The Nashville Jazz Workshop is expanding its programming to include, for the first time ever, a summer jazz camp for young musicians. The day camp, which will run from July 16 through July 20, is led by saxophonist Evan Cobb and a faculty of working pros. The camp is open to instrumentalists and vocalists at all levels of ability, and is geared for students ages 13-19.

It's a great week for virtuoso guitar! Not only do Nashville contemporary jazz fans have the opportunity to catch the great Charlie Hunter (May 4, Family Wash), they can also check out the Tom Hemby Band at this Sunday's 7 pm Contemporary Jazz Series Concert at the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Following a series of shows during the 1st week of New Orleans' Jazzfest, 7-string guitarist Charlie Hunter makes his 1st Nashville appearance in over five years on May 4th at The Family Wash in East Nashville at 9pm. Tickets are $10 at the door, for ticketing information 615-226-6070.

The next installment of the popular Jazz on the Move series features something we don't hear often these days -- traditional jazz. The series, produced by the Nashville Jazz Workshop and performed at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, consists of a lecture/performance on a major figure or period in jazz. The Sunday, April 23, 3pm performance is titled "Early Jazz: From New Orleans to Chicago," and features an all-star group led by Denis Solee to recreate the sounds that ignited the first jazz revolution.

The Nashville Jazz Orchestra will perform this Friday, April 20th, under the direction of band-leader Jim Williamson. This is the 7th annual “Writers’ Night” concert, where local jazz cats arrange and compose for weeks leading to the concert to compile music to a new theme each year. This year’s theme features the music of legendary Stevie Wonder! The NJO will bring over a dozen of Wonder’s Motown hits such as “Sir Duke,” “I Wish,” and “Superstition” to life with the finest jazz musicians in Music City.

Jazz/Blues reviews, by Ron Wynn

Freddie Hubbard
"Pinnacle: Live & Unreleased from Keystone Korner
(Resonance)

Trumpet great Freddie Hubbard may have passed his hit recording days when these sessions were done at San Francisco's Keystone Korner in 1980, but his incomparable technique was still intact. The speed, range and ferocity of Hubbard's playing is uniformly impressive over this seven-song program that matches him with two sets of supporting musicians. Only pianist Billy Childs, who proves a superb second soloist and rhythm section partner, and bassist Larry Klein were with him on every selection. On a couple of selections trombonist Phil Ranelin and tenor saxophonist David Schnitter were his frontline mates. Other times only saxophonist Hadley Caliman was a partner, while Eddie Marshall and Sinclair Lott divided drum duties. The songs were also extensive (none less than seven minutes and a couple over 10), energetically performed and designed to showcase both group cohesion and individual prowess.

If you haven't been to the TJBS Facebook page, prepare to be blown away. The page is curated by contributing writer Ron Wynn, one of the foremost jazz journalists around. You'll find links to all manner of jazz & blues-related articles and news from around the internet, as well as local events. Just a few recent links . . . Gretchen Parlato, Larry Gray, Ted Nash, Andrew Swift, Eddie Palmieri, and Esperanza Spalding. Plus, provocative discussions Ron has sought out that you might not find anywhere else.

Make the TJBS Facebook page one of your regular stops for news -- visit (and like) us today!

Wow, has it been two years already? Seems like yesterday when our friends Kandes Dungey and Teree McCormick started the Nine48jazz house concert series. The series has become a staple of the city's rich and growing jazz scene, and features outstanding jazz performers the third Sunday of each month in their Deep Groove Sunday series. The intimate room seats just over 30, the acoustics are wonderful, and the vibe warm and welcoming. So, as you can imagine tickets go briskly!

The next installment of the Nashville Jazz Workshop's Contemporary Jazz Series features vocalist and songwriter Stephanie Adlington. The performance takes place Sunday, April 1 at 7pm at the Jazz Workshop. General admission tickets are available at the door, and are $15, $10 for high school and college students.

Jazz flutist Sherry Winston headlines the 2nd annual fundraising event of the Tennessee Aquatic Project and Development Group’s (TAP), "TAP into Jazz," on Saturday, April 28, 2012 7:00 p.m. at the Essense Room, 1511 Jefferson Street.