I don’t know what else to say. I’m getting spoiled. It was as great as usual. I really appreciate Charlie more these days and I’m not getting tired of him. I’m glad he’s been around a little more lately.
They didn’t have the little tables in the space this time, but they did have chairs, audience-style facing the stage. I got there right after they started, but was able to get a good standing spot up front and on the side. I couldn’t see perfectly, but good enough and I could hear very well and dance a little. It was awesome. Trombone, trumpet, and Eric Kalb on drums. Eric may be the weakest drummer I’ve seen him play with, but he’s still awesome. He had me going at the drum solos.
For the 2nd set, they ditched the chairs, which was great. I had an up front standing spot.
It was such a great time. The first set was probably over an hour and the 2nd set was an hour. There was no encore. It ended at 11pm.
I love that place and I love the music. I am looking forward to La Buya playing there 9/4 at 11pm!
I just saw that Alan Ferber was supposed to be there on a 2nd trombone. He didn't make it. Too bad, but it was great even so.
Sunday, August 30
CHARLIE HUNTER w/ BRASS
Eric Kalb (drums), Eric Biondo (trumpet), Curtis Fowlkes (trombone)
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Lily Sparks @ Public Assembly 8/28/09
I got there in the middle of the set. This is the old Galapagos. I like it. I loved the vibe and definitely enjoyed the show more than when I saw them at Webster Hall. I think that was because of my mood, since Niamh and everyone else thought the Webster Hall gig was especially good. I just don’t like that place, and I do like this one. I was really into it and dancing up a storm. It was well worth staying up late for.
The Waaw Band @ Zebulon 8/28/09
I got some of my work colleagues together to go out to Williamsburg. I couldn’t get any of them to stay out late for the music, but we had a good time and a good dinner. I had some time to kill in between my friend’s band, Lily Sparks at Public Assembly and the dinner. I didn’t realize how close Zeb is to Public Assembly, since PA is just below Wythe. I also walked by the new Brooklyn Bowl, hoping to get a peak inside. That wasn’t to be because they were having a paid show, it sounded like some kind of alternative band, but I’m not really sure. I knew the sound, I just couldn’t place it. It’s only a matter of time before I get over there I’m sure.
Anyway, I saw there was an African band at Zeb, and I’m always interested in checking out African music. So, I waited around until they came on at about 11. It was pretty good, Senegalese music. I can’t remember the name of the hand-drum. It sounded like a sabar, but looked like a derivative of a conga. It could have been a sabar, it just didn’t look like it to me.
Anyway, I had fun dancing and not being the only one dancing. It was a fun way to kill some time.
Here’s more on them:
8/27/2009 10:00 PM at WAAW Band , Mbalax Music from the Streets of Dakar, Senegal, BROOKLYN, 11211Cost:
http://www.myspace.com/thewaawband
WAAW band plays Mbalax, a pure form of roots African music from the streets of Senegal, believed by many Senegalese to be a true root of American music. WAAW band's unique and original approach to this ancient genre makes it fresh, and new. The WAAW Band is a movement which was started in West Africa by Thierno Camara, a renowned Senegalese Bassist/ Singer/ Songwriter/ Composer who had performed internationally with some of Senegal's most popular artists. In 1998, Thierno had moved to New York and began collaborating with great American musicians such as Ornette Coleman, Michael Brecker and Greg Osby, etc. after which time he began to expand his original concept. By 1999, his concept and vision was legally named WAAW Band™, and began touring the United States and Canada.
Anyway, I saw there was an African band at Zeb, and I’m always interested in checking out African music. So, I waited around until they came on at about 11. It was pretty good, Senegalese music. I can’t remember the name of the hand-drum. It sounded like a sabar, but looked like a derivative of a conga. It could have been a sabar, it just didn’t look like it to me.
Anyway, I had fun dancing and not being the only one dancing. It was a fun way to kill some time.
Here’s more on them:
8/27/2009 10:00 PM at WAAW Band , Mbalax Music from the Streets of Dakar, Senegal, BROOKLYN, 11211Cost:
http://www.myspace.com/thewaawband
WAAW band plays Mbalax, a pure form of roots African music from the streets of Senegal, believed by many Senegalese to be a true root of American music. WAAW band's unique and original approach to this ancient genre makes it fresh, and new. The WAAW Band is a movement which was started in West Africa by Thierno Camara, a renowned Senegalese Bassist/ Singer/ Songwriter/ Composer who had performed internationally with some of Senegal's most popular artists. In 1998, Thierno had moved to New York and began collaborating with great American musicians such as Ornette Coleman, Michael Brecker and Greg Osby, etc. after which time he began to expand his original concept. By 1999, his concept and vision was legally named WAAW Band™, and began touring the United States and Canada.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Led Zeppelin vs who?
I was with a friend when we heard someone else's version of Whole Lotta Love. He incorrectly guessed who the original band was. I was quite surprised he didn't know it was Led Zep. He said he never got into them. I was even more surprised because I know he likes The Allman Brothers and Aretha and a lot of other bands that you would think a Zeppelin fan might be into. He said it was because of that question that floats around where you are supposed to choose to align with one or the other.
I was asked that once. I thought it was a joke. Are you kidding? There's discussion about this? I was even more surprised to learn that lots of people with good taste in music choose The Who over Led Zeppelin. Go figure.
When this question was recently brought to my attention again, I decided to explore it further.
First, I listened to all of my Led Zeppelin CDs. I thought I had all of them. I used to have all of the albums except for Presence back in High School. It turns out I have I, II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti. I need to rectify that soon. I might just go for a box set. I listened to them before lending them to my friend. He in turn, lent me Who's Next.
There was a time ages ago when IV was my favorite. I ended up loving II the most for most of my life. I think III may have recently won out in this recent listen. However, there is no denying for me that every single one of their songs on every one of their albums I have ever owned is great. I'm not sure if I ever heard Presence, I was only going on word of mouth back in High School. I now have a desire to give it a try.
So we trade some music. It was a good sign that the first song on Who's Next is Baba O'Riley. That is a great song. That song infiltrated my being one nice sunny day in High School. I just remember sitting out in the parking lot of my friend's apartment complex with a few friends. We were really stoned and this song came on, and each of us were completely into it for the entire song. In that moment, there was nothing but that song. That's when it went into a soft spot in my heart. The rest of the album is good, but there's no question Led Zeppelin blows it all away. I would even say if I had to chose, there are many Zep songs I would rather listen to over Baba O'Reilly even.
I was still pondering the question when I went over to J&R Music to make my first Who purchase ever. This of course says a lot about how there could be no contest for me. Back in the day, I owned a lot of music that is now referred to as Classic Rock, but never The Who.
I picked up a box set called Thirty Years of Maximum R&B. I also picked up a Janice Joplin box set, Box of Pearls.
I found one other truly great Who song, Eminence Front. I like that one a lot. Other than that, I get sick of them real quick. There are definitely some good songs, but we are talking about ... well... Eminence! I mean, put The Who up against somebody else and it might be a different conversation. I used to refer to Led Zeppelin as "the gods of rock and roll". The only thing that came close, back then, and not now, was The Greatful Dead.
By the way, the Janice set is well worth it. It's great.
I then had a few conversations around the office and did a little googling. I'm happy to know I work with Zep people. Only one guy had a slightly hard time choosing before coming up with my band. The Internet was interesting. That's where I got the answer. Zep is more blues influenced, more jammy. Thew Who is more poppy, more about songwriting - singer/songwriting. It makes perfect sense now. They are both very talented, its simply a matter of preferential taste.
I was asked that once. I thought it was a joke. Are you kidding? There's discussion about this? I was even more surprised to learn that lots of people with good taste in music choose The Who over Led Zeppelin. Go figure.
When this question was recently brought to my attention again, I decided to explore it further.
First, I listened to all of my Led Zeppelin CDs. I thought I had all of them. I used to have all of the albums except for Presence back in High School. It turns out I have I, II, III, IV, Houses of the Holy, and Physical Graffiti. I need to rectify that soon. I might just go for a box set. I listened to them before lending them to my friend. He in turn, lent me Who's Next.
There was a time ages ago when IV was my favorite. I ended up loving II the most for most of my life. I think III may have recently won out in this recent listen. However, there is no denying for me that every single one of their songs on every one of their albums I have ever owned is great. I'm not sure if I ever heard Presence, I was only going on word of mouth back in High School. I now have a desire to give it a try.
So we trade some music. It was a good sign that the first song on Who's Next is Baba O'Riley. That is a great song. That song infiltrated my being one nice sunny day in High School. I just remember sitting out in the parking lot of my friend's apartment complex with a few friends. We were really stoned and this song came on, and each of us were completely into it for the entire song. In that moment, there was nothing but that song. That's when it went into a soft spot in my heart. The rest of the album is good, but there's no question Led Zeppelin blows it all away. I would even say if I had to chose, there are many Zep songs I would rather listen to over Baba O'Reilly even.
I was still pondering the question when I went over to J&R Music to make my first Who purchase ever. This of course says a lot about how there could be no contest for me. Back in the day, I owned a lot of music that is now referred to as Classic Rock, but never The Who.
I picked up a box set called Thirty Years of Maximum R&B. I also picked up a Janice Joplin box set, Box of Pearls.
I found one other truly great Who song, Eminence Front. I like that one a lot. Other than that, I get sick of them real quick. There are definitely some good songs, but we are talking about ... well... Eminence! I mean, put The Who up against somebody else and it might be a different conversation. I used to refer to Led Zeppelin as "the gods of rock and roll". The only thing that came close, back then, and not now, was The Greatful Dead.
By the way, the Janice set is well worth it. It's great.
I then had a few conversations around the office and did a little googling. I'm happy to know I work with Zep people. Only one guy had a slightly hard time choosing before coming up with my band. The Internet was interesting. That's where I got the answer. Zep is more blues influenced, more jammy. Thew Who is more poppy, more about songwriting - singer/songwriting. It makes perfect sense now. They are both very talented, its simply a matter of preferential taste.
Sunship @ Rose Live 8/26/09
Perfect! I knew it would be amazing. It was even better than I could possibly imagine! This is another one of those projects that could represent a dream band I couldn't possibly imagine. Each of these 4 stand on their own and is worthwhile to attend anything they are a part of.
I couldn't get out until 8, the scheduled start time. I made it to one of my new favorite venues at like 8:15-8:20. They were already on and sounded awesome. I paid the low, almost stealing, $10 cover. At first, I was right outside the room, back by the bar. I could see a little, enough, and I was very happy with the music. I also had a little dancing room. I could tell I didn't want to be there for the whole show, though. There was likely to be some bar conversation and the sound of making drinks.
I realized there was still some space inside the room and I was able to get the same awesome spot I had for Charlie. Yeah! I wasn't alone over there this time. So, I just had to dance in place. I was pretty happy the whole time.
This is an awesome new project. It was the perfect place for me to see it. I missed that gig at The Stone. Of course I still love The Stone! Rose Live is the same travel time and has AC.
It was all stellar. There was one piece where Marc and Mary were playing the same music. That was my favorite. They sounded so good together, yet they also sound so different from each other. Actually, each of them are pretty unique in their playing.
The drum solos and bass solos were off the hook! Actually, I can say that about the rhythm section at any point in time.
They played til 9:30 and then did a short encore. They said they wanted to get a gig in before going to Europe.
This is yet another great part about living here .... Great people want to practice on us.
August 26, 2009
Rose Live Music (Brooklyn), 8PM
w/ Sun Ship (Mary Halvorson, Jason Ajemian, Chad Taylor)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Ship
Sun Ship is a jazz album recorded on August 26, 1965, by tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. The album extended the free jazz ideas of Transition. The relaxed, serene feel of earlier ballads like "Welcome" was transformed into a new style of ballad on "Dearly Beloved" and "Attaining". This style involved very slow tempos, drum rolls and fills, and a louder, more intense feel than traditional jazz ballads. Like "Psalm" (from A Love Supreme), there is no real tune, just a scale or series of tones used to build an improvised theme. Coltrane's solos on the other tracks are also more extreme than on his earlier albums, and are reminiscent of the style of Albert Ayler and Pharaoh Sanders in their extensive use of altissimo and multiphonics. The title "Sun Ship" may have been inspired by Sun Ra's conception of free jazz as having an affinity with science fiction conceptions of human existence.
Sun Ship was one of the only albums John Coltrane's quartet recorded without sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder. It was also one of the last albums (with First Meditations, recorded a week later) which John Coltrane recorded before he began experimenting with larger groups. Tenor saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders was playing regularly with the band by September, 1965, and both McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones left the band in January, 1966.
I couldn't get out until 8, the scheduled start time. I made it to one of my new favorite venues at like 8:15-8:20. They were already on and sounded awesome. I paid the low, almost stealing, $10 cover. At first, I was right outside the room, back by the bar. I could see a little, enough, and I was very happy with the music. I also had a little dancing room. I could tell I didn't want to be there for the whole show, though. There was likely to be some bar conversation and the sound of making drinks.
I realized there was still some space inside the room and I was able to get the same awesome spot I had for Charlie. Yeah! I wasn't alone over there this time. So, I just had to dance in place. I was pretty happy the whole time.
This is an awesome new project. It was the perfect place for me to see it. I missed that gig at The Stone. Of course I still love The Stone! Rose Live is the same travel time and has AC.
It was all stellar. There was one piece where Marc and Mary were playing the same music. That was my favorite. They sounded so good together, yet they also sound so different from each other. Actually, each of them are pretty unique in their playing.
The drum solos and bass solos were off the hook! Actually, I can say that about the rhythm section at any point in time.
They played til 9:30 and then did a short encore. They said they wanted to get a gig in before going to Europe.
This is yet another great part about living here .... Great people want to practice on us.
August 26, 2009
Rose Live Music (Brooklyn), 8PM
w/ Sun Ship (Mary Halvorson, Jason Ajemian, Chad Taylor)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Ship
Sun Ship is a jazz album recorded on August 26, 1965, by tenor saxophonist John Coltrane. The album extended the free jazz ideas of Transition. The relaxed, serene feel of earlier ballads like "Welcome" was transformed into a new style of ballad on "Dearly Beloved" and "Attaining". This style involved very slow tempos, drum rolls and fills, and a louder, more intense feel than traditional jazz ballads. Like "Psalm" (from A Love Supreme), there is no real tune, just a scale or series of tones used to build an improvised theme. Coltrane's solos on the other tracks are also more extreme than on his earlier albums, and are reminiscent of the style of Albert Ayler and Pharaoh Sanders in their extensive use of altissimo and multiphonics. The title "Sun Ship" may have been inspired by Sun Ra's conception of free jazz as having an affinity with science fiction conceptions of human existence.
Sun Ship was one of the only albums John Coltrane's quartet recorded without sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder. It was also one of the last albums (with First Meditations, recorded a week later) which John Coltrane recorded before he began experimenting with larger groups. Tenor saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders was playing regularly with the band by September, 1965, and both McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones left the band in January, 1966.
"Crash, Braaaww, Thud, Aaaaah" @ The Stone 8/25/09
I was intrigued by the name and knew enough about Tyshawn and Roswell to be excited. I was also running out of chances to see Tyshawn one more time before he leaves.
It was great to see him in this setting. He had me very interested in each move. It was subtle playing, slightly reminiscent of Paul Motion, yet more subtle. I loved watching him on the drums and cymbals.
I don't get many chances to see Roswell any more. He is incredible. He had so many different mufflers for his trombone. Looking back, I wish I paid a little more attention to the differences in sound. I was enjoying listening and watching him, but I seemed to be more captivated with the way Tyshawn was playing and put more attention into that.
I didn't know about Fay before. She has a great voice and enhances the music without overpowering it. I enjoyed hour sounds and words a lot. It was definitely about the sound, which is my kind of vocalist.
It was a great show.
8/25 Tuesday (TO)
8 pm
"Crash, Braaaww, Thud, Aaaaah"
Fay Victor (voice, compositions) Tyshawn Sorey (percussion) with special guest Roswell Rudd (trombone)New York debut performance of this trio! TWENTY DOLLARS
It was great to see him in this setting. He had me very interested in each move. It was subtle playing, slightly reminiscent of Paul Motion, yet more subtle. I loved watching him on the drums and cymbals.
I don't get many chances to see Roswell any more. He is incredible. He had so many different mufflers for his trombone. Looking back, I wish I paid a little more attention to the differences in sound. I was enjoying listening and watching him, but I seemed to be more captivated with the way Tyshawn was playing and put more attention into that.
I didn't know about Fay before. She has a great voice and enhances the music without overpowering it. I enjoyed hour sounds and words a lot. It was definitely about the sound, which is my kind of vocalist.
It was a great show.
8/25 Tuesday (TO)
8 pm
"Crash, Braaaww, Thud, Aaaaah"
Fay Victor (voice, compositions) Tyshawn Sorey (percussion) with special guest Roswell Rudd (trombone)New York debut performance of this trio! TWENTY DOLLARS
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Burnt Sugar @ Joe's Pub 8/22/09
I walked up at 9:30 (showtime) and bought a ticket. The band was still getting situated and didn't start until about 9:45 - 9:50. There were so many of them, something like 17-20 musicians. The 2 keyboards had to be on the floor, by the stage. There was a segment when the trombone player was standing offstage, behind the curtain, and playing the trombone through the curtain, effectively onstage. That's how crowded it was up there.
And it was off the hook. From start to finish, fabulous. It was tight in the crowd, too. I didn't know if I was going to be able to stay at first. I was feeling claustrophobic. They shouldn't have had the stools at the bar. But once the music started, there was no prying me out of there. It was incredible. That huge ensemble really put it out until they had to get off the stage at 11.
I have to make a point of seeing them more often. That's how I left, wanting more, more, more.
http://www.burntsugarindex.com/
And it was off the hook. From start to finish, fabulous. It was tight in the crowd, too. I didn't know if I was going to be able to stay at first. I was feeling claustrophobic. They shouldn't have had the stools at the bar. But once the music started, there was no prying me out of there. It was incredible. That huge ensemble really put it out until they had to get off the stage at 11.
I have to make a point of seeing them more often. That's how I left, wanting more, more, more.
http://www.burntsugarindex.com/
Monday, August 24, 2009
The Bad Plus @ Highline 8/21/09
They are always great. Period. I felt like the repertoire was similar to the Vanguard show with Motion, Iverson, and Anderson. It's quite different with David King behind the kit. He's a monster! He's definitely one of my favorite drummers.
The music was excellent. I had a great standing spot at the left side bar and I danced the whole time. I've danced the whole time to them at the Vanguard before, but this was much more pleasant.
I do have to admit I'm probably seeing them too much. I need to scale back on regular TBP shows. I suspect it's the same for them, which is probably why they keep adding new material and having special shows like when they played with Sexmob in Paris or with Kurt Rosenwinkel in NYC.
I definitely preferred Highline to the top-end jazz venues around the city. It makes a good large jazz club.
We could have stayed for the 2nd show for no additional cover. I was pretty satisfied and tired, so that was enough for me.
The music was excellent. I had a great standing spot at the left side bar and I danced the whole time. I've danced the whole time to them at the Vanguard before, but this was much more pleasant.
I do have to admit I'm probably seeing them too much. I need to scale back on regular TBP shows. I suspect it's the same for them, which is probably why they keep adding new material and having special shows like when they played with Sexmob in Paris or with Kurt Rosenwinkel in NYC.
I definitely preferred Highline to the top-end jazz venues around the city. It makes a good large jazz club.
We could have stayed for the 2nd show for no additional cover. I was pretty satisfied and tired, so that was enough for me.
Friday, August 21, 2009
BuzzUniverse @ Half Moon 8/20/09
That was a lot of fun. They have evolved very nicely. This is a good band! They even had less people onstage than when I've seen them in the past. It was mainly drums, bass, guitar, and saxes. There was a violin for most of the 2nd half of their set. There was a bass sitin by one of Greg's mentors that was really good.
There were some great moments from each of them. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
There was an opening band, Jack. Buzz likes to support fellow artists they like hearing, which is a good thing. I wasn't that into them, but they do have potential. They did really get me on the 2nd to last song, though. That was really good. It was more creative and original - they seemed to stretch out. That means they have potential. I wanted to talk about that 2nd song during the intermission. Everyone I talked to liked Jack's set.
Right at the end of the intermission, a killer James Brown song was played that had many of us seriously getting down. It was awesome.
I love The Half Moon. I love dancing into the wobbliness. It is such an awesome little boat. It was rather hot at times, but still a lot of fun.
It was also a very nice crowd. Their crowd is always pretty cool. I'm glad I made it on a music boat before summer ends. It just didn't feel right.
There were some great moments from each of them. I enjoyed myself thoroughly.
There was an opening band, Jack. Buzz likes to support fellow artists they like hearing, which is a good thing. I wasn't that into them, but they do have potential. They did really get me on the 2nd to last song, though. That was really good. It was more creative and original - they seemed to stretch out. That means they have potential. I wanted to talk about that 2nd song during the intermission. Everyone I talked to liked Jack's set.
Right at the end of the intermission, a killer James Brown song was played that had many of us seriously getting down. It was awesome.
I love The Half Moon. I love dancing into the wobbliness. It is such an awesome little boat. It was rather hot at times, but still a lot of fun.
It was also a very nice crowd. Their crowd is always pretty cool. I'm glad I made it on a music boat before summer ends. It just didn't feel right.
Rashanim @ Joe's Pub 8/19/09
This was awesome. This is an incredibly talented trio. I continue to be impressed with them.
It started with a 20 minute mini-set of poetry with Shanir playing bass accompaniment. The poet is Jake Marmer. He has a great voice for it and I liked the rhythms.
Then there was about a 5-10 min intermission before the stellar Rashanim hit the stage. It's radical Jewish-influenced music played phenomenally well. They said they were mainly playing off their new album. I've got to admit, I didn't notice whether I've heard the material before or not. Its always new and fresh to me.
Madoff played a couple of different acoustic guitars, a banjo, and a ukulele. He sounded great on everything. Shanir had his acoustic bass and a glockenspiel.
It was too bad it was so sparsely attended. There were a good number of people. I walked in at 9:30 and they said anywhere without a reserved sign. This resulted in most of the tables up front being empty. They really should release the reservations at some point. There were still enough of their fans there.
Jon Madof guitar
Mathias Kunzli drums, percussion
Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz electric bass
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Cooper-Moore @ Bowery Poetry Club 8/18/09
I was pretty tired, but couldn't resist going to this 10pm ESP gig for as long as I could make it. I stayed for about 45 min and it was awesome. It was Cooper-Moore, Willie Applewhite duo. I can't get enough of them.
Willie plays trombone and he's great.
The first piece had Cooper-Moore with the drumheads and Willie on trombone. Then there was a beautiful piece with Cooper-Moore on that homemade harp looking thing. The sound reminded me of an African kora. He then did a solo piece with vocals and a flute. It was wonderful. Then onto a Blues piece with that awesome 1-string bass and trombone. I think he did the solo 2-string banjo/lute instrument and vocals about love. It was awesome. He had Willie come in toward the end and improvise a little. Then back to the drumheads. I had to leave during that, I just knew it would be better to get home.
It was a perfect choice for me that night. The Stone was tempting, but I didn't want to deal with the heat.
Willie plays trombone and he's great.
The first piece had Cooper-Moore with the drumheads and Willie on trombone. Then there was a beautiful piece with Cooper-Moore on that homemade harp looking thing. The sound reminded me of an African kora. He then did a solo piece with vocals and a flute. It was wonderful. Then onto a Blues piece with that awesome 1-string bass and trombone. I think he did the solo 2-string banjo/lute instrument and vocals about love. It was awesome. He had Willie come in toward the end and improvise a little. Then back to the drumheads. I had to leave during that, I just knew it would be better to get home.
It was a perfect choice for me that night. The Stone was tempting, but I didn't want to deal with the heat.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hunter/Previte @ Rose Live 8/16/09
This was insanely awesome! I got there at around 8:30 and they were already on. They had small round 2-top tables set up in the viewing area. That was different from no seats that Ribot Mother's Day gig. I got a standing/dancing spot close to the front on the left side. 2nd set I got bolder and went in the room just behind the tables to dance. There were a couple of tables around the right side perimeter and then some bar stools around the rest of the perimeter. There were people peering in from the back, but outside the room. It looked like my little 2nd set dancing spot was the only one in the room where no one's view would be obstructed. My 1st set spot was technically out of the room, because it was beyond the stage boundary curtain, but it wasn't really, it was a good spot. Charlie was turned the other way, though. The center spot in the back of the room was much better.
I bought a discounted 2 night pass on-line that day. I didn't want to risk not getting in. I thought this would be the most popular. Now I see all of them are likely to be the same attendance level. Every seat was taken each set and there were people standing around the perimeter. Some were outside the little room, back by the bar.
Its an awesome place and the AC kicked butt.
The music was phenomenal. I always liked Charlie, but I appreciate him so much more. I'm not sure if it was after I sat right in front of him at The Stone or when he switched to the 7-string or both. Whatever, I love him now and can't get enough. I also looove his choice in drummers.
Bobby was as awesome as ever. He's so creative. He has so much to offer. he had me really going. I loved all the drum solos.
These 2 have such an awesome chemistry. They are truly a class act. It ended around 11. It's such and awesome thing and you really should check it out the next 2 weeks while you have the chance.
I bought a discounted 2 night pass on-line that day. I didn't want to risk not getting in. I thought this would be the most popular. Now I see all of them are likely to be the same attendance level. Every seat was taken each set and there were people standing around the perimeter. Some were outside the little room, back by the bar.
Its an awesome place and the AC kicked butt.
The music was phenomenal. I always liked Charlie, but I appreciate him so much more. I'm not sure if it was after I sat right in front of him at The Stone or when he switched to the 7-string or both. Whatever, I love him now and can't get enough. I also looove his choice in drummers.
Bobby was as awesome as ever. He's so creative. He has so much to offer. he had me really going. I loved all the drum solos.
These 2 have such an awesome chemistry. They are truly a class act. It ended around 11. It's such and awesome thing and you really should check it out the next 2 weeks while you have the chance.
Sunday Salons at Chanterelle
I didn't actually stay for the show, but the info is blogworthy nonetheless. I saw Jazz Gallery had listed some Sunday 3pm blues gigs under a Chanterelle header. I didn't really know what Chanterelle was, and I didn't take the time to research this further. My intuition told me it was probably a venue, but I ignored it.
Doug Wamble was listed, and that was good enough for me. Actually, I thought it sounded awesome. I get to Jazz Gallery at 3 and it was closed with no word about this gig. I googled "Chanterelle, nyc" and saw it was close by in Tribeca.
I got there just after they announced the band, but I left before they started playing. I was told it was sold out, but they would see if there was room for me. It was $65, which included the music, a beer tasting, and some smoked fish. It sounded good, but I don't like beer and wasn't hungry at all. I decided to skip it.
Chanterelle is now closing for 2 months. The blogworthy part is they will do more Sun music things in the future. They always pair it with alcohol, and its not always beer. It looked great and I'm looking forward to checfking it out sometime.
http://www.chanterellenyc.com/salons/index.htm
Sunday Salons at Chanterelle - "Smokey Sunday: Blues, Beer, & Bites"
Sunday, August 16th, 2009 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
$65.00 per person
Featuring Marvin Sewell, Doug Wamble, and Saunders Sermon.
Doug Wamble was listed, and that was good enough for me. Actually, I thought it sounded awesome. I get to Jazz Gallery at 3 and it was closed with no word about this gig. I googled "Chanterelle, nyc" and saw it was close by in Tribeca.
I got there just after they announced the band, but I left before they started playing. I was told it was sold out, but they would see if there was room for me. It was $65, which included the music, a beer tasting, and some smoked fish. It sounded good, but I don't like beer and wasn't hungry at all. I decided to skip it.
Chanterelle is now closing for 2 months. The blogworthy part is they will do more Sun music things in the future. They always pair it with alcohol, and its not always beer. It looked great and I'm looking forward to checfking it out sometime.
http://www.chanterellenyc.com/salons/index.htm
Sunday Salons at Chanterelle - "Smokey Sunday: Blues, Beer, & Bites"
Sunday, August 16th, 2009 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
$65.00 per person
Featuring Marvin Sewell, Doug Wamble, and Saunders Sermon.
Rebith Brass Band + Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra @ Sullivan Hall 8/14/09
I had to wait outside about 15-20 min to get in. I thought about bailing many times, but I was very curious to check out Brother Joscephus. I'm also due for some Rebirth.
I got about 15-20 min of each band. I thought they were going to do a seamless setchange, I saw a tuba coming through while Bro Jo was still on. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Bro Jo was fun. Definitely worth catching a whole set sometime. There were a lot of people up there, including 2 female singers with big, gospel voices, drums, bass, keyboards, guitar, and I think 3 horns. The trumpet and trombone were especially good.
Rebirth Brass Band is awesome! They are so talented. I wanted to leave due to the heat and crowdedness, but the music kept me there for a bit. I was also exhausted. I found a "lull", or the closest thing to it in the music and I took it as my chance to escape. It was awesome, though.
Friday August 14th
Rebirth Brass Band
w/ Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra
I got about 15-20 min of each band. I thought they were going to do a seamless setchange, I saw a tuba coming through while Bro Jo was still on. Alas, it wasn't meant to be.
Bro Jo was fun. Definitely worth catching a whole set sometime. There were a lot of people up there, including 2 female singers with big, gospel voices, drums, bass, keyboards, guitar, and I think 3 horns. The trumpet and trombone were especially good.
Rebirth Brass Band is awesome! They are so talented. I wanted to leave due to the heat and crowdedness, but the music kept me there for a bit. I was also exhausted. I found a "lull", or the closest thing to it in the music and I took it as my chance to escape. It was awesome, though.
Friday August 14th
Rebirth Brass Band
w/ Brother Joscephus & The Love Revival Revolution Orchestra
Pattitucci/Blade/Lovano @ Dizzy's 8/14/09
I couldn't decide when to go, so I didn't make a res. I was worried, but decided to give it a try for the 2nd set. In spite of wanting to get there early, I arrived in the stand-by line at 9:24. Stragglers with reservations were still arriving, but things looked promising even though there were about 15 people ahead of me in the stand-by line. We all made it in. It looked like anyone who came after me made it as well. It was pretty packed, though.
It was an awesome show. They have a record called "Remembrance" and that's what they were playing from. Its all other people's music. They did one by Freddie Hubbard and then one by Sonny Rollins. Then they funked it up. They brought out a percussionist and John got out the electric bass. It was awesome. Then a few more.
These are 3 of the very very best. I could be blown away with a solo by any of them. I was glad there was so much bass.
I am sooo glad I didn't blow it off. It was amazing and well worth the shlepp.
John Patitucci, Joe Lovano & Brian Blade
Featuring John Patitucci, bass; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone; Brian Blade, drums
Here's more info about the gig and the CD:
http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/8490/117/
It was an awesome show. They have a record called "Remembrance" and that's what they were playing from. Its all other people's music. They did one by Freddie Hubbard and then one by Sonny Rollins. Then they funked it up. They brought out a percussionist and John got out the electric bass. It was awesome. Then a few more.
These are 3 of the very very best. I could be blown away with a solo by any of them. I was glad there was so much bass.
I am sooo glad I didn't blow it off. It was amazing and well worth the shlepp.
John Patitucci, Joe Lovano & Brian Blade
Featuring John Patitucci, bass; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone; Brian Blade, drums
Here's more info about the gig and the CD:
http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/8490/117/
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Budos Band @ City Winery Parking Lot 8/11/09
I got there at 5:30 and they were going full force. They check IDs on the way in. It also looked like they weren't allowing people to bring beverages in. The drink line always looked too long for me. It looked like they were selling beer, wine, and Nestle water. I would assume they had soda, too. There was some food that looked good. I just had some $5 watermelon to quench my thirst because there was no line.
The band was good. They are a great band, I just get bored with the same music all the time. They did one new song that smoked. It was worth the entire price of admission. Since it was free, that means the price was going so early and being out in the hot sun. Other than the heat, it was a pleasant spot, for a parking lot. I think they said the song is called "Black Venom". They said it will be on their 3rd album.
Other than that, it seemed like pretty much the same old set they always do. It was fun for a while, but when they started repeating tunes they already played I got bored and decided to leave.
The band was good. They are a great band, I just get bored with the same music all the time. They did one new song that smoked. It was worth the entire price of admission. Since it was free, that means the price was going so early and being out in the hot sun. Other than the heat, it was a pleasant spot, for a parking lot. I think they said the song is called "Black Venom". They said it will be on their 3rd album.
Other than that, it seemed like pretty much the same old set they always do. It was fun for a while, but when they started repeating tunes they already played I got bored and decided to leave.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Matana Roberts @ The Stone 8/9/09
I was gonna go to Charlie but then I realized I couldn't resist this ensemble. It was excellent! It got pretty intense at times. After all, 2/3 of Ceramic Dog was in the house. It was brilliant, albeit short. The set was about 40-45 minutes. I thought it was pretty comfortable in there, but I had been to a few hot nights there, so that may be why. Matana had a lot of clothes on, and was really playing, so her experience was understandable.
Whatever the length, every moment was phenomenal and I left very happy with my choice.
Matana Roberts
Matana Roberts (woodwinds) Mary Halvorson (guitar) Ches Smith (drums) Shahzad Ismaily(bass)
Whatever the length, every moment was phenomenal and I left very happy with my choice.
Matana Roberts
Matana Roberts (woodwinds) Mary Halvorson (guitar) Ches Smith (drums) Shahzad Ismaily(bass)
Monday, August 10, 2009
ALO @ The Stone 8/8/09
Matt Manieri was a no show, but Ned was there. It was great. 2 people shared a piano, which was quite interesting. They would move around and eventually each of them played the whole range. I've realized I'm having a piano month, with Henry the other night and the Highline series. Now 2 people on 1 piano.
Ned played one of those tribal looking reed and clarinet.
There was also a laptop at times, it was somewhat minimal, which was good. The artists seemed to like it, I guess it brought the melodies of the piano and the tribal sounds from Ned up to a modern feel. I didn't mind it, I think it was that it sounded a little off to me in the PA system. It might have been purposeful distortion, it just didn't do it for me.
We also got a couple of great poems.
I liked when the pianists played the inside wood of the piano, the bridge that separates the strings. The guy also played the lid with a hard object, it looked like a very large marble. That was the extent of the percussion. It was pretty cool.
It was nice. I enjoyed it a lot. It was quite beautiful and never dull.
10 pm
ALO
Jesse Elder, Aya Nishina (piano four hands)
James Brendan Adamson (live electronics)
Ned Rothenberg (shakuhachi, clarinet, saxophone)
Mat Maneri (viola)
The innovative four hand piano duet ALO (the Latin word meaning to nourish, cherish, support, and sustain) is a collaborative project between long time friends Jesse Elder and Aya Nishina. ALO focuses on generating a new repertoire for 4 hand piano duo through improvisations, compositions and arrangements. The duo will be creating a radical sound sculpture together with live electronics by the great James Brendan Adamson and with woodwindist Ned Rothenberg as part of their program.
Ned played one of those tribal looking reed and clarinet.
There was also a laptop at times, it was somewhat minimal, which was good. The artists seemed to like it, I guess it brought the melodies of the piano and the tribal sounds from Ned up to a modern feel. I didn't mind it, I think it was that it sounded a little off to me in the PA system. It might have been purposeful distortion, it just didn't do it for me.
We also got a couple of great poems.
I liked when the pianists played the inside wood of the piano, the bridge that separates the strings. The guy also played the lid with a hard object, it looked like a very large marble. That was the extent of the percussion. It was pretty cool.
It was nice. I enjoyed it a lot. It was quite beautiful and never dull.
10 pm
ALO
Jesse Elder, Aya Nishina (piano four hands)
James Brendan Adamson (live electronics)
Ned Rothenberg (shakuhachi, clarinet, saxophone)
Mat Maneri (viola)
The innovative four hand piano duet ALO (the Latin word meaning to nourish, cherish, support, and sustain) is a collaborative project between long time friends Jesse Elder and Aya Nishina. ALO focuses on generating a new repertoire for 4 hand piano duo through improvisations, compositions and arrangements. The duo will be creating a radical sound sculpture together with live electronics by the great James Brendan Adamson and with woodwindist Ned Rothenberg as part of their program.
Upcoming: Barbara Streisand @ Vanguard
This is wild. I will be out of town, but I'm sure I couldn't get a ticket anyway. Crazy.
http://www.villagevanguard.com/frames.htm
BARBRA STREISAND - 1 Night Only! Saturday, September 26
"In what promises to be a once-in-a lifetime thrill for a hundred of her luckiest fans, Barbra Streisand will celebrate the release of Love Is The Answer - her new album of jazz standards and classics - by singing a selection of these songs at New York’s legendary Village Vanguard, where she last performed in 1961 as the opening act for Miles Davis."
PLEASE NOTE:
For ALL TICKETING INFO, refer to her site, www.barbrastreisand.com. Though we at the club are certainly looking forward to this event with great anticipation, all ticketing is being handled through her website.
-->
http://www.villagevanguard.com/frames.htm
BARBRA STREISAND - 1 Night Only! Saturday, September 26
"In what promises to be a once-in-a lifetime thrill for a hundred of her luckiest fans, Barbra Streisand will celebrate the release of Love Is The Answer - her new album of jazz standards and classics - by singing a selection of these songs at New York’s legendary Village Vanguard, where she last performed in 1961 as the opening act for Miles Davis."
PLEASE NOTE:
For ALL TICKETING INFO, refer to her site, www.barbrastreisand.com. Though we at the club are certainly looking forward to this event with great anticipation, all ticketing is being handled through her website.
-->
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Henry Butler @ Joe's Pub 8/6/09
Henry is always great no matter what he is doing. His solo shows are quite captivating and engaging. That night was no exception. He indulged us with good old NOLA hits, blues, jazz, ragtime, and even country. Whatever he chooses to do oozes with soul.
He did an amazing rendition of Allan Toussaint's "Working on the Coalmine". He completely reinvented it as a very soulful piece.
He even made The Entertainer sound new, fresh, and exciting. I didn't know it is a Scott Joplin ragtime tune.
He also gave us some great news. He just moved to Brooklyn! I can't wait to see what transpires out of that!
He did an amazing rendition of Allan Toussaint's "Working on the Coalmine". He completely reinvented it as a very soulful piece.
He even made The Entertainer sound new, fresh, and exciting. I didn't know it is a Scott Joplin ragtime tune.
He also gave us some great news. He just moved to Brooklyn! I can't wait to see what transpires out of that!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sasha Dobson @ Jazz Standard 8/5/09
I've been wanting to see her for a while. I think from watching the listings and she's often on Aaron's sotw list. I only had an idea of the venues she plays and had no sense of what the music would be. When I was assessing the options for the evening and I knew I couldn't get out too early. This was definitely the winner, especially when I saw Charlie Burnham would be playing.
What a great choice and a great follow-up from the night before. It was awesome to see Charlie on the heels of Jenny. He blew me away! he stood while he played, I'm not sure I ever saw him standing for a gig before. I realized that's because I've only seen him play with sitters. He was so awesome and added so much to this great Southern rock/jazz/folk music.
Sasha is yet another singer I like. She also plays the guitar. She reminds me of Nora Jones. I felt kind of like I was witnessing something great in NOLA at d.b.a. She also reminded me of Matt Munisteri in some of the old time type music selections. The music had a nice range, lots of different genres, but all along the Southern sound.
The last song had some awesome lap steel slide guitar. I really wanted to dance for that one. The guitar, bass, and drums were all worthy of being up there. It was a very nice time.
Sasha Dobson - guitar, vocals
Steve Elliot - electric & lap steel guitar, vocals
Charlie Burnham - violin
Neal Minor - bass
Dan Rieser - drums, percussion, vocals
Sasha Dobson was born to sing. The native of Santa Cruz, California was just twelve years old when she made her first appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival with her late father, pianist Smith Dobson. In 2006, Sasha made a triumphant return to Monterey, this time with her own band and the songs from her enchanting album, Modern Romance (Secret Sun Recordings). Her next CD, a collection of pop/rock Dobson originals entitled Burn, is due out early next year. “A young singer trained in the verities of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, Sasha Dobson is starting to make music that’s more about her own time.” (Ben Ratliff, The New York Times)
What a great choice and a great follow-up from the night before. It was awesome to see Charlie on the heels of Jenny. He blew me away! he stood while he played, I'm not sure I ever saw him standing for a gig before. I realized that's because I've only seen him play with sitters. He was so awesome and added so much to this great Southern rock/jazz/folk music.
Sasha is yet another singer I like. She also plays the guitar. She reminds me of Nora Jones. I felt kind of like I was witnessing something great in NOLA at d.b.a. She also reminded me of Matt Munisteri in some of the old time type music selections. The music had a nice range, lots of different genres, but all along the Southern sound.
The last song had some awesome lap steel slide guitar. I really wanted to dance for that one. The guitar, bass, and drums were all worthy of being up there. It was a very nice time.
Sasha Dobson - guitar, vocals
Steve Elliot - electric & lap steel guitar, vocals
Charlie Burnham - violin
Neal Minor - bass
Dan Rieser - drums, percussion, vocals
Sasha Dobson was born to sing. The native of Santa Cruz, California was just twelve years old when she made her first appearance at the Monterey Jazz Festival with her late father, pianist Smith Dobson. In 2006, Sasha made a triumphant return to Monterey, this time with her own band and the songs from her enchanting album, Modern Romance (Secret Sun Recordings). Her next CD, a collection of pop/rock Dobson originals entitled Burn, is due out early next year. “A young singer trained in the verities of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, Sasha Dobson is starting to make music that’s more about her own time.” (Ben Ratliff, The New York Times)
Jenny Scheinman @ LPR 8/4/09
This was incredibly awesome! I'm so glad it was at a place where I can dance. I found a great spot and had a lot of fun being blown away. It was spacey at times, rockin at times, and many things in between.
Jim Black is amazing. He was really amazing with the bow on the edge of the drum. He was the first person I ever saw do it and still the best. He was also a monster drummer at times. He's brilliant with the groove as well.
I got a much deeper appreciation of Nels Cline. I already liked him, but I REALLY saw what he can do that night. It was so much fun seeing he and Jenny match each other. He had some incredible moments.
Yes, it was a phenomenal 90+ minutes of music.
Jenny Scheinman's Mischief & Mayhem
Jenny Scheinman
w/ Nels Cline , Jim Black and Matt Penman
Tue., August 04, 2009 / 6:30pm
Jim Black is amazing. He was really amazing with the bow on the edge of the drum. He was the first person I ever saw do it and still the best. He was also a monster drummer at times. He's brilliant with the groove as well.
I got a much deeper appreciation of Nels Cline. I already liked him, but I REALLY saw what he can do that night. It was so much fun seeing he and Jenny match each other. He had some incredible moments.
Yes, it was a phenomenal 90+ minutes of music.
Jenny Scheinman's Mischief & Mayhem
Jenny Scheinman
w/ Nels Cline , Jim Black and Matt Penman
Tue., August 04, 2009 / 6:30pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)