John Beasley Music: James Moody, AR Rahman, Dec Gig calendar, Grammy nomination

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEAS - December 10, 2010

I haven’t blogged in over 7 months, so I’ve a bit to write about.

James Moody sadly passed yesterday. I had the privilege of playing in his band for one week a couple of years ago and feel deeply blessed to learn from him. He is a true talent, expanded the art of jazz, and leaves an indelible mark.

127 Days with A.R. Rahman

I think this is about how much I worked with A.R. and his world tour this year. Every minute was an expanding experience. Not only did I learn new musical languages and how they choreograph with brilliant-neon Indian digital palettes and mesmerizing traditional Indian dance, but I had the privilege of playing and touring with the most eclectic combination of artists and crew. Looking forward to 127 more days in 2011 in Asia, Australia, and another A.R. world.

Speaking of A.R., have you checked out his score on "127 Hours." His musical accompaniment for the squeamish moment when James Franco cuts his own arm is so complementarily calming. Yes, he really was thinking about us in the audience squishing in our seats, closing our eyes, but still being able to hear every musical pin note drop. We chatted about it on Monday and I can’t believe he had to watch that difficult scene more than 40 times. He’s not only a musical architect, but now a musical surgeon!

Grammy nomination for “Positootly!”

This is crazy news! My latest CD “Positootly!” (Resonance Records) is nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group. Thank you peers for supporting this project, the music and the Killer Band: Jeff “Tain” Watts, Bennie Maupin, James Genus, Brian Lynch + Munyungo Jackson.

Performance Links on YouTube:

Positootly! Dindi - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIqXY8xeVeg

Bedtime Voyage - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCEw_04Ikuc

Resonance Records has a free download of “So Tired” on their site http://www.resonancerecords.org/release.php?cat=RCD-1013

My token gift of music – Silent Night – piano MP3 and chart - FREE

I’d like to show some holiday gratitude. I originally did this arrangement of “Silent Night” for Chaka Khan. The Luckman Jazz Orchestra will be playing it this Saturday – ck calendar below. Please email lorna@beasleymusic.com and she’ll send you the chart. MP3 on www.beasleymusic.com.

Spreading the word on new CDs that I’ve worked on in 2010:

Support jazz! Support independent artists!

Bob Sheppard "Close Your Eyes"

Chris Colangelo "Elaine's Song" http://www.chriscolangelo.com/

Robby Ameen "Days in the Life" http://www.robbyameen.com/

Kevin Crabb 'Waltz for Dylan" http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kevincrabb

"Simplexity" John von Seggern, Gary Novak, Steve Taviglione, Walt Fowler, Judd Miller, John Beasley

THOMAS NEWMAN’s NEXT SCORE – The Adjustment Bureau (Matt Damon and Emily Blunt)

Always a musical education working with Tom.

December GIG Calendar – It’s all about the Holidays! Support LIVE music and musicians!

Saturday, Dec 11 noon-midnight Los Angeles, CA

A BENEFIT JAZZ FESTIVAL - One year anniversary celebration

Music starts at noon: (7-7:45pm) John Beasley Trio

Blue Whale Bar - http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=110781275658116

Saturday, Dec 11 8pm Los Angeles, CA

Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Holiday Concert

Guest Arranger for the Luckman Jazz Orchestra, John Beasley adds “Silent Night” and “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) to the repertoire of classic holiday favorites in true jazz style.

Luckman Fine Arts Complex - http://www.luckmanarts.org/events/tag/LJO

Wed + Thurs, Dec 15 + Dec 16 7pm Long Beach, CA

Allan Harris sings Nat King Cole, featuring John Beasley

Vocalist, Allan Harris returns to put the cool in Yule—with his rich, sultry sound, rhythmic bite, and sly elegance as he croons the holiday jazz classics of Nat King Cole!

Carpenter Performing Arts Center - http://www.carpenterarts.org/1011-allan-harris.html

Saturday, Dec 18 11:30am + 2:30pm Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Philharmonic: Holiday Sing-A-Long

David Prather, host, The Angeles Chorale, John Sutton, conductor, featuring John Beasley

Christmas and holiday songs. Lyric sheets provided. Breakfast with Santa at the Music Center 9:30 am & noon. Call 213.972.7565

Walt Disney Concert Hall - http://www.laphil.com/tickets/performance-detail.cfm?id=4365

Tuesday, Dec 21 7-10pm Los Angeles, CA

Duke Ellington Society – Holiday Concert

John Beasley Trio (Marvin Smitty Smith, Kevin Brandon, John Beasley)

Playing from the Duke Ellington songbook with Beasley’s signature arrangements and playing.

UTLA Building, Auditorium - 3303 Wilshire Blvd - 323-292-7432 - $5

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HOPE TO SEE YOU A CONCERT.

Have a safe and “positootly!” holidaze!

All Music Review - 4 ½ stars "This recording is his finest effort, and stands proudly alongside his previous recording, a fine tribute to Herbie Hancock.”