The saxophonists, from left, George Garzone, Ted Nash, Sherman Irby and Walter Blanding Jr
Don’t know how to think about this, but I was there to see Miles and Coltrane. Sometimes on a Sunday afternoon at the Huntspoint Palace or on a Saturday evening at the Rene (Harlem Renaissance Ballroom). Loved the music but had no idea how important Miles and Coltrane would become.
Jazz at Lincoln Center
[ad#itunes-music]
If not, you can always go northwest to Vancouver, Canada for a few days. I live in San Francisco and we declare an emergency whenever the temperature drops below 45. I can’t really complain when I compare our weather to back east where digging your car out of the snow is a community event. But, just in case you’re looking for a little more chill, go visit British Columbia.
Beginning January 20 to February 8, 2009, Vancouver will put on its 5th “PuSh“ International Performing Arts Festival. There will be music, dance, and theater – 18 events in all. The city may be a bit frigid, but there will be a lot going on.
I’ve always liked Montreal, Canada. Beautiful and graceful, this city always seems to have something going on – regardless of the weather. ( Montreal has finessed the whole concept of “underground” shopping.)
The festival has an eclectic musical mix planned, including:
“Return to Forever” with Chick Corea and Stanly Clarke, Aretha Franklin, Leonard Cohen , Omara Portuondo, (you might know her if you saw the documentary, “ Buena Vista Social Club” she sang a duet with the late Cuban crooner, Ibrahim Ferrer), and, lots of others. There is still time to make a plan!
(photo – Festival street scene from 2007)
Montréal Jazz Festival
For information call: 1 888 515-0515 (toll free)
www.montrealjazzfest.com
I have to say a glimpse because I was in Belize for only one week and wasn’t even aware of the trip until two days before (not much time for researching). So, this past week, I had the pleasure and honor of working on Nyasha Liang’s documentary “Punta Rock”, about the musical culture in Belize. We went down this week because one of the musical greats of this gorgeous country, Andy Palacio had passed away. He was a young 47 and at the cusp of major international stardom. Funerals and memorials in Belize reminded me of New Orleans: lingering sadness but HUGE celebration. There was lots and lots of music. Happy, joyous music.
Although my introduction to Garifuna culture, Belizean Art and Andy is still so recent and limited, I did want to share its splendor with my readers. If you are like me and have a serious addiction to Samba, Calypso or Roots Reggae, then you’ll enjoy Andy’s music. Some other artists to look into (remember this is a glimpse, so very far from complete, just what I’ve heard so far and adored) are Garifuna Collective, Aurelio Martinez (he has charisma for days), Mr Peters & Lela Vernon.
For context: The New York Times Obituary for Andy Palacio.
Nyasha’s blog and also her website on producing “Punta Rock” (check out the trailer).
And this site I found online: “Watina: A Look Behind the Music of Andy Palacio”
Enjoy!
Side note: I also had a chance to check out some local artists. Two of my favorites were Michael Gordon and Gilvano Swasey. A definite place to go in Belize City is Image Factory.
The artist formerly known as, currently known as “Prince” will be performing in Las Vegas starting in November and thru 2007. Rather than see this as a sell out or commercialization of an esteemed performer – a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, tons of gold records“ I was thrilled. He will add talent and class to a city that seems to be a continuous poker tournament.
This artist and he is one, regardless of all of the eccentricities that have been applied to him creates and performs with such joy and passion that listening and watching him on stage is an example of what can be achieved when you continue to work at your craft, your bliss, whatever it is.
His recordings are great fun, but, on stage he is electricity, genius, and he can dance! He spins, he does the split while still playing guitar. Hot stuff!
I don’t think his planned Friday and Saturday night stints in a Vegas hotel lounge will change his work ethic. He will continue to be one of the “hardest working men in show business” on stage.
He will wear white silk jumps suits? Maybe his onstage wardrobe is also part of the fun, but, I have no doubt he will not disappoint, he will “put on a show” in the best theatrical tradition.
I will clap, dance, tap my feet and be transported. I will forget all about my under funded 401k and company downsizing. He will give me my money’s worth Prince is a star!
As Yo-Yo Ma played, Joy, Passion, Rapture, all danced across the face of this great musician as he attacked Dvorák's Cello Concerto during the "Live From Lincoln Center" gala on PBS last week. Intense.Then, when all done, he stood, the audience is released from his hold and a beautiful smile spreads across his face. Amazing.
Ma was fascinating to see and to hear