In-Flyte
February 2003
         

In The Spotlight… Hubie Blake


February has come to mean the month of love, music, shared intimacies and ethnic pride. In keeping with those inspired traditions, I could not help but remember with affection the artist, musician and cherished centurion, whose life spanned the nineteenth and twentieth centuries… The master of ragtime: Jazz pianist, dancer, and composer James Hubert "Eubie" Blake. Born in Baltimore, MD, on February 7, 1883 to former slaves, he was one of eleven children, and the only one of his siblings to reach adulthood.

When Eubie was six years old, his parents purchased an organ that cost $75 – making weekly payments of twenty-five cents. It took them nearly six years to pay for it, but young Blake took to the organ and taught himself. By age 15, he was playing piano in Baltimore's nightclubs, holding a regular gig at Agnes Shelton's sporting house. It is said that the syncopated rhythms of ragtime spawned from the juke joints and brothels of southern and midwestern cities like Baltimore and St. Louis, and was peppered with the influences of John Philip Sousa.

An exceptional pianist by the early 1900's, Eubie had to simplify his music drastically to get it published. Although he was among the pioneers of ragtime, he was often too far ahead of his time. Despite his inherent talent, to his misfortune, Blake released two rag compositions during the same year in which Scott Joplin released his timeless masterpiece, “Maple Leaf Rag”.

Arguably, no one played the ragtime piano better or longer. His first rag compositions were published in 1914, and in 1915, Eubie met Noble Sissle, who was to become his collaborator and lifelong friend. The team of Blake and Sissle collaborated with the team of Miller and Lyles, bringing to Broadway the first in more than a decade, the all-black cast production, “Shuffle Along”, which ran for 14 months… quite an accomplishment for 1921! Along with 20 other remarkable show songs, came the notable musical hit by Blake, "I'm Just Wild About Harry" (kids young and old who are Warner Bothers cartoon fans remember Bugs, Daffy and other cartoon characters singing its’ lyrics) . The Shuffle Along showgirls, included Josephine Baker, Adelaide Hall, Florence Mills and Freddie Washington were paid $30 a week.
Blake toured as Musical Director with the USO, and when he returned, after World War II, earned his music degree in record time (two years), from NYU, joined the faculty and toured as a lecturer and artist.

His compositions, such as “If You've Never Been Vamped By A Brownskin, You've Never Been Vamped At All” -1921 and “Good Fellow Blues” -1921 and "Memories of You”, Eubie’s most successful ballad, showed evidence of 'jazz' harmony, even though jazz had not evolved during that time. Later compositions, “Dictys on Seventh Avenue“- 1949 and “Rhapsody in Ragtime” –1972, quantified the belief that Eubie played an important role in the development of jazz. Blake made several film appearances over the years, with his final performance in The Scott Joplin Story in 1976 – fifty-three years subsequent to his film debut.

Eubie Blake was the last of the great ragtime artists. In 1970, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At the tender age of 89, he emerged from retirement and made a much-lauded comeback. Eubie passed away, five days after his 100th birthday, on February 12, 1983. He left indelible footprints in the world of jazz and on the sands of time…





The Best Smooth Jazz of 2002


It’s time to present our pics for the Best Smooth Jazz of 2002. Great music came our way… so much to enjoy. Unable to choose just ten, we’ll forego tradition and bring you the baker’s dozen (with a few to spare). We hope you find some if not all of your favorites here and if you’ve not heard some of our choices; we urge you to pick them up, give a listen and continue to support the artists.

Congratulations to all the artists who have contributed so much, musically, to our lives. Special mention to saxman Dave Koz and the maiden release his newly formed Indie label Rendezvous Entertainment- Golden Slumbers – “A Father’s Lullaby”
.


The Baker’s Dozen


Marion Meadows - “In Deep” (Heads Up Intl)

Have you ever wanted to get a sample of all the flavors of Jazz? “In Deep” meets the criteria of serving up a tasty jazz smorgasbord… his sax is funky, distinct, robust and passionate. Meadows’ showcases his talents on both tenor and soprano sax – this should prove to be his breakout disc!


Bob Baldwin - “Standing Tall” (Narada Jazz)

Baldwin always has his hands on the pulse of music, displaying a myriad of musical flavors. This neo-jazz style is unique to Bob, however, after listening to his Narada Jazz debut CD, you will find it a “must have” for your collection.


Paul Taylor - “Hypnotic” (Peak Records)

Mellow and funky, confident but shy: the energy and excitement generated with his fourth CD release represent the three S’ in smooth jazz: Seductive, Sensuous, Soulful. “Come Over” is a winner and ‘PT Cruiser’ – the “groovin’ in your car jam” simply makes driving fun! Daimler- Chrysler may have missed this one but Paul’s fans sure didn’t.


Steve Oliver - “Positive Energy” (Native Language)

Traditional Latin classical guitar blends and into the sound of scat-masters… Oliver’s guitar is stirring and exciting- his music reveals the flavors he commands in so many different genres. Steve is an artist who is just beginning to make his mark in the world of Smooth Jazz.


Al Jarreau - “All I Got” (Verve Music Group)

His vocal skills are sharp and cover his various skills, jazz, scat, pop…along with lyrics- they are the spice that makes the jambalaya spicy. From the first track to the last track, a must have CD.

Lee Ritenour – “Rit’s House” (Verve Music Group)

“Rit’s House is Ritenour displaying his acoustic chops. One of the most versatile players around, Ritenour showcases a style that he has not shown for many years. You’ll enjoy the sensation!


Rippingtons - “Live Across America” (Peak Records)



A banquet of Rippingtons gigs and all the fun live shows can offer without being there. In fact, it’s almost like being there. Check out Billy Heller’s breathtaking intro to “Rain” - that Freeman lauds his favorite on the CD. Other favorites brought to a new energy are “Summer Lovers”, “She Likes To Watch” and “Are We There Yet?” (Kabuki renamed). Live Across America is a showcase of the songs and talents of each band member- a must have for every Rippingtons fan.


Jeff Kashiwa - “Simple Truth” (Native Language)

What is the simple truth? Now a familiar question, oft asked in the promos for Kashiwa’s latest release. My favorite response is “just rock on the horn, baby!” Nothing rings closer to the truth because that’s what Jeff does here, in good company. Produced by guitarist Chuck Loeb and recorded in Bonn, Germany with his Coastal Access band members: Dave Kochanski, Melvin Davis, Dave Hooper and Allen Hinds. The band was encouraged to play from their hearts- just listen to tunes like “Simple Truth”, “3-Day Weekend” and “Voices” – and join in on the fun, party atmosphere. The simple truth is: it’s all about drums… it’s all about keys… it’s all about bass – it’s about the brotherhood of great artists and good friends bringing the musical truth.



Gerald Albright - “Groovology”
(Verve Records)


An “ology” is the study of a science. In this case, the science is the jazz groove of saxophonist Gerald Albright. His latest is titled “Groovelogy” and with it, educates us to a style that is uniquely his own. It has a funky groove and his sax is bright and energetic, lively and sassy. Gerald surrounds himself with a few friends, Ricky Lawson, Chuckii Booker and Paul Jackson Jr. The good friends make good music. Albright covers Eric Clapton’s ‘Change the World’ and ‘We Fall Down’. Both are outstanding covers with Albright displaying his interpretive skills. “Old School Jam” is just that. School’s in session so have the time of your life!


Russ Freeman - “Drive”
(Peak Records)


It’s been a while since Russ’ last solo recording and well worth the wait. “Drive” is distinctly Freeman, with his talents finely honed. Listen to his tribute to Grover Washington, Jr. on “East River Drive” or his Command of the electric guitar as it dances against the vibes of the sax stylings of Eric Marienthal on “Anywhere Near You” and “Brighter Days” with Jeff Lorber is a trip unto itself the to magical garden of cool. Pick it up, pop it in the player and just Drive.


Peter White - “Glow” (Sony)

White’s most recent CD, “Glow” is up tempo, heartfelt and funky. Reuniting us with some old and new favorite tunes and artists, the title cut features keyboardist old friend Rick Braun (‘Notorious’), Tim Heintz (‘Dear Jacqui’), Steve Cole (‘Stay Awhile’) and newest groovemeister, Euge Groove (‘Romeo and Juliet’). ‘Turn It Out’ was the first single- and he did on the cut as well as live! You’ll enjoy his take on covers ‘Who’s That Lady’ and ‘Just My Imagination’ and feel his heart in ‘Life Story’. A must have for fans current and future.


Tony Bennett & k.d. lang - “ A Wonderful World”
(Sony Music)

Inspired by the songs associated with Louis Armstrong, “A Wonderful World” features such songs as ‘La Vie En Rose’, ‘If We Never Meet Again’, ‘I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)’ and the well-loved Armstrong classic, ‘What A Wonderful World’. This CD is purely a dedication to the art of intimate singing. Smooth doesn’t begin to cover it. Pick it up for Valentine’s Day– for the one you love.


Diana Krall - Live In Paris
(Verve Music Group)

Live In Paris captures Diana at her absolute best. Her band features Michael Brecker, Rob Mounsey, Anthony Wilson, Christian McBride, Lewis Nash and Luis Quintero. Krall’s performance is smoother than Cardinal Mendoza cognac!
The CD showcases 11 live standards, including: ‘Let’s Fall in Love’, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, and ‘A Case of You’. The entire disc is mesmerizing… love songs extraordinaire. Fall in love to her renditions of ‘I Love Being Here with You’, Cole Porter's ‘I've Got You under My Skin’, and the only studio track, a cover of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are". What’s missing-- perhaps, ‘My Funny Valentine’?



Smooth “shout outs” to this year’s Contemporary/Smooth Jazz artist Grammy nominees:

The 45th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live as a primetime special from the Madison Square Gardens in New York City on the CBS Television Network. The telecast will be presented on Sunday, February 23, 2003 from 8 - 11:30 p.m. (tape delayed on the west coast).

This will mark the first year that the GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast on a Sunday - the night that captures the most viewers in television.

And the nominees are:

Album of the Year: Norah Jones, “Come Away With Me”

Record of the Year: Norah Jones, "Don't Know Why."

Song of the Year: Norah Jones, "Don't Know Why."

Best New Artist: Norah Jones

Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Norah Jones, "Don't Know Why", Natalie Cole & Diana Krall, "Better Than Anything"

Best Male Pop Vocal Performance: Sting, "All This Time."

Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals: Tony Bennett and k.d. lang, "What a Wonderful World”.

Best Pop Instrumental Performance: Dave Koz & Jeff Koz, "Blackbird.", Pat Metheny, “As It Is”, Kirk Whalum, “Playing With Fire”

Best Pop Instrumental Album: Norman Brown, "Just Chillin’.", Kenny G, “Paradise”, Boney James, “Ride”, John Tesh, “The Power of Love”, Kirk Whalum, “The Christmas Message”

Best Pop Vocal Album: Norah Jones, “Come Away With Me”

Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Larry Carlton, “Deep Into It”, Pat Metheny Group, “Speaking Of Now”, The John Scofield Band, “Uberjam”, Yellowjackets, “Mint Jam”, Joe Zawinul, “Faces & Places”.

Best Jazz Vocal Album: Patti Austin, “For Ella”, Natalie Cole, “Ask A Woman Who Knows”, Etta Jones, “Etta Jones Sings Lady Day”, Diana Krall, “Live In Paris”, Luciana Souza, “Brazilian Duos”.

Best Jazz Instrumental Solo: Michael Brecker, "Naima," Pete Christlieb, "Chelsea Bridge," Tommy Flanagan "Sunset & The Mockingbird," Herbie Hancock, "My Ship," Pat Metheny, "Proof."

Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group: Michel Camilo, “Triangulo”, Dave Douglas, “The Infinite”, Herbie Hancock, “Directions In Music”, Wayne Shorter, “Footprints Live”, McCoy Tyner, “Plays John Coltrane - Live At The Village Vanguard”.

Best Latin Jazz Album: Jane Bunnett, “Alma De Santiago”, Carribbean Jazz Project, “The Gathering”, Duduka Da Fonseca, “Samba Jazz Fantasia”, John Santos And The Machete Ensemble, “S.F. Bay”, Omar Sosa, “Sentir”

Upcoming Releases:


February

Mindi Abair - It Just Happens That Way (2/25 - GRP)
Steve Cole, Steve Cole (Warner Brothers, 2/11)
Spyro Gyra - Original Cinema (2/25 Heads Up International)
Wayne Shorter - TBA (2/25 - Verve)

March

Crusaders –“Rural Renewal” (3/04 - GRP)
Richard Elliot – “Ricochet: (3/13 - GRP)
Doc Powell –“97th & Columbus” (3/25 - Heads Up International)
Nelson Rangell – “Look Again” (3/11 – A440)
Richard Smith - TBA (Native Language)
Chris Standring, Groovaliscious






Want to know his opinion about an upcoming release?

Make your In-Flyte reservations at:inflyte@smoothnotesandnews.com.



© February 2003 Smooth Notes and News