ON THIS DAY: LOUIS ‘SATCHMO’ ARMSTRONG 125!
FRIDAY, JULY 4 FROM 21:00
On the fourth of July of 1900, there was no sign yet of the little baby boy from New Orleans who would later take jazz into unforeseen directions. Louis Armstrong, who always claimed he was born on Independence Day of 1900, was actually born 13 months later, on August 4, 1901. According to many, Armstrong was the ‘Pops’ of jazz. The gravelly-voiced trumpeter and singer, also nicknamed ‘Satchmo’, was jazz’s first important soloist and became the most influential jazz musician ever. After a highly successful small-group jazz concert at New York’s Town Hall in May 1947, Armstrong's manager Joe Glaser dissolved Armstrong’s big band and established a smaller, six-piece ensemble: the All Stars. In 1964, Armstrong released his biggest-selling record, “Hello, Dolly!”, and reached the top of his popular success. Celebrate Armstrong’s legacy on July 4 at 21:00 on Stingray DJAZZ with three concert broadcasts dedicated to his memory. First, enjoy a swinging 1977 concert by Armstrong’s former musical director, legendary pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines, recorded in Spa, Belgium in 1977. Next, bop and jazz-funk trumpeter extraordinaire Freddie Hubbard pays homage to ‘Pops’ and the music of New Orleans with his tasteful ‘Satchmo Legacy’ project at Estival Lugano 1987. Finally, contemporary Mexican jazz guitarist Hugo Fernandez and his quintet play their fresh takes on the music of Armstrong’s early days in New Orleans. Celebrate Louis Armstrong’s musical legacy on Friday, July 4 from 21:00 on Stingray DJAZZ!
Earl Hines Quartet in Spa, 1977
FRIDAY, JULY 4 at 21:00
Despite his advanced age, the legendary jazz pianist Earl Hines was at the top of his game when he performed in the Belgian town of Spa in 1977. With a band consisting of Rudy Rutherford (reeds), Jimmy Leary (bass), and Eddie Graham (drums), Hines livens up the room with his interpretations of “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me” and “The Man I Love.” Marva Josie joins the group for soulful renditions of “A Sunday Kind of Love” and the well-known classic “Kansas City” before the set comes to a close with “Caravan,” which features a lengthy drum solo by Graham.
Freddie Hubbard & The Satchmo Legacy Live in 1987
FRIDAY, JULY 4 at 21:55
Since 1977, Estival is a summer jazz festival in Switzerland, Lugano. Estival offers a thrilling and particularly surprising line-up that explores the rich world of contemporary music whilst promoting the understanding of different cultures, tolerance, and co-existence. This concert of Freddie Hubbard and the Satchmo Legacy in 1987, highlights the bebop legend's classic style and silky tone. Hubbard is an American jazz trumpeter whose unmistakable and influential tone contributed to new perspectives for modern jazz and bebop. He was also a well-known part of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and is primarily known for playing bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles from the early '60s onwards.
Sounds of New Orleans (Part 1 & 2)
FRIDAY, JULY 4 at 22:45
The Hugo Fernandez Quintet appeared at the renowned Greve Studio in Berlin in October 2022. Fortunately for those who could not attend the event, it was captured on video. The ensemble's unique blend of contemporary jazz infused with the vibrant sounds of New Orleans will transport you to the heart of the Crescent City. Mexican guitarist and arranger Hugo Fernandez, who is known for his full-bodied, rich sound, is joined by Thomas Hähnlein on tenor and soprano saxophones, Marleen Dahms on trombone, Max Leiß on double bass, and Mathias Ruppnig on drums. You won’t want to miss this exciting musical journey!
