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April 30, 2007
Eddie & Me
God knows I've resisted blogging because it seemed like such an ego trip, but now that I know my buddy LJ is on board and it's clear that ego tripping is normal, off we go.
When I started doing the Jazz show on Vermont Public Radio in August of 2001, Eddie Palmieri was already set up to talk & play solo piano in the VPR Performance Studio. I was terrified how little I knew about him except for the legendary Harlem River Drive album which I'd bought in the early 70's and loved to dance to, but Eddie proved to be great to interview and played piano like the giant he is.
Later that month he and his band played on the Statehouse lawn in Montpelier and then jammed across the street in a restaurant. Packing the band into a smaller space was better but both shows swung with tight horns and steamy latin percussion made vibrant by Eddie's keyboard, smiles & energy.
I'm looking forward to the hot opening show of the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival Friday June 1st with the Eddie Palmieri Afro-Caribbean Jazz Septet. Here'a shot of Eddie & Me in 2001. 
April 30, 2007 at 11:03 PM in George Thomas | Permalink
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Comments
Regarding the Corea cheese factor, one person's cheese is another person's high art. Personally, I like a great deal of Chick's seventies fusion, even with the dated synthesizer sounds. Many jazz pooh-bahs would object to including Bela Fleck in a jazz festival. The history of jazz is, in part, a battle between those bringing in the new, and those wishing to set limits on what gets in the aesthetic door. Some find portions of Bela's work cheesy, because they can't accept the sound of Howard Levy's diatonic harmonica.
Does anyone recall the sleepy Wayne Shorter / Herbie Hancock concert a few year's back? It's hard to predict what great musicians will bring on a given night, but I think that the Bela and Chick duo will provide an exciting experience, even if there are elements of fromage.
Posted by: Mort | May 10, 2007 11:02:58 AM
Here's another one to get excited about: Alto Saxophonist Kenny Garrett has been to Burlington on a couple of occasions, but this time he's bringing the legendary Pharoah Sanders with him! This means we have a rare opportunity to see one of the most exciting established younger saxophone players in Jazz, playing with a legendary elder Tenor player. Garrett's 2006 Nonesuch recording "Beyond The Wall" (which featured Sanders) made many critics 10 best lists.
Garrett's playing is so passionate, yet so thoughtfully put together that it's studied alongside that of John Coltrane at places like Berklee. Indeed, his Coltrane tribute recording ("Persuance" Warners 1996) is one of my favorite cd's. But don't take my word for it - He's also worked with Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Sting.
Pharoah Sanders made a big splash working in the alongside John Coltrane in 1965 and 1966, toward the end of Coltrane's short life. The sound of his Tenor, the result of half a century of devotion, is as beautiful a saxophone sound as we have today, and reminds us he's playing a woodwind instrument. I'll never forget seeing him stop time playing ballads associated with Coltrane last year in Montreal.
VT's own VORCZA, a well traveled trio with a well deserved and growing reputation, opens the evening.
Posted by: David Beckett | May 18, 2007 4:41:38 PM
I am looking forward to the City Hall Park lineup with Brooklyn's the Inbetweens. Not only do they feature Noah Jarrett but Vermont's own Conor Elmes. Remember him from the Joe Davidian, Nick Cassarino etc trios? Wow! The boys are back!!!!
Posted by: mart | May 29, 2007 9:04:52 PM
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