Jazz on the Move: The Life & Music of Bessie Smith

On Oct. 11, I experienced The Life and Music of Bessie Smith, a program presented by the Nashville Jazz Workshop, in cooperation with the Tennessee State Museum.  The lecture/performance highlighted Smith's tragically brief, but groundbreaking, singing career and was led by vocalist Crystal Miller, who was joined by Lori Mechem on piano and Rod McGaha on trumpet.

William (Bill) Pursell: 1926 - 2020

 

On Sept. 16, thanks to the Nashville Jazz Workshop (NJW) and Lori Mechem Music, I was introduced to prolific American composer and pianist Bill Pursell, when they replayed an Apr. 6, 2019 performance that he recorded at the NJW jazz cave.  Best known for the top 10 hit "Our Winter Love," Pursell died in Nashville, Tenn. on Sept. 3, after contracting COVID-19 at the age of 94.