Van Gelder Studio, the legendary recording studio home to hundreds of jazz icons from John Coltrane to Herbie Hancock, announced the launch of ‘Live from Van Gelder Studio’ a new virtual music series that will stream live from VanGelder.live.
The series is designed to pay homage to the unmatched legacy of Rudy Van Gelder, who launched his recording career from his parent’s living room in Hackensack, NJ recording the most significant jazz artists of the day including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis and Clifford Brown, to name a few. Van Gelder dreamed, planned and built his renowned Englewood Cliffs, NJ, studio from scratch, innovating at every turn. That studio opened in 1959 and is still actively recording today.
Sounds captured in the studio can be heard every moment of every day in any corner of the globe. A working piece of art in acoustics, improvisation and physical beauty, Van Gelder Studio is a historic landmark. From its architectural roots to the artists that have recorded under its roof, the space is a stunning Mid-Century Modern trove of treasures. Its beautiful cathedral-like ceiling of Pacific Northwest timber has rarely been seen outside the circle of important artists who have recorded there which includes Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Rollins, J.J. Johnson, Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Hank Mobley and many more jazz greats.
The series debuted on Saturday, November 14th, 2020 featuring an all-star quartet in tribute to jazz great Hank Mobley whose most beloved recordings turn 60 that year. Performers include Ron Carter, bass; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone; Isaiah J. Thompson, piano; and Kenny Washington, drums.
The second Live from Van Gelder Studio will take place on May 15th at 9PM EDT with live re-streams on May 16th at 8:00 pm JST for Asian markets and 8:00 pm CEST for European markets. All events will stream directly from www.VanGelder.live. Tickets can be purchased from the site starting at $15.
The second show will feature legendary jazz organist, Joey DeFrancesco. Since being discovered by Miles Davis as a teenager, DeFrancesco has been an important force in the industry for over 30 years, particularly known for his role in the revival of the Hammond B-3 organ. He has been featured on recordings alongside Miles Davis, Ray Charles, Henry Mancini, David Sanborn and John McLaughlin. He toured with Davis when he was only 17 years old and has released over 30 albums, nine of which were recorded at the Rudy Van Gelder Studio.
Performing alongside DeFrancesco will be Billy Hart on drums and Peter Bernstein on guitar. Hart, who has graced the stage for over 60 years, has performed with Miles Davis, Otis Reding, Sam and Dave, Shirley Horn, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and Stan Getz. Bernstein has deep experience in organ-settings with Dr. Lonnie Smith, Melvin Rhyne and Larry Goldings.
Special guest, tenor saxophonist Houston Person, recorded almost 50 albums at the studio dating back to 1966. Many of those with organists including Don Patterson, Richard "Groove" Holmes and Johnny "Hammond" Smith.
"We're very excited to do a show featuring the Van Gelder Studio Hammond organ. So many important albums were recorded on that very instrument. I've revisited many of those recordings in putting the show together and can't wait to bring this set to a worldwide audience," said producer and musical director, Don Sickler.
The shows will continue to be streamed on a state-of-the-art platform that was created with Amazon technologies. The platform is engineered to accurately broadcast the unmistakable Van Gelder Studio sound live and worldwide.
‘Live from Van Gelder Studio’ is created and produced by a team of jazz industry veterans including:
-- Don Sickler, producer of five Grammy award-winning albums, produced many Van Gelder-recorded artists including Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Larry Coryell and Cindy Blackman Santana.
-- Phil Coady, producer of John Coltrane's "Ultimate Blue Train" where he and Van Gelder first connected, as well as projects with NEA Jazz Masters & NBA athletes.
-- Sam Kaufman, who as a talent agent represented Van Gelder-recorded artists including Ray Charles, Pharoah Sanders, and Jason Moran.
-- Maureen Sickler, audio engineer, distinguished associate and long-time assistant engineer for Van Gelder, who now carries on the traditions forged in their 30+ year collaboration.