Among other noteworthy live albums in the past- I'd have to include "Ellington at Newport." By the mid 50's, Big Bands were becoming passe, and having trouble competing with smaller Bop combos. Duke Ellington's invitation to the 56 Newport Jazz festival was, in some ways, a bone thrown to satisfy the older crowd. Ellington took this opportunity to reinvent his career. In the legendary track "Dimenuendo and Crescendo in Blue" (an older composition of his), he inserted a "wailing interval" where hard-drinking saxophone player Paul Gonsalves soloed for 27 choruses. This recording is an amazing document as, over the course of the solo, the crowd evolved from polite claps to screaming in ferocity as the solo kept building. (Minor nit- sometimes Paul didn't play direclty into the mic). There are very few live performances I've ever heard where you can hear an unsuspecting audience completely surrender to a force of nature like this. This performance jump-started Ellington's career, and led to some of his greatest work in the 60s and early 70s. (Far East Suite, Afro-Eurasian Eclipse, and New Orleans SUite -- all great albums. ) It's definitely worth a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYgow060zOg
I feel like I'm witnessing and documenting something very akin to what it was like to be around the Allman's in the years leading up to 1969 as I follow Melody Trucks and the Fitzkee Bros on their Road to Roots 2024 Tour. There's so many common elements...there's a visionary Trucks, there are talented brothers...all of them from beach towns, one of them Jacksonville, playing in beach bars, with the best folks they can find. They have the same Roots with Muddy and the Wolf, among others. This band has the youthful power of the what became the ABB with the added benefit of a wise mentor who grew up with the real deal...hearing her dad's VERY rich stories. To hear this catalog of music, played with this level of technique, enthusiasm and sheer joy is a real treat.
I've shot a lot of bands...a lot of big name national acts...and i'm engaged in and enjoying this process of discovery and artistry more than almost any I've ever experienced through my lens.
This is a top 5 experience...it makes me appreciate Jim Marshall and Stephen Paley...(with less envy now) . Last night at what I'm calling "Zen Fillmore West" was epic and very Deja Vu of the shows Bill Graham did...in a smaller, but similar venue, with 4 complimentary acts on the bill. The "under" 3 were all local to Baltimore. The opener set a very high bar. Wait until you see the video.I told their very able percussionist that he reminded me of a young Airto, who I've seen live at least 4-5 times, mostly with Weather report, but also with his wife Flora. I was surprised this percussionist did not know of the great and wild Airto...he had some googling to do. This has been a blast...Melody and her partner in crime Chantel are doing a wonderful thing....and I'm very happy to be on the ride. Peace & Love brother
Among other noteworthy live albums in the past- I'd have to include "Ellington at Newport." By the mid 50's, Big Bands were becoming passe, and having trouble competing with smaller Bop combos. Duke Ellington's invitation to the 56 Newport Jazz festival was, in some ways, a bone thrown to satisfy the older crowd. Ellington took this opportunity to reinvent his career. In the legendary track "Dimenuendo and Crescendo in Blue" (an older composition of his), he inserted a "wailing interval" where hard-drinking saxophone player Paul Gonsalves soloed for 27 choruses. This recording is an amazing document as, over the course of the solo, the crowd evolved from polite claps to screaming in ferocity as the solo kept building. (Minor nit- sometimes Paul didn't play direclty into the mic). There are very few live performances I've ever heard where you can hear an unsuspecting audience completely surrender to a force of nature like this. This performance jump-started Ellington's career, and led to some of his greatest work in the 60s and early 70s. (Far East Suite, Afro-Eurasian Eclipse, and New Orleans SUite -- all great albums. ) It's definitely worth a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYgow060zOg
I also love the King Curtis and Champion Jack Dupree record from Montreaux
Good morning Bob
I feel like I'm witnessing and documenting something very akin to what it was like to be around the Allman's in the years leading up to 1969 as I follow Melody Trucks and the Fitzkee Bros on their Road to Roots 2024 Tour. There's so many common elements...there's a visionary Trucks, there are talented brothers...all of them from beach towns, one of them Jacksonville, playing in beach bars, with the best folks they can find. They have the same Roots with Muddy and the Wolf, among others. This band has the youthful power of the what became the ABB with the added benefit of a wise mentor who grew up with the real deal...hearing her dad's VERY rich stories. To hear this catalog of music, played with this level of technique, enthusiasm and sheer joy is a real treat.
I've shot a lot of bands...a lot of big name national acts...and i'm engaged in and enjoying this process of discovery and artistry more than almost any I've ever experienced through my lens.
This is a top 5 experience...it makes me appreciate Jim Marshall and Stephen Paley...(with less envy now) . Last night at what I'm calling "Zen Fillmore West" was epic and very Deja Vu of the shows Bill Graham did...in a smaller, but similar venue, with 4 complimentary acts on the bill. The "under" 3 were all local to Baltimore. The opener set a very high bar. Wait until you see the video.I told their very able percussionist that he reminded me of a young Airto, who I've seen live at least 4-5 times, mostly with Weather report, but also with his wife Flora. I was surprised this percussionist did not know of the great and wild Airto...he had some googling to do. This has been a blast...Melody and her partner in crime Chantel are doing a wonderful thing....and I'm very happy to be on the ride. Peace & Love brother
outstanding my dude. Roots is a special community. thanks for all of your encouragement to attend
Nailed it as usual Dr. B. THANX
thank you my brother.