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Dr. Bruce Eskovitz
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Culver City, CA
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- Married
- Where are you located?
- Los Angeles
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- Exciting and satisfying, intelligent, yet soulful, traditional but contemporary, the Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra brings together all that is good and true in jazz today. Their Invitation summons music fans to a rousing good time. One that can be enjoyed over and over again, and should not be missed! BEJO features world-renowned jazz masters, led by veteran saxophonist and composer Dr. Bruce Eskovitz, who combined the power and soul of a big band with the agility of a small ensemble, producing music that is as exciting as it is beautiful. Variety is at the center of the band’s repertoire with original compositions and arrangements that cover the territory from Hard Bop to funk, and everything in between.
Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra: “Invitation’’ (Pacific Coast Jazz) ****
Here is a nearly flawless recording from someone likely unknown by most jazz fans. Who is Bruce Eskovitz and where has he been all our listening lives?
All Music Guide (www.allmusic.com) and other pre-release publicity tell us he’s a Los Angeles studio musician and educator, and appears regularly in LA area jazz clubs.
Though age is not mentioned, he is described as a “veteran’’ jazzman. On “Invitation,’’ Dr. Eskovitz (jazz musicians with doctorates usually like to make that known) is a saxophonist/flutist, composer and arranger. He is superb in all capacities, and leads a dektette, or “small’’ big band comprising five horns and five rhythm. They are, indeed, a lean, mean machine and make a good case for slimmed-down big bands, sounding like a large ensemble, as well as a combo.
The players mirror their leader’s talent, energy and spirit, and together and as soloists, soar through a highly varied, exciting and satisfying program of 10 tunes, seven penned by Eskovitz.
The CD is full of highlights involving everyone in the band, most of whose names--like the leader’s—probably won’t be recognized by many, if any, jazz listeners. Dr. Eskovitz is quite the discovery. A wailing tenor player (he’s also heard on soprano sax and alto flute on the CD), with a full-bodied sound, he plays with a jolting urgency, as well as sensitivity. His compositions reflect the completeness and versatility of his playing: Adventurous, yet accessible; hard driving, yet full of dynamic contrast. His arrangements often are surprising, even stunning, in their originality.
Standout among standouts is the haunting film theme that serves as the CD’s title, with its double-time rhythm churning beneath the slowly played theme, a dramatic stop-time or pause, and a scintillating brass section. There’s something for all tastes: Samba, jazz waltz, mambo, guitarist Herb Ellis’ transcendent, too seldom heard ballad “Detour Ahead,’’ a boss nova, some bebop (of course), a shuffle blues, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s fusion hit “Red Clay,’’ and a soulful, closing gospel tune.
EJazznews.com by Edward Blanco
October 31, 2007
Media Alert: Bruce Eskovitz, "Invitation" Street Date: JAN 29 2008 Pacific Coast Jazz PCJ75100
CD Review: My review of the Bruce Eskovitz CD was just posted at . ONE HELL Of A CD!
Loved it, wish you could send me more of this stuff. I have already played a couple of cuts this last Saturday between 6 and 8 pm "Saturday Date" program when I subed for the DJ who could not be there.
The second album from the Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra (BEJO), “Invitation” has it all. A riveting big band sound with gusto, the music roars out of the box with force and in brassy fashion. Containing a modern sound with a sprinkle of samba, salsa, a touch of the waltz and pleasant ballads, BEJO delivers a remarkable high octane performance laying down some terrific jazz.
The disc is just what the doctor ordered, it’s the type of medicine one doesn’t mind taking. The ten-piece BEJO is led by veteran saxophonist-composer and arranger Dr. Bruce Eskovitz who contributes seven original charts on this ten piece album.
The personnel include Billy Kerr (alto, flute), Larry Williams (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jeff Jarvis (trumpet, flugelhorn), Andrew Lippman (trombone), Ian Robbins (guitar), Mark Balling (keyboards), Adam Cohen (bass), Angel Figueroa (percussion) and Steve Barns (drums).
The program opens up with the breakout samba-shaded “Breakthrough,” introduced by Balling on the keys then taken over by Kerr on the flute and Eskovitz on alto flute. One of the best big band arrangements here is the spirited waltz of “Damien’s Dance,” which starts out with power and rumbles through in brassy style.
Bronislaw Kaper’s classic “Invitation” and title track is given a fresh new treatment here with some sizzling tenor phrasings from the leader. “Latin Fever” is an Eskovitz’s salsa that moves all over featuring Balling on the piano, the trumpet section, and percussions provided by Angel Figueroa.
Eskovitz slows it down a bit on Herb Ellis’s “Detour Ahead,” a beautiful ballad showcasing the leader on tenor. The entire album shines with gorgeous charts and excellent performances from the band. Other notable tunes include “Dialogue,” the soft “A Walk In The Park,” “Red Clay,” and the finale “One Last Time.”
”Besides having chops to burn, which enables him to play anything that comes to mind, Eskovitz plays with a fire and energy that makes the listener come back for seconds.” Billy Kerr, Saxophone Journal
“Bruce Eskovitz has a fat tone and a hard driving style” All music Guide, Scott Yanow
“Eskovitz...has chops to no end.” Frankie Nemco, Music Connection
“Eskovitz drew long twisted lines... into a string of Bird calls and bop-fired runs.”
Bill Kohlhasse, Los Angeles Times
“If Stan Kenton were alive today, he’d no doubt be leading the applause for the Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra.” Jack Bowers, All About Jazz.com
“Eskovitz’s arrangements and originals flow with a lyric often gritty grace...”
Chuck Berg, Lawrence Journal World
“The leader’s hot improvisation rocks the house with unbridled energy, as his orchestra follows suit with myriad harmonic layers.” Jim Santella, LA Jazz Scene
Performance Artists and Credits:
Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, Freddie Hubbard, Doc Severinsen, Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Webb, Bill Watrous, Elliot Smith, Dwight Yoakum, Jane Monheit, The Fifth Dimension, Rita Moreno, Jack Jones, Bobby Vinton, and Ernie Watts, The Danny Gans Show, Frank Capp’s Juggernaut, and The New American Orchestra.
Recording and Television Credits:
Joe Cocker, Bill Watrous, Elliot Smith, Dwight Yoakum, Ernie Watts, Bill Mays, Charlie Shoemake, Shelly Berg, Ray Drummond, Larance Marable, Christian Jacob, The Merv Griffin Show, The John Davidson Show, The Ebony/Jet Celebrity Showcase, the ABC TV show Santa Barbara, and Ollie Mitchell's Sunday Band.
Discography:
One for Newk II 2008 Pacific Coast Jazz
Invitation 2007 Pacific Coast Jazz
Regions 2003 Backstage Records
Conversations 2001 Azica Records
One For Newk 1995 Koch Jazz
Bruce Eskovitz 1990 Cexton Records
Windfall 1988 Windfall Records
Scholastic Credentials:
Doctor of Musical Arts in Jazz Composition, University of Southern California
Masters Degree in Jazz Studies, University of Southern California
Bachelors of Arts Degree in Music, California State University Northridge
- How did you hear about the Jazz Network?
- Donna Nichols
- Website:
- http://www.bruceeskovitz.com
Dr. Bruce Eskovitz's Photos
Dr. Bruce Eskovitz's Videos
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Latin Fever
Added by Dr. Bruce Eskovitz
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One Last Time
Added by Dr. Bruce Eskovitz
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Invitation
Added by Dr. Bruce Eskovitz
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
Uncle Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum is my 80 year-old uncle who has FORGOTTEN more about jazz than I've even learned yet! He released his CD "Introducing Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum" after gigging in the St. Louis scene for over 55 years! Needless to say his voice, his saxophone, his piano... like a fine, aged Merlot. His energy?! I dare not try and keep up. I'm on stage falling asleep by the time he gets going good – cut from a different cloth. Arnette, Coleman, Hamp, Hank... fine cloth.
Why do I bring them up? Because they represent something really important that we now get to enjoy, like they did back then, but now through technology on sites like this, that we've been missing.
The good news, since family – in this case JAZZ FAMILY – and relationships are much more important, more fulfilling... is that I feel RICHER knowing and following you guys music on THE JAZZ NETWORK!
Sincerely,
Kirk WHALUM
www.kirkwhalum.com
"Congratulations on your creativity, energy and dedication to Jazz, knowing and have worked with your Dad ~ its all in the genes".
~Clem De Rosa
Professional Musician, Educator, Arranger, Composer and Band Leader
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Happy Networking!
:-)
Artwork courtesy of Jeff Laibson
SPOTLIGHTED ARTISTS
Finding THE JAZZ NETWORK has been an amazing experience for Musique Noire. The opportunity to not only gain exposure among the jazz community, but to also learn and network with others in the jazz world has been invaluable. It is a place where we are all treated equally, whether one is a major label act or an indie artist, whether one plays traditional jazz or any of the "branches" of the jazz Family "tree".
Musique Noire is honored to be spotlighted here and are deeply grateful to Jaijai for creating this wonderful world. We're here to stay!
~ Musique Noire
Jaijai, what a wonderful mission you've undertaken to create such a place for artistic minds to meet and share their hearts. A place to renew faded determinations, and revive lessened momentums. A place to display our wares and reconfirm to one another that we actually are on the right track.
I commend you, Jaijai, for caring so much that you created this castle of the heart for all of us. I want to share my praise for all of the new friends as well as old friends that I've met and will meet here in our castle. Here we can garnish the where-with-all, the strength, the conviction, and the selflessness through our symbiosis, to share our gift to the world with an unbiased agenda.
My mentor, Daisaku Ikeda says of art: "A beautiful flower delights and refreshes the hearts of all people equally, no matter what soil it grows in. That is the power of beauty. The same is true of great art. It is this spirit that the German poet Heinrich Heine sang of when he wrote that once the peapod bursts open, the sugar peas inside are for everyone to enjoy."
Let's be audacious, my friends!
Buster Williams
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Thank you Jaijai for offering a professional meeting place. I've met new musicians and rediscovered old friends I haven't seen or heard from in years. May we all continue to expand this network.
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"I think that what Jaijai Jackson has done with the Jazz Network shows how the eternal love for this music is passed down from generation to generation. The fire her father lit in her has burned brightly and has inspired her to pass this torch on to future generations. I'm very proud to be featured and I'm very happy that Jazz has a voice and spirit like Jaijai looking after it."
~ Ron Kearns
I am so honored to be on The Jazz Network with so many wonderful and dedicated musicians. Jazz is the truly American art form and as I travel to other countries I find that their appreciation for jazz is really uplifting. There are so many excellent jazz musicians around the world now and The Jazz Network is helping us to find each other. Thank goodness for people like Jaijai who have dedicated so much time and effort to keep the jazz community together and for opening doors to us that we may never have found.
Regarding education in jazz, having done Master Classes in many places I find students need to take time and learn from the Masters and LISTEN. They should go back in history to appreciate ALL styles of jazz and its development. They need to learn melodies and lyrics (yes, even instrumentalists need to know lyrics) and that jazz is not just a series of modes and riffs. I think The Jazz Network can be an excellent tool for that also.
Thank you Jaijai...you are awesome!
~ Lenore Raphael
"Thank you Jaijai for creating a space for the likes of me! I truly enjoy being featured here and really hope it can give me new contacts and opportunities.
Keep up the good work!"
~ Patrick Rydman
Sweden
"The Jazz Network has come into being at just the right time. I believe that we are forever in need of spiritual and artistic enrichment and the way I see it, music, particularly jazz music, is all about the spirit. The Jazz Network allows us to reach out to our fellow artists across the world, in a way that has not been seen before, enlightening us as to who's out there making hip and happening music and helping to shape the culture. Whether artists approach this music from traditional perspectives or attempt to create new and radical sub-genres of jazz, the Jazz Network
is providing exposure, performance and recording opportunities that we might never have found on our own.
The Jazz Network is an amazing resource for the Jazz community. I'm
honored and happy to be a part of it.
Jaijai, thanks for your faith and what you're doing for the jazz community"
Best,
Nicolas
It’s a rare occasion when you meet someone who you feel a real connection to … Someone who possesses a kind spirit, unyielding generosity and a dedication to the jazz community beyond expectations.
Jaijai, thank you so much for creating such a fantastic website for the jazz community. You’ve helped artists connect with each other around the world.
I’m proud to have The Jazz Network be the first site to promote my latest recording. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your dedication to the music and the artists.
With much love and gratitude,
Denise Donatelli
Hi Jaijai,
Stopping by to show you some love and tell you just how much I appreciate all you've been doing here, not just for me but for this incredible community of jazz musicians. I see that The Jazz Network is growing in leaps and bounds daily and want you to know that I recognize the importance of what's going on here, musicians having a place to connect with each other, young musicians having a place to meet and be mentored by musicians who have been around the block. You've created a beautiful space here and it's obvious that folks are feeling very much at home. Thanks for sharing your time, your heart, your soul. This is a huge commitment and you've taken it on with such determination. I wish you and The Jazz Network continued success and support you in all you're doing.
~ Marcus
© 2008 Created by Jaijai Jackson aka. "Woman of Jazz"
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Comment Wall (8 comments)
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Thanks for letting me know about this site. Hope to be playing with you guys again soon!
Take care,
Jeff
I'm honored to be your friend, thanks for looking me up. I'd like to speak to you more. Stayin touch.
Best,
Al DeGregoris
Thanks for the "heads up," my brother. Hope you're swingin!
Teeeee
Great that you became a member of this Jazz Network. I'm a passioned jazz lover and record collector and love to make my daily keep swinging web log that keeps me busy. It has now over 900 entries. You can also find links at my member site and jazz photos i made. Come and visit it !!
If you love to share your passion at my daily Keep Swinging web log you're invited to contact me at my keepswinging at live point nl address.
Keep swinging
Hans
The Netherlands
Thanks for all the invites you sent out, a lot of your friends joined!
Jaijai
All the best to you.
Peace,
Luiz