THIS MONTH,
WE FOCUS ON TWO TENOR SAXISTS
THAT WENT AGAINST THE TIDE OF THEIR GENERATION
AND FOCUSED ON SWING AND TONE
RATHER THAN MINDLESS CHOPS-
SCOTT HAMILTON AND HARRY ALLEN
PSHARE THEIR SOUND INSPIRATIONS
IN THE “INTERVIEW”
SECTION
*******
CHECK OUT THIS IMPRESSIVE AND FRESH TRIO ALBUM BY
PIANIST BEN TWEEDT:
**********
GUITARIST GREG CHAKO SERVES UP A
BLUE PLATE SPECIAL OF STANDARDS ON THIS LATEST ALBUM:
************
IF YOU WANT YOUR TENOR SAX HIGH ON PROTEIN,
CHECK OUT THIS LOW CARB ALBUM BY
JEFF WALTON:
HE’S GOT A GIG IN LA COMING UP-
HERE’S A LINK FOR TIX: http://www.tinyurl.com/Jeff-Walton
*********
A FUN, FRISKY AND FUNKY COLLECTION OF SOUNDS ARE DELIVERED
IN BOTH STUDIO AND CONCERT
BY GENE PRITSKER
IN THIS EXCITING ALBUM AND KALEIDOSCOPIC ALBUM
WITH A MUSICAL MESSAGE:
https://noizepunk.wixsite.com/elegy
***************
**********
CHECK OUT THE LATEST SINGLES RELEASED BY
PIANIST LENORE RAPHAEL:
**********
GRAMMY-WINNING GUITARIST PAUL BROWN SAYS IT ALL
ON NEW RECORDING…NOW AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE!
*******
***********
MUSIC WITH A MESSAGE
I had a good friend, Perry, who has departed to his reward in heaven.
Most of the time I knew him, he was an atheistic Jew with absolutely no interest in things religious or eternal. We were bonded by a similar love of jazz.
We went to scores of gigs together; he liked the more outside things like Elvin Jones, David Murray, Arthur Blythe, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, etc. He had the entire catalogue of the Italian label Black Saint/Soul Note Records, known for its adventurousness.
One time, out of nowhere, he started talking about his love of black gospel music. He exuded enthusiasm over his love of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Dorothy Love Coates and others.
This made absolutely no sense to me, coming from a guy who wouldn’t step foot in a religious service, especially from a guy who loved free jazz.
So I asked him what was the attraction of such two disparate styles of music.
Perry simply stated “Both are the sound of man crying for freedom.”
That ishow powerful the music of message can be.
Perry later on became a believer in Christ, so the circle was finally closed
But the point is that since the dawn of time, music has played a powerful role on motivating people.
Napoleon said it well when he admitted “I’d rather right the songs than the laws, because people remember the law”
This month we have to artists who convey messages through their music.
Cory Henry, starting his career with Kenny Garrett and Snarky Puppy, is now making music to re-create the feeling and message of the church that he grew up in.
Likewise, pianist Lynne Arriale releases albums with socially conscious themes, and not necessarily with words but with notes in the albums that help fit the themes together.
The balance between inspiring and hitting one over the head is a tough balance, but the fact is that we all need guidance. Artists are one of the ways that we get inspiration, be it from a song, poem or hymn.
This month’s editorial includes a collection of albums that have heavenly directions. If you’ve never heard any of these, you will be impressed by the wide variety of artists that have dedicated music to their Creator and Savior.
Jus t for the record, JS Bach used to write “Jesus Help Me” at the top of each composition , and “To the Glory of God” at the bottom.
All artists that I’ve met and known readily admit their talent comes from Someone else
“What do you have that you’ve not received from God” is asked by the Apostle Paul.
Some peoplespend their lives as a “Thank You” letter to God. There are a lot of worse ways to use your life on earth
Speaking of which, all of us are also in debt to our father’s who gave us life. Don’t forget to honor them as well.
That’s also part of the”thank you” of your existence.
*********
WE GET EMAILS:
Hi George-
Hi George,
It was such a pleasure to see you!
I just read your review, and it is absolutely magnificent. The way you described the concert and its moments was truly beautiful. I’m deeply grateful for every word — it’s an honor to be reviewed by you.
Also, thank you so much for the book! I’ve just started reading it and am already enjoying it.
Warm regards,
Diego Figueiredo
*******
George-
George, thank you so much man! I really appreciate the stellar review, and your support for the Jazz Community as a whole! I know you listen to a lot of Jazz, so it really means a lot to me that you recognize how fresh what I’m going for is.
All the best,
Dear George,
********
George,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the GREAT write-up!
THE BEST TO YOU!!
John Klemmer
Hey George,
That’s a really terrific review, and it has your trademark insight, verve, and imagery. Thanks so much, man, for digging in to the music so deeply.
All best,
Denny Zeitlin