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.