Submitted by Al Kanovsky 9/21/13
...for gamblers is a dangerous choice. For music lovers it is an opportunity to stay up late and enjoy the 'vibe'.
Last night I was not at a casino. Instead, first at Ave. D, then next door to Le Chat Noir. The results were very fruitful. And I did double up = I had a 'real good time'+ heard some very talented musicians.
Keith Clarke held his first Annual Fund Raiser for the Miami JAZZ Society at Ave.D. The featured artist is UM graduate Konrad Paszkudski (Jazz & Blues Florida September 2013 Edition Featured Artist) at the piano, Dag Markhus (drums) and a long time favorite of mine, Eric England on bass. (First time I've seen Eric in a suit, shirt and tie.) To the music!!! Where in the world do all these excellent pianists come from. I think the Lord may have a little to do with it. Talent is a blessing. The evening started with a documentary film about Errol Garner and his music. Konrad and the trio continued in the Garner vein with several of his tunes including "Misty", "The Very Thought of You" and "I Want To Be Happy". No it was not Errol at the keys it was Konrad---all Konrad--an inimitable right hand played long elaborate phrases while the left drove the right to the very edge. Every one in the audience, including Bill Rutan, Capt. Bob, Holly Spillane, Gary Thomas(bass), a classmate of Konrads', Melissa, Georgiani Hart with her friends Bernadette and Carmela. Konrad and Dag now live in the Apple. You can immediately hear the New York influence in their style of play. No musician can escape it. Live there and the City itself infects you with its own character. We all know the tune "New York State of Mind". Coninung along, Konrad did "Exactly Like You", "Let Me Tell You That I Love You" and at jet-speed, "The Lady Is A Tramp." Paszkudskis' passages were reminiscent of Avery Parrish's solo on the original "After Hours" recording from way-way back. The performance was straight-ahead JAZZ and impeccable. Eric's imaginative solos are for JAZZophiles of every generation. First time I have heard Dag. He has the "touch". They do a playful "Cheek to Cheek" which featured Dag playing with brushes. Great job!!! Eric had his chance when they did "Moten Swing." The band charmed the audience with a smooth "But Not For Me".
Le Chat Noir is next door. The Balzola Trio with Eddy (guitar) Yoel DelSol (congas, drums and cajone) and Dany Felix on bass. They are in that dim, cozy, JAZZ room downstairs. I order a "Paris Pannini", an adult beverage and settle down with Ms. Spillane at a close up table---the room is small, all the tables are close up. For those of you who don't know--Holly is Eddy's spouse and runs the best jazz booking agency in Miami. The band is not in a Latin mode when we walk in--they are swinging and rocking with "Mercy, Mercy". JAZZ has found another home.". Eddie spots me and Holly and dedicates "Autumn in New York". Clave is Eddy's heart-beat and they play "Chan-chan"from the film ----- Music Club. It transitions to "Life Without Music" and then to "Morning of Carnival" from Black Orpheus and returns to Chan-chan. The trio travels through the JAZZ world with "Bright Side of Living", Stanley Turrentines "Sugar", Amazona, and a swinging "Blow My Troubles Away". Eddy's devotion to the music and legacy of John Coletrane is apparent in everyone one of his performances. He pays homage to John with a medley of song and poetry. Tomorrow would have been John's 87th birthday. Time for the BLUES, starting wit B.B. Kings "How Blue Can You Get". Eddy is joined by Jimmy Bailey, up from the Keys and Aldo Castillo for "Sweet Home Chicago". The Jam is on and no telling when or if it will end. That's how the BLUES do you. Well after 2AM I make my escape and the band packs up.
It seems to me that if one or two more brave venture capitalists make it to S. Miami Ave. we can have a new 52St. It wouldn't be a bad thing. Friday's performance at AVE D will be repeated tonight. $15 cover goes to the continuance of Keith Clarke's tireless journey of bringing live JAZZ to Miami. Le Chat Noir, good food, unbelievable choice of wines, best espresso in town and best of all live JAZZ. Mike Gerber coming on Wednesday. Tonight ---? ? ?
A word about the Errol Garner film. It shows the long road from Wylie St. in Pittsburgh to Carnegie Hall. Also another great quote about reading music. Errol said "They can't hear you when you're reading." Luis Prima answered, "I read a little, but not enough to hurt me none."
Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"
Traveling to catch some of Florida's good music? Check out these places and rates!
Posted by Jazz & Blues Florida
Please visit http://www.jazzbluesflorida.com/ to sign up to have
Or, just email me at Charlie@JazzBluesFlorida.com
And, if you like what you see here, HIT THAT FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON below!
Thanks!
No comments :
Post a Comment