While attending the “Festival of Learning” research conference in South Korea, I took some time out for exploring the rich experiences that Seoul has to offer. 1. Changing of the Guard After one Lyft, a 12 hour flight, a two-hour airport bus, and a 45-minute subway ride, I found myself at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace on a bright sunny morning. Just in time for the changing of the palace guard. Drums were beaten. Trumpets blared. Conch shells honked. Crowds gathered. And the safety of the ancient grand palace was secured. ...
Audrey and I visited Greenport with Aunt Grace on a beautiful June morning. We visited the cute shops, watched the ferry in the harbor, and bought some books at Burton’s. Then we had an amazing lunch at First and South, which specializes in Gluten-Free cooking. While the ladies were shopping, I snapped some photos of Greenport’s signs. Signs of a different time. Tap any image for larger photos. ...
Kenny Garrett and his quintet took the stage at Blues Alley and immediately blasted off into a fiery, postbop crescendo with a driving rhythm with all the sounds a saxophone can muster. After this excursion, the group settled into a series of relatable, danceable grooves that engaged the crowd. The duo of Rudy Bird and Ronald Bruner Jr on percussion and drums were a highlight. Ronald is a 100,000 ton locomotive of pulse — tight, driving, and defining the bands’ sound. Rudy overlaid complex texture. The overall effect was grooving and celebratory. ...
Audrey and I visited Gene and Laem for a perfect Mother’s Day weekend. On our first day, we walked the Gold Coast and enjoyed a jazz show. On “architecture day,” we enjoyed the boat tour and then went out to Oak Park to see Frank LLoyd Wright’s house and some of his designs. We also enjoyed the most amazing Thai meal, by Chef Laem. Chicago is a great city! click any image for bigger photos
On a delightful Friday evening, we strolled down the Chicago Riverwalk to take in a set from a local sextet, the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. After a funky first tune, they welcomed vocalist Dee Alexander to the stage for a set of originals. The music featured an electric bass groove a bit like motown and the two horns played tight lines together. I particularly liked the solos of the tenor sax and leader, John Fournier. The pianist, Amr Fahmy, also offered dynamic solos. Some of trumpet players best work was with a mute, giving his horn a distinctive tone. The jury was out on vocalist Dee Alexander. I enjoyed her work overall, but some were turned off by a first scat solo on a tune about a redwing bird–she warbled through it. ...