Submitted by Al Kanovsky 10/25/14
It's long drive from Hallandale to Tallahassee. It
doesn't seem that long if you have a good co-pilot. Charlie Boyer (my esteemed
publisher) was in that seat so there was lots to talk about, although most of
the time he was busy contacting potential advertisers. We stopped in
Gainesville to meet Debby Strickland for lunch at Napalitano's. Charlie & I
ordered the special of the day "Corned Beef & Cabbage. Yeah, yeah.
You're all thinking C.B. & C. in an Italian restaurant? It was good. Very
good, especially with an ice cold Guiness.
Okay, the
music. Later last night we ended up at the Backwoods Bistro
close by to the campus of F.S.U.
The place was crowded with students and faculty.
It was also filled with music. JAZZ was in the house. The band is named
"JAZZCOPELAND".
The leader and founder is bassist Brandon
Robertson. Gerald Watkins the drummer will make an appearanc witth Longineau
Parsons to-nite. Playing keyboard is Evan Powell. Exceptional on alto is Chris
Rochester and the lovely Ms.Avis Berry handles the vocals. We arrived in time
to catch the last tune of the 1st set but in plenty of time for the final one.
The band members are all either graduate students or seniors at the school.They
have a mutual vision of the future of JAZZ and how it will be played. Not
'straight-ahead', not too futuristic. Imaginative & creative in ways
different than the past or present day. The play list was made up of both
original tunes and standards. "Black Nile" was the first tune of the
set and Avis had me paying close attention to what she did with her voice.
Unusual and lovely. "Night & Day" followed. Chris Rochester's
alto solo displayed his unusual approach to the melodic line. It was just enough
of 'tomorrow'. Very tasty and fresh. Brandon's bass solo followed suit.
"L's Bop" an instrumental original had both the taste of Dizzy
& Miles and again that vision of tomoorrow. "One Note Samba" done
lively and "Funny Valentine" done with absolutely breathtaking
vocal and bass solos. An original titled "Weak" is what every tone
poem should be. Chromatically perfect, it gave everyone a chance to express
their emotions musically. All the band members are personable, easy to talk
with and eager to share their vision.
Charlie and I followed Jose
Rodriguez home. He is our lodging host for the weekend and very gracious (including to animals - he is big into Lost Hope Rescue Organization and his housemates are happy about it!). Jose
also has great stories to tell. Jose is one of the organizers of the PatRamsey Memorial Benefit for Big Bend Hospice event to be held at the
Bradfordville BLUES Club today from 1:30pm until the A.M. It is the main reason Charlie and I are here.
Also The JAZZ, Arts and BLUES Festival in Live Oak.
Music----Music--Music!!!!
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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