Leah
Well it was another great first rehearsal. Russell stepped up in a big way and had four tunes ready to rehearse. It's still early, but this group feels like a really nice change of pace for us. Especially compared to the previous group, which had a more aggressive vibe about it. This group feels a bit quirkier and the music seems more intimate. I'm very excited to see where this is going.
Teri, Mike, Brian, Russell, Eric
I had the good fortune to attend the Ambrose Akinmusire performance last Friday. I was miffed about the $35 tickets until about halfway through the second song when I realized the quality of the music I was hearing. Ambrose is easiest the best trumpet player I've ever heard that isn't named Wynton. You do not play music at that level without enormous personal sacrifice and I felt priviledged to be there. I attended a similarly billed Miles Davis tribute a few years ago that was led by Herbie Hancock and included John Patitucci, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker and Brian Blade. The Herbie concert was much more in-your-face and experimental. I remember most of it going over my head, but it included Michael Brecker's amazing solo performance of "Naima" which was an event unto itself. This past Friday's concert had younger players and was considerably more conservative but felt no less sincere and accomplished. Part of me couldn't help thinking that Miles Davis never had to bill himself as a tribute to someone else.
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