Recently, I spoke with John Daversa, a jazz musician and university music educator, about his new "American Dreamers" CD, which has three Grammy nominations. Daversa recorded with pro jazz players, and with young musicians who are DACA recipients in various cities. Below, you'll find links to hear the CD and to read my interview with John Daversa.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN AND/OR BUY "AMERICAN DREAMERS" CD HERE
CLICK HERE TO READ ANNIE'S INTERVIEW WITH GRAMMY NOMINEE JOHN DAVERSA
Recently, I was asked to work backstage at Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall. The concert was “A Night of Inspiration,” produced by noted composer and music director, Ray Chew and his co-producer, Vivian Scott Chew. The aim of the concert was to provide uplifting music from diverse traditions, which is especially important in these turbulent times. Ray conducted a full orchestra and a huge chorus (I'd say about 200 singers in all). It was humbling to spend the day in one of the most famous concert halls…
Read moreThanks to activism by music makers across the country, the Music Modernization Act has been passed into law, adding some long needed updates to the ways in which we are paid for our hard work. Here's an article that explains how it will benefit songwriters, performers, and other music professionals. #toasttomusic
At the invitation of Ray Chew, Musical Director of Dancing With The Stars, I visited Hollywood in late October. Ray and I have been corresponding for about 18 months. I'm a huge fan of his orchestrations. He creates soundscapes using the textures of instruments and voices, he blends electronic instruments with traditional instruments in a way that sounds fresh, and he knows about music that was made before he was born. On Thursday, October 20th, I flew to L.A. My hotel was right across the street from the…
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