"DIGGIN' THE CLASSICS": BOBBI HUMPHREY EDITION

April 1, 2008. Posted by Stevan Smith.

Add new comment | Filed under: blacks and blues, bobbi humphrey, cool jazz, funk, funk classic, fusion, harlem river drive, jasper country man, jazz, Jazz Alive, Jazz Community, Jazz Education, jazz funk, mizell, true jazz

This edition celebrates: Bobbi Humphrey- Blacks and Blues (1973)

Tracklisting:
01. Chicago, Damn
02. Harlem River Drive
03. Just a Love Child
04. Blacks and Blues
05. Jasper Country Man
06. Baby's Gone

A true jazz-funk classic, and Humphrey's biggest hit, Blacks and Blues is a lesson in "cool jazz". Composed, produced, and partly arranged by the fantastic Mizell brothers (Larry & Fonce), this is an Lp that trend sends generations. Humphrey is never drowned out by her collaborators. Her performance as flautist (if you didn't know) fits snug in each melodic masterpiece. Bobbi even makes her vocal debut on the tracks, "Just A Love Child" and "Baby's Gone".

"....Yeah, it's kind of like that".

Some of my favorite tracks include "Chicago, Damn", "Harlem River Drive", and the title-track "Blacks and Blues".

Here is an updated version of "Harlem River Drive" (Sorry no embed available). This had to be the late 80's or early 90's. Lol.

Look what else I found: [display_podcast]

Though this is not an album that would delight a purist, it is an excellent addition to any jazz collection. The moods are laid-back, soothing, and romantic. This is in heavy rotation on my (insert plug). If you haven't had the opportunity to check this album out. Please do. It is worth every minute (hint...ladies...hint...fellas).

Perfect soundtrack for the Spring weather....well when it finally gets here.

Peace....

© 2008 WBGO

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IAJE Evening 2 - A Night of British Jazz

January 11, 2008. Posted by Joshua Jackson.

Add new comment | Filed under: bass jazz, british invasion, british jazz, courtney pine, Discovery, european jazz, first appearance, IAJE 2008, jazz competition, jazz funk, jazz musicians, jazz orchestra, last act, Live Music, martin taylor, night in tunisia, occasional references, panoply, Places and Spaces, queen elizabeth, solo version, stagecrew, tommy smith, trombonist dennis rollins

Courtney Pine, the British jazz musicians turned Jazz Crusader for BBC2, presented an evening of British Jazz at IAJE. I missed the first set from Empirical, winner of the 2007 EBU European Jazz Competition. I got there for the band's final notes.

Pine quickly introduced Martin Taylor, who jumped onstage a little early. Since the stagecrew wasn't ready for the band, he entertained the audience with a solo version of "I'm Old Fashioned." Here it is:

Martin Taylor - I’m Old Fashioned

I supposed you're predestined to play guitar when your named Martin Taylor, since that's the name of two highly regarded luthiers. Taylor made his first appearance in Toronto 25 years ago. This performance was his return engagement. It's been a while. Here's a cut from the full band:

Martin Taylor’s Freternity

I was totally blown away by the next act. Kids from Scotland who play like they've been playing together for years. Check this out, and tell me if you think they sound like novices...

Tommy Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra - A Night in Tunisia

The last act, I suppose, represented "the future." Trombonist Dennis Rollins has been raking in the awards in Britain. The music was certainly fun and dance-ready. Occasional references to "Summertime" and "Work Song" notwithstanding, I would call this a tightly arranged ensemble that combines a panoply of styles, including drum-n-bass, jazz, funk, and garage. Hear what I mean:

Dennis Rollins’ Badbone

So there you have it. I guess you can't call this show The British Invasion, since we're technically in Canada, where Queen Elizabeth is the head of state. - Josh

© 2008 WBGO

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