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Showing posts from October, 2009

Review: Lotus in Buffalo, 10.20.09

We arrived at The Town Ballroom, to a line of people in costume. As we neared the front of the line we noticed a surprisingly heavy amount of searching by security. I was heavily patted down for what felt like two minutes. I was told I could not bring my camera into the venue, and I explained to the a gentleman holding the "press list" that I was on the list, but did not have a camera pass. Typically I can talk my way into or through any situation. Although tonight, with this extremely heavy security presence, it was not going to happen for The J-man. As I headed back to my car a made a quick decision to swing by Lotus' bus to see if I could talk to someone about getting a photo pass. Luckily for me there were two gentleman stand next to the bus. One of the gentleman; Luke Miller,(who plays guitar and keys for Lotus) was kind enough to walk around to the front enterance with me and get me and my camera into the venue. On the walk around the block Luke and I spoke of his ...

Hallucination Engine - Material

"Hallucination Engine is a 1994 album by the New York based music group Material. The album mixes jazz, dub and Indian music." This album is absolutely amazing. Bill Laswell, Wayne Shorter, Zakir Hussain, and Bernie Worrell to name a few. One of the best electronic projects i have come across in a while... Personelle: * Bill Laswell – basses, beats, loops, samples, etc * Wayne Shorter – soprano and tenor saxophones * William S. Burroughs – voice ("Words of Advice") * Liu Sola – voice ("Eternal Drift") * Simon Shaheen – violin and oud * Nicky Skopelitis – acoustic and electric 6- and 12- string guitars, coral electric sitar, baglama and Fairlight * Bernie Worrell – electric piano, Hammond B-3 organ * Bootsy Collins – space bass * L. Shankar – electric violin * Sly Dunbar – drum kit * Jeff Bova – synthesizers * Jihad Racy – ney * Jonas Hellborg – acoustic bass guitar and fretless electric bass * Zakir Hu...

Steve Molitz/Dj Logic Project

(Source: Jambands.com ) "Steve Molitz will play a free show with DJ Logic at Brooklyn, NY’s Brooklyn Bowl this evening. The Particle keyboardist will join Logic for an evening of improvised music as part of the venue’s weekly Monday Night Football party. The two musicians recently shared the stage at Brooklyn Bowl and plan to form a new band with Freekbass later this year. Molitz is in New York for a performance with Playing for Change at Town Hall, while the New York-based Logic also performed with Carly Simon earlier this morning on Good Morning America."

Gettin' Dizzy

So I felt after posting a Miles section, i might as well post the man that Miles not only cited as his favorite trumpet player, but also his idol and mentor as a trumpeter coming up in the 30s and 40s. Dizzy's speed and tone along with his complex and catchy writing skills has made him one of the best and most influential Jazz trumpeters ever. If you know of Dizz and dont really listen, i recommend giving him a try. His unique skills made him ahead of his time allowing him to collaborate with other musicians of that time that were also ahead of their time. Such as the Bird, Monk, Blakey, and of course his "apprentice" Miles. "Together with Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie was a major figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz. He taught and influenced many other musicians, including trumpeters Miles Davis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Morgan, and John Faddis. In addition to featuring in the epochal moments in bebop, he was instrumental in...

Zimmer's Picks (DeadStash)

Originally, I was hoping to dedicate this installment of Zimmer's Picks solely to great versions of Slipknot!. However, as I waded through my myriad of Dead-shows, it became impossible to discern between an "epic" Slipknot! and an off-the-hook Help>Slip>Franklin's. As any true fan will attest, the three-song-sandwich is probably the best way to enjoy any of these phenomenal tunes. And, personally, hearing one without the others always leaves me feeling particularly unsatisfied. The Help>Slip>Franklin's combo was always a great jam-vehicle for the Dead.....especially during the exploratory Slipknot! sections......and has truly earned it's reputation as a fan-favorite. In putting together the shows for this installment, it was really hard for me not to limit my search to mid/late-70's shows. For my money, Help>Slip!>Franklin's was never better than it was from '76-'78; but there are, of course, some hidden gems out there from la...

Review: Family Funktion & Sitar Jams

... I walk into the Abilene Bar, a two story house located in Downtown Rochester. The enviroment is quaint yet boasts a classy/casual/relaxed/at home kind of vibe. I find a table off to the side, within' plain view of a setup reminisant of a basement band. The drum kit, tucked off into the corner, was decorated with yellow prayer flags. Immediately to the left; was a rug, with a pillow, effects pedals and a mini synthesizer. To the left of that; the bass set-up with additional effect pedals and amps. I introduce myself to the three gentleman who, at the time were setting up/checking the sound. The Soundcheck abruptly comes to an end as the three wander off in their own direction. One of the gentleman, the sitar player introduces himself to me as Naryan, and follows up with several questions about my being there. After expressing my enjoyment of the band, my one and only time seeing them, my opinions of their music and building a fan base; Naryan seemed very comfortable and receptiv...

Chasin' The Trane

The Complete Village Vanguard Recordings: " Live at the Village Vanguard is a 1961 album by jazz musician John Coltrane. One side of the original LP was devoted to "Chasin' The Trane" which has been described as one of Coltrane's most important performances. In a 1966 interview Coltrane recalled that he had "listened to John Gilmore kind of closely before I made 'Chasin the Trane'." The Village Vanguard engagements were a focal point for Coltrane's partnership with Eric Dolphy. Other recordings from the concerts appeared originally on the Impressions LP. Interest in the results of that collaboration has led to subsequent extended reissues of the material — first in the 1977 issue of a double-LP of The Other Village Vanguard Tapes and then in the 1997 4-CD issue of the complete sessions." The Village Vanguard Recordings: Disc 1 Disc 2 Disc 3 Disc 4 Recorded November 2 and November 3, 1961 in New York City John Coltrane — tenor saxophon...

Free Album From The Duo & More

(Source: Jambase.com) "Radio Soap Star Opera was recorded in seven days over three years. The tremendous musicians include: Joe Russo (drums, percussion, glockenspiel, vocals, producer of "tracks 2, 3, 5-9), Stuart Bogie (clarinet, alto saxophone, jaw harp, bass harmonica, producer of tracks 1, 4), Don Piper (lap steel, vocals, harmonica, engineer and mix), Andrew Southern (bass 2, 3, 5-9), Kevin Kendrick (vibraphone 1, 4-7, 9), Colin Stetson (tenor and baritone sax on 1), Jon Shaw (trumpet on 6), Nick Movshon (bass on 1), Dave Dreiwitz (bass on 4), Marco Benevento (organ on 2), Sean Bones (guitar on 6), Ryan Thornton (tambourine)." Radio Soap Star Opera -J-man

NPR Tiny Desk Concert

(Source: npr.org ) Ralph Stanley: "October 19, 2009 - The Tiny Desk Concert series almost always brings out the lighter side of both the artists who perform and the staff of NPR Music. When Tom Jones or the band Dr. Dog shows up, for example, it can feel like a child's birthday party or a field day from school, with lots of joking from a bunch of people glad to have a break from their normal routine. But when Dr. Ralph Stanley strolled in to give this Tiny Desk Concert, the office fell silent with the kind of reverence appropriate for a living legend. That's not to say that Stanley was humorless. Standing at Bob Boilen's desk, in front of one of the largest crowds we've had at a Tiny Desk show, he held up a copy of the new autobiography he's been promoting, Man of Constant Sorrow, and told the audience, "I'd like to sell around a thousand of them today, here." When Bob asked if the book had every detail of the singer's life, Stanley said, ...

The Archive & etree

When it comes to live music downloads there is no greater source than The Archive . This massive collection of free downloadable/streamable music is mind-blowing. Free shows, reviews, as well as a solid community of tapers and music lovers. Head to the Archive, search for your favorite band and hit play... It's as easy as that. Get some. The second source for live music that I dig on is etree . I check it daily to view and download music from the past few nights in addition to some solid re-seeds. The music is posted in torrent form. Included in the torrent are; music files, setlists, and pictures. The best/easiest way to download live music. To get the torrent program click here: Bittorrent -The J-man

Cheese

Today's Cheese Selection is... 01.27.00... awesome show. SCI 01.27.00 The Wool Warehouse Albuquerque, New Mexico Set 1: Black Clouds, 100 Year Flood > MLT¹, Barstool, Lost, Impressions¹^ > Bigger Isn't Better > White Freightliner Blues Set 2: Round the Wheel¹ > Drums¹ > Rivertrance¹, Freedom Jazz Dance, Water, Joyful Sound > Rollover Encore (acoustic): Chili Dawg, How Mountain Girls Can Love ¹ with Jamie Janover on percussion. ^ unfinished. All of SCI sat in on Big River at the end of David Gans' set (included with this SHN set). First Time Played: Lost (Kyle original) Great Black Clouds opener, kyle is truly on this show. 100 yr.> MLT... MLT faces. Set 1 closer, impressions > BIB > white freightliner... awesome fucking jam... way to close a set. RTW> rivertrance set 2 opener... uber heady... joyful > rollover... awesome as well, way to end a show. great show... check it out. Mr. n00b

Ravi Shankar/ Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan Review

So the last week I had the pleasure of being able to not just see 2 amazing sitar concerts, but I was able to see one of my hero's. 3 years ago I saw Ravi and his daughter Anoushka for the first time and was absolutely blown away by what i had witnessed. I had wanted to play sitar for a while before than, but after that show I was hooked, had to get one, and have been playin since. Following are reviews of both the sitar concerts I experienced, along with some heady links. 2009-10-15 Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar Hill Auditorium Ann Arbor, MI This concert was simply beautiful. To be able to see a living legend at 91 years of age rip the hell outta the sitar was truly a sight to behold. But what truly was amazing was the call and response between Ravi and Anoushka. Both have such unique tones that it was amazing to listen to them back and forth. Ravi plays a very classical style, as he was trained since a small child. His riffs were reminiscent to the classical ragas, however hi...

Review: Del McCoury Band "Family Circle"

Tradition, class & top notch Musicianship are what come to mind when I think of the Del McCoury Band. Family circle is song after song of traditional/roots bluegrass from the current master of bluegrass himself. This album puts forth the best vocal performance I have heard from Del in some time. Additionally Rob McCoury stands out on the five-string banjo, playing some truly innovative/melodic parts. Family Circle is one of the best bluegrass albums that I have heard in some time. The album hits stores October 27th, be sure to pick it up. Stream the new album here: Family Circle Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Zimmer's Picks (DeadStash)

I am pleased to annouce the first of what I hope to be many contributions to this site. When considering what I thought would make this a successful blog; the first thing that came to mind was Grateful Dead shows. I thought to myself; Who better to share links and knowledge than Zimmer? This cat has by far the most depth in this area of anyone I know and may have ever met. Time after time he has shared with me some of the best Dead music that I have ever heard. Mind blowing/relevant shows that took me to outer space and back. You can feel his love of the Dead within' seconds of sparking a conversation. As well his ability to tell stories that paint a picture is quite incredible. I consider this cat one of my best friends, and one of the coolest cats I have ever met. I am so pleased that he agreed to help us in our quest to bring great music to you. -The J-man Ladies and Gentleman... Zimmer's Pick's (DeadStash): here's the 1st installment.... As many of you may know, the...

The Empire State Building to be Lit in Honor of the Grateful Dead

(From Jambands.com ) New York’s iconic Empire State Building will be lit up with special tie-dye colors in honor of the Grateful Dead this evening. The tribute coincides with Bob Weir and Phil Lesh’s scheduled appearance this Wednesday at a fundraiser for the New York Historical Society’s upcoming Grateful Dead exhibit. As previously reported, The Grateful Dead: Now Playing at the New York Historical Society will open this spring, tracing the band’s career and achievements through a wealth of original artwork and documents. Materials in the exhibition will be drawn almost exclusively from the extraordinary holdings of the Grateful Dead Archive at the University of California Santa Cruz, established in 2008. Bob Weir & RatDog will kick off a multi-night, multi-venue New York run this evening. Tonight’s show will take place a few blocks from the Empire State Building at the Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom.

Jimmy Smith - Master of the Hammond Organ

For those of you unaware of this beast of a player, Jimmy Smith is probably the best Hammond organ player ever. Not only was he the first to use the instrument in a jazz/improvisation like manner, he is the reason the Hammond is played the way it is today. His incredible use of the Hammond's tone in addition to his crazy fingers allowed him to become one of the most respected musicians in Jazz today. Some Jimmy Smith: Jimmy Smith - The Blue Note Years (1957) Jimmy Smith - In Concert In Salle Pleyel(1965) Organ Grinder Swing (1965)... w/ Kenny Burell and Grady Tate. Jimmy & Wes: The Dynamic Duo (1966)... Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery Bashin The Unpredictable Jimmy Smith (1962) Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolff (1964)... (more like who's afraid of Jimmy Smith) ENJOY!... more to come soon. - Mr. n00b

Review: Soulive (Syracuse, 10.16.09)

I was fortunate enough to get a guestlisted +1 for my girlfriend and I (thanks Kras). The show took place at one of my new favorite local Upstate New York venues; The Westcott Theatre. ( Jambase article on The Westcott )This show was a special occasion; Soulive was playing as the Trio. The Trio is by far my favorite incarnation of the band. Song after song was in your face driving Jazz/Funk. Towards the end of the set, they brought out the Shady Horns for some awesome jams. Including one of my favorite portions of the show; where the horn section did a very solid duet. closing out the show they brought out Nigel Hall, which converted the show to a James Brown style "call & response" situation. For me; it's all about the Trio. Show link: Soulive 10.16.09 Rating: 4 out of 5. On a side note I met up with some cool ass Jambasers. Jordan, Trance, Luggage. -The J-man

The Story...

Zach and I met back in April at an Umphrey's McGee after party at a Senior Citizen/Assisted Living Home. The show itself ( Umphrey's McGee, Royal Oak, MI 3.12.09 ) was solid. It was my 12th time seeing the band. Prior to that night; I had not really dug their music... It was ok, I just didn't see what all the hype was about... Until that evening. Following the show, I was sitting on a couch at the party being handed all sorts of misc. items, When a young man/child approached me and sat down on the couch. After a long conversation about music, substances, tour and life; I knew that this would not be the last I saw of this kid. But what I didn't know was that I would eventually become the closest of friends with this cat, as well as live, travel & wook out with him... to the insane extent that we did. We bonded over Music, Jambase , and essentially a lifestyle of telling it like it was and spacin' the fuck out. So, as it goes, we've parted ways; Zach living ...