Just a moment

London life, a dash of tango and a spoon full of sounds 
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July 11, 2009

Notes on a few Rising Jazz Stars

I went to a wonderful triple bill concert last night at the Barbican part of their Blaze summer series. First off the very talented Yaron Herman trio: a little too proud technically in my opinion, I thought they were at their best with their quieter tunes. Hiromi was second in the line up and boy did she not disappoint. She is very sweet yet cheeky, engaging, superbly gifted and eminently huggable. Catch her if you can!



I would love to give you my thoughts on the third act, however we ran out for some of the best tapas in town across the river in Brindisa.

Filed under  //   concert   jazz  

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April 28, 2009

Seriously good tune for your evening

Suite for Ma Dukes: some seriously good jazz vibes to take you onwards into your evening...



Filed under  //   jazz   orchestra  

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April 12, 2009

Two little details

José James was presenting some of his new tunes at the Jazz Cafe last night. Man, this guy is talented.

Two little details I picked up.
When José starts scating, eyes closed, he always put his fingers on the pistons of an imaginary trumpet and plays along his improv.
For his last song, he stood still and silent for a few minutes. It was a little awkward. And the crowd was just as restless when he broke his silence than when he took his stand. But I tell you what: the power of that first verse was magnified and rang beyond the microphone.

Filed under  //   concert   jazz  

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February 18, 2009

Jazz hands

Perhaps more fascinating than the fingers of the pianists are the hands of the singers. Fado, blues, flamenco, tango, Edith Piaf, jazz... It's through the hands that some of the energy and emotions trickles out.

Recorded at the abbey Road studio in London.

Filed under  //   jazz  

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February 10, 2009

Missing Freddie

via youtube.com

I was just listening to the great tribute podcast Gilles Peterson did on Freddie Hubbard last year, the most influential trumpettist perhaps in jazz and beyond. Check out this video the band is so tight, the solos are played as hard as it gets. I wish I had had the chance to see him live.

Filed under  //   jazz  

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January 29, 2009

Wave of brass

(download)

After getting warmed up by a great set from Karen P., the main course came to Cargo tonight with Tony Allen, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and a swarm of special guests. The afrobeats of the legendary drummer weaved into some seriously cool grooves got the energy flowing. The raw booming brass got the crowd thumping for more. Who doesn't need this kind of music to put a smile back on London's January face?

(Apologies for the quality of the video...)

Filed under  //   brass   concert   funk   jazz  

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January 23, 2009

Friday came rainy and dull but...

Filed under  //   jazz   soul  

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December 11, 2008

Playful mouth

John Coltrane and Stan Getz playing around.

I know the quality isn't great, the sound is ruffled, the picture is gnarly. But the black and white contrast fits the tone and so does the slightly passe frame and angles. And as for the music you have got two distinct textures on display in symbiotic improvs. I find it mesmerising to watch these two giants' dabbling and teasing lips on the mouthpiece. Don't you want to have a chat with these guys?

Filed under  //   jazz  

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November 14, 2008

Contrebasse Solo Sharing

I am partial to saxophones because I have stumbled and mumbled on the reeds for a few years now. But if there is one solo I am always looking forward to with great anticipation, it is that of the wooden giants of jazz bands. Check this one out: sound is not perfect, editing is not perfect either, but boy is this music filled with joy :) Ladies and gentlemen - Avishai Cohen.

Courtesy of @jfayel for unearthing this gem, check out his posterous. Abrazo!

Filed under  //   jazz  

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