BLOG - Beas in the hive, April 20, 2011
4 countries in 30 days
You know the feeling of crawling into your own bed and resting your head on your pillow and know that you’re home. That’s how I felt after traveling to 4 countries in 30 days. Home for the Spring, but here’s where I was:
Cape May Jazz Festival
I learned that Cape May is the oldest beach resort in the US. Not only is the Victorian architecture well preserved, but so are the two jazz festivals in April and November. I was invited to perform with my band (Jeff “Tain” Watts and Steve Colley) at this year’s 35th festival. I had so much fun especially since every venue was in walking distance so you can do the jazz cocktail crawl. (As you know, this is not the case in Los Angeles.)
On the first night, I went to see George Mesterhazy, former pianist with Shirley Horn, perform solo, then we caught Kevin Eubanks band with Bill Pierce and my friend “Smitty” in a power quartet. After, we went to hear vocalist Gregory Porter (cross btw Johnny Hartman and Donny Hathaway) and a great band of young musicians. Next up was Christian McBride’s vibraphonist, Warren Wolf, who was slamming!! playing bebop lines, ballads, and great grooves on the marimba -hard to do. Here’s to this band from Baltimore!
At my gig, the next night, always damn nice to reunite with “Tain” and it was super to play with Scott Colley. The house was packed with an enthusiastic crowd. We played music from Positootly! and Letter to Herbie. Tain and Scott played the songs in a fresh way, which was so exciting to me. My gigs were the last ones of the festival, so lots of musicians were hanging: Poncho, Gregory Porter, Bill Pierce, Smitty, and before I knew it, the gig was over. It was pleasing to see Joe Donofrio who worked hard to get me this gig and meet his gang: Zippy and Philip in South Jersey.
Numb at 5am, I clocked the 9th airport trip since March 14 to return home for a shower, change clothes and straight into the studio with Vinnie Colauita and Steve Lukithor – another crazy creative session!
From Bali to Bitches Brew
From the sultry tropics to the windy city…rewind 3 wks before Cape May, I went to Singapore to continue the Jai Ho World Tour with A.R. Rahman. It was a great reunion with the Indian and American musicians, dancers and crew; and always a humbling experience working with A.R. The venue at the insane futuristic Marina Bay Sands was much smaller and intimate in comparison to the arenas we were playing. We always get a kick when we see the audience run down to the stage and start dancing in rule-bound Singapore too! A whole lot of fun, except for the $24 drinks at the bar! I tagged on a vacay in Bali so I can go diving. Swam with sea turtles and sting rays, lounged in a sarong for a week and ate fresh, fresh fruit and delicious Indonesian food all with an egg on top!
I had 12 hours after I landed in LA with a tan to re-pack for winter weather in Chicago and Toronto. It was snowing, snowing in both cities. Bitches Brew kept me toasty. It was really nice to reunite with Nicholas Payton, Gary Thomas, Darryl Jones, Blackbyrd McKnight, Badal Roy Munyungo Jackson, Robert Irving III, Mr. Vincent Wilburn Jr., Mino Cinelu play along with DJ Logic to pay respect to Bitches’ 40th anniversary. The mutual respect was oozing and we thank the chief who originally brought us together. Everybody put their agendas aside and played as a team to avoid the cluster fuck that it could have been. Vince did a superb job at leading the band. A lot of energy from the standing-room only, packed house. We played most of the tunes on Bitches Brew and more: Spanish Key, Miles Runs, The Voodoo Down, Sanctuary, Pharaohs Dance and In a Silent Way. It was awesome to hook up with my old touring buddy Gary Thomas from the John Patitucci days. We are all hoping we can go on tour with this brew crew!
Spring in LA
May Day - Billy Higgins Tribute @ Catalina’s
Helping KPFK radio as Music Director put on this tribute to someone who is often forgotten, Mr. Billy Higgins.
SAVE THE DATE – May 01 – GREAT line-up for you:
George Duke, Stanley Clark, Charles Lloyd, Poncho Sanchez, John Densmore, Kamau Da’ood Will Calhoun, Leon Mobley, Dwight Trible, Eric Reed, Ronald Brunner Jr, Marvin Smitty Smith, Clayton Cameron, Trevor Ware, Phil Ranelin, Richard Grant Jr.
Hosted by KPFK’s Mark Maxwell and KJZZ LeRoy Downs
Catalina Bar - VIP reception - 5:30 / Musical Tribute - 7:00 pm
$75 General Admission/$125 Admission + VIP Reception
Two Engineer friends Lost to Cancer:
Tal Hertzberg – Mr. Pro Tools by the Pool
I was invited to the Bahamas a few years ago to perform with my band at the July 4th festivities when Justin Siegal’s father was the Ambassador. Tal was in charge of the sound. At the beginning of sound check, I saw Tal on set, then he disappeared, but I could hear his voice giving instructions. Afterwards, we were hanging in the dressing room which was next to the pool. I noticed a lot of cables and big-ass speakers around the pool; and just as we were about to perform, I waved at Tal who was still lounging in the water. I started to wonder how Tal was going to do the sound if we’re there before him. Then, it dawned on me that Tal figured out a way to mix the show from the pool because the board was there - pure genius! There was no one more creative, intuitive, and fast with a Pro Tools rig than Tal. You will remain constant in our lives.
Remembering Roger Nichols, engineer (Steely Dan, John Denver , Frank Sinatra, +++)
I opened the LA Times this morning to read of Roger’s passing. Another master engineer lost to cancer. Roger was the engineer for my 1st + 2nd CDs “Cauldron” + “ A Change of Heart” produced by Walter Becker . In the early 90s, Walter had a production deal with Windham Hill Jazz to produce artists: Ricky Lee Jones, Michael Franks, Bob Sheppard, others and Walter’s solo record “11 Tracks of Whack.” This was before the reunion of Donald and Walter.
During this production era, Walter, Roger and I were in Maui. One time we were waiting for Walter’s new Sony digital 24-track machines. When they arrived, Roger was salivating and tore them out of the crates. He was a true scientist-type. He liked experimenting with new gear. Actually, Walter/Donald/Roger/Craig Freun called themselves ‘gear sluts.’
What did he add to my record, well, Steely Dan's record producer Gary Katz described Roger’s engineer-as-artist approach best: "Yes, we were demanding, but he was demanding on himself. He wasn't just there to do tracks and mix records, he was there to improve the audio experience for everybody."
I always admired how ‘transparent” Roger’s mixes were. What I mean is, when you listen to the records he mixed, you feel like you are in the studio, in person, at the recording. When we were mixing “A Change of Heart” I suggested to him that I wanted the record to sound like Sly Stone’s “Fresh” He knew what I meant and within minutes had a great balance between the kick drum and base.
He was more than just a fellow-artist to me, Roger inspired me to explore life in other ways than music; and got me to start diving. A wonderful mind.
SAVE THE DATES - UPCOMING GIGS:
Saturday, Apr 23 8pm Los Angeles
Miles Evans Band - CD release
Featuring: Darryl Jones, Steve Ferrone, Doug Webb, Tina Guo, John Beasley
Catalina Bar & Grill - $20 - http://www.catalinajazzclub.com/
Sunday, May 01 5:30pm + 7pm Los Angeles
Billy Higgins Tribute @ Catalina’s Bar - http://www.catalinajazzclub.com/
Saturday, May 21 9pm-1am Los Angeles
Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Tribute to Clifford Brown
Featuring John Beasley arrangements of Daahoud and I Remember Clifford
Clifford Browns impact on the jazz world resonates strongly today with over 20 album credits and numerous tributes from Benny Golson to Arturo Sandoval.
Luckman Fine Arts Complex
323-343-6600 – www.luckmanarts.org
Fri/Sat/Sun: May 20-22 Los Angeles
Lee Ritenour featuring John Beasley @ Catalina’s
Saturday, June 3 9pm + 11pm sets Los Angeles
John Beasley Positootly! Jazz Circle
Returning to the Blue Whale after sold-out, standing-room only shows in January. Don’t miss this date!
Playing music from GRAMMY-nominated Positootly! CD, which showcases Beasley's original, propulsive, multi-layered compositions from funk and soul to bop, bossa nova, and nuevo tango.
Blue Whale
213) 620-0908 - http://www.bluewhalemusic.com/
CONNECTING:
Tweeting away…Follow me: www.twitter.com/johnbeasley
Facebook: Reaching the personal page limit, so make the switch to https://www.facebook.com/johnbeasleymusicfans
Website: Launching soon - NEW address will be: www.johnbeasleymusic.com
To subscribe to John's email list, send email to: news-subscribe@beasleymusi.com
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Back from Japan and the headiness of the Grammys
Still jetlagged from the tour in Japan a week ago, which was compounded by immediate rehearsals with the LA Philharmonic and my jazz band for the upcoming shows at Disney Hall just 4 hours after the long plane ride and…on top of that…the headiness of all the Grammy events and activities. My hands are still clapping for James Moody, Roy Haynes, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bruce Lundvall, Esperanza, Herbie, Stanley Clarke, Chucho and Billy Childs and all the other winners. Did u ask what I was wearing? I brought Japan back with me and donned a Yojhi Yamamoto for all u fashion fans!
Post-mortem on tour in Japan
Mike Stern is so musically inquisitive. Always, was he asking questions about music, looking for new ideas, carrying around his ‘scrolls’ filled all kinds of licks. It was good to experience his passion. On stage every night, Lee and Mike were inspiring each other to new musical heights. The rhythm section (Simon Phillips, Melvin Davis and me) kept pushing Mike and Lee to go further. It was on-the-spot fun. Didn’t see much of Japan outside the hotel room, because I was reworking Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide song for Dianne Reeves performance at Lincoln Center last weekend. Did any of you catch those concerts? It’s always a pleasure to work with Dianne. And, it was so nice to see my friends in Japan. Thank you for coming out.
Onto making and playing more music
Tomorrow, the first of the “Jazz and the Orchestra” concerts starts. I hope you can come out and with your kids. I had no idea of how dramatic life is for an Itsy Bitsy Spider…climbing, being washed out and having hope again (hmmm…what I felt like during the Grammys!) Seriously, Roy McCurdy, Bijon Wilson, Carlos Del Puerto, Bob Sheppard (19th), Benn Clattworthy (26th) will be joining me, along with the FAB LA Phil musicians led by Josh Weilerstein. What I’ve learned from the rehearsals so far is that music is easier to learn than a script.
Movie time - The Adjustment Bureau
Excited about listening to Tom Newman’s whole score in the upcoming The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. It’s always a thrill to work with the inventive Tom.
Dexter and the LJO
Putting on the arrangement hat and working on two songs: Montmartre and Don’t Explain for the Dexter Gordon Tribute with the Luckman Jazz Orchestra.
Spring in the EAST
Back on the A.R. Rahman speed train to Singapore for 4 concerts. Watch for A.R.’s performance at the Oscars – he has TWO nominations for composition and best song for 127 Hours! Chanting for you A.R.
Bitches Brew turns 40!
Will be brewing hard and melting all that snow in C H I C A G O with Dave Leibman, Darryl Jones, Robert Irving III, Badal Roy, Mino Cinelu, Munyungo Jackson, Nicholas Payton, Blackbyrd McKnight, and Mr Vincent Wilburn Jr with DJ Logic. Virgin Air has a $99 sale right now to Chicago…come join us!
Oh Canada!
Chillin’ in Toronto for a week doing a recording with a young pop star – no, it’s not that hair-swept teen that Esperanza surprised. What in the water in Canada? Drake, Beiber, Arcade Fire!!!
Reuniting with Jeff “Tain” Watts
…at the Cape May Jazz festival with my Positootly! band. This festival is 35 years old! Thank you NJ for keeping the jazz flame! Then, hanging in NYC and hoping to do some playing and hanging. Drop me a line!
RECENT CD REVIEWS:
Letter to Herbie: Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, “Tain”, Steve Taviglione, Michael O’Neill, Louis Conte
All About Jazz: http://bit.ly/eN8xx5
Positootly! Jeff Tain Watts, Bennie Maupin, Brian Lynch, Munyungo Jackson
E-Jazz News: http://bit.ly/dQuaTp
Jazz Times: http://bit.ly/eg43fk
Jazz Police: http://bit.ly/i2He2X
GIG DETAILS
WHAT’S ON with JOHN BEASLEY
Saturdays: Feb 19 + 26 11am Los Angeles
Jazz and the Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic
John Beasley Jazz Host and Joshua Weilerstein, conductor
Walt Disney Concert Hall - 111 South Grand Ave., LA, CA 90012-323.850.2000
Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Joshua Weilerstein and Jazz Host John Beasley in an original concert illustrating jazz in small ensemble and large orchestral settings, as well as the subtleties of scatting and improvisation.
**Pre-concert workshops for children at 10am.
March 4 - Film Opening: The Adjustment Bureau
with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt - Composer: Thomas Newman with John Beasley on keyboards
Saturday Mar 12 8pm Los Angeles
Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Tribute to Dexter Gordon
Featuring John Beasley arrangements of Montmarte and Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog Jr)
Luckman Fine Arts Complex, California State LA
5151 State University Drive, LA, CA, 90032
323-343-6600 - Tickets: $25/$30/$35 - http://www.luckmanarts.org/events/tag/LJO
Mar 17, 18, 19 +20 8:30pm Singapore
A.R. Rahman Jai Ho World Tour
Music Director John Beasley heads to Singapore with A.R. Rahman (127 Hours/Slumdog Millionaire), the band, dancers + crew for 4 concerts to continue the world tour - a theatrical experience of music, dance + acrobatics.
Marina Bay Sands, Grand Theatre - http://marinabaysands.com/
Thurs, Mar 31 8 pm Chicago
Bitches Brew 40th Anniversary Band
Miles Davis’ alumni, including trumpet: Nicholas Payton Sax: Dave Leibman Bass: Darryl Jones Guitar: Blackbyrd McKnight Tabla: Badal Roy Percussion: Mino Cinelu Percussion: Munyungo Jackson Keyboards: Robert Irving III Keyboards: John Beasley Drums: Vincent Wilburn Jr. Turntables: DJ Logic pay tribute to the seminal Miles Davis album Bitches Brew on the 40th anniversary.
Marty’s https://www.martyrslive.com/ $25
3855 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Apr 2-6 Toronto
Recording with pop artist
Saturday, Apr 9 9pm-midnight New Jersey
John Beasley Positootly! Band, featuring Jeff “Tain” Watts
Cape May Jazz Festival - http://www.capemayjazz.com/festival.cfm
Still jetlagged from the tour in Japan a week ago, which was compounded by immediate rehearsals with the LA Philharmonic and my jazz band for the upcoming shows at Disney Hall just 4 hours after the long plane ride and…on top of that…the headiness of all the Grammy events and activities. My hands are still clapping for James Moody, Roy Haynes, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bruce Lundvall, Esperanza, Herbie, Stanley Clarke, Chucho and Billy Childs and all the other winners. Did u ask what I was wearing? I brought Japan back with me and donned a Yojhi Yamamoto for all u fashion fans!
Post-mortem on tour in Japan
Mike Stern is so musically inquisitive. Always, was he asking questions about music, looking for new ideas, carrying around his ‘scrolls’ filled all kinds of licks. It was good to experience his passion. On stage every night, Lee and Mike were inspiring each other to new musical heights. The rhythm section (Simon Phillips, Melvin Davis and me) kept pushing Mike and Lee to go further. It was on-the-spot fun. Didn’t see much of Japan outside the hotel room, because I was reworking Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide song for Dianne Reeves performance at Lincoln Center last weekend. Did any of you catch those concerts? It’s always a pleasure to work with Dianne. And, it was so nice to see my friends in Japan. Thank you for coming out.
Onto making and playing more music
Tomorrow, the first of the “Jazz and the Orchestra” concerts starts. I hope you can come out and with your kids. I had no idea of how dramatic life is for an Itsy Bitsy Spider…climbing, being washed out and having hope again (hmmm…what I felt like during the Grammys!) Seriously, Roy McCurdy, Bijon Wilson, Carlos Del Puerto, Bob Sheppard (19th), Benn Clattworthy (26th) will be joining me, along with the FAB LA Phil musicians led by Josh Weilerstein. What I’ve learned from the rehearsals so far is that music is easier to learn than a script.
Movie time - The Adjustment Bureau
Excited about listening to Tom Newman’s whole score in the upcoming The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. It’s always a thrill to work with the inventive Tom.
Dexter and the LJO
Putting on the arrangement hat and working on two songs: Montmartre and Don’t Explain for the Dexter Gordon Tribute with the Luckman Jazz Orchestra.
Spring in the EAST
Back on the A.R. Rahman speed train to Singapore for 4 concerts. Watch for A.R.’s performance at the Oscars – he has TWO nominations for composition and best song for 127 Hours! Chanting for you A.R.
Bitches Brew turns 40!
Will be brewing hard and melting all that snow in C H I C A G O with Dave Leibman, Darryl Jones, Robert Irving III, Badal Roy, Mino Cinelu, Munyungo Jackson, Nicholas Payton, Blackbyrd McKnight, and Mr Vincent Wilburn Jr with DJ Logic. Virgin Air has a $99 sale right now to Chicago…come join us!
Oh Canada!
Chillin’ in Toronto for a week doing a recording with a young pop star – no, it’s not that hair-swept teen that Esperanza surprised. What in the water in Canada? Drake, Beiber, Arcade Fire!!!
Reuniting with Jeff “Tain” Watts
…at the Cape May Jazz festival with my Positootly! band. This festival is 35 years old! Thank you NJ for keeping the jazz flame! Then, hanging in NYC and hoping to do some playing and hanging. Drop me a line!
RECENT CD REVIEWS:
Letter to Herbie: Christian McBride, Roy Hargrove, “Tain”, Steve Taviglione, Michael O’Neill, Louis Conte
All About Jazz: http://bit.ly/eN8xx5
Positootly! Jeff Tain Watts, Bennie Maupin, Brian Lynch, Munyungo Jackson
E-Jazz News: http://bit.ly/dQuaTp
Jazz Times: http://bit.ly/eg43fk
Jazz Police: http://bit.ly/i2He2X
GIG DETAILS
WHAT’S ON with JOHN BEASLEY
Saturdays: Feb 19 + 26 11am Los Angeles
Jazz and the Orchestra: Los Angeles Philharmonic
John Beasley Jazz Host and Joshua Weilerstein, conductor
Walt Disney Concert Hall - 111 South Grand Ave., LA, CA 90012-323.850.2000
Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Joshua Weilerstein and Jazz Host John Beasley in an original concert illustrating jazz in small ensemble and large orchestral settings, as well as the subtleties of scatting and improvisation.
**Pre-concert workshops for children at 10am.
March 4 - Film Opening: The Adjustment Bureau
with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt - Composer: Thomas Newman with John Beasley on keyboards
Saturday Mar 12 8pm Los Angeles
Luckman Jazz Orchestra: Tribute to Dexter Gordon
Featuring John Beasley arrangements of Montmarte and Don’t Explain (Billie Holiday/Arthur Herzog Jr)
Luckman Fine Arts Complex, California State LA
5151 State University Drive, LA, CA, 90032
323-343-6600 - Tickets: $25/$30/$35 - http://www.luckmanarts.org/events/tag/LJO
Mar 17, 18, 19 +20 8:30pm Singapore
A.R. Rahman Jai Ho World Tour
Music Director John Beasley heads to Singapore with A.R. Rahman (127 Hours/Slumdog Millionaire), the band, dancers + crew for 4 concerts to continue the world tour - a theatrical experience of music, dance + acrobatics.
Marina Bay Sands, Grand Theatre - http://marinabaysands.com/
Thurs, Mar 31 8 pm Chicago
Bitches Brew 40th Anniversary Band
Miles Davis’ alumni, including trumpet: Nicholas Payton Sax: Dave Leibman Bass: Darryl Jones Guitar: Blackbyrd McKnight Tabla: Badal Roy Percussion: Mino Cinelu Percussion: Munyungo Jackson Keyboards: Robert Irving III Keyboards: John Beasley Drums: Vincent Wilburn Jr. Turntables: DJ Logic pay tribute to the seminal Miles Davis album Bitches Brew on the 40th anniversary.
Marty’s https://www.martyrslive.com/ $25
3855 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Apr 2-6 Toronto
Recording with pop artist
Saturday, Apr 9 9pm-midnight New Jersey
John Beasley Positootly! Band, featuring Jeff “Tain” Watts
Cape May Jazz Festival - http://www.capemayjazz.com/festival.cfm
Sunday, January 2, 2011
01/02/11
Another year of learning and creating in the Killer Beas Hive
2010 was so full of life lessons. My mother and musician Lida Beasley taught me to live in ‘present moment,’ to work at being happy, and think of playing music as ‘playing’ as opposed to ‘working. She passed last Spring, but she is always ‘in my pocket’ – her expression. I feel so blessed to be an artist and to be able to create with people who cultivate, nurture and pollinate the love of music and the music of love.
I made a new musical family last year with the musicians, dancers and crew of AR Rahman’s troupe, including the inestimable talents of AR, the raw passion of creative director Amy Tinkham, and the nimble problem solving by Amos Newman and Nick Jeen. Looking forward to running away with the circus again to Asia, Australia and beyond.
The year is starting off with a gumbo of creative projects, from my own gig this coming Saturday, to NAMM madness, writing for a documentary film, heading to Japan for some jamming with Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour, going 70s with a Bowie song and suiting up with the LA Philharmonic.
………the details:
GRAPPLING with the GRAMMY nomination
Yeah, I’m still slack-jawed about this honor. I was humbled again for Wilbert Sostre’s review of Positootly! in Jazz Times. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/eg43fk and today’s review by Andrea Canter @ the Jazz police http://bit.ly/i2He2X . I’m going to keep the “absotootly positively” spirit that fueled my CD right until the 53rd GRAMMY award ceremony on Feb 13.
Save the Date –NEXT SATURDAY - Jan 8 – Playing @ Blue Whale
So, come out and hear LIVE the music from Positootly! downtown at the newest hippest jazz club in LA, Blue Whale featuring Bennie Maupin, Oscar Seaton and Kevin Brandon. ONLY $10! Two sets.
NAMM and JAPAN
See you at NAMM and to my Japanese friends, I’ll see you in Nagoya, Osaka, Yokohama and Tokyo with Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Simon Philips and Melvin Davis.
FAME
Going FAME on you arranging the David Bowie song for Jeff Weber+Mike Clark Project.
LA Philharmonic
And, bring yourself and your children to Disney Hall where I’ll be hosting and playing a series called Jazz and the LA Philharmonic Orchestra.
Here’s my calendar:
WHAT’S ON with JOHN BEASLEY
JANUARY+FEBRUARY
Support LIVE music!
JANUARY
Saturday, Jan 8 9+11pm downtown Los Angeles
John Beasley Positootly! Jazz Circle
Featuring Bennie Maupin, Oscar Seaton, Kevin Brandon, John Beasley
Playing music from GRAMMY-nominated Positootly! CD, which showcases Beasley's original, propulsive, multi-layered compositions from funk and soul to bop, bossa nova, and nuevo tango.
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Street, 3rd Floor, LA, CA 90012 (map) - validated parking 2nd Fl
(213) 620-0908
Two sets: 9pm and 11pm
$10
NAMM – Jan 13-16
Find me at the Keyboard magazine, Rhodes piano and Behringer booths.
Jeff Weber+Mike Clark Project
Arranging and playing David Bowie’s Fame, featuring Jason Morales, Tariqh Akoni, Rhonda Smith, Michael Bland
FEBRUARY
Feb 2-11 Nagoya, Osaka, Yokohama, Tokyo,Japan
Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern featuring John Beasley, Simon Philips, Melvin Davis
Feb 02: Nagoya, Japan - Blue Note
Feb 03: Osaka, Japan - Club Quattro
Feb 04: Yokohama, Japan - Motion Blue
Feb 05: Tokyo, Japan - Cotton Club
Feb 07 to11 Tokyo, Japan - Blue Note
Feb 13 Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles
53rd GRAMMY AWARDS
This is Positootly! it! Last ballot date is Jan 12 to all you voters out there!
Jazz Times review http://bit.ly/gTWVTf
John is truly an amazing pianist, imaginative composer, creative improviser and arranger. And with Positootly he created an album that people will look back as one of the first Jazz classic albums of the 21th century.
Free Download of “So Tired” http://bit.ly/edSOyA
Saturdays: Feb 19 + 26 11am Disney Hall, Los Angeles
Jazz and the Orchestra: Symphonies for Youth
Los Angeles Philharmonic:
Joshua Weilerstein, conductor
John Beasley, host
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Ave., LA, CA 90012
323.850.2000
Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Joshua Weilerstein, and Grammy nominated jazz artist John Beasley in a musical celebration of the exuberance of jazz music. What kind of roles do the musicians have when making music? How is the job of a bass player in the orchestra different than that of a jazz bass player? These and other musical questions are explored with John Beasley, highlighting the differences and similarities of jazz for the orchestra and for a quintet.
S P R E A D THE W O R D!
Have a Positootly! Positootly! Positootly! 2011.
Facebook: johnbeasley
Twitter: johnbeasley
Myspace.com/johnbeasleymusic
YOU TUBE Positootly! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1h8LWQReiE
To unsubscribe, news-unsubscribe@beasleymusic.com.
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www.beasleymusic.com
Another year of learning and creating in the Killer Beas Hive
2010 was so full of life lessons. My mother and musician Lida Beasley taught me to live in ‘present moment,’ to work at being happy, and think of playing music as ‘playing’ as opposed to ‘working. She passed last Spring, but she is always ‘in my pocket’ – her expression. I feel so blessed to be an artist and to be able to create with people who cultivate, nurture and pollinate the love of music and the music of love.
I made a new musical family last year with the musicians, dancers and crew of AR Rahman’s troupe, including the inestimable talents of AR, the raw passion of creative director Amy Tinkham, and the nimble problem solving by Amos Newman and Nick Jeen. Looking forward to running away with the circus again to Asia, Australia and beyond.
The year is starting off with a gumbo of creative projects, from my own gig this coming Saturday, to NAMM madness, writing for a documentary film, heading to Japan for some jamming with Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour, going 70s with a Bowie song and suiting up with the LA Philharmonic.
………the details:
GRAPPLING with the GRAMMY nomination
Yeah, I’m still slack-jawed about this honor. I was humbled again for Wilbert Sostre’s review of Positootly! in Jazz Times. Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/eg43fk and today’s review by Andrea Canter @ the Jazz police http://bit.ly/i2He2X . I’m going to keep the “absotootly positively” spirit that fueled my CD right until the 53rd GRAMMY award ceremony on Feb 13.
Save the Date –NEXT SATURDAY - Jan 8 – Playing @ Blue Whale
So, come out and hear LIVE the music from Positootly! downtown at the newest hippest jazz club in LA, Blue Whale featuring Bennie Maupin, Oscar Seaton and Kevin Brandon. ONLY $10! Two sets.
NAMM and JAPAN
See you at NAMM and to my Japanese friends, I’ll see you in Nagoya, Osaka, Yokohama and Tokyo with Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Simon Philips and Melvin Davis.
FAME
Going FAME on you arranging the David Bowie song for Jeff Weber+Mike Clark Project.
LA Philharmonic
And, bring yourself and your children to Disney Hall where I’ll be hosting and playing a series called Jazz and the LA Philharmonic Orchestra.
Here’s my calendar:
WHAT’S ON with JOHN BEASLEY
JANUARY+FEBRUARY
Support LIVE music!
JANUARY
Saturday, Jan 8 9+11pm downtown Los Angeles
John Beasley Positootly! Jazz Circle
Featuring Bennie Maupin, Oscar Seaton, Kevin Brandon, John Beasley
Playing music from GRAMMY-nominated Positootly! CD, which showcases Beasley's original, propulsive, multi-layered compositions from funk and soul to bop, bossa nova, and nuevo tango.
Blue Whale
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Street, 3rd Floor, LA, CA 90012 (map) - validated parking 2nd Fl
(213) 620-0908
Two sets: 9pm and 11pm
$10
NAMM – Jan 13-16
Find me at the Keyboard magazine, Rhodes piano and Behringer booths.
Jeff Weber+Mike Clark Project
Arranging and playing David Bowie’s Fame, featuring Jason Morales, Tariqh Akoni, Rhonda Smith, Michael Bland
FEBRUARY
Feb 2-11 Nagoya, Osaka, Yokohama, Tokyo,Japan
Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern featuring John Beasley, Simon Philips, Melvin Davis
Feb 02: Nagoya, Japan - Blue Note
Feb 03: Osaka, Japan - Club Quattro
Feb 04: Yokohama, Japan - Motion Blue
Feb 05: Tokyo, Japan - Cotton Club
Feb 07 to11 Tokyo, Japan - Blue Note
Feb 13 Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles
53rd GRAMMY AWARDS
This is Positootly! it! Last ballot date is Jan 12 to all you voters out there!
Jazz Times review http://bit.ly/gTWVTf
John is truly an amazing pianist, imaginative composer, creative improviser and arranger. And with Positootly he created an album that people will look back as one of the first Jazz classic albums of the 21th century.
Free Download of “So Tired” http://bit.ly/edSOyA
Saturdays: Feb 19 + 26 11am Disney Hall, Los Angeles
Jazz and the Orchestra: Symphonies for Youth
Los Angeles Philharmonic:
Joshua Weilerstein, conductor
John Beasley, host
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Ave., LA, CA 90012
323.850.2000
Join the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conductor Joshua Weilerstein, and Grammy nominated jazz artist John Beasley in a musical celebration of the exuberance of jazz music. What kind of roles do the musicians have when making music? How is the job of a bass player in the orchestra different than that of a jazz bass player? These and other musical questions are explored with John Beasley, highlighting the differences and similarities of jazz for the orchestra and for a quintet.
S P R E A D THE W O R D!
Have a Positootly! Positootly! Positootly! 2011.
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Twitter: johnbeasley
Myspace.com/johnbeasleymusic
YOU TUBE Positootly! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1h8LWQReiE
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Voice of America, LaJazz.com "Positootly!" review, Holiday DISCOUNT
Beas in the Hive, ‘tis the week before Xmas
JAZZ AMERICA program on Voice of America
To all my friends around the world from Slovakia to South Sudan, Russ Davis is playing Grammy nominated songs this Saturday 2x (repeated Sunday). So, TUNE IN and listen to new jazz music from 2009/2010.
Saturday - 1-3am ET / 11pm-1am PT and Sunday -9-11am ET / 6-9am PT
Online: http://www1.voanews.com/english/programs/radio/64963177.html
Shortwave: 1300 GMT/UTC Saturdays and Sundays
Africa - 4.95 6.08 13.57 15.58 17.895 mhz
Middle East and Europe - 12.005 15.53 mhz
Asia and Pacific - 7.43 7.575 9.7 12.15 mhz
FM / AM: Check affiliate FM & AM stations worldwide.
Jazz America with Russ Davis: Dec 18-19
Program Set List:
HANK JONES Groove Merchant
TROMBONE SHORTY Backatown
*Herbie Hancock Interview
HERBIE HANCOCK Imagine
JOHN BEASLEY Shi.ti.ta.boom.boom (Positootly!)
DANILO PEREZ Galactic Panama
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER Lady Sings the Blues
* Dave Holland Interview
DAVE HOLLAND Ebb & Flow
PONCHO SANCHEZ Grand Central
LAjazz.com Blog – George Kahn - Review of “Positootly!”
Los Angeles Jazz "Positootly" Grows at the Grammys - (Dec 11, 2010, 4:15 PM PST)
"Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is "Positootly" worth buying."
Of the 109 Grammy awards given, 6 of them go to jazz albums. In the universe of music, with jazz accounting for less than 3 percent of all albums sales, you might say the Grammys are very generous giving the jazz area 6 trophies. But if you like this music, and you dig into the 5 people nominated in each of these 6 categories, you will find some astonishingly good music.
A refreshing turn of events here is that the vast majority of the nominees come from small independent labels. (Perhaps this is not a surprise as the major labels have pretty much abandoned new jazz and spend most of their time mining their catalogs over and over again). And another wonderful discovery this year is the large number of Los Angeles-based musicians showing up on the short list.
A perfect example of this is found in the "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" category: 3 of the 5 nominees are either LA-based, or self-professed "bi-coastal" musicians. The Clayton Brothers turn in a grand project, "The New Song and Dance" on ArtistShare. The sentimental favorite and front-runner will be James Moody's album "Moody 4B" from IPO records. (Moody was one of my early heroes, and he will be sorely missed with his passing this week). But, for the moment, let me dwell on the outstanding project that John Beasley turns in, "Positootly!" on Resonance Records.
The follow-up to Beasley's "Letter To Herbie", this album continues to show the pianist's many talents. His improvising is exceptional; the compositions are interesting, harmonically challenging but still musical and constantly swinging. John reunites with Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums, and adds bassist James Genus to the mix this time. Their playing together is intuitive and always joyful. "Tain" is a master of the toms, and he plays inside and outside the beat with equal skill.
The album takes the listener on a wonderful journey through many styles and aspects of jazz, from jazz trio to New Orleans funk to a little electric jazz, to tango and songs that could easily have been written and performed by Miles Davis' classic quintet. The whole project totally holds together with John's distinct piano style and writing.
It is a pleasure to hear Bennie Maupin stretch out on this record and do some straight-ahead blowing. Brian Lynch on trumpet keeps pace with Bennie, and the whole band swings especially hard on the opening cut "Caddo Bayou", as well as "Black Thunder"
The few compositions that are not originals are well chosen. Beasley's take on Jobim's "Dindi" is unique -- if I did not know the tune I might not even recognize it in this swinging version. His tribute to Bobbie Timmons is wonderful. Bobbie was one of the most overlooked pianists and composers in jazz, and it is great to hear one of his songs again.
If you think you know this album after the first 5 cuts, think again. Beasley's take on Piazzola's "Tanguedia III" kicks off the second half of this album and is probably the most inventive cut on the album. Each of the following songs is different and wonderful in their own ways. And whenever Bennie Maupin appears on a cut, with his soprano or tenor sax, it kicks the band up another notch.
Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is "Positootly" worth buying.
DISCOUNT on Positootly!
My record label is offering a Grammy discount, if you are looking for a musical gift or haven’t bought the CD yet.
http://www.resonancerecords.org/beasley.html
Use code: GRAMMY2010 at checkout -
Audio CDfor $11.98
53rd GRAMMY Awards Nominee Positootly! showcases John Beasley's original, propulsive,
multi-layered compositions from funk and soul to bop, bossa nova, and nuevo tango along with three choice covers.
"This recording is his finest effort, and stands proudly alongside his previous recording, a fine tribute to Herbie Hancock." 4 ½ stars - AllMusic
Featuring:
Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bennie Maupin, James Genus, Brian Lynch, Munyungo Jackson, John Beasley
Thanks for tolerating my 2 blogs this week!
Wishing you all a jolly, joyous, jingle this holiday!
-beas
www.beasleymusic.com
JAZZ AMERICA program on Voice of America
To all my friends around the world from Slovakia to South Sudan, Russ Davis is playing Grammy nominated songs this Saturday 2x (repeated Sunday). So, TUNE IN and listen to new jazz music from 2009/2010.
Saturday - 1-3am ET / 11pm-1am PT and Sunday -9-11am ET / 6-9am PT
Online: http://www1.voanews.com/english/programs/radio/64963177.html
Shortwave: 1300 GMT/UTC Saturdays and Sundays
Africa - 4.95 6.08 13.57 15.58 17.895 mhz
Middle East and Europe - 12.005 15.53 mhz
Asia and Pacific - 7.43 7.575 9.7 12.15 mhz
FM / AM: Check affiliate FM & AM stations worldwide.
Jazz America with Russ Davis: Dec 18-19
Program Set List:
HANK JONES Groove Merchant
TROMBONE SHORTY Backatown
*Herbie Hancock Interview
HERBIE HANCOCK Imagine
JOHN BEASLEY Shi.ti.ta.boom.boom (Positootly!)
DANILO PEREZ Galactic Panama
DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER Lady Sings the Blues
* Dave Holland Interview
DAVE HOLLAND Ebb & Flow
PONCHO SANCHEZ Grand Central
LAjazz.com Blog – George Kahn - Review of “Positootly!”
Los Angeles Jazz "Positootly" Grows at the Grammys - (Dec 11, 2010, 4:15 PM PST)
"Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is "Positootly" worth buying."
Of the 109 Grammy awards given, 6 of them go to jazz albums. In the universe of music, with jazz accounting for less than 3 percent of all albums sales, you might say the Grammys are very generous giving the jazz area 6 trophies. But if you like this music, and you dig into the 5 people nominated in each of these 6 categories, you will find some astonishingly good music.
A refreshing turn of events here is that the vast majority of the nominees come from small independent labels. (Perhaps this is not a surprise as the major labels have pretty much abandoned new jazz and spend most of their time mining their catalogs over and over again). And another wonderful discovery this year is the large number of Los Angeles-based musicians showing up on the short list.
A perfect example of this is found in the "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" category: 3 of the 5 nominees are either LA-based, or self-professed "bi-coastal" musicians. The Clayton Brothers turn in a grand project, "The New Song and Dance" on ArtistShare. The sentimental favorite and front-runner will be James Moody's album "Moody 4B" from IPO records. (Moody was one of my early heroes, and he will be sorely missed with his passing this week). But, for the moment, let me dwell on the outstanding project that John Beasley turns in, "Positootly!" on Resonance Records.
The follow-up to Beasley's "Letter To Herbie", this album continues to show the pianist's many talents. His improvising is exceptional; the compositions are interesting, harmonically challenging but still musical and constantly swinging. John reunites with Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums, and adds bassist James Genus to the mix this time. Their playing together is intuitive and always joyful. "Tain" is a master of the toms, and he plays inside and outside the beat with equal skill.
The album takes the listener on a wonderful journey through many styles and aspects of jazz, from jazz trio to New Orleans funk to a little electric jazz, to tango and songs that could easily have been written and performed by Miles Davis' classic quintet. The whole project totally holds together with John's distinct piano style and writing.
It is a pleasure to hear Bennie Maupin stretch out on this record and do some straight-ahead blowing. Brian Lynch on trumpet keeps pace with Bennie, and the whole band swings especially hard on the opening cut "Caddo Bayou", as well as "Black Thunder"
The few compositions that are not originals are well chosen. Beasley's take on Jobim's "Dindi" is unique -- if I did not know the tune I might not even recognize it in this swinging version. His tribute to Bobbie Timmons is wonderful. Bobbie was one of the most overlooked pianists and composers in jazz, and it is great to hear one of his songs again.
If you think you know this album after the first 5 cuts, think again. Beasley's take on Piazzola's "Tanguedia III" kicks off the second half of this album and is probably the most inventive cut on the album. Each of the following songs is different and wonderful in their own ways. And whenever Bennie Maupin appears on a cut, with his soprano or tenor sax, it kicks the band up another notch.
Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is "Positootly" worth buying.
DISCOUNT on Positootly!
My record label is offering a Grammy discount, if you are looking for a musical gift or haven’t bought the CD yet.
http://www.resonancerecords.org/beasley.html
Use code: GRAMMY2010 at checkout - Audio CDfor $11.98
53rd GRAMMY Awards Nominee Positootly! showcases John Beasley's original, propulsive,
multi-layered compositions from funk and soul to bop, bossa nova, and nuevo tango along with three choice covers.
"This recording is his finest effort, and stands proudly alongside his previous recording, a fine tribute to Herbie Hancock." 4 ½ stars - AllMusic
Featuring:
Jeff "Tain" Watts, Bennie Maupin, James Genus, Brian Lynch, Munyungo Jackson, John Beasley
Thanks for tolerating my 2 blogs this week!
Wishing you all a jolly, joyous, jingle this holiday!
-beas
www.beasleymusic.com
Friday, December 10, 2010
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
************************************************************************
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.”
BUY: itunes.com, Amazon.com, ResonanceRecords.com, Rhapsody
Facebook: johnbeasley
Twitter: johnbeasley
Myspace.com/johnbeasleymusic
Thursday, July 22, 2010
LONDON CALLING TO AR RAHMAN
We’re set to be back on the stage. After the terrible accident in Detroit with the stage and the cancellation of our European tour, we’re putting our karma in the next and last three concerts for the summer. If you are in the UK, come for a musical and visual feast. If not, we’ll be rescheduling the U.S. and European dates in the Fall/Winter.
A.R. Rahman Jai Ho Concert - The Journey Home World Tour
The Los Angeles Times describes the concert as “Combining Bollywood, Broadway and a rock circus, "Jai Ho Concert" is intended as a gateway into the American mainstream. Steeped in spectacle and exerting a high-tech razzle-dazzle mo
re in step with, say, Lady Gaga than a composer dubbed "the Mozart of Madras, Rahman – who was named to Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people last year – in his quest to connect with Western audiences like no South Asian pop star before him while still relatively hot off his "Slumdog" success.”
Rahman is collaborating with Music Director John Beasley who has directed tours for Queen Latifah and Steely Dan and was keyboard player for Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, and James Brown’s final concert in LA, to name a few artists. Amy Tinkman, who is known for her shows with Madonna, Britney Spears, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, is the Artistic Director.
Tour Schedule – UK
NEW CD RELEASES
From hyper electronic jazz, to Afro-Cuban, to straight ahead with these new Cds that I’m playing on: Simplexity, Days In The Life (Robby Ameen), and Elaine’s Song (Chris Colangelo)
Simplexity
A couple of years ago, when Dave Carpenter was still with us, John von Seggern, Steve Taviglone, Walt Flower, Dave Carpenter, Gary Novak, Judd Miller got together and jammed for a couple of days at Gary Novak’s studio with the intention of creating a completely ‘free’ experience. We did overdubs and the sax, drums, keyboards, and bass were mixed and combined with computer beats and grooves in live session, then later edited and remixed into compositions by John von Seggern, nicknamed John von Badass us.
We called the group Simplexity – a West Coast electronic jazz group and named the album “Extreme Measures”
Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/simplexitymusic or John von Badass’
Vibration Institute, the home of electronic experimental future music: http://vibrationinstitutemusic.com/music/.
Simplexity - Extreme Measures - $5.99 MP3 or $9.99 CD
Steve Tavaglione: tenor and soprano sax, EWI, electronics and effects
John von Seggern: computer beats and loops, electronic textures and effects
Walt Fowler: trumpet and whistling
John Beasley: keyboards
Dave Carpenter: bass
Gary Novak: drums
Judd Miller: additional EVI trumpet and electronics
http://vibrationinstitutemusic.com/music/
Robby Ameen - Days in Our Lives
This is new burning creative jazz which has afro-cuban, straight-ahead, and post- modern funk influences played by musicians with a lifetime rapport.
Robby Ameen – Drums, Percussion
John Beasley – Piano, Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes
Lincoln Goines Acoustic and Electric Basses
Wayne Krantz – Guitar (1,2,4,6,8)
Richie Flores – Congas (3,4,5,7,9)
Conrad Herwig - Trombone (2,3,5,7)
Brian Lynch – Trumpet (2,3,5,7)
Review – Jazz Times
Ameen’s originals veer from a pronounced rock/funk edge on electric quartet pieces like the fusiony “Swiftboating” and heavy-metal bashing “Skateboard Intifada” to horn-led tracks with a Latin jazz-soul feel such as “Una Muy Anita,” which resembles a standard on the album, Lee Morgan’s “Ceora.” That and the other jazz standard, Joe Farrell’s “Sound Down,” have the most memorable melodic lines, although Ameen’s pieces make up in atmosphere and action what they lack in tunefulness. “Stagger,” a medium to slow blues, finds Ameen creating distinctive rhythms with bundles rather than sticks or brushes; also on that track, Krantz’s distorted, whammy-bar-inflected phrases contrast the down-home acoustic bass and piano. “Baakline,” the only track with guitar and horns, creates a dense ensemble sound with added organ plus synth strings over a chugging backbeat and horn solos that overlap. The final track is a sizzling duet by Ameen and conguero Flores.
Artist's Website: http://www.robbyameen.com/
Chris Colangelo - Elaine's Song
Musicians: Chris Colangelo (bass), John Beasley (piano), Steve Hass (drums), Bob Sheppard, (tenor sax, tracks 1,3,9, soprano sax track 8)) Benn Clatworthy (tenor sax 2,6, flute track 4) Zane Musa (alto sax track2)
Jazz Review http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-21099.html
This young man, Chris Colangelo, has firmly established his position as one of the premier bassists in the jazz milieu. When he solos, it's dexterity plus rhythmic perfection. His sound is big, but sensitivity is inherent in every note.
"Like Kenny" opens with the plaintive, but powerful sound of Benn Clattworthy, who then takes the tenor to another level with a solilioquy that has a message that bespeaks of a master player. I have long admired Clatworthy for his ability to swing and his unafraid style. Clatworthy plays whatever he wants to. The transference of ideas from mind to horn is incredible. John Beasley's piano solo is a bop inspired tour de force that adds much to the tune.
All of the tunes on this album were composed by Chris Colangelo except tracks seven and eight. This recording demonstrates this bassist's ability to compose, arrange, and then transport it all into orbit in the rarified air where few dare to venture.
FALL CONCERTS
Duo Concerts with Dwight Tribble at Red Cat and Mimis and BROAD concert with Iranian artist Susaan Deyhem, who blends music from Persian Sufi masters with cutting-edge techno and hip-hop. .
Then the AR RAHMAN U.S. and European concert tour resumes. More details check my website.
A bientot! Until soon…
So, go ahead and listen to NEW music this Summer while having precious moments with your family and friends.
Always glad to hear from you from the road. Back in LA around August 15.
www.beasleymusic.com
manager@beasleymusic.com
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