Tom Wilson's Music Spot

Derek Trucks Band Videos

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 01:18:18 EST

I recently attedned the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival and got the chance to listen to a large amount of amazing artists, one of them including Derek Trucks and his band, The Derek Trucks Band. Derek Trucks plays and amazing mix of blues, jazz mixed with eastern influences on the slide guitar. His guitar is always overdriven to give an amazing warmth feel, and combined with the slide guitar, incredibly quick fingers and amazing skills, Derek Trucks really blew me away and converted me into a life long fan.

I was checking out some of the 2007 Crossroads videos, some of which my sister posted, and stumbled upon some Derek Trucks solos and was once again amazed. Here are some of the videos on youtube that I found were just amazing.

"Desdemona" - Derek Trucks Guitar Solo

Derek Trucks solo in "Desdemona" recorded live in "Live At The Beacon Theatre" with Allman Brothers.

"Dreams" - Derek Trucks Guitar Solo

Another Derek Trucks solo recorded live in "Live At The Beacon Theatre" with Allman Brothers.

This time playing "Dreams"

Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Videos

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:57:34 EST

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to go to the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival in Bridgeview, IL. I went with my Dad, my sister, Greg Peters and Tim Revelle. The concert was on Saturday so we stayed overnight Friday so we could get up early. We had general admission tickets, however we decided to go to the venue 3 hours early to wait in line to get good seats. Good thing we did because the first 1,000 people got VIP access to the ellipse, which was a gated off area right in front of the stage. My dad, sister and Greg rushed up to be front row center, and stayed there the entire time. Greg didn't move for 13 hours, didn't eat lunch or dinner, go to the bathroom or have water, what a trooper.

The Guitar Festival was pretty amazing to say the least, with amazing artists such as John Mayer, Jeff Beck, Steve Windwood, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and of course, Eric Clapton and many many more.

My favorite 3 shows were probably the Derek Trucks Band, Jeff Beck, and Eric Clapton's Band when he played with Steve Windwood. My dad got some good footage of the show sitting front row. Here are a couple videos, or check out the live broadcast of the Guitar Festival.

Crossroads 2007- John Mayer

Here is an awesome video of John Mayer at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007. It is taken from front row, amazing view.

Crossroads Festival 2007- Cocaine

Clapton playing Cocaine. Pretty sweet view from front row. Amazing guitarist

Crossroads Festival 2007- Eric Clapton solo

Here is a sweet video (from front row) at the Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar festival in 2007. This show was simply amazing.

Ben Hans Jazz Trio on The Terrace

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:21:43 EST

The Ben Hans Jazz Trio played on the Memorial Union Terrace on April 27th, 2007. The crowd ranged from students just getting done with school and relaxing on a Friday after class, to older jazz enthusiasts just getting done with work. The weather was amazingly sunny, and the vibraphone player was laying down some really awesome licks. At first when I saw that the trio only consisted of Ben Hans on drums, a bass player and a vibraphonist, I thought that I would be easily bored right away, but all the musicians showed great talent and really got into the music and trio seemed like they really worked together well. Most of the songs featured the vibraphonist playing melodies and then having each band member taking a turn at improvising. All of the melodies were very catchy, and the sound of the vibraphone mixed with the beautiful weather and being able to sit outside and listen to amazing jazz was a great feeling.

El Clan Destino at Overture After Work

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:25:05 EST

El Clan Destino played at Overture After Work, which is a Thursday get together from 5-7 with happy hour and Capital Island Wheats on tap for $2. El Clan Destino is comprised of 4 musicians, two percussionists, Jamie Ryan on conjas, Francisco Martinez on drums, bass player Nickolas Moran, and Vincent Fuh on the keyboard. They played mostly latin funky jazz, which sets the state for prime dance music. Although most of the crowd consisted of old people, there were a couple brave souls that got up and did some dancing.

There was a very good combination of slow songs, and very upbeat intense improvising rhythms. It seemed like all the members of the group were really into Latin jazz and knew what they were doing. They were all great musicians and their styles seemed to blend very well together. The I really enjoyed the two percussionists working together, one on the conjas and the other on a steel drum with lots of cow bell. While listening, I tried to pick out different clave's, and I could never figure the obscure time signatures they were in, but it was usually never 4/4.

The piano player was nothing short of amazing. His fingers would fly up and down the keyboard in intricate rhythms that I could barley keep up with, and I was just listening. I haven't listened to very much Latin jazz, so this concert was a real treat to experience something new and different. There wasn't too much singing, but there was a lot of melodic chanting that went on during some songs that gave some songs a more oriental sound.

Overall, I was really amazed at how good El Clan Destiono was, I have been wanting to check them out at the King's Club, but my girlfriend is not yet the age of 21, so I shall have to wait another month to see them.

Summer of Concerts

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 06:48:56 EST

Well I was sort of disapointed with the spring line up of concerts, with only a couple that I was really looking forward to, but so far this summer is looking a lot brighter. Here's a list of concerts I'm looking forward to going to..

4/28/07 - Keller Williams - Barrymore Theater
6/7/07-6/10/07 - Isthmus Jazz Festival
6/10/07 - Chick Corea and Bela Fleck - Pabst Theater Milwaukee
7/28/07 - Eric Clapton - Crossroads Guitar Festival - Chicago, Il

Aren't you jealous?

Thelonious Monk - Plays Duke Ellington

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:08:16 EST

"Plays Duke Ellington" by Thelonious Monk is a series of Duke Ellington songs played by Thelonious Monk, along with Oscar Pettiford on bass and Kenny Clarke and drums. From reading into this album a bit, it looks as though this was Monk's first record with the Riverside label, and was an attempt at playing something that wasn't strange, or odd as some of his previous works have been looked upon. So he took it under his belt to play a series of Duke Ellington songs. Thelonious is still yet amazing in this CD, playing very delicately with subtle pauses and excellent phrasing. I really enjoyed listening to the great Monk play songs written by Duke Ellington.

Bill Evans - Piano Player

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:12:55 EST

Piano Player is a compilation of different unreleased tracks featuring Bill Evans. With songs such as Miles Davis's "My Funny Valentine" All of the songs are very vibrant upbeat, and the addition of the vibraphone played by with someone scatting in the background echoing the vibraphone is a different twist on things. I really like the combination of the bass beat with the piano in the song "Morning Glory," it's one of those songs that puts a smile on your face when you listen to it, and you can't help but bob your head to the bass. It was nice listening to this CD because it was more of a mixed tape of different recordings that showed the different styles the Bill Evans can play in.

Weather Report - Black Market

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:06:32 EST

Heavy beats with synthesizers line this Weather Report album. If I were to throw the dance party of all dance parties, I would pop in this CD in. As most Weather Report CD's this one contains alot of funk, and pretty heavy and loud bass that really stands out. I really liked the funky beats of the song "Barbary Coast." I like listening to most Weather Report albums because of their funky yet jazzy feel. The sound effects are definitely not lacking on this CD at all either, and bring the psychedelicess to a new level. Not my favorite Weather Report CD, but still a very good.

Charlie Byrd - Solo Flight

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:11:04 EST

Charlie Byrd - Solo Flight is a solo album with Charlie Byrd playing the either the classical or accoustic guitar. All of the songs have alot of blues and jazz mixed in with very original melodies. One might think an album like this would get dull since there is only one guitar playing, but Byrd creates very mellow and melodic themes that are very easy to listen to. Alot of the songs seem very soft, one of my favorite songs on the Solo Flight was The House of The Rising. Overall this was a very nice easy listening to cd, not overpowering just subtle cool acoustic jazz.

Weather Report - Heavy Weather

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 08:52:08 EST

From the advice of Keyboard Magazine, I decided to listen to a Weather Report cd, with keyboardist Joseph Zawinul and saxophone player Wayne Shorter, this group comes together to make fantastic album that is laced with synthesizers, smooth melodies, and incredible jazz fusion. This cd has hits such as Birdland, however I really enjoyed listening to the bass player in Palladium. Zawinul use of the electric piano sets the tone for some real good upbeat funky jazz. All of the songs have a very mystical vibe to them that is carried throughout the entire cd. This being my first listen to a Weather Report cd, and probably won't be my last.

Bela Fleck and The Flecktones - Outbound

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 08:21:22 EST

Outbound is comprised of very upbeat and groovy songs mixed with organs, saxophones, ... percussion, and of course, bela's banjo. Alot of the songs seem like they have an African decent. The production quality of the cd is excellent with all songs have excellent arrangements. I really enjoy how all of the instruments are blended together, and compliment each other. In some jazz cd's it sounds as if each player is playing for himself and not for the group, but this cd has amazing arrangements that have tension and release, along with amazing solos. "Earth Jam" is one of my favorite songs on the cd, with bela's electric banjo dueling it out with the saxophone. Outbound is another amazing Bela Fleck cd, and I can wait to go see him this summer when he plays at the Weidner Center in Green Bay, WI.

Dave Douglas - Strange Liberation

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 08:52:01 EST

Strange Liberation has an eerie mystical feeling straight off the bat. It sounds as if it's a more mellow version of bitches brew, with a Fender Rhodes, and Dave Douglas's trumpet which imitates Miles Davis. I really enjoyed the tone of the guitar and think it blended well with the electric piano and trumpet to add to the mystical theme. For some reason I really like the spaced out creepy jams from this album that emulates Miles Davis's Bitches Brew. It's as though they are exploring a different side of music, rather than sticking to the normal jazz swing of things, and in doing so, they can dive into areas of that were never explored. The trick at doing this is by coming up with something coherent which still exploring, which is something that Dave Douglas does very well in Strange Liberation

Bela Fleck - Tales From The Acoustic Planet

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 05:12:07 EST

This is easily one of my all time favorite cd's. It is comprised of Bela Fleck and a numerous amount of guest players. I would classify this cd as jazzy folk bluegrass. Alot of the songs have very unique instruments like violins, bass clarinets, oboes, which leads to very rich and unique compositions. All the songs on the cd never seem to get old and I can listen to them over and over. One of my favorite songs is "The Great Circle Route" which has an amazing piano part. All the songs seemed to have been worked out to perfection, down to every last detail, which makes listening to the cd more than once great because you pick up on different things going on each time you listen.

Miles Davis - Milestones

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 04:09:04 EST

One of the featured songs I think is the titled track Milestones. It's melody seems to flow and take you along with it, as well as an amazing solo by Coltrane. On "Straight, No Chaser, Coltrane and Cannonball Adderly played a very nice dueling duet. The album has a sense of calmness that looms over it, where everything feels relaxed and that all players are playing effortlessly and from the heart. I've read that this album is overlooked since it is the album preceding Miles big hit "Kind of Blue" but this album still shows great sense of melody, timing, and a sense of magic in the studio.

George Duke - In a Mellow Tone

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:04:51 EST

This cd is exactly what the title stats, a very, very mellow tone. Duke switches from acoustic to rhodes piano from song to song, but the feel of the album in definitely extremely mellow. All the songs are very soft and mellow and have alot of emotion poured into them. At times it feels as though it's an R&B album from Boyz To Men. My particular taste in jazz prevented me from fully appreciating the complexity of the album because I kept falling asleep from the album being a little too mellow, however I loved the Fender Rhodes choice on some of the songs, which I can never disagree with, as it turns most of the songs into very catchy jazz tunes, such as "Down The Road." If you need some relaxing yoga music, this cd is perfect for you, otherwise be prepared to take a nap.

Dave Brubeck - Time Out

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 05:28:50 EST

This album has alot of very catchy interweaving rhythm's, and are not all of the normal 4/4 time as most jazz songs are. The first song on the album "Blue Rondo a la Turk" switches up rhythm's by playing a fast melody and then slowing it down for a saxophone solo, only to the upbeat melody. This use of switching up tempo and rhythms keeps the listener on their feet for whats to come next with a exciting feel of uncertainty. One of my favorite jazz songs "Take Five" is also on this album, with an amazing saxophone riff.

Chick Corea - My Spanish Heart

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 04:25:26 EST

This album, one of the only Corea albums that portray his Spanish heritage definately has a Latin fusion feel to it. It is laced heavily with synthesizer technology that was being introduced when this album was made in 1976. There are a couple songs that are split up into three and four parts, which all have the same theme, but develop in it's unique way. I really liked the use of Corea's synthesizer, the way he uses it to express and keep the melody moving, without overdoing it. Sometimes it feels as though the technology is taking over the album, but each song has rich melody and unique rytheme that exhibits Corea's mastered skill of using a Synth.

Pat Metheny - Still Life

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 00:36:42 EST

This album has a very exotic foreign sound due to it's vast array on non-traditional jazz instruments, and Metheny 's spaced out guitar. All these foreign sounds blend together to create a spectacular vibrant theme. My favorite song on the album is (It's Just) Talk, which has an amazing piano part that blends with the samba theme of the song, as well as a having alot of built up tension and release. The last two songs are very slow and make you loose interest in the otherwise upbeat album, but are a good closure to the "Still Life" cd.

Vince Guaraldi - Oh Good Grief

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:57:49 EST

I picked this CD to listen to because when I was younger, I always used to listen to a Charlie Brown Jazz CD that had the song "Linus and Lucy" on it, and that was one of the first jazz songs that I learned, and played way too often. All the tracks on this CD are for theme songs for the Peanuts TV specials. Vince Guaraldi puts a lot of emphasis on his use of piano, and with overdubs using an electric piano to mimic a harpsichord. Overall, it's a pretty cool jazz CD and a very easy listen that will brighten you day with all of the Peanuts soundtracks that have a lot of intricate jazz licks tied into many of the songs.

Pat Metheny Group - We Live Here

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:57:17 EST

"We Live Here" is a spaced out hip-hip injected album by the Pat Metheny Group. Most of the tracks are pretty light and have a mellow vibe to them, with Metheny laying down melodic melodies. One of my favorite songs was the 12 minute song, "To The End of The World." It is very light and soft, and all of the solo's are very well placed and flow right with the beat of the song, along with an in your face solo by Metheney on his synth guitar.

Oscar Peterson Trio - Night Train

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:56:57 EST

This being a trio album with piano, bass and drums, the piano definitely fills most of the void space, and does so in a very elegant and definitive way. Oscar Peterson comes up with amazing blues and jazz licks that are catchy, innovative and always seem to groove. There are a lot blues songs, one of my favorite, "C-Jam Blues" which is a very interesting jam in C that features Peterson's amazing piano improvisation. I really enjoyed listening to Peterson's piano and can only hope that one day after many years of practice that I'll be able to execute just like him :)

Norah Jones - Not Too Late

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:56:30 EST

This album was featured in the jazz category of Napster, so I thought I'd check it out, and then I listened to the first 2 songs and it resembled hardly any jazz at all. Then I hear Norah Jones play on a late night show on tv, in which she played, "Thinking About You" which still wasn't very jazzy, but mostly derived from blues, which jazz evolved from blues, so that was close enough. To begin, she plays a Fender Rhodes, which is one of my favorite sounding electric piano's, not to mention she has a very elegant voice. The album has alot of different styles thrown around from blues, to folk, to some soft ballads, but overall I enjoyed listening to the album. Her voice is very pretty with a sort of country twang. However, I could do without the slow emotional songs like "Rosie's Lullaby".

Dizzy Gillespie - The Giant

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:56:00 EST

Dizzy Gillespie's "The Giant" is a very classic sounding jazz album that has a feeling of old time greatness. With a backing piano, bass and drums, all the songs have very pleasant and soothing melodies with Dizzy's trumpet laying down melodic improvisations. I really like the upbeat 11 and a half minute song "Serenity" with each instrument getting a change to improvise and really play. I really like listening to the piano comping in the background, it is played in a way to accentuates the tune without taking the spotlight and droning out what is currently happening. A very enjoyable album to listen and relax to.

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Jazz Impression Of Japan

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:55:30 EST

This album was compiled by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, consisting of Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Eugene Wright and Joe Morello after a a tour of Japan the year before. Which you can easy gain the sense that the sound was influenced by Japanese culture, while still holding firm grounds on traditional jazz. Toki's Theme is one of my favorite song on the album with an oriental intro played by Brubeck and Desmond simultaneously, and then having Brubeck throw down an amazing improvisation. The mood changes from upbeat swing to melodic ballads on "Zen Is When" and "Fujiyama" creating a very relaxed vibe.

Cannonball Adderley - Somethin' Else

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 09:54:42 EST

With Cannonball Adderley on alto sax, Miles Davis on trumpet, Hank Jones on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Art Blakey on drums, "Somethin' Else" brings together a whole lot of phenomenal jazz musicians to create a masterpeice. The first song on the album is "Autumn Leaves" with Miles taking the first solo, followed by Cannonball. The only thing I can think of to explain this CD is "classic jazz". I really enjoyed listening to Cannonball express himself on the saxophone, without having Coltrane around let him play more freely, as it can show in the opening of "Dancing in the Dark."

Dianne Reeves at The Union Theater - February 16, 2007

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 06:59:40 EST

I attended the Jazz Isthmus Jazz series at the Union Theater, where Dianne Reeves sang with a backing trio. To being the concert off, Reeves's back up trio started with powerful song that started off strong. The next song Reeves's joined in and started improvising and started scatting. This is the first jazz concert that I've been to that has had a singer, and it was a joy to listen to Reeves's overpowering voice. I've never experienced such a talented jazz singer, and the way she improvised sounded very instrumental and fit in nicely with the background.

The backing trio consisted of bass, piano and drums. The piano player was amazing playing both on a grand piano and a fender stage rhodes, which turned songs from smooth ballads to funky grooves. The bass player was also very phenomenal, as was the drummer. All three musicians did a wonderful job comping for Reeve's and blended with the jazzy voice of Reeve's fluctuating voice.

After two sets and an encore, I was thoroughly amazed and stunned at the end of the night by what I experienced. I was taken over and put into a trance at how beautiful all the songs were. Overall once of the greater jazz concerts, and experiences that I've taken part in.

Chick Corea - Light As A Feather

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:08:42 EST

This album lays on heavy synthesizer grooves, which leads to a real 80's funk feel. At times, I couldn't handle all of the 80's synthesized beats. Some of the effects used were really cool to listen to on headphones since the grooves would pan from the left to right channel periodically, however, this was sometimes overused and made me get a headache. The transition from song to song is very seamless and the album has a general light airy as a feather theme to it. The addition of the singer on most tracks gives contrast to Corea's keyboard. I listened to Light As A Feather way more than three times, and it's becoming one of my favorite CD's and one that I highly recommend.

Herbie Hancock - Perfect Machine

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:07:56 EST

This album laid on heavy synthesizer grooves, which lead to a real 80's funk feel. At times, I couldn't handle all of the 80's synthesized beats. Some of the effects used were really cool to listen to on headphones since the grooves would pan from the left to right channel periodically, however, this was sometimes overused and made me get a headache. I keep wanted to turn on Herbie Hancook and listen to songs like "Cantelope Island" but it always turns out to be his 80's stuff, where he jams on alot of techno bits with lots of synthesizers.

John Scofield - Up All Night

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:05:29 EST

My impression of Scofield's "Up All Night" CD isn't held in the height regards. Compared to his other CD's this one is heavy on the bass and drums, and lacking melody. Alot of the effects on this album seem too abstract and don't lead to the overall theme of the music. There are still some good points in the album, but overall I was unimpressed, and felt like he never really grabbed my attention, and made me say, "wow, thats cool" like his other albums I've listened to.

Thelonious Monk Quartet - Monk's Dream

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:05:07 EST

A really amazing CD, most of the songs resemble early blues and jazz fused together. With Monk on piano, Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, John Ore on bass, and Frankie Dunlop on drums, this Quartet is a finely tuned group that created a solid set of songs. Monk's acoustic piano mixed witht he tenor sax creates alot of mellow laid back blues tones. One thing I really like to listen to is when Monk comp's with his left hand while his right hand solo's. This is just something that I'm really bad at, so I figure if I can get some pointers from Monk, it can't hurt. All of the songs have amazing melodies, and really swing, one of my favorite Monk and jazz CD.

Medeski, Martin and Wood - Notes From The Underground

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 05:04:40 EST

This is the first Medeski, Martin and Wood CD which was recorded in 1992. One of the interesting things about this CD is that it is completely acoustic, compared to their usual electric funk and jazz with heavy synthesizers and sound effects, this is completely acoustic. Alot of the songs are very loosely structured and are full of abstract improv's. Some songs seem to go off on great tangents with the musicians banging away randomly on their instruments with little sense of direction, but after building up to a climax, the melody always seems to reappear and bring the band back together to finish off a great song. If your a Medeski fan, this is a great CD to listen to, to see where they have come from. I could have done without most of the abstract sections, but as always MMW is always able to hold a groove and jam till no end, and Notes From The Underground is no exception.

Return To Forever - Musicmagic

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:59:53 EST

This cd comprised of the Chick Corea's Return To Forever group has a deep synthesizerin the background, along with a four piece horn set. One thing that made this CD stand out was the addition of singer and future wife of Chick Corea, Gayle Moran. Her smooth opera voice blended well with the futuristic sounds of Chick Corea's synthesizer. Compared to the other Chick Corea CD's I have listened to though, this doesn't stand out as much, and doesn't explore any new territory that I haven't heard yet. The four piece horn set added some good contrast, and helped build up climax parts, but overall, there wasn't anything new that really grasped my attention./p>

Pat Metheny - One Quiet Night

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 03:54:14 EST

This CD is exactly as the title states, quiet. Pat Metheny plays solo acoustic guitar on this CD, and with the exception of a few songs, never goes faster than a 120 bpm tempo. The songs are very light and airy, with Metheney finger picking to some original songs, and some covers, such as Norah Jones's "Don't You Know Why". At first the CD catches your interest because it has amazing melodic acoustic guitar on it that is slow, yet interesting. But after listening through the first half of the CD, you can easily become bored and uninterested because you really can't differentiate the songs from one another because they are all mostly slow finger picking acoustic songs. Apart from that fact, the CD is really enjoyable.

The Modern Jazz Quartet - 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 03:53:05 EST

The Modern Jazz Quartet played at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Before each song, you get one of the members of the band saying what the title of the song is, and also a brief description of the song.

Alot of the songs on the album feature the vibraharpist, with him being featured on my favorite song on the album, "Bag's Groove". The mellow swing time jazz that the Modern Jazz Quartet plays blends very well with the vibraharp. Most of the songs feature one instrument at a time, with each instrument taking his turn while the band accompanies that player. The structure of the songs seemed very laid out, yet remain catchy and interested.

I'm very impressed by the audio quality of this recording since it was recorded in 1963, and was also recorded at a Jazz Festival.

Bill Evans - You Must Believe In Spring

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

Bill Evans plays in a trio on this cd with drummer Elliot Zigmund and bassist Eddie Gomez. This collection of songs feature Evans playing very soothing and delicate piano, with the very melodic phrasing that captivates each song and paints a very scenic picture. He re-works Freddie Freeloader with a very airy amusing feel to it. The title of the album is calptured with essence as the theme of Spring is easily interwoven into the intricate phrasings Evans throws down.

MSMW - Medeski, Scofield, Martin and Wood at The Rave

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

I had pretty high expectations for this show considering it was comprised of the MMW trio with accompaniment from John Scofield, but to my dismay, they didn't live up to what I hyped them up to be.

It could have been the traditionalist sit down concert's I've been used to seeing at the Memorial Union Theater, but the music really just didn't amaze me at all.

After hearing Scofield's same endless screeching guitar licks for 3 hours turned me off. Don't get me wrong, this group still lays a mean jam down, but there was nothing really amazing that put the show over the top.

It could have been that I was crammed in between a bunch of 16 years about 100 feet from the stage, or the wonderful stench of cigarettes burning my eyes, but this concert wasn't all that I hoped for.

Miles Davis - Sketches Of Spain

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

As the title states, this CD has an epic Spanish theme. The album seems very depressing, with Mile's muted trumpet. This album is quiet different from the more traditional smooth trumpet. The flute adds a very flute makes the album seem very orchestrated. Overall, it was very enjoyable to listen, since it was different than a traditional jazz CD.

John Coltrane - Crescent

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

This album is very swingy, with catchy blues riffs from song "Bessie's Blues" I like the combination of Coltrane's saxophone switching off with the piano. The album goes through soft and slow sections, and then pick up the pace and move into swingy melodies. Some of the songs are rather long and seem to drag on a bit, but the switching of tempo makes it like listening to 3 songs in one.

Miles Davis Quintet - Relaxin' with Miles

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

This album has alot of be-bop in it, which is accentuated with Miles distinct muted trumpet. Miles plays alot of slow, but very articulated melodies and solos. He chooses to really accentuate his sense of style and time while choosing what to play. Wtih Red Garland on piano, and Coltrane on saxophone, the song "Oleo" is a combination of all these great musicians solos culminated together with beautiful rhythm.

Pat Martino - Live At Yoshi's

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This live DC with Pat Matrino trio consists of the combination of guitar, drums and keyboard. Pat Matrino is a phenomenal jazz guitarist who has incredible tone and plays very fast melodies with lots of energy. Alot of the songs are very upbeat, which leads to alot of funky fast paced beats. Both the electric keyboard/organ and guitar have wonderfully interesting and entertaining improvisation skills that are really shown off in this live concert.

Thelonious Monk - Thelonious Himself

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD has Thelonious Monk playing solo piano for the entire album, hence, Thelonious Himself. This CD lets me dive into how Thelonious plays, by letting me tune into just listening to solely him, without a backing band. Since he is able to play by himself, he is allowed to do alot of things he wouldn't be able to do in a band, like switch up the tempo and melody whenever he feels it's needed. Alot of the CD is very relaxed, yet sophisticated with most of the time having Thelonious playing the bass line with his left hand and playing the melody with his right. This is something that I am trying to work on, being able to hold a tune without anyone else, which is proving harder than it seems, and Thelonious does it effortlessly on this CD, creating a self-portrait masterpeice.

Medeski, Martin and Wood - Last Chance To Dance Trance

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Another one of my favorite Medeski Martin and Wood cd's. My personal favorite song is, "Where's Sly?", with its very bluesy down to earth feel that has alot of emotion. This album has a bunch of great dancing songs like "Chubb Shubb" and "Bubblehouse" that really groove. This band always seems to come up with something new and incredible creative that always amazes me, this CD is no exception. They seem to have some way to tap into the music jazz-rock-funk and come up with the most creative entertaining music I've ever heard.

Sexet from Illinois University at Memorial Union Rathskeller

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This concert was held in the Memorial Union Rathskeller on October 10th, 2006, and was part of the Friday afternoon Jazz series. The sextet which consisted of a steel drummer, keyboard, drums, bongo, a bass and a guitar. The steel drum player was phenomenal and you could tell he really knew what he was doing. He played some incredible solo's that sounded very exotic coming from a steel drum. I thought the keyboard player was very good to showed alot of talent when the band let him loose to improvise. It seems during jazz concerts, there is always time for each person in the band to have their time to shine and play a solo, my least favorite was the bongo solo. There are only so many things you can do with two bongo's and this particular bongo solo went on for at least 10 minutes, and seemed to keep droning on aimlessly, with no end in sight. But the spotlight was easily on the steel drum player, as he was able to move the melody up and down seamlessly and really showed his talent when he was improvising.

Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood - Out Louder

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This was a must listen to since I am going to see Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood play in concert in Milwaukee on Friday, December 5th at The Rave. The tour is to promote their latest CD, "Out Louder" so I wanted to listen in order to recognize some songs at the concert. This is the first time these four musicians have gotten together since their hit back in the 90's "A Go Go". The combination of Medeski's keyboard with Scofield's guitar is sweet perfection, and creates an atmosphere of funky beats, and rocked out jams. The studio work is excellent with each instrument playing off each other, and sound effects being chimed in at exactly the right time to set the mood. "Miles Behind" is my least favorite song, which is an upbeat frenzy of confusion. Overall, I can never stop listening to the combination of these guys, and It's going to be even more amazing once I get to see them up close and personal!

Chet Baker - Jazz Moods - Cool

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chet Baker plays the trumpet, and his first two songs start out very slow. His third song, "Autumn Leaves," which I have repetitions of running through my head from playing it in class many a times, has a very swingy feel to it with the electric keyboard in the background. The trumpet solo during it sounds alot like the improvisations from class. "Concierto De Aranjuez" is a 20 minute long song that goes in and out of grooves, staying mostly on the same beat, and letting each instrument on the album have their turn improvising. From the name of the CD, I thought it would be more in a sense of "hip" cool, but I get the feeling that it's more of a cold calm soothing "cool". It was a good CD, but nothing that really blew me away.

Pat Metheny - The Road to You

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This is a live CD from the Pat Metheny Group, which was recorded in 1993. You can hear the audience clap before certain songs. Metheney's guitar is very distinctive, and he plays very beautiful runs of scales. Metheney's electric guitar sounds different on each song, probably due to his vast array of guitars and effects that he runs them through. Some of the songs are a little slow, and loose my attention at times. I guess I like the more in your face jazz than the subtle smooth jazz that is exhibited alot. Alot of the slow songs have very nice melodies, and really paint pictures in your mind of wandering through meadows, or just relaxing.

David Douglas - Strange Liberation

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

I also found this CD on a New Breed jazz list, so I listened to it for free from napster.com. They keyboardist have plays lively quick chords on his electric keyboard, which sounds like a Wurlitzer. The cd feels very modern with prolonged jams in between frayed bits of melody. The saxophone and trumpet chimes in when the keyboard cools down and lays down old fashion jazz improvisation.

John Coltane - Giant Steps

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This was rated the number 3 jazz CD on a top 100 jazz CD list. Coltrane lives up to the hype of this CD by playing catchy and concise riffs. My favorite song on the CD is "Syeeda's Song Flute", which before I listened to this CD, thought someone else wrote it. I could go without some of the slower songs, and seem to get bored during them, but thats just personal preference from liking fast upbeat catchy melodies, which Coltrane displays alot throughout this CD.

Giuseppe Milici and Mario Schiavon - Beatles Jazz Tribute

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD consists of a piano player and a harmonica playing Beatles Covers that are jazzed out. They turn a selection of Beatles songs that are already pretty catchy, into swingy jams with the piano comping for the harmonica playing the melody and rocking out. It's fun to hear all of the Beatle's songs jazzed out!

Herbie Hancock - Future Shock

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

I feel as if I'm being taken back to the 80's with funky grooves and crazy synthesizer riffs. Overall a pretty fun album to listen to though, it is very different from the early Miles Davis contemporary jazz, and the recent Medeski Martin and Wood Acid Jazz. The mix of distorted electric guitar, turntable scratches, and female backup vocalists really is entertaining. It seems as though this would fit along with some of the backing tracks of the early hip hop albums. I just can't get away from the fact that it feels as if I am in the 80's when I listen to this CD, but I am somehow alright with that.

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

A CD comprised of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, go figure. With Louis playing smooth trumpet melodies and Ella singing in her beautiful voice, this duo comes together with spectacular blending properties to create a wonderful CD! I haven't gotten to really listen to many CD's with singing on this, so this was a change. Although I like listening to lyrics, I prefer instrumentation over vocals.

Dizzy Gillespie - The Champ

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD has screaming trumpet and laid back vocals. Dizzy's always seems to have some amazing melodic lines whether in the upbeat "The Champ" song, or the subdued "Time On My Hands". Dizzy's playing is very pronounced. I really enjoy the addition of the violin in some songs that adds character and change, that I'm not used to listening to on Jazz CD's

Branford Marsalis - The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Bradford Marsalis, on saxophone, and his trio start of their CD with a catchy saxophone riff on "Roused About". On "Cain & Abel" he trades off parts with a trumpet which is very interesting. Most songs consist of a saxophone melody and then proceed with Marsalis improvising. After listening to the whole CD, I started to get a little tired of the quick saxophone phrases, but feel in love with the catchy melodies that were repeated alot.

Chick Corea Akoustic Band - Akoustic Band

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This is also on of my favorite CD's that I listened to this semester. I am becoming a pretty big can of Chick Corea. Chick Corea's Akoustic band consists of himself on piano, a stand up bass, and a drummer. The trio's playing seems very innovative and lively, with Chick Corea always doing off the hook. He seems very creative on this CD, even doing a rendition of "Autumn Leaves", which we have been playing all semester in Jazz class.

Eric Reed - Pure Imagination

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Eric Reed, a pianist, plays in a trio on this CD with a drummer and bass. The feel is very contemporary, and most of the CDhas Reed improvising, and playing lovely melodies. I really liked the bass line of "Maria", and Eric Reed plays a very catchy melody over it, and then slides into a jazz improvization.

Miles Davis Quintet - E.S.P

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Released in 1965, Miles plays with a quintet and plays very ferociously. He tends to rely on repeated phrasing that is altered into improvisation which is focused more on melody. At time Miles plays very fast, almost out of control in a more adventuring style.

Miles Davis - Nefertiti

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This is the fourth studio album by the second Miles Davis quintet, comprised of Herbie Hancock,and Wayne Shorter. Miles seems to really hold back his playing on this CD, and lets other take the stage. Each song has it's own theme that is played throughout the song, with tempo changes, and going from soft gentle playing, into more up tempo solos.

Miles Davis - Sessions

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD is very calm and quiet compared to other miles CD. Every thing seems as though it?s being played very gentle. It has soft piano in the background, which comps for Miles gentle tone very well. The whole CD is 60 minutes, which seems pretty long for a jazz CD made in 1958. Later on in the CD though they start playing a concert and things start to speed up.

Miles Davis - Bitches Brew

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

One of my all time favorite Miles Davis CD. The Bitches Brew CD which is only a collection of a couple of songs from the entire Bitches Brew studio sessions is very abstract and seems entirely improvisational from the start when Miles Davis counts off the timing, to the long strung out 22 minute songs that come in and out of waves of euphoria. My most favorite part of this CD is listening to the Fender Rhodes piano in the background. I love the tone and the feel that is gives the CD and how it matches perfectly with the abstractness of the session.

Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

One of the most regarded famous Miles Davis CD's of all time. I am learning to play "Freedie the Freeloader" in my Jazz Piano lessons and the song is an incredibly easy song, consisting of a I-VI-V-VII blues progression. But it's whats inside of that simplistic progression that makes it so great. Miles Davis's melodies swing and are very catchy, which is why most people like it so much.

Miles Davis - Birth Of The Cool

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Birth Of The Cool is a soft album that is made up of a nonet. Every track is very delicate with specified melodies played by every member of the band, and then switching to solo improvised work. The album isn't very aggressive, even though Miles has a tendency to play very fast at times. The gentle swing of the beat on most every song lays the foundation for complex harmonization and innovative expression.

Medeski, Martin and Wood - Shack Man

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

A more subtle Medeski, Martin and Wood CD, with the tempo of most songs slowed down, and mellowed out. It's more of a CD to sit back and relax to, however, songs such as Think, and "Bubblehouse" are there to get you off of your set and bobbing your head to the beat. There aren't that many prolonged jams, but more intricate melodies that are repeated, forming the subtle and mellow vibes.

Medeski, Martin and Wood - End of The World Party

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

The title of the CD helps explain it alot. If I were at a party for the end of the world, this would be it. Alot of MMW CD's make me want to get up and start dancing or grooving around. I really like CD's that have the entire feel all the way through, which this has an eerie feel of making me get up to go out and do something. In the spring of 2005 I went to a MMW show in Milwaukee that featured this CD playing many of the hits and it was one of my favorite concerts from the drawn out psychedelic jams, to the pure improvisational skill of the MMW trio. Medeski's grooves in this CD are extremely powerful and precise.

Medeski, Martin and Wood - Combustication

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

The keyboard-bass-drum trio of Medeski Martin and Wood combines their special blend of free-formed acid jazz with guest DJ logic's turntables. This is on of MMW more spaced out CD's, relying on obscure subtle sound effects to set the mood of their hard core gritty grooves. They still have amazing originality and keep coming up with new ways to play jazz. Sometimes the sound effects and the turntables are a little too much, and I'd rather just have them rock out, but thats how they made the album.

John Scofield - Bump

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Being the first CD I listened to this semester, receiving it form the Public Library on Monroe street, it was a good introduction to contemporary jazz. Scofield's electric guitar mixes jazz, funk and a little bit of rock. I really enjoy listening to his backing drummer play because there is never a steady 4 count beat, it is always something unique and catchy. The CD kept me entertained the entire time and Scofield's guitar licks always seem to amaze me.

John Scofield - A Go Go

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

One of my favorite songs. I love the tone of Scofield's guitar. Medeski Martin and Wood are also playing, which is one of my favorite bands. With Scofield's distinctive guitar riffs and the backing of MWW, this Album is a pure work of genius. My favorite song is the opening track, which is titled "A Go Go". This song has a very catchy chorus, with Scofield playing the melody over Medeski's electric piano, and then shooting off into the bridge. Every track on this CD is unique and has a different jam that sticks in your head for a day, and then keeps you coming back for more.

John Scofield - Uberjam

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Uberjam is incredibly funky and very psychedelic. I listened to this a bunch of time before taking Jazz Improvisation, and have chosen to listen to it 3 times because I enjoy listening to it so much. Compared to "A Go Go", this one has a more natural down to earth vibe coming, with different combinations of instruments, such as the sitar. The entire mood casted over the CD is very transcendental. Scofield's driven electric tone is perfect for the almost oriental feel of the album.

John Coltrane - Live at Birdland

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD starts off with Afro-Blu, which is one of my favorite songs. I really enjoy the melody riff that Coltrane plays, and then when the melody is over, the piano chimes in and takes over the jam. I think I almost prefer listening to live CD's than studio albums, just to pick up on the vibe that is going through the venue and hear what the performer is playing at that exact moment, not just that take in the studio that sounded right. It makes listening to the CD more exciting and raw. With only 6 songs, but each song ranging from 4 minutes to 11, this CD is a memory of one of the great Jazz saxophonists. Plus McCoy Tyner is playing the piano, whom I saw in concert at the Union Theater, which is pretty sweet in itself!

Jazz Mandolin Project - Jungle Tango

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Interesting beats, I really enjoyed the first song, "Jungle Tango" and felt being swept away into a different reality with the accordion. This cd exhibits more acid funk jazz with a hint of bluegrass folk roots. At times this CD is a little too much for me and tries to be too abstract and psychedelic. The bass line on "Oh Yeah" blends very well the mandolin, which has some very nice effects on it creating a spacey Tango. Alot of the songs are very, "Jam" oriented, creating a very upbeat and intense sensation

Herbie Hancock - Ken Burns Jazz

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD has all of Herbie Hancock's greatest hits. My two favorite are "Cantaloupe Island," and "Chameleon," both of which are pretty famous songs in the jazz world, and were two of my first Herbie Hancock songs that I've ever heard. Cantaloupe Island was actually the first jazz songs I learned on piano, and actually inspired me to dive into learning jazz. There really isn't any flow to this CD since they are all single tracks of Herbie's Hit's but it's still fun to listen to all of Herbie's greatest songs.

David Grisman at Union Theatre

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

On Friday this weekend, November 3rd, I had a chance to go see David Grisman, aka "Dawg" at the Union Theatre which is inside of the Memorial Union in Madison. Not only did I get to see this extremely talented mandolin player that is one of the fastest picker's I have seen, but I got to see him for free, thanks to my girlfriend who won free tickets through The Onion

Dawg, and his band comprised of a percussionist, flute player, classical guitar player and stand up bass which they have been playing together for around 30 years, according to dawg.

The David Grisman band played for around 2 hours and played songs ranging from folk bluegrass, to swinging jazz. With lots of fast picking and amazing improvisation thrown in. With all the band members being at minimum over the age of 40, you could really tell you were in the presence of incredible musicianship.

In between each song Dawg would tell a little story about the band or how and when a song was created. He also talked about his days playing with Jerry Garcia, and played one of the most famous Dawg and Garcia tunes, "Grateful Dawg"

I encourage anyone who is into upbeat folk and bluegrass music to check out David Grisman's Website, where he gives away a free song each day! All and All, one of the coolest concerts I have been to in a while

Various Artists - One Night With Blue Note

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This is a DVD of a concert presented by the Blue Note record company. It was recorded in 1985, and was a reunion concert held at New York?s Town Hall. Various artists, such as Herbie Hancock, Art Blakey and Cecil Taylor. Each artists played his premier song, and before the DVD would give information about the artist, making this a documentary/performance. I first say "cantaloupe island" on youtube.com and liked it so much I bought the DVD on amazon.com. I like being able to watch the performers nod at each other and give each other cues, compared to just listening.

Miles Davis Allstars - Walkin'

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD starts out sounding very "cool" as to say in terms of speaking of Miles Davis. The first song, Walkin', a 13 minute song that makes you wanna bob your head and start snapping your fingers as you walk down the street. The song groove along with catchy melodic riffs. All of Mile's solos are phrased well, focusing on melody over quickness, and letting go more like on the CD, "Love Me Or Leave Me," which sounds alot like the theme song for "Aladdin" the Disney movie.

Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker - Diz 'n Bird At Carniegie Hall

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

This is a live concert with Dizzy Gillespie, the famous trumpet player with big cheeks, and Charlie Parker, the great saxophonist. These two together played alot of great phrasings together, intertwining each of their runs with each other, and creating very intricate experience. Some of the tunes sound like big band jazz songs, and have a real jazz swing feel to them, as if they are playing for a dancing competition. I really enjoyed with listening to Dizzy's trumpet squeal over the entire band. My favorite song from the concert would be "A Night In Tunisia," which I'm currently learning how to play on the piano.

Miles Davis - Cookin'

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

When listening to this, I get an upbeat feeling from groovy bass beat that hops around combined with the waltzy drum beat. I also think the combination of the piano and miles trumpet blend together. I don't know much about comping, but it sounds as though both the trumpet and the piano are complementing each other nicely taking their turns expressing their melodies and ideas.

Eddie Palmieri at Union Theatre

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Eddie Palmieri is the piano player in a latin jazz band. He played at the Union Theatre in the Memorial Union as a part of the Ithsmus Jazz Series.

His band consisted of Eddie on piano, a trumpet, trombone, bass, and three percussionists.

Palmieri started of the concert by playing a solo peice that was very moving and it was very moving and have many mood changes. After that, the rest of the band joined in for what seemed like a half hour jam on the same chord progression, with each instrument taking the spot light and improvising.

The percussion section was very lively and definatley gave the music a very latin sound with congas, cow bell, tom tom and a snare drums. I could recognize certain claves through out the concert, including the crowd clap along that lasted a good 5 minutes.

The trumpet player was astounding, and played very fast scales going high and low and in every direction. The trombone player was also very excellent, but I would have liked his microphone to have been turned up a little bit more.

Overall, Palmieri was the highlight of the show, and played an arrangement of different chord voicings, and very latin swing music that would make you want to get up and start dancing. From a playing point of view, it is sort of a depressing since Palmieri unbeleivably good, and has been playing for 40 yars, and if I am ever to get has good as him, I have alot of work down the road. But it is still enjoyable to hear such an exquisite jazz ensamble.

Wayne Shorter - Footprints Live!

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

This CD have a feeling of abstractness and dis-clarity, where there is really no melody and all the instruments, bass, drum, piano and saxophone, each playing their own differences, and then the bass will start going and grooving and things pick back up. The whole CD has this feeling of moving in and out of grooves, probably since it is a live concert. At times the grooves tend to lose sight of any coherence and are very spacey, but usually tend to be wrapped up very well by powerful bass lines mixed with the piano.

Ray Anderson - Blues Bred In The Bone

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Ray Anderson is a jazz trombonist. This is the first CD I have listened to that features a trombonist. Alot of this CD feels very bluesy, hence the title, but Ray Anderson uses his slide and mute to really create a bluesy, gloomy and depressed sound. My favorite track would probably be "Mona Lisa Smile" with it's catchy electric guitar riffs and with the trombone playing a more upbeat jazzy swing.

Bill Evans - You Must Beleive In Spring

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Bill Evans playing mostly solo piano with a backup bass and drummer plays very soothing yet engaging songs. They seem to be very melodic and happy, probably having most song played in the major key. Each song has the feel that it is very delicate and smooth. Overall I really enjoyed it, it was an especially good album to study to since the songs weren't over the top and were very happy and joyous.

Chick Corea And Origin - Change

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

The first time I listened to this CD, I really enjoyed it and decided I would have to listen to it again. Chick Corea's piano playing is very flowing. The entire CD carries with catchy melodies and has alot of swing. I think all the instruments complement each other very well, with each instrument chiming in at the correct time. I really liked listening to the jazz flute. Some of the songs sounded very epic, and as if they should be the backing to a movie. Overall it was one of my favorite CD's that I listened to this semester.

McCoy Tyner at Union Theatre

Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EST

McCoy Tyner, even at his old age can still really rock. He played in a trio, with a backing bass and drums. It was amazing to see John Coltrane's piano man play right in front of me. I won free tickets from The Onion and was in the 20th row! The concert only last for about an hour, but during that hour, McCoy showed some amazing talent. I recognized some of the Coltrane songs, such as some riffs from Afro Blues. Over all it was a mystical night and I really enjoyed being in the precense of one of the great Jazz Legends.