http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1749558063/franz-jackson-milestone-a-historic-cd-project , has the following details…
” SPECIAL ADDITION TO THE CD COVER!
I have recently been informed that jazz greats Marian McPartland and Ramsey Lewis – two iconic, Grammy-winning jazz musicians – will be providing quotes about Franz for the cover of this CD!
WHO WAS FRANZ JACKSON?
Legendary Chicago jazz saxophonist, Franz Jackson, played with virtually everyone who was anyone in jazz during his long career spanning nearly 8 decades. Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Fats Waller….just a few of the greats with whom he was associated over the years. Read Franz’s full bio here.
FRANZ’S 95TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT!
In November 2007, nearly two dozen of the some of the best jazz musicians and vocalists from across the country made their way to quaint little Dowagiac, Michigan for one purpose: to honor Franz – their friend, colleague, mentor – with a 95th birthday concert, “Still Swingin’: Franz Jackson Celebrates 95″.
What transpired that night was nothing less than magic. Franz was onstage for the entire 3-hour concert and played every tune. Not only was it extraordinary to watch the musicians create once-in-a-lifetime music together (without any rehearsals, mind you!), the glow that Franz had that night was priceless. It was an opportunity for him to reunite with people that he hadn’t seen in years and make the music that he lived and loved all his life. “Franz Jackson: Milestone” is the CD-set that will allow the magic from that night to be shared with the world.
SHARING THE MAGIC
We were fortunate to have recorded the concert and, with your help, I will be honored to be able to release the CD set featuring the music from that extraordinary evening this November at the 6th Annual Franz Jackson Jazz Celebration – in celebration of what would have been Franz’s 100th birthday!
As Franz’s daughter, this is a project that is close to my heart and means a great deal to me. This concert was literally an event that will never be repeated. The most profound reason for that is that my father passed away just six months later. This was his last live concert and without even knowing it at the time, we gave my dad a final gift that meant the world to him.
I have the tracks for the CD ready to go – all I need now is some support from Franz’s amazing fans and the Kickstarter community! The funding from this project will be used specifically for finishing production of the CD (licensing, mastering, graphic design, manufacturing and packaging) and promotion of the release (marketing the CD and organization of the CD release party). Any amount in excess of the goal (God willing!) will be used toward the 6th Annual Franz Jackson Jazz Celebration in Dowagiac, Michigan in November.
Here’s a sample raw track from the CD – bear in mind that this audio hasn’t been mixed or mastered yet, so what you hear on the finished CD will be even more amazing!
Remember, this is a 2-disc set with over 2 hours of amazing music and celebration that you will enjoy over and over! I intend to have the CDs produced on discs resembling mini vinyl LP’s in the spirit of this legendary music. The CD booklet will include color pictures from the concert of Franz and all of the musicians as well as brief bios and quotes from some of the performers about what their participation in this event meant to them.
A PART OF JAZZ HISTORY – FRANZ and YOU
I have little doubt that those who know and love Franz and his music will want to be a part of this little piece of jazz history. But of equal, if not greater, importance to me is the opportunity to introduce those who aren’t familiar with him to his immense talent and history through this project.
I’m asking for your help in preserving the last piece in my father’s amazing musical legacy. Your contribution gets you some pretty cool rewards, but knowing you were part of a project that will continue to entertain those who loved his music for years and inspire those who have yet to discover Franz’s unique style (or jazz in general), is absolutely priceless.
Join me on this journey.
Be my partner in solidifying “Franz Jackson: Milestone” as part of my father’s legacy.
BE PART OF JAZZ HISTORY.
IT’S ALL OR NOTHING, FOLKS!
Please remember that this is an all-or-nothing venture. Either I am able to raise $9,000 by the end date or this project remains on the shelf. And that would be a loss for music lovers everywhere.
And just so you know, you won’t be charged for your donation unless and until the entire funding amount has been reached.
Thank you for your support!
Michelle Jewell ”
PLEASE CONSIDER CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROJECT!