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Package on bassist Aaron Germain
Bassist Aaron Germain has a new release "Before You Go"
Q&A:
Q: What was the idea behind the CD?
A: The idea behind this CD was to finally have something of my own, which I could be proud of; something where I had complete control, to make it sound the way I want.
After many active years as a sideman bass player, I have a pretty big collection of interesting recordings that I have taken part in; but nothing as gratifying as this recording. This CD represents me very accurately. These are my tunes, my arranging, my bass playing; and the players are all my top choices among the people I play with locally.
Also, being fairly diverse in the music I play and listen to, I wanted the represent a variety of genres. I avoided a sort of 'in your face' diversity; the tunes are all basically jazz.
Q: Tell us about the feel of your CD
A: There are many styles I play which didn't make it onto the record (salsa, West African, classical, ect.) but hopefully these influences creep their way into the compositions and playing in a way that amounts to originality within the jazz genre.
Q: How do you feel about the album.
A: I am delighted with the outcome, and am delighted that everyone who participated did such a great job; particularly the engineer, Mr. Dan Feiszli, who is also a fantastic bass player. I have received much praise about how warm the album sounds and how accurately the instruments were recorded.
Q: When is the big event?
A: My CD release party will be on May 13 at 8pm at CODA in San Francisco, Calif., 1710 Mission St.
For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/l/11644;www.aarongermain.com
For feedback, please write to aarongermainbass@gmail.com.
Coltrane, Hubbard, Hutcherson Free for All
VIDEO AND AUDIO:
COMMENTS:
"Brotha' Elvin! Live On..." -- Alistair Wint
"This is my one of favorite Coltrane albums!" -- Aaron Koppe
COMMENTS:
"Bobby! Very cool, "Happenings" "Dialogue" "Oblique" "Components" "Total Eclipse".. list goes on." -- Alistair Wint
"...and Harold Land!" - Pete
"Right O. How 'bout the great Grachan Moncur III? "Evolution" "Some Other Stuff." --Alistar Wint
COMMENTS ON ERIC DOLPHY AND 'STOLEN MOMENTS"
"I had not heard this version; Eddy "Lockjaw" ya, ya! & of course Mr. Eric D. The title is apt, & the stylistics of Oliver Nelson shine through (it can, it will, it has... stolen more than a moment, from me, no regret !). Thanks so much, Pete." --Henry W. Peters
"Love this!!! One of my favs." -- Iris Nunez
"Great version of 'Stolen Moments.'Eric and Lockjaw both display a wonderful personal approach to their respective instruments. Glorious arrangement by Oliver Nelson. Was that Richard Williams on Trumpet? That was a beautiful opening solo." -- Tyrone Anthony
"One of those absolutely flawless moments in jazz, that composition." -- Asko Astmäe
"I really like this you have good taste most people arent hip to cats like Eric Dolphy John Coltrane Archie Shep & the likes of Straight Ahead Bro." -- Erv Campbell
"Asko & Tyrone, totally agree!" -- Theresa Johnson
"Thanks for all the comments," --Pete
Happy Birthday, Nina Simone!
AUDIO AND VIDEO:
Saxophonist David S. Ware - Featured Artist
Audio and video:
Comment:
"Wow! long time since i've encountered any of these cats, nice piece!" -- James Edwin Olding
Welcome
Jazz is my passion. Dialogue is my business.
Having collected more than 20,000 jazz titles, my goal is to bring jazz fans and the artists closer together and create a dialogue.
I was in the news business for more than 30 years, as a reporter and editor, most recently at the Houston Chronicle.
This blog is a stage for news and video content. I invite musicians to tell their own stories and post short commentaries about the jazz scene. They can write about their latest CDs, upcoming gigs, projects and their own background and influences.
I also encourage jazz fans to contribute as well by sharing links and writing CD and concert reviews. Fact-based and thoughtful columns are encouraged.
Together, we will promote the general interest in jazz and have fun as well.
-Pete McConnell
Jazz art painter Bruni Sablan
Bruni Sablan profile
Letter of nomination for the NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship for Jazz Advocacy award
Q&A:
Q: Why did you decide to take this journey?
A: It was decided for me, I'm a highly spiritual artist. I don't take credit, a "hand" was put on my shoulder that conveyed "YOU ARE IT' AND YOU HAVE TO DO IT. So I listened... I was young and I loved jazz all my Life. I had very good "teachers", Leonard Feather, Chan Parker, and numerous Jazz Greats I've had the honor to meet and talk with.
Q: How are you doing in this down market?
A: Praying a lot!!!
Q: Do you have a story about a particular painting?
A: Yes. It is my Bessie Smith, which I call my "Monalisa". I can't let her go for what people are offering nowdays. I'm holding on. I also have 11 sketch books, over a period of 20 yrs, which I drew right on the gigs, everywhere, and I have autographs (l08 of them) of ALL the jazz greats, from Betty to Benny to Miles and Sonny and Stan and you name them.
Happy Valentine's Day
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
"Here lies the assessment on your homepage. God bless you man." -- David Boxton
COMMENTS ON BILL EVANS:
"Thank you Pete! That is just sublime." -- Erick Cholico
"My fave piano player & song,, thanx for this gift...." -- Marlene Weller
"Thanks Pete!! He IS the GREATEST!!!" -- Wendy Fraser
6 hours ago ·
"I love his recording of this w/ Tony Bennett, truly a definitive lyric version." --James Edwin Olding
"Just played it tonight /Tony Bennett & Bill Evans for my song.. Young & Foolish........Just played it tonight /Tony Bennett & Bill Evans for my song.. Young & Foolish" -- Marlene Weller.
COMMENTS ON JOHN COLTRANE AND JIMMY HARTMAN:
"What a lovely choice of love songs!" -- Olivia Greene
"Thank you, Olivia. Had to do a little homework. Happy Valentine's Day." -- Pete
"Thanks, Pete. You too..." --Hazel Bartram-Birchenough
"One of my all time absolute favorites! Thank you." --Kelly Elaine Navies