iJazz therefore i am

Monday, August 04, 2008

For Hope

I was asked the other night, in a quiz like manner, what my favorite Acoustic Alchemy recording was; without missing a beat I responded that it was Natural Elements. It was the first CD of theirs that I picked up in 1988. I heard 'Casino' on the very first sampler that Jazziz put out in the Summer of '88; I was hooked, and after many fine AA releases over the years, Natural Elements is still my favorite! 1988.......it was a very interesting year, and in many ways a very good one as well! So Hope, that's why this is The Soundtrack Of My Life.

Listen to 'Drake's Drum', 'Overnight Sleeper', 'Casino' and 'Evil The Weasel'

Admonished

Well it finally happened.......I was admonished by a reader who inquired as to why I didn't post an update this weekend - hey, it's The Soundtrack Of My Life, not yours - or is it? Anyways, it was 1990, Summer, I know that because I was grilling the most gorgeous sirloin steak on the grill outside my apartment; remember when you could buy a sirloin with the bone? My thoughts then still hold true today, even after all the releases that Marienthal has recorded; Crossroads still is the strongest release he has ever put out. I think it's the combination of Patitucci, both as a producer and composer along with Russell Ferrante's contributions both writing and playing. I know that I probably sound like some 'broken record' by now, but the releases that GRP was putting out at this time, rival anything CTI or A&M Horizon released in their heyday. Yeah I may be a bit nostalgic, but that's only because the major labels are putting out crap, and expecting us to pay $18 a whack for it!

Listen to: 'Spoons', 'Schmooze' and 'On The Eve Of Tomorrow'

Monday, July 28, 2008

Sunshine, Wine and Spyro Gyra

It was a beautiful day, overlooking Seneca Lake, a record setting crowd, 82 degrees, locally produced NYS wine and Spyro Gyra - in other words, a perfect July day in Central New York's Finger Lakes Region. The set wasn't as long as the one I attended last month, but the arrangements were just as tasty and the crowd was crazy (maybe it was all that wine). My son, attending his first SG concert, and admitting it wasn't what he's used to listening to (15 years old!!), asked me how many times I've seen these guys; I honestly couldn't answer him - it's been so many times, at least 15 - wow, I guess we're all getting old!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Pacific Fire on the Pacific

I was living in LaJolla, CA in 1985, sunshine, heat, shiny cars, tanned bodies - all the time. The Tower Records on Sports Arena Blvd was a regular stop, I came across this George Benson release, Pacific Fire that Summer; the pressing wasn't very good, the vinyl was pretty dirty, but it was a fairly difficult CTI release to come by. I held on to this LP until this past year, when I gave it to my friend Smooth, who's done a great job cleaning it up; the internet has both added and enhanced The Soundtrack Of My Life - to be able to listen to this gem once again, like the commercial says - priceless!

Listen to 'Em' and 'Pacific Fire'

Fast Forward

June 1990 I was in Savannah, GA, I knew that GRP was about to release a number of CD's that month, one of which was the new Spyro Gyra release Fast Forward, their first on the newly merged Jazz divisions of MCA and GRP; so I was twice as excited as usual, my favorite band was coming out with a new release on my favorite label, known for their impeccable production. This was the second release of SG with Jay Azzolina on guitar, who would leave the band after his short stint to be replaced by previous and still current guitarist Julio Fernandez. I remember reading the liner notes over and over while I was in Savannah, since I didn't have a CD player while I was down there on vacation, the anticipation of listening to the disc when I got back home was killing me! Look very closely at the tour schedule on the bottom of the ad for Fast Forward, that mid July 1990 date at the Albright Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY - I was there. Fast Forward 18 years, I'll be lounging outside next Sunday (hopefully in the sun) listening to Spyro Gyra perform at Glenora Vineyards overlooking beautiful Seneca Lake, and 3 weeks after that, I'll be back in Savannah - The Soundtrack Of My Life; the more things change, the more they stay the same!

Listen to 'Bright Lights', 'Speak Easy', 'Escape Hatch' and 'Tower of Babel'

The Sound Of Summer

It was the Summer of 1993, my son had just been born in June, I was on top of the world - any problem or concern that I may have had melted away, at least for a few months. I remember strapping him into the car seat in the back of the J30, my wife and I deciding to take a ride (he always fell asleep in the car), maybe stop for a bite to eat; of course, I had an ulterior motive - the habit still needed to be fed! We stopped by my favorite record store that gorgeous sunny afternoon, I had a few minutes to run in and find my fix - The Soundtrack Of My Life doesn't wait for anyone, as my son has learned over the last 15 years! I picked up two CD's that day, one of which will remain a mystery until a later time; Paul Hardcastle's first release under The Jazzmasters moniker was an instant Smooth Jazz classic - sensuous sax and flute, breezy vocals and a beat that made you want to move. I can't put this disc on without thinking back to that sunny, warm relaxing day - things would certainly change quickly for me, but for awhile at least, I had no worries.

Listen to 'Northern Lights' and 'Lost Summer'

Brothers

August of 1988, I had the itch to upgrade my stereo system - after all, I hadn't made any major upgrades in components since my college days. I decided to make the plunge, besides, I had pretty much purged the old out of my life so far that year, what was another $3000 or $4000 on equipment? (actually a lot in '88!). I went out and got a set of Polk Speakers and all Adcom components plus a Bang & Oulfson turntable; smoked the American Express Card that day! Because of those glorious ads that GRP used to place, like the one in the previous post, I had been on the lookout for the new Dave Grusin CD, which included his brother Don; just the two of them, using what was cutting edge technology for the time - which still sounds fresh today, 20 years later. I was happy, living life that late Summer, and The Soundtrack Of My Life never sounded better!
Listen to 'Birds With Long Legs' and 'River Song'

Sunday, July 06, 2008

The Glory Days Of GRP

Remember how great of a label GRP was? The music, the artists, the level of production, the art work, the overall look and sound? Remember what it was like before the internet; when information wasn't instantaneous, when you didn't necessarily know what new releases where to come your way? About the only advance notice we got about upcoming releases were those incredible GRP ads. I thought that I'd start going through my back issue jazz magazines and scan some of the ads of releases that I've already talked about or plan to very shortly. This ad is from a September 1988 publication; I've already written about Kevin Eubanks' 'Shadow Prophets' and Special EFX's 'Double Feature', Chick Corea, David Benoit and Dave & Don Grusin will be coming. I guess that it would be asking too much for the HUGE conglomerates who now control the record business to put that sort of commitment and passion back into Jazz that GRP showed in the late eighties and early nineties - but I guess that's what dreams are all about!

Flying (low) Over The Horizon

It was 1984, Fall, I was on a road-trip to watch a college football game, Syracuse vs Nebraska at the Dome. Earlier that year in the Spring, I had bought myself a Saab 900 Turbo for my 23rd birthday; it was a beauty, black with red interior, 5-speed stick, sunroof - everything, including a top of the line radar detector (mistake!) - not bad for being 1 year removed from college; I was feeling pretty good about myself that sunny Fall day - too good. As I made the 150 mile trip in a little over an hour an a half (!!), I had Azymuth pumping through the stereo (remember cassettes?) - Jazz Carnival, all that crazy rhythm, the organ and synths, the electronic percussion; there's a reason these 3 incredible musicians from Brazil call their music Crazy Samba - because it made me crazy that day - doing 110 mph down the Thruway! Unfortunately I wasn't able to use the music as an excuse when the Troopers pulled me over, 5 miles before my exit; at least they got me as I was slowing down - 95 in a 55, needless to say, my spirits weren't quite as high the rest of the day! As far as the game, I have no recollection, my only memory is of The Soundtrack Of My Life!

boomp3.com
Listen to 'Jazz Carnival', 'Partido Alto', and 'Fly Over The Horizon'

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Jam

Because of the likes of Soulive and Karl Denson, and because I felt 'free' and 'home' again, willing to break out of 'my box', I found myself on a very hot Saturday afternoon in August of 2001, barreling down the Thruway, looking forward to spending the rest of the weekend at my new/old hometown. I had a party to attend later that day, and was excited about meeting new people, making new acquaintances. As I drove, with the windows open in the heat, I was listening to Schleigho - Live At Ho-Down 2000; this girl that I knew, who was considerably younger than I, had recommended that I give them a listen - I'm glad I did. I heard influences of Weather Report, Miles, and a whole host of other great Jazz musicians. 2001 was certainly shaping up to be a great year for The Soundtrack Of My Life.

Listen to 'Go Children Slow'

Did I Miss Lesson #1?

OK, so maybe was I was working too hard and I was out of the loop! I can rationalize, at least to myself, for not knowing about Soulive, but how could I have missed Karl Denson - out on the same label no less? Again, It was early spring 2001, it was obvious to me, that I was all work and no play..........I would soon rectify that! I truly had no idea who Denson was, all I knew was that the monkey was rearing it's head and it needed to be fed, The Soundtrack Lived! Sometimes, when we least expect it, someone or something enters our lives.....for the better; leaving the drama aside, if I were to consider the last 7 1/2 years as a whole, as the latest chapter in The Soundtrack Of My Life, then Dance Lesson #2 is the door that I walked through, on my way there. For me, it's a seminal recording, one which helped me understand a whole new generation of up and coming young artists; just an absolute killer CD.

Listen to 'Flute Down', 'A Shorter Path #2', 'I Want The Funk' and 'Who Are You?'

Back 'Home' doin' something

Looking back, 2001 was a very significant year for me; moving back to the place I've come to realize was 'home' all along, developing what have become and always will be 'lifetime relationships', ending the old & beginning the new, falling in love, and being the best father I possibly could - from 150 miles away. And all through the year, The Soundtrack Of My Life grew; one of the first CD's that I picked up, after discovering the local independent music store, was Soulive's Blue Note debut, 'doin' something'. I remember feeling kind of dumb, looking at the display in this eclectic and very cool CD store, like I should have known who this group was - but I didn't have a clue. I bought the CD, they gave me a VHS video and an EP of one of the group's earlier releases; I was like, wow, did I miss something? Well, by now, I'm sure if you're a reader of this blog, you've probably heard of Soulive and their connection to both the Jazz and Jam crowds; if not, you're in for a treat!

Listen to 'Bridge To 'Bama' and 'Roll The Tape'

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Wrestling With A Decision

"Wrestling With A Decision"........not my words, but an incredibly fitting and timely phrase. Not all the memories, experiences and stories are necessarily from the past; some are current, very current. How do you decide what is the right thing to do, which is the right path to take? Flip a coin, run an analysis, follow your heart, pursue your dreams? Or just conform and do what is expected of you, following the crowd like another cow in a herd of cattle. I don't know the answer, but I know what I'm feeling, and so do you - deep down we all do..........all it takes is courage, the courage of your convictions, and The Soundtrack........The Soundtrack Of My Life!

Listen To Brian Auger's version of Hebie Hancock's beautiful 'Butterfly', Kool & The Gang's 'Summer Madness' and PM Dawn's 'Adrift On Memory Bliss' and listen to yourself; maybe your heart's trying to tell you something! And remember, it's never too late to become what you might have been.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Repercussions

I picked up this CD in 1996, Repercussions Earth And Heaven, mostly because the majority of the musicians were also members of the Groove Collective. I never heard anything from this group again over the years, but this recording is killer! Absolutely contemporary in every way, and even listening to it today, 12 years later, it sounds as fresh as any Nue-Jazz being released.
Listen to 'Find Your Way', 'Test Of Time', 'Promise Me', 'Slice Of Heaven' , 'Love Like The Sun', and 'If There's A Question

Sanborn Clone?

A lot has been written in regards to the similarity in sound that Nelson Rangell has had to David Sanborn, especially amongst his early recordings. Perhaps it's true what they say; imitation is the greatest form of flattery, in any event, Nelson is a truly gifted saxophonist that's probably had a tougher time than most in identifying his own sound. I really don't remember what prompted me to pick up this release in 1988, but it probably was either a review or more likely a well placed ad - I'm glad I did. I've been a Rangell fan from the beginning, especially of his GRP output, and in a way, feel that Nelson really benefited from the Grusin/Rosen direction, and lost his a way a bit these last few years in terms of direction and production.

Listen to 'New Country', 'Heroes', and 'To Begin Again'

An Endless Train Ride

It was September of 1989, I was moving into a new apartment with my girlfriend, who down the road would become my wife and the mother of my children. My parents were there to help us out; that's the way they were. I remember that I had been eyeing David Becker's first two releases, and finally took the plunge and picked up his 1988 release, Siberian Express. I'm not sure what I thought I was getting into, but whatever itr was, I wasn't prepared for the incredible fusion of this amazing and under appreciated guitarist. The Soundtrack Of My Life would be totally incomplete without the Tribune and the rest of Becker's recordings. The internet has been good to me; the DBT has released a few new recordings the past few years, which has defiantly quenched my thirst for this incredible guitarist.
Listen to 'Anja', 'Hilversum' and 'Siberian Express'

June Is GRP Month

It was June of 1990, I was in Savannah, GA spending 10 days on the beach with my girlfriend....but it was also GRP month; remember when they used to do a summer promotion? How great were those ads of their upcoming releases? In any event, that Summer saw a great number of releases, one of which was Dave Valentin's collaboration with Herbie Mann, Two Amigos. I happened to take a day trip to Hilton Head Island, and stopped at this mall and picked up this CD, along with a few others that might just make this blog. I remember the day as if it was yesterday, and not 18 years ago!

Listen to 'Moonlight Walk' and 'Rambo The Cat'

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Change

It was the Fall of 1987, around the time of The Stock Market Crash; my life was full of change, both consciously and subconsciously. I was in the process of embarking upon a new endeavor, forming new relationships, and at the same time, subconsciously, leaving old relationships behind. Almost twenty one years later, I have that same feeling again, that thirst for change, adventure, desire, that burning need to chase my dreams - an almost spiritual quest; I've even gone back and re-read The Alchemist. It was Lee Ritenour's Portrait that laid down the groove for The Soundtrack Of My Life that Fall 21 years ago; it was the first recording of his that I purchased in the CD format, just a great recording, made memorable by the prescience of The Yellowjackets on a number of tunes. I'm not sure where this quest is going to take me or if I even have the courage and strength to complete it, but I'm certain that The Soundtrack Of My Life will be there with me!
Listen to 'Windmill', 'White Water', 'Portrait', 'Runaway' and 'Route 17'

Fall Of The Iron Curtain

It was October of 1989, I was sitting on the couch, in my apartment, watching CNN, and all I could think of, was how I was actually witnessing history, taking place, right before my eyes - there on live television, I was witnessing people, young and old, free and oppressed, tearing down the Berlin Wall, while authorities from the soon to be former East Germany, just stood by, knowing that there was nothing they could do to stop this historic moment. As I often did, I was watching TV, with my Stax headphones on, I distinctly remember listening to Windows CD The French Laundry. Incredible, Historic, The Soundtrack Of My Life!

Listen to 'Night Whispers' and 'Spin Of The Wheel'

If The Glove Does Not Fit, You Must Acquit

It was Fall of 1995, I had just picked up this GRP project, and was really looking forward to listening to these Beatles interpretations; not that I was a Beatles fan, because I'm not, but because I really liked GRP and the artists involved in this project. I listened to the disc on the way to the outpatient surgery center, to repair an old hockey injury. In the days that followed, while I laid around the house recovering - I'd get to witness, along with the rest of the nation, mesmerised, as a certain white Ford Bronco dashed down the Santa Monica Freeway, followed by a convoy of police cruisers and helicopters - The Soundtrack Of My Life, you gotta love it!

Listen to Goove Collective's version of 'She's So Heavy' and Spyro Gyra's interpretation of 'In My Life'

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