Los Angeles-based Latin percussionist Luis Conte will be in Portland this weekend for two shows where he will be the featured guest with two Portland-based groups.

First, on Friday, February 12th, Conte will join the Portland Jazz Orchestra for a concert at the First United Methodist Church (1838 SW Jefferson St) for a concert called “El Rey del Timbal” where the big band will explore the music of Tito Puente.  Don’t miss this chance to see Conte with some of Portland’s best jazz musicians, including Darrell Grant, Alan Jones, Farnell Newton, and more.  Also, Portland’s own Latin-jazz king Bobby Torres will be joining the group on percussion for this special event.

Then, on Saturday, February 13th, Conte will join the Bobby Torres Ensemble at Jimmy Mak’s for another evening of hot Latin jazz.  You won’t find another percussion section like this in Portland again in 2010: Bobby Torres, Carmello Torres (Bobby’s son), and Luis Conte.

Portland State University’s newest jazz professor, trumpeter Farnell Newton, is bringing his student ensemble to Jimmy Mak’s tonight (10/20) to open for the Mel Brown Septet.  The PDX Jazz Project brings together some of Oregon’s most talented young players to get coaching in a group-setting from professional jazz musicians in the area.  Newton also often uses compositions from local composers for the students to play in the ensemble.

The PDX Jazz Project will take the stage at 6:30 PM.  The Mel Brown Septet starts at 8.

MONDAY, OCT 26th@ Jimmy Maks
(221 NW 10th Ave. www.jimmymaks.com)
7pm, 21+ after 9:30pm, $25.00 Cover

ALL PROCEEDS INCLUDING ANY TICKET FEES WILL GO TO THE CUMPSTON FAMILY FUND

Over 40 local musicians join to celebrate the life of teacher/musician Jeff Cumpston and to raise college funds for his children Mary and Bryce.

On Aug 9th, 2009, Portland lost a hero to many.  Jeff Cumpston, the former band director at West Linn High School, died the day before his 53rd birthday, when a motorcycle collided with him as he rode his bicycle near his home in Harare, Zimbabwe. Cumpston moved to Africa, along with his wife, Theresa, and children, Mary, 12, and Bryce, 9, last summer.  During Jeff’s 20+ years as a top drummer and 13 years as band director at West Linn High School, he affected thousands of people with his positive and hard working attitude.

Oct 26th is a chance for the music community to thank him for his influence in Portland. The concert will feature four groups.  The Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra will begin the evening with featured WLHS alumni performing newly composed pieces dedicated to Cumpston by Charlie Gray and Dave Mills.  Dan Balmer, Tom Wakeling, Dave Leslie and Tim Rap will follow with set two.  Jeff played with these musicians in his formative years.

The Medler Septet takes set three.  Last Summer, Jeff recorded an a Latin-Jazz Infusion CD with the Medlers called “Of this time”.   Alan Jones, Tim Rap and Charlie Doggett will be on drums as well as musicians Dennis Caiazza, Farnell Newton, Brian Ward, Michelle Medler, Caton Lyles Ben Medler, Al Criado, Scott Hall, Bryant Allard, Warren Rand and Greg Garrett.   To finish the evening will be an impromptu Jam set with Warren Rand, Paul Mazzio, Steve Christopherson, Greg Van Winkle, Ronnie Lagrone, John Nastos, Gordon Lee, and others.

For more information about the Cumpston Benefit or to schedule an interview, please contact Ben Medler at 503-452-8685 or ben@medlerstudios.com.

This Saturday (9/12), join Portland’s Mississippi Avenue community for the annual Jazz on the Mississippi event.  From 5-10 PM, you can enjoy music for artists such as Farnell Newton, Tahirah Memory, and more.

The event will be located on the corner of Missippi Avenue and Beech.  Free.

Kristina Quevedo -- Videographer
Recorded at Jimmy Mak’s

Today at noon, OPB held a party at their Southwest Portland building to celebrate the changeover, finalizing the move of KMHD from the Mt. Hood Community College campus to the OPB studios.  The event was attended by both OPB and KMHD staff, journalists, JSO volunteers, leaders in the jazz community, and others.

For the first hour or so, guests chatted and networked while enjoying the music of George Mitchell, Israel Annoh, and Phil Baker.

Soon, we were moved into one of their larger rooms where we heard statements from Steve Bass (CEO and President of OPB) as well as Matt Fleeger, who was just brought in from San Antonio to run KMHD.  Steve talked a bit about OPB’s plans to bring more publicity to not only KMHD but also MHCC through the many outlets at OPB’s disposal.

(Matt Fleeger speaks to the crowd)

The party was closed with a concert of duets from trumpeter Farnell Newton and vocalist Shirley Nanette.

Editorial:

KMHD has been a great resource for the Portland and Northwest jazz scenes.  It is amazing that they have managed to stay a dedicated jazz/blues station for 25 years relying primarily on volunteers and community donations.

That being said, the station has also been hampered by infrastructure, personnel, and political issues that have kept it from being an even better resource and content producer.  I truly believe that the merge with OPB will open many doors and avenues that could bring more attention to recorded jazz and blues as well as the music that is being performed in our community by local musicians every day.

I know that I can’t wait to see what Matt Fleeger has up his sleeve for KMHD.  But, it’s not his job alone – KMHD is still a community-supported organization, and being part of OPB will not suddenly make it some sort of corporate entity.  It’s our job as community members and jazz supporters to voice our opinions (both criticisms and praise) to help the organization grow and evolve.

- John Nastos

A new YouTube video featuring the Mel Brown Septet (Videographer, Kristina Quevedo).  Featuring:

• Mel Brown, drums
• Gordon Lee, piano
• Andre St. James, bass
• Stan Bock, trombone
• Warren Rand, saxophone
• Derek Sims, trumpet
• Farnell Newton, trumpet (guest -- sitting in)
• Renato Caranto, saxophone

This week, The Cave presents:

• Tuesday, February 24 – PSU Jam Session led by Farnell Newton.  $3 cover charge instead of the normal $5.
• Wednesday, February 25 – Nancy King (vocals) with Steve Christofferson (piano)
• Thursday, February 26 – Clackamas Community College Student Ensemble (7-8PM) followed by Tom Wakeling and the Cavemen (8-11 PM) featuring Tim Willcox (tenor saxophone), Randy Porter (piano), and Todd Strait (drums)
• Friday, February 27 – Ken Ollis CD Release featuring Ken Ollis (drums), Lars Campbell (trombone), Bill Athens (bass), Tim Jensen (saxophone), and Dave Fleschner (organ)
• Saturday, February 28 – Art Lande Quartet