What live music are you going to see tonight?

[Steve Reynolds]

Not mannered live. Very structured but very intense

Second set starting in a minute or so - lights dimmed

New suite promised by Ches

More tomorrow

[Steve Reynolds]

Decompressing from what was one of the most intense 45 minutes of music - a suite called International Who Ha - coming soon in some capacity on some recording that may give a listener far away from the actual band maybe some sort of idea what this band can do.

They did follow it with a short fast groove based piece called Anxiety Disorder which was an apt more traditional ending piece that featured the incredible guitar of Ms. Halvorsen - another one if those combination bass line/rhythm thing that Smith seems quite fond of. Odd that every time I see her, I'm again convinced there is no other guitarist of any stripe I'd rather hear live. Her sound is the most striking of any guitarist I know of.

First set too tight for me maybe I was hoping they would "open it up " until the last 15-20 minutes when they hit a few grooves (with increasing energy and verve) and allowed a few tight space improvisations from the horn players.

Second set a whole different deal. Impossible to describe the tension they built with space and structure. Some if the written materials for Halvorsen were unlike anything I've ever heard. Berne was very involved, Parkins played some of the most draw dropping bass drones things on the accordion and as a whole in many different aspects, the *great* Tony Malaby played everything that is beyond possible within the very unique structures that Smith invented. From gorgeous balladic material to his elbow flapping amazing quick lines all the way to the howls, bursts and shrieks that make him one of a kind.

There was a section towards the end that mirrored the best of EFI that morphed back into thematic material with Berne moving from the front of the space to the back while Tony seemingly invented new music.

Ches Smith when needed provided as powerful a bombing of the kit as exists in this world outside of Gerry Hemingway or Randy Peterson.

The *sound* of the kit, the bells and metal that he created last night were that of a master well beyond his years.

Blessed to see this ensemble live - I can't explain to people who havn't seen a band of this originality and power in a great small room like The Stone how awesome the experience is.

The power is immense when they crank it. The power is immense when they created pure spaces in the music. At these times the energy in the room is palpable. And there is never ANY noise from the audience at The Stone. All that can be heard are sounds from the street. Not sure if there was really a tempo during the suite. All tension, very little release. The tension at times was very very exciting yet almost too much.

Once I dropped what I thought I was looking for in this band (you all know I love roaring wailing improv with the two saxophonists blasting away - alas that is NOT this band) and took them for what they are, I heard a band that is simply like no other - and more worth seeing and hearing live for that aspect of the group.

I won't miss them next time or the next time if at all possible.

Another example of new music that is really new, fresh and although part of me thought is would be some sort of pastiche, it is nothing of that sort.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Steve Reynolds

[Leeway]

Thanks Steve for the vivid description of the concert last night. I like what you said about taking them for what they are, instead of what one wants them to be. It's always the result that matters, not the method. I used to get dismayed when I saw the sheet music and compositions come out, because I like that wailing and roaring also. Perhaps the newest free players, Millenialls, who were not around in the 60s and 70s (at least as players) find composition-based performance to be the direction they want to go. Not all, but a fair number. Some good stuff has come out of that approach. I still prefer free improvisation/free jazz, but composition that leaves a lot of space for improvisation works for me. Even through-composition that retains its energy works, but that is a hard trick. People like Ches are trying ambitious projects that mix improvisation, composition, electronics, and rock are probably the wave of the future.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Leeway

[Steve Reynolds]

Thanks for the follow up comments

Yes - a very hard road to build energy and power within unique structures.

The newer suite worked in spades.

Dynamic overwhelmingly successful performance

International Who Ha, baby

[colinmce]

Sounds like a winner. Maybe they should record live!

[Steve Reynolds]

Sounds like a winner. Maybe they should record live!

Maybe but it will never come near the visceral power and sound of being that close on that room and seeing, hearing and feeling it.

The drums of guy like Ches Smith when it gets intense is not duplicated or even approximated by the best recording heard on the best system in the world.

Some of the stuff shook my bones

[mjazzg]

Late to the party but that's a great review Steve. I'd veered away from this band because I'm agnostic about Malaby (forgive me, Steve ) but this review really makes me want to hear them if only on record

I couldn't agree with you more about the impact of hearing Halvorsen live - she's phenomenal and needs to come over here again soon

[Steve Reynolds]

Mark - Malaby will get you, take you in, and capture your heart, mind & spirit

It is simply a matter of time.

You will hear the magic one day!

Tamarindo, Baby

[Leeway]

Late to the party but that's a great review Steve. I'd veered away from this band because I'm agnostic about Malaby (forgive me, Steve ) but this review really makes me want to hear them if only on record

I couldn't agree with you more about the impact of hearing Halvorsen live - she's phenomenal and needs to come over here again soon

Please do check out the video links I posted @3517; a pretty fair representation of what Ches' group is about. Plenty of other live vids from YT also.

[relyles]

I realize I am the exception, but I think what does not move me about These Arches is indeed some of the ingredients in the mix described by Leeway above. Specifically, the rock aspects simply do not appeal to my sensebilities. I suspect it is just that I do not have a background in listening to rock and never formed an appreciation. I can get with an improvisation/free jazz and compositional approach to music, but all the attempts I have heard by any artist incorporating rock aspects just don't really hold my attention. I should also confess that I have not really been overly impressed with Ches Smith. I have heard him live several times and I just don't get it. But then again, that could also be because I have always heard him as coming from a very rockish approach to the drums.

tonight:

Friday, October 3, 2014 - 8:30 pm ($20) and 10 pm ($15)
MICHAEL MUSILLAMI TRIO + KRIS DAVIS
Firehouse 12 - 45 Crown Street - New Haven

tomorrow:

Saturday, October 4, 2014 – 7:30pm - $15
THE MAKANDA PROJECT - Joe Ford, Jason Robinson, Charlie Kohlhase, Kurtis Rivers, Sean Berry, reeds; Eddie Allen , Bill Lowe, Ku-umba Frank Lacy, Jerry Sabatini, brass; Diane Richardson, voice; John Kordalewski, piano, arrangements; John Lockwood, bass and Yoron Israel, drums
Springfield Community Music School - 127 State St. - Springfield, MA

[Steve Reynolds]

I realize I am the exception, but I think what does not move me about These Arches is indeed some of the ingredients in the mix described by Leeway above. Specifically, the rock aspects simply do not appeal to my sensebilities. I suspect it is just that I do not have a background in listening to rock and never formed an appreciation. I can get with an improvisation/free jazz and compositional approach to music, but all the attempts I have heard by any artist incorporating rock aspects just don't really hold my attention. I should also confess that I have not really been overly impressed with Ches Smith. I have heard him live several times and I just don't get it. But then again, that could also be because I have always heard him as coming from a very rockish approach to the drums.

Thanks for the comments. Yes Ches has that rock influence and style in his drumming. I grew up on rock so that aspect about his drumming at These Arches appeal to me.

[Peter Friedman]

Just arrived a few hours ago in Newport, Oregon to attend the Oregon Coast Jazz Party. Over the weekend I will be hearing Benny Green, Mike Wofford, Darrell Grant, Byron Stripling, Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Nicki Parrott, David Wong, Mimi Fox, Tom Wakeling, Randy Porter, Todd Strait, Rodney Green, Dee Daniels, Rebecca Kilgore and others.

Chuck Redd was given a copy of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band arrangements, and he will be leading a big band playing them.

[BillF]

Just arrived a few hours ago in Newport, Oregon to attend the Oregon Coast Jazz Party. Over the weekend I will be hearing Benny Green, Mike Wofford, Darrell Grant, Byron Stripling, Harry Allen, Ken Peplowski, Nicki Parrott, David Wong, Mimi Fox, Tom Wakeling, Randy Porter, Todd Strait, Rodney Green, Dee Daniels, Rebecca Kilgore and others.

Chuck Redd was given a copy of the Terry Gibbs Dream Band arrangements, and he will be leading a big band playing them.

Have fun, Peter! Some of those people turn up here at the Norwich Jazz Party. I shall have to try and make it one year.

[uli]

"9:00PM at Elastic, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Fl, 773.772.3616
CANCELLED
Edward Wilkerson Jr, Junius Paul, Scott Hesse, Vincent Davis, Jim Baker"

damn, i was looking forward to that.

[jlhoots]

The Cookers cookin' at SFJAZZ tonight. Great show!

Those look like bad seats. :)

Going to see The Cookers tonight.

BTW I'm a little disconcerted by the reaction to some of the Clean Feed CDs earlier in this thread. For some (many) of us these may be the only way to hear these musicians at all. Better the CDs than nothing IMHO.

[colinmce]

"9:00PM at Elastic, 2830 N Milwaukee, 2nd Fl, 773.772.3616

CANCELLED

Edward Wilkerson Jr, Junius Paul, Scott Hesse, Vincent Davis, Jim Baker"

damn, i was looking forward to that.

Shame. There's not nearly enough Ed Wilerson on record. There's a trio on YouTube with Tomeka and Scott Hesse that's fantastic.

[kh1958]

Last night, at the Granada Theater, opening the evening was the Bnois King/Smokin' Joe Kubeck band, distinguished by Bnois King's fine singing voice and some pretty good original material.

Then followed the first Dallas concert for the ever-touring Lucky Peterson in a year and a half. Recently, he had been forced to cancel a European tour for health reasons. This was his first post-illness public appearance. A hammond b3 organ rests on the stage. Backed by a quartet (guitar, organ/keyboards, bass and drums), the concert opened in overloud, frenetic fashion. A little patience, and the third song is Lucky playing solo B3. Awesome it is, followed by more organ in the original from his new CD (Son of a Bluesman), I'm Still Here. Over the course of the concert, one learns he is fortunate to still be here, and he sings this song with joy. Then, switching to guitar for a long instrumental interlude, he is at the top of his form--including a lengthy version of Nana Jarnell from his new CD that is astounding (jaw dropping time at the sounds emanating from his guitar). This was the peak; the fine concert continues until midnight. As usual, an eclectic experience (blues, funk, soul, jazz, gospel). I hope it's not so long until the next one.

Edited October 4, 2014 by kh1958

[Steve Reynolds]

The Cookers cookin' at SFJAZZ tonight. Great show!

Those look like bad seats. :)

Going to see The Cookers tonight.

BTW I'm a little disconcerted by the reaction to some of the Clean Feed CDs earlier in this thread. For some (many) of us these may be the only way to hear these musicians at all. Better the CDs than nothing IMHO.

Not meaning to be a downer for those who don't have the opportunity to see some of these musicians live. My one point might be that it is sometimes a bit of a shame that some of the recordings (not all on clean feed - as they did a good job on both Tamarindo recordings - not the one with Wadada - that is an obvious example of a blatent recording issue) don't capture the muddy as well as they could.

I often give the example of Rodrigo Amado's Searching for Adam as an example of how it's done right. I may never get a chance to see him live but I have opportunities to see the other 3 musicians often - and this recording captures Cleaver and Hebert very close to what they sound like live.

One other point - there are people who do have the opportunity to see these musicians live (although it might take some effort and commitment) and I and simply trying to express how awe inspiring it sometimes can be to experience this music when it comes off great in a small little room.

Maybe trying to inspire those who could step out and make that extra effort to get to see some of this music live.

People often say they wish they were there when and I often have felt that as well.....but

Giants Do Walk This Earth Today

Still........

Coming Down the Mountain

[Steve Reynolds]

Band changed

No Ingrid and No Mat

Christopher Hoffman on cello makes it a quartet.

Trying to deal with lower expectations

[Van Basten II]

LAMBERT / GROGG

Alex Grogg: piano • Michel Lambert: drums

MICHAEL FORMANEK QUARTET

Michael Formanek: double bass • Tim Berne: alto saxophone • Jacob Sacks: piano • Tyshawn Sorey: drums

Very enjoyable doubleheader, the duo was a long musical fresque that covered many ranges of music, at times it sounded like Fats Waller meets Cecil Taylor , a lot of good spots. The quartet was a lot more compelling live than what I've heard on CD.

Edited October 5, 2014 by Van Basten II

[jeffcrom]

I've only been in New Orleans 26 hours, but so far:

A wedding reception second line with the Panorama Brass Band. That's the best tuba player on the planet, Matt Perrine.

A great band with 92-year-old trombonist Wendell Eugene at the Palm Court. He's lost a step or two, but still has a strong tone.

The Family Ties Social Aid and Pleasure Club annual second line parade in Treme.

[Peter Friedman]

The Oregon Coast Jazz Party just ended. There was a lot of good music over the 3 days of this event. The highlight of the weekend for me was the Benny Green Trio.

I have seen Benny a few times before over the years, but his playing, in my opinion, has matured to such an extent that he has become a true jazz master. His chops, phrasing, ideas and overall conception came together to form a marvelous listening experience.

His trio consisted of David Wong on bass, and Rodney Green on drums. I had never heard Rodney Green before. His playing was powerful, yet very tasty. He was in perfect synch with Benny.

Rodney is , in my opinion, clearly the best "young" drummer I have heard in a number of years.

After listening to this trio play a set Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, both Benny and Rodney are now each among my current favorites on their respective instruments.

[kh1958]

The Oregon Coast Jazz Party just ended. There was a lot of good music over the 3 days of this event. The highlight of the weekend for me was the Benny Green Trio.

I have seen Benny a few times before over the years, but his playing, in my opinion, has matured to such an extent that he has become a true jazz master. His chops, phrasing, ideas and overall conception came together to form a marvelous listening experience.

His trio consisted of David Wong on bass, and Rodney Green on drums. I had never heard Rodney Green before. His playing was powerful, yet very tasty. He was in perfect synch with Benny.

Rodney is , in my opinion, clearly the best "young" drummer I have heard in a number of years.

After listening to this trio play a set Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, both Benny and Rodney are now each among my current favorites on their respective instruments.

Good recording by Rodney Green here: http://www.amazon.com/Rodney-Green-Live-at-Smalls/dp/B00H88AX9K

[JSngry]

Takács Quartet
Monday, October 6, 2014, 8:00PM | at Caruth Auditorium

Program:

Haydn: String Quartet in B-flat Major, Hob. III:67
Janáček: String Quartet No.2 ‘Intimate Letters’
Beethoven: String Quartet in E minor, Op.59, No.2

http://www.dallascha.../takacsquartet/

[MomsMobley]

Takács Quartet

Monday, October 6, 2014, 8:00PM | at Caruth Auditorium

Program:

Haydn: String Quartet in B-flat Major, Hob. III:67

Janáček: String Quartet No.2 ‘Intimate Letters’

Beethoven: String Quartet in E minor, Op.59, No.2

http://www.dallascha.../takacsquartet/

I'd have to double check but I think Takacs-- though still fine-- is one of those groups which have cycled though all-- no check that, all but the cellist... like when I saw the "Tokyo String Quartet" in the late '90s and well, at least they were Japanese!