Damn Mary,

What the hell did you do with that first part III?

So we complete our trilogy here.
I think Thursday is good for me.
I was just checking the Knitting Factory's future schedules and it seems that there's some great things happening in the new millenium. I know I'm jumping the gun, but I'm getting very excited about Joey Baron's Trio, Odean Pope's Big Project and ODETTA!! Hmmmm...Can't wait.

Thanks, Anthony sweetie. What time are the sets on Thursday? I guess you can e-mail me personally w/ all the pertinent info.

jazzymary,
I won't go see Miles Griffith. Pete has me very convinced that the guy is a hack and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like him.

Who's playing with Terrasson? Does anybody know?

Josh--don't rely on my taste, judge for yourself--I don't like sea cucumber or pig's kidney either, but I didn't know that until I tried them.

Josh, Have you ever heard Miles? Yes, he's an acquired taste but he's got a great voice and he's a real musician.
Why don't you come out for a little while? It won't cost you too much. No cover and I've never seen them enforce the minimum. Besides, with all the champagne I'll be drinking, they won't be worrying about the minimum!

maybe I can sneak into the city on thursday for Marty-We'll let you know...

Man, you guys and gal certainly know how to drudge up controversey. My curiosity has been tickled. Count me in for Wednesday Ms. Jazzy.

The set times for Marty Ehrlich is 8 & 9:30pm. The cover is $10 with a $5 drink minimum. Steve, I hope you can sneak in.

(@_@)
`~~~~'

I've got better things to do with my time then catch Miles Griffith. But I appreciate the incouragement.

Anthony, Is that in the Old Office?

yes mary Marty's in the Ol' office.

Josh, why are you so cruel?

How am I being cruel? I don't want to see this guy perform. People have been promoting him and promoting him. I'm not interested.

Pete,

Thanks for the heads up on Babbo. I didn't think that I would have to book that far in advance. I figured it shouldn't be that crowded on a wednesday. I better call soon. BTW, it's Mario Batali who is the co-owner of Babbo. His other place on Cornelia St., Po, is so small I figured I would try Babbo, a real nice looking place. I walked by there one night and wanted to go in for a drink but my wife and a friend punked out on me (too tired). I'm sure you know that Babbo used to be the Coach House, which is no more.

Josh,

Thanks so much for the invite on the 26th but "family/holiday stuff will prevent me from coming into the city on that particular day.

I know that jazzy mary has been to The Standard but has anyone else been? I hear it's a pretty nice place. Like I said, Tommy Flanagan is suppose to be there on the 29th and since I've never seen him live I figure it would be a nice date with my wife. I'll just have to warn her that there will be no singing. Now, if only Grady Tate was his drummer we probably WOULD get some vocals going................

Jimmy: You may luck out on Babbo if you go on a Sunday night, and/or call for a reservation at the last minute (cancellations!!!) Also, if you don't mind eating at the bar, you can usually get in.

The Jazz Standard is a VERY nice place, and the food is spectacular (and not too pricey).

hornplayer,

You know, maybe if I can't score a reservation at Babbo we just might eat at The Standard and stay right there for Tommy and the boys.

jazzy mary,

I don't have any plans to be in NYC other than the 29th, but I try to pop in every month or two when I can get away. There was a time that I came in each and every weekend but as you all know, a person can go broke what with all the restaurants, record stores, clubs, man, the only way I can save some money for bills is not to come as often because when I'm in the City, I'm IN the City. Last month I came in to see "Stomp" at the Orpheum. With dim sum in Chinatown and dessert in Little Italy before the theatre and snacks and drinks after the theatre and a trip to Tower Records on lower Broadway, I dropped about $400.00 that day alone. One of these days I'm sure I'll run into one or two of you guys in my travels. In the meantime I'll keep reading your posts and live vicariously through you NYers..................

hey Jimmy C:

Babbo is wonderful, but the food at the Standard is very good also (although not on the same level as Babbo). But if you do eat at the Standard, which I recommend, make sure you get the "upstairs" menu and wine list. The establishment consists of a stylish restaurant "27 Standard" upstairs and the nicest, most comfortable jazz club in New York "Jazz Standard" downstairs. The "downstairs" menu is more geared towards snacks, etc than full meals.

James,

Now you got me wondering if they have some kind of reservation system for "diners" getting preferential seating at the downstairs club. I know that at the VV, Bluenote, Sweet Basil, you show up and you grab a table. What I'm driving at is, if you make a reservation for dinner, can you make a reservation for the show?

I was on The Standard's website several times, but it's unclear as to how it works. I guess I'll just have to make a phone call, duh. At any rate, my first preference for dinner would be Babbo. I'll just have to use my old ruse of making a reservation under the name of Paul Newman or Jack Nicholson. You'd be surprised how quickly a table becomes available. The only dissapointment is when I show up. ; ^ ) *

Jimmy--the Standard is the best jazz club in NYC. They seat totally on a first come basis. The early set on weekdays is 8PM, and doors open at 7. You can dine from the upstairs menu at the downstairs club, so that would be your best bet. It is the least claustrophobic jazz club I've ever been in.

Hmmmmmmm, according to hardbop, VV is the best Jazz club in NYC. I'm sure I'll love The Standard. I've seen photos. It looks very spacious by comparison. The Bluenote is sardine city and Smalls is well, small and grungy but I like it. Bring your own drinks. What's better than that.?

<What's better than that.?> The Jazz Standard, with a first class menu and wine list.

The Jazz Standard certainly is the best from the standpoint of comfort and good food and drink. The VV has a "charm" of its own...

<What's better than that.?> The Jazz Standard, with a first class menu and wine list.

The Jazz Standard certainly is the best from the standpoint of comfort and good food and drink. The VV has a "charm" of its own...

Don't get me wrong hp. I'm all for comfort and good food AND wine. Smalls is a place to go AFTER you've already caught a set at places like The Standard or the Vanguard. It's always there, always convenient and you never know what may come up down under...............

This is the first I'm hearing about the Jazz Standard being so great. Good to know.

However my guess is Smalls is a lot more happening and you can catch young and up and coming players there nightly.

The "Standard" is basically the nicest club for the whole going out and seeing jazz, eating, having a complete evening experience. It is not cheap. I took my sister out last week for her birthday to see Jimmy Scott (she adored it) and we both had dinner, wine, cappucino and the check came to $120.00 and we were comped BOTH covers---so add another $30-40 on top of that. You don't have to have a full, big deal meal like that, you can just have something smaller. And if you have the Times card or IGT card--use it and get 25% off!

The VV is the greatest, most legendary jazz club in the world!! (IMO) but they do squeeze you in (I always end up having nice conversations with my table mates though) and heaven's knows they don't serve food, they barely serve drinks.

Smalls is nice, very collegial (literally, the place is full of college students--I always feel like the oldest person there)and the type of music is different. I like it though and have heard some great stuff there. It's inexpensive too--$10.00. My only complaint is that it's such a late night hang. The music doesn't START until 10:30!

At any rate, Jimmy I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time no matter what you choose!

Anthony B., Are you coming to Caviarteria tonight? I'll see you there. And what about Marty Erlich? The later set is better for me, I think.

Oh yeah, Jacky Terrasson has a sextet at Iridium, so that should be interesting! I'm going to try to find out who the personnel is. That is not an easy task with the Iridium. One time I called there to find out who was with someone and once the person understood that I was asking about who was playing at the club and they were able to understand that (after switching my call all over the place to find someone who might know); I was brazen enough to ask them who did this person have with them? "What?" "Who else is in the band?" "Oh, well there's someone who plays the bass and someone who plays the drums". Finally, I just blurted out "What are the cats' NAMES?" This is a true story.

I believe you about Iridium Mary. I've had similar experiences there, and I've always found their staff to be quite clueless indeed about the music they were programming.

Not so at the Standard, where I've always found the staff to be very friendly, and often quite well informed (my father even had an in-depth discussion there with the lady at the door about Eric Reed's sense of time in interpreting Monk!!). It is a place, however, that to me has always seemed a bit sterile and kinda Starbucks-like, but then I'm into the more "atmospheric" VV-type aesthetic (which many non-New Yorkers find to be an intolerable dump). The best things at the Standard are that the cover is usually lower on weeknights and Sundays,they don't often turn the house over on those nights, and in my experience they're not terribly picky about enforcing the minimum when the club isn't full as long as you keep your glass reasonably full.
The acoustics ain't half bad either.

Another note on the Marty Ehrlich gig at the Old Office this Thursday-Sunday: they will be recording a live album for release in the spring on the new Omnitone label (I found out because I'm on Omnitone's e-mail list). I don't know if I'll be able to catch it, but if I do it will be the first set on Friday. It promises to be a great gig (as noted above, it includes Tony Malaby on tenor, Jerome Harris on "acoustic bass guitar", and jazzy mary's new favorite drummer, Bobby Previte).

At the risk of sounding obnoxious (very easy for me), I have to say that at this point in my life when I go out to have a nice time, cover charges and cocktail prices do not faze me in the least. I am notorious for keeping a full cocktail glass. When I party I don't look for a bargain. Matter of fact, when I stay in the City for the weekend my hotel of choice is the Pierre or the St. Regis. This attitude is why I have to limit my visits. If I'm in the City, I drop the bread and to hell with tomorrow.

A friend who was supposed to hang with us said that because of Christmas he had to limit his spending. I told him that I understood but we're not going into NYC to pinch pennies. I figure it this way, if you can't hang then lay out. Uh, waiter, another bottle of Dom, please.............

You can use my name if it you think it'll help you score a table at Babbo.



Although, I can't imagine why it would.

 Hi Jazz Corner People, Here is something to do on
Staurday, Hope to see some of you Joe mcphee fans there!


SATURDAY, 12/11/99:
 w/ DOMINIC DUVAL & JOE 
GIARDULLO (Bluette), Jazz Gallery,
290 Hudson St. betw. Spring & Dominick St's
about halfway betw. Houston & Canal St's, 8
p.m., $1O. 

thelil,

I want to get a table, not arrested...............

I don't do message board plugs like this too often, but it IS free...

Michael Weiss Quartet with
Steve Davis, trombone
Paul Gill, bass
Joe Farnsworth, drums

at the Museum of Modern Art
5:30 - 8:00pm
Friday, December 17

Has anyone who visits this thread seen Joe McPhee? I've been seeing his name now for a while. Plan to check to him out soon.

And that Michael Weiss gig looks very good as well.

Hey Jimmy, I want to party with YOU!!

I swung by Caviarteria last night to catch Miles Griffith. Anthony B. I'm sorry you weren't able to make it as it was really good. Miles sounded great and his band was great too. Orrin Evans, Hill Greene and Nasheet Waits (w/ James Williams and Rodney Green sitting in). Miles was in the traditional jazz singer form last night (frankly how I like him best because he has a great voice, does fantastic arrangments of songs, can scat really beautifully, "feels" the lyrics--MOST important in my book, isn't that the point of songs--those beautiful lyrics that help us feel and understand our deepest emotions and cares better?--and just plain sounds good and swingin'). He sung mostly tunes from his new CD. He took that old chestnut "Sunrise, Sunset" and with his arrangment really made it new! He also sung "I've Grown Accustomed to her Face" (such a beautiful song) and some other stuff. I can absolutely assure you thatMiles
is not a hack but a musician who really knows the music. I think Miles' vocal "tricks" that sometimes he does too much is what turns people off. They think all he's going to do is just make a bunch of "noise" and scream and all. Yes, he does some of that (not very much last night)but that is just a small part of his music. He is a fine vocalist. I have his new "Spiritual Freedom" CD and I can't wait to play it.

I also received a CD today from Greg Turner-Art Gore's "Artwork". I just put that on and I'm enjoying it.

Who's seeing Marty Erhlich tonight? Anthony B. what's up with that?

Hey Mary, again I apologize...that gig sounded real sweet. I definitely want to hear these vocal "tricks" as they seem rather unorthodox...right up my alley.

I am asking the same question about Marty. Who's coming tonight with me & Mary? Josh, Steve, Paul?

Which set are you going to? I've been a little under the weather so I'll have to see how I'm feeling.

no go for Ehrlich-maybe tommorow-car is broken

Josh-maybe you'll find out if Farnsworth & Alexander are in fact different guys.

Josh--I've seen McPhee numerous times over the last 22 or so years (!). At his best, I really think he has few peers, both in conception and instrumental ability. Other times (and this is just a factor of my own taste, of course) he takes a quasi-spiritual bent that leaves me a bit cold. Last time I caught him was at Merkin earlier this year, where he performed a (soon-to-be-recorded, I think) tribute suite to his late friend, the painter Alton Pickens.

Certainly worth checking out. People know Duval's work, I take it, but Giardullo is also a pretty mean player.

Here is the MoMa schedule for Jan. All shows are free and there are two sets. Music goes from 5:30-8pm. This is taken from the MoMa webpage.

<<January 7 Ted Nash Quintet.
Inspired by traditional music of Argentina and the rhythms of New Orleans second-line music, the group of saxophonist/clarinetist Nash features an unusual instrumentation of clarinet, violin, accordion, tuba, and drums.
January 14 Ben Allison & Medicine Wheel.
The improvisations of Medicine Wheel blend evocative rhythms and melodies in a sound collage of folk roots and urban sensibility. The group of bassist Allison includes two saxophones, cello, and drums.
January 21 Michael Blake & Free Association.
Saxophonist Michael Blake and his pianoless quintet create “music that takes us through time and around the world.”
January 28 Frank Kimbrough & Noumena.
Novelist Jack Kerouac wrote, “Noumena is what you see with your eyes closed.” The music of pianist Kimbrough and group explores the hazy areas between composition and improvisation.>>

When describling Blake's Free Association, the word pianoless should be replaced by passionless. I like Michael blake when he's with Allison, but this band is BORING!

"Tricks" is a kind word.

Josh, I recommend Joe McPhee's music to anyone with adventurous ears. Be advised that he has been a personal friend of mine for over 30 years, but I have not allowed that fact to color my opinion.

Brian, I was at Merkin that night. I hope you got as much out of the evening as I did.

Cool Chris. I didn't know you listened to such "adventurous music".

Josh, to really enjoy a good stew, one must savor all the ingredients. :-)

I too want to party with Jimmy C... sounds fun.

You didn't sound obnoxious, but I'm afraid Jimmy that those of us who are trying to live here and pay the rent can't quite take that "price be damned" view of our fair, exciting, and frighteningly expensive at times, city.

Love the music, but do hafta worry about those prices if I want to see more of it.

Chris A--Interesting! I've known Joe since 1975 or so and, in fact, was introduced by Alton Pickens, who was my painting professor at Vassar (and a great one). So the suite dedicated to him struck specially poignant chords in me but still, trying to be objective, I thought it was a very beautiful work.

Did you know Alton also?

Last night, Mary, James and I saw the second set of Marty Ehrlich's Traveller's Tales. It was a strong set, but Mary is going to tell you that it didn't swing. Well, just keep in mind that she also said that Ray Anderson's Pocket Brass Band didn't swing. She also said that Max Roach & So What 5 Brass Band doesn't swing either. Alright, it was rather sterile and stiff, and it did lack a good groove with the exception of a couple of pieces. This was a lot different from the performance I saw at this past Bell Atlantic Jazz Festival. The highlight for me was the duet between Ehrlich's flute & Jerome Harris as they performed Hemphill's "The Painter". I'm sure Mary and James have a lot to add don't really want to say much more, I have one those headaches from NOT drinking the night before.

This hellish morning, on my hellish walk to work, I was pleasantly surprised by Phil Schaap interviewing Randy Weston. He told lots of stories about Brooklyn, Hawk, Bird, Max Roach, the scene back in the 40s. It was great.

They were plugging an event happening this weekend. It's a Duke Ellington tribut at Aaron Davis Hall at CCNY. The performance is at 8pm on Saturday Night. John Hicks and Jason Moran will also be on the bill. Looks good.

Anthony B. I think I DID think Ray Anderson SWUNG!! I'll weigh in later with my remarks on MArty Erhlich but I have to go do something right now!

No, Brian, I'm afraid I never met Alton, but he sounds like someone I should have met.

"I think I DID think Ray Anderson SWUNG!"

Woops, sorry about that. I thought I remembered the contrary, but I read your review again and I am mistaken. I apologize.

Well, it sound like Jazzy Mary now knows what wanking is.

Those of you who were not aware that Chris A listens to Joe McPhee must not own "Survival Unit II." He wrote some very nice liner notes for that disk and, if I am not mistaken, was involved in the production as well.

Anthony, it's hard for me to believe that Ehrlich could have put on a "sterile and stiff" show...he's one of the most versatile and interesting players on the scene. Was he feeling ill? Was the vibe in the room bad? As for the "not swinging" stuff, well...it's becoming tiresome to hear that about great players just because they don't fit someone's idea of what this music is supposed to be about. I'll pass on the narrow-minded definitions of jazz.

Next.

Bye-ya.

Paul, let me clarify. It wasn't entirely "sterile" or "stiff". There just wasn't a good flow to some of the pieces. He was trying some new pieces and some adventurous arrangements and it might not have been as tight as it should have been. There was some really nice listening (beautiful) between Malaby and Ehrlich as they were dueting throughout a couple of the pieces. However, they didn't seem to be on the same plane as Previte and Harris. There didn't seem to be a lot a cohesion between the whole quartet. This was the first night of a four night run, so they may tighten up for the weekend shows.

That's the way I felt about the Maneri set. No cohesion. But what do I know.

Anybody else notice the arrival of one wayward poster? Funny that he comes in with a useless comment that he himself so despises.

Paul B, why is it hard for you to believe that Ehrlich's group could have had a bad night? Believe me, they did - I was there. Anthony B's descriptions are quite perceptive (although I disagree with him about the high point - I really liked Ehrlich's solo on "Tears of rage", and thought the duet with Harris was snooze-inducing). I see Ehrlich every chance I get, and this was definitely the weakest set I've seen by him. If anything, I would think that you'd expect an adventurous, creative guy like Ehrlich to fall flat some times - isn't the essence of experimentation that some experiments fail?

The weakest link by far was Tony Malaby. He just did nothing of interest. His tone was fine, but his playing seemed rather rote and his (few) solos were very pedestrian. I'm beginning to wonder about this guy and all the praise he has received - I've seen him twice now and been disappointed both times. Maybe I've just been unlucky (I was bored by Jason Moran the first few times I saw him, too, and now I'm a fan).

It wasn't a terrible evening by any means, and there were some fine moments (especially by Bobby Previte - he was really on). And no, the music didn't swing - it was quite static at times, despite Previte's best efforts. Again, that's no indictment of the band, just a comment on what we heard. jazzy mary is a perceptive and open-minded listener whose tastes are a bit more conservative than mine or Anthony's or yours, but she can hear just fine.

I'd love to go hear this group on Sunday night after they've had a chance to get it together, but alas I will be out of town. I urge others to go check 'em out, though, in the hope of catching a better set than we did.

Tony Malaby is a total MF- he's one of the baddest cats on the planet and a refreshing addition to the NYC free scene.

He is one of the most consistent musicians I have ever heard, and I have heard him many times. I didn't catch the Erlich show, so I don't know what went down. But posters should not be discouraged from checking him out in any context. He is a complete musician- just ask all the cats he works with how much they value his musicianship. He can play anything and play it creatively, with chops, passion, integrity. You'll hear a lot more from him.

SG

Sorry guys, I didn't mean to sound heavy handed with that comment, or bring into question your tastes and listening abilities. I've hung with Anthony and know what kind of listener and player he is, so I apologize for the way I phrased that. I guess I've just always been so impressed with Marty's playing that to hear it described as "stiff" was a little unsettling...but you guys were there, so I'll take your word!! :-) And as I said in my post, it probably was due to something causing him to have a bad night.

The reportage all you guys bring from the front is great, as you get to far more shows than I do. Sorry for the poorly worded comments.

Bye-ya.

In the past year and a half I've seen Malaby on numerous occasions (including with this same Ehrlich band which was incredible). I love his tone and his passion, but I have seen him play without inspiration before. Yet I agree, he is a great addition to the scene. Steve, why don't you post hear more often? I'd like to hear from you.

Paul, no problem man. Compared to Heinous's last post, I don't see anything poorly worded in what you wrote.

(@_@)
`~~~~'

Mary, I'm still anxiously waiting for your review...

I don't live in NYC, which is one reason I don't post on this thread much, although I try to get down to the city when I can. Also my schedule prevents me from checking in to Jazz Corner and its threads more often. But also I confess to find the conversation on the boards a little 'samey' at times, so I lurk until I feel I have something to say.

I know Malaby pretty well as a person as well as a musician, and over the many times I have heard him play he never seemed to me to be uninspired, but you're entitled to your opinion. The vibe I get is total commitment to the music.

On Friday, I caught Roy Nathanson's Alphabet Lounge Big Band. I always enjoyed the jam sessions that Roy held at the Knitting Factory Tap Bar. This music was very well arranged, but still had a lot his quirky nature which exuded through the rest of the band. This orchestra had 4 saxes, a trumpet, Steve Swell's trombone (who played some nice solos), a violin, a cello, a piano, a bass, and drums. I believe they also play every Monday at the Alphabet Lounge in the East Village (hence their name). They're a lot of fun.

Did anyone get to see Joe McPhee or the Duke Ellington tribute at CCNY with Weston, Moran and Hicks on Saturday night?

This Thursday, there is a very interesting gig at Tonic led by Mark Dresser on bass, Skuli Sverrisson on electric bass guitar & Gerry Hemmingway and Mike Sarin on drums. That set is at 10pm.

This Friday, Jean-Michel Pilc is playing at this place called InHouse at 474 Greenwich St., just south of Canal St. They're will be a Steinway there for Pilc to work his magic. Of course he'll be with Francois Moutin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums. I highly recommend this. That set is at 8pm with an $8 cover.

Anthony B. I haven't forgotten your request for my Marty Erhlich review. I just haven't had a moment! I'm SO busy at work plus with all the holiday stuff. I saw Jacky Terrasson last night.

I will try to post something thorough soon!

Is anyone going to that "Tenor Trio" at Birdland this week? Josh thinks it will be a Coltrane overload but I think that kind of overload can be a good thing! How could Brecker, Lovano and Leibman on the same stage be a bad thing? Although it is competing with Jackie McLean, Cedar Walton and Billy Higgins at the Vanguard.

Ahh, my swansong in the city.... I wonder if I should hit the Jazz Record Center this close to Christmas?

Later,
Kevin

Anthony,
I was sitting in my house doing nothing Sat. when I got a call from my pops. He told me he heard some good jazz on the radio and that the musicians were playing up at City College that night. He asked me if I wanted a ticket. So next thing you know I'm checking out Weston, Hicks, and Moran.

More or less a run of the mill show. Few highlights because they played it very straight. Well Weston is his own man so he didn't but he meandered a bit too much I felt. There were some strong moments but these tribute concerts I find are just a dead medium.

Later I went to see John Brown's Body at Makor. I like that place and find it to be a welcome addition to the NY Music Scene.

Kevin may be right...could be cool. At the very least it would be nice to hear Liebman on tenor, on which I think he sounds much better than soprano. And these are perhaps the three great post-Coltrane tenors...

Anthony & Josh, are you going?

Bye-ya.

Kevin and I going on Thursday. Want to come out Paul? Anyone else is welcome to join us. Looks like we'll see Mark Whitfield on Tuesday at the Zinc if anyone is interested in that as well.

Thursday may be good for me. I kind of wanted to see that Mark Dresser gig at Tonic. But it depends on what set everybody is catching. Furthurmore, it depends if MTA is in working non-strike mode.

I have a dinner with some friends early that evening, but could head uptown after. What time do the sets start? What's the cover at Birdland?

With luck the transit strike will not happen...because if it does, I'll only be travelling as far as my CD player.

Bye-ya.

Good point about the transit strike. Forgot about that. Sets usually start around 9pm at Birdland. Cover varies but I think it's 10 or 15 at the bar and 20 or so at the tables. I hope to talk Kevin into staying at the bar.

Coming in to see Tommy Flanagan at The Standard on the 29th of this month. Planned to have dinner at Babbo in the Village. A few of you told me that was a hard reservation to get with less than a month in advance. Well, I tried to make a reservation this past Saturday. The only thing available was 10:30 PM. Nah, not me.

So, since a couple of you gave good reviews to the food at 27 Standard, I decided to check THEM out. I was also advised that the club downstairs from the restaurant was on a first come first seating basis. I asked the nice lady that answered the phone if it was possible to get a GOOD table for the first set if I ate dinner upstairs. She said, "Do you want to sit right up front?" I said, "Not necessarily, as long as I can see the twinkle in Tommy Flanagan's eyes I'll be happy". She assured me she will hold a good table for me. This remains to be seen.

After the first set at The Standard I figured we could stop by Smalls later to see what was going on or maybe the Tap Room at the Knit. Could I just show up at the Tap Room?

Jimmy, How come you don't want to eat downstairs? It's the same menu and kitchen. Be sure that they hold a table for you. A couple of times I've been all ensconced at my table at the Standard---everyone knew I was there, my magazine still there indicating someone is there, I'd go to the back to talk or eat with my pals only to come back to see my table gone, my half-full drink gone, even my magazine gone! They gave me another drink but I never did get my copy of "The New Republic" back!

jazzy m,

I want to eat upstairs because I'm just as serious about my food as I am about my music. I have a feeling that the upstairs would have a nicer atmosphere for dining. But of course, you've been there so you would know for sure. Besides, from what I understand, there's not a bad seat in the house. How crowded can it be on a wednesday? Full house?

New Republic?!?!

egads

on offense, just seems like an odd mag to be reading in a jazz club....

It's (almost) time for The Fringe, baby!!!

well-only 2 weeks......

Jimmy: From what I remember the atmosphere is very different upstairs at the Standard from downstairs and I think you would enjoy the good food better in the dining room. I thought the downstairs menu was different. I seem to remember the menu I was given downstairs was basically appetizers, etc.

Jimmy C, you have a wise plan. Eat upstairs, then head downstairs for Tommy. The food's the same, but upstairs is more of an elegant atmosphere. As for the Knit, yes, you can just drop in any time. Its VERY unlikely you won't be able to get in. For wazzup at the Knit, check their obviously-named web site.

(usage query: is it "web site" or "website"?)

Steve R, what's odd about reading the New Republic at a jazz club? What would more appropriate reading be?

Valerie, your recollection is correct, but you can always request the upstairs menu (and fab wine list) when you're downstairs.

Valerie and James,

Thanks for the confirmation on the dining room upstairs. I could understand jazzy mary's concern about getting a good table downstairs by walking in at the last minute, but if they try to seat me in "Siberia", I'll just tell them that I'm a good friend of jazzy's and it will be like Moses parting the Red Sea. ; ^ ) *

That's right, Jimmy. Phaheem, the manager, knows me well. And Victor, THE BEST bartender in the world is, I think, a little in love with me. I totally dig him too. The atmosphere upstairs is nicer but remember ---MAKE SURE they save your seat!!!

Went to that same CCNY show Josh, and I concur with your asessment -- a lot of dead air in that room. It had many of the problems that can afflict both concert jazz, and "tributes".

Too bad really, as they're all first-rate players in different ways. But I do agree that the tribute format really tends to stifle more than it enlightens, and often produces rather lifeless music that only serves to highlight its lack of freshness in relation to the original. Moran's set basically made me want to go home and listen to "Money Jungle" again, as the approach seemed largely modeled on that session. Similarly, the short Hicks/Lundy set (which may have been the best one of the evening once they got in synch) put me in the mood to hear the Ellington/Blanton duets again. Randy Weston did come up with a more orginal approach. Unfortunately, it was pretty much exactly the SAME original approach he used at Lincoln Center this summer in his duet with Alex Blake. Without the instrumental tension that the duet produced it just kind of meandered flatly to a conclusion.

Down to the Knit for Roscoe Mitchell this weekend. My wife's never seen the man, just heard my recordings, so I figured it's about time. He's got Hugh Ragin of course, Matthew Shipp, Craig Taborn, Leon Dorsey, Gerald Cleaver, and my hometown guys Jaribu Shahid and Tani Tabbal.

I would imagine that the impending transit strike is really going to kill some club business for the next day or two (although I don't think the strike will go any longer than that, IF it happens at all -- there's too much at stake for all involved). Maybe the big clubs will do OK though, what with all the tourists in town this time of year.

Jimmy C., I reckon your dinner reservations are all set but if you're interested in going to Balthazar, e-mail me personally and I'll give you their private number.

You've probably already told me a million times, but HOW long are you going to be in NYC? I ask because Cedar Walton is going to be at the VV that week and Javon Jackson at Sweet Basil. I'll be seeing Javon that Wednesday (I think). Hey, maybe after the Standard gig you and your wife could swing by Sweet Basil and say "Hi". Very convenient, you know, if you're going to be going to Smalls.

Well, tonight was going to be Mark Whitfield at the Zinc Bar but the first set doesn't kick off 'til *10:30*! That's just too late, even for only one set. So I guess it's the Vanguard tonight. I can't go wrong with Jackie Mac and Cedar Walton.

I hope this strike doesn't happen. I won't be going to Birdland Thurs. night if there is a strike. It would be a fitting end to my days in New York, however. Now I can go back to hating New York for a good reason! :>)

Later,
Kevin

Damn, I didn't know it almost time for Roscoe's Note Factory already! Al, which set are you catching?

Also at the Knit's Old Office from Thursday to Sunday is Tim Berne's trio with Drew Gress and Tom Rainey.

Kevin, how is there possibly ANYTHING to hate about New York?

Kevin,
Watch what you say about my town or I might have to leave you hanging tonight.;)

Al,
Yeah Money Jungle came to my mind as well. Although I was literally asleep for half of that set. Didn't they do a tune off the Coltrane/Ellington album? I liked that one. But you're right. I expected a lot more. Figured you can't go wrong with Weston or particularly Hicks who I always like. His last tune was really nice but otherwise I wanted to catch up on the Zzzs....

What night is Roscoe playing? That lineup looks killer. Think I'll be checking that out. I really dig Hugh Ragin and his machine gun tech.

Roscoe Mitchell's Note Factory
Knitting Factory Main Space
This Saturday & Sunday 12/18-19
8pm & 10:30pm, $14 in advance $16 at the door

and that trio with Berne will be over the top.

Paraphrase is the name of the band.

jazzy,

We're just coming in for Wednesday the 29th. Your're right, I've already got reservations for 27 Standard for dinner. This way we can stuff our faces and just amble downstairs to the club. I'll be sure to say hi to Victor for you. Does he build a proper martini?

I plan on parking somewhere near the restaurant which means that after the 8:00 set we'll just hop into the car and drive down to the Village and probably park near Washington Square Park for the night. There's a garage there that's very convenient.

I think I read somewhere that the Chico Freeman Group will be at Sweet Basil that night. So, unless Javon Jackson is gigging with Chico he won't be at Sweet Basil THAT night. There's a good chance that we'll be strolling in that area around ten looking to get into trouble. If I pass by SB I'll be sure to pop in and say hi. Last time I was at SB I saw Sonny Fortune and John Hicks. Before a friend and I could leave that night, I had to remove a Japanese tourist who passed out right in my lap. Man, he was wasted!

BTW, thanks for the offer to hook me up with Balthazar but that will have to be another time. I hear it's a real nice place..................

Jimmy, Victor makes fantastic martinis and cosmopolitans. He may not be on duty that night, he's usually there on the weekends. Hmmmm, I'm a tad confused about Sweet Basil. Javon is supposed to be there that week--that's what the Hothouse said and that's what Javon told me too. Well, we'll see. DO stop by Sweet Basil. How will we know one another? Well, we'll figure that out later.

Just curious, Jimmy C., do you live near N.Y.C.?

jm,

I live in Monroe, Connecticut (Fairfield County). It takes me about an hour and a half to get to Riverside Drive. As I said before, until the last couple of years, I came into town just about every weekend to play. Lately, I've been getting lazy living the "country life". I come into town occasionally, although not as much as I would like. As a matter of fact, the only reason I'm coming in on that Wednesday is because I have the whole week off from work for Christmas vacation.

BTW, I remember reading a post by you where you describe yourself as a tall redhead, so I'll be able to recognize you easily enough. Me? Oh, I'm 6' 1" and without my glasses I look exactly like Mel Gibson (yeh, right). Don't worry, if I'm around you'll KNOW it. I got a big mouth. Maybe I'll wear one of my "John Gotti" suits that night..........................

Just got back from the Sweet Basil website. Their shedule lists "The Chico Freeman Group" for December 28, 1999 to January 2, 2000. But they also list "The Javon Jackson Quartet" on Friday, December 31, 1999. ???????????????

I remember Al in NYC raving about Jackie McLean and the Cedar Walton trio a while back. I almost went to see them back then but couldn't find the time. Well last night I rectified that with Mr. Bluenote himself, Kevin Bresnahan. We get there around 8:15 and Kevin is worried we'll be at the back of the line. Sure enough we're the first ones there so we get our pick of the seats. Kevin is saying we should sit in the front table but I never like to do that. So this was my first time being so close. Man we were right on top of stage.

Well it was a real treat to see these guys. Walton opened with a Strayhorn medley. Then Jackie came on and they played Nature Boy at a faster tempo then I've heard before. Man oh man. It was amazing sitting right under the masters horn. He even had his name inscribed in the bell. And he sounded much better then this summer when I saw him at the Parker fest. His chops were in order and he seemed my confortable away from Gary Bartz.:0

What about Billy Higgins? I'm surprised to say that that was my first time seeing him. Kevin tells me he's called Smiling Billy. Man what joy he brings to the stage. And he was in fine form despite his health problems.

One last thing. I heard this really impressive Monk medley on BGO this morning. I'm thinking to myself, who the hell is this? Damn this guy can play. Bite my tongue, it was the Keeper of the BeBop Flame.:0 Next thing you know Alexander may start sounding good. Oh vey!

Barry could always play... it's just the shrillness of some of his "supporters" that obscured the sound.

Glad you enjoyed that group Josh. They really are excellent in the proper club setting. Jackie Mac, Cedar, and Billy are three of my favorite musicans of all time, and it's a real joy to see them still playing good challenging material very well.

God, am I exhausted... even though we only stayed for the first set, I still didn't get into my hotel bed in Fishkill until 1:40. That 6:30 alarm was a very rude awakening!:>)

What a show. Even though I've seen Jackie Mac several times before, it has always been with his "student band". This was one of those shows where there was so much happening at once that you didn't know who to watch. Since I had never seen "Smilin'" Billy Higgins before, I spent a great deal of the time watching him play. Man, for a guy who underwent a liver transplant a few years ago, this guy can still play!!! Jackie was wailing. He projects such a full sound... of course, when you're sitting in front of his bell, it *has* to sound full. :>)

There is nothing like sitting in that front seat at the Vanguard. It was funny. Josh didn't really want to sit there and when they lowered the house lights and turned on the stage lights (on an empty stage), it was like *we* were in the lights. I felt like I should have stood up and bowed.

I had a blast. Anyone looking for a good set this week should catch them.

Tomorrow night is the tenor trio at Birdland. It should make a fitting end to my days as a New Yorker. I'm still a little leery about sitting at the bar at Birdland. It always looks so smokey and cramped. Anyone else have an opinion?

Lastly, it was nice meeting Anthony last night. Of course, Josh and I had to take him shopping. We went to Academy Records and scored some good cheap Jazz. I found a Billy Pierce CD with the late, great Alan Dawson on drums (from the Sunnyside label) for a whole $1.99. Anthony picked up TK Blue's latest and Nick Brignola's "Live at Sweet Basil" for $1.99 each too. But the "steal" of the night was a used copy of the super rare Phil Woods Portrait (via Epic) CD "Warm Woods". For $4.99! I saw a copy go for big $$ on ebay a few months back. Even though I already have it, I couldn't let it sit. There must have been something about oop Portrait CDs because I also found Illinois Jacquet's "Banned In Boston". A good night...

Later,
Kevin

Gosh Josh, I always like to sit in front when I hear music. I feel like I can "feel" the music that much more. It's much more exciting for me. A couple a years ago I saw the "Phineas Newborn" award ceremony for Billy Higgins at Merkin Hall. It was very moving. All these great drummers did solos in honor of him.

I want to go record buying with you guys sometime. For some reason I am just not "hip" to all the places to buy cds.

Mary, there are a lot of great places to scope out new/used Jazz CDs in the city. Josh and I seem to have good luck at both Academy (10 W. 8th St) and NYCD (426 Amsterdam, near W. 79th St). But the first place you should go just for the sheer effect is the Jazz Record Center (236 W. 26th St, #804). What a place! Thousands of Jazz CDs and LPs which you browse through while great Jazz pumps out of the speakers and the walls are pasted with Jazz photos. Only 2 drawbacks that I can think of, 1. it's only open 'til 6:00 and 2. the prices are bit high (especially on LPs).

BTW, if you go to Academy, plan your trip to happen around dinner time. There's a brewery across the street (which I think is called The Tap Room) that serves an excellent Hefe-Weiss beer that is very authentic to the Bavarian Style... skip the lemon and drink it like a true German.

Later,
Kevinb

Academy is 18 St. but that's close enough Kevin. Also NYCD is between 80 and 81 St. I'd say Academy and NYCD are the two best in NY price wise and you can always find some good things there. Jazz Record Center has a huge selection but the CD's are bit more expensive.

Jazzymary,
I don't like to sit up front usually because I like some space between myself and the musicians. Plus I don't want to look like a guber. You all know who you are. :0

As for Birdland, the bar isn't very smokey. I'm smokey but that's another matter. My only concern Kevin is the loot. After shelling out yesterday I can't really afford to sit at the tables. Not to metion the Ornette box I just ordered online. Need to cut back a bit. But the bar is just as good as the tables if we get there around 8pm. Trust me.

Hey Josh, Does that mean I look like a guber? Whatever the heck that is! Kevin, in re: Birdland the bar is as good as the tables if you get there early enough to get the seats on the stage side. I don't remember the bar being smoky.

Wow, what a night. I'm sorry I went home, but I managed to get some work done so I don't feel like a complete waste.

I went back to Academy today to get my bag back and I ended buying yet another CD (this was of the non-jazz variety however).

It was great to finally meet the great Kevin Bresnahan. How much is the bar at Birdand? and what set is everyone catching? I'm still a maybe on this one:{

Finally, speaking of Birdland, today is the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of the ORIGINAL Birdland. It's time to pull out all those classic Live at Birdland recordings to celebrate.

Just kidding around jazzymary. Just kidding. Actually that was directed more toward Bresnahan then anyone else.

Anthony,
Lovano, Brecker, and White Coltrane. Can you make it? Should be fun. I think the cover is 10 or 15 at the bar. Maybe a drink mininum. It's reasonable.

isn't guber spelled goober-:)

and yeah-I know who I am!!

Goober yo!

Funny thing is "Goobers" were always chocolate-covered peanuts when I was growing up. I think the term Josh was looking for was "Jazz Geek".

What's up Anthony, were you afraid to buy a non-Jazz CD while shopping with me & Josh? :>) Actually, Academy is probably one of the cheaper places for all styles of music. I once found a used copy of the Ten Thousand Maniac's "In My Tribe" there for around $5. Not a bad price.

Later,
Kevin

Actually Kevin, my love for Indian Classical was reignited today, so I picked up a sealed recording of ragas from sitarist Shahid Parves.

You guys should hear the David Murray CD I bought last night with him playing all those Dead tunes. I never heard any thing so alien as Murray soloing over a backbeat to the groove of "Shakedown Street" - YIKES!

Josh this is the info you asked for in your e-mail. I copied it from post #60:

"This Friday, Jean-Michel Pilc is playing at this place called InHouse at 474 Greenwich St., just
south of Canal St. They're will be a Steinway there for Pilc to work his magic. Of course he'll be
with Francois Moutin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums. I highly recommend this. That set is at
8pm with an $8 cover."

Also, I'd like to point out that alto man Mike DiRubbo is playing with a trio over at Kavehaz on Friday and Saturday. Love those sax trios!

Finally, we should keep in mind that Ron Carter's quintet is playing the Iridium until Sunday with Houston Person. There's just too much happenin

(@_@)
`~~~~'

I actually like that Murray/Dead CD, but that's no doubt partly because I'm a retired Deadhead (over 100 shows, mostly during the 1980s).

Oh James,

Don't get me wrong, I liked it too. Just hearing that straight backbeat freaked me out at first.

A retired Deadhead eh? I work with a guy who is a retired Deadhead. I'm going to use this Murray Dead tribute to get him into jazz. I'm always plotting.

Hello? Kevin Bresnahan? Hello? Are you there?

I don't mean to be a pain in the ass but I don't recall seeing that review of Joe Maneri's "Coming Down The Mountain" you promised. I know you've been busy with moving and all but did you ever submit a full review? Maybe you did and I missed it. I know you said that you listened to the cd once and your wife requested that you cease and desist. Did you get a chance to give the cd more than a cursory listen?

I know that Larry Nagel wanted to listen to it also. That is if you don't wish to keep it..................

I also listened to quite a bit of The Dead in my day, but only attended a few shows.

I was the farthest thing from the dead heads that I knew-who in most cases, listened to only one type of music-The Dead

I, however, got nothing from the Murray Octet Dead CD

maybe it's just another one of my personal problems-:)

I should have figured I was surrounded by Dead Heads. Only you Garcia nuts would be so passionate about music.

Got Hugh Ragin playing right now and I'm trying to figure out what Jiveman doesn't like here. It's not out at all. Man this guy has Bergonzi chops on trumpet yet he's doing something useful with it.

My review of "Coming Down the Mountain" will be forthcoming. I still haven't had the time to sit down and give it a thorough listen and right now I'm still living out of a suitcase. I don't want to give it a half-assed listen. Today should be my final day down here in New York. My house, though unpacked, is still in quite a disarray.

I will say that Larry will be getting it next. I'm not going to be keeping it. Although it has its moments, it's just not my cup o tea.

Later,
Kevin

Hey Josh-Is that the "Afternoon In Harlem" record you're listening to?I didn't think he was out either,what little I heard,but I didn't hear anything I liked...He may have Bergonzi's chop's,but does he have Bergonzi's melodicism and harmonic knowledge?If he does I sure didn't hear anything approaching that on the title cut!Your machine gun desciption sounds cool,but I haven't heard that.I'll be used C.D shopping soon-I'll keep my eyes open for a inexpensive Ragin C.D.

Jiveman,
You heard only one tune? That explains it. I think if you pick it up you'll find something of interest here. I really like the CD so far. Spans the gamut in it's range of styles. Amiri Baraka doesn't even sound half bad.

Hooked up with various internet buddies last night to see Michael Brecker, Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano last night. What a performance! These three guys are incredible players and yet they all have there own thing going. So to hear them side by side was a treat. The jazz community was out in force last night. Former JCSer Ryan was pointing out all the different people. John Scofield, Bill Evans (sax), James Williams, the Jazz Pariah, George Avakian, and many others.

The first set was mostly bebop tunes, straight ahead but cooking. Lovano stood out a good deal but Brecker was amazing as always. Liebman didn't really get it going. They ended the set at a break neck tempo trading choruses, then eights, fours, and so on. That was mind bogging and a jazz highlight for me. 3 guys with absolute control of the horn just ripping it apart.

The second set though was more interesting. At least the part I was there for. They opened with India. I kept wondering when they would play some Trane and they finally did. Paul B who showed late thought they would be doing this straight ahead thing but that was a real impressive rendition of the tune. This is were Liebman got it going. He switched to the soprano and just blew it all away. I'd say it was the most original solo of the night. Next they did some tune in the Miles Plugged Nickel vein. Again Liebman came out ahead. After that Brecker did a mind boggling performance of Round Midnight. I've never heard anyone play the horn like that before. Not even Brecker. Paul and I just stared at each other. Yet he had the emotional warmth of a robot. I just can't figure it out. Makes you wonder if the guy has ever been hurt?

At this point Kevin wanted to split so we took off. Unfortunately I heard them get into Footprints which may be my favorite tune of all time. I await some more comments from Paul on that one.

Tremendous night. I hope they record these guys. Ryan said they might from what I understand. Although I'd replace Billy Hart with Elvin Jones if that is possible.

Well I've got Michael Weiss and then Bar Kokhba on tap tonight.

Brecker, Liebman, Lovano...with Billy Hart and Rufus Reid thrown into the mix.

Josh, Kevin, Anthony...what are your thoughts?

I found it to be an invigorating show, with some stellar moments. I wish we could have been sitting out front, as the drums often overwhelmed me from the side. I almost would have like the piano to disappear, as I think with three powerful front men like this and bass/drums of that caliber, the piano was superfluous.

For me, the high point (and surprise) was Liebman, whose soprano sounded warmer and less brittle than I've heard it before. I really think he was building interesting, quirky solos, and was avoiding anything rote. He'd step back from the mic for a second, as if to let things breathe, before he fired away with a new line. Lovano also played wonderfully, with his warm, fat sound and angular lines working marvelously with the grooves laid down. And what can you say about Brecker? His stentorian chops are amazing, and he only seems to get better with age. And yet, he leaves me cold in a way. When I listen to him I'm in awe of his finesse, but the music he is making doesn't really touch me. It's as if he's playing the same solo on every tune. At one point I saw Liebman shake his head and nod at Lovano, as if to say, "well, that can't really be beat, but we'll keep doing our own thing." And do their own thing they did.

Quite possibly the three greatest post-bop tenor players around, and it was awesome to see all three on stage at once.

Josh and Kevin, you left before a rousing version of "Footprints" which closed out the second set. They started trading choruses at the end, then fours, then twos, until they all merged into a free-for-all solo that brought the house down.

Bye-ya.

Ah man! Wish Kevin had wanted to stay for that last tune. It would have been the perfect capper.

maybe we can see the fourth on the 26th


It's (almost) time for The Fringe, baby


great reviews, guys


waiting for yours, Kev

And Anthony as well.

I CAN'T BELIEVE I missed the rendition of INDIA, WHY O WHY did I HAVE to leave after the first set!?!

I basically have the same feelings. Good stuff from Lovano, Liebman, Brecker. Like Paul and Josh, Brecker leaves me very cold. All technique, he doesn't seem to sing with the horn which is so vital to this music. I really liked Liebman's soprano solo on "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise". That was the highlight for me, As well as that chase at the end of the set. Lovano also played a beautiful ballad by himself (the title of which I can't remember). And what can you say about that rhythm section. Hart and Reid swung like mad!

JOSH! What did I tell you about dissin' my man Hart?! :(

I dug Hart more then Bresnev did but he was a bit loud and at times just drowned them out. These guys all come out of Trane and I'm thinking Elvin Jones would be a better foil for them. But then you run the risk of rehashing the past so it's questionable.

I agree a little about Hart...I don't know why drummers have to be so overwhelming. But it seems to be pretty common in modern jazz. And we were sitting on the side, so the drums were louder than they might have been had we been front and center. But with horn players who have the power of these three, I guess the drummer needs to play hard to keep up.

Anthony, I'm bummed I missed Lovano's ballad. I would have rather heard that than Brecker's "Round Midnight," because as amazing as his work on that was (starting out a cappella) it quickly turned into something that had little to do with the tune.

Bye-ya.

maybe Cyrille should have been the guy. He *only* plays loud when the music calls for it.

Just saw "tenor summit" at B-land. Pretty good show, with Brecker taking the honors for his solo on (the newer) "Milestones". Phil Markowitz (sp)? and Billy Hart and Rufus Reid sounded great too. Was a little disappointed that Brecker brushed me off after I offered my compliments, though. Oh well. I know the guy must have been preoccupied, but I know that I will never disregard a young player like that- no matter where my career goes. (sigh...)

saxnova-would love if you could join a few of us on the 26th when we check out George Garzone with his trio(The Fringe) at the knit.

Steve- would love to do just that, if I can get away from the 'rents for a day. You know how it is- holidays and all.

Steve- would love to do just that, if I can get away from the 'rents for a day. You know how it is- holidays and all.

Also-

Tanqueray and tonic makes music sound better.

(it's a scientific fact)!

Caught Roscoe Mitchell at KF this evening. Line-up was: RM, Hugh Ragin, Matt Shipp, Craig Taborn, Jaribu Shahid, Leon...something, Tani Tabbal and Gerald Cleaver. Basically two long numbers; opened with 'Stomp' (from the Snerdy McGurdy album) which grew into a collective, churning maelstrom somewhat similar to the pieces on the 'Flow of Things' release. Quite enjoyable, Roscoe impressive on soprano and Ragin, as usual, rich and playful. The second piece began as one of RM's patented pointillistic and kind of academic sounding works but gradually evolved into...yet another flow-of-things-ish lengthy wail! Maybe that's all RM wants to do these days. The piece closed with a brief wryly boppish line. None of the breadth of the recent ECM album, though the show had its moments.

BTW, the Knit was jam-packed for some reason and, annoyingly, had removed seating for the event. Not feeling like standing for another 1 1/2 hours, I found myself in the nether reaches of the balcony alongside, apparently, a troop of special-ed. folks who seemed to find frequent bathroom trips a necessity. This may have unfairly colored my perception of the evening!

Well, now I'm officially no longer a New Yorker. Thanks everyone for this thread and for continuing to make me jealous from now on. I'll be joining all of the other "outsiders" now. Just be sure to tell those guys in the city that there's a nice little club up in Boston, Massachusetts (Cambridge, actually) called The Regattabar. Send 'em my way. :>)

What a last week! The tenor summit at Birdland was certainly a fitting end to my stay. Those guys were ripping it up. I still think Brecker came out on top but I can see where people think there's no emotion in his playing... he doesn't physically display any. Part of his problem is that he has his sax pulled right up against his stomach. He's stiff as a board because of this. He should try loosening his strap a bit like Lovano. He barely moves and to me, a stiff performer looks unemotional. But just close your eyes! The technique. He sounds like he can do anything.

Billy Hart irked me and it wasn't all because he was close to me. He was just too damn loud. While there were times when this can be fun, I didn't think this show was one of them. I remember during one of Leibman's wilder soprano solos of the first set when he was bringing it to a climax, Hart was crashing the %$$#$ cymbles so hard I have no idea how Leibman closed it out. I think Hart had 6 main cymbles and 2 tiny cymbles and at the height of Leibman's mad solo, Hart had half of them crashing at once. Too much. Lovano seemed to like it a lot however. Between the sets, he told me how Jabali was "tearing it up". He seemed very happy with Hart's playing. Hey, I'm just an observer... if the performers like it, who am I to complain?

Tuesday night's Cedar Walton/Jackie McLean set at the Vanguard was fun too. Billy Higgins looks pretty thin but he can still keep beautiful time. Jackie was on with a few lapses where he seemed to loose his breath. I wish they played a few more originals. I'll miss the Vanguard. What a place. Every Jazz fan should plan to visit this mecca at least once in their life.

As a fitting final gesture, I decided to stop off in Stamford, Connecticut on my drive home to New Hampshire. I finally met a guy who I've only spoken with on the phone, Michael Cuscuna. What a super nice guy. We must have talked for 2 hours while he edited his discography (and picked up the phone every now and then). He is a funny guy. We talked a lot about upcoming Blue Note releases (which have all pretty much been announced) and I gave him my opinion about the "LP sequenced" RVGs that they have planned for next Sept. Hopefully I talked him out of that idea and into an RVG version of Hank Mobley's "Straight No Filter".

The best part of the visit was hearing some of the sessions that he considered for the last "lost" sessions release. It was cool to hear this music and it was insightful to hear what was ultimately a rejected session. Some of it was pretty horrible! Next time someone complains about this they have to understand that some of the stuff in the vaults is just plain crap!

Well, I'm off to work now. I'll be checking back here every now and then. I'll miss it, I'm sure.

A special thanks to Josh Heisler. Letting me crash at his apartment that last night was a great finishing gesture... even if he is a Knick fan and I'm a Celtic fan. :>)

Maybe I'll see everyone at the April 15th show (or is it shows??) at the Kaplan penthouse. Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill and Bobby Hutcherson all together? That's worth a 5 hour drive.

Later,
Kevin

My pleasure Kevin. And btw, you are now officially Mr. Bluenote. Who else gets to chill with Michael Cuscuna??? Damn you're lucky!

Mr. saxnova, Heaven knows I could have figured out who you are pretty easily too (see the WM@VV thread) 'cause I'm one of your biggest and dearest fans and I never get tired of telling the world---including this thread about how wonderful a musician (and cat) you are!

Joel, are you still playing at Smoke on Tuesdays on a regular basis? I want to come up and see you again soon. Please keep us posted on all your gigs!

Brian... saw the second Roscoe show on Saturday -- they had replaced the seats by then.

It was nice to see Roscoe looking a bit hardier than the last time I saw him, and circular breathing up a storm The show itself was great, with 'Sco mostly on alto throughout. But then, of course, I kinda like collective churning maelstroms (which the first tune definitely turned into), especially when played by musicians of this caliber.
Hugh Ragin was damned impressive as always, especially his solo on pocket, and I do wish he'd have played a bit more. Craig Taborn's work was beautiful, dissonant (yes, music can be both at the same time) and stunning.

Although I understand the full experience effect that Roscoe is trying to get with this band, I really would like to hear him (and Hugh) in a quintet setting without the sonic overkill of the extra rhythm section.

And, am I alone in this, or does the Knit really over-mike its shows??

Al-they might overmike their shows-but I love the sound in that space-maybe that stems from my upbringing listening to rock music.

btw-Taborn is tremendous on the Hugh Ragin album-An Afternoon in Harlem-he is really coming into his own.

Al, you are absolutely right - the biggest complaint I have about the Knit Main Space is it's far too loud. It also annoys me that they pipe in very loud music between/before sets, making conversation hard. The acoustics aren't great either - I think the ceiling is too high. In short, I'm right, you're right, and Steve R is wrong. So there ;).

Nevertheless, a great place to see music: inexpensive, good bookings, and always a hip and attentive crowd. Plus walking distance from my office.

Oh, and they ended with a very down-home Chicago funky R&B breakdown, with Roscoe playing some seriously down tenor and Hugh hitting the high trills. Very fun, almost like an old AEC show. Pretty much brought the house down.

Oh, and thank you James for agreeing with my ringing ears.

The Knit is WAY TOO friggin loud! I've said it once and I'll say it again: The drums do not have to be miked! It's a problem at Tonic too. It's an unhealthy rock mentality that is going to lead to lots hearing impairments.

On that note, I caught a double bill last night at the Knit of Matt Darriau & the Paradox Trio and Marty Ehrlich and the Dark Woods Ensemble. The big disapointment last night was Marc Ribot pulling an absence with Marty's band. So it was just a trio with Erik Friedlander on cello and Mark Helias on bass and Marty playing almost all clarinet and a little soprano sax, hence Dark woods ensemble. Chamber-oriented improvised music isn't within my taste range, so I can't say I liked it a lot. But it was well done and I'm glad to have finally seen this Ehrlich project.
Matt Darriau & the Paradox Trio does interesting things by mixing different elements into the jazz context: Klezmer, Balkan, Asian & Arabic influences. Darriau plays alto sax and clarinet and he's got a percussionist, guitarist & a cellist. They played a strong set with lots of well-built solos.

One thing that really irks me about the Knitting Factory is its employees; they seem to be a lot of pompous, arrogant fools with no respect for the music or its patrons. Marty's band was not as loud as the Paradox Trio. In fact, the music was very mellow. However, at the bar, across from the stage, the bartender and a couple of other moronic employees were storming up conversation with no regard for anybody else in the room! It seems so silly to have enforce a noise policy on employees. And this was not the first time something like this has happened.

Last night was coming off a painful weekend of missing all the shows:( I'm very thankful for Brian's and Al's reviews.

This week there's some real good shows happening. At Sweet Basil is Sir Roland Hanna. At the Vanguard is Cedar Walton with Vincent Herring.

Wish I could stick around for Sir Roland... but I'm off for Detroit, and an annual Christmas date with another hometown pianist -- the much reviled Keeper of the Flame himself (who, regardless, can most definitely still play). And also a club night with another annual holiday visitor sitting in... JC (and that good ol' Motown cover: $5).

The Pink Poney on Ludlow off of Houston has a couple of good sets tonight. Sabir Mateen, Ryan Sawyer, and a guitarist. 2nd set is Daniel Carter, William Parker, Andrew Barker, and Charles Waters. It begins at 8:30. I should be there for both sets.

Hey Al, give my regards to the Detroit jazz scene. I never got my act together to see Barry Harris' Kwanzaa gig while I lived there, unfortunately.

Anthony B, Are you going to go see Cedar and Vincent? I think I may try to go on Sunday.

Mary,

I was hoping to catch Cedar & Vincent tonight or tomorrow. I was planning on seeing George Garzone on Sunday. However, if you would be interested in seeing the second set of Cedar and Vincent, I go the 8pm set of Garzone at the Knit, then hop uptown to the VV for the 11:30 set.

Anthony, I'll get back to you. Most likely I would stay for both sets.

Hey Anthony and jazzy, a word of caution about the Vanguard: a friend of mine tried to go last Sunday, called to make a reservation on Sunday afternoon, and BOTH sets were sold out. So, reserve early, and be aware that you might get booted out after one set. 'Tis the season to go out in New York, I guess.

James, that was probably because it was closing night for Cedar and Jackie Maclean. The second week of Cedar (and w/ Vincent) may not be sold out---then again, it might be.

Anyway, Anthony, I'm trying to figure it out and I need to hear back from Vincent about something before I decide. I can't really decide if I should go on Thursday or Sunday. They both have pros and cons. I understand that Thursday is better for you, right?

Thursday looks good so far...

Hey Anthony, sweetie. I'm going to go to the VV on Sunday. First show and stay for the secong most lkely (if they let me).

Now, next Wednesday I'm going to go see Javon Jackson at Sweet BAsil? Does anyone want to go with me...Anthony, Josh, James, HB...?

As much as I like Javon Jackson I'll have to pass in favor of De La Soul and Run DMC.

Hey, Mary! (and everybody)
Yeah, I finally joined the bulk of humanity and bought a computer. Now I'm a BBS junkie! I guess there are worse things...

For anyone interested, I'm playing at Smoke tonight (thursday). I know this is late notice, but I figure it's worth letting everyone know. Besides, even if one person who sees this shows, that will bee approx. a 5% increase in the number of people who are usually there to see me. :^ )

Saxnova, I wish so much I could go and see you tonight, but I can't. Have a good gig, though and a great Christmas. But, Joel do you know your schedule at all for the near future? I need my dose of Joel!

Hey saxnova aka Joel Frahm,
I wish I could make the Smoke gig tonight, but I just can't. Who is in the band? Let us know when you have other gigs (especially if you ever play in Brooklyn or sub-14th Street - 116th and Broadway is just too darned far from where I live and work). By the way, I really like "Sorry No Decaf".

If I was in town I'd really like to check you out Saxnova. However next time you gig I should be there.

jazzy mary,

Are you sure that Javon Jackson is going to be at Sweet Basil on Wednesday, December 29th? According to Sweet Basil's website The Chico Freeman Group is supposed to be there on that night. I'll be at The Standard that night for the 8:00 PM set with Tommy Flanagan, Peter Washington, and Lewis Nash. I just might swing by SB for the later set. If not there, maybe I'll check out Small's....................

Has anybody else seen the Jimmy Heath gig at the Standard?
I saw it yesterday(the 10pm set) and enjoyed it so! Old Jimmy can play, I tell'ya. What a stellar rythm section he has! Even my old father, a staunch swing man was clapping like there was no tomorrow. And speaking of tomorrow, "Little Bird" will be at the Standard tonight and tomorrow as well. I recommend highly(for what my recomendations are worth).

Jimmy C., Yes, I'm sure Javon opens at Sweet Basil tomorrow night. I know this from 3 sources--the Village Voice, Sweet Basil by phone (I told them their web site was wrong, they said "yes, yes, we know")and Javon himself. He'd better be there because I'm supposed to see him on Wednesday. So, I'll be there on Wednesday. I assume I'll stay for both sets. What time, exactly, will you be coming down? Here's what I look like: reddish hair, pale skin, tall, uh "voluptuous" (let's say). I'll be wearing a black cashmere camisole w/ a black cashmere cardigan and black pants (yes, I know it's nerdy to already know what I'll be wearing but this outfit is kindof slammin' so I already know I'll be wearing it. Women do this, btw).

So, Jimmmy you MUST come up and say hello to me!

Dmitry, I really wanted to see Jimmy Heath---he is one of the all time greats! I should have gotten it together and hit the Standard before I went down to the VV to see Cedar and Vincent. Anthony B, did you go to the VV on Thursday?
Cedar and co. were great but it was a strange evening for me (unrelated to music) and I had a hard time concentrating on the music.

jm,

Thanks for clearing that Sweet Basil schedule up. Sometimes you wonder why a club has a website if they're not gonna keep it straight!

I'm just getting over a real nasty cold (good thing I have the whole week off). At first I thought I would have to cancel my Wednesday plans but it will take more than this punk ass cold too stop ME.

Joanne and I are planning to eat at 27 Standard early and then go downstairs to the club for the early set 8:00 PM. After that I figure well drive down to the Village, park the car and tip on over to Sweet Basil. I have no idea when I'll get there. That will depend on traffic as well as being able to stash the car in a garage close by. Then we'll stop by SB asap. I don't see why we wouldn't be able to make it for the late set. Well, I will be sure to come over to say hi, but you gotta let me know what you're drinking. Whenever I run into a "voluptuous redhead", I always make it a habit of buying her a drink. Black cashmere, huh? Whoa. Remember now, look for a guy who looks exactly like Mel Gibson. I'll be the cat standing right next to him. ; ^ ) *

Oh Boy. Maybe it is safe to come back. Talk about *real* jazz on this thread. Surprise. Surprise. Surprise. Sweet Basil. The Jazz Poet. Little Bird. The Jazz Standard. Maybe the loonies have left. I doubt it.

In the vein of the last few posts (and posters) I caught maybe the finest jazz musician in the world or at least the finest alto player in the world last night as Bobby Watson was the "featured guest" at drummer Will Calhoun's one-off Monday night Blue Note gig. Real nice set. The real star was trumpeter Terrell Stafford who just keeps getting better and better and has been moved into the monster category next to his front line mate, BW. Terrell has great chops, a big fat tone and swings like crazy.

John Benitez was like a rock on bass. Everytime this cat is one a gig you know you are in for a good time. In fact, he was on bass the night I caught that magical Brian Lynch gig up at the Phoenix Room. And Orrin Evans was on piano only (no keyboards; Benitez played electric bass on one tune.) The weak link on the gig was Calhoun. I didn't think he had that ching-a-ching the real good bop drummers have and I thought his playing was stiff. But he's learning.

While Stafford was the surprise, the real treat was Bobby Watson. What chops! What a sound he gets out of that alto! Like all great musicians, he has a sound that is immediately recognizable.

So many fond memories of catching BW. Hell, I remember the big band gig at the Vanguard; staying for three sets one night at Fat Tuesday's; his Columbia CD release party also at a packed Fat Tuesday's. And maybe the best one of all one night around this time of year several years ago when I went to Bradley's to catch, I promised myself, one set only of John Hicks/Curtis Lundy/Idris Muhammed. Who walks in with alto in tow as an unadvertised guest, BW. Well three sets later who was stumbling around on University Place at 3:30 in the a.m. looking for a cab. There were a couple of those nights (and mornings) at Bradley's when BW gigged there. I remember one when he gigged with James Williams and again I was out there flailing around on University Place in the wee small hours of the morning.

Now that we've got Winnie gigging at the Vanguard once again, let's hope that Horizon reunion tour passes through New York City. Now that is something I can get excited about.

Oh, well, enough of a trip down memory line. The night was complete when I got home and in my mailbox was a Japanese import of Eric Alexander's "Live at the Keynote." I can't wait to play that baby, especially when his rhythm section is the incomparable Harold Mabern, Joe Farnsworth & Nat Reeves.

What else is there to discuss. Oh, Donny McCaslin, who appeared on my radar scope for the first time when I caught him as a sideperson with Dena DeRose at Cleo's Needle earlier this year, gigs at Detour on Wednesday. Never seen Donny as a leader and never been to Detour and I don't think I can make that Detour gig.

And I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that Wycliff "Pinecone" Gordon had a gig at the Knit last night. Someone who can actually play had a gig there. Hallelujah!

Jazzy Mary & Jimmy, I wait with baited breath to get your take on Javon Jackson's Sweet Basil gig. It is sure a different line-up of musicians with an organ/guitar/drums/sax line-up. I'm curious about the guitarist, a cat named John Hart who had a Blue Note record deal in the the late 80s/early 90s. I've never heard him.

It looks like January is shaping up as a strong month with Winnie at the VV, Abraham Burton getting a week at Sweet Basil (11-16) and Bobby Hutcherson w/ the Cedar Walton trio at Iridium (11-16). I've got a friend coming in from out of town that weekend so we can catch some hard swing that is for sure.

What I'm curious about is the Birdland schedule lists a dynamite double-bill of Marc Cary/Abraham Burton on Jan. 13 so I assume Marc will do that gig himself or Birdland will get a substitute.

Another goodie is Smoke where on Jan. 7/8 Danny Moore, Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern and company will down some haaarrrddd bopppppppppppp. Gotta catch that one. That band was the first one to play at Birdland I believe when it first moved to W. 44th Street. At least that was the first band I ever saw at the "new" Birdland. It was a double-bill with the Bradford Hayes Quartet or Quintet. Whatever happened to Bradford Hayes?

Hey Jimmy C., I hope your cold is getting better because I am looking forward to meeting you tonight. At this moment I don't really know what I'll be drinking..but if you want to buy me a drink....I won't say no.

Here is probably how your schedule will go: The Standard gig will probably end around 9ish. I would be surprised if you got to SB later than 10 or 10:15. So come on in. If the first set is still going on, I'll prob. be up front. Otherwise it'll be the break and most likely I'll be hangin' w/ Javon or talking to Billy Drummond about drummers. Truly, if you look for a reddish haired woman, tall w/ that ensemble I described--you'll see me. Then we can catch the second set together.

HB, you are so right Terrell is a great trumpet player. I first saw him years ago at SB w/ Bobby and was tres impressed. There's some more great things going on at Smoke. Tomorrow night my sweetie George Colligan makes his triumphant return after touring the WORLD w/ Cassandra Wilson. He's got your man, Eric with him, HB. I am really going to try to make it uptown for that one. As HB and I (and others, I'm sure) know...George swings like a son of a gun! And..HB I want to go see Wynton next week. I'm assuming it'll be really a mob scene. Maybe I'll go Sunday. Oh yeah and then Birdland has Joe Chambers w/ an incredibly swingin' line-up. I would love to see "Dark Shadows"---he's so wonderful!

Now, HB DO NOT call my buddy Anthony B a loony (or Josh for that matter). Anthony is one of the sweetest cats around, sensitive and he truly cares about the music!

Anthony B. I know it's a little late but I did want to give my review of Marty Erhlich and I wanted to respond to HB. HB, Marty is not a wanker! He's an immensly talented musician. I actually found a great deal of the music that night to be beautiful and exquisitely executed. Did it "swing" well, no, not in the conventional sense. I wasn't nodding my head or tapping my toes. But I still liked it and was glad I saw it. Bobby did swing, he is such a rhythmic son of a gun he CAN NOT help but swing. Ultimately, yes....I'm a straight ahead, "in the pocket" swingaholic. But, jeeez, I'm open to all kinds of music and can enjoy all kinds. It was evident that Erhlich has "chops", is a "real" musician and composer. I can see why people dig him.

jazzymary,
Did you end up seeing that Terrasson gig? If so how was it and who was in the band?

Well, JM you must have not heard Marty's Traveller's Tale CD. Lets agree to disagree. Just not my cup of tea.

I'm going to try to catch that Colligan gig myself. It was advertised as a "trio" so is it sans drums or bass? I bet it is the GC "trio" with EA as a guest to make it a quartet. I can't believe GC would gig w/o one of those instruments. He appeared on my radar scope one night out of nowhere several years ago when I caught Gary Bartz at Sweet Basil and this cat I had never heard of -- who swung his ass off by the way -- was on piano. Turns out it was George. I've only seen him as a leader once, at Smalls, so I haven't really "seen" him if you know what I mean. Smoke is no great shakes either with all the crowd noise.

In any event, I certainly hope it is a quartet gig. They start at 9 at Smoke on week nights right?

If you plan to check out Winnie, you better make your reservation ASAP. I think he is also playing Monday, Jan. 9 as well. As you know, the cats usually go Tuesday through Sunday, but WM gets an extra day -- you know 7 CDs in his Live at the VV package and 7 nights at the VV. People may not realize he's there Monday so if he kills when I see him I may have to go back for an encore.

Where is Joe Chambers playing? The calendar I picked up at Birdland a couple of weeks ago when I caught Brubeck had "call club for info" for Jan. 5-8 so is JC playing on those dates. Four nights? Anyone know who is at Birdland those nights? I'm sure Joe isn't gigging 4 nights in a row.

And Sharp9 what is the deal with Danny Moore? I think he is a killer trumpet player and leads first-rate, hard-swingin' hard bop outfits, but as far as I know he hasn't recorded as a leader and off the top of my head I don't know if he has recorded at all. I'd like to know more about him.

HB, According to this morning's Voice Joe Chambers is at Birdland Wed.-Sat. JAn. 5-8 with...get this....Gary Bartz, Ira Coleman, Donald Byrd and Ted Rosenthal (1/5-6) and Eric Reed (1/7-8). I am not missing that. I'll have to go either Wed. or Thursday.

Jan. 9 is a Sunday, honey. I'm going to see Winnie on Sunday. I'm making a reservation today.

In the Voice it says the George Colligan trio feat. Eric Alexander. I can't believe George wouldn't have a drums and bass with him. I'm pretty sure I'm going to see George so I guess I'll see you there.

Josh, I did see Terrasson. I can't recall who was with him,except Gregoire Maigret on harmonica.

Jazzymary,
No review?

Boy that Joe Chambers line-up is indeed pretty impressive. Last time I caught that former Blue Note stalwart drummer was at the late, lamented Visiones when he had a singer with him.

I didn't know Donald Byrd still gigged. In any event seeing him on that bill is very rare. According to Peter Watrous, he's lost his chops. I'm curious to hear him myself. I've seen DB only once at a jazz concert at the Majestic Theatre in Brooklyn USA a number of years ago where he was part of an ensemble of 7 or 8 guys.

That is true. Jan. 9 is indeed a Monday. Winnie will be at the VV on Jan. 10 as far as I know.

Another goodie on the horizon is David Sanchez who has a one-off on 1/16 (a Sunday night) at Birdland. I could kick myself for missing his week at the VV where he had a band with a bunch of Latin cats. I wanted to go to a late (11:30) Friday set, but was pooped out and went home. Maybe I'll catch him on Sunday, but Birdland is no VV.

Speaking of other goodies and the VV, in addition to Winnie, Barry "The Keeper of the BeBop Flame" Harris is there in January in the classic trio format as is the magnificent Teri Thornton.

Hardbop:

I know who Danny Moore is, have seen him around. I'm not sure what the deal is with him. I don't think he's actively looking to record, and I'm not exactly sure what condition his chops are in.

On another topic, here's a true hardbop date you ought to catch, because it's got a different cast of characters. Next Wednesday, January 5th at Smoke, trumpeter John Marshall (who lives in Europe) will be in with aloist Gary Pribek (who I have it on good authority is just playing his ass off), my man Tardo Hammer on piano, John Webber on bass and Leroy Williams on drums.

I'll be there for sure.

Sharp9

I'll mark that down Sharp9. I don't know Pribek and I don't know Marshall.

Speaking of "Hammer Time" his disc made one of Cadence's best of '99 disc lists.

How's this for a Sophies's Choice, a couple of Fridays/Saturdays ago you had the New York Hard Bop Quintet at the Savoy and One for All at Smoke. I, of course, missed both gigs.

Speaking of hardbop, will Brian Lynch's weekly Wednesday Phoenix Room gig continue beyond '99? I certainly hope so. I want to catch that one again. And people, don't forget Valery Ponomarev gigs every Tuesday night at the Savoy (with Mike Karn). He was Winnie's predecessor in Bu's band. I caught that gig and it is real good. They pass the hat at the end of the night.

Hardbop:

Marshall was in DEEP's Metropolitan Bopera House band, and later in the DEEP-less Bopera House band.

Brian will be continuing in the Phoenix Room on Wednesdays, beginning again on 1/12.

Also, I do find it rather ironic, and not a little sad, that Valery Ponomarev is playing pass the hat gigs at the Savoy, and Winnie is, well, we all know what he's doing.

Sharp9

HB, January 9 is a SUNDAY! Are you having a Y2K problem? Have you read "Sophie's Choice" ? Sophie's choice was a bit more problematic than which gig to choose. So, HB, get with the program.

I'm also at the Phoenix Room tonight - taking a week off next week to go to Uruguay with Phil Woods, then resuming reg. Weds. on 1/12 (ex. for 1/26, when I'll be appearing with Dake Stryker at Birdland). HB (and all), come on down! The band's sounding great, and if you dug Negro (H. Hernadez), you'll love my new regular drummer, Dafnis Prieto Rodriguez, newly arrived from Cuba via Spain.

Hey Mary, thanks for the Marty review. It was actually a lot nicer than my review and James's review. I just wish you could have seen the gig I saw in June.

And now that I think it over, I am a bit of a loony. But I deeply appreciate & cherish your kind words. In fact, the thought of this thread being some sort of a cyber-asylum cracks me up ;*)))))))))))))

One thing I can't get over is how I've been missing gigs to the left and right of me. It's been painful this month. At least I feel more focused with my own music. I'm hoping to catch quite a few next month as I plan on checking out Marsalis at the VV myself.

Also, I'd like to alert every one that David Murray is playing the Knitting Factory Old Office next month. This is taken from the Knit website:

David Murray:
Avant-garde great David Murray
presents two movements in music
born from the history of slavery.

On January 6, 7, 8 & 9 Gwo Ka and
Gospel: David Murray Quartet
featuring the Gwo Ka Masters of
Guadeloupe with lewoz singer Guy
Konket. A wholly new encounter
between the jazz of David Murray
and the Gwo Ka music of the island
of Guadeloupe. David Murray and
the Gwo Ka Master from Guadeloupe
(FWI) David Murray, Guy Konket
(lead vocal), François Ladrezeau (Ka
drums , vocals), Klod Kiavue (Ka
drums, vocals), Santi Debriano (bass),
Pheroan Aklaff (drums)

The sets are at 8pm and 9:30pm, and I think tickets are $12.
If you are familiar with Murray "Creole" album, you will know what beautiful music comes out of this Afro-American & Afro-Carribean synthesis. This album is one of my favorites and I can't wait to see him perform with this very ambitious project.

What an incredible start to the New Year! Wynton at the Vanguard, Murray at the Knit, and Joe Chambers (with my main man Gary Bartz) at Birdland. What to do, what to do...I know. I'll go to a boring conference in Boston and miss (almost) everything...

Jeez....ANTHONY, I gotta go to that Murray gig. When are you going?

I'm not sure yet, but I may catch a couple nights.

Well, let me know, darling.

Anthony B/Josh/James-let me know what night most people will be catching Murray-I'll be there...


I just hope if I meet Harrigan that he doesn't give me ahard time-:)

maybe if the Ron Horton CD sounds even better the next time I play it, he might even be nice to me.

What happened to the Up 'n Over? Is that Brooklyn venue still open? And I hope the Lenox Lounge reopens soon. I want to see what my tax dollars are paying for. I hope they resume their jazz policy when they do reopen. Now that I think about it for all I know LL is open and didn't resume the jazz policy.

Speaking of "loonies" I didn't mention anyone's name.

JM did you pick up Miles Griffith's new CD? Who does he use on that and what is the label?

HB, the UpOver is alive and, it seems, well. They have James Spaulding on New Year's Eve, and two women leaders I've never heard of the following weekend: Karen Francis Quartet on the 7th, and Helen Sung Trio on the 8th.

Thank you James. It is good news it is still open. I haven't seen any ads lately. What did people who post here stop patronizing the place? I lump myself in with that group.

HB, the UpOver has a website, which is where I got the info. Anyone who wants the URL can e-mail me.

Steve R, if we meet I promise not to give you a hard time, especially if you give props to Ron Horton. But if you tell me Jimmy Lyons is the greatest alto player ever, or that hearing Joe Maneri would change my life, or any other Reynolds-isms, I might have to ask jazzy mary to take out her paddle...

HB, I haven't stopped patronizing the "Up Over". I was just at the Monday jam session a couple of weeks ago and I took some Christmas cookies for everybody! I know, I AM very sweet. Helen Sung is quite a good piano player. ANd, Bob, the manager calls me every week just to "chat". I will be there again soon. One of my problems is that I've been so busy lately.

I did go to one of Miles' CD gigs at Caviateria. It was great and he gave me his CD "Spiritual Freedom". It's quite good and a lot of it is more straight ahead. Funny you should mention Miles--he called me this morning and I was giving him a hard time because his CD wasn't featured prominently on his web site. I hope he gets that together soon. Tons of good people are on his CD: James Williams,Stephen Scott, Dwayne Burno, Richie Goods, David Pleasant, Tony Reedus and Nashett Waits a.o. He produced and "made" the CD himself. It's not on a label.

Sopposedly, the Lenox Lounge is opening soon as is Mintons. I have mixed feelings about the LL. Too many memories...

Is Miles' CD in the stores then or do you have to buy it directly from him? Hats off to MG for showing such an entrepreneurial spirit. He must have put that Caviarteria CD release party together himself. Ah, so nice to see artists empowering themselves to take control over their own careers.

I thought MG's career would skyrocket after his Blood on the Fields gig, but like the stocks I pick it never seemed to take off.

I also didn't know George Colligan gigged with Cassandra. Lots of singers seem to like CG. Didn't/doesn't Vanessa Rubin use GC too?

Why don't you e-mail Miles here at Jazzcorner and request his cd? His Caviateria gig was a paid gig, it coincided with his CD release. Yes, GC played w/ Vanessa and is/was? her md. George is so great...of course singers love him. He's such a sweetie.

I've seen ads for that Up n Over in my Hothouse mag that I
DON'T get 4 free like you all do living in the bapple!!!

I may well be in the minority here, but the last few times I've been at the Up Over that guy Bob's demeanor really chilled the jazz mood. He is unfriendly and abrasive to patrons and musicians alike.

Speaking of George Colligan, he has a new solo disc that is coming out on 1/10/00 on Steeplechase according to an e-mail I just received. I wonder if he'll have it with him tomorrow night at Smoke. I hope so. He also has another disc out on the Fresh Sound New Talent label and if he has that with him I'll buy that as well.

Hey Hardbop-I too haven't heard Danny Moore in years,but I do recall him on a great George Coleman Octet record years ago.

Well, last night was another stupendous evening in Jazzy Mary-land! I went to see Javon at Sweet Basil. I got there later than I wanted and the place was packed for the first set so I had to sit at the bar. Javon and his band were excellent! He had Sam Yahel on organ, Billy Drummond on drums and John Hart on guitar. Around 10 I see a cat and a woman outside the door and I intuitively knew it was Jimmy C! He came in and came right up to me and told me he would come back when they were seating for the second set. After the set, I snagged a good table down front for us all and, in the meantime, talked to Javon for a little bit and talked to Billy. Javon's parents were there and they must be so proud of Javon! Louis Hayes was there as well and Karen Kennedy (JAvon's manager).

Well, Jimmy and his lovely wife Joanne come back and we settle in for the second set. It was fantastic! Javon played so beautifully. He had an intro solo to "Body & Soul" that was so beautiful, deep and soulful. Didn't you think so, Jimmy? Then they effortlessly segued into "Giant Steps". Javon's guitar player John Hart is absolutely amazing. Incredible, fantastic chops and with heart and soul to boot! This is probably the "cookingest" band I've ever seen of Javon's.

It was such a delight to meet Jimmy C.! What a great, sweet, nice, cool guy! It was great to meet his wife too, a very sweet woman. And thanks for your hospitality, Jimmy. I hope your commute back to CT. was fine. Next time you're in the city we will definately have to hook up again!

So, people if you have a chance try to check Javon out. It really was great. Jimmy, I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say.

HB, I don't think I'll be able to go hear George tonight. I wish I could but it's just not possible. If you go and talk to him please tell him I said "Hi". He may not remember me because it's been so long since I've seen him but tell him it's the Mary who lives near him in Brooklyn.

Anthony B.: I'm up for seeing David Murray next Thursday, et toi?

HB: I'm seeing Wynton next Sunday. What do you think the charge will be for him?

I'll have to try to see Joe Chambers Wed. I guess. Good heavens there's so much going on next week!

One of these days I'd like to catch Javon live. Maybe Sat. or Sunday this week.

Yeah, seeing Murray on Thursday is good for me. How about Josh, Steve, James?

Can't say at the moment.

I'd love to join you guys & gals for Murray next Thursday, but I'll be out of town. I may try to catch the late set on Saturday, if I get back in time.

Nice post Jazzy Mary. I was curious about Hart after someone mentioned that he laid down some sides for BN in the late 80s/early 90s.

I suspect the charge for Winnie will be at a minimum $30 all inclusive or maybe $35. Buckle your seat belt, though. I was playing his Live at the VV disc last night and it is a killer. Winnie really has great chops and by Sunday night he and his band will be smokin'. And our pal Anthony Wonsey was quoted in the liner notes. Seems he's a big WM fan as well.

I'm excited about the Smoke gig too 'cause I played that Eric Alexander Live at the Keynote disc I ordered from Japan and is that a great CD! Eric really has graduated to the master class and he, Mabes and Farnsworth smoke. Nat Reeves reportedly is on bass, but as is usually the case I couldn't hear him. Great sound quality on the disc, though. I hope that one comes out in the U.S. I think EA is one of the greatest tenors on the scene today. Maybe only his mentor, George Coleman, tops him, but the student is reaching the lofty heights of the teacher.

Not a bad week for sax players, with Bobby Watson at the Blue Note and EA at Smoke. And next week we've got the world's finest trumpet player gigging in the world's finest jazz club. Ahh. Real jazz in New York City.

I thought you said you were going to catch Joe Chambers' Birdland gig. If you or Harrigan go, please ask Gary Bartz what is the word on his self-produced Live at the Jazz Standard disc. I don't know if I can make that Chambers/Birdland gig with Winnie in town, but I'd like to see Donald Byrd at least once in a club. Bartz also headlines at Birdland later in January (27-29) on a double-bill with singer Carla White, whose Live at Vartan Jazz CD ended up some of those otherwise dreadful Cadence "Best of Lists." I caught her once at Visiones years ago and don't remember much about the gig other than the fact that I thought she sung pretty well.

Signing off for '99 as I'll be swingin' into the 21st century aboard Winnie's Big Train.

As if there weren't enough music in New York next week, the Matthew Shipp Trio will be performing at the Knit Main Space on Tuesday. Shipp on piano, Rashid "no e in my names" Bakr on drums, and some guy I've never heard of before named William Parker on bass.

thursday is cool for Murray-can't wait.

would also love to catch Shipp with Parker & Bakr

saw Bakr with Gayle and he was right on-would hope that he plays with as much fire with the pianist as he did when Gayle picked up the tenor.

That explains why I've never heard of/heard Parker. He remains mired in the jazz ghetto below Houston.

Um, I think refering to the scene below Houston as a ghetto is rather disrespectful and unfair.

James, Murray's Creole is play the Knit on Sunday too.

Anthony, In re: Thursday, do you think we should make advance reservations? Please advise.

*Warning, long winded post*


Last night I had dinner with Tommy Flanagan. Well, not really, but he WAS sitting right at the next table. Anyway we caught his first set at The Standard. Nice place, real classy, I was surprised they let me in.

James Harrigan and hornplayer were on the money about the food. I was impressed with the food as well as the wine list. They had all the bases covered with a broad selection and reasonably priced. The service was exellent from everyone from the coat check girl to the owner. They saved us a real nice seat right up next to the stage.

Tommy was in top form as was Peter Washington and Lewis Nash. I never saw Nash in person so I really got a kick out of his playing. The cat is SMOOTH. I would describe his playing as effortless. The one thing I did notice was that Tommy Flanagan had some problems remembering what songs they were going to do and he couldn't remember who wrote them, but once he put his hands on that piano everything fell into place. Nice set, mostly ballads and some up tempo tunes as well. Always enjoyable to see a master at work.

Headed down to Sweet Basil in time to see Javon Jackson finishing up the first set. Of course, Jazzy Mary was right there at the bar holding court. We came back later and Mary hooked us up with a nice table right up front. Man, that girl has GOT some energy!

I Have to mention the highlight of MY evening though. As Mary said before, Javon started out one number by slowly laying down some notes from "Body And Soul". The rest of the band was laying out just diggin' it. All of a sudden some dopey lady sitting next to Mary blurts out, "START!" like she was annoyed or something. Mary turns around and says, "SHHHHHH!" The dopey lady gives her the dirtiest look I've ever seen. In the meantime, Javon makes a ninety degree turn and starts laying down "Giant Steps" and everybody kicks in. All during the number dopey lady is sending daggers towards Mary. THAT was some funny shit. I'm sure Mary could have kicked her ass, no problem.

I have to give major props to John Hart ( guitar ). My man can cook. I would love to see this cat again. I also want to thank Jazzy for making the night such a nice hang. She's as they say, "good people". Oh, and thanks Mary for taking the trouble to introduce Joanne and I to Javon and Billy Drummond. Hope to see you in the future..................

Knitting facory does not have reservations like a restaurant. They act like a concert hall, selling tickets. And you can purchase those tickets (general admission) any time until the performance at the box office, their website, or by calling 212-219-3006. I will probably buy my ticket ahead of time.

Anthony B, Hello, I've been to the Knit before. Most recently w/ you, remember. I guess what I meant was should one buy tickets in advance.

Jimmy, It is so weird about that woman situation you described. I recall her talking during Javon's gorgeous solo but I thought she was talking to her friend. I don't recall her saying "start". Truly, I don't think she did. I think she was just talking to her friend--but it's rude to do that during a musician's solo. I never saw her glaring at me either. I guess I was too busy listening to the music. I can assure you I could not kick anyone's ass. I am a wimp. She looked pretty big anyway. Oh, and fellow posters, all I did was put my finger to my lips and barely say "shhh". Those of you who know me, know I would never do that loudly. The only loud thing I do at clubs is applaud.
Also, when you came in I wasn't "holding court" at the bar. I was on the phone talking to a friend. But, hey can I help it if all these folks grab me to talk?

Anyway, Jimmy did you like the music? I thought it was really good. Also, Javon started his solo, the band kicked it in, played their collective bottoms off on "Body & Soul" and THEN they segued into "Giant Steps". This may seem like nit picking but in your post it sounded like Javon started "Body & Soul" and then, all of a sudden, started "Giant Steps" when, in fact, part of the art and beauty from it came from how smoothly he flowed into the Coltrane tune.

Mary is the loudest applauder known to humanity.

Anyway, re: "Javon started his solo,
the band kicked it in, played their collective bottoms off on "Body & Soul" and THEN they segued
into "Giant Steps". This may seem like nit picking but in your post it sounded like Javon started
"Body & Soul" and then, all of a sudden, started "Giant Steps" when, in fact, part of the art and
beauty from it came from how smoothly he flowed into the Coltrane tune."

thanks for making that clear, I was wondering how that went. It must've been sweet.

Count me in for Thursday. If for no other reason then to hang with jazzymary and Reynolds at the same time. That should be fun.:)

Jazzy Mary,

I'm sure you have the sequence of events down regarding WHO kicked in WHEN on WHAT tune. BUT, the fact remains, I probably had a few more cocktails last night than you. So, I will defer to you on the timing. But, you have to realize that when I heard Javon start doing his "Giant Steps" thing well, whatever went before just vanished from my mind.

At any rate, the point I was trying to make was that the "dopey lady" was being rude and you came to Javon's rescue. I just wanted to give you credit.

As for saying you were "holding court", I was just kidding with you. Mary, you have to understand that it is a very rare thing when I'm serious. Don't ever take ANYTHING I say seriously. Unless I'm talking about Jazz........................................

As promised I caught that hard swingin' pianist George Colligan at Smoke on Thurssday evening. Can he play! Eric Alexander was a no-show, so George played in the classic trio format all night. He even played a tune on trumpet. While no threat to Winnie or Faddis, he didn't embarrass himself either.

His trio mates included Ari Hoenig and Johannes Wiedenmuller (sic) the same cats who were with Kenny Werner when I caught that gig at the Duc Des Lombards in Paris. I should have known they were gringos. Euros usually can't swing like that or play jazz that well, so that explains why KW's trio sounded so good.

I also continued the hard bop support the artist series as HB continues to spend his way into the poorhouse. George had Fresh Sound New Talent CDs with him and I grabbed him both. He also has a new solo disc just out on Steeplechase, but didn't have that one with him. I only knew about 1 of George's FSNT CDs.

I don't know how well the NYC clubs did. I overheard one of the cats say his New Year's Eve Birdland gig was "canceled" due to a lack of reservations. And I'm on the Blue Note's e-mail list and they cut their price down from $500 to $250, with a 10% discount for those on the e-mail list.

<Euros usually can't swing like that or play jazz that well>

you really can't help yourself, can you?

For someone who "doesn't take me seriously" Rodo you spend a lot of time reading my posts. I throw those bon mots in there to test to see if anyone reads my posts.

Heaney, we all read them....and cringe. It's a little bit like being mesmerized by a C movie on TV.

I don't think a "C" movie could mesmerize anyone. I am flattered and touched, though, that my posts mesmerize you. You better load up on the Rolaids because Winnie is on my dance card this week when he gigs at the Lindberg-, Parker-, Dresser-, Helias-less Vanguard this week. I'm sure I'll have a lot to say about Winnie's gig. In fact, if he really swings I may go see him again a week from Monday. The only time I ever went to see the same artist at the same venue was Winnie at the Vanguard back in the mid 80s.

Mediocrity can be mesmerizing, Heaney--surely, you ought to know that.

"if he really swings"...at the Vanguard?

I seem to recall that you consider WM+VV to be some sort of magic formula. And now I sense doubt in your post. Could 2000 be bringing you a modicum of objectivity?

Well, with "Winnie" on your dance card, I guess you won't be a hot house wall flower this week. :-)

Mediocrity can be mesmerizing? I don't agree with that. Mediocrity is boring. Of course I consider the Winnie/Vanguard set to be magical. There will be a packed house and an audience that will non doubt be responsive. I bet the audience breaks out in applause when he appears. We'll see what kind of vibe there is in the room before I got back for seconds.

What is a hothouse wall flower?

Happy New Year to all my friends at the Jazz Corner. Just want to let you know that tomorrow night (Sunday) from 9pm to 1am Art Lillard's Heavenly Band will be at the Savoy on 41st St. & 9th Ave. This is a great opportunity to hear a unique, all-original very swingin' band for next to no money. Mary Foster Conklin is doing the vocals, Patience Higgins is on tenor, Mark McCarron on guitar and yours truly on flute, among others. Hope to see some of you there!

>> What is a hothouse wallflower?<<

Hardbop,

Chris A, being a writer, was obviously engaging in a little word play. "Hothouse Flowers" is the title of a 1984 album of Winnie's which included as one of it's cuts the title song. As you know, "Hot House" is derived from a Tadd Dameron composition, which was in turn derived from the Cole Porter tune "What Is This Thing Called Love". A "wallflower" is a person who stays off the dance floor and doesn't dance. Instead he stays up against the wall, hence, the term "wallflower".

BTW, if by chance you don't own this early Marsalis album, I'm sure it's still available. His sidemen include Ron Carter, "Tain", Branford, and Kenny Kirkland. Be forwarned, the music includes strings as well as french horn, flute, and bassoon. You'll also be happy to know that the liner notes are by our old friend Stanley Crouch............................

If Wynton made enuf albums i wouldn't ever have to listen to any real jazz!

I'm truly sorry for the above post. I was just skimming thru this long thread, and I forgot the subject of it.

I thought I was was posting on the "Post your same old adolescent inflammatory rhetoric here" thread.

I caught the Mingus Big Band on Thursday with a visiting friend from Toronto. We were treated to an especially stellar lineup: Bobby Watson, John Stubblefield, Seamus Blake, Eddie Henderson, Frank Lacey, Conrad Herwig, Dave Kikoski, et al. -- your basic casual NYC pickup band.

Man that's hot. Didn't know those guys sat in all at the same time. What tunes did they do?

Hardbop - hey, I saw Kenny Werner at the Duc des Lombards too! Small world.

Hoenig is indeed a gringo, but Weidenmuller don't need no steenking American passport. He's German, I believe.

As for your statement "Euros usually can't play jazz that well," I have only this to say: usually Americans can't either.

Josh--they did So Long Eric, Goodbye Pork Pie Hat, Don't Let Them Drop that Atomic Bomb on Me, Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting, Us Is Two (same Sy Johnson arrangement that I saw Mingus perform at Carnegie in 1972), and maybe 1 more tune I can't remember.

Dear Jimmy C:, I'm back at work and have now had a chance to read all the new posts. Sweetie, I take everything you say seriously. I always enjoy reading your posts and will even click on when I see you've posted even if it's on a thread I'm not even following. You always write with a lot of heart, which I love, and, of course, you are funny as all get out!

I guess I was a little upset because I was SO excited about meeting you and I thought the music was so exciting and then when you didn't really comment on any of that....I don't know I felt sortof weird. Just change my handle to "cranky mary" for post 194. But don't forget I totally dig you and next time you come to NYC we must hang once more!

Anthony B: Yes, my applauding is almost like an affliction of mine. I TRY to be "cool" but then the music is so good and the cats are giving it their all and I just love them, I CAN'T HELP IT! Cats have even commented on it, in an amused way. I think they like it actually. Funny thing is I once had a boyfriend who was a very "cool" cat himself and he was always exhorting me to "be cool". Finally, I just said to him, "honey, I'm not cool, get with it, I'll never be cool, dig it or forget it"! And you know what...truth to tell it was my warm, passionate nature that he dug the most! He acknowledged that that was true. At any rate, Anthony I will try to be cool on Thursday as befits the downtown "ghetto" (Can anyone tell me where has HB been!!!??). Now, to get down to bizness. Anthony, which show on Thursday? I'm up for either. I'd just like to buy tickets in advance. So, let me know asap what time everyone wants to go.

Wow, what a week!! My dance card(as HB would say)is full!! David Murray on Thursday, Joe Chambers on Saturday and Wynton on Sunday! I gotta tell you, I'm very excited about seeing Wynton at the VV.

And, talk about coincidences, HB was mentioning Danny Moore and then in Friday's NY Times I see the heading of "The Neediest Cases" article "Golden Horn is Silenced" and I think hmmm.... anyone I know? It was all about Danny Moore and how because of dental work etc. he had fallen on hard times and this community agency had paid his back rent etc. It mentioned that his first gig in months will be at Smoke. Did you see that HB? And HB, did you tell George Colligan I said "hi". I really do dig that cat.

Hmmm, what else? I caught Javon again last night at SB. He was superb. I'm finding it really interesting to follow his development. He is getting better and better. Such a sweetheart too!

Oh yeah, did Birdland really cancel their New Year's Eve gig? Joe Lovano was doing it!!

Mary, my comment about your applauding style was more in the nature of tribute than scorn.

"truth to tell it was my warm, passionate nature that he dug the most!" - I agree wholeheartedly :)

"At any rate, Anthony I will try to be cool on Thursday as befits
the downtown 'ghetto'" - Just promise me that you *will* applaud as LOUD as possible, the only thing that befits any jazz performance is a passionate response and exchange with a greatly impassioned performance.

In any case, I think I need to do the 930 set. I'm being coerced by a friend to see an Alterknit show at 8pm.

"Cranky" Mary no I didn't see that piece on Danny Moore. I tossed my Friday paper as well. I thought DM gigged fairly recently at Sweet Basil. In fact it may have been right around the time that the One for All cats had their Jazz Standard gig and some of them were on Danny's gig as well, which was like the very next week. That was back in August, though I may have confused the dates.

No when George and I had our conversation your name didn't come up. George did seem impressed, though, that I was aware that he had a CD out on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. I didn't know he had two CDs on FSNT. I purchased both, of course.

I would define the jazz ghetto as two clubs below Houston Street. I won't name them to protect the innocent. The "men" play above Houston; the "boys" are relegated to the jazz ghetto below. Once in a while the "boys" sneak above the Houston Street line (i.e., Sweet Basil's September or October dance card; I forget which since I was boycotting the place) and get an Uptown gig. I'll note it in the future and be sure to point out any "wanking" gigs that occur above Houston.

And Jimmy you should know better. I was as big a fan of Winnie's in the 80's as I was in the 90's and as I continue to be in the new millenium. So, yes, I do own that CD. I probably bought it the day it came out. But, I do thank you for thinking about me.

And, I don't know about the Birdland gig. I just am repeating what I heard on Thursday night. With that mob scene in Times Square I don't know how anyone would get to Birdland. You couldn't get a car anywhere near that venue.

Anthony, you are such a sweetie! The 9:30 show is good for me. So, I'm going to go ahead and buy tickets..so going once, going twice...9:30 it is?

HB, I wouldn't expect, apropos of nothing, for my name to come up in a converstion w/ George. The cat scarcely knows me. I'm just a big fan of his so I wanted you to say "hi" to him for me. I really don't understand this "uptown/downtown" thing you've got going. Seems to me there's great music all around this fabulous town! So, just enjoy it all and be grateful to be alive to experience the beauty and wonder of this sublime music!!

OK, Anthony, you've convinced me--I'll be my usual enthusiastic self....if the music is good that is. I expect it will be. I'm eager to hear this ambitious project.

In re: Birdland. That's a good point. Midtown was virtually shut down. How could anyone get near Birdland?

So Reynolds,
Can you make the second set or just the first?

second set is too late for me when I have to work in the morning-those trains get late pretty damn early-:)

Do you want to go to the first one?

Gee Rodo you really are disappointing I figured after you bought Winnie's Vanguard box and hearing the stellar music on those discs you'd blow off DM down at the Knit and catch WM at the VV.

Oh Bummer!! Does this mean jazzy mary and Reynolds won't be able to get together? There's only one thing to do...figure it out! Anthony B. Are you SURE you HAVE to go to that Alterknit show at that time, that day? And Reynolds, if past experience is any guide the first shows at the Old Office usually start late but the second ones are on time. Let's see, what time would the second set get out? 10:30-11? You wouldn't get home that late! Where do you live? If you live near Park Slope we could share a cab. I haven't bought my tickets yet but I plan to by Wednesday..so how about it guys, can we "get together"?

It's all Megan's fault.;)

Re comments such as: <I really don't understand this "uptown/downtown" thing you've got going> -- JM, could it be some of them are made for the purpose of "getting some folks' goats?" The more I read on this (and other)threads of this nature, the more I'm convinced that there's a movement afoot to see who will get upset by the comments. Seems unreasonable to think a Jazz fan could be so totally inflexible.....

Uh Josh, who's Megan?

Any sign of Joel Harrison out there in the Big Apple? He moved to NYC a couple of months ago. Check him out, I think you will be in for a pleasant surprize. He usually writes for mid sized groups, sextet or octet, has some fantastic compositions.

Megan is the one appling pressure on Anthony to see the 2nd set. Therefore it's her fault.:0

will check in tommorow on my plans-some things might be happening at work

Jazzy M,

Sorry I didn't go into detail about Javon's gig at Sweet Basil. It's just that when I read your post you seemed to have covered all the bases, including the "smokin'" John Hart on guitar. Believe me, I really enjoyed the group and to be able to witness your enthusiasm, well, what's better than that?

BTW, when I first came into SB I was still walking on air. Not only did I just finish witnessing a master on the piano at The Standard but I actually was able to talk with Tommy Flanagan at the bar after he finished his set. He was gracious and a perfect gentleman allowing such a pesky fan as myself to buttonhole him for a few minutes.

Then Joanne and I walk into SB and meet the "Great" Jazzy Mary. A beautiful night, just beautiful. Hope to see you again soon...................................

Thanks for the response, Jimmy. You are such a sweetie!

What is James Harrigan now booking the Friday afternoon jazz series at MoMA? They've got Ted Nash, Frank Kimbrough and Ben Allison & his "Medicine Wheel" band booked this month.

Anyone know who is playing with Lonnie Plaxico at Sweet Basil. He's gigging there this week I think. I know Lou Soloff is with him, but no one else.

I wish, HB, but I can't take credit. I think there are a total of four Jazz Composer's Collective gigs in a row at MoMA - the last one, on February 4, is Ron Horton's group.

I was at Sweet Basil this weekend, and there was no other info on who's in Lonnie's band.

Did the rumor that Birdland's Y2K-eve party got cancelled ever check out?

Reminder for those less busy than I: Matthew Shipp trio tonight at the Knit.

Is WM recording his VV gig? (Yuk yuk).

by the way, Chris, that's *Lew* Soloff.

HB, I know, I thought that too (i.e. James Harrigan booking the Friday MOMA gigs). It's pretty funny.

According to that font of info James Harrigan, Winnie may not be recording his VV gig, but reportedly the Thursday night show is being broadcast over the Internet. So even people who live in Vermont -- the upper, upper East Side if you will -- can dig Winnie at the VV. In fact, Winnie kicks tonight.

Speaking of Wynton, I had the Gourse bio in my hand last night at Barnes & Noble, but the line was too long and I was in a hurry so I put it down. I'll set up a separate thread and give chapter by chapter descriptions.

The Sweet Basil web site is beat. It lists Lonnie, but no info re. his band. I thought I saw Lew's/Lou's name on there somewhere, but that is the only info I have. I haven't picked up my January Hot House yet either. That is probably out right about now.

And I may head over to Birdland next week for Marc Cary and the *amazing* Abraham Burton as well. I call Abraham *amazing* because he is booked at both Sweet Basil and Birdland a week from Thursday. That would be a neat trick gigging in two places at once.

Then again, our correspondent Jazzy Mary reportedly will attend the Joe Chamber's gig this weekend at Birdland so maybe she can get the skinny this weekend and update us on Monday.

HB, It is "Lew" Soloff not "Lou". I certainly DO plan on attending Joe's gig on Saturday. I will try to find out what went on re: Birdland's New Year's Eve gig.

Glad to be a source of information & amusement, HB and JM.

Here's the rundown on JCC@MoMA:

January 7
Ted Nash Quintet (a strange band - clarinet, violin, tuba, accordion, and drums)

January 14
Ben Allison & Medicine Wheel

January 21
Michael Blake & Free Association

January 28
Frank Kimbrough & Noumena

February 4
Ron Horton Sextet

February 11
James Harrigan Ultra Big Band (approximately 100 musicians, featuring Musical Director James on kazoo and trash can lid, jazzy mary on hand-clapping, all the above JCC musicians, the LCJO including Wynton on trumpet and Stanley Crouch on liner notes, the Carnegie Hall Big band, Gary Bartz, Joe Lovano, David Murray, Tom Harrell, Dave Douglas, Matthew Shipp, Joel Frahm, Doug Robinson, Bob Brookmeyer, a player to be named later, and of course our special guest soloist - Joe Maneri)

Each show is 5:30-8:00pm, "pay what you wish".

Throw in some guy tearing up card board and I'll be there.

James, that "ultra-big band"----now THAT sounds swingin'!!

Well we know Winnie won't be gigging with Nash with that mix of instruments that is for sure.

I didn't know Winnie The Pooh played an instrument.

James-

Thanks for the chuckle! ;^ )

Uh oh, HB: I just checked George Colligan's itinerary on his site here and HE'S going to be playing w/ Lonnie Plaxico at SB! Damn, I can't do everything!!

Miles an 'acquired taste'? Once heard, it's all the
same, sad to say.

Joel, you're welcome. Just make sure you show up on time for rehearsal, or there will be no Tanqueray and tonic for you.

In late breaking news, I have reached agreement with his agent, and Josh Heisler will be joining the JH Ultra Big Band on, yes, ripped cardboard.

In other news, here's an interesting gig at a nice venue (from my e-mail inbox):

OmniTone Records and Tom Varner invite one and all
to the Cornelia Street Café, Saturday 15 January, to herald the release
of the master composer/French horn player's latest acclaimed release,
SWIMMING (OmniTone 11903).

Varner, who has been described as "one of the most enlightened
performers in New York Jazz," [Richard Cook, Mojo] will be playing two
sets, beginning at 9:00 PM. His current Quintet includes Dave Ballou,
trumpet; Tony Malaby, tenor saxophone; Cameron Brown, bass; Tom Rainey,
drums. SWIMMING showcases the incandescence of this group, along with
alto saxophonist Steve Wilson, and special guests Mark Feldman on violin
and Pete McCann on guitar.

I wonder if that's PETER McCann from Bridgeport, Connecticut?

Excuse the intrusion. Just wondering out loud. Peter grew up in the south end of Bridgeport, my old neighborhood. Last I heard he was in California doing studio work...................

I was on the upper west side last night and the HMV store at 72nd and Broadway has closed. Fret not, they've added a new store on the Deuce between 8th Ave. & Broadway/7th Ave.

Got the Voice last night too and lots of good gigs on the horizon. A bunch of Detroit cats: Charles McPherson, Frank Foster, Rodney Whitaker, Louis Hayes et al are gigging at the Iridium starting Jan. 25. The pianist is still "TBA". I bet it would have been The Keeper but he is otherwise occupied at the Vanguard that week.

Tain Watts' and his Sextet also are on the Iridium's dance card (w/o 1/18). Looks like I'll be giving my Times' Card a good workout. And don't forget the monster Bobby Hutcherson/Cedar Walton band is at Iridium as well (w/o Jan. 11). And they start the Feb. with a band as the incomparable Hank Jones is there for a week.

Boy that Plaxico Sweet Basil gig is looking better and better with Colligan and Soloff in Lonnie's band. He doesn't gig too often as a leader. That one may be to good to pass up.

And it looks like Marc Cary is flying solo at Birdland a week from Thursday. Abraham Burton has a full week at Sweet Basil.

That Smoke gig this weekend with Danny Moore and all the One for All cats is getting better and better as we move closer and closer to the weekend as there will be special guests on the bill including George Coleman. I hope Eric Alexander and Big George go mano-a-mano.

Too much jazz, too little time.

HB, is Frank Foster a Detroiter? You are definitely right about all the others. I think a great pianist for that group would be Carlos McKinney, or maybe Geri Allen - two superb Detroiters. Should be a great gig.

Y2K sure is getting off to a great start in the NY jazz world.

Geez...HB, It looks like I'll be spending a lot of time at Iridium this month and next!! Now, HB do you mean to tell me you are not going to join Anthony B and me for David Murray's gig tomorrow night? (Josh and Steve Reynolds---are you guys coming, I hope so!). Also, when are you seeing Wynton, did you hit the opening night?

The "Up Over" in Brooklyn has some great shows coming up--Jan 14 and 15 Kenyatta Beasley with my sweetie Anthony Wonsey, another sweetie--Curtis Lundy, Teodross Avery, Marcus Baylor and Casey Benjamin. On Jan 21-22 it's Michele Rosewoman w/ Rufus Reid and Gene Jackson. Then Jan. 28-29 Alvester Garnett Quartet and then on Feb. 4-5 Orrin Evans Trio.

I concur w/ HB--so much jazz, so little time!

I've gotta assume FF is from Motown since the band is billed as the "Detroit All Stars." Maybe they can get Hank Jones to fill the piano chair. Is Pontiac close enough to Detroit? And isn't the Jazz Poet a native of Motown? You know the Keeper would be on that gig if didn't have that week at the VV. He and Charles McPherson have had a long musical association.

I will be in Brooklyn that Friday so I may hit that Kenyatta Beasley gig, especially since Wonsey is in the band. I've never seen KB as a leader, only as a sideman. I haven't seen Michelle Rosewoman in quite a while either.

And in addition to the Keeper & Winnie, Teri Thornton has a week at the VV this month as well! David Sanchez Sunday night at Birdland. One for All Sunday night at Smoke. It goes on and on and on.

David Murray at the Knit with Rodo in tow. Two chances of me attending: none and none. I only hang on the North side of Houston. The Voice Short list this week included both Wynton Marsalis and David Murray's gig. So, they got one right.

Hb, You'd probably like Orrin Evans too. He's a hard swinger. You all may remember he came in second in the Monk competition. I guess I'll see you at Kenyatta's gig.

Oh, yeah. I missed the Evans and Garnett gigs in your post. Lots of young cats getting gigs at the Up 'n Over. That is nice to see. All of it hard bop and all of it swinging too. Looks like I'll be spending almost as much time in Brooklyn this month as I will in Manhattan. I've seen Evans before, but I have never seen Alvester lead a band. He plays drums right? I don't recall him leading a band before either.

In fact, Orrin was on that Will Calhoun/Bobby Watson gig I just caught at the Blue Note. He's got a new CD out on Criss Cross as well I believe. If he has a copy with him and I attend that gig I'll buy it.

Swing is the correct word when describing the people gigging at the Up n Over this month. If you are deficient in that department, you can't get on the Up n Over's dance card.

Looks like I'm on board for the first Murray set. What time are people getting there? I think I'll be there about 8. Anthony we should work out a way for me to get the ticket from you.

Josh e-mailed this to me this morning. It's the schedule for the Cornelia Street Cafe, which is located off of (you guessed it) Cornelia St in the snuggly West Village. It's not quite below Houston St., But according to some people it probably should be, judging by these scheduled performances.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 5TH BILL GERHARDT QUARTET-"COTANGENT"- BILL GERHARDT-PIANO,
FRANCOIS MUTIN-BASS, MARK MOMMAAS-SAXOPHONE, TIM HORNER-DRUMS. The quartet
plays a mix of material ranging from the Avante-Garde, to music influenced
by
Herbie Nichols and Clifford Jordan. This is a very organic group.
Cotangent's main focus is communication between each other and the audience.

THURSDAY, JAN 6TH-BRAD SHEPPICK-BRAD SHEPIK TRIO-BRAD SHEPIK (GUITAR), BEN
STREET (BASS), TOM RAINEY (DRUMS). A new, acoustic trio playing music that
doesn't get played in any of Sheppick's other bands. "His playing has real
flair, and the material is deep, spirited stuff." - Billboard

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JAN 7TH & 8TH -MIKE MAINIERI-VIBRAPHONE, KURT
ROSENWINKLE-GUITAR, SCOTT COLLEY-BASS, BEN PEROWSKY-DRUMS. Vibraphonist Mike

Mainieri will be exploring some new works with this fine collaboration of
musicians. Michael's playing is deeply melodic, very sensual, that roots
the
band together and creates layered atmosphere's and spacious harmonics.
DEFFINITELY NIGHTS NOT TO MISS!!!!!.

SUNDAY, JAN. 9TH --MARK TAYLOR'S GREEN INK QUARTET,---MARK TAYLOR-FRENCH
HORN, LAFAYETTE HARRIS -PIANO, BRAD JONES-BASS, J.T. LEWIS-DRUMS- French
Hornist Mark Taylor, most recently with Max Roach's So What Brass Band,
brings a hard swingin quartet here tonight . They will be doing a mix of
standards and originals, with plenty of room for free improvisation and
showcasing the unique sound of each member.

MONDAY, JAN. 10th HOPE DEBATES & ADAM KLIPPLE-"TWISTED CABARET"- Two wacky
and multitalented musicians start a new series tonight, lovingly described
as
"a twisted cabaret". With a backing of jazz and post rock training and
influences, this duo, with alternating special guests, take the idea of
"Cabaret" to new levels, and in doing so evoke the very old style of a true
underground cabaret. Offering morphed jazz tunes & "children's" songs, such

as those found in Charlie and the Chocolate factory---(for kids??? Twisted
disturbed chillens they say,) odd instrumentation grouped together with
spoken word, tidbits of freaky-ness and an out, dark notion of "humor." All

in all, a " no idea what comes next" sense of timing, odd humor, skill and
spontaneous musical depth, join to create this new series. 2nd Monday of
each month.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12TH --BILL McHENRY QUARTET- BILL McHENRY- SAXOPHONES, BEN
MONDER-GUITAR , REID ANDERSON-BASS, GERALD CLEAVER-DRUMS. Melodic
saxophonist Bill McHenry plays tonight with a quartet of exceptional
musicians. Joining Ben Monder on guitar, the group plays standards, with a
deep improvisational vibe and original compositions. "From start to finish
they sustain both a high level of melodic invention and rhythmic
momentum-well worth seeking out." Jazz Times.

THURSDAY, JAN 13TH -SUNNA GUNNLAUGSDOTTIR QUARTET-SUNNA
GUNNLAUGSDOTTIR-PIANO, TONY MALABY-SAX, DREW GRESS-BASS, SCOTT
McLEMORE-DRUMS--Pianist and composer Sunna Gunnlaugsdottir has assembled a
wonderful band to play her stunningly melodic modern jazz originals, and
emotionally provocative Icelandic folk songs. It features the immense
talents of bassist Drew Gress, tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby, and drummer
Scott McLemore.

FRIDAY, JAN 14H-- THOR MADSEN QUARTET-WITH SPECIAL GUEST-GEORGE
GARZONE---TENOR SAX, THOR MADSEN - GUITAR, DOUGLAS YATES - ALTO, FRANCOIS
MOUTIN - BASS, ARI HOENIG - DRUMS. Having just finished mixing their new CD

with 9 original tracks, to be released in the New Millenium, this group
comes
together tonight to play from this collection of new music. The music is
essentially jazz but draws from genres such as dub and electronica. The
band
goes from complex to simple, from introvert to extrovert, from obvious to
surprising. The group is a tight knit unit that allows for both dynamic,
collective interplaying and burning solos. A fresh mixing of contemporary
genres of music-jazz and electronica, dub and drum and bass.

SATURDAY, 15TH-CD RELEASE PARTY-TOM VARNER QUINTET-TONY MALABY-TENOR, DAVE
BALLOU-- TRUMPET, CAMERON BROWN-BASS, TOM RAINEY DRUMS....celebrating the
release of Tom's new CD, Swimming, on Omnitone label. Politics, religion,
intrigue, mystery, love, and even sexy bible stories-another passionate
sonic
odyssey from French Horn virtuoso and composer Tom Varner, described by the
press as one of the "most enlightened performers in New York jazz." NOT TO
MISS.

SUNDAY, 16TH-WILBUR MORRIS-BASS, RAVISH MOMIN-TABLA, WILLIAM
CONNELL-REEDS.--
Altoist Will Connell, who most recently has played with Chico Hamilton,
hasn't been around in a while. But this trio should show off his biting
attack, with bassists Wilbur Morris, who was supporting downtown, before
there was a Downtown, and drummer/ tabla player Ravish Momin.

WEDNESDAY, 19TH -"CHANGE OF TIME"-BARTOK'S MICROCOSMOS---RUSS LOSSING-PIANO,

ADAM KOLKER-REEDS, JOHN HEBER-BASS.- Performing from Bartok's hundreds of
compositions entitled Microcosmos, this trio takes the major themes of each
piece and improvises within them. Expansive, beautiful, free ranging,
performed by New York's finest.

THURSDAY, 20TH-MIKASONIK-MIKA POHJOLA-PIANO, DONNY MCCASLIN-SAXOPHONES,
FERNANDO HUERGO-BASS, BEN WEISS-DRUMS & SCRAMBLING PERCUSSION.-Jazz That
embraces classical influences, sounds of New York, folk music, and something

very deep from the heart of its creator- Mika Pohjola becomes like a master
chef. Putting together a unique amalgam of ingredients to produce a truly
inventive and tasty concoction. "There are literally hundreds of young New
York musicians vying for the attention of the listening public, yet few who
possess the ingenuity and stylistic balances evident in the music of Mr.
Pohjola." Brett Primack-Jazz Times

FRIDAY, 21ST-DOUGLAS YATES QUARTET-DOUGLAS YATES-BASS CLARINET & ALTO SAX,
BILLY MINTZ-DRUMS, TONY MALABY-TENOR SAX, MICHAEL FORMANEK-BASS. Douglas
Yates leads this quartet featuring unusual interpretations of "standards"
and free originals from members.

SATURDAY 22ND-PETER HERBERT & DAVID TRONZO- "SEGMENTE"---ON AZIZA RECORD
LABEL. Celebrating their 1999 release of duo CD, Segmente. Peter Herbert
-acoustic bass and David Tronzo-slide guitar. Segmente contains selections
of live to 2-track recordings (approximately 3 hours total of music), from
concerts that took place in Europe during 1997. Ambient-acoustic, groove
oriented music. . . all improvised . . . no written music. Peter Herbert's
bass is entirely acoustic with no electronic sound alterations. He does use
mechanical sound altering devises such as wood-clips, sticks, and other
miscellaneous items. In order to match the acoustic setup as closely as
possible, David Tronzo uses a minimum of amplification and a wide variety of

tools like plastic cups and other slides. Both musicians live in NY's East
Village and have known each other for almost a decade. Two highly acclaimed
musicians, who's backgrounds and influences are diverse -- Tronzo's slide
guitar playing is rooted in the rich blues tradition of the South and
Herbert's background ranges from classical to jazz -- yet together they
create an entirely fresh sound. NOT TO MISS.


SUNDAY, 23RD-AMY KOHN-vocals---band to be announced.

WEDNESDAY, 26TH ---FREE RANGE RAT-JOHN CARLSON, ERIC HIPP- TENOR SAX, JOHN
CARLSON--POCKET TRUMPET, CURTIS HASSELBRING-- TROMBONE AND GUITAR, GEORGE
SCHULLER --DRUMS, SHAWN MCGLOIN-BASS. Free Range Rat has been scurrying in
the underground of the New York music world. With veteran musicians from
diverse backgrounds, Free Range Rat plays "cosmosonic jazz" paying homage to

the rich tradition of improvisational exploration in American music. CIMP
Records released a recording of the band in June 1999 titled under its name.

THURSDAY, 27TH-- NEW MUSIC FOR STRINGS AND GUITARS -CHRIS WOLTMANN AND KARL

WENNINGER-COMPOSITIONS, THOMAS OBERLE-CLARINET, JOVANINA PAGANO-VIOLA,
THERESA SALOMON-VIOLIN, CHRIS WOLTMAN-GUITAR. From 9:00 to about 10:30 will

be five chamber works composed for strings and guitars (2 electric guitars,
violin, viola and cello).These pieces were written by Karl Wenninger and
composer Chris Woltmann. From 11:00 to midnight will be a jazz guitar trio.

KARL WENNINGER TRIO-GUITAR, W/ JIM WHITNEY-BASS, ROLAND SCHNEIDER-DRUMS

FRIDAY, 28TH -DAVE BALOU QUARTET-METTAPROJECT-DAVE BALLOU-TRUMPET, RANDY
PETTERSON-DRUMS, MIKE FORMANEK-BASS.-- This collaboration of different
musicians is playing tonight compositions from the US release of the CD,
Amongst Ourselves, and some new collective experimentation's. Playing
improvised compositions, "Melodies grounded in intuition.... a bit like
Albert
Ayler's music from the 60's without the garish pathos. " Ben Ratliff- NY
times. "Combined with his horns timber-al variety -medieval flourish,
muted
blat and at one point an auburn sigh reflective enough to make you think a
Botanical garden had blossomed on East Third." Jim Macnie.

SATURDAY, 29TH ---SKAROS ENSEMBLE-- JENNY SCHEINMAN - VIOLIN, ADAM GOOD -
DZHUMBUSH / OUD, JIM BLACK - DUMBEK / PERCUSSION, MATT MORAN - TUPAN /
PERCUSSION, CHRIS SPEED - CLARINET.
"Chris Speed and the Skaros Ensemble." Skaros Ensemble: plays the music of
Tale Ognenovski, Tassos Halkias and Ferus Mustafov. With This new project
focuses on the music of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey, combining the ethic
of
downtown improvisation with the traditional instruments and tunes of
Eastern-Europe.

SUNDAY, 30TH -SCOTT LEE QUARTET- SCOTT LEE-BASS, RUSS LOSSING-PIANO, JEFF
HIRSCHFIELD-DRUMS, BILLY DREWES-REEDS. Four of New York's finest jazz
improvisers get together to play from their newly released CD. Created
through years of playing and composing, the music is strongly improvised,
loose in flow, yet organized and highly melodic within a large and broad
sound-scape. The group spirit is one that each session of playing together
has accomplished, and thus the new CD has sought to experience and be a part

of what is "magic" about music, its performance and the participation one
has
as a listener when all aspects of abstraction join together to create what
some might even dare say is beautiful."

I'll definitely be seeing that peformance on the 14th. Thor Madsen and George Garzone. Looks good! They've got Jean-Michel Pilc's rhythm section there, Francois Moutin on bass and Ari Hoenig on drums. These guys are swinging monsters. I'm not familiar with Thor Madsen, but judging from his company, it looks like a sure thing.

Josh, I'll see if I can buy the ticket and have them keep it for you at the box office.

Yes, Pontiac is just north of Detroit. Not adjacent, but definitely part of the metro Detroit area, so the Jones brothers certainly count as part of the Detroit jazz legacy.

Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, and Hank Jones are all from Detroit. So are Roland Hanna, Geri Allen, Kirk Lightsey, Carlos McKinney and his father Harold, and a bunch of other pianists I'm forgetting. A great town for jazz piano (and other instruments, too).

HB, I know this is probably pointless, but let me ask anyway: why don't you stick to talking about music you like, rather than taking potshots at people and musicians who you don't like?

ANthony B and others: Dave Ballou is a very goood trumpet player so that Cornelia St. gig of his should be worthwhile.

"HB, I know this is probably pointless, but let me ask anyway: why don't you stick to talking about
music you like, rather than taking potshots at people and musicians who you don't like?"

This may be a deep-rooted psychological problem. It seems prevelant mostly in people who were once that kid who always got picked last when it came time for teams to assemble on the playground to play basketball or football. Now the result is some guy with no friends who feels the need to make a team out of people who share his musical taste and opponents out of people who do not share his musical taste.