iJazz therefore i am

The Dark Prince

2008-05-15T03:47:00.002-04:00

The first album by Miles Davis that I bought was The Man With The Horn in 1981; little did I know what I'd be getting myself into! Over the years, Miles, especially his Electric Period, has been a foundation and reference point of The Soundtrack Of My Life. I've been pretty busy the last few weeks, but I've got a load of stories to share; until then, I hope you enjoy this review I did of the latest Miles tribute - Miles From India.

Guitarist

2008-05-05T12:18:00.005-04:00

I was a fan of Kevin Eubanks ever since I picked up his first release, Guitarist, on Elektra-Musician, but of all his releases to date, the one that has had the greatest effect upon The Soundtrack Of My Life is Shadow Prophets. In 1988, I played this CD constantly, in fact, in the Summer of '88, I used the disc to profile a new set of high-end speakers, which I eventually purchased along with the requisite audiophile gear to power them. Over the years I've read bits of interviews from Eubanks, who said he wasn't that proud of his GRP output - I don't know, looking back and listening, those GRP albums hold up well, and the material is everything that in my opinion, contemporary jazz ought to be; he certainly wasn't playing anything 'smooth'! I had a chance to catch Eubanks in 1989, soon after the release of The Searcher, which I've always felt was just as strong as Shadow Prophets. He was performing at the Tralfamadore Cafe, and his group was smokin'; Gene Jackson on drums, Rael Wesley Grant on bass, who was just as amazing to watch as Kevin was live, the keyboard player's name escapes me - funny thing was, they never played any selections from The Searcher?! Years later, I caught Eubanks in 2004 performing with Billy Pierce, Smitty Smith and the great Charnett Moffett; his intensity was incredible. From 1989 to 2004, full circle, The Soundtrack Of My Life.
Listen to 'Mice Mobsters' and 'Shadow Prophets' from Shadow Prophets, 'The Story Teller' and 'Cookin'' from The Searcher and 'Spider Monkeys' from Live.
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Arrived 'Full Circle'

2008-05-03T18:37:00.003-04:00

It was 2001, not really Fall yet, more like Indian Summer, it was early evening, I was waiting for my dinner date to arrive, the night air blowing through the window was cool. I had Alexander Zonjic's Reach For The Sky in the CD player, when the Bob James composition 'Angela' came on; it struck me - after 21 years, I had come 'full circle'. I was back in the same town where The Soundtrack Of My Life had begun, listening to a song, that I had first listened to (on All Around Town), in another small apartment 21 years earlier - wow, that's some powerful shit. Whoever doesn't believe that everything happens for a reason, has no clue what life, passion and desire are all about.
Listen to 'Angela' and 'Bellavia'
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Full Circle

2008-05-03T18:10:00.003-04:00

It was 1988, no I hadn't yet come 'full circle', that would come later in 2001; but I remember distinctly the day I purchased the Columbia debut release of Full Circle. It was a beautiful late summer day, a Sunday, cruised over to the record store in my Saab 900 Turbo with my girlfriend. On the way we stopped for breakfast, at a pancake place, then went to the record store. Somewhere along the way we got into a heated argument over something, she jumped out of the car at a red light, refused to get back in; I left, went home, popped my new find into the CD player and enjoyed an awesome young group out of Boston's Berklee College. I had a great afternoon; she made it back at some point, welcome to The Soundtrack Of My Life.
Listen to 'Sorcerer's Appearance'
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Little Sunflower

2008-04-30T19:29:00.003-04:00

It was 1982, still in college, when I came across Milt Jackson's Sunflower; already a huge fan of CTI and Freddie Hubbard's output for the storied label, but for some reason, I had never heard of his composition 'Sunflower' until stumbling across Jackson's album, with it's beautiful cover art. There was a local record company that also had this huge national distribution business, that decided to open the doors to it's warehouse and blow out it's stock of vinyl, cassettes and eight-tracks - which was like opening the door to Fort Knox as far as I was concerned. Needless to say, I think over two days I came home with over 100 Lp's! Sunflower was one of them. Talk about turbo-charging The Soundtrack Of My Life!
Listen to 'Sunflower' and 'People Make The World Go Round'

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Hope

2008-04-16T13:15:00.003-04:00

Early 1988 was a tough time for me; it was full of change, which was exciting; yet The Soundtrack Of My Life was facing the new and unknown. I didn't know who Basia was, but I caught her on the Today Show and she was incredible! Why was music like this predominately coming out of the UK at this time? What were the young artists on this side of the Atlantic thinking? In any event, 'New Day For You' really struck a chord with where I was, it still does, especially when I'm faced with the unknown. Enjoy!

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Hot Dog!

2008-04-16T12:56:00.003-04:00

It wasn't until I bought All Around Town in 1980, that I knew who Bob James was......the guy who wrote the theme to Taxi, 'Angela'! Well, it didn't take long to the rest of James' catalog to find it's way into The Soundtrack Of My Life; I purchased H in early 1981, I love the cover as much today as I did that cold February day when I first saw it. This is my definitive Bob James album, which I've judged all his releases by, to this day; maybe it was the cover, maybe it was Grover, probably it was the excellent compositions and arrangements and the emotion with which they were played. If you don't have this one, go get it, pour yourself a cocktail, put it on and close your eyes; the journey will be excellent!

Listen to 'Snowbird Fantasy' and 'Brighton By The Sea'

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Wish List

2008-04-04T21:52:00.006-04:00

I'm looking for any Japanese Bonus Tracks from Spyro Gyra, Lee Ritenour, Yellowjackets, Chick Corea's Elektric Band, Larry Carlton, or any other Contemporary Jazz Artists that had imports released in Japan. If you can help me out, please contact me, thanks.

New Vistas

2008-04-04T20:06:00.004-04:00

Although Carnaval was the fourth release by Spyro Gyra, it was my third; for some reason, I had skipped picking up Morning Dance until the summer of 1981. In the fall of 1980, I found myself living with two roommates in Skytop; living on the South Campus sucked - might as well have been Siberia, one of my roommates was this Jordache Jean wearing bag of donuts from Jersey, the other guy was ok, until he started having sex with his girl - in my bed??! Needless to say, I was out of there and in an off campus apartment, by myself, before that fall semester was over. But, I do remember cueing up Carnaval daily; can you imagine a group today, releasing two albums in the same year - unheard of! In 1980, SG released Catching The Sun and Carnaval; which was like winning the lottery, as far as I was concerned! Those that know me could argue that Spyro Gyra is The Soundtrack Of My Life (does the album cover look familiar? remind you of something?), at the very least, they are and have continued to be the foundation and entry for all things musical in my life. It's been a few years since I've seen these guys, but I'll be catching them soon!
Listen to 'Cachaca' and 'Bittersweet'

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Ooh...Babe

2008-04-04T19:05:00.003-04:00

It was 1990, I had been waiting two years for a new release from this powerhouse fusion outfit, especially after hearing them play 'songs from the upcoming record'. I'd go to CPG, where they had a standing weekly gig, and endure the cigarette smoke, to hear them play - always checking for the 'new release'. Sure, Gamalon did release a recording, between their self-titled debut and Aerial View, but it was with Ernie Watts, it was good, but I was looking for the straight-no-chaser version. It finally came, in early summer of 1990 - Ooh...Babe (to quote one of their earlier songs), what a scorcher of a CD! Gamalon's Aerial View has made it's way into the top 10 of The Soundtrack Of My Life - no easy task. When I feel like rockin' out or I need an attitude adjustment, this is the soundtrack and these are the guys. It's amazing what you take for granted when it's right in your own backyard.......then realize you need it after it's no longer accessible; I haven't had the chance or the opportunity to see this group, probably since 1994 or 1995. They're still going strong, albeit in a different incarnation - and since I just happen to 'be in town', I'm catching them tomorrow night!

Listen and drool over 'Beat The Heat' and 'The Rift'

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Master Of His Universe

2008-03-31T06:41:00.002-04:00

Early on, Marcus Miller supplied the low-end to The Soundtrack Of My Life, ever present on records by Tom Browne, Dave Valentin, Dave Grusin, David Sanborn, Bobby Broom and Sadao Watanabe. I'll have more down the road, but for now, check out my interview.

Berks Jazz Festival

2008-03-30T19:17:00.004-04:00

Just got back from Berks, only got to spend two days, but the concerts I did see, Brian Bromberg, Kenny Blake Quartet, LA Chillharmonic (Richard Smith, Brian Bromberg, Greg Adams, Michael Paulo, Greg Karukas and Joel Taylor) were outstanding! Made some great new friends, talked Jazz, shared the Soundtrack Of My Life!

A Different Kind Of Drummer

2008-03-25T20:47:00.005-04:00

I moved to Southern California in early 1985, ending up in San Diego, renting a condo perched on the edge of a canyon, looking over what at the time was known as Jack Murphy Stadium, now known as Qualcomm Stadium. There was this local Jazz station that played something that I had never before heard; jazz from a steel drum - blew me away. I remember heading down to the Fashion Valley Mall and hitting the record store and searching out Slow Motion by Andy Narell, and ended up buying his first three releases. I haven't missed a release from Narell since, and don't ever plan on doing so! Guitarist and saxophonist come and go, but this steel drummer will always be a part of The Soundtrack Of My Life.

Listen to 'Two Tone Shoes', 'Slow Motion' and 'Another Drum For Oskar'

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A Night Of Latin Jazz

2008-03-25T20:02:00.005-04:00

It was early 1988, may have been February or March, I can't remember the exact month, but I was in NYC for a few days, visiting a friend of mine who was doing some consulting for me. She lived on Water Street, maybe she still does, I don't know. Anyway, she had this really cool apartment not far from the Futon Street fish market, we had met for a drink at some bar that was frequented by brokers from Wall Street and later walked to her place, where I spent a couple of nights. One of the nights we went over to the Blue Note in The Village, it was a Latin Jazz Extravaganza held in the memory of Jorge Dalto; Michele Camilo opened with his trio, that included a young Joel Rosenblatt on drums, pre-Spyro Gyra. But it was the headliner that I was there to see, Dave Valentin, a central player in The Soundtrack Of My Life. We were practically sitting on the stage, it was a two drink minimum - that wasn't going to be any problem for the two of us; he was incredible, of all the concerts and artists I've seen over the years, this night stands out as one of the best performances I've ever seen. Besides his band, he had Jerry Gonzalez sit it on both trumpet and congas - outstanding; I remember Valentin admonishing the crowd to not talk while he and the band played! Later that year, I was thrilled when GRP released Dave Valentin-Live At The Blue Note, hoping it was from the performance that Gisela and I had seen, but it was from a date a few months after I had been in the City - it doesn't matter; whenever I listen to this disc, I think back to that night; the bar, the apartment, the Blue Note, Gisela - it was a good couple of days.
Listen to 'Cinnamon and Clove', 'Shamballa' and 'Afro Blue'
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Kind of a Special EFX

2008-03-24T20:23:00.006-04:00

It's 1992 and I'm in Raleigh, NC, tooling around in my new Infiniti J30, listening to George Jinda's solo release, 'World News'; I remember the day like it was yesterday, cool, sunny, just a beautiful Autumn day in the South. It was October, was married for about a month, everything was still new, and unbeknownst to us, my wife was carrying our son; a significant part of The Soundtrack Of My Life. Being a fan of Special EFX, I picked up Jinda's album without hesitation; looking back over the years and listening to Chieli's and George's individual releases.....these guys were magic together; makes you think what could have been had Jinda not passed away as early as he did.

Listen to 'With A Message' and 'Luscious Rebecca'

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Lost Love

2008-03-24T19:36:00.005-04:00

This one's not that easy to write about.......for all my misgivings, there are only two regrets I have in my life, and both of them have to do women (what a surprise, huh?). But not for the reason you might think; the regret is for what I didn't do, what I didn't pursue, not for anything I did. This one doesn't know, the second.......we've discussed it and she knows. I met her in 1987, she was dating a friend of mine, we were both in a relationship; over the years we became close. 1993 I moved back to town, married, we ran into each other, and continued to do so, over and over again. There was attraction, there was desire, there was definitely electricity.......it was The Soundtrack Of My Life; we would meet on Thursday nights at the Crash Club on Elmwood Ave. I lent her Ronnie Jordan's Quiet Revolution to listen to in her convertible Cadillac Alante, on her way up to Alexander Bay; one night she leaned over and kissed me....I just couldn't pursue her, looking back, I should have. After that night, over the next few years, we would run into each other, work in the same office and go out with the same group of friends - always with that energy sizzling under the surface. It's been 11 plus years since we've seen each other, although we each know where the other is.....it makes you think. FYI, took me about a year to get Quiet Revolution back from her!
Listen to 'In Full Swing', 'Slam In A Jam' and 'Come With Me'
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Power and Passion

2008-03-24T19:06:00.004-04:00

1985, late Summer, LaJolla - I had been married for a few months, moved into a great townhouse in an incredible area and The Soundtrack Of My Life was developing daily! My parents came from back east to visit the two of us, after all these years, I'm pretty sure it didn't go too well. In any event, Tower Records on Sports Arena Drive gave up this treasure, a GRP imprint, so I felt confident in slapping down my $8 - looking back, a pretty cheap fix! I was familiar with BC, but mostly from his contributions on CTI, so this Power and Passion along with the African undertones were new to me - I liked it. Over the years, I think back to that townhouse, the bedroom overlooking the street, the light shining through, smooth pale 24 year old skin shimmering in the moon light - a true blonde - nothing lasts forever, especially that relationship; but over the years Billy Cobham's Warning has filled the void.....
Listen to 'Mozaik' and 'Dancer'
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Groovin'

2008-03-17T21:10:00.003-04:00

1988, looking back, it was a very good year.....for contemporary jazz. Of all the years that I remember, 1988, at least for MCA Records, was a stellar year for releases; it seemed as though each week brought 4 or 5 new releases, now, we're lucky if we get that many in a month, and certainly not from a 'major' record company. One of the best and most interesting releases I picked up that year was Missing Links-Groovin', which might have as well been a Special EFX side project; with George Jinda, Omar Hakim, Robbie Kondor, Bernard Wright, Don Blackman, Najee, Bill Evans, Lenny Pickett, John Scofield and a number of other fine musicians contributing to this CD of Soul and R&B covers. I was in a major transition that year, bought a lot of music which defined and set the path for The Soundtrack Of My Life, but of all the years, 1988 was one of the most significant for me.......in many ways. To be continued..........

Listen to 'Walk On By', 'Everyday People/Thank You.....', 'Don't Hold Back' and 'Dancing In The Street'
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Spring Of Discontent

2008-03-08T21:33:00.003-05:00

It was the Spring of 1988, I had moved back into my parents house, been there for about four months or so, the divorce wasn't final yet; still not over the old, and having far more fun with the new than I probably should have been.......oh well, after all, it is The Soundtrack Of My Life! Thank God for GRP, they had plenty of new releases that Spring, but one in particular, along with mass quantities of Absolut & tonic with a lemon, got me through that Spring, Double Feature by Special EFX. Something about cranking the volume on 'Thy Kingdom Come' after about three vodkas, it didn't get any better than that - except maybe visiting the new and firing up some Michael Franks, but that's best left for another time.

Listen to 'Thy Kingdom Come' and 'Jamaica, Jamaica'

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The Mother Lode

2008-03-08T20:56:00.006-05:00

You never know when you're going to hit pay-dirt, and come across that unknown treasure while working the bins at the record store, you know the one - the one that helps define The Soundtrack Of My Life; well, I hit the Mother Lode in the Summer of 1991, when the home-town record label released Cool Running by Jeremy Wall. As I've already confessed, it was usually the Wall compositions that were the first ones I listened to whenever Spyro Gyra released a new album, so to have a full CD of them........I barely made it home to toss the CD in the player; I hadn't felt that much anticipation since that night parked off the side of Shimerville Road! Cool Running, for me, might have just been a SG release, with trumpet and french horn, replacing Jay's sax; although other than Wall, Dave Samuels was the only other Spyro on this album, it was pure SG/Wall composed magic. Grant Geissman, the rhythm duo of Mark Egan and Danny Gottlieb along with Alex Acuna, Chip Jackson, Lew Soloff and Jerry Peel lay it out - top notch! The album was even recorded by Larry Swist at Bear Tracks. On this day, at least, the Summer of 1991 was pretty sweet.

Listen to 'Out Of The Blue', 'Riverrun' and 'Cool Running'

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The Best Spyro Gyra Album, Not Recorded By Them

2008-03-03T19:47:00.006-05:00

I had discovered the beauty and quality of CTI early on, as I did later with Tappan Zee and GRP as well - record labels that defined a genre, stood for a certain level of quality, represented a 'sound' and above all, have played a very large part in The Soundtrack Of My Life. Now, my affliction for all things Gyra (just look at the tattoo) is well documented, so I was thrilled to come across the CTI release, In A Temple Garden by Yusef Lateef. I can't exactly remember when I picked this LP out of the cut-out bin, but I know I was still in college when I did. Jeremy Wall, Spyro Gyra co-founder, co-producer, composer and one time keyboardist produced this date for CTI in 1979, the same year as their breakout recording, Morning Dance. I had no idea who Lateef was, and really didn't care, I saw Wall's name attached to the credits, the fact that he composed all but two of the songs recorded, and when you took a look at the list of players on the LP; Wall, Tom Schuman (SG's other and current keyboardist), Eric Gale, the Brecker Bothers, Will Lee, Steve Gadd - this could have just been another early SG session! The only thing missing was Jay Beckenstein's butterscotch alto, replaced by Lateef's grity and course tenor. Chances are, you'll never come across this recording, although if you search hard enough, there are some keepers of the flame (thank you Smooth) who have made it available. Find it, listen to it, you owe it to yourself!

Listen to 'In A Temple Garden', 'Confirmation' and 'Morocco' all composed by Jeremy Wall

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Guitar God

2008-03-03T18:36:00.003-05:00

The one place that I could always go to, whether I felt happy, sad, confused, angry or on top of the world- was the 'record store'; where all troubles melted away and everything could be made better, a place where all the problems of the world were solved - kind of like eating comfort food - like mac-n-cheese. So it's 1986, been married a little over a year, pretty sure I was already bored, but I won't get into that story just yet; anyways, not sure what time of year it was exactly, but the weather was nice, so it had to be late spring, early summer. I needed a fix bad,had that need to just get away, me and my thoughts, so I headed to the 'record store', which actually was just down the street and around the corner in a plaza. It was a pretty damn good record store too, great selection. So I'm working the bins, and I come across this Lp by some guy named Russ Freeman, and by the looks of the liner notes, he's playing just about everything, except the sax, which is handled by Brandon Fields, already had one of his albums, so I score. Over the years, not too many artists, upon first listen, have blown me away, but that afternoon in 1986, Russ Freeman blew me away! I couldn't get enough of that album, Nocturnal Playground, played it all the time. I had just moved back from Southern California, and in all honesty, really didn't enjoy my time there, but for some reason, what few good memories I had of the place - Nocturnal Playground brought back. To this day, I'm still amazed that this was Russ Freeman's first album, sure, it's nothing compared to the Ripps latest, but the compositions,playing and production, for a first release are incredible.

When it came time to search down Freeman's next album, Moonlighting, an effort he was releasing under the moniker, The Rippington's, I already had an idea what I was in for, or so I thought, so I waited until I found the CD - no small fete in early 1997. Well, I might have thought I knew what I was in for, but in all actuality, what I purchased that cold snowy January, eleven years ago, stands, to this day as one of the most perfect Contemporary Jazz recordings of all time. I know that's a pretty bold statement, but it's mine and I'm sticking by it! Kenny G, Brandon Fields, David Benoit, Gregg Karukas, Steve Reid, Dave Koz (who by the way has never sounded as good as he did on this album playing EWI) - and Freeman's guitar and compositions - wow! All I'll say is that this CD has been with me through good and bad, up and down, and three major relationships - no need to say anymore than that. This is The Soundtrack Of My Life. If you don't have it, you need it; if you do have it, you know what I'm talking about!
Listen to 'Nocturnal Playground', 'Jamaican Nights' and 'Amelia' from Nocturnal Nights and from Moonlighting, 'Dreams', 'Open All Night' and 'Intimate Strangers'

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Long Hot Summer

2008-02-23T18:15:00.008-05:00

So, it's the Summer of '82, which I've mentioned in a previous post; it's hot, I'm studying my ass off because I decided to take a full semester's worth of courses (like an idiot) instead of kicking back and partying - like everyone else I knew was doing. I had this room set up where my stereo was; a rack full of components, the large floor standing speakers (remember when bigger was better?), 4 peach crates which not only held my albums but by placing a sheet of plexiglas on top of, doubled as a coffee table, 2 small love-seat type couches and my desk - this is where I spent the majority of my time in the Summer of 1982. I'd go to class, study, drink scotch and most importantly cruise the record stores for that special fix - The New Release! Yeah, I had a girlfriend (with all the benefits), so don't get the impression that I was a nerd or anything; but one thing I recognized early on; no matter what, the music will always be there! I picked up a lot of great music that summer, but there are three memories that stick out in my mind the most; Pat Metheny's Offramp, the Yellowjackets debut effort and this incredible kick-ass beauty that was in my Econometrics class. I had been turned on to the Pat Metheny Group my freshman year at Syracuse University by a friend from Chicago, prior to going to college, my musical education lacked any reference to my future passion - Jazz. I was pretty excited to come across a new PMG recording that summer, since the two prior Metheny LP's I had picked up, 80/81 and As Falls Wichita...., were a bit of a departure for me - after all, I was still somewhat in the formative stage of my life's future mission. I'm not sure what it is about Offramp, as strong and diverse as the other PMG recordings are, both prior and since this release - this is the one I keep pulling off the shelf to listen to. It could be due to 'Eighteen' which I still rock-out to, or the fact that the 'Group' was in a transitional phase with Steve Rodby having replaced Mark Egan and Gottlieb still on hand for one last time, maybe it was the 'taste' of things to come with the track 'Offramp' telegraphing the direction that Metheny would take on Song X or even the fact that going forward, the PMG would delve into all things Brazilian ( OR MAYBE it was drinking scotch while cranking 'Eighteen' and thinking about that blonde from class!); all I know is, any album that includes 'Are You going With Me', 'Eighteen' and 'James' can't be all that bad!

I'm not sure where I came across it, but there was a promo from Warner Bros. for a 45 with PMG on one side and the Yellowjackets on the other; something about the fact that they had been digitally recorded, so I sent away for it. I had never heard of the Jackets, although I recognized Russ Ferrante from other recordings that I had, and of course, I knew about Ernie Watts; the Robben Ford connection meant nothing to me at the time. This was the second great memory of the Summer of '82. The impact that these guys had on me, to this day, is the closest any group, since Spyro Gyra has had on The Soundtrack Of My Life. In retrospect, while not necessarily their strongest release, this album set the stage for an extremely talented core group (Ferrante & Haslip) of musicians with the courage to compose and perform music that they knew would never get airplay; whether on a 'smooth jazz' station, or one which catered to 'traditional straight-ahead' jazz (i.e. neo-conservative, skinny tie and 3-button suit, technically proficient but lacking of any emotion, backwards looking and devoid of absolutely any new ideas, with a propensity to be a follower not a leader). Over the years, the Yellowjackets have upgraded talent (Bob Mintzer) and have taken a decidedly fusionistic approach; where there once was a number of artists and groups playing in that sandbox, such as Miles, Return To Forever, Mahavishnu, Passport, Steps Ahead, Weather Report, Zawinul Syndicate- today, few still bring their bucket and shovel to work with them. If anything, the Yellowjackets seem to have moved closer to that realm with each subsequent release, even before Mark Russo who was more R&B orientated left the group to be replaced by Bob Mintzer and his bop background. I know that in my writings I reference Spyro Gyra quite a bit, and with good reason, but these two groups while taking totally different compositional roads, remind me so much of one another; group chemistry & cohesiveness, lack of member turnover, a propensity for original compositions and the encouragement of group members to compose and contribute, neither group has ever courted radio, and longevity - I could go on, but I think you've got my point. Yes - I am a fan, there is no doubt; and it was during this summer, when I sweated my ass off, studying, that I first became aware of the Yellowjackets, and have followed ever since, looking forward to each new release, the way a little kid looks forward to Christmas Day; some would say it's sad, but my answer to that is that there are far worse addictions than The Soundtrack Of My Life. Over the years, I've only seen Pat Metheny twice, the first time in support of the Parallel Realities recording he did with Jack Dejohnette, Dave Holland and Herbie Hancock at Artpark in Lewiston, NY and in Syracuse, NY in 2002 when he was on tour to support Speaking Of Now. The Yellowjackets are a different story, next to Spyro Gyra, I've seen these guys more than any other group or artist. I'm not even sure how many times I've seen them, but the first time was in 1985 in LaJolla, CA at the art museum, after they had released Samurai Samba and the last time was in 2001 at Glenora Wine cellars in Dundee, NY overlooking Seneca Lake, in support of their independent release, Mint Jam.

So, these two releases, along with a number of others, that might make their way onto this blog, got me through the Summer of 1982. At the time, it seemed like a good idea, and more importantly the right and responsible thing to do; accelerate my education, pile up the credits, graduate early and put myself in a position to be competitively advantaged to start making money - I had it all figured out, or so I thought. Over the years since that Summer of 1982, there have been two constants in my life; change and The Soundtrack Of My Life. Although priorities and reality may have intersected, bisected or changed, The Soundtrack Of My Life has evolved, expanded and improved! Now, about that third significant memory of the Summer of '82, that Blonde in my class; actually we shared a class in both sessions that summer. Can't remember her name, but she was something; pretty, smart (after all, these were 400 level courses!), shapely (mostly wore skirts and the buttons on her blouses always had a way of becoming undone) and shy, although she got over that once we made nice to each other. Unfortunately, I was in a relationship and had made the decision not to pursue this friendship - again, doing what seemed like the right thing at the time. Although I tend not to 'cry over spilled milk' and pride myself on my ability to make decisions and stand by them, occasionally, every now and then I'll revisit certain memories and ask myself 'why'; no use in belaboring the point, other than to say, this is The Soundtrack Of My Life.

Listen to 'Priscilla' from the Yellowjackets and Pat Metheny's 'Eighteen'

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Can You Break a Dollar?

2008-02-21T20:06:00.005-05:00

One of the first CD's that I purchased after I got my first CD player in 1986 was Pocket Change-Random Axis. I had no idea who Pocket Change was, but I was familiar with saxophonist Brandon Fields who I really liked, and I had his first LP, The Other Side Of The Story. Also, I liked some of the other releases that had been put out on the label, Passport Jazz; so I picked it up - glad I did. Over the years, I never could find a whole lot of information on this group or their leader, guitarist David Patt, but Random Axis is an excellent recording- pure Contemporary Jazz. Besides Brandon Fields, two future Rippingtons members, Tony Morales and Steve Reid contribute to this recording. The songs, for the most part, all either penned or co-written by Patt are excellent, with 'Amethyst' being my favorite. Why this group never went as far or got the press that their label mates, The Rippingtons did, is a mystery to me. If you can find it, get it; this is as good as Contemporary Jazz gets. Listen to 'Amethyst'.
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Crazy Samba

2008-02-21T19:12:00.010-05:00

Long before Medeski Martin and Wood introduced the great unwashed to the groove of the organ trio, there were 3 guys from Rio who jammed better than anyone - Azymuth. I discovered Jose Roberto Bertrami (keyboards), Alex Malheiros (bass) and Ivan Conti (drums & percussion) in 1980, when I picked up their Outubro album, because I liked the way the Lp cover looked and I saw that Bertrami played synths - how many people buy CD's nowadays because of the art? Anyways, I immediately liked these guys, they really knew how to groove; so, over the years, I've followed them and have tracked down everything they've recorded (I think!). In fact, it was iTunes that made all of their Far Out recordings of the last several years accessible - thank you Steve Jobs! Although I'd be hard-pressed to choose my favorite recording of theirs, 1982's Telecommunication just might be it. The Summer of '82 was hot, I had decided to forego a trip to Europe in order to attend two summer sessions and accelerate my college studies; looking back, I was an idiot for not going to Europe - what the hell was I thinking? So, I busted my ass that summer studying - and listening to music. One of the many great Lp's that I picked up that summer was Telecommunication; by now I had become familiar with Azymuth and really loved that organ, synth, vocoder thing that Jose Roberto Bertrami had going on - but I was totally unprepared for that almost 11 minute opus, 'Last Summer In Rio', I wore out the vinyl playing it over and over. Over the years, I'd put Last Summer on, pour a drink and just close my eyes and think about what is or what might have been - not to mention how many times I've made out to this song (!). I won't go into greater detail (for the sake of embarrassing my kids - they're teenagers, you know), other than to say, this album, and specifically this song truly represents The Soundtrack Of My Life. I'm pleased to report that Azymuth is still going strong after all these years, still releasing cd's, and their complete catalog is available if you look hard enough, most of which you can download at the major mp3 stores. If you've never heard these guys, give them a chance, Telecommunication is a good place start! Listen to 'Last Summer In Rio'.

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