Friday, July 31, 2015

Hank Jones "On Green Dolphin Street"

Another from Hank Jones, to celebrate his birthday.  Here's his rendition of "On Green Dolphin Street", interspersed, with an interview, with Jones.


Hank Jones "In A Sentimental Mood"

Check out jazz pianist, Hank Jones, in celebration of his birthday, playing "In A Sentimental Mood".


Drive-By Truckers To Release Massive Live Album

Check out this article, on a massive 3 disc, 35 track, live recording, set to be released, by The Drive-By Truckers, that was originally published, on Monday.

http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2015/07/27/426733341/drive-by-truckers-to-release-massive-live-album?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nprmusic&utm_term=music&utm_content=20150727

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Buddy Guy "Damn Right I've Got The Blues"

Bonus post.  Happy Birthday, Buddy Guy!  Here he is, playing one of his signature songs, "Damn Right I've Got The Blues". 


Gregg Allman Plans His Solo Future

Another article and interview with and about Gregg Allman, and what he wants to do musically, in the future, done with The Wall Street Journal and music writer, Alan Paul, (who has been mentioned on this blog, before).

http://www.wsj.com/articles/gregg-allman-plans-his-solo-future-1438184295

Gregg Allman Wants To Play With Dickey Betts Again

As a diehard Allman Brothers fanatic, yours truly never, ever thought this would happen.  But, it seems that Gregg Allman might want to collaborate with Dickey Betts again, after both of them, have done their own thing, since Betts was let go from the Allman Brothers, 15 years ago, back in 2000.  Time heals all wounds.  Will it work?  We'll find out.

http://www.jambase.com/Articles/125961/Gregg-Allman-Wants-To-Play-With-Dickey-Betts-Again

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Charlie Christian w/The Benny Goodman Sextet "Roast Turkey Stomp"

Happy Birthday, to the late, great, jazz guitarist, Charlie Christian.  Here he is, playing with the Benny Goodman Sextet, playing the tune "Roast Turkey Stomp".  The band lineup is:

Personnel:

Charlie Christian - Guitar
Benny Goodman - Clarinet
Lionel Hampton - Vibes
Fletcher Henderson - Piano
Artie Bernstein - Bass
Nick Fatool - Drums

F.Y.I.  This video, is listed in a whole series of videos on YouTube, that go through, if you choose to auto play them.

Buddy Emmons - Pachelbel Canon in D Major on steel guitar

Another tribute to Buddy Emmons.  Here he is, playing one of the most unique versions of Pachelbel's Canon in D, I've heard, on the pedal steel guitar.  This, is beautiful.


Buddy Emmons & Friends, improvising

We remember, the late, great wizard of the pedal steel guitar, Buddy Emmons, who just passed away.  Five of the top session players in Nashville, jam together.  Mark O'Connor on fiddle, Jerry Douglas on resonator guitar, Sam Bush on mandolin, Edgar Meyer on upright bass, and Buddy Emmons (Rest In Peace, Buddy), are in this quintet.


In Memoriam: Vic Firth (Vic Firth, Percussion Pioneer, 1930-2015)

We remember the legendary Vic Firth, who was a teacher, and also, the namesake of the largest drumstick maker in the world.  He was a graduate of the New England Conservatory, and became a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in 1952.  Yours truly, was once, a drummer.  I played for five years, and during that time, I used a couple of pairs of Vic Firth's sticks.  Rest In Peace, Vic Firth.

http://www.jambands.com/news/2015/07/28/vic-firth-percussion-pioneer-1930-2015/

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Chris Potter Underground - Open Minds

Great short documentary/music video by Chris Potter's Underground, called "Open Minds".  The band lineup is:

Chris Potter: tenor saxophone & bass clarinet
Adam Rogers: guitar
Craig Taborn: piano & Fender Rhodes
Nate Smith: drums

Monday, July 27, 2015

The Grateful Dead "Terrapin Station"

Today marks 38 years, since the release of one of the greatest albums done by The Grateful Dead, "Terrapin Station".  Here's the title track, written by lyricist Robert Hunter, performed by the band on July 26th, 1987, in Anaheim, California.


Sunday, July 26, 2015

Phish "Tweezer"

Revisiting one of yours truly's favorite songs.  This is the jam, with the kooky lyrics, "Tweezer", by Phish, with lyrics like:

Won't you step into the freezer
Please her with a tweezer
It's gonna be cold, cold, cold, cold

...And

Look who's in the freezer
Uncle Ebenezer

The lyrics are kooky!  But the groove, is totally in the pocket! Well, let's reawaken the sleeping giant.  Uncle Ebenezer is being thawed out as we speak, and will walk the earth once again, probably just wanting to jam out to this song, in the front row of the music festival.  The dude with the tie dyed shirt, and the lighter in one hand, calling out, "Tweezer!" just as the band walks on stage, right?  All kidding aside, let's rewind the tape.  Here, by popular demand are Trey Anastasio on guitar and vocals, Page McConnell on keys, Mike Gordon on bass, and Jon Fishman, on drums.

Buddy Guy Mentors Quinn Sullivan, The Next Generation | NBC News

NBC News profiles 15-year-old guitar prodigy, Quinn Sullivan, and how he connected, with the last great living blues legend, Buddy Guy.


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Dwight Yoakam "Second Hand Heart"

Real country music, lives!  Check out Dwight Yoakam, with the title track to his new record, "Second Hand Heart" on Guitar Center Sessions on DIRECTV.


Friday, July 24, 2015

Dave Holland Quartet "Conference of The Birds"

Cool tune by the Dave Holland Quartet, called "Conference of The Birds" from the album of the same name, released on ECM Records in 1973.  The quartet lineup is:

Dave Holland: bass
Sam Rivers: reeds & flute
Anthony Braxton: reeds & flute
Barry Altschul: percussion


Thursday, July 23, 2015

Dreams "Try Me"

Cool funk/fusion band called Dreams.  Here's their song "Try Me", from 1970.  The Brecker brothers, (Randy on trumpet, and Michael on saxophone), were part of this group.  Check it out.


Otis Redding "You Left The Water Running"


The last song that Otis Redding ever recorded.  "You Left The Water Running" (written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall, and Oscar Franks), was a demo originally intended for Wilson Pickett to record.  Pickett eventually recorded it, and so did a duo called Maurice and Mac.  Here's more history on the song, from a Wikipedia article.

From Wikipedia - "You Left the Water Running" is a soul music song written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall and Oscar Franks. It has been recorded by Wilson Pickett, Maurice and Mac and most notably by Otis Redding.

Redding's connection to the song is documented by music journalist Dave Marsh in his 1989 book The Heart of Rock and Soul. In 1966, Redding was visiting FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when studio owner Rick Hall requested Redding help them with an upcoming session. Wilson Pickett was to record "You Left the Water Running", and Hall wished for Redding to record a demo to assist with the production. A simple recording was made and Redding made some overdub additions, and Pickett made his recording similar to Redding's version.

Ten years later, Marsh was mailed a promo copy of "You Left the Water Running" by Otis Redding on Stone Records (the flipside was an instrumental called "The Otis Jam", which was produced by John Fred, of "Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)" fame). Marsh was fascinated by the song, and mentioned the new single to several friends, including his attorney, who also happened to represent the Otis Redding estate. He soon found out that Stone Records had not obtained the Redding family's permission to release the long lost demo recording, and demanded the single be pulled from circulation.

When Marsh asked the label's distributor what was to become of the single, he was informed that they were to be destroyed. Instead, Marsh purchased the copies that remained, and gave them out as gifts, with the attorney's permission. As a result,the single (Stone 209) is now highly valuable.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Horace Silver Quintet "Cool Eyes"

Bonus post for your viewing/listening pleasure on this Wednesday.  Check out this 1958 performance by the Horace Silver Quintet, of Silver's composition, "Cool Eyes".


Minor correction.  The video description says this performance, is from 1959, on Dutch television.  Posting this one, in honor of the late saxophonist, with Silver's quintet, Junior Cook.  Today would have marked Cook's 81st birthday.  He was born, July 22nd, 1934.

The Golden Road: Carlos Santana, Mike Gordon, Marco Benevento, and More Reflect on the Grateful Dead

Many artists, who have played with The Grateful Dead, reflect on the band's legacy, in this article from Relix magazine.

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

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jimmie Vaughan "Pipeline" (on a double neck guitar!)

The Vaughan brothers, (Stevie Ray and Jimmie) play the surf instrumental, "Pipeline" (incidentally, recorded in 1962, by surf rock band, The Chantays), on a double neck guitar, at the 1987 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, aboard the S.S. Presidente riverboat.  The guitar Stevie Ray and Jimmie are playing, incidentally, is a custom made piece by Robin Guitars out of Houston, Texas, that resembles a Fender Stratocaster, and has two maple necks (each with a different scale length), a pointy "drooped" headstock with locking tuners, and Rio Grande single-coil Stratocaster style pickups. 

The guitar is/was known as "The Family Guitar", and for good reason.  This is part of a series of videos.  Check it out.


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Helen Merrill "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To"

Bonus post.  Check out jazz vocalist Helen Merrill and her song, "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", performed here, at a jazz festival in France, circa 1960.


Phil Upchurch & Booker T. & The MG's "Love & Peace"

Check out this soul blues ballad by guitarist Phil Upchurch and Booker T. & The MG's, with the one and the only Booker T. Jones on Hammond organ, called "Love & Peace".


Monday, July 20, 2015

Santana "Black Magic Woman"

A great version of Carlos Santana's "Black Magic Woman" from the 2011 Montreux Jazz Festival, in another tribute, on his birthday.  Happy Birthday, Carlos!


Allman Brothers Band (feat. Carlos Santana & Bill Evans) "All Along The Watchtower"

The Allman Brothers Band playing Bob Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" with Carlos Santana, and saxophone great, Bill Evans, at a gig in Hartford, Connecticut in 2012.


Warren Haynes: 'The Door Is Always Open' for Allman Brothers Reunion

In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Warren Haynes says that the Allman Brothers Band, may come back to life, briefly, at some point in time, talks about his soon to be released acoustic solo record, and mentions the difference between the Allman Brothers, and The Grateful Dead.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/warren-haynes-the-door-is-always-open-for-allman-brothers-reunion-20150716

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Gregg Allman "Love Like Kerosene"

New tune from Gregg Allman and his solo band, that is on the upcoming "Back To Macon, Georgia" CD/DVD.  This rockabilly/blues jam is called "Love Like Kerosene", and here's the lyric video.  Crank it up!




Saturday, July 18, 2015

Bela Fleck & Jerry Douglas "Another Morning"

Duet for banjo and resonator guitar.  This is Jerry Douglas and Bela Fleck, playing a composition entitled, "Another Morning".  This is bluegrass and acoustic country music, at it's best.


Friday, July 17, 2015

Cal Tjader "Soul Sauce"

Great samba flavored tune by the most successful non-Latin musician, to play Latin jazz music, Cal Tjader, featuring Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet.  This little number, is called, "Soul Sauce".  Dance the samba, and dig this!  OK.  It's not purely samba.  But, it's awesome!  This 1961 recording of the song, which is a true jam.  There was a shorter version, released in 1964.  But, it's nowhere near as spunky.

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


Thursday, July 16, 2015

Jazz Articles: Bob James and Nathan East to Release Duets Album

Bob James and Nathan East, will release their first collaboration album, outside of Fourplay, on September 18th.  It is a duets record called The New Cool. that drops September 18th, on the Yamaha Entertainment Group.  Yamaha only recently started releasing records, which is incidental, as East, and James, play Yamaha made instruments.  East has a signature edition electric bass through Yamaha, and James, plays Yamaha grand pianos.

http://jazztimes.com/articles/165198-bob-james-and-nathan-east-to-release-duets-album

Tabah "Myth"


The video for Tabah's single "Myth".  This is the band that my brother Charlie is involved with, who has just released their new record, "Time Will Come".  The band lineup is:

Cecilia Erholtz; vocals & guitar
Charlie Bruber: bass
Murphy Jansen: drums
Jeff Ley: guitar
Andrew Seitz: Hammond organ

Check out the new record.

P.S. The guitar in the video, is the '52 reissue Fender Telecaster, yours truly has played a great deal for the last decade or so. 

Carlos Santana & Buddy Miles "Free Form Funkafide Filth"

The title of this track says it all.  A 25 minute jam, by Carlos Santana and the late, great, Buddy Miles.  The band lineup is:

Carlos Santana - guitar
Buddy Miles - drums, percussion, congas.
Neal Schon - guitar.
Ron Johnson - bass guitar.
Bob Hogins - organ, electric piano.
Hadley Caliman - flute, saxophone.
Luis Gasca - trumpet.
Greg Errico - drums.
Richard Clark - drums, percussion, congas.
Coke Escovedo - drums, percussion, timbales.
Mike Carabello - percussion, congas.
Mingo Lewis - percussion.
Victor Pantoja - percussion, congas



Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Jason Isbell "Cigarettes And Wine"


Check out Jason Isbell playing his tune "Cigarettes And Wine" in a live performance at WTMD Radio at Towson University in Towson, Maryland. 


Inside Tedeschi Trucks Band's All-Star Joe Cocker Tribute Concert

A big announcement, as Tedeschi Trucks Band, will headline an all-star Joe Cocker tribute concert, this September at Lockn' Festival, in Arrington, Virginia.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/inside-tedeschi-trucks-bands-all-star-joe-cocker-tribute-concert-20150714

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

The Animals "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"

A favorite song of yours truly.  This is The Animals, performing "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood", live, back in 2008.  "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" originally appeared, in 1965.


Monday, July 13, 2015

Larry Carlton & Lee Ritenour: Larry & Lee Live In Tokyo, 1995

Have posted bits and pieces of this show before.  But, here, is the full performance, from 20 years ago, of Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour in Tokyo, Japan, in 1995.


Derek Trucks on His New Tour, Working With Eric Clapton, And His One Allman Brothers Regret

Great interview by Ultimate Classic Rock, with Derek Trucks.

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/derek-trucks-interview-2015/?trackback=fbshare_top

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Phil Lesh & Friends "Shakedown Street"


Phil Lesh & Friends playing "Shakedown Street" by The Grateful Dead at The Beacon Theater in New York City, on October 9th, 2000.  This version of the tune, features Warren Haynes and Jimmy Herring, on lead guitars.  Good stuff!  Check it out.

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Arthur Blythe, Chico Freeman, McCoy Tyner, & company Live at Montreux 1981

Another performance from the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.  This show dates back to 1981.  The group is fronted, by three saxophonists.  The main musicians are saxophonists Arthur Blythe, Chico Freeman, and Paquito D'Rivera, and pianist McCoy Tyner.  But, here's the whole band, listing each instrument, too.

Arthur Blythe: alto saxophone
Chico Freeman: tenor saxophone
Paquito D'Rivera: alto saxophone
McCoy Tyner: piano
Joe Ford: alto saxophone
John Blake: violin
Avery Sharpe: bass
Ronnie Burage: drums



Friday, July 10, 2015

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Jeff Healey "Look At Little Sister"

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Healey, perform Stevie Ray's cover of Hank Ballard and The Midnighters "Look At Little Sister"

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Louis Jordan "Caldonia"

A jazz and blues standard, by Louis Jordan, on saxophone.  This is "Caldonia", also well known for being covered by Muddy Waters, and Pinetop Perkins.  Mama said that I should stay away from Caldonia.  But, mama didn't know much much in love I was with Miss Caldonia.  Caldonia!, Caldonia!, what makes yo' big head so hard?!


Wednesday, July 8, 2015

In Memoriam: Masabumi Kikuchi

Rest In Peace, jazz pianist Masabumi Kikuchi, who was also mentioned, and credited, in the earlier Paul Motian post.

http://jazztimes.com/articles/164809-pianist-masabumi-kikuchi-dies-at-75

Paul Motian "If You Could See Me Now"

Legendary jazz drummer, Paul Motian, performs with his trio at The Village Vanguard in 2000.  This is the tune "If You Could See Me Now" originally written by bop era composer and pianist, Tadd Dameron.  The drums, piano, bass trio, is augmented by two saxophonists, and the players are:

Paul Motian: drums
Masabumi Kikuchi: piano
Larry Grenadler: bass
Greg Osby: alto saxophone
Chris Potter: tenor saxophone


Rest In Peace, Paul Motian, and, Masabumi Kikuchi, who just passed away.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Walter Trout & Canned Heat in Australia, in 1983

Boogie woogie, boys!  Check out this jam, featuring Canned Heat, and special guest, Walter Trout, in Australia, circa 1983.


Monday, July 6, 2015

Bill Haley & The Comets "Rock Around The Clock"

Bonus post.  Happy Birthday, to an originator of rock and roll.  Here's Bill Haley and The Comets, playing "Rock Around The Clock".


Robert Lockwood Jr. "Kindhearted Woman Blues"

Robert Lockwood Jr. plays Robert Johnson's "Kindhearted Woman Blues" at an eponymous concert called "The Blues of Robert Lockwood Jr.", which was also an album, recorded live in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29th, 1984.


Sunday, July 5, 2015

Skip's Spotify Sunday 7-5-15

Jeff Beck Live Albums

Jeff Beck "Jeff Beck With The Jan Hammer Group, Live"

1. Freeway Jam
2. Earth (Still Our Only Home)
3. She's A Woman
4. Full Moon Boogie
5. Darkness/Earth In Search of a Sun
6. Scatterbrain
7. Blue Wind

Jeff Beck "Performing This Week... Live At Ronnie Scott's"

1. Beck's Bolero
2. Eternity's Breath
3. Stratus
4. Cause We've Ended As Lovers
5. Behind The Veil
6. You Never Know
7. Nadia
8. Blast From The East
9. Led Boots
10. Angel (Footsteps)
11. Scatterbrain
12. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat/Brush With The Blues
13. Space Boogie
14. Big Block
15. A Day In The Life
16. Where Were You

Jeff Beck "Live And Exclusive From The Grammy Museum"

1. Corpus Christi Carol
2. Hammerhead
3. Over The Rainbow
4. Brush With The Blues
5. A Day In The Life
6. Nessun Dorma
7. How High The Moon
8. People Get Ready

Jeff Beck "Rock & Roll Party" Honoring Les Paul (Live at The Iridium, June 2010)

1. Double Talking Baby (feat. Darrel Higham: guitar & vocals)
2. Cruisin' (feat. Darrel Higham: guitar & vocals)
3. The Train It Kept A Rollin' (feat. Darrel Higham: guitar & vocals)
4. Cry Me A River (feat. Imelda May: vocals, & Jason Rebello: piano)
5. How High The Moon (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
6. Sitting On Top of The World (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
7. Bye Bye Blues (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
8. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
9. Vaya Con Dios (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
10. Mockin' Bird Hill (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
11. I'm A Fool To Care (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
12. Tiger Rag (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
13. Peter Gunn (feat. Jason Rebello: piano, & Trombone Shorty: trombone)
14. Rocking Is Our Business (feat. Darrel Higham: guitar & vocals, Jason Rebello: piano, & Trombone Shorty: trombone)
15. Apache
16. Sleepwalk
17. New Orleans (feat. Gary U.S. Bonds: vocals, & Jason Rebello: piano)
18. Walking In The Sand
19. Pleasse Mr. Jailor (feat. Imelda May: vocals)
20. Twenty Flight Rock (feat. Brian Setzer: guitar & vocals)

Jeff Beck "Live+"

(feat. Jeff Beck: guitar, Jimmy Hall: vocals & harmonica, Nicolas Meier: guitar, Rhonda Smith: bass, & Jonathan Joseph: drums)

1. Loaded
2. Morning Dew
3. You Know You Know (John McLaughlin cover)
4. Why Give It Away
5. A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke cover)
6. A Day In The Life (Beatles cover)
7. Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover)
8. Hammerhead
9. Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix cover)
10. Big Block
11. Where Were You
12. Danny Boy (Traditional Irish tune)
13. Rollin' & Tumblin' (Muddy Waters cover)
14. Going Down (Don Nix cover)
15. Tribal
16. My Tiled White Floor

Jeff Beck "Performing This Week... Live At Ronnie Scotts" [Deluxe Edition]

Disc 1

1. Beck's Bolero
2. Eternity's Breath
3. Stratus (Billy Cobham cover)
4. Cause We've Ended As Lovers (Stevie Wonder cover)
5. Behind The Veil
6. You Never Know
7. Nadia
8. Blast From The Past
9. Led Boots
10. Angels (Footsteps)
11. Scatterbrain
12. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (Charlie Mingus cover)/Brush With The Blues
13. Peace Boogie
14. Big Block
15. A Day In The Life (Beatles cover)
16. Where Were You

Disc 2

1. People Get Ready (Curtis Mayfield cover) (feat. Joss Stone: vocals)
2. Blanket (feat. Imogen Heap: vocals)
3. Little Brown Bird (Muddy Waters cover) (feat. Eric Clapton: guitar & vocals)
4. You Need Love (Willie Dixon/Muddy Waters cover) (feat. Eric Clapton: guitar & vocals)
5. Rollin' & Tumblin' (Muddy Waters cover) (feat. Imogen Heap: vocals)
6. Race With The Devil
7. Crazy Legs
8. Train Kept A Rollin'
9. My Baby Left Me
10. Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover)
11. Baby Blue
12. Honky Tonk


Saturday, July 4, 2015

The Steep Canyon Rangers "The Star Spangled Banner"

Happy 239th Birthday, United States of America!  Our National Anthem... "The Star Spangled Banner", written by Francis Scott Key, performed, bluegrass style, by The Steep Canyon Rangers.


Call Them Hippies, But The Grateful Dead Were Tech Pioneers

As we are celebrating the final shows of The Grateful Dead's career, remember, these guys were more than just musicians.  They were also technological pioneers in terms of the industry, with how they managed to make the live sound at their shows, work.

http://www.wired.com/2015/07/grateful-dead-fare-thee-well-tech-pioneers/?mbid=social_fb

Seven Essential Southern Albums

Take a look at this article in Garden & Gun magazine, talking about seven of the great albums made by musicians, from the southern United States, including a set of videos for the last album mentioned in the article, of field recordings of southern roots music, by the greatest musicologist, Alan Lomax.

http://gardenandgun.com/article/essential-southern-albums

Friday, July 3, 2015

Horacio "el Negro" Hernandez "The Octopus"

Check out this performance by Latin drummer Horacio "el Negro" Hernandez, called, "The Octopus".  It features, former Allman Brothers Band percussionist, Marc Quinones as well.  This performance, is actually from 15 years ago, back in 2000.  But, it's also a great demonstration on how a couple of drummers, can meld together and produce some awesome rhythms.  Additional musicians on this track include the late, great, Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone, John Pattitucci on bass, and Hilario Duran, on piano.


Thursday, July 2, 2015

Joe Zawinul & John McLaughlin "In A Silent Way"

Joe Zawinul and John McLaughlin, play their version of Zawinul's "In A Silent Way", that both of them were a part of recording with Miles Davis on his legendary 1969 album of the same name.  This performance is from the 1992 Donaufestival "Wellenlangen" in Niederosterreich, Austria.  McLaughin on guitar, and Zawinul, on EWI.  Except, this isn't an ordinary EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument).  It is a Korg Pepe wind controlled synthesizer.


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

concert review: Francois Rabbath @ Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, June 30th, 2015

The upright bass.  More often than not, in jazz, it is used, obviously, as a rhythm instrument.  There are many great bassists in the world of jazz.  But, French player, and teacher, Francois Rabbath is quite different.  He and his son, pianist, Sylvain Rabbath, played to an enthusiastic crowd Tuesday night at Bethel University's Benson Great Hall.  Most of the numbers played, were of Rabbath's own composition, and, during the show, he paid tribute, with one, to the late, great jazz saxophonist, Ornette Coleman.

It is Rabbath's tone, on the double bass, that is of such magnitude to the ear, when you hear it.  Rabbath is able to find notes, with, or without the use of a bow, that usually, are not heard on the instrument.  He has virtuosic ability, to take the double bass to new and fantastic heights.  He, and son Sylvain on piano, exchanged musical thoughts and ideas, extremely well.  They were very much united in their sonic explorations.  To top off the evening, Rabbath let students from the Twin Cities Bass Camp, (of which, this was a culminating performance), perform with him, for a number, towards the end of the set.

Once again, it is Rabbath's tone, with the use of a bow, on the double bass, that is the most intriguing part of his performance, and his interpretation (also found on a 2012 recording), of compositions by the great Johann Sebastian Bach.  His tone is mellow, pleasing, and articulate.  To find out more, about this recording, if you happen to have access to Spotify, check out the aforementioned 2012 record, "Bach: Suites pour violoncello seul a la contrabasse".  This is the album, to hear, what he does in such a magnificent way.  Don't just take my word for it.  Definitely, check it out.

Rabbath is one of those unique masters of his instrument, as a player, and as a teacher.  One more thing.  The Bach recordings, are one of two albums by Rabbath, on Spotify.  Also, look into 1998's "Turquie: Le chant des poetes".  After the show, yours truly, briefly met Francois Rabbath, at least shaking hands with the great master, and exchanging some conversation about music.  This was special, as it is very likely one of Rabbath's last performances he will ever give to an audience.  The man is another true legend, and he eloquently presented his virtuosity on the double bass, on this evening.