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Just Folks Talking
Listening to the 9 CD's of Mexican traditional music given to me by a hermano in Mexico City. Victor Alejandro Brian Avendano Ramos, who is driving, is telling me what region the music is from and what its function is. We joke about his 5 names. but that levity does not obscure the message. There are many styles and much depth in this music and in the art of Mexico. Now we are hearing a groove that sounds like New Orleans Indians with ritual flute playing. Before that was a most abstract-scratchy-violin-slightly out of tune-incantation about death (I think). Keep reading »
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We played twice yesterday in Mexico City
We played twice yesterday in Mexico City. Early in the morning we were greeted by 6,000 students for a Jazz for Young People concert. Keep reading »
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The profound power of a shared experience
Our Jazz for Young people concert at the Teatro Mella was enthusiastically received by an eager and engagingly attentive audience. Several students were invited on stage, including the very talented 12 year-old bongo player Dayrón Rodríguez. Keep reading »
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Visiting the National School of Music and Amedeo Roldan in Havana
Friday we visited two of Havana’s more established music conservatories, the National School of Music and Amedeo Roldan. Somehow the embargo didn’t stop the music because thee kids knew about jazz and could play…I mean PLAY! The reception was warm and soulful and the kids were attentive and anxious to learn. Ali, Carlos, Dan and Ted Nash joined me to demonstrate different aspects of the music. Keep reading »
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Some authentic Cuban cuisine
After Thursday’s concert at the Teatro Mella, Maraca invited us into his home for some authentic Cuban cuisine. Maraca’s wife, Celine, moved to Havana from France. She is a most gracious host and laid out a spread that included a sea food casserole, Havana yard bird, black beans plantains and arroz, of course. Keep reading »
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Wednesday in Havana was busy and rewarding
Wednesday in Havana was busy and rewarding. It started with an interview with the “60 Minutes” crew for a segment they’re developing on Jazz at Lincoln Center. Keep reading »
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We are playing in a different city every night now with hundreds (and hundreds!) of miles in between
We are playing in a different city every night now with hundreds (and hundreds!) of miles in between. Ernest Gregory grabbed these pictures while we were in Oxford, OH. Keep reading »
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The Spirit of New Orleans
Down on the Bayou where the mighty Mississippi kisses Lake Pontchartrain and spills into the Gulf of Mexico. There sits that jewel of the Southland. What the French lost to the British who gave it to the Spanish who lost it back to the French who sold it to America for….. Well, some folks say Jefferson conned Napoleon in a card game and won it for some jambalaya and a chicory coffee. Keep reading »
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Last night the House of Swing was brimming with activity
Last night the House of Swing was brimming with activity. Wessell Anderson had Dizzy’s overflowing with soul in 3 smoldering sets with Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums, Marc Cary on piano and Neal “sugar” Caine. Keep reading »
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New Orleans Saints
After 43 years of pain, the New Orleans Saints have finally reached the promise land. For all of us who have grown up with the Saints, the impossible has become a reality. Lord have mercy! Keep reading »
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