Ask Dennis Gonzalez Part 2

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Thanks for the great words, Claude...good to hear from you here again. Can't wait to read your review.

Originally Posted by claude

Just got this in the morning mail. My goodness, I can't say enough about this one, outstanding playing all around!! I'll try to warm up my meagre writing skills to post a proper review once I've had time to digest, but the first listen is sublime.

[mtaylorjazz]

Just dropping by to say hello. Feel like the Red Queen - running, running, running just to stay in place. Unfortunately, I don't get by JazzCorner as much as I used to to check on the latest doings in your thread (among others).

So... whassup?

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by mtaylorjazz

Just dropping by to say hello. Feel like the Red Queen - running, running, running just to stay in place. Unfortunately, I don't get by JazzCorner as much as I used to to check on the latest doings in your thread (among others).

So... whassup?

Glad to see you here, Mark. It's been a tough year for me schoolwise, even though we are just now into the 4th week of school. I was offered my dream position at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, which I'd literally waited 33 years for. This was a few weeks before school started. My interim principal and my closest friend at school, one of the assistant principals, denied my request and thoroughly blew me out of the water. I couldn't believe it. My interim principal has been replaced, but it's too late for the new principal, who is really great and working hard, to approve the move, because Washington H.S. immediately found someone to take the position, so it is gone.

And now, I teach 6 classes (most other teachers have 5) for a grand total of 170 students. It's killing me.

The only consolation I have right now is weekends and knowing that I am going to meet up with my sons and Stephane Berland of Ayler Records ("jaka" here on JazzCorner) in Lisbon, Portugal, for a short tour in Portugal and Spain. That and the fact that Stephane just released our new CD recorded a year and 1/2 ago in Poland, The Great Bydgoszcz Concert, on Ayler. For which I am grateful.

No Business Records in Lithuania has also just released a CD recorded in Connecticut with Joe Morris on bass, Timo Shanko on tenor, and Luther Gray on drums, called Songs of Early Autumn.

Maybe we'll play with you soon!

[Mike Schwartz]

A friend in Portland OR has been a teacher & for many years been a councelor the the HS level.

At the end of the last school year, they thought they were going to have to let go one of the three people doing his job in the district who were to assist some 800-900 students, which he was quite concerned about.

When he arrived to work after summer break found out that he is now the only person in the district at that position.

He's so overwhelmed right now, he's at the point where he can't even talk about it.

What you all have to endure to teach and (attempt to) help young people in the public schools, in these cases almost hard to believe.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by Mike Schwartz

A friend in Portland OR...He's so overwhelmed right now, he's at the point where he can't even talk about it.

What you all have to endure to teach and (attempt to) help young people in the public schools, in these cases almost hard to believe.

It's amazing to see what has happened because of the Bush Administration's No Child Left Behind program. As well as the loss of the public's awareness of what their children and grandchildren are faced with daily.

This friend of yours is the only one left...how can he possibly face the amount of students that really need his help?

I went through three nights of insomnia - I just realized mostly due to stress - and in bringing that up in class yesterday, I was bombarded by the awareness that about 3/4 of my students (the 7th and 8th graders) have insomnia, many of them not getting to sleep until 3 am and having to get up by 5 to catch their buses. When this crisis comes to a head, who is going to be there to help these children, especially if staff is so overwhelmed with numbers and with their own stresses?

And people thought that the Wall Street crisis was bad...

[mtaylorjazz]

Originally Posted by Dennis Gonzalez

Glad to see you here, Mark. It's been a tough year for me schoolwise, even though we are just now into the 4th week of school. I was offered my dream position at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, which I'd literally waited 33 years for. This was a few weeks before school started. My interim principal and my closest friend at school, one of the assistant principals, denied my request and thoroughly blew me out of the water. I couldn't believe it. My interim principal has been replaced, but it's too late for the new principal, who is really great and working hard, to approve the move, because Washington H.S. immediately found someone to take the position, so it is gone.

And now, I teach 6 classes (most other teachers have 5) for a grand total of 170 students. It's killing me.

The only consolation I have right now is weekends and knowing that I am going to meet up with my sons and Stephane Berland of Ayler Records ("jaka" here on JazzCorner) in Lisbon, Portugal, for a short tour in Portugal and Spain. That and the fact that Stephane just released our new CD recorded a year and 1/2 ago in Poland, The Great Bydgoszcz Concert, on Ayler. For which I am grateful.

No Business Records in Lithuania has also just released a CD recorded in Connecticut with Joe Morris on bass, Timo Shanko on tenor, and Luther Gray on drums, called Songs of Early Autumn.

Maybe we'll play with you soon!

I hope we'll get to play soon! I'm really sorry to hear about the job position and all the stresses you're having to deal with. My mother taught in the public school system for almost 30 years. By all reports she was a fantastic teacher but I never got the feeling that it was something she was truly passionate about. In fact, this might have somethign to do with my own ambivalence about education as a career path. However, I saw first hand the dedication that many of the people who do that job bring to the table. It can be heartbreaking to watch...

[Valerie]

on a delightfully upbeat note: one of my favorite DJs at our LA jazz station, LeRoy Downs, has picked Dennis's latest CD for one of his "Quick-Picks" as an "appreciation" gift for pledges of $125 (i think!) during the fundraiser this week and next. so, of course, it's talked about and played lots!!

[jaka]

Originally Posted by Valerie

so, of course, it's talked about and played lots!!

Which is a damn good thing!
Some other spot on the web where one or several of the latests (2 of them actually went out on the exact same day...) are mentioned and actually appreciated:

http://freejazz-stef.blogspot.com/20...ez-galore.html

http://gapplegatemusicreview.blogspo...isational.html

http://stashdauber.blogspot.com/2009...els-great.html

[Ron Thorne]

I'm very sorry to learn of your teaching career disappointment, Dennis. What a major drag!

After doing a phenomenal job with very difficult (3rd grade) children and parents for 18+ years, our daughter, Terri, finally landed a position in a different school last year. She's always been passionate and committed, but now she's truly enjoying doing what she does so well with far less anxiety and more parental involvement.

Maybe next year will be your turn, Dennis. You are certainly overdue. Fingers crossed, bro.

[jaka]

Originally Posted by Dennis Gonzalez

I am going to meet up with my sons and Stephane Berland of Ayler Records ("jaka" here on JazzCorner) in Lisbon, Portugal, for a short tour.

Speaking of which, I'm looking for advice on where to stay in Lisbon. Found a few well-spoken-of hotels on the net, but wondered if any of you faithful JCers had input in these matters.
Damn, I hate travelling.

Thanks,
S

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by jaka

Speaking of which, I'm looking for advice on where to stay in Lisbon. Found a few well-spoken-of hotels on the net, but wondered if any of you faithful JCers had input in these matters.
Damn, I hate travelling.

Thanks,
S

Just e-mailed you!

DG

[jazzy mary]

Originally Posted by Valerie

on a delightfully upbeat note: one of my favorite DJs at our LA jazz station, LeRoy Downs, has picked Dennis's latest CD for one of his "Quick-Picks" as an "appreciation" gift for pledges of $125 (i think!) during the fundraiser this week and next. so, of course, it's talked about and played lots!!

Wow, that's a hip radio station! Unfortunately, I have to say our local station, WBGO, would never be so hip. Actually, it's gone downhill in the last year, imho. They play Latin jazz constantly. I like Latin Jazz but not every night. Then on Sunday nights now they play "cool jazz", it's just awful. Good thing they still have my girl Sheila Anderson as a d.j., she's the best!

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by mtaylorjazz

By all reports she was a fantastic teacher but I never got the feeling that it was something she was truly passionate about. In fact, this might have somethign to do with my own ambivalence about education as a career path. However, I saw first hand the dedication that many of the people who do that job bring to the table. It can be heartbreaking to watch...

I have my passionate years, depending on the situation and on how I am treated and perceived. Overall, I am passionate about teaching and what a particular teacher can accomplish, what a difference a teacher can make in someone's life. I've seen teachers totally decimated by "the system", or by one single significant event...it can be a cruel career. But at the same time, it can be extremely rewarding.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by Valerie

on a delightfully upbeat note: one of my favorite DJs at our LA jazz station, LeRoy Downs, has picked Dennis's latest CD for one of his "Quick-Picks" as an "appreciation" gift for pledges of $125 (i think!) during the fundraiser this week and next. so, of course, it's talked about and played lots!!

Hey Valerie...thanks for the good word! Exciting! Do you happen to know which CD it is? I need to look it up.

PS...what are the call letters?

DG

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by jaka

Some other spot on the web where one or several of the latests (2 of them actually went out on the exact same day...) are mentioned and actually appreciated:

http://freejazz-stef.blogspot.com/20...ez-galore.html

http://gapplegatemusicreview.blogspo...isational.html

http://stashdauber.blogspot.com/2009...els-great.html

Yay!

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

Wow, that's a hip radio station! Unfortunately, I have to say our local station, WBGO, would never be so hip. Actually, it's gone downhill in the last year, imho. They play Latin jazz constantly. I like Latin Jazz but not every night. Then on Sunday nights now they play "cool jazz", it's just awful. Good thing they still have my girl Sheila Anderson as a d.j., she's the best!

our station also plays a huge amount of Latin jazz these days: Mon.-Thurs. 5-7pm and Fri. from 5-9pm, exclusively. of course, Latin is played at other times as well.

the dj, LeRoy Downs, who picked Dennis' cd for the pledge drive, is extra-hip, i must say! he's also my friend but that had nothing to do with his choice.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Dennis Gonzalez

Hey Valerie...thanks for the good word! Exciting! Do you happen to know which CD it is? I need to look it up.

PS...what are the call letters?

DG

CD is "Matter of Blood" and it was LeRoy's "two-pack" not "quick pick" (got confused with lottery tickets!!)

station is 88.1FM - KJZZ (i think!). you can check the website at: www.jazzandblues.org

best to you, Dennis!

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by Ron Thorne

After doing a phenomenal job with very difficult (3rd grade) children and parents for 18+ years, our daughter, Terri, finally landed a position in a different school last year. She's always been passionate and committed, but now she's truly enjoying doing what she does so well with far less anxiety and more parental involvement.

It's great to hear that a teacher is being cared for and respected, and has ended up enjoying a change.

Last night, after 8 hours of school, we stayed for a 4 hour Parent Conference Night, and it was really helpful to meet some of the people who actually live with these children. Some who needed a strong dose of reality, and some who told me, "Anything you need, I'm here on the end of your cell phone. Call anytime!" I was complimented over and over for what the kids are saying when they get home. It helped tremendously.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Wire magazine has a quarterly CD that they include with the magazine for free. It is called WireTapper. In the October issue, the WireTapper includes one song from the Ariel Pink/Vas Deferns Organization LP called Shits and Giggles on which I play my horn and my son Aaron plays bass. This is their blurb about the song included to accompany the CD.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

[claude]

Good luck with the tour Dennis!! I love it when you and Rodrigo get together, any chance of some recordings coming out of this?

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by claude

Good luck with the tour Dennis!! I love it when you and Rodrigo get together, any chance of some recordings coming out of this?

Thanks, Claude...good to hear from you again.

We have some other things in the can, and I have not had a chance to see if we can record any of this tour. If it happens, I'll let you know.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Dennis González Portugal-Spain Autumn Concerts


-Dennis González «Yells At Eels» featuring Rodrigo Amado with Sofia Freire (spoken word):

8 Nov., Sunday, Lisbon / 8 pm; Fábrica de Braço de Prata;
Rua da Fábrica do Material de Guerra nº1


-Dennis González «Yells At Eels» featuring Rodrigo Amado:

10 Nov., Tuesday, Barcelona / Doors at 9 pm; Club Zacarías;
Avenida Diagonal 477 (behind «La Vanguardia» – inside lobby)
with Nestor Munt y Enric Cervera «No-Do»

-Dennis González «Yells At Eels» featuring Rodrigo Amado:

11 Nov., Wednesday, Madrid / Doors at 9 pm; Sala Clamores;
Calle Albuquerque, 14


-Dennis González «Yells At Eels»:

13 Nov., Friday, Lisbon / 10 pm; Trem Azul Record Shop;
Rua Do Alecrim 21- A / 5th Birthday Celebration Clean Feed Records


dennis gonzalez / trumpet
aaron gonzalez / contrabass
stefan gonzalez / drums
with rodrigo amado / tenor sax

[Gord McG]

Hi Dennis, I don't know if you heard about this, but I note there was an hour of your music on the radio show Jazz à Part from France last week. Folks can listen to it here. On the playlist are some new things and some old things. Love the new stuff. It reminds me I must place another CD order with you so I can get caught up!

[Steve Reynolds]

Dennis:

Any thoughts or plans to record with some of the Brits?

like John Edwards & Tony Bevan or maybe Paul Rogers or Paul Dunmall?

I know you travel quite a bit from following your tours here so I was hoping and wondering...


love always

[Jesse]

The school assignment decision is really disappointing, Dennis, I am sorry to read this.
Your attitude on the other side of disappointments, no matter their size, is laudable. I learn a lot from you.
Peace, brother.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Thanks to all for your postings while I was gone to Europe...I will return soon, maybe tomorrow, and write a bit about the tour, which was incredible! In the meantime, here is the quartet at Madrid airport:

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Pictures from madrid by Esther Cidoncha:

Stefan


Dennis

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Rodrigo


Aaron