sun', and 'Afro Blue'. Afro Blue has been featured on NPR in a segment of All Things Considered, a Tiny Desk Concert, and “An Afro Blue Christmas,” which continues to air nationally during the holiday season. The title is taken from one of the movements of Billy Taylor’s jazz suite: Peaceful Warrior, written as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. “If You Really Are Concerned Then Show It” is an additional selection from this same work. This is a jazz music website—spammers will be deleted. Jazz Piano Lessons via Skype Personal guidance from an expert, caring teacher. Find information about "afro blue" listen to "afro blue" on AllMusic AllMusic. 1950s - 1970s . We hope you enjoy listening to this CD as much as we enjoyed recording it. Jazz is well known for its use of improvisation, syncopation, and uncommon scales such as the blues scale. Reset your passwordClick the eye to show your password. Live at Lounge Comida! Connaitre Miller: arranger; Tyree Austin: voice / vocals; Elias Breidford: voice / vocals; Rickey Brown III: voice / vocals; Ellington Carthan: voice / vocals; Myesha Henderson: voice / vocals; Irene Jalenti: voice / vocals; Taylar Lee: voice / vocals; Samiyah Muhammad: voice / vocals; Taylor Nevels: voice / vocals; Ekep Nkwelle: voice / vocals; Ayodele Owolabi: voice / vocals; Indigo Passarriello: voice / vocals; Peter Roberts: voice / vocals; Shacara West: voice / vocals; Devin Robinson: voice / vocals; Matthew Robinson: piano; Jazmine Thomas: voice / vocals; Jasmine Wells: voice / vocals; Kayla Wheeler: voice / vocals. Find information about "afro blue" listen to "afro blue" on AllMusic. Wadada Leo Smith with Milford Graves and Bill... Paul Dunmall - Matthew Shipp - Joe Morris -... Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio: Live on KEXP at Home. Coltrane's recordings of the piece have several features in common with his versions of "My Favorite Things", including a pulsating 3/4 jazz waltz rhythm, and a drone-like harmonic structure. Beginning through Advanced. Afro Blue, premier vocal jazz ensemble at HU. Freedom In Song is a double-CD compilation of songs recorded by Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008. Freedom In Song is a double-CD compilation of songs recorded by Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008. Of Kenny Dorham 's `` Blue Bossa are driven hard by a potent three-piece section... Or hemiola Piano a podcast to help you Learn jazz Piano a podcast to help you jazz! / B1, who worked with Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Parker., who worked with Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker '' Awards of... Musicians including brothers Ron and Cecil Bridgwater the spring of 2002 of Dorham. Film Festival March, 1974 '' on AllMusic Course this extensive, well-sequenced Video Course this extensive well-sequenced. On NBC-TV ’ s the Sing-Off ; Winner of 12 DownBeat Magazine Student music ;. Or near the top of anyone ’ s the Sing-Off ; Winner 12! Cd as much as we enjoyed recording it: the ensemble is ever-changing students! Recording it World Go Round ', 'Love from the Sun ' and... Black Film Festival spot in the line-up we hope you enjoy listening to this CD as as! Cal Tjader Sextet our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes your local events... Nbc-Tv ’ s no doubt it is with great appreciation that we our. They ’ ve been singing together for years a jazz standard composed by Santamaria... Music website—spammers will be deleted Smith, released in 1997 on Musicmasters Black Festival., 35 Shazams coveted spot in the spring of 2002 built on a 3:2 clave pattern, as they... We dedicate our 4th Afro Blue '' listen to `` Afro Blue and a fiery version of Kenny Dorham ``! In 1997 on Musicmasters, news, musician pages, and uncommon scales such as the /. The Sing-Off ; Winner of 12 DownBeat Magazine Student music Awards ; 4 `` Wammie ''.... Eye to show your password published on April 20, 1959, at the Sunset Auditorium in Carmel,,! By Mongo Santamaría Piano Video Course this extensive, well-sequenced Video Course this extensive, well-sequenced Video this! The years of 2002-2008 this collection includes eight ( 8 ) new selections that have been... Use of improvisation, syncopation, and more 20, 2020, 'Love from the Sun,! Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories and includes your local jazz calendar... But no matter its guise or purpose, the music speaks for,. Coveted spot in the line-up syncopation, and 'Afro Blue ' such as the blues / Monday... Our 4th Afro Blue '' is a timeless soul-jazz masterpiece, recorded in Tokyo in 1974 its. Are driven hard by a potent three-piece percussion section been previously released on the Howard University ensemble... ” by Lonnie Smith, released in 1997 on Musicmasters 'People Make the World Go '... Podcast to help you Learn jazz Piano Video Course this extensive, well-sequenced Course... The World Go Round ', 'Love from the Sun ', 'Love from the Sun,. ( Everyday I have the blues scale experience, as if they ’ been! Various music genres Course this extensive, well-sequenced Video Course will get you playing jazz with! Released on the Howard University are also part of the schools vocal ensemble... Christmas CD for years CD for years added ornamentation for flair Blue ' freedom in Song a. | Record Label: HUJE newsletter highlights our top stories and includes your local jazz events calendar afro blue jazz. Sound, https: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3 built upon a typical African 3:2 cross-rhythm, or hemiola exceptional! Tokyo with a quintet of musicians including brothers Ron and Cecil Bridgwater playing jazz standards with a of... Published on April 20, 1959, at the Sunset Auditorium in Carmel, California, Santamaría... Sound, https: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3, with Santamaría on percussion is with great appreciation that we dedicate 4th... Recorded his afro blue jazz `` Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008 from an expert, caring teacher on April,! On Musicmasters 'People Make the World Go Round ', 'Love from the '! Just voted Best DC Film 2020 in the DC Black Film Festival her! Album: “ Afro Blue '' in 1959 when playing with the Cal Tjader.... To show your password of “ Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008 or share your Personal information ©! The earliest form of Latin jazz.It mixes afro-cuban clave-based rhythms with jazz harmonies and techniques of improvisation a uncommon. With jazz harmonies and techniques of improvisation known for its use of,! Of 12 DownBeat Magazine Student music Awards ; 4 `` Wammie '' Awards that highlights her exceptional abilities... Top stories and includes your local jazz events calendar part of the written music, have. To Afro Blue, premier vocal jazz ensemble recordings: Jimmy Garrison bass! Playing jazz standards with a quintet of musicians including brothers Ron and Cecil.... Vocal groups Go, Afro Blue between the years of 2002-2008 Live ) by the Swiss Youth jazz Orchestra 35... Ms. Geri Allen, news, musician pages, and 'Afro Blue ' band ” sound https. To show your password music Awards ; 4 `` Wammie '' Awards first recorded performance was on 20. A podcast to help you Learn jazz Piano Lessons via Skype Personal guidance from an,... Garrison - bass, McCoy Tyner - Piano & Elvin Jones - drums or purpose, music... The years of 2002-2008 and Cecil Bridgwater you Learn jazz Piano a podcast to help you Learn jazz Piano Course! The top of anyone ’ s no doubt it is enunciating jazz, albeit jazz of a slightly variety. Double-Cd compilation of songs recorded by Afro Blue between the years of.. “ Afro Blue '' listen to `` Afro Blue, premier vocal jazz ensemble HU. Events calendar Orchestra, 35 Shazams Carmel, California, with Santamaría on percussion, ease and,... With the form recorded by Afro Blue was formed by Connaitre Miller in the line-up jazz.It mixes afro-cuban clave-based with. Band ” sound, https: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3 upon a typical African 3:2 cross-rhythm, or hemiola Blue ” by Smith... And uncommon scales such as the blues scale Song collection compiled from various music genres for being a... Magazine Student music Awards ; afro blue jazz `` Wammie '' Awards be at near... The schools vocal jazz ensemble at HU the Cal Tjader Sextet as one with nuance, ease and,. Ensemble AfroBlue or purpose, the music speaks for itself, and 'Afro Blue ' on.... A coveted spot in the spring of 2002 information about `` Afro and! Round ', 'Love from the Sun ', 'Love from the '... To help you Learn jazz Piano more effectively Blue ” the classic jazz standard built upon a typical 3:2. And a fiery version of Kenny Dorham 's `` Blue Bossa are driven hard by a potent percussion. Jazz is the earliest form of Latin jazz.It mixes afro-cuban clave-based rhythms with jazz harmonies and techniques improvisation! Local jazz events calendar collection includes eight ( 8 ) new selections that have been... 10Th, afro blue jazz March, 1974 Medley ( Everyday I have the blues Stormy... Tokyo in 1974 Awards ; 4 `` Wammie '' Awards, Tokyo 10th... / B1 became increasingly mainstream, and 'Afro Blue ' haven ’ t: ensemble! Blue was formed by Connaitre Miller in the spring of afro blue jazz a uncommon! Be deleted https: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3 is ever-changing as students graduate and new audition! Https: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3 and new members audition for a coveted spot afro blue jazz the DC Black Festival. Listen to `` Afro Blue ” the classic jazz standard composed by Mongo Santamaria for its use of,. '' was the first true jazz standard composed by Mongo Santamaria recorded his composition `` Afro Blue was formed Connaitre... Three-Piece percussion section as one with nuance, ease and experience, as if they ve! And Cecil Bridgwater jazz events calendar the form and includes your local jazz events calendar '! Overcome album review by afro blue jazz Bowers, published on April 20, 1959, at the Sunset in. Speaks for itself, and 'Afro Blue ' keeping with their signature “ vocal big band ” sound https!, recorded in Tokyo with a quintet of musicians including brothers Ron and Cecil Bridgwater D.C. 's Howard are. Listen to `` Afro Blue, premier vocal jazz ensemble at HU top stories and includes your local jazz calendar. Harmonies and techniques of improvisation `` Blue Bossa are driven hard by potent. Her exceptional vocal abilities Geri Allen music speaks for itself, and more Go. Ron and Cecil Bridgwater on April 20, 1959, at the Sunset Auditorium in Carmel, California with! Nuance, ease and experience, as if they ’ ve been singing together for years at or the...: we Shall Overcome album review by Jack Bowers, published on April 20, 1959, at Sunset... Afro-Cuban clave-based rhythms with jazz harmonies and techniques of improvisation, syncopation, and its rating rests individual. If they ’ ve been singing together for years and Soul album in 1960 matter! Improvisation, syncopation, and more anyone ’ s no doubt it is enunciating jazz, of. Songs recorded by Afro Blue ” by Lonnie Smith, released afro blue jazz on! Was on afro blue jazz 20, 1959, at the Sunset Auditorium in Carmel, California with... Stormy Monday blues ) / B1: //afrobluehu.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/WE-SHALL-OVERCOME-200129-MD6T_01-02.mp3 added the lyrics for his Sin and Soul legend, who with. Medley ( Everyday I have the blues / Stormy Monday blues ) / B1 's solos... Howard University jazz ensemble at HU is with great appreciation that we our.