I am not quite sure what I had in mind in deciding to write a music column. I guess I figured there would be no better place than to try it out here so my friends and loved ones could pick it apart and throw online tomatoes at me. Just consider this my online scratch pad where I will express various music thoughts and hopefully not offend too many. Just sit back and grow along with me. Have I ever steered you wrong in the past couple of years? I did not think so.
J-Groove begins.
Music reviewer or photographer?
This is a question that I have found myself asking recently when I have been at music events. I guess I am mixture of both. I usually keep a couple of cameras in my bag when I am at concerts but I also respect the artists and try not to invade their personal space too much. I can remember being at concerts in my 20’s, camera in hand trying to get the great shot, knowing that I could get busted and thrown out. We all did it and those photos never really turned out great. Fast forward 20 years and I am sitting on the steps of the stage, with a press pass, and taking some great shots. It is truly amazing where the road of life carries you. I was in that space where the serious photographers with the very pricey 50+ lb, 10K cameras and here I am with my digital snapping away like a kid in a candy store. In between shooting photos, I was going back to my seat to take notes on the concert for a future review. It was fun but a lot of work doing both. My focus is reviewing music and photos add another dimension to the story.
I guess you wonder where I’ve been?
Musically, these last two months have been quite busy. I have gotten to hear a lot of great music and taking good notes for upcoming reviews. I have been enjoying new music from Incognito, Nancy Wilson, Anita Baker, and Ray Charles. I still need to get the new Jill Scott, Maysa (9/21), Norman Brown (9/21), Lalah Hathaway (9/28), and Brenda Russell’s latest album will released in the states on 10/05. I saw a September date for the new Earl Klugh album but I have not seen anything yet. Stay tuned!
The Monterey Jazz Festival was excellent this year and I will be telling you all about it very soon. Also, earlier this month, I got see five shows of Andy Bey at Jazz at Pearl’s. He was phenomenal. I will be posting a recent interview with him soon.
I was saddened to hear that Izora Rhodes Armstead died. She, along with Martha Wash, were backup singers for Sylvester and later stepped out on their own as Two Tons o’ Fun and The Weather Girls. I have been loving Izora’s pot liquored voice for a long time and she will always be in my heart.
That’s all for now but I may put a little more up here later.
Yes yes, J-ski, you *do* need to get the new Jill Scott. I’ve played it out!!
Love the description of Izora’s voice as “pot liquored.” Glad you’re back.
Have missed you. Currently wearing the Ray Charles out. Must buy the new Lalah Hathaway. I’ve heard mixed things about Jill Scott’s new one, so I’ll wait for your review. How is the new Incognito? Can’t wait to read more on all this new music. Keep your fingers crossed for me, my husband will probably doing the staging for EWF on 10/05. It’s completely sold out. I may be sitting in the “spot” booth.
I don’t know if this will work because my last comment was wiped out. Glad to see you back. Looking forward to hearing about all this new music. Especially Jill Scott and Incognito. Keep your fingers crossed for me. My husband should be doing staging for EWF on 10/05 and it’s completely sold out so I may be sitting in the “spot” booth.
Miss you.
I remember Two Tons o’ Fun and The Weather Girls. Does that make me old?
Happy Anniversary J-Notes! It _is_ today, isn’t it?