Sunday Music Muse Day - John Sneider, Pat Metheny

This will be a fun Sunday Music Muse Day post featuring two new releases.  First up,  John Sneider The Scrapper. The talent trumpet player with a long list of credits from his extensive experience in the New York jazz scene, and brother of guitarist and local hero Bob Sneider.  The title tune, "The Scrapper", John's nickname, kicks off this swinging set in blazing fashion.  I'm totally enjoying this and recommend it whole heartedly.  I got to see John play with Bob at New Year Eve gig at the Little Theatre Cafe several years back, where I got to meet his 20 year son Ben, who is on a tune, he wrote, on the CD.  Fruit doesn't fall far from this talented family tree.  I hope John brings his group to Rochester someday.  Until then, I 'll have to keep spinning this CD. (This CD cover is going become a jazz classic)

Next up is the latest by Pat Metheny From this Place.  It another fine example of his excellent guitar playing and his strong composing.  This session feature intimate small group interplay and full blown orchestral arrangement.  I was really struck by the crispness of the drums on this CD.  The artistry of Pat Metheny never ceases to amaze me.  I also highly recommend this.

What is left to say but, find yourself some music, and enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Doug Stone with Bob Snieder and Mike Melito

This  Sunday Music Muse Day find me, again, licking my wounds at missing the Bob Sneider Trio at Girasole Wine Bar.  This is the second time in a month I made reservations for Girasole gig, last time it was Mile Melito's Trio, but I got put on a waiting list and didn't get in.  At this point I've better luck scoring Rolling Stone tour tickets the a seat at Girasole.

So, I'll have to console myself with Bob and Mike playing on saxophonist Doug Stone's Motion CD.  My thanks to Tom Kohn owner of the Bop Shop Records for ordering some from Doug directly.  Tom says he going to bring Doug in for a concert. (You heard it here first, folks). In any case, it's a nice straight ahead jazz session with tasty playing all around. I hope the Bop Shop concert happens.

Luckily, I know I'll have a change to see Bob and Mike play, again soon.  Maybe I'll have to camp out in sleeping bag outside their next gig.  Lets hope for good weather.

Sunday Music Muse Day - Gene Bertoncini & Steve Greene, Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and jack DeJohnette

This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us enjoy a blank of fluffy snow and very cold morning.  Just the recipe for a these jazz choice to warm the heart.  First up is guitar duo Gene Bertoncini and Steve Green Gene with Green. This CD offers a selection of jazz standards played excellently by Bertoncini on nylon string classic guitar and Greene in steel string archtop guitar. They have a local contact as they meet at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester (Steve studied with Gene), forming a lasting friendship.  I'v had the pleasure of seeing Steve Greene play with the White Hots as will as having his Steve Greene Trio CD.  I hadn't seen Gene Bertoncini, yet, but hope he'll come the Rochester jazz festival, sometime.

To round out this quiet morning, Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette, Somewhere CD.  Another fine Live set on the ECM label.  Maybe it's a sigh of mellowing out in my old age, but I'm finding myself exploring a lot more piano trio music, than I used to.  Keith's music hits the spot as long his 'nee...nee...nee" vocalizing doesn't distract from the playing (sorry Jarrett fans, that drives me nuts).

All in all, it's a nice way to spend the day.  Enjoy