Submitted by Al Kanovsky 11/02/14
…was dropping at the
Banyan Bowl last night. On stage was the youngest of the Marsalis Brothers,
Jason (vibes) with Austin Johnson (piano), David Potter (drums) and Will Goble (bass).
They are currently on tour through Florida in support of a new CD release and
are this month’s showcase in the annual South Motors Jazz Series
at Pinecrest Gardens. If you are not familiar with this
classic South Miami
venue, check out their programming for the coming season. Incredible variety
with something for everyone and the parking lot landscaping with the banyan
trees creating exotic pathways was so intriguing I plan to return to tour the
gardens in the light of day – JAZZ or no JAZZ! Perhaps for one of the Gen-Next JAZZ series performances that are held on Sundays….
Although fortified by adult beverages and a delish
short rib/pasta dish the cold got to us and we left after the first set.
Where do a couple of
JAZZophile/BLUESiacs go at 10PM on Saturday night when in the area of downtown
Miami? Le Chat Noir, of course!
Mike Levine (keyboard)
with his son Sam (drums), Nicky Orta (bass) and Lindsey Blair (guitar) are
holding down the fort. Charlie (my esteemed publisher of JAZZBLUESflorida.com) and I will
enjoy some great playing of standards and Mike Levine original compositions.
Debbie Orta is there to enjoy as well. We have gone from the chill of the
Banyan Bowl to the warmth of a 1940's Greenwich Village JAZZ Club. We arrive in
time to catch a Mike original which has no name. Many of Mike’s compositions
are untitled. It's my guess he skipped English classes for music classes
instead. Mike gives all a thrill with his mastery of the keyboard. Sam introduces
the next tune to a 2d line rhythm. The song "Sweet Georgia Brown".
The band puts you in N'Awlins chomping on a beignet. An original titled Joco
(for Joco Pastorius, who Mike used to play with back in the day) features
Nicky's bass solo. Mike follows with a BLUES flavored 32 bars. Nicky switches
to 6 string instrument and the band does some groovy funk straight out of the
70's. Lindsay has the featured solo. Mike has another original, "From the
Heart". Someday I will ask Mike for the sheet music and try to write
lyrics for his wonderful melodies.
The next tune, also
untitled, has some dynamic unison work. The 2d set and Nicky introduces one of
Mike's titled tunes "Get Ready". Take a look at "your funky
self". "At the Greenhouse" is Latin all the way---pok pokpok
pokpok. Lindsay takes you to the
backstreets of Havana. The Herby Hancock influence is evident in another Mike
original, "The Herb". You may interpret the title anyway you prefer.
The rhythm is pure, unadulterated funk but the melody is as sweet as a lullaby.
Mike plays a 5* solo. Jeannette Pina arrives and so does saxophonist/educator
Gary Keller.
Nicky is switching back and forth from 4 to 6 string
depending on what
the melodic line calls for (and a preference for 4 when the tune calls for some
soloing?). "Table Top" is an original BLUES played to a shuffle
rhythm and featuring a Lindsay solo. It has us all clappin' and tappin'. The
standard "It Can Happen To You". They swing it and all take turns at
the improvisations. "High Hopes", not the show tune, but a
Mike
original was next with some nice drum breaks by Sam. The last set has only 2 numbers. Another
untitled Mike original in definitive salsa tempo. The last song is in memory of
Oscar Peterson and titled "BLUES For Oscar". The shuffle rhythm has
me inviting Debbie (in spite of Nicky's glaring look) to dance. We do a
respectable little bit. Debbie, Nicky and I survive.
Charlie and I say goodnight and thanks to the band as well as our gracious hosts, Alex, Ezzio and Gio. I must mention, if you go to Le Chat order their Grand Marnier Soufflé dessert---incomparable!!!!!.
depending on what
the melodic line calls for (and a preference for 4 when the tune calls for some
soloing?). "Table Top" is an original BLUES played to a shuffle
rhythm and featuring a Lindsay solo. It has us all clappin' and tappin'. The
standard "It Can Happen To You". They swing it and all take turns at
the improvisations. "High Hopes", not the show tune, but a Charlie and I say goodnight and thanks to the band as well as our gracious hosts, Alex, Ezzio and Gio. I must mention, if you go to Le Chat order their Grand Marnier Soufflé dessert---incomparable!!!!!.
Personal note: It has
become a mission. A tune/song is not ENTITLED to anything outside of being
played. A song is TITLED or has a NAME. Musicians take note!!!!
See full Facebook photo album at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10203779083132291.1073741969.1075458403&type=1&l=daf312a691
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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