Jazz Improv LIVE! 2007 Adds Sun Ra Arkestra & Pianist Dave Burrell To The Lineup

New York, NY – August 1, 2007 - To present the most expansive array of styles and music embodied under the jazz banner, the First Annual Jazz Improv® LIVE! Convention & Festival 2007, The One International Convention For Jazz Fans, October 25-28, at the New Yorker Hotel and Manhattan Center, 34th Street and 8th Avenue, has added the Sun Ra Arkestra under the direction of saxophonist Marshall Allen, on Friday October 26. Additionally, pianist Dave Burrell will perform the music of Jelly Roll Morton. The two additions bring another dimension to the lineup of performances by scores of leading and emerging artists.

Jazz Improv LIVE! 2007 will feature over 150 activities, a 12,000 square foot jazz expo area, and scores of performances, all day and evening, by leading and emerging artists covering the broadest array of jazz genres. To take advantage of Advance Registration discounts to attend, including a free bonus copy of Jazz Improv Magazine (300 pages with enhanced companion CD), call 1-888-472-0670, or use the secure automated registration form online, or by mail to: Jazz Improv Convention Corporation, Murray Hill Station, P.O. Box 1813, New York, NY 10156. For information on sponsorships and exhibiting, contact Jamie Cosnowsky, jamie@jazzimprov.com, 212-889-0853.

The preliminary schedule of headline events appears below.
 
Sun Ra Arkestra: The October 26 performance at Jazz Improv LIVE! 2007 by the Sun Ra Arkestra will occur under the Direction of Saxophonist Marshall Allen. Sun Ra has been referred to as one of the founders of the avant-garde jazz movement. He led and wrote for the Arkestra until his death in 1993. His music spans the gamut of styles and history embodied under the term "jazz." The Sun Ra Arkestra experience takes its audience through the history of the music with an otherworldly perspective, leaving them full of possibilities and new directions. Since it's inception, the Arkestra has assimilated the past with a sonic vision, exploring what the future of jazz will be. Marshall Allen met Sun Ra in 1958 and has been an integral member of the band since. Since 1995, Allen has been Musical Director. He leads the veterans in this band with 49 years of continuous service in the Arkestra. Allen's contribution to expanding the Arkestra’s repertoire by adding his own unique compositions alongside those of Sun Ra have contributed to keep the direction of the band fresh and continually pushing forward. Unlike many “ghost” bands, the Sun Ra Arkestra is actually a spirit band – constantly moving ahead with the spiritual influence of Sun Ra, but with the experience of alumni who worked with Sun Ra in the Arkestra and who have dedicated their lives to the sound of the Arkestra.

Dave Burrell: New Orleans pianist and composer Jelly Roll Morton, considered a cornerstone in the lineage of jazz piano stylists and ensemble jazz, continues to inspire improvised music. Pianist Dave Burrell will perform Jelly Roll Morton's "The Crave," "New Orleans Blues," and "Frog-i- More Rag" along with several of his original compositions influenced by Morton. Burrell will also devote time to discuss the similarities and differences in rhythms and melodies in Morton's compositions. He has recently performed Morton's compositions at the Library of Congress and Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. collaborating with jazz historian/author John Szwed.
 
In addition to performances at Jazz Improv LIVE! 2007 by scores of artists, legendary jazz historians and authorities Ira Gitler, Dan Morgenstern, George Wein, Ashley Kahn, Michael Cogswell (Louis Armstrong Museum), Loren Schoenberg (Jazz Museum of Harlem), Gary Walker (WBGO Program Director), Jack Kleinsinger (Highlights in Jazz), Jim Eigo (Jazz Promo Services), Stix Hooper (Universal Guild for Jazz & Progressive Music), Don Sickler (28th Street Music, Jazz Icons DVD Series) are among the list of experts who will be appearing on panels, workshops and interviews about the music, history, recordings, and personalities.
 
Plus, for those who make music—musicians, students, hobbyists, educators—there will be an entire event track focused on playing, improvising, composing, arranging and the ins and outs of the music business, lead by some of the industry’s foremost players.
 
A partial list of sponsors and exhibitors include: Virgin MegaStores, Jazzmobile, Jazz Museum of Harlem, Buffet Crampon, Yamaha, Vandoren, ASCAP, Musician's Local 802, Hal Leonard Publications, Manhattan School of Music, New School of Music, Five Towns College, Roberto’s Winds, Jody Jazz, and more.  

Thursday, October 25
Kickoff party/performance exclusively for Jazz Improv attendees in-store at Virgin MegaStores, Times Square location, NY with headliner to be named
 
Friday, October 26
McCoy Tyner - Stanley Clarke - Jack DeJohnette All Star Trio (evening)
Pat Martino Quartet (evening)
Jimmy Heath Big Band (evening)
Geri Allen Trio (evening)
Sun Ra Arkestra (afternoon)
Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra w/Dave Liebman perf. Gil Evans’ Porgy & Bess (afternoon)
Bobby Sanabria (afternoon)
Mark Sherman with Joe Magnarelli, Allen Farnham, Tim Horner, Dean Johnson (afternoon)
 
Saturday, October 27
Stanley Clarke Trio (evening)
Wallace Roney Group (evening)
Jazz Improv All Star Big Band & Guests (evening)
Roy Haynes Quartet (evening)
Pat Martino Guitar Workshop/Clinic (afternoon)
Stanley Clarke Bass Workshop/Clinic (afternoon)

Sunday, October 28
Sunday Brunch at Virgin MegaStores, Union Square
Other events may be added
 
Virgin Megastores ( www.virgin.com/megastores ) will feature concerts by headline performers (to be announced) at both the Jazz Improv LIVE! kickoff party, Thursday evening October 25 at the Virgin Megastores Times Square location (1540 Broadway, between 45th and 46th St.), and at the Jazz Brunch at the Union Square location (Broadway & 14th St.) on October 28. Performance will be open exclusively to convention attendees. Advance registration to Jazz Improv LIVE! is suggested so that attendees may obtain proper badges and credentials to ensure entry to the opening event.
 
Jazz Improv LIVE! is the only international convention for jazz lovers - uniquely designed for jazz fans - consumers - the segment that represents the largest group of customers for jazz records, products, and live performances. Unlike other events that require membership fees, and exorbitant attendance prices, jazz fans can experience four fabulous days of jazz at a very reasonable rate.

 
Jazz Improv LIVE 2007 - CONTACTS:

Media/PR/Press: Chris DiGirolamo, Two for the Show Media, Tel: 718-669-0752
TwoShowMedia@aol.com, http://www.twoshowmedia.com

Sponsorships/Exhibit Booths: Jamie Cosnowsky, jamie@jazzimprov.com, http://www.jazzimprov.com/live

To contact Jazz Improv^®:
jazz@jazzimprov.com
Jazz Improv Convention Corporation
Murray Hill Station
PO Box 1813
New York, NY 10156
Phone: 215-885-0670
Fax: 215-887-8803