RIP: Charlie Haden

Well the Jazz world lost another great today, bassist, Charlie Haden.

I'll have to look through my collection, and find some suitable recordings from his vast discography to listen to this evening.

RIP Jeff Marx

I first met Jeff Marx in 1987, when I began studying Jazz Piano with John Esposito. Jeff and John, along with Jeff Siegel, Dave Douglas, Fred Berryhill, and Allen Murphy were playing in the group, Second Sight. With all of these guys being about 10 years older than me, and being very accomplished Jazz musicians, I thought of them as my musical, big brothers.

In addition to being a phenomenal Sax player, Jeff Marx was the consummate prankster. In another life, he probably could have been a stand-up comedian. You had to be on your guard around him, but he was never mean spirited. Most people found him to be very good humored, and it seemed as if he always lifted the spirits, of those around him. You had to work to be unhappy, when Jeff was around.

I last spoke to Jeff in '92, he was sitting in with a group of us at a Jazz workshop. We were working on some Coltrane, but didn't have a Sax player. He sat in on Tenor, and it was amazing. Afterwards, I can still hear him humorously quizzing me about moving to Texas, and what sort things went on down there.

About a year and half ago, I received word that Jeff was in bad health, and was fighting cancer. Today, I noticed a Facebook post by Jeff Siegel indicating that Jeff had finally succumbed to the disease, and passed away yesterday. I'm raising a glass in his honor, and spending some time listening to some of his recordings. Here are some links related to his life, and his art.

• http://sunjumprecords.com/sunjump/Bios/marx_bio.html
  
• http://sunjumprecords.com/sunjump/projects/inyo.html
  
• http://sunjumprecords.com/sunjump/projects/tahrir.html
  

Rest in Peace, my friend!

The Legend, McCoy Tyner at the One World Theater

Originally, I had thought I had last seen McCoy Tyner in 2008. I did a double take when I discovered that almost 7 years had passed, since I last saw him play at Hogg Auditorium. Time sure flies.

I arrived at the One World Theater early, and was not surprised to run into many people I knew. One of them, Ric Furley, had mentioned that McCoy was looking very frail, and played a short set, excusing himself to rest between shows. Hearing this, I was anxious to get upstairs and get in as many minutes listening as possible, just in case he had to cut that show short, as well.

The Trio

• McCoy Tyner - Piano
• Gerald Cannon - Bass
• Francisco Mela - Drums

The late show started on time, and as McCoy was helped out on stage, he did look very frail. Nothing like the man that I had a drink with at the Town Crier in Brewster, NY, back in 1990 or 1991. He seems unable to walk without assistance, and his speaking voice is very soft now. At times, it is hard to discern what he is saying, even with a microphone.

When he sats down at the Piano however, it's was a whole 'nother story, all together! It was like switch had been clicked. His playing is still very powerful, and fluid. Still, I am hoping that this doesn't end up being one of the last times I get to see him play.

The show lasted about an 70-80 minutes, and his band mates talked him into one encore song. In all, they played 7 pieces. They did play some Coltrane material, but none of the hits like Favorite Things. I actually thought he was going into that during the encore, since he was doing the E Dorian vamp, but the melody never arrived.

I must say the bassist and drummer were exceptional, and they both did an outstanding job.

Set List

Out of the 7 songs, I recognized these 3.

• Blues on the Corner
• Aisha
• Duke Ellington's, In a Mellow Mood

Here's hoping there's more McCoy shows in my future.

Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano Sound Prints Quintet at the Bass Concert Hall

Good thing I read the Chronicle

Living in Austin, I have a weekly ritual where I make sure to obtain an Austin Chronicle on Thursday, and check the local music listings. Fortunately, I just happened to spot a Jazz show at the Bass Concert Hall, for the Dave Douglas and Joe Lovano quintet, on Friday night.

I had to go to this show, because I know Dave. He was in fact, indirectly responsible for helping me find my Jazz piano teacher and mentor, John Esposito back in 1987. I worked with one of his trumpet students, and Dave and John were working together in the band, Second Sight.

Over the remaining 5 years that I lived in the Mid-Hudson Valley, I saw Dave perform with multiple bands, and as part of the FM Artists Coalition in Woodstock, NY. (The FM Coalition was primarily a series of multi-medium, House Shows long before anyone had conceived of the term, House Concert).

I arrived at the Bass about an hour early, and had to wait to enter the hall. They are pretty strict about not allowing photos during the show, so I took this one of the empty stage beforehand.

The members of the band included:

• Joe Lovano - Saxophone
• Dave Douglas - Trumpet
• Lawrence Fields - Piano
• Linda Oh - Bass
• Joey Baron - Drums

The musicianship of this quintet was exceptional. It was a real treat to hear a group playing Jazz at this level.

They played a single set, which lasted about 90 minutes, and at one point of the show, Joe and Dave did share the mic and announce the first group of songs. They neglected or forgot to repeat this later for the remainder of the program. My understanding is that the music selected was inspired by Wayne Shorter, and I heard various homages to Shorter's work hidden within these original compositions.

The following list is an incomplete set list of what they played:

• Sounds Prints (Lovano)
• Sprints (Douglas)
• Dream State (Douglas)
• Weather Man (Lovano)
• Ups and Downs (Douglas)
• Mystic
• High Noon
• Power Ranger (Douglas)
• Be Breath (?)

After the show, I was able to track down Dave, say hello, and get a CD signed. I also discovered that he has played Austin quite often, so I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for future shows.

Samples

Although not from this show, I found this link on the NPR site of the quintet playing at the Village Vanguard, in NYC.

RIP: Billy Taylor

Once again during my Christmas vacation, a great Jazz pianist passed away. I missed this news, but Billy Taylor passed away this past Tuesday, at age 89. He was one of those very rare individuals who could both teach and do.

This post over at NPR will perhaps do some justice to a truly great musician, and Jazz's ultimate evangelist.

We knew this day would come, but it is still very sad news.

Ornette Coleman at Bass Concert Hall

Another Jazz Legend at Bass

Once again, I was able to see another Jazz legend at Bass Hall. I was very fortunate, since I had waited some time to get tickets. Luck intervened once again, and I ended up in the 4th row. Although I was not able to take pictures during the show, I snuck one of the stage beforehand.

The show was introduced by a friend of mine, Casey Monahan, Director of the Governor's Texas Music Office. He spoke at length, about several Texas artists, all hailing from Texas, and in particular, one school in Fort Worth, which gave us Ornette Coleman, and Dewey Redman, just to name a few.

I estimate that the show lasted about 70 or 80 minutes, with Ornette playing mainly Alto Sax, but also Trumpet and Violin on several occasions. His band was interesting in that it featured two bass players. The band lineup was as follows:

• Denardo Coleman - Ornette's son on Drums
• Al MacDowell - Electric Bass
• Tony Falanga - Upright Bass
• Mari Okubo - a Japanese Operatic Vocalist who joined the band on stage for one number

Al played a very guitar-like style on Electric Bass, sometimes playing barre chords and strumming. It was always in counterpoint to what the other bass player Tony, was playing on Upright. Throughout, the band allowed Ornette to freely solo, in his smooth melodic way.

As far as Ornette goes, if you're familiar with his work, you know that he was controversial in some Jazz circles. He ushered in a movement that although mistakenly called free jazz, was melodic, obviously Blues based, but discarded traditional BeBop harmony. (This reminds me, BTW, that it would probably be humorous to see if Miles ever did a Blindfold test for Ornette.)

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, but will admit to having a little difficultly with song featuring Mari on vocals. I particularly enjoyed one piece where Tony Falanga played Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, as Al and Ornette really went to town. I'm sure Johann Sebastian would have approved, had he been there. Last but not least, I was amazed how well Ornette played, since he is in his 80's now.

Bottom line: It was a great space in which to hear some great Jazz.

---

RIP: Freddy Hubbard

It seems strange that we have lost another Jazz great during the Holiday season, for the second year in a row.

I'm cuing up Africa Brass, and Maiden Voyage right after I finish posting.

Austin Jazz Fest Night 3

This was night two for me. I arrived there at 9PM and saw the following acts:

• Soul Kitchen - a Hip-hop fusion act. All competent musicians, I just wasn't into their music.
• The Landfall Quartet - the first real Jazz act, although they were apparently missing the 4th member (a guitarist). Great Wayne Shorter type of feel to the set. Everyone in this ensemble played well.
• Azul - a Salsa fusion band led an old friend from the Mid-Hudson Valley, Peter Mazzetti. Pete's bands have always been tight and played interesting stuff. It's too bad Azul is not able to play more often here in Austin.
• Burly - another quartet (?) with a member missing, playing as a trio. They played a blues influenced rock set reminiscent of Jeff Beck.

All in all, I had a good time, but I am wondering about the "state" of Jazz in Austin. I would have preferred a little more traditional trio or quartet music with Acoustic Instruments. I also have to wonder why this was held at the Dirty Dawg, as opposed to the Elephant Room.

Brain Science

Brain science seems to be a popular topic in the Blog/Podcast Sphere. I recently ran across the following:

• A two part episode of Geoffrey Grosenbach's Rails Podcast featuring Brain Rules author, John Medina.
• A very cool blog post pointing to a research paper about how the brains of improvising Jazz musicians work.

I found both of these to be very interesting. Much to ponder.

In other news, my mood is both excited and happy, with SxSW Music commencing tomorrow morning!

Snarky Puppy and Ari Hoenig at the Flamingo Cantina

A least minute email from a friend tipped me off to this show, this past Monday night. I arrived at 9PM and the opening act, Snarky Puppy had already begun. They're a groove oriented, Jazz outfit which normally has 9 members. They were supposed to have 7 people at the gig that night, but the Percussionist was ill. (Strangely enough, I came down with a brutal stomach virus the next day that put me out of commission for 2 days).

The lineup I saw, had Keys, Guitar, Sax, Trumpet, Bass and Drums (and guest Trombonist, who came up for one song). The music was very creative and I would go see them again. The Rhythm Section, Saxophonist and Keyboardist really stood out. I enjoyed the textures and the polyrhythmic chops of the drummer.

The headliner was Ari Hoenig, who appeared with his trio, Punk Bop. I really enjoyed his show and his playing. He was accompanied by an Electric Guitarist, Gilad Hekselman, and Bassist, Orlando LeFleming. They performed for about 90 minutes with some originals as well as classics from Coltrane and Monk. All 3 were exceptional musicians, but I was really impressed with Gilad. He was a master of playing in an understated way, no pyrotechnics, but everything spot on.

I would go see both of these acts again. Very well done.

RIP: Oscar Peterson

Being on Christmas vacation with my family, it took me a few days to get near a computer to post. Another Jazz great, Oscar Peterson, passed away on 12/23.

I'm still kicking myself. Although given ample opportunity to try and catch Oscar, I never saw him live. I have seen multiple videos, he was truly a frightening player. I wonder if there is really is anyone else who will be able to carry the torch of Art Tatum, like Oscar did.

Alien Time Ensemble

I ventured out last night to see an Austin Music Foundation (AMF) friend, David DeMaris, play with Alien Time Ensemble. The gig was at the Salvage Vanguard Theater off of Manor Rd. I unfortunately caught only the last 4 songs of the show, primarily because of my late start, and inability to find the place.

None the less, it was enjoyable despite not being able to listen to the whole set, and missing Carlos Villareal/One Umbrella, the opening act. It was nice change of pace from the Elephant Room crowd, with a heavy dose of post-bop improvisation. A little reminescient of the 2nd Coltrane Quartet (when Alice Coltrane was playing piano). It was somewhat interesting as well, since the Acoustic Bass was all done on keyboard.

Will have to go see more acts like this and I am encouraged that I discovered a new venue/scene that focuses on genres other than Texas Blues or Americana. I think the time is ripe for trying to jumpstart a Knitting Factory scene here in Austin.

RIP: Joe Zawinul

Another of my Jazz heros passed away on this past Tuesday (9/11), Joe Zawinul. Once again, the hustle and bustle of normal life resulted in my missing the news, two days ago. Thanks to the Sonic Talk Podcast for mentioning this.

Fortunately, I was able to see the Zawinul Syndicate once. I would have loved to have seen him with Weather Report and Cannonball Adderley, however! I'll have to listen to Birdland and Mercy, Mercy, Mercy sometime this weekend.

NPR did a wonderful job looking at his life and art.

RIP: Max Roach

I guess in the process of going to all the recent shows and events, I missed the news of Max Roach's death on 8/16. He was one of the greats of the Bebop era, and arguably brings it to a close following Dizzy, Miles, Bird, and Bud into the great beyond.

RIP Max, you will be missed.

Submarine surfacing

Well it's been 3 years since my initial postings here. During that timespan, I have returned to Austin and am quite happy about that. I am relatively unhappy at this particular moment for two reasons:

1. My Ravens lost their divisional playoff game to the hated Colts. The damn Manning love fest will continue.
2. It's 28 degrees here in TX and in the 60s in Baltimore. (I thought this was the Sun Belt ;(

At the present time, I am busy with work and all things related to Basil Records. I am quite excited about what the coming year brings. I listened to my usual cycle of music related podcasts today, and stumbled across info about Joseph Vella on the Music Pro Show site. At last, well produced Jazz podcasts! Listening to the Traneumentary and Christian McBride podcasts. Very well done. Can't wait for more.

Al DiMeola @ the UT Cactus Club

I love this venue and have seen numerous shows here.

Al DiMeola was in town with a 5 piece (keys, bass, drums, percussion and of course guitar). After seeing how long the lines can be, I got to this show early and was able to get a front row seat.

From this vantage point, I was able to see what is undoubtedly one of the fastest left hands in the business. Unfortunately for me, I had just recently seen McCoy Tyner (which set a standard for improvisation) and I have probably listened to too much of Al's era material in my younger days (Tour de Force stuff with Jan Hammer).

Bottom Line: It was one of those shows where I was dazzled by the technique but underwhelmed by the music. The band was tight, but it was a pale imitation of the band with the Hammer, Gadd and Jackson line-up. The new songs and compositions just didn't do it for me.

The Real McCoy

McCoy Tyner (one of my idols) played the Hogg Auditorium at UT on this night.

Prior to moving to TX in '93, I used to go see McCoy's trio play several times a year. The shows were usually at one of two venues, Sweet Basil in NYC or at the Towne Crier in Brewster, NY. My memory is probably failing me now, but typically he was accompanied by Louis Hays and Avery Sharpe. Obviously, I went to the show with certain expectations after waiting over 13 yeras.

The show this evening, featured a septet. (Piano, trumpet, alto, trombone, tenor, bass and drums). The horn players with the exception of Steve Turre on trombone, were all fairly young. Good and solid, but obviously still searching for their voices. McCoy seemed to be mentoring some of them in manner reminiscent of the way that Miles did with his bands, in his final years.

McCoy himself was great, he still has it. I am worried now however, that his health may be failing. I've already made a mental note to try and catch him as often as possible in the future. The show is part of an anniversary tour commemorating Impulse records, and included songs exclusively from their catalog. Their rendition of Coltrane's Impressions was fantastic. I was disappointed however, that although they played several Duke Ellington songs, Caravan was not one of them. (Seemed like it would have been the perfect septet piece).

The highlight of the night was the rhythm section, Eric Gravatt on drums and Charnett Moffett on bass. Eric reminded me of Elvin Jones, 'nuff said. Moffett stole the show (which may explain why he didn't solo until the later in the evening. Moffett clearly plays acoustic and electric bass, and plays both well. He has this unique way of back integrating electric bass finger technique on the upright. All I can say is "it was a sight to behold." And, it was done in a way that the musicianship was not compromised.

Bottom Line: Can't wait to see McCoy again in the near future and I will probably be on the lookout for Charnette Moffett.