Here's the latest compilation of assorted news briefs and links related to jazz, improvisation, and creative music in St. Louis, including news of musicians originally from the Gateway City, recent visitors, and coming attractions, plus assorted other items of interest:
- In recent Miles Davis-related news, Miles Davis Online looks at what's ahead for the trumpeter's legacy in 2011, and the proposed feature film biography of Davis now has a script and appears to be moving closer to reality. Meanwhile, Miles' producer Teo Macero was the subject of a roundtable discussion among contemporary DJs published by The Revivialist.
- Saxophonist and former St. Louisan Oliver Lake (pictured) did a solo show last month in San Diego; via Avant Music News, here's a feature on Lake from the local paper, and here's a review from Robert Bush of AllAboutJazz.com.
- Speaking of AAJ, here's a review from that site's Clifford Allen of The Blue Mountain's Sun Drummer, the recently issued CD of a 1986 duet performance by trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and drummer Ed Blackwell. Smith's Golden Quartet performed in St. Louis in November at 560 Music Center.
- In related news, Golden Quartet pianist Vijay Iyer has a new project, a trio called Tirtha that blends jazz and Indian music.
- Guitarist John McLaughlin, who played the Sheldon Concert Hall in November, recently talked to NPR about John Coltrane and spirituality in music.
- Singer Jane Monheit, who performed last month at Jazz at the Bistro, recently did an extended interview with AllAboutJazz.com's Esther Berlanga-Ryan.
* The Bad Plus just wrapped up their annual visit to St. Louis on Saturday to general acclaim, but the Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich felt their recent performance in Chicago, which preceded their gig here, could have been better.
