Joe Bonamassa "Love Ain't a Love Song"

 

Another Sunday Special on this New Year's Eve.  From his "Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks" live performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, on a CD/DVD set, here is Joe Bonamassa with "Love Ain't a Love Song", a tune he co-wrote with Jeffery Steele and Jerry Flowers for his "Different Shades of Blue" record, performed at Red Rocks in August of 2014.

 

Widespread Panic "Can't Get High"

 

Widespread Panic performs "Can't Get High" live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Ten Years After "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl"

 

Recorded at Winterland in San Francisco, California, on August 4th, 1975, here is Ten Years After with lead guitarist and vocalist Alvin Lee, covering Muddy Waters' "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl".  Check it out.  

Phish - 8/2/2023 - Meatstick → It's Ice (4K HDR) New York, NY

 

From their August 2nd, 2023, show at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, here is Phish with a medley of "Meatstick" and "It's Ice".  

Duke Ellington Meets Stan Kenton - Rare Piano Duo

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.  Duke Ellington, Stan Kenton, piano.  From Music 55, a CBS TV summer replacement.

Gov't Mule "The River Only Flows One Way" (Original Mix)

 

"The River Only Flows One Way (Original Mix)" is from the new Gov't Mule EP, Time of the Signs.

John Scofield and Joe Lovano

 

Merry Christmas!  I was not sure I could find any full-fledged jazz arrangements of Christmas songs this year.  However, your gift then, will be this performance by John Scofield on guitar and Joe Lovano on tenor sax.  Here are the full details of the tune from the original post by Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

From "Bret Jazz Video Guy" Primack. 

Wabash (Scofield) John Scofield, guitar; Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone Anthony Cox, bass and John Riley on drums. From the 1990 Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival

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And Duke Ellington on Piano - African Flower

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Duke Ellington, the legendary American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, was known for his distinctive piano playing style and his exceptional skills as a musician. He was a central figure in the development of jazz music, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.

As for Duke Ellington's piano, there is no single specific piano associated with him throughout his career. Over the years, he performed and recorded on various pianos, often using the instruments available at the venues where he played or the recording studios he used.

Ellington was known for his improvisational talents and unique approach to the piano, which combined elements of stride piano, blues, and classical influences. His piano playing was a key component of his band's sound and arrangements, as he frequently composed pieces that highlighted the individual talents of his band members.

Watch Gov't Mule, Billy Gibbons, Slash and Myles Kennedy Cover Lynyrd Skynyrd at Xmas Jam

Warren Haynes hosted the 32nd annual Christmas Jam benefit concert at Asheville's ExploreAsheville.com Arena.

https://www.jambase.com/article/govt-mule-billy-gibbons-slash-myles-kennedy-xmas-jam

A Merry Christmas to you.  Here is your gift, and there might be another one coming on this Christmas Eve Sunday or on Christmas Day.  Stay tuned.  

Gov't Mule "Blue, Blue Wind"

 

Another track from Gov't Mule's EP "Time of The Signs", this one is "Blue, Blue Wind".  

Gov't Mule - Under the Tent (Visualizer)

 

"Under the Tent" is from the new Gov't Mule EP: Time of the Signs LYRICS WE’RE ALL HERE- UNDER THE TENT ALL THE PIECES TO THE GAME- ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE CLUB SO MUCH TIME AND MONEY SPENT ANGELS AND ASSASSINS- PREACHING PEACE AND LOVE COME ONE, COME ALL GATHER ‘ROUND THE PODIUM- (EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC) LET US ENTERTAIN YOU- SATURATE AND DRAIN YOU ROB YOU OF YOUR SOUL AND STEAL YOU BLIND CAPTIVATE AND INFILTRATE YOUR MIND WE’RE ALL HERE- UNDER THE TENT ALL THE BROKEN HEARTED SOLDIERS WITH THEIR BROKEN LIVES SINGING "REAP BUT NEVER REPENT” ALL THEIR SHATTERED DREAMS CARVED UP WITH THEIR RUSTY KNIVES COME HITHER, COME YON OPEN UP YOUR ARMS- (FEEL THE MYSTERY) LET US IN YOUR HEARTS- THAT’S WHERE THE MAGIC STARTS DON’T BE SCARED TO LET US INSIDE JUST RELAX AND ENJOY THE RIDE IT’S A SHELTER FROM THE RAIN BUT NO SHIELD FROM MORTALITY GRAVITAS IN SPADES BUT A SHORTAGE OF MORALITY ORPHANS SEEKING MOTHERS- KILLERS SEEKING PEACE WE’RE ALL TRAPPED IN HERE TOGETHER- JUST WAITING TO BE RELEASED WE’RE ALL HERE- UNDER THE TENT SEARCHING FOR ENLIGHTENMENT- HIDING FROM THE TRUTH HELL BOUND BUT HEAVEN SENT UNLEASHED, UNREPENTANT, UNKEPT, AND UNCOUTH MATT THE HAT IS HERE- TOOTHY JOE AND MR. SHAKY ALL THE BROTHERS NABOKOV, KING RICHARD AND SENOR FLAKY MARTHA’S HERE TO SMOTHER YOU- SUZANNE IS HERE TO SAVE YOU THE BARKING BEASTS AND THE SOLDIERS WITH NO NAMES ARE HERE TO ENSLAVE YOU ALL THE WHILE THEY’LL MAKE THEIR MISSION KNOWN DO NOT VENTURE ON YOUR OWN JIMMY V IS HERE, CARMINE AND CORKY OZ THE WIZARD AND BUNGALOW BILL WILL BE HERE SHORTLY SIMON SAYS HE’S COMING- CLEVELAND MIGHT BE HERE TOMORROW ALL WITH AN AXE TO GRIND EVEN IF IT’S ONE THEY HAVE TO BORROW AND THE SAME LIGHTS THAT DREW US ALL IN ARE STILL EXPOSING OUR SIN WE’RE ALL HERE- UNDER THE TENT

Steps Ahead Magnetic Love edit with Michael Brecker solo at the end.

 

As the title describes, Louis Gerrits is sharing an edited version of Steps Ahead's 1985 jazz pop tune "Magnetic Love" which includes Michael Brecker's tenor saxophone solo at the end of the tune.  "Magnetic Love" itself is an instrumental.  Here's the original track.

Steps Ahead "Magnetic Love" from the 1986 record "Magnetic".  This is the final Steps Ahead record to feature Michael Brecker in the band.  Michael Brecker on tenor saxophone is joined by Hiram Bullock, Chuck Loeb, and Paul Jackson Jr. on guitars, Peter Erskine on drums, percussion and synthesizers, Victor Bailey on bass, and keyboardists on piano, synthesizers, and synth programming, such as Warren Bernhard, Scott Martin, Robbie Kilgore, Phillip Ashley, and Kenny Kirkland, produced by the late, great George Duke.  

Dig the live version and the record version.  Jazz meets jazz fusion and '80s synth pop.  Pretty cool.  

Au Privave - Mt. Fuji 1988 Jam Session

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.  

Au Privave (Parker) from the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival 1988 Jam Session. Roy Hargrove, trumpet; Robin Eubanks, trombone; Bobby Watson, alto saxophone; Johnny Griffin, tenor saxophone Renee Rosnes, piano; Marlene Rosenberg, bass and Cindy Blackman, drums.

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Stan Getz Meets Donald Byrd, 1957

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.  Rare from 1957, Stan Getz and Donald Byrd.

Gov't Mule "Time Stands Still"

 

Another tune from Gov't Mule's EP "Time of The Signs".  This is "Time Stands Still".  

Gov't Mule - Made My Peace (Live)

 

A live performance by Gov't Mule of the song "Made My Peace" off their new "Peace... Like A River" record.

Chris Potter - "You Gotta Move" by Mississippi Fred McDowell (Live at Unterfahrt)

 

Chris Potter (sax) Edward Simon (p) Scott Colley (b) Nasheet Waits (dr) Live at Jazz Club Unterfahrt 08.03.23 https://www.unterfahrt.de/ Concert Production - Michael Stückl & Antonia Haseneder Video - Alzek Barco Recording & Mixing - Kseniya Kawko mixed@msm-studios, Munich https://www.msm-studios.com/

Widespread Panic "Goodpeople"/"Dark Bar"/"Goodpeople" (Live at Red Rocks)

 

Widespread Panic performs "Goodpeople" into "Dark Bar" back into "Goodpeople" live at Red Rocks on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Widespread Panic "City of Dreams" (Live at Red Rocks)

 

Widespread Panic performs "City of Dreams" live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 23, 2023.

Joe Bonamassa "So What Would I Do?"

 

From his CD/DVD "Live at Radio City Music Hall", here is Joe Bonamassa and his band performing "So What Would I Do?"  This is a soul blues piece of his featuring Reese Wynans on Hammond organ, and the horn section including the tenor saxophone solo by Paulie Cerra.  Bonamassa's main band these days includes:

Joe Bonamassa: guitar & vocals

Reese Wynans: Hammond organ

Michael Rhodes: bass

Anton Fig: drums

Lee Thornburg: trumpet

Paulie Cerra: saxophones

All Things Known - Eric Johnsen

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

All Things Known (Johnsen) Voice: Song Yi Jeon, Piano: Fanya Lin, Electric Bass:  Romain Labaye, Drums: Russ Miller, Tabla: Ehren Hanson, 

Electric Guitar: Nguyên Lê, Rhodes solo: Jerry Léonide, Flute: Itai Kriss, String Chamber Orchestra

Set to the poetry of W.B. Yeats, All Things Known ends the album with a reimagining of what it means for an artist to fail. Given both the rejection his father had to contend with, and the set-backs this album endured over the years that it took to complete, this reimagining process resonates deeply with Eric. In a world where notions of winning and losing are reduced to stark binaries and zero-sum games, Yeats serves to remind us of the nuanced, risky, and uncertain nature of creating art: Breed to a harder thing than Triumph, turn away And like a laughing string on mad fingers play. Amid a place of stone, Be secret and exult. For because of all things known, That is most difficult In the end, the creative process must exist for it own sake, on it’s own terms, regardless of the mindsets and opinions of others who fail to see the merit – and perhaps especially if the harshest critique comes from the artist themself. (As renowned choreographer Martha Graham once described, the artist isn’t supposed to be content with what they do; instead they can only exist in a state of “divine dissatisfaction,” while leaving it to others to judge.) Set to the 1914 poem To A Friend Whose Work Has Come to Nothing, this final piece begins with strings, with voice and piano joining them in art song fashion. Halfway through the poem, the fusion ensemble jumps in – as mad fingers indeed begin to play. A reoccurring motive alternates between two harmonic resolutions, while each motivic iteration extends and develops further than the previous one. Solos include electric guitar, and 12-bar phrases traded by Rhodes and flute. Eventually the strings re-enter the fray, and take center stage, before dissolving into the ensemble, and finishing alongside the piano and voice similar to the way the piece began. Eric Johnsen’s Liminality seeks to explore liminal spaces: that space at the threshold of profound change; the state of suspension between the death of what was, and the birth of what will be -- or could be.Combining an improvisational chamber ensemble with strings, Liminality weaves together jazz, fusion, and world beats with chamber and orchestral elements. The music ranges from strictly composed to purely improvisational. Textures range from the power of the full ensemble with chamber string orchestra to the delicacies of solo and duet performances. At times the music floats in ethereal spaces; at other times it is rhythmically driving, anchored by American, Indian, and Afro-Cuban influences. All music composed and produced by Eric Johnsen. For more info: http://ericjohnsenmusic.com

Gov't Mule - Stumblebum (Visualizer)

 

A Sunday Special post this week, a new tune from Gov't Mule and a recently released EP. "Stumblebum" is from the new Gov't Mule EP, "Time of the Signs". LYRICS Mama I just don’t know where you’re coming from Don’t know what I’m gonna do Don’t know what you see in that stumblebum He’s gonna walk all over you Mama, my aim is true He ain’t got what I got He ain’t got your back Said I don’t know why you think he’s hot You’re gonna come crawling back You’re gonna come crawling back I need you- to listen to my plea I need you- to bring it home to me Mama I just don’t know where you’re coming from Don’t know what I’m gonna do Don’t know what you see in that stumblebum He’s gonna walk all over you Mama, my aim is true He don’t know what I know I know you inside and out. Yeah, I’m a little low on the cashflow But that ain’t what it’s all about Ain’t what it’s all about I need you- to listen to my plea I need you- to bring it on back to me He must have some money- he sure ain’t got no class You let down your guard baby- let him slip right on past Better test the waters- I don’t think they run too deep I know you’re playing with me, baby- but don’t you play me cheap Don’t you play me cheap Don’t you play me cheap Don’t you play me cheap Mama I just don’t know where you’re coming from Don’t know what I’m gonna do Don’t know what you see in that stumblebum He’s gonna walk all over you Mama, my aim is true Mama, my aim is true

Tedeschi Trucks Band "I Walk On Gilded Splinters" Peach Fest 2023

 

The Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks Band perform Dr. John's "I Walk On Gilded Splinters" at Peach Fest 2023.  Brought to you by Less Than Face Productions.  Audio by Ken M.

The Gregg Allman Band "Can't Keep Running"

 

Track six from Gregg Allman's 1987 solo record "I'm No Angel".  This is "Can't Keep Running".  Today, December 8th, would be Gregg's 76th birthday.  Fortunate enough to have seen the Allman Brothers Band a number of times and also to see Gregg with his solo band, in 2015.  This tune, featuring the late, great "Dangerous" Dan Toler on guitar, among others including Gregg on vocals and Hammond organ, was one of the hidden gems on the "I'm No Angel" record.  

The Stillness - Eric Johnsen

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

The Stillness (Johnsen) Voice: Michael Mayo, Guitar: Aliéksey Vianna, Piano: Noé Secula, Bass: Roberto Koch, Tabla: Ehren Hanson, Percussion: Aaron Szabo, Backround Voices: Eric Johnsen This piece expresses the complex feelings that can accompany a new romance: the combination of excitement and passion with uncertainty -- and the seismic tremors occurring beneath the ongoing search to discover one’s own path within the dynamics of such a partnership. As a whole, this piece is the oldest piece on the album, composed (and first recorded) over twenty years ago. Featured are piano and guitar solos, and the wonderful performance by singer Michael Mayo. Finding the right singer was the hardest task in producing The Stillness, but like the French musicians, Michael knew what to do, and with his combination of jazz mastery and soulfulness, took the melody to new heights. Eric Johnsen’s Liminality seeks to explore liminal spaces: that space at the threshold of profound change; the state of suspension between the death of what was, and the birth of what will be -- or could be.Combining an improvisational chamber ensemble with strings, Liminality weaves together jazz, fusion, and world beats with chamber and orchestral elements. The music ranges from strictly composed to purely improvisational. Textures range from the power of the full ensemble with chamber string orchestra to the delicacies of solo and duet performances. At times the music floats in ethereal spaces; at other times it is rhythmically driving, anchored by American, Indian, and Afro-Cuban influences. All music composed and produced by Eric Johnsen. For more info: http://ericjohnsenmusic.com

Undertow / Path of Heart: Eric Johnsen

 

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

Undertow (Johnsen) Electric Guitar: Nguyên Lê Elecric Bass: Romain Labaye From leaving behind the security of partnership, to facing a new, precarious world as an older single person, Undertow begins the second set of music on this album. And like First Impressions, Undertow serves as a prelude of sorts. Yet it’s purely electronic nature distinguishes itself from the rest of the album. Most of the tracks are synthesized and programmed by Eric, save for the two featured French artists: bassist Romain Labaye, and guitarist extraordinaire Nguyên Lê. Along with pianists Noé Secula and Jerry Léonide, working with these French musicians brought Eric into contact with the depth of musical artistry and camaraderie that can be found in that country. “It was a joy to with these guys,” Eric explained. “They are technically superb, highly intuitive, and have the ability to get inside my music with very little direction and take it to new places.” In particular, Nguyên’s short but searing solo here perfectly reflects the message of the piece: in the realm of late-term relationships, beware of underlying currents when playing in the surf zone. Path of Heart (Johnsen) Voice: Song Yi Jeon, Piano: Doug Martin, Bass: Roberto Koch, Drums: Chris Wabich, Flute: Itai Kriss, Tabla: Ehren Hanson, Percussion: Tony Redhouse, Background Voices: Eric Johnsen, Cello: Ted Buchholz, String Quintet: Violin, Viola:Tim Kantor, Cello: Ted Buchholz, Bass: Philip Alejo and String Chamber Orchestra Undertow goes straight into Path of Heart without pause, save for the static, sustained sonority in the strings that connects the two. Path of Heart is inspired by the writings of Carlos Castaneda. In a particular passage, the sorcerer Don Juan describes to his apprentice the purpose of his life journey: For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length – and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly. (Such an approach to life was also embraced by Eric’s late dear friend, Manny Aldaz, to whom the piece is dedicated.) An abrupt transition into a mystical “swamp” begins this winding musical path, featuring flute and cello, before solo strings take over to complete the extensive introduction. After the improvisational ensemble states the two main themes, strings briefly return to the forefront, before morphing into a string quintet that accompanies the opening of the flute solo. Piano and drum solos follow, before the ensemble restates the second theme, with strings and voice finally bringing the piece back to the mystical realm – though, like the path of a sorcerer, without ever truly getting home; from this path there is no longer a home from which to go back. Eric Johnsen’s Liminality seeks to explore liminal spaces: that space at the threshold of profound change; the state of suspension between the death of what was, and the birth of what will be -- or could be.Combining an improvisational chamber ensemble with strings, Liminality weaves together jazz, fusion, and world beats with chamber and orchestral elements. The music ranges from strictly composed to purely improvisational. Textures range from the power of the full ensemble with chamber string orchestra to the delicacies of solo and duet performances. At times the music floats in ethereal spaces; at other times it is rhythmically driving, anchored by American, Indian, and Afro-Cuban influences. All music composed and produced by Eric Johnsen. For more info: http://ericjohnsenmusic.com

FG Solo Savitar from 32nd Eddie Lang Jazz Festival July 30th, 2023.

 

Enjoy this excerpt from Gambale's guitar solo on the slippery chord changes of The Throne of Savitar.

A great tune, by the way.  First heard this one on the trio record "Gambale, Hamm, & Smith" with Frank Gambale on guitar, Stu Hamm on bass, and Steve Smith on drums.  

Phish "The Well"

 

From their July 25th, 2023, show at the TD Pavilion at the Mann in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, here is Phish with their tune "The Well".  

Gov't Mule "Under the Tent"

 

A Sunday Special this week with Gov't Mule's new tune "Under The Tent" from the band's new EP "Time of The Signs".  The band is Warren Haynes on led and slide guitar, and vocals, Danny Louis on keyboards and vocals, Jorgen Carlsson on bass, and Matt Abts on drums.  

Phish "Fuego" (revisited)

 

Revisiting the tune "Fuego" by Phish.  This version dates to their July 29th, 2023 show at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.  

Anthony Braxton – Willisau (Quartet) 1991

 

Full Album Friday this week featuring avant garde jazz saxophonist Anthony Braxton and his 1991 quartet record "Willisau".  The band lineup is:

Anthony Braxton - sopranino saxophone, alto saxophone, clarinet, flute

Marilyn Crispell - piano

Mark Dresser - bass

Gerry Hemingway - drums, marimba