Photo by Ryan Paternite

Billboard Magazine called legendary drummer Roy Haynes, “one of the seven wonders of modern jazz,” while Thelonious Monk called him, “an eight ball in the side pocket” and guitarist Pat Metheny dubbed him, “the father of modern drumming.” In any light, Haynes has been the pulse of jazz percussion for more than sixty years and has lent his unflagging energy and marvelous invention to literally thousands of performances and recordings by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Lester Young, Thelonious Monk, Sarah Vaughan, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Ella Fitzgerald and Charlie Parker. In fact, Haynes was the drummer in Parker’s group on Birdland’s opening night, December 15th 1949, a distinction celebrated during his annual Birdland engagement.

Birdland is proud to have presented many of the nominees, both in 2011 and coming up in 2012:

One of our very own resident bands, Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, were nominated in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for their Zoho Records CD “40 Acres And A Burro.” Arturo happens to be performing this week with his Risa Negra Septet and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra performs every Sunday night.

Coming up in January Tierney Sutton Band received multiple nominations for her BFM Jazz CD “American Road.”

Returning to Birdland in May, saxophonist Joe Lovano and his band Us Five were nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for their Blue Note Records CD “Bird Songs.”

Yellowjackets, scheduled in June, were also nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Vocalist Karrin Allyson, nominated in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category also performs in June.

Trumpeter Randy Brecker (multiple nominations) and bassist Christian McBride were also nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Randy will return to Birdland in August and Christian in March.

Jazz vocalist Kurt Elling was also nominated in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for his Concord Jazz release “The Gate.” Kurt performed in October (pictured) with the Kluuvers Big Band.

Pianist Monty Alexander was nominated in the Best Reggae Album category for his Motema Music release “Harlem Kingston Express Live.” Monty brought the HK Express to Birdland in 2011.

Photo by Ryan Paternite

Arturo O’Farrill issued the following statement:

“Chico O’Farrill’s music is a national treasure. The Chico O’Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra is among the hardest swinging ensembles in the world. Our residency at Birdland has been a gift from on high. However, maintaining two big bands, a non-profit and my small groups, as well as being a teacher, father, husband and son has been difficult to balance. In an effort to streamline my life and put more attention on composing and performing, I’ve decided to end the residency of the Chico O’Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra on June 26th.  I intend to return to Birdland in September with a new residency of some sort, but the Chico O’Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra will finish its extraordinary run at Birdland. I wish to thank first and foremost the musicians, Gianni Valenti and our Birdland family and most of all, our fans and friends throughout the planet. We love you all!”

Further information here.

“Lee Konitz/Brad Mehldau/Charlie Haden/Paul Motian Live at Birdland” was released this week on ECM Records, song samples here, Jazz Times review here. The recording is a compelling document of the once-in-a-lifetime meeting that happened during Birdland’s 60th Anniversary celebration in December, 2009. Alto saxophonist Lee Konitz (pictured with drummer Paul Motian) is one of four living artists including drummer Roy Haynes, pianist Dick Hyman and clarinetist Sol Yaged who played at Birdland’s opening night on December 15th, 1949.