Sunday Music Muse Day - Ryo Kawasaki RIP, Lee Konitz - RIP

Sadly, this Sunday Music Muse Day find us remember two musicians who passed away in the past week. First up, I was very sad to hear about the passing Ryo Kawasaki ,jazz fusion guitarist. He was a great guitar player, and guitar synthesizer  pioneer.   I got to see him perform live several times in NYC in the 70s and 80s with his Ryo Kawasaki and the Golden Dragon group. The performances include elements of modern dance and giant puppetry,  Ryo lived and worked in NYC, so  I even ran into him playing video games in a arcade off Time Square.  I've been spending  today just playing his albums and CDs.  I'm trying to remember how I first got introduced to Ryo's music. I'm thinking it was article in the Village Voice, or Guitar Player magazine, or I picked up the 'Juice' album just for the cover art and his playing guitar synthesizer on it.  RIP Ryo, and condolences to his family and friends. 

These four albums featured Ryo's guitar synthesizer playing. Here's a link to to a fuller description of his gear,  it's really impressive. http://www.ryokawasaki.com/gs/

 The Gil Evans project was originally planned as collaboration with Jimi Hendrix.  But never realized because of Hendrix untimely death.  Gil Evan completed the project as a tribute to Hendrix with Ryo on guitar.

 Also, this week marked the passing of jazz saxophonist, Lee Konitz.  I had featured him in post about a year ago.  Again, my condolences to his family, friends , and fans.

As we note the passing of these musicians, we continue to honor their lives and memory being joying and appreciating what they share with us.  Enjoy.

Sunday Music Muse Day. Bill Evans, Ryo Kawasaki

This Sunday Music Muse Day find us celebrating Mother's Day. So here's wishing all you wonderful moms  a happy Mother's Day.  Here's some nice tunes to accompany the activities of the day. First Bill Evans Trio Sunday at the Village Vanguard, a CD reissue of classic album with additional alternate takes.

Next up is Ryo Kawasaki My Reverie, a solo opening playing "music inspired by the great performances of the Late Bill Evans...", although it features no tunes written by Evans.  The liner notes might have explained more, but the text is in Japanese. In any case it is  solid CD to enjoy on a rainy afternoon, as it as as I write.

Again, enjoy Mother's Day and honor them all, living, and those no longer with us. Peace.