Labels & Jazz

Labels, as in fusion, smooth, latin, etc. Each covers too much turf and ends up meaningless. Sorta like the term JAZZ which is now forced to be useful in describing Dixieland, New Orleans, Swing, Bop, Rebop, Chicago, Post-Bop, Acid Jazz, Fusion, Free Jazz and many more. Better to listen closely and realize that your ears are just as valid as anyone else's. They just may have more listening hours than you. Doesn't make 'em a expert in your taste, which is gonna change over time anyway.

I've known Bela Fleck since he was 15 and playing in Jack Tottle's bluegrass group. He was awesome then and remains so, not only for his technical prowess but for his taste. Chick Corea & Bela should result in real music, no corners cut. I also passed on Chick's recent foray into his chosen religion but I doubt he'll be so limited in this setting. With two percussive instruments, rhythm will rule.

One of the concerts I'm most excited about at the Festival is the Esparanza Spalding Trio at the FlynnSpace on 8:30pm Wednesday June 6th. The 22year old double bass player & vocalist & teacher at Berklee College Of Music makes music on her first CD Junjo. Plus she looks & sounds like she's having fun while pulling off licks that must make Mingus smile in his cosmic jam session.