Charlie Apicella: Blues Alive
This two-hour program frames Gertrude Pritchett—a.k.a. Ma Rainey—as a trail-blazing American composer, band leader, entrepreneur, and social trend setter. We shine a light on the woman as a powerful jazz musician, mentor, and collaborator to several musicians who in turn became innovators in their own careers; Louis Armstrong, pianist Thomas Dorsey, guitarist Tampa Red, and saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
Set one, 35 minutes: Panel discussion/Listening session/ We listen to two of Rainey’s classic recordings and discuss the musical, historical, and cultural impact of her work. Includes Q&A and audience participation.
Set two, 75 minutes: Acoustic blues concert
Charlie Apicella was voted onto the 84th and 86th DownBeat Readers Poll for Guitar. He studied composition and improvisation with musical titans Yusef Lateef and Pat Martino and was trained as a historian by Archie Shepp and Dr. Billy Taylor. As a young guitarist he met his idol BB King, who offered him advice and shared some stories. He has performed concerts and recorded with jazz legends Dave Holland, Sonny Fortune, John Blake, Jr., and Avery Sharpe as well as contemporary masters Joe Magnarelli, Vic Juris, Dave Stryker, Don Braden, and Jon Herington of Steely Dan.
Madame Pat Tandy was influenced early on by the music of the Baptist Church as she began singing in gospel groups and school choirs. She studied jazz with former Ellington bassist, Professor Aaron Bell at Essex County College in Newark. She went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Arts & Science with a focus on Music Education.
A native of Newark, NJ Pat has been singing professionally since the 1970′s including a long stint with the popular R&B recording group “The Pretenders” who had several minor hits on Carnival Records. Pat has performed in off-Broadway musicals including “Good Time Blues” and “Billie” and portrayed Queen Evileen in the musical “Wiz” at NJPAC in Newark, NJ. Madame Pat toured abroad and performed in Japan, Italy, and Switzerland and most recently, Russia. Pat’s CD recordings include: “Our Day Will Come” Blue Lady Records, “Good Time Blues” EKTM Production, “All We Want To Do Is Swing” David Aaron Production. Her latest CD recording is a tribute to the late Irene Reid entitled, “Madame Pat Tandy remembers Irene Reid” on BlueArk Records released 2009. One of her featured signature songs is: “Big Fat Daddy” loved and requested by many.
Avery Sharpe is one of his generations greatest and most imaginative bassist. His unique and versatile style, have captured the respect and attention of musicians and critics. His influence is mimicked and embodied by those who have followed him. The Great Jazz pianist , McCoy Tyner was once asked to describe Avery Sharpe in two words, his response was “Impeccable Rhythm” . Avery continues to touch fans around the world with his distinct and enjoyable musical style.
Tickets: $20 online at thefoundryws.com /$25 at the door
Seating/Bar: 7:00PM
Show: 7:30PM
This event is indoors.