The International Jazz Festival Enschede, in cooperation with the Netherlands Millennium Jazz Orchestra, has announced the third edition of the ArtEZ Composition Contest, open to composers of all nationalities with no age limit. A maximum of five jazz compositions will be chosen for the final round. The Millennium Jazz Orchestra, directed by Joan Reinders, will perform them on May 31 at Theatre Concordia during the Jazz Festival Enschede. The winner will receive a prize of 2,500 Euros. Scores must be sent no later than March 24 by registered mail; the date of the postmark represents valid proof. Contest rules may be viewed at ijfe.nl; for more information, please contact anniekjanssen@enschedepromotie.nl

Honors for the Garcias

Composer and arranger Russell Garcia, well-known in Hollywood for having written a number of film and television scores before relocating years ago to Kerikeri, New Zealand, and his wife, Gina, are recipients of Queens Service Medals for their long-time services to music. Russ Garcia, now ninety-two years old, continues to write, teach and travel internationally, often with Gina at his side. While in Hollywood, he worked for MGM, at Universal Studios, and with NBC Studios, writing for the TV series "Laredo" and "Rawhide" (the last of which introduced a young actor named Clint Eastwood), composing music for the sci-fi classic film "The Time Machine," and conducting the album "Porgy & Bess" with Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Garcia recorded several big-band albums under his own name and another with strings featuring former Stan Kenton trumpet star (and fellow Baha'i) Buddy Childers.

Saying Goodbye

Among those on the lists of musicians who passed away in 2008 are a number who were associated either primarily or in part with big bands. All of them will be sadly missed by those who appreciate their artistry and devotion to America's music. A partial listing includes the names Norm Baltazar, Sid Bulkin, Pete Candoli Pete Candoli
1923 - 2008
trumpet , Arnie Chycoski, Jimmy Cleveland Jimmy Cleveland
1926 - 2008
trombone , Bill Finegan, Bob Florence Bob Florence
1932 - 2008
band/orchestra , Jimmy Giuffre Jimmy Giuffre
1921 - 2008
clarinet , Johnny Griffin Johnny Griffin
1928 - 2008
sax, tenor , Earle Hagen, Connie Haines, Neal Hefti Neal Hefti
1922 - 2008
trumpet , Humphrey Lyttelton, Teo Macero Teo Macero
1925 - 2008
producer , Ronnie Mathews Ronnie Mathews
1935 - 2008
piano , Gene Puerling, Ray Reed, Joe Romano, Jo Stafford Jo Stafford
1920 - 2008
vocal , Phil Urso Phil Urso
1925 - 2008
sax, tenor , Klaus Weiss and Gerald Wiggins Gerald Wiggins
1922 - 2008
piano .

And that's it for now. Until next time, keep swingin'!...

New and Noteworthy

1. Ed Vezinho/Jim Ward Big Band With Friends Like These... (Dream Box Music)
2. DIVA Jazz Orchestra Live at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Coca-Cola Club (DIVA Jazz)
3. South Florida Jazz Orchestra Untitled (MAMA)
4. SWR Big Band/Toshiko Akiyoshiem> Let Freedom Swing (Hanssler)
5. Doug Hamilton Jazz Band Untitled (OA2 Records)
6. VCU Jazz Orchestra 1 A Joyful Noise (Mark Records)
7. Phil Norman Tentet Totally Live at Catalina Jazz Club (MAMA)
8. Kluvers Big Ban Hot House (KBB)
9. Anthony Brown Asian-American Orchestra Ten (Water Baby Records)
10. Texas Christian University Jazz Ensemble Just Friends (Sea Breeze Vista)
11. Stan Kenton Road Band '67 (Tantara Productions)
12. DePaul University Jazz Ensemble That Being Said (Jazzed Media)
13. Jim Kerl's Swing Session Big Band With Thanks to My Friends (NW Recording Artists)
14. Howard University Jazz Ensemble HUJE 2007 (HUJE)
15. University of South Florida Jazz Ensembles: Suncoast 2007 (USF Jazz)

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