Arbor's Recording artist Johnny Varro is not only a jazz pianist of considerable talent, but someone who probably has a few stories to tell about the American jazz scene. During a career that's spanned six decades, he's performed with a virtual who's who of the greats in swing era small combo jazz.
After getting out of the army he began his career in earnest touring with cornet/trumpet legend Bobby Hackett. Moving to New York in the 50s and eventually became the pianist with Eddie Condon. During the New York years he shared a stage with numerous jazz legends including Roy Eldridge, Coleman Hawkins, Jonah Jones, Wild Bill Davidson, Yank Lawson, and Pee Wee Russell.
In 1965 Varro moved to Miami Beach and worked on the Jackie Gleason Show. He also worked with Flip Phillips, Billy Butterfield, Phil Napoleon and toured with the Dukes of Dixieland. Then came another move in 1979 to Los Angeles, California, where he lived, played and toured for the next 14 years. He played there with Eddie Miller, Dick Cathcart, Tommy Newsom, Red Norvo, Bob Havens and Jack Sheldon. In Los Angeles he formed a group known as the Swing 7, which became popular at Festivals around the US.
The last move took him in 1993 to Florida where he now resides, in the Tampa Bay area. Johnny is continually touring North America and worldwide to perform. He has recorded on a variety of labels, the most recent for Arbors Records.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The "Prince of BeBop" is Back
Rhode Island Saxophonist Greg Abate and Trio
A return appearance by Greg Abate will be welcomed by fans of the hard swinging sound of alto saxophonists in the tradition of Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderly. Abate has gained international acclaim as a performer and recording artist, with a busy touring schedule both in the US and abroad.
In the mid 70’s after finishing a four year program at Berklee College Of Music, Greg played lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra for 2 years. In 1978 Greg formed his group Channel One which was a favorite in the New England area and from there had the opportunity to play tenor sax with the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under leadership of Dick Johnson from 1986 to ’87.Greg recorded his first CD Live At Birdland NYC in 1991 on the Candid Jazz Label with the trio of James Williams, Rufus Reid and Kenny Washington. To this date Greg has recorded over 12 other recordings, all critically acclaimed, and was nominated for a Grammy for his 2004 recording EVOLUTION in four categories.
Joining him will be a collection of Florida's best in a rhythm section anchored by piano sensation Kenny Drew Jr. A highly acclaimed artist in his own right, Drew first won recognition as winner of the 1990 Great American Jazz Piano Competition in Jacksonville FL. In the intervening years Kenny has performed worldwide with a comprehensive variety of musicians, including the Mingus Big Band, Stanley Turrentine, Slide Hampton, Sadao Watanabe, Smokey Robinson, Frank Morgan, Daniel Schnyder, and many others. Drew recently recorded his 20th album as a leader, "Autumn", for the Japanese label Pony Canyon.
Filling out the group are two other Florida sidemen with a wealth of experience in the jazz concert scene, Richard Drexler on bass and James Martin on drums.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Catch A Rising Star
Vocalist Kevin Mahogany is back for an encore!
Kansas City jazz vocalist Kevin Mahogany is back for an encore! Kevin first became prominent in the 1990's. An incredibly diverse talent, he is known for his virtuosic scat singing, as well as a personal sound and style often compared with Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman. His first CD release as a solo artist was "Double Rainbow" in 1993.
This was followed by the self-titled album "Kevin Mahogany," which won him his first critical acclaim in the media, prompting Newsweek Magazine to call Mahogany "the standout jazz vocalist of his generation." Mahogany appeared in Robert Altman's 1996 film "Kansas City," playing a character said to be based on Kansas City singer Big Joe Turner. Mahogany lists his vocal influences as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson. As a jazz educator, Mahogany has taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Miami.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Big Band Jazz Night
Terry Myers'-Tribute to Benny Goodman
Terry Myers was the baritone sax player in the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra when it was led by Buddy Morrow, before he was asked to form a Benny Goodman Band, initially to play on a cruise on the liner Norway. The band completed that gig successfully and went on to appear in many Florida venues, as well as in Las Vegas and New York City.
The group is 17 pieces including a vocalist and made-up largely of central Florida performers. Many of the arrangements, though classics of the Goodman repertoire are done by top contemporary arrangers like Dave Wolpe and Gordan Jenkins. But all are authentically written to retain the style made popular by the man dubbed the King of Swing.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Dixieland Jazz Night
Bob Leary and Sextet
Check back for write-up coming this fall.
Monday, April 11, 2011
South Florida Talent Showcase (Double Concert)
Part One: Vibist Sir John Jeffery and Trio
Part Two: Kitt & Mike Moran Quartet
