Thanks to NYPL Roosevelt Island..My friend. teacher and mentor Bruce Edwards brings his unique sound to Roosevelt Island . You can help by sharing the link at the end of this email and publicizing the event
Roosevelt Islander Susheel Kurien
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Bruce Edwards & The Uptown Groove Band
Live at the Roosevelt Island Library – Wednesday, July 26, 2023 @ 6 PM
Guitarist/Composer Bruce Edwards was a member of Sun Ra’s Arkestra from 1984-1992, traveling all over the planet and appearing on recordings such as “Sun Ra Sextet Live at the Village Vanguard”, “Destination Unknown”, “A Night in East Berlin” and more. In addition, he has performed and recorded with artists such as James Carter (CD: At the Crossroads) Gary Bartz, Charles Tolliver, Pharaoh Sanders, James Carter, and GE Smith and Lenny Pickett of the Saturday Night Live band, to name a few.
Called “a master of his instrument” by John Kelman (All About Jazz), he is also recognized by many he plays with as an inspiring and inventive accompanist, and fiery and creative soloist. Also an accomplished composer and producer for films and TV, Edwards won a Telly Award for his original music and sound design in 2006, as well as teaching guitar for Jazzmobile, The New School, and privately.
With Bruce is my friend the legendary “Fuku” Fukushi Tainaka– master drummer who for many years shared the stage with Lou Donaldson and other greats including trumpet legend Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Hardman and Woody Shaw, guitarist George Benson and Randy Johnston, pianist Champian Fulton, Benny Green, Barry Harris and Junior Mance, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, saxophonist Arnett Cobb, Junior Cook, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, David “Fathead” Newman and Frank Wess.
On upright bass we are proud to present must hear “young lion” Tony Lannen – a protegeof the great Bob Cranshaw. and last but not least we will feature on vocals the wonderful Aimeé Allen“A brilliant singer” – JAzz Times
Events: Bruce Edwards Uptown Groove Band
As some of you, there is a lot of effort that goes into bring this music to Roosevelt Island. For this event in particular, I could use 3 to 4 volunteers who can help with equipment set and seating arrangements. I will need at least 2 people an hour before the show to help with staging equipment and setting up. And at least 2 at end of show to take down and store
If you think you can do some light lifting and help make this event a success , please contact me (10044jazz@gmail.com).
Much appreciated.
Susheel Kurien
Before the Door Closed
The May 14 RIOC board meeting began with public concern over the steam plant and ended with two votes that revealed more than any report could. Some meetings announce themselves by what is said. This one announced itself by what the room permitted to move and what it stopped before it could breathe.
