Green looks forward to playing in S.L. jazz series

Gordon Hanks' introduction to jazz came when he was in junior high school.

"This was in 1959 and I took a music appreciation class," said Hanks, who, along with Michael T. MacKay, founded the Jazz at the Sheraton concert series, during an interview with the Deseret News. "The teacher was a graduate student and he was really cool. I remember his cool sports car.

"He had us listen to some music and put on Ahmad Jamal's 'Poinciana' from 'At the Pershing: but Not For Me,' and at that one spot of my life, I was changed forever."

In the past few years, Hanks has gotten close to pianist Jamal, who has performed at the Jazz at the Sheraton concert series. And it's a friendship Hanks will cherish to the end.

"When he first came to town, we immediately had a connection," Hanks said. "And now, the man is 80 years old, he doesn't tour much. But I called him and asked if he was interested to come perform during this season's series and he said yes without hesitation."

Although Jamal's performance won't be until Jan. 11, 2010, Hanks is still looking forward to the upcoming Jazz at the Sheraton series. (See accompanying story for full schedule.)

"But Utah is also wanting some new artists, or ones who have not been here before."

Those "new" artists who will make their Jazz at the Sheraton debut are Byron Stripling and Trio de Paz

For pianist Benny Green, coming to Utah is a debut and return.

Green has played in Utah many times. He remembers fondly coming to play the Sheraton City Center with guitarist Russell Malone, drummer Lewis Nash, bassist Christian McBride and bassist John Clayton.

However, Green said, Monday's concert will be a first for him because he's coming in as a band leader for the first time and bringing his trio — himself, bassist Paul Keller and drummer Clayton Cameron.

"I'm excited and eager to come here with my own group and play for the wonderful audience in Salt Lake City, Utah," said Green during a telephone interview from his home in Berkeley, Calif. "There is a thriving jazz audience in Salt Lake and I am looking forward to playing in the series again."

Green's musical upbringing was filled with music. His father was a saxophonist and introduced Green to jazz.

By the time he was 15, Green was working with older musicians in gigs in Berkeley. Once Green graduated high school, he moved to New York and started attending Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers concerts.