June 2003 Archives

I was chatting with a friend yesterday and learned something interested about a favorite album. Vocalist Patti Austin recorded her album, The Real Me, when she was about 40. Now that's quite a birthday present. Her previous album, Gettin' Away With Murder yielded the hits "The Heat of Heat", "Gettin' Away with Murder", and "Honey for the Bees." I also loved the ballad "Summer is the Coldest Time of Year." On her final Qwest Records album, she took a different approach. She was tired of trying to appeal to the masses so she sang the music that appealed to her heart. The result was a vibrant album of beautifully crafted standards that have stood the test of time.

The lyrics above are from "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most", a sad but powerful song which was only released on the CD version of the album. It was made popular by both Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter. There is also the breezy "Lazy Afternoon" and the honky-tonk tune "Across the Alley From The Alamo." Patti swings on "I Can Cook Too" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me." I remember wanting to know meaning of the word plebeian after hearing her sing "Cry Me A River." Her multi-layered vocals shine through on "Mood Indigo" and "Stockholm Sweetnin'." She smolders on "Love Letters", the poignant "How Long Has This Been Going On", the sultry "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes", and on her duet with David Pack on "True Love." She also does gospel tinged "Someone Is Standing Outside" which was orginally done by Thelma Houston.

Patti is backed by a host of wonderful musicians and vocalists including David Benoit, Howard Hewitt, Luther Vandross, Earl Klugh, Tata Vega, and Michael McDonald. The album is consistently brilliant and definitely a welcome addition to your collection. Enjoy your music.

Today's Soundtrack

"Total Praise" - Richard Smallwood
"Here's to Life" - Shirley Horn
"Love Sensation" - Loleatta Holloway
"Lost in the Stars" - Dee Dee Bridgewater
"Seven Years of Good Luck" - Joe Sample
"Faith" - Vanessa Bell Armstrong
"Hope" - The Weather Girls
"Open Your Eye, You Can Fly" - Lizz Wright
"Imagine" - Randy Crawford
"Somewhere" - Aretha Franklin
"Miss Otis Regrets" - Patti Austin

The Thoughts

Praise God! Today, I am 40 and very proud of it. My life has been very blessed and the blessings just keep coming. There will always be unfinished dreams but as long as I keep getting up, there is a brand new day to work at my goals. I am especially thankful for my family and friends and their unconditional love. I am also thankful for the music in my life and hope that it never ends.

The Photos

Special thanks to web guru Gwen for putting together the collage of photos. Here are a little description and commentary on each photo.

Photo #1 (1st row) - Age 10, rockin' the small 'fro for the annual school picture at age 10.

Photo #2 - Age 5, looking all dreamy eyed in the kitchen. Go figure! Mom may have been taking my photo for the first day of school.

Photo #3 - Age 38 in front of the beautiful stained glass windows at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Photo #4 - Here I am at about 1 year old on an assisted stroll in the backyard with his ever so capable older brother. You will notice in the background an oil in back our house that was used for heating our house.

Photo #5 (2nd row) - Age 4 on Christmas morning with Cuddly Duddly and the rest of the crew. Cuddly had to go away when the stuffing starting falling out. Anyone who was watching Ray Rayner on WGN-TV in Chicago in the 60's and 70's knows about Cuddly.

Photo #6 - Age 37 and really enjoying good laugh during a photo shoot.

Photo #7 - New Year's Eve 2001 at age 38 and I was quite sober, believe it or not.

Photo #8 - Age 9 and another obligatory school photo but what was up with that widow's peek or Eddie Munster as it was called then. Running home after school to watch Speed Racer and Batman were the joy of my existence.

Photo #9 (3rd row) - Taken last fall with the water, rocks, and waves at El Matador Beach in Malibu, California. It is really pretty there.

So now you have seen me...ha ha!!! Of course, I only picked out the best of the best for the collage. Yeah, I know there are none from my teens and twenties but I do not have any of those pictures scanned so you will not get to see the texturized hair or the skinny ties. You will have to come over to see those gems. I will put on some good music, bake some cookies and then we can go through numerous boxes and tons of photo albums. Hope you enjoyed my birthday fun and as always, enjoy your music!

I know you have coming here the last few days and just wondering where's the news? Where's the reviews? What new music is out? What music got re-issued. Who is really running j-notes.com...LOL!!! Let's just say the past couple of weeks have been quite busy for me but I do hope to catch up a little over the next couple of weeks. I will even have this week's Flashback Friday entry posted on Friday morning. Thanks for the love and your continued support. In the meantime, enjoy your music.

In six hours of dramatic storytelling, THIS FAR BY FAITH: AFRICAN-AMERICAN SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS examines the African-American religious experience. From the arrival of the early African slaves through the Civil War, reconstruction, Jim Crow, the great depression, the civil rights era, and into the 21st century, THIS FAR BY FAITH, airing on PBS Tuesday-Thursday, June 24-26, 2003, (check local listings), explores the connections between faith and the development of African-American cultural values. Lorraine Toussaint (“Any Day Now,” “Crossing Jordan”) narrates.

THIS FAR BY FAITH is the last project conceptualized by legendary filmmaker Henry Hampton. Hampton’s contributions to television include AMERICA’S WAR ON POVERTY and the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning EYES ON THE PRIZE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Malcolm X: Make It Plain.” Before his death in 1998, Hampton wrote that it was his dream to celebrate the sweep and range of African-American religious experience “in the context of the nation’s struggle to realize the goals of democracy and humanity, the heart and soul of America itself: who we are as a nation, what we believe as a people, and what we consider worth dying — and living — for.”

"THIS FAR BY FAITH explores how African Americans fought for their spiritual traditions,” says executive producer of The Faith Project, June Cross. “It describes how those traditions sustained them as they struggled for the right to express themselves, and how, out of that struggle, the very cultural, political, and social fabric of this nation was transformed. This Far by Faith started as the vision of one extraordinary man — Henry Hampton, the founder of Blackside Inc. He inspired so many of us—including the team which initially gathered to produce Faith after his death. Our faith in his vision meant we could not rest — we could not let his memory rest — until this series aired.”

Each hour-long episode combines rich archival photography, compelling music, inspiring interviews, and vibrant recreations to shed light on a population that has confronted adversity and clung to hope since the first enslaved peoples arrived on these shores.

"THIS FAR BY FAITH explores the African-American community's ever-present faith in a higher power," adds Dante James, series executive producer for Blackside Inc. "A faith that has sustained black people and empowered them to change a society that for generations has challenged and often denied their humanity and dignity. This series makes clear that spirituality of any form can be a basis for truth and understanding — and a vehicle for all people to find common ground as human beings.”

"The sea The sky And you and I Sea and sky and you and I With all blues All shades All hues We’re all blues"

I have heard people say that after they have read the Flashback Friday entry, they usually end up with the tune in their head for the rest of the day. I am honored and I feel your joy! Ever since I did the Flashback on Miles Davis last week, I have been walking around singing the vocal version of "All Blues." Yes friends, there is such a tune and the lyrics were written by Oscar Brown, Jr. I first heard it several years ago on the Live in Paris album from jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater. The album was recorded in 1986 and Dee Dee sings her heart out on jazz standards "Misty", "On A Clear Day", "Cherokee", and "Here's That Rainy Day." She gives down home blues some jazz flavor on "Dr. Feelgood" and "Medley Blues" featuring "Every Day I Have The Blues", "Stormy Monday" and a touch of "Muddy Water" with my favorite line, "Before I let you make a stone fool outta me, I'd rather drink muddy water and sleep out in a hollow log." I originally got the album on vinyl in 1990 and had been looking for it on CD until I found it last year.

Did you know that Dee Dee received a Tony Award in 1975 for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in the original Broadway production of "The Wiz" starring Stephanie Mills? She is also the host of Jazzset on NPR. She even lent her vocals to the house music cut "Flying Saucer" by United Future Organization.

Her recent releases, the Grammy Award winning Dear Ella (1997) and the critically acclaimed Live at Yoshi's (2000) have received rave reviews. Her latest release, This is New (2002) celebrates the music of German composer Kurt Weill (1900-1950). Her inspiration for the project came from participating in a Weill tribute in Poland in 2000. Be sure to listen to "Lost in the Stars" and the surprise ending on "Here I'll Stay." Other gems include "My Ship", "Speak Low", and "Bilbao Song" which is filled with beautiful rhythms. She sings playfully on "The Saga of Jenny" as she tells the story of a woman who waited a little too long to find the love of her dreams. She brings her unique vocal stylings to this wonderful music. She is funny yet sensual. Intense yet never takes herself too seriously. Enjoy your music.

If you have traveling along with me on my web journey over the past 8 months or so, you know that my dad was a major influence in my musical tastes. When I was home recently, I was browsing through his record collection with new eyes. As I learn more about music, I recognize more titles and know there are some gems there. His tastes were eclectic and he enjoyed lots of good music.

In the above picture, I think I was about 4 years old. I am not sure the occasion other than spending time with my dad. He was my hero. He was an excellent carpenter, a great cook, bowler, and he could even play the piano. He had an old melody that he would play without any music. He loved us and was always there for us but he could also put the fear of God in us. I can remember getting a whipping during the day from my mom and being scared of getting another one when my dad got home that evening. He shared great stories and always told us how poor his family was when he was growing up. He told us about all the music clubs and nightlife on the south side of Chicago. He built and painted my early bikes. He gave me my first car, a 1970 Ford Country Sedan station wagon with the best heat in the world. Power steering was put in it before I started driving it. Before then, there was a knob on the steering wheel to help steer that big baby around the corners. It was his fishing and work wagon and I was happy to have it even though he thought I would tear up our garage backing it in. He taught me how to change the oil, the wires, and even gap the spark plugs.

He encouraged my brother and I to take risks and experience new things. His memories and wisdom are always with me.

Happy Father's Day!

The Players

Miles Davis - Trumpet
Julian "Cannonball" Adderly - Alto Saxophone
John Coltrane - Tenor Saxophone
Wynton Kelly - Piano on "Freddy Freeloader"
Bill Evans - Piano on all other tracks
Paul Chambers - Bass
James Cobb - Drums

The Tracks

1. "So What"
2. "Freddie Freeloader"
3. "Blue in Green"
4. "All Blues"
5. "Flamenco Sketches"

The Facts

On March 2, and April 22, 1959, forty-five minutes of the most profound music in jazz history was recorded. Kind of Blue is considered the musician's Bible. It is, one of, if not the best selling jazz albums of all time. This masterpiece was recorded in just two sessions and it is certified triple platinum. There isn't much I could add to the praise that has already been given to the genius of Miles Davis and his music. The Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis presented an exhibit celebrating his 75th anniversary in 2001. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I spent 3 hours viewing photos and listening to audio that chronicled his life. After that, I wanted to buy every Miles Davis CD as well as every musician associated with him. Enjoy your music.

Roy Hargrove, considered by many to be the premiere trumpet player on the planet, has a new Neo-Soul Jazz album The RH Factor: Hard Groove. This album features a collection of neo-soulsters (Erykah Badu, D'Angelo), boho rappers (Q-Tip, Common), jazzbos (Marc Cary), jamband icons (Karl Denson) and soulaquarians (James Poyser, Pino Palladino). Check out "Common Free Style", a track from the album, while you enter to win a trip to New York City to see Roy Hargrove in concert!

CLICK HERE to listen to a track from The RH Factor: Hard Groove while you enter to WIN! One Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip to New York City to see Roy Hargrove in concert and One First Prize Winner will receive an iPod Portable Digital Music Player. Plus the first 5,000 people that enter will receive a FREE CD Sampler courtesy of Verve Music Group. So, enter now for your chance to win!

I know I mostly post information about music but these little factoids I just could not resist.

Fenton's Creamery in Oakland is now open for business but by the crowds I have seen while driving past there, most of you know this already.

The slang-term 'bling-bling' has made its way into the latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary.

East Palo Alto, Ca. will be hosting their annual Collard Green Festival on July 19 and 20.

Okay, here is some music news....

The JSC Best of AIRspace Artists in Residence presents Cedric Brown in I SWING LIKE THAT "In the Life, Into Jazz" with The 1150 Trio featuring Elise Giancola on piano, Glen Iwaoka on drums, Ralph Manak on bass and Duran Rutledge. Directed by Corey Davis. It will held on Friday-Sunday, June 13th-15th 8:00pm at the Jon Sims Center for the Arts in San Francisco. The cost is $10-$15 sliding scale, NOTA. Info & reservations: (415)554-0402 or www.jonsimsctr.org

From the Washington Post, an in-depth article on our favorite songstress, "Anita Baker, Quietly Storming Back"

From the Kansas City Star, "Hospitalized Vandross releases new album"

By the way, we got to go backstage to meet Shirley Horn after her concert on Friday evening. I am still floating on a musical cloud. She is so cool and gracious. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and thanked her for her wonderful music. She also signed my CD cover. What's ironic is that I saw her in concert for my first time a few weeks before my 30th birthday and now I am seeing her again just a couple weeks before my 40th birthday. Now that's a nice early birthday present. Also, a really good friend, gave me another early present that I have dreamed about for years, "The Complete Ella Fitzgerald Song Books", a 16-CD box set. I screamed like a little kid on Christmas when I opened it. I just stare at it in amazement while I decide which songbook to play first. Thanks JS!!!

I have been enjoying some wonderful music this week. I saw jazz violinist Regina Carter on Tuesday and Wednesday night and jazz vocalist/pianist Shirley Horn last night at Yoshi's. I caught Regina both nights for only $10 per night. I am still formulating the words to describe both of these great woman and I promise to expound on each of them later next week. In short, they were both spectacular. If you missed Regina, she will be back in April and Shirley will be here through the weekend. Soulful jazz guitarist Ronny Jordan will be there June 19-22.

Tonight, I am going to see the Berkeley High School Jazz Band in their final concert of the season at 7pm at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater - Berkeley High School (Allston & M.L.K. Jr Way).

Tomorrow, I will be checking out singers Lenny (oh, oh, oh....) Williams (3:00pm) and Oleta Adams (4:30pm) at the Port of Oakland PortFest 2003 event.

Friday night, neo-soul artist Musiq with special guests Vivian Green and Aaries will be at The Fillmore.

Ledisi won the California Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Album for her Feeling Orange but Sometimes Blue album. She will be signing autographs at Rasputin Music in Berkeley on Saturday, July 5 at 1:00pm. Also, check out the Rasputin in-store calendar for upcoming special events including genre music parties with 10% discounts.

Lizz Wright's debut album Salt from Verve Music Group is in stores now! The album was co-produced by industry legend Tommy LiPuma, top jazz drummer/composer Brian Blade, and arranger Jon Cowherd. NY Daily News says "No young black jazz singer in recent memory has generated as much buzz as Lizz Wright." Find out what all the talk is about while you enter to WIN a Trip for Two to New York City to see Lizz Wright in concert!!

CLICK HERE to listen to a track from Salt while you enter to WIN the Grand Prize of a Trip to New York City to see Lizz Wright in concert! And that's not all... the First Prize Winner will receive a 15 MB iPod Portable Digital Music Player and the first 5,000 people to enter will receive a FREE CD sampler courtesy of Verve Music Group!!

Please be sure to listen to the Lizz Wright interview with Vince Outlaw from KSDS-88/The New Jazz Thing in San Diego. A special shout out to Vince for an outstanding interview.

I first heard the contemporary jazz group Pieces of a Dream during the summer of 1981. Their song "Warm Weather" featuring Barbara Walker on vocals was in heavy rotation on late night radio. Their self-entitled debut album, Pieces of a Dream, also featured a wonderful instrumental version of EWF's "All About Love" which is still a favorite of mine. The album was produced by the late sax great, Grover Washington, Jr., who was their friend and mentor. The original group members were Curtis Harmon on drums, James Lloyd on keyboards, and Cedric Napoleon on bass and vocals.

Here's an excerpt of the group's bio:

Pieces of a Dream emerged on the Philadelphia music scene in 1976 while still in high school. Their name was based on a cover tune by Stanley Turrentine that they performed. They played on Temple University's pioneering jazz radio station, WRTI-FM.

Pieces of a Dream emerged out of Philadelphia’s music scene in 1976. Keyboardist James Lloyd, drummer Curtis Harmon and former bassist Cedric Napoleon, were (and still are) managed by the drummer’s father, Danny and Uncle Bill Harmon. The group based their name on Pieces of Dreams, a cover tune by Stanley Turrentine that the group performed.

Soon Washington announced that he was starting a production company and that Pieces of a Dream would be his first act. Lloyd was only a senior in high school when his first record came out.

Today, founding members Harmon and Lloyd are still keeping the soulful and sensual jazz grooves flowing. The group has changed and grown over the years but their sound has remained solid. Their recent releases, Acquainted with the Night, Sensual Embrace: The Soul Ballads, and Love's Silhouette, are filled with beautifully arranged instrumentals and romantic ballads. Guest artists include the late Grover Washington, Jr., Maysa, the late Eva Cassidy, Maxi Priest, Gerald Albright, and Ronny Jordan. This is definitely the music for special evenings and quiet days. Enjoy your music.

A Piece of a Dream question: On their first two recordings, Rachelle Barnes provides background and lead vocals and arrangements. I wonder if this is the extraordinary vocal diva Rachelle Ferrell who is also from the Philly area? Rachelle's baby brother's name is Russell Barnes so now you see why my musical wheels are turning.

Sound Clips

Pieces of a Dream
Warm Weather
Steady Glide
Touch Me in the Spring
All About Love

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