Arguments on When a Jazz Fest is, or is not a Jazz Fest

     The couple of days ago I came across an interesting on-line article in All About Jazz. I suggest you read the article by John Kelman, by going to http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=39539 and see what he has to say. I also suggest you read the post and comments on Kelman`s article, which also led me to post three comments where I share my opinions.

     So, what do I believe? I believe jazz festivals should remain jazz festivals, just as a blue grass music festival, rap, or classical piano festival should remain true to its audience and supporters. In John Kelman`s article entitled - When is a Jazz Festival (Not) a Jazz Festival? points to non-jazz artist participating in jazz festivals around the World, which goes against my belief, and understanding as to what a jazz festival is. Of course festival organizers deal with the complex issues around funding jazz festivals, with both private and public resources; money. Should festival organizers by-in to corporate dictates regarding jazz festivals by allowing festivals to resemble pop concerts, or should organizers maintain an artistic integrity of a 100% jazz festival.

     I am interested to read what you think. please leave a comment this blog.

 

My Thoughts of Meek`s Cutoff

     Meek`s Cutoff takes place during the early days of the westward migration on the Oregon Trail around 1845. Meek`s Cutoff is a story of three wagon teams of families making the journey West, but hiring an "experienced" mountain man - Stephen Meek. As it turns out, Meeks` claim of being an experience mountain man who knows of a short cut to get these three families West puts them in danger of hunger, thirst, and an erosion of faith. As time goes on they cross paths with a Native American, who they capture. The story is interesting because it places these three families in a situation of who to trust; an unreliable guide, or a man these emigrants deem as their natural enemy.

     I enjoyed the rugged and untamed scenery of the West, which provided the tension and practical problems these families had to face. Wordrob and props seem to be very authentic, especially the period musket. Also well done was the acting of the main chacters; Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, and Rod Rondeaux as The Cayuse.

    Unfortunately I found Meek`s Cutoff to be very slow paced. Also of concern of mine was the ending. Meeks`s Cutoff cannot be accused of exploiting the basic Hollywood ending, but the ending just kind-of left us hanging. I am sure that was Director Kelly Reichardts` intent, but it just did not work for me. As for the film overall, Meek`s Cutoff is not making my list of favorite films.

Urban Theatre

     About a week ago I received a newsletter from Shawn P Entertainment (May/June Newsletter), and I was truly captured by Lanette M. White`s post entitled  L-BOOGIE SPEAKS...The State of Urban Theatre. Go to http://wp.me/pJ4c3-aA to see the post that I agree with.

     L-BOOGIE SPEAKS points to the quality of urban theatrical productions by saying there is a downward spiral of productions regarding scripts, and acting. It does seem as though the majority of African-American productions are centered around a "Big Mama"; the Black Church, and a "Boys in the Hood" theme, with clownery, or loud and out of control behavior. Don`t get me wrong, I think these productions should be staged, but as L-BOOGIE SPEAKS ask; can we be more creative with our presentation? Do we have other stories to tell other than big mama, the church, and the hood? I think we do. 

Spend Some Time With Continuum Jazz Ensemble

     Just finish rehearsing with Continuum Jazz Ensemble a few hours ago, and I tell you; you gotta come check us out. Continuum Jazz Ensemble features the artistic performances of leader, and drummer Dave Cheney, Ian Bigsby on guitar, Miles Butterfield on bass, and myself - Keith Gamble on tenor saxophone and flute. Continuum Jazz Ensemble is scheduled to play the following places:

Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 5, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Baker`s Keyboard Lounge, in Detroit - May 19, 2011, from 7-11:30pm
Scarab Club, in Detroit - June 18, 2011, from 7-11:00pm
SterlingFest, in Sterling Heights, MI - July 28, 2011, from 10am-1:00pm

If you come out, you`re going to hear some exciting music from a wonderful band. Continuum Jazz Ensemble is a must see.

     Be on the look-out for our upcoming CD; it should be out by our June 18 Scarab Club performance. If you have purchase my CD - Meaning, Truth, and Understanding (available online at http://www.keithgamblemusic.bandcamp.com/, and Street Corner Music at 26020 Greenfield, Oak Park, MI ) you will hear Continuum Jazz Ensembles` interpretation of my composition Side Effects. We`re looking forward to seeing you at our performances.

Shopping For A Student Instrument

     Do you have a child in band, strings, or orchestra? if you do your child may be playing a school assigned instrument, or large instrument everyone would expect a school to invest in, i.e., a tuba, concert bass drum, or some other kind of large instrument, otherwise parents have to purchase or rent instruments themselves for their children. But parents, if you have to purchase(or rent) an instrument do you know what your are looking for? Unless you have played in band, strings, or orchestra chances are good you do not know what you are looking for when it comes to musical instruments. My goal in this blog is to assist parents or guardians in making that purchase. Yes, of course I want to invite you to my spring recital, and recruit new woodwind music student(I have to make a living too!), but I also want to educate parents and guardians about purchasing a student instrument for their child(ren).

     When purchasing an instrument I recommend going to an establish dealer of musical instruments; go to the music store. Check your yellow pages, or go on-line for a music store near you, but go to a music store! Why, because your local music store employees knowledgeable people who are musicians themselves, and can be your resource in answering questions you may have regarding your instrument. When you purchase your instrument from a music store they can honor any implied warranty, and act on your behave for instrument maker guarantees; can a pawn shop do that? What about eBay, or anyother on-line seller? again, I recommend your local music store.

     Another resource to consider is your music teacher. Ask your school band director, or independent music teacher to assist you in purchasing an instrument. Your childs` music education professional can offer advise, or come with you when you make your purchase; just ask, and you may be pleasently surprised.

     Why go through the trouble of going to a music store, and talking to the music teacher? You do not have to purchase your instrument from a music dealer, or work with a music teacher; you have other alternatives, but I recommend this course of action to protect your money and investment. If you are not careful you can loss money by purchasing a shotty instrument that cannot be serviced, or simply put - you can be scammed! Go to www.oriscus.com/mi/ , and click-on to "Why You Should Not Buy A Cheap Musical Instrument Online" for more information.

     I hope you find this blog useful, and  if you have any questions, or if I can be of any service to you when you embark on you journey of purchasing a musical instrument for your young musician please let me know. If you are in Detroit, MI on June 5, 2011, you are invited to my Keith Gamble - Woodwind Music Lessons Spring Recital. Go to my website for more information in the calendar section  at http://www.keithgamblemusic.com/ . If you live in the Detroit area and are looking for a music teacher who teaches clarinet, flute, and saxophone, please contact me at keithgamblemusic@comcast.net for more information.

My Opinion of Folgers Classic Roast

      I was reading an article/review of Kenneth Davids from Coffee Review : : The World`s Leading Coffee Buying Guide, and he made comments on instant coffees. Davids review of instant coffee in general was not flattering, but had kind words for Nescafe' Taster`s Choice, and Starbucks VIA - both Colombia. I am a Starbucks fan, so I am happy that Davids confirmed my coffee tasting belief in Starbucks. Unfortunately Davids was not so kind on the Folgers Classic Roast instant. Being honest, I cannot speak-on Folgers instant coffee (or any instant coffee; I don`t enjoy instant), but I can speak on Folgers Classic Roast in the aroma seal canister.

     My day begins with a dark Folgers Classic Roast. It says dark, but the Classic Roast is actually a medium roast coffee; richer than the breakfast coffee, the Classic Roast has a bold, and robust taste that is perfect for breakfast. I would like to see what Kenneth Davids has to say about Folgers Classic Roast in an aroma seal canister. I would also like to hear from you regarding your favorite coffee or coffee experience. 

Film Panel Discussion - Up In the Air

     A friend of mine from the Detroit Indie Film Group recommended group members attend the panel discussion of "Up In the Air". This April 3, 2011 panel discussion was hosted by the Association For Psychoanalytic Thought of the Michigan Psychoanalytic Society called Reel Deal. Held at the Bloomfield Twp. Library this panel discussion dealt with issues of unemployment, organizations dealing with lay-offs, and the emotional impact of employees whose job is to lay-off those being laid-off.

     Up In the Air stars George Clooney who plays an always traveling organization man who visits company offices, and fires employees who`ve been laid-off.

     If you have not seen this 2009 Jason Reitman film, I recommend to rent it today.