The theme for the May 4, 2014 edition of Johnny D’s Jazz Journal is “Sueños: The Cinco de Mayo Show”. “Sueños” is Spanish for “dreams,” and in this case it refers to 19th-century Mexico’s dreams of freedom following centuries of domination by Spain and France; coincidentally, the word sueños also kept popping up in the titles of the songs I was auditioning for this show, so it became a recurring motive.
Like Jazz and Blues, nonprofit organizations were created by Americans, in America. The music and the organizations sprang up with a spirit of kinship and mutual understanding. The music is an expression of the condition of life: what’s happening, why it seems to be happening, and what, (if anything), we can do about it. Nonprofits sprang up in response to common needs, filling a gap where, depending on one’s point of view, government cannot, or should not, go; funding scientific research, or feeding the hungry, or making arts and culture available to entire communities. Jazz and Blues - and nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes - serve the public good
And they are funded, for the most part, by the very people they serve, and their loved ones.
The interview with Nathan Hubbard went well for a high wire act, and all encompassing enough to obliterate any thought of Program Notes until Friday afternoon. Then it took another two days to get to it. So much for spontaneity.
Volume 4 of Encinitas And Everything After will be presented on Sunday, 4/27/14. Ogd_S(11) Translation Has Failed is a mobile unit and is fully accountable for processing Hubbard's ideas. Taoist Sanctuary, 4229 Park Blvd 92103. 8pm.
Klang is the James Falzone Quartet. They bring such energy and ability that I'm sure some promoter in town has an eye on them. Has to.
Between Bynum at the beginning and Cherry at the finish, Steve Lacy singlehandedly astounded the aural capabilities of man and machine. Gusts, in case you need to track it down.
Progressive Nights concludes with the subtle textures and captivating inventions in the particular style as curated every Thursday night by yours truly. This might sound like a generic phrase cooked up before a pressing deadline, but it's the real deal. Get into The Speakeasy and have a listen. Individual experience may vary each week, but this is a long term commitment and relevant within its context.
Yes I played "Western Wren (A Bird Call)" again. It's a magical interaction between Jeff Ballard drums, Lionel Luoeke guitar, and Miguel Zenon saxophone. Found on Ballard's Time's Tales.
Yes the Rosetta Trio piece might have seemed out of place after "Bloodcount." But what a transition to "Lena" and the majestic power of Cecil Taylor. Free Time!
Yes Todd Sickafoose Tiny Resistors came to the rescue at the very last minute. What a great night. Special thanks to Mark and Kimi from Brooklyn.
The Lisa Hilton Trio is performing tonight, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, during Jazz Live San Diego, 8 to 10 PM PT and whether you are at the Saville or listening live in San Diego and around the world, you can share what you think about the show before, during, and after...we will!
Well, well, lucky me. I happen to tune in to one of the best darn Blues shows in the world. T's 'Every Shade of Blue'. And there it is, pure gold. Harmonica John and Bud Lite are wailing away in the studio prompting the blues ringmaster to belt out along with them, and wouldn't ya know, T's got pipes! Thanks to Harmonica John and Bud Lite for coming to the station. They are promoting Spring Harp Fest this weekend in La Mesa. All the proceeds (after expenses) goes to 'Blues in the Schools', a program that teaches the kids about Blues music. Please stop by the event to hear some great music and buy a beverage (or two) to support the cause. Here's the Information.
O man. So involved with this show that Legal had to interoffice memo (as a verb) to remember Program Notes. It has not been uneventful.
The shape of the first hour brings to mind that Liverpool is rolling and everyone else is hanging on, if that. Yeah, talking to you, Arsenal. But the shape, moving forward at every opportunity and asking questions, as they say. Questions need to be answered, or the answer will be provided. Trios expanding into sections and creative music...provides the answers.
The second hour satisfied my basic parameters for Free Time. Something Must Happen. Almost always catches me looking the other way when the reaction is internal like physical/mental rather than perception or emotion. Anthem For The Moment by Dennis Gonzalez did that. Took the net away. Thanks man.
John Scofield Uberjam Deux at UCSD Sunday night. check it
THANK YOU! Jazz Night San Diego, a county-wide, multiple venue celebration of Jazz was an incredible success. A huge thank you to all the hosts, musicians and all the guests who turned our inaugural Jazz Night San Diego into a reality. Thanks as well to Casa Artelexiain Little Italy, Wild Thyme Catering and Carruth Cellars.
I could review the many ways that creative music and jazz are redundant or at least a hair split. Maybe another time, if necessary. The point is that within the realm there is a niche, a tributary, a tangent, that is of but not within what you might regularly experience on Jazz 88.3. For programming purposes I call it Creative Music. And it's snug in the Progressive Nights zone. Be sure to check The Speakeasy to hear this and many of the shows on Jazz 88.3.
Horace Tapscott, then "John Coltrane" from Mister Billy Higgins (ecd 22061-2). I'm in heaven.
Kendra Shank and John Stowell are coming to the Museum of Making Music on April 19th.
"Orange Outline" by Franz Kline."When I paint a picture, I don't know every line in advance, but I know in general what I'm about."
Free Time was as much about texture as it was about technique. One of those I have a feel for, the other I can appreciate.