Faithless Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Last night, during a hang with friends, we've turned on Mezzo TV, and it was no-one else but Roy Hargrove's Big Band feat. Roberta Gambarini @ Vienne Jazz festival... It was killin' by all means - wicked solos, wicked singing from Mrs. Gambarini, wicked arrangements... I don't usually rate bass solos , but Ameen Saleem, who seems to have bass' chair at Roy's band, gave an astounding solo.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 I've been "strongly recommended" by my future father-in-law to catch a gig by "Spats Langham & his Hot Combination". Which is, as many married guys will know, akin to a royal command. This could well be along with him & my g/f's Mother. I've checked out a couple of tracks on his site which are OK/great & his style is apparently in the style of New York 1920/30s jazz. Anyone able to tell me any more? Educate me if you can? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassace Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 [quote name='Big_Stu' post='1115387' date='Feb 4 2011, 02:51 PM']I've been "strongly recommended" by my future father-in-law to catch a gig by "Spats Langham & his Hot Combination". Which is, as many married guys will know, akin to a royal command. This could well be along with him & my g/f's Mother. I've checked out a couple of tracks on his site which are OK/great & his style is apparently in the style of New York 1920/30s jazz. Anyone able to tell me any more? Educate me if you can?[/quote] Sorry nobody's replied to your post, Stu. Spats is one of the best pickers around (gtr/bjo) he'll sing songs you've probably never heard of, as you say, coming from the 20s/30s. There'll be some Fats Waller in there somewhere. Not sure who he'll have with him but watch out for Norman Field on reeds. He is a true eccentric - I worked with him just before Christmas. He plays a simple system clarinet, which means it hasn't got the number of keys and levers that others have. But you wouldn't notice. You'll enjoy the gig very much, I'm sure, and stay in father-in-law's good books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Fantastic! many thanks for the reply, even as I type - by coincidence - my other half is on the phone to her parents sorting out a date. It'll be either May or October at a jazz festival in the Lakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 17, 2011 Author Share Posted February 17, 2011 I have been raking about in the AACM/Art Ensemble of Chicago back catalogue for the last few days. I got hold of a Kindle book called 'A Power Stronger Than Itself' by George E Lewis all about the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians and wanted to see what was happening. [url="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Stronger-Than-Itself-Experimental/dp/0226476960/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1297940528&sr=1-1"]'A Power Stronger Than Itself' by George E Lewis [/url] Have downloaded some World Saxophone Quartet, the Oliver Lake Big Band, the David Murray Big Band etc. Some really challenging stuff, some delights and some train wrecks! But exciting stuff because it comes from a passion for the music and not a yearning for nostalgia! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share Posted March 9, 2011 Which brings me to my latest batch. A Branford Marsalis live cd called 'Bloomington' where he performs in trio with Jeff Watts and Robert Hurst. Marvellous stuff. Major elements of improvisation and interplay. On the opposite end of the scale, I 'upgraded' from vinyl to cd a copy of the Wynton Marsalis recording 'Hot Hosue Flowers' which is a trumpet led jazz quartet with strings. Jazz with strings is always a tense marriage but this one has some real highlights. I have also rediscovered an old Avishai Cohen cd called Adama which has some great playing on it (although I find Cohen's double bass sound a bit 'choked' to use a term Jakesbass uses). I love this jazz stuff - not intellectual affectation; pure visceral joy. Have another look at this and please watch it to the end to get the full buzz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urb Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Here's a little heads up on Scottish sax monster Tommy Smith's new fusion-tinged new album / quartet 'Karma' which features a killer line up of Kevin Glasgow on bass, Alyn Cosker on drums and Steve Hamilton on keys - but it's really high ebergy stuff, lots of tricky heads but some deep funky grooves too - Kevin plays like a demon throughout and it's probably the best album Tommy's done in quite a while: good fresh sounding modern jazz fusion played with real energy and drive: [url="http://www.tommy-smith.co.uk/ts/reviews/tommy-smith-karma-the-hub/"]http://www.tommy-smith.co.uk/ts/reviews/to...-karma-the-hub/[/url] Album is out in May I think - well worth a look M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 [quote name='urb' post='1155176' date='Mar 9 2011, 12:34 PM']Here's a little heads up on Scottish sax monster Tommy Smith's new fusion-tinged new album / quartet 'Karma' which features a killer line up of Kevin Glasgow on bass, Alyn Cosker on drums and Steve Hamilton on keys - but it's really high ebergy stuff, lots of tricky heads but some deep funky grooves too - Kevin plays like a demon throughout and it's probably the best album Tommy's done in quite a while: good fresh sounding modern jazz fusion played with real energy and drive: [url="http://www.tommy-smith.co.uk/ts/reviews/tommy-smith-karma-the-hub/"]http://www.tommy-smith.co.uk/ts/reviews/to...-karma-the-hub/[/url] Album is out in May I think - well worth a look M[/quote] Will check this out, funnily enough just grabbed the Multiple Organism Jazz Orchestra album with Kevin Glasgow on bass (I assume it's the same Kevin Glasgow) - really fantastic bass player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urb Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 [quote name='purpleblob' post='1155550' date='Mar 9 2011, 04:34 PM']Will check this out, funnily enough just grabbed the Multiple Organism Jazz Orchestra album with Kevin Glasgow on bass (I assume it's the same Kevin Glasgow) - really fantastic bass player.[/quote] That's him - here's a little something I prepared earlier [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgK0nEmy0A"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgK0nEmy0A[/url] His playing is sounding very sweet indeed on the Smith album - it's about time he got the recognition he deserves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted March 10, 2011 Share Posted March 10, 2011 [quote name='urb' post='1155567' date='Mar 9 2011, 04:48 PM']That's him - here's a little something I prepared earlier [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgK0nEmy0A"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUgK0nEmy0A[/url] His playing is sounding very sweet indeed on the Smith album - it's about time he got the recognition he deserves[/quote] Sorry for going slightly off topic, but agree with you there urb. I've seen those Kams Palace vids before. Some nice playing all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 Got some real gems recently. Saw them on e-music and thought I'd give 'wm a punt. Really glad I did. SF JAZZ Collective | Live 2010: 7th Annual Concert Tour - featuring Avishai Cohen: Trumpet, Stefon Harris: Vibraphone/Marimba, Miguel Zenón: Alto Saxophone/Flute, Robin Eubanks: Trombone, Edward Simon: Piano , Matt Penman: Bass and Eric Harland: Drums [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-2010-Annual-Concert-Tour/dp/B004ISGWMA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300280978&sr=1-1-catcorr"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-2010-Annual-C...;sr=1-1-catcorr[/url] Really stronmg arrangements and really strong performances from all. Miguel Zenon is a revelation and I found he is also on another 'find': Antonio Sanchez Live in New York - a four piece harmony-less quartet featuring Sanchex with Scott Colley (bs), David Sanchez (ts) and the aforementioned Zenon on alto. Major league stuff. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-New-York-Antonio-Sanchez/dp/B003VC8TYI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300281229&sr=1-1"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-New-York-Anto...1229&sr=1-1[/url] Also found a hidden gem in Muhal Richard Abrams 'Colours in Thirty Third', a 1987 album that features Muhal Richard Abrams: piano, John Blake: violin, John Purcell: soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone, Dave Holland (tracks 5, 6 & 7): bass, cello, Fred Hopkins: bass, Andrew Cyrille (all except track 2): drums. Its 'kind of' free jazz but its not chaotic at all and there are some beautiful written passages. Challenging but in a really good way. [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colors_in_Thirty-Third"]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colors_in_Thirty-Third[/url] This stuff is all really life affirming. All three are highly recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest subaudio Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 I'm from a rock background but Jazz just kind of "got me" to the extent that I traded all my BG's to find a decent double bass and start learning, only problem is that I've found it impossible to get an "in" and start jamming with anyone for someone making tentative first steps, loads of folk gigs and crossover stuff but never managed to get off the ground with Jazz :/ That said I'm listening to Paul Chambers play on Blue Train at the mo, very nice, and great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 16, 2011 Author Share Posted March 16, 2011 'Definition of swing - any two successive notes played by Paul Chambers' - Martin Williams, IIRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest subaudio Posted March 16, 2011 Share Posted March 16, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1164582' date='Mar 16 2011, 04:15 PM']'Definition of swing - any two successive notes played by Paul Chambers' - Martin Williams, IIRC.[/quote] That needs to be in the dictionary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 Just got hold of Django Bate's 'Beloved Bird' CD. Its a piano trio with double-bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Peter Bruun. Its mostly Charlie Parker tunes but arranged as only Bates could. Its absolutely stunning and one of the freshest piano trio cds I have heard in a long time. If you know Bates you will know you can expect the unexpected but this takes it to another level. His reworking of these familiar themes is pure genius. Highly recommended. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beloved-Bird-Django-Bates/dp/B002X9ITIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301492090&sr=1-1"]Beloved Bird - Django Bates Trio[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duarte Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Bilbo, is Maceo Parker Jazz? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 [quote name='Duarte' post='1182486' date='Mar 30 2011, 05:29 PM']Bilbo, is Maceo Parker Jazz?[/quote] If you want him to be. That's not helpful, is it. Its probably jazzy funk (only heard one CD) or funky jazz? It is what it is. Certainly not hardcore jazz but its cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Bilbo' post='1182278' date='Mar 30 2011, 02:38 PM']Just got hold of Django Bate's 'Beloved Bird' CD. Its a piano trio with double-bassist Petter Eldh and drummer Peter Bruun. Its mostly Charlie Parker tunes but arranged as only Bates could. Its absolutely stunning and one of the freshest piano trio cds I have heard in a long time. If you know Bates you will know you can expect the unexpected but this takes it to another level. His reworking of these familiar themes is pure genius. Highly recommended. [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beloved-Bird-Django-Bates/dp/B002X9ITIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301492090&sr=1-1"]Beloved Bird - Django Bates Trio[/url][/quote] Is it any good? Was thinking of buying it, but didn't in the end. Here's why: I went to see Django's Beloved Bird 3o at the Vortex a little while back. Was expecting a really great gig, but unfortunately Evan Parker* turned up, and the whole affair descended into much atonal warbling, with very few (3) of the album tracks performed (the album tracks were actually really awesome, Bates' arranging is top notch). Cue many middle aged city types nodding their heads to some mysterious beat that I sure as hell couldn't ascertain, closing their eyes and mumbling yeah under their breath. Sad as hell, just pretending to dig it to appear trendy. That generation's equivalent of having an arbitrary Banksy portrait up on your wall. If there was something there, I (and 3 other people whose ears I trust, probably more than mine) definitely couldn't detect it. Maybe I'm not cool enough to get it, but I thought it was just noise. I get the whole deal about what's great with free stuff in theory, but it just doesn't do it for me - rather it stayed as an abstract theoretical concept rather than be in my face stopping me enjoying the gig I paid for. It's just shifting the focus completely away from the listener completely onto the performer, and it's really self-indulgent. Just a way of proving that a lot of people are such posers that they'll pretend to like anything if they think it's "cool" rather than thinking about what it actually is. Playing out's fine, but in the words of Mingus "you gotta play out [i]from[/i] somewhere". A lot of free Jazz gives the impression that Jazz as a whole is only for pseudo-artsy posers, which is the opposite of what Jazz should, in my opinion, be all about. *N.B - I have nothing against Evan Parker, he's a charming and talented individual (some of the technical things he did with the sax were awesome). Sorry for the rant, feels much better now it's out. EDIT - On a more positive note, I've been digging Art Pepper a lot recently, especially this track: Man has some serious chops, and melodic sense. The more I learn about Jazz harmony, the more seems to pop out of his playing. Edited March 30, 2011 by Hector Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 [quote name='urb' post='1080083' date='Jan 6 2011, 05:40 PM']Cool man - if you like the Metheny stuff then a natural successor to him were EST - sadly the pianist Esbjorn Sevensson tragically died in 2008 - but one of my fave albums from them is [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seven-Days-Falling-Esbjorn-Svensson/dp/B0000APYOC"]Seven Days of Falling[/url] - this song is particularly awesome - check the distorto bass solo towards the end: M[/quote] Just bought this album on the strength of the one track. Can't wait to dig a little deeper. "Album of the week" award goes to [i]Giant Steps[/i] - simply staggering music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-soar Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 The Bates CD is not a free jazz fest in any way whatsoever although it is pretty avant garde. It really pushes the providerbial envelope but I can still hear what he is doing and it is harmonically centred and has its own logic. THis guy so knows his intrument and the music he plays. I wish I had 1/10th of his talent. If any UK jazz musician could be called a genius, its Django Bates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foal30 Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 over limahl, yeah. I buy Mike Stern "Big Neighborhood" it's quite rocky lot of chorus pedal and Esperna Spalding scatting/vocalizing. Not at all sure about that or Steve Vai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duarte Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1182693' date='Mar 30 2011, 08:27 PM']If you want him to be. That's not helpful, is it. Its probably jazzy funk (only heard one CD) or funky jazz? It is what it is. Certainly not hardcore jazz but its cool.[/quote] Hahaha, I might like Jazz! Actually, his own words are "2% Jazz, 98% Funky stuff" ...ideal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Duarte' post='1183266' date='Mar 31 2011, 01:12 PM']Hahaha, I might like Jazz! Actually, his own words are "2% Jazz, 98% Funky stuff" ...ideal.[/quote] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S8ox_aajYc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S8ox_aajYc[/url] 12 seconds in - I always wondered where that quote came from. (btw, great bassline kicks in at 1:45) Sorry - back to jazz, one of my favourites - especially the live version I have on CD: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHFn0vHF6-c"]Jive Samba - Cannonball Adderly[/url] Edited March 31, 2011 by Roland Rock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 Ha ha. Cannonball with a young Joe Zawinul on piano Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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