KUHF's jazz correspondent, Eric Ladau, files this latest report:
One of the pioneers and founders of Progressive Jazz in Texas joins us on The Front Row, Friday, January 28 for an energetic and enlightening session of music and discussion. During the 1970's, Dallas-based trumpeter Dennis Gonzalez was inspired by the Chicago-based AACM (Association the Advancement of Creative Musicians) to move away from traditional jazz styles of swing and bebop to explore a more cutting edge and aggressive sound. The legendary saxophonist Anthony Braxton visited Dallas and encouraged Dennis to form "daagnim" (Dallas Association for Avant-Garde and Neo-Impressionistic Music). In addition to providing outlets for composition and performance of new music, "daagnim" quickly became a record label as well, featuring numerous recording sessions led by Dennis Gonzalez and others.
Beyond composing and recording, Dennis hosted a radio program entitled Miles Out on KERA in Dallas for 21 years beginning in 1978. He appeared on many jazz programs around the world, including organizing a jazz orchestra for Student Radio in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Among the many musicians inspired by Dennis Gonzalez are his sons, bassist Aaron and percussionist Stefan. Both had established careers playing heavy metal and punk when in 1999 they formed the trio Yells at Eels, combining jazz with several different types of rock influenced genres. The result is music with a high energy, swinging groove with lots of room for soaring (and technically brilliant) improvisation and experimentation.
Yells at Eels along with guest tenor saxophonist Jason Jackson will be performing Saturday January 29 at 6 pm at Barnevelder Movement/Arts complex located at 2201 Preston Street. The presenting organization is Houston-based Nameless Sound.
Beyond composing and recording, Dennis hosted a radio program entitled Miles Out on KERA in Dallas for 21 years beginning in 1978. He appeared on many jazz programs around the world, including organizing a jazz orchestra for Student Radio in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Among the many musicians inspired by Dennis Gonzalez are his sons, bassist Aaron and percussionist Stefan. Both had established careers playing heavy metal and punk when in 1999 they formed the trio Yells at Eels, combining jazz with several different types of rock influenced genres. The result is music with a high energy, swinging groove with lots of room for soaring (and technically brilliant) improvisation and experimentation.
Yells at Eels along with guest tenor saxophonist Jason Jackson will be performing Saturday January 29 at 6 pm at Barnevelder Movement/Arts complex located at 2201 Preston Street. The presenting organization is Houston-based Nameless Sound.
