Archives for July 2010
Other Places: New Orleans Street Music
In New Orleans, street musicians in the French Quarter are a tourist attraction. According to city law, they are also a nuisance. The contradiction has roots in jazz history and city tradition. It puts police and the administration of the new mayor, Mitch Landrieu, between residents of the Quarter … [Read more...]
Recent Listening: Vincent Herring
Vincent Herring & Earth Jazz, Morning Star (Challenge). The rhythm section known as Earth Jazz is electrified, funkified and synthesized. Collaborating with them, Herring looks back to the heyday of '60s and '70s soul, with stylistic references to Herbie Hancock, early Weather Report and tinges of … [Read more...]
Medvedev: Da To Jazz
In its entirety, this is an item from "The Reliable Source" blog in The Washington Post this week: Medvedev goes for the record: Jazz and rock music, that is While Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was in Washington with President Obama on official business, his staff went on a more personal quest: … [Read more...]
Recent Listening: Geri Allen
Geri Allen & Timeline, Live (Motéma). Allen's considerable strengths are on display in the pianist's recording with her trio and a percussive guest. She integrates dancer Maurice Chestnut's steely tapping with the time-keeping and soloing of her gifted young sidemen, drummer Kassa Overall and … [Read more...]
Lionel Ferbos At 99
The man who may well be the world's oldest performing jazz musician is approaching his 99th birthday. Befitting a man nearly the age of the music itself, he's from New Orleans. Lionel Ferbos was born July 17, 1911. He played trumpet in the 1920s with bands led by Walter "Fats" Pichon and Sidney … [Read more...]