Jazz Stories

What a treat to see one of the world’s greatest bass players, Stanley Clarke, from the third row. Stanley famously founded Return to Forever with Chick Corea in the early 1970s and was Return to Forever was one of my introductions to Jazz in my youth. On this occasion, he was performing a tribute to Chick Corea with a band of amazing 20-something musicians. The set opened with the technically difficult Medieval Overture from 1976’s Romantic Warrior. They also played classics including 500 Miles High, No Mystery and Spain as well as Joe Henderson’s Black Narcissus. Sitting so close, I could appreciate just how long Stanley’s fingers are! ...

The historic 6th and I Synagogue provided a beautiful setting for a stunning set by Julian Lage and his trio, featuring bassist Jorge Roeder and drummer Dave King. Words that come to mind to describe the music: virtuoso, intricate, emotive, warm, engaging. What we all noted after the set was how much fun the band was having, and we were having fun right along with them. Before the set, I snapped this photo of the wonderous dome above us. ...

On a visit with Jacob in Denver, we looked at the last minute for some live music and discovered that Charged Particles was playing in downtown Denver. They were playing music of Michael Brecker, who was one of the heros of jazz in my high school years. For example, check out this 1980 performance of Some Skunk Funk. Although Michael Brecker has passed away, his brother Randy joined the set on trumpet. And Tod Dickow was up to the task of Michael’s precise, high energy lines on tenor sax. We enjoyed a wonderful set with super talented musicians. Charged Particles has an album called Live at the Baked Potato on Spotify, if you want to check it out. ...

Blues Alley recently had a fire, but Lisa Fischer burned the house down all over again. I learned of Fischer through a documentary about her backup singing in the Rolling Stones. Now she has her own solo career. I’ve seen Lisa Fischer perform several times, but this was the best! She has an amazing expressive range. At one point, she asked the audience to call out songs and she sang a minute of each. One was the corny ballad, Misty. What she did with that song! ...

New Jersey’s finest guitar player, Al Di Meola, ventured to Washington DC for a club performance near the waterfront. I enjoyed the unusual configuration of the band. He brought along a unusual band: Tabla player Amit Kavthekar, Drummer Richie Morales, and another classical guitar player. I was lucky, because I showed up late and still found a seat only about five feet away. Perfect to watch a master guitar player in his art. ...