April 2008 Music Celebrity of the Month

It's been such a crazy month, filled with music festival preparations that the April Music Celebrity blog almost fell by the wayside. This month's music celebrity is American jazz composer, pianist and band leader Duke Ellington. He lived from April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974. A few of my students are studying some of his works. "It Don't Mean a Thing" is the popular choice among the group.

If you'd like to add the Duke to your music collection, check out these albums by clicking on the image below:

If you'd like to learn "It Don't Mean a Thing" or any of the Duke's other songs, head to Sheetmusicplus.com and choose which version you want.

(c) 2008 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Cal Band Video Game Show - Half Time Intermission

Thanks to my brother for this one. Last year, the Cal Band performed a video game music medley, complete with impressive choreography.

Oscar Peterson Remembered

Canadian jazz legend, pianist, composer, Grammy Award winner, humanitarian and Order of Canada recipient Oscar Peterson passed away on December 23. He was of 82.

Oscar Peterson's website, containing news, biographical, band, journal, discography, photos, audios and more.Wikipedia article on Oscar PetersonCBC tribute to Oscar PetersonThe Press Association's article, Tributes Pour In for Oscar PetersonCollections Canada websiteThe Toronto Star's memoriamThe Canadian EncyclopediaLoss of a Legend - CTV Tribute

"C Jam Blues" never sounded so fine!

This is one of the Oscar Peterson CD's in my music collection:

Chick Corea Concert in Calgary

Multiple Grammy Award winning jazz pianist/keyboardist/composer Chick Corea is performing in Calgary on November 25 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.Chick Corea is known for his work in jazz fusion. This is one of my favourite works by Chick Corea, called "Spain":

Head to Ticketmaster's website to order tickets.

I'm looking forward to watching and listening to a jazz great in action.

"Spain" is from his Chick Corea Akoustic Band album:

(c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.

Buona Notte, Maestro Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti, one of The Three Tenors, passed away on September 6 at the age of 71. Luciano Pavarotti Remembered - a collection of websites containing links to articles and photo galleries CBC ArticleThe Three Tenors Perform Nessun Dorma (Let No One Sleep)Globe and Mail Article

Mille grazie, Maestro Pavarotti per la bella musica.

Buona notte, signor. Dormi bene. (c) 2007 by Musespeak(tm), Calgary, AB, Canada. All rights reserved.