Berman Music Foundation Karrin Allyson and Tommy Ruskin from Jazz in June '97 Allyson returns home .. with strings attached .. By Tom [neck ...... Wlnte( 2001 Another major player in this am Vot6,. Number 6 arrin Allyson's many Ne ,': -<."" ' K braska fans will have an bitious project is Bill McGlaughlin, other opportunity to bask in the who has arranged the pieces for warmth of her voice when she per strings and will conduct the perfor forms with jazz quartet and string sec mance. McGlaughlin is the well tion Nov. 9 at the Lied Center for Per known arranger and host of National forming Arts in Lincoln. Public Radio's "St. Paul Sunday In this issue of Jazz. .. . Since she moved from Kansas Morning." Allyson ...... 1 City, Mo., to New York City last year, He has worked with Allyson for The Prez Sez...... 2 Allyson has made only occasional ap many years, both inside and outside Harold Land ...... 3 of the studio, subtly collaborating pearances in the Midwest, most nota Stryker and NJO ...... 4 bly at the Kansas City Blues and Jazz with the singer to shape the rising arc Festival and the Topeka Jazz Festi of her career. For the orchestral side Cartwright...... 5 val. With her Lied concert, cleverly of that career, he has arranged such Tomfoolery ...... 6 titled Jazz with Strings Attached, she gems as Antonio Carlos Jobim's "So Nakasian/O'Brien ...... 7 Danco Samba," Giovanni Martini's reprises the well-received theme used Jazz on Disc ...... 8 for a performance earlier this year "Plaisir D' Amour," Billy Joel's "And with the Omaha Symphony. So It Goes," Ennio Morricone's theme Discorama ...... 9 The concert is funded by the from the film "Cinema Paradiso" with Unsung on Disc...... l0 lyrics by Stan Dunn, Leonard Berman Music Foundation. Tickets Blues on Disc ...... l1 can be obtained by calling the Lied Bernstein's "Some Other Time" with Blues Corner ...... 11 Center box office at (402) 472-4747 lyrics by Comden and Green and or (800) 432-3231. Francis Albert Lai's "Live For Life." For this special venture into or It is impossible to predict what chestraljazz, Allyson will be accom jazz tunes Allyson and the quartet panied by a quartet oflongtime Kan may draw from their vast repertoire sas City friends and colleagues - pia on Nov. 9, but in their appearance nist Paul Smith, guitarist Rod with the Omaha Symphony they per Fleeman, bassist Bob Bowman and formed Jayme Da Silva's "0 Pato drummer Todd Strait. The string sec (The Duck)," Clifford Brown's "Joy tion will be comprised of some of the Spring," "Little Jazz Bird," Duke best players from the Omaha and Lin Ellington's "1 Ain't Got Nothin' But coln symphonies. (Allyson continued on pg. 3) Page 2 Berman Music Foundation Jazz , ...... ' PrezSez BMF gears up for upcoming gigs By Butch Berman ...... unknown events from either within or Long and his 20-year veteran trio fea without ourselves and our government. turing Gerald Spaits on bass and Ray On the home front - we had to re- DeMarchi on drums. The BMF, after schedule our eager arrival of the Joe hearing the demo, was so overwhelmed Cartwright Trio that will now appear at P.O. Pears on November 15th from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Big Red got the nod under standably over jazz as the game had to be bumped up to the same evening as our show. Thanks to the Joe Cartwright Trio, Dean Haist and his staff, and the es, I knew it would feel differ folks from Pears in helping the BMF Y. ent and it does. 9/11/01 means move it all around. emergency numero uno in EVERY Speaking of P.O. Pears - what a language ... and nuthin' will ever seem treat it was to host the super-talented as totally serene and secure as it once duo of bebop master pianist Hod Gerald Spaits has played bass was. Some say - how could there be a O'Brien and his multi-voiced jazz sing- with Russ Long for over 20 years God after this - nevertheless the U.S. ing wife - Stephanie Nakasian. Even by its soulful contents that I knew I had though the crowds at Pears are build- ~ to help get it out and into your hearts. § ing with baby steps, the cooperation of The CD release party at KC's downtown ~ all involved has been most promising Phoenix will be on December 4th and ~ and Hod and Steph were no exception we'd like to schedule a release party here :::l- (see Bill Wimmer's on the spot review sometime in February. New York singer ifo to catch more of the swingin' details of ~ a fine performance by two great folks that have never been to Nebraska be fore). Russ Long gets into a mellow While on Pears - an extra added mood while visiting the BMF attraction added to Joe's gig will be my has survived numerous abominations old buddy, conga man Norman Hedman. throughout its history ... and always Norman will be in town doing some seemed to get stronger. Who are we to BMF work, so chances of a second set judge the magnitudes of God's lessons jam with Joe's tight trio and Hedman - yet in my span of 52+ years - I suf could be in the works. Please continue Ray DeMarchi is also a 20-year vet push in' the beat behind Russ fered and grew through the assassina to support P.O. Pears and their admi Long tions of the Kennedy's and Martin rable trek into becoming a solid jazz spot Kendra Shank, who worked with Luther King, dealt with such lunatics as here in Lincoln. Russ's trio last year and still owes us a Charlie Starkweather, the Manson clan, Next gig news, of course, is Karrin show, may be an extra added attrac and Son of Sam, and was even in the Allyson at the Lied with strings Novem tion if schedules permit. We're hoping t earthquake of '89 in San Francisco, so ber 9 h, showcasing her current smash for an in store release of Russ's CD the will to survive as shared by Okla release of Ballads - Remembering John before the first of the year. homa City and New York terrorist sur Coltrane this performance will truly Jazzy times ahead - let's live it vivors-is a vibe I can recognize and feel mean something - be there or you know while we can. a little bit to this day. what. Hugs 'n' kisses, Let's hope that we, and you our In closing - I'm real excited to just readers can just live out our natural lives have done the deal executive producing, to dig a little more jazz, and not always the long-awaited new CD release Never have to focus on fear and loathing of Let Me Go by Kansas City legend Russ E~~~ Winter 2001 P • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••age 3 CAllyson continued from pg. 1) Her seventh Concord Records re lease, Ballads has been the subject of the Blues," Bud Powell's "Parisian Jazz is usually published six times glowing - and well-deserved - re Thoroughfare" and Charlie Parker's a year by The Berman Music "Yardbird Suite." views, feature stories, radio inter Foundation, 719 PSt., Studio G, Of course, since that concert views and major airplay. A loving Lincoln, NE 68508. Allyson has released what is perhaps tribute to the 1962 Coltrane classic, it recreates the sequence of that re Editor: Dave Hughes her strongest recording yet. We may, Newsletter and computer con therefore, expect to hear a few selec cording but allows Allyson and her sultant: Rebecca Kaiser tions from Ballads: Remembering sidemen to expand on the themes, both Contributing writers: Butch John Coltrane, like "Say It (Over and lyrically and musically. Berman, Rich Hoover, Dave Over Again)" or "I Wish I Knew" or Whatever Allyson and her col Hughes, Tom Ineck, & Bill Wimmer. laborators decide on, Nov. 9 is guar Photographers: Rich Hoover and "You Don't Know What Love Is" or Tom Ineck. "What's New" or "It's Easy to Re anteed to be an evening long remem member." The many possibilities are bered. For inclusion of any jazz or blues enticing. related events, letters to the editor; or suggested articles, you can ei ther mail them to the office, phone us at 402-476-31 12, fax us at 402- Last Chorus: Harold Land 475-3136, or e-mail us at: By Bill Wimmer ......
he Nebraska Jazz Orchestra's quoted "God Bless America" as an solo and subsequent solos by Oct. 5 debut at the Lied Cen other reminder of the evening's spe Harvill, Sharp on alto sax and Ahl T cial mood. The unique arrangement on drums. ter for Performing Arts was a stun ning success. joined two flutes, two clarinets and Stryker's ballad "Song For More than 800 people came to bass clarinet in the front line, with Leslie" began with a beautiful solo Lincoln's premier performance solos by bassist Andy Hall, Harvill guitar intro. The band entered venue to hear the NJO collaborate and Stryker. slowly and SUbtly, like a flower blos with guitarist Dave Stryker, a trans "24 For Elvin" is Stryker's rol soming. A tender guitar solo was planted Omaha native now living licking tribute to drummer Elvin followed by Harvill and Hall also and working in the New York City Jones. It put the solo spotlight on making solo statements. "Nomad" area. Benson's soprano sax, Krueger's sounded like Stryker's answer to The musicians were on equal trumpet, Burrows' tenor sax and Ellington's "Caravan," an exotic footing, like old Midwest friends Vicroy's baritone sax before un aural adventure to the desert of your who simply picked up where they leashing Stryker in a high-energy dreams. It featured another incisive had left off years ago. Stryker's af torrent of octaves and single-note solo by Stryker and an aptly atmo finity for the blues and for the big runs that seemed to mimic Jones' spheric soprano sax solo by Sharp. band format suited the NJO to a tee , own percussive intensity. Years ago, Stryker wrote "Blues allowing everyone to swing with Employing a "second-line" For Brother Jack" as a tribute to the abandon. rhythm, Stryker and the NJO great jazz organist and former A Peter Bouffard arrangement marched through "Going to New Stryker employer "Brother" Jack of Horace Silver's "Sister Sadie" Orleans," with slow, bluesy preci McDuff. This evening it served as got things off to a lively start, with sion. Drawing on rock and blues a moving memorial for the musician, the NJO featuring Bob Krueger on influences, the tune invites flashy who died earlier this year. Sharp flugelhorn, Mark Benson on alto solo statements. Benson delivered offered an alto sax solo, followed sax, Scott Vieroy on baritone sax on alto sax, followed by Stryker and by Bryant Scott's plunger-muted and Ed Love on tenor sax. Krueger some deft, front-line polyphony be solo, before allowing the guitarist returned for some unison phrasing fore the band returned to the infec the final word on the subject. with two tenors and an alto. Cole tious theme. Several of the big band arrange Porter's "Easy To Love," as ar The NJO opened the second set ments for Stryker's tunes were by ranged by Dave Sharp, provided a with two Benson originals. "Zep" Bob Parsons, who rated a special vehicle for Rich Burrows on tenor used some tricky counterpoint, off mention by the guitarist. th sax, Doug Ahl on drums and Tom set by straight-ahead solos by Bur The NJO's 26 season opener Harvill on piano. rows on tenor, Bouffard on guitar, promises great things for this year, Stryker came out burnin' on the Jeff Patton on trumpet and Sharp on continuing with the band's annual uptempo swinger "Naked City," alto sax. "Skank 7" was a reggae Yuletide concert Dec. 11 at The with Burrows delivering another influenced rhythmic romp with Love Cornhusker Hotel. A Jan. 24 per splendid tenor solo. Stryker dedi delivering the lead melody on tenor formance there will feature saxo cated the tune to New York City in sax and Harvill offering some taste phone legend Don Menza and the the aftermath of the devastating ful fills on the electronic keys, then Young Lions All-Star Band. The Sept. 11 attacks on that city, add shifting to a wonderful piano solo. NJO's annual salute to the Big ing that music can create a positive, Stryker returned with his com Bands is March 5, with a conclud healing spirit. position "Victor Strikes," written ing season concert featuring special There was no doubt of that as years ago for fellow Omaha native guest soloist pianist Eldar Djangirov sertion with the lovely Stryker origi and well-respected jazz drummer on May 16, sponsered by the nal "Matthew's Waltz," written 10 Victor Lewis. The very fast, excit Berman Music Foundation. years ago for his newborn son. In ing changes were lifted to new his solo guitar intro, Stryker subtly heights by Stryker's driving guitar Winter 2001 Page 5 , ...... KC ace pianist Cartwright gears up for Lincoln gig By Tom Ineck· ......
orced to cancel a Lincoln ap sertion that there is no better time catch this popular keyboard master F pearance in September when for the healing power of music. He four nights a week. He also can be the date suddenly conflicted with a continues to keep his calendar full found occasionally at The Blue reshuffled Big Red football game, with appearances mostly in the Kan Room restaurant and jazz club in the Kansas City jazz piano great Joe sas City area. restored 18 th and Vine streets area. Cartwright plans to compensate for "I have two steady engagements. Much more rare.is a trip north his tardiness with a typically high to Lincoln, where listeners can energy performance Nov. 15 at P.O. g expect a typically eclectic blend Pears. ~ of tunes and tempos from (J) The appearance is made pos ~ Cartwright's trio, with bassist sible by the Berman Music Foun 6" Gerald Spaits and drummer Ray dation. i3" DeMarchi. The Cornhusker gridiron match "It will be a mix of styles," was hastily rescheduled to a Thurs Cartwright promised. "We'll do day night in the aftermath of the some straight-ahead stuff, Latin, Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The own blues, all kinds of stuff." The ers of P.O. Pears, a popular down trio will undoubtedly draw some town Lincoln watering hole, knew of its material from Cartwright's they would need all available space 1999 recording La Luna Negra, to serve the hordes of evening foot with its Afro-Cuban and Brazil ball fans, so the club shifted the ian influence. The CD was long Cartwright show to November. overdue, released eight years af In the wake of Sept. 11, it wasn't ter Cartwright's only other re the only plan altered in Cartwright's cording as a leader, his cassette busy career. only trio date, the marvelous Joe Cartwright (left) will appear in "I lost a few gigs as a result of Lincoln with a trio. Here he is shown Triplicity. it," he said in a phone interview from with the quartet that recorded Luna "I just wanted to document his home in Kansas City. "I was go Negra. what I'd been doing for the last ing to play solo piano for a conven I play Tuesdays and Wednesdays at several years," he said of La Luna tion that was scheduled to be here the the Majestic Steakhouse. I use either Negra. "I've been getting airplay at following Tuesday, and that got can Bob Bowman or Gerald Spaits on radio stations from coast to coast." celed." bass. I've been doing that for over Between Triplicity and La Luna When he has played in recent three years. That's been a pretty con Negra, Cartwright worked with sev weeks, Cartwright has noted some sistent, long-running gig and one that eral other artists in the studio and changes in listeners. I enjoy a lot." on stage, most notably as co-leader "For the first week after that, the In addition to the piano-bass of the Latin ensemble Musa Nova, audience size was definitely down, but duo format at the Majestic, featuring singer Angela Hagenbach people that made the decision to come Cartwright recently contracted with The good news is that the pia out and be entertained all seemed to the Fairmont Hotel to perform ev nist-composer already is looking enjoy it. Since then, it seem like people ery Friday and Saturday through ahead to his next recording project. have been wanting to get out, get away January with his quartet, which em Most likely a trio date, it will fea from the TV. Maybe they need a di phasizes Latin jazz. At least for the ture Cartwright's own compositions version." next few months, visitors to Kan and is slated for release sometime Cartwright agreed with the as- sas City will know where they can next year. Page 6 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Tomfoolery: NYC visit mixes great jazz and great sadness By Tom Ineck ...... NEW YORK CITY - As they "Where jazz history is made nightly." der Brown's strong leadership. say, nothing will ever be the same af Legendary bassist Ray Brown Sunday was spent in a day long ter Sept. 11. was holding court, celebrating his own sojourn to Manhattan's southern tip My recent visit to the vicinity of 75 th birthday and paying homage to a - to bear witness to the unimaginable "ground zero" had been planned for friend and contemporary who passed devastation of the world's foremost months, but fell just three weeks af away last year, vibraphonist Milt financial center. We stopped at the ter the sky fell in lower Manhat Empire State Building's ob tan, killing more than 5,000 ~ servation platform, only to see people in the assault and subse 0' wisps of smoke and steam still ~ rising from the void where the quent collapse of the twin towers o of the World Trade Center. :3 220 floors ofthe World Trade Try as we might, my com ~ Center towers once stood. In panion, Mary Jane Gruba, and I ;>i;" Union Square, we silently could not long shake the feeling viewed memorial photos and of melancholy that seemed to messages crudely attached to hang over this great metropolis a fence surrounding the statue The Harlem Renaissance Orchestra is largely of Lafayette by Frederic like a funeral shroud. Our four- comprised of pit musicians who are free to day stay was an emotional roller- jam on Mondays, when most Broadway Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor coaster ride, swinging wildly theaters are closed. of the Statue of Liberty. from the awesome grandeur and ex Boarding a subway train, citement of the Big Apple to the bru Jackson. On hand for "To Bags With we headed to the Heart of Darkness, tal realization of how many lives have Love" were Brown's regular trio or at least that's what it felt like. We been lost, and how many more lives mates, pianist Larry Fuller and drum hoped to avoid the swarms of Sun have been shattered by grief. mer George Fludas, plus special day afternoon tourists by emerging Perhaps our palpable sense of be guests pianist Monty Alexander, from the subway near Battery Park, ing a party to this grieving process saxophonist Ron Blake and trumpeter where we might get a glimpse of the was due to the fact that we spent much Nicholas Payton. Statue of Liberty before walking north of our stay in the company of Russ The trio began with a typically to "ground zero." For a while, it Dantzler, a Lincoln native and friend. bluesy and swinging set that included seemed to work. A resident of midtown Manhattan for "Don't Get Sassy," Dizzy Gillespie's Battery Park resembled a fenced 14 years, Russ is a consummate New "Con Alma," and Ellington's "It military post, with pitched tents, ar Yorker, at least in spirit. Energetic, Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got mored vehicles and hundreds of gun resourceful, imaginative and some That Swing." With Blake and Payton wielding National Guardsmen on what of a hustler, he loves his adopted aboard, they continued with the stan duty. The water's edge was off-lim city with his whole heart and soul, and dards "The Way You Look Tonight," its, preventing us from getting a clear his sense of loss is contagious. "Just One of Those Things" and "Red view of Lady Liberty. Even amid this sense of loss, we Sails in the Sunset," which featured It was near the intersection of AI- tried to go about our business, which some lovely flugelhorn work by bany and Rector streets, a couple of was to experience what makes this Payton. blocks south of the site of destruction, city great - especially the jazz, the the Alexander moved to the keyboard that we finally saw the awesome re ater, the art and the cuisine. for a wonderful rendition of "Django," mains, a woven network of steel Our first evening in town (Satur written by pianist John Lewis for the beams looming over the smoking day Oct. 6) led us to The Blue Note Modern Jazz Quartet, of which Milt rubble like the ruins of a Gothic ca club, which is celebrating its 20th year Jackson was a vital part for more than thedral in bombed-out World War II at 131 W. Third St., in the West Vil~ 40 years. "Reunion Blues" united Berlin. We joined a small, solemn lage. Our experience actually lived up Alexander with the returning Blake group of onlookers, snapped a few to the club's hyperbolic motto: and Payton for a rousing finale, un- (Tomfoolery continued on pg. 7) Winter 2001 Page 7 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (Tomfoolery continued from pg. 6) photos and shuffled off, forever Nakasian/O'Brien Review changed. By Bill Wimmer· ...... On Monday, Mary Jane and I vis ited Bryant Park, Grand Central Sta n October 11 the Berman ing an incredible imitation of a plunger tion, and the Chrysler Building. We O Music Foundation pre trombone that really was remarkable. then took the three-hour, 35-mile sented the Stephanie Nakasian/Hod The pair ended the set with a sump Circle Line tour, a circumnavigation O'Brien Duo at P.O. Pears. O'Brien tuous Latin rhombi of "Autumn Ser- of Manhattan Island on a small cruise is a very accom 1J enade," and a ship, a great way to get a different shakin' version of plished pianist, ![o perspective on this city of just 22 originally coming "Shake That square miles, populated by 70,000 out of a pure bebop ~ Blues Away." people per square mile! conception. He dis ~ As a favor, Russ again led the way on a Mon played all of that ~ Hod 0' Brien
THE HOD O'BRIEN TRIO you're new to O'Brien, start by lis Hear From Me," Mike Metheny and Have Piano ... Will Swing! tening to "Have Piano ... Will Swing!" Gary Sivils also contribute nice cor Fresh Sound Records You'11 soon be coming back for more. net statements on several tracks. My favorites, however, are the PBT TRIO trio performances, especially the ex The Soundtrek Sessions quisite rendition.of "Bewitched, Both PBTRecords ered and Bewildered," the mid-tempo swinger "Nobody Else But Me," and Cal Tjader's "Liz Anne." Smith, Bowman and Strait are as consistently tight as Swiss clockwork. An obvious labor of love, The Soundtrek Sessions brings longtime It is evident from the opening bars friends together in a very productive of Have Piano ... Will Swing! that Hod setting. O'Brien is no newcomer. Neither is PBT Jazz, P.O. Box 3161, Inde he content to rest on his laurels. pendence, MO 64055. On this 1999 recording in Holly Recorded at Soundtrek Studios in wood, O'Brien plays with the confi Kansas City, Mo., this recent release STEPHANIE NAKASIAN dent, driving swing of a veteran. No features three of KC's finest- pianist Invitation to an Escapade amount of technical expertise or sheer Paul Smith, bassist Bob Bowman and Chase Music Group (CMG) chutzpah could produce sounds this drummer Todd Strait - hence, PBT tasteful and convincing in a younger Trio. musician. At 65, O'Brien is among Smith takes the leadership role the great living swing pianists, though with his exuberant keyboard flair and he is sadly unknown to a wider audi sense of humor. But his longtime ence. friends and associates aren't just With bassist Tom Warrington and along for the ride. Bowman and Strait drummer Paul Kreibich, O'Brien play integral roles in this trio, lend doesn't merely recreate Errol Gamer's ing valuable rhythmic support and im "Passing Through," he infuses it with provisational zeal. new energy and seemingly endless im The trio gels from the get-go, Like her husband, pianist Hod provisational ideas. The same can be seeming to anticipate every move on O'Brien, singer Stephanie Nakasian said of John Coltrane's "Lazy Bird," "I've Never Been in Love Before." deserves more attention by the jazz Horace Silver's difficult "Ecaroh" Other musicians join the party along listening public. and Red Garland's bluesy "Red's the way, with Rod Fleeman on acous On Invitation to an Escapade, Groove." tic guitar contributing to Pat she displays a range of talents from He also knows how to play sub Metheny's "All Pat's Things" and the ballad to the uptempo swinger, tly and to truly play with his "Estate," with Danny Embrey on from standard to lesser-known gems bandmates, and he does so brilliantly acoustic guitar on Metheny's . like "You Call It Madness (But I Call on the standards "Dancing in the "Knobtown" and Djavan's "Flor de It Love)," the Sesame Street tune Dark," "While My Lady Sleeps," Lis," and David Hungate on trombone "Someone Nice" and the lyric version "Some Other Spring" and "By My and acoustic guitar on his own com of Keith Jarrett's "Memories of To self." position "Toley." morrow." This talented Chicago native is Karrin Allyson lends her famil "The Nearness of You," certainly deserving of wider recognition. If iar voice to "Do Nothing Till You (Jazz on Disc continued on pg. 9) Winter 2001 Page 9 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1
(Jazz 011 Disc continued from pg. 8) Nakasian's full, resonant voice brings The PBT Trio (see review on page one of the most-recorded standards of these tunes to the listener, with confi 8) of pianist Paul Smith, bassist Bob . all time, gets a tender, heart-breaking dence and a sense of style. Bowman and drummer Todd Strait rendition, with pianist Bob Hallahan and Chase Music Group, PO. Box are the most in-demand rhythm sec bassist Paul Langosch providing sensi 11178, Glendale, CA 91226. tion in KC, and they prove their worth tive support. On "This Heart of Mine," here. Bill Caldwell guests on tenor sax N akasian gets similarly sterling accom MIKE METHENY on the opener, "Pretty," and on flute paniment from Hallahan and drummer Close Enough For Love for "3 For Boston." Joe LaBarbera on brushes. She and 3 Valve Music I have never cared much for the Hallahan team up for a wonderful duet synthesized toots and trills of the "elec on "What'll I Do?" tronic valve instrument" (EVl). which LaBarbera and guitarist Steve Metheny pioneered many years ago. He Brown contribute memorable mo overuses it again here, along with some ments throughout the recording, with thing called the "clatinet d' amore." Brown especially effective on "You Instead, give me the real thing, Call It Madness" and the ballad "It's like Metheny'S bluesy cornet on his a Blue World." composition "Attitude Blues," his Husband Hod creates the impres warm flugelhorn work on the titular sion of synthesized vibes on "The ballad and his haunting flugelhorn Lamp is Low," his own composition Kansas City-based trumpeter interplay with brother Pat Metheny's "Escapade" and "Just For You," add Mike Metheny has wisely gathered guitar on "Ta-Ta." ing vocals on the latter. some of the usual suspects for his lat 3 Valve Music, PO. Box 7004, Like a beautifully wrapped gift, est outing. Lee's Summit, MO 64064. Discorama By Butch Berman .
youngest of his two daughters (he ala Klook and Philly Jo - or work RONI BEN-HUR previously penned "Sofia's Butter ing in sync with longtime Nat Anna's Dance fly" for his eldest), that Roni and Adderley bandmate bassist Walter Reservoir his lovely wife, singer Amy London Booker, all hold their own most ad raised together, is his only original. mirably. Tenor player Charlie Davis However, the outpouring of love - new to me - whether out in front shown on this cut seems to have per or in tandem with Roni, blows ever meated throughout this entirely en so tastefully and sweetly. It's Barry joyable disc. Harris - basically one of the early Not smooth jazz, nor laid back originators of bebop piano - that - but this excellent ensemble evokes blew my mind on this effort. Like a an essence of comfortability for all first growth French Bordeaux, his the right reasons. If you're looking advanced age only means advanced Not having been east for a for a record that feels like cozying ability. Perfect solos - shading and couple of years it was a nice sur into your favorite chair in front of comping with a warm, vibrant prise to receive a new CD from an the fire with a drink, this is it. .. and means of getting his point across .. old acquaintance. Bebop guitarist it's swingin', too. Sum of the parts at its best - this Roni Ben-Hur scores a complete Roni's fluid chops are a study CD sways and soars, always total bullseye with his newest Res of my "less is best" theory, yet it's cookin' . ervoir release entitled Anna's still in keeping with its bebop tradi Anna's always got a lot to be Dance. To my ears, this is his great tion. Whether he's trading licks proud of in her Pop with her est effort to date. with drummer Leroy Williams - "Dance," his album, and you, the The title track, inspired by the dropping bombs with abandonment listener's pleasure. Page 10 Berman Music Foundation Jazz ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Unsung on Disc By Bill Wimmer· ...... concept for the whole CD), really Finally, a nice tribute and bal JEANNIE BRYSON does set the mood for things to lad feature of "Can Alma/Am I Deja Blue come. Blue," a mellow medley with nice Koch Jazz The group then kicks into a light bOWIng by Christian McBride on Latin version of Pheobe Snow's hit "Con Alma" and Bryson's plaintive "Poetry Man," reinventing it in a expression on "Am I Blue." new light with guitar and congas This CD is remarkable not only keeping things much funkier than for its vibebut for its consistency the original. "It's So Nice To Have and seamless flow from one groove A Man Around The House" is a into the next. Although I didn't highlight for its laid back groove, mention every tune here, there aren't humor, and the inclusion of the great any duds in the mix. The perfect Etta Jones, who died just last week combination of Bryson's voice and of cancer (we're all going to miss her band with Brancuto's arrange Summer always brings some Etta Jones). ments make this an exceptional CD beautiful memories, and there's usu One of the many gems on the and a nice addition to anyone's col ally one or two recordings that con record is "I'd Like To Be A Baby lection. jureup the perfect summer mood or To You." It features the mellow provide a certain cool fresh breeze Niewood and a Fender Rhodes cush during the hot months. Just such a ion from Brancato on the first cho record is Deja Blue by Jeannie rus and alternates a delightful Bryson on the Koch Jazz label. reggae boogaloo with a lightly sting Jazz in the This is Bryson's first CD in five ing guitar by Coleman Mellet on the years, and it is definitely worth the rest of the tune. "Sadness" show wait. Admittedly, I was not that fa cases Mellet's versatility as he venues miliar with her singing before this, strums Brazilian and solos soulfully Compiled by Dave Hughes· but upon hearing the title track on on acoustic for perfect support of the radio I became a quick convert. Monday Night Big Band the lingering lyrics. Her smoky, sensuous sound and The Monday Night Big Band Niewood plays the foil in a nice soulful way of sliding up to the notes is still playing every Monday 7 :30- arrangement of the very funny "I th she sings perfectly fit this essay of 10 p.m. at P.O. Pears, 322 S. 9 Told You I Loved You, Now Get various types of blue moods. St. in Lincoln. The cover is $4, $3 Out!". Bryson gets a little funky From the first notes of the se for students. and free on Brancuto's "Bittersweet ductive title track this singer and the Surrender," and when she and the group she's assembled create a Thursday Night Jazz Series band go into the harmonized bridge groove that informs the music and The Thursday Night Jazz Se with its change-up feel, the tension invites you into this blue world. ries, with much smaller groups, and release is just right on this one Stellar players like Gerry Niewood, also continues at P.O. Pears from with statements by Brancuto and flute and alto flute; Steve Nelson, 7:30-10 p.m. The cover is $5, $4 Millet. Another Connie Bryson con vibes; and bassist Christian for students. For more info on both tribution is "Do You Sometimes McBride make beautiful contribu nights of jazz, call 402-4 77 -SOOS. Think Of Us (From Long tions throughout the record in solo Ago )." The title says it all on this and ensemble playing of pianist Ted Jazz at The Oven haunting waltz that asks a question Brancato's incredibly tasteful ar And, jazz duos continue on that could be haunting for many, and rangements. The title track (writ Sundays and Thursdays at The ten by Jeannie's mother Connie, a melody that showcases Bryson's Oven, 201 Sth St. in Lincoln. For whom she thanks for inspiring the easy swing~ more info, call 402-474-7474. Winter 2001 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Page 11 Blues on Disc Blues By Rich Hoover· . . . Corner By Rich Hoover· . . . . BLUES COMPANY STEVE FREUND Blues, Ballads & Assorted Love Songs I'll Be Your Mule Well, let's do some history. INAK Delmark Records Least we forget: Oct 17, 1760 Celebration of Black Poetry Day in honor of the first Black poet to have his work published in America. He lived his whole life as a slave. Oct 18, 1927 In Atlanta, Georgia the Victor Records field recording unit .made the first re cordings of Willie McTell. Oct 24, 1942 Billboard If you are ready fo' some original This is some blues from Ger magazine featured the first chart recipe blues, grab this bucket of tunes many, released in 1997, and is a trib ever to report on Black music. It and enjoy. ute to Johnny Heartsman - who was called Harlem Hit Parade. passed to the other side in 1997. Seven years later it was renamed Steve Freund has been hangin' Rhythm & Blues. In 1968 the chart around the edges of international no This band is in the premiere was. renamed again, this time to toriety ·for quite awhile and with this Soul Music. ranks of blues groups in Europe. Yu CD's roundup of masters and aspir goslavian native Todor Todorovic ing newcomers them "01' time" Chi Now let's do some future stuff. the lead vocalist/guitarist, formed cago blues are alive and well. the group in 1976. In 1977 they The festival listings are slim but in warm places: joined Billy Boy Arnold on his Eu Seven of the baker's dozen of tunes Nov 2-19 Festival ropean tour. During the 1980s they were penned by Steve and show his love Internacional de Blues continued to accompany blues and experiences with the blues. "I'll Be Guadalajara, Guadalajara Mexico greats like Sunnyland Slim, James Your Mule," "Fittin' to go," "Good old - Mexican and American blues Booker, Willie Mabon, Eddie Ride," and "A Dollar a Mile" are clas bands, for more info: 01-523-853- "Cleanhead" Vinson, Johnny sic from the gitgo. All are excellent sto Heartsman, and a long list of oth ries of the blues, Chicago style. 2069. ers. Nov 2-4 15!!! annual Sound The ensemble is a "Who's Who" Advice Blues Festival, Ft Lauder This is the 13th release in 25 of workin' bluesmen. Along with dale FA - Pinetop Perkins, Deborah years, and it shows in every aspect Steve on vocal and guitar are: Mark Coleman, Eddy Clearwater, for of this product. The boys in the band "Mr. B" Braun - piano; Bob Stroger more info, 954-828-3255, tickets are: Todor Todorovic - lead vocall and Harlan Terson - bass; Kenny 1-866-337-8849. guitar; Mike Titre - guitar/harpl Smith - drums; Steve Guyger - har Nov 16-18 Paso Robles Inn bass; Martin Schmachtenberg - monica; Dave Specter - guitar; Pete Blues Festival, Paso Robles CA - drums/vocal; and, Olli Gee, bassi Crawford - guitar; Clark Dean, Van Festival pass $115 includes meal s, organ. Kelly, Dave Clark, & Ed Enright - hotel packages, for more info, 805- saxophones; Brian Schwab - trumpet; 238-2660, tickets 800-676-1713 x This group is an excellent and, Steve Horne- trombone. 2. perpetuator of the blues art form. For the now, wishing all a So pick it up, lick it up and enjoy happy, healthy, hardy holiday sea the flavors. son. 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Signing the Deal
~ ~ How can vou help the foundationil ~ The Berman Music Foundation is a non-profit, tax ~ exempt, 501[c1l3J private foundation, and vour tax ~ deductible donation is needed to help onset the o ~ costs of this newsletter and its programs. _$10 _$25 _$50 _$100 _$250 _$Other Name ______Address ______Citv ______Butch seals the deal to serve as executive StateZip______producer on Russ Longs new upcoming CD Never Let Me Go as bassist Gerald Spa its and Phonel HJ. ______drummer Ray DeMan::hi look on lWJ ______Fax~------E-mail ______-- Make vour check pavable to "The Berman Music "Rest in Peace" foundation," and send it to: Harold Land 1928-2001 The Berman Music Foundation 119 PSt.. Studio G lincoln. HE 68508 Thanks for supporting jazz!