A few months ago, we mailed a video with two jazz pianists doing a deep dive into the extraordinary – and underestimated – song book of Carol King.
Here is a young (to me) trumpeter setting the world on fire with DEEPLY informed listening sessions.
He’s transcribed and memorized more solos that I can imagine any human being transcribing and every now and then he picks up his horn and plays along, note-for-note perfectly.
This is a relatively new channel and this young man is killing it. Let’s send him some love.
If you’re an educator, make sure your students are clued into this.
If you’ve never had the transcendent experience of listening to great music with an all-pro musician at your elbow, here it is.
(Note: You will surely be hooked after one episode!)
Of course, I was meant Arsenio Rodriquez in yesterday’s email.
That’s what I get for trying to write an email after a brutal 12 hour work day without a proofreader to help me.
Here is the corrected email. Thanks to the many who let me know.
It’s not bad to have an opportunity to mention Bobby’s work twice.
The great scholar-bandleader-educator-drummer Bobby Sanabria talks about the great Arsenio Rodriquez and Bobby’s epic big band tribute to his music.
Like Bobby, I’m an unabashed Bronx promoter. The promised land for my grandparents, the place my parents were raised, and one of the great unsung music powerhouses on the planet.
Director Bernabé Hernández. Recorded (1962) in Cuba.
Our good friend and friend of the channel Jorge sent us this gem of a film to help educate us about Abakuá, one of the powerful sources of the Cuban music treasure.
The full film
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
One of our treasured subscribers Jorge, who is deep in the tradition and comes from a family that is too, shared this gem with us.
Rumba at its highest level.
Here’s what he says about it:
“One of the Greatest Dancers and his group back in the ’80s… The real Rumba… Aspirina Family. He was the director of la Comparsa Los Guararechos de Regla, my Hometown. These guys are on another level.”
The artistry of Luis A. Chacon ‘Aspirina’ and Grupo Laye
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
Jerry González recalls his friendship with bass legend Jaco Pastorius.
Jerry’s explanations of the clave and the behind-the-scenes time that goes into great music are absolutely priceless.
Ends with a rare recording of a collaboration: Jerry González/Jaco Pastorius at the late/great 55 Grand in Soho, NY.
Another clip from the film and another lesson about musical reality
Victory Bailey picked up a bass and was a pro from Minute One. How the heck does that happen?
– Ken McCarthy
Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
Jerry Gonzales, the great congero, trumpet player, and band leader.
More
We received these marvelous memories of Jerry from subscribers:
I remember a Fort Apache gig in NY at Sweet Basil. I was sitting right up front with my 9-year-old son. A group of young guys came and sat behind us—four of them—I think they were Cubans. They looked at Jerry’s set of five congas and started snickering… five congas? Nobody plays five congas, who is he kidding? And on, and on. Well, by the end of the set, they were whistling, clapping, and shouting the praises of Jerry. They became complete converts and had joined the church of the “Fort Apache Band” with the reverend Jerry González presiding!
– Yves Nazon
Born: Haïti, July 04, 1954
Jerry and Andy González, while with Conjunto Libre, played at my old Café Galería y Teatro – La Tertulia in the East Village, NYC in the late ’70s! Jerry was a consistent innovator, jovial, and a perfectionist when it came to his music! He respected those who respected good music. His live recording with Chano Dominguez, Rumba Pà Jerry, is evidence of how a master conguero transforms a simple tune into a great one! He also displays his ability to teach new musicians how to elaborate on a simple rhythm pattern without losing the original sound. I will always remember him doing what he did best!
– Raùl Cordova
Born: Puerto Rico, May 11, 1947
For a big chunk of time, I was their documentarian, photographer, and friend.
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Thanks.
