Hello Jazz Lovers,

It has been awhile since I posted a Jazzy Finds post, and I certainly have some exciting finds to share with you!

Photo courtesy of the BBC

There is an updated version of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None which came out in the United Kingdom in 2015. The U.S. version of the DVD will be released this month and I will be one of the first in line to purchase it. For the uninitiated, this is once of Christie’s best stories – ten strangers are lured to an island for different reasons but they soon learn that they have been brought there to pay the price for their misdeeds. The shocking message as to why they are there is delivered by a chilling recording on a Victrola, and then the mayhem begins. I will not tell you anymore than this, but I hope I have peaked your curiosity. Click here for an article by The Guardian and Click here to purchase the U.S. DVD

TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 23: Ethan Hawke photographed as the jazz muscian Chet Baker for his role in the movie BORN TO BE BLUE which is currently in production. (Photo by Charlie Gray/Contour by Getty Images)

Ethan Hawke will play the legendary jazz musician, Chet Baker, in an upcoming film called Born to Be Blue. It is already out in limited release, but it will take a while to make it to local theaters. I have liked all of Ethan Hawke’s films to date, so I have high hopes for this one as well. In a recent interview, Hawke said that he was supposed to play Baker in another film several years ago, but that project didn’t pan out. Click for More Info and Trailer

Photo courtesy of naxos.com

I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing The Harlem Quartet during a live performance at Rockport Music. Their music combines jazz and classical elements in a unique way – the one track that I have listened to more times than I can count is Take the A Train. If you have never heard this group, I would recommend starting with the CD of the same name. Their music is soulful and lively, and they are committed to bringing classical music to all types of communities all over the world. Click to visit website

Photo courtesy of jazzinmotion.ru

Rizzoli Books has published a new book about Duke Ellington that I can’t wait to get my hands on. I am excited about this one because it includes anecdotes and pictures provided by his granddaughter, Mercedes Ellington. It is always a pleasure to hear from family members who really knew the people behind the music.  I mentioned Take the A Train in my previous entry; I believe the Duke Ellington and his orchestra were the first ones to perform this song.  Check out the book here

I have shared some of my favorite options for your listening pleasure. I am curious, what great jazz musicians or songs have you heard lately? I am always eager to expand my playlist.