DIG (#7)

DIG No Responses »
Jul 292010

As you have probably noticed by now, it takes little to amuse me. Sometimes, the simplest tracks, fills, grooves, videos, or whatever can hit me and hold me down like a schoolyard bully. Such is the case with this week’s DIG. I found this video about a week ago (I have to give it up to Pork Pie Jazz for hipping me to it) and have probably watched a dozen times. It even inspired my last post, What Jazz Is. There is just something about the imagery  juxtaposed over this beautiful jazz composition.

The tune is A Flat in Oslo (composed by Kevin Dean) and the footage was filmed in the Plateau Mont Royal and Mile End neighborhoods in Montreal Quebec. It is an installment of a film series called Jazz, Period. The band is Kevin Dean (Flugelhorn), Al McLean (Saxophone), Morgan Moore (Bass), and Dave Laing (Drums).

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What Jazz Is

General Musings 2 Responses »
Jul 232010

Where I come from, jazz is somewhat similar to…say…the rings of Saturn. Everyone knows about them but few acknowledge their presence. Out of that, there are very few who understand their composition or reason for being. So, it’s not uncommon for me to have a weird look passed my way when I tell someone what my favorite genre is. This often requires some sort of Q & A session in which the “A”s normally fall on inattentive ears and go over the person’s head.

Hundreds of these encounters over the thirteen years I have been a jazz head have all played out the same but one question asked by a young, trouble-making, good ol’ boy really stuck with me. It was one of those really simple questions that hit you like a swift kick in the balls. One that really makes you think.

… The guy just looked at me and said “Jazz? What do you get out of that?”

I came back with my usual spiel, he nodded and the subject changed. We both went on with our day and I seldom saw him after that. That question, however, is still with me. The answer is easy. Jazz makes me feel. It’s the composition of the answer that gets tricky. Why do I relate to jazz? What about it makes me feel?

Those two questions are really just one. If I ask what about it makes me feel (any emotion) the answer is- the way I relate to it (as is the case for any art that touches someone in an emotional way). Therefore, the real question is…Wait for it…Why do I relate to jazz. Which translates into – What do I think about – consciously or subconsciously – when I hear a jazz tune? What is it about Paul Desmond’s re-entry after the drum solo in Take Five that makes me giddy? Or, Miles’ All Blues that makes me feel like I can take on the world? How come when I hear pretty much anything by Mulgrew Miller, I’m just proud to be a musician?

Well, I don’t have a clue! I know that much of it is dictated by memories and past experiences but for whatever reason, my brain links jazz to pretty much everything – Even if there is no reason to do so. When I hear good jazz, I, quite literally, get excited. My heartbeat picks up and I feel like I can conquer the entire universe. It inspires me to play, live, laugh, and enjoy life. It’s times with friends, times with my son, times with my wife and times when I am alone. It’s the sad, the happy, the mundane, and the exciting all wrapped in a beautifully syncopated rhythm that forces my foot to tap. Life. That, my friend, is what jazz is.

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Getting It Done- Album Update 2.0.5

Music Business, News, Recording 1 Response »
Jul 142010

We have one more session and all the tunes will be tracked! I really have to tell you guys that the musicians I have been blessed with on this project are killin’. They are super cool cats who love what they do. I really can’t wait for everyone to hear what we have done.

The money that has been raised (or advanced, as I like to call it) has helped tremendously! It has allowed this project to get off the ground. There are still a lot of things that need to be paid for, though, and selling advanced copies and “extras” is the best way to do it. So…

If you would like to have access to behind the scenes footage, early downloads, exclusive tracks, frequent recording status updates limited edition shirts, and even a mention in the liner notes, please check out the options below for the package that best fits you.

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Listener Package:

$5.00

Digital Download one week before official release

You are down with some cool grooves and would dig throwing them on your iPod for your morning jog.


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Fan Package:

$15.00

Above plus video footage of rehearsal and recording sessions

You dig the sounds and are intrigued at the process behind making them. Listening isn’t enough; you want to see it done and connect with the musicians.


  

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SupaFan Package:

$35.00

Above plus a signed physical copy of the album (early, of course) 

Ummmmm, fan? No, I don’t think so!! You need a signed copy of that baby just to sleep at night! You gotta have it in the car AND on you iPod. You only pause it long enough to watch some awesome vids of the group. You, my friend, are a SupaFan!


 

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Uber Fan Package:

$50.00

Above plus a limited edition “Uber Fan” T shirt

Spptttt…Those little SupaFans ain’t got jack on you! And, you got the shirt to prove it!

**Specify size and color (Black or Pink). Please allow 4-6 weeks for shirts to ship**


 

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Awesomely Uberific Package:

$100.00

Above plus mention in the liner notes

A lover of Jazz, you are proud to support such a project and want everyone to know it! As well you should; a gift of this size is worthy of admiration. Shine on, my friend. Shine on!

**Specify size and color (Black or Pink). Please allow 4-6 weeks for shirts to ship**


 

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 just want to help!

Whatever you like

Reward, shmeward. You just want to help out a musician and promote a unique American art form.


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Official PayPal Seal

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