Straight No Chaser

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

2008-07-18T04:49:00.006-04:00

It's my lovely wife Nancy's birthday today, and as always, I celebrate by posting a version of the classic "Nancy (With the Laughing Face"). For previous postings on this song, including a detailed history of its creation by comedian Phil Silvers and songnwriter Jimmy Van Heusen for Frank Sinatra's daughter Nancy, click here and here. The picture above is of nancy dancing with her father at our wedding in May to the John Coltrane version of the song.

This year its Russ Peterson's version of the song. Click here to listen to Peterson on saxophone, Tom Chapokis on piano and Damon Peterson on bass from their CD of classic ballads I Fall in Love Too Easily.

Happy Birthday, Nancy. I love you.

Masakela for Mandela

2008-07-17T01:31:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow is Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday, and the great anti-apartheid leader should be appropriately honored. For this humble blogger, it would be by playing some jazz by one of South Africa's finest artists, Hugh Masakela.

Born in 1939 in Bitbank, South Africa, Masakela began playing trumpet at the age of 14. Along with other up and coming musicians (most notably Abdullah Ibraham), he left his racially divided homeland in the early 1960's, and rose to fame after studying in England and New York. By 1968 he had a number one jazz and pop single with "Grazing in the Grass".

I saw Masakela at Radio City Music Hall during Paul Simon's "Graceland" tour, playing with Simon's touring band, singer Miriam Makeba and vocal group extraordinaire Ladysmith Black Mambazo. A man of great dignity and spirit, he brought the house down with his short but inspiring jazz set. A short time later, he was able to return to Africa, and has toured his native country intermittently since then.

Here's Masakela performing a plea for the then imprisoned Mandela entiteld "Bring Him Back Home (Nelson Mandela)". Mandela was a fervent fan of Masakela's music, even going so far as to smuggle a letter to him in April 1985 from Pollsmoor Prison, which wished him luck on his recording projects and other good tidings. Masakela was so moved by this letter that he wrote this tune, which envisioned Mandela walking freely down the streets of South Africa. The song was originally released in 1986, four years later Mandela was released from prison. This version comes from the 2002 CD Live at the BBC.

Catch Frank Catalano

2008-07-15T01:57:00.008-04:00

If you've played with Charles "The Mighty Burner" Earland, you're all right with me. And so, Frank Catalano, a talented tenor sax player coming to New York for some club dates this week, is defintiely all right. In fact, he's pretty darn good, playing with technical prowess and great fire.

Even more amazing is the fact that as he was begining his career at age 16, he lost his right, middle finger and after reconstructive surgery, forced his hands to relearn technique, skill and artistry. From there on, its been onward and upward, including work with Randy Brecker, Tony Bennett, Louie Bellson, Tito Puente, David Sanborn, Betty Carter, John Medeski and DJ Logic.

Here is the title track from his latest CD on Savoy Jazz, appropriately entiteld "Bang!". This guy can really blow!

Podcast 118: A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Jazz, A Little Bit Blues

2008-07-07T00:47:00.011-04:00

On the surface, are there more unlikely candidates for an album of duets than Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis? They seem to be cut from different cloth, different generations, different styles of music. And yet, there is a deep connection between the two men, primarily their love for standards and their blues-tinged deliveries. So, when Lincoln Center Jazz put the two of them together for an evening, the equation suddenly became obvious: Jazz + Country = Blues. Their performances that night were genre-bending, and are now captured on a fine CD, Two Men With the Blues.

The new band - Willie on guitar joined by his long-time harmonica player Mickey Raphael, aided and abetted by Marsalis on trumpet, Walter Blanding on sax, Dan Nimmer on piano, Carlos Henriquez on bass, and Ali Muhammad Jackson on drums - run the gamut of songs, including country ("Nightlife", "That's All"), standards ("Georgia On My Mind" and "Stardust"), and blues staples (A rousing "Bright Lights Big City")into something truly wonderful. A sense of real collaboration permeates the live set, as each soloist in turn does his best to bring something new and different to songs we have come to expect to sound a certain way. It's nitpicking to note that Willie can't quite keep up with the frantic "Caledonia", and Wynton's vocals are no quite up to par here and there. All in all, this is one I'll be coming back to time and again for some real fun.

Let's get a little bit country for this Podcast, and click here to listen to:

Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis - "Nightlife" from Two Men With the Blues. A Willie composition, the pair takes what could be a country weeper and turns it into a bluesy statement full of growling solos on difficulty of the performer's life.

Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis - "Basin Street Blues" from Two Men With the Blues. The highlight of the album to me; when Willie croons "Won't you come with me?" and Wynton answers with an evocative solo, I'm packing my bags and heading down the Mississippi.

To add to these two tracks, here are four jazz versions of songs by Hank WIlliams that attempt to take pure country songs and give them a jazz twist.

Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motion - "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" from Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motion . Those who follow Frisell's career know of his love of country music. Here he takes a traditional country song and strips it down to its melody, letting the strong rhythm section do the rest.

Cassandra Wilson - "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" from New Moon Daughter. And yet another way of looking at a classic, this time from a bluesier, looser perspective. This album features covers from artists as disparate as Neil Young and the Monkees, so you better believe Ms. Wilson can do it all. Guitars are by Ms. Wilson, rocker Chris Whitley and pedal steel man Gib Wharton.

Carol Weisman - "Hey Good Lookin'" from What'cha Got Cookin'. What was once a Hank Williams girl-watching tune gets a swinging jazz reading from this Canadian award-winner, taken from an album full of re-interpretations. Here's hoping for greater exposure for this talented singer.

Madeline Peyroux - "Weary Blues from Waitin'" from Carelss Love.It was 117 podcasts ago that I first featuring a song from this album. Well, time for another listen, as she changes a Hank Williams country-blues to a straight-ahead plaintive reading. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell's ex-husband and collaborator)

Hoop City Jazz

2008-07-05T01:24:00.002-04:00

For the second consecutive year, the Hoop City Jazz Festival will be held July 5 and 6, 2008 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For a great time in a great city at a great price - free! - come on down.

In his press statement, artistic director John Osborne stated:

Musically, we have shifted our paradigm. Instead of following others, we are now working diligently to distinguish the Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival as New England’s fastest-growing, “cutting-edge” jazz venue. Returning to the roots of early jazz festivals, our new focus will be on introducing fans to the best and most exciting new jazz talents, as well as presenting some of the established notables of the genre. This year’s festival will feature:

The Saturday Night Jazz Party

The Saturday Night Jazz Party will be a presentation of outstanding contemporary jazz performances by five very accomplished, high-energy, up-and-coming groups that have established themselves as “crowd-pleasers” at venues outside of the Springfield market. Saturday’s line-up will feature the exciting vibraphonist Jason “Mallettman” Taylor, the very funky Plunky & Oneness, smooth jazz newcomer Ragan Whiteside and a VERY SPECIAL surprise performer, all headlined by “The Saxtress” herself, Pamela Williams.

Sunday’s “Seeds of Greatness”

Sunday’s performances will be more traditional, highlighted by the son of an American icon that is very accomplished in his own right; James Torme, son of the late crooner Mel Torme aka The Silver Fog. Added to the lineup will be locals Ethel Lee and jazzman extraordinaire Avery Sharpe, who recently performed his original compositions with Kevin Eubanks (bandleader for the Tonight Show w/Jay Leno) and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra

For s little taste of what the "saxtress" can deliver, here is Pamela Williams from her Elixir CD performing "In the Cut". Backing her on her composition are Leon Bisquera on keyboards, Robert Cunningham on guitar, husband and fellow smooth jazz star David Mann on saxophone and keyboards, and David Matos on guitar. It sounds much like the smooth jams laid down by her mentor in her Philadelphia days, Grover Washington, Jr.

Happy Birthday, America - Presenting The Official SNC Song of Independence Day

2008-07-04T08:00:00.005-04:00

With Independence Day today, I give you one of the finest versions of an inconic song - Ray Charles singing "America the Beautiful". "America the Beautiful" was written by the professor, poet, and writer, Katharine Lee Bates. Bates wrote the song in 1893 while on a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado. When she got to the top of Pike’s Peak, she said, "All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse". The view was so beautiful that it inspired her to write the song that is considered by some to be the country’s unofficial national anthem.

"America the Beautiful" first appeared in print in The Congregationalist, a weekly journal, on July 4, 1895. Within a few months, it was set to music by Silas G. Pratt. Bates revised the song in 1904, after receiving many requests to use the song in publications and special services. An additional change was made to the wording of the third verse in 1913, to give us the version we know today. For two years after "America the Beautiful" was written it was sung to just about any popular or folk tune that would fit with the lyrics. "Auld Lang Syne" was the most popular of these tunes. In 1926, the National Federation of Music Clubs had a contest to put the poem to music. None of the entries seemed to fit the poem. Today, "America the Beautiful" is sung to Samuel A. Ward’s "Materna". Before her death in 1929, Ms. Bates never indicated publicly which music she liked best.

Click here to download the song for your very own.

James Taylor's Jazz Standard

2008-07-03T08:00:00.006-04:00

When we talk about songs that jazz musicians all play and enjoy, we all know what the standards are - from the Great American Songbook of Porter, Rodgers, Ellington and Berlin to jazz-based compositions by Trane, Monk and Hancock. But what are the new standards. those songs written in the past thirty or forty years that will take their place among "Caravan", "'Round Midnight" and "Love for Sale"?

Joni Mitchell's "River" seems to be a candidate, as does Carole King's "You've Got a Friend". "Human Nature" and "Time After Time" were blessed by Miles Davis, and seem to have caught on with other artists. Prince has a few songs that may soon join the new standards, as perhaps will "Old Man" by Neil Young or some of Nick Drake's songs. But James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" has already assumed a position as a new standard.

"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" first appeared on his One Man Dog album in 1972 (it was a Hanukkah present for me that year from my folks), and compared to his hugely successful Sweet Baby James and Mud Slide Slim releases, was a real downer, both artistically and emotionally. However, the song was a top twenty single, and has gone on to be perhaps the most recorded composition of Taylor's oeuvre by jazz musicians.

By last count, 35 artists listed as "jazz" by allmusic.com have recorded the song, ranging from Peggy Lee and Woody Herman to Karrin Allyson, David Sanborn and (gulp) John Tesh. I think its the haunting melody and the timeless "lover done me wrong but what the hey" spirit that had caught the ear of so many talented musicians over the years. JT is at Tanglewood in the Lenox, Massachusetts tonight and tomorrow, and I'll be there hoping he adds it to his set.

Click here to listen to Cal Tjader's version of "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight", from his 1973 Last Bolero in Berkeley album. "DLMBLT" was of four "pop tunes" covered on that album, along with two Jackson 5 covers and "Where is the Love?". A bevy of great musicians worked on the album to support the great vibraphonist, including features Jon Faddis, Frank Wess, Joe Beck, Larry Carlton, Chuck Rainey, and Merl Saunders.

Podcast 117: Jazz Does Classical

2008-07-02T16:01:00.007-04:00

I've recorded podcasts in the past of jazz musicians covering Latin sounds, rock tunes and other stylings. This week, I feature those occasions when jazz musicians use classical music as their inspiration. This does not include artists such as Keith Jarrett, who has made recordings of classical compositions in a very straight-forward, traditional manner. Instead, I have focused on artists who either use classical themes or have done their best inject some swing into classical melodies or themes.

Click here to listen to:

Stanley Jordan - "Mozart's Piano Concerto #21 (Andante)" from State of Nature. Stanley has done some interesting work with Ravel's "Bolero" in the past, so it seemed only natural that he would try his hand at this piece of the classical repertoire. Jordan plays piano and guitar, and did the arrangement.

Eddie Daniels - "Spring" from The Five Seasons. The talented clarinetist, who has recorded with Chick Corea among others, takes on the Vivaldi classic, "The Four Seasons". This is the memorable melody of the first movement of the piece,performed by a core quartet of Daniels on clarinet,pianist Alan Broadbent, bassist Dave Carpenter, and drummer Peter Erskine, supported by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Larry Coryell - "Improvisation on Bolero" from Bolero. Ravel's classic (can anyone here this and not think of Bo Derek in "10"?) in the hands of the guitar master is an exercise int he wonders of improvisation. Coryell has taken on classic material on other releases as well, including works by Stravinsky.

Don Elliott - "My Reverie" from The Mello Sound. Based on the melody of Debussy's "Reverie", Larry Clinton composed a jazz variation for this 1950's stalwart trumpet and mellophone player. He is joined by Bill Byers on Trombone, Danny Bank on Baritone Sax, Barry Galbraith on Guitar, Howie Reich on Trumpet, Hal McKusick on Alto Sax and Flute, Milt Hinton on Bass and Mel Zelnick on Drums.

Barney Kessell - "Swingin' the Toreador" from Modern Jazz Performances of Bizet's "Carmen". A fascinating 1958 recording by the jazz guitarist, as he improvises on the themes and melodies of Bizzet's famous opera. Kessell wrote all the arrangements, and is joined by Buddy Collette and Justin Gordon on flute, Bill Smith on clarinet, Jules Jacob on oboe, Pete Terry on bassoon, Andre Previn on piano, Joe Mondragon on bass and Shelly Manne on drums.

Modern Jazz Quartet - "Precious Joy" from Blues on Bach. The great chamber group performed originals and their version of well-known Bach pieces like this one, based on the Bach Chorale "Jesu Joy Of Man's Desiring". John Lewis wrote the arrangement and played piano, with Milt Jackson on vibes, Percy Heath on bass and Connie Kay on drums. On release it received a rare 5 Star Award by Downbeat magazine, which declared it a 'masterpiece",

NOTE: After I had organized this podcast, Big O, one of my favorite sites for rarities featured a concert by the Brotherhood Consort,a collaboration between French avant-garde saxophonist, Raphael Imbert and classical organist (and teacher of baroque improvisation), Andres Rossi. Their work attempts to make connections between Bach's church choral influences with that of Coltrane's negro spirituals. You can hear that fusion on the site with "Song of Praise/Jesu Meine Freude", a mix-up of sorts between material written by Coltrane and Bach, proving that both men were spiritual brothers- in-improvisation. Wow!

Mad About "Mad Men"

2008-07-01T10:34:00.005-04:00

My favorite television show comes back with new episodes later this month - AMC's "Mad Men". A series set in the advertising world of the early 1960's, it have a strong cast, excellent writing, and a fine soundtrack of music that evokes the times vividly. "Mad Men" is slang for "Madison Avenue Men", but their behavior often makes the shorter title seem more appropriate.

The scenes of office drinking, sexual hijinks, and gynecologists smoking cigarettes while examining their patients certainly make one scratch their head and choke back a laugh, but the series is more than an exercise in nostalgia. Rather, it goes a long way to show the discomfort that existed just below the shining surface of pre-Camelot America, and the coming battles between men and women that would forever change the face of the country.

The first volume of the soundtrack album is available now, and as Executive Producer Matthew Weinstein writes, has assembled material that "enhances of the feeling of the period while offering an artistic commentary to the themes of each show". Whether the track is Vic Damone belting out "On the Street Where You Live" or Gordon Jenkins leading his orchestra through a sultry take on Duke Ellington's "Caravan", the choices are impeccable.

David Carbonara has written accompanying music for the show, and it similarly captures a carefree time with a "lounge vibe". Click here to listen to his "Mad Men Suite", featuring some nifty (but sadly uncredited) vibes work.

Podcast 116: Previewing the Saratoga Jazz Festival

2008-06-27T12:48:00.010-04:00

I'm off to upstate New York this weekend, for two great days of music at the Freihofer's Jazz Festival in Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a gorgeous place to see a concert, and there is a top-notch list of acts. As always, there will be two stages, ensuring there will be non-stop Jazz and R&B.

The lineup is as follows:

SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008

Amphitheatre

Jonathan Batiste Trio featuring 19-year old jazz pianist, composer and Julliard student Jonathan Batiste.
Conrad Herwig's Latin Side of Miles, Coltrane & Shorter presents Latin-inspired interpretations of music by jazz greats Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter.
Jazz vocalist Ryan Shaw combines a powerfully expressive voice with a clutch of great songs both classic and new.
Saxophone Summit featuring Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman & Ravi Coltrane present their own interpretation of jazz legend John Coltrane's inventive, complex aesthetic and perform works from Seraphic Light.
Trumpet sensation and best-selling jazz artist Chris Botti presents works from his latest Grammy-nominated album Italia which reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz charts.
Grammy-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater (pictured above)presents Red Earth: A Malian Journey, a cross-cultural journey combining the voices, instruments, and music of Mali with the traditions of American jazz.
Jazz-Rock Fusion Supergroup Return to Forever with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola & Lenny White reunite to perform the music that drew stadium size crowds in the 70's and created a new music genre.

Gazebo

An innovative singer mixing popular Latin American rhythms with jazz, flamenco and the essence of her own poems, Andrea Tierra performs.
The jazz composer, saxophonist, bandleader and educator Hayes Greenfield presents his fun, interactive, and educational jazz show Jazz-a-ma-Tazz that captivates the imagination of kids and families ages 3 to 104.
Jonathan Batiste Trio featuring one of the most exciting young artists to hit the jazz scene in years.
Maurice Brown Effect melds R&B and funk with hard core, high art mainstream jazz. melodies and deep gr
Critically-acclaimed jazz violinist Jenny Scheinman performs with her trademark eclectic style.

SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2008

Amphitheatre

One of the most exciting young vocalists on the jazz scene today, Rachel Price brings her rich, exuberant voice to the festival stage.
One of the most influential jazz musicians, composers and bandleaders of his generation, Terence Blanchard performs works from his Grammy-winning epic album, A Tale of God's Will (A Requiem for Katrina).
Fresh from their Europeon tour , master musician and tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd and new Quartet members Jason Moran, Reuben Rogers & Eric Harland perform works from their critically-acclaimed new recording Rabo de Nube.
One of the world's premier vocalists, Dianne Reeves will delight audiences with her rich, versatile interpretations of old and new standards.
Two-time Grammy nominated jazz sax star Boney James is joined by acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler.
The seventies soul group and Rock n' Roll Hall of Famers the O'Jays perform R&B classics.

Gazebo

The accomplished members of 3D present their unique blend of island rhythms, contemporary jazz and soul.
Hayes Greenfield & Jazz-a-ma-Tazz gives children and students of all ages a lesson in jazz with a fun, interactive show.
Up-and-coming jazz vocalist and jazz studies major at the New England Conservatory of Music student Rachel Price takes the festival stage to "tell a story with her voice."
The dynamic The Brubeck Brothers Quartet features two members of one of America's most accomplished musical families, Dan Brubeck and Chris Brubeck. Guitarist Mike DeMicco, and pianist Chuck Lamb, complete the acclaimed quartet.
Road-tested veteran of tours with Joshua Redman and Wynton Marsalis, young jazz pianist Aaron Goldberg leads a sophisticated trio into accessible but exploratory realms of jazz.

Got your interest up? So then click here to hear:

The Saxophone Summit (Joe Lovano, David Liebman and Michael Brecker) - "Alexander the Great" from Gathering of the Spirits. In 2004, these leading lights of saxophone jazz met for performances and an album. Now, with Brecker having passed away, Ravi Coltrane will be on stage to have a good old fashion blowing session. This recording features the three saxmen, backed by Phil Markowitz on piano, Cecil McBee on bass and Billy Hart on drums.

Ryan Shaw - "Do the 45" from This is Ryan Shaw. I think of him as a neo-soul singer, but there is a place on the festival lineup for this up and coming talented newcomer. His debut CD mixes new material reminiscent of Motown classics with covers of songs by Wilson Pickett, Bobby Womack, and Jackie Wilson. This hot number features Shaw backed by Andy Burton on keyboards and Johnny Gale overdubbing on guitar, bass and vocals.

Chris Botti - "Hallelujah" from December. Botti, a trumpeter with the Miles Davis sound down pat, has a few Leonard Cohen covers in his repertoire, this one from an album intended for Christmas holiday listening. Botti is backed by David Carpenter on bass, Peter Erskine on drums, Bob Sheppard on flute, and a string section.

Dee Dee Bridgewater - "Mama Don't Ever Go Away" from Red Earth: A Malian Journey. I've adored Miss Bridgewater's versions of the classic songbook, so this album of music culled from her visit to Africa took me by surprise. This track is indicative of the power and sheer joy of this CD, with DeeDee collaborating with Ramata Diakaté on the lyrics, music and vocals. Tis could be a real showstopper on stage!

Jenny Scheinman - "I Was Young When I Left Home" from Jenny Scheinman. The Gazebo stage is for the up-and-coming or avant-gard artists to reach a larger audience. This version of the traditional tune (arranged by Bob Dylan) is sung by Violinist, songwriter, and composer Scheinman, backed by drummer Kenny Wollesen, guitarist and producer Tony Scherr, and bassist Tim Luntzel. Not exactly jazz, but worth a listen....

Charles Lloyd New Quartet - title track from Rabo de Nube. Long-time festival veterans like Lloyd are always an integral part of each year's presentations. This is the great flutist/saxophonist's latest live recording and newest quartet, including Jason Moran on piano, Reuben Rogers on bass and Eric Harland on drums.

Packing Up for Saratoga; Bringing "The Anthology"

2008-06-25T14:06:00.008-04:00

The Summer Jazz Festival Season begins for yours truly this coming weekend, as Nancy and I head up to Saratoga Springs, New York for the Freihofer's Jazz Festival. I'll be doing a podcast previewing the festival later this week, but here's a little taste of Saturday's headlining act - Return to Forever.

In anticipation of their summer tour, RTF has released The Anthology, a two disc remastered CD set of their greatest recordings. However, as a matter of consumer alert, it should be noted that this set only includes materials from the Billy Connors-Al DiMeola phase of the band, and contains no material form the first two RTF albums. Those releases featured vocalist Flora Purim, percussionist Airto, and saxophonist Joe Farrell, making a mix of Brazilian and Fusion music with Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke.

There are four Return to Forever "Greatest Hits" collections currently in release. The Best of Return to Forever is a 1985 Sony release of seven tracks, most from Romantic Warrior. Return to the Seventh Galaxy - An Anthology was released in 1996 by Polydor and is a two disc set that includes the original RTF lineup, but has nothing from Romantic Warrior, a Columbia Records title.

Two CDs were released this year - the single disc Definitive Collection that is anything but definitive, just an abbreviated version of Return to the Seventh Galaxy, and the powerful The Anthology, which sounds just great thanks to the remastering, and includes the entire Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy and Romantic Warrior albums, along with stellar tracks from other RTF releases. Unfortunately, none of the Purim-Airto-Farrell tracks are here, but if you are looking for a preview of what the band will playing on tour, The Anthology is the one to get. Perhaps someday we will get a four to six disc box set that covers all the RTF lineups, with maybe a DVD from this tour. Listening. Chick?

Click here to listen to Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola and Lenny White - Return to Forever - perform "Beyond the Seventh Galaxy" from Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy .

Sam Yahel opens for Steely Dan!

2008-06-23T10:12:00.007-04:00

I'm off to see Steely Dan in Boston tonight, and I'm thrilled to be able to report that the Dan has continued their succession of jazz opening acts. The Sam Yahel Organ Trio will open the Boston and European shows, just as pianist Bill Charlap and his trio opened the Beacon Theatre engagement in New York.

Major kudos to Messrs Becker and Fagen, who have always employed and tipped thier hat to jazz artists during their illustrious career.

Yahel has performed as a sideman for a number of top young jazz singers - Norah Jones, Lizz Wright, Peter Cincotti and Madeline Peyroux - as well as been the core of Joshua Redman's Elastic Band and Yaya3 projects. He's also been the leader of his own trio, which includes Yahel on Hammond B-3 Organ on his last studio album, which included Brian Blade on drums and Redman on sax.

Click here to listen to Yahel as a sideman to Turkish guitarist Onder Focan in a 1998release on Blue Note entitled Beneath the Stars. The track is entitled "Can't Cure", and features Focan on guitar, Yahel on Hammond B-3, Bill Stewart on drums and John Nugent on tenor sax.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Catherine Russell

2008-06-19T08:00:00.002-04:00

"Juneteenth" - also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day - is today, and its worth a moment to pause and remember that "that peculiar institution", Slavery in America. It's a state holiday here in Massachusetts, commemorating the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island, Texas to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves.Though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had little immediate effect on most slaves’ day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under Confederate control. That is until a General Order stating "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor", with troops to back up the words came to town.

Catherine Russell's fine debut album, Cat, included a track entitled "Juneteenth jamboree/Royal Garden Blues", that I've wanted to share for some time now. She pairs two songs thick with New Orleans styles, an original plus a cover of Clarence and Spencer Williams' early jazz classic. It has become a standard among many jazz musicians and was recorded by many greats including Bix Beiderbecke, Mezz Mezzrow, and Louis Armstrong. The Royal Gardens was alegendary South Side Chicago dance hall where Bix Beiderbecke came with his Whiteman Band buddies to listen in awe to King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.

Esbjorn Svensson (1964-2008)

2008-06-16T09:37:00.005-04:00

I’m sad to report that Swedish piano player Esbjorn Svensson has passed away at the age of 44, the victim of a scuba diving accident outside Stockholm. The leader of the Esbjorn Svensson Trio, also known as E.S.T., he made some of the most adventurous piano trio music of the past twenty years.

The only European band ever to appear on the cover of Downbeat magazine, the E.S.T. –Svensson on piano, Dan Berglund on bass and Magnus Ostrom on drums - mixed fusion with classic piano trio sounds to make a truly unique and wonderful sound. A live album from their 2006 tour will be the group's final release.

Click here to listen to "The Goldhearted Miner" from Tuesday Wonderland, a 2006 release that featured the advancing electronic sound of the trio. He will be missed.

Happy Father's Day from Blossom Dearie

2008-06-15T16:15:00.002-04:00

My Dad's in Virginia on Father's Day this year, so it will just be my son Matt and me enjoying the day.

My sentiments are expressed by Blossom Dearie, the tiny singer with the little but expert voice, who turns 80 this year. Known primarily for her solo recordings for Verve in the 1950's, she has excelled as a cabaret singer through the 1970's and 1980's.

So click here to listen to Blossom Dearie sing "Thank You Father", from an out of print collection of jazz takes on the music of the songwriting of DeSylva, Brown & Henderson. Unfamiliar with them? They wrote for the stage during the Roaring Twenties, giving us classics like "The Best Things in Life Are Free", "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries" and "The Birth of the Blues".

Podcast 115: Just Add Words

2008-06-14T08:30:00.003-04:00

This week we take a look at jazz recordings that feature compositions that have been 'altered" with the addition of lyrics well after the original song was published and recorded. How do they do it? Take a tune like Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage", and turn it on its head by adding lyrics. Now the classic instrumental is in the hands of a capable, if not virtuoso singer, and the result is a whole new take on something wonderful.

So click here to listen to five different artists take on five compositions of note, including:

Dianne Reeves – “Maiden Voyage” from Shades of Blue. Shades of Blue was a Bob Belden compilation with Blue Note artists of the 1990’s covering work from veteran Blue Note performers. Here, Ms. Reeves tackles the Herbie Hancock classic. No credit is indicated for the lyrics, so if you can help me out with that information, it would be appreciated.

Will Downing – “A Love Supreme” from Will Downing. A dubious proposition at best, singer Downing and his piano player Craig Cole turn up the disco beat and add lyrics (beyond the chant on the original recording) to the Coltrane spiritual classic. We are dancing, but we are not amused.

Abbey Lincoln – “Afro Blue” from Abbey is Blue. Associated with John Coltrane, the song was written and recorded first by Mongo Santemaria. Here Ms. Lincoln records the first vocal version of the Latin classic, with lyrics by Oscar Brown. This 1959 session features Ms. Lincoln on vocals, Kenny Dorham and Tommy Turrentine on trumpet, Stanley Turrentine on sax, Cedar Walton on piano, Bobby Boswell on bass and husband Max Roach on drums.

Doug Carn – “Naima” from Revalation. Coltrane wrote the song for his first wife, and this vocal version seems to turn the focus on a female deity rather than one particular woman. A gorgeous rendition by Jean Carn, with arrangements and keyboards from her husband Doug. Lyrics by Jon Hendricks, who wrote the lyrics to alter a number of jazz classics, including Miles Davis’ “Freddie Freeloader”.

Thanks to Breathe of Life for turning me onto this track, as well as….

Eddie Jefferson – “Bitches Brew” from Things Are Getting Better, Jefferson (see photo) practically invented the art of putting vocals to previously instrumental work in the late 1940’s. In 1974, he took on the fusion masterpiece with unexpected success as part of an album that also featured vocal takes on “Freedom Jazz Dance” and “A Night in Tunisia”. Jefferson is backed by Billy Mitchell on clarinet and sax, Mickey Tucker on keyboards, Joe Newman on trumpet, Sam Jones on bass, and Eddie Gladden on drums. Lyrics by Chris Acemandese Hall.

Really Rosey

2008-06-12T12:19:00.001-04:00

Listening to Luckiest Girl you hear the sound of an artist finding her voice. Rosey cut her teeth in the music business providing pop material for movie soundtracks like "Bridget Jones' Diary", and touring with the likes of Meredith Brooks and Melissa Etheridge. Her heart, apparently, was in the world of jazz, and Luckiest Girl is more than a positive step in that direction.

The title track, "Luckiest Girl" is a breezy waltz, while "Those Eyes" sounds more like a big band number.Especially wonderful are sultry stompers like "It's a Ruse",where it becomes evident that Rosey is well suited for blues-influenced jazz. Click here to listen to "It's a Ruse", c track full of "Fever" flavor, with dirty horns and growling vocals that make you sit up and take notice. Special credit must be given to Ben Wendel's arrangement.

Rosey (who wrote the material) is on vocals and backed by a solid band including Adam Benjamin on keyboards, John Bigham on guitar, Ben Wendel on sax, Katisse Buckingham on flute, Kaveh Rastegar on bass and Nate Wood on drums

Podcast 114: "Loverly" - and Lerner and Loewe

2008-06-05T16:27:00.017-04:00

Cassandra Wilson will release her new Cd next week, and it's an occasion worth celebrating. The talented Ms. Wilson's last few releases have moved her further and further from what we normally consider "jazz singing", particularly the material on her Thunderbird CD. Produced by T-Bone Burnett and featuring drum loops, that album had a rootsy feel that recalled moments in her break-through release Blue Light Til Dawn, but never really moved me the way other releases had.

I'm pleased to report that Loverly is a delightful mix of Broadway tunes, standards and the Blues, a sublime brew that returns Ms. Wilson to the top of today's female singers. While I hesitate to say that any one factor is at play in this change, it may be the addition of pianist Jason Moran to her band. Moran's jazz chops and sense of ensemble playing raises the stakes for Ms. Wilson's band, and the results are often striking. Her delivery is sonce again smooth and sultry, an alto voice capable of making each bent and gliding note a moment of bliss.

Particularly noteworthy are the stinging blues solo on "St. James Infirmary" by Marvin Sewell, a simmering, teasing version of "Caravan" and a wonderfully structured version of "Til There Was You". Cole Porter's "The Very Thought of You" is done as a virtual bass/vocal duet between Ms. Wilson and guest Reginal Veal and breathes new life into an old favorite.

Cassandra Wilson's selection of "Wouldn't It be Loverly" from the Broadway show "My Fair Lady" gave me the chance to focus on that great show and the number of jazz musicians who have recorded its songs. Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe were giants of the 1950's Broadway stage. They collaborated on classics like "Brigadoon", "Camelot", and of course, "My Fair Lady". That show made a megastar of Julie Andrews in the role of Eliza Doolittle, the cockney flower girl who is the subject of a wager by Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison), who declares he can pass off anyone as an aristocrat.

So, click here to listen to Podcast 114, including:

Cassandra Wilson - "Wouldn't It Be Loverly" from Loverly. The songs was sung wistfully by Julie Andrews on Broadway, but Cassandra comes off more bemused and playful. Her backing band is Marvin Sewell on guitar, Jason Moran on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, Herlin Riley on drums, and Lakan Babaloin on percussion. Super.

Ella Fitzgerald - "I Could Have Danced All Night" from Ella Sings Broadway. By 1962, Ella had recorded most of her Songbook series and was unquestionably the finest interpreter of the American Song of her time. She entered the studio to record with Marty Paitch and an orchestra, and chose songs from hit shows that she had not yet attempted. She had recorded Rodgers and Hart, but not Rodgers and Hammerstein, two of which are included here. Pity she never recoreded the Lerner and Loewe songbook,

Brad Mehldau Trio - "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" from Anything Goes. A tender reading of this standard by Mehldau on piano, Larry Grenadier on bass and Jorge Rossy on drums. For those who want a CD of lyrical, emotional ballads, this is the Mehldau CD to get.

Rosemary Clooney - "Get Me to the Church On Time" from Rosie Solves the Swingin' Riddle. For those who think George's auntie was just a pop song crooner, here she is backed by the swinging Nelson Riddle Orchestra capturing all the spirit of this boisterous song. Recorded in 1960, the Riddle band included, among dozens of others, Buddy Collette on sax, Don Fagerquist on trumpet, Albert Stoller on drums and a solid string section.

Chet Baker - "Show Me" from Chet Baker Plays Lerner and Loewe. Baker puts together a larger combo to tackle a set of Broadway tunes. This 1959 release includes Baker on trumpet, Zoot Sims and Pepper Adams on saxophone,Herbie Mann on flute, Bill Evans on piano, Earl May on bass and Clifford Jarvis on drums.

Shelly Manne & His Friends - "Ascot Gavot" from My Fair Lady. For one of the least recorded on the songs from "My Fair Lady", the drummer is matched in a trio setting with pianist André Previn and bassist Leroy Vinnegar. Session recorded in one day in August 1956.

Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motion- "On the Street Where You Live" from Bill Frisell, Ron Carter and Paul Motion. Recorded three years ago, this recording date by three jazz veterans yielded a number of surprises. This ballad is one of them, as Frisell on guitar, Carter on bass and Motion on drums form a trio for the ages.

The "State" of Stanley Jordan

2008-06-03T12:50:00.001-04:00

Stanley Jordan seems anxious to try out a number of styles on his first major label release in more than a decade. Those who listened to his Blue Note releases from the 1970's and 80's remember his deconstruction of pop, classical and rock standards into solo and small group guitar performances, marked by his unique two handed "tapping" style.

Stanley's still got the chops, and State of Nature, while uneven, shows a mature artist exploring a number of personal interests and styles. In a day of increasing numbers of cookie-cutter albums by artists in all genres, Jordan stretches out and lets us know where his head has been at for the last ten years.

The Jordan of old is in fine form, picking out classic songs like "All Blues", "Insensatez" and "Song for My Father" and giving them terrific renditions. "All Blues" in particular is played with great tenderness and emotion, with Jordan doubling on guitar and piano.

Jordan's second career is as a music therapist., and a many of the remaining pieces on the album are original compositions, aimed at being used for sonic healing purposes. While the pieces teeter on the edge of over-ripened New Age mellow at times, there are other moments, particularly when Jordan steps out on some very electric solos, or is working with his rhythm section of Charnett Moffett (bass) and drummers David Haynes and Kenwood Dennard. Click here to listen to "Shadow Dance", and let me know what you think.

Jimmy McGriff (1936-2008)

2008-06-02T13:09:00.007-04:00

I'm back from Europe, and just learned that the great Jimmy McGriff, one of the true soul masters of the Hammond B-3 organ, passed away during my honeymoon.

Click here for an outstanding biography by Doug Payne, which will tell you all you need and then some about this Philadelphia born funkmeister. He clearly was one of the all-time greats, part of a great line of jazz organists that ran from his mentor, Richard "Groove" Holmes, through him and his friend Jimmy Smith, to his band mate and student, Charles Earland.

Click here to experience McGriff from his 1966 album A Bag Full of Soul, performing in a trio with guitarist Thornel Schwartz and drummer Willy Jenkis. Appropriately, it's entitled "On the Way Home".

And click here to go to the venerable Funky 16 Corners blog for more McGriff downloads.

On My Honeymoon!

2008-05-18T16:04:00.001-04:00

More posts and podcasts when Nancy and I return from our Italian Honeymoon in Venice, Florence and Tuscany. Ciao!

Podcast 113: Music from My Wedding

2008-05-16T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'll be marrying my dear Nancy this Sunday in a small ceremony held with family and friends in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts. My son Matt will be my best man, and Nancy's two sisters and two oldest friends will make up the bridal party. Then we're off for an Italian honeymoon , so it will be a few weeks before I blog again.

Since I can't invite you all to be guests at the reception, I thought the next best things would be to prepare Podcast 113 as a collection of songs that will be played during the ceremony and party. My brother David is in charge of making sure the music flows smoothly.

So click here to enjoy an uninterrupted mix of:

Chris Botti - "A Thousand Kisses Deep" (overture)
Chuck Mangione - "Consuelo's Love Theme (Wedding Edit)" (processional)
Frank Sinatra - "The Best is Yet to Come" (our first dance)
James Moody - "Love and Marriage"
John Coltrane - "Nancy (With the Laughing Face)" (Nancy and her Dad's dance)
Gene Ammons - "Til There Was You"
Jackie McLean - "When I Fall in Love"

Podcast 112: Israeli Jazz

2008-05-14T16:28:00.002-04:00

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israeli. As an American Jew, I hold the country dear in my heart, despite the terrible violence perpetrated by both Israelis and Arabs living in and around the country.

But we're not about politics here, so we're focusing on the wonderful crop of jazz musicians that have come to prominence, mostly in the New York City scene, over the past ten years. Some names may be familiar to you, others just beginning to appear on your radar. In any event, click here to listen to the music of:

Anat Cohen & the Anzic Orchestra - "Cry Me a River" from Noir. The Cohen family - Anat, and her brothers Avishai and Yuval (see photo above)are at the core of the West Village jazz scene that features many Israeli musicians. Versed in Dixieland, Big Band and Small Group sounds, the siblings continue to stretch the bounds of their creativity. Anat plays clarinet and sax on this recording of the old torch song, which features brother Avishai on trumpet, brother Yuval on saxophone, Deborah Weisz on trombone, Robert Burkhardt and Erik Friedlander on cello, Duduka Da Fonseca on drums, Barak Mori on bass and Frank Greene on guitar. For the record, "Anzic" is the record label's name on which she records.

Avishai Cohen - "Reunion of the Souls" from Adama. To make things clear, this Avishai is a top trumpet player, while the unrelated Avisahi is a top bass player, noted for his work with Chick Corea among others (ironically, Corea co-produced this album in 1996). Mixing his middle eastern sounds with be-bop influences, Cohen follows the footsteps of players like Yuseef Lateef in making a terrific album. This track, one of the most haunting originals, features Cohen on trumpet, Steve Davis on trombone, Don Alias on percussion, Brad Mehldau on piano, Jordy Rossi on drums, and Amos Hoffman on the Middle Eastern instrument, the Oud.

Sophie Milman - "Eli, Eli (A Walk to Caesarea)" from Make Someone Happy. Born in Russia, raised in Israel, now residing in Canada, this dark eyed beauty covers standards and contemporary tunes with grace and aplomb that belies her age. "Eli, Eli" is a Hebrew song, its lyrics translating to:

Eli, Eli
I pray that it never will end.
The sand and the sea
and the waves breaking and sighing
and high over the water
the wind blowing free.

The lightning and rain and the darkness descending
and ever and ever the nature of man.

The song was written by poet Hannah Senesh who in 1943, at the height of World War II, volunteered to leave what was then called Palestine to go into Nazi-controlled areas in Europe to save Jewish lives. In 1944 she parachuted into Yugoslavia. After staying with the partisans, she went to Hungary, where she was discovered and executed by the Germans.

Gilad Hekselman - "The Summer of Laughs and Tears" from SplitLife. Hekselman mines the straight ahead sound of Jim Hall or Joe Pass with this trio recording of his own composition, featuring Hekselman on guitar, Joe Martin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums.

Anat Fort - "Not A Dream" from A Long Story. Miss Fort may be the most critically acclaimed of the young Israelis, as this CD made a number of critics' choice lists last year. Released four years after it was recorded by ECM, it features Fort on piano, drummer Paul Motian, bassist Ed Schuller, and clarinetist Perry Robinson. Think of her in the Keith Jarrett mode, mixing elements of the Middle East, jazz and classical stylings into a wonderful sound all her own.

Omer Klein - "Netanya" from Introducing Omer Klein. This debut recording came out two months ago, and its a strong and self-assured recording. Primarily a quartet recording - Klein on piano, Omer Avital on bass, Ziv Ravitz on drums, and Itamar Doari on percussion, including the Oud, this original composition is named after a city in the Center District of Israel.

A Killer from Kenny Carr

2008-05-03T15:30:00.002-04:00

It's not an exaggeration to say that Kenny Carr's Changing Tides is one of the most enjoyable jazz recordings I have heard this year. Carr cut his teeth as a guitarist for Ray Charles for almost ten years, so he's no stranger to the scene. However, Changing Tides may have R&B and Blues in its soul, but its core is pure jazz. This is a take-no-prisoners, straight ahead delight.

The core band - Carr on guitar, Donny McCaslin on sax, Tom Baldwin on bass and Frank Russo on drums - are tight as can be, whether its on the uptempo "Tempo Tantrum" and "The Chase" or ballads. Here's a tribute to his former boss, "Blues for Ray" that shows some of the range of this fine guitarist and his band. Here's hoping for more exemplary music in the future!

Podcast 111: Kurt Rosenwinkel has "The Remedy"

2008-05-01T07:23:00.004-04:00

"Music is the remedy" - KR

One of the best new releases this year comes from Kurt Rosenwinkel, a musician who is much in demand for sessions and gigs, and yet has not exploded into the public's consciousness as he should. Perhaps the release of the exciting two disc set - The Remedy - Live at the Village Vanguard will correct that. And news that he will soon join forces for summer concert dates with the Bad Plus under the name "Bad Plus 1", is even more exciting news. Clearly, his star is in ascendancy. Not bad for a Berklee drop-out.

This week's Podcast is an overview of his work, both as a band leader and a sideman. So click here and listen to:

Kurt Rosenwinkel - "Pannonica" from East Coast Love Affair. A live recording at his favorite club, Smalls in New York, this is a trio date where Kurt holds his own against two strong band mates - Avishai Cohen on bass and Jorge Rossy on drums. Rather than performing a staid version of this Thelonius Monk classic, they let it rip!

Paul Motian and the Electric Be-Bop Band - "Brad's Bag" from Flight of the Blue Jay. Motian, a drummer usually associated with acoustic work, put together an all-star electric group to record this Rosenwinkel composition - Motian on drums, Steve Swallow on electric bass, Chris Potter and Chris Cheek on tenor saxophones and Rosenwinkel and Brad Schoeppach on guitars.

Kurt Rosewinkel - "Blue Line" from Heartcore. My favorite Rosenwinkel CD to date, this is an album of shifting textures, with strong performances by Mark Turner on saxophone, Jeff Ballard on percussion, and Ethan Iverson on keyboards. Rosenwinkel plays almost all the instruments as well, creating a dreamy result. If you liked As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls by Pat Metheney, you'll go for this.

Kurt Rosenwinkel Group - "View From Moscow" from The Remedy - Live at the Village Vanguard. While Rosenwinkel's instrument lineup here is similar to the Heartcore sessions - guitar, sax, piano, bass, drums - the sound is dramatically different. Working the historic Village Vanguard, the KRG records mostly new works, and the results are often dazzling. This track is a nearly thirteen minute jam, highlighted by Turner's sax and some intricate and changing timekeeping from drummer Eric Harland. Bassist Joe Martin and pianist Aaron Goldberg round out the band.