9th Annual Oris Spirit of Jazz Concert series (June 6-27)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Carolyn McClair
(212) 721-3341, Info@CarolynMcClairPR.com

NINTH ANNUAL ORIS SPIRIT OF JAZZ CONCERT SERIES HONORS DIZZY GILLESPIE
WITH FREE LIVE JAZZ CONCERTS AT THE TOURNEAU TIME MACHINE

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Dizzy Gillespie Limited Edition Oris Time Piece Unveiled

NEW YORK, NY, May 18, 2006 – Oris Swiss Made Watches presents the ninth-annual Oris Spirit of Jazz concert series every Tuesday in June from noon – 2:00 p.m. in the atrium of The Tourneau Time Machine, the world’s largest watch store, located at 57th Street and Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan. Co-sponsored by WBGO/Jazz 88.3 FM, the lunchtime concerts are free and open to the public.  The Spirit of Jazz series features:

Tuesday, June 6       Trumpeter Jon Faddis & His Quartet
Tuesday, June 13     Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Quintet
Tuesday, June 20     Vocalist Catherine Russell
Tuesday, June 27     Saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman

The 2006 Oris Spirit of Jazz concert series honors jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie with the Oris Limited Edition Dizzy Gillespie Timepiece, limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide. On Tuesday, June 27, one Oris Limited Edition Dizzy Gillespie Timepiece will be given away on-stage at the end of the concert.  Entry forms will be available in the downstairs gallery of The Tourneau Time Machine.   

In addition, an exhibition of rare and never-seen Gillespie memorabilia, including one of Dizzy’s “strumpets” with the famous upturned bell (courtesy of the Jon Faddis Collection), jewelry, books and a commissioned portrait from the 1960s, will be on display in the Tourneau Gallery from June through August.

Since 1997, Oris has created a series of beautifully designed and elegant Limited Edition watches dedicated to and highlighting the careers of renowned jazz artists, including Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and others.  For more information on Oris Swiss Made Watches, visit www.oris-watch.com

WBGO/Jazz88.3FM serves the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area with mainstream jazz, blues, and award-winning news and public affairs programming.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Jon Faddis is a complete and consummate musician, conductor, composer, and educator.  Marked by both intense integrity and humor, Faddis earned accolades from his close friend and mentor John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, who declared of Faddis, “He's the best ever, including me!”  As a trumpeter, Faddis possesses a virtually unparalleled range and full command of his instrument, making the practically impossible seem effortless.  In addition to celebrating the legacy of Gillespie, Faddis also celebrates the June 6 release of his new Koch Records CD, “Teranga,” which features the Jon Faddis Quartet with David Hazeltine (piano), Kiyoshi Kitagawa (bass) and Dion Parson (drums).

It’s always a party when alumni from one of Dizzy Gillespie’s bands get together.  Each player had his own special relationship with the maestro and each one has more than a few stories to tell about the man who led them through some of the most memorable and often-played tunes on the jazz scene.  Hear memories and music from the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Star Quintet including John Lee on bass, Slide Hampton on trombone and Claudio Roditi on trumpet.

Catherine Russell is a genuine jazz and blues singer who launches fearlessly into each tune, getting inside the melody and capturing every emotion. She has performed or recorded with Steely Dan, Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Cyndi Lauper, Joan Osborne, Michael Feinstein, Madonna, Al Green, J. Geils Band, Dolly Parton, and Isaac Hayes, among others. Cat, Ms. Russell’s debut album, showcases a mature, one of a kind, vocalist, who defies easy categorization.

David “Fathead” Newman was studying theology and music when he left college to go on the road with Buster Smith. While traveling, he met Ray Charles; and in 1954, he began a 12-year association with Charles’ band that turned into a life-long friendship. As a leader and a sideman, he has shared the stage and the studio with Lee Morgan, Kenny Drew, Sr., Kenny Dorham, Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Hank Crawford, Aaron Neville and others.