Thursday, December 31, 2015

Taj Mahal "Statesboro Blues"

Another definitive version of "Statesboro Blues" by Taj Mahal, with Jesse Ed Davis on slide guitar.  This was the inspiration for the Allman Brothers Band's version, and of course, yours truly, saw Taj play this one, with the Allman's at the Peach Music Festival in Scranton, Pennsylvania, two summers ago.


Wednesday, December 30, 2015

George Duke "Funny Funk"

Humorous, this may not be.  But, groovy, it is.  George Duke with his tune "Funny Funk" circa 1974, from the "Feel" record.  The band lineup also includes Frank Zappa, under a pseudonym, on guitar.

George Duke - keyboards, synthesizer bass
John Heard - acoustic / electric bass
Airto Moreira - percussion
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler - drums, percussion
Obdewl'l X (Frank Zappa) - guitar

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Curt Cress Clan - 1975


Check out the full recording from 1975, by jazz fusion, funk, and prog rock band, the Curt Cress Clan.  Cress, is the band's drummer.  This is his solo band.  But, he has worked, with other musicians.  Cress has been a professional musician, for the last 50 years, since age 13.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curt_Cress

The track listing for the record is:

1. Cyclone
2. From The Back
3. Fields
4. Shuffle On Out
5. Delphine
6. 451271
7. No Answer
8. Movin' Right Along
9. Funk Off


Monday, December 28, 2015

Dave Holland "Evolution"

From his 2013 record, "Prism", here is double bass master, Dave Holland, with the composition, "Prism", written by guitarist, Kevin Eubanks.  The band line up is:

Dave Holland: bass
Kevin Eubanks: guitar
Craig Taborn: Rhodes piano
Eric Harland: drums


...And here, is a live cut, from the 2012 Garana Jazz Festival, of the same tune.


Sunday, December 27, 2015

Butch Trucks Sings For The First Time In 45 Years, Covers Bob Dylan Classic

Bonus post for this Sunday.  Butch Trucks and his new band, Freight Train, jammed at The Funky Biscuit, in Boca Raton, Florida, and here are some highlights, from the show.  The band plays shows tonight, through New Years Eve, as well.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/show-reviews/butch-trucks-sings-for-the-first-time-in-45-years-covers-bob-dylan-classic/?utm_content=bufferac75c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer




Chet Baker, Jim Hall, & Hubert Laws "Malaguena"

Electric Latin jazz fusion.  This is cool.  It is an interpretation of "Malaguena" written by Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, in 1928.  The album is called "Studio Trieste", recorded on CTI Records in March and April, of 1982.  This version has quite the lineup of musicians on it.

Chet Baker - trumpet, flugelhorn
Hubert Laws - flute
Jim Hall, Jack Wilkins - guitar
Kenny Baron, Jorge Dalto - keyboards
George Mraz - bass
Gary King - electric bass
Steve Gadd - drums
Sammy Figueroa - percussion


Saturday, December 26, 2015

Buddy Miller & Marc Ribot "Cold, Cold Heart"

Americana singer/songwriters and guitarists, Buddy Miller and Marc Ribot, perform Hank Williams' great song, "Cold, Cold Heart".  This is from the Americanan Music Awards at the Ryman Auditorium, in Nashville, Tennessee.  Click the link, and check it out.

http://www.npr.org/event/music/460724279/buddy-miller-with-marc-ribot-cold-cold-heart

Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen "Jeg Gik Mig Ud En Sommerdag"

The late Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, an upright bassist, from Denmark, plays this tune, listed in the article title, from his 1979 recording "Dancing On The Tables".  The band line up is:

Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen - bass
John Scofield - guitar
Billy Hart - drums
David Liebman - tenor/soprano saxophone, flute

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niels-Henning_%C3%98rsted_Pedersen

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You A Swinging Christmas

One more Christmas recording, to post, for today, before yours truly, takes a break, for a couple of days over Christmas.  Will resume posting, on Saturday.  For now, enjoy, a playlist of Ella Fitzgerald and her record Ella Fitzgerald Wishes You A Swinging Christmas.  The track listing is:

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
4. Winter Wonderland
5. Jingle Bells
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. The Secret of Christmas
9. White Christmas
10. Good Morning Blues
11. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Natale
12. The Christmas Song
13. We Three Kings (Ella Fitzgerald feat. Ralph Carmichael & Orchestra) (Capitol Records, 1967)
14. Frosty The Snowman

Go HERE, and enjoy the record.  Merry Christmas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWI-EoTfu20&list=PLF460981C05E262C3

Roberto Gatto "Blue Christmas"

The annual tradition, of posting, a Christmas song.  This time, it is a bluesy jazz fusion version of "Blue Christmas" performed by drummer Roberto Gatto, and his band, featuring John Scofield on guitar.

Roberto Gatto - drums
John Scofield - electric guitar
Enzo Pietropaoli - electric bass
Danilo Rea - keyboards, synthesizer


Merry Christmas!



Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, & Billy Cobham: World of Rhythm, Live in Lugano, 1983


Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Billy Cobham on drums, playing a concert as World of Rhythm, in Lugano, Switzerland, at the 1983 Lugano Jazz Festival. 

Monday, December 21, 2015

Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, Stockholm, Sweden, August 21st, 1973

Bonus post for today on the Winter Solstice.  Happy Birthday, Frank Zappa!  Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, perform in Stockholm, Sweden, on August 21st, 1973.  The lineup includes:

Frank Zappa: guitar & vocals
Jean-Luc Ponty: violin
George Duke: Hammond organ, Clavinet
Tom Fowler: bass
Ralph Humphrey: drums
Ruth Underwood: marimba, vibraphone, percussion
Ian Underwood: rhythm guitar, keyboards, woodwinds, flute, clarinet, tenor & alto saxophones
Bruce Fowler: trombone

The concert, has three songs.

1. Montana
2. Dupree's Paradise
3. Father O'blivion

Dr. John "Big Chief"

Posted Professor Longhair's version of this song, a long time ago.  But, worth revisiting.  This is "Big Chief" done by The Meters, along with Dr. John, Professor Longhair, and Earl King.  'Fess, on piano, Dr. John, on electric piano, and Earl King, on guitar.  Dig it.


Sunday, December 20, 2015

Alan Pasqua & Allan Holdsworth "Fred"

It's the Alan and Allan show!  Check out jazz fusion keyboardist Alan Pasqua and guitarist extraordinaire Alan Holdsworth, playing the instrumental, "Fred" in a live concert.  The rhythm section is just as amazing.  Jimmy Haslip on bass, and Chad Wackerman on drums.


Saturday, December 19, 2015

Kurt Rosenwinkel "Stella By Starlight"

An interesting solo improvisation on Victor Young and Ned Washington's jazz standard, "Stella By Starlight", by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, taken from the 2013 Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.  Rosenwinkel is using his D'Angelico electric guitar, and an effects pedal, that is called a Harmonic Octave Generator, or H.O.G.  He uses the freeze function within the octave generator, to get some pretty wild, almost keyboard-like sounds, that simulate a Mellotron or an organ.

 

Friday, December 18, 2015

Allan Holdsworth & Frank Gambale "Rocks"

Check out jazz fusion guitar gods Frank Gambale and Allan Holdsworth, with their tune, "Rocks", from the "Truth In Shredding" record.  This is another record, produced, by Mark Varney.  The band lineup on this track is:

Frank Gambale – guitar, engineering, mixing, production
Allan Holdsworth – guitar, SynthAxe, overdub engineering
Freddy Ravel – keyboards
Tom Brechtlein – drums
Jimmy Earl – bass
Steve Tavaglione – saxophone, EWI


Thursday, December 17, 2015

Johnny Winter & Randy Jo Hobbs "Key To The Highway"

Johnny Winter, and his bassist at the time (circa 1970), Randy Jo Hobbs, jamming on a familiar tune.  This is Big Bill Broonzy's blues, "Key To The Highway".




Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Tedeschi Trucks Band stories

A couple stories about the Tedeschi Trucks Band.  The first single from their upcoming record to be released in 2016, ("Let Me Get By"), has been released.

First Listen: Tedeschi Trucks Band's New Single
http://gardenandgun.com/blog/first-listen-tedeschi-trucks-band-dont-know-what-means

...and

Tedeschi Trucks Thrill Austin City Limits

http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2015-12-15/tedeschi-trucks-thrill-austin-city-limits/


Bobby Whitlock "Bobby Whitlock" - 1972

Bobby Whitlock's first solo record, under his own name, released in 1972.  This is great!


01 - Where There's A Will, There's A Way ( 0:00 )
02 - Song For Paula ( 3:42 )
03 - A Game Called Life ( 7:58 )
04 - Country Life ( 12:07 )
05 - A Day Without Jesus ( 15:11 )
06 - Back In My Life Again ( 18:31 )
07 - Scenery Has Slowly Changed ( 21:55 )
08 - I'd Rather Live The Straight Life ( 25:41 )
09 - Ease Your Pain ( 28:07 )
10 - Back Home In England ( 31:08 )

All songs written by Bobby Whitlock, except where noted. "Where There's a Will" (Bobby Whitlock and Bonnie Bramlett) "Bobby Whitlock - keyboards, George Harrison - guitar, Eric Clapton - guitar, Klaus Voormann - bass, Jim Gordon - drums, Bobby Keys - saxophone, Jim Price - trumpet" "Song for Paula" "Bobby Whitlock - acoustic guitar, piano, organ Jim Gordon - drums, Klaus Voormann - bass, Delaney Bramlett - guitar" "A Game Called Life" "Bobby Whitlock - 12-string guitar, Jim Gordon - drums, tabla, Klaus Voormann - bass, Chris Wood - flute" "Country Life" "Bobby Whitlock - piano, acoustic guitar, Jim Keltner - drums, Carl Radle - bass, Jerry McGee - electric guitar, Delaney Bramlett - vocals, Bonnie Bramlett - vocals" "A Day Without Jesus" (Bobby Whitlock and Don Nix) "George Harrison - guitar, Eric Clapton - guitar, Jim Gordon - drums, Klaus Voormann - bass, Bobby Whitlock - organ, piano, Delaney Bramlett - vocals, Bonnie Bramlett - vocals" "Back in My Life Again" "Bobby Whitlock - organ, George Harrison - guitar, Eric Clapton - guitar, Jim Gordon - drums, Klaus Voormann - bass, Bobby Keys - saxophone, Jim Price - trombone" "The Scenery Has Slowly Changed" "Bobby Whitlock - 12-string guitar, Eric Clapton - guitar, Jim Gordon - drums, tabla, Klaus Voormann - bass" "I'd Rather Live the Straight Life" (Produced by Whitlock and Joe Zagarino) "Bobby Whitlock - acoustic guitar, Jerry McGee - electric guitar, Carl Radle - bass, Delaney Bramlett - vocals, Bonnie Bramlett - vocals" "The Dreams of a Hobo" "Bobby Whitlock - acoustic guitar, Jerry McGee - electric guitar, Jim Keltner - drums, Carl Radle - bass" "Back Home in England" "Bobby Whitlock - electric guitar, Jim Gordon - drums, The L.A. Symphony Orchestra

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Sonny Boy Williamson "Nine Below Zero"

When it gets to be frigid outside, watch out.  Guys, if your girlfriend is in a bad mood, or vice versa (gals, your man might be up to no good sometimes).  So, you may find yourself, out of luck with the relationship.  Well, at least according to the great Sonny Boy Williamson II.  The blues harmonica legend, tells it like it is, in his tune, "Nine Below Zero".  The last line of the song, is a good question.

What would you do?
Tell me, what would you do?
It's nine below zero
...And it looks like everybody, is through with you.

Ouch!  Dig this.




Monday, December 14, 2015

Jeff Beck Group "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You"



Two versions of a Bob Dylan song made famous by The Jeff Beck Group.  "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You".  The first version, is from the "Orange" album, from 1972.  Bob Tench, delivers a soulful vocal, on both the studio, and live cuts. 

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Miroslav Vitous "Freedom Jazz Dance"

Another version of "Freedom Jazz Dance", done by more legendary figures of jazz.  This group, is led by bassist Miroslav Vitous (who was the first bassist, for Weather Report, before Jaco Pastroius, arrived on the scene).  The band for this recording, is:

Miroslav Vitous: bass
John McLaughlin: guitar
Joe Henderson: tenor saxophone
Herbie Hancock: electric piano
Jack DeJohnette: drums


Saturday, December 12, 2015

Steve Gadd Band "Freedom Jazz Dance"

Legendary drummer, Steve Gadd, and his band, play their cover of Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance".  The tune is covered on the album "70 Strong" in celebration of Gadd's 70th birthday.  The band line up is:

Steve Gadd - drums
Walt Fowler - trumpet, flugelhorn
Larry Goldings - keyboards, accordion
Jimmy Johnson - bass
Michael Landau - guitar

Friday, December 11, 2015

Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, & Victor Wooten, Live in Vienne, France

Revisiting three legendary bass players.  Have posted these guys playing together before.  Readers of this blog, will be familiar with all of them.  Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten.


Thursday, December 10, 2015

Jimmy Smith "The Sermon"

Check out Hammond organ legend, Jimmy Smith, and his trio, playing "The Sermon" circa 1964.  This stuff, is hip, daddy-o!  Jimmy Smith, was one of the coolest jazz players, ever to wail on a Hammond organ, and is a big influence on yours truly.  Smith, is featured, on the Hammond B3, in a trio, with Quentin Warren on guitar, and Billy Hart, on drums.


Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Stevie Ray Vaughan's INSANE Sound Check

Even during a sound check, the guitar playing of the late, great, Stevie Ray Vaughan, was something to behold.  Click on the link, and check this out.

http://societyofrock.com/stevie-ray-vaughans-insane-sound-check

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Watch 'Whipping Post' from Every Decade of The Allman Brothers, on Gregg's Birthday

One more time.  Happy Birthday, Gregg Allman!  Dig this.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/features/celebrate-gregg-allmans-birthday-with-some-whipping-post-through-the-years/

Happy Birthday, Gregg Allman! Celebrate His 68th Birthday with His Very First "Melissa" Demo

It's no secret, that Gregg Allman is perhaps, one of the main artists, who has influenced yours truly, the most, in terms of wanting to be a musician.  I have had the pleasure, of seeing Gregg, on five separate occasions, in concert.  Four times, with the Allman Brothers Band, and once, this past March, with his solo band.  Here is one of the first demos he and his late brother, Duane, recorded.  This demo of "Melissa" was cut, in 1967... a full two years, before the Allman Brothers Band, formed.

http://societyofrock.com/celebrate-gregg-allmans-68th-birthday-with-his-very-first-melissa-demo

Monday, December 7, 2015

Grateful Dead "Not Fade Away"

Here is the Grateful Dead, from their "Fare Thee Well" concerts, released on CD and DVD, with their version of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away".  Click the link, and check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzNcsgJoohg

Jimi Hendrix & John McLaughlin "Driving South"

Another collaboration between Jimi Hendrix, and John McLaughlin.  This tune, is called "Driving South", and features the two guitar maestros, along with the rhythm section of Dave Holland on bass and Buddy Miles on drums.


Sunday, December 6, 2015

Jimi Hendrix & Miles Davis collaboration

Sadly, these two musical giants, never did work together.  But... someone, had the foresight, to digitally create an idea, of how Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, would have sounded, playing together, using a Miles track, called "Right Off", as the basis for it.

Download this as an MP3 free at http://www.bennysutton.com/

This is the story of arguably the greatest collab that never happened.
Miles and Jimi were the 20th Century's #1 musicians in their fields; Rock and Jazz. They were also the two coolest Dudes on the planet! Both had a great line in patter and instantly recognizable voice. They dominated their respective art forms.

The two certainly met, became friends, jammed and talked about recording. Urban myth has is that there was a session organised but Mile's drummer, Tony Williams, demanded $50,000 to play on the session at the last minute and that killed it stone dead. If you are not a Miles fan you might ask Tony Who? Precisely, a short sighted decision if you ask me.

So, I decided to make it happen forty years later, with guitar technology that Miles and Jimi never had and on a home recording platform on par with their analog tape machines of the 70's .
So, how did I think they would approach it? Jimi was a lovely man but, out of the two of them, Miles was the bandleader - so I assumed they would do one of his tracks. I'm sure Miles could play on any of Jimi's material at the drop of a hat, his talent was timeless and limitless. He reinvented jazz every decade he was playing. I'd love to hear Miles play on Jimi's 'if six were nine'.

Mile's band leading strategy was to gather players around him who made him look good. He created the groove and let his guys run free. Mostly it worked but sometimes it didn't! Jack Johnson is the ultimate Miles groove, no so esoteric as Bitches Brew/Live Evil albums; Jimi would be right at home.
Jack Johnson is also my all time favourite Miles track, albeit not one of his best known. It was the soundtrack to the movie about the legendary black boxer Jack Johnson. I think that Miles horn was at its best here. No Harmon mute during most of it.

It's a long track, eleven minutes, and Miles does not come in until the 2 minute 40 mark. But how he comes in is classic, on the least obvious place - the 7th sixteenth on the 85th bar. Then it's none stop Miles blowing his heart out and the guitar in conversation with it.

Jimi Hendrix was a jazz musician. That statement may surprise you if your idea of jazz is an acoustic classical jazz trio. To me jazz is anything that constantly avoids the obvious progression and goes someplace new. Jimi's improvisations certainly did that, flying off at tangents into some other (possibly drug fuelled) universe.

I am not so misguided as to say this is exactly how Jimi would have played it, this is merely one of many possible outcomes. People forget just how good Jimi was. He was a force of nature and a virtuoso player so I don't claim my effort to be in his league. All I'm saying is, if I had a buck for every time I played Purple Haze in my youth, I'd be rich!

I've avoided the straightforward solo because well, I wouldn't know where to start. You couldn't just play Red House over it - plus there weren't any sections on the original that would fit. Mile's horn was sacrosanct, I wouldn't dare mess with that so I opted for the general remit of the Psychedelic approach! Jimi could make his guitar 'talk' by using feedback and his whammy bar (tremolo arm) on his Fender Stratocaster. That's what I ended up doing, by accident really. I just got in the zone and feverishly hit 'record' - I laid it down in pretty much in one take.

I'm a big fan of John McLaughlin who played guitar on the original session. I do what he did, weave an improvised rhythm track alongside Mile's horn. Sometimes not even notes just sounds. I put a bit of Jimi's narration because that's something he often did.

I hope you like it and receive it in the respectful spirit to which it was intended. I know some jazz purists might look down their noses at the very idea. To them I would say - look, jazz needs to evolve, not be left to die. If you still don't like it then I offer you Mile's favourite phrase - SO WHAT!
Benny Sutton

PS. I've also done other Miles tracks including In A Silent Way, Tutu, and So What. They are all honest stabs at paying homage to the top musician of the 20th Century.


Saturday, December 5, 2015

Brian Bromberg "Chameleon"

Jazz bassist extraordinaire, Brian Bromberg, covers Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon" on his "Downright Upright" record.  This is cool.  Check it out.  Great band lineup, too.

Brian Bromberg - upright bass, piccolo bass
Rick Braun - trumpet, flugelhorn
Boney James, Gary Meek, Kirk Whalum - tenor saxophone
Lee Ritenour, Gannin Arnold - guitar
George Duke - piano
Jeff Lorber - piano, organ
Vinnie Colaiuta - drums


Friday, December 4, 2015

Alphonso Johnson "Balls To The Wall"

More proof, that 1976, was a breakout year for electric fusion jazz.  Check out another electric jazz bass master... Alphonso Johnson, and his composition, "Balls To The Wall".  The band lineup is:

Alphonso Johnson (electric bass)
Patrice Rushen (electric piano, clavinet)
Ian Underwood (synthesizers)
Ray Gomez (guitars)
Chester Thompson (drums)
Sheila Escovedo (congas)

Quite the band lineup.  All these players, are heavy hitters from the fusion scene.

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Tony Williams' Lifetime, Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, June 13th, 1971

Check out this classic performance by another legendary jazz fusion band.  This is drummer Tony Williams, with his group, Lifetime, playing the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, on June 13th, 1971.  The band lineup:

Arthur Juini Booth - bass
Ted Dunbar - guitar
Warren Smith - percussion
Charles Don Alias - percussion
Larry Young (aka Khalid Yassin) - organ
Tony Williams - drums!

The set list:

1. Emergency
2. The Urchins Of Shermese
3. Some Hip Drum Shit
4. Circa 45
5. Big Nick

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Gabor Szabo "Song of Injured Love"

Gabor Szabo plays bowed upright bass as an accompaniment to classical guitar, on this lovely piece of music, called "Song of Injured Love".  Check it out.


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Carlos Santana talks about Gabor Szabo

One famous guitarist (Carlos Santana), speaks of the importance, of another guitar great, from the world of jazz, who has been featured on this blog.  Gabor Szabo.  The film shows Szabo performing, as well.  Check it out.




Monday, November 30, 2015

Tabah "Escalators"


New song, from Tabah, one of my brother Charlie's bands.  This tune, is called "Escalators".  Check it out.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Harvey Mason "Fantazia"

Cool track, by legendary drummer, Harvey Mason, circa 1977.  This is called "Fantazia", and it features:

Arrangements: Harvey Mason (horns) & Dave Grusin (rhythm)

Dave Grusin: electric piano
Anthony Jackson: bass, bass solo
Lee Ritenour: guitar, guitar solo
Ronnie Foster: Mini Moog, Mini Moog solo
Ian Underwood: synthesizer
Bill Watrous & Dick "Slide" Hyde: trombones
Chuck Finley, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, & Kenny Mason: trumpets
Harvey Mason: drums, percussion
Steve Forman: drums, percussion



Saturday, November 28, 2015

Miles Davis "Hannibal"


Miles Davis on trumpet, Kenny Garrett, on alto saxophone, David Sanborn on alto saxophone, Joe "Foley" McCreary, on lead bass, Adam Holzman, on synthesizers, Marcus Miller on bass, Ricky Wellman on drums, and Don Alias on percussion, play the tune, "Hannibal" on the Night Music with David Sanborn TV program, circa 1989.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Tempest "Foyers of Fun"

Released, in 1973, this tune, brings together, psychedelic rock, and fusion jazz, in a way.  The group is called Tempest and features Allan Holdsworth on guitar.  Here's the whole band lineup.

Allan Holdsworth: guitar, violin, & vocals
Paul Williams: keyboards, guitar, & vocals
Mark Clarke: bass, keyboards, & vocals
Jon Hiseman: drums

The song is called "Foyers of Fun".  Check it out.


Thursday, November 26, 2015

First Look: Fare Thee Well "West L.A. Fadeaway"

Check this out.  Happy Thanksgiving!  Truly thankful, for music, to make our crazy world, a better place.  Here is "West L.A. Fadeaway" from the upcoming DVD of the Grateful Dead 50th Anniversary reunion shows.  The band lineup:

Bob Weir: guitar, vocals
Trey Anastasio: lead guitar, vocals
Jeff Chimenti: Hammond B3 organ, Rhodes piano, Clavinet, & other electric keyboards
Bruce Hornsby: piano, vocals
Phil Lesh: bass, vocals
Bill Kreutzmann: drums
Mickey Hart: drums


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Pink Floyd documentaries

A couple of great documentaries on Pink Floyd.  Check them out.

The Pink Floyd Story.  Which One's Pink? is the title of one.  Not sure of the title of the second documentary on the band. 


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Butch Trucks Talks Music After Allman Brothers, And The Farewell Tour That Never Happened

An interview, with former drummer for the Allman Brothers Band, Butch Trucks.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/features/butch-trucks-talks-music-after-allman-brothers-and-the-farewell-tour-that-never-happened/

David "Fuze" Fiuczynski & John Medeski "Vog"

From their 1994 record, "Lunar Crush" here are David "Fuze" Fiuczynski on guitar, and John Medeski on Hammond organ, with the track, "Vog".  The full quartet band lineup is:

David "Fuze" Fiuczynski - guitar
John Medeski - keyboards
Fima Ephron - acoustic/electric bass
Jojo Mayer, Gene Lake - drums

Take a wild ride, and dig this jam!

Monday, November 23, 2015

The Man And The Mistakes That 'Invented Rock 'n' Roll'

An interview, with music historian, Peter Guralnick, about the great record producer at Sun Records, in Memphis, Tennessee.  Sam Phillips.

http://www.npr.org/2015/11/23/457083328/the-man-and-the-mistakes-that-invented-rock-n-roll

Maceo Parker "The Chicken"

Another version of "The Chicken", done by saxophonist, Maceo Parker, and his band.  The band lineup is:

Bill Stewart: drums
Rodney Jones: guitar
Larry Goldings: Hammond organ & keyboards
Maceo Parker: alto saxophone
Pee Wee Ellis: tenor saxophone
Fred Wesley: trombone


Sunday, November 22, 2015

Pat Metheny & The Metropole Orchestra "Are You Going With Me?"

From a 2003 performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, here's Pat Metheny and The Metropole Orchestra, playing "Are You Going With Me?"


Saturday, November 21, 2015

Jaimoe's Jasssz Band (feat. Jack Pearson), "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed"

Another stellar rendition of the Allman Brothers Band's classic, jazz fusion instrumental, "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed", done here, by Jaimoe and his Jasssz Band at the 2015 Peach Music Festival, at Montage Mountain, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.  This particular version, features the tandem guitar work, of Junior Mack, and, special guest, (former Allman Brothers Band guitarist, for two years), Jack Pearson.


Friday, November 20, 2015

The Grateful Dead & Duane Allman "Dark Star"/"Spanish Jam", 1970

Duane and Gregg Allman both sit in, with the Grateful Dead, and Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, joins in on guitar, later on, in this jam, circa 1970.  A medley of "Dark Star" and "Spanish Jam".


Thursday, November 19, 2015

Mike Bloomfield & Nick Gravenites "Blues on a Westside"

Check out this horn laden blues instrumental, from Mike Bloomfield and Nick Gravenites, called "Blues On A Westside".  16 minutes, of bliss!  Dig it!


Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Anderson Ponty Band "Re-Remembering Molecules"

A cut by the Anderson Ponty Band.  This is a song called "Re-Remembering Molecules" from the "Better Late Than Never" record.  The featured musicians:

Jon Anderson - lead vocals, guitars
Jean-Luc Ponty - violin
Jamie Glaser - guitars
Wally Minko - keyboards
Baron Browne - bass
Rayford Griffin - drums, percussion


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Kevin Eubanks & Stanley Jordan "Morning Sun"

Great duet by two heavy hitters of modern jazz guitar.  Here's Kevin Eubanks and Stanley Jordan, with the track, "Morning Sun".


Monday, November 16, 2015

Steve Khan & Donald Fagen "Reflections"

A cool cover of Thelonius Monk's "Reflections" as played by Steve Khan on guitar, and Donald Fagen, on synthesizers.


Sunday, November 15, 2015

Idris Muhammad “Loran’s Dance”

Drummer, Idris Mohammad, with "Loran's Dance" from his 1974 "Power of Soul" record.  The band line up features some heavy hitters.

Idris Muhammad – drums
Grover Washington Jr. – tenor / soprano saxophone
Randy Brecker – trumpet, flugelhorn
Bob James – keyboards
Joe Beck – guitar
Gary King – bass
Ralph MacDonald – percussion



Saturday, November 14, 2015

Freddie Hubbard "Red Clay"

The title track to trumpeter Freddie Hubbard's 1970 recording of the same name, here's "Red Clay", featuring an all-star quintet.

Freddie Hubbard - trumpet
Herbie Hancock - piano
Lenny White - drums
Ron Carter - bass
Joe Henderson - saxophone

Friday, November 13, 2015

Grant Green & Hubert Laws "Creature"

Check out the jazzy, slow blues shuffle, of Grant Green and Hubert Laws' tune, "Creature" from a record called "The Main Attraction", released in the breakout year for fusion jazz... 1976.  The band lineup is:

Grant Green - guitar
Burt Collins, Jon Faddis - trumpet
Sam Burtis - trombone
Hubert Laws - flute
Michael Brecker, Joe Farrell - tenor saxophone
Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone
Don Grolnick - electric piano, clavinet
Steve Khan - rhythm guitar
Will Lee - electric bass
Andy Newmark - drums
Carlos Charles - conga, percussion
Sue Evans - percussion


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Remembering Berry Oakley | Allman Brothers Band 1972

Bonus post.  Continuing to remember the legacy of Berry Oakley (original Allman Brothers Band bassist).

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/127028/Remembering-Berry-Oakley-Allman-Brothers-Band-1972?utm_content=buffer0417c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Allman Brothers Band (feat. Trey Anastasio) "Franklin's Tower"

Check this out.  A jam from the 2014 Wanee Festival, in Live Oak, Florida, on The Grateful Dead's "Franklin's Tower", featuring The Allman Brothers Band, and Phish's Trey Anastasio.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

First Listen: The Grateful Dead, 'Fare Thee Well'

Bonus post alert!  The Grateful Dead's final five shows, known as "Fare Thee Well", will be a live album!

http://www.npr.org/2015/11/11/455324107/first-listen-the-grateful-dead-fare-thee-well?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nprmusic&utm_term=music&utm_content=2037

Mose Allison "Your Mind Is On Vacation"


Bonus post.  Happy Birthday to jazz pianist, Mose Allison. Here he is, with a trio, on PBS Soundstage, circa 1975, performing his tune "Your Mind Is On Vacation." 

Allen Toussaint "On Your Way Down"


Continuing to remember Allen Toussaint, and his legacy, with a great song of his, that has also been covered by Little Feat, called "On Your Way Down". 

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

In Memoriam: Allen Toussaint

We celebrate, and remember, the legendary New Orleans songwriter, pianist, and producer, Allen Toussaint, who has passed away, at age 77 due to a heart attack, while on a European tour.  Rest In Peace, Allen Toussaint.  There was a movie about his career, posted here, some time ago.  Worth revisiting.

http://jazztimes.com/articles/170240-new-orleans-legend-allen-toussaint-dies-at-77

Here he is in a live performance, in Tokyo, Japan.  Also, check out the January 2015 archive of this blog, and you will find, a video, of a full length interview, with the man himself.




Wayne Krantz "Don't Tell Me"

From his 1990 debut album "Signals", here is jazz fusion guitarist, Wayne Krantz, with the track titled "Don't Tell Me".


Monday, November 9, 2015

Written Over 100 Years Ago, 'A Man of Constant Sorrow' is still a hit today

This song, is over a century old, and is still, a timeless piece of American music.

http://countryrebel.com/blogs/videos/74845827-written-over-100-years-ago-a-man-of-constant-sorrow-is-still-a-hit-today?a=dk&var=ConstantSorrow-THC

Jimi Hendrix "Ezy Rider"

From 'Cry of Love' and 'First Rays of the New Rising Sun', recorded December 18, 1969 and January 20, 1970 at The Record Plant, with Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox, and Buddy Miles on drums getting percussion help from Billy Armstrong and back up vocals from Steve Winwood and Chris Wood (of Traffic!), here comes "Ezy Ryder".

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Bill Evans "Conversations With Myself" album


Check out Bill Evans' 1963 record entitled "Conversations With Myself", recorded on the same piano used by Canadian classical pianist, Glenn Gould, who became one of the best known classical musicians of the 20th century.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversations_with_Myself

...and

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Gould

The track listing includes some standards written by other artists and a couple written by Evans himself.

1. Round Midnight (Thelonius Monk cover)
2. How About You (Burton Lane & Ralph Freed)
3. Spartacus Love Theme (Alex North)
4. Blue Monk (Thelonius Monk)
5. Stella By Starlight (Victor Young & Ned Washington)
6. Hey There (Richard Adler & Jerry Ross)
7. N.Y.C.'s No Lark (Bill Evans)
8. Just You, Just Me (Jesse Greer & Raymond Klages)
9. Bemsha Swing (Denzel Best & Thelonius Monk)
10. A Sleepin' Bee (Harold Arlen & Truman Capote)


Saturday, November 7, 2015

Three Frank Gambale albums "Thunder from Down Under", "The Great Explorers", & "Absolutely Live In Poland"

Check out this playlist of Frank Gambale albums, via YouTube.  Three albums, and 31 songs in all.  The albums are indeed the ones listed in the post title, including "Thunder From Down Under", The Great Explorers", and "Absolutely Live In Poland".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASh1kPjJNk4&index=1&list=PLhKNzXT18J6sdKEXSN_GF9hREIeeTrKbI

Friday, November 6, 2015

Arturo Sandoval "A Night In Tunisia"

One more, for Friday.  Happy Birthday, to trumpet maestro, Arturo Sandoval.  Here he is, playing Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night In Tunisia" with the U.S. Air Force Band, just before Veteran's Day, in 2011.


Duane Allman & John Hammond, 1970

A four song medley by John Hammond and Duane Allman.  Check this out.  Songs include "Shake For Me", "Cryin' For My Baby", "I'm Leavin' You" and, "You'll Be Mine".


Thursday, November 5, 2015

MVP (The Mark Varney Project) "Elegant People"

Check out more awesome jazz fusion/funk.  This is a group called MVP (The Mark Varney Project).  However, Varney, is the producer of the record, along with bassist, Jimmy Earl, and thus, his name, is on it.  The album is a collaboration between three fusion guitarists.  Frank Gambale, Shawn Lane, and Brett Garsed.  Wayne Shorter (the great saxophonist), wrote this composition, called "Elegant People".  It is the sixth cut on the album, which itself, is entitled "Centrifugal Funk".  The band features:

Frank Gambale - lead guitar (solo)
Steve Tavaglione - sax (solo)
Mike O'Neill - rhythm guitar
Freddy Ravel - keyboards
Jimmy Earl - bass
Joey Heredia - drums
Kevin Ricard - percussion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_Funk

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Larry Coryell, Badi Assad, & John Abercrombie "Three Guitars"

The title, says it all on this one.  Awesome piece, on classical and acoustic guitars.  The trio of Larry Coryell, Badi Assad, and John Abercrombie.


Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Jaco Pastorius - Trilogue, 1976

Live in Berlin, Germany, circa 1976, it is jazz bass virtuoso, Jaco Pastorius, along with Albert Mangelsdorff on trombone, and Alphonse Mouzon, on drums.  Here is the set list.

1. Foreign Fun
2. Accidental Meeting
3. Zores Mores
4. Trilogue
5. Portrait of Tracy
6. Trio Song
7. Ant Steps on an Elephant's Toe


Monday, November 2, 2015

David Sanborn, Ricky Peterson, & Richard Patterson "Smile"

David Sanborn on alto saxophone, Ricky Peterson on Rhodes piano, and Richard Patterson on bass, play the standard, "Smile".


Sunday, November 1, 2015

John McLaughlin "Being You Being Me"

A track from John McLaughlin's latest record, "Black Light", released in 2015.  The instrumental is called "Being You Being Me".


Saturday, October 31, 2015

Sweet William & The Stereos (feat. Duane Allman) "I Can Hear My Baby" - 1965

50 years ago, an 18-year-old Duane Allman played on a tune with Sweet William & The Stereos called "I Can Hear My Baby".  The band lineup is:

Bill “Sweet William” Fauls: vocals
John Walden: guitar
Johnny Ford: organ
Dave King: saxophone
Roger Capps: bass
Bill Hileman: drums




Friday, October 30, 2015

Allman Brothers Band "High Cost of Low Living"

One of my favorite later Allman Brothers Band songs, from their last studio record.  The second cut off of "Hittin' The Note"... "High Cost of Low Living".  Great jam, with a good all around message in the lyrics.  Check it out.


Thursday, October 29, 2015

In Memory Of Duane Allman- The U of Music Honors The Allman Brothers Band

Check this out.

http://www.uofmusic.com/blog/3667/in-memory-of-duane-allman--the-u-of-music-honors-the-allman-brothers-band


Allman Brothers Band "Stormy Monday"


Continuing to remember Duane Allman.  Here are two phenomenal versions of "Stormy Monday", the great T. Bone Walker blues, covered by the Allman Brothers Band.  The first, is a live cut, with Duane, and with the band's pal Thom Doucette, on harmonica.  The second version, is from the 2009 40th anniversary concert series, and features a guest appearance, by none other, than Eric Clapton, who has done great versions of this song, in his own right.  You will recall, that Clapton, and Duane Allman, recorded together, on the vast majority of tracks on the "Layla" record, in 1970, as well.

Rest In Peace, "Skydog".


Otis Rush & Duane Allman "You Reap What You Sow"

Duane Allman and Otis Rush, with the song "You Reap What You Sow", recorded during Duane's session days in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Derek Trucks on What He Learned From Allman Brothers

Bonus post.  We've heard, from Warren Haynes, a year after the Allman Brothers' incredible run, of 45 years, came to an end.  Here, is Derek Trucks' perspective.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/derek-trucks-on-what-he-learned-from-allman-brothers-20151028

Warren Haynes Talks Life After Allman Brothers, Singer-Songwriter Roots

An interview with Warren Haynes in Rolling Stone magazine, speaking about the Allman Brothers, a year on from their final show, and also, his musical roots, as showcased on his great new record "Ashes & Dust".

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/warren-haynes-talks-life-after-the-allman-brothers-singer-songwriter-roots-20151027

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

"Lost" Roy Orbison Album, MGM Box Set To Be Released In December

The music of the late, great, Roy Orbison, lives on, in a new record, and box set, to be released, in December.  At the bottom of the article, (the link is below), is Roy Orbison performing the song "River" from a movie called "The Fastest Guitar Alive".

http://www.americansongwriter.com/2015/10/lost-roy-orbison-album-mgm-box-set-to-be-released-in-december/

Soft Machine "Teeth"

Have blogged about this band before, but not for a while.  Check out revolutionary jazz fusion/prog rock band Soft Machine, and their monster composition, "Teeth" circa 1971.  The band line up is:

Roy Babbington / double bass
Mark Charig / cornet
Elton Dean / alto sax, saxello
Nick Evans / trombone
Jimmy Hastings / alto flute, bass clarinet
Hugh Hopper / bass guitar
Mike Ratledge / organ, piano
Alan Skidmore / tenor sax
Robert Wyatt / drums

Monday, October 26, 2015

Watch Steely Dan's Donald Fagen Pay Tribute to Jazz Legend Sonny Rollins

With a band, that includes jazz veterans and legends, Randy Brecker, on trumpet, Jimmy Heath on tenor saxophone, Buster Williams on bass, and Al Foster, on drums.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-steely-dans-donald-fagen-pay-tribute-to-jazz-legend-sonny-rollins-20151026#ixzz3pliF6cPR

Vinnie Colaiuta, Joe Diorio, & Jeff Berlin "Space Shuttle Shuffle"

Take me, directly, to outer space, baby!  It's Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Joe Diorio on guitar, and Jeff Berlin on bass, playing, "Space Shuttle Shuffle"!  10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  We have liftoff!


Sunday, October 25, 2015

Pharoah Sanders - "Kazuko" - An Abandoned Tunnel

How cool is this!

Pharoah Sanders - "Kazuko" - Live In an Abandoned Tunnel in San Francisco (Marin Headlands - close to the Golden Gate Bridge) 1982

Saturday, October 24, 2015

The Modern Jazz Quartet "Django"

 

The Modern Jazz Quartet did a lot of revolutionary things that had not been accomplished in the world of jazz before they came on the scene.  Here is their tune, "Django".  The band only ever had one personnel change in it's existence.  Milt Jackson on vibraphone, eventually quit the band, due to creative differences.  But the other three members (John Lewis on piano, Percy Heath on upright bass, and Connie Kay on drums), stayed together.

Friday, October 23, 2015

John McLaughlin & Jeff Beck "Django"

Dig this track by Jeff Beck and John McLaughlin.  It is called "Django", which was originally recorded by The Modern Jazz Quartet, and features the two guitar masters, along with a great rhythm section.

John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck - electric guitar
Pino Palladino - bass
Mark Mondesir - drums
Tony Hymas - keyboards


I'll bet the cats in the Modern Jazz Quartet never would thought their song would have been given the electric fusion treatment.  But, the song is still a classic.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Lenny White "Mating Drive"

Check out this amazing piece of music, from Lenny White (drummer for Return To Forever), on his solo recording, "Venusian Summer".  The tune is called "Mating Drive" and features a monster solo from guitarist, Ray Gomez.  Holy cow!  The full band lineup on this track, is:

Lenny White : Drums
Doug Rauch : Bass
Doug Rodrigues : Rhythm Guitar
Ray Gomez : Lead Guitar
Larry Young (Khalid Yasin) : Organ
Onaje Allan Gumbs : Electric Piano - Melotron


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Billy Cobham "Slidin' By"

Neat track by Billy Cobham called "Slidin' By" from his 1992 "By Design" record.  The band lineup:

Billy Cobham - drums
Brian Bromberg - bass
Dean Brown - guitar
Joe Chindamo - keyboards
Ernie Watts - tenor saxophone

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Rush "Xanadu"

One of the magnum opus songs of Rush's catalog.  This one, was performed, at their R40 tour show at the Xcel Energy Center that yours truly, saw, back in May.  Here is "Xanadu" featuring the double neck guitars, released, in 1975.  The lyrics of this song, are based on an 18th century poem called "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  The poem was completed in 1797, but, not published, until 1816.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubla_Khan


Monday, October 19, 2015

Al Jarreau & Marcus Miller: "Tenderness" Live in Studio, 1994

Posted a video from this performance, a while back.  But, here is the whole concert.  A very good band is playing on this session including:

Al Jarreau: lead vocals
Marcus Miller: bass
Joe Sample: piano, Rhodes piano
Paulinho da Costa: percussion
Steve Gadd: drums
Eric Gale: guitar
Neil Larsen: Hammond B3 organ
Philippe Saisse: keyboards
Michael "Patches" Stewart: trumpet
Jeff Ramsey: backing vocals
Sharon Young: backing vocals

Special guest - David Sanborn: alto saxophone




Sunday, October 18, 2015

Pink Floyd reunion @ Live 8, 2005

A decade ago, Pink Floyd, reunited, with all four original members.  David Gilmour on guitar, Roger Waters, on bass, Rick Wright on keys (Rest In Peace, Rick Wright), and Nick Mason, on drums.  The set list.

1. Breathe (In The Air)
2. Money (feat. Dick Parry: tenor saxophone, & Snowy White: guitar)
3. Wish You Were Here (in memory of Pink Floyd founding member, Syd Barrett)
4. Comfortably Numb



Saturday, October 17, 2015

Chick Corea & Gary Burton Live in Tokyo, 1981

Chick Corea on piano and Gary Burton on vibraphone, live in Tokyo, Japan, in 1981.

The set list.

1. Mirror, Mirror
2. Bud Powell
3. Children's Song No. 1
4. Children's Song No. 2
5. Children's Song No. 15
6. Children's Song No. 9
7. Children's Song No. 10
8. Children's Song No. 11
9. Children's Song No. 6
10. Senor Mouse
11. Song to Gayle
12. La Fiesta


Friday, October 16, 2015

Phil Keaggy "John The Revelator"


Check out finger picking guitar master, Phil Keaggy, playing Son House's gospel blues tune, "John The Revelator".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Keaggy

Thursday, October 15, 2015

The Black Crowes to Re-Relase First Four AMERICAN RECORDINGS Albums On High-Grade 180-Gram Vinyl

A bonus post of sorts, for this Thursday.  Even though The Black Crowes, as a band, are now defunct, their first four classic recordings, issued in 1990, '92, '94, and '96, will be re-released as high grade vinyl LP records.

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-black-crowes-to-re-release-first-four-american-recordings-albums-on-high-grade-180-gram-vinyl/

Trey Anastasio: Lessons from Dead Camp

Trey Anastasio in an interview with Relix magazine, reflects on playing with The Grateful Dead, during their Fare Thee Well concerts.

http://www.relix.com/articles/detail/trey_anastasio_lessons_from_dead_camp

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Greg Howe's Extraction

More jazz fusion mastery.  Dig this.  Greg Howe's band, Extraction, playing a wicked jam, and featuring, Greg Howe, on guitar, Akira Onozuka on keyboards, Tetsuo Sakurai on bass, and Dennis Chambers on drums.


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Billy Cobham & George Duke, Montreux Jazz Festival, 1976

Live from the 1976 Montreux Jazz Festival, it's Billy Cobham and the late, great George Duke, who were part of an incredible band, for this performance.

George Duke: keyboards
John Scofield: guitar
Alphonso Johnson: bass
Billy Cobham: drums




Here's the set list.

1. Panhandler
2. Juicy
3. Red Baron
4. Almustafa The Beloved
5. Ivory Tattoo
6. Some Day
7. Hip Pockets
8. Drum Solo
9. Sweet Wine
10. Life & Time
11. Stratus
12. That's What She Said


Monday, October 12, 2015

Bob Berg "Travelin' Man"


Check out contemporary jazz saxophonist, Bob Berg, with the track "Travelin' Man" from his "Backroads" record.  Among the musicians in the band are Jim Beard on piano and Dennis Chambers, on drums. 

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Eric Clapton "Tulsa Time"



Two great versions of "Tulsa Time" written by J.J. Cale and performed by Eric Clapton.  One is from a solo gig with his band, in 1985.  The other, is a performance from the second Crossroads Guitar Festival in Chicago, in 2007 that also features Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Albert Lee, and Jerry Douglas. 

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Yellowjackets "Top Secret"

Heard this song again, on a program on the local Minneapolis, MN jazz station, (KBEM 88.5), a couple nights ago.  Check out, The Yellowjackets, and their 1981 composition, "Top Secret" from their "Mirage A Trois" record.

Russell Ferrante: keyboards
James Newton Howard: synthesizers
Robben Ford: guitar
Jimmy Haslip: bass
Ricky Lawson: drums
Paulinho da Costa: percussion

Friday, October 9, 2015

The Stanley Clarke Band - North Sea Jazz Festival 2015

Yours truly, has seen Stanley Clarke, with Return To Forever, and, twice, with his solo band, with various members.  Here he is, playing with the solo quartet, at the 2015 North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Holland.



Thursday, October 8, 2015

Lee Ritenour "Captain Fingers"


Lee Ritenour plays the title track to his 1977 record, "Captain Fingers", which is his nickname as a guitarist. 

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Tower of Power "Squib Cakes"



Studio and live performances of Tower of Power, playing their instrumental, "Squib Cakes".  Been doing this one a lot, for a cover band I am in, playing guitar, that plays lots of horn driven R&B and funk, and this tune, is part of the repertoire.  Dig it.  Be aware, the Hammond B3 solos in the studio and live versions, are fantastic.  Dig the horns.  But, in my book, the guitar solo on the studio record, is superior, to the live track, also included here. Credits for the studio track are:

Tower of Power

Lenny Pickett: 1st tenor sax, alto sax, bass sax, soprano sax, flute, alto flute, piccolo
Stephen "Doc" Kupka (a.k.a. "The Doctor"), baritone sax, English horn, background vocals
Greg Adams: trumpet, flugelhorn
Mic Gillette: trumpet, flugelhorn, background vocals
Bruce Conte: guitar, background vocals
Chester Thompson: Hammond B3 organ
Emilio Castillo: 2nd tenor sax, background vocals
Brent Byars: congas
David Garibaldi: drums
Francis Rocco Prestia: bass
Lenny Williams: lead vocals


Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Caravan medley: "Can't Be Long Now"/"Francoise"/"For Richard"/Warlock [Canterbury Scene]

Revisiting music of prog. rock/jazz fusion band, Caravan.  The credits on this recording and song are:

Pye Hastings: guitars, vocals
David Sinclair: keyboards
Jimmy Hastings (as Brother James): flute, tenor saxophone
Richard Sinclair: bass guitar
Richard Coughlan: drums, percussion

Monday, October 5, 2015

Shakti (feat. John McLaughlin) "Face to Face"

Shakti, a band from India, featuring jazz guitar legend, John McLaughlin, on a composition called "Face to Face", from their record titled "Natural Elements".  The band lineup is:

Zakir Hussain – bongos, dholak, percussion, tabla, timbales, triangle
John McLaughlin – guitar, acoustic guitar
Lakshminarayana Shankar – viola, violin
Vikku Vinayakram – ghatam, kanjeera, percussion

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Pat Metheny "(Cross The) Heartland - Airstream"

Check out this piece by Pat Metheny called "(Cross The) Heartland - Airstream", from his 1980 "American Garage" record.  The band lineup is:

Pat Metheny - 6 and 12-string electric and acoustic guitars
Lyle Mays - piano, Oberheim synthesizer, autoharp, electric organ
Mark Egan - electric bass
Dan Gottlieb - drums

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Caribou Mountain Collective "Ramblin' Woman"

Check out bluegrass pickers Caribou Mountain Collective, with their song, "Ramblin' Woman".


Friday, October 2, 2015

Ed Motta "Awunism"

Check out Brazilian jazz keyboardist Ed Motta and his band, playing their tune "Awunism".  The band lineup is:

Ed Motta: Rhodes piano
Cassio Ferrera: tenor saxophone
Jesse Sadoc: trumpet
Sidiel Vieira: upright bass
Leandro Cabral: electric piano
Vitor Cabral: drums



Thursday, October 1, 2015

concert DVD review Gregg Allman "Back To Macon, Georgia"

Yours truly, predicted it, after seeing Gregg Allman & Friends play the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, back in March, and that prediction, came true, with the release of "Gregg Allman, Live.  Back To Macon, Georgia".  On the DVD, Allman and his band play Macon's Grand Opera House, on January 14th, 2014.  The version of the band on the DVD is slightly different than that of the 2015 tour.  But, the only differences are in keyboard and trumpet players, with Ben Stivers on piano, and Dennis Marion, on trumpet, joining sax men Jay Collins and Art Edmaiston.  The integral band members... Gregg Allman (Hammond B3, vocals), Scott Sharrard (guitar), Ron Johnson (bass), Steve Potts (drums), and Marc Quinones (percussion), are the same.

The set starts with the triple threat of "Statesboro Blues", "I'm No Angel", and "Queen of Hearts".  before blending into a songwriter vibe and also, throwing in more Allman Brothers covers.  Gregg and the band groove on Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied", and follow that up with poignant versions of Jackson Browne's "These Days", and "Ain't Wastin' Time No More", from the Allman's "Eat A Peach" record.  Some surprises are thrown in towards the end of the first half of the set.

Gregg plays a tune, that he mentions the history of, saying, "this is a song I cut in 1976, for a solo record called 'Playin' Up A Storm'.  Myself, and Ray Charles are the only two people to ever record this song.  It's called "The Brightest Smile In Town".  This is a soul blues, at it's finest, with plenty of input, from the horns, and Gregg's soul drenched vocals and organ, highlighting the tune.  Then, the band gets jazzy, and pays tribute to the Allman Brothers, with "Hot 'Lanta" which the band recorded on the second side of "Live At Fillmore East", circa 1971.

"Hot 'Lanta" is a springboard, for Allman, Sharrard, Stivers, Johnson, and the drummers, to all go for it, and improvise.  Not to mention, Jay Collins on tenor sax.  It is clear, that other instruments, have picked up the mantle from where dueling lead guitars used to be.  Set one closes, with a rare, and really cool take on Wilson Pickett's "I Found A Love", another great R&B ballad.  On some of the tunes, Sharrard sings harmony lines, in addition to providing solid lead guitar, similarly to how Warren Haynes fulfilled that role in the Allman Brothers.

"Don't Keep Me Wonderin' " from "Idlewild South", begins the second set, and speaking of Warren Haynes, his song, "Just Before The Bullets Fly", (covered by Gregg Allman on a 1988 record of the same name), is next up, and it's a definite rock and roller.  A ubiquitous number follows.  "Melissa", which (like "These Days", from earlier in the set), features Jay Collins, on flute, as opposed to saxophone.

The arrangement for "Midnight Rider" is from Allman's 1973 "Laid Back" solo record... his first solo record he cut, right around the same time as the Allman Brothers Band released "Brothers & Sisters". "Queen of Hearts" was also featured on "Laid Back".  The solo version of "Midnight Rider" is so different from the Allman's version.  But, the difference, provides for a unique feel, with horns, and electric piano, taking center stage.  Closing out the set are a romping boogie tune called "Love Like Kerosene" (you will have to hear/see that one, to believe it, folks... trust me), and, the Allman's magnum opus, "Whipping Post".

This time, "Whipping Post", (just as at the concert back in March), is done with a very Latin, uptempo feel, as opposed to the original version from the Allman's first record, which is between a thunderous rock anthem, and a stone cold blues.  Speaking of stone cold blues, the encore is... you guessed it... "One Way Out", which is treated with horns, and a major league drum solo by Steve Potts.  Gregg's son Devon Allman, makes another cameo, and takes an energy charged solo, before the tune comes to a close.

There is some bonus material, on the DVD, too, in addition to the sections of the interview that are interspersed during the concert.  Two bonus tracks appear, that were not included in the track list, but were played at the same gig.  T Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday", (a staple of the Allman Brothers Band's catalog through the years), and Sleepy John Estes' 1937 blues, "Floating Bridge".

To close out the concert, is a short little feature/interview with the legendary H&H soul food restaurant, in Macon, Georgia, where the Allman Brothers used to get meals from owner, Mama Louise Hudson.  The band members, chat with each other, over lunch, how much of an honor it is, to get to play with a legend like Gregg Allman.  Sax player Jay Collins describes the difference in approach between the Allman Brothers and the Gregg Allman Band, saying, "the Allman Brothers is like a sledgehammer and just comes at you full force.  Our band, is more precise, like a surgical instrument."

Bass player Ron Johnson, and the other band members joke about how they knew each other, and also discussed their approach for recording the concert that is on the DVD.  H&H's soul food is just as much a part of Macon, Georgia's heritage, as the Allman Brothers Band's music, and Mama Louise's daughter explains the popularity of the soul food dishes, served at the restaurant, like collard greens, black eyed peas, lima beans, baked ham, fried chicken, and stew beef.  Good food, and good music.  Two of the things, that make life, a pleasure.

So, though the Allman Brothers Band's career is over, it seems like Gregg's solo band is just getting started, and this concert DVD is a brilliant example of that.  If you are an Allman Brothers fan, or just want to know more about the music, check out the CD/DVD "Back To Macon, Georgia."

Here's the set list/track listing, which is identical for the 2-disc CD and DVD.

1. Statesboro Blues
2. I'm No Angel
3. Queen of Hearts
Interview, Part 1: What Macon Was To Us
4. I Can't Be Satisfied
5. These Days
6. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
Interview, Part 2: Practicing in Macon
7. Brightest Smile In Town
8. Hot 'Lanta
9. I've Found A Love
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Before The Bullets Fly
12. Melissa
Interview, Part 3: We Worked Hard
13. Midnight Rider
14. Love Like Kerosene
Interview, Part 4: Songwriting for the Allman Brothers
15. Whipping Post
16. One Way Out

Bonus Tracks:

17. Stormy Monday
18. Floating Bridge
Mini Feature: The Gregg Allman Band at the H&H