Not what you think... Senora Music Man and I hit shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I need to take today off to rest.
Friday night at Tony Starlight's was big band night; music by the Bureau of Standards Big Band. We have been wanting to catch this monthly show every since Kat Cogswell (Signatures) joined the band as vocalist. She shares vocal duties with Matthew Gailey, a very capable and engaging young singer (we heard him before at Ivories). The first hour of the show was an enjoyable throwback to the nightclubs of the 50's; I looked around and expected to see Bogie and Bacall make an entrance.
The Band was sharp and the vocals did not disappoint (Kat never disappoints - always brings the "A" game). One message to Mr. Gregg, "Hey, you have two fine vocalists, keep 'em on stage." The last 30 minutes of birthday/anniversary/etcetera announcements and comedic banter really took away from an otherwise enjoyable evening of music.
Saturday was a last minute decision to catch the Bobby Torres band at Jimmy Maks. Another of our favorites, Karla Harris, was back in town for the weekend and singing with this excellent Latin band.
We had never heard them before but will do so again; high energy, excellent musicianship, and an interesting playbook. Basically, Bobby takes familiar tunes of all genres and presents them with a Latin flavor - fun! And Miss Karla got it done (like she always does!) - she may be the most versatile singer I have ever heard.
Sunday was an event we had looked forward to for months - Esperanza Spalding, Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington ("ACS") at the Newmark. Esperanza had just won her 2nd and 3rd Grammys and came home with her latest musical project. Loved the show! When Esperanza gives a concert you can count on at least 2 things: first, she gives an honest, energetic, and thorough effort (a fast 2 hour set), and second, the show will be totally unlike her previous offering. She seems to have attended the Miles Davis school of abandoning past successes in favor of a perpetual pursuit of new sounds and formats. I have seen her 4 times, all thoroughly enjoyable and each completely different. I was not familiar with Geri Allen (piano) or Terry Line Carrington (drums) but both were excellent musicians. The sound reminded me of a concert Patti and I heard in SF from the the Stanley Clarke trio (Hiromi, Lenny White).
Whew! Tired and broke. Later!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The return of Senor Music Man.
Senor Music Man was abducted by a group of evil garage band junkies and held hostage in the basement of Dante's; strapped to a chair, fed a steady diet of Chicken McNuggets and forced to listen to the entire Journey catalog over and over again. It was painful.
Back in the "swing of things", we caught a show at the Scottish Rite Center last night; one of the first shows of the current Portland Jazz Festival . You need to look at the schedule; there are great shows and events happening all week.
Some personal recommendations:
PSU Student Stage - noon to 6pm today - youth bands from all around the area including the 2012 and 2013 winners of the Jazz Society of Oregon's Jeff Cumpston Trophy (Battleground and Lincoln). Make sure you at least check out the band from Lincoln High; they include a superb vocalist in their septet.
Matt Wilson's Arts and Crafts at Jimmy Maks on Wednesday.
The Kenny Garrett Quartet at the Winningstad on Thursday.
Jack DeJohnette with Ravi Coltrane, Matthew Garrison, and George Culligan at the Newmark on Saturday.
I would put Esperanza Spaulding's Sunday show at the top of the list but that show sold out (probably the day after she won her 2nd and 3rd Grammys).
Back to last night's show: Art Abrams Swing Machine featuring Rebecca Kilgore. This was a Stan Kenton tribute session. Frankly, I don't care who Art and the boys are covering (he described Rebecca as one of the boys, OK?), if I am in town and not in ICU, I am there. I love this band and what this man means to our local music scene. The Swing Machine is 18 top local musicians led by our local legend, Art Abrams. And Rebecca, looking lovely in her gold sequins, was a perfect fit for the June Christie interpretations of the Stan Kenton playbook. We hadn't seen Rebecca in a couple of years and were reminded of how well she sings; no tricks, just beautifully singing the songs the way they were written.
The show was opened by The Shanghai Woolies, a great opening act for this show (and a fine headliner on their own). They presented a mix of original tunes and covers of traditional jazz (gypsy jazz flavored).
OK; I'm back and Journey sucks!
Next up; PSU Sound Stage today and Bureau of Standards Big Band (with Kat Cogswell at Tony Starlights on Friday
Senor Music Man was abducted by a group of evil garage band junkies and held hostage in the basement of Dante's; strapped to a chair, fed a steady diet of Chicken McNuggets and forced to listen to the entire Journey catalog over and over again. It was painful.
Back in the "swing of things", we caught a show at the Scottish Rite Center last night; one of the first shows of the current Portland Jazz Festival . You need to look at the schedule; there are great shows and events happening all week.
Some personal recommendations:
PSU Student Stage - noon to 6pm today - youth bands from all around the area including the 2012 and 2013 winners of the Jazz Society of Oregon's Jeff Cumpston Trophy (Battleground and Lincoln). Make sure you at least check out the band from Lincoln High; they include a superb vocalist in their septet.
Matt Wilson's Arts and Crafts at Jimmy Maks on Wednesday.
The Kenny Garrett Quartet at the Winningstad on Thursday.
Jack DeJohnette with Ravi Coltrane, Matthew Garrison, and George Culligan at the Newmark on Saturday.
I would put Esperanza Spaulding's Sunday show at the top of the list but that show sold out (probably the day after she won her 2nd and 3rd Grammys).
Back to last night's show: Art Abrams Swing Machine featuring Rebecca Kilgore. This was a Stan Kenton tribute session. Frankly, I don't care who Art and the boys are covering (he described Rebecca as one of the boys, OK?), if I am in town and not in ICU, I am there. I love this band and what this man means to our local music scene. The Swing Machine is 18 top local musicians led by our local legend, Art Abrams. And Rebecca, looking lovely in her gold sequins, was a perfect fit for the June Christie interpretations of the Stan Kenton playbook. We hadn't seen Rebecca in a couple of years and were reminded of how well she sings; no tricks, just beautifully singing the songs the way they were written.
The show was opened by The Shanghai Woolies, a great opening act for this show (and a fine headliner on their own). They presented a mix of original tunes and covers of traditional jazz (gypsy jazz flavored).
OK; I'm back and Journey sucks!
Next up; PSU Sound Stage today and Bureau of Standards Big Band (with Kat Cogswell at Tony Starlights on Friday
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tierney Sutton at Jimmy Maks
I don't think my writing skills are up to the task to describe the show Senora Music Man and I attended last night at Jimmy Maks. When I first saw that The Tierney Sutton Band had booked a gig at Jimmy's, I immediately bought two tickets for the early show (last night). I had heard of her 3 Grammy nominations but, that doesn't guarantee a good show - I've been oversold before (nah, I won't mention names). I shouldn't have worried; this was one of the best sets of music - mostly jazz, ever served up over a Jimmy Mak gyro.
Ms. Sutton began with a short interview with Ezra Weiss in which she explained that the gig is the "Tierney Sutton Band", NOT Tierney Sutton with a trio of supporting musicians. Amen to that! Pianist Christian Jacobs, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker each contributed evenly to this quartet. I found my attention drawn to each of these excellent musicians at different points of performance. Tierney used her considerable vocal talent to mold her lyrics into another instrument in this full bodied quartet. A lot of singers make that claim; this lady actually does it.
OK the set... A lot of the songs are from what is becoming known as the Great American Songbook. Selecting classics and standards runs the risk of delivering a set that has already been done (and done and done....). Nope - not this time. Each tune was presented with an imaginative and energetic interpretation that met with complete approval from the full house at Jimmy's.
A few notes: "It Ain't Neccessarily So" was presented with primal overtones delivered forcefully, yet precisely by Ray Brinker.
"Summertime" and "Cry Me a River" - couldn't help but think of Dinah Washington in Tierney's vocal interpretation. It was fascinating to see and hear Kevin Axt weave his bass lines throughout these melodies.
Finally, when the tune "Fever" introduced, I groaned inwardly as this is a tune made famous by Peggy Lee, ruined by The McCoys and made tedious by everyone else. Everyone else but the Tierney Sutton Band. The interpretation was fresh, innovative, and yet true to the song as written. Again, many make that claim; this band got it done.
I loved the whole set; the fastest 90 minutes I can recall. I can and will go see this band again.
Ms. Sutton began with a short interview with Ezra Weiss in which she explained that the gig is the "Tierney Sutton Band", NOT Tierney Sutton with a trio of supporting musicians. Amen to that! Pianist Christian Jacobs, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker each contributed evenly to this quartet. I found my attention drawn to each of these excellent musicians at different points of performance. Tierney used her considerable vocal talent to mold her lyrics into another instrument in this full bodied quartet. A lot of singers make that claim; this lady actually does it.
OK the set... A lot of the songs are from what is becoming known as the Great American Songbook. Selecting classics and standards runs the risk of delivering a set that has already been done (and done and done....). Nope - not this time. Each tune was presented with an imaginative and energetic interpretation that met with complete approval from the full house at Jimmy's.
A few notes: "It Ain't Neccessarily So" was presented with primal overtones delivered forcefully, yet precisely by Ray Brinker.
"Summertime" and "Cry Me a River" - couldn't help but think of Dinah Washington in Tierney's vocal interpretation. It was fascinating to see and hear Kevin Axt weave his bass lines throughout these melodies.
Finally, when the tune "Fever" introduced, I groaned inwardly as this is a tune made famous by Peggy Lee, ruined by The McCoys and made tedious by everyone else. Everyone else but the Tierney Sutton Band. The interpretation was fresh, innovative, and yet true to the song as written. Again, many make that claim; this band got it done.
I loved the whole set; the fastest 90 minutes I can recall. I can and will go see this band again.
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| OK; this is what you are going to hear. |
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| Ray using a delicate touch. |
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| Summertime and it's still raining in Portland! |
Hivemind at Mississippi Pizza
We heard Gabby Holt at the Alberta Rose theater a couple of months ago showing off her singer/songwriter persona. I enjoyed the show but singer/songwriter stuff is not at the top of my list. I remember wondering at that time how she might sound with a good band.
Got my answer! Gabby joined Hivemind with Daniel Bedell on guitar and drummer Evan Prochaska. I'll be brief - these guys are good! All original stuff (I think).
Most new bands trying to present a set of original stuff usually wind up with the same song presented over and over again with nothing but a tempo change. Not these guys; every tune was very different and interesting. I loved the use of the wah wah pedal and overall musicality. Don't know if the acoustics at Mississippi Pizza or the equipment was lacking but I was straining to discern the lyrics. Bet they were as good as the music.
This was good, honest rock and roll (is the term acceptable? Don't care, it's my blog). Gabby, Dan, and Evan - I think you have something here. Thanks for a good time!
Got my answer! Gabby joined Hivemind with Daniel Bedell on guitar and drummer Evan Prochaska. I'll be brief - these guys are good! All original stuff (I think).
Most new bands trying to present a set of original stuff usually wind up with the same song presented over and over again with nothing but a tempo change. Not these guys; every tune was very different and interesting. I loved the use of the wah wah pedal and overall musicality. Don't know if the acoustics at Mississippi Pizza or the equipment was lacking but I was straining to discern the lyrics. Bet they were as good as the music.
This was good, honest rock and roll (is the term acceptable? Don't care, it's my blog). Gabby, Dan, and Evan - I think you have something here. Thanks for a good time!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Tara Williamson at Wilfs
I have been wanting to hear Tara ever since I heard that she is replacing Karla Harris as the newest member of Signatures ("my favorite girl group"). She performed with her trio of very capable sidemen, Justin Smith on trumpet, John Shaw on bass, and drummer Ed Pierce.
I loved the first set, a variety of jazz standards from the 20's (Fats Waller) to the 60's (Peggy Lee). My favorite number was an up tempo interpretation of "Moon River". I have heard a number of artists perform that classic; everyone seems to have stolen Andy Williams' chart; the song is beautiful but always sounds the same. Tara gave it a lively twist; a gutsy move that more than succeeded!
Her second set showcased her singer/songwriter side; playing acoustic guitar and singing some original tunes. She is a talented lady. Really look forward to her work with Barb, Kat and Suzette at Tony Starlights in June.
Love the shows (and the food!) at Wilfs. Check out their upcoming shows.
I loved the first set, a variety of jazz standards from the 20's (Fats Waller) to the 60's (Peggy Lee). My favorite number was an up tempo interpretation of "Moon River". I have heard a number of artists perform that classic; everyone seems to have stolen Andy Williams' chart; the song is beautiful but always sounds the same. Tara gave it a lively twist; a gutsy move that more than succeeded!
Her second set showcased her singer/songwriter side; playing acoustic guitar and singing some original tunes. She is a talented lady. Really look forward to her work with Barb, Kat and Suzette at Tony Starlights in June.
Love the shows (and the food!) at Wilfs. Check out their upcoming shows.
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| Ain't Misbehavin' |
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| Gettin' Mellow? |
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| Nah! |
Monday, March 26, 2012
Devin Phillips at The Blue Monk
This was my second visit to the Blue Monk; a small basement music venue on Belmont. Mr. Devin Phillips was holding court with his quartet of Ramsey Embick on piano, Lee Ball on bass, and drummer Jonas Oglesby. Devin was at the top of his game (OK, when is he anywhere else?). His tenor sax growls, whines, and bellows his interpretations of Ben Webster, Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane tunes. By the way, Devin, "crepuscule" is the period immediately following the sunset.
Devin's play is the musical equivalent of Jim Brown on a football field; he can knock you down, dance around you, or just plain sprint away as he takes his horn through its paces. Devin's breaks were filled in very capably by Ramsey Embick who matched Devin's intense and fluid play. I had never heard Ramsey before but hope to hear him again soon! The man can play.
Check out the Blue Monk; make sure you go hungry; this former North Jersey boy has deemed the Italian fare bona fide; try the spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage.
Devin's play is the musical equivalent of Jim Brown on a football field; he can knock you down, dance around you, or just plain sprint away as he takes his horn through its paces. Devin's breaks were filled in very capably by Ramsey Embick who matched Devin's intense and fluid play. I had never heard Ramsey before but hope to hear him again soon! The man can play.
Check out the Blue Monk; make sure you go hungry; this former North Jersey boy has deemed the Italian fare bona fide; try the spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage.
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| The Devin Phillips Quartet |
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| Playing Monk at the Monk |
Karla; A Fond Farewell
This blog has focused on current musicians and the local clubs that offer live jazz to the Portland community. We are a fortunate bunch of music junkies to have such a plethora of local talent, many with national, and, yes, international fans of all ages. So it is a little sad when a shining star such as Karla Harris folds up her song book and leaves town to join her family in Atlanta. Her last gig was performed at Wilf's on March 14th, backed by Joe Millward and Ron Steen. She played a variety of jazz and pop tunes, my favorite was "Killing Me Softly with His Song" - the tune made popular by Roberta Flack. It touched!
Karla was both sultry and wholesome, brash and subtle, she hit a nerve and soothed the soul. In other words, we were treated to a typical Karla Harris show. We are gonna miss you, lady!
Karla was both sultry and wholesome, brash and subtle, she hit a nerve and soothed the soul. In other words, we were treated to a typical Karla Harris show. We are gonna miss you, lady!
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| Sharing a smile |
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| Karla and Ron |
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| Joe covering the bass line and piano. |
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