I think I’ve talked about the weather in all four of these reports from the Detroit Jazz Festival. That’s because the weather has been crazy. Mid-90s on the first two days. Then big thunderstorms and lots of rain. And today it was cold enough that I was blowing on my hands to keep them warm and actually having trouble tweeting because my thumbs were cold. Oh, the humanity!
I saw a lot of good music today. I’m heading back to New York in the morning, where I do this kind of thing quite often from NYC clubs. (And I also interview people, which is the main point of this site. Look to the left for the list of past guests.) You can follow me on Twitter at @jasondcrane.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
Looking forward to seeing @anthony__wilson live today for what I think is the first time. Hard to believe, but I think it’s true.
Wine lovers: Pls recommend good wines to hurl at @anthony__wilson while he performs. That’s jazz etiquette, right? Or maybe Blues Bros?
When I arrived at #DJ2011 on Friday it was 94 degrees. Right now, on the final day, it’s 60 degrees. Luckily I brought my snowsuit.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Eating falafel while Gary Burton’s New Quartet plays “Afro Blue” on the stage below me.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Burton band now playing bassist Scott Colley’s “Never The Same Way.”
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Both Gary Burton and bandmate Julian Lage have been on The Jazz Session. (Listen: Burton (2009), Lage (2009) and Lage (2011).)
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Gary Burton and Julian Lage snaking their way through “I Hear A Rhapsody.”
Ah, trading fours. How I’ve (not particularly) missed you.
Now some flashes of the countrified groove Gary Burton used to play back in the 70s.
In my opinion, it’s nearly impossible to not channel Pat Metheny while playing this music.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Wow. Didn’t know this @anthony__wilson set was going to be an organ trio. Love it.
The trio is @anthony__Wilson, Larry Goldings and Karriem Riggins. What more do you need? And the sun just came out.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
This @anthony__wilson trio is down, dirty and fun as hell.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Guy behind me just yelled, “Damn, baby, you’re in the pocket!” at @anthony__wilson.
Loving this mystical transition between songs.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
If a fiery beast burst forth from the stage right now, this music would be the perfect accompaniment.
Following that hellfire and brimstone tune, @anthony__wilson starts into “Body And Soul.” Which is actually a pretty good joke.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
@anthony__wilson now playing the title track from his gorgeous CD Campo Belo.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Checking out @ChampianFulton and some slow-as-it-wants-to-be speakesy swing.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Can’t hear this performance of “Tenderly” by @ChampianFulton without thinking of Nat Cole. Right, @carmenstaaf?
Also Nat-Cole-esque is @ChampianFulton’s position at the piano and ability to sing, play and smile at the crowd all at once.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
@ChampianFulton now cruising through an up-tempo take on “Samba de Orfeu,” dedicated to family friend Clark Terry.
Just learned that @ChampianFulton’s drummer is Pete Zimmer, who’s been on The Jazz Session. http://bit.ly/ofH9sT.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
At Camptius Martius with @Mark_Stryker to see Karriem Riggins and Common.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Karriem Riggins’ band would be perfect for Gil Scott-Heron. I’m excited to hear Common with them.
Two hours ago, Karriem Riggins was playing “Body And Soul.” A man of many parts.
Trumpeter Nicholas Payton chimed in to say: Man, @KarriemRiggins is like Aquaman. He belongs to both land and sea thus belonging to neither.
Karriem Riggins is wearing a bow tie. ‘Cause they’re cool.
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Roger Jones repping Flint on Fender Rhodes with @karriemriggins at #DJF2011. cc @MMFlint
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
“You see white people with soul in Detroit, too. That’s how much soul y’all got.” Common at #DJF2011
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
@Common with @KarriemRiggins. #DJF2011
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
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| From 2011 Detroit Jazz Festival Day 4 |
Digging @Common at Detroit’s Winter Jazz Fest.
