RIJF Diary - Day Three
If I had more than a rudimentary music education, I might be qualified to say that the Claudia Quintet's music is more "cerebral" than anything else I have heard to date. However, I don't have this background, so the best that I can do is say that the music that sounded "cerebral," which isn't meant to be a knock against them, by the way. The quintet consisted of drums, bass, an alternating saxophone and clarinet, a vibraphone and an accordion.
That's right, an accordion. It sounded great, too. The juxtaposition of the soundscapes explored by the accordion and vibraphone contrasted nicely with the solid grooves laid down by the drummer and bassist, all tied together by the saxophone.
Afterwards, we headed to Gibbs Street to hear the Jack Allen Big Band where Kari, Ben and Jane joined us. Ben enjoyed the music and the atmosphere, insisting that we move closer to the stage so that he could get a better look at the musicians.
After hearing the dire warnings about the Montage grill's seating policy, Seth and I made sure to get to the there early enough to chat with our new-found fellow blogging friend prior to the Roberto Occhipinti Quintet. And man, are we glad we did.
Not only did we have a great conversation, but the band itself was awesome. They were gimmick-free, just five cats who could play. Dafnis Prieto on drums was particularly impressive, playing like a man possessed while still maintaining an unwavering and rock solid beat.
A quick note about one of Friday night's acts: After reading Jeff Spevak's review of last night's shows and listening to today's D&C podcast, I feel a little bad about labeling Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey as a "disappointment." I may have to pay penance by picking up a CD at the RIJF store.
Tomorrow night's picks:
- BraamDeJoodeVatcher
- Billy Bang Quartet
Comments
Jane, Jane Metzger, tuned me into this blog Ken. Holy Cow I would love to be within easy hitting distance of the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Looks like an opportunity to hear lots of good notes. I'd like to see Toots Thielmanns and could it be possible-McCoy Tyner's band in the same program.
Am going to Buffalo on Thursday night to see Soulive in the Concert on the Square series. Haven't seen the trio but have heard good things. Do me a favor-- go to everything and write about it.
The other thing that I would like to see is Phil Woods doing the charlie Parker with strings. His drummer- Bill Goodwin- was here once in the early 90's as part of a huge jazz program the arts council did- It put jazz musicians in 9 school districts in Potter McKean and Cameron Counties. Finale was a concert featuring the Eastman Jazz Ensemble which was directed by Bill Dobbins before he went off to Europe for a bit. And the highlight of that concert at the Consistory Auditoroum was Bill Dobbins playing a duet with Lou Soloff who was the high trumpet man for Blood Sweat and Tears early in his career.
Enjoying the writing.
Best wishes from the land of the Grange Bowl.
Posted by: Arthur Metzger | June 12, 2006 9:30 PM
Correction-- Toots Thielemans is the correct spelling.
Saw him at Eastman with the Jazz Ensemble a few years ago-- maybe three.
Highlight of a great evening of music was an arrangement of "Giant Steps" by a woman, a grad student, whose name I don't remember. But it was a most spectacular arrangement performed by the whole jazz ensemble.
Posted by: Arthur Metzger | June 13, 2006 5:41 AM
Hi Art. The "big" shows are amazing this year, but I made the conscious decision to bypass them in favor of seeing other acts in the smaller venues.
You should make plans for next year; we have a guest room. Or, just pick a weekend to come up. We have great jazz year round!
Posted by: ken | June 13, 2006 9:26 AM