I promise to be back to blogging real soon. I have a few pressing committments to fulfill at the current time. They are taking most of my creative energy as well. I was saddened last week by Elvin Jones' passing but glad I got to see him in one of his last concerts last month at Yoshi's. I have seen several great concerts recently including Oleta Adams, René Marie, Roy Hargrove, Faye Carol, Natalie Cole, and Andy Bey. Reviews will be forthcoming.
There is a new young trumpeter on the scene. His name is Sean Jones and his debut album, Eternal Journey, was released on Mack Avenue Records last week. It is good and I will be telling you more about it soon.
Have you heard Andy Bey's American Song album yet? It is a collection of 10 wonderful meloldies from the great American songbooks. If you go to Border's, there is a bonus track which Andy co-wrote with Beth Nielsen Chapman. I got to see him in concert at the Jazz Bakery in LA last month and he was excellent.
Speaking of The Jazz Bakery, I went to see pianist Cyrus Chestnut last night. It was great show and great way to unwind after a long day. His run at TJB has been extended and he will be playing Tuesday thru Thursday of this week.
Pianist Danilo Perez will be playing Yoshi's on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pssssst... Lizz Wright will be playing the San Jose Jazz Festival on August 8.
