Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly:      One thing I truly appreciate about having a music blog is that I get a chance to listen to recordings I have taken for granted, or simp...

Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly

     One thing I truly appreciate about having a music blog is that I get a chance to listen to recordings I have taken for granted, or simply not listen too. Saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley`s Somethin' Else is such an album. Recorded in 1958 by Blue Note Records, Somethin' Else is a timeless recording of jazz standards that have with-stood the test of time.

     Autumn Leaves remind me why I fell in love with jazz in the first place. Autumn Leaves is a beautiful piece, with Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, and bassist Sam Jones creating such a mysterious quality with this composition. On "Love For Sale" Cannonball really swings, while Miles Davis crafts a melody that truly tells a story. Cannonball Adderley`s phrasing on this recording is second to none, and he plays with such a large and full tone.

     Somethin' Else was recorded in 1958, when Cannonball Adderley was a member of Miles Davis Sextet. If you didn`t know any better you would think Somethin' Else was a Miles Davis recording. You may also get that impression because Cannonball Adderley wrote none of the five compositions on this recording, and a 1999 bonus track - Bangoon (Allison's Uncle), which was composed by pianist Hank Jones.

     Cannonball Adderley`s performance is reminiscent of Charlie Parker, but full of life, style, and character you would expect from Cannonball Adderley. Cannonball Adderley`s playing on Somethin' Else is ever so inspiring. Joining Cannonball Adderley on this 1958 Blue Note Records recording date are Miles Davis - Trumpet, Hank Jones - Piano, Sam Jones - Bass, and Art Blakey - Drums.

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum"

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum":      If you are looking to give the gift of music for the Christmas season, I recommend Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum",...

Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum"

     If you are looking to give the gift of music for the Christmas season, I recommend Kendrick Scott Oracle`s "We Are The Drum", from Blue Note Records. This is a good CD. Superb performances are given by drummer and leader Kendrick Scott, saxophonist John Ellis, keyboardist Taylor Eigsti, Mike Moreno on guitar, Joe Sanders on bass, and vocalist Lizz Wright. This is not a show-offish recording (except for Kendrick Scott), but performances are strong.

     From Houston, TX, Kendrick Scott began playing drums in church. While in Houston, Scott was awarded the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz Fellowship, given by the International Association For Jazz Education (IAJE). Kendrick Scott has gone on to receive other noteworthy awards. After graduating from high school, Kendrick Scott received a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where in 2002 he graduated.

     Scott has performed with Pat Methney, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, and others. In 2006, Kendrick Scott`s debut recording "The Source" was the first for Scott`s group Oracle. "We Are The Drum"is Kendrick Scott Oracle debut recording with Blue Note Records.

     Comparisons are made to Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, and Tony Williams, but Kendrick Scott is his own musician. "We Are The Drum" will make a wonderful gift for jazz fans in your life, or if you are selfish, it will be a great addition to your musical library.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses:      Saturday, November 28 football game between University of Southern California, and the University of California, Los Angeles, began wit...

Star Spangled Banner, By Guns 'N Roses

     Saturday, November 28 football game between University of Southern California, and the University of California, Los Angeles, began with the USC marching band performing "The Star Spangled Banner", with Slash from Guns 'N Roses on electric guitar. The audience applauded, and shortly after the game started.

     The Star Spangled Banner is a sacred song in American culture and life. After all, it is our country`s national anthem. I prefer hearing The Star Spangled Banner sung by a chorus in four part harmony. There are various ways to present The Star Spangled Banner, but it should always be presented in reverence and dignity.

     No, I cannot tell you I enjoyed The Star Spangled Banner performed by Slash, or for that matter by many other show-offish ways that popular entertainers sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner. But I guess that`s the point. We are not all going to like and appreciate every rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, but we can respect the many voices, and the many ways those voices sing and interpret The Star Spangled Banner, without desecrating our national anthem.

Monday, October 5, 2015