Mik Nawooj video interview

New video interview (remixed by me) of the Ensemble Mik Nawooj for those doubters of older forms of music dying. These guys rock!



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Former Dentonite and University of North Texas alumnus Chris Nicholas joins with Korean composer JooWan Kim (aka Mik Nawooj) in California for a a new take on music-making which truly blends classical music with hip hop and other popular forms. Chris Nicholas is a featured soloist in their chamber hip-hop opera (or as I like to say "hiphopera") titled "Great Integraton." JooWan Kim was formerly managed by Jazz legend Ahmad Jamal who helped Kim secure a lifetime endorsement from Steinway & Sons Piano Company. Utilizing social media and their musical talents, the group is fundraising to perform a touring full version of "Great Integration" complete with dancers from the Pushdance Company and various Jazz and classical musicians including MC Kirby Dominant.

myspace.com/ensemblemiknawooj
Facebook: Great Integration
motionfest.org
motionfestblog.blogspot.com
pushdance.org

video and audio content used with permission in association with Ensemble Mik Nawooj and MyDentonMusic.com

video by Michael Goodier
additional video by the Push Dance Company
Remix by Michal Garcia

Jason Levi's new blog

The blogosphere is such a wealth of information because it's made by a collective of niche bloggers that offer niche readers and regular folks a new way of looking at their specific problems, ideas, goals, dreams etcetera. One of my new favorites is that of Jason Levi, a trumpet player and author and entrepreneur - and this list continues. Jason's new blog is awesome because it dispels the myth that a person can only be good at one thing. Quite simply, the reason why people are only good at one thing is because someone limited them from their potential, probably by saying "What are you going to be when you grow up" rather than having a more open idea of life and saying "Never grow up and do everything you want to do."

[photo above is from the Addison Jazz Festival a few years ago at a performance of the UNT One O'clock Lab Band]

Chris Nicholas

Chris Nicholas is a singer and graduate of the University of North Texas. He moved to California recently to work with Ahmad Jamal as well as his own gigs and projects. Here are photos of his venerable (but devious) character :-)




A friend gave him this doll and he used it for a few shots at the end of our shoot.

Run away from me

*Gezellig best characterized Sarah Renfro's voice when they said it "sounds like an angel dripping with sin." From her abandoned east Texas roots all the way to her new home of Brooklyn, it's been a shift filled with honest, emotional music. Sarah, in her latest work approaches her voice and Rhodes piano from a new direction. Gone (but not forgotten) are the angry protests and in are the more subtle explorations of self-awareness, whether it be the Arvo Pärt-like vocalizations in "City in your Nightmare" or her "Little White House" in the backyard. Sarah's new music trades extra decibels for lyrics that strike harder. Much harder.

Sarah's been in on a number of collaborations with numerous accolades. Discover them through her site. For now, check out the Gutterth Compilation which features a number of Dallas/Fort Worth musicians and Sarah's track Judgement By Default.
**Click to listen, or right click to save
Written & sung by Sarah Renfro
Guitar, Bob Lanzetti
Recorded by Eddie Martin

Take a look at these photos as you browse through her music:
Photos shot in New York, New York


Just a hop & a skip away from NYU, the Blue Note, and Gay Street




These last few were shot late on a memorable, muggy and deserted Brooklyn night in late July '08.

*Gezellig is an awesome Dallas club
**Digital download avalaible with permission from artist

Wood Are Sick

"Let's start with a controversial example"


A funky jazz cat; a soulful rockstar, with a tenor trombone.
Nick Wlodarczyk. Five consecutive consonants touring the globe with rock band Polyphonic Spree - Jammin' with Paul Slavens, Virtual Insanity, Backside Pick, Little Brian, he's been a Thelonious Monk Institute Finalist, placed high with ITA, and played bone on a Grammy nominated recording with the Mancini Institute. Nick's even been at IAJE as a vocalist, recorded his own CD, and could probably make it as a stand up comedian! He's a swell fellow. (Illustration above by Nick Earl)


Nick, straight up. Below, Nick's CD release party at the Greenhouse restaurant with Tony Baker (left) and LA-based trombonist Andy Martin (left). Not pictured, but still drummin' it up: Michael D'Angelo. Nick Wlodarczyk currently studies under Steve Wiest, and is featured nationally in many performances like this one.


With Jamiroquai tribute band Virtual Insanity, Nick trades his trombone for a tambourine.


I just included the Backside Pick logo 'cause it's so fun! They've recently been on a tour to Costa Rica and have released an EP titled Like I Do

Nanu, Nanu

Each year for nearly a decade, Dallas residents and many young musicians from all across America come to listen to first-rate performances at the North Texas Addison Jazz Festival. Addison brought together many virtuosos: pictured above is the One O'Clock Lab Band featuring Brian Donohoe on soprano saxophone. Below,vocalist Rosana Eckert. If you're a a Bobby McFerrin fan, you'll want to catch Rosana's husband Gary Eckert singing with McFerrin's Voicestra this Spring.


Guest artist: pianist Kenny Barron, below


Below: One of my past teachers and excellent jazz cat, Mike Steinel


Drummer Ross Pederson, with the One O'Clock


The Jazz Station in Dallas Fort Worth is KNTU FM 88.1, The One. I've DJed on this station quite a bit. Pictured below is the MC for the night Mark Lambert. Formerly with AP News, Mark is the Program Manager at KNTU.


You can listen on your radio to KNTU FM 88.1 in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and even as far as Oklahoma. Or just log in to KNTU.com and listen anywhere in the world.

See complete album