Good Music and a Good Cause

Over the past few weeks I haven't done much practicing or playing.  I think I went over 5 or 6 days without touching the horn and that hasn't happened since I picked it up 8 years ago.  I had something happen with the family that pushed music way down on the priority scale.  Once I feel all is well on the home front I'll be back in the saddle 100%.  I am beginning to put in an hour a day just to build my chops back up.  As brutal as that process has been the sound of the horn and it's sensation on my lips has been most welcome and therapeutic.  Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.

Great New Music

So much great music has been released in 2008 that I'm having a hard time keeping up with my self charged responsibility of getting the word out to everyone. I've managed to cover recordings by Jason Palmer and Nicholas Payton but there is so much more.  Because of that I'm taking a moment to talk about some of the new releases that have gotten heavy play on my iPod.  If you're looking for something new, check out the recordings below.

Four of Kind by Jim Rotondi
	After hearing and meeting Jim Rotondi at the Aebersold workshop a few months ago, one of the first things that I did when I returned home was order all of his CDs.  Seriously.  I think I have all of them now (not counting the One for All material with Steve Davis and Eric Alexander).  Four of a Kind is Jim's latest release and is an example of why I think he's a musician who deserves your attention.  On this recording his writing abilities shine with great tunes like "Ruth" and "Falset."  Jim will be at Caton Castle in early October and I'm hoping to come out and hear him live (again).
November by Jeremy Pelt If you are a regular to my site you know that I hold Jeremy Pelt in very high regard.  He is often referred to as a "new" or "up and coming" talent in jazz.  Personally, I think it's time to shed that title.  Jeremy Pelt has been here for a minute and his body of work shows maturity and growth.  JP's latest release is full of the excitement, energy and exploration in music that I've come to expect every time he pulls out his horn or composes a tune.  If his voyage into electronics scared you off (Shock Value: Live at Smoke), November will bring you right back into his musical fold. One for Shirley by Tim Warfield In this recording dedicated to Hammond B-3 organist Shirley Scott, Tim Warfield provides more evidence as to why I think he is one of the best tenor players on the scene today.  Combine his horn with Terell Stafford's trumpet and you've got a recipe for great music.  Truthfully, when I saw "Christo Redentor" on the track list (one of my favorite Donald Byrd tunes), there was no way I wasn't buying it.  On a side note, if Tim Warfield isn't the best dressed man in jazz, I don't know who is.  Style baby! Musically Yours - Remembering Joe Henderson by Paul Carr
	Prior to hearing this recording I had never heard the tune "Black Narcissus."  After listening to it played as a duet featuring Paul Carr and Mulgrew Miller, I can honestly say that it's one of my favorite tunes.  His superb treatment of that song is mirrored in other Joe Henderson originals as well as some material composed by Carr himself.  Adding heavy hitters like Miller, Terell Stafford and DC's own Michael Bowie make this a tribute album that you can't miss.

Speaking of Paul Carr...

The Jazz Academy of Music is a DC Metropolitan non-profit organization founded by Paul Carr.  Established in 2002, the mission of the Academy is to advance and preserve Jazz music through education.  The Jazz Academy makes available instructional opportunities to children and adults who have an interest in developing their, talent and knowledge about music. While the emphasis is on the Jazz genre, the Academy offers instruction for beginners who are just being introduced to the art form.  It also hosts JAM Camp, a Summer Youth Program that offers structured training while remaining fun for young musicians. 

Starting September 14th, 2008, the Jazz Academy begins it's Jazz Under the Stars concert series with Paul Carr performing.  Come out and hear some great music and support a great musical cause.  Proceeds from the concert series will help the Academy continue their work in the community and foster an expanded appreciate of Jazz at the same time.  For more information visit http://www.jazzacademy.org/ or click here to view the concert flyer. 

Hope to see you there!

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