February 2012
8 posts
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Flambé Dreams at the New York Musical Theatre...
I am thrilled to have our original musical, Flambé Dreams (book & lyrics by Matthew Hardy, music by Randy Klein) included in the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) selections for the 2012 Next Link Project!
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Simons Fellowship – Week #6
I said this before, this is the dream gig. I have an office that has light and is completely silent. I have the access to a beautiful Steinway B along with the help of my friends and staff at the Hall Center for the Humanities if I need anything. I get more quality music work done here than anywhere else. The environment is set up for thinking and creativity. So, I am trying to make the most of...
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I Was A Cub Scout
When I was a very young boy, I was a Cub Scout. The reason I mention this now, is because my friend from Lawrence, Kansas, Cindy Lynn is a den mother for her 11 year old boy’s Club Scout pack. When she mentioned this, I was reminded that one, I was a Cub Scout once and I still had the shirt with the badges attached stored away with a bunch of other mementoes from my childhood. I remembered that I...
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Simons Fellowship – Week #5
This has been a jam packed week. I arrived Monday night at the University of Kansas to begin the second part of my Simons Fellowship at the Hall Center for the Humanities. I hit the ground running on Tuesday morning when I presented ‘It’s About The Music/It’s About The Business of Music’ to freshman and sophomore music majors. Then I went to a rehearsal of a big band directed by Professor Dan...
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Grammy Panel at the JEN Conference 2012
First let me say thank you to the Jazz Education Network (JEN) for staying the course with the NARAS controversy for speaking out about the elimination of multiple categories from the Grammys. It took extreme courage to include this panel in the conference.
I was asked to sit on the Grammy panel by Willard Jenkins and was honored to be in the company of Willard, Bobby Sanabria and Mark Levine....
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Sounds I Hate (Part 2)
In May 2011, I posted Sounds I Hate. In my quest for silence, I have assembled Sounds I Hate (Part 2). Please let me know if there are any sounds that you loathe that I could add to the ever growing list. Shhh…. Stay tuned….Randy
Sounds I Hate:
1. the sound of motors that constantly surround me
2. the sound of anyone talking on a cell phone loud enough for everyone else to hear
3. the sound...
January 2012
3 posts
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Freddie Jacobs – Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Trumpeter/Flugelhorn player and musician, Fred Jacobs, came up to me at the JEN Conference and handed me a CD. I asked, ‘What is this?’ He smiled and pointed to my name as producer on the CD jacket. The CD he handed me is titled, ‘Jacobs’ Ladder’. It contains four wonderful Jazz tracks featuring: Freddie Jacobs – Trumpet/Flugelhorn, Adam Kolker-Sax/Flute, Chris Washburne-Trombone, Harvie...
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Feel the beat. R.I.P. Raul Rodriguez
Legendary New York Disco DJ and Disconet Remixer Raul A. Rodriguez passed away on January 4, 2012.
Raul Rodriquez, Vicky Germaise and I wrote ‘Watch The Closing Doors’ for the group IRT. Raul came into my apartment and set up the TR808 drum machine and said this is the beat. Vicky wrote the lyrics and I played the piano. We recorded it at 39th Street Music studios. The song has been...
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Randy Klein at The Jazz Education Network...
After attending the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference 2011 in New Orleans which to me was such a wonderful educational and musical experience, I was not sure if the 2012 Louisville, KY conference could live up to the previous year. But I am happy to report that not only did it live up to it, it surpassed it in many ways. The conference had a stellar lineup of Jazz performances from early in...
December 2011
1 post
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Randy Klein visited legendary music store Viera...
During my recent travels to San Juan, Puerto Rico, I was taken to Viera Discos, the leading music store and CD distributor in Puerto Rico. I was introduced to members of the wonderful Viera family who have kept the music going for so long. Richie, Janet and the legendary Rafael were warm and welcoming. It was really nice to be in the place that sells some of the greatest Latin music out today...
October 2011
3 posts
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Simons Fellowship – Week #4
This last week of this period of my fellowship was jam packed. Rehearsals, meetings and a final concert at the Hall Center for the Humanities, plus packing to head back to NYC.
I was very lucky to perform with four very gifted student musicians from the University of Kansas’ music department. Vocalist, Nora Woolpert – Guitarist, Lucas Parker – Violinist, Shan-Ken Chien and Trombonist, Brian...
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Simons Fellowship – Week #3
I decided before I came out to KU that I would try to use this opportunity to the max. Having 24 hour access to the Hall Center has allowed me to achieve most of what I set out to do. The Hall Center shuts its doors at 5PM and I have been staying late into the evening. The quiet is supreme and glorious. I have used this time to work on some new music for my new song cycle, ‘Speak’. I have...
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Simons Fellowship – Week #2
This week was a busy and productive one. I conducted two recital classes for freshman and sophomore music majors, I met with student musicians who will play with me at an evening concert on October 14, and I have been composing a new composition titled, ‘Moldy Blues’ for my song cycle ‘Speak’. All of this along with meeting and greeting professors, students and enjoying the friendly world of...
September 2011
4 posts
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Announcement of Simons Fellowship in JazzTimes
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Simons Fellowship – Week #1
I arrived in Lawrence, Kansas a little less than a week ago. In that time, I have been meeting and greeting the professors of many departments and most of all, listening. I have also been creating. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. The environment of the Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas is quiet and completely conducive to creative thinking. I have been...
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Randy Klein interviewed by Broadcast Music, Inc....
Full text of the interview:
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) - September 21, 2011
Randy Klein Writes His Way, One Genre at a Time
By Ted Drozdowski
Some people are know-it-alls. Randy Klein is a do-it-all — the kind of songwriter/composer whose sheer variety and volume of accomplishments could fill a résumé that would consume a redwood forest of paper.
Klein’s latest musical theater work Flambé...
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August 2011
2 posts
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Concert with Alex Skolnick Trio at the Iridium
Thanks to Alex Skolnick, Matt Zebroski and Nathan Peck for the great time at the Iridium Jazz Club! It was a great fun sitting in with the Alex Skolnick Trio! Hope to do it again!
More photos from Iridium, NYC - Aug 25, 2011
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July 2011
1 post
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'Fly Free'
My composition ‘Fly Free’ sung by vocalist Ashley Fox Linton was honored with a semi-finalist position for Song Of The Year 2011! Check it out on my web site.
June 2011
2 posts
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May 2011
3 posts
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Abandoned by NARAS - Open Letter to Neil Portnow
Dear Neil, I became a member of NARAS in 1977. I was proud of my membership because it meant that I belonged to an esteemed group of musicians that did what I did… created music for the world to hear. I was a songwriter, a keyboard player and I was in the business of music… I was proud of NARAS and what it stood for. In the last thirty years, I have won numerous awards and accolades for my music...
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Randy Klein Awarded Simons Public Humanities...
Pianist/Composer, Randy Klein has been awarded the Simons Public Humanities Fellowship at the Hall Center for the Humanities at the University of Kansas. The fellowship takes place during the 2011-2012 academic year.
As the Simons Fellow, Randy Klein will formulate two new works in collaboration with the jazz and film departments of the University of Kansas. Also planned for the ...
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Press Conference in Protest of Grammy Travesty
Randy Klein’s Statement at the Press Conference in Protest of Grammy Travesty:
”Over the last few weeks, I have had this reoccurring thought that I would like to share with you.
To erase, eliminate, delete and/or expunge anything makes it invisible. If something is invisible it is not seen or heard. If it is not seen or heard, then it becomes forgotten and once forgotten it is...
April 2011
6 posts
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NARAS side steps Latin Jazz Grammy issue
April 11, 2011, the New York Chapter meeting of NARAS.
Subject: The consolidation of Grammy categories and the deletion of the Latin Jazz category.
I guess the word spread that the Latin Jazz community was upset. So much so that Neil Portnow, the president of NARAS flew in from LA and was present in the front row along with other NARAS representatives who were prepared with the company...
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WatchFOR MY PEOPLE - The Margaret Walker Song Cycle concert and reception at James Madison University on April 2, 2011
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NARAS Eliminates Latin Grammy Category
NARAS which is the governing organization for the Grammy’s has announced today that they have eliminated the Latin Jazz category. Over the years, I have had thoughts that NARAS wouldn’t recognize a musical note if it hit them in the face. I have, up until now, given NARAS the benefit of the doubt, but, now they have proved to me and the rest of the global musical world that they don’t know what...
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Review: "Lineage: The Margaret Walker Song Cycle"...
Concert cycles poetry and song: ‘Margaret Walker Song Cycle’ honors poetry and past
On Saturday night, the JMU Chorale helped relive the battle of the Civil Rights movement on stage in a concert honoring poet Margaret Walker.
The Chorale served as background singers for the beautiful vocals of Aurelia Williams, cranking up the intensity and spirituality her voice and bringing...
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Lineage ‘The Margaret Walker Song Cycle’ at James...
Back from a glorious performance of Lineage ‘The Margaret Walker Song Cycle’ including the premiere of ‘For My People’ at James Madison University. The audience response was overwhelming and I’m still buzzing. My thanks to Joanne Gabbin from the Furious Flower Poetry Center, Dr. Patrick Walders and the JMU Chorale. This chorale sang beautifully and it was my honor to work with them. This was...
March 2011
2 posts
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January 2011
2 posts
Keith Jarrett at Carnegie Hall
Keith Jarrett is a master improviser. He was in very good spirits, coming on to stage telling the audience how much he loved them. His playing is superb as usual. He is a colorist at the piano with an amazing technique. The ideas come out fast and clear with a focus that is hard to believe. This is the special gift that he has. His ballad playing is simply elegant. The sound of his right hand...
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Margaret Whiting
Margaret Whiting left for us for vocal heaven. As a young writer, I was introduced to Ms. Whiting. She invited me to her apartment here in NYC in order to play her some songs I had written. She was generous with her time and more than that encouraged me to continue writing. She understood my love for the craft of songwriting and this sparked her interest. My songs were not very good back...
December 2010
1 post
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November 2010
4 posts
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Flambé Dreams at the Iguana 11/22/10
I liked to thank all of you who came out to see the first reading of Flambé Dreams (the restaurant version) at the Iguana restaurant last Monday. Thank you for your continuous support of the development of this show. The cast was great and the response was overwhelmingly positive. One comment made even indicated that it was better than anything they saw in NYMF this year.
Now we know that...
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Flambé Dreams
Flambé Dreams ( book and lyrics by Matthew Hardy, music by Randy Klein) - a modern day Candide story - this quirky new musical comedy tells the story of Joe Christiansen from Preston, Idaho, who rebels against his pill-pushing psychiatrist mother and journeys to New York to pursue his dream of becoming a great Maitre d…’.
Book and lyrics by Matthew Hardy and Music by Randy Klein...
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Thank you, Jerry Boch!
The great composer, Jerry Boch, passed away today. I didn’t know him personally, but I felt a great loss when hearing the news. You see, even though I didn’t know him, I knew his music. I grew up with it. As a young teen I remember every night at dinner, my mother playing the cast album of ‘Fiddler On The Roof’. Yes, this is true. Every night….and for about a year and a half! Oy!!!! There I...
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Randy's News: next ‘Two Duos’ CD
CD titled ‘Sunday Morning’ featuring trombonist, Chris Washburne and saxophonist, Oleg Kireyev was the first in ‘Two Duos’ series.
In October I recorded the tracks for my next ‘Two Duos’ CD. This CD features two more great musicians. The esteemed bassist, Boris Kazlov and the renowned guitarist, Alex Skolnick. The sessions were intense, extremely musical and much fun. It is a wonderful...
September 2010
2 posts
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Review: Birmingham Times about ‘Sunday Morning’
Alabama regional newspaper, the Birmingham Times reviews Sunday Morning: “Sunday Morning is magical and captivating. Two Duos is off to a fantastic start”
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Product Review - Sanyo Xacti Digital Recorder
I was asked to review the Sanyo Xacti digital recorder. I brought it to a club and used it at a bunch of rehearsals. Here are my findings: The Sanyo Xacti digital recorder is really a find. It is small….really small….fits in a shirt pocket….but it is big in terms of features. It records beautifully. I used it in a club to record a six piece group with a horn section. The Xacti picks up every...
August 2010
5 posts
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Review: Jazz.ru about 'Sunday Morning'
Review of ‘Sunday Morning’ is published in August 2010 issue of Russian jazz magazine Jazz.ru (p.56-57). This review by Vadim Yarmolinets appeared also on Jazz.ru website in May 2010.
In English:
“The new album by pianist Randy Klein ‘Sunday Morning’ was released on the Jazzheads label May 11. On this album Randy Klein plays duets with trombonist Chris Washburne and saxophonist Oleg Kireyev. ...
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JazzTimes reviews ‘Sunday Morning’
Review by Bill Milkowski (JazzTimes, September 2010, p.77)
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Review: Ejazznews.com about ‘Sunday Morning’
“Set apart from the basic rhythm of the workaday world, our Sunday mornings are often a time of the week unlike any other. Rested and reconnected, we often find ourselves worshipful, thoughtful, peaceful, and playful on a Sunday – or at least refilling those parts of ourselves drained by the business of the week before. Sunday morning is a state of mind. On his latest release, Sunday...
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Review: Jazz-Blues.com about ‘Sunday Morning’
Review of ‘Sunday Morning’ from Jazz&Blues Report - August, 2010.
Download PDF here (page 8)
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Interview for Jazz Inside Magazine New York
Randy Klein interviewed by Jazz Inside Magazine reveals his insights about composing, his new CD ‘Sunday Morning’, Jazzheads, the bussiness of music, his collaboration with the great R&B artist Millie Jackson, his love for music and more.
“If just a few more people get it that improvisation/Jazz is a life force, then I’ve been succesfull”.
Download PDF...
July 2010
3 posts
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Review: Audiophile Audition July 23, 2010 about...
Musician/entrepreneur unveils duo vitality in an impressive collaboration.
As an accomplished composer, producer, record executive, performer and creative force in a broad spectrum of arts, Randy Klein has made an enormous contribution to the music scene. He has composed numerous documentary scores (many of them award-winning), a poetry adaption cycle, and various theatre music. He has recorded...