Folks-
30 shows in and to mark this occasion I was joined by the legendary drummer Dick Berk. We had a ball.
He was Billie Holiday’s last drummer and his stories about how she took care of him when he was a seventeen hear old on the road are really stunning. Dick was also the drummer on the song “Manuel Deeghit” which we cranked really loud. Long live Cal Tjader……and
1/2 a mile from Tucson by the Morning Light
JF
Summer tour 2011 was similar to the ’84 GD. At times erratic with work coming in prolific streaks followed by sustained periods of hibernation. Still the periods of hibernation sowed the seeds of dreams which were than executed and made believable.
My first guest upon returning to the Monsoon Laden desert was Lew Tabackin. Lew T grew up in the underprivileged side of Philadelphia. When in high school during a small band competition Lew was trying to sound like Trane while others were copying the sounds of west coast be-bop. He made his way to New York and became accustom to playing in front of many of his brothers who would sit and make comments about his playing within earshot. This is a story of trial by fire although the competition was good.
Lew played on both coasts and spent sometime in Los Angeles playing with the great Billy Higgins. They made an album together in 1978 called “Black and Tan Fantasy.” It was on a small label originally issued under Lew’s wife, the great pianist Toshiko AKiyoshi. Last month I saw their grandson make his debut on trumpet at Gil Goldstein’s July 4th spectacular. Rebirth and Regeneration.
Thanks Lew
Jake.
“Close your Eyes and Open your Ears,” says Don Menza. Don is a non-conformist – a man who was raised by Italian Farmers and grew up in the gutbucket of Buffalo, NY. (Upstate NY was a haven for jazz cats like Nistico and Noto)
He is interested in people who think for themselves. When a student asks “what books should I bring,” he says “None!” He is tired of the assembly line manufacturing that has occurred in music schools/industry over the last 30 years.
He loves Sonny and Dizzy and Wade Leggy. All guys who had something to say and actually said it. As a wise philosopher once said; “you know, a lot of people have ideas although most never follow through.” Don Menza will follow through for eternity.
A highlight occurs at the outset of Part II. At the time we were breaking in a new board op and he was still learning the transitions. When he fails to bring up Don’s sound at the beginning the host has a slight meltdown.
Dig,
JF
I sat down with Ndugu prior to my departure to LA. It was one of those conversations where I felt like as long as I set screens, boxed out and was in the right place Ndugu would get me the ball. His intellect is undeniable and his passion for creation and getting acknowledged for creativity is paramount. We talked about leadership, mentoring, collaboration, teamwork and “music as a meal.” The back half of the interview really picks up – probably because I got my sea-legs.
Music is Life, Enjoy it,
Good Enough,
JF
Who are the last big brothers? Mine are Calvin Keys, Henry Franklin, Carl Burnett, Bobby Pierce and George Harper.
These cats developed under serious mentors like Cal Tjader, Al McKibbon, Joe Wlliams, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Art Pepper, James Moody and Ahmad Jamal. They knew they had to sing for their supper every night because there was someone in the audience who was headhunting. Looking for the first sign of trepidation so they could have a shot on the bandstand. It never happened….
What has happened over the last four days was nothing short of a spiritual awakening. The access that these artists provided us was unprecedented. They let us into their homes, introduced us to their families in some cases fed us and most importantly continued to fill in the pieces of our cultural heritage.
It culminated with a dizzying array of musical fireworks for an audience of venerable LA promoters, musicians and community leaders. Also one fanatical gonzo broadcaster who was smiling ear to ear.
I left completely unhinged and in constant evolution. What are the life lessons to be learned from this? How much of a role can I play in getting this music into the ears of kids? What were the systematic breakdowns in the music industry that has led to the constant digital loop? What made Freddie Hubbard such a crazy mother f****? These are things I need to think about as we begin to pour through interviews, pictures, rehearsals and gigs in an effort to put together something that is meaningful and built to last.
This whole experience was made possible by another creator Rafael Otto. While I was obsessing about “the Goat and the Archer” and Mr. Gleam Rafael provided a constant source of positive energy and resourcefulness. In the coming weeks you will begin to see material slowly trickle out of the vaults. The reason it’s there is because of Rafael. Thank you brother.
I’m still learning and growing but for a moment or two I can stop and smell the roses.
Music is Life, Enjoy it
Good Enough,
JF
With my back against the wall I pulled out a 1984 dicta phone and a 2011 iphone and recorded a legendary interview with George Duke. The recording came out extremely well and please note the sequence in part II where I can clearly be heard heading over to the record player to drop the needle on “Black Messiah.”
We didn’t always talk the “King’s English” but the camaraderie was instant and shown through.
This is one for the books. George, I can’t thank you enough.
Jake.
Today I had a chance to sit down with Gil Goldstein. Gil wears many hats; producer, arranger, pianist, accordionist and wrapped in a cloud. I traveled out to his house in East Suffolk where he was in the process of putting on a Independence Day Concert by the bay.
The interview highlights his recent work with Esperanza Spalding. He also talks about South Beach ’73 with Metheny, Jaco and Mark Egan. He also expands on the greatest of Gil Evans as an arranger and his open mindedness. Of course we talked about his relationship with Pat Martino and the albums they collaborated on.
Happy Independence Day!
