No One is an Island

It's a similar title to a Thomas Merton book that I love, but this is something else entirely.

I wasn't familiar with Berangere Maximin's music until recently when I downloaded her latest album No One is An Island, which features, among others, Christian Fennesz and Rhys Chatham. The whole album sounds great, but I was utterly floored by track 6, Where the Skin Meets the Bone. Fans of trumpet and electronics will see what I mean. 

I couldn't find a version of this that I could embed or link to, but the rewards of seeking out this music will be great indeed.

Upcoming gig: 5/25

As the original Know-It-All, I'll be playing with Marisa Ronstadt and the Know-It-Alls on Friday May 25th. This is to raise some money in order to finish our album. Great lineup, great giveaways, come on out!

Friday May 25th, 9 PM

Marisa Ronstadt and the Know-It-Alls

Fais Do Do

5257 W. Adams Blvd

LA 90016 

$10

w/ Cambalache, Maya Jupiter, Quetzal

Raffle items from Araceli Silva, Ilaments and more!

Boulevard

Dan Clucas handed me his latest CD Do You Know the Ways at a gig we both played on recently. After a couple of listens here's a track that stands out for me. I don't have the liner notes near by, so I don't remember if this is one of the tracks that is purely improvised or one that has some composed elements. Knowing Dan and his music, this is probably not important as improvisation is very central to everything that he does.

Bread Pudding Experiment

Bread and raisins ready to go.

Wet ingredients added, sitting in water bath.

Out of the oven!

With the bourbon sauce!

Friday Charlie Patton

Just came up on my iPod, what a great performance:

The Notes

AM417

A new fragment. We'll see if it goes anywhere....

Last Time Revision

It looks like there was some confusion about our performance tonight at the Battery Books and Music. We will be starting at about 8 PM. This should be set in stone now!

Alexander Vogel - saxes
Dan Clucas - trumpet
Jeff Schwartz - bass
Jeremy Keller - Guitar
Rich West - drumset

***8 PM***

The Battery Books and Music
1005B Mission St.
South Pasadena CA
626-376-9913
Free

Performing the music of Ayler, Coleman, Holland, Lacy, Monk. Below is Mr. Ayler to tide you over.

Flakes

No, it's not the name of the group (but maybe it should be). It's another one of the pieces that I'll be playing with Alexander Vogel, Dan Clucas, Jeff Schwartz, and Rich West at the Battery Books and Music on Thursday 4/12 at 7 PM (disregard the 8 PM times on the older posts). In addition to the music of Mr. Lacy there will be more music by Albert Ayler, Dave Holland, Ornette Coleman, and Thelonius Monk. Great pieces, great improvisers, what more do you want?

Thursday April 12, 7 PM
The Battery Books and Music
1005B Mission St.
South Pasadena CA
626-376-9913
Free

Easter Ham

I know a ham is pre-cooked, but smoking one adds great flavor. I ditched the provided glaze and made a maple bourbon one instead. No real maple syrup on hand, so I used pancake syrup. No complaints!

Dee Dee

Here's another Ornette Coleman composition that I'll be playing with Dan Clucas, Jeff Schwartz, Alexander Vogel, and Rich West on Thursday 4/12 at the Battery Books and Music in South Pasadena. Rich remembered playing this with Lynn Johnston in the past, and I have a memory of that as well. Nice to revisit this piece.

Art of Love is Happiness

While rehearsing for an upcoming gig with Dan Clucas, Jeff Schwartz, Alexander Vogel, and Rich West I was reacquainted with The Art of Love is Happiness, an Ornette Coleman composition that may have been my favorite on the In All Languages album. There is a nice version of it below, but you can also come out and see the five of us play it as well as compositions by Steve Lacy, Albert Ayler, Dave Holland, and Thelonius Monk:

Thursday April 12, 8 PM

The Battery Books and Music

1005B Mission St.

South Pasadena CA

626-376-9913

Free