Jazz News! Charles Burrell documentary at Amazon; George Duke Commission resumes

Blending Classical with Jazz…

Centegenarian bassist, the so-called “Jackie Robinson of Classical Music,” Charles Burrell is not just celebrating life.  He’s celebrating the completion of the documentary about his remarkable life – a life that includes integrating the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra at the double bass. The film “The Longest Walk” is now available on Amazon for rent or purchase. 

His cousin, pianist, bandleader and Five Points historian Purnell Steen, told us about the film’s premiere in France last fall. “People came out of the theater with tears in their eyes.”

The Longest Walk, running 94 minutes, was directed by Denver-based guitarist Vohn Regensberger. Purnell told us the Burrell family has seen the film.  Hopes are to get distribution on one of the streaming channels.

(SOURCE: The Longest Walk / Charles Burrell)

The LA-based Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is dedicated to blending the worlds of jazz and classical music, and after a hiatus due to the pandemic, they are resuming production of the 8^th annual George Duke commissioning prize. Past winners include Remy LeBouef, who serves as the jazz director at the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. First prize is $5,000.00. The deadline is August 15. The deadline is August 15. Details at SJOMusic.org. (SOURCE: George Duke Commission)

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