This summer season there are numerous opportunities to fall even more in love with jazz

With summer approaching comes the prospect of important albums, new records, upcoming performances, and a reminder of what it all means to jazz lovers.

In the world of jazz, few musicians are as revered as the great trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong, so one can imagine the joy of fans when Verve Records proudly announced the July 12 release of LOUIS IN LONDON, his final major performance.

The performance was recorded live on the BBC on July 2, 1968. “Pops,” as he is affectionately known, played songs such as “Ole Miss,” “What a Wonderful World,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Hello, Dolly.” Armstrong played, among other songs, my personal favorite, “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

In other exciting news, “Ten” by Jason Moran, artistic director for jazz at the Kennedy Center, pianist, composer and bandleader, will be released on vinyl for the first time on June 21 in the Blue Note Records Classic Vinyl Series. His 2010 release celebrated its 10th anniversary.^th anniversary of The Bandwagon, Moran’s acclaimed trio with drummer Nasheet Waits and bassist Tarus Mateen. He’s no stranger to the Twin Cities, so we hope the trio performs here again in the near future.

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In the meantime, Waits has been busy recording with other groups. I’m also looking forward to those albums, which are out June 28th and feature Waits in a supporting role and as a leader. First up is “You Think This America” ​​by the Tarbaby trio, consisting of pianist Orrin Evans and bassist Eric Revis. Then follows “New York Love Letter (Bitter Sweet)” as a leader with saxophonist Mark Turner, vibraphonist Steve Nelson and bassist Rashaan Carter.

This month we remember the great saxophonist Ornette Coleman on March 9.^th Anniversary of his death on June 11, 2015. Born on June 11, 1920, jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was a musical prodigy (she discovered the piano at age three) and was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School of Music at age eight. On June 10, we wished her a happy 81st birthday.^st Birthday of legendary NEA Jazz Master pianist and composer Kenny Barron.

All of the artists scheduled to perform in the Twin Cities have a certain level of genius and will no doubt bring us some much-needed sparkle.

Also performing at the Dakota: visionary guitarist Stanley Jordan – June 29 (7 p.m.); singer T. Mychael Rambo presents Summer Breeze – July 1 (7 p.m.); NOLA Brass, Rebirth Brass Band – July 19 (6:30 p.m.); legendary trumpeter and flugelhorn virtuoso Arturo Sandoval with the JazzMN Orchestra – July 10 (6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.); and July 11 Arturo Sandoval (6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.).

I was recently listening to a live stream from WBGO.org (88.3 FM) in Newark, NJ, and host Awilda Rivera played pianist Sonny Clark’s swing song “Blue Minor.” I immediately thought of a list of well-known songs that I want to share with people who are new to jazz but are interested in it. I will be making more recommendations each month. This is just the first one.

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Those of you who have followed me on my 20+ year jazz journey know that I try to keep things fresh. However, lately I have found myself thinking back to the beginning of my jazz experience. And I think it’s good to have a refresher session from time to time. So I challenge myself to go back to the beginning and remember why this music means so much to me and others.

Starting next month, I’ll be rewatching filmmaker Ken Burns’ “Jazz,” an in-depth look at America’s most original art form. This 10-part series follows the growth and evolution of jazz music, and watching it made a big impression on me early on.

As I reflect back, I invite you to do the same. Perhaps we missed something, or perhaps it will remind us of something important from our history, or simply help us move forward into the future.

When I discovered a clip from “Jazz” on YouTube, I couldn’t help but wonder if this foundational music can continue to help us learn about ourselves and each other, and how we can re-appreciate the extraordinary men and women who gave their lives for this music. After all, this may be jazz’s best time, bringing the soul of this nation together when we need it most.

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