Today's Sunday Music Muse Day will be short and sweet with two well know jazz player. First up, Wayne Shorter Quartet Beyond the Sound Barrie, is a collection of live recording from November 2002 - April 2004, from touring dates in North America, Europe, and Asia. The liner notes doesn't outbreak out exact date and location on each tune. The quartet consist of Shorter on saxophones, Danilo Perez on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drum. Younger, but talented and experienced players. It worth a listen, as all Wayne Shorter music is.
Welcome to the blog of Dennis J. Woodyard - Journeyman Artist, and Dragonfly Entertainment. Former TV animation producer/director, storyboard artist, character designer, writer, concept artist, Flip book designer, and other professional credits.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Sunday Muse Muse Day - Wayne Shorter, Gerry Mulligan
Monday, April 29, 2024
Sunday Music Muse Day (A day Late) Bill Frisell, Gerry Gibbs
Here's my Sunday Music Muse Day post, a day late. First up, Bill Frisell: Orchestras. This is the latest release by one of my favorite guitarist. I think of his music as Neo-Amerciana, It always reminds me of a blend of jazz, folk, and American composer Aaron Copland. This is a recording Frisell's trio with Thomas Morgan on bass, and Rudy Royston on drum performing with two full orchestras, the Brussels Philharmonic and the Umbria Jazz orchestra, orchestrated and arranged by Michael Gibbs. I'm really enjoying hearing old Frisell favorites of mine arranged for orchestra. It would be cool if the Bill Frisell came to Rochester and performed this with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. One can dream.
My second choice is Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio with leader Gibbs on drums, and legends Kenny Barron on piano, and Ron Carter on drums. It doesn't get better than this for power trio. This is actually the fifth release of Gerry Gibbs I have. I like his eclectic choice of material. Besides sessions like this he does concept projects, like his "Gerry Gibbs & Thrasher People -Weather or Not", an interpretation of Weather Report music, with Alex Collins on piano, and Hans Glawisching on bass. Any Gerry Gibbs Dream Trio is well worth picking up. (I couldn't figure out if Gerry Gibbs was related to Michael Gibbs, the arranger on the Bill Frisell CD)
So, that's it for my day late post. Be sure to find some good music to enjoy, whatever your taste. Peace.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Journeyman Artist Disney TV's Gargoyles - Director's Showcase & Timeline Tales
I was co-producer/Co-Director on the 2nd season of Disney TV's Gargoyles. With this year being celebrated as the 30th anniversary of Gargoyles, I've been inspired by several comic con panels and interviews of fellow Gargoyles Producer/Directors, Greg Weisman (creator) and Frank Paur, to put together this collection videos of the 20 - 2nd season shows I directed. This is an overview as I posted separate "Reels" video of each one. Also made separate videos, Timeline Tales, for selection episodes, with more personal commentary, and support art.
Here's the Timeline tale for Gargoyles' "Mark of the Panther".
Here's the Timeline Tale for "Bushido".
Here's the Timeline Tale for "Pendragon"
Enjoy.Sunday, April 14, 2024
Sunday Music Muse Day - Dexter Gordon Quartet, Geni Bertoncini with Mike Mainieri, Michel Moore and Corsello
This Sunday Music Muse Day finds me enjoying two solid jazz sessions. First, Dexter Gordon Quartet At the Subway Club 1973. Dexter Gordon is well known as an "expatriate" jazz musician living and working in Europe, at a time when America offer them less opportunities to work. He's also famously known for the movie Round Midnight, for which Gordon was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor after which he returned to U.S. to much acclaim. These live recordings as marvelous example of his playing. I remember liking Round Midnight, as it reminded me of my father's experience of moving to Paris after the death of Duke Ellington, and staying until his own death there in the late 80's. The jazz life could hard, and beautiful. at the same time.
Next up, is Gene Bertoncini Reunion, with Mike Mainieri (Vibes), Michael Moore (Bass), and Joe Corsello (drums). This 2012 session is the reunion of guitarist Bertoncini player with the players he first met and played together with in the 1970's, in various combos. They formed a strong and lasting musical bond. The strength of the bond and friendship show sin their excellent interplay. Well worth a listen, often.
B&N browsing _ Books and Toys
I did some brief browsing through Barnes and Noble today and found some interesting books and a few toys in the children's section, I was tempted to get, but didn't.
Retro Rocket Key Chain
My friend gifted me a Wally Wood book with some of his great sci-fi art. It’s the perfect compliment to this retro-rocket keychain I picked up at Record Archives.
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Sunday Music Muse Day - Pat Metheny Trio, Felix Martin
This Pre-Solar Eclipse Day Sunday Music Muse day has me presenting one of my favorite guitar players, and a shot in the dark, a guitarist I never heard of. First up, Pat Metheny, Pat Metheny Live at Estival Jazz, at Lugano Switzerland, July 9th 2004. The trio consist of Pat, on electric, nylon string, and guitar synthesizer, with Christian McBride on bass, and Antonio Sanchez on drums. This live set draws tunes from Metheny extensive discography, and a favorite tune of mine, Lonely Woman, written by Horace Silver. I did feel this setting wasn't the best for Pat's music. I missed the keyboards. Also, I wasn't knocked out my Antonio Sanchez' drum solo. But, that's me just nitpicking. I was more than happy to find this CD at Record Archives, and I'm looking forward to Pat's release later this year.
Wondercon 2024 - 30 Years of Gargoyles A Celebration for the Fans panel
Great to see all the old Gargoyle crew. I had an invitation to attend the panel, but couldn't make it on short notice.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Sunday Music Muse Day - Grant Green, Charlie Hunter
This Easter edition of Sunday Music Muse Day has me slightly disappointed in both of my selected CDs for different reasons. First up, is Grant Green Slick Live at Oil Can Harry's. This excellent quality release from Resonance Records which has gained a reputation for presenting previously unissued recordings of several jazz greats, most notably, West Montgomery. The packaging includes a 47 page booklet of liner notes. I know Grant Green is legendary jazz guitarist, but I found this set to be very underwhelming, except for one cut, "How Insensitive (Insensatez) play in more jazz ballad style. Much of the rest of the 1975 live set seems to be trying to do jazz fusion/smooth jazz (?) versions of R&B pop tunes. The mid-70s was when I was listening to John Mclaughlin, Chick Corea's Return to Forever, and Larry Coryell, who I feel this group's sound comes closest to, but just barely. I would only recommend this for history value relating to jazz guitar.
Next, is Charlie Hunter Trio Copperopolis. I have several CDs of this 7-string electric guitarist, and I've even seen him live at the Loving Cup, here in Rochester. Again, mainly I'm disappointed in the overall sound of this session. It has a really loft grunge-jazz quality to it, which I don't find appealing. I'll try to give it a few more listening, giving up on him.