News

The Tennessean covers upcoming BA3 performance: "Jazz helps keep center in tune with seniors. Beegie Adair Trio performs benefit show on June 12
May 23, 2007  >  By Heather Donahoe, Staff Writer

Proceeds from the upcoming Beegie Adair Trio Music and Memories concert at The Martin Center of Senior Citizens Inc. are expected to balance the nonprofit organization's 2006-07 budget.

Martin Center staffers are hopeful for a $20,000 intake through sponsorships and ticket sales for its June 12 concert with jazz pianist Adair. That amount will shore up the center's $254,000 budget for this fiscal year, activities director Sherry Coss said.

Adair, who has recorded 24 albums covering everything from Cole Porter standards to old movie themes to World War II-era ballads, heard about the center through her Franklin neighbor.

"She has so many good things to say about The Martin Center," Coss said.

The center is challenged each year with providing its members and patrons with an array of services, while meeting its financial obligations within the confines of what Coss calls a "bare bones budget." The facility's needs and offerings are expected to increase this summer as the first residents at The Heritage of Brentwood retirement community begin to move into their new homes, situated right behind The Martin Center.

The facility's biggest expenses are the salaries and benefits for its three full-time employees. Occupancy costs for the center's 16,000-square-foot facility on Heritage Way account for another sizable chunk of the budget, director Joyce Keistler said.

More than 2,000 people visit The Martin Center each year, taking advantage of educational, artistic, volunteer and recreational opportunities. The center offers more than 60 different programs every month.

The United Way of Williamson County, the city of Brentwood and Williamson County contributed a total of $77,000 worth of grants to The Martin Center. The remainder of the organization's budget is supplemented through membership fees, special event rental income, and corporate and individual contributions and fundraisers, including the Music and Memories concert and the Martin Masters art show, held for the first time last fall.

"What we really need and appreciate is to have the community put their arms around us and hold us up," Coss said. "People have been so incredibly generous, but our needs seem to change and increase every year."

That generosity, in large part, comes in the form of the center's 162 volunteers, who completed some 4,108 hours of service over the past year.

"They do everything from changing light bulbs to taking out the trash and vacuuming," Coss said. "With a staff of just three, we'd have a pretty hard time getting anything done without our volunteers. I mean, our front desk is completely manned by volunteers."

But keeping the center open and offering the kinds of programs and services to keep its 400-plus members involved takes more than just elbow grease and a willingness to work.

The upcoming Beegie Adair Trio concert, with the Mick Foundation as its $5,000 signature sponsor, is the center's final lunge at meeting its budget for the year. Individual and corporate sponsors are still needed.

"We're really hopeful that people will come out and support The Martin Center," Coss said. "I think just being here for the concert will give people a glimpse of how much the center does for this community."

Tickets are $30 in advance and are available, along with sponsorship information, by calling 615-376-0102.

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As Time Goes By released April 25!
Apr 25, 2007  >  The wait is over! The brand new Beegie Adair Trio recording entitled As Time Goes By: Silver Screen Classics from the Golden Age of Cinema released on Tuesday, April 25.

Jazz trio renditions of silver screen classics from the golden age of cinema including such memorable musical movie moments as Stella By Starlight from The Uninvited, It Might As Well Be Spring from State Fair, When You Wish Upon A Star from Pinocchio, As Time Goes By from Casablanca, Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz and many more featuring Beegie Adair (piano), Roger Spencer (bass), and Chris Brown (drums).

About the project, Beegie comments, "Many wonderful movies can be identified in our memories by a single line, such as 'Here's looking at you, kid!' or 'Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore!' Those lines are even more memorable when we hear the soundtracks played behind those famous words. This collection contains some of my favorite movie songs, each able to evoke a special time and place ... Ingrid Bergman asking Sam to play for her; Ray Milland wearing a Gypsy disguise, complete with a gold earring in his pierced ear; Gail Russell hearing her mother's ghostly theme, "Stella By Starlight". I hope these timeless melodies, six of which are Academy Award winners, will transport you to a special time and place in your memory, and that you enjoy this music as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

Audio samples are now available in the Music page (click "Music" below), and the title will be available at retail as well as this site on Tuesday, April 25. Hope you enjoy the new project.

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PianoDisc® releases Dance With Me featuring Beegie Adair's music
Sept 18, 2006  >  Great news for music lovers who own the PianoDisc player system for their home piano! The PianoDisc company announces the release of Dance With Me, the latest in their "Artist Series" collection of recordings, featuring the music from Beegie Adair's best-seller An Affair To Remember.

"Beegie Adair is one of the greatest jazz pianists anywhere," says PianoDisc spokesperson Jan Glazier. "She and the fabulous Jeff Steinberg Orchestra bring to PianoDisc a collection that's ideal for ballroom dancing. With their impeccable timing, first-rate musicianship and great arrangements, Beegie and the orchestra play some wonderful waltzes, fantastic foxtrots, and even the classic cha-cha."

"Of course, dancing is not required to enjoy this terrific collection of '50s movie music. This disc is also the perfect backdrop to a party, or the centerpiece of an evening devoted to great music. In other words," Ms. Glazier concluded, "you will love it in any setting."

PianoDisc is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of player piano systems. PianoDisc systems are in private homes, hotels, restaurants, music schools, recording studios and a host of other places, bringing the joy of live music to anyone who hears them.

PianoDisc systems can be added to pianos of virtually any size, style or make, turning them into modern player pianos. Whether you have a grand piano or an upright, a new piano or used, PianoDisc has a system for you. There are also many options you can add that make PianoDisc even more appealing and valuable.

All PianoDisc systems feature full 88-note playback with 127 levels of expression per key and all PianoDisc systems feature SilentDrive, PianoDisc’s exclusive, patented technology that allows the piano to play with greater dynamic range including whisper–soft levels. These important built-in features ensure that PianoDisc systems play your piano like the original artists—lifelike, full of expression and musical, not mechanical. These are 21st century player systems, not the player pianos of old.

To hear Beegie Adair play your piano, contact your local PianoDisc dealer or go to PianoDisc.com.

If you already own a PianoDisc system, here's how to order:
1. Click here ... then
2. Check the "Item Description" button ... then
3. Enter "Beegie" in the search box and click "Go"
4. Beegie's title will appear to the left. Click that link to complete your order.
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Complete recording featured on radio program and webcast
Jun 23, 2006  >  WGLT 89.1-FM from the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL will feature Beegie Adair’s debut CD Escape to New York in its entirety on their “Blue Plate Special” program on June 30 from noon to 1pm. Listen live online at www.wglt.org (click the WGLT Live link in upper left corner of the page, just below the large GLT logo).

Beegie recorded Escape To New York in 1990, and the recording marks the beginning of Beegie’s piano trio recordings with her signature style and a straight-ahead edge of a New York jazz club. The project was reissued 15 years later with a new cover featuring the famous Flat Iron building (which is Beegie’s favorite New York skyscraper) as well as a montage of her own New York photographs on the inside.

During the program, WGLT will offer a couple CD giveaways for listeners.

This rare recording is available in the Music section. Happy listening.
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Beegie Adair to guest on KMOX radio
Jun 22, 2006  >  Don Wolff of KMOX Radio ("The Voice of St. Louis") hosts an interview with Beegie Adair on July 8 at 10:30pm CT. The program can be heard in 40 states plus around the world at www.KMOX.com

Known as "Mr. I Love Jazz" after his theme song, "I Love Jazz" by Louie Armstrong, Don Wolff explores the origins of Traditional Jazz, Swing and Ballads, Dixieland, and the Big Bands during his show from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am His show includes interviews with national and local musicians, features on Jazz events in and around St. Louis and listener requests. Beegie's segment will air at 10:30pm CT.

Don Wolff is considered one of the foremost Jazz aficionados in the St. Louis area, and he puts hours of preparation behind each show. He plays a mixture of fast and mellow tempo Jazz that keeps his listeners tuned in for hours.
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Sentimental Journey and Quiet Romance now heard on jazz radio: This week's radio update
May 12, 2006  >  Beegie's latest trio recording...Sentimental Journey...as well as her second solo recording...Quiet Romance...are now active at jazz radio.

Contact these stations to request more of Beegie Adair's latest music by clicking on the station call letters to access their website. Thanks for listening. We appreciate your support. Check back next week for more info.

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Please re-register for email updates
Feb 24, 2006  >  We are revamping and improving our email software system, and we need your help so you can continue receiving Beegie Adair updates and news about upcoming concerts and new projects.

It's simple. Please re-register here.

Just a few seconds will keep you in the loop....and it's FREE!

We are preparing some exciting announcements that will be announced using the new system so be sure to re-register right away.

Thanks so much. Keep listening.
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New audio samples added
Jan 15, 2006  >  Audio samples for all tracks of Beegie's two new projects...Sentimental Journey and Quiet Romance...have been added to the Music section.

	Quiet Romance, continuing the intimate and quiet feel from Quiet Christmas, is Beegie’s second solo piano recording, this time with emphasis on beloved romantic songs.
	On Sentimental Journey, Beegie rejoins her regular trio players to salute the greatest generation with classic gems of the World War II era.

Davis Enterprise spotlights Beegie's music and Sacramento performance
Oct 25, 2005  >  Derrick Bang, Entertainment Editor, for Davis Enterprise in Davis, CA recently interviewed Beegie about her career and upcoming Sacramento appearance. The complete article, which appeared on October 11 in Davis Enterprise, can be read here.

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Sacramento Concert Review: "WOW!"
Oct 17, 2005  >  (Provided by Vivian Lee of Scarlett Productions) All I can say is "WOW!" This tiny demure woman with the genteel Southern voice packs a powerful wallop on the piano. The night was a magical night and the house was filled to capacity (145). Beegie Adair had fans come from as far away as Redding and and Livermore [2-3 hours away] to see her. As I met each of them at the door they told me of how happy they were that we had brought her to Savanna's, many having been fans for years

Ms. Adair is endorsed by Steinway and a local piano company delivered a Steinway, placing it centerstage so that she could be seen from all angles of the room. So now that I have given you a mental picture of the setting, let me tell you about the night. Beegie Adair plays like a dream, her fingers floating over the keys and the magic that came out had everyone hanging on every note.

She brought along local musicians Mat Marucci on drums and Bill Douglass on bass, and you would have thought they had played together for years (which is a comment I heard repeatedly as I made my travels though the room). Bill Douglass, always a lyrical player made his bass sing, with all eyes on his hands as he put down his layer of this wonderful feast of an evening. Mat Marucci complimented Ms Adair, trading accents and emphasis with ease as if they were inside each other's minds, knowing exactly where they were going at the same moment.

Beegie joked and talked with the audience, telling a few of those "southern anecdotes" that I love about people from the South, while playing some of our favorite standards -- "Take The A Train," "It's Alright With Me," "Moonglow" (with touches of the theme from Picnic) -- her interpretations coming straight from her heart. She closed the evening with her signature "We'll Be Together Again" as I am sure we will because the night was so wonderful, we must do it again.

Vivian Lee
Scarlett Productions
Sunday Evening Jazz at Savanna's

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Guitarist Jazz Jezzro and the Beegie Adair Trio team-up forJazz On Broadway: now available in Music secion
Jul 14, 2005  >  After nearly 10 years of making their own recordings, Jack Jezzro (guitarist, producer) and The Beegie Adair Trio team-up for their first full-length recording together as a quartet.

Jazz On Broadway salutes an era when jazz ruled the Broadway stage featuring "Summertime" from Porgy & Bess, "If I Loved You" from Carousel, "Hello Young Lovers" from The King & I, "Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific, and more.

Audio samples and ordering info can be found in the Music section.
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"Jazz is the Sound of God Laughing"
Jun 14, 2005  >  Recently, National Public Radio (NPR) has run a series entitled "This I Believe" on their popular All Things Considered program

Based on a 1950s radio program of the same name, Americans from all walks of life share the personal philosophies and core values that guide their daily lives. On yesterday's episode, Colleen Shaddox shares how jazz music has shaped her world.

Click this link to read or listen to her thoughts about our favorite music idiom. Well said, Colleen. Thanks for sharing.
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Beegie's landmark debut project reissued and now available
Sept 03, 2004  >  Inspired by the non-stop bustle of the city that never sleeps, Escape To New York showcases Beegie Adair in an aggressive, straight-ahead approach unique to her discography over the past decade. Definitely Beegie...definitely a little different.

Recorded in New York City at Sorcerer Sound Studio in December 1990, the material features a line-up of jazz favorites penned by luminaries of jazz music including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and others performed by Beegie Adair (piano), Bob Cranshaw (bass), and Gregory Hutchinson (drums).

Previously released under two different covers, this landmark debut has been repackaged with fine photographs of some of the city's most recognizable sights including Beegie's favorite New York edifice, the Flat Iron Building in Manhattan.

For a complete song list, audio samples, and ordering info, visit the Music section by clicking the "music" tab below.
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JazzTimes reviews Days of Wine and Roses
Aug 06, 2004  >  Check out the September 2004 issue of JazzTimes magazine to see what reviewer Christopher Loudon has to say about Days of Wine and Roses: Songs of Johnny Mercer.

Loudon's picturesque words create a delightful transport to Savannah, GA (Mercer's hometown), "precisely the sort of place where pianist Beegie Adair's latest collection of smoothly polished chestnuts...would go down as easily as bonded bourbon."

Well said. A rightful summary for an outstanding project. Loudon concludes, "Adair is like the jazz equivalent of the Queen Mary 2: solid and safe, yet welcoming and luxurious."

Grab a copy of the September 2004 issue of JazzTimes at your favorite newstand. Be sure you have your copy of Days of Wine and Roses as well. Thanks for listening.
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New product clarification
May 17, 2004  >  Over the past few weeks, we've received emails from diehard fans who are confused about some new releases from Beegie Adair. The titles in question are actually individual titles from Centennial Composers Collection, the 6-CD box set saluting six great American composers.

To date, three of the individual volumes have been released separately from the box set. These three are (1) Richard Rodgers and (2) Duke Ellington which bear the same title and packaging similar to the box set, and (3) George Gerswin which bears a new cover design and title of Embraceable You.

Over the next year or so, Green Hill Productions will release the remaining volumes under new covers and titles starting with the Jerome Kern volume with a new title of The Way You Look Tonight. Announcements for the final two titles will be made as soon as we receive the official information.

Beegie's brand new recordings will be made available from Village Square Music, producers of her latest hit record Days of Wine and Roses: Songs of Johnny Mercer. Although complete details of the upcoming releases are currently unavailable, here's what I can tell you: the next release will be the first Beegie Adair recording of its kind while continuing the elegance and class of Beegie Adair's interpretations.

If you are a retailer who would like to carry Beegie's music in your shop, contact these respective labels for more information: Village Square Music 1.888.337.1333 and Green Hill Productions 1.800.200.4656. Both numbers are toll free.

Thanks for your emails. Stay connected here for the latest news announcements. Thanks for listening.
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Days of Wine and Roses: Songs of Johnny Mercer cracks Top-10 best sellers
Feb 15, 2004  >  Beegie's latest recording...Days of Wine and Roses: Songs of Johnny Mercer...currently sits at the #8 position on Amazon.com's best selling Jazz titles. Beegie's in good company with Norah Jones, Harry Connick Jr, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and others.

Here's a look at the complete Top-10:
1. Norah Jones - Feels Like Home
2. Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
3. Harry Connick Jr. - Only You
4. Peter Malick - New York City
5. Tierney Sutton - Dancing in the Dark
6. Miles Davis - Kind of Blue
7. Stacey Kent - The Boy Next Door
8. Beegie Adair - Days of Wine and Roses
9. Frank Sinatra - Classic Sinatra
10. Viktor Krauss - Far From Enough
- - - - - - - - - - - -
13. Frank Sinatra - The Very Best of Frank Sinatra
14. Diana Krall - Live in Paris
17. Diana Krall - The Look of Love
19. Larry Carlton - Saphire Blue
21. Thelonious Monk & John Coltrane - Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane

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Beegie "cast" in new book
May 16, 2003  >  Novelist Jeanne Ray, best-selling author of Julie And Romeo and Step-Ball-Change, includes a "cameo appearance" by Beegie Adair in Ray's latest work, Eat Cake, releasing in Hardcover and Audio format on May 27, 2003 by Crown Publishing.

"One of Jeanne Ray’s specialties is giving us believable, totally likable characters, engaged in the large and small dramas and amusements of life. Eat Cake is whimsical, warm, and satisfying. Eat Cake is Jeanne Ray at her best." Of course, we like it because this Nashville-based writer cast a character named Beegie Adair, a veteran jazz musician, into the storyline.

Jeanne Ray has invited Beegie and her trio to perform at a special book signing at Franklin Booksellers in Franklin, TN on Saturday, June 7. Franklin Booksellers is located at 118 Fourth Ave South in downtown Franklin. This free event starts at 3:00 pm. Book signing by Jeaane Ray, live jazz from Beegie Adair, and, of course, plenty of cake! Don't miss it.

For more information, call 615.790.1349 and tell then you learned about this from BeegieAdair.com.
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Beegie inducted into Wall of Fame
October 27, 2002  >  Beegie Adair, graduate of the music program at Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY) received the highest honor bestowed to a WKU alumnus. On October 27, 2002, Beegie was inducted into the Wall of Fame during homecoming festivities at WKU.

Beegie added to Steinway Artist Roster
August 15, 2002  >  Steinway & Sons added Beegie Adair to the coveted Steinway Artist Roster. For over a century, the world's most accomplished pianists have preferred to express their musical genius on Steinway & Sons pianos. In 2002, only five artists worldwide received this honor.

America's greatest composers--including Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and others--created and performed their immortal music at the Steinway keyboard. The list also includes giants of 19th and 20th century classical and popular music, the men and women who have shaped the world's musical heritage.

For more information about the world's finest pianos, click here.
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