Background

JAZZADELPHIA is an ongoing project conceived of and produced by Todd Horton, musician; composer; and producer. The goal is to pay tribute to Philadelphia legends of Jazz while celebrating the artists who keep the Philly Jazz tradition alive and well. Players of varying ages, backgrounds and stylistic uniqueness contribute to what Horton calls “the Jazz economy” in Philadelphia today. These are musicians who, in whole or in part, make their living by performing Jazz music.

Objective

To produce a series of instrument-specific albums containing mutliple artists performing their interpretations of works by Philly Jazz legends; including an interview with each artist about their connection to the composition chosen and to Jazz in Philadelphia. Each artist’s performance and interview is documented on film, also for release.

Proof-of-Concept

Volume 1: The Piano is the first album in the series, and was recorded in 2006 in a Philadelphia studio. It features fourteen professional Jazz pianists performing solo versions of works composed by Philly Jazz legends. It received acclaim from two of those Philly Jazz legends, Pat Martino and Jimmy Heath, as well as Jazz critic Vic Schermer of AllAboutJazz.com. It is also on the WRTI playlist.

Next Steps

Horton is currently seeking funding to continue producing the series, which will include: Volumes 2-6: The Guitar, The Saxophone, The Trumpet, The Bass and The Drums. The entire project would be released as a CD set and the footage made into a documentary film to be released on DVD.

Relevance

JAZZADELPHIA has cultural, historic and educational value. It is something Philadelphians can take pride in; young artists can be inspired by; and historians can treasure. In the popular imagination, “Philadelphia” represents independence, history and freedom, the cradle of American ideals. To find such a rich Jazz tradition there just makes sense: the first great American art form in the first great American city.