John McLaughlin "Are You The One? Are You The One?"

From John McLaughlin's 1978 "Electric Guitarist" album, McLaughlin on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Tony Williams on drums, ask, "Are You The One?"

Hermann Szobel: "Szobel", 1976

Austrian jazz fusion pianist and composer, produced his one and only album, at age 18, in 1976, and this is it.  Herman Szobel was a child prodigy pianist, starting at age six.  Szobel disappeared from the world of music after cutting this record.  Szobel was influenced by Martial Solai and Keith Jarrett.  The music is jazz, blended with western classical music, and rock, so it surely fits into the fusion category and has been likened to the music of Frank Zappa.  It is a real mysterious and yet great record.  The band lineup is:

Herman Szobel: piano, keyboards
Michael Visceglia: bass
Bob Goldman: drums
Dave Samuels: percussion, marimba, vibraphone
Vadim Vyadro: woodwinds (tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute)

The track listing is:

1. Mr. Softee
2. The Szuite
3. Between 7 & 11
4. Transcendental Floss
5. New York City, 6AM

The Hang All Stars - Leverkusener Jazztage 2009

The Hang All Stars performing live at Leverkeusner Jazztage, in Germany in 2009.  The band lineup is:

Lee Ritenour: guitar
Dave Grusin: piano
Don Grusin: keyboards
Nils Wulker: trumpet & flugelhorn
Wolfgang Schmid: drums
Will Kennedy: drums

The track listing:

1. Shuffle City
2. Wes Bound
3. Maroni Moreno
4. Lincoln Blvd.
5. Stone Flower
6. Memphis Stomp (solo: Dave Grusin)
7. Smoke & Mirrors
8. Number 8
9. Catwalk

The Staples Singers "Pray On"

Consider this, a Friday bonus post, as we honor the birth of Roebuck "Pops" Staples.  From the early years of The Staples Singers, Roebuck "Pops" Staples, born on this day in 1914 in Winona, Mississippi. In the early 1950s, Pops co-founded the Staple Singers with son Pervis and daughters Cleotha, Mavis and Yvonne. Here's the group in 1966 performing "Pray On" with Mavis on lead vocal, Pops on guitar and Willie Dixon on bass.

Brecker Brothers Live In Barcelona

Check out this performance by the Brecker Brothers live in Barcelona, Spain.  Return of the Brecker Brothers.  Recorded live at the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, Spain, as the Brecker Brothers reunited after a decade as individual solo artists.

The band lineup is:

Mike Stern - Guitar
James Genus - Bass
George Whitty - Keyboards
Dennis Chambers - Drums
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxophone & Akai EWI
Randy Brecker - Trumpet

Little Milton "Feel So Bad"

Little Milton plays a groovy rendition of "Feel So Bad", a bluesy tune, written, by another legend.  Sam "Lightnin' " Hopkins. 

Rory Gallagher & Peter Green "Showbiz Blues"

Rory Gallagher and Peter Green, playing "Showbiz Blues".  Or, this could be Gallagher's tribute to Green.  Either way, it is fantastic, as the two of them are legendary players we lost way too soon.  This track comes from the album "Rattlesnake Guitar, The Music of Peter Green".

Louis Armstrong " 'Zat You, Santa Claus?"

Merry Christmas!  Check out Louis Armstrong asking 'Zat You, Santa Claus?

... lyrics:

'Zat You, Santa Claus?
Gifts I'm preparing for some Christmas sharing,
But I pause because,
Hanging my stocking I can hear a knocking.
'Zat you, Santa Claus?

Sure is dark out, ain't the slightest spark out.
'Pon my slackened jaw!
Who's there? Who is it stopping for a visit?
'Zat you, Santa Claus?

Are you bringing a present for me,
Something pleasantly pleasant for me?
Then it's just what I've been waiting for.
Would you mind slipping it under the door?

Cold winds are howling, or could that be growling?
My legs feel like straws.
My my oh me my, kindly would you reply?
'Zat you, Santa Claus?

Hanging the stocking, I can hear a knocking.
'Zat you, Santa Claus?
I say, who's there, who is it? Are you stopping for a visit?
'Zat you, Santa Claus?

Oh there, Santa, you gave me a scare.
Now stop teasing cause I know you're there.
We don't believe in no goblins today,
But I can't explain why I'm shaking that way.

Bet I can see ole Santa in the keyhole.
I'll get to the cause. One peek and I'll try there;
oh oh, there's an eye there!
'Zat you, Santa Claus?

Please, please, pity my knees!
Say that's you, Santa Claus!

Pat Martino "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"

Jazz guitar master Pat Martino, with his version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town".  Merry Christmas, everybody. 

concert review: The Jayhawks @ First Avenue 12-22-18

The Jayhawks played the second of two shows at First Avenue in Minneapolis, Saturday night.  They are a country/roots rock band, originally from Kansas, hence the name, in homage to the Kansas University Jayhawks.  But, they do have a couple of Minnesota born and bred members in the group, and Louris himself, is from Ohio if I not mistaken.  Singer/songwriter/bandleader Gary Louris' voice was in fine form on Saturday night as he led the band through many well known songs that the crowd knew every word of.  Louris' charismatic stage presence, emotive songwriting and voice, and meaningful guitar playing (playing rhythm and putting solos in the places where they fit neatly into the tune), were the highlights of the evening as Louris and his band mates showed the trademarks that make the Jayhawks the beloved band they are... excellent songwriting, singable melodies, and sweet harmonies.

The whole evening of music sure pleased the fans in attendance at First Avenue, despite the fact that yours truly had to leave the gig in the middle of the five song encore, because it was beginning to snow heavily.  No matter, the music was extremely inspiring and a joy to listen to, as it was my first time ever, seeing the Jayhawks, but I had been told what a great band they are.  As a case in point, here is their bio.

https://jayhawksofficial.com/#bio

The set list from last night's show:

1. The Man Who Loved Life
2. Angelyne
3. Waiting For The Sun
4. Everybody Knows (Dixie Chicks cover... a Gary Louris penned tune, covered by the Dixie Chicks, more precisely).
5. All The Right Reasons
6. Backwards Women
7. Dying On The Vine (feat. Kraig Johnson: electric guitar)
8. I'd Run Away (feat. Kraig Johnson: acoustic guitar)
9. Stumbling Through The Dark
10. Smile (with horns)
11. Long Time Ago (with horns)
12. Leaving The Monsters Behind
13. Tampa To Tulsa
14. Need You Tonight (Gary Louris song)
15. Save It For A Rainy Day
16. Somewhere In Ohio
17. Gonna Be A Darkness
18. Two Hearts
19. Come Cryin' To Me (with horns)
20. Think About It (feat. Kraig Johnson: electric guitar)
21. Blue (feat. Kraig Johnson: acoustic guitar)

Allan Holdsworth & Alan Pasqua Live at Yoshi's Jazz Club

The full concert of the late, great Allan Holdsworth on guitar, and Alan Pasqua on keys, playing at Yoshi's Jazz Club with the rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip on bass and Chad Wackerman on drums.  The set list:

1. The Fifth
2. Looking Glass
3. Fred
4. It Must Be Jazz
5. Blues For Tony
6. San Michele
7. Pud Wud
8. Proto Cosmos
9. Red Alert

Gov't Mule (feat. Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, & Trey Anastasio) "Soulshine"

OK. I've heard this song, tons of times, including at least four, live, between the Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule, & The Gregg Allman Band. But, to me, it never gets old.  "Soulshine", with the aforementioned four gentlemen listed at the top of the post.  Dig it!

Freddie Hubbard & Joe Henderson "Cantaloupe Island"

Great version of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island", which has been posted on this blog before, in another form.  The band here, features Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, as featured soloists, and also includes Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Tony Williams, on drums. The recording is from a concert on February 22nd, 1985, at Town Hall in New York City.

The Funky Knuckles "Moorish"

Another track from The Funky Knuckles.  This one is titled "Moorish".  Check it out.

Tommy Crain "The Hill"

From YouTube user Dan Humphrey, the studio recording of Tommy Crain's "The Hill", a great solo tune from Tommy, who was right hand man to and lead guitarist for the Charlie Daniels Band for 15 years between 1974 and 1989.  He passed away in 2011, and there are some posts yours truly has shared of him playing with his band The Crosstown Allstars.  Check this out.

Here is another performance of "The Hill" from 2007, and the Jam 4 George, paying tribute to the late, great, George McCorkle, who was rhythm guitarist for the Marshall Tucker Band. 

George Benson "Take Five"

George Benson does a masterful rendition of Dave Brubeck's jazz classic "Take Five".  Dig it.  Also dig the alto sax solo, by Mr. Sadao Watanabe on alto, putting his own style on the original alto solo by Paul Desmond.  Watanabe plays alto and sopranino saxophone, as well as flute, and his flair on the alto is shown here. 

Blood, Sweat, & Tears "St. Thomas"

Blood, Sweat, & Tears performs Sonny Rollins' jazz standard, "St. Thomas" at Estival Jazz Lugano, in Switzerland, on July 3rd, 1992.  The band lineup is:

Rhythm Section:

Larry DeBari: guitar
Gary Foote: bass
Neil Capolongo: drums
Glen McLelland: piano

Horns/woodwinds:

Steve Guttman: trumpet, flugelhorn
Jerry Sokolov: trumpet
Chuck Fisher: flute
Charley Gordon: trombone

Roy Clark Medley: "Alabama Jubilee"/"Flop Eared Mule"

Roy Clark on The Porter Wagoner Show in 1969, jamming on "Alabama Jubilee" and "Flop Eared Mule".  We will always remember Roy Clark, as a musical genius and a showman.  Rest In Peace, Roy Clark.

Rory Gallagher Live at Cork Opera House, 1987

Another concert by the late, great blues guitar maestro, Rory Gallagher.  This is from his native Ireland at Cork Opera House in 1987. 

Curtis Harding "I Need Your Love"

In a performance on WFUV radio in New York City, check out soul singer Curtis Harding and his track "I Need Your Love".  This is a good one.  Enjoy. 

The Brecker Brothers "Squish"

From their 1980 record "Detente", here are The Brecker Brothers with their tune "Squish".  The band lineup is:

Randy Brecker - trumpet
Michael Brecker - tenor saxophone
Mark Gray - electric piano
George Duke - voice polyphonic synthesizer
Hiram Bullock - guitar
Neil Jason - bass
Steve Jordan - drums
Airto Moreira - percussion

Blackberry Smoke - 12/7/18 @ The Capitol Theatre

From Relix Magazine, check out Blackberry Smoke and their mastery of keeping traditional country relevant by blending it with boogie rock, blues, and soul, from the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey, from a concert last Friday night, December 7th, 2018. 

Albert Collins & Rory Gallagher "Funk Jam"

From The Album Albert Collins - Jammin' With Albert (1986).  The title is a tad misleading, because this jam is both funky, and bluesy, at the same time.  Two of the late, great legends, giving it everything they've got.  Albert Collins and Rory Gallagher.  Dig it. 

The Marcus King Band "8AM"

Yet another track from their new "Carolina Confessions" record, here is the Marcus King Band with "8AM".

Gregg Allman "Georgia On My Mind"

From the 2006 Georgia Music Hall of Fame Induction, here is Gregg Allman, solo, on piano, playing "Georgia On My Mind", the official state song, naturally.  Happy Birthday, Gregg.  Rest In Peace.  Today would mark Gregg's 71st birthday. 

Johnny Cash at Glastonbury 1994

From the zcz films YouTube Channel.

Here's a treat for all music lovers, the legendary Johnny Cash playing at Glastonbury way back in 1994. The set list.

1. Folsom Prison Blues
2. Get Rhythm
3. Sunday Morning Coming Down
4. I Walk The Line
5. Ghost Riders In The Sky
6. Guess Things Happen That Way
7. Delia's Gone
8. The Beast In Me
9. Let The Train Blow The Whistle
10. Tennessee Stud
11. Bird On A Wire
12. The Man Who Couldn't Cry
13. Redemption
14. Big River
15. Jackson (feat. June Carter Cash)
16. If I Were A Carpenter (feat. June Carter Cash)
17. Orange Blossom Special

Encore:

18. A Boy Named Sue

Blood, Sweat & Tears “Surreptitious”

Blood, Sweat, & Tears plays jazz keyboard master Jeff Lorber’s composition, “Surreptitious”, live in concert.  This is from a show at Berkelee College of Music, on October 15th, 2009.  Check it out.

The Crusaders (feat. Larry Carlton) "So Far Away"

Revisiting a favorite song.  This is The Crusaders, the great funk jazz band from Houston, Texas, doing their arrangement of Carole King's "So Far Away" with Larry Carlton on guitar. 

Woody Herman Orchestra (feat. Mike Bloomfield) "Since I Fell For You"

Another track from the 1971 Woody Herman record, "Brand New".  Here, he and the orchestra tackle the jazz standard "Since I Fell For You", originally composed by Buddy Johnson in 1945. 

The band lineup is:

Woody Herman: vocals, clarinet, alto & soprano saxophones

Rhythm section:

Alan Broadbent: piano, Rhodes electric piano
Mike Bloomfield: guitar
Alan Read: bass
Ed Soph: drums

Horns:

Woody Herman: clarinet, alto & soprano saxophones

Trombones: Bobby Burgess, Ira Nepus, & Don Switzer
Trumpets: Tony Klatka, Tom Harrell, Buddy Powers, Forrest Buchtel, & Bill Byrne
Saxophones: alto & soprano: Woody Herman, tenor: Sal Nistico, Frank Tiberi, & Steve Lederer
baritone: Gene Smookler

Woody Herman (feat. Mike Bloomfield) "Sidewalk Stanley"

Cool tune, by Woody Herman & his Big Band, from the 1971 record "Brand New".  This is the opening cut on the record, and it features the late, great Mike Bloomfield on guitar, and Herman, on vocals, along with the rest of the band.  The track is called "Sidewalk Stanley".

The band lineup is:

Woody Herman: vocals, clarinet, alto & soprano saxophones

Rhythm section:

Alan Broadbent: piano, Rhodes electric piano
Mike Bloomfield: guitar
Alan Read: bass
Ed Soph: drums

Horns:

Woody Herman: clarinet, alto & soprano saxophones

Trombones: Bobby Burgess, Ira Nepus, & Don Switzer
Trumpets: Tony Klatka, Tom Harrell, Buddy Powers, Forrest Buchtel, & Bill Byrne
Saxophones: alto & soprano: Woody Herman, tenor: Sal Nistico, Frank Tiberi, & Steve Lederer
baritone: Gene Smookler

 

Aretha Franklin & Clark Terry "Mumbles"

Let's go back to 2001, and a performance of "Mumbles" by Clark Terry and Aretha Franklin.  It's Clark Terry and Aretha Franklin on vocals, Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Russell Malone on guitar, Roy Haynes on drums, James Carter on saxophone, and once again... Clark Terry on scatting, and trumpet!  This is good!  We will always remember, Clark Terry, and Aretha Franklin.  Rest In Peace. 

String Cheese Incident "Manga" SCI Sound Lab (Single)

New music from String Cheese Incident and the SCI Sound Lab.  This is called "Manga".  Here's more about the tune.

We've been road testing it since the summer, and today we'll premiere the video for "Manga," recorded and filmed in the SCI Sound Lab! Inspired by legendary Cameroonian bassist Andre Manga, this song will keep you grooving all the way through...

Jason Hann details "Manga" from The Lab.
http://www.stringcheeseincident.com/news_items/jason-hann-details-manga-from-the-lab/

Video by Dan Butcher.

Frank Zappa “Inca Roads”

One of Frank Zappa's best compositions.  This is "Inca Roads".  Check it out. 

Ray Charles "All I Ever Need Is You"

The late, great Ray Charles, known forever and always as "the genius of soul" playing piano, and, would you believe, alto saxophone?  This is a tune written by Jimmy Holiday and Eddie Reeves, called "All I Ever Need Is You".  The performance is in Miami, Florida, in 1999 at the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, James L. Knight Center. 

Larkin Poe "Wanted Woman"

Roots music duo Larkin Poe perform their original song "Wanted Woman" at SXSW (South By Southwest), 2018.  Check it out.

Joe Farrell, Jimmy Garrison, & Elvin Jones "Gingerbread Boy"

Another jazz classic.  Here is "Gingerbread Boy" performed in 1968, by the trio of Joe Farrell on tenor saxophone, Jimmy Garrison on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums, from the record "Puttin' It Together". 

Howlin' Wolf "Meet Me At The Bottom"

Here is Howlin' Wolf, performing his tune, "Meet Me At The Bottom".  Check it out.

Gregg Allman & Bonnie Bramlett “Win, Lose or Draw”

Recorded on October 13, 1974, here is a duet version of “Win, Lose Or Draw” with Gregg Allman and Bonnie Bramlett.  This version was released, well before the better known version that the Allman Brothers Band did on the album of the same name, as the title track in 1975.  That being said, this duet with Allman and Bramlett, is superior to the studio track done by the Allman Brothers Band.  Check it out.

Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit "Basically Frightened"

Another kooky number from the off-the-wall jam band, named for it's fearless leader.  Here's the late, great, Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit, with, "Basically Frightened".

Wes Montgomery "Impressions"

From a 1965 performance in Belgium, here is jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery covering a composition by another jazz legend, and playing John Coltrane's "Impressions".  The quartet features Montgomery on guitar, Harold Mabern on piano, Arthur Harper on bass, and Jimmy Lovelace on drums. 

Soulbop XL: Randy Brecker & Bill Evans feat. Simon Phillips - Leverkusener Jazztage 2018

Happy Thanksgiving.  Always thankful, for music.  Here is the latest iteration of jazz trumpet maestro Randy Brecker's group, Soulbop, which used to feature his late, great brother, Michael Brecker, on tenor saxophone, and now features Bill Evans on tenor sax.

Personnel:

Randy Brecker – trumpet

Bill Evans - sax

Simon Phillips - drums

Teymur Phell - bass

Otmaro Ruiz - keys

Tracklist:

1. Tit For Tat

2. Dennis The Menace

3. Dixie Hop

4. Bones In The Ground

5. Soulbop

6. Some Skunk Funk

Maynard Ferguson "Birdland"

Check out Maynard Ferguson and his band, on The Mike Douglas Show, playing the Weather Report classic, "Birdland".  Hot stuff!

Howard Roberts "The Real Howard Roberts" - 1977

Howard Roberts, was a great jazz guitarist as well as educator, plus, he was a highly regarded L.A. studio musician to boot.  Gibson guitar reissued a semi-hollowbody jazz guitar, the Howard Roberts Fusion, in a few different iterations, and yours truly, has begun playing one, which led me to wonder about some of Roberts' musical contributions.  Well, here is one of them, aside from his session work.  This is his 1977 "The Real Howard Roberts" record, in it's entirety.

The band lineup is:

Howard Roberts: guitar
Ross Tompkins: piano
Ray Brown: bass
Jimmie Smith: drums

The track listing is:

01.Dolphin Dance (Herbie Hancock)...(00:00)
02.Darn That Dream (James Van Heusen)...(05:29)
03.Lady Wants To Know (Michael Franks)...(10:25)
04.Parking Lot Blues (Ray Brown)...(14:26)
05.Gone With The Wind (H.Magidson/A.Wrubel)...(20:15)
06.Serenata (Leroy Anderson)...(25:47)
07.Angel Eyes (E.Brent/M.Dennis)...(31:48).

Genre:Jazz
Recorded at Sunwest Recording Studios,Hollywood,C.A;August 26, 1977
Label:Concord Jazz – CJ-53
Art Direction – DH Studio
Cover [photo] – Bruce Burr
Engineer – Phil Edwards
Producer – Carl E. Jefferson.

James Williams, January 1992

Leigh interviews the great pianist James Williams. Leigh gets James to talk about many subjects in this wide ranging conversation including Phineas Newborn, James' early influences - both gospel and secular - growing up in Memphis, his time with Art Blakey and Berklee College of Music and getting music back in the community.

Yours truly, will look for more archived Leigh Kamman material.  Stay tuned for more jazz interviews.

Al di Meola "Song To The Pharaoh Kings"

Check out Al di Meola's solo version, of a Return To Forever classic.  This is "Song To The Pharaoh Kings", recorded on di Meola's 1987, "Tirami Su", record.  The band features:

Al Di Meola - guitar
Anthony Jackson - bass
Kei Akagi - keyboards
Tom Brechtlein - drums
Mino Cinelu - percussion
Harvie S - bass

Roy Clark: 1933-2018

Guitarist and writer/contributor to many guitar publications, Michael Ross, writes this obituary on Roy Clark in Premier Guitar magazine.

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/28202-roy-clark-19332018?utm_source=Premier+Guitar&utm_campaign=6979ca6852-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_11_16_08_42&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93db14e670-6979ca6852-66082997&mc_cid=6979ca6852&mc_eid=da7d09ee5c

Here is another great performance from "Hee Haw", starring Roy Clark on fiddle and 12-year-old banjo player Jimmy Henley.  

George Duke tribute concert - Java Jazz Festival, 2014

A 2014 concert at Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, paying tribute to the one and the only George Duke, with an all-star band including Maurice Brown on trumpet, Adam Hawley and the late, great Chuck Loeb on guitars, Gordon Campbell on drums, and the duo of Indra Lesmana and Jeff Lorber on keyboards. 

In Memoriam: Roy Clark

Rest In Peace, country music legend and guitar master, Roy Clark.

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/15/668294131/roy-clark-hee-haw-host-and-country-music-ambassador-dies-at-85

http://www.startribune.com/roy-clark-country-guitar-virtuoso-hee-haw-star-has-died/500606402/?fbclid=IwAR0cFmuzNYYlCstTvwc1UxJBcnQxBwsnzWSQKAhW6mtiHh6jOAN2t1sKyKo

Here are some performances that Clark did with bluesman Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown.

"Take The 'A' Train"

"Frankie & Johnny"

"Going Down The Road Feeling Bad"

"Dark End of The Hallway"

Jimmie Rodgers "Mississippi Delta Blues"

The earliest pioneer of country music, and, a blues pioneer.  This is Jimmie Rodgers, with "Mississippi Delta Blues", circa 1933.

Allan Holdsworth "Non-Brewed Condiment"

What a wildly amazing piece of music, and virtuoso guitar playing.  Dig this track by the late, great Allan Holdsworth, called "Non-Brewed Condiment".  Obviously, it's not beer.  Hehe.  

Pat Metheny, Dave Holland, & Roy Haynes "Change of Heart"

Another selection from Pat Metheny's 1989 "Question And Answer" record, featuring Metheny on guitar, Dave Holland on bass, and Roy Haynes, on drums.  This one is called "Change of Heart".

Keb Mo' & Phil Keaggy with The Chester Thompson Trio "Jamming"

Keb Mo' & Phil Keaggy with The Chester Thompson Trio Jamming live at the Two Old Hippies store in Nashville, TN on 12/11/2011 Celebrating Chester Thompson's Birthday.

Marcus King Band "Confessions"

Another new tune from The Marcus King Band's album "Carolina Confessions", this is the title track called "Confessions".  More Marcus King Band music to come.  Stay tuned. 

Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite "I'm In, I'm Out, & I'm Gone"

Check out Ben Harper, and blues harmonica legend Charlie Musselwhite, performing a tune from their 2013 collaboration album, "Get Up".  Here's "I'm In, I'm Out, & I'm Gone".

In Memoriam: Roy Hargrove

We remember fondly, trumpeter Roy Hargrove, a master of modern jazz, who left this world way too soon, aged 49.  During his career he blended jazz and rhythm & blues, in a style all his own.  Rest In Peace, Roy Hargrove.  Watch the studio session of Roy playing on a track called "Soulful" embedded into the NPR Music obituary.

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/03/663895387/roy-hargrove-grammy-winning-jazz-trumpeter-dies-at-49

Aretha Franklin "Soul Serenade"

Continuing to always remember "The Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, with her hit song "Soul Serenade", from her 1967 recording "I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You".  Luther Dixon and King Curtis, are the songwriters, and King Curtis would later record his own instrumental live version of "Soul Serenade" on his "Live at Fillmore West" record, playing soprano saxophone. 

Peter Green "Fool No More"

Peter Green, of Fleetwood Mac fame, in the early days of the band when he led them as a stone cold blues band, with his solo composition "Fool No More" from his "In The Skies" album, recorded in 1977 and released in 1979.

Marcus King Band "How Long"

The "Carolina Confessions" record, the debut album from Marcus King Band, was released last month, but here, is yet another song that is supposed to be a single from the record. This is "How Long". 

Bill Bruford "The Sahara of Snow"

Another track from Bill Bruford's "One of A Kind" record.  This is a tune that yours truly has shared a live performance of, but never the studio cut, until now.  Check out "Sahara of Snow".

Tony Williams Allstars (feat. Ronnie Montrose) Dennen Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan, June 27th, 1978

A concert by the Tony Williams Allstars, featuring Ronnie Montrose on guitar, live in Tokyo, Japan, at Dennen Coliseum, on June 27th, 1978.

The band lineup is:

Tony Williams: drums

Ronnie Montrose: guitar

Brian Auger: keyboards

Mario Cipolina: bass

Billy Cobham: drums

The track listing is:

1. Red Alert 

2. band introductions 

3. Rocky Road 

4. Wild Life 

5. There Comes A Time 

6. Dragon Song 

7. Tony solo/ Billy Cobham intro 

8. Heads Up 

9. Drum solo 

10. Tropic Of Capricorn 

11. Open Fire 

Sonny Landreth "Pedal To The Metal" (the best video of him on YouTube)

From a 2008 performance at a venue called the Town Crier Cafe, here is Sonny Landreth with "Pedal To The Metal", which showcases his brilliance and mastery of the slide guitar.  The man is just an amazing and completely original player.  Enjoy this one. 

Thelonious and the Keyboard Bugs

From Jazz Video Guy, on YouTube.

Milestones: https://amzn.to/2R6aqNk Pianist, Composer and Poet Walter Bishop, Jr., a bebop legend, reads his poem about Thelonious Monk and his keyboard cousins. Music: Walter Bishop, Jr. Trio, Waltz for Sweetie. Video: Bret Primack

Danny Gatton solos with a beer and a towel

Telecaster magician Danny Gatton decides to do a little showboatin' and plays slide with a full beer and then proceeds to clean his neck off with a towel for the end of his solo. R.I.P. Danny Gatton (1945-1994).

Zoot Sims "Ham Hock Blues"

From the album "Somebody Loves Me", here is jazz saxophone great Zoot Sims with "Ham Hock Blues", and the tune actually features Sims on tenor saxophone, Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar, Milt Hinton on piano, and Buddy Rich on drums.

Herbie Hancock & Wah Wah Watson "Hang Up Your Hang Ups"

We remember the late, great guitarist, known simply as "Wah Wah" Watson, who was a legendary guitarist on the Motown music scene in Detroit, as he has passed away.

Wah Wah Watson, Motown Guitarist, Dead at 67
https://pitchfork.com/news/wah-wah-watson-motown-guitarist-dead-at-67/

Melvin "Wah Wah Watson" Ragin: 1950-2018
https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/28097-melvin-wah-wah-watson-ragin-1950-2018

Wah Wah Watson, Guitarist for Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, Dead at 67
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/wah-wah-watson-guitarist-dead-746962/

Here is "Wah Wah" Watson, performing live with Herbie Hancock, on his tune "Hang Up Your Hang Ups".  Rest In Peace, "Wah Wah".  

Bandleader Duane Allman Dies In Bike Crash

The article published in Rolling Stone magazine, reporting on Duane Allman's death.

***

Remembering the Allman Brothers frontman.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bandleader-duane-allman-dies-in-bike-crash-74611/?fbclid=IwAR2GnKOb-HEBJoq8h-mOs3eQ-awkWdGDVLs7vi2spGF3VZ8AdmPrQk4TT9E

Gregg Allman: Rock and roll - it's saved my life, man

A 2011 interview with the late, great, Gregg Allman by Neil McCormick, writing for The Telegraph newspaper, in Britain.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8284413/Gregg-Allman-Rock-and-roll-its-saved-my-life-man.html?fbclid=IwAR01diuMi4C6TC3k53hvLqfZ4ztS7VTID_1p5UlrO92f9pdtZetAVzpqE88

This was found, on the day 47 years ago that Gregg’s older brother, slide guitar virtuoso Duane Allman, was killed in a motorcycle accident.

The Rolling Stones "Love in Vain"

The Rolling Stones, live in Texas, in 1972, playing Robert Johnson's "Love In Vain".

In Memoriam: Tony Joe White “Rainy Night In Georgia”

We remember, the late, great “King of swamp rock”, Tony Joe White, with what is his most well known song, “Rainy Night In Georgia”.  Rest In Peace, Tony Joe.

Top 11 Rock Songs That Started as Blues and R&B

For those who may be curious, this 2017 article from Rock Cellar magazine, showcases songs we hear on "classic rock" radio, that actually began life as blues and rhythm & blues standards.

https://www.rockcellarmagazine.com/2017/12/13/top-11-rock-songs-started-blues-rb/?fbclid=IwAR07HGCgM6V9AR3AuEpgiIfWLM_tZubia79PEazXNSwyGuwwS4rnwVYvqNo

Mark O’Connor & The Nashville Cats “Swang”

Check out some of the best country music you will ever hear.  Blogged these guys a while ago, and have found more.  Here’s fiddler Mark O’Connor and his band The Nashville Cats, with the tune, “Swang”.

The Soft Machine

Yours truly, witnessed an amazing concert, last night, at the Turf Club in St. Paul, featuring the 50th anniversary of prog rock and jazz fusion legends, from England, The Soft Machine.  From their beginnings in 1968, they were one of the bands from the United Kingdom to popularize electric, experimental jazz and prog rock.  The late, great guitarist, Allan Holdsworth, was part of their original lineup, and last night, at least one of their original members, bassist Roy Babbington featured prominently.  The full lineup for their 50th anniversary tour (which wrapped, last night, at the Turf Club), includes Babbington on bass, Gary Husband on drums, John Etheridge on guitar, and Theo Travis on woodwinds, including tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, and flute.

Opening for The Soft Machine, is jazz musician and composer, Beledo.  Beledo and Soft Machine did a joint tour, as they share slots on the label, Moonjune Records.  For most of his set, Beledo played his own instrumental compositions on either acoustic guitar, or piano.  More details are to come, about his recording.

Beledo composed and arranged every tune on the recording.  Many of them were played by him, solo, opening for Soft Machine.  Beledo's band on the record includes:

Beledo: Spanish guitar, electric guitar, archtop electric guitar, violin, keyboards, Rhodes piano, Mini Moog, electric bass, vocals

Lincoln Goines: electric bass

Gary Husband: drums

Additional musicians, on a track called "Budjanaji".

Dewa Budjana: electric guitar
Rudy Zulkarnaen: electric bass
Endang Ramdan: Sundanese kedang percussion
Cucu Kurnia: Sundanese kedang, & metal percussion

As for Soft Machine, they played all of their most well known compositions, including a medley of said compositions for the encore.  The musicianship in Soft Machine is incredible, and so is the chemistry between the band members.  Roy Babbington on bass, locked down the groove, and the others added their own contributions with some great solos on guitar and saxophones.  Theo Travis' tone on tenor and soprano, both, was superb.  Incidentally, Theo Travis, worked with former Soft Machine band member, the late, great Daevid Allan, on some of the projects the guitarist/bassist/vocalist did, before his passing.  Also fondly remembered are late, great saxophonist/keyboardist Elton Dean, who passed away in 2015, and the late, great Hugh Hopper, who passed on in 2009, and who played guitar, bass, and saxophones. 

The old and the new, were interspersed throughout the set.  In an adventurous, eleven song set, that truly did take the diehard fans, on a journey, here is what was played.

1. Hidden Details
2. The Man Who Waved at Trains
3. Life On Bridges
4. The Tale of Taliesin
5. Song of Aeolus
6. Gesolreut
7. Fourteen Hour Dream
8. Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)
9. Kings And Queens
10. The Relegation of Pluto/Tarabos/Sideburn/Hazard Profile (Part 1) *four song medley
11. One Glove

As luck would have it, yours truly had a chance to meet not only Beledo, but also, 3/4 of Soft Machine, getting to have conversations about music with Roy Babbington, John Etheridge, and Theo Travis, having the three of them also sign a copy of the new record.  The track listing on "Hidden Details" is identical to the set list played at The Turf Club.

1. Hidden Details
2. The Man Who Waved At Trains
3. Ground Lift
4. Heart Off Guard
5. Broken Hill
6. Flight of The Jett
7. One Glove
8. Out Bloody Intro
9. Out Bloody Rageous (Part 1)
10. Drifting White
11. Life On Bridges
12. Fourteen Hour Dream
13. Breathe

A fantastic concert.  Definitely check out the whole body of work by The Soft Machine, from the past 50 years.  Stay tuned, as there will eventually be a Spotify Sunday listing, based on The Soft Machine.  Yours truly, looks forward to sharing more of their music.

Carlos Santana "Yours Is The Light"

From his 1973 "Welcome" album, here is Carlos Santana with the tune, "Yours Is The Light", featuring Flora Purim on vocals.

Flora Purim: vocals

Carlos Santana: guitar

Tom Coster: Hammond organ

Richard Kermode: piano

Douglas Rauch: bass

Michael Shrieve: drums

Armando Peraza: percussion 

Bob Yance: flute

Mel Martin: flute

Pat Metheney Group "The Gathering Sky"

Check out this live performance by The Pat Metheny Group of a composition entitled "The Gathering Sky".  This performance is taken from the Japan leg of the Speaking of Now World Tour, at NHK Hall in Tokyo.  The dates of the shows, September 19th and 20th, 2003.

Levon Helm & The Cate Brothers "Sweet Peach Georgia Wine"

Check out Levon Helm and The Cate Brothers' performance of this countrified song of longing for a pretty girl.  "Sweet Peach Georgia Wine".  This is a good one. 

Joey Landreth Live at Paste Studios, NYC

Slide guitarist Joey Landreth performing a live session at Paste Magazine studios in New York City.  The set list:

1. Where Did I Go Wrong
2. Dangerous Heart
3. I Can't Win
4. Cryin'

Doyle Bramhall II. Live at Paste Studios NYC

Doyle Bramhall II.'s live performance at Paste magazine's studios in New York City, recorded on October 4th, 2018.  The set list:

1. Everything You Need
2. Searching For Love
3. Love And Pain
4. Going Going Gone