Music
Musings
To submit your music or your writings about music for consideration, contact info@poconojazzandpoetry.com.
March 13: Sherman Benefit Concert in Memory of Local Musician
DAVE DZAMBO
The Sherman Theater and the Stroudsburg-area music community have both lost a dear friend. Longtime Sherman performer, musician Dave Dzambo was taken from this world suddenly and unexpectedly. He will be missed by all that knew him or heard his music. Upon hearing the news of Dave’s passing, the Sherman Theater’s scheduled Masquerade Recordings (logo shown above) showcase concert on March 13th was quickly turned into a benefit show, with the net proceeds going to the Dzambo family in their time of need. Bands scheduled to participate in the show and donate their time and music include Motionless In White, Set Phasers To Stun, Kelsey & The Chaos, American Sixgun, Don’t Panic, and more.
“Looking back, Dave was possibly the first person who came to me when I built this place and stressed that there should be a home for young musicians and young fans here,” commented Rich Berkowitz, Executive Director of the Sherman Theater. “Dave was always a hard working and fun character, both when he was on stage or just hanging around. He will be missed.” Dave was one of the original supporters and performers at the Sherman Theater’s local rock shows (dubbed the Sherman Independent Rock Series) with his bands My Steady Backfire and later Waking Amelia. He will always hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the Sherman Theater’s staff and its concert goers.
This benefit show takes place on Saturday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m. and tickets for this all-ages concert are $10. Fans can purchase their tickets in person at the Sherman Theater box office, over the phone by calling (570)420-2808, or online at www.ShermanTheater.com.
NEW R&B Open Mic: "Jazz at the Gem"
The new open mic at the Gem and Keystone (Shawnee-on-Delaware) will feature R&B from 7-10 p.m. on alternate Thursdays. Started by hosts Jesse Green (keys and bass) and Daniel Gonzalez (drums), styles of music will include fusion, Latin, classic rock, and "virtually any music done in an original creative style and doesn't sound like the cover tunes that we can all hear on any other night." This event is scheduled for alternate Thursdays, and will shortly include a showcase and contest. Sound equipment provided includes:
2 Mackie-powered PA speakers (15” / 6.6” / 1.5”) 500watt
20 channel stereo mixing board
2 Shure SM58 vocal mics and mic mtands
2 Shure SM57 instrument mics and mic stands
Yamaha semi-weighted 88 key digital piano synth (with split keyboard option,
organ sounds, electric piano, and 100’s more)
Full drumset with cymbals (this is Daniel’s set but is available for to all
responsible performers)
4 music mtands
For more information, contact Jesse Green at jesse@jessegreen.com.
My Hero, Definitely NOT Zero
By Deb Burke
While not at all publication quality, the cell phone camera works in a pinch. Capturing the unique, be-boppy and infinitely talented Bob Dorough, this pic was taken at Pocono Community Theater. Dorough, famed for his "Conjunction Junction" tunes, was the special guest at Pocono Community Theater for an invitation-only event. Ivories were tickled and lyrics lovingly rendered by the man who brought us oh, much, much more than "My Hero, Zero" and "Busy Prepositions." He adorned the air with Moon River and other movie tunes. Many kudos to Skip Scheetz, the PCT board of directors, Eric Hantson and staff for their vision for this theater, artfully packaging it over and over again each time like a wonderful and cherished gift for the community.
(Photo credit: some kind soul whose name remains a mystery.)
Q&A With Phil Woods
Photo credit: David Coulter
Phil Woods - alto saxophonist extraordinaire - is a man of few words and a very decisive one at that. However, he is accessible and playful at the same time. He spoke with Pocono Jazz and Poetry on matters of musical choices, geography, and where the Poconos stand. We can now claim that, according to Woods, the Poconos have arrived!
PJ&P: Why Delaware Water Gap?
Phil Woods: One must live somewhere - why not DWGap?
Why the sax?
Very long story - short version I was willed it by a dead uncle.
Do you prefer standards like Gershwin, Porter, or more modern pieces?
There is nothing more modern than Gershwin and Porter.
Do you feel as if you straddle the Big Band world and the groovier bop sound? Where do you feel more comfortable?
Straddle? Both are groovy.
Do you have a custom-made sax and if so, what’s different about it?
I play a Yamaha 82Z standard version.
Tell me about “Just The Way You Are”- how many people, I wonder, were captivated by that singing sax without knowing at first that it was Phil Woods. How did that project come about for you?
I went to school with the producer.
How do you make sure that, say you’ve composed at least 200 songs, but each one is individual and differentiated? Do you worry about the risk of things blending together with past works, when you compose?
Yes.
When you are asked to perform and the playlist is up to you, what are your top 5 songs and why?
Depends on the situation. The playlist is usually always my choice.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered when you were a teen and learning your instrument?
Playing well.
What would you say to young people who are looking to play professionally but are told it’s a harsh and competitive environment? And what would you say to their parents?
Life is harsh and competitive. Be sure about choices.
Your “dream team” ensemble: what instruments are part of that?
My quintet.
Itunes and music access Web sites such as Imeem (www.imeem.com) have really brought music to the masses, in their own living rooms and on laptops everywhere. What do you think of these technological advances that allow for equal access by all?
The masses don't interest me. Jazz is not 'mass' music. It is art and as such is often ignored by the masses. One rarely - if ever - sees a sax man on American Idol.
Do you think the Poconos has the potential to be known for its substantial number of very talented artists and musicians? If we are not there yet, what would it take to get us such a reputation?
We are there.
You’ve been a teacher and surely have seen many people blossom musically. What is the biggest predictor of future success, as an artist? I don’t necessarily mean monetary success from their craft.
I am not a sooth-sayer. If one is the best in their field chances are they will be successful
What are your future plans as far as composing and performing?
To continue.
Phil Woods' OFFICIAL BIO
"The new Pocono cultural events site,www.poconojazzandpoetry.com, promises to be a major convenience for culturally-inclined people in our frenetic area. How wonderful that on one site people will be able to find out exactly what is happening, as well as when and where. Thank you!"
Andi Reiter, writer, flutist, East Stroudsburg |
