Ronnie Cuber, Bill Evans, & Randy Brecker

Check out this terrific jam (not sure of the exact title), featuring baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber along with Bill Evans on tenor sax, and Randy Brecker on trumpet.  This performance comes from the 2003 San Sebastian Jazz Festival, in Spain. 

Here's more, just featuring the horns without the rhythm section.  Ronnie, Bill, and Randy... go for it, guys.

Rev. Gary Davis "Hesitation Blues"

Blues and gospel singer Reverend Gary Davis, seems to also be a great comedian.  Check out "Hesitation Blues".  The story, and the audience's laughter, makes the tune.  Some musicians do have a real knack for being comedians.

Bonus Post: Chicago's Award-Winning Documentary Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago Premieres on CNN Jan. 1

New Year's Day, new documentary on Chicago.  For the entire scoop, click HERE.

http://www.chicagotheband.com/chicagos-award-winning-documentary-now-more-than-ever-the-history-of-chicago-premieres-on-cnn-on-january-1/

Big Bill Broonzy "Key To The Highway"

Many blues artists and blues/rock bands have covered this tune.  Most notably, Derek & The Dominoes.  But, here's the original recording of "Key To The Highway" by Big Bill Broonzy from around 1940 or '41, featuring Big Bill Broonzy on guitar and vocals, Jazz Gillum on harmonica, and Washboard Sam, on what else... washboard.  Check it out.

Bass Player Charlie Bruber on the Scenic Route

My brother Charlie, on his bass playing with both Tabah and Black Market Brass, in an interview with WTIP North Shore Community Radio.

http://wtip.org/bass-player-charlie-bruber-scenic-route

Furry Lewis "Shake 'Em On Down"

A 1961 recording by blues pianist, Furry Lewis.  The tune is called "Shake 'Em On Down".  Walter Furry Lewis was one of the first of the old-time blues musicians of the 1920s to be brought out of retirement, and given a new lease of recording life, by the folk blues revival of the 1960s.

The Benevento Russo Duo Are Playing A Secret Show In Brooklyn Tonight

Brooklyn, New York.  FYI.  This should be a fun gig.

http://liveforlivemusic.com/news/benevento-russo-duo-playing-secret-show-brooklyn-tonight/

In Memoriam: Alphonse Mouzon, & his song "Virtue"

We remember the late great jazz drummer, keyboardist, and composer, Alphonse Mouzon. Another masterful musician has left this earth.

http://www.inquisitr.com/3828577/alphonse-mouzon-dead-at-68/

To honor his legacy, here is the title track to his "Virtue" record released in 1977.  The band lineup is:

Alphonse Mouzon - Drums, Percussion, Vocals, Keyboards,
Gary Bartz - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone –
Stu Goldberg - Keyboards, Soloist [Mini Moog]
Welton Gite - Electric Bass

More memories of Alphonse Mouzon as well.  Here is the 411 on the fantastic "Mind Transplant" record, with another long lost great, that Alphonse collaborated with.  The late, great, Tommy Bolin on guitar.  Rest In Peace, Tommy Bolin, and Alphonse Mouzon. 

http://www.tbolin.com/history/alphonse_mouzon.html

Miles Davis "Flamenco Sketches"

Here is the original version of "Flamenco Sketches" by Miles Davis, from the "Kind of Blue" record.

Chris Botti & David Sanborn "Flamenco Sketches"

Chris Botti and David Sanborn play a beautiful rendition of Miles Davis' "Flamenco Sketches" from the "Kind of Blue" album circa 1959.  On that recording, of course, it was Davis on trumpet, Cannonball Adderley on alto saxophone, John Coltrane on tenor saxophone, Paul Chambers on bass, Jimmy Cobb on drums, and on piano, Bill Evans, and Wynton Kelly.

Mannheim Steamroller "Good King Wenceslas"

As we come close to Christmas, here is another favorite of yours truly by Chip Davis and the Mannheim Steamroller.  This is The Steamroller's take on "Good King Wenceslas", from Mannheim Steamroller "Christmas", circa 1984.

Dave Holland "The True Meaning of Determination"

Another track from Dave Holland's 2013 record "Prism".  This is called "The True Meaning of Determination".  The band lineup is:

Dave Holland: bass

Craig Taborn: piano

Kevin Eubanks: guitar

Eric Harland: drums

 

Weather Report "Volcano For Hire"

Cool tune, recorded in Tokyo, Japan, in 1981, by Weather Report, in the last year of their classic, and best known lineup with Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, and Peter Erskine.  This is "Volcano For Hire". 

Albert Lee (feat. Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, & Rodney Crowell) "Country Boy"

I may look like a city slicker.  Nah.  I'm a country boy at heart.  Hitch up the horse and wagon, crank up the Telecaster twang, and check out this tune!  Albert Lee plays his tune "Country Boy" with Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, and Rodney Crowell on "In Session" circa 1983.

Eric Clapton "Wonderful Tonight"

Eric Clapton's famous ballad, "Wonderful Tonight", from the "Live In San Diego" record, from 2007 featuring in many ways, one of the best bands Clapton has had in his career.  Once again, the musicians playing with Clapton include Doyle Bramhall II. and Derek Trucks on guitars, Tim Carmon and Chris Stainton on keyboards, Willie Weeks on bass, Steve Jordan on drums, and backing vocalists, Michelle John, and Sharon White.

Focus "Hocus Pocus"

Another Jan Akkerman related post.  Akkerman leads his band, Focus, masters of early prog rock, on a wild ride through their instrumental, "Hocus Pocus", introduced by Gladys Knight on "The Midnight Special" in 1973.  The band lineup is:

Thijs van Leer: vocals, yodeling, organ, flute, whistling
Jan Akkerman: guitar
Bert Ruiter: bass
Pierre van der Linden: drums

Jan Akkerman "Tranquiliser"

Another tune from Jan Akkerman, showing his mastery and unique style on the electric guitar, playing his own brand of jazz.  This is "Tranquiliser". 

Jan Akkerman "Floatin' "

From his eponymous 1977 release on Atlantic Records, here is jazz fusion guitarist, Jan Akkerman, with the tune, "Floatin' ".  The band line up is:

Jan Akkerman - guitars
Joachim Kühn - keyboards
Cees van der Laarse - bass
Pierre van der Linden - drums
Neppie Noya - percussion

Jan Akkerman "Streetwalker"

Revisiting great jazz guitarist, Jan Akkerman, and some of his work.  He started his career with the progressive rock band Focus, and then, left that group, to focus on playing jazz, solely.  His first solo record, produced one of his masterpieces, and here is that tune.  It is called "Streetwalker".  Here, he and his band play the tune at WDR Jazzline.  Akkerman, is playing a custom built guitar, made by a company called Heins, from Holland.  It is definitely, an acoustic/electric hybrid, and sounds great. 

Wayne Shorter "Maya"

Check out a track from Wayne Shorter's "High Life" record.  The tune is called "Maya", and features this band lineup:

Wayne Shorter: soprano saxophone
Rachel Z.: piano & synthesizers
David Gilmore: electric guitar
Marcus Miller: bass, bass clarinet, & rhythm programming
Will Calhoun: drums
Lenny Castro: percussion
Airto Moreira: percussion

Derek & The Dominos (feat. Duane Allman) "Let It Rain" (1970)

Derek & The Dominos, with Duane Allman sitting in, playing "Let It Rain", a tune that would become successful for Eric Clapton, as it was released on his self titled solo debut, in 1970 (the same year this show took place).  The recording is from a concert (the whole show, was posted on this blog, earlier on), at Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa, Florida, on December 1st, 1970.

Weather Report "Can It Be Done?"

Sometimes, it is hard, as a musician, to find a new, original concept, in the music you play and write.  Weather Report asks, "Can It Be Done?", with Carl Anderson on vocals.  Here is the full line up on this track, that appears on their 1984 record, "Domino Theory".

Carl Anderson -vocals
Victor Bailey -bass
Omar Hakim -drums
Joe Zawinul -keyboards
José Rossy -percussion
Wayne Shorter -saxophone

Johnny Winter Live In Sweden, 1987

A bonus post for your Sunday.  We return to Ron Weinstock's In A Blue Mood blog, and check out a live record done by the late,great, Johnny Winter and his trio, with a review of his album with Dr. John, "Live In Sweden, 1987", and there is video included of Winter's cover of J.B. Lenoir's "Mojo Boogie".

http://inabluemood.blogspot.com/2016/12/johnny-winter-live-in-sweden-1987.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FtQLoa+%28In+a+Blue+Mood%29

Lenny White "Sweet Tooth"

From his 1995 recording, "Present Tense", here is Lenny White, with the tune, "Sweet Tooth", written by bassist, Victor Bailey, who appears as part of the all-star band on the record, and on the track itself.  The lineup is:

Lenny White - drums
Chick Corea - piano, electric piano
Victor Bailey - bass
John Scofield - guitar
Kenny Garrett - saxophone
Jon Dryden - synthesizer

Tony Williams & Ronnie Montrose "Capricorn"

Check out Tony Williams and Ronnie Montrose playing Wayne Shorter's "Capricorn" in a fusion/prog rock arrangement.  This song was originally arranged for and recorded by Miles Davis on the "Water Babies" album, and first recorded in 1967.  The band lineup includes Ronnie Montrose on guitar, Brian Auger on Hammond organ, Mario Cipolina on electric bass, and dual drummers... Tony Williams, and Billy Cobham.

There is plenty more from this album to discover.  So, there might be future posts.  Stay tuned.

Art Blakey "Moanin' "

In a performance from the 1988 Mount Fuji Jazz Festival in Fuji, Japan, here is Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, with "Moanin' ".  The band is:

Art Blakey: drums
Philip Harper: trumpet
Robin Eubanks: trombone
Javon Jackson: tenor saxophone
Benny Green: piano
Peter Washington: bass

Third Rail "PYMFAO"

A trio, featuring George Whitty on keyboards, Etienne Mbappe on bass, and on drums, Tom Brechtlein.  The tune is called "PYFMAO".  I'll leave that title up to interpretation.  Here's more about the band.

PYMFAO is a tune by the great Etienne MBappe. I believe it stands for "Peel Your Mother Figs And Oranges". Recorded in Köln, Germany on the last night of this tour, June 7, 2014.

THIRD RAIL HAS RELEASED A LIVE CD, "IGNITION: Live Across Europe", and to celebrate we are making a track from the CD available for download! For more info and to download the track, "You Rang" (recorded live in Prague), visit us at:

http://www.thirdrailtrio.com

Recorded and mixed, and video edited by G Whitty.

Bassist Stanley Clarke On Slapping The Strings For 40 Years

Stanley Clarke, is one of, if not the greatest living jazz bassist right now.  Yours truly has had a chance to meet him.  Here is an interview, with Clarke, talking about playing bass and doing it very well.

http://gpbnews.org/post/bassist-stanley-clarke-slapping-strings-40-years

George Duke "No Rhyme No Reason"

This is the single of a tune by the late George Duke called "No Rhyme, No Reason", which illustrates the crossover between contemporary jazz, R&B/soul (of the modern type), and pop music.  Check it out.

Donny McCaslin "Bend"

Tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin, with his quirky and catchy instrumental jazz piece, "Bend", off of his "Casting For Gravity", record.  The band line up is:

Donny McCaslin - tenor saxophone
David Binney - vocals, synthesizer
Jason Lindner - piano, electric piano, synthesizer
Tim Lefebvre - electric bass
Mark Guiliana - drums

Incidentally, of course, at present, Tim Lefebvre, is the bassist, for Tedeschi Trucks Band.  But, he has played on a number of records.

http://www.timlafave.com/

Tower of Power "Maybe It'll Rub Off"

One of the songs Tower of Power played at Saturday's concert, that has stuck, with yours truly.  Track five, from the 1975 "Urban Renewal" record, here's, "Maybe It'll Rub Off".

AXS TV to Air "Guitar Gods" Marathon Featuring Premiere of 2007 Eric Clapton Concert Film

Fellow guitar players and guitar player fans, take note.

http://www.classichitsandoldies.com/v2/77585/?utm_content=buffer5a09a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

We Came To Play! Tower of Power @ The Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN, 12-3-16

For the second time in one year, yours truly, got to see Tower of Power, play.  Their music, especially because of the horns, has been a big influence.  It was nice to see the band again, sounding great, and on top of their game, led by lead singer, Marcus Scott, and their horn section with Emilio Castillo and Tom Politzer on tenor saxophones, original member Stephen "Doc" Kupka on baritone saxophone, and trumpet players Sal Carrachiolo and Adolfo Acosta (also on flugelhorn), the rhythm section of Jerry Cortez on guitar, Roger Smith on Hammond B3 organ, and original members Francis "Rocco" Prestia, on bass, and David Garibaldi on drums.

Scott's dynamic stage presence, showed through all night.  ToP has had many great lead singers, and without doubt, Scott is one of them.  A great singer, and, he can work the crowd and get them into the groove on every song.  In fact, the whole band, just has this aura of making people want to feel the soul, and "funkafize" as one of the tunes they played tonight, says.  "You Got To Funkafize" was song number four on a set list that kept the crowd at The Dakota dancing and wanting more.  Who knows?  "Maybe It'll Rub Off", and make you feel good!, to reference another song in the set. This set, was different from the MN Zoo set as it was not as long, and the boys really hit everything head on, while still allowing for fixtures of the band like the trumpet players, Tommy P. on lead tenor sax, "Doc", on bari sax, as well as Roger and Jerry to have their say in the songs.

Bringing the funk is what ToP does, in spades.  They are so unique, having the horns and the vocalist, central to the band, but letting the rhythm section absolutely rip when they want to, as well.  They can play ballads, and bring the funk, with ease.  They've been on top of their game for almost 49 years.  Boys, when you get to 50, you'll surely have more in store.  Speaking of more in store, Emilio Castillo, tenor saxophonist and co-founder of the band, mentioned a new record coming next year.  We'll see what comes of that.  Two different shows, and two totally different sets, that yours truly has seen from ToP this year, and both were spot on.

Yours truly, even got a copy of the set list, which is pretty cool.

Set list: Tower of Power @ Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN, 12-3-16

1. We Came To Play
2. Soul With A Capital S
3. To Say The Least, You're The Most
4. You Got To Funkafize
5. Time Will Tell
6. Maybe It'll Rub Off
7. Get Yo' Feet Back On The Ground
8. James Brown Medley
9. So Very Hard To Go
10. What Is Hip?

Encore:

11. You're Still A Young Man

Tower of Power (feat. Richard Elliott & Greg Adams) "Boys From The Bay"

"Smooth Jazz" tenor saxophonist, Richard Elliott, played with Tower of Power, for five years, and wrote a song in tribute to the band after embarking on a solo career.  Well, here is that tune, performed with Tower of Power for their 40th anniversary concert at the Fillmore in San Francisco, California, back in 2008.  Elliott is featured on tenor, and one of their original trumpet players, Greg Adams, also takes a solo on this one.

Stuff "(Do You) Want Some of This?"

Here is another song from the 1970s jazz funk band, Stuff, made up primarily of studio musicians.  It was led by the late, great, pianist/organist, Richard Tee.  Have posted a couple of songs from these guys before. Great band.  The tune is called "(Do You) Want Some of This?"  Here's the band's bio.

Biography by Scott Yanow: Under the leadership of bassist Gordon Edwards, several of the most prolific studio players around teamed together to form an all-star rhythm section that on a part-time basis operated as an independent group. Back around 1967, Edwards put together the Encyclopedia of Soul and during the next decade, the group (which just played together on an occasional basis) evolved into Stuff. Such musicians as drummer Billy Cobham and Jimmy Johnson and altoist David Sanborn passed through the group. By the time of its initial recording in 1975, the lineup was set: Richard Tee on organ, electric piano, and acoustic pianos, both Eric Gale and Cornell Dupree on guitars, bassist Edwards, and drummer Steve Gadd; Christopher Parker was occasionally with the group on second drums and percussion. Although the band, which consisted of masterful accompanists, often sounded like a "music minus one" ensemble (as if they were waiting for the main soloist to show up), Stuff were quite popular for a few years, recording four albums for Warner Bros. and having occasional reunions in the '80s.

Yonder Mountain String Band "Franklin's Tower" (feat. Bill Kreutzmann, and Mickey Hart)

Grateful Dead members Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, sat in with bluegrass jam band Yonder Mountain String Band, on a Grateful Dead classic, ("Franklin's Tower").  Dig this.