[October
8, 1998] -- The Landmark Society of Western New York
wants to preserve more than just Rochester's bricks and
mortar.
Yesterday,
the society released a compact disc featuring a collection
of songs by jazz musicians with ties to Rochester.
And
Mayor William A. Johnson Jr., a fan of jazz, declared the
eight musicians Rochester landmarks during a short ceremony
at City Hall.
The
65-minute disc features songs by Chuck Mangione, Gap Mangione,
Cab Calloway, Jeff Tyzik, Cabo Frio, Gerry Niewood, Steve
Gadd and Esther Satterfield.
"Not
all landmarks are made of bricks, board, steel and glass,"
said Paul Nunes, a member of the Landmark Society board.
"The music of Rochester's great jazz musicians certainly
soars higher than the tallest steeple of our city."
Among
the disc's 11 songs is Calloway's signature song, Minnie
the Moocher. In the late 1920s, the Rochester native's Cotton
Club Orchestra was the toast of Harlem. Chuck Mangione's
Grammy winner, Bellavia, also is included. Chuck teamed
with his brother Gap in the 1960s to form the Jazz Brothers.
Both are Rochester music scene legends.
"This
music is as much a part of Rochester's history as anything
else, from the buildings to the corporate entities," Gap
Mangione said. "I'm just astounded that someone would undertake
this project."
The
Landmark Society will use the jazz collection as a fund-raiser.
The compact disc, which costs $15.98, is available at most
area music stores.
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