Sunday Music Muse day - Jack DeJohnette, Bill Frisell

This rainy Sunday Music Muse Day finds me listening to two of my favorite musicians, but finding both selections less than satisfying.  First is Jack DeJohnette "Zebra", which finds the famed jazz drummer and piano player, on only synthesizers, and accompanied by Lester Bowie on trumpet. The music is kind of interesting, but unmemorable at best.  From online info it was a soundtrack to a video project.  Critics state it's only for "DeJohnette completists", I'll have to agree with that.

My second selection is Bill Frisell / Kermit Driscoll / Joey Baron LIVE. This is live set recorded in Sevill, Spain., in October, 1991. Again, it's a pleasant enough performance of all Frisell originals, but I can't say it's the best I've heard him play.  Well, I guess even the best has an off night.

Well, at least the sun has returned this afternoon, so I'll take that as a good sign. Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day - July 4th - Keith Jarrett, John Taylor

Today's Sunday Music Muse Day find us observing the July 4th national holiday.  Like many, I find my myself in more reflective, than celebratory mood this year on the past, present and future of America. My selections mirror that feeling.  First is Keith Jarrett Selected Recording, a 2-CD collection in the RCM :Rarum series which his the artist "select their favorite performances on ECM". This is certainly a tall order for Keith Jarrett as his ECM catalog of recordings is massive and widely acclaimed.  Varied is a understatement, as got ten tunes in before I recognized a title I knew. It is interesting to hear what works hold special meaning to an artist. There is booklet with liner notes by Kieth Jarrett that gives some insight.

My second selection is John Taylor Rosslyn, another ECM session with Marc Johnson on double Bass and Joey Baron on drums.  This CD is so delicate in it's reflective tone, I have trouble imagining this being played in club setting.  The music seems to exist in an extreme quiet zone where you must hold you breath as to not drown out the music.  Worth a listen, in a very zen way.

Again, as I reflect on the meaning of July 4 in the current state of affair, I can only said we have a long way to go to live up to our ideas we've usually celebrate.  Lets work to make that day of honest truth and reconciliation for all come sooner, rather than later. Peace.