relyles

I spent the weekend in Montreal for the jazz festival. It was actually a challenge to find any "jazz" that I wanted to hear the three days I was there, but I was able to catch ticketed solo piano sets by Bobo Stenson and Kris Davis. As a told several people the Stenson performance was basically what I expected, but I was hoping for something different. Not enough variety in the mood for me - most of the set was somewhat sedate, but it was solid nonetheless. Kris Davis' performance held my attention a bit more.

I have heard Darius Jones several times in the past couple of years and he has never said anything political during any performance I attended.

I have seen that group several times, including once arranging for them to perform here in Hartford. Unless a conflict arises, I plan to attend.

The Rob Brown group was the highlight for me. Picked up the new RogueArt disc while I was there.

I made it to Brooklyn for Friday night at the Vision Festival. I caught: Ava Mendoza/Matt Nelson/Adam Lane/Hamid Drake Marty Ehrlich Trio Exaltation (w/ John Hebert and Nasheet Waits) Matthew Shipp/William Parker Duo Rob Brown Quartet (w/ Steve Swell, Chris Lightcap, Chad Taylor) Kris Davis Trio (w/ William Parker and Jeff Tain Watts) Although I got stuck in traffic from Hartford and it took me five hours to get to the venue (more than double the expected travel time), overall it was a very strong night of music.

Amherst is Wednesday, June 12h.

Friday night I caught Matthew Shipp/Allen Lowe/Newman Taylor Baker/Kevin Ray at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, CT. Baker was subbing for one of my favorites Gerald Cleaver, and he was a more than capable replacement. I was curious about this ensemble for a while because unlike other bands Mr. Lowe is involved with, the music is totally improvised. Overall impressive performance. Afterward I even had the pleasure of giving Shipp and Baker a ride to the train station where they surprised me somewhat with their very enthusiastic response to a Woody Shaw CD playing in car.

Very good. I have heard all of them on multiple occasions, but this was the first time hearing that quartet. I like the balance of Formanek's compositional skills and the strong individual soloists.

Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet with Tony Malaby, Kris Davis and Ches Smith at Firehouse 12 in New haven, CT

Too bad. They were grooving hard. Very intense playing by Ford. There was a good crown in Old Lyme.

They were in New Bedford Friday night and I think Dartmouth, MA before that.

I think he still lives abroad, but this is the second time I have heard him live in the past 14 months.

Saturday night I caught the Ricky Ford Quartet with John Kordaleski, Jerome Harris and Barry Altschul at the SideDoor Jazz Club in Old Lyme, CT

Debating whether to take a two hour drive to catch Chico Freeman.

I heard Boom Tic Boom live in 2012 when it was a quartet with Donny McCaslin, Myra Melford and Brad Jones. I enjoyed them live and have purchased a few more of their recordings, including the current disc (although I have not listened to it yet). I have not been as impressed with the expanded group, but I have not found them anywhere near as objectionable as those who responded negatively to the clip. I confess that my primary interest in the group is Myra Melford, which may be part of the reason that I am not as enamored with the expanded group. With that said I have actually found this discussion very interesting and would be more interested on the thoughts of this group as a representation of any issues with contemporary jazz (or I like Clifford's NPR-free Pi Jazz category).

Thanks Cliff.

Last night - Bennie Wallace Trio @ New Britain Museum of American Art.

I was also at that festival in Montclair and have a very positive memory of the Moncur Ensemble. I confess that I forgot Daniel was in that ensemble. At the same festival he also played in an ensemble conducted by James Newton.

There is also a recording on NoBusiness Records - Interconnection - that at least on paper was enough for me to purchase. I have not had an opportunity to listen yet.

I ordered the DKV/McPhee box last week. Looking forward to receiving it.

Earlier this afternoon, Sam Newsome Quartet with Cooper-Moore, Hilliard Greene and Reggie Nicholson at the Hartford Public Library. I have heard Newsome several times playing with Darius Jones, but this is my first time hearing him as a leader of his own group. Cooper-Moore was a bit of a surprise as Angelica Sanchez was previously advertised. Very creative approach and nice afternoon of music.

Last night double bill with Joe McPhee Trio XL and Artists for a Free World (William Parker large ensemble) at Nublu in NYC.

That was excellent. Thank you. I live in the Hartford area less than ten minutes way from both the University of Hartford and the Artists Collective. Jackie McLean's legacy and impact on the Hartford community is undiminished to this day.

Looking forward to it.

Saturday was a good day for live music. In the afternoon I caught the Bennie Wallace Trio with Matt Dwonszyk and Carmen Intorre at a record store appearance in Wethersfield, CT. I then drove to Brooklyn, NY to hear William Parker's In Order To Survive with Rob Brown, Cooper-Moore and Gerald Cleaver. Two very different shows, but both very good.