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06-26-07 |
James Taylor, one of my all-time favorites, has a song on his record "Dad Loves His Work" called "Summer's Here", where he sings in his inimitable voice: "Summer's here, I'm for that, I've got my rubber sandals, got my straw hat. I've got my cold beer, I'm just glad that it's here!" That says it all this time of year. For me, his voice is SO great ( not to mention his guitar playing), and his music has been a great part of my life since "Sweet Baby James" came out in 1970. I listened to it all summer long down in a friend's basement, along with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's "Deja Vu", and CCR's "Cosmos Factory". Those records carried over to the following summer as well, where we also wore out Carole King's "Tapestry". I can't today listen to any of these recordings without thinking of summer time! I had no idea then I'd be so into jazz, but this singer-songwriter music that was so big in the early 70s had a lasting impact on me, and the music endures because it is good music, plain and simple. It is music that has strong melody, harmony, rhythm, beat, it's expressive, and it is played well. That's what good music is, right? Enjoy the summer, and get out and hear some live music!! |
07-01-07 |
I encourage all of you who have a chance to read this, to check out some really terrific musicians who I have the pleasure of working with this month: Nicole Pasternak is a wonderful, spirited vocalist who really swings! She's has her own unique sound and she is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, both vocal and instrumental. Elements of Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Ella, and others are present in her singing, and as she told me, she's even been checking out Judy Garland, and how tremendous Judy was at just singing the melody straight! www.nicolepasternak.com Richard "Cookie" Thomas is a consummate entertainer and singer deeply rooted in the music of Nat "King" Cole, Ray Charles, Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, classic R&B, and the great Doo-Wop groups of the 50s and 60s. Cookie's smooth, soulful sound and warmth come shining through all his recordings. www.cookiethomas.com Jody Sandhaus is a singer I've worked with for over 20 years. She has the voice of an angel. ( I'm partial!) She swings yes, but also there is a depth of feeling in her sound to me that compares with any of the jazz masters. Her phrasing is awesome. Great thought and feeling go into every song she sings. www.jodysandhaus.com Jody's husband, Pete Malinverni, is one of the fine jazz piano players in the world! Peter calls upon all his influences which run from Barry Harris, Monk, Bill Evans, Bud Powell, gospel and church music, a strong classical background, and and as a result produces simply amazing, heartfelt, swinging jazz. www.petemalinverni.com You must check these people out. Their websites all contain samples of their music, or will direct you to where you can hear some of it ( and purchase it). Enjoy!! |
07-02-07 |
A string quartet composed by my good friend (and bandmate for many years!) Don Wallace, will be part of the program in an upcoming chamber music concert in Guilford, CT. Another dear friend and teaching colleague Phyllis Silver will also be performing at this concert on piano. The free concert will take place on Sunday, July 22 at 2:00 pm and is part of the Joyful Noise! Concert series at the First Congregational Church of Guilford. Please visit the church website for more information. www.firstchurchguilford.org |
