Sorry for the delay in coming up with a new column. Sometimes life gets very thick. I’ve been busy with preparing big band arrangements for publication (from Gently), finishing up teaching at Manhattan School of Music, gigging, tending to my family, etc. I played a beautiful concert last week at Manhattan School of Music with the jazz philharmonic.
This is a symphony orchestra augmented by big band essentially. We did an older piece I composed for the American Jazz Philharmonic out in L.A. in the 80s called “Then and Now”. It is an amazing experience to play an orchestral piece you have composed and have the insight to know where the composed material lies, and play in and around it.
The orchestra did a beautiful job playing with maturity and empathy. A really gratifying experience! I’m surprised more university music programs don’t have this type of orchestra. For one, it bridges the gap between various styles of music and provides
An opportunity to find new combinations of those styles. Secondly, a jazz philharmonic
gives all the players a shot at playing these different types of music, which is essential training for anyone who wants to do performing and recording in a diverse way. This is essential nowadays for survival. Diversity is a big help in the quest for staying busy in music.

The Yellowjackets just released the first cd for the Heads Up label called Time Squared. I urge you all to check it out at Yellowjackets.com. It's yet another step in the evolution of the jackets music. I have been playing in the band for 13 years now, and I’m constantly amazed how the music continues to grow and expand. There is strength in numbers! This cd is one of the best 'jackets cds, I think, for combining swing and funk grooves. The band functions equally well in each area, and in the process, finds some new grooves and textures by combining the two. The compositions are all filled with little twists and turns that you may not hear on first listen. I certainly didn’t hear them on first playing. But we got to play this music quite a lot before recording it. I hope you enjoy this cd.

I’ve been listening to Art Tatum lately, and am amazed how modern an approach he takes on interpreting standards. It is clear to me that all the great pianists have listened to Tatum. Aside from the fact that it is unbelievable that someone can play that much piano with two hands, the lyricism and musicality that exudes from Art Tatum’s playing is a study that I recommend all musicians check out.

Keep the faith, keep playing, keep enjoying, keep at it! Bob