Allman Betts Band "Shinin' "

The music video for "Shinin' ", another song off the debut record from Allman Betts Band, "Down To The River". 

Dana Fuchs "Nobody's Fault But Mine"

Holy smokes!  Dana Fuchs and her band, tear up the stage, on a fabulous cover of Otis Redding's "Nobody's Fault But Mine"!  Crank it up!  This is hot!

George Benson "On Broadway"

From the 2012 International Jazz Day, here is George Benson with "On Broadway".

George Benson: guitar, vocals
China Moses: vocals
Dee Dee Bridgewater: vocals
Tania Maria: piano, vocals
Herbie Hancock: keyboards
Hugh Masekela: trumpet
Marcus Miller: bass
Terri Lynne Carrington: drums

Billy Cobham "Tenth Pinn", Live in London, 1974

Billy Cobham with "Tenth Pinn" live in London from 1974.  Cobham on drums is joined in his band here by Alex Blake on bass, John Abercrombie on guitar, Milcho Leviev on keyboards, and a three man horn section with the Brecker Brothers (Michael on tenor saxophone, Randy on trumpet), and Glenn Ferris on trombone. 

Dixie Dregs (feat. Mark O’Connor) “Wabash Cannonball” (a.k.a. The Bash)

The Dixie Dregs along with fiddling ace Mark O'Connor take on their version of the American folk song "Wabash Cannonball" about the Wabash Cannonball Express train.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabash_Cannonball

Weather Report "Night Passage"

Another Full Album Friday, and we look this week, at Weather Report's 1980 record, "Night Passage".  Most of the tracks on this record, rather than being overdubbed, were cut live in the studio, in front of a small audience invited to take in the sessions.  Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, and Jaco Pastorius all contributed compositions to the record.  The fifth track on the record, is a Duke Ellington tune, "Rockin' In Rhythm".

1. Night Passage
2. Dream Clock
3. Port of Entry
4. Forlorn
5. Rockin' In Rhythm
6. Fast City
7. Three Views of A Secret
8. Madagascar

The band is augmented by Robert Thomas Jr. on percussion, on this recording.  The legendary core lineup of Weather Report, is here.  Joe Zawinul on keys, Wayne Shorter on saxes, Jaco Pastorius on bass, and Peter Erskine on drums.

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin | KNKX Studio Session

Since he was a teenager, guitarist Lee Ritenour has been proud to call Dave Grusin his friend. While in Seattle for a stretch of nights at Jazz Alley, Lee and Dave returned to the KNKX studios to play together and for each other.

A just-finished documentary, "Dave Grusin: Not Enough Time," recalls the long and varied career of the pianist, composer and arranger. Along with jazz stars Quincy Jones and Marcus Miller, there’s Dave’s buddy Lee Ritenour talking about his friend.

First meeting at the home of Brazilian star Sergio Mendes, the two have often worked in the relaxed, romantic style of bossa nova. Their Grammy-winning album together, "Harlequin," featured musicians and tunes from Brazil. They both remarked on the influence of recently passed guitarist, singer and hit-maker Joao Gilberto.

Ritenour mentioned the simple, yet remarkable, rhythmic guitar style pioneered by Gilberto. Grusin told us that he and fellow musicians felt the samba craze would save jazz from the quickly changing, rock-dominated musical landscape of the day.

Brazilian music still weighs heavily in both their hearts, as Ritenour and Grusin teamed up for the beautiful A.C. Jobim song, “Children’s Games,” for a rapt KNKX studio audience.

They also treated us to Ritenour’s “Waltz for Carmen," written for his Brazilian wife.

Finally, both gentlemen showed off brief examples of their solo style. Grusin performed the beautiful “Bonita,”also by Jobim, and Ritenour improvised a sweet groover after telling us he’s been considering recording what would be his first solo record.

Ritenour told us he was just “noodling” around, and when the unique performance concluded, our audience was immediately sold on the solo album idea. I jokingly referred to the possible album title, "The Noodler." Ritenour laughed and said, “yeah, and that song’s called ‘For Seattle.'”

It’s always nice to hear musicians of this caliber, but when the two are such good friends and fans of each other, it’s extra special. Enjoy these special moments with Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, as we certainly did.

Songs:

Waltz for Carmen (Lee Ritenour)
Children’s Games (A.C. Jobim)
For Seattle (Lee Ritenour)
Bonita (A.C. Jobim)

Audio: John Kessler

In Memoriam: Joao Gilberto

This is long overdue.  But, we remember the great Brazilian jazz master, Joao Gilberto, who passed away back on July 6th.  The Bossa Nova master, was 88 years old.

https://www.npr.org/2019/07/06/739224759/jo-o-gilberto-master-of-bossa-nova-dies-at-88

In tribute, featured is Joao Gilberto's "Aguarela Do Brasil" from his 1977 record "Amoroso/Brasil".  There will be more featured from Joao Gilberto, in upcoming installments of Full Album Friday.  Don't miss it.  Rest In Peace, Joao Gilberto, one of the greats of jazz, of Bossa Nova, and of all music throughout the world.  

In Memoriam: Art Neville

We mourn the loss of another music legend.  New Orleans funk music legend, keyboardist, and founder of The Meters, Art Neville, has passed away at the age of 81.

https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/keith_spera/article_4059d432-ac9f-11e9-9615-9f5f01d9ebd6.html?fbclid=IwAR1WGa8UNT5T9EiqNPY-fBzj7iPjOXh7f--rJF-kEMH5Ws5YEv-Ygrx7B0M

To pay tribute to Art Neville, here are just some of his recordings, solo, and with the Meters.

"All These Things" (1962)

"Arabian Love Call"

"Hook, Line, & Sinker"

"Cha Dooky Doo"

"Zing Zing" - 45 RPM (1958)

The band lineup on "Zing Zing" is:

Art Neville: piano, vocals
Charles Fairley: tenor saxophone
Red Tyler: baritone saxophone
Ervin Charles: guitar
Frank Fields: bass
Charles "Hungry" Williams: drums

Here is Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, with Art Neville at the 2015 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Once again, Rest In Peace, and bring the funk, in musical heaven, Art Neville.  

Derek & The Dominos on the Johnny Cash Show

A performance by Derek & The Dominos on the Johnny Cash Show from November 5, 1970.  The legendary quartet of Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon, performs their tune "It's Too Late".

Scott Henderson, Victor Wooten, & Steve Smith "Crash Course"

From their 1998 record "Vital Tech Tones" here's the trio of Scott Henderson on guitar, Victor Wooten on bass, and Steve Smith on drums, with the tune "Crash Course". 

John McLaughlin "Stardust On Your Sleeve"

From his 1981 "Belo Horizonte" record, here is John McLaughlin with his original tune "Stardust On Your Sleeve". The band lineup is:

Tommy Campbell -- Bass, Drums, snare drums
Jean Paul Celea -- Bass, Acoustic Bass
François Couturier -- Fender Rhodes, Synthesizer
Jean-Pierre Drouet -- Percussion
Augustin Dumay -- Violin, Vocals
François Jeanneau -- Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax, Saxophone
Katia Labèque -- Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizer
 Paco de Lucía -- Guitar
John McLaughlin -- Guitar, Baritone Guitar
Steve Sheman -- Percussion

The Griffith Park Collection (Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, & Lenny White)

Something really cool for "Full Album Friday" this week.  We go back to 1982, and a live recording, by a quintet of true jazz masters, all of whom have been featured in various pieces and posts on this blog a number of times.  Here, is more all acoustic jazz.  This is The Griffith Park Collection featuring the quintet of Chick Corea on piano, Stanley Clarke on upright bass, Lenny White on drums, Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, and Freddie Hubbard on trumpet.  The great jazz bassist, Steve Swallow, is also credited as a composer on this recording for one of the tunes played.

The track listing is as follows, listing the players in the quintet, and, which of the specific musicians was also given composer/arranger credit.

1. Lil' Bop (Lenny White/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard, Lenny White)

2. Why Wait (Stanley Clarke/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard / Lenny White)

3. October Ballade (Chick Corea/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard / Lenny White)

4. Happy Times (Freddie Hubbard/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard / Lenny White)

5. Remember (Steve Swallow/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard / Lenny White)

6. Guernica (Lenny White/Stanley Clarke / Chick Corea / Joe Henderson / Freddie Hubbard / Lenny White)

Traffic "Instrumental #1"

This is the first of three instrumental jams that Traffic did back in the '60s.  There were three jams.  But, it seems only one has come up on video.

Duane Allman & Jerry Garcia - Jam - Angi - WBCN 1970

WBCN After Concert Interview with The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead.

Dixie Dregs "Odyssey"

Two versions (studio, and live) of The Dixie Dregs playing their tune "Odyssey".  The studio track is from the 1978 record "What If", and the live performance is from House of Blues, in 2000. 

Frank Zappa "Cheepnis"

Frank Zappa with one of his offbeat songs.  This is a live version of his song "Cheepnis" which is inspired by monster movies. 

Weather Report "Nubian Sundance"

From 1974, here is Weather Report with "Nubian Sundance" off of their "Mysterious Traveller" record. 

Jimi Hendrix "I Don't Live Today"

From a concert at the L.A. Forum in Los Angeles, California, on April 26th, 1969, here is Jimi Hendrix with the tune "I Don't Live Today". 

Grateful Dead final concert 7-9-95 (Full Concert Friday)

Today, instead of Full Album Friday, it is Full Concert Friday.  On Tuesday of this week, it marked 24 years since the final concert played by The Grateful Dead, on July 9th, 1995, and the final performance by Jerry Garcia before his death.  There's audio for the first set, and audio/video for the second set.  Here's the set list.

Set 1 (audio):

1. Touch of Grey
2. Little Red Rooster
3. Lazy River Road
4. When I Paint My Masterpiece
5. Childhood's End
6. Cumberland Blues
7. Promised Land

Set 2 Part 1 (video):

8. Shakedown Street
9. Samson And Delilah
10. So Many Roads
11. Samba In The Rain
12. Corrina
13. Drums
14. Space (end of video portion)

Set 2 Part 2 (audio)

15. Unbroken Chain
16. Sugar Magnolia

Encore (audio):

17. Black Muddy River
18. Box of Rain

Allman Betts Band “All Night”

From their newly released debut record, here is the Allman Betts Band with the tune “All Night”.  The new record has already dropped, so if you are interested, definitely check it out.

Dizzy Gillespie Quintet “Tin Tin Deo”

Check out Dizzy Gillespie playing the tune “Tin Tin Deo”.  Originally wanted to post a duet of this number with Gillespie on trumpet and Chris White on upright bass, from 1966.  But, instead, I found the quintet version, featuring Gillespie on trumpet, James Moody on alto sax and flute, Kenny Barron on piano, Christopher White on bass, and Rudy Collins on drums.

GHS "First Look"

From the 2000 album "The Light Beyond", here's the trio of Frank Gambale on guitar, Stuart Hamm on bass, and Steve Smith on drums, playing the composition, "First Look".

Climax Blues Band "Couldn't Get It Right"

The 45 RPM single of "Couldn't Get It Right" by The Climax Blues Band, release on Sire Records circa 1976.  This is perhaps one of their best known songs. 

Boz Scaggs “Sweet Release” (aka “Desolation Avenue”)

From his 1969 self titled debut record, here is Boz Scaggs with the original version of “Sweet Release”, also known as “Desolation Avenue”.

Reese Wynans & Friends "Sweet Release"

The title track to the debut solo album from Hammond B3 legend Reese Wynans.  This is "Sweet Release", an old Boz Scaggs song.  A stellar group of musicians is on this live version of the track.  From the Keeping The Blues Alive concert.  Featuring Reese Wynans, Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Hall, Noah Hunt, Paulie Cerra, Josh Smith, Juanita Tippins & Sinead Burgess.

George Duke "Faces In Reflection"

Another Full Album Friday, and this time, we feature George Duke, with his 1974 recording "Faces In Reflection" recorded as a trio.  George Duke on keyboards (Rhodes piano, grand piano, Clavinet, Moog synthesizer), John Heard on bass, and Leon Ndugu Chancler on drums.

The track listing:

1. The Opening
2. Capricorn
3. Piano Solo No. 1
4. Piano Solo No. 2
5. Psychosomatic Dung
6. Faces In Reflection (instrumental)
7. Maria tres filhos
8. North Beach
9. Do Somba
10. Faces In Reflection (vocal track)

Happy Birthday Louis Armstrong

A bonus Independence Day post.  Louis Armstrong's official birthday, is in August.  But, we will celebrate, a month early.  From the blog In A Blue Mood, a post about "Satchmo".  Here are a number of his recordings, including:

"Cornet Chop-Suey"

"Cornet Hot Suey"

"Weatherbird" (duet with pianist Earl "Fatha" Hines)

"Sugar Foot Stomp" (recorded with the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, an updated cut of a different song that was called "Dippermouth Blues" Armstrong recorded with King Oliver.

Louis Armstrong, on cornet, and Bertha "Chippie" Hill "Trouble In Mind" (1926). 

Louis was in demand for recording sessions behind a variety of blues singers including Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace, and Bertha "Chippie' Hill, heard on the original "Trouble in Mind."

In the 1930s, Armstrong played "Tiger Rag" during his tours, including on a European tour, at a tour stop in Sweden.

Finally, check out "Public Melody Number One".

http://inabluemood.blogspot.com/2019/07/happy-birthday-louis-armstrong.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FtQLoa+%28In+a+Blue+Mood%29

Ray Charles "America The Beautiful"

Happy Independence Day!  To celebrate, here is Ray Charles with his rendition of "America The Beautiful", as it was performed in an appearance on the Dick Cavett Show, not on Independence Day itself, but rather on September 18th, 1972. 

Rory Gallagher “Shadow Play”

A concert that took place, almost exactly 40 years ago.  The late, great Irish blues man Rory Gallagher, playing his song “Shadow Play” live at the 1979 Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland.

Black Country Communion "The Outsider"

From 2014, the band Black Country Communion, a supergroup, with their tune "The Outsider".  The band includes Glenn Hughes on bass and lead vocals, Joe Bonamassa on guitar, Derek Sherinian on keyboards, and Kevin Shirley on drums. 

Ramsey Lewis (feat. Earth, Wind, & Fire) "Sun Goddess"

Check out Ramsey Lewis' tune "Sun Goddess" featuring Earth, Wind, & Fire.  This is the title track to the album of the same name, released in 1974.