Rabshakeh

There's a short thread from a while back:

Thanks!

My younger cousin is mad for him. He is one of those musicians who makes me feel old, simply because there has clearly been some sort of generational shift that makes his music seem valuable to younger listeners. In the same way as my baby boomer parents couldn’t understand rock music what was “alternative” (in the marketing sense) like Nirvana or Sonic Youth at all, because it had nothing to do with what they thought was good or interesting, I find myself really struggling to see why anyone wants to listen to Washington. To my ears it sounds like a Disneyfied/K-pop simulation of jazz by a competent studio musician, with targets set for an epic, cinematic sound; my cousin (17) thinks he’s one of the greats, an older statesman with infinite range. I should add that I also think his presence is a definite Good Thing: the fact that I have a 17 year old family member who is getting into jazz off the back of Washington is part of his achievement.

“Sex Tape: in British English NOUN a recording of a sexual encounter, esp one involving a celebrity” What do you call it on your side of the ocean?

Shame RIP Syl’s music has been a staple of every mixtape or playlist I have made in the last 20 years.

I don’t know Gerald Wilson at all. Are the 80s records the ones to begin with?

What was Ayler Sr like?

I’d missed this! An excellent record that I will definitely get.

Thanks.

Leaving aside the trio personnel, has Sorey ever said anything about his personal style being influenced by Motian? I’d be interested to know who he regards as being his influences.

Anthony Braxton / Gunter Hampel / Jeanne Lee - Familie (Birth, 1972) Just finished washing up after a toddler “play date” (hangover incoming), and this one sounds just great.

Amaro Freitas - Sankofa (2021) This is very popular on Reddit r/jazz at the moment. I'm not sure why, other than the fantastic cover. I'm sorry, but this is a hilarious name and graphics for a record.

Roscoe Mitchell and the Note Factory - Song For My Sister (Pi, 2002) First listen to this. So good. No idea why I waited until now.

Agrippa's 3 Books by Edmund Welles (2005) Where do you go after the WSQ?

Great stuff on here.

Kenny Burrell - All Night Long (Prestige, 1957) Underrated as a great jazz flute record. Jerome Richardson really on top form in my opinion. Nice afternoon. Currently enjoying a beer, toasting the momentarily benevolent football gods and getting ready for Maria Schneider.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. I'm currently mid-way through That Devilin' Tune (just brilliant) and have just placed an order for your books on Blues and the origins of Rock 'n' Roll.

Retrospective de-Konitzisation makes fools of us all

I hear it as a mini big band record, where the piano isn't missed because the horn arrangements are so strong. It's definitely not the most "Konitz" Konitz record. I also prefer him with a piano, as a player. But here I think there's the excitement of the early 1950s big bands without the OTT extravagance or occasional corniness. And the front line is just so great.

I love everything about this record, from the cover art to the short length and punchy tunes. It's the only Tone Poet I have been tempted to purchase!

Snarky Puppy is a bit more cinematic and "modern" in style. I think I enjoyed Culcha Vulcha the most. This record is a lot more commercial and basic than Snarky Puppy though, I think in a good way.

Shaun Martin - 7 Summers (Ropeadope, 2015) Fun record from 5 years ago that I'm returning to now - gospel pianist from Snarky Puppy playing playing music that sits across gospel, soul jazz, Disney type music and post bop. Even the more commercial bits have some good rhythm stuff going to give it pep. I like it a lot more than actual Snarky Puppy. I'm really enjoying this one.

Jeremy Pelt - Close To My Heart A really lovely record.

Carsten Meinert Kvartet – To You (MS, 1968) As I mention in the thread on late night picks, this has been getting a lot of plays recently.

I didn’t know about this. A good story.