Mike Duke

Beautiful melody, unusually chords and a great sense of rhythmic patterns are only a few characteristics that describe Thelonious Monk’s music. Monk was one the few American jazz composers that gave a spiritual feeling in his music. During his lifetime he played melodies and used chord progressions that no one has ever played before. He epitomizes what a jazz musician is supposed to be, whether if it’s through his compositions, his piano playing or someone else playing his music, you know right…

Beowulf’s Bravery Beowulf, in the famous medieval poem of the same name, is the courageous and mighty protagonist in the story. He is a fierce warrior that is much beloved by his people and followers, as well as those he has helped through the years with vanquishing monsters and such. With every challenge that comes his way and through every battle he partakes in, he shows a tremendous amount of bravery, something that is most admired knowing the danger he constantly places himself in. There…

Listening to Jazz for the Soul Jazz is widely regarded as one of the most influential types of music in American History. Since it’s formation, jazz has represented the literal sound of freedom for many African Americans. James Baldwin’s “Sonny's Blues,” tells the coming of age story about a young man named Sonny and his life as an aspiring jazz musician. To become one of the great jazz musicians Sonny must focus on listening to those around him including his older brother. Ironically the…

Bolero reaches Puerto Rico Music Scene Generally, when you discuss about Puerto Rico’s music, some of the first things that occur to your mind include dynamic and a diversity of cultural resources. In addition to the original Puerto Rico music, nowadays, the musical scene of this country is also influenced by genres coming from other cultures, as well. One of these genres is bolero, which originates from Cuba. Having its origins in Cuba, bolero has quickly reached the souls of Puerto Ricans, so…

James Baldwin was a well known African American writer as well as a Social and Civil Rights Activist, as a result his works represented not only a personal aspect but also historical expression. Some of his stories were based during the struggle of identity in the African American communities as well as the fight against the predestined assumptions of racial hierarchy in America. In the story, “Sonny’s Blues”, We follow two brothers set in post World War II Harlem and how their lives take two…

Louis Armstrong was born on August 4th 1901 in New Orleans. His tough and painful childhood began when his father abandoned the family Shortly after he was born. Over the next 12 years Louis lived with his grandmother, Josephine Armstrong. At six years old Louis, and three other boys, formed a vocal quartet, It was here where he first felt his love of music grow, sometimes making up to $10 simply from those passing by tipping him, and his friends, in mere pennies. At twelve Louis was sent to…

Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington was born on April 29, 1899 in Washington D.C. His parents are James Edward and Daisy Ellington. Ellington’s Father was methodist while his mother was baptist. Thus Ellington’s upbringing had many religious influences on the household and his childhood. As a child Ellington was very artistic and many people noticed. Duke Ellington parents were both talented and musical. Ellington rejected an art scholarship and instead decided to devote his time to his first…

Hanya Holm’s ideology, as well as her movement quality, is woven throughout Gus Giordano’s career and his approach to movement. Giordano successfully established a technique that, like Holm’s approach, took advantage of other dance techniques, such as ballet and modern, and morphed components of each into a new art form (Sabo, Made in America 44). Not only did Gus use others’ techniques, but he also anticipated the manipulation of his own technique to fit into his students’ personal style.…

Wednesday, November 16 at 12:00 noon was hosting the Studio Jazz Ensemble in Building K, room K413. One of the numerous buildings of Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus. The Studio Jazz Ensemble consists of 9 members. When there are less than 10 members it is called a Jazz Combo. The young Musicians who performed were Yami Ayala- Vocal, Alex Arias- Bass, George Fernandez- Guitar, Christian Martinez- Drums, Charles English-Drums, Christian Romero- Piano, Andrew Collado- Tenor Sax, Marcel Diaz-…

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Rich Matteson’s Jazz Corner. I listened to two other tapes, and they were all equally interesting. Rich Matteson’s broadcast had a very relaxed feel; even the tone of his voice is relaxing! I really like that he knew exactly what he was talking about; considering his prolific career and vast knowledge of music and jazz, everything he said was relevant, and he was very well-spoken. His broadcast is excellent for discovering jazz songs and jazz artists, as well as…