http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:23:01 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/12/232301.php LeRoy DownsSorry for the delay on the Rise duo with Mark Maxwell and me. I caught a flu bug that felt like I was in the ring with Mike after someone said that I called him a sissy!Anyway, Mark and I are going to record a new promo tomorrow and I will post it as soon as it is available. We still have plans to play some of the most beautiful jazz music for you.So the words below still apply!Back to do it one more time, LeRoy Downs will be a special guest host on RISE, the eclectic jazz radio program hosted by none other than the humble facilitator of the sounds of the creator, Mr. Mark Maxwell. Max and I have picked some very interesting and beautiful music especially for this program. Listen live from all over the world on KPFK.ORG and I guarantee that you will not hear a selection like this anywhere on your radio dial or on the web. So, if you love great music, and I know that you do, please check it out and tell your brother's wife's sister's best friend's cousin that you went to school with that the only place to be on April 17th is on 90.7 Fm KPFK.ORGSunday Night April 17, 200511pm - 2am If you don't know, you betta ask somebody!On April 17th at 11pm - 2am PST On 90.7FM KPFK and KPFK.ORG Click here for picture and promoLeRoy Downs Music28098@blogcritics.org Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:23:01 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/01/004754.php LeRoy DownsThere is no doubt that when the real Kenny G. stands up, Catalina Bar and Grill gets packed with jazz lovers who know and understand the true meaning of integrity in the music. This is the second night of Kenny Garrett's run here at Catalina's and he comes fueled with creativity, inspiration and a dynamic power that continues to plateaus the list of alto players of his generation. Kenny is known for having a killer rhythm section that is rich with fierce and vivacious energy. These cats play with such intensity that drives the music to another dimension. This is no laid back rhythm section. I see Kenny every time that he comes to town and I have always known him to have a hard hitting drummer with a voice and a message that demands to be heard! Spitting bullets like Al Capone, Ronald Brunner excites as well as entertains as he drums up an array of powerful polyrhythms, grooves and a solid foundation for Kenny to cut, dodge, flow, scream and reign down his supreme sound. On bass, Kris Funn was all over it. He was throwing down some multi-layered textured chords, rhythmic strums and perfectly toned harmonics that were so engaging while Carlos McKinney played some beautiful comps, dropping in his Tynerisms at a moments notice. The audience roars with excitement after each intriguing solos. These cats dig into the music as if their life and reputation were on the line for every note. It is because of this integrity for the quality of the sound that there is much respect for this band and their music. Kenny never keeps still when he plays. It was hard for me to get some clear shots of him. He rocks and sways while the most fluid, poignant, prolific and intensely beautiful notes flow through his alto. You can hear the homage to the historic lineage of the horn in his sound combined with the innovation and technical ability that he possesses. The masters smile as that look down and send their universal love and gracious approval. Serious about the music and the future of it, Kenny has all of the elements for the perfect chocolate. The ingredients include a little soul, funk and hip-hop mixed in with a hard core straight ahead jazz base to make this recipe a tremendous success.Click here for pictures LeRoy Downs Music27580@blogcritics.org Fri, 1 Apr 2005 00:47:54 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/01/003438.php LeRoy DownsBack to do it one more time, LeRoy Downs will be a special guest host on RISE, the eclectic jazz radio program hosted by none other than the humble facilitator of the sounds of the creator, Mr. Mark Maxwell.Max and I have picked some very interesting and beautiful music especially for this program. Listen live from all over the world on KPFK.ORG and I guarantee that you will not hear a selection like this anywhere on your radio dial or on the web.So, if you love great music, and I know that you do, please check it out and tell your brother's wife's sister's best friend's cousin that you went to school with that the only place to be on April 10 is on90.7 Fm KPFK.ORGSunday Night April 10, 200511pm - 2amIf you don't know, you betta ask somebody!On April 10th at 11pm, click the On Air pictureto connect to KPFK.ORGClick here for pictures and On Air Promo Music27579@blogcritics.org Fri, 1 Apr 2005 00:34:38 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/194249.php LeRoy DownsThese four beautiful young people are the Tilford Art Gallery. Reggie Coleman, on your left, is Director of Publicity and Educational Development. Next is Bryan C. Payne, Head of Business Development. Victoria Platt Tilford is the Project Coordinator and wife of Gallery Director / Curator Terrell Tilford. T.A.G, as they are also known, recognize that for culture and art thrive, someone has to step up to the plate and provide a vehicle for the artists to reach community and share their works with the world. Their loyalty is devoted to promoting the emerging artist from the United States and abroad, while providing a sacred space for artistic discussion, education and celebration. They have taken that stand and have proven to be quite successful!What a beautiful celebration when you take to art forms and combine them together to see music expressed on canvas. Jazz is the ultimate American Artform and these wonderful artist listen to the music and express themselves not vocally but cognitively through their art. The Tilford Gallery will have the works of these artist on display until mid January but, I am sure that if you like any of the pieces, something can be arranged for you! Support the arts and support the music. Buy a painting, buy a CD, go see a live performance; it all helps to continue to keep creativity thriving ! Love Jazz, Love Art!LeRoy Downs Click here for great pictures and art Music26089@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:42:49 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/193449.php LeRoy DownsJazz music can be presented many ways. Elegant, soulful and straight ahead are just a few of the adjectives that have been used to describe this music. But, when a group of players who have not played together in a long time reunite, it all amounts to the biggest fun!Longtime friend Vanessa Rubin made it from Brooklyn to Long Beach to The Inglewood Park Casino and ended at Charlie O's for a show that was just like a musical family reunion. John Heard lead a trio that featured the world renowned Roy McCurdy on drums and LA native Danny Grissette, by way of Brooklyn. These cats have the best time when playing together. You can feel so much love in the music.I walked in and Vanessa was tearin' it up! She is as real a person as she is a singer and her personality beams like the true sister of jazz that she is. Pianist Nick Smith, CEO and magazine publisher Miller London along with producer Andre Fischer and others traveled some miles to have the opportunity to spend some time checkin' out Vanessa do her thing.The set was down home and loose as a jam session but, certainly tight when it comes to delivery. Danny has made the pilgrimage to the Big Apple and it has served him well. Playing even more confident than he ever has with the old school cats that put it down today and back in the day! Big fun and jazz were synonymous tonight! It is always a pleasure when East comes together with West for the best in jazz music!Click for PicsLeRoy Downs Music26088@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:34:49 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/192842.php LeRoy DownsEric Dolphy, one of my true heroes of jazz is misunderstood by many while loved and admired by those open to hear and feel the music. Eric was born and raised right here in Los Angeles and graduated from Dorsey High School. His music changed and inspired a culture of musicians and non-musicians alike who understand the dimension of no borders. Proficient on the soprano, alto, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute, Eric took his instruments beyond the boundaries of their initial purpose. What is Eric Dolphy all about? Sounds, space, conversation, adventure, provocative progressive cognizance, and an exploration for all that exist in the realm of jazz music. Music inside and outside of the structure. Jazz is an amoeba that can take different shapes and forms at any given moment do to the presence, or lack there of, of some other extraneous variables. Quite often there is beauty in imperfection. Going for notes that are off of the charts and not particularly getting the perfect sound may seem odd for most. But, much respect is given because of the thought and the balls to go to a place that did not exist before. To seek out that which lies outside the boundaries set by an establishment and gerrymander new dimensions and dividing lines to conquer is what separates those with musical courage from all others. Eric was the one who could speak, scream, shout or not play one note and be heard loud and clear. That is the power of Eric Dolphy! Tonight the Luckman Jazz Orchestra performed "Mostly Dolphy" music. He may not have written everything we heard but, he left his undeniable stamp all over the music. Many of LA's fine musicians were performing tonight; Bennie Maupin, Charles Owens, Ndugu Chancelor, Isaac Smith( by way of Brooklyn), Bill Roper, Jeff Littleton and many others graced the stage at the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State Los Angeles to honor and great musician, composer and man of jazz; Eric Allen Dolphy. A multitalented instrumentalist and one hell of a talent, Eric would evoke some serious conversations among musicians, critics and laymen alike. Either you get it or you don't. If you are one who gets lost in the cacophony, you have probably been subconsciously programmed by radio, television or some form of advertising that told you what to like and buy. Free yourself from the confines of your mental prison and step outside into the light with your ears wide open. Feel it, become it, speak with it, enjoy it and be welcomed into the matrix of jazz. Conductor James Newton led the LJO through 2 outstanding sets of music. A slower version of Eric's "245", Mal Waldron's "Fire Waltz", sweetly arranged by Isaac Smith with some interesting flutes, kooky little percussive sounds, along with piano and muted trumpet solos that appear to change the time signature. But, with a pause for the cause, Ndugo Chancelor gets it right back on the one! Other tunes included Monk's "Epistrophy", Ellington's "Come Sunday", dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, "Straight up and Down", from Dolphy's classic album "Out to Lunch" as well as "The Prophet" and "Far Cry". Dolphy's music allows so much space for each performer to freely express themselves. You should see the smiles on the faces of each musician. They are so happy to play this music. There is an elation after each solo that equates a Michael Jordan throw down! With this music, no two musicians will play it the same way twice and we all appreciate the freedom of expression. Eric had such an incredible sound in his head; so advanced that he was truly one of the genius's of our time. Buddy Collette came out after intermission and told a few stories about Dolphy. He was responsible for Eric going to New York. Chico Hamilton was looking for a player and wanted Buddy and Buddy suggested that he check out Eric. The rest is history! They seem to understand what Eric was doing in New York, unlike the under appreciative audience that was here in Los Angeles at the time. Bill Roper, the king of the tuba, came out in Afrothesbiantubalicious attire and schooled the audience on Charles Mingus' composition "Fable of Faubus", a revolutionary song about a shady politician who stopped 9 black children from integrating a school. Bennie Maupin tore up an alto solo! On "Far Cry", Bennie Maupin and Conductor James Newton played like Dolphy himself was on stage. Like the two beams of light that represented our Twin Towers, the same beems of light transported the sharp and low twin spirits of Dolphy. I don't know what kind of music that you play when you lay down next to your loved one but, forget about that tired ass "Jazz is for Lovers" CD that you bought while watching late night television. Play some Eric Dolphy music and tear that ---- up! It's an orgasm of the very best kind! LeRoy DownsClick here for pictures Music26087@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:28:42 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/192542.php LeRoy DownsSlide Show Vibe. Cabrini's has the décor and ambiance that is lit perfectly where arts, music and creativity are free to thrive. Cabrini's has only been in existence for a few years but has only been open to the public for about four months. It seems like it will be an extremely hip place for coffee, cocktails, music and conversation.Tonight, Dwight Trible, one of LA's most amazing vocal talents, is here to perform with his sextet( Click picture at the top of the page for video). Joshua Spiegelman and Derf Reklaw begin the set with an incredible duo of Eastern and African sounds that open up the vortex of percussion and woodwinds that cause the spirit of the music to rain down and splash our musical souls. The texture, the colors, the mood and warm feeling of being in a place where the musical universe rises and hovers above its wanting subjects is seems to be the vibe. Dwight Trible, conduit of peace, love, soul, sprit and jazz music that speaks. The air is thick and the walls are filled with the enchanting sounds of Trane, Africa, the motherland and "A Love Supreme" Inside, my body is screaming! All I can do is close my eyes and float like a buoy with the musical ebbs and flows in the spiritual sea of music. I get so connected to a universe, a paradise, a land of milk and honey where love is overflowing and jazz music rules the land. The band is so grounded, so rich with flavor that they are literally a cognitive time machine. It makes me think back to 1967 when John Coltrane performed in a church in a neighborhood where all were able to attend and witness the connection of the spirit and the music. The combination of jazz and spirit is so humbling. This purity allows you to go deep inside yourself and find that which your life has been missing, especially in this crazy ass world that we live in. When you find it, the idea is to go forth and shed some light on you fellow sisters and brothers. If these cats were on the battlefield, fighting would cease, the world would behold a universal sound of love and begin to heal. I have seen these cats play so many times and I am enchanted, spiritually romanced and enlightened with love each and every time. However, no matter how beautiful the music gets, sometimes there are those who just don't get it. I sat up close but, a little further back in this small quaint space were a few lost souls. The only vibrations that they received were the ones emanating from the movement of mandibles. Dwight had to stop in the middle of a tune to give an etiquette lesson on the roles and relationships that musicians and the audience play during performances. The key word here is "RESPECT". Aretha and all other artist at least request that from the audience, even if a few don't get it. In return, you will be kindly rewarded with life lasting musical experiences. Instead the set had to end early; the band packed their instruments and vacated the premises. The mandibles won but, perhaps in the future, the symbiosis of performers and audience will come together and have Cabrini's put its face on the map of entertainment in Los Angeles. LeRoy DownsClick here for pictures and video Music26085@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:25:42 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/192325.php LeRoy DownsRoyce Hall is packed tonight and available tickets were in a very short supply for this group of extraordinary young players. This is the first time that I have seen the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra perform and I am quite interested to get a taste of the buzz.Leading the band from the rear, in the trumpet section of course, was none other than the world famous, youthful, iconoclastic figure for jazz, education and the torch bearer for tradition, Mr. Wynton Marsalis. This is an orchestra with youth on its side. They are a number of young technicians that clearly are immersed in the sound, style and classical tradition of big band music.Benny Carter, an adored composer of Wynton's and someone who has conducted the band himself on a few occasions, is remembered with a couple of his compositions performed by the orchestra. Mary Lou Williams is another one of those composers not to be forgotten. She wrote many compositions for Duke Ellington and many others, sometimes even composing music on a paper napkin. The LCJO performs Mary's, "Big Jim's Blues" which was written for Harry "Big Jim" Lawson, a trumpet player in the big bands back in the 30s and 40s.This was one of Mary's soulful blues tunes indeed. Wynton showcases his attachment to the soul and roots of the blues as he squeals hollers and slings the sound of his horn like a brotha coming out of a bar after his woman done left him fo anotha man. Now dats da blues! He captured all of the sensibilities and emotion that I am sure that Mary expressed in her original composition.Ron Westray's trombone sang in the New Orleans style swingin' blues tone with the plunger as his faithful companion. Each of these players in the LCJO seems to really love a blues. They are all sporting big smiles and having big fun as their partners in crime finish a solo.Holding true to the tradition of the suit and tie, the LCJO looks good as Wynton expounds upon the history of each composer with grace and humor. Usually, young players come into a band to establish a name for themselves and then breakout on their own. However, many of these players already have a number of albums to their name so being a member of the LCJO is strictly for the love of the music.Another Mary Lou Williams composition, "The Foggy Bottom" swung with Aaron Goldberg on piano, Carlos Enriquez on bass and Victor Goines on Tenor each telling stories and having conversations on their instruments. Intelligent humor, good form and classic jazz music performed to perfection is how the LCJO does their thing. Herlin Riley sings the blues while maintaining a rhythmic beat on drums as the LCJO repeats his phrases in unison. The idea is to put you in touch and make you once again appreciate the fine quality of classic traditional nostalgia and it works!The LCJO was formed by the remaining members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra along with the Wynton Marsalis Septet. The old school coming together and passing on the art to the new school to preserve the tradition of the art of the classic jazz orchestra. In honor of the great Duke, the LCJO performed, "Black, Brown and Beige" in a three part suite.Most of the members of the orchestra were raised in musical families. Alto player Ted Nash brought his father Dick Nash on stage to do an alto and trombone arrangement of "All the Things You Are" with the orchestra.The evening concluded with John Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" with all for movements; Acknowledgement, Resolution, Pursuance and Psalm. This was the definite highlight of the evening.The piece was dedicated to Elvin Jones who had an opportunity to witness the LCJO perform the classic composition. Those four notes on the bass always elate the most dynamic emotion for what is to come. The suite was arranged so that everyone in the band played those famous four notes in succession. Carlos Henriquez got a chance to creatively express himself with harmonics during the transition from Acknowledgement to Resolution. Wes "Warmdaddy" Anderson, Aaron Goldberg, Wynton Marsalis and Herlin Riley really added that virtuosic ingenuity to Trane's masterpiece! Victor Goines was a master technician on soprano. I love provocative self expression and any music by John Coltrane calls for that. "A Love Supreme" once again makes my evening a complete success! LeRoy DownsClick here for pictures Music26084@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:23:25 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/192042.php LeRoy DownsSlide ShowWho said that there was not jazz seven days a week in this town! If you want to go where the word "JAM" means just that, then every Monday night at the Belage Hotel is your place. The Cross-Hart Connection is on hit every week with special guest, great music and a very cool vibe. Unlike the Belage of old where, blenders and ballads did duets, today's management truley has an understanding and respect for the music. Kevin Rouse is the food and beverage manager and I have known him in other capacities for quite some time. McCoy Tyner was playing on the break and I asked him, "Whachu know about that?" and he replied, "Man, I'm from Detroit!" That said it all to me. You never know who is going to drop by. This is definately the place to check out for dinner, coffee, a cocktail, a gorgeous atmosphere and some killin' jazz music. Every Monday night at the Belage Hotel in West Hollywood! Come on out and support the music!Parking is $2 for the first 2 hoursLeRoy Downs Music26083@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:20:42 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/27/191102.php LeRoy DownsHerbie Hancock, Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove represent three generations of excellence in jazz music. These cats walk on stage and the audience at the Cerritos Center start roaring! I keep expecting to see Roy with a full set of dreds but he chopped them off a while ago for the clean cut of his earlier days. This concert is entitled "Directions in Music" for a reason. You may think that you know where these cats are going to take the music but, believe me, you have no clue. Next to Herbie's piano and keyboard was a lap top computer in which he proceeded to open up the show with a side of the music that came from another world. A UFO was definitely landing, but this time, it was an Ultimate Futuristic Opportunity to stretch the music to its elastic maximum. Brecker had an electronic instrument that he would later explain to be a EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) which played a wide array of sounds from Oboes to eastern sounding flutes, to piano chords to old Indian chants to choirs singing to wah wah guitar sounds layering textures and looping each sound to form a newly created composition. Roy was standing there with his trumpet, watching Herbie as he worked his mystical, magical, cacophonic synthesis and the three were ready to get down. Turn your straight ahead ears on low and change the frequency to wide open, sit back and let message be conveyed. The sound on the stage is wired perfectly. Teri Lynn Carrington was playing the phattest of notes on the bass drums and you could hear them with such clarity. She is sitting in for Brian Blade tonight and her sensuous touch can only come from the hard hitting compassion of a woman. Scott Colley is on bass and he bows the richest sound. The music is very directional and everyone is left with enough space were their voices could be heard with clarity and distinction. When Roy finishes a solo, he rolls out, off to the side of the stage to give way to his fellow musicians the spotlight. He belted of a couple of Freddie quotes before he handed the jazz baton off to Brecker. Jazz is limitless and tonight the cats are not hanging around the epicenter but, are exploring the galaxies, coming across many bright and shinning stars on their travels. It is almost like they came from another planet, roaming the earth as musical pied pipers in search of intelligent life. From the reaction they got from the audience, they found some here is Cerritos. Michael is going off on his tenor with squeaks, squawks, squeals and staccato melodic technical passion. Herbie changes direction and we listen to his sustaining statements like a James Earl Jones narrator speaking words from the Almighty! Calm, patient and powerful, he paints the colors of the dawn of a new day. Herbie and Teri Lynn communicate so well together and Colley just lays right back in the pocket. Scott's solo leads the rhythm section down a road to the thick, rich and full creative sauce of the music! These are not songs; they are sonnets, pieces of music that take you on an unrecognizable journey. If you close your eyes and go through the mental musical forest, the clues that are left will guide you to a better place. They did some real magic with Roy Hargrove's "Poet". It was like sourdough bread with butter and Danish honey, damn good! On a piece called, "Loose Threads" Brecker's tenor sounds phatter that the phattest Jlo booty. I know that you can get behind that! Herbie worked in some very interesting effects behind Roy's solo and was just a monster when it was time for him to burn at the piano. This piano was not a Steinway, it was a ------ and Herbie really expressed his enthusiasm for its pristine sound. Scott Colley was spitting notes like bullets and Teri Lynn was Neo in the odd meter madness! Herbie and Michael were not the only ones with electric creations. Roy stepped up to one of the microphones that was rigged with a certain electric effect that funked up his sound. They took one of Roy's old tunes, deconstructed and reconstructed another version vacillating between a straight ahead and hip hop sound. Musical jazz electric rap! Can you RH Factor that! All in all it was a dynamic night of music. Unfortunately, I had to roll out before encore but, the music was totally intriguing when you allow yourself to experience other pleasures in jazz. Far from 4\4, but still well within the realms of the music!For pictures click hereLeRoy Downs Music26081@blogcritics.org Sun, 27 Feb 2005 19:11:02 EST