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.
This weeks Sunday Music Muse Day find us in an shocking state of political uncertainty. I this two part presentation I hope we can use music the give us all some comfort and safe place to gather and thoughts and put things in proper perspective,
The first part of this week's post is three new purchases of mine, First is Miles Davis Quintet, Freedom Jazz Dance, the Bootleg Series Vol. 5. Contrary to the "bootleg" title, this 3 CD set if an official release (from my hippie days, I always associate the term bootleg will unauthorized recording). As quoted from the Miles Davis site, "A 3CD box set collection chronicling Miles’ musical evolution in the
studio from 1966-1968 working with his “second great quintet,” the
latest edition in Columbia/Legacy’s acclaimed Miles Davis Bootleg Series
provides an unprecedented look into the artist’s creative process,
drawing on full session reels including all rehearsals, partial and
alternate takes, extensive and fascinating studio conversation and more." This collect is more what I expected the Don Cheadle's Mile Davis movie, Miles Ahead to about. Hearing the creative progress behind the music in just fascinating. Well worth getting.
Next up is the Dave Holland Quartet Dream of the Elder, finds the iconic bassist leading a group including, vibraphone, marimba, saxophones and drums. The CD is adventurous without being bombastic. On the edge of Free Jazz but not too far out to disconnect for being enjoyed. For the vibes and marimba help grounds the music in a interesting space. This another winner from ECM.
The third selection is late great bassist, Charlie Haden and Egberto Gismonti titled In Montreal, a live performance recorded at The Montreal Jazz Festival in 1989, but released in 1996. The CD features mostly works by Gismonti, and two by Haden's. Haden was well known for many duet pairings including the Grammy Award winning "Beyond the Missouri Sky" with Pat Metheny, which one of its tune "First Song" appears here on In Montreal. Egberto Gismonti is a favorite of mine. Alvero Neder, of All Music says, "...Gismonti is world-renowned as a multi-instrumentalist and composer....
his works reflecting the musical diversity of Brazil...Gismonti captures the true essence of the Brazilian soul in a way that is
primitive, yet sophisticated, and reflects it through his personal
vision, elaborated by years of classic training and literacy in a wealth
of musical languages in which jazz plays a significant role." I couldn't agree more. This is a wonderful pairing and outing.
Now for part 2 of the week Music Muse Day, a personal contribution. "Is This Your Life Music" is an original tune written by me back in 1983. The lyrics seem to remain relevant to today's social-political climate. I felt the need to get them out there. This is a new performance and video made on my iMac Photo Booth. As part of my Dragonfly Views blog I have a Sunday Music Muse Day post where I always hoped to present original music that I had filed away mostly unfinished and unheard, always putting it off because my playing leaves much to desired. But as I get older it become apparent waiting for perfect has become an excuse not to do anything. So, rough edges and all here is the song, "Is This Your Life". Included at end is the original rough recording done in 1983 with the first rough lyric, a drum beat, and a guitar solo overdub, with mistakes a plenty. But, sometimes you just have to get things out of your system.
Enjoy (I always think of the scene from the movie "10" where Dudley Moore visits the pastor. Ouch.)
Today's Sunday Music Muse Day selections are by way of the South Wedge Record Fair at the German House. It was mainly for vinyl record collector, but there were some CDs to be had. First off, it was nice to see Derek Lucas, music director and DJ from Jazz90.1 radio, spinning discs at two turntables near the entrance. Derek added a great soundtrack to the event. I found some CDs of a few favorites to add to my collection. First is Duke Ellington The Pianist. I thought I may have had this, but apparently I didn't, perhaps confusing it with Duke's Piano in the Foreground session, The Pianist has him playing in a small group, mainly just bass and drums. My father, Sam Woodyard, plays drums on seven of the ten cuts, and he even has tune named for him, "Sam Woodyard's Blues". That may it a must buy, just for that. I actually like Duke small group recordings a lot. You get to hear him stretch out more. This will be a nice compliment to the Piano in the Foreground CD.
Next is Chick Corea and Gary Burton Native Sense - The New Duets. Corea and Burton are one of my favorite musical duos. Since their first Crystal Silence album released on ECM in the 1973, I've would never pass up a chance to hear them.
Last selection is another favorite artist, Pat Metheny Group Speaking of Now, one of those CD of his I missed during a period when I was not buying any music much, not sure why. But, it's always good to catch up.
As the end of the election draws near, it's good to had some good music to distract us from the noise on the outside world. Here's hoping for better days.
This week Sunday Music Muse Day is selections are both inspired by my local jazz station, Jazz90.1, in Rochester, NY. Jazz90.1 FM WGMC is a listener supported station and last week was their fund drive. I'm been a member for moving in the area 8 years ago, and renewed my membership, during Tom Pethic's Artistry in Jazz Saturday show. I picked the Pat Metheny Selected Recordings CD, an ECM release. Of course it has a bunch of of my favorite Metheny tunes. This was a no-brainer to pick as premium reward
for the donation.
My next selection. The Rita Collection, also has a Jazz90.1 connection. I heard this local group played on the Jann Nyffeler's Friday night show (sad to hear she is taking a break from it. This past Friday was her last show) Plus, from the Jazz90.1 site, "The Rita Collective will perform live on on Jazz90.1 on WednesdayNovember 2from 7 to 8 p.m. The Rita Collective is a chamber group from Rochester, NY that plays original and world music with a jazz slant." The sound of the marimba caught my ear. I'm enjoy their CD and looking forward to hearing them live on the radio, and hope to see them perform around town soon.
I hope others supported Jazz90.1 as I have. It's well worth it to make sure they stay on the air and present such great music.
I just couldn't resist the bit of the nerd bug after seeing this Overwatch Collector Edition offered online for a reduded price. The art book and 12" figure, alone made it worth the price. And someday when I buy a PS4, I'll get to play the game.
The packaging is insane. One of the best I've seen.
The goodies inside even better. A 12" figure of the Soldier:76 character (which the developer put in the game to attract Call of Duty gamers), the Blu-Ray game disc in a metal box, the game soundtrack, and 12 postcard of the game location. Plus, in game goodies.
This week's Sunday Music Muse day selections are the rest of the CDs we won at the auction at the Jazz90.1 annual Evening of Wine, Jazz & Art, at the Artisan
Works. (see last week's entry) First up, Rodney Whitaker When we Find Ourselves Alone. It a nice traditional jazz outing.
Next, is Etienne Charles, San Jose Suite. The music of this CD "...exploits prodigious and protean talents in examining the history of
African and First Nation peoples, their confrontation with colonial
conquest and terror, and their remarkable and enduring cultural
influence. The
vast historical sweep of the Suite stretches from San Jose in Etienne’s
native Trinidad to Costa Rica in Central America and San Jose in
Northern California. (from the liner notes). Hearing to this CD you can almost feel the Caribbean sun on your skin.
Okay, my last selection is well known Chuck Mangione, Greatest Hits. I must confess that I maybe committing a sacrilegious act, by saying I'm not big a fan of Mangione, who is a local hero. It may just be, for me, a case having heard "Chase the Clouds Away" and "Land of Make Believe" one time too many. I'll be donating this to my public library.
Again, these CDs will help fill the coming fall and winter day with hours of great listening.
This week's Sunday Music Muse day selections are the result of attending the Jazz90.1 annual Evening of Wine, Jazz & Art, at the Artisan Works. an art gallery here in Rochester, NY. My wife and entered a silent auction for station tote bag filled with CDs. The name of the CDs weren't listed listed at the time of the bidding, so you had to trust in the good taste Jazz90.1 planner. I'm happy to say we weren't disappointed. I'll feature three of the CD this CDs this week and the remaining next week.
First up is Joey Alexander My Favorite Things, the 11 year old overnight sensation's first CD. All the incredible praise and reviews calling this child prodigy a genius, is well deserve. Within the first 2 minutes of hearing him play, your jaw will drop at realization the such mature, confident playing is coming from one so young. Just amazing.
Next is Gerald Wilson Orchestra Detroit, a tribute to has home town, by the late bandleader who died in 2015 at the age of 96. In September 2009, Wilson conducted his eight-movement suite "Detroit", commissioned by the Detroit Jazz Festival to mark its 30th anniversary. This is swinging big band and wonderful tribute to Wilson long and storied career.
Finally, there is Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trio is the drummer/leader's third going with this trio. Quoting Dan Bilawsky from all about jazz, "the focus toward pop-ish material from the '50s and '60s—the work of Bacharach, Henry Mancini, Michel Legrand,
and others of that ilk—and put an audience in front of the band,
recording live at Systems Two Recording Studio. Guests are part of the
package again—now it's trumpeter Roy Hargrove and vocalist Cassandra Wilson,
each appearing on a few tracks—and they help to add another wrinkle or
two to the project without drawing focus away from the trio." It's interesting that it's a live session where given just lead sheets. and no pre-concert rehearsal time. Talk about pressure, but the end results sounds great.
