Projects

This ninety-minute documentary feature film on the life and work of Abbey Lincoln is Carol Friedman’s first feature film. Shot in 16mm in black & white and color over a period of eighteen years, this film traces Lincoln’s life and work, from her beginnings as a Hollywood Glamour girl to actor and civil rights activist to her present standing as one of the most gifted and original singers and composers of our time.

Fueled by a fierce integrity and idiosyncratic style on and off the stage, Abbey Lincoln has always gone her own way. The film features rare music performances spanning two decades here and abroad; historic footage of early broadcast performances and clips from her work as a film actress — all accompanied by Lincoln’s own distinctive narrative. Commentary is provided by percussionist Max Roach, author and culture critic Gary Giddins, Music producer Jean-Philippe Allard, Director Michael Roemer, author and columnist Stanley Crouch, Jazz impresario George Wein and Lincoln’s brother David Wooldridge. In addition to her performances on stage and screen, we see Lincoln as journeyman — both on the road and in the recording studio. The trajectory of her remarkable ascension as a prolific composer/lyricist is the heart of her story. Besides her ever-independent spirit, what sets Lincoln apart from so many of her contemporaries is her steadfast allegiance to practicint he arts — proficiently — and in several arenas — and the unwavering integrity that she has always sewn through all that she does. This film presents an anatomy of the history, discipline, and seemingly organic process that has hatched this most formidable and original artist.

The Lady Got Chops Jazz Festival is an annual presentation of some of the best jazz musicians in the New York City area. The brainchild of bassist Kim Clarke, for the past eleven years this festival has showcased great artists during March, Women’s History Month. For the Lady Got Chops Festival 2013 calendar, click here.

A program that begins with the music and stories of great artists in jazz history…Duke Ellington, International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Mary Lou Williams, Bessie Smith…and continues with contemporary jazz to pop.

The band of women musicans will perform the music and will be available to speak on the struggles of women, black and white, in jazz and the music business.

In 2004, the Kit McClure Band continued to further the recognition of the achievements of women in music by completing The Sweethearts Project and Just the Thing, recorded tributes to the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, all women band of the World War II era.

The Sweethearts Tour presents the original arrangements as performed by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm as well as reinterpretations by women musicians of the Kit McClure Band. The Kit McClure Band transforms the Sweetheart’s musical themes into fresh contemporary jazz from swing to salsa, from R&B to hip-hop.