Submitted by Al Kanovsky 02/15/14
...a great day----? By the weather?
The people you met? The bargains you found? Me, I measure it in
sound.
The sound of live
music played by talented musicians. Here was my great day on Friday. It started
with Ed Bell (WLRN) inviting me to a live broadcast of Troy Roberts and his band
Nu-Jive. Troy has a Masters degree from U.M. but it's his mastery of JAZZ
saxophone that goes far beyond anything you can learn in school. With Troy were
fellow Australian Tim Jago (guitar), Eric England (bass), Rudolfo Zuniga (drums)
and the incomparable Silvano Monasterios (keys). All of them are steeped in the
idea of what JAZZ will sound like' the day after tomorrow'. The sound stage was filled with
an audience that had Mr.& Mrs. Graham Wood Drout (BLUES musician), Ted
Grossman (WLRN), Jeannette Pina (music listings) and Paul
Shewchuck(bassist).
The
program consisted of 'original compositions' and started with "Convertible
Burt". The tune starts with an almost classical sound trans to a back-beat JAZZ
and back to classical. It sets the mood for the rest of the program. Best, you
pay attention to what you will hear. The next one is post-bop and titled
"Mono-Stereos". Of course it
will feature Silvano on a sensational 5/4 rhythmed solo. It is fund-raising
time for WLRN, so there is a short pause for the 'pitch'. If you are a JAZZ
lover they deserve your support. (866 247 9576).
One of those making the plea was Caroline Breder-Watts. The
reason I mention her is that the lady couldn't help but tap and clap to the
music. Also, even though she was speaking to an unseen radio audience, she
acted as if they were seated in her living room. Hand motions, facial
expressions. She didn't just read the lines. Performance art! The 3d number is
"Brotherlation" with Eric opening with a solo. Each of these band members are
serious JAZZ musicians and make every note mean something. Prior to them playing
"One Day Wonder" one of the TV cameramen let's Ed Bell know that they are using
a lens that takes most of the 'grey' out of his beard. It would need more. 'One
Day' is pure bop and Rudolfo takes advantage of the freedom and really tears it
up. The band is encouraged to play an encore. They comply playing "Stoner". If
you want a tune to tell a story without words, this is it. It is a pure 'tone
poem'. There is some incredible unison playing. Troy exploring the upper
register, Silvano, fingers flying, Eric finding the groove, Tim shredding it and
Rudolfo driving them all. So that is how the great day began-----and
then----
An evening
concert at the Knight Concert Hall. Aaron Neville and the Dirty
Dozen Brass Band. David
Posner(the cat in the hat) agreed to do the driving and this was not to be the
only transportation. The Dirty Dozen would move us to N'Awlins and then Aaron
would take us on a trip in time. Gregory Davis(trumpet) was a founder of the
"Dirty Dozen" With him are Efram Towns(trumpet), Kevin Harris(tenor sax), Kirk
Joseph(sousaphone), Terrence Higgins(drums), Jake Eckert(guitar) and Roger
Lewis(bari). I know--I know.
That's only 7. I take no responsibility for Louisiana
mathematics. They run the gamut of traditional and not-so New Orleans music.
Roger Lewis makes a definite impression. The band has some gals in the audience
up out their seats shakin' those B&B's. Aaron takes the stage with his
quintet. Charles Neville(tenor sax), Michael Good(Keys), David Johnson(bass),
Eric Struthern(guitar/vocals), and Earl
Smith(M.C./drums).
This
portion of the program started with Charles' tenor solo---oh yeah! Aaron takes
the stage and the trip back in time begins. "There Goes My Baby". I think this
is the first time that I have heard him 'live'. The perfect voice and
intonations for the 'doo-wop' songs of that era. I get lost in the 'trip down
Memory Lane". Honeymoon---kids---their first school days---good times! "Please
Send Me someone To Love", "Tell It Like It Is', the funky "Hercules". Aaron
tries hard with the classical "Ave Maria" and closes the show with the encore
"Amazing Grace" and "It's time To Say Goodbye". Enjoying the show was Jeanette
Pina and Keith Clarke.
The
night continues with a short drive to "Le Chat Noir" for a little more of Troy
Roberts. David and I get there in time for a glass of wine, a shot of espresso
and the last set. My favorite dance couple are there. A senior moment? Noooo.
Just bad memory skills. There is a band change with Josh Allen now on bass and
no keyboard. Gary Keller,UM,(tenor sax) is sitting in. As usual we are warmly
greeted by Alex, Enzio and Gio. The cellar club is jammed, wall to wall
JAZZophiles. The last set opens with "Bernie's Tune" a memorable be-bop theme.
They follow with something in a very slow tempo. 2 notes. ta----ta,
repeated several times. I
am trying to identify it. I can name that tune in 2 notes. Not this time. The
tempo changes and so do the number of notes. I can identify that song in 3
notes. And I do. Duke Ellington's "A-Train" . The beat picks up. Straight-ahead, full swing
version. They play with the rhythmic and melodic lines. Truly innovative and all
brand new. Gary joins the band. The program is still 'progressive' but pays
homage to JAZZ's swing era with a smooth groove. Everyone gets a chance to
show-off and they do. Each solo is greeted with excited applause. Troy and the
band close with "Do It Like Eddie" in memory of saxophonist, Eddie Harris. On
the way home we listen to Herbie Mann. A word about my friend Dave (the cat in
the hat). He, like I, loves to dance. I wish he would learn how to
follow!!!!!
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?"
~ ~ ~
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