John McLaughlin "Shin Jin Rui"

From his 1995 record, "The Promise", here's John McLaughlin with the track "Shin Jin Rui", and it features:

John McLaughlin: guitar
David Sanborn: alto saxophone
Jim Beard: keyboards
James Genus: bass
Dennis Chambers: drums
Don Alias: percussion

Black Country Communion "Song of Yesterday"

Check out the band Black Country Communion... a supergroup that features Joe Bonamassa on guitar and vocals, Glenn Hughes on bass, and backing vocals, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, and Jason Bonham, on drums.  The tune is called "Song of Yesterday". 

Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66/Brasil 2016 (50th anniversary) at The Dakota Jazz Club, May 29th, 2016

This is partially a record post, and also, a concert review.  Just saw Sergio Mendes and his band, play The Dakota jazz club in Minneapolis.  Wow!  What great musicians, but also, what uplifting, and joyful music!  Most times, when you think of jazz music, you think of virtuoso masters who really delve deeply into the cerebral side of the music, and they'll blow your mind, with musical technical skill, and also tug at you emotionally.  But, with Sergio Mendes and his band, the music is just pure joy.  Mendes, played piano and led his band that featured Latin percussion, alto saxophone (the alto sax player doubled on flute), a standard rhythm section, and of course, lots and lots of Brazilian influenced percussion, through his myriad of classic songs, which included covers by other luminaries of Brazilian music.

Mendes, sang on some of the tunes, but his backing vocalists sang note for note, and word for word, the great songs, that made him a popular figure in jazz in the '60s, and '70s, and he is just as inspiring and relevant, today.  He's primarily known as a bossa nova musician who crosses the music with jazz and funk, but he also delved, during the performance, into samba, especially towards the concert's climax.  "Mas Que Nada" which is a cover of a Jorge Ben composition, has to be Mendes' most well known and popular number.  Hip hop artists, The Black Eyed Peas, covered it, with Mendes, for a record that was released, in the early 2000s, and this revitalized his career.

"Mas Que Nada" and a number of other tunes, in the show, came from the breakout album "Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66", which, was produced by Herb Alpert, the great jazz trumpet player.  Above this review, is a YouTube video, of the entire record.  Check it out.  There were a couple of his pop music hits, also covered during the evening, such as 1968's "The Look of Love" and 1983's "Never Gonna Let You Go", which brought Mendes and his music, to a wider audience, and even Mendes' piano work during the evening, saw him switching timbres on his Yamaha keyboard, from a traditional piano, for the Brasil '66 numbers, to electric piano timbres for the pop numbers.

"The Look of Love" was #4 on the pop charts in 1968, and "Never Gonna Let You Go", with Joe Pizzulo and and Leza Miller, on vocals, reached #4 on the charts as well, when it was released, in 1983.  One of Mendes' backup singers, happens to be his wife, Gracinha Leporace.  Even the younger generation, may be somewhat familiar, with Mendes' work, as in 2005, he re-recorded "Mas Que Nada" for an album that was released the following year, with hip hop group, The Black Eyed Peas.  "Mas Que Nada" happened to be the encore of the evening, and the band, and the audience at The Dakota, really got into it, and were dancing everywhere.

Mendes' music, and the spirit of Brazilian jazz, has such a positive vibe to it.  It is so upbeat, and even if you do not fully understand the lyrics, in Portuguese, it is also, the rhythms of Brazil, that are unmistakable.  Sergio Mendes is the master, of combining popular music, with jazz, and the influences of the Samba, Latin Jazz, and Bossa Nova, all into one unique sound.  What a remarkable performance, and a show, that those who attended, will remember, forever.  One name, is all you need.  Sergio!

The Word "Come By Here"

A gospel spiritual/blues song, that was written, spontaneously, for The Word's new record.  Robert Randolph tells the story, and the band, plays the tune.  Dig it.

Danny Gottlieb & Joe Satriani "Monterey"

From his jazz fusion recording "Aquamarine", here is guitar slinger Joe Satriani along with drummer, Danny Gottlieb.

Miles Davis "Early Minor"

Happy Birthday, Miles Davis!

A bonus track (if you will) from the 1969 "In A Silent Way" sessions.  Here's Miles Davis with "Early Minor".  The band lineup is:

Miles Davis – trumpet
Chick Corea – electric piano
Herbie Hancock – electric piano
Joe Zawinul – organ
Dave Holland – double bass
Tony Williams – drums
Joe Chambers – drums
John McLaughlin – electric guitar 

Dave Holland Quartet "The Oracle"

From their 1990 ECM recording, "Extensions", here is the Dave Holland Quartet, with the composition, "Oracle", featuring Steve Coleman on alto saxophone, Kevin Eubanks on electric guitar, Dave Holland on double bass, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith, on drums.

Rory Gallagher "I Wonder Who"

The late, great, Irish blues guitarist, Rory Gallagher, with his song, called "I Wonder Who", performed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1984.  Check this out.

Al di Meola "Tao"

From his 2006 "Consequence of Chaos" record, here is Al di Meola, with the tune, "Tao".  The line up on this track, includes a few familiar names.

Al Di Meola – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, percussion
Chick Corea – acoustic piano
Barry Miles – acoustic piano, keyboards, marimba
Mario Parmisano – acoustic piano, keyboards
John Patitucci – acoustic bass, electric bass
Victor Miranda – electric bass, baby upright bass
Gumbi Ortiz – congas, percussion
Kornel Horvath – shaker, gato drum, udo
Steve Gadd – drums
Ernie Adams – drums, congas, bongos, percussion

Billy Cobham "Puffnstuff"

Check out Billy Cobham and his band, playing the tune "Puffnstuff" at the 1978 Montreux Jazz Festival.  The band lineup is:

Billy Cobham - drums, percussion
Peter Maunu - guitar
Randy Jackson - bass
Joachim Kühn - piano
Mark Soskin - keyboards
Alvin Baptiste - clarinet, vocals
Pete Escovedo - percussion, vocals
Kathleen Kaan - vocals
Sheila E. - conductor

Dana Fuchs "I've Been Loving You Too Long"

One of today's most soulful singers, Dana Fuchs, takes on Otis Redding's fabulous ballad "I've Been Loving You Too Long", and knocks it out of the park!

Tony Williams Lifetime "Red Alert"

Check out a neat track by the late, great jazz drummer Tony Williams and his fusion band Lifetime.  This one is called "Red Alert", from the "Believe It" record, featuring Allan Holdsworth absolutely shredding on guitar.

Eric Clapton Talks New Album: 'I Kind of Might Be Saying Goodbye'

Eric Clapton says he might be retiring.  Not yet, but soon.  Yours truly, has had the honor of seeing Clapton perform in concert, twice.  Once on his 2006-2007 world tour with a stellar band, including fellow guitarists Doyle Bramhall II. and Derek Trucks, and once, along with Steve Winwood, in 2009.  Both of those shows, I will remember, forever.  But, in career that has lasted over half a century, it seems as though Eric Clapton has done everything possible, and won many accolades in the music business.  He is right, that soon, hanging up his hat, might be a good decision.  More power to him in whatever decision he ultimately makes.  His musical legacy, is definitely secure.

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/eric-clapton-new-album-2016/#photogallery-1=21

Jeff Beck Group "Situation"

Jeff Beck Group, playing their tune, "Situation" from the 1971 record, "Rough And Ready".  Check it out.

In Memoriam: Guy Clark

Rest In Peace, Guy Clark, one of the great songwriters of our time, especially in country and Americana music circles.

http://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/05/17/guy-clark-dead-74/80932338/

To celebrate his life, here's one of his songs.  This one is called "L.A. Freeway".  

Tedeschi Trucks Band (feat. Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers) "It Makes No Difference"

Great rendition of The Band's "It Makes No Difference" with Tedeschi Trucks Band and Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers, from their performance at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, last Saturday night.

Jazz Is Dead (feat. Billy Cobham) "Red Baron"

Another great cover of Billy Cobham's "Red Baron", by the band Jazz Is Dead.  A quartet, featuring Jimmy Herring on guitar, T. Lavitz on keyboards, Alphonso Johnson on bass, and, the man of the moment, the composer of this tune... Mr. Cobham, himself, on drums.

Snooky Pryor "Keep Your Fat Mouth Out of My Business"

Harmonica legend Snooky Pryor, puts it bluntly to someone who is driving him crazy, with the tune "Keep Your Fat Mouth Out of My Business".

Brecker Brothers "Inside Out"

Randy Brecker, on trumpet, and his brother, the late, great, Michael Brecker, on tenor saxophone, with the tune, "Inside Out", from their 1978 record, "Heavy Metal Bebop".  This track, is a live recording.  The band lineup is:

Michael Brecker [Acoustic & electric tenor sax], Randy Brecker [acoustic & electric trumpet, keyboards], Terry Bozzio [drums, vocals - track 1],

Additional musicians:

Neil Jason (vocals, bass); Paul Schaeffer (Fender Rhodes piano); Barry Finnerty (guitar, guitorganizer, background vocals); Alan Schwartzberg (drums); Victoria (tamborine); Kash Monet (percussion, handclaps, background vocals); Sammy Figeroa, Rafael Cruz (percussion) Bob Clearmountain (handclaps); Jeff Schoen, Roy Herring (background vocals).

Recorded at My Father's Place, Roslyn, Long Island, New York and the Power Station, New York, New York., 1978.

Derek & The Dominos (feat. Duane Allman) "Layla" live at Curtis Hixon Hall; Tampa, Florida, December 1, 1970

Nearly 46 years ago, Duane Allman played just two shows live with Derek & The Dominos.  This is one, from Curtis Hixon Hall, in Tampa, Florida, on December 1st, 1970.  The performance is of "Layla", obviously.

Listen To A 19 Year Old Prince Crush Every Instrument On Funk Fusion Jam Session

Prince, was one of those rare geniuses in music.  This funkadelic jam session, shows that.  He absolutely floors it on every instrument here.  Drums, bass, guitar, and keys, (you'll hear him jam mostly on Rhodes piano and Clavinet in these tracks).  At least seven of them are included here.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/news/listen-to-a-19-year-old-prince-crush-every-instrument-on-funk-fusion-jam-sessions/

Jack DeJohnette "Indigo Dreamscapes"

Cool tune by Jack DeJohnette, called "Indigo Dreamscapes".  The band, is a quartet, with Jack DeJohnette on drums, Herbie Hancock on piano, Dave Holland on bass, and Pat Metheny on guitar.

Gary Willis "Big Time"

Check out this tune from jazz bassist Gary Willis, called "Big Time".  This is from an album called "BENT".  The band is:

Gary Willis: bass
Dennis Chambers: drums
Scott Kinsey: keyboards
Steve Tavaglione: EWI
Bob Berg: tenor saxophone
Kirk Covington: drums

Johnny Winter "Memory Pain"

From the album, "Second Winter", here's Johnny Winter, with his lonely blues number, "Memory Pain".

Junior Wells "She Wants To Sell My Monkey"

An acoustic blues, by the late, great, harmonica legend, Junior Wells, called "She Wants To Sell My Monkey".  Alvin Youngblood Hart and Tab Benoit are on this track.  This was the title track, to an album of Wells' that included a who's who of personnel playing on it, like:

Junior Wells: vocals & harmonica
Alvin Youngblood Hart: vocals, steel guitar, National resonator guitar, Dobro
Bob Margolin: acoustic guitar, electric guitar
John Mooney: electric guitar, slide guitar
Sonny Landreth: slide guitar, steel guitar, National resonator guitar)
Derek Trucks: slide guitar
Corey Harris: steel guitar, National resonator guitar
Jon Cleary: piano
Bob Sunda: bass
Herman V. Ernest III.: drums

Jim Hall Quartet "Beija Flor"

A bonus post, for your Monday.  From the recording "All Across The City", released by Concord Jazz in 1989, here is jazz guitar great Jim Hall with his quartet, playing the tune "Beija Flor".  The quartet is Hall on guitar, Gil Goldstein on piano and synthesizer, Steve LaSpina on bass, and Terry Clarke on drums.

Chris Potter & John Scofield "Wistful"

Check out this track called "Wistful" featuring Chris Potter on tenor saxophone, and John Scofield on guitar, along with the rhythm section of Dave Holland on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums.  This is from Chris Potter's 1997 Concord Records release, "Unspoken". 

Dickey Betts & Great Southern "Bougainvillea"

The closing tune to Dickey Betts & Great Southern's 1977 solo debut, called "Bougainvillea".  Some people, listening to the melody on this one, might think, Dickey borrowed the melody, from "Melissa", that the Allman Brothers Band originally recorded, on "Eat A Peach" in 1972, that was penned, by Gregg Allman, obviously.  Great song, nonetheless. 

Frank Briggs "Saints"

From his album, "China Ranch", here is drummer and composer, Frank Briggs, with the track, "Saints".  The band lineup is:

Mitchel Forman - piano
Frank Gambale - guitar
Ric Fierabracci - bass
Steve Weingart - organ
Frank Briggs - drums, additional keyboards

Fontella Bass (feat. David Sanborn & Jools Holland) "Rescue Me"

Fontella Bass, singing her hit song "Rescue Me" with David Sanborn on alto saxophone, on Holland's "Night Music" TV show.

The Tony Williams Lifetime "Scirroco"

Check out this track by Tony Williams Lifetime, from 1974, called "Scirocco".  It's the lead cut off their record called "Lost Wildlife Tapes" a.k.a. "The Stockholm Sessions", and the band lineup is printed right on the photo from the back of the album, used for the video.

Tony Williams: drums
Allan Holdsworth: guitar
Webster Lewis: keyboards
Jack Bruce: bass
Laura "Tequila" Logan: vocals

Return To Forever "The Romantic Warrior"

A classic Return To Forever song, performed by the most well known incarnation of the band with Chick Corea on piano, Al di Meola on guitar, Stanley Clarke on upright bass, and Lenny White on drums.  This is a rendition of "The Romantic Warrior", circa 1976.

Warren Haynes Leads Pair Of Shows Celebrating 40th Anniversary Of 'Last Waltz'

Warren Haynes led an all-star band in two shows at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrating the 40th anniversary of "The Last Waltz", The Band's farewell concert at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California, on Thanksgiving Day, 1976. 

http://www.jambase.com/article/warren-haynes-leads-pair-shows-celebrating-40th-anniversary-last-waltz

Chick Corea & Steve Kujala "Mallorca"

Duet for piano and flute.  Chick Corea, and Steve Kujala play the tune, "Mallorca".  This track, is from Steve Kujala's "Voyage" record, released in 1984.

Mahavishnu Orchestra "Vital Transformation" live, 1973

Dig this, and get ready to go on another musical roller coaster ride.  This is Mahavishnu Orchestra, with a live cut of their song, "Vital Transformation", circa 1973. This is part of a series of videos, that will play, in sequence, when you click on the link, if you wish.  The original band lineup, for Mahavishnu Orchestra, was short lived, but created very inspiring music.  It was:

John McLaughlin: guitar
Jan Hammer: keyboards
Jerry Goodman: violin
Rick Laird: bass
Billy Cobham: drums

Go to the Wikipedia article, on the band, and scroll down, looking at the chart, in the middle of the page, on the right hand corner.  This chart, indicates each band lineup, between 1971 and 1987.  Notable musicians who played with the band, later on in their existence include:

Gayle Moran: keyboards & vocals (1974-'75)
Jean Luc Ponty: violin (1975)
Ralphe Armstrong: bass (1974-'76)
Narada Michael Walden: drums (1974-'76)
Mitchel Forman: keyboards (1984-'86)
Billy Cobham: drums (1971-'73, 1984)
Jonas Hellborg: bass (1984-'87)
Bill Evans: saxophone (1984-'87)
Danny Gottlieb: drums (1985-'87)
Jim Beard: keyboards (1987)