Oscar Peterson "Bags Groove"

Oscar Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums, perform "Bags Groove", composed by another jazz legend, vibraphonist Milt Jackson. 

The Didier Lockwood Story

A short film/bio on another of the great jazz violinists of our time, Didier Lockwood. 

record collection revisited/new record review: Pat Martino "Formidable"

A really well thought out, new, traditional and pure jazz record, is probably something in this day and age that is becoming more obscure.  There is always great music out there, but to find the really good stuff, you have to dig for it, or just listen real closely to your local jazz radio station.  That is how yours truly came upon jazz guitarist Pat Martino's latest offering, "Formidable" on HighNote Records.  The recording was released a short time ago, and was recorded in April of 2017.  For most of the record, it is a trio, featuring Martino on guitar, Pat Bianchi on organ (a Viscount Legend, as opposed to the traditional Hammond, but an instrument with the same tonality as a Hammond), and drummer, Carmen Intorre Jr.  On some tracks, the trio is augmented by horns including tenor saxophonist Adam Niewood.  Adam's father, is the legendary woodwind player, Gerry Niewood, who played with (among others), flugelhorn player, Chuck Mangione.

You can check out Adam's bio, HERE.
http://www.niewood.com/bio.htm

Also in the horn section is trumpeter Alex Norris.  On this record, Norris mostly plays trumpet, but does add flugelhorn on one track.  Most of the tracks on this record, are covers, but they are extremely well arranged and well executed by the trio, and the horns when they augment the band on different tracks.  The music's mood is either really mellow and laid back, or, in some instances, it is uptempo and swinging, and makes you want to tap your foot or cut a rug.  That is the essence of what jazz is about, and this record has whatever that jazz essence is, in spades.

So, if you are a fan of old school, trio jazz, this record is surely worth digging.  The sound is old school, but at the same time, it is fresh, and hip.  Martino's dexterity as a guitarist shines through but does not overpower the talent of the other musicians in the band.  Again, there is a great balance of uptempo swinging numbers, and laid back, cool jazz to just chill out to and tune in your listener's ear.  That is what makes this record as good as it is, with the contrasts in styles that are brought to the table along with arrangements, that obviously serve the tunes very well.

The whole record is a delight.  The one song that caught the ear of yours truly, on the radio, was Martino & company's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood".  That could be the crown jewel.  

Track listing, Pat Martino "Formidable"

1. El Nino
2. Hipsippy Blues
3. Homage
4. Duke Ellington's Sound of Love
5. El Hombre
6. In Your Own Sweet Way
7. Nightwings
8. In A Sentimental Mood
9. On The Stairs

Gunther Schuller's Birth of the Cool Suite featuring Joe Lovano

Gunther Schuller's Birth of the Cool Suite featuring Joe Lovano.

Part of Joe Lovano's Streams of Expression was The "Birth of the Cool Suite" conducted by Gunther Schuller and utiliing melodic themes inspired by Miles Davis' work from his 1948 and 1950 nonet. The album also features George Garzone, Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan, and Tim Hagans.

Elvin Jones Trio "Village Dreams"

Elvin Jones - Village Dreams featuring Joe Farrell and Jimmy Garrison. In 1968, three years after leaving the John Coltrane Quartet, Elvin formed a trio with band mate Jimmy Garrison (on bass), and saxophonist Joe Farrell.  Farrell plays tenor sax on this number.

From The Soul: Remembering The Allman Brothers Band's Gregg Allman & Butch Trucks

Another fabulous tribute, from the pen of Chad Berndtson, to the Allman Brothers Band.  Rest In Peace, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman.

https://www.jambase.com/article/soul-remembering-allman-brothers-bands-gregg-allman-butch-trucks

Gayla Peevey "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"

Normally, yours truly is extremely serious about good music, and that is true here.  But with Christmas only days away, it is time to have a little fun, and find some levity in the arcane art of the weird.  In that spirit, I give you, a show tune of sorts.  This is the offbeat number "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas", as sung by Gayla Peevey.  Sure, it's no match for the likes of Mannheim Steamroller.  But, it's worth a shot.  The amazing part about this, is how Peevey exhibits such talent, at a very young age.  This performance is taken from 1953, when Gayla was just ten years old, and she shows, that she has quite the singing voice.  Wow! 

The Zawinul Syndicate "King Hip"

From the 1988 Pori Jazz Festival, here is The Zawinul Syndicate playing "King Hip".

Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drums – Cornell Rochester
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Alejandro "Alex" Acuña*
Guitar – Scott Henderson (2)
Keyboards, Vocals – Joe Zawinul
Percussion, Vocals – Rudy Regalado
Producer – Joe Zawinul
Vocals – Richard Page, Yari More

Click the link, and dig it.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/246795124 

Roy Clark & Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown "Frankie & Johnny"

From a live performance on "Hee Haw" in 1979, here are Roy Clark and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown playing "Frankie & Johnny".

Count Basie & His Orchestra with Joe Williams "Alright, Okay, You Win"

Two jazz legends performing together.  Count Basie and His Orchestra with vocalist Joe Williams playing "Alright, Okay, You Win".

Mike Zito & Jimmy Carpenter "Take It Easy Loving Me"

Mike Zito on guitar and vocals, and Jimmy Carpenter on tenor sax, perform Delbert McClinton's ballad "Take It Easy Loving Me".  Check it out.

Bill Monroe "Blue Moon of Kentucky"

One of the greatest bluegrass songs of our time, all about the Bluegrass state.  Bill Monroe with "Blue Moon of Kentucky".  FYI.  Elvis Presley also did a great cover of this one.  Here, Bill Monroe performs the song on a 1980 episode of Austin City Limits.

record collection revisited: Gregg Allman - All My Friends Celebrating The Songs & Voice Of Gregg Allman

Yours truly has a copy of this CD/DVD and would recommend it to anyone who is a diehard Allman Brothers Band/Gregg Allman fan.  This performance filmed in 2014, was a celebration of his legacy and what he gave to the world of music.  It features many great musicians performing Gregg's songs, and towards the end of the show, the Allman Brothers Band, in full, makes an appearance for "Dreams", and "Whipping Post".

The full track listing is:

1. Come And Go Blues ✶ Warren Haynes
2. End Of The Line ✶ Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks
3. Stand Back ✶ Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
4. You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had ✶ Devon Allman, Jimmy Hall and Robert Randolph
5. Please Call Home ✶ Sam Moore
6. Just Another Rider ✶ Keb' Mo'
7. Before The Bullets Fly ✶ Brantley Gilbert
8. Let This Be A Lesson To Ya ✶ Dr. John
9. Queen Of Hearts ✶ Pat Monahan
10. One Way Out ✶ John Hiatt
11. Statesboro Blues ✶ Taj Mahal and Gregg Allman
12. Just Ain't Easy ✶ Widespread Panic
13. Wasted Words ✶ Widespread Panic and Derek Trucks
14. I'm No Angel ✶ Trace Adkins
15. Trouble No More ✶ Trace Adkins
16. Multi-Colored Lady ✶ Vince Gill
17. All My Friends ✶ Martina McBride
18. Can You Fool ✶ Pat Monahan and Martina McBride
19. Ain't Wastin' Time No More ✶ Eric Church
20. Win, Lose Or Draw ✶ Eric Church
21. These Days ✶ Jackson Browne and Gregg Allman
22. Melissa ✶ Jackson Browne and Gregg Allman
23. Midnight Rider ✶ Vince Gill, Zac Brown and Gregg Allman
24. Dreams ✶ The Allman Brothers Band
25. Whipping Post ✶ The Allman Brothers Band
26. Will The Circle Be Unbroken ✶ full cast

Will Shade & Charlie Burse "Kansas City Blues"

Memphis Jug Band veterans Will Shade and Charlie Burse (a.k.a. Son Brimmer and Laughing Charlie) perform the Jim Jackson song "Kansas City Blues." This was part of a television special called "Blues Street" produced in 1958. Shade (playing trashcan bass) was 60 years old and Burse (playing resonator tenor guitar) was 57. They had been playing together for 30 years.

Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, & The Terrapin Family Band "Terrapin Station Suite"

From the 2017 Lockn' Music Festival in Arrington, Virginia, that took place in August, here are Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, and The Terrapin Family Band playing "Terrapin Station Suite", a classic number from Bob and Phil's days as part of The Grateful Dead.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood | 12/7/17 | Live from Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas | Full Show

In case you missed it, last week, Relix magazine, streamed a performance by the Chris Robinson Brotherhood at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here is a brief synopsis of what you will hear, from Relix.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood was filmed live from Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas on Friday, December 7. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood are on the road in 2017 supporting their fourth studio album, ‘Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel,’ and its follow up companion EP, ‘If YouLived Here, You Would Be Home By Now,’ both out via Robinson's Silver Arrow Records.Tracks have already been laid for another new studio album and ‘Betty’s Blends, Vol. 3’ live release later this year.

Karen Dalton "Something On Your Mind"

A pioneering roots music artist who very few people may be aware of.  Check out Karen Dalton and her song "Something On Your Mind" from her 1971 release "In My Own Time". 

Exclusive: Allman Brothers' co-founder Dickey Betts plans select tour dates for 2018

A bonus post for your Tuesday.  Co-founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts, will tour in 2018, after a three-year "retirement" from the road, as it were.  Here's the news via the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20171212/exclusive-allman-brothers-co-founder-dickey-betts-plans-select-tour-dates-for-2018

Jimmy Carpenter "Walk Away"

Jimmy Carpenter, on the tenor sax, with his tune, "Walk Away".  Above, is the studio record version.  Below this description, is a performance by guitarist Mike Zito with his band Mike Zito & The Wheel, featuring Jimmy Carpenter at a venue called Voodoo Rooms.

Playlist: The Real McCoy

Check out a playlist of McCoy Tyner's music.

https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/playlist-real-mccoy/

McCoy Tyner "African Village"

Bonus post for your Monday.  Happy Birthday, McCoy Tyner.  Here he is, with the composition "African Village".  The quartet with Tyner on piano, also features Charnett Moffett on bass, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, and Eric Harland on drums.

Meet the Joe Lovano Nonet

Joe Lovano and his Nonet record the Blue Note CD, Streams of Expression, December, 2005

Active during a period of jazz history when it seemed radical innovation was a thing of the past, Joe Lovano nevertheless coalesced various stylistic elements from disparate eras into a personal and forward-seeking style. While not an innovator in a macro sense, Lovano has unquestionably charted his own path. His playing contains not an ounce of glibness, but possesses in abundance the sense of spontaneity that has always characterized the music's finest improvisers. Lovano doesn't adopt influences, he absorbs them, and when playing a standard, he exudes the same sense of abandon as when playing totally free (which, it should be pointed out, he does well, if infrequently). Lovano's most significant achievement is his incorporation of free and modal expressive devices into traditional chord-change improvisation.

Lovano is the son of the respected Cleveland saxophonist Tony "Big T" Lovano. Joe started playing alto sax as a child, taught by his father, who also introduced him to jazz. In his youth, Joe would hear many of the prominent jazz artists who passed through town, including Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Sonny Stitt, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Lovano began playing in jam sessions around Cleveland while still in his teens. Although thoroughly steeped in bebop, he also developed an interest in the jazz experimentalism of the '60s, listening to such musicians as John Coltrane, Jimmy Giuffre, and Ornette Coleman. Following high school, Lovano moved to Boston and attended the Berklee School of Music. Fellow students included such future collaborators as John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Kenny Werner. While at Berklee, Lovano discovered modal harmony and opened up to the broad areas of tonal freedom that he found so attractive in the music of John Coltrane, among others.

After leaving Berklee, Lovano worked with organists Lonnie Smith (with whom he made his recording debut) and Jack McDuff. He toured with Woody Herman from 1976 to 1979. After leaving Herman, Lovano settled in New York City where he quickly established himself. He joined drummer Mel Lewis' orchestra in 1980; he played the band's regular Monday night gigs at the Village Vanguard until 1992. He also recorded several times with the band. Lovano would also work with Elvin Jones, Carla Bley, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden, and Bob Brookmeyer, among others.

He joined drummer Paul Motian's band in 1981 (which also included his Berklee classmate Frisell), and played with guitarist John Scofield's quartet. Lovano began leading dates for Blue Note in the '90s, and continued doing so throughout that decade and into the next, recording in a variety of contexts ranging from trios to larger woodwind and brass ensembles. Lovano's wife, vocalist Judi Silvano, has appeared on a number of the saxophonist's Blue Note releases, including 1992's Universal Language and 1994's Rush Hour. Lovano has received a number of Grammy nominations for his work on Blue Note. His 1996 album, Quartets: Live at the Village Vanguard, was named Jazz Album of the Year by readers of Down Beat magazine.

Since then, Lovano has split his time in the studio between releasing impressive original recordings and albums, reinterpreting the work of artists who have influenced him -- including vocalist Frank Sinatra on 1996's Celebrating Sinatra (on which Judi Silvano also appeared), various bop-era stalwarts like pianist Tadd Dameron on 2000's 52nd Street Themes, and opera tenor Enrico Caruso on 2001's Viva Caruso. In 2004, the always unpredictable reedman released the ballads album I'm All for You, featuring pianist Hank Jones. Joyous Encounter followed in spring 2005, with Streams of Expression appearing on Blue Note a year later. Lovano once again paired up with Jones for the live duets album Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in 2007.

Joe Lovano Nonet, Live In Paris @ New Morning, February 19th, 2001

Joe Lovano Nonet Live in Paris, at New Morning, February 19, 2001, featuring Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle, Ralph Lalama and Gary Smulyan, saxes; Barry Reis, trumpet; Larry Farrell, trombone; John Hicks, piano; Dennis Irwin, bass; and Lewis Nash on drums.

The Black Crowes Live at Shoreline Amphitheater, San Francisco, California, September 3rd, 1995

As the post title implies, this is the full performance by The Black Crowes at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California on September 3rd, 1995.  Special guests, include Taj Mahal on guitar, and John Popper of Blues Traveler, on harmonica, for a scintillating version of the Sleepy John Estes blues classic "Leaving Trunk".  The full set list is:

1. Instrumental Intro
2. My Morning Song
3. Thick n Thin
4. Chevrolet (feat. Taj Mahal: guitar & vocals)
5. Leaving Trunk (feat. Taj Mahal: guitar & vocals, & John Popper: harmonica)
6. Seeing Things
7. Pimper's Paradise (feat. The Melody Makers: backing vocals)
8. High Head Blues

Encore:

9. Hard To Handle (Otis Redding cover)

Gregg Allman "Song For Adam"

The last single to be released from Gregg Allman's final record, "Southern Blood" which came out back in September, on what would be his 70th birthday.  He performs the album's final track "Song for Adam" with Jackson Browne.  There's a story about the song and how it unfolded, and the video, at this link.  Enjoy this one.  Happy Birthday, and Rest In Peace, Gregg Allman.

https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/gregg-allman-song-adam/

Allman Brothers Band (feat. Jerry Garcia & Boz Scaggs) "Bo Diddley"/"Mountain Jam"/"Bo Diddley"

More from the New Year's Eve 1973 concert with the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia, and Boz Scaggs.  Boz Scaggs is playing organ here, and the band runs through a medley of "Bo Diddley" and "Mountain Jam".  We pay tribute to Butch Trucks, and, on what would have been his 70th birthday, the great Gregg Allman, as well.  Rest In Peace, Butch, and Gregg, forever in our hearts.  

Allman Brothers Band (feat. Jerry Garcia) "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?"/"Mountain Jam"

We pay tribute, to Butch Trucks, and Gregg Allman (who today, would have turned 70 years old), with a performance of a medley of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" and "Mountain Jam", by the Allman Brothers, featuring Jerry Garcia as a guest on guitar, Boz Scaggs on guitar, and Bill Kreutzmann on drums, at the Cow Palace on New Year's Eve, 1973.

There is a part two to this performance, coming up, as a tribute, to both Butch and Gregg.

Jimmy Carpenter Quartet "Shotgun"

Check out bluesy tenor saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter, with his quartet, playing the tune "Shotgun" at the 2015 Blues to Bop festival.  This is good!

Boz Scaggs "Gimme The Goods"

A live version (from the TV show "Night Music"), of Boz Scaggs playing his song "Gimme The Goods" originally released on Scaggs' 1977 "Down Two Then Left" record.  The live version features a stellar band.  Here are the players.

Rhythm Section:

Boz Scaggs: rhythm guitar, vocals
Hiram Bullock: lead guitar
Marcus Miller: bass
Philippe Saisse: keyboards
Omar Hakim: drums

Horn Section:

Ronnie Cuber: baritone saxophone
Lou Marini: tenor saxophone
David Sanborn: alto saxophone
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Dave Bargeron: trombone

As a bonus, here is the 1977 album version.

Sonny Boy Williamson "Keep It To Yourself"

Happy Birthday, Sonny Boy Williamson II.  Here he is, one of the greatest blues harmonica players ever, playing the song "Keep It To Yourself" at a 1963 concert.

Roscoe Mitchell Quartet - "Tnoona"

From Live at "A Space" 1975 (Sackville Recordings)

Personnel: Roscoe Mitchell: Alto, Tenor, & B♭ Soprano Saxophones George Lewis: Trombone Muhal Richard Abrams: Piano Spencer Barefield: Guitar

Sonny Rollins "Where Or When"

In a performance from 1992, here is jazz saxophone great Sonny Rollins, playing on tenor, the song "Where or When".  The full band lineup is:

Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone
Clifton Anderson: trombone
Mark Soskin: piano
Jerome Harris: guitar
Bob Cranshaw: bass
Yoron Israel: drums

Miroslav Vitous "Purple" - 1970

Another 1970 record by jazz bassist extraordinaire, Miroslav Vitous.  This one is called "Purple".

Billy Cobham - Drums
John McLaughlin - Guitar
Miroslav Vitous - Synthesizer, Bass, Guitar, Piano (Electric), Producer
Joe Zawinul - Piano, Piano (Electric)

The track listing is:

1. Purple
2. Mood
3. Water Lilie
4. Dolores
5. It Came From Nowhere

Miles Davis- One And One ('unedited master') aka What If [June 6, 1972 NYC]

From sessions for "On The Corner", here is another version of Miles Davis' "One And One".

June 6, 1972
Columbia Studio E, New York City, New York

Miles Davis: trumpet
Carlos Garnett: tenor saxophone & soprano saxophone
Bennie Maupin: bass clarinet
Herbie Hancock: electric piano, synthesizer
Harold I. Williams: electric piano, synthesizer
Lonnie Liston Smith: organ
David Creamer: guitar
Collin Walcott: electric sitar
Paul Buckmaster: electric cello
Michael Henderson: electric bass
Jack DeJohnette: drums, hand claps
Jabali Billy Hart: drums, hand claps
Don Alias: percussion, hand claps
Mtume: percussion, hand claps
Badal Roy: tabla, hand claps

One and One ('Unedited Master') [aka What If] (M. Davis)

From the On The Corner sessions

Jeff Berlin "Pump It!" (1986)

Check out this decidedly '80s fusion record by bassist Jeff Berlin called "Pump It!".

Jeff Berlin- Bass

Clare Fischer- Keyboards

Frank Gambale- Guitar

Paul Gilbert- Guitar

Tris Imboden- Drums

Buddy Miles- Vocals

Jeff Porcaro- Tom-Tom

Ron Reinhardt- Keyboards

Brad Dutz- Percussion

Bryan Rutter- Vocals (Background)

Jeffrey Weber- Vocals (Background)

Chris Hughes- Vocals (Background)

You can find more album info, HERE.

https://www.discogs.com/Jeff-Berlin-Pump-It/release/3832676 

George Duke "Psychosomatic Dung"

From his 1974 "Faces In Reflection" album, this is the late, great jazz keyboard master George Duke, with the composition "Psychosomatic Dung". Duke is joined by John Heard on bass and Ndugu on drums.  

Peter Erskine, John Abercrombie, & Marc Johnson "Furs On Ice"

An experimental jazz piece called "Furs On Ice" featuring John Abercrombie on synth guitar, Marc Johnson on bass, and Peter Erskine on drums.  Check it out.

Miroslav Vitous "Infinite Search" - 1970

Jazz bassist extraordinaire Miroslav Vitous, with his 1970 record "Infinite Search" that includes an all-star cast of musicians.

Bass -- Miroslav Vitous
Drums -- Jack DeJohnette, Joe Chambers (tracks: 6)
Guitar -- John McLaughlin
Piano -- Herbie Hancock
Tenor Saxophone -- Joe Henderson

The track listing is:

1. Freedom Jazz Dance
2. Mountain In The Clouds
3. When Face Gets Pale
4. Infinite Search
5. I Will Tell Him On You
6. Epilogue

Miles Davis "Burn"

From a performance at Amnesty International, Miles Davis plays "Burn" with some other stellar musicians backing him up.  Among them, Robben Ford and Carlos Santana on guitars, and Bob Berg on tenor saxophone. 

Samantha Fish "Black Wind Howlin' "

Blues guitarist, Samantha Fish, plays her original tune, "Black Wind Howlin' ", which has obviously inspiration from the greats such as Buddy Guy and Jimi Hendrix, during a January 4th, 2017 gig, in France.

Sunbirds "Sunbirds" 1971

Check out another rarely heard jazz ensemble and their self titled record.  This is The Sunbirds with their recording "Sunbirds" circa 1971.  The band lineup is:

Philip Catherine: guitar
Jimmy Woode: bass
Fritz Pauer: electric piano (Hohner Electra)
Ferdinand Povel: flute, alto flute
Juan Romero: percussion

The track listing:

1. Kwaeli
2. Sunrise
3. Spanish Sun
4. Sunshine
5. Sunbirds
6. Blues for D.S.
7. Dreams
8. Fire Dance

Tower of Power, Live in 2010, Lugano Jazz Festival, Switzerland

Another Thanksgiving Day.  Always... always... thankful for music!  Check out Tower of Power's show from the 2010 Lugano Jazz Festival in Switzerland.  The set list.

Set 1:

1. We Came To Play
2. Soul With a Capital S
3. Can't You See (You're Doin' Me Wrong)
4. You Met Your Match
5. Give Me The Proof
6. Willing To Learn
7. Maybe It'll Rub Off
8. Souled Out
9. What Is Hip?

Set 2:

10. How Could This Happen To Me?
11. So I Got To Groove
12. Walkin' Up Hip Street
13. Me & Mrs. Jones
14. Diggin' On James Brown
15. It's A New Day (James Brown cover)
16. I Got The Feeling (James Brown cover)
17. So Very Hard To Go

Encore:

18. Get Your Feet Back On The Ground

Dickey Betts: The Lost Allman Brother

An interview with Dickey Betts in Rolling Stone magazine. 

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/dickey-betts-on-allman-brothers-gregg-allman-retirement-w512157

Warren Haynes Discusses Unrecorded Final The Allman Brothers Band Album

Being such a devoted fan, yours truly, like many others, was sure the Allman Brothers Band had one more studio record left in them, after 2003's "Hittin' The Note", which turned out to be their final release.  Sadly, that was not to be the case.

https://www.jambase.com/article/warren-haynes-discusses-unrecorded-final-allman-brothers-band-album

Stanley Turrentine "Sugar"

A bonus post, for your Tuesday evening.  Happy Birthday, to the late, great Stanley Turrentine.  Here, he plays "Sugar" live on the David Sanborn show, with another fabulous musician, who left us way too soon, guitar great, Hiram Bullock. 

Jimmy Herring "Miss Poopie"

Another very funky tune by Jimmy Herring off his "Subject To Change Without Notice" record.  Here is the tune "Miss Poopie", composed by Horace Ott.

Roscoe Mitchell, Muhal Richard Abrams, & George Lewis

More improvisational music and sound exploration, from the trio of Roscoe Mitchell on flute, the late, great, Muhal Ricard Abrams on piano, and George Lewis on trombone.

Gregg Allman tribute concert to feature son Michael with all-star lineup in Sarasota

Any readers/followers of this blog, who may be in the Sarasota, Florida area, on Thanksgiving night, check this out.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20171118/gregg-allman-tribute-concert-to-feature-son-michael-with-all-star-lineup-in-sarasota

Joe Diorio & Robben Ford "Minor Elegance" (full album)

The full 1989 album by Joe Diorio and Robben Ford "Minor Elegance".  The track listing is:

1. Swank Thing
2. A.M./P.M.
3. E-Minor Ballad
4. Unis
5. Blues For All Space Cadets
6. Soul Eyes
7. So What

Joe Diorio & Robben Ford "Blues for All Space Cadets"

From 1989, here is the composition "Blues For All Space Cadets" by guitarists Joe Diorio and Robben Ford.  The full band lineup on this track is:

Gary Willis - bass
Peter Erskine - drums
Joe Diorio, Robben Ford - guitar
Oliver Hahn - piano, keyboards 

Erroll Garner "Misty"

Check out jazz piano legend Erroll Garner with a performance of his 1954 composition, "Misty", performed here, in 1963, at BRT Studio in Brussels, Belgium.  Garner is playing in a trio.  The man himself, on piano, Eddie Calhoun on bass, and Kelly Martin on drums.

Bernard Purdie & Cory Henry

Check out this jam between drummer extraordinaire Bernard Purdie and Snarky Puppy keyboardist Cory Henry, playing the fool out of his Hammond B3.  This is great!

KQED Shares Previously Unreleased Video Of Pink Floyd Performing Live In 1970

San Francisco-based Public Broadcasting Station KQED filmed Pink Floyd performing live in 1970 for a special that would air at a later date. Previously unreleased footage from the legendary band’s session was recently discovered and has been shared by the local television outlet.

https://www.jambase.com/article/kqed-shares-previously-unreleased-video-pink-floyd-performing-live-1970

Influential Jazz and Classical Label ECM Records Releasing Entire Catalogue To Streaming Outlets

For jazz diehards out there, this Wednesday bonus post is fabulous news!

https://www.spin.com/2017/11/ecm-records-streaming/

Puccio Roelens "Northern Lights"

From his "Rock Satellite" record, released 40 years ago, in 1977, here is a rare and obscure jazz groove track.  Puccio Roelens with "Northern Lights".  Here is the band lineup, or at least the credits for who played on the record.

Gianni Oddi: alto saxophone, flute

Brass section: A. Corvini, A. Verzella, G. Cuccaro, D. Diana, E. Gabbi, M. Midana, & O. Aldambrini

Gege Commorana & Enzo Restuccia: drums

Giansereno Raimondo & Silvano Chimenti: guitars

Antonello Vanucchi: keyboards

Puccio Roelens: Music Composition

Alex Serra: percussion

Erico Pierannunzi: piano

Q. Maltoni: soprano saxophone, flute

U.M.R. Strings

Renato Serio: synthesizer

1st violin: F. Tamponi

Memphis Minnie "Kissing In The Dark"

Memphis Minnie's last hit song.  A jazzy blues, which was probably somewhat risque for it's time, when it was released in 1953.  The tune is "Kissing In The Dark", and, well... I'll let you figure out what the lyrics mean, because, it's pretty obvious.

Mike Longo "Night Rider"

Check out Mike Longo on piano, Ron Carter on upright bass, and Mickey Roker on drums playing "Night Rider" from Longo's 1972 record "Matrix".  Rest In Peace, Mickey Roker, who passed away on May 22nd.  

Weather Report "Man In The Green Shirt" live, 1975

A rare live recording of this great Weather Report track originally from Tale Spinnin'. From "Live and Unreleased" it features the stellar group of Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Alphonso Johnson, Chester Thompson, and Alex Acuna. Recorded November 27, 1975 at The New Victoria Theater, London.  The original version of this song is off Weather Reports "Tale Spinnin' " album. 

Chasing Trane

For about ten more days, the Independent Lens documentary on jazz saxophone legend John Coltrane, will be available for viewing.  You can watch it, HERE.

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/videos/chasing-trane-full-film/

Muhal Richard Abrams Experimental Band at the Chicago Jazz Festival

Continuing to remember the legacy of innovative jazz pianist Muhal Richard Abrams, here is his Experimental Band performing live at the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival.  Two performances were captured on video, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park in Chicago, Illinois, on September 6th, 2015.  The band lineup includes:

Muhal Richard Abrams - piano, composition
Roscoe Mitchell - alto saxophone
Henry Threadgill - alto saxophone
LaRoy Wallace McMillan - baritone saxophone, flute
Wadada Leo Smith - trumpet
Amina Claudine Myers - piano
George Lewis - trombone
Leonard Jones - bass
Thurman Barker - drums, vibraphone
Reggie Nicholson - drums, marimba

Van Morrison "Tupelo Honey"

Here's another great song from Van Morrison.  "Tupelo Honey".

Jimmy Herring "Bilgewater Blues"

From his 2012 record "Subject To Change Without Notice", here is one of my favorite Jimmy Herring instrumentals.  This is "Bilgewater Blues".  Notice the interplay on the rhythm part between Herring's Jerry Jones baritone guitar, and keyboardist Matt Slocum on the Clavinet.  That's what gives this tune it's groove.  Some really cool stuff.

Funk Factory - Funk Factory (1975 - Full Album)

Check out the self-titled 1975 record from Funk Factory.

The band lineup is:

Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1 to 6, 9), Tony Levin (tracks: 7, 8)

Drums – Gerald Brown* (tracks: 2, 4 to 6, 9), Steve Gadd (tracks: 1, 3, 7, 8)

Guitar – Barry Finnerty (tracks: 2, 4 to 8), John Abercrombie (tracks: 9)

Keyboards – Wlodek Gulgowski

Percussion – Urszula Dudziak (tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 8)

Soprano Saxophone – Michał Urbaniak (tracks: 1, 7, 8)

Synthesizer – Urszula Dudziak (tracks: 2, 4)

Tenor Saxophone – Michał Urbaniak (tracks: 1, 7)

Violin – Michał Urbaniak (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9)

Vocals – Bernard Kafka* (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7 to 9), Irene Howard (tracks: 8), Urszula Dudziak (tracks: 1 to 5, 7 to 9)

Backing Vocals [BK Singers] – Ann Tripp (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Bernard Kafka* (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Bill Ruthenberg (tracks: 2 to 4, 6), Linda "Tequila" Logan (tracks: 2 to 4, 6)

Producer – Michał Urbaniak
Arranged By [Vocals] – Bernard Kafka*
Art Direction – Paula Scher
Engineer [Recording], Engineer [Re-mix] – Gene Paul

John McLaughlin "Electric Guitarist" (full album)

"Electric Guitarist" is the fifth studio album by guitarist John McLaughlin, released in 1978 through Columbia Records originally on vinyl; a remastered CD edition with expanded liner notes was reissued in 1990 as part of the Columbia Jazz Contemporary Masters series.

Personnel:

John McLaughlin – guitar, production
Carlos Santana – guitar (track 2)
Stu Goldberg – Minimoog (track 1), electric piano (track 1), organ (track 1)
Chick Corea – Minimoog (track 4), electric piano (track 4)
Patrice Rushen – piano (track 3)
Tom Coster – organ (track 2)
Billy Cobham – drums (tracks 1, 6)
Jerry Goodman - violin
Narada Michael Walden – drums (track 2)
Tony Thunder Smith – drums (track 3)
Jack DeJohnette – drums (track 4)
Tony Williams – drums (track 5)
Alyrio Lima – percussion (track 2)
Armando Peraza – conga (track 2)
Fernando Saunders – bass (track 1)
Neil Jason – bass (track 2)
Alphonso Johnson – bass (track 3), Moog Taurus (track 3)
Stanley Clarke – bass (track 4)
Jack Bruce – bass (track 5)
David Sanborn – saxophone (track 3)

Video: John McLaughlin and Jimmy Herring "A Meeting of The Spirits" Live at The Capitol Theatre 11-4-17

 

Watch John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring: A Meeting of the Spirits live from The Capitol Theatre (www.thecapitoltheatre.com) on Saturday, November 4 at 8PM. One of fusion's most virtuosic guitar soloists, John McLaughlin placed his blazing speed in the service of a searching spiritual passion that has kept his music evolving and open to new influences. Whether shredding on electric or simmering quietly on acoustic, McLaughlin's intensity and underappreciated versatility have nearly always kept his playing vital, and his best moments -- whether as a solo artist or bandmember -- represent some of fusion's greatest recordings. American guitarist Jimmy Herring is a musician's musician. The North Carolina native has been playing guitar for close to 40 years and exhibits signs that he's just getting started. A staple in the Jazz Fusion and Jam Band scene, Herring studied guitar at Berklee College of Music and the Guitar Institute of Technology. His playing style melds the influences of Jimi Hendrix's raw emotion, the twang of Steve Morse, and the flowing phrases of jazz legends Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Produced + Directed by: Jonathan Healey Executive Producer: Peter Shapiro Camera Operator: Dave Brown

John McLaughlin & The One Truth Band "Desire & The Comforter"

Check out John McLaughlin, and the One Truth Band playing "Desire & The Comforter" from their "Electric Dreams" record.

The band lineup is:

John McLaughlin – electric guitar + 12 + 13 string acoustic guitars, banjo
L. Shankar – acoustic / electric violin
Stu Goldberg – electric piano, Moog synthesizer with Steiner Parker modifications, Prophet synthesizer, Hammond organ
Fernando Saunders – Fender bass, acoustic bass
Tony "Thunder" Smith – drums
Alyrio Lima – percussion, amplified Chinese cymbals

John McLaughlin & Jimmy Herring: A Meeting of the Spirits : 11/4/17 : The Capitol Theatre Full Show

On now.  Tune in, HERE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPWa9F4UBQQ

Crosby, Stills, & Nash "Wooden Ships"

A live recording of Crosby, Stills, & Nash playing their song "Wooden Ships".  Check it out.  It comes from a concert DVD by the band, called "Daylight Again".

concert review: David Crosby @ Ames Center, Burnsville, Minnesota, Nov. 2, 2017

As part of a tour promoting his newest record "Sky Trails", David Crosby and his band played a gig at Burnsville Minnesota's Ames Center Thursday night.  Many members of his current band, including his son who plays keyboards, he has collaborated with over the years on solo efforts.  There was a blend of old and new, as well as solo and group material that was interwoven into last night's set. Crosby is 76 years old, and still has the passion and the fire to continue performing, and creating new music for legions of fans who have followed him since the days of Crosby, Still, & Nash (when he teamed up with fellow songwriters Stephen Stills and Graham Nash), or, even further back than that, when Crosby was part of The Byrds.

Another band that was heavily represented in last night's show was Crosby's group CPR (Crosby, Pevar & Raymond).  CPR was a later group that included two other members also on stage for last night's show.  Crosby's son and keyboardist James Raymond, and guitarist, Jeff Pevar.  So, there was a wide variety of songs, both old and new, that legions of fans who attended last night, really enjoyed.  Crosby, in between the songs, had a myriad of stories to tell from a long career and life that has seen it's share of good times and bad. 

David Crosby shows that even in nostalgia, and past glories, new, relevant music can still be created that revitalizes an artist's career and perhaps even their life, and Thursday's Ames Center gig proved that.  Here's the full show set list.

1. In My Dreams (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
2. Morrison (Crosby, Pevar & Raymond)
3. Tracks In The Dust
4. She's Got To Be Somewhere
5. Laughing
6. Deja Vu (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
7. Long Time Gone (Crosby, Stills & Nash)
8. Map To Buried Treasure (Crosby, Pevar & Raymond)
9. Skytrails
10. Homeward Through The Haze (Crosby & Nash)
11. America (My Country 'Tis of Thee) (Samuel Francis Smith)
12. Breathless
13. Wooden Ships (Crosby, Stills & Nash)

Encore:

14. Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young)

In Memoriam: Muhal Richard Abrams

Rest In Peace, Muhal Richard Abrams.  Witnessed this great pianist, when he played in a quintet with Jack DeJohnette, Roscoe Mitchell, Henry Threadgill, and Larry Gray, at the Walker Art Center performance auditorium in 2015.  One of the best concerts I've ever experienced.  Muhal Richard Abrams, you will be missed.

Muhal Richard Abrams, A Sweepingly Influential Jazz Artist, Has Died At Age 87

http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/11/01/561351129/muhal-richard-abrams-a-sweepingly-influential-jazz-artist-has-died-at-age-87

Within the article itself, you will find a few different highlighted performances from Abrams' career, including Abrams' album "Vision Towards Essence", recorded in 1998 and released in 2007.  In addition, there is Abrams' 1989 "Hearinga Suite", and the final performance of The Trio, which features Muhal Richard Abrams on piano, Roscoe Mitchell on reeds (alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, saxello), and George Lewis on trombone and electronic soundscapes. 

As a tribute, here is his solo piano composition "Young At Heart", recorded August 20, 1969.

Mike Mainieri "Journey Through an Electric Tube"

Check out jazz vibraphonist Mike Mainieri and his 1968 "Journey Through An Electric Tube" record.  The band lineup is:

Mike Mainieri - electric vibes, vocals (7)
Jeremy Steig - flute
Joe Beck - electric guitar (1,4,6,8)
Sam T. Brown - electric guitar (2), classical guitar (7)
Darren Bernhardt - piano, organ
Hal Gaylor - bass
Chuck Rainey - electric bass
Donald MacDonald - drums
Sally Waring - vocals
String Quartet - (3,7)
Produced By: Sonny Lester

The track listing:

1. It's All Becoming So Clear Now
2. The Wind
3. Connecticut Air
4. We'll Speak Above The Roar
5. The Bush
6. I'll Sing You Softly of My Life
7. Yes, I'm The One
8. Allow Your Mind To Wander

Brent Mason & The Players "Hotwired"

Check out country guitar and chicken pickin' maestro, Brent Mason, with his instrumental, "Hotwired".  This particular version of the tune, comes from a performance at 3rd & Lindley in Nashville, Tennessee, and is a promotion for Wampler guitar effects pedals, actually.  Mason's playing is extraordinary, and exemplifies how good old fashioned country twang, should sound.  The whole band is full of great musicians.

The Players

Brent Mason: guitar, vocals

Paul Franklin: steel guitar

John Hobbs: keyboards

Michael Rhodes: bass

Eddie Bayers Jr.: drums

 

Sabicas with Joe Beck "Rock Encounter", 1970

Check out an amalgamation of electric jazz and Spanish flamenco guitar.  This is Sabicas and Joe Beck, with their record "Rock Encounter".  The album was recorded in 1966, and then, shelved for a while, before ultimately being released four years later, in 1970. 

Guitar [Spanish] – Sabicas

Electric Guitar [Lead] – Joe Beck

Bass [Fender] – Anthony Levin

Drums – Donald McDonald

Organ, Piano – Warren Bernhardt

Rhythm Guitar [Spanish] – Diego Castellon

The Hourglass (feat. Duane Allman) "Been Gone Too Long"

Another chestnut from Duane and Gregg Allman's pre-Allman Brothers Band group, The Hourglass.  Duane plays some fabulous rhythm guitar on a Fender Stratocaster here.  The song is "Been Gone Too Long". This one was recorded, 50 years ago, in 1967.  We remember always, Duane and Gregg Allman.  Today, marks 46 years since Duane's passing in a motorcycle accident.  The music, lives forever.

John McLaughlin on His Final U.S. Tour, Revisiting Mahavishnu Orchestra

Ahead of a new run celebrating his revolutionary Seventies jazz-rock band, the guitarist looks back on his 50-year "love affair" with American music.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/john-mclaughlin-on-final-tour-mahavishnu-orchestra-w509857

Van Morrison "And It Stoned Me"

Well, it looks like it's favorite song time again.  Here's one by an artist yours truly has dug for years and who many generations know.  This is Van Morrison with "And It Stoned Me".  Dig it.

In Memoriam: Fats Domino

We remember, the late, great, boogie woogie pianist, from New Orleans, Fats Domino, another of the originators of rock and roll, who passed away on Tuesday at age 89. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/25/obituaries/fats-domino-89-one-of-rock-n-rolls-first-stars-is-dead.html

To honor him, here is one of his biggest, and best songs, "Blueberry Hill", from an episode of Austin City Limits.  Fats dedicated this version on ACL, to Elvis Presley. 

Cannonball Adderley Sextet "Work Song"

Check out the Cannonball Adderley Sextet playing the traditional tune "Work Song", live in Switzerland in 1963.  The band lineup is:

Cannonball Adderley: alto saxophone
Nat Adderley: trumpet
Charles Lloyd: tenor saxophone
Joe Zawinul: piano
Sam Jones: bass
Louis Hayes: drums

Chick Corea & Gonzalo Rubalcaba "Improvisation"/"Spain" - 1991

Check out a piano duet between Chick Corea and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, playing an improvisation piece that melds into "Spain".  The performance is from the 1991 Mount Fuji Jazz Festival in Japan.

Chet Baker "Time After Time" (Belgium, 1964)

Check out jazz trumpet legend Chet Baker, playing "Time After Time" (a song title used for many, many compositions), live in Belgium in 1964.  The band lineup is:

Chet Baker: flugelhorn & vocals
Jacques Pelzer: alto saxophone & flute
Rene Urtreger: piano
Luigi Trussardi: bass
Franco Manzecchi: drums

Jimi Hendrix - July, 1969 - Shokan House Rehearsals - Boiceville, N.Y.

The title of this post, says it all.  Check it out, and enjoy.  The tape runs for almost four hours of Jimi Hendrix and his band at the time (Band of Gypsies?), doing a rehearsal in Boiceville, New York.

Elmore James "One Way Out"

Elmore James' version of "One Way Out", which he co-wrote with Marshall Sehorn and Sonny Boy Williamson II.  The Allman Brothers Band, made this one famous.  But, dig Elmore's version.  Pretty cool groove, and lead guitar, sans slide, which isn't common because Elmore James, is without a doubt one of the kings, if not the king, of the slide guitar.

J.J. Cale "Ride Me High"

From his 1987 "Troubadour" album, here is the late, great, J.J. Cale with the tune "Ride Me High".  Featured this one way back when yours truly had more time to chronicle Spotify music, and last year, featured a cover version of this song by Widespread Panic and Jason Isbell.  This, is the genuine article.

Chick Corea, John Patitucci, & Vinnie Colaiuta - Blue Note, Tokyo, 1992

Took an excerpt of this show (the opening tune, "Humpty Dumpty"), which Chick Corea also recently played as the opener to his show with Steve Gadd at The Dakota, that was seen and reviewed by yours truly.  But, here is the Blue Note 1992 gig in full.  The set list is:

1. Humpty Dumpty
2. Tumba
3. Round Midnight
4. Miniature No. 3
5. New Waltz
6. Spain

Eddie Harris & Les McCann "Cold Duck Time"

Check out tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris, and jazz piano great Les McCann playing "Cold Duck Time" at the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival.  In the middle of the performance you will notice Ella Fitzgerald pulling up a seat in the front row, to dig what these dudes are putting down.  Now, how hip is that?!

Koch Marshall Trio "Let's Get Sinister"

"Let's Get Sinister" by Greg Koch-Rhymes With Chalk Music ASCAP From the album Koch-Marshall Trio "Toby Arrives" released Sept 9, 2017.

Greg Koch- Guitar
Dylan Koch- Drums
Toby Lee Marshall- Hammond Organ

Recorded by Steve Hamilton at Makin' Sausage Music in Milwaukee, WI April, 2017 Video footage and editing by Elijah Butts courtesy of Wildwood Guitars in Louisville, CO wildwoodguitars.com Greg Koch using a Fender Custom Shop Wildwood 10 1955 Telecaster relic with Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristletone Pickups for Telecaster. Tim Jauernig Triple Gristle Pedal used with clean boost and Fuzz engaged through a Fender Custom Vibrolux, Pro Junior and Friedman Small Box 50 combo.

Koch Marshall Trio "Heed The Boogaloo"

The first of a couple of tracks recorded by the Koch Marshall Trio from their latest album "Toby Arrives" that was recorded in April, and released, just last month.  This is Heed The Booglaoo".  The band features Greg Koch on guitar, Toby Lee Marshall on Hammond organ, and Dylan Koch on drums.

Recorded by Steve Hamilton at Makin' Sausage Music in Milwaukee, WI April, 2017 Video footage and editing by Elijah Butts courtesy of Wildwood Guitars in Louisville, CO wildwoodguitars.com Greg Koch using a Fender Custom Shop Wildwood 10 1955 Telecaster relic with Fishman Fluence Greg Koch Gristletone Pickups for Telecaster. Tim Jauernig Triple Gristle Pedal used with clean boost and Fuzz engaged through a Fender Custom Vibrolux, Pro Junior, and Friedman Small Box 50 combo.

Dexter Gordon Quartet "Lady Bird"/"Body & Soul"

Check out jazz tenor saxophone master Dexter Gordon and his quartet, playing the medley of "Lady Bird" and "Body & Soul".  The band lineup is Gordon on tenor sax, George Gruntz on piano, Guy Pedersen on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums.  As for the composition credits, "Lady Bird" was written by Tadd Dameron in 1947, and "Body & Soul" was composed in 1930 by four writers, including John W. Green, Edward Heymon, Frank Eaton, and Robert Sour.

Art Farmer "Crawl Space"

The title track from jazz flugelhorn player Art Farmer's 1977 funk jazz release on CTI Records.  This is "Crawl Space".  Keyboardist Dave Grusin composed the piece.  Of note, is the masterful playing by all the musicians, but especially, flutist Jeremy Steig.  Dave Grusin arranged songs on the record, and producers for the recording include Bob James and Creed Taylor.  The band lineup is:

Art Farmer: flugelhorn
Jeremy Steig: flute
Dave Grusin: keyboards
Eric Gale: guitar
Will Lee: electric bass
Steve Gadd: drums

Gov't Mule "Dirty Work" & "Don't Take Me Alive"

Another bonus post for your Friday.  Gov't Mule pays tribute to the late, great, Walter Becker from Steely Dan, with the songs "Dirty Work" and "Don't Take Me Alive" from a late September gig at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Gregg Allman "Willin' " (360 degree video)

Released today, the video for Gregg Allman's cover of Little Feat's "Willin' ", from "Southern Blood".  Great tune.  This is a 360 degree video, where you can manipulate arrows with your mouse in the top left hand corner, to see around the studio as the band is in session, recording.  A bonus post, for your Friday, of one of the best takes (in my book) of the "Southern Blood" album. 

Devon Allman talks about grief, loss, good times, and his late father's "Southern Blood"

An interview with Devon Allman about the contributions his dad, Gregg Allman, gave to music.

http://artsatl.com/devon-allman-talks-grief-memories-late-fathers-southern-blood/

Steve Gadd "Way Back Home"

Check out the Steve Gadd Band and their rendition of "Way Back Home" at the 2015 Rochester Jazz Festival in Rochester, New York.  The band lineup is:

Michael Landau - Guitar
Jimmy Johnson - Bass
Larry Goldings - Organ
Walt Fowler - Flugelhorn
Steve Gadd - Drums

concert review: Chick Corea & Steve Gadd: Dakota Jazz Club Minneapolis, MN 10-10-17

When two musicians have a connection that goes back a long way, even if they didn't play together on a regular basis in the past, if they reconnect, that's something very special.  Tuesday night at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis, was such an occasion, as Chick Corea and Steve Gadd, played the first night of a two night run of shows there, before their tour is slated to draw to a close, at the end of this week.  The whole band was full of players who have a wealth of creativity and musical empathy among them.  In addition to Chick Corea on keyboards and Steve Gadd on drums, the sextet included Carlitos del Puerto on electric and upright bass, Lionel Loueke on guitar, Steve Wilson on alto and soprano saxophones and flute, and Luisito Quintero on percussion.

The ensemble played an inspiring set, opening with Corea's composition "Humpty Dumpty".  This is a tune, that was featured in a post on the blog, about a month ago.  It's original release was on Corea's 1978 solo record "The Mad Hatter".  The only newer tune in the set, was "Spanish Song", which maintained a theme that Corea has perfected through his great career, but was proof once again, that every time he comes up with a new musical project, he is constantly reinventing himself.  The most moving composition of the evening, came as the third song in the set.  The ethereal, surreal, space-like anthem, "Return To Forever".  Yes, that is not only the name of Corea's longtime band that garnered him such recognition in the jazz and music world at large, it is also, a composition, released in 1972.

"Return To Forever" is a sonic adventure, that brought much joy and awe to the fans in attendance at The Dakota.  This piece was the magnum opus of the entire evening.  After the fans were taken on a musical journey of galactic proportions, what to do, for an encore?  Find a song in your catalog, that fans in attendance will instantly recognize.   ...And so it was, that Corea, Gadd and company, encored with "Spain", and the marvelous intro to that upbeat composition, which is a section of Gabriel Rodrigo's "Concerto de Aranjuez".  "Spain" brought the crowd to it's feet, and had them singing along with the melody.  A fitting encore to a masterful performance.

Chick Corea & Steve Gadd: The Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis, MN 10-10-17

1. Humpty Dumpty
2. Spanish Song
3. Return To Forever

Encore:

4. Spain

...And some bonuses for this post.  Here is the original studio recording of "Return To Forever", the composition, the title track to Return To Forever's first LP from 1972, and the third song from the performance... featuring Chick Corea on Rhodes piano, Stanley Clarke on acoustic and electric bass, Airto Moreira on drums and percussion, Joe Farrell on soprano saxophone and flute, and Flora Purim on vocals. 

Here too, is the band's rendition of "Spain", as they played it at The Dakota.  But, this version, is taken from their September 21st gig at the Blue Note in New York City.

Yours truly, also had a chance after the show, to shake hands with Mr. Gadd, the maestro.  That was the best part of the evening at The Dakota.  A great concert to be sure.

Buddy Miles "Dreams"

The late, great Buddy Miles' interpretation of "Dreams", the great Allman Brothers Band song they released on their first album in 1969.  Miles released it a year later on the "Them Changes" album in 1970.

Tom Petty: 1950-2017

Premier Guitar magazine's Bill Murphy writes a tribute to Tom Petty.

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/26351-tom-petty-19502017

Players "Players", 1987

Jazz fusion quartet Players, made their self titled album, 30 years ago, in 1987.  The band and their record go by the same name.  The quartet is:

T Lavitz: keyboards
Scott Henderson: guitar
Jeff Berlin: bass
Steve Smith: drums

The track listing is:

1. Crystal
2. Valentine
3. 50/50
4. Vehicle
5. Freight Train Shuffle
6. Between Coming and Going
7. The Creeping Terror
8. 20,000 Players

Muddy Waters & John Lee Hooker "I Just Want To Make Love To You"

Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker lead an all star band on Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You", featuring Johnny Winter, Otis Blackwell, Eddie "Bluesman" Kirkland, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, and the boys from Foghat, in a concert in New York City, circa 1978.

Dukes of September Rhythm Revue (Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs) Greek Theatre, Los Angeles, California, 2010

Revisiting something yours truly may have posted about a long while ago.  This is a concert from a unique tour that I actually saw live at the Minnesota State Fair, as there was a tour stop there, on the same itinerary for Dukes of September which featured Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, and a great band, made up mostly of the touring band from Steely Dan.  A lot of the tunes, are covers, but they are very good and very well chosen songs.  Check this out.

Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald & Boz Scaggs The Dukes Of September - "L.A. Night in September" September 29, 2010 The Greek Theatre; Los Angeles, CA Stereo Soundboard Recording Quality: A++.

Set 1:

1. Sooky Sooky (Grant Green)
2. Heighty Hi (Sam Moore)
3. Don't Mess Up A Good Thing (Gregg Allman)
4. Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead)
5. You Never Can Tell (Chuck Berry)
6. I've Got News For You (Ray Charles)
7. Green Flower Street (Donald Fagen)
8. Miss Sun (Boz Scaggs)
9. I Keep Forgettin' (Michael McDonald)
10. Rock Steady (Aretha Franklin)
11. Rag Mama Rag (The Band)
12. The Shape I'm In (The Band)
13. Love TKO (Teddy Pendergrass)

Set 2:

14. I Live The Life I Love (Muddy Waters/Willie Dixon)
15. Cadillac Walk (Mink Deville)
16. What A Fool Believes (The Doobie Brothers)
17. I.G.Y. International Geophysical Year (Donald Fagen)
18. Lowdown (Boz Scaggs)
19. Band Intros
20. Reelin' In The Years (Steely Dan)
21. Love Train (O'Jays)
22. Help Me Rhonda (The Beach Boys)
23. Peg (Steely Dan)
24. Something In The Air (Thunderclap Newman)/Them Changes (Buddy Miles)

Encore:

25. Sookie Sookie (Grant Green) - Reprise

The Band Lineup:

Donald Fagen: Keyboards and Vocals
Boz Scaggs: Guitar and Vocals
Michael McDonald: Keyboards and Vocals
Jon Herington: Guitar
Freddie Washington: Bass
Michael White: Drums
Michael Leonhart: Trumpet
Walt Weiskopf: Saxophone
Jay Collins: Horns
Jim Beard: Organ
Carolyn Leonhart-Escoffery: Vocals
Catherine Russell: Vocals

Maceo Parker - Roots Revisited - 1991

More music, and another full show, from Maceo Parker and his band.  This is the full Roots Revisited concert, recorded in Germany, in 1991.  The band lineup is:

Maceo Parker: alto saxophone
Fred Wesley: trombone
Pee Wee Ellis: tenor saxophone
Ronald Muldrow: guitar
Larry Goldings: Hammond B3 organ
Jimmy Madison: drums

The track listing is:

1. Up 'N' Down Easy Street
2. Southwick (Shake Everything You've Got)
3. In Articulate Speech of The Heart
4. Peace Fugue
5. Cold Sweat
6. Children's World
7. Everywhere Is Out of Town
8. Doin' It To Death

record collection revisited: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers "Damn The Torpedoes"

What is probably my all-time favorite, and perhaps the most successful Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers record, 1979's "Damn The Torpedoes", produced by Tom Petty and Jimmy Iovine.  This is a good one.  Check it out.  The track listing is:

1. Refugee
2. Here Comes My Girl
3. Even The Losers
4. Shadow of A Doubt (A Complex Kid)
5. Century City
6. Don't Do Me Like That
7. You Tell Me
8. What Are You Doin' In My Life?
9. Louisiana Rain

In Memoriam: Tom Petty

We have lost another dearly beloved musician, folks.  Rest In Peace, Tom Petty, of his eponymous band, The Heartbreakers.  The band had so many legendary hit songs and was celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.  Petty on rhythm guitar, Mike Campbell on lead guitar, and Benmont Tench on keyboards, were the core members of the group, and created a sound all their own that loyal and endearing fans, including yours truly, latched onto very quickly.  So many hit songs and hit records played quite frequently on "classic rock" radio as it were, but more than that, an endearing and enduring legacy as a great musician as well, even though Tom Petty himself, served mostly as the rhythm guitarist, giving his bandmate Campbell, the spotlight on leads and solos.

I had a chance to see Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers play live, only once, but that one experience was unforgettable.  On July 23rd, their tour, with support from another great legend, Steve Winwood, rolled into Minneapolis and the Target Center.  Yours truly was at that show, and thrilled to witness what was a fantastic concert on that evening.  I still recall a lot of the music from that show, and Tom Petty's music will live forever in my heart as it will for countless millions of other devoted fans.  Here is the set list from that gig, which was searched for via setlist.fm.


Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers set list: Target Center  Minneapolis, MN  7-23-08

1. You Wreck Me
2. Listen to Her Heart
3. I Won't Back Down
4. Even The Losers
5. Free Fallin'
6. Mary Jane's Last Dance
7. End of The Line (Traveling Wilbury's cover) *Traveling Wilbury's were a supergroup Tom Petty was a part of, that also included George Harrison, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Jeff Lynne.
8. Breakdown
9. Saving Grace
10. A Face In The Crowd
11. Honey Bee (Sonny Boy Williamson I. cover)
12. Learning To Fly
13. Don't Come Around Here No More
14. Refugee

Encore:

15. Runnin' Down A Dream
16. Gloria (Them cover)
17. American Girl

The above video, is Tom Petty, Mike Campbell, and Benmont Tench, sitting in with the Allman Brothers Band on Bob Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited", at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California (which was part of a tour that would be the last visit by the Allman Brothers Band to the west coast), on May 19th, 2009.

Here is a tribute article to Tom Petty.

Tom Petty Was Rock's Everyman

http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/10/03/555163541/tom-petty-was-rocks-everyman?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20171003&utm_campaign=youmusthearthis&utm_term=music

Rest In Peace, Tom Petty.  You will surely be missed.