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The Billy Taylor Jazz Festival
The Billy Taylor Jazz Festival began humbly. High school and middle school jazz bands came to campus to perform at critiquing sessions, then to enjoy a performance by the East Carolina University Jazz Ensemble A and a guest artist.
The festival quickly outgrew A. J. Fletcher Recital Hall. In 2003, Billy lent his name to the festival, and the Greenville Convention Center was retained to contain the audience who came for a gala evening, witness Mayor Don Parrott offer Taylor the Keys to the City, and hear him proclaim the day "Dr. Billy Taylor Day" on behalf of the City Council.
The festival offers three public concerts, a free jam session, critiquing sessions for eight or more high school and middle school jazz bands, and opportunities for Jazz Friends to mingle and celebrate.
This year's edition takes place April 24-26 and features Billy compositions and arrangements, with special Geri Allen, and Dr. Taylor, featuring the ECU Jazz Ensemble A, ECU Jazz Bones, and the ECU Jazz Faculty.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, April 24, 8:00 PM
Concert: ECU Jazz 'Bones in Concert
Location: Glennon's Club at the Greenville Hilton
Thursday, April 24, 10:00 PM
Event: International Association of Jazz Educators Jam Session
with ECU Jazz Combos
Location: Glennon's Club at the Greenville Hilton
Friday, April 25
Jazz Improv Clinic with Geri Allen and ECU's Contemporary Jazz Ensemble (Ernest Turner, director)
Location: ECU School of Music, A.J. Fletcher Music Center, Room 105
Informal Jazz Discussion with Dr. Billy Taylor
Location: ECU School of Music, A.J. Fletcher Music Center, Room 105
Sound check/rehearsal: Jazz Ensemble A & Geri Allen
Location: Greenville Convention Center
8:00 PM: Concert: ECU Jazz Ensemble A with Geri Allen, and ECU Jazz Faculty
Location: Greenville Convention Center
Saturday, April 26
Performance and critiques offered to middle and high school jazz ensembles from North Carolina and Virginia.
Saturday, April 26, 8:00 PM
Gala concert: featuring Geri Allen accompanied by the ECU Jazz Faculty
Location: Greenville Convention Center
For more info and to purchase tickets, please visit the Festival Website.
On April 19th, the NAJRI launched its Jazz Hall of Fame with the initial induction of jazz giants who are natives of North Carolina: Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Percy Heath, Dr. Billy Taylor, Lou Donaldson, Nina Simone and Tal Farlow. In addition, Jimmy Heath, Albert (Tootie) Heath and the Honorable Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), was also inducted in recognition of their contributions to jazz.
The Real Ambassadors: Dave Brubeck & Dr. Billy Taylor
On April 12th, to Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and the 50th anniversary of Dave Brubeck's famous 1958 State Department tour with this special conversation featuring two jazz icons who have toured the world. From Europe to the Middle East to Latin America, they have fused music and cultural diplomacy during their more than 100 years (combined) of touring. Join Brubeck, Taylor, and other special guests for a candid discussion of what it meant to take the music and culture of America to the world at the times when it was needed most..
Billy Taylor Trio at the 28th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival
Billy's Trio played at the Sarasotra Jazz Festival on March 7th. The next day, Billy gave a Master Class. And that night, sat in with Branford Marsalis. The saxman's group was delayed so an improptu duo between Billy and Branford proved to be a festival highlight.
Billy's friend and Trio bassist Earl May passed away on January 4.
Earl May began his career in 1949 in New York City, and honed his craft in places like Minton''s Playhouse with musicians such as Lester Young, Mercer Ellington.
Earl joined the Billy Taylor Trio, appearing regularly in such clubs as the Hickory House, Birdland and the Downbeat Club. It was at Billy's suggestion that Earl began studying with Charles Mingus, eventually becoming his protege.
During this period Earl also worked with Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and recorded the classic "Lush Life" with John Coltrane.
Earl left the Billy Taylor Trio in 1959 to form his own group and act as musical director and arranger for Gloria Lynne. During the mid-sixties Earl took up the electric bass and led a quartet at The New York Playboy Club. The Earl May Quartet rapidly became the epitome of great music in the New York club scene. Over the years Earl has performed or recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Foster, Cab Calloway, Tommy Flanagan, Linda Hopkins, Doc Cheatham, Charles Brown, John Hendricks, Marlena Shaw, Ruth Brown, Winard Harper and Phyllis Hyman to name a few. He is currently featured with the Barry Harris Trio. Earl has many fans in the New York swing scene, having played at swing dances multiple times in Junior Mance''s Trio, Benny Powell''s "The Gift of Love" Quintet, and with his own Quintet.
Since its August release, this CD has been met with enthuastic reviews, and considerable airplay:
from jazzreview.com
Billy Taylor & Gerry Mulligan, Live at MCG documents a series of concerts in late 1993 at Manchester Craftsmen's Guild (MCG) in Pittsburgh, PA. On the same weekend MCG also taped the pilot program for Taylor's long-running NPR jazz series.
These two jazz masters - Mulligan, with his easy flow of ideas and light touch on the bari, and Taylor, a sensitive accompanist and innovative soloist - were old friends which added to the spirit and interplay of this live session. Except for two originals, the tunes are standards. In my opinion, this allows the listener to gain a greater appreciation of improvisation levels. There's a lot going on here and it helps to know the starting point.
The swingers include "Indiana" as well as "Just You Just Me," where Taylor displays his bop credentials, and "Stompin' at the Savoy." It's refreshing to hear "Savoy" outside the structured setting of the big band as Mulligan eases into a stream of variations, built upon by Taylor, on the way to a high-energy conclusion.
The ballads are beautifully played - "Darn That Dream, "Body and Soul," and Duke's inspiring "Come Sunday." "Laura" is less languid than usual and Mulligan's alternate melody becomes a bass camp for exploration. "All the Things You Are" is particularly interesting. Bach would have loved the chart which opens as a fugue and melds with swing. And if you want to hear what a pianist can really do with a left hand, check out Taylor's powerful closing solo.
The two masters each contribute an original. Taylor's "Capricious" is a high-spirited calypso. The familiar Mulligan composition, "Line for Lyons" provides the other two players, bassist Chip Jackson and drummer Carl Allen, their opportunity to shine - and shine they do.
This CD is a treasure. I don't know why MCG took so long to release it but I'm sure glad they did.
from bbc.com
Pianist Billy Taylor, now in his 87th year, is one of the US's top jazz celebrities. He played with greats, including Ben Webster, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis, has hosted numerous radio shows and is an academic pioneering jazz studies. His style is strictly mainstream, lyrical bebop. The sparring partner on this live 1993 set at the Manchester Craftsman's Union (MCG), Pittsburgh, is Gerry Mulligan, one of jazz's great baritone sax players. The duo, with tight, but unobtrusive, rhythmic backing from Chip Jackson on bass and Carl Allen, drums, tread a predictable, but beautifully toned path covering evergreen classics and a few of their own.
Mulligan's "Line for Lyons" has an infective baritone melody, intersected by Taylor's jaunty patterns whereas on "All The Things You Are" a deep harmonic interplay reflects the intuitive relationship the two have developed over the years. The final number, the Taylor composition "Capricious", is exactly that, a witty baritone melody spinning along, while the piano accents mischievously.
Live At MCG is evergreen, engagingly warm but rather safe, quartet jazz where two pros are exploring the oeuvre with humour and love. It is a classic of its type, certainly, but after a few hearings it has a tendency to wash over somewhat. Frankly, it is hard for a baritone sax tone to sustain engagingly over a full set. That said, it is clear what a master of the craft Gerry Mulligan is.
For those who like jazz old school lyrical, this could be your bag, but if you are after something with more edge and surprise, then it really does not hold the ticket.
Charles De Ledesma
For more info, or to purchase, please click here.
Billy at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA on 10/13/06.
Photo Credit: Lee Evertt/Fine Line
From this year's Jazz in July, Billy's annual program at UMass. Left to right, Fred Tills, unk, Gerri Allen, Chip Jackson, Dr. Willie Hill, Sheila Jordan, Billy, unk, Steve Johns.
Photo Credit: Ed Cohen Photo
Billy Kicked Off Enduring Masters Series at Ithaca College
Billy Taylor—named by Vogue as "the most exciting pianist in the jazz world today and its most articulate spokesman"— inaugurated Ithaca College's Enduring Masters series with a free appearance on Saturday, Sept. 15 that featured a performance and a lecture,
MCG Jazz releases 1993 live recording featuring Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan
On August 28, MCG Jazz released Billy Taylor & Gerry Mulligan: Live at MCG, an album recorded at Pittsburgh's Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in 1993. The album features Taylor (pictured) and Mulligan playing a set of standards (plus Taylor's "Capricious" and Mulligan's "Line for Lyons") in a quartet with bassist Chip Jackson and drummer Carl Allen.
Billy Taylor is renowned for his light, spirited bop piano work and for being one of jazz's most dedicated advocates and ambassadors. Mulligan, who died in 1996, is largely considered jazz's greatest baritone saxophonist.
Bill Strickland established the Manchester Craftmen's Guild in 1968 as an art program for inner-city youths. The MCG later received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, allowing the organization to expand its facilities, including the addition of a 350-seat concert hall. Many artists have performed to packed houses and given MCG the rights to the recordings for public release. A portion of the proceeds from MCG Jazz recordings fund future programs and concerts.
a track from Jessica Williams' solo piano tribute to Billy,
recently premiered by Jessica at the Kennedy Center as part
of Billy's annual Mary Lou Williams' Women in Jazz Festival.
"The sound on the cd is pure, crystal-clear and quite
often breathtaking. Breathtaking also describes Williams'
performance, which she says is some of her favorite work...
of the recital, she says, 'I think it's a fitting tribute
to a man for all seasons, a man with a heart of gold and a
soul as timeless as this Music called jazz.' It's also
a heartwarming love letter from one remarkable musician to
another, and a splendid soliloquy to boot. Billy must be highly
pleased with the outcome, and so should you." - Jack
Bowers, All About Jazz
In July: Billy's Trio (Chip Jackson and Winard Harper) played at William Paterson College as part of their Summer Jazz Series...The 92nd Street Y's Jazz In July Piano Jam, featured Billy, along with
Bill Charlap,
Barbara Carroll and Eric Reed...Billy's annual Jazz in July Summer Music Program was presented from July 9 - 20th at the University of Massachusetts.
YouTube Channel
Billy has a YouTube Channel. Please visit the channel and leave your comments.
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Billy was honored by the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, receiving the Jay McShann Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony and celebration in Tulsa.
Oscar Peterson Tribute
Billy performed at the June Carnegie Hall Tribute to Oscar Peterson. "It really is nice to be able to pay tribute to someone who's alive, and Oscar is very much alive," the 85-year-old pianist Billy Taylor told the audience. "He couldn't be here with us tonight but he's here and his music is still happening."
Jazz in DC - Listen to Billy and Frank Wess Talk about Their Early Days in Washington
From Fairmont Street to U Street, from the Howard Theater to the Bohemian Caverns, take a tour through jazz history with Billy Taylor and Frank Wess, who lead listeners through their hometow's music scene in this 6-part audio series.
Billy Taylor grew up in DC and went to college in Virginia. Sax and flute master Frank Wess spent his teen years in the District and graduated from Howard University. Through memories and music, they describe growing up in the nation's capital, their musical coming of age, and the people and places that are indelibly linked to the world of Jazz.
Remember When: Jazzmobile
Frank Wess contemplates while Jimmy Owens solos.
Freddie Waits passed away much much too young.
Frank Wess and Billy Taylor have been friends since high school.
The Last Encore - Washingtin Post Magazine Feature about Billy, Read
Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival: A Beat Not To Be Missed. Read
Billy and Jane Ira Bloom
2007 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival
Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C.
The Vy Higginsen Mama Foundation for the Arts, Inc. Legends/Masters/Scholars/Series presented a
2 hour symposium featuring Billy Taylor on June 1st at the The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Billy's Honorary Docorate from Wayne State
DETROIT – More than 13,000 people – new graduates, guests, faculty and administrators – gathered at Wayne State University's Tom Adams Field at the Matthaei Athletics Complex on Saturday, May 5, for the annual commencement ceremonies.
Receiving honorary doctoral degrees were businessman/philanthropist Marvin I. Danto of Bloomfield Hills and musician/composer Billy Taylor of New York City.
Billy Taylor received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for exceptional contributions to the nation's musical heritage. An acclaimed musician, composer, teacher and author, he has penned more than 300 songs and tours internationally. Since early in his career, when he was program director for a New York radio station, he has brought jazz to a national audience. He was musical director of the first TV series ever produced about jazz, "The Subject is Jazz," in 1958. He also served as musical director for "The David Frost Show" in the 1970s and has collaborated on projects with the Public Broadcasting System and other networks. For 25 years, he was arts correspondent for CBS-TV's "Sunday Morning" show.
Taylor has received numerous honors and accolades, including the National Medal of Arts, two Peabody Awards for excellence in journalism, an Emmy, a Grammy, the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship Award and induction into the International Association for Jazz Education Hall of Fame. In 1992, the Schombury Center for Research in Black Culture named him as one of "100 Black New Yorkers of
the 20th Century.
Jazz at Lincoln Center: Jazz Talk – An Evening with Dr. Billy Taylor
In February , Dr. Lewis Porter hosted a very special interview and performance with Dr. Billy Taylor at the Irene Diamond Education Center. Jazz Talk features noted jazz musicians, historians, and writers sharing research and insight into jazz history and contemporary issues and this edition focused Billy's remarkable career as pianist, composer, broadcaster and educator.
Lewis Porter reports that "I produced the evening so it was like an episode of the old television show, 'This is Your Life.' I presented Billy with rare audio and video for his comments. We discussed and sample his early recordings and associations with Eddie South, Bird, and Louis Armstrong (including rare audio of Billy speaking a Louis's funeral. We also talked about his compositions for orchestra. All along the way, Billy demonstrated with musical examples on the piano.
Thirty-five of the world's most famous Jazz musicians were honored on March 3rd at the start of an eight-day festival at the Kennedy Center (March 3-10) devoted to the eroding fraternity of living jazz luminaries.
"It is important to honor musicians while they are alive," Billy explains. "So often, jazz luminaries are recognized for their achievements only after their death. With 'Jazz in Our Time,' we are reflecting on the massive impact these jazz artists have had on the development and continuation of jazz around the world."
The festival, called "Jazz in Our Time," debuted with an all-star concert hosted by James Earl Jones that toasted the recipients of its "Living Jazz Legends Award." The concert was part of the center's 6-year-old Catherine Reynolds Foundation Series for Artistic Excellence.
Four years in the making, the affair was conceived by pianist Billy Taylor, the center's artistic adviser for jazz, and Kennedy Center president Michael Kaiser, to showcase jazz greats, including artists who participated in its golden era.
Among featured artists for the opening concert were Dave Brubeck, Regina Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Jon Faddis, Curtis Fuller, Jimmy Heath, John Hendricks, Michel Legrand, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, T.S. Monk and Phil Woods. Singer Nancy Wilson was backed by the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Other groups included the Clayton Brothers Quintet, the Wynton Marsalis Quintet and the Billy Taylor Trio, which closed the show with Billy's signature number, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free.
Billy is joined by the Morgan State Choir University Choir, Regina Carter, Nancy Wilson, Jon Faddis and John Clayton and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchesra.
Billy reports that the evening was a once-in-a-lifetime concert: "It was so beautiful to have so many of my friends, people I know and relate to, in one place at one time."
On Sunday, March 4th, Billy joined Marian McPartland for an 89th Birthday Tribute, taping a future broadcast of Marian's popular Piano Jazz program for NPR airing later thi year.
Billy celebrated Black History Month by presenting his Peaceful Warrior Suite, for listening here on the web. Billy composed, orchestrated and arranged this suite for symphony orchestra, mixed chorus and Jazz trio.
This performance features Billy's Trio (with Chip Jackson on bass and Steve Johns on drums), the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the 130 voices of the compbed Spellman and Morehouse College Glee Clubs and the Atlanta Center Community Chorus, conducted by Andre Rafael Smith.
Billy Taylor Piano Styles
Hal Leonard Publishing has released Billy Taylor Piano Styles, a reissue of three books Billy did in the late 40s. This edition brings together Billy Taylor's diverse piano-playing styles to life via technical analyses of be-bop, boogie-woogie, Dixieland and mambo, as well as several complete Billy Taylor solos. Buy
Juilliard Jazz's presented a "Tribute to Jazz Legends," on February 27, 2007 featuring James Moody, Dr. Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, and Joe Wilder, all of whom were in attendance. Each performed with the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra or with Juilliard Jazz student musicians in ensemble. Juilliard President Joseph W. Polisi presented these five Jazz Legends with the Juilliard President's Medal in recognition of their contributions to jazz. The President's Medal was created during Juilliard's centennial season and was designed by longtime friend of the School, artist Milton Glaser.
Billy's IAJE booth at this year's festitivies, was the subject of considerable attention. In addition to meeting Dr. Taylor, booth visitors watched his videos live on YouTube, and listened, via an iPod with speakers, to unrelased recordings.
On December 10th, Billy played at the Waterside Jazz Legends Gala in Chesapke, , Virginia, honoring his longtime friend, Dr. Frank Foster. Billy was joined by Christian McBride on bass, and Winard Harper on drums.
Frank Foster, an NEA Jazz Master and two time Grammy winner, was celebrating more than fifty five years in music. A member of the Count Basie Orchestra, from 1953 to 1964, Frank contributed extensively to the band's repertoire through his many compositions and arrangements. He has since worked and arranged for all the major players in Jazz, as well leading his own groups, including his Loud Minority.
Dr. Frank Foster resides in Chesapeake, VA with his wife of more than 35 years, Cecilia.
On December 1st, Billy participated at a special fund raising event at The Artists Collective, in Hartford, CT. This remarkable facility, which gives young people in Hartford the opportunity to experience the arts, was founded by the late Jackie McLean and his wife Dollie.
On December 2nd, Billy attended this year's edition of the Kennedy Center Awards, honoring Smokey Robinson, Zubin Metha, Stephen Spielberg, Dolly Parton and Andrew Lloyd Weber.
Six Jazz legends came together at Flushing Town Hall Friday, November 17th. The world-renowned musicians included NEA (National Endowment for Arts Jazz Master Award) Jazz Masters: Jimmy Heath on saxophone, Clark Terry on trumpet and Dr. Billy Taylor on piano with famed musicians Tootie Heath on drums, Benny Powell on trombone, and Earl May on bass.
Billy was enthusiastic about the event because "it realy turned out very nicely. It was so nice to be with everyone. Of course Clark tore it up. I also got to play, His Name Was Martin.
"Tootie told Earl and I that this was the first time he got to play with us, after having heard us so many times. Actually, Tootie played on my recording Four Flutes."
Pittsburgh-based pianist and presenter Walt Harper has passed away.
Upon completion of college, he formed the Walt Harper Quintet, later to become Walt Harper and All That Jazz. Walt owned and operated two of the most successful nightclubs in the country, Attic in Market Square and Harper's, where some of the most prestigious names in jazz, including Billy Taylor, graced the stage. He also recorded nine albums and received numerous awards. His jazz ballet Metamorphis premiered by the Dance Alloy before three sold out audiences.
Billy reports that "I worked for Walter a number of times in Pittsburgh at his club, the Attic, and it was always great fun. He will be sorely missed."
Billy celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Lively Arts Festival at the University of Massachetts with a guest lecture. Dr. Taylor also presented trumpeter Sean Jones as the Guest Lecturer/Performer.The Lively Arts is an interdisciplinary, general education class. It
encompasses all of the performing arts (music, both classical and jazz, dance,
theater) and also visual arts and photography. In addition to the Lively Arts class, the UMass Fine Arts Center has a Billy
Taylor Jazz Residency, the purpose is to present up and coming jazz
Billy with Sean Jones, Willie Hill and Fred Tillis
Photos: Lori Tuominen
Billy co-founded the series, as a vehicle to introduce the arts, and Jazz, to a new audience. "It works very well," he reports. "Over the years, many times, people have come up to me and said that they first heard Jazz when I played at the LIvely Arts, and they've been listening to the music ever since."
Billy sends his best wishes to Cobi Narita, who has been ill. Cobi has been an unselfish Jazz support and activist for many years with her Universal Jazz Coailition. "This remarkable woman," Billy believes, has always shunned the spotlight and might it possible for many many musicans
Billy congratulates his close friend, saxophonist Frank Wess, who has been named as an NEA Jazz Master. "I'm delighted, Dr. Taylor reports. "This is an honor that should have happened many years ago!"
Recent Gigs
Billy and his Trio played at the PIttsfield Jazz Festival.
Billy was honored at the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival in Washington, D.C.and presented with the Festial's LIfetime Achievement Award.
Craftmen's Guild presented Dr. Billy
Taylor: Special Memories from a Wonderful Life in Jazz.
Bob Karlovits in the Pittsburgh Tribute Review wrote that:
"...Taylor opened the evening with a solo version of
"All the Things You Are." It began with a left-handed
exploration of the song, raising immediate curiosity about
his right side, hit four years ago by a stroke.
But that was just the way the arrangement is written, and
soon the right hand jumped in to offer a jazz-fugue-like look
at this classic piece. Taylor might not be as facile as he
once was, but he still is a wonderful improvisor with a keen
sense of melodic statements and variations.
He was surrounded by talents of the same level, ranging from
the saxophone of Frank Wess, a Count Basie alumnus, to the
trumpet of Ingrid Jensen, an up-and-coming star.
She was here last season with the Maria Schneider Orchestra,
and it was good to see her in a small setting.
Wess got his biggest spots on a lovely rendition of Billy
Strayhorn's "Lush Life" while she offered great
flugelhorn work on a piece simply called "Solo."
Guitarist Russell Malone got his moment to stand out on "Theodora,"
a Taylor original. Bassist Chip Jackson and drummer Winard
Harper, the steady member of the trio, were not pushed aside
by the guests.
Jackson offered striking rhythms in a solo on "Watch
and Listen," and Harper was outstanding in "Titoro,"
a piece Taylor said he wrote as a showcase for drums.
The show wasn't an earth-shattering display of the cutting
edge of jazz, but it was an example of the elegant music Taylor
has been producing for more than 50 years.
and his Trio played a concert at the Kennedy Center. Mike
Joyce, in the Washington Post wrote:
Taylor And Friends In Fine Form
NEA Jazz
Master Billy Taylor interrupted his retirement from public
performance at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club on Friday
night with a cozy concert that featured two of the things
he loves most: playing tribute to some of the great artists
he's known over the years, and showcasing budding jazz talent.
Taylor, 85, briefly alluded to the minor stroke he suffered
in 2001 that affected his right hand, he was in fine form
on the piano, collaborating with bassist Chip Jackson and
drummer Winard Harper. A good thing, too, since the trio has
always favored a demanding level of interplay, laced with
rhythmic fits and starts. The program included salutes to
bassist Oscar Pettiford (single-handedly evoked by Taylor's
southpaw at one point) and Afro-Cuban jazz legend Machito,
whose influence was felt during the trio's splashing and vamping
arrangement of "Morning." A strong spiritual current
also ran through the performance, thanks to Taylor's gospel-charged
"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and
his elegiac ballad "In Loving Memory." Alert and
inventive, Jackson and Harper enlivened several arrangements
with delightfully colorful solos.
Taylor introduced a protege, 17-year-old pianist Christian
Sands. Besides being preternaturally gifted, as a rendering
of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" swiftly demonstrated,
Sands is even now capable of playing with veterans such as
Jackson and Harper with quick-witted assurance. The concert
ended with a fanciful baroque-to-bop trio arrangement of "All
the Things You Are," a bright, Taylor-made send-off indeed.
was a judge at the Thelonious
Monk Piano Competition at the Kennedy Center, along with
Herbie Hancock, Randy Weston, Andrew Hill, Renne Rosnes and
Danilo Perez.
and his long-time friend Frank Wess (they went to the same
high school in Washington, D.C.), played a concert at William
Patterson College's annual Summer Jazz Week on July 28.
From July
10 - 15, Billy oversaw the 2006 Edition of Jazz in July at
the University of Massachusetts. The program was a great success,
bringing together such musicians as Geri Allen and John Blake,
with their young consitituents.
Billy at the June
New York Arts Counsel Awards, with Mid-Atlantic Arts Lisa
Frigand .
On June
7th, Billy participated in Celebrating a Musical Legacy,
a benefit for Meet the Composer celebrating the achievements
of James Jordan. Jon Faddis joined Billy for a a tribute to
Mr. Jordan that brought down the house.
The College
of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, presented Billy with an honorary
degree on May 13. The highlight was a Choral performance of
Billy's immortal "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To
Be Free."
a track from Jessica Williams' solo piano tribute to Billy,
recently premiered by Jessica at the Kennedy Center as part
of Billy's annual Mary Lou Williams' Women in Jazz Festival.
"The sound on the cd is pure, crystal-clear and quite
often breathtaking. Breathtaking also describes Williams'
performance, which she says is some of her favorite work...
of the recital, she says, 'I think it's a fitting tribute
to a man for all seasons, a man with a heart of gold and a
soul as timeless as this Music called jazz.' It's also
a heartwarming love letter from one remarkable musician to
another, and a splendid soliloquy to boot. Billy must be highly
pleased with the outcome, and so should you." - Jack
Bowers, All About Jazz
annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival was presented
at the Kennedy Center in Washington May 11-13. In the Washington
Post, Mike Joyce wrote:
"If you're going to kick off the Mary Lou Williams Women
in Jazz Festival alone, playing a pair of piano tributes --
one to the event's namesake, the other to founder and guiding
light Billy Taylor -- isn't a bad way to go. Of course having
Taylor, who recently said he was retiring from public performances,
join you for a bluesy coda is probably too much to ask.
Or is it?
A lthough always careful to keep the spotlight on festival
headliners, the 85-year-old jazz legend couldn't turn down
an invitation to sit beside pianist and composer Jessica Williams
when the 11th edition of the festival got underway Thursday
night at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.
The opportunity came moments after Williams performed several
imaginatively harmonized solo piano pieces from a new suite
she wrote in Taylor's honor. Among them was "Taylor's
Triumph," an apt description of the festival itself.
The duo's four-handed finale quickly proved a delight, with
Williams and Taylor trading parts (and places on the piano
stool). Initially Williams took the high road, favoring treble-register
trills and triplets, while Taylor sustained a walking bass
line with his left hand.
It's hard to recall the festival opening on a more fitting
and crowd-pleasing note."
Click here to read the entire review.
was honored by the
American Jazz Museum in Kansas City on May 6, presented
with their Lifetime Achievement Award in a ceremony hosted
by Gale Sayers. Singer Myra Taylor (no relation), was also
honored as part of an event that culiminated in a performance
by Monty Alexander's Trio featuring Billy's drummer, Winard
Harper. Click on play to watch a slide show of photos taken
at the Award Ceremony. Photos by Susan
On May
1. The American Music Center honored Billy with its Letter
of Distinction.
On April
22 Billy performed with Jon Faddis' The Chicago Jazz Ensemble,
in a concert of his compositions newly arranged for the Jazz
big band. Frank Foster also arranged Billy's version of "Take
the A Train."
On April
27, Billy will speak at the annual Arthur
Asch Foundation dinner, performing "I Remember You.
Billy Taylor
at the Princeton Club
Billy did a lecture/demonstration
at the Princeton Club in New York on March 9, discussing his
remarkable career, and answering questions from the appreciative
was introduced by noted entertainment attorney, Princeton
graduate and drummer for the Princeton
Jazz Quartet, Alan S. Bergman.
Afterwards, assisted
by Tatsuya Koeda, he autographed copies of his latest CDs,
on Soundpost Records.
Ask Dr.
On February 13,
the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts hosted, Ask
Dr. Taylor. This lecture/demonstration gave nearly
twelve hundred South Florida residents a rare opportunity
to experience the wisdom and creativity of Dr. Billy Taylor.
"I really
enjoyed this audience," Billy reports, "one that
I share with Dick Hyman. Doing these kinds of presentations
gives me the chance to introduce Jazz to new listeners. They're
very engaged, listening attentively, and asking lots of questions."
Billy will be doing
a similiar presentation at the Princeton Club in March.
to Billy's One on One from the IAJE Conference
In the
world of jazz, Dr. Billy Taylor has few equals. For over six
decades, he has championed America's homegrown art form as
a pianist, composer, educator, radio and television broadcaster,
and, tireless spokesman and advocate. Although he has retired
from active performing, Billy maintains an active schedule
as Artistic Director for Jazz at the Kennedy Center, his passion
still alive, his piano, still swinging. For this One-On-One,
at this year's IAJE Conference in New York in January, he
was joined by Bret Primack for a freewheeling discussion on
his remarkable career, and his thoughts on the state of jazz
MP3: Part 1 |
Part 2
Prez with Love 2006
On Sunday, March
12th, Billy will be participating in the 22nd Annual Lester
Young Memorial Celebration at St. Peter's Church, Lexington
Avenue at 54th Street in New York. For more information, please
call (212) 935-2200.
Billy Receives
Chamber Music America's "Richard J. Bogomolny National
Service Award"
On Sunday, January
15, Billy was honored by Chamber Music America with an Award
and Concert. The concert, "A Tribute to Billy Taylor,"
was held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church with Ramsey Lewis
as host. The concert featured eight of Dr. Taylor's best known
compositions, including: CAG, A Bientot, It's A Grand
Night For Swinging, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be
Free, No Park, Titoro, and the Third Movement from his Suite
for Jazz Piano and Orchestra. Performers included
pianists Mulgrew Miller and Bily Childs, vocalist Carla Cook,
saxman Steve Wilson, Stefan Harris on vibes, Billy's rhythm
section, Chip Jackson on bass and Winard Harper on drums,
and Billy's long time friend, trumpeter Jimmy Owens.
That night, Billy was presented with the Richard J.
Bogomolny National Service Award in recognition of
his passion for the art of jazz and his commitment to educating
and inspiring generations of musicians, in a ceremony in the
Majestic Ballroom of the Westin New York at Times Square.
Speaking in his honor were David N. Baker, Distinguished Professor
at the School of Music, Indiana University at Bloomington;
and Eugenia Zukerman, flutist and Arts Correspondent for CBS
Sunday Morning. A CBS Sunday Morning video tribute to Dr.
Taylor was also shown.
was also the cover story of the organization's magazine, Chamber
Music. Click
here to read.
– Billy Was Busy!
Jazz Quartet drummer Alan Bergman, and James Moody
Ken Dryden
This year's
annual IAJE conference, held at New York's Hilton Hotel from
January 11-15, was an action packed event for Dr. Billy Taylor.
– 10 AM – Billy's Bounce. The announced
moderator for Billy's One on One, A.B. Spellman was a last
minute cancellation so Bret Primack, who produces this website,
and Billy's Podcast, stepped in at the last moment to interview
Billy. The result was an hour of great stories, memories and
Booth - Billy's
booth was the center of considerable activity this year. A
new documentary film produced by Bret Primack, Billy
Taylor: American Hero, was presented on
a large plasma screen television. Many
friends and fans stopped by Billy's booth to say hello:
Pianist Denny Zeitlin
Harmonica Master Hendrik Meurkens
Jane Bunnett Pianist
and University of Arizona Jazz Program Director Jeff Haskell
Primack, Billy and Bret Primack
Leah Gramatica
also demonstrated his new Video Podcasts on a Video iPod in
the booth.
Dr. Billy
Taylor has joined the iPod revolution. With the release of
the Video I-Pod, an exciting new vehicle for the distribution
of video content has quickly emerged. Billy Taylor's
Jazz Video Podcasts, a series of a monthly programs
for iPod, computers and other portable video devices, are
now available on Billy's website. These programs are taken
from Billy's vast video archives and include performances,
documentaries, and educational video.
video podcasts can be individually downloaded from his website,
or users can subscribe so that when new podcasts are posted
each month, they will automatically be downloaded to the user's
desktop. Visit Billy's new Podcast page
for details.
Bret Primack,
who produces Billy's website, is coordinating Billy's Video
Podcasts. In addition to working with Billy, Bret also produces
websites and Podcasts for Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, David
Liebman, and Denny Zeitlin, among many others. In addition
to each artist's individual Podcast pages, Bret has launched
a portal that serves as clearing house for the Podcasts.
a scarcity of video I-Pod content right now," Bret reports.
"To facilitate the distribution of these Jazz Video Podcasts,
I've put together a portal, a central clearing house called
Video Podcasts. On this website, visitors will see a list
of all Jazz Video Podcasts currently available. And from the
site, they can download the individual Podcasts, subscribe,
or go directly to the artist's websites."
Bret believes
that "by creating Video Podcasts, we're using transportable
digital video media to introduce Jazz to an entirely new audience.
There are many people on the web looking for free video content
for the I-Pods. By offering a variety of Jazz content, in
this format, we're going to reach a lot of people who've never
even heard Jazz.
out Billy Taylor's Video Podcasts.
In early
December, Billy took part in the Annual Jazz Piano
Christmas, joining Slide Hampton, Daniela Schachter,
Hilton Ruiz (at left), Dave Samuels and Pete Escovedo in a
program of Christmas favorites. The concert
playlist include: A playlist of the concert:
"Let It Snow" - Daniela Schaechter, "Christmas
Time Is Here" - Slide Hampton w/ Daniela Schaechter,
"Sleigh Ride" - Dave Samuels w/ Pete Escovedo, "Angels
We Have Heard on High" - Dave Samuels w/ Pete Escovedo,
"Kings of the Orient" - Hilton Ruiz, "Christmas
In Old New Orleans" - Marcia Ball, "Boogie Woogie
Santa" - Marcia Ball, "Merry Christmas" - Dr.
Billy Taylor, "Silent Night" - Round Robin.
the Washington Post Review
The program
will be broadcast this month on NPR so check your local NPR
station for the schedule.
On December
10, Billy was part of the Celebration for James Moody's 80th
Birthday. Mike Joyce wrote in the Washington Post: "At
the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater on Saturday night,
the irrepressibly lighthearted guest of honor was on a roll,
bursting into silly romantic verse ("You are too beautiful
for one man alone, so do you mind if I bring along my buddy?"),
scat-yodeling like a bebopper with a vacation home in the
Swiss Alps, and singing, with all the comic flamboyance he
could muster, the male and female parts on his signature song
"Moody's Mood for Love." As if to prove he's still
the youngest kid at heart on the block, he also updated that
classic jazz refrain with an amusingly choreographed hip-hop
interlude. And when Moody wasn't laughing, singing, rapping
and, yes, playing sax and flute with customary finesse, he
blew a blizzard of kisses to all of his friends onstage, including
fellow NEA Jazz Masters Jimmy Heath, Billy Taylor and Slide
Hampton and Paquito D'Rivera."
in DC, Billy also participated in this year's Kennedy Center
Honors program, which paid tribute to his good friend, Tony
Bennett. Billy reports that "Tony is an old friend and
for him to be recognized was very special for me."
And also
DC, Billy helped celebrate the opening of the Kennedy Center
Family Theatre, where he peforming along with Branford Marsalis.
Currently, an adapation of Whoopi Goldberg's "Alice,"
is being presented.
On Monday,
November 14, 2005 at the New York Public Library, Billy was
honored with a Library Lion Award.
Dr. Paul
LeClerc Awards Medal
Billy and fellow
recipients Mike Nichols, Shirley Hazzard, Thomas Friedman
and Harold Bloom.
by Mary Hilliard
Honored with Master's Award at Giants of Jazz Gala
On Saturday,
October 15th, the Giants of Jazz honored Billy Taylor.
A who's who of Jazz men performed, and then Billy and his
Trio played a 45 minute set to climax the event. Billy was
enthusiastic about his performance, and spending time with
so many old ffriends. He also noted the event featured three
of his bass players, Earl May, Paul West and Chip Jackson.
Zan Stewart
wrote in the Newark Star Ledger:
annual affair, which has saluted such other masters as Clark
Terry, Frank Wess and Benny Powell, also featured the talents
of those three. Others on tap included Slide Hampton, Jimmy
Heath, Roy Hargrove, Paquito D'Rivera, Bucky Pizzarelli, Junior
Mance, Don Braden, and Taylor's trio mates -- bassist Chip
Jackson and drummer Winard Harper.
-- who has been a performer at past Giant of Jazz concerts,
produced since 1998 by South Orange bassist John Lee to provide
for free summer jazz concerts -- said it's "terrific"
to be selected.
many of these cats I've worked with over the years,"
he said from his home in Riverdale in the Bronx. "It's
fun to hang out with them. It reminds me of the old days when
I was in New York, and everybody would be in the back room,
telling lies."
The week
of October 6 - NPR's Popular Jazz Set aired Billy's March
appearance at the Kennedy Center.
is included in a new book published by Hal Leonard, The
50 Greatest Jazz Pianists of All Time, by Gene Rizzo.
And the new issue of JazzTimes has an article about Billy
which calls him "Dean of Jazz Ed."
taped a special edition of the new PBS Series, Legends
of Jazz, scheduled to air in February, after the IAJE
Conference. Billy joined host Ramsey Lewis, and his long-time
friend Dave Brubeck in a program featuring Piano Masters.
Billy played a scaled down version of his arrangement of "All
The Things You Are," and joined Ramsey and Dave for Billy
Strayhorn's immortal "Take The A Train."
On October
15, Billy will be honored in a special presentation by John
the Washington Post's review: Mike Joyce wrote: "Part
of the Kennedy Center's ongoing series, A New America:
The 1940s and the Arts, the concert then turned into
a Dizzy Gillespie tribute, with guest trumpeter Jon Faddis
joining the trio. Old friends, Faddis and Taylor spent a little
time reminiscing about Gillespie's genius and legacy. Mostly,
though, they played together while demonstrating Gillespie's
gift for transforming pop melodies and sophisticated chords
into jazz classics. With his crisp attack and glass-shattering
range, Faddis had no trouble evoking Gillespie's bop innovations
and early embrace of Afro-Caribbean polyrhythms. Yet the comparatively
low-key "Con Alma," with its soulfully muted brass
tones, proved particularly expressive. Inevitably, the show
ended as it began, the crowd standing and applauding loudly.
Taylor will now focus on other jazz pursuits with the same
energy, dedication and sense of purpose. Jazz fans everywhere
may have a much harder time adapting."
Annual Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival
The annual
Lou William's Women's Jazz Festival that Billy started
at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC had its tenth annual
edition from May 19-21and Billy reports that "it was
fantastic, one of the best we've had yet."
music was showcase the second night of the three night event
with the Mary Lou Williams Resurgence Project, featuring an
All-Star Big Band, and the Morgan State University Choir.
Vibist Cecilia Smith served as musical director and Billy
feels that "she did a wonderful job bringing Mary Lou's
music to life. I was especially touched by hearing Mary Lou's
Spiritual music again."
This year's
festival included a Women in Jazz Pianist Competition and
the five finalists got to display their talents in front of
Millennium Stage audiences and a jury of renowned international
musicians. The five finalists were Rebecca Cline, Miki Hayama,
Mary Louise Knutson, Daniela Schaecter, and Ayako Shirasaki.
The judges included Billy, Geri Allen, and Philadelphia organ
legend, Dr. Trudy Pitts. Daniela Schaecter was chosen as the
winner of the competition.
the JazzTimes review
On June
2nd, Billy spoke as part of Harlem Speaks, The
Jazz Museum in Harlem's continuing series venerating
the Harlem jazz continuum. Billy had a dialogue with executive
director Loren Schoenberg. The lively discussion also included
audience participation from many Harlemlites who shared their
memories of Billy's appearances at local clubs, and
the emergence of Jazzmobile. Not suprisingly, this very knowledgeable
audience recalled many details, most enthusiastically.
From Washington
In May,
Billy received was honored by the Levine School of Music for
his contributions to Jazz and music eduication.
Howard Theatre
in D.C., where he also works as the Artistic Advisor for Jazz
at the Kennedy Center, Billy has begun a discussion to bring
Washington's classic Howard Theatre National Landmark status.
The Q Street temple of music and art was Billy's home away
from home as a teenager, where he first heard the big bands
of Chick Webb and Duke Ellington. "The Howard,"
he believes, deserves to be reborn as a performance space,
"because it represents such an important part of our
history, which is ongoing."
at Wingspread
In May,
Billy participated in the Jazz at Wingspan in Racine, Wisconsin,
a conference organized by Marty Ashby of Pittsburgh's Manchester
Craftsmen's Guild and Suzan Jenkins, president of Jazz Alliance
International in Washington, D.C.Billy joined Bruce Lundvall,
president of Blue Note Records, and David Caffey, chairman
of the International Association for Jazz Education, and thirty
five other record executives, scholars, producers, media personnel
and presenters who gathered for a three-day session at the
Wingspread Conference Center. The focus was on developing
ways to increase the popularity of jazz, both as a business
and art form. Sponsors of the conference include the Johnson
Foundation and Pittsburgh-based Alcoa Foundation.
will be participated in a tribute to Percy Heath on June 10th,
and at the JVC Festival New York, played in a concert dedicated
to pianist Barbara Carroll, on June 21st.
From July
11-22, Billy will led his annual Jazz
in July series at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
The Kennedy
Center, to honor Billy's retirement from concert performance,
has just released Billy Taylor's new CD, Taylor
Made at the Kennedy Center. The eight live originals
are taken from Billy's Kennedy Center series of the same name,
broadcast on NPR, and performances that have featured his
compositions. Includes:
– Billy Taylor, piano; Terence Blanchard, trumpet; Stanley
Turrentine, saxophone; Russell Malone, piano; Stefon Harris,
vibraphone; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
You Really Are Concerned – Dee Dee Bridgewater,
vocal; Cyrus Chestnut, piano; Stefon Harris, vibraphone; Chip
Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums; Charles Osgood, Master
of Ceremonies
– Arturo Sandoval, trumpet; Steve Turre, trombone; Cyrus
Chestnut, piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
– Billy Taylor, piano; Russell Malone, guitar; Chip
Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
for Jazz Piano and Orchestra – Billy Taylor,
piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
Bientot - Billy Taylor, piano; Terence Blanchard,
trumpet; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums ------->Listen
- Billy Taylor, piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper,
Walker - Billy Taylor, piano; Stanley Turrentine,
saxophone; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free - Billy
Taylor, piano; Chip Jackson, bass; Winard Harper, drums
this CD
Billy's Memories of 52nd Street from Playbill magazine:
"It was an amazing experience to come as a young musician
to New York City and be on 52nd Street in 1944. All of my
idols--the people I heard on records, on the radio, and in
the movies--were right there: Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter,
Artie Shaw, Billy Eckstine, Billie Holiday, Stuff Smith.
My first
job was with saxophonist Ben Webster. I thought I had died
and gone to heaven because I was playing with one of my all-time
favorites. Three days after I arrived in New York, Ben, who
had played with Duke Ellington, invited me to join his quartet,
which also included drummer Big Sid Catlett and bassist Charlie
Drayton. We were playing at the Three Deuces and opening for
my idol, pianist Art Tatum! The music we played was the popular
music of the day. You could turn on the radio and hear European
classical, all kinds of folk, and music from other places,
but the popular music of the period was mainly jazz--big band
dance music, party music--on the radio at all hours, in the
movies, and on the stage--everywhere."
the Washington Post's feature article about Billy's retirement:
"Billy Taylor joined the Kennedy Center as an artistic
adviser in 1994 and went about building a revived presence
for jazz in a city from which it had almost disappeared. Clubs
vanished, jazz radio all but went off the air, and no one
seemed to care. 'Before Billy was here,' says Darrell Ayers,
the Kennedy Center's vice president for education and jazz
programs, 'the Kennedy Center would have four performances
a year in jazz. Now, we're over 150 performances.'"
Grammy.com's article about Billy:
"A career in jazz that spans seven decades is coming
to end on March 31 when the Billy Taylor Trio takes the stage
at Kennedy Center — during the Art Tatum Piano Panorama
— for their last concert performance. Dr. Taylor announced
his retirement last September in Paris at UNESCO ceremonies
for International Music Day when he received a lifetime achievement
award for his work as an educator. "I thought it would
be good to do a performance like this and kind of leave it
there," explains Taylor about the feelings that welled
up as he played "All The Things You Are" at the
UNESCO event, a tune he first played in the City of Lights
with the Don Redman Orchestra in 1946. Taylor has spent the
last two years working to regain control of his hands and
fingers after suffering a stroke — the therapy enabling
him not just to play, but to reconstitute his individual approach
to jazz piano. But he felt the time was right to retire and
gave notice to his sidemen, bassist Chip Jackson and drummer
Winard Harper..."
- Grammy and Beacons of Jazz
At the
2005 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Billy recieved the Recording
Academy® (NARAS) Trustees Award. The Trustees Awards recognizes
outstanding achievement in a non-performing capacity. "The
Awards recognize music people who have made a lasting contribution
to culture around the world," said Neil Portnow, President
of the Recording Academy. "The Trustees Awards honor
those who have attained legendary status and are profoundly
inspiring cultural ambassadors," Portnow said. "Their
outstanding accomplishments and passion for their craft have
created a timeless legacy that has positively affected multiple
generations...and generations to come," he concluded.
On February
22, Dr. Taylor was honored at a gala for the New School University's
2005 Beacons In Jazz Awards in The Grand Ballroom at The Pierre
in New York City. The Beacons In Jazz award recognizes living
musicians and contributors to the field whose work and extraordinary
talent have uniquely enriched our musical heritage.
Charles Rangel, Reggie Workman and Billy.
Photo Credit: Michael
and James Jordan.
Photo Credit: Michael Divito
attended the annual IAJE
Conference in Long Beach, CA from January 5-8. At the
NEA Jazz Masters concert, he played a solo piano version of
All The Things You Are. He also moderated
a panel entitled Jazz By Us For Us, with guests Waymer
Johnson from BET Jazz, Thurston Briscoe of WBGO and Jim Winston
of the NABOB, and hosted another panel that focused on Kennedy
Center Jazz.
Billy and Thurston
Photo: Stuart
booth showcased this website, with a giant forty inch plasma
screen for visitors to interact with the content. Visitors
Vocalist Vanessa
V. Dashiell, Jr of East Carolina University
Ghenady Meirson of Private
Billy blesses Al
Julian, Concord Records' A&R Representative
Veteran drummer
Ed Thigpen
Taylor Announces His Retirement from Performing
Dr. Taylor
made the announcement October 1st while in Paris to receive
a Life-Time Achievement from UNESCO as part of the International
Music Day: "Jazz Meets The World: A Tribute to Jazz
in Education." Although Dr. Taylor will no longer be
accepting engagements with his Trio or as a Guest Artist,
he will continue his activities as Artistic Advisor for Jazz
at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and as the Principal
Artist in Residence of the Jazz in July program at the University
of Massachusetts, as well as many other clinics and other
educational activities on behalf of Jazz.
Although he'd been considering this change in his agenda
for some time, it was Dr. Taylor's visit to Paris that
served as the catalyst for this decision. "I've
always wanted to stop performing publicly when I was still
feeling good about my playing," he explains. "I
didn't want to hang around until I felt bad."
"I remember when Lionel Hampton was very ill, toward
the end of his life. The people around him let him perform
although he couldn't really play. He'd just tap
on the vibraphone and smile. He felt good and I'm sure
that added some time to his life. But I didn't want
to do that."
"In Paris, I was really feeling good, physically, and
also, when I played I was very pleased. At the concert for
UNESCO, I played All The Things You Are. I had first performed
that song in 1946 in Paris, during my initial European tour
with Don Redman and I chose that composition because I wanted
to see how it would work. I played it, and people really responded.
That's when I knew the timing was right."
Although a stroke in 2001 forced Billy to return to the woodshed,
his playing since his re-entry to the music full-time two
years ago has continued to improve, dramatically. "When
I found out I couldn't play the piano, after the stroke,
it was the shock of my life. I've spent so many years
trying to play well, then all of sudden, zap, it's gone.
I said wow. So for the last couple of years, I've been
on a mission to get it back."
Not surprisingly, given the persistence and talent of this
remarkable man, Dr. Taylor was able to regain his chops. "I
can play anything I used to play, but not as fast. But I can
play it. So the past few years, I focused on getting my playing
as good as I could make it. The audience has always been my
barometer. If I can reach out and touch someone when I play,
I know it's working. So in Paris, it was working. In
fact, I couldn't have done it any better than I did."
One thing he will miss, Dr. Taylor explains, "is the
joy of regular collaboration with my working Trio (bassist
Chip Jackson and drummer Winard Harper). I've always
put a lot of pressure upon myself. That's the one habit
I couldn't break. But when I was performing, these guys
made it a lot easier. Both of them are really special, both
as performing artists, and friends."
Roy Haynes and Melba Joyce attend Jazz at Lincoln Center's
Gala Opening Night Party (Photo: Keith Bendis)
Honors Billy
At this
year's Veritas Therapeutic Community Foundation Inc.'s Friends
of Charlie Parker Annual Benefit for Drug Rehabilitation Programs,
their 25th anniversary celebration, held on September 30th
at Manhattan Center, Billy was honored with a Distinguished
Achievement Award for his contributions to Jazz and for his
support of the program. In addition to Billy, writers Stanley
Crouch, Bob Herbert, and Health Care professional G. Boyajy
were also honored.
Billy accepts the award from the late Peter Jennings, at the
Veritas Benefit.
Photo: Norm
Lifetime Achievement Award
On October
1st, Billy was honored in Paris by UNESCO as part of the International
Music Day "Jazz Meets The World: A Tribute to Jazz in
Education." Dr. Taylor was the recipient of a Lifetime
Achievement Award, along with saxophone master Johnny Griffin
and French pianists Martial Solal and Michel Sardaby. A special
concert that evening featured Dr. Nathan Davis, Jon Faddis
Maurice Brown, Griffin, Billy Cobham, and Billy, performing
"All The Things You Are."
Go Better with Coke
licensed Billy's classic I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel
To Be Free, for use in the North, Central and South America,
Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom. It has been translated
into Spanish and Portuguese. The commercial has been featured
in the US on American Idol, and in movie theatres
and Coca-Cola theme parks. You can watch the North American
version of the commerical on the Coke website.
The English language version is sung by Charlene Hector of
the English group, Basement Jaxx.
Taylor's Soundpost Records Reacquires Taylor-Made Records
Taylor's Soundpost Records has re-acquired Taylor-Made
Recordings, a label Dr. Taylor founded in the late 1980s.
Four re-issues from Taylor-Made's catalogue are now
available: Billy
Taylor Solo, The
Billy Taylor Trio White Nights in Leningrad,
and You
Tempt Me, and The
JazzMobile All-Stars.
Taylor-Made releases will now be available for sale here as
well as in select retail outlets. Buyers who purchase the
recordings on this site will receive a personallly autographed
copy from Dr. Taylor.
classic CDs, recorded from 1988 – 1989, feature Billy
Taylor at the height of his remarkable keyboard prowess.
Billy Taylor Trio- White Nights in Leningrad, was recorded
in August of 1988, and features Dr. Taylor with bassist Victor
Gaskin and drummer Bobby Thomas. Billy's Trio made this
recording after returning from a tour of the Soviet Union
with the title, a reference to the nights filled with sunlight
they experienced.
than a pair of obscure albums from 1956, Billy
Taylor Solo, also recorded in August of 1988, was his
first solo piano recording. Seven originals are included in
the CDs thirteen tracks, including a haunting version of Dr.
Taylor's "A Bientot," Billy's theme
song from his days on DJ on New York's WLIB.
Tempt Me, another Trio offering, was recorded in 1989,
with Victor Gaskin on bass, and Curtis Boyd on drums. In addition
to Dr. Taylor's unique interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's
"Take The A Train," the recording includes eight
originals taken from sacred music he wrote, "Let Us
Make A Joyful Noise," inspired by Duke Ellington's
Sacred Concerts.
Jazzmobile All-Stars, was also recorded in 1989 and features
a truly all-star lineup, including Dr. Taylor on piano, Frank
Wess on tenor and soprano sax and flute, Jimmy Owens on trumpet,
Ted Dunbar on guitar, Victor Gaskin on bass on Bobby Thomas
on drums. The group takes its name from Jazzmobile, the Harlem
performance/education program Dr. Taylor founded in 1964.
Plays for President Bush
The Billy Taylor Trio performed for President and Mrs. Bush
and guests during a formal celebration at the White House
on Tuesday, June 22.
The program,
A Salute To NEA Jazz Masters, to celebrate
June as Black Music Month, began with opening remarks by President
Bush that acknowledged the rich legacy of Black music in American
culture. President Bush then introduced Dana Gioia, Chairman
of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Photo: Vance Jacobs
Mr. Gioia
spoke on behalf of the NEA Jazz Masters Program, the nation¹s
highest lifetime achievement honor in jazz since 1982. In
addition to NEA Jazz Master 1988 Dr. Billy Taylor, other NEA
Jazz Masters were in attendance, such as NEA Jazz Master 2004
Chico Hamilton, NEA Jazz Master 2000 David Baker, and NEA
Jazz Master 1998 James Moody.
from Billy's "Jazz and the New Generation" program,
at the Kennedy Center, also performed under Billy's direction.
Bush listens to the "Jazz and the New Generation"
students perform in the East Room of the White House. The
students are, from left, saxaphonist Matt Marantz of Cedar
Hills, Texas, bassist Philip Kuehn, of Lucerne Mines, Penn.,
vocalist Crystal Torres, Toronto, Canada and violinist Caley
Monahon-Ward, Florence, Mass.
Click here to visit the official White House site, to
read the President's remarks, and watch a video of his speech.
Lucia Jazz Festival
On May
13, Billy's Trio headlined at the St. Lucia Jazz Festival,
on the beautiful island of St. Lucia. The Trio played opposite
James Carter. Read
the All About jazz review.
Arts Club
On April
26, Billy was honored by the National
Arts Club in New York, with their prestigous Medal of
Honor Award.
Dr. Billy
Taylor accepts the NAC Gold Medal from President O. Aldon
Mrs. Theodora
Taylor, Dr. Billy Taylor, their son-in-law and daughter, Professor
Anthony C. Thompson and Professor Kim Taylor-Thompson of NYU
Law School
Photos courtesy
National Arts Club
For more
great photos, including special guests Frank Wess, Marian
McParland, Jon Faddis, Barbara Carroll and others who came
to pay tribute to Billy, please
visit their website.


text:
Fischer S-Bound 98
Where to Buy
sponsored links
Manufacturer's Description
Visit Fischer's S-Bound 98 page.
Retailers' Descriptions
Here's what other sites are saying:
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$239.94 - $279.94

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ostriches may not be the first thing you think of when you picture Arizona. Yet for three days, March 12th thru the 14th, they rule the city of Chandler during the official city Ostrich Festival.
Ostriches rule the roost from the Ostrich Festival Parade down Arizona Avenue to Chicago Street to the Ostrich races with human jockeys in Tumbleweed Park. You can sample an Ostrich burger or purchase Ostrich feathers - all in commemoration of the giant bird and Chandler's ostrich ranching history.
That's only the beginning of the fun.
Ostrich Days also offers two full stages of entertainment with jugglers, stunts, music comedian's, dancers, martial art displays and more. Enjoy the excitement of Medieval Jousting (on horseback, not ostriches), pig races, petting zoos and the Kids Zone with games, bounce rides and other activities. In the evening the Community stage becomes a bandstand and dance floor taking you into the night right up to the midnight closing.
The festivities begin on Friday, March 12th from 2:00pm to Midnight with the gates opening on Saturday at 10:00am thru Midnight. Sunday hours are 10:00am to 11:00pm with free admission all three days.
The Ostrich Days grounds are located at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Street in Chandler (the intersections of McQueen & Germaine Road).
Check the extensive schedule of events by visiting their official site at www.ostrichfestival.com or further information may be obtained by calling the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at 480-963-4571.


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Top Definition
A person who hogs the channel on a CB radio. This definition dates back to about 1974 during the heyday of CB radio.
I tried to call my friend on channel 19, but couldn't get him because a Mickey Mouth wouldn't let anybody talk.
by Ricky Bennett November 12, 2005
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Modernized showcasing and its related channels are essential – yet not to the prevention of all else. It's insufficient to simply know your clients; you must know them superior to anything whatever other individual so you can converse with them where, when and how they are most open to your message. To do that, you oblige a joined perspective of client inclinations and wishes over all channels – Web, web arranging, flexible, steady postal mail, explanation behind offer, and so forth.
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Alisha Glass
Position: Setter
Height: 184 cm/6-0
Weight: 158
Hometown/Residence: Leland, Mich./Leland, Mich.
Birth Date: April 5, 1988
College/Major/Grad Year: Penn State/Kinesiology/2015
Joined Team: June 2009
Most Notable
- Named USA Volleyball Female Indoor Athlete of the Year for both 2013 and 2014
- Named Best Setter of 2014 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014
- Selected Best Setter of 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament as USA won gold and spot in 2016 Olympic Games
- Named Finalist for 2014 Women's Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year
- Earned gold medal in three consecutive FIVB World Grand Prix Final Rounds (2010, 2011, 2012)
- Selected Best Setter of FIVB World Grand Prix Final Round in 2010 and 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix
- Led Team USA to gold medal at 2013 NORCECA Continental Championship and was named Best Setter
- Starting setter at Penn State all four years and led Nittany Lions to three consecutive NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball championship titles
2016 - NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament (Gold)
2015 - FIVB World Cup (Bronze)...NORCECA Championship (Gold)
2014 - USA Volleyball Cup...FIVB World Grand Prix (5th Place Prelim)...FIVB World Championship (Gold)
2013 - Pan American Cup (Gold)...USA Volleyball Cup…FIVB World Grand Prix (6th Place-Best Setter)...NORCECA Championship (Gold-Best Setter)...FIVB Grand Champions Cup (Silver).
2011 – Montreux Volley Masters (Fourth)…Pan American Cup (Bronze)...FIVB World Grand Prix (Gold)...NORCECA Championship (Gold)...FIVB World Cup (Silver).
2010 – Tour of China…Pan American Cup (Bronze)...FIVB World Grand Prix (Gold-Best Setter)...Tour of Brazil...FIVB World Championship (Fourth).
Did You Know
- Averaged 10.22 assists per set in 2013 while starting 28 of 31 matches
- Set Team USA to consecutive gold medals at the Pan American Cup (2012 and 2013)
- AVCA All-America First-Team in 2008 and 2009 after being selected second-team as sophomore in 2007
- Started on 2004 U.S. Girls' Youth National Team that won NORCECA Championship and was named Best Setter
- Finished prep career as natonal and state high school record hold in season aces (296), career aces (937) and career kills (3,584)
- Mother Laurie Glass was her high school volleyball coach
- Likes to do jigsaw puzzles in her free time
The Big Blurb
On what made her fall in love with the game: "I am just a fan of the sport in general. I think it is so complex. It requires so much of your brain, along with the physical aspect. You have to train as hard as you can to be bigger, faster, stronger. But also you have to train the mental game. You have to learn the game. You have to learn the opponent, learn yourself, learn your teammates. And so there so much to learn from it, you are constantly evolving. There is not a peak you are going to hit." - May 2013 Interview with USA Volleyball
Related Links
- Video: Alisha Glass on Power of Team (by Mizuno)
- Traverse City Record-Eagle Article: Glass Saviors Gold (Oct. 14, 2014)
- Video: Getting to Know Alisha Glass
- Video: Mizuno Interview with Alisha Glass
- UpNorthLive.Com: Alisha Glass Returns to Home for Jersey Retirement
- Fan Highlight Video of Alisha Glass
Social Media
Last Updated: Jan. 10, 2016
Women's Update: Impact of Coaching
Feb. 09, 2015
National Team coaches and athletes take part in HP Coaches Clinic
U.S. Women's Update: Fawcett Flowing
Bill Kauffman Feb. 02, 2015
Nicole Fawcett scores 53 points in 4-set Korea V-League match
Women's Update: Club Races Heat Up
Bill Kauffman Jan. 26, 2015
CEV Champions League nearing end of first round
Women's Update: Coaching and Showcases
Bill Kauffman Jan. 19, 2015
Second Collegiate All-Star Showcase part of Weekly Update highlights
Another Honor for the Glass Family
Bill Kauffman Jan. 19, 2015
Laurie Glass, Alisha Glass' mom and first coach, honored by NFHS as Coach of Year
U.S. Women's Update: Showcasing Talent
Bill Kauffman Jan. 12, 2015
College All-Star Showcase this Friday, CEV Champions League resumes this week
2014 of the Year Awards: recap
Jan. 09, 2015
Recapping the 2014 USA Volleyball end of the year award winners
U.S. Women's Update: Collegiate All-Star Showcase
Jan. 05, 2015
AVCA Division I Player of the Year Micha Hancock and other collegiate stars to train
U.S. Women's Update: 2014 Coming to an End
Dec. 22, 2014
Top 14 Of 2014: Team USA Women
Paul D. Bowker Dec. 17, 2014
U.S. women made the world their stage in 2014 with memorable performances in Sochi, Russia, and around the world.
Related Articles
More Stories ›


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With the recent release of the group's career-spanning anthology, 2002-2013, the post-grunge badasses in Seether -- Shaun Morgan, Dale Stewart and John Humphrey -- have seized control of this installment of Rhapsody's Celebrity Picks series. Not surprisingly, their playlist is packed with modern rock jams that unleash copious amounts of brooding intensity and snarling riffage, like Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name," Breaking Benjamin's "Shallow Bay," Alice In Chains' "Dam That River" and P.J. Harvey's lurching "To Bring You My Love." But the South African trio also spotlights a fair amount of introspective balladry. Considering Seether is the band that gave us "Broken," this shouldn't come as any surprise. Still, it's cool to see them flash their tender side by lacing their playlist with Ray Lamontagne's "Trouble" and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds' achingly moody "Into My Arms." And hey, how cool is it that Seether dig the Neil Young chestnut "The Needle and the Damage Done"? Thanks, guys!
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The Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute at Cincinnati Children's is changing the outcomes for our patients and their families. As part of our belief in the compassionate, respectful family-centered care of every patient and family, we understand that the best reassurance and support for our families comes from stories shared by families in similar situations.
Here are some stories of Cincinnati Children's patients and their families who have battled cancer, blood and immune disorders. Click on the images below to see a short description of the patient's story.
When Lillian was just 2 years old, she was diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor.
Daniel Conway was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia at age 12.
A month after Briana Berry was born, she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
Charlie Ehrhardt was diagnosed with leukemia at 18 months old and had eight rounds of chemotherapy.
When Jackson was just 1 year, he was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
After being diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Hannah came to Cincinnati Children's for world class care.
Katie Keeler, a nurse in the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, was inspired to become a nurse after she battled acute promyelocytic leukemia as a teenager and received care at Cincinnati Children's.
Patients and families are the heart of the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute. Your strength and optimism, even in the most difficult circumstances, inspire us and many others. Share your story and join our Champions Program.
3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026 | 1-513-636-4200 | 1-800-344-2462 | TTY:1-513-636-4900
New to Cincinnati Children's or live outside of the Tristate area? 1-877-881-8479
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – When a mother loses her battle to cancer, fathers are often left unprepared to raise their families.
Not only must they deal with their own grief and their children's, but without a lot of resources in the community, they must face the challenges of parenthood alone.
Bruce Ham knows all about the questions, the struggles, and the regrets of losing a wife to cancer.
"Lisa was the foundation," Ham told Ivanhoe. "She was the glue that held us all together."
At 39, the mother-of-three died after a six-month battle with colon cancer.
"We spent so much time trying to be positive and trying to fight the disease that we did not spend as much time talking about what life would be like when she was gone," Ham explained.
Dr. Justin Yopp says it's one of the most important conversations a couple in this situation can have.
"It's so difficult and there are so many obstacles to making that happen, that we see it now as an area that's really ripe for intervention," Justin Yopp, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, told Ivanhoe.
That led Dr. Yopp and Dr. Donald Rosenstein to start a first-of-its-kind support group for widowed fathers.
"These men all describe a sense of being lost at sea initially," Donald Rosenstein, MD, Director of UNC Comprehensive Cancer Support Program, Dept. of Psychiatry and Medicine, UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, told Ivanhoe. "They feel so badly for their kids after they've lost their mothers that they relax a lot of rules in the house."
From navigating the challenges of parenting to moving forward, singlefathersduetocancer.org is a lifeline for dads.
"You're going to make mistakes," Dr. Yopp explained. "Your kids are resilient [and] you're resilient, [so] you can get through those mistakes."
Three years after joining the group, Ham is doing the best he can.
"Life can be beautiful again," Ham said.
The group at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is working to get similar support groups set up at major cancer centers across the country.
As for Ham, he's gone on to write a book about his experience called, "Laughter, Braids and Tears."
You can learn more about the book and the support group at www.singlefathersduetocancer.org
For additional research on this article, click here.
Sign up for a free weekly e-mail on Medical Breakthroughs called First to Know by clicking here.
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Kim Groves at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Dr. Justin Yopp, PhD
UNC Lineberger Cancer Center
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Interdisciplinary Studies
From the desk of the dean,
Dr. Karen Nery
Fall 2015 is here and we are off to a great start. New and returning students began classes August
Thursday, 03 Sep
Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
Students in the interdisciplinary studies program:
• synthesize knowledge from an educational perspective while integrating a variety of academic disciplines.
• promote advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.
• Complete a concentration in a specific discipline area or one that draws from several areas.
• Complete courses in education.
• Work to attain growth toward professional and personal-social goals.
• Develop problem-solving and collaborative skills.


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The owners of this home chose a solid rimu floor to complement their new macrocarpa kitchen.
Rimu floor and kitchen design and installation by WEC Ltd
A timber floor brings warmth, style and comfort to any home or office. Here at Wooden Earth Creations we use both sustainably managed native and exotic timbers for our timber flooring. Our timber overlay floors are handcrafted to the customers' individual requirements and we focus on quality, beauty and attention to detail. There are no limits, from old-fashioned finger parquet with 300+ individual pieces of wood per square metre to specially designed inlays or directional changes, a durable Wooden Earth Creations floor with our unique WEC oil blend or a water-based polyurethane finish, is a beautiful feature in any home or office. Whether it be a new dwelling or existing building, we can lay a quality timber floor over existing wood, particle board or concrete. We use our own unique WEC oil blend or a water-based polyurethane to finish them.
Please contact us at the address below if you would like to purchase our oil
@ $35 per litre.
Home Contact Us
Wooden Earth Creations Ltd | P.O. Box 920 | Kerikeri | Bay of Islands | New Zealand
Workshop | 377 Whangaroa Rd | Kaeo | 0478 | Northland
Tel 09 4050748 | Mob 0274 864 776 | Email: email@example.com
Copyright © 2011 Wooden Earth Creations Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


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Skydiving.com now has a network skydiving location serving Sharon Center and Medina County in Ohio. Call Skydiving.com at 1-800-617-7948 for details, free information and specials on skydiving in Sharon Center, OH today!
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The leading company which figures credit scores, FICO, is changing the way it determines your credit score. When implemented, the FICO score will not consider accounts that have been in collection after the bill has been paid or otherwise settled. Previously if the bill was in collection and you paid it off, it would remain on your record for up to seven years. In addition medical bills, which have not been paid, will damage your score less severely. Paid off bills, previously in collection, will benefit 9 million people while more than 60 million have outstanding medical debt.
So, this new calculation method will increase scores for people in these categories and should make it easier for them to borrow money. But if you continue to manage your debt poorly, this won't help you.
The changes will not start until later in the year and lenders still can choose which FICO version to use. Credit cards and auto loans likely will be affected first. Mortgages still use FICO scores two versions old.
How important is your credit score? Immensely important! When I talk to millennials (those in their 20's and early 30's) I say "if you see someone you might want to date, the first question should not be what is your smart phone number, it should be what is your credit score."
Many employers look at your credit score before making a hiring decision. A difference of one point on your credit score could be the difference between a 3.8% mortgage and a 4% mortgage. According to a recent report, people with poor credit pay 91% more for homeowners insurance than those with excellent credit. Those with median credit pay 29% more. Many U.S. car insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine risk. A low credit score will cost you in multiple ways.
Everyone should know what his or her credit score is. I use Creditkarma.com for a free score; it is not the FICO score but the one from TransUnion. Several other websites provide truly free scores, and some credit cards are now listing your score on the monthly statement.
Your credit score is the score at one point in time; it will go up or down depending on your credit habits. You should know how to improve your credit score. Number one is paying your bills on time (35%). Next at 30% is the level of your debt compared to your debt limit. A $20 charge on a $2000 limit credit card is better than a maxed out card.
One of your top financial goals should be a good credit score if for no other reason than to attract members of the opposite sex.


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|Dressage Canada and Equine Canada Announce Sanctioned Dressage Steward Clinics in 2009
|| Print |
Februrary 2, 2009 — Dressage Canada and Equine Canada are pleased to announce the following sanctioned steward clinics for 2009.
This is a terrific opportunity for stewards, and those interested in becoming a steward, to take advantage of the two-day General Stewards Clinic and Dressage Stewards clinic. Participants can then use these clinics on their application to become an Equine Canada General Steward and an Equine Canada Dressage Steward. Attending these clinics is also a great way to learn more about competition rules from two of Canada's most experienced stewards.
Margaret Murdoch (FEI Dressage and EC Senior Dressage Steward) was named in 2006 as Canada's first FEI Dressage Specific Steward General. Murdoch, a well respected FEI Steward and Dressage Specific Steward in the Ontario region, has officiated at many CDI3* and CDI-W competitions over the years. Murdoch will bring her considerable experience to the table at the Steward Clinics in 2009.
Jan Stephens (Equine Canada Senior General Steward, Medium Dressage Steward and FEI Steward for Jumping, Eventing and Reining) has been a national steward since 1975 and an FEI jumping and eventing steward since 1999. In 2002, Stephens was elected chair of the national steward committee for Equine Canada. In 2007, she also became an FEI reining steward. Stephens has officiated at Spruce Meadows, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*.
"Margaret and I are very pleased to offer both the General Clinic and the Dressage Clinic on the same weekend, ensuring that stewards have the opportunity to get both accreditations or upgrades at the same time," noted Stephens, who is also the FEI Steward General for Canada for jumper, reining and eventing. "We really feel it is advantageous for participants enjoying the broad scope of stewarding including hunter/jumper, breed sports and dressage. We look forward to presenting a valuable educational opportunity for everyone."
Stewards who wish to officiate at Equine Canada sanctioned Dressage competitions must be licensed dressage stewards. Applications for Dressage Steward Status can be downloaded from equinecanada.ca/dressage.
Dressage stewards due for updating or upgrading of their dressage steward status must attend both the general and dressage clinic to complete their updating/upgrading requirements.
All Officials are required to attend an updating clinic once every three years to maintain their status.
About Dressage Canada
Dressage Canada, as a committee of Equine Canada, is the National governing body for Dressage in Canada. Dressage Canada's objective is to foster the growth of Dressage and the pursuit of excellence in the sport at the local, national and international levels. Dressage Canada provides support and guidance to both amateur and professional through the following programs: coaching education and programs, officials' education and programs, rules & qualifying criteria, sport development, publications & awards. For more information about Dressage Canada, please visit the Dressage section of the Equine Canada site.
About Equine Canada
Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada's equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit equinecanada.ca.


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Already crowned Ligue 1 champions, PSG strolled to a 3-1 win against Brest in David Beckham's final match before his retirement. Beckham was given a rare start and wore the captain's armband, along with a special pair of boots (pictured below) he designed himself with the names of each of his four kids and the shirt numbers he wore throughout his career. When he was subbed off in the 82nd minute, he was in tears as his 20-year career comes to an end at the age of 38.
Though PSG still has one more match at Lorient, Beckham made it clear this would be his last. "I feel a lot of satisfaction and emotion," Beckham said after the game. "Tonight is the end of my career for sure."
Beckham assisted PSG's second goal against Brest with one of his signature corner kicks, which Blaise Matuidi headed into the net. After the final whistle, Beckham returned to the pitch all smiles and his teammates tossed him into the air.
"I think over the years, when I've seen players retire — when you ask them about it, they always say 'You know when you're ready.' And I think I know when I'm ready," Beckham said after announcing his retirement earlier this week. "I think I'm ready. Obviously it's a difficult decision because I still feel I can play at the top level — and still have done for the last six months. But I always secretly said to myself that I want to go out at the top." He also joked that he knew it was time to retire "when [Lionel] Messi was running past me," in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Though his celebrity transcended his sport because he married a Spice Girl, advertised products around the world and even became an underpants mogul, he always cared deeply about his football and it showed. "I just want people to see me as a hard-working footballer," Beckham says. And now he finishes his career with 10 domestic league titles in four different countries (a mark no other Englishman has reached), a record 115 caps for England and twice runner-up for the World Player of the Year award. If he was just in it for the money or the fame or swooning admirers, he wouldn't have accomplished half of what he did. Nor would he have shed a tear as he came off the pitch for the last time.
More David Beckham retirement coverage from Yahoo! Sports
• Sky Sports weighs in big time on David Beckham retirement
• Watch: David Beckham could be very busy in retirement
• Is an MLS franchise in David Beckham's future?
- Sports & Recreation
- David Beckham


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For Immediate Use
June 22, 2012
Rupp, Eaton Lead Duck Alums at First Day of Olympic Trials
EUGENE, Ore. - Duck alum Galen Rupp became an Olympian for the second time and fellow alum Ashton Eaton set two world records in the decathlon on Friday, the first day of the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Rupp set a Trials record in winning the men's 10,000 meters in 27:25.33, despite running in a soaking downpour.
"I'm really happy with it," said Rupp. "It was my goal coming in to win. I feel lucky to run here at my home track. I had a rough lead coming into this race.
"Anytime you make an Olympic team, you're going to be ecstatic. Having that experience under my belt is good. You know what to expect and can relax more and focus on the race."
Also in the men's 10,000, Duck senior Luke Puskedra finished eighth in a personal-best 27:56.62. It was the first time under the 28:00 barrier for the Ogden, Utah, native.
"There are only two weeks in between the NCAA's and now," said Puskedra. "I am just happy wearing the UO uniform."
Eaton, also competing in unseasonably wet and cool weather, set world decathlon records in his first two events. The Bend, Ore., native and defending U.S. champion led the decathlon with 4,728 points.
He ran 10.21 seconds in the 100 meters and then unleashed a monster long jump at 27-0/8.23m. That was better than any of the nine men's long jump qualifiers on Friday. He also threw 46-7.25 in the shot put, cleared 6-8.75/2.05m in the high jump and ran 46.70 in the 400 meters.
"What you're seeing is a culmination of everyone who supported me," said Eaton. I just do not want to let anyone down."
In preliminary action on the track, a number of current Ducks fared well.
Sophomore English Gardner, the 2012 NCAA 100 meter champion got through her opening round with a third-place finish in 11.27 to advance to the semifinals.
"I just wanted to get out there and qualify," said Gardner. "I leaned in at the end so I was pretty confident I got third.
"I love my home crowd. They keep me going. I thank God every day for my fan base at University of Oregon."
Sophomore Laura Roesler finished third in her opening round heat of the women's 800 meters in 2:03.11 to move on the semifinals. Late in the race, the Fargo, N.D., native avoided disaster by hurdling a fellow competitor who fell right in front of her.
"I felt really good," said Roesler. "I definitely had a smile on my face and I came here to do what I did, so I am happy.
"That is the most relaxed I have been and most fun I have had at a race before."
In the men's 800, junior Elijah Greer took second in his preliminary heat to advance. The Lake Oswego, Ore., native times 1:47.42.
"At 300 meters I made a move and finished second," said Greer. "I made a lot of bad moves, accelerations weren't needed. Tomorrow, I don't want to make the same mistakes. The last 200 meters was perfect energy for that round."
Sophomore Phyllis Francis placed third in her first round heat of the women's 400 meters in 52.82 to advance to the semifinals. Former Duck Keshia Baker also advanced by taking second in her heat in 52.02.
"All I wanted to do was qualify," said Francis. "I was a little nervous, but I tried not to stress too much. I could have run faster, but I'm proud of myself."
Sophomore Mike Berry finished sixth in his men's 400 heat in 46.29 and did not advance.
Also Friday, due to the heavy rain, the women's pole vault was postponed until Sunday. Former Ducks Melissa Gergel and Becky Holliday are in that field.


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The knowledge about natural hair loss treatment using herbal hair care products is a fruit of thousands of year's evolution. Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicines in India, which is still sought after worldwide, insists on using extracts from Ayurvedic herbs and shrubs providing hair loss treatment with a wide variety of ailments. Over the period the medicinal properties of these herbal plants were recorded resulting in a rich Ayurvedic literature and most of the Ayurvedic hair products available in the market have their roots in those rich literatures; our herbal treatment for hair loss, dandruff, Alopecia and natural skin care is not different.
Natural hair treatment using herbal products is considered the best for both men and women without difference by many, but why? The answer is simple; unlike the artificial counter parts these natural substances can work against the cause of female and male hair loss without inducing any harmful side effects. Nature has installed all those substances such as Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Henna, Shikakai, Aloe Vera etc. and are used in variety of natural hair products today. The natural antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti- fungal properties make these substances adept equally for herbal skin care products and at the same time these are equally good herbal hair care and hair loss treatment.
We offers wide spectrum of herbal Ayurvedic products for hair loss treatment and skin care. Natural hair products include henna & amla shampoo. Best skin products from us include mint cleanser, almond Cream, vegetable Mask and more. They are natural remedies for your nagging and irksome skin and hair nemesis. These are specially prepared for those who are utterly disappointed after long and persistent use of other synthetic hair care products. We welcome you all to the wonderful world of herbal solutions for hair loss and skin therapy. We whole-heartedly present our herbal products before you which, for sure, will not disappoint you.


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Have you noticed that some people have vast knowledge at their fingertips. From world capitals to popular pizza toppings, the varied bits of information just flow. If you're ready to out your knowledge and quick wit to the test, get ready to play Don't Panic.
Don't Panic, distributed by Goliath Games, has been a popular party game abroad. Now available in US stores, this fast paced, quick thinking party game can produce laughs, competiton, and a little bragging rights.
The game can be played by individuals or teams. A minimum of two players or teams is required for the game. The goal is to exactly land on the finish line (over shooting the finish line is prohibited). Players must answer a question to determine how many spaces that they move. For example, a player might be asked how candy bars can you name. At the end of the prescribed time, the total number of answers is totaled to determine the spaces moved.
With 850 questions, the game never gets boring. A family could play this game for weeks and never repeat a question. The best part about playing the game is the answers. When a person doesn't know the answers, they can fake the crazy answer. The question becomes will the opponents know the truth. In all, the game is an entertaining way to see people's smarts and shortcomings.
Don't Panic is recommended for children ages 8 and up. It could be adapted for younger children if playing in teams. The game consists of a board, game pieces, questions, a spinner and time. The game is distributed by Goliath Games and can be purchased at a variety of retailers. Estimated retail price is $22.
Gather together family and friends and put their knowledge to the test. Don't Panic is the fun party game where nerves of steel and quirky knowledge bring success.


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Welcome to Villalobos Digital Studios
My name is Alex Villalobos I am Digital Artist & Graphic Designer. I do 3D Modeling/3D Animation, Digital Sculpting, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Video Editing and Effects Compositing. I hold a Bachelors of Science in Graphic Design and an associates degree in Visual Communications. I am knowledgeable in a variety of different software programs. I am proficient in Adobe Creative Software CS6 and Final Cut Pro X these are my tools. In addition I use ZBrush 4.0, Sculptris, Vue 9 xStream, and Autodesk 3ds Max to create 3D worlds and characters. I love technology especially high-end gaming computers I custom build and upgrade my own. I'm also a veteran gamer I enjoy playing video games with friends online. I am a huge fan of the Aliens and Predator mythos and Capcoms Street Fighter series. Most of all Bodybuilding is my passion I love working out and going to the gym. Designing computer graphics and video editing is my career. Creating 3D worlds and modeling/sculpting 3D characters is my hobby. Playing video games with friends online is my pastime. Studying Martial Arts and Bodybuilding is my life.
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