McFarland
In the course of writing about Gloria Cheng’s new CD (in the next exhibit), I mentioned Gary McFarland’s collaboration with Bill Evans, a basic repertoire item in every serious CD collection of twentieth century music. Bill Kirchner includes it in his survey of a dozen essential tracks from a variety of McFarland’s and others’ recordings. Kirchner’s preamble places in perspective this brilliant musician, called by Gene Lees an adult prodigy, who was taken from us in a senseless bar room prank. To see Bill’s list and comments, go to this page on Ted Gioa’s web site.
Claxton
The stock-in-trade of Steve Cerra’s new blog, Jazz Profiles, is cannily-selected pieces about musicians and others in jazz. His lead story at the moment is Scott Timberg’s 1999 article about William Claxton. If you recognize these photographs, you probably know about Bill Claxton. But you may not know as much as you’ll find if you go here.
Journalism
I haven’t written as much here recently as I should have about an important Other Matter, journalism. To say that there is upheaval in the profession, craft, calling–whatever it is–doesn’t begin to cover the uncertainty of its transition to the next phase of the business. Ah, business; yes, that’s what it is. Wherever journalism is headed, an essential element is sure to be citizen journalism. What’s that? For a discussion that includes, appropriately, a video definition, see Jay Rosen’s Press Think. Be prepared to follow several important links. Then come back to Rifftides, please.
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
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