Bart – Offers a New Orleans themed play, to commemorate our week off and my visit there. Henry Red Allen – “Wild Man Blues”. He is keeping my vacation going from last week. I really miss NOLA and have had 2 days of sad to be back. Already missing my sister, and my kid, who I spent the week with. I miss her even when I’m with her, lol. I spent a year in NOLA, in the 90’s, cooking, but also making the decision to go for music over cooking. Hard times, good times. Everyone brings that feeling on this recording and Red Allen’s face says it too.
Travis – Vienna Brass Connection – “Brass Machine” – I never thought Trumpets and Snare Drums could sound the same, here they do. It’s a wild chart with a couple layers of High Cheese, but Travis recalls it affectionally from playing the chart in a college band. That is an esoteric chart to have and would need some strong Brass players to accomplish. I can imagine this feeling really exciting discovering it in the middle of a band rehearsal
Dan – James P. Johnson – “Riffs” Also a NOLA tribute, but in this case these two songs were played by a DJ on the radio while I was there. I recognized both and my mind was re-blown by their performances. JPJ’s left hand is just out of control and spinning counter melodies throughout. A tour de force. Duke Ellington Orchestra – “The Dicty Glide”. This Ellington piece I recall at a faster tempo, probably from a Don Byron version? But it is an early gem from Ellington. At 1:58 it sounds like he is divining the future and playing “If You Want Me To Stay” by Sly & the Family Stone, and possibly “Those Were the Days” from All in the Family. Future music from 1929!
Nawi – Tav Falco‘s Panther Burns – “Snake Drive” – Trashy fantastic! Great driving intensity. I’ve never heard of Tav before. Nawi has some deep listening pockets that he pulls stuff out of. I’m surprised this never made it to a Sesh before. It’s a good change up for the vibe of the night too.
Matt – Francis Johnson – “The Grave of a Slave” by Steven Page and by Brent White. Matt performed with Brent’s group, interpreting the songs of a lost, prolific antebellum era Philadelphia composer. Great project and interesting to hear both a “in the style of” and a reinterpreted version of the same song. Very cool way to end.
Found Sounds 