Ira Sulllivan © Howard A, Gitelson
Ira Sullivan is one the true jazz greats of our time, master of trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor sax, alto sax, soprano sax, and flute. Now residing in Florida, Sullivan was a vital part of the Chicago jazz scene of the 1950s and, in 1956, was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Ira Sullivand and friends will be performing at teh Jazz Showcase on Thursday, August 23rd through Wednesday, August 26th. One of his friends is Stu Katz with a 57-year history of performing together, going back to their 1954 meeting in their hometown of Chicago. Last Summer Ira Sullivan and vibraphonist/pianist Stu Katz decided finally to commit their well-earned rapport to tape. No stranger to the Chicago, Ira ecorded live at Jazz Showcase a, with a quintet including pianist Dan Trudell, bassist Dennis Carroll, drummer George Fludas, plus a couple of special guests, "A Family Affair" which was released last year.
Ira Sullivan's career encompasses the history of modern jazz. He performed with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. His discography includes sessions with Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Johnny Griffin, Roland Kirk, Red Garland, and Red Rodney. A native of Chicago, Sullivan has resided in Miami since the early 60's. An accomplished performer and educator, Sullivan has been instrumental in the development of many young jazz musicians careers. Pat Metheny fell under Ira's wing when he was a student at the University of Miami and there have been many others.
Ira is widely recorded and tours on the national and international jazz circuits. A five-time Grammy nominee, he serves as a panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts. As a clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator in jazz workshops at universities and schools across the country and abroad, he finds that the History of Jazz programs that he initiated while attending high school in Chicago are now being replicated in many of these institutions.
Ira Sullivan feels that music is one of the finest gifts God has bestowed upon mankind. He believes that it transcends mere entertainment, and that it can be healing to the human spirit. One of his greatest joys is leading Jazz Vespers at the many churches he plays, where the congregations share his belief that there is a dynamic spiritual connotation to this most American of musical styles. It is this spiritual impulse that most clearly defines Ira Sullivan’s music. For forty years, he has ended his performances all over the world with the venerable hymn “Amazing Grace,” a soulful salute to the Spirit within.
The Jazz Showcase is located at Dearborn Station, 809 S. Plymouth Court in Chicago. Check the Jazz Showcase website for updated information at www.jazzshowcase.com or call (312) 360-0234.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
