Vision Festival

[Pete C]

No, the schedule isn't out yet, but here's an exciting teaser found on the Henry Grimes website:

Sunday, May 3Oth: Henry Grimes trio featuring Marilyn Crispell & Andrew Cyrille, Vision Festival, New York City

[Frisco]

Originally posted by Pete C
No, the schedule isn't out yet, but here's an exciting teaser found on the Henry Grimes website:

Sunday, May 3Oth: Henry Grimes trio featuring Marilyn Crispell & Andrew Cyrille, Vision Festival, New York City

Ehhh, they've all been there before. It's always the same old .......ha....that IS exciting! Look for a possible Van Hove/Johannes Bauer duo on Wed. the 26th as well (if Fred makes it across the Canada border..hint hint). I understand that the Vision schedule is almost set. I sense signs of Spring in the air. If only it'd get above 32 degrees here in Detroit for a few days.

[Gary Sisco]

I'll be there, as usual, Pete. I'm planning on arriving Wed, leaving Sunday a.m. I think Abbey has a concert arranged elsewhere on that Thursday but otherwise ...

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Gary Sisco
leaving Sunday a.m.

Then you'll miss Grimes/Crispell/Cyrille.

[Gary Sisco]

Can't be helped. I'm going to have to call in all of my chips, all around, to get the time off that I can. Oh, well. I'll be there for the Wed-Sat night stretch.

[Jon Abbey]

if you're driving down Tuesday night, Gary, Brian and I will be in Boston with Rowe and Fennesz that night, maybe that works better for you, just letting you know.

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Gary Sisco
Can't be helped. I'm going to have to call in all of my chips, all around, to get the time off that I can. Oh, well. I'll be there for the Wed-Sat night stretch.

I will scout out a new crab mecca.

[Gary Sisco]

I'll be there for that!

Jon -- I'll not be driving as Bronwyn reminded me that we don't have a vehicle for it anymore. Both trucks are required here, and neither gets the mileage needed for a round-trip to New York. Better to fly. If they let you on the plane.

I'll be at the Erst NYC date, which is that Thurs, correct?

[Jon Abbey]

correct, the 27th, Rowe/Fennesz at Tonic, solo/solo/duo, a record release concert for the duo CD which should be out that week.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Hope to see you sometime that weekend, Gary. First round is on me......

[Gary Sisco]

I'll need it!

A possible complication. Our live-in horsewoman who helps out in exchange for rent/util is bailing out, so we have to replace her, soon enough to have someone we know is dependable etc, for while I'm away, or I may be out of luck this year. More news as it comes.

[Nathaniel Catchpole]

OK, well, if we do come to NY during the summer Half Term, it'll be something like the 27th May to 6th June. Maybe I should start working on that.

[walto]

I don't want to miss this Cherches expedition. Can anybody put me up a night or two (3/27 & maybe 3/28)--just one if there's nothing I'm interested in at Vision on 3/28?

[walto]

Now don't everybody offer at once!!!

[Gary Sisco]

Walter -- You could stay at my NY apt ... if I had one.

[Brian Olewnick]

Walt, you know I'd put you up, but I'll be hosting an improvising guitarist that entire week....

[Derek Taylor]

Which one, Brian?

Walt, I might have a friend in Brooklyn that could put you up. I’ll ask around & get back to you via e-mail.

[walto]

It's no big Derek: there's always the Gramercy Park Hotel.

(& keep in mind, if your friend isn't going to these gigs, I'd have about as much chance finding his/her house in Brooklyn as I would making the Celtics next year.)

[Brian Olewnick]

Originally posted by Derek Taylor
Which one, Brian?


That old kook from England.

Walt, I expect you at Tonic for Rowe/Fennesz on the 27th.

[walto]

That's the plan.

[Jon Abbey]

the Rowe/Fennesz shows start at 10 now, three sets, solo/solo/duo. I also just found out that Franz Hautzinger is playing solo at the Austrian Cultural Forum that night, presumably earlier, I'm going to try to sneak up there if possible...

Walt, I can't put you up, sorry, but I can give you info for a nice, reasonably priced hotel if you e-mail me.

[Gary Sisco]

Here it is:

A R T S F O R A R T 508 East 6 Street, NYC 10009
646 331 1032 fax 212-533-1939 / www.visionfestival.org

Ninth Vision Festival
AT The Center
268 Mulberry and Prince Street
May 26 through May 31, 2004

Highlights of the Ninth Vision Festival will include:
The Revolutionary Ensemble playing together live for the first time in
almost 3 decades. The Sun Ra Arkestra will celebrate Marhall Allen's 80th
Birthday. There will be the Joe McPhee Quartet with master percussionist
Harold E. Smith as they reunite for their first performance in NYC in 32
years. Back this year in full strength, Henry Grimes Trio with Marilyn
Crispell & Andrew Cyrille. James Blood Ulmer is coming. For the first time
Kidd Jordan will bring his New Orleans Band. A special appearance by TRIO
with Mark Dresser, Ned Rothenburg and acclaimed koto player Michiyo Yagi.
Dave Burrell presents Echo/Peace Continuum. Khan Jamal Quintet will be
appearing at the Vision Festival for the first time and Mixashawn is
bringing the Double Duo. William Parker Bass Quartet with Henry Grimes,
Gunter Baby Sommer & Connie Bauer & Barre Philips for the Peter Kowald and
Wilber Morris Memorial Day


SCHEDULE VISION NINE

Wednesday May 26
D) Dance/ Music Group TBA
1) Mark Dresser, Ned Rothenberg, Michiyo Yagi
2) Equal Interest: Joseph Jarman, Leroy Jenkins, Myra Melford
3) Henry Grimes Trio w Marilyn Crispell & Andrew Cyrille
4) Fred Van Hove & Johannes Bauer


Thursday May 27
1) Burnt Sugar
2) David Budbill and William Parker
3) Collective: Rob Brown, Steve Swell, Joe Morris, Luther Gray
4) Kahil El¹Zabar / Hamiet Bluiett / Billy Bang
5) Blood Ulmer, Jamaladeen Tacuma, Calvin Weston



Friday May 28
1) Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra celebrates Marshall Allen's 80th
Birthday
2) Roy Campbell's Tazz
3) Joe McPhee 4tet w/ Harold E. Smith drums
Dominic Duval on bass, and Rosie Hertlein on violin
4) William Parker Quartet with Patricia Nicholson's PaNic
5) Kidd Jordan New Orleans Band

Saturday May 29
1) Reggie Workman's Ashanti
2) Sabir Mateen, Raphe Malik, Raymond A. King, Jane Wang
Ravish Momin Drums & Percussion Sabir Mateen Reeds & Flute
3) Milford Graves, Guest TBA
4) Cooper-Moore w/ Triptych Myth + Moo
5) Double Duo Mixashawn with Rashid Ali, Pheron akLaf, Ravi Coltrane


Sunday May 30
P Steve Dalachinsky and Guest TBA
1) TRIO Whit Dickey Matthew Shipp William Parker
2) Khan Jamal Quintet - Jemeel Moondoc, Roy Campbell,
Dylan Taylor, Dwight James, Pheralyn Dove
3) Dave Burrell Echo/Peace Continuum William Parker, Sabir Mateen, Steve
Lehman, William Hooker
4) Revolutionary Ensemble with Leroy Jenkins, Jerome Cooper and Sirone


Monday Memorial May 31- Dedicated to Bassists Wilber Morris & Peter Kowald
In the afternoon a panel of artists discuss Waging Peace and Building
Justice from inside the Vision Community
1) Butch Morris Skyscraper -conduction tribute
2) Gunda Gottchalk and Xu Feng Xia
3) Amiri Baraka / Amina Baraka, Rahman Herbie Morgan, Dwight West, Brian
Smith, Vijay Iyer,
4) Gunter Baby Sommer & Connie Bauer & Barre Philips
5) William Parker Bass Quartet with Henry Grimes

Press inquiries, please contact Jim Eigo publicist@visionfestival.org.
All other inquiries, 212 696 6681 or send e-mail to info@visionfestival

************************************

Looks like this year, I'll have to buy one of those sleeping masks, so I can listen to the William Parker Quartet and miss the added attraction.

Glad to see Burnt Sugar is playing first on the bill for Thursday, though. I'll be able to catch them, miss Budbill (at all costs), and still have plenty of time to get to the Rowe/Fennesz show at Tonic.

[stonemonkts]

I'm planning on attending this year's Festival. I'm jonesing for live music and that lineup is right up my alley. I also look forward to meeting you guys too.

[Pete C]

Nice lineup. I'm definitely on for Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday, and maybe on the others.

I'll probably try to arrange dinner things on Wednesday (when Cem is in town) and Saturday, when more people can probably make it.

So how about an afternoon Saturday hang followed by Asian dinner?

[Root Doctor]

Originally posted by Pete C
So how about an afternoon Saturday hang followed by Asian dinner?

The Green Mountain contingent will be there, Pete.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Sounds good, Peter. I'll be sure to make it as long as there are no sea cucumbers involved.................

[Frisco]

Burnt Sugar? Seriously? Looks good though. I'll be there Wed.-Mon for most of the sets. I'd like to make it to something when some of you get together, as long as it's early. I like to get to the venue early and sit close. My hearing is not what it used to be, which might explain some of my musical tastes. I remember a Johnny Winter concert in 1975 that may have caused permanent damage. Saturday afternoon sounds good. First round is on me, and you'll be lucky because I usually only go one or two rounds.

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Jimmy Cantiello
Sounds good, Peter.

Hey, how come you don't call me Pete? What are you, my mother?

[Other Steve]

Musically speaking, I'm most interested in Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. If the hang happens on Saturday, I can deal with that, too -- it's more about being sociable than about being choosy over what's on that lineup. Thursday is right out; I'll have to move mountains just to make sure I'm at Tonic that night.

[Pete C]

I agree that Sunday is a better lineup than Saturday, but Sisco and others will be gone.

There will be a JC dinner for sure on Wednesday too. Either Wednesday or Saturday will be a Chinatown banquet thing (with soft shell crabs) that I'll take care of ordering. I don't know if I have the energy to do that twice, so I'll look into some other interesting stuff close by for the other night. Maybe some kind of eating/drinking place for Saturday would be the best bet. Anyway, we've got plenty of time.


Hey Walter, why don't you come down the 26th & 27th, instead of 27th & 28th?

[Cem]

Thanks for organizing things, Pete, but don't break your back &, please, don't complicate things for yourself & others just for my sake. Then again, the more hangs, the better, right?

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Cem
Then again, the more hangs, the better, right?

http://www.cd.chalmers.se/~mag/pictures/absolut.gif http://www.amr-geneve.ch/prog2003/mars/photos/konitz.jpg

[Gary Sisco]

A note to say my man who sent me the schedule yesterday (who received it from the organizers) said the schedule may change here and there.

[walto]

Originally posted by Pete C
I agree that Sunday is a better lineup than Saturday, but Sisco and others will be gone.


Hey Walter, why don't you come down the 26th & 27th, instead of 27th & 28th?

That sounds like a good idea. I think I will. Looking forward to the Cherches-chosen culinary delights!

[Frisco]

I know that they play every now and then in NYC, but I'm going to miss Other Dimensions in Music and/or Little Huey Orchestra at this year's festival. Neither one played at last year's either. It's been a few years since I've heard ODM and over a year for Little Huey. Two of my favorites. But that's Ok. It'll still be a nice time.

Anybody here going to Cecil's 75 birthday concerts? Nice leo Smith stuff on saturday of that week as well. I'm planning to be there.

[Pete C]

Pat, I'm hoping to make the Wadada gig. I don't think I can afford Iridium, especially as I might have to bite the bullet for the Art ensemble.

[Other Steve]

Pat, my girlfriend and I will be at opening night for both Cecil and Art Ensemble. I'll miss Wadada, though; promised Lara I'd take her to the Simon Shaheen gig at Zankel Hall that night.

[walto]

Steve, will you be going to Vision on the 26th and/or Tonic on the 27th?

[Frisco]

I'm also hoping to get over to the Vision Series at St. Myra's at 10pm after Leo's Tonic concerts. Has anybody here caught any of the shows there yet. They're doing one of these ad-hoc groupings next saturday, like they did at Mercury Lounge a few years ago. If anybody has contact with Reggie Workman and Karen Borca, please tell them to wait for me before playing (ha ha). Pete, let me know if you're doing dinner in the neighborhood before Tonic.

[Pete C]

Originally posted by Frisco
Pete, let me know if you're doing dinner in the neighborhood before Tonic.

Pat, see NYC thread.

[Pete C]

If any potential visitors are interested, I brought the NYC Budget Hotels thread up in Links.

[walto]

Still waiting to hear whether Steve S. is planning to show that week. Also, I can't figure out why Gordon doesn't come up and pay for his stay by hosting a couple of poker games. Just to show how non-anti-lib I am, I'll share a room with you, Gordon--and I'll set aside $20 bucks for you to snatch at stud. (This is not a hustle--I really do stink!)

[Brian Olewnick]

Originally posted by walto
(This is not a hustle--I really do stink!)


A hustler's line if I ever heard one.

[Gary Sisco]

Not to mention a roomates.

[Gordon B]

Walt, LOL! As I mentioned in our group email exchange, I'm going to Victo for five days. I'd be pushing the good dad envelope if I came home for one day and then left again for NYC.

I'd love to play you in online poker mostly because I'd be the only person who'd know the identity behind "Henry George." I think my moniker would be "John Drake."

[Gary Sisco]

Schedule as officially announced by the Faithful at DMG:

SCHEDULE FOR THE VISION FESTIVAL NINTH EDITION - MAY 26TH - MAY 31ST, 2004:

Wednesday May 26
D) Dance/ Music Group TBA
1) Mark Dresser, Ned Rothenburg, Michiyo Yagi
2) Equal Interest w/ Joseph Jarman, Leroy Jenkins, Myra Melford
3) Henry Grimes Trio w Marilyn Crispell & Andrew Cyrille
4) Fred Van Hove & Johannes Bauer

Thursday May 27
1) Burnt Sugar
2) David Budbill and William Parker
3) Collective Rob Brown, Steve Swell, Joe Morris, Luther Gray
4) Kahil El'Zabar / Hamiet Bluiett / Billy Bang
5) Blood Ulmer, Jamaladeen Tacuma, Calvin Weston

Friday May 28
1) Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra
celebrates Marshall Allen's 80th Birthday
2) Tazz Roy Campbell
3) Joe McPhee 4tet w/ Harold E. Smith drums
Dominic Duval bass, Rosie Hertlein violin
4) William Parker Quartet with Patricia Nicholson's PaNic
5) Kidd Jordan New Orleans Band

Saturday May 29
1) Reggie Workman's Ashanti
2) Sabir Mateen w/ Raphe Malik, Raymond A. King Piano, Jane Wang Bass & Cello,
Ravish Momin Drums & Percussion, Sabir Mateen Reeds & Flute
3) Milford Graves, and special guest TBA
4) Cooper Moore w/ Triptych Myth + Moo
5) Double Duo Mixashawn with Rashid Ali, Pheron Aklaf, Ravi Coltrane,

Sunday May 30
Poet Steve Dalachinsky
1) TRIO Whit Dickey Matthew Shipp William Parker
2) Khan Jamal Quintet - Jemeel Moondoc, Roy
Campbell, Dylan Taylor, Dwight James, and poet
Pheralyn Dove
3) Dave Burrell Echo/Peace Continuum w/ William
Parker - bass, Sabir Mateen - tenor sax, Steve
Lehman - alto sax and William Hooker - drums
4) Revolutionary Ensemble with Leroy Jenkins, Jerome Cooper and Sirone!!

Monday Memorial May 31- Dedicated to Bassists Wilber Morris & Peter Kowald
In the afternoon a panel of artists discuss
Waging Peace and Building Justice from inside the
Vision Community
1) Butch Morris skyscrapers conduction tribute
2) Gunda Gottchalk and Xu Feng Xia
3) Amiri Baraka Amina Baraka for Wilbur Morris
4) Gunter Baby Sommer, Connie Bauer & Barre Philips!!
5) William Parker bass quartet with Henry Grimes

[walto]

Definitely looks like I'll take Pete's suggestion of the 26th at Vision and the 27th at Tonic. Might even drag my fam down on the 28th for the day before heading for a Mem. Day weekend in Philly.

When's the big dinner???

[Pete C]

Originally posted by walto
When's the big dinner???

One of them is on the 26th.

[Other Steve]

I know that they play every now and then in NYC, but I'm going to miss Other Dimensions in Music and/or Little Huey Orchestra at this year's festival. Neither one played at last year's either. It's been a few years since I've heard ODM and over a year for Little Huey. Two of my favorites. But that's Ok. It'll still be a nice time.
Pat, I just learned a few moments ago that Other Dimensions in Music will play a double-bill with the David S. Ware Quartet as part of the "Vision Club Series" at St. Nicholas of Myra on May 1, ODiM at 8pm, DSW at 10pm, $15 per set plus $5 minimum.

[crawjo]

If you guys'll tolerate my presence, I would be interested in driving down and meeting up with you during one of the hang-out dinner-type deals. I don't know how long I could stay or anything else, but I would like to try and come down sometime during that week.

[walto]

Excellent!

But no yelling at greybeards--one of us could have a stroke or something!

[Pete C]

If you guys'll tolerate my presence, I would be interested in driving down and meeting up with you during one of the hang-out dinner-type deals. I don't know how long I could stay or anything else, but I would like to try and come down sometime during that week.

Were you planning to do a quick in and out from Albany in the same day? If you were planning to stay around for music, from my perspective Wednesday is the most interesting lineup, and from what I already know of your taste, you'd probably like that lineup or Sunday's best.

I'll be taking the bull by the horns to arrange a Wednesday night Chinatown banquet. I know Cem, Walter, Gary & the Vermont contingent will be around for that one. If some kind of hang is going to happen on the weekend, I leave the details to others to figure out.

[crawjo]

Yeah, in and out in the same day would probably be the way I'd go. I'd like to do Wednesday, but I'd need to arrange it so somebody could watch my 6-month-old daughter for that day. If not, I'll come down for the day on Saturday or Sunday.

[Pete C]

This may also be of interest to folks who'll be in NY that weekend:

55 Bar
Friday
May 28 Dave Liebman - Ellery Eskelin Quartet Late Show
Dave Liebman - Saxes, Ellery Eskelin - Tenor Sax, Tony Marino - Bass, Jim Black - Drums

"A special event pairing Liebman and Eskelin who have more in common than might be imagined. They are accompanied by the great Jim Black on drums and Lieb's regular bassist, Tony Marino. The group will be recording for the Swiss Hatology label a few days after this performance."

Also, the AACM NY chapter usually has an event the Friday of Memorial Day weekend.

Also that week, for better or worse, is the McLean/Moncur/Hutcherson reunion at Iridium. In the best of all possible worlds I wouldn't miss this gig, but all reports from the last several years are that Moncur's chops are gone, and McLean has apparently been in very poor health and had to cancel a number of gigs recently.

[Gary Sisco]

Okay. Here's the presumably final schedule, direct from the horse's mouth:

April 1, 2004

To: Listings/Critics/Features
From: The Vision Festival / www.visionfestival.org
PRESS Contact: Jim Eigo publicist@visionfestival.org / 845.986.1677

Ninth Vision Festival
AT The Center
268 Mulberry and Prince Street
May 25 through May 31, 2004

SCHEDULE VISION NINE

Tuesday May 25
7:30 Gus Solomons jr - dance
8:30 Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra celebrates Marshall Allen's 80th Birthday
9;30 Double Duo Mixashawn with Rashid Ali drums, Pheeroan akLaff drums, Ravi Coltrane sax
10:30 Khan Jamal Quintet - Jemeel Moondoc alto sax, Roy Campbell trumpet, Dylan Taylor,
Dwight James, poet Pheralyn Dove

Wednesday May 26
7:30 Mark Dresser bass, Ned Rothenberg shakuhachi, Michiyo Yagi koto
8:30 Equal Interest: Joseph Jarman sax, Leroy Jenkins violin, Myra Melford piano
9;30 Henry Grimes (bass) Trio w Marilyn Crispell piano & Andrew Cyrille drums
10:30 Fred Van Hove piano & Johannes Bauer trombone

Thursday May 27
7:30 Burnt Sugar
8:30 David Budbill poet and William Parker bass
9;30 TRIO Whit Dickey drums, Matthew Shipp piano, William Parker bass
10:30 Kahil El¹Zabar perc, Hamiet Bluiett bari sax, Billy Bang violin

Friday May 28
7:30 Steve Dalachinsky poet and Guest TBA
8:30 James "Blood" Ulmer guitar, Jamaladeen Tacuma bass, Calvin Weston drums
9;30 William Parker (bass) Quartet with Patricia Nicholson's (dance) PaNic: Rob Brown sax, Lewis Barnes trumpet, Hamid Drake drums,
10:30 Collective: Rob Brown sax, Steve Swell trombone, Joe Morris guitar, Luther Gray drums
11:30 Kidd Jordan (tenor sax) New Orleans Band, Clyde Kerr trumpet, Darrel Levigne piano, William Parker bass, Alvin Fielder drums

Saturday May 29

7:30 Reggie Workman's Ashanti
8:30 Sabir Mateen, Raphe Malik, Raymond A. King, Jane Wang, Ravish Momin
9;30 Milford Graves, Guest TBA
10:30 Joe McPhee Quartet w/ Harold E. Smith drums, Dominic Duval bass, Rosie Hertlein violin

Sunday May 30
7:30 Cooper Moore w/ Triptych Myth + Moo
8:30 Roy Campbell's Tazz Andrew Bemkey, Chris Sullivan, Michael Thompson
9;30 Dave Burrell Echo/Peace Continuum William Parker, Sabir Mateen, Steve Lehman, William Hooker
10:30 Revolutionary Ensemble with Leroy Jenkins, Jerome Cooper and Sirone

Monday Memorial May 31- Dedicated to Bassists Wilber Morris & Peter Kowald
In the afternoon a panel of artists discuss Waging Peace and Building Justice from inside the Vision Community
7:30 Butch Morris Skyscraper -conduction tribute
8:30 gunda Gottschalk and Xu Feng Xia
9;30 Gunter Baby Sommer & Connie Bauer & Barre Philips
10:30 William Parker Bass Quartet with Henry Grimes, Sirone, Alan Silva Charles Gayle
11:30 Amiri Baraka / Amina Baraka, Rahman Herbie Morgan, Dwight West, Brian Smith, Vijay Iyer,

TICKETS $25 @night - 7Day Pass $140
Advance sales Downtown Music Tel. 212-473-0043
email dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com

Press inquiries, please contact Jim Eigo publicist@visionfestival.org.
All other inquiries, 212 696 6681 or send e-mail to info@visionfestival.org

[Pete C]

I think I've got the place for the May 26 Chinatown dinner. It's excellent and very close to the venue. I'll start a dedicated thread in May, as I'll need to get head counts, give details, etc.

[Gary Sisco]

I'm in Pete. I only just today knew I could make it for sure. Phew. Talk about late in the game.

[bluenoter]

Pete--I might be very late in the game, so I appreciate that May headcount. I'm shopping for transportation and lodging deals that would allow me to justify the trip (I can't hack the bus again).

[Gary Sisco]

Jet Blue or the train, baby.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Damn, I can't make it on the 26th! Is anyone going to still be around on saturday the 29th?.........

[Pete C]

I think we should aim for a Saturday afternoon hang. I believe Sisco will still be around.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Sounds good. What do you think about a visit to the Cedar Tavern as a starting point? Hopefully we can send Sisco back to Vermont with the proper hangover............

[Brian Olewnick]

While I'd like to make Wednesday, I'd definitely be available for Saturday. I might even be definately so.

[bluenoter]

Jet Blue or the train, baby.Jet Blue doesn't fly between DC and NYC! But I'm checking other airlines, Amtrak (including Rail Sales), rideboards, eBay, everything. Thanks.

[Gary Sisco]

Jimmy -- I'm down. I plan to be in town Wed pm--Sun a.m. Nothing will compare with last year's leaving-morning hangover (a full-on punk rock show til I don't remember what time). That was a hard morning.

[Frisco]

I'd be into meeting on Saturday afternoon, but I have a question. How does one drink all afternoon and still be up and attentive for music of this sort during the evening? I want to know the secret. I do everything to pick myself up and get into the music. I'd be out of it and totally uninvolved with the music if I drank all afternoon. But I see people do it and I'm slightly envious. But I've never been a big drinker, I guess.

[Gary Sisco]

So, don't drink all afternoon.

[Frisco]

Oh, I won't. I'm just wondering how you guys do it. I'd like to have a few with you.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Pat, we don't really drink all that much. A few cocktails interspersed with food and water is what it boils down to. And good for you if you're not a big drinker. You can be the designated listener when we hit the music.

Hope all who have posted so far can make it. We have Pete, Gary, Pat, myself and Tommy, I'm sure, Brian, possibly Rita and hopefully at least a few others...............

[Frisco]

Cool. Where is the Cedar Tavern? As long as they have Cognac, I'll be happy. I couldn't get one at the 40 Watt in Athens last weekend.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

It's located at 82 University Place between 11th and 12th St.

Last time I was there I got a cognac with an espresso. Tommy got a bourbon and an order of fried calamari. The tab was $20.00 total. Either their prices are very reasonable or the bartender that night was mathematically challenged..............

[Frisco]

Ok. Perfect for me. I'm staying right by Union Square so I'm only a few blocks away. I think that I watched a Yankees Playoff gane there a few years ago when I was in for Kowald's memorial. Pretty nice place.

[walto]

Brian, if you don't make Vision (and Chinese dinner) Wed., will you at least be hitting Tonic on Thurs.???

What tha....?

:eek:

[Brian Olewnick]

Walt, I have to be at Tonic Thursday, you know. How could I not be???

(That's a 10PM show, btw.)

[walto]

It's looking more and more like I'll come down the 26th and my fam will join me the 28th. We're considering various hotels and have come across something called "Off Soho Suites." It's inexpensive, close to both venues and the bigger suites have private baths--but I don't know if it's a dump. Anybody know it?

[Pete C]

I hear it's a dump.

Did you check the budget hotels thread in links? I don't know if I listed these, but if you don't mind upper west side you might check the Olcott or the Milburn about suites.

[walto]

I thought it might be, Pete. Thanx.

[Pete C]

See my edit above.

[Jon Abbey]

I've had musicians stay at Off Soho Suites, and I know the Wire crew stayed there when they had their party at Tonic here last year, none of them complained. there's also a Howard Johnson's on Houston that I put musicians in sometimes.

[Cem]

Anyone up for sharing a hotel room for the 25th & 26th, feel free to pm me...

[Gary Sisco]

One more time!

Yet another revised revision of the Vision schedule:

SCHEDULE VISION NINE

Tuesday May 25
7:30 Gus Solomons jr - dance poet TBA Todd Nicholson bass
8:00 Marshall Allen and the Sun Ra Arkestra celebrates Marshall Allen's 80th Birthday
Marshall Allen alto saxophone - flute - EVI -clarinet- / Knoel Scott alto saxophone
Charles Davis tenor / Yaha Abdul-Majid tenor saxophone / Rey Scott baritone saxophone
Michael Rey trumpet - vocals / Fred Adams trumpet / D Hotep guitar
Dave Davis trombone/ Tyrone Hill trombone / Bill Davis bass
Art Jenkins vocals - percussion Elson Nascimento Surdo - percussion / Luquman Ali drums
9 Khan Jamal Quintet / Khan Jamal vibes /Pheralyn Dove poet
Jemeel Moondoc sax / Roy Campbell trumpet / Dylan Taylor bass / Dwight James drums
10 James ³Blood² Ulmer guitar / Jamaladeen Tacuma bass / Calvin Weston drums

Wednesday May 26
7:30 Mark Dresser bass / Ned Rothenberg woodwinds & shakuhachi / Michiyo Yagi koto, bass koto
8:30 Equal Interest: Joseph Jarman reeds / Leroy Jenkins violin / Myra Melford piano
9;30 Henry Grimes TRIO Henry Grimes bass / Marilyn Crispell piano / Andrew Cyrille drums
10:30 Fred Van Hove piano & Johannes Bauer trombone

Thursday May 27
7:30 Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber cond/gtr Greg Tate conductor - guitar
vocals Lisala Beatty / Jerry Darkcloud / Jeremiah Griffin // flute Satch Hoyt
guitar Rene Akan / Thom Loubet/ reeds Matana Roberts / Petre Radu Scafaru
piano Vijay Iyer // synthesizer Bruce Mack // bass Jason Dimatteo/ elec bs Jared Nickerson
drums Chris Eddleton / Trevor Holder / Qusaim Naqvi // trumpet Lewis Barnes
8:30 David Budbill poet William Parker bass
9:30 Whit Dickey dmus Matthew Shipp piano William Parker bass
10:30 Amiri & Amina Baraka Blue Ark: The Wordship
Amiri Baraka poet/voc // Amina Baraka poet/vocals // Dwight West vocals
Rahman Herbie Morgan sax // Brian Smith bass // Vijay Iyer piano

Friday May 28

7:30 Steve Dalachinsky poet Ximena Garnica dance Tim Barnes percussion
8:30 Rob Brown Collective Rob Brown sax // Steve Swell trombone
Joe Morris bass // Luther Gray drums
9:30 William Parker Quartet & Patricia Nicholson PaNic
William Parker bass Patricia Nicholson dance
Rob Brown sax Treva Offutt dance
Lewis Barnes trumpet Miriam Parker dance
Newman Taylor Baker percussion Kevin Bachman dance
10:30 Mixashawn solo saxophone
11:15 Kidd Jordan New Orleans Band w guest William Parker
Kidd Jordan tenor sax // Clyde Kerr trumpet // Darrell Levigne piano // Alvin Fielder drums

Saturday May 29

7:30 Reggie Workman Ashanti¹s Message
Reggie Workman bass // Will Calhoun dums // Kevin Jones conga // Yayoi Ikawa piano John Purcell reeds // John Beaty voc, reeds
Dean Bowman vocals // Kyoko Kitamura vocals Nichole Guiland vocals
8:30 Sabir Mateen Quintet Sabir Mateen reeds
Raphe Malik trumpet // Raymond A. King piano //Jane Wang bass // Ravish Momin percussion
9:30 MILFORD GRAVES guest William Parker
Joe Rigby sax Hugh Glover sax
10:30 Cooper-Moore Triptych Myth Cooper-Moore piano& percussion
Tom Abbs bass // Chad Taylor drm // Moo Lohkenn guest voc
11:30 Joe McPhee Quartet Joe McPhee trumpet, sax
Harold E. Smith drums // Dominic Duval bass // Rosie Hertlein violin

Sunday May 30

5pm A panel of artists discuss The Artist¹s Role in Waging Peace
David Budbill, William Parker, Dave Burrell, Kidd Jordan & others

7:30 Roy Campbell Jr Tazz Roy Campbell Jr trumpet
Andrew Bemkey pno Chris Sullivan bass Michael Thompson drums
8:30 Revolutionary Ensemble
Leroy Jenkins vln Jerome Cooper dms Sirone bass
9:30 Dave Burrell Echo/Peace Continuum Dave Burrell piano
William Parker bs Sabir Mateen rds Steve Lehman sax William Hooker dms
10:30 Tri-Factor
Kahil El¹Zabar percussion Bluiett baritone sax Billy Bang vln

Monday Memorial May 31- Dedicated to Bassists Wilber Morris & Peter Kowald

7:30 New York Skyscraper conducted by Butch Morris
violin Cornelius Dufallo / Salim Washington / vla Steffany Griffin // clarinet Michael Marcus
trumpet Nabate S. Isles // trombone Reut Regev // bassoonTim Price // frhorn Mark Taylor
cello Okkyung lee // vbs Matt Moran // tuba Tom Abbs // acc Andria Parkins
hrp Mia Theodorakis // electronics Shahzad Ismaily & Miguel Frasconi & others
8:30 Gunda Gottschalk violin Xu Feng Xia guzheng
9:30 Gunter Baby Sommer drums Connie Bauer trombone Barre Philips bass
10:30 William Parker Bass Quartet w guest reeds Charles Gayle
Bassists William Parker / Henry Grimes / Sirone / Alan Silva



I'm still able to make the shows I want and do the Erstwhile show on Thursday without missing anything I really want to hear, thank goodness. I'll be doing Vision Wed, Burnt Sugar on Thursday then off to Tonic for the Erst show, then back to Vision for Friday and Saturday. Thankfully, Thursday is the weakest lineup (IMHO). I want to hear Burnt Sugar because a friend plays in the band, and we'll probaby have a couple of beers afterward before I head to Tonic.

[Frisco]

Reggie Workman has long been a favorite of mine. I've seen some incredible groups that he's put together over the years. Anybody know anything about this "Ashanti" group? Not being a fan of jazz vocals, I'm curious.

[Pete C]

Gary, are you by any chance considering the Liebman-Eskelin gig at 55 bar on Friday? I'll probably pass on Vision that night.

[Root Doctor]

Mingus and I have reservations at the Union Square Inn from the 27th until the 30th. We'll be hooking up with Sisco at Manitoba's on Thursday at 4 to scrape away the road dust.

[Pete C]

Root, sorry to hear you'll miss the Wednesday Chinese dinner.

[Root Doctor]

Pete, imagine how I feel!

[Gary Sisco]

Hey, who said we can only go out for good food once? I'm looking forward to the food nearly as much as the music!

Where's that fucking Reynolds? He'd better not stand me up again this year or I'll have to go over to Jersey and have a private chat with him in an alley or something.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

So, is everyone still meeting at the Cedar on Saturday afternoon? I'm assuming Root Doctor and Mingus will be there as well..........

[Root Doctor]

We'll be there, Jimmy. Sounds like fun.

[Pete C]

Works for me. Who's up for some kind of interesting Saturday lunch beforehand?

[Brian Olewnick]

Me! Me!

[Root Doctor]

What Brian said.

[Pete C]

Shanghai? South Indian?

[Root Doctor]

Either sounds like a winner to me. Keep in mind that in our area "ethnic cooking" means putting garlic powder into some mashed potatoes.

[Pete C]

Here's an Indian food tip for everybody, for weekday lunches. Some of the best, most authentic, and cheapest Indian food in NY can be found at Minar, which is a cafeteria style fast food place. A combination plate of 3 items plus rice or bread is $5.95 veg., $6.95 2 meat + 1 veg. There are 2 locations:

31st St. just west of 5th
46th St. bet. 6th & 7th

They're pretty much just a lunch place.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Works for me. Who's up for some kind of interesting Saturday lunch beforehand?
You know I'm in, Sahib..............

[Pete C]

You know I'm in, Sahib..............

How big a posse you bringing? I think Shanghai would be the most fun.

[crawjo]

Saturday might be the best day for me. It would be difficult for me to swing a Wednesday, though not impossible. I'll know more in a few weeks. I will definitely come down for one of the days.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

How big a posse you bringing? I think Shanghai would be the most fun.
Tommy will most likely be with me and possibly Gene.

Crawjo, hope you can make it Saturday. Would love to meet you......

[bluenoter]

Works for me. Who's up for some kind of interesting Saturday lunch beforehand?Me, me (for both lunch and Cedar Tavern), if I'm there, but that doesn't tell you anything because my being there is still only a possibility.

I might do something heretical like come for the Ellery show on Friday night and leave before the Vision show on Saturday night. That would work best for me economically, and I find that no single night at Vision is a dealmaker for me. But I'd love to see Ellery again, and I'd love to see y'all again or meet y'all. I think I'll have to miss the Wednesday banquet and the chance to meet Cem, :( but I'm still not sure of anything.

[Pete C]

I might do something heretical like come for the Ellery show on Friday night and leave before the Vision show on Saturday night.

That's not necessarily heretical. My only definite Vision nights are Wednesday & Sunday.

[bluenoter]

Thanks, Pete. I edited #100--I'd really, really love to come and hang, but I find that no single night at Vision is a dealmaker for me. We'll see.

[walto]

Mingus and I have reservations at the Union Square Inn from the 27th until the 30th. We'll be hooking up with Sisco at Manitoba's on Thursday at 4 to scrape away the road dust.

I'm up for this...if you'll tell me what/where Manitoba's is!

[bluenoter]

Here's an Indian food tip for everybody . . .

31st St. just west of 5thNow you tell us! :) Last summer, three of us who came in for the Dennis/Ellery show stayed in a hotel that must have been about two doors away. I don't remember seeing the place, but then I wasn't looking for it.

[Gary Sisco]

Manitoba's is a bar in E Village, just off the SE corner of Tompkins Square, Walter.

Too soon for too many details yet, but I'm in for any kind of food and drink activity with ya's, as plans firm up.

Pete -- I didn't know about Ellery at 55. I'll have to study the schedule (take 6) and see what's what. 55 gets freakin' noizy and packed at night, though. I'll probably opt for the more relaxed Vision atmosphere, and there's a lot of friends and acquaintances there I'm looking forward to seeing, along with the JC Gang.

[Gary Sisco]

Just looked at the schedule. Are you guys kidding? I'm down for Rob Brown's Quarter, Wm Parker Quartet, and the N.O. crew with the *great* Clyde Kerr on trumpet, appearing for only the second time in his life in NY. I consider him hands down the greatest living trumpet player; I wouldn't miss him for anything. Gabriel gets nervous when Kerr picks up his horn.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Just looked at the schedule. Are you guys kidding? I'm down for Rob Brown's Quarter, Wm Parker Quartet, and the N.O. crew with the *great* Clyde Kerr on trumpet, appearing for only the second time in his life in NY. I consider him hands down the greatest living trumpet player; I wouldn't miss him for anything. Gabriel gets nervous when Kerr picks up his horn.Gary, this group is at Vision on Friday the 28th, right? Hoping that most will also be going to Vision on Saturday the 29th............

[Gary Sisco]

Jimmy -- I'll be at Vision Wed night, early Thursday (for Burnt Sugar) before Tonic, Friday and Saturday nights.

[NahMean]

Sisco,

Hook a brother up with a ticket for Friday. That looks like the show not to miss. :)

[Frisco]

Just looked at the schedule. Are you guys kidding? I'm down for Rob Brown's Quarter, Wm Parker Quartet, and the N.O. crew with the *great* Clyde Kerr on trumpet, appearing for only the second time in his life in NY. I consider him hands down the greatest living trumpet player; I wouldn't miss him for anything. Gabriel gets nervous when Kerr picks up his horn.

Rainman, Alvin Fielder was absolutely on last night in Buffalo. He and William Parker anchored a quartet with Kidd on tenor sax and Sabir Mateen on tenor, alto, and clarinet. They set the Hallwalls space afire for the last concert at this particular venue. While there were long stretches of pure energy, Fielder splashing colors and bombs all over the place, there were also very beautiful segments with Parker playing arco, sabir on clarinet, Kidd entering with multiphonics on the tenor. Parker naysayers should've heard his arco work last night. Even if his work isn't you're favorite cup of tea, I don't think that anyone could deny his place as a brilliant artist. I only hope that the Vision venue allows us to hear the great interplay between William and Alvin as we could hear it at Hallwalls.

[walto]

Speaking of tix, are they something we out=of-towners should be worrying about at this point--either for Vision or for Tonic on the 27th?

[Pete C]

One never needs advance tickets for Vision.

[Brian Olewnick]

Walt, I doubt the Vision Fest poses any ticket problems. They weren't near capacity at any of the shows I've attended in the last few years.

I might advise purchasing tix for Tonic, largely due to Fennesz' presence. He has something of a following in thw fringe-rock world due to releases like "Endless Summer". Needless to say, those sort of fans will likely be disappointed by the performance (if it's anything like the new CD), but they'll at least be there taking up space the first 10 minutes. ;)

[Gary Sisco]

NahMean -- Done, bruh.

Brian -- Could you score me ticket for Tonic. I'll gladly repay you on Tuesday.

Frisco -- That N.O. band is right up my alley. Looking forward to it very much.

[Brian Olewnick]

Gary--I doubt they're selling advance tix for the event, but if they are, I'll get you one (anyone else, same thing). I accept repayment in hamburger equivalents.

[Jon Abbey]

I might advise purchasing tix for Tonic, largely due to Fennesz' presence. He has something of a following in thw fringe-rock world due to releases like "Endless Summer". Needless to say, those sort of fans will likely be disappointed by the performance (if it's anything like the new CD), but they'll at least be there taking up space the first 10 minutes. ;)

Gary and Walt, you don't have to worry about getting into Tonic, although if you come after the show starts, maybe you should try to get tix ahead of time. if you come down before the show starts (meaning by 10 PMish), just ask for me or Brian if there are any problems getting in. the place will likely (hopefully) be pretty crowded, and it is a solo/solo/duo night, not just a duo, so I don't think Endless Summer fans will be too disappointed, although really I have no way of knowing for sure. I asked Tonic to put them on sale last week, they don't seem to be there yet, hopefully soon, Other Music usually has them for sale also up until the day of the show, although they don't list them yet either.

[Steve Reynolds]

now if the *great* Walter Horn AND my friend Gary Sisco are attending the Rowe/Fennesz show on thursday night, I guarentee I will be there as well


also still planning on Wed night @ Vision as well

not sure if friday will be possible

[Gary Sisco]

Reynolds posts on a music thread! At least something's well in the world. RE Friday night, Steve: You can't miss Clyde Kerr *again,* man. I really do consider him the living trumpet king. I don't think anyone can touch him. Remember how long I raved about how great he was, when he played a few years ago with the Parker Quartet (enlarged at the end to a sextet with Kerr and Perry Robinson)? That was a transcendent performance. Absolutely explosive, wonderful playing by all concerned. I'll never forget that set.

Brian and Jon -- Thanks for the info. The main thing I want to avoid is having to stand through the Tonic show. I can't deal with that kind of music, standing around with a beer in my hand as if it's an r'n'r band playing or something. I'm too old -- and venerable, if I do say so, myself, ahem -- for that shit. Any way you guys could save me a seat by ya's? I'm hoping to have a drink or two with a friend who plays with Burnt Sugar after their set at Vision and before the Tonic show.

[Pete C]

I'm hoping to have a drink or two with a friend who plays with Burnt Sugar after their set at Vision and before the Tonic show.

I've *heard* about your "drink or two"s.

[Brian Olewnick]

I'm hoping to have a drink or two with a friend who plays with Burnt Sugar after their set at Vision and before the Tonic show.

Do you know if Bruce Mack is still playing with Burnt Sugar? I mentioned this before here once, but when we moved to Jersey City, Bruce was the renter immediately prior to us. He's also subscribed here (or was). We've mailed, but I've never gotten around to saying hello personally.

Not sure of my schedule that Friday, but if I can make the shows, I will.

[Jon Abbey]

Gary, talk to Brian about saving seats, after two weeks of shows in Germany, I'm going to be happy just to have that show go off without a hitch.

there are even fewer seats at Tonic than there used to be. I always bring up as many as they allow me to from downstairs for shows I'm putting on, but that night will be crowded, so if you're not going to be there by 10, saving a seat for you won't be so easy.

[Steve Reynolds]

I'm with Sisco - I CANNOT stand and listen to Keith Rowe - In fact, I think I'm too old to stand for any music anymore :(

I will try to be there early - I think Brian and I will try the seat saving thing for you

[Pete C]

there are even fewer seats at Tonic than there used to be.

It varies from about 20 chairs to 40 (2-4 rows), plus the stools (maybe 12-15?). The larger the crowd they're expecting, the fewer chairs they put out.

[Brian Olewnick]

I'll do what I can to save a few seats for you old, cranky, hobbled people.

[walto]

I'd like one of those reclining beds, if that's possible.

Steve!! So glad you'll be making those gigs!

BTW, I took Cherches priceline advice and, though I guess I got an OK deal, somehow ended way the hell up at the Clarion. I'd suggest sharing the room with somebody until the Waltones comes up on the 28th, but I have no idea whether the stupid, out of the way, room comes with more than one bed...and unless you're an attractive woman, don't go there.

[Pete C]

There are 2 Clarions. One is at Park in the 20s and the other is Fifth Ave & 40th. Neither is WAY UP anywhere. How did you do? Official online rates are $150-160 a night.

[Fred K]

It looks like I'll be able to come up from the 26th through the 29th. Wednesday and Saturday are the festival days that interest me most. I like the Sunday schedule too, but I'm not sure I can stay a 5th night. I would probably be up for the 55 Bar on Friday and I want to try to make Bill McHenry/Ben Monder/Reid Anderson/Paul Motian at the VV while I'm there as well.

[Pete C]

Fred, I hope you can make the Chinese meals.

[Fred K]

Pete, I should be able to make both of the meals. I'm used to planning my NY trips on a weeks notice, so I feel a little strange having a schedule a month in advance.

[Cem]

Although the response to my bunkmate request has been overwhelming :rolleyes: , I just heard from an old friend who just bought a place on the Lower East Side, minutes from the venue, I think. She insists on putting me up (her memory must be slipping). Looking forward to the Tuesday & Wednesday shows, the hangs & a quick & easy crawl to bed!

[Gary Sisco]

Cem -- You have to remember how often people in New York receive that request. Nothing personal, I'm sure.

Fred -- I hear you about scheduling but, from my perspective, this is a week I look forward to all year long, especially this year. Today is my second day off since Dec 22, doing manual labor in a cold barn for the whole of the worst winter in ten years or more, and all of the "spring" as well, while being caregiver for my partner 24/7 at the same time. Believe it that I am *ready* for a little vacation, man, and more than ready for an urban hit to cure my jones. The anticipation itself is fun for me, at this point, including very much Pete's selections for food. It's been a long time since I've had some really good grub, considering the above. I haven't had much energy for cooking, and going out has been out of the question. Yeah, man. I'm ready. Ready's anybody can be.

Plus, there's the added bonus this year of having the best of my VT posse along as well. Those mofos can hang, I know. Especially when they're turned loose in the city sans family responsibilities. :-)

Jon and Brian -- I'll rearrange my plans and head down to Tonic early enough to get to the front of the line. What time would you guys suggest arriving? I definitely don't want to have that show spoiled in any way, so I'm going to make sure I'm there in time to get a seat up front, where I can hear the quiet parts as well, and watch Rowe play with his "guitar."

[walto]

Pete, I got a room at the 5th Ave Clarion for $120.

Cem, nobody offered me a room in NY either. I was going to ask you to join me at the above before I realized that I didn't know what the bed sitch in my hotel is!

Fred K, so glad you'll be making this!

[Cem]

I was just goofin' around re: hotel bunkmates. I'm familiar with the whole homestay thing in NYC. No offense to anyone. Apparently, I snore like a mofo, anyway. I hope Vince isn't reading this... :)

[Brian Olewnick]

Jon and Brian -- I'll rearrange my plans and head down to Tonic early enough to get to the front of the line. What time would you guys suggest arriving? I definitely don't want to have that show spoiled in any way, so I'm going to make sure I'm there in time to get a seat up front, where I can hear the quiet parts as well, and watch Rowe play with his "guitar."

Gary, I imagine we'll be over earlier in the evening for set-up and soundcheck (prior to the 8:00 show) and then we'll probably go out for something to eat or whatnot. Maybe we'll stop by the VizFest as Keith is a big William Parker fan.

*ahem*

But I assume we'll return to Tonic sometime before 10 and I'll lay myself down along a good row, fighting off Bruce and Dalachinsky.

[Frisco]

Maybe we'll stop by the VizFest as Keith is a big William Parker fan.

*ahem*


Yay Keith! He knows brilliance when he hears it. -ahem, amen-. If Keith were with Tilbury, I'd be there at Tonic. Too bad that the set with Shipp, Parker, and Dickey is at 9:30. Looks like all Keith will be able to hear is a few minutes of the Budbill/Parker set.

[Jon Abbey]

Tilbury's about as likely to play Tonic these days as Bin Laden is.

[Brian Olewnick]

Yay Keith! He knows brilliance when he hears it. -ahem, amen-. If Keith were with Tilbury, I'd be there at Tonic. Too bad that the set with Shipp, Parker, and Dickey is at 9:30. Looks like all Keith will be able to hear is a few minutes of the Budbill/Parker set.

He's made special mention of his desire to hear Budbill! ;-)

Seriously Pat, you've heard Shipp/Parker/Dickey about 58 times. This would probably be your only chance in a lifetime to hear Rowe/Fennesz. Get your VizFest-lovin' butt down to Tonic for the show, man!

[Uli]

This would probably be your only chance in a lifetime to hear Rowe/Fennesz.

Everybody's dream pair.... ahem.....ahem....

[Frisco]

Well, you have a point. The Shipp/Parker/Dickey set is about the only one I'm really up for that night. But I can't say that I'm really interested in Christian Fennesz' music. I know that he's cool, and is involving himself with some fine improvisers, but I'm not sure that I'd enjoy it that much. Besides, it's been many, many years since I've heard the actual trio of Shipp/Parker/Dickey and I have a friend from Cleveland coming in who wants to hear them. Way back at the old Knitting Factory, I think was the last time for me. And I've not heard Matthew since last spring.

[Pete C]

The good news about the Kidd Jordan set is who isn't playing piano. Kerr & Fielder are great, but not enough to make me sit through a Jordan set. Missing Friday is a no-brainer for me, as is missing Thursday.

I'm considering Tuesday, but the poet with Khan Jamal scares me, as does the possibility that Ulmer might sing.

The good news about the Joe McPhee set is who isn't playing drums.

Curmudgeonly yours.

[Steve Reynolds]

if Futterman was there, will you come. Pete?

[Gary Sisco]

Pete -- Have you heard Jordan live, lately?

[Pete C]

I saw Jordan with Anderson at last year's Vision (or was it the year before?), as well as a couple of years before that in N.O. with the great Kerr and the dreaded Futterman.

Why do you ask? Are you going ot tell me he's changed his "tune" all of a sudden?

[Derek Taylor]

Jordan’s still a strong contender in my book & his Nawlins band sounds like a very tasty prospect. I dig Futterman too, but do wish Kidd would record more with other colleagues.

The good news about the Joe McPhee set is who isn't playing drums.

Who isn't playing drums with him?

[Pete C]

Who isn't playing drums with him?

Jay Rosen, perhaps the loudest, most unsubtle, least tasteful drummer I've ever experienced, and that includes Ralph Peterson Jr.

[mke]

Jay Rosen, perhaps the loudest, most unsubtle, least tasteful drummer I've ever experienced, and that includes Ralph Peterson Jr.
Don't let LeMo hear you say that! ;)

[Brian Olewnick]

Jay Rosen, perhaps the loudest, most unsubtle, least tasteful drummer I've ever experienced, and that includes Ralph Peterson Jr.

William Hooker, baby!

[Derek Taylor]

Ah, Rosen.

Not to come back with another “have you heard?”, but have you heard CANTICLES FOR THE NEW MILLENIUM? (Rosen w/ Vinny Golia, Paul Smoker & Mark Whitecage) or DRUMS ‘N BUGLES (w/ Herb Robertson & Paul Smoker). He ‘whistles’ different 'tunes' with sticks on those, methinks. :) Maybe you caught him on a bad night?

[Pete C]

I've seen Rosen twice, once with McPhee & once with Sonny Simmons. I haven't heard the recordings you mention.

[Derek Taylor]

Pete, I’ve seen him a half dozen times, have heard him on probably 6x that many recordings & have rarely come away less than impressed. Those two I mentioned are his only recordings as a leader to date, afaik, and both offer what are imo considerable examples of his dynamic range & sensitivity (two acronyms in a single sentence, yeah!). Just saying maybe he deserves another chance from your erudite ear? Then again, maybe not.

[Pete C]

Just saying maybe he deserves another chance from your erudite ear?

Could be. The fact that he hired both Robertson & Smoker for a date shows the possibility of taste.

[Brian Olewnick]

The first time I caught Rosen live and still the most closely I've gotten to hear him was as part of Cecil's quartet (w/Duval and Thurman Barker on marimba) and I thought he was fine, doing a real nice job interlocking with both the piano and Barker. I happened to be sitting about four feet away from Rosen so tended to concentrate on his playing that night. Otherwise, I liked his work on Perelman's "The Hammer" well enough also.

[Derek Taylor]

The fact that he hired both Robertson & Smoker for a date shows the possibility of taste.

Glad you’re at least open to the possibility ;). Smoker actually hired him first, for STANDARD DEVIATION recorded a few years earlier. They’ve appeared on a number of CIMP sessions together including the two-part 'jam session' CIMPhonia from 98’ (w/ Peter Kowald & Joe McPhee in the band).

Feeling as you do about Rosen, I’m afraid to ask what you think of Lou Grassi. :p

[Pete C]

Feeling as you do about Rosen, I’m afraid to ask what you think of Lou Grassi. :p

I don't believe I've ever seen or heard him. Somehow I've even managed to miss William Hooker all these years in NY.

[jazzfiend]

Pete, I've got a recent release where Rosen's playing is masterful (& swinging):

Blue Reality - Michael Marcus Trio (Soul Note 121383-2)

Quite possibly the best Marcus I've heard on disc, also.

[Gary Sisco]

Pete -- Nah, I'm not going to tell you anything, except that the couple of times I've heard him he was a lot different than what I'd expected. More lyrical and bluesy, less screamy and honky. That's all. I wouldn't miss Kerr for the world.

[walto]

Pete, I think I'm something of a Philistine when it comes to drummers: I like Rosen AND Hooker. What's your take on Murray? He's another banger I've always liked a lot.

[Pete C]

Sunny? I never thought of him as a "banger" especially.

[Pete C]

Is anyone tempted by the McLean/Hutcherson/Moncur reunion at Iridium that week?

[Pete C]

"Milford Graves Trio, guest William Parker, Joe Rigby sax, Hugh Glover sax"

Anybody familiar with Rigby or Glover?

[Brian Olewnick]

Didn't Rigby play around town a bit during the 70s? Somehow, I associate his name with Ladie's Fort shows, but I can't say I remember anything in particular about his playing.

[Pete C]

According to AMG he's on a Steve reid album from 1976. I don't know if it's the same guy, but there's a Joe Rigby on sax on a bunch of Johnny Copeland albums from the 80s.

Edit: Must be the same guy. I'm going to start a thread about Copeland's interesting horn sections.

Looks like both Glover & Rigby go back to the 70s with Graves.

[Steve Reynolds]

when is the Graves trio (quartet)?

[Pete C]

The information is readily available both on this thread & the Vision Festival website.


Saturday.

[bluenoter]

Steve R.--The Vision schedule is in #81 in this thread or here, where it might be more current:

http://www.visionfestival.org/main.asp

(Scroll down.)

[walto]

Sunny? I never thought of him as a "banger" especially.

Hey, he's the loudest drummer alive!

[MRS]

. . .hate to ask, but how about another seat, Brian? Maybe I should get there when you do so as I can cover more area (6'7" + 40" arms should solidify most of a row). I'm looking forward to this performance and seeing all of you mooks.

And Steve, think they'll let us share buckets to cut booze cost?

[walto]

Excellent! What day(s) you coming in for, Mike?

[MRS]

Well. . .I have to bag Allemania for reasons public here and, well frankly, I put lodging on the company (have some coworkers based in Köln and that obviously can't work now). A little leftover grip makes this happen. I arrive that Thurs. morning and am in through Sunday or the holiday, at the Roosevelt but I don't plan sleeping much. I think Cap'n Hate said he could make this, too.

[Brian Olewnick]

Cool, Mike. Will do my bestest. But one of youse guys should get down there earlyish to commandeer the frontlines.

[Frisco]

Thinking about all these seats you're saving at Tonic....I don;t think that they actually have that many. How they expect people to stand and enjoy music, I'm not sure. But maybe enjoying the music doesn't matter much to them.

Pete, I know that Rigby, perhaps both of the saxists, played a set with Milford at another Vision Fest in the past. Not one of the more memorable sets as I recall vaguely.

[Jon Abbey]

Schaumann, nice to hear you're coming, but just to give you a heads-up (no pun intended): I sit on the aisle, second row, on the left side, at the shows I put on at Tonic. if your humongous self is planted in front of me, the show will not go on as planned until that changes, so please let a normal sized person have that seat, thanks! :)

I don't know how many seats Tonic will let us have in there, especially if advance sales go well (just heard that Fennesz is June's Wire cover boy), but I know I'm sitting down, so there will be at least a few rows.

[MRS]

I don't negotiate with half-pints. . .just put a reserved card on the one in front of you, too. You're like the guy with the lucky toilet at the track. I'm not wide, just long, bee-yats. Dumb question: will you have discs there? Danke.

[Captain Hate]

I think Cap'n Hate said he could make this, too.This will take some deft manuvering; Mrs Hate and I will be up in Maine that week with one of the Hatettes. I *might* have to come down and visit the other one on that day; all as part of being a good father, you understand!!

[Pete C]

Schaumann, I hope you're coming to Shanghai brunch & Cedar Tavern that Saturday.

[Jon Abbey]

I don't negotiate with half-pints. . .just put a reserved card on the one in front of you, too. You're like the guy with the lucky toilet at the track. I'm not wide, just long, bee-yats. Dumb question: will you have discs there? Danke.

no one's negotiating, I'm explaining the deal to you. I'm paying for their flights, I'm paying for the hotel, I'm paying for the equipment rental, I'm losing money so that I can see this show comfortably. so don't sit in the front row on the left side on the aisle, you overgrown stringbean. thank you.

CD sales: if there's not an official table, I'll have some in my bag, certainly lots of Live at the LU. I probably won't have most of the back catalog with me, so if you want something specific, you should let me know in advance that week (after I'm back from Germany on the 20th, please).

[Pete C]

The Tonic show is starting to sound interesting.

[Gary Sisco]

Cool, Michael. I'm planning on getting there early enough that I won't need to bounce, but you never know.

Other things: I thought there weren't any advance tix?

[Jon Abbey]

Other things: I thought there weren't any advance tix?

if we're still talking about the Tonic show, they're on sale here:

http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?region=nyc&query=schedule&venue=tonic

click on "more events" at the bottom, since it's still a month away.

they should go on sale at Other Music at some point also. but even if you have an advance ticket, if you want a seat, you need to get there before 10, preferably as early as Mr. Reynolds typically arrives.

[Cem]

no one's negotiating, I'm explaining the deal to you. I'm paying for their flights, I'm paying for the hotel, I'm paying for the equipment rental, I'm losing money so that I can see this show comfortably. so don't sit in the front row on the left side on the aisle, you overgrown stringbean. thank you.
I'd like to use this line in the future, if I may. I've never seen one of my shows comfortably seated...ever. Reserving a seat which I can occupy for the whole show...what a novel idea!

[Frisco]

Jon, I know what you're talking about. You put in so much time and effort and (usually) your own money, that you deserve the best seat in the house. Last night I hosted Sound on Survival with Marco Eneidi and Lisle Ellis. I was the only one to take admissions, but I left the door midway throught he first set and set up a chair in front. In between sets I just asked anyone who didn;t get a chance to contribute to the musicians cause, see me.

Cem, you have to still enjoy these things even when you're in charge. But Jon, I'm curious. Why the second row, risking some giant sitting in you, although I think I know they answer. It's normally Bruce in front of you, right?

[Jon Abbey]

But Jon, I'm curious. Why the second row, risking some giant sitting in you, although I think I know they answer. It's normally Bruce in front of you, right?

no, Bruce sits on the right side, I prefer the left. I used to sit in the front row all the time when I was just a rabid listener, but now that I'm so involved in the music, I've gravitated to the second row, maybe because I can hide my immediate reactions from the musicians a little more. I'm not a small guy, I've never had an issue with someone giant sitting in front of me, but then again, Michael's never been to any of my shows before. :)

[Pete C]

OK, I just got the card in the mail about the AACM NY concert on Friday, May 28.

Roscoe Mitchell - Solo Saxophone

The Steve & Iqua Colson Sextet, with Marlene Rice, T.K. Blue, Andy McCloud & Reggie Nicholson.

Community Church of NY, 40 E. 35th St. 8:00 PM, $20.

I suspect the Mitchell solo thing might interest some Vision attendees.

[walto]

Just another week in NY.... :mad:

Man, you guys got it good.

[Frisco]

OK, I just got the card in the mail about the AACM NY concert on Friday, May 28.
Roscoe Mitchell - Solo Saxophone
The Steve & Iqua Colson Sextet, with Marlene Rice, T.K. Blue, Andy McCloud & Reggie Nicholson.
Community Church of NY, 40 E. 35th St. 8:00 PM, $20.
I suspect the Mitchell solo thing might interest some Vision attendees.

I was considering it, if Roscoe were up first. But he's second. It worked out perfectly for me last year when George Lewis and Muhal played first. It allowed some of us to get down to Vision for the rest of the evening.

[Pete C]

Pat, you verified the order?

[Frisco]

Pat, you verified the order?

Yeah, apparently the plan is for Colson's group to be up first followed by Roscoe.

[Pete C]

I've started a thread/signup sheet in Speak Out for the various meals & hangs.

[Pete C]

I caught the first night last night with Cem. We got there a little late due to a Turkish dinner at Ali Baba that I was pleased met Cem's standards. Unfortunately we only caught the last 10 minutes of the Sun Ra Arkestra, because what we did hear sounded great. I didn't mind missing Jarman's opening invocation. I can live without the chanting and jingling bells, even if it is a "beautiful, spiritual thing."

I pretty much ignored Gus Solomons who is one of those pseudo-contortionist dancers, and the silly British (I think) beatnick poetess with him.


I was very disappointed that Khan Jamal had a poet with him, as it was a nice lineup with Moondoc & Roy Campbell. But they basically played under the poet who hardly shut up. Typical Vision Festival agitprop poetry. First poem was about a "poor child of the suburban Negro Bourgeoisie, didn't know he was black, until he was caught driving while black." He gets his consciousness when he meets his brothers in prison who were also driving while black. Then she did the obligatory "I'm a woman" poem. Finally, a tribute to Odean Pope: "Odean, he's lean, he's clean, Odean, Odean..." When she wasn't finding every rhyme for Odean she was giving a prosaic litany of Pope's resume. And, of course, she recited everything in that "I'm a jazz musician too" rhythmic style.

The highlight was an acid funk set by Ulmer, Tacuma & Weston. Very "Band of Gypsies." There was some tension after Tacuma blew out an amp and had a running subtext argument with the sound man.

[gnhrtg]

You should've been a reporter Pete - though might be a bit stingy for some.

[Root Doctor]

The highlight was an acid funk set by Ulmer, Tacuma & Weston. Very "Band of Gypsies." There was some tension after Tacuma blew out an amp and had a running subtext argument with the sound man.

I'm bitterly disappointed that these guys were moved to a day of the festival I couldn't make. I'm sure it was terrific.

[Uli]

Glad you like Blood, Pete. You were quite skeptical beforehnad, iirc.

[Pete C]

Glad you like Blood, Pete. You were quite skeptical beforehnad, iirc.

I've seen him several times and have had varying reactions depending on his choice of direction.

[Pete C]

Last night was a mixed bag as far as success went, but the Grimes, Crispell, Cyrille set alone was worth the price of admission. Cyrille is a no-brainer--I've never seen him give a less than noteworthy performance. Crispell was absolutely gripping, playing a combination of the more lyrical side she's been mining with Paul Motian in recent years, as well as the more intense side that had formed the basis of her earlier style. And Grimes was great--dextrous, forceful and confident; I'd been hearing mixed reports since his comeback, and this was a happy confirmation of the good reports.

The first set, Rothernberg, Dresser & Yagi, was quite good, as they were when I had seen them a week earlier. The highlight was the excerpts from Dresser's "Outer Planets" suite, which requires a different tuning of koto & bass for each section.

The real dud was Equal Interest. In general the music wasn't especially compelling, though Leroy Jenkins was in fine form. The real crime was that Jarman chose to sing his silly "peace, love & Buddha" lyrics on about three tunes. Besides the ludicrous lyrics, the guy can't carry a tune. It was pathetic. Several JC folks walked out, and I kept asking folks "shouldn't he know better?" Of course the portion of the Vision audience for whom none of thes folks can do any wrong ate it up.

The Fred Van Hove/Johannes Bauer duo was not my thing. Bauer was basically all effects, no real "musical engagement" by my definition. Van Hove was OK, but nothing memorable, and after Crispell especially forgettable.

[Pete C]

Well, I caught all or part of the first 3 of 5 sets last night and all were duds.

Reggie Workman's Ashanti's Message, which seemed to be a thematic suite with vocals and recitation, was rather lackluster. It had none of the brilliance of Wokman's underrated CDs as a leader, such as Summit Conference, Cerebral Caverns & Images. I walked out about half-way into the set to chat outdoors with Brian, who also left, and a few other folks.

Sabir Mateen's set was pretty underwhelming too, and I left about 1/4 of the way into it to get a bite. The drummer was especially mediocre. The music seemed pretty unfocused. I think the audience ate it up, as I returned toward the end of the set and there was a standing ovation (which is, however, rather meaningless at the Vision Festival).

I guess Milford Graves' set was one of the most anticipated of the festival. In spite of years of concertgoing, I had never seen him live before. Well, once was enough for me. The set was a mix of silly antics (chanting in some made-up (I think) primal language), pointless pseudo-acrobatics, predictable high-energy free jazz, and pseudo-world music. I'll be interested in any differing opinions as, not surprisingly, the fiasco got a standing ovation from many in the audience.

Things had run so late that Graves' set didn't end until close to midnight. It looked like Joe McPhee wouldn't go on until close to 2 AM, and I decided not to stay around for Cooper-Moore either.

I'm sure Frisco is seeing red as he reads this.

[gnhrtg]

It had none of the brilliance of Wokman's underrated CDs as a leader, such as Summit Conference, Cerebral Caverns & Images.



You must've been getting hungry even then.

edit: Forgive me, I couldn't resist - like you have Rothenberg's name wrong as well but I couldn't find any connections there.

[Pete C]

You must've been getting hungry even then.

[Brian Olewnick]

Though I enjoyed Graves' set a little bit more than Pete (silly antics aside), I agree with his comments on the Workman performance (I only caught a bit of the Mateen; what I heard was dreary). Workman's group kind of encapsulated all my problems with much of what gets showcased at VF: mediocre material (despite having potentially high caliber players like JD Parran and Gerry Hemingway), incredibly annoying vocals (colors, peace, love, harmony), slapdash stabs at mystical "depth" (which generally means combining said vocals with inept dabblings on "little instruments"), etc. Worse, this ostensibly "free" music is anything but. Each musician is straitjacketed into a confined role with, as near as I can tell, absolutely no option to spontaneously create music themselves (or to sit out if they have nothing to contribute). It's as if the idea of "free" simply means that solos don't have to follow chord changes.

Would've liked to have stayed around for McPhee's set (the final one of the evening) but as everything was way behind schedule, he wasn't likely to appear until around 2AM and, having already had two days in the prior week of getting to sleep after 4AM (and waking up at 7:30 to walk the hound-goddess), I demurred. Unfortunately, this year's visit provided nothing near as beautiful as the Anderson/Bankhead duo from 2003.

[Pete C]

Unfortunately, this year's visit provided nothing near as beautiful as the Anderson/Bankhead duo from 2003.

I'd've been interested in your take on Grimes-Crispell-Cyrille.

[Brian Olewnick]

Yeah, it received widely differing reviews from various folk in attendence--maybe Walt will chime in with his take.

While watching Graves, I was reminded of the first time I heard him: the wonderful duo recording with Cyrille, "Dialogue of the Drums", which had some of the same vocalizing, audience interaction, etc. But I dunno, some of the spark and naturalness (innocence?) seems to have been lost between 1974 and now.

[Pete C]

you have Rothenberg's name wrong as well but I couldn't find any connections there.

You aren't trying hard enough!

[Pete C]

By the way, I won't name names, but it's amazing how inconsiderate some of the musicians involved in the festival are. You should have heard some of the loud conversations involving musicians while others were playing. That's one of the prices to pay for sitting near the back.

[Mike Schwartz]

It's quite common that jazz musicians yak it up and don't listen to who is on stage. They are at work, and the chances to network and catch up with folks they don't see often or haven't communicated with in a long time is the norm.

However, taking it outside or away from an audience who came to do what audiences do would be the rightious thing...

[Captain Hate]

Shitty sound, horrible poetry, rude musicians yakking in the back while performances going on, nothing starting on time.... Doesn't sound like much has changed since '99.

[Pete C]

I need to get some sleep, but I'm going to surprise everybody with some very positive remarks tomorrow...

[Gary Sisco]

I don't have time this morning for extended remarks, but, musically, of the nights I was there, the Kidd Jordan set with Clyde Kerr and the rest of his N.O. crew (and William on bass) was both the "jazziest" (as in swinging, bluesy, and etc, as well as free) and musically the best set I heard, in my always very humble opinion. That set alone, far's music goes, made the trip worth while for me.

I don't entirely agree with Pete and Brian's remarks above about some of the other sets, but doubtless there was a superoverabundance of '60s "art" detritus, with more than enough peace and love and to go around, for all that it actually might be what the world needs now and all that. Jarman's set in particular, I'm sorry to say. In my years of hang experiences, it was the first time JCers got "shushed" by people in the audience, as one by one we all started cracking up as it went on, particularly over the lyrics. As Pete said, we ended up out on the sidewalk where we wouldn't offend. And also where I got to see Walter Horn dance a jig -- something I'd never expected to see, so perhaps the set was worthwhile after all.

I thought Raphe Malik was sounding great during the Sabir Mateen set, myself.

I liked the William Parker Quartet's set very much (with Chatterjee on tablas in Hamid Drake's place) -- musically. I took Pete's advice and kept my eyes closed during the set so as to miss the dancers. I'd like to have a recording of that set. Chatterjee in particular was superb.

I thought Van Hove and Bauer's set would have been very good had they stopped after their first (long -- maybe half an hour) improv. But, no .... They decided to essentially repeat it as their second, and for just as long.

Unlike remarks above, I liked Milford Graves's set very much, indeed. There's nuff room in the jazz and a.g. world for some humor, fun, spectacle and entertainment. Musically, it was totally 60s free blowing -- but good totally 60s free blowing. I thought it was a lot of fun, enough so that I decided to make it my last Vision set of the year, being ancient enough now that, much as I dearly wanted to, I couldn't stay any later to hear Cooper-Moore's or, very disappointingly, Joe McPhee's sets, as it was already late, indeed, by the time Graves's set was over. I'm sure that musically McPhee would have been the hit of the night. Very sorry to have missed that.

Rob Brown's quartet with Joe McPhee playing bass was a hit for me, also. He's a way underrated cat if ever there was one. Derek Taylor once called him the Clark Kent of free jazz. He always delivers, and always takes his performances very seriously. I enjoyed it a lot.

I'm in the camp that enjoyed the Grimes trio w/Crispell and Cyrille very much.

Far's talking goes, hey ... If you put that many people in a room, with that many sets, and that many old and good friends encountering each other in myriad combinations, people are going to talk. I didn't find it all that distracting, and don't blame any of the cats for being in good spirits and happy to see each other again. I'm sure I added some to the din, myself, running into friend after friend and making some new ones as well.

The sound throughout was much improved over previous years, I thought. Much fuller. Perhaps because of the addition of speakers in the back of the room.

Anyways, all festivals are a mixed bag, almost by definition, and musically, speaking overall, I've had better (and worse) experiences at Vision, but that aside, I had as much fun and enjoyment as I've always had. I like the community atmosphere very much, and the festive aspects also, even given their sometimes silly sides.

I very much missed Peter Kowald's presence, both on the bass and at the sandwich/beer counter. RIP, brother man.

And of course it was great to be with the whole JC crew again, which I always look forward to.

Best bar award goes to Milano's, around the corner on Houston. Now that's a drinker's bar, if ever there was one, and also one friendly to music people. Very friendly, in fact.

Second place, for the fine selection of drinks, goes to dba but I got a bit irked with their rules and regulations after a while, during the hang. Who ever heard of drinking in a party, outside, with a school marm scurrying around telling people they have to sit down and can't stand up while drinking? Shit? How's a cat 'sposed to mingle and socialize if he can't stand up and walk around and all that?

Best surprise appearance awards go to Al From NYC (finally!) and Jon Abbey (amazingly) at the hang but of course not at Vision.

[Jon Abbey]

what were crowd sizes like? I don't think I've ever been to that venue.

[Brian Olewnick]

It was pretty full the night we were there--standing room only. I'd guess the crowd size to be 300-400.

[Pete C]

what were crowd sizes like? I don't think I've ever been to that venue.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday were all SRO. I'm told they didn't fill up on Thursday or Friday.

[Pete C]

Here goes with my review of last night. I saw 3 of 4 sets. In order they were Roy Campbell's Tazz, Revolutionary Ensemble, Dave Burrell's Echo/Peace Continuum, Khahil El Zabar/Billy Bang/Bluiett. I suspect I'd have enjoyed the last, but I had processed so much music that I needed a break.

I won't review the sets in order; I'll start with the best. I ran into downtown audience regular Harold (who has posted here in the past--not Harold Z), and he accused me of being the guy who never likes anything, so allow me to prove the contrary.

Not only was the Revolutionary Ensemble reunion the best set of the festival, it was one of the most amazing sets of music I've ever seen. Absolutely astounding, spellbinding, brilliant. There was pre-show chatter about worries that it would be a mess, that Sirone doesn't practice, etc. Well, the guys obviously rehearsed, at least a bit, because they were pretty tight, and the chemistry was back between Sirone & Jenkins for sure. They were reading the compositions from charts, and the ones they played were fairly short and very focused. I never saw them live in their original incarnation, so I don't know if this was the case back then.

Sirone, I think, exceeded everyone's expectations. Playing pizzicato he had a beautiful, soulful tone and excellent articulation. Arco he had a slightly off-kilter sound that blended nicely with Jenkins' very particular sound. If Sirone doesn't practice, he doesn't need to.

Jenkins really blew me away. I've always appreciated him, but he's really at the top of his game now. He has such a personal, non-traditional sound, yet it's apparent how technically brilliant he is, as well as being incredibly expressive. His sound is so direct and affecting, almost like a great Flamenco or Malian singer.

If there was a weak link it was Jerome Cooper. The set was all about Jenkins & Sirone, individually, and interacting. Cooper was very low key and unobtrusive. I suppose a great set might have been even greater if he were able to interact more with the other two.

I rarely talk to musicians I don't know, but when I saw Jenkins outside as I was leaving I had to thank him and tell him how great it was.

I almost left after this set, just because it was so good, but I love Dave Burrell, so I stuck around.

Burrell's group did a recreation of his Echo & Peace, from the 1969 BYG album Echo. It was a total overdrive, relentless free jazz blowout, and for me it worked. The saxes were Sabir Mateen on tenor, who was perfect in this setting, and Steve Lehman on alto, who was a bit more reticent. The kind of energy thing that just didn't work for me in the Graves set worked quite well here, perhaps because the horns were much better than the guys with Graves, perhaps because Burrell is a brilliant mad alchemist in this context. How many other guys can play the most extreme free jazz on day and ragtime the next, and be utterly convincing at both? The rhythm section of William Parker & William Hooker was also perfect for this onslaught. Brian had mentioned that he doesn't like Hooker. I hadn't seen him before, but he was just the kind of drummer this music needed.

The first set, by Roy Campbell's group was pleasant, but underwhelming and overlong. The festival schedules sets for an hour, always runs late, and this guy plays for 75 minutes. The set was extremely well received by many in the audience (Harold was amazed that I wasn't bowled over), and I had the misfortune of sitting right in front of a pathologically enthusiastic woman.

The quartet had a good rhythm section--Andrew Bemkey on piano, Chris Sullivan on bass (though he was miked too high), and Mike Thompson on drums--all good players, though Thompson has too heavy a hand for my taste.

The music was essentially modally oriented post-hardbop. The compositions seemed influenced somewhat by Charles Tolliver & Freddie Hubbard, and I commented afterwards that the group sounded like a poor man's Music Inc.

As a player Campbell just doesn't do much for me (I know many on the scene really love him). He's an OK trumpeter, but his technique is nothing special, and I don't hear any real depth. He was playing a lot of Hubbardesque runs, but he certainly doesn't have Hubbard's beautiful, warm tone. When he played muted his seemed to be taking more from Dizzy.

The compositions were pretty good, though not with any unique compositional voice. The final composition was a tribute to his recently deceased father. Unfortunately, in the middle of an otherwise fine performance, Campbell decided to "sing" a banal (yet I'm sure heartfelt) eulogy to his father. It amazes me how many trained musicians don't seem to be aware that they can't carry a tune when they sing. Campbell is of the Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer school of vocalizing, without the charm.

The worst part of Campbell's set was when he went on several rambling, naive political rants, not uncommon at the Vision Festival, and the kind of thing that is embarrassing to the left. I must admit, though, that I wished Gordon were in the audience when Campbell told us we were living in a dictatorship (the pronuncement drew some enthusiastic applause).

[Jon Abbey]

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday were all SRO. I'm told they didn't fill up on Thursday or Friday.

ok, but how many is that? is Brian's guess in the right neighborhood? just curious, thanks to anyone who can help...

[Pete C]

ok, but how many is that? is Brian's guess in the right neighborhood? just curious, thanks to anyone who can help...

I'm pretty bad at those estimates, but Brian is probably pretty close when the place is totally packed. Why are you so interested? Feeling competitive?

[Jon Abbey]

no, I'm just curious how many people Vision Fest draws at $25 a night. evidently quite a few, good for them.

[Sergio Zamora]

Pete, I'm listening to 'The Psyche' for the first time as I post this. Listening to it while reading your review of the RE set makes me really wish I could have stayed another day - which, sadly, it turns out I could have, since the deadline for what I'm working on was postponed.

[Brian Olewnick]

Glad to hear this about RE, Pete. Weighed going in for it, but as separation, if not divorce, was the likely price to pay, I wussed out. I hope they'll make a few more appearences since this one worked so well.

[Pete C]

Glad to hear this about RE, Pete. Weighed going in for it, but as separation, if not divorce, was the likely price to pay, I wussed out. I hope they'll make a few more appearences since this one worked so well.

We'll have to have Mrs. Don the Ubiquitous preach to Linda about the joys of having a husband who goes off to shows all the time.

[Uli]

no, I'm just curious how many people Vision Fest draws at $25 a night.

A pity. It would have been interesting to see if you could have topped the nerdiness of Ollie's "encapsulation".

[Captain Hate]

We'll have to have Mrs. Don the Ubiquitous preach to Linda about the joys of having a husband who goes off to shows all the time.Does she perform this service out of state??

[Gary Sisco]

Jon -- I was amazed with the size of the crowd on Saturday night. But, then, it was a Saturday night, not a week night. But Wed, Thurs, and Friday nights had respectable turnouts as well.

[Frisco]

I'd've been interested in your take on Grimes-Crispell-Cyrille.

Pete, I know this wasn't directed my way, but I loved the set. my only disappointment was that Marilyn wasn't miked much louder. But all three seemed to play with passion, energy, and fire.

I'm just getting home and seeing some of these comments for the first time. You said that "Frisco is probably seeing red". No, the only red I'm seeing is through my bloodshot eyes after driving all night. 3am in the fog of Pennsylvania is not my ideal driving experience, but I was with a friend who likes night driving. So, I write and read after little to no sleep.

Not sure if any of you were there last night for the Memorial but it was beautiful. After the four bass and Gayle set, William took the microphone and chatted for a good fifteen minutes about all of the artists on stage, their connections to Kowald and Wilber, and shared some very heartfelt thoughts and recollections about the two men. Wonderful way to end a fine festival.

I won't debate the goodness/badness of any of the music or the sincerity/absurdities of the crowd. Just allow me to say that I got in on Wednesday and stayed til the end, and heard 28 sets of music, including five at the Fusion Arts Gallery and drove away feeling very good. And that's what it's all about. I could get out my microscope and dissect the music, but why?

I will say that my favorite sets were Grimes/Crispell/Cyrille, Dresser/Rothenberg/Yagi, Dickey/Shipp/Parker, Kidd Jordan N.O. Band, Rob Brown/Steve Swell 4tet, Sabir Mateen Quintet, Revolutionary Ensemble, Dave Burrell, Gunda Gottschalk/Xu Feng Xia, Sommer/Bauer/Phillips, and Parker's Bass Quartet w/Gayle.

BTW, the Sabir Mateen/Alan Silva/Warren Smith set, and the Four trumpets (Lavelle, Malik, Campbell, and Lewis Barnes) with William Parker & Mike Thompson, were extraordinary. Especially in the confines of a tiny art gallery, where the listeners were immersed in the middle of the music. My only regret is not finding a way to make it over to see Eskelin/Liebman on Friday. But I had to run over to a SoHo bar a few times to check up on my Detroit Pistons.

Nice to see all who I saw again and those who I met for the first time. Adios....

[walto]

I'll tell you what I really liked: the middle (Jenkins) tune, of the Jarman/Melford/Jenkins set: that was fabulous. Amazing the dreck that surrounded it. (My jig didn't do the Melford harmonium tune justice, Gary!)

The point is, the festival wasn't all of equal value.

[Gary Sisco]

No festival is, Walto. 'Least not one I've ever attended. But the jig was added value, let's face it.

And you're entirely wrong about Grimes/Crispell/Cyrille. Wrong, I say!

[walto]

And you're entirely wrong about Grimes/Crispell/Cyrille. Wrong, I say!

Probably. After all, Lund agreed (and split with me during the first standing O). That's never a good sign.... Anyhow, at least I got back to the hotel in time to see the end of the Piston game that night.

[Frisco]

Walt, you're a Piston fan? Or a Piston hater, from all those classic Bird/Isiah matches? Or just a basketball fan in general?

BTW, those of you who left on Saturday, after the Milford Graves set, don't be too dissapointed. I've loved Cooper-Moore and his music since seeing him back in '93 or '94 at the "Stork Music Festival", and I always try to avoid being n