This Sunday Music Muse Day has me celebrating the achievements of two of our local musician friends. First, Lisa and I attend the concert by Steward Copeland, with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, on his The Police Deranged for Orchestra Tour. Friend, Bob Snieder, local premiere jazz guitarist, and instructor, played guitar as part of the core trio. Copeland's take on the music of the Police was given an added twisted by his post-Police development as a TV and movie soundtrack composer It was great seeing Bob perform with Copeland, since the Police was one of my favorite modern pop/rock band. I think they were one of the last main stream rock bands I really followed. I was also a fan of the individual members solo career projects, especially Steward Copeland's The Rhythmatist album, which featured African musician Ray Lema. I wished I could have gotten Bob Snieder to ask Steward why the album had two different covers, the first with African warriors, and the second with Copeland holding a field microphone boom. Just curious. I hope this concert shows up on the Jazz at the Eastman radio show. I would be great to heard it again.
My second friend selection is Rich Thompson Who Do You Have to Know CD that was released on Friday. I made sure to pick up a copy at The Bop Shop Record store. Owner Tom Kohn had some readily available. This is a solid outing by leader and drummer Rich, who I'd seen play many times which group Trio East, Generations. In fact, he played a track from the CD on the last Generation gig I attended last month. This group maybe the first I've seen Rich with a guitarist, and organist. I like the classic jazz feel of the music. Definitely a nice additional to my jazz collection.
It's really an honor to have these talent gentlemen as friends. Their dedication and contributions to Rochester Jazz in their performing and teaching through Eastman School of Music is inspiring to so many. The least I can is support their music, without reservation.
