Category: Jazz

Remembering Donald Byrd

Cover of "Places & Spaces"
Cover of Places & Spaces

On our recent trip to Spain, we were sitting in a small tapas bar in the Born area of Barcelona.  We were enjoying some great food, and some excellent wine, when a song came on that made us both go, “Who in the heck is that”.  We asked our server who it was and he went to find out for us.  Turns out that it was Donald Byrd, who, unfortunately, passed away on February 4, 2013 at he age of 80.  Having just discovered him (where was he hiding), I was quite saddened by this news,  A great trumpet player, his career spanned 7 decades and included, besides his solo work, stints and recordings with a who’s who of the jazz and blues world.  John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Sonny Rollins and Herbie Hancock may ring a few bells with you.

He recorded over 40 albums on his own and many more as a sideman.  An outstanding career.  The song I have chosen in memorial, is the one we heard in Barcelona, “Falling (like dominoes)” of his Places and Spaces album, which was recorded in 1975.

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Remembering Von Freeman

von freeman have no fear
von freeman have no fear (Photo credit: cultchas)

 

Tenor jazz saxophone player Von Feeman died on August 11, 2012 at 88.  I love Saxophone and jazz, together a deadly combination.  Von was one of the great innovators and creators of this sound in, what is known as, the Chicago School.  I have attached 2 videos, one is live in Chicago in 1988, the second is Von playing last year at almost 90.  Incredible sound, great player.

 

 

and the second

 

 

Song Of The Day – Joe Stilgoe – “I Like This One”

My source for English music that I never hear here (Nice word combo) sent me this song the other day.  Joe Stilgoe is a jazz pianist, who has earned a music degree in England and is currently furthering his studies.  Very entertaining song, in the style of piano jazz that really makes you tap your feet.

Joe Stilgoe Home

Joe Stilgoe on iTunes

Joe Stilgoe on Twitter

Remembering Don Bagley

Jazz bassist, Don Bagley, left us on July 26, 2012.  He was 85.  Born in Salt Lake City, he played with such greats as Shorty Sherock, Bill Holman and Stan Kenton.  He also did session work with Nat King Cole and Maynard Ferguson.  The tribute song I have chosen is a performance by Julie London, with Don being the only player accompanying her.

My Favourite Songs of 2012

These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year.  It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning it’s move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs.  About time I’d say.  I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc.  The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.

I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1.  In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012.  I hope you enjoy.

Emm Gryner – Ciao Monday

I see great things from this Canadian singer-songwriter.  Love this version, recorded live at CBC.

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Graffiti6 – Free

This song reached and grabbed me by the ears and shook me to a musical high.  Phenomenally written song, reaching one crescendo after another.

–

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Another tune that grabbed me.  The more I listened, the more I liked.  This song will be around for years, in movies, on TV, in commercials.  Instant classic.

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Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

Iceland’s contribution to music this year, and a great video as well.

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Alabama Shakes – Hold On

What a voice.

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Caro Emerald – Back It Up

My favourite find of the year.  I am really digging this act.  Great voice, and different in a great way.

–

That’s a start, still have some more to pass on and will do so tomorrow.  Don’t want to destroy your attention span.

Related articles

My Favourite Songs of 2012

These songs are the ones that I will remember most from this year.  It certainly appears that the world of music is beginning it’s move away from the pop artists that have been so prevalent and returning to the creation and production of some exceptional songs.  About time I’d say.  I attribute this to the web and the ability of many new artists to reach the public through such areas as Bandcamp, soundcloud, YouTube, Twitter etc.  The advent of these devices has greatly expanded my musical horizons and will continue to do so.

I have chosen not to do a finite top ten list as I appreciated all of these songs and at certain times would have been my number 1.  In addition, I have chosen songs new to me this year, meaning they could be from anytime, although the majority are 2012.  I hope you enjoy.

Emm Gryner – Ciao Monday

I see great things from this Canadian singer-songwriter.  Love this version, recorded live at CBC.

–

Graffiti6 – Free

This song reached and grabbed me by the ears and shook me to a musical high.  Phenomenally written song, reaching one crescendo after another.

–

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Another tune that grabbed me.  The more I listened, the more I liked.  This song will be around for years, in movies, on TV, in commercials.  Instant classic.

–

Of Monsters and Men – Little Talks

Iceland’s contribution to music this year, and a great video as well.

–

Alabama Shakes – Hold On

What a voice.

–

Caro Emerald – Back It Up

My favourite find of the year.  I am really digging this act.  Great voice, and different in a great way.

–

That’s a start, still have some more to pass on and will do so tomorrow.  Don’t want to destroy your attention span.

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Song Of The Day – Norah Jones – "Say Goodbye"

It's Gonna Be (Norah Jones song)
It’s Gonna Be (Norah Jones song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I think Norah hit a home run with this one.  Definitely a bit different from most of her earlier releases.  Say Goodbye is off her recent album “Little Broken Hearts”.

Song Of The Day – Caro Emerald – "Back It Up"

English: Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald at Zoe...
English: Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald at Zoetermeer Stadhuisplein, Netherlands. September 19th, year 2008, time 14:20:55 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kind of a fun song from the “Michael Jackson of The Netherlands”.  Her most recent disc broke Micheal’s long standing record for biggest selling album (Thriller) in Holland.

Back It Up

Remembering Abram Wilson

Nathaniel Facey (sax) and Abram Wilson (trumpet)
Nathaniel Facey (sax) and Abram Wilson (trumpet) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The music world lost Abram Wilson June 9, 2012.  He passed at the age of 38 of colon cancer.  Far to early.  I have explored jazz, and the trumpet in particular through an introduction to Donald Byrd, and discovered Abram in my travels.  Spectacular player, absolutely amazing.  He was born in New Orleans and lived in London, UK.  Have a listen to the cuts I have included and then dig a bit deeper, satisfaction is guaranteed,

 

Africa

 

 

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Abram Wilson Quartet

 

 

New Canadian Music By Holly Cole

Holly Cole at Harpo's, Victoria
Holly Cole at Harpo’s, Victoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Halifax born Canadian jazz singer Holly Cole released a new album, “Night” on November 20th.  This is her 16th release, spanning the past 23 years.  Her sultry voice and stylings lend themselves to a wide range of music.  She has released rock, country and show tunes in addition to her normal jazz repertoire.  The song I have chosen to spotlight is titled “Walk Away” and is indicative of what she has made a career out of doing.  Great song.

Walk Away