Sep 27, 2009
One sign of equality in jazz bands these days is the number of recordings led by drummers. With the exception of a hand full of true legends (Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones), few drummers have had their names as bandleaders on more than one or two albums, even if they were crucial to the music. That seems to be...
Sep 26, 2009
John Abercrombie’s latest quartet recording is fairly typical of the legendary “ECM Records Sound”. What is that? As one article suggests, that sound “creates a sense of space, contemplation and nuance”. It also rarely swings, making it an acquired taste.
That’s what’s good and bad about Wait Till You...
Sep 25, 2009
One of the more interesting acts playing this weekend’s free portion of the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival in Boston is percussionist Yoron Israel’s tribute to his friend and musical mentor, the late David “Fathead” Newman. For much of the last decade, Israel anchored his touring bands, and recorded three CDs...
Sep 24, 2009
Going from headliner to artistic director, Terri Lyne Carrington’s involvement with the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival has reached its apex. A native of Medford, a Boston suburb, her deep musical network and knowledge make her an ideal choice to lead BeanTown as it expands its scope and moves towards becoming one of...
Sep 24, 2009
There are new arrivals in my home – the above pictured puppies are Hamish and Angus, a pair of mini-dachshunds Nancy and I brought home this weekend.
I had to share this picture with you, and post the only song that would do – Sonny Rollins’ composition “Doxy” as recorded by Miles Davis on his Bag’s Groove...