We’re back home, but we made a side trip to comic shop in Worcester, Maine, on the way back that was really fun. It was really hard to limit myself to just these gems (as I’m supposed to be decluttering), but I couldn’t past up Will Meugniot’s opus, or the relaunch of Milestone Comics. Lighthouse is a current comic that caught my eye. Old habits are hard to kick.
This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us enjoying a sunny day after several days of fairly heavy rainfall. My two selections have two things in common, a musician, and being live recording. First is Bill Frisell East/West, a 2-disc trio set with Viktor Krauss and Tony Scherr on bass, and Kenny Wollesen on drums. This set was recorded live at Yoshi's the famous jazz club in Oakland, CA, in May 8-11, 2004. This eclectic mix of tunes, from Motown, jazz standards, and folk tunes, are we come to expect from Frisell with his Neo-Americana leanings. Frisell playings alway gives these tunes a freshness worth listening to.
My second, is The Paul Motian Trio - Sound of Love, with Bill Frisell, guitar, and Joe Lovano, tenor saxophone, joining the leader Motian, on drums, on this live date at the Village Vanguard, June 7-10, 1995. The tunes selection includes classics from Thelonious Monk, Charlie Mingus and originals by Motian. There is a real sense of intense intimacy in the group's playing. Well worth seeking out.
All in all, the weekend is ending on a positive note. Enjoy.
This Sunday Music Muse is slightly rainy, gloomy day, but pleasant enough for these jazz guitar selections. First up, Charlie Byrd Solo Flight a CD reissue of a solo guitar session recorded in 1956. The liner noter describes it as reflective recital of old "chestnuts" and classics. I found plenty to like in Byrd's masterful playing of these tunes. You will too.
Next, is new release by guitarist John Stein Serendipity. The tale of this trio session maybe shared by many musicians who attempted to play and record during last year's Covid pandemic lockdown. This session was record for streaming with the only audience being the videographer. Stein later listened to the audio and decided it was worthy of release as this CD. I'm sure many other musicians will do the same, and their fans will enjoy the shared music as much I enjoyed this.
Enjoy.
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.
This Sunday Music Muse Day find us suffering warm weather, in the 90º s, but not as hot as my west coast friend with 100º + heat. It's a perfect day to crank up the AC, grab a summer drink and listen to some cool jazz. So, first up is Chet Baker CAREER 1952-1988. Trumpeter Chet Baker is the poster child of cool jazz of the 1950s and 60s. This 2 disc anthology of his career broken in two aspects, his trumpet playing and his singing. The CD set come with 66 page documenting Baker creative and often tragic career due to his battle with drug addition. But the genius of the music always comes through.
By second choice is Jan Garbarek Group Photo With...("...Blue Sky. White Cloud, Wires, Windows, and a Red Roof ". is the full title, but some one have to good sense to shorten it on the cover.). A reviewer notes, "Each piece breaks a piece from the longer title and rolls it out into a photo in its own right." Saxophonist Garbarek is a stable of ECM Records, as are the other musicians on the session, either as leaders, or sidemen. Guitarist Bill Conners was one of the main reasons I picked this up as it follows his departure from Chick Corea's Return to Forever in the late 70s to pursue a solo career and more acoustic guitar playing. This 1978 recording sound fresh and timeless as you would expect from an ECM recording.
This Sunday Music Muse Day finds us celebrating Father's Day, so Happy Father's Day to all, current, past, and future. I'll be spending the part of my day with two ECM releases featuring duet sessions. First up, Guitar and bass duo, Ralph Towner and Gary Peacock A Closer View. Ralph Towner is a go-to favorite of mine for his classical and 12-string playing and excellent compositions. His tunes can introspective and thoughtfully entertaining. Gary Peacock, on double bass, is the perfect pairing.
Both these CDs are great stress relievers. Worth giving them a try. Enjoy.
