Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/31/2023
(MADISON, NJ) -- In his review of vibraphonist Chuck Redd’s 2019 Dalphine Records album, Groove City, Dan Bilawsky of AllAboutJazz wrote that “one of the standout moments comes in balladic form with (Billy Strayhorn’s) ‘A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing’. Redd and (John) di Martino, sans rhythm section, dim the lights, and capture the essence of beauty in less than three minutes. It’s the type of performance that passes quickly yet hangs in the air. It’s but one of many examples of how Chuck Redd lives atop and within a song.”
On Sunday, November 12, 2023, Chuck Redd and pianist John di Martino will again be creating their musical magic as the duo headlines the New Jersey Jazz Society’s Jersey Jazz LIVE! concert at the Madison, NJ, Community Arts Center. The concert begins at 3:00pm.
In 1980, Redd joined the Charlie Byrd Trio at the age of 21 and then became a member of the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Byrd and Herb Ellis). He was also the vibraphonist with the Mel Torme Quintet from 1991-1996. Redd is Artistic Director of the Oregon Festival of Music and has appeared at such New York venues as Mezzrow, Café Carlyle, and Birdland.
Di Martino’s latest album was Passion Flower The Music of Billy Strayhorn (Sunnyside: 2020). Reviewing it for AllAboutJazz, Dr. Judith Schlesinger wrote: “Among the many eulogies to Strayhorn's genius, this one is unique in its fresh and straightforward interpretations.”
Redd and diMartino will be preceded by a Rising Star performance by three of the four NJJS 2023 scholarship winners: trombonist Richard LaRouech (East Aurora, NY/William Paterson), trumpeter Banks Sapnar (Haddonfield, NJ/Temple), and tenor saxophonist Joseph Foglia (Raleigh, NC/William Paterson). The fourth scholarship winner, trumpeter Grace Fox (Marlton, NJ/Manhattan School of Music) cannot attend due to a scheduling conflict.
The scholarship winners will perform their opening act with a trio of veteran jazz performers: pianist Oscar Perez, Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Montclair State’s John J. Cali School of Music; bassist Mary Ann McSweeney, who served for several years on the faculty of Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy; and drummer Ron Vincent, who has presented workshops at more than 80 colleges and universities. Prior to the concerts, tenor saxophonist Don Braden, who is an NJJS Advisor, will lead a roundtable discussion with the scholarship winners.
LaRouech won the $1,000 scholarship for Performance. His major heroes on trombone are J.J. Johnson, Curtis Fuller, and Slide Hampton. Dr. David Demsey, Coordinator of Jazz Studies at William Paterson, said LaRouech is “among the strongest players we have had in our jazz program in a long time, certainly one of the strongest trombonists.”
Sapnar was the recipient of the $1,000 scholarship for Composition. His winning work, “Red Braid”, was chosen by Terell Stafford, Director of Jazz Studies at Temple’s Boyer School of Music to be performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Jack Rudin Championship this past January. Sapnar picked the trumpet as his instrument because of Louis Armstrong. “His energy and joy was so contagious to me,” he said. However, his biggest influence has been Stafford. “He is my favorite living trumpet player,” he added.
Foglia won the $500 scholarship for Performance. His first influences on saxophone were Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon. “I would always listen to Bird and practice out of the omni- book (note-for-note transcriptions),” he said. Demsey described Foglia as “an inspired learner, and he has a very strong and rapidly expanding jazz vocabulary.”
The Madison Community Arts Center is located at 10 Kings Road in Madison, New Jersey. Admission to this event will be $10 for NJJS members and $15 for non-members. Student admission is $5 with valid ID. There will be light refreshments for purchase. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Funding for Jersey Jazz Live! has been made possible, in part, by funds from Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of The National Endowment for the Arts.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHUCK REDD AND JOHN DI MARTINO
EVENT PREVIEWS
The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. In a career spanning over 50 years, dozens of albums, and too many shows to count, Marty Stuart charts a course through new territory at every chance possible.
BoDeans - 40th Anniversary Tour comes to Newton Theatre in August
(NEWTON, NJ) -- BoDeans are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their critically acclaimed debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, in 2026. In honor of the anniversary, the band has a special tour planned which comes to The Newton Theatre on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on August 14th
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Music Box at the Borgata presents The Marshall Tucker Band on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram to Headline 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has been announced as the headliner for the 2026 Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival. The free festival will be held on Saturday, August 15th on the Green. The music begins at noon and runs until 10:00pm. The lineup also includes James Langton New York All-Star Big Band, Richard Baratta Gotham City Latin/Jazz Septet, LaBamba and the Hubcaps, and Dylan Triplett.
The Newton Theatre presents Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis on August 15th
(NEWTON, NJ) -- Supernova: A Tribute to Oasis comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. They are an Oasis tribute band obsessed with recreating the raw energy, intensity and swagger of a real Oasis gig.
Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond: The Tribute comes to Atlantic City
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The Grand at Golden Nugget Atlantic City presents Rob Garrett's Neil Diamond Tribute on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm. The longtime Las Vegas performer has been called "the best of the best" when it comes to tribute acts.
Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.
Widespread Panic to Play Three Nights at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Widespread Panic is taking over Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena for three nights from August 14-16, 2026 with shows at 8:00pm each night. The popular jam band has been together over three decades. Tickets are available for each show individually or as a 3-Day Pass.
The Temptations to Bring the Motor City to the Ocean City Boardwalk on August 18th
(OCEAN CITY, NJ) -- Legendary Motown group The Temptations look to continue their celebrated touring schedule with a summer stop at America's Greatest Family Resort, Ocean City, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and multiple GRAMMY Award winners celebrate more than six decades of hits with their acclaimed live performances, remain one of the most enduring and influential groups in American popular music. Renowned worldwide for their signature harmonies, impeccable choreography, and an iconic catalog of timeless hits, their legacy continues to span generations.
Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark will see a night of reggae's best when Beres Hammond and Beenie Man perform live at Prudential Center on Saturday, August 20, 2026 at 8:00pm. Experience the artistry of Beres Hammond, one of Jamaica's most esteemed vocalists, as he graces the stage with Marcia Griffiths and Baby Cham. It will be an exceptional evening featuring the captivating performances of reggae music, showcasing soulful melodies and heartfelt expressions.
FEATURED EVENTS
