News

July 2008

World Culture Music in New York Times!

By NATE CHINEN
Published: June 27, 2008

WORLD CULTURE MUSIC WEEKEND In the era of the imploding record label, a sizable number of jazz musicians have adapted, releasing albums themselves; through organizations like ArtistShare; or through one of the handful of indies typically based in Europe or Canada. A smaller contingent has gone further, establishing coherent imprints with multiple groups on the roster. Among the recent success stories in this vein is World Culture Music, founded by the drummer Kendrick Scott about a year and a half ago.

Mr. Scott, now 27, inaugurated the label in standard fashion, with a release under his own name. ''The Source,'' issued early last year, was his auspicious debut as a leader, with a group that included the pianist Aaron Parks and the guitarist Mike Moreno. Later came ''Between the Lines,'' an excellent first outing by Mr. Moreno. With those two releases, World Culture Music began to form a public identity and receive some modest recognition.

This weekend the label is celebrating two more recent releases: ''The Wish,'' a sophomore effort from the accomplished young vocalist Julie Hardy, and ''Synesthesia,'' a debut for the promising trombonist Nick Vayenas. Both albums are well conceived and more than casually ambitious. And both seem to adhere effortlessly to the aesthetic of the label, which could be described as cosmopolitan, progressive and sleek. It's only natural that when Ms. Hardy performs on Friday, her group will prominently include Mr. Moreno. And that Mr. Vayenas, above, appearing on Saturday, will team up with Mr. Scott. The secret to a thriving label these days, after all, involves something other than economics; it should reflect the social dynamics of an active scene. (Friday and Saturday at 9 and 10:30 p.m., Jazz Gallery, 290 Hudson Street, at Spring Street, South Village, 212-242-1063, jazzgallery.org; cover, $15.) NATE CHINEN

April 2008

Welcome to the NEW www.JulieHardy.com!

Here is it! My new website. I'm really happy with how it looks. Finally, I can include all the wonderfully creative photos that Ichiro Okada took of me. Please let me know what you think of the new design and layout.

Last month, I had the wonderful opportunity to be guest vocalist and clinician at the Clark Terry Jazz Festival at the University of New Hampshire. I had the chance to work with some talented young singers from all over the East coast. It was a great time! The future of vocal jazz is in very good hands.....

Upcoming Performance

I'm happy to be back at the 55 Bar this month with a killin' band on Monday, April 21st from 7-9PM with Randy Ingram, rhodes, Matt Clohesy, bass and Mark Ferber, drums. Hope you can join us.

 

Published in Downbeat Magazine

I've just been published in Downbeat Magazine in the Master Class/ Woodshed section! The topic of the article is Improvisation and Ear Training for the Modern Jazz Vocalist. It's in the April issue with Pat Metheny on the cover. Click here to read this article.

 

New School University

I am teaching at the New School in the Jazz Department. Please click here to learn more about New School's Jazz Program and here for information on lessons.