Cecil Taylor at the Knit on Saturday

David Gitin · July-7th-2003, 01:42 PM

With Dominic Duval and Jackson Krall. I'm making a visit to NYC for this (and Ware/Grimes at Iridium on Thursday).

Brian Olewnick · July-7th-2003, 02:57 PM

Why not see if some of us can get together pre-show at Scratchers or somewhere on maybe Friday?

Does anyone know the status of ticket sales. Haven't decided whether to go or not (not my fave Cecil combination) but wanted to know if I'm likely able to walk in.

July-8th-2003, 06:45 AM

You have to ponder over *which* Cecil band is playing before you decide to go, Brian?

Man, motherfuckin' New Yorkers are *spoiled.*

Granted, I've seen Broetzmann (most recently at SKIF) and Schlippenbach twice here, but even then, it's still an *event* for me.

Brian Olewnick · July-8th-2003, 08:46 AM

David, I'll be around one way or the other, at least for a drink beforehand. I'll leave a message at your hotel.

Alex, Duval's never done much for me. The one time I caught Cecil with Krall (at the Vanguard with Duval and Thurman Barker on marimba) I actually thought he worked pretty well but I get the impression I may have caught him on a particularly good night and/or that Barker spurred him on. These days, if I have my druthers, I'd prefer hearing Cecil in the company of musicians who are going to push him, as in the duos from the last few years with Bailey and Oxley.

MRS · July-8th-2003, 10:11 AM

Anyone seen any of Cecil's duos w/Elvin Jones over the last few years? Any good?

I'm with Alex, Olewnick! Spoiled brats!

Paul B · July-9th-2003, 02:48 PM

Not sure that I'm up for Cecil either...But would love to meet M. Gitin for a drink or dinner when he's in town. Friday works, or Saturday before the show. Brian, keep us posted. I'll try to leave word at the hotel as well.

Is Reynolds coming in for this? Seems like it's right up his alley...

Bye-ya.

bluenoter · July-9th-2003, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Michael Schaumann
Anyone seen any of Cecil's duos w/Elvin Jones over the last few years? Any good?

Michael--

1. Did you see this thread in Live Music Reviews?

2. Did you see your birthday greetings in the JC Birthdays thread in the Alley?

Brian Olewnick · July-9th-2003, 08:23 PM

Paul, I'll give David a call tomorrow morning at his hotel. Does Friday at 5PM at Scratcher's sound good? (Depending on David's plans, of course).

Who else is in? C'mon people.

Frisco · July-9th-2003, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Olewnick
[Who else is in? C'mon people. [/B]

I'm actually trying to find someone to drive in with me. I'm getting tired of these ten hour drives from Detroit. But it IS Cecil. My favorite living artist. An it IS summer, and I'm off work. Hmmmm, sure sounds enticing.

Brian Olewnick · July-10th-2003, 10:23 AM

OK, just spoke to David. 5PM tomorrow at Scratcher's it is. Pat, that's on East 5th between Bowery and 2nd, just west of where DMG used to be.

Be there.

Paul B · July-10th-2003, 10:37 AM

I'll be at the Scratcher a little after 5:30 (can't escape the salt mine any earlier)...Then gotta head uptown for a dinner at 8:00, but that will still give us chance to hang over a few good beers. Looking forward to finally meeting M. Gitin, and to catching up with the rest.

Et tu, Reynolds? shrugs?

Bye-ya.

Frisco · July-10th-2003, 11:52 AM

Don't think I'll be in until about 10 or 11pm on Friday. But I'd be happy to have a few at the concert on Saturday or Sunday. Or before the shows.

Bill Barton · July-10th-2003, 11:05 PM

Keep us left coasters posted, eh? And find out if Cecil is playing anywhere out this way soon. Thanks!

Bright Moments

Brian Olewnick · July-12th-2003, 10:32 AM

Well, first of all, I mistakenly assumed Cecil was playing Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday, so (Alex can rest easy) there was no crucial decision to be made on my part whether or not to (yawn! we New Yorkers have so many choices!) attend the show.

But this worked out well, since I got to spend the evening with the delightful Mr. Gitin, chatting on into the wee hours. A veritable fount of information, especially about the burgeoning NYC free jazz scene in the late 50s-early 60s, a wonderful raconteur and, gosh, just a swell guy. Paul B. was there for a few hours at Scratcher's before having to leave for dinner--Paul you missed some great stories!

Here's a very cool, could-only-happen-in-New York event. We're in Scratcher's where a couple had brought in a pit bull-like dog (I think I've seen this creature there before, actually). It behaved fine, very friendly, until this large, imposing black guy walked in and the dog went nuts, not attacking him, but barking its head off and lunging toward him. The guy took it in stride, the dog owners apologetically restrained the beast, but the guy switched his intended seat over next to us, joking that he intended to leap into our laps if the dog made another move. About fifteen minutes later, we're discussing the Cecil performance and mention Duval. The gentleman leans over and says, "Dominic Duval? He and I are best friends!" Turns out he (name of T. Brooks Shepard, iirc) is Arthur Blythe's manager, just in from Boston to catch the Cecil show the next night! Cue up another round of stories. Great guy, we strongly suggested he get Arthur to enlist here, at least on the Ask the Musicians forum so keep your fingers crossed.....

Brian Olewnick · July-13th-2003, 01:03 PM

Late note: David and I will be going over to DMG this evening for a free in-store performance by soprano saxophonist Tom Chant at 7PM. Come on down.

No, I didn't attend Cecil last night....

David Gitin · July-14th-2003, 08:11 PM

First, I'd like to say what a great pleasure it was to meet and chat with Brian, Chris Castelle, Paul B. and the others I met.

Cecil's sets at the Knit were awesome. A couple of hours before the first set, first night, I was chatting with C.T. about how he not only maintains, but keeps it fresh in each performance, to which he replied "otherwise, it would be boring." Having heard him live for 41 or 42 years now, one word I'd never use in relation to him is 'boring.' Duvall impressed me with his fast ears and strong interaction with Cecil, more so than any other bassist I've heard with C.T. (and I've liked each one for different reasons).

Final NYC words on this thread. I can't get back next month, but I hope a lot of you jump to hear Dennis G. with Eskelin and Mark Helias. Should be something else!

Frisco · July-14th-2003, 11:22 PM

It's amazing how fresh he keeps the ideas flowing. I find Cecil more amazing each and every time I hear him play. And always hear (what seems to be) new ideas flowing from the piano. Boring? Never. I caught all four sets this weekend and could have listened to four more. Truly amazing.