Cory Weeds Blog

2 WORDS FOR YOU! HAROLD MABERN

2007-06-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Photo: Steve Mynett

I don't even know where to begin! Last night was so unbelievable. Harold Mabern got sounds out of our piano that no one else ever has. His touch is beautiful and his tone is really unbelievable. If you are not doing anything tonight you have to come and check it out, you just have to. Mike DiRubbo is an amazing alto saxophonist as well and for a guy that has basically spent the better part of two days travelling to get here he played so beautifully. They played Blue Train, Whats New, So What, Edward Lee (Mabes' tune), Rakin and Scrapin (Mabes' tune), Clarity (a great DiRubbo tune based on Giant Steps), To Late Now and a few others that I didn't recognize. Another colossal night at The Cellar.

Strozier Mania

2007-06-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night I was preparing to do my radio show featuring Harold Mabern. I wanted to choose some music that maybe lot of people hadn't heard. I perused my collection and pulled out some great stuff for sure but I came across a find on iTunes of all places that has lit up my world for the last few days. Its a record that was issued on Steeplechase Records and despite doing some extensive research I can't really figure out when it was recorded. It says 1997 which I suppose is possible but getting any kind of info on Strozier is tough. The last I heard he was alive and well but concentrating mostly on playing piano, not alto saxophone. It is definitely a later recording so perhaps 1997 is correct. Its on Steeplechase as I mentioned and the number is SCCD 31420 and the title is "What's Goin' On." The lineup is absolutely fantastic: Louis Hayes (drums, Stafford James (bass), Harold Mabern (piano) the late Danny Moore (trumpet) and of course Frank Strozier (alto sax. I have in many ways been unable to put Mabern's playing characteristics into words but listening to this record pretty much sums it up totally! His comping is driving, swinging, unrelenting, urgent, constant and its clear on this session that Strozier is clearly spurred on by his Memphis counterpart. Strozier is in fine form. His tone is a lot brigher and harsher than that of his earlier recordings but this isn't a bad thing. Its also great to hear Danny Moore who is somewhat of an 'institution' in NYC amongst musicians and he sounds great throughout this CD.
They do a great version of Marvin Gaye's 'Whats Going On' that is just killing! Strozier also flexes his flute chops on the record exhibiting his gorgeous sound and technique. A great record. Check it out at www.jazzloft.com

I just dropped Harold Mabern off at his hotel and got the facts. This record he suspects was done in the early to mid 80's as Strozier quite playing saxophone right after this recording sighting 'bad reeds' as his reason. Strozier is alive and well living in Westchester New York practicing piano!

Long Time No Post

2007-06-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind the last few months has been! Holy cow. Between moving into our condo, getting married and the fast approach of jazz festival its amazing I'm still standing. The jazz festival has been outstanding and although we still have 4 days left I think its safe to say that we have had record attendance this year. Its been truly spectacular which is fantastic. To add to Thai we didn't have the slow down leading up to jazz festival that we usually experience. In fact it wa the complete opposite with sales actually picking up which once again is fantastic! Musically so far its been amazing but what do you expect? The local musicians in this town are wonderful!

Im really really excited about Harold Mabern coming to Vancouver in a few days! Actually he arrives tonight and plays tomorrow and Saturday. I really think Mabes is one of the unsung heroes of post bop piano and continues to nurture some of the finest young talent including alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo with whom he'll be playing with this weekend and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander with whom he has appeared on over 20 records with. He also carries the torch of musicians from Memphis like Frank Storzier, Phineas Newborn Jr., George Coleman and many more. I interviewed him on my radio show last Monday and am thinking that Brian Nation at www.vancouverjazz.com will post it on their soon!

The club is going down to 4 days a week starting July 5th which is great news as myself and all the staff need a big break for a while. That doesn't mean however that there isn't great music coming up in the next few months: Judy Wexler (great singer from Los Angeles) July 6th / 7th, Ron Small - July 20th / 21st, Miles Black Trio doing a live record on August 3rd / 4th etc. etc. Gonna be some great music! Unfortunately I'm going to miss a bit of it because Im going to be in Mexico with my beautiful wife on our honeymoon. We are heading to Mexico, the Mayan Riviera to be exact and we can't wait to do some serious relaxing. I really understand why people go on honeymoon's right after their wedding. God how I wish we could've done that!

Im hosting a tour of THE HAVANA JAZZ FESTIVAL from February 10th - 18th, 2008. Im very excited about it as I have never been before. Its gonna be a blast. If you can get the time off and have some money to burn, check it out! www.jazzcuba.com

CHASIN THE TRAIN - June 11th

2007-06-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

1. DAYNA STEPHENS - Beginning Of An Endless Happy Monday, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS
2. DAYNA STEPHENS - Smoking Gun, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS
3. DAYNA STEPHENS - Teeth, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS
4. DAYNA STEPHENS - On The Trail, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS
5. DAYNA STEPHENS - Lost And Found, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS
6. DAYNA STEPHENS - Contagious, THE TIMLESS NOW, CTA RECORDS

Dayna Stephens, a saxophonist to watch

2007-06-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Downbeat for doing a feature on Brooklyn based tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens. We will definitely be hearing more from this young musician and that’s a very good thing. ‘A Timeless Now’ is a beautiful record from start to finish. It’s rare that I listen to a record more than twice and I’m already on my fourth run through of this one, discovering new things on each listen.

Dayna’s big, robust, yet sweet sound and beautifully melodic lines make you think he is twice his age. He is only 27. After just one listen however you do hear his youthful exuberance but its disguised with so much musical maturity it confuses you. His debut release as a leader is a wonderful collection of originals; a gorgeous reading of 'On The Trail' and an equally gorgeous turn on 'But Beautiful.' Featured throughout the album is young piano phenom Taylor Eigsti who shines on every track. It’s hard to pick a highlight. I particularly enjoy his Rhodes work on 'Teeth' and more specifically the sound he coaxes out of the Rhodes. The rhythm team of bassist Ben Street and Eric Harland are rock solid with the latter turning in some of the more creative drumming on record that I have heard recently. The addition of John Scofiled on the date is no doubt a coup for the young saxophonist but in my opinion is unnecessary. That’s not a dig on Sco but more a compliment to this band being able to stand on its own. Having said that Sco turns in some really swinging solos especially on “On The Trial.” The thing I enjoy most about Sco’s playing on this record is that he for the most part is using a dry guitar sound at least more dry than I have heard in many years.

The one thing that stands out about Stephens' overall performance is his complete focus on making great music and not relying on flashy technique or impressive saxophone tricks. You can hear that his technique is flawless but I re-iterate he keeps 'music' in the forefront of his mind. Its modern jazz but its very rooted, which I think, is missing in a lot of the young players these days.

A highly recommended release! You can check it out on MONDAY, June 11th on CHASIN THE TRAIN, 102.7 CFRO, 11:00 am to Noon.

Check out Dayna Stephens on the web and purchase his 'The Timeless Now' CDBABY

2007-05-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

This is Alana and I at The Diamond Alumni Center at SFU right during our reception!

WILD YEARS - May 29th, 2007

2007-05-29T15:12:00.001-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

1. TUBBY HAYES - 100% PROOF, 100% PROOF, UNIVERSAL MUSIC
2. HAROLD LAND - CHEROKEE, JAZZ @ THE CELLAR 1958, LONEHILL JAZZ
3. JIM ROTONDI - ON Y VA, PLEAURE DOME,SHARP NINE RECORDS
4. JIM ROTONDI - HUSH, PLEAURE DOME,SHARP NINE RECORDS
5. DAN PRATT - GRAPPLE WITH THE APPLE, SPRING LOADED, SUNNY SKY RECORDS
6. DAN PRATT - 20/20, SPRING LOADED, SUNNY SKY RECORDS
7. SONNY ROLLINS - WHY WAS I BORN, HERE'S TO THE PEOPLE, MILESTONE
8. MICHAEL ZILBER - SUITE MONTEREY, CROSSROADS,INDEDEPENDANT
9.MICHAEL ZILBER - SOULSTICE SONG, CROSSROADS,INDEDEPENDANT
10. HANK MARR - ONE FOR DADDY'O,ITS ABOUT TIME, DOUBLE TIME RECORDS
11. JEREMEY MANASIA - C'S SONG, WITCHERY CELLAR LIVE
12. GRANT STEWART - SOUL STATION, ESTATE, VIDEO ARTS MUSIC
13. JODI PROZNICK - ALL TOO SOON, FOUNDATIONSCELLARLIVE
14. IAN MCDOUGALL - IAN LEAPS OUT, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED,BARBARIAN RECORDS

Wedding

2007-05-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got hitched and the whirlwind weekend that was my wedding is over. It came and went so fast I can't even believe it. All in all it was a spectacular few days with very little drama to report and just a whole lot of fun. It was great having so much family and so many great friends there to celebrate our day. Im posting this from the COOP Radio computer so I don't have access to any pictures at the moment but I may post some a little later. Its amazing how much preperation there and then how quickly it all ends! Wow! Alana my wife did a wonderful job and everything came off without a hitch!

JIM DIGGITY

2007-05-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

As an admitted freak for straight ahead swinging jazz I have to say that I have been really impressed with some of the great original music that has been coming from musicians in this city. I suppose it shouldn't be a surprise and really it isn't but after doing my 3 hour radio show yesterday where I featured 100 % Canadian composed and performed music it inspired me. Following the show I went to the club where my good friend James Danderfer was debuting a brand new sextet as well as new tunes. I could only stay for the first set as I had to catch a bus back to Burnaby....did I just say that? Anyways what I heard in the first set was absolutely beautiful and Danderfer displays some very very beautiful writing chops. I have always given him a rough time for playing the clarinet but I really have to stop as he has really found his voice on that instrument and to be able to write successfully for a front line consisting of Baritone Sax, Trumpet and Clarinet is really something. Judging by what I heard from Chad (bari) and Brad (trumpet) they two were digging the music as they simply played their asses off! Joe Poole (drums), Paul Rushka (bass) and Chris Gestrin (piano and rhodes) really layed it down beautifully. You couldn't pay me enough money to try to improvise on Danderfer's tunes but these guys made it seem so easy. Danderfer writes complex tunes, with complex melodies and harmonies yet the average person still walks away humming the tunes! Great work and the album is going to sound really amazing!

A TRAIN - May 11th

2007-05-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Im subbing for Nou Dadoun today. 3 hours of jazz and not only that but all Canadian, all original music! Its SOCAN week which means the more CDN music I play the more royalties will go out to the musicians which is great! I could fill this three hours with quality music from people just in Vancouver but I'm gonna go nation wide!

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

1. JAMES DANDERFER - FREESIA, RUN WITH IT CELLARLIVE
2. JAMES DANDERFER - NYEVSKY PROSPECT, RUN WITH IT CELLARLIVE
3. IHOR KUKURUDZA - AS IT WAS, AS IT WAS, INDEPENDANT
4. DAVE ROBBINS - HUFF, AT THE MARK, INDEPENDANT
5. WILLIAM CARN - MALICE, OTHER STORIES, INDEPENDANT
6. OLIVER GANNON / CAM RYGA QUARTET - EVERYBODY'S SONG BUT MY OWN, MAXIMUM JAZZ PRESENTS CELLAR LIVE, CELLAR LIVE
7. JAKE LANGLEY - UPTOWN, MOVIN & GROOVIN ALMA RECORDS
8. ROSS TAGGART - SHORTER DAYS, THANKFULLYCELLARLIVE
9.JILL TOWNSEND - THE GIFT, TALES FROM THE SEA, PAGETOWN RECORDS
10. MIKE RUD - RB's LINE, LIVE FROM LOTUSLANDCELLARLIVE
11. YANNICK RIEU - WATP, "I" IS MEMORY EFFENDI RECORDS
12. NIGHT CRAWLERS - NO MANGO, NO MUSIC, PRESENTING "I" IS MEMORY EFFENDI RECORDS
13. ZAPATO NEGRO - FRANKNESS, ZAPATO NEGROCELLARLIVE
14. METALWOOD - 11 MINUTE MARGIN, LIVE, MAXIMUM JAZZ
15. PEGGY LEE BAND - MESSAGE TO LITTLE SHOE, THE PEGGY LEE BAND, SPOOL RECORDS
16. SANDRO DOMINELLI - IT WAS HIM, MEET ME IN THE ALLEY, SECOND STORY RECORDS
17. PJ PERRY/CAM RYGA - MAYBE YES, MAYBE NO, MUTUAL RESPECT, CELLARLIVE
18. BRUCE NEILSEN BAND - WAITING TO FALL, UP FOR THE COUNT, INDEPENDANT
19. MUHLEDY - ITOWN, ACTIVE SLEEP, CELLARLIVE
20. TILDEN WEBB TRIO w/FATHEAD NEWMAN - LADY J, CELLAR GROOVE CELLARLIVE
21. OLIVER GANNON QUARTET - , CELLAR GROOVE CELLARLIVE
22. BRAD TURNER QUARTET -, BY SUPRISE, INDEDPENDANT

Survived!

2007-05-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived my stag. Barely...but I survived. Joking aside it was awesome. A great time was had by all and it was awesome hanging with friends. The day started out so great with me golfing my best round ever. An 85. It was great!

Picked up some great music over the last few days. THE CANNONBALL LEGACY BAND - Maximum Firepower led by powerhouse drummer Louis Hayes who of course played with Cannonball and Nat from 1959 to 1965. Its on Savant Records. Its a good record. It doesn't knock me out as a whole but there are definitely some really fantastically swinging moments on it. HIGH NOTE released a quartet date led by Billy Hart called 'Quartet' that got a ton of great press. I eagerly awaited it and am feeling a little luke warm about the whole thing but its strikes me as a record that is going to take a few listens to really get into. Another one that I was excited about was Medeski Martin and Wood's second release with John Scofield as the fourth member of the band. A GO GO which was the first one they did about 8 years a go or so was a great record. Definitely far from ground breaking but just collection of simple funk tunes that all had infectious grooves. On this record really hard to figure out exactly what the quartet is trying to accomplish. It doesn't seem to have much of a musical direction and at times is really really heavy. So much so that my girlfriend came in and said "what are you listening to? I didn't think you liked hard rock." I'm going to give it a few more listens though to see if this is one that will grow on me. When I took Joey Defrancesco and the trio down to Seattle, Joey hipped me to pianist Cecil Taylor's Jazz Advance. I think the recording date was 1956 and its a wonderful record by someone that I have never really checked out but its a a fantastic record and I learned a ton but just listening to it once. Its a bit tough to find but if you can find it and think you can remain open to what it has to offer its a good one.

As I'm writing this Im recording the Graham Shonwise (saxopohone) Quartet, Conrad Good on bass, Daneil Reynolds on piano and Adam Cormier on drums. What a great band. These guys are all first year college and they sound like they are a lot farther ahead than that. Jazz is in good hands, very good hands!

Im on A TRAIN this Friday from 2:30 to 5:30 on 102.7 CFRO subbing for Nou Dadoun. It is SOCAN week so Im dedicating the three hours to original Canadian music!

Me and D!

2007-04-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

This is one that I will cherish for a long time!

CHASIN THE TRAIN - April 30th

2007-04-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

RHODA SCOTT - HIT THE ROAD JACK, FROM C TO SHINING C DOODLIN RECORDS

RHODA SCOTT - TICO TICO, FROM C TO SHINING C DOODLIN RECORDS

RHODA SCOTT - BLUES ALLEY, FROM C TO SHINING C DOODLIN RECORDS

RHODA SCOTT - MONDAY, MONDAY, FROM C TO SHINING C DOODLIN RECORDS

BILL HEID - BLUES IN THE AIRPORT, AIR MOBILE, DOODLIN RECORDS

BILL HEID - SPRING TONES, AIR MOBILE, DOODLIN RECORDS

BILL HEID - WONDERING BLUES, AIR MOBILE, DOODLIN RECORDS

JOEY FREAKIN DEFRANCESCO

2007-04-29T22:16:00.000-07:00

This picture pretty much says it all. Steve Mynett has once again nailed it. Joey Defrancesco was everything as advertised. He played so unbelievably and his band was equal to the task. This is the first time I have really heard Jake Langley and he sounded wonderful. Byron Landham swung his butt off and played with beautiful dynamics and was dropping bombs all over the place. It was unreal! More than the playing however it was the personalities of these guys that was great. Joey D. is a bonified jazz superstar and was a perfect gentleman in every way. So easy going, didn't complain about anything. Its so great to deal with cats like this.

He really dug the Night Crawlers CD that was playing on the break which was very cool. When I informed him it was me on alto he was very complimentary and I thought for sure I was gonna get a chance to play but to no avail. I can't say Im disappointed...I mean of course I would've loved a chance to play but it certainly wasn't expected. Im taking the guys down to Seattle on Wednesday so I get one more chance to hear the band at a great club called The Triple Door. If you haven't ever been to this club you have to guy. It is unbelievable!

I have been listening to some great albums lately but I will post them on my playlist for the show tomorrow!

IS THIS WEEDS ON THE BUS

2007-04-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Yup, its official I sold my truck and am officially a rider of beautiful Translink!
photo: Steve Mynett

WHAT CLUB WOULDN'T BE SUCCESSFUL WITH THIS DUO AT THE HELM

2007-04-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is Jenny and I at the DAVID FATHEAD NEWMAN show. Judging by the smiles on our face you can kind of tell it was packed!

Odds and Ends

2007-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, the time is flying by. So much stuff going on. I'm less than eight weeks to my wedding and Alana and I just bought a condo in Burnaby. As if we didn't have enough going on!

So much great music has been happening at the club and the crowds just keep on coming. I can honestly without question say that this has been the best 7 month stretch The Cellar has ever had. Its been so busy and always new people. We're getting a ton of hits on our website. Its just fabulous. Last night (April 6th) was packed and for Good Friday that is really saying something! Ian Hendrickson-Smith assembled a Vancouver verion of his "Blues In The Basement" band including Morgan Childs on drums, Sean Cronin on bass, Ross Taggart on piano, Raphael Geronimo on percussion, Chris Davis on trumpet and of course of Ian on tenor. What a great band. They gelled so well and Chris Davis sounded freaking amazing. This guy is a really happening trumpet player. I mean, he gets better and better and better every time I hear him and I just played with the guy two weeks ago. The whole band ripped it up and it was a great vibe!

I've been listening to a ton of great music lately. I visited Greenleaf Music which is trumpter Dave Douglas' record label. The quintet is always one that I have been excited about since the release of their "Infinite" record about 6 years ago but to be honest with you all of records after that have been great disappointments until now. Last year they did a week at The Jazz Standard in NYC, they recorded all 12 sets and made them exclusively available for download on their site. You can download all 12 sets for $70 or you can download specific sets for $7 or tunes for $.99. Its another example of how quickly the business of music distribution is changing. Check out the music as its really happening especially the fender rhodes of Uri Caine and saxophonist Donny McCasllin.

Speaking of digital distribution. Its so obviously the way its going and its just a matter of time before record stores are no longer and CDs are deemed obsolete but I think its jazz and more specifically independant music that is going to save the CD. I mean you can't come to The Cellar and see David Fathead Newman and ask him to sign a digital download of one of his tunes. Independent musicians that play smaller clubs are the only musicians that the public really has access to and its great to see fans lining up for autographs at The Cellar. The business is changing so rapidly and its interesting to have a label and be forced to think about these changes and how we're going to address them!

New Album: Eric Alexander Quartet- Ballads II featuring Mike Ledonne on piano, John Webber on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. VENUS RECORDS. Its smoking!

A healthy beginning in
music education is good for any student.

CHASIN THE TRAIN - April 2nd

2007-04-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH - BIG WEEDS, BLUES IN THE BASEMENT CELLAR LIVE

IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH - HELLO STRANGER, BLUES IN THE BASEMENT CELLAR LIVE

IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH - JACOB'S NEW CRIB, BLUES IN THE BASEMENT CELLAR LIVE

IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH - HEY BABY, BLUES IN THE BASEMENT CELLAR LIVE

IAN HENDRICKSON-SMITH - CHATTERBOX, BLUES IN THE BASEMENT CELLAR LIVE

A TRAIN - March 30th

2007-03-30T21:06:00.001-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

DAVID FATHEAD NEWMAN - GIRL TALK, LIFE, HIGH NOTE RECORDS

JUNIOR MANCE - THAT'S ALL, LIVE AT TEH TOP, ATLANTIC RECORDS

MULGREW MILLER, FROM DAY TO DAY, LIVE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER VOL. 1, MAX JAZZ

ANDREW HILL, PUMPKIN, BLACK FIRE, BLUE NOTE RECORDS

ANDREW HILL, MALACHI, TIME LINES, BLUE NOTE RECORDS

ANDREW HILL, YELLOW VIOLET, DANCE WITH DEATH, BLUE NOTE RECORDS

HAROLD MABERN - TOO BUSY THINKING ABOUT MY BABY, WORKIN & WAILIN, PRESTIGE

HAROLD MABERN - STROZIER'S MODE, WORKIN & WAILIN, PRESTIGE

SHIRLEY HORN - NEVER LET ME GO, MAY THE MUSIC NEVER END, VERVE

DAVE DOUGLAS, POSES, THE INFINITE, RCA VICTOR

RABNETT 5, FLOATS, THE DAN'S PARTY, CELLAR LIVE

RABNETT 5, HOSTAGE RELEASE PARTY, THE DAN'S PARTY, CELLAR LIVE

ZOOT SIMS - DREAM DANCING, WARM TENOR, PABLO

ZOOT SIMS - OLD DEVIL MOON, WARM TENOR, PABLO

ZOOT SIMS - THE MAN I LOVE, AND THE GERSHWIN BROTHERS,PABLO

DAVID FATHEAD NEWMAN - OLD FOLKS, LIFE, HIGH NOTE RECORDS

DAVID FATHEAD NEWMAN - LIFE, LIFE, HIGH NOTE RECORDS

TILDEN WEBB - LADY J, CELLAR LIVE

PHINEAS NEWBORN JUNIOR - GROOVEYARD, THE NEWBORN TOUCH, CONTEMPORARY

PHINEAS NEWBORN JUNIOR - BLUE DANIEL, THE NEWBORN TOUCH, CONTEMPORARY

JOEY DEFRANCESCO, THE TACKLE, ORGANIC VIBES, CONCORD RECORDS

GRANT STEWART, IF EVER I WOULD LEAVE YOU, SHARP NINE RECORDS

CHASIN THE TRAIN - March 26th

2007-03-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

NANCY KING - THERE'S A SMALL HOTEL, LIVE AT THE JAZZ STANDARD, MAXJAZZ

MULGREW MILLER, RELAXIN AT CAMARILLO, LIVE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER VOL. 1, MAX JAZZ

RUSSELL MALONE, BLUE DANIEL, LIVE AT THE STANDARD VOL. 1, MAX JAZZ

FRANK LOCRASTO, UNTIL DUSK, WHEN YOU'RE THERE,MAX JAZZ

NANCY KING, LITTLE SUEDE SHOES/DAY BY DAY, LIVE AT THE JAZZ STANDARD, MAXJAZZ

MULGREW MILLER, IF I SHOULD LOSE YOU, LIVE AT THE KENNEDY CENTER VOL. 1, MAX JAZZ

CHASIN THE TRAIN - March 18th

2007-03-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have listed ARTIST, SONG NAME, ALBUM NAME and RECORD LABEL and have provided links where possible.

ELVIN JONES - BY GEORGE, LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD, ENJA RECORDS

ELVIN JONES - LAURA, LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD, ENJA RECORDS

JIMMY HEATH - FOR MINORS ONLY, PICTURES OF HEATH, XANADU

ANDRE WHITE - DANCING IN THE DARK, LUCK, CHANCE

JIMMY HEATH - CTA, PICTURES OF HEATH, XANADU

ELVIN JONES - MISTER JONES, LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD, ENJA RECORDS

GIG, IM LOOKING FORWARD TO. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE

2007-03-18T17:57:00.001-07:00

PICS FROM THE ARCHIVE

2007-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Our 1 year anniversary! Dave Robbins (drums), Darren Radtke (bass), Buddy Montgomery (vibes and piano), Chris Sigerson (piano) and me!

PICS FROM THE ARCHIVE

2007-03-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of classics! Thats Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitar) and Mark Turner (tenor sax) sitting at The Cellar bar. The other one....well does it need any explantion? Whacker (drums) knawing on some Cellar ribs while Campbell Ryga (alto sax) eggs him on.

AN EXCITING EVENT

2007-03-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just found out some fantastic news! A good friend of mine and wonderful pianist named Spike Wilner has just taken over operation of SMALL's JAZZ CLUB in New York City. This is such a great development I can't even begin to tell you. Spike is a great guy and has the perfect personality to take on such a venture. I can attest that its an uphill battle but Smalls has such a great history and Spike is well respected on the New York scene and these two things alone will make it a bit easier on Spike. I can't contain my excitement about this. Its absolutely fantastic! Congrats SPIKE!