Okay, not a great start. I got down to the Fest in plenty of time to see Mike Manieri and Steps Ahead. I was able to catch a little of Stephane Wrembel as well. As we walked down the street toward the Harro East, we ran into one set of friends. They said, "Oh the sound system at the Harro East was awful and the show wasn't too good." But, everything being subjective, we kept on walking. We met up with another set of friends--a guitarist and a vocalist. They said, "Oh we left early; the sound system at the Harro East just sucked. It was muffled and crackling. We snuck out early."
Hmm. We decided to go with them over to Max at Eastman Place to see Esperanza Spalding instead. So we waited in line and waited in line and moved up slowly to the point where the table was and I could trade my ticket for a pass. Well, they were out of lanyards. What? Get some more. How ridiculous was that? It gets worse. After I signed my pass, the woman said. "Oh, by the way, it's full in there." I said, "What do you mean, the first show hasn't let out yet?" She said, "No, it was empty and now it's full." I said, "So, what you're telling me is that we've stood in this line for nothing?'' She said, "Yeah, I guess so."
So why didn't anyone come out and close the line so we could figure out where to hoof it to next instead of wasting part of our night standing in a line to nowhere?
Well, my Friend had seen Jonathan Kreisberg at the earlier show and was so blown away that he agreed to go back and see the 10:00 show. Luckily, we got in. He was awesome.
But . . . I have a problem with the way things were handled at Max's and a problem with the fact that the Harro East, if they are using it for a Jazz Fest venue, has sound system problems. I heard there was no one at the mixing table. Come on John and Mark, you should have this down to perfection by now.
I have no idea where we're going tonight, but I know that I want to see at least a little bit of Los Lonely Boys and Ryan Shaw. I'll post later.
yours in music,
Tracy
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
It seems to have worked!
Okay, so by highlighting that web address, copying it, pasting it in the address bar and hitting enter (or clicking "go"), it took me right to my Twitter page. So I guess that means that tomorrow night when I, hopefully, make it to the 10:00pm show of Jonathan Kreisberg Trio at Hi Fidelity, I can post some notes to my Twitter account and you can see them! How high-tech is that?!
So, yeah, I'm in a wedding this weekend--Maid of Honor--so will be working Jazz Fest into non-wedding event times. Tomorrow we have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, that's why the first thing I'll be able to see is the 10:00 Kreisberg show. Then on Saturday, the bride (in her infinite wisdom) chose a 10:00am wedding and luncheon reception. Because of that wisdom, I might be able to attend two events Saturday night. I really would like to see Stephane Wrembel at the Big Tent at 6:00pm,. If you see a woman in a periwinkle blue gown with sparkly things in her frou-frou hairdo, that will be me. Then there is Randy Brecker at 10:00 at Kilbourn, and if at all possible, Los Lonely Boys at 9:00 at the East Ave./Chestnut stage. We shall see. I'm sure there'll be a line for Brecker, so that's where I might be (hopefully in jeans by then). And, perhaps, with any luck, I shall be able to post notes to my Twitter account from these shows.
I can't wait!!
Yours in music,
Tracy
So, yeah, I'm in a wedding this weekend--Maid of Honor--so will be working Jazz Fest into non-wedding event times. Tomorrow we have the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, that's why the first thing I'll be able to see is the 10:00 Kreisberg show. Then on Saturday, the bride (in her infinite wisdom) chose a 10:00am wedding and luncheon reception. Because of that wisdom, I might be able to attend two events Saturday night. I really would like to see Stephane Wrembel at the Big Tent at 6:00pm,. If you see a woman in a periwinkle blue gown with sparkly things in her frou-frou hairdo, that will be me. Then there is Randy Brecker at 10:00 at Kilbourn, and if at all possible, Los Lonely Boys at 9:00 at the East Ave./Chestnut stage. We shall see. I'm sure there'll be a line for Brecker, so that's where I might be (hopefully in jeans by then). And, perhaps, with any luck, I shall be able to post notes to my Twitter account from these shows.
I can't wait!!
Yours in music,
Tracy
Experimenting with some simple remote capabilities!
Remember, I'm Queen of Low-Tech, so everything here is new to me. I have decided to try Twitter since my phone refused to text message the email address I assigned to this blog. So, here is my Twitter link: http://twitter.com/tracykroft which I think you can go to and see my postings via my phone from the Jazz Fest. I'm going to try to access that account. I hope it's simple!
yours in music,
Tracy
yours in music,
Tracy
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Yes, I Know I Haven't Posted.
Okay, here's the quick and dirty on the Fairport Canal Days. I did not get to see the Bowties because there was a torrential downpour. So sad. I did see Gap Mangione's Big Band. Nice. I also had chicken barbecue at the same time. It was a little dry. On Saturday, my son had a car accident--he's fine, thank you--but it through off my schedule just a tad.
However, I did manage to see Footnote later in the afternoon. My daughter came with me. She said they were "melodic." She liked them a lot. She has a good ear and an incredible voice. Footnote is a "smooth-ish" jazz band with plenty of original tunes which I did enjoy. They also covered Steely Dan, David Sanborn, the Doobies and Rippingtons quite nicely. The venue was outdoors in front of a coffee shop right by the railroad tracks. Not the best venue for balance. The lead guitar (Jon Greeno) and the keyboards (Jon Tucker) and the drums (Keith Welch) were loud enough, but the bass (Herb Renke) and the rhythm guitar (Adam Bradley) were on the soft side. They really needed to turn up. Adam had a couple of cool solos, but I could hardly hear him. Once again, it was partly due to the venue. I would really like to see them inside a club with decent acoustics. They were very enjoyable, and I'd go see them again. I do believe they will be at the Jazz Fest. As a matter of fact, on June 10 at the ROBERT MONDAVI CLUB PASS BIG TENT at 6:00 pm. I'll try to get in to see them. They were cool. Websites, anyone? myspace.com/jongreeno, myspace.com/thefootnoteband, myspace.com/tucktranix
On Sunday, I saw the Fairport High School Jazz Alumni Reunion Tour. Okay, it's not really a tour, and some of the kids/guys don't pick up their instruments once between yearly concerts, but you know what? They sounded damned good! Following them was The Bill Tiberio Group. But this incarnation of BTG was a little different than usual. There was Bill, of course, on sax--always incredible, always sweet and soulful. There was Mel on guitar--the usual Mel but with a littl wah-wah going on. He kept me on my toes! Aaron Staebell killed on drums, as usual. But, instead of Gerry Youngman on organ and left-hand bass (he was out-of-town), Bill had Geoff Smith on bass (killer) and Scott Bradley on keys and trumpet (he was great). They could not have played long enough. What an enjoyable way to spend almost an hour on a summer's afternoon. (Their link is on the side.)
I love being surprised. And let me tell you, Mint Jam was a surprise. I had heard they were "good." But they were kids. Who could have known how good they would be? Gabe Condon (15) on lead guitar and vocals; Ray DeSalvo (14) on drums, and Matthew Condon (13) on bass. They covered Cream, Robben Ford, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and more really, really well. They had their own originals, too, which were also quite good. These kids are going somewhere. Gabe is the total package. He can play. Boy, can he play. He's got the voice (hope it's still good when it's done changing). And he's cute and has stage presence. I will want to see where he is five years from now, ten years from now . . . sonicbids.com/gabecondonandmintjam
So, that's a quick rundown of the music that I heard at Canal Days, 2007.
Oh, and I heard that there was mention tonight on WXXI's broadcast of All Things Considered that I will be podcasting from the Jazz Fest. Well. I don't have a pod. And even if I did, I'm not sure I'd know how to cast. So, I've contacted my "IT Support Team" to see if they can make it happen. I'll keep you informed . . .
yours in music (and in anticipation of the Jazz Fest),
Tracy
However, I did manage to see Footnote later in the afternoon. My daughter came with me. She said they were "melodic." She liked them a lot. She has a good ear and an incredible voice. Footnote is a "smooth-ish" jazz band with plenty of original tunes which I did enjoy. They also covered Steely Dan, David Sanborn, the Doobies and Rippingtons quite nicely. The venue was outdoors in front of a coffee shop right by the railroad tracks. Not the best venue for balance. The lead guitar (Jon Greeno) and the keyboards (Jon Tucker) and the drums (Keith Welch) were loud enough, but the bass (Herb Renke) and the rhythm guitar (Adam Bradley) were on the soft side. They really needed to turn up. Adam had a couple of cool solos, but I could hardly hear him. Once again, it was partly due to the venue. I would really like to see them inside a club with decent acoustics. They were very enjoyable, and I'd go see them again. I do believe they will be at the Jazz Fest. As a matter of fact, on June 10 at the ROBERT MONDAVI CLUB PASS BIG TENT at 6:00 pm. I'll try to get in to see them. They were cool. Websites, anyone? myspace.com/jongreeno, myspace.com/thefootnoteband, myspace.com/tucktranix
On Sunday, I saw the Fairport High School Jazz Alumni Reunion Tour. Okay, it's not really a tour, and some of the kids/guys don't pick up their instruments once between yearly concerts, but you know what? They sounded damned good! Following them was The Bill Tiberio Group. But this incarnation of BTG was a little different than usual. There was Bill, of course, on sax--always incredible, always sweet and soulful. There was Mel on guitar--the usual Mel but with a littl wah-wah going on. He kept me on my toes! Aaron Staebell killed on drums, as usual. But, instead of Gerry Youngman on organ and left-hand bass (he was out-of-town), Bill had Geoff Smith on bass (killer) and Scott Bradley on keys and trumpet (he was great). They could not have played long enough. What an enjoyable way to spend almost an hour on a summer's afternoon. (Their link is on the side.)
I love being surprised. And let me tell you, Mint Jam was a surprise. I had heard they were "good." But they were kids. Who could have known how good they would be? Gabe Condon (15) on lead guitar and vocals; Ray DeSalvo (14) on drums, and Matthew Condon (13) on bass. They covered Cream, Robben Ford, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and more really, really well. They had their own originals, too, which were also quite good. These kids are going somewhere. Gabe is the total package. He can play. Boy, can he play. He's got the voice (hope it's still good when it's done changing). And he's cute and has stage presence. I will want to see where he is five years from now, ten years from now . . . sonicbids.com/gabecondonandmintjam
So, that's a quick rundown of the music that I heard at Canal Days, 2007.
Oh, and I heard that there was mention tonight on WXXI's broadcast of All Things Considered that I will be podcasting from the Jazz Fest. Well. I don't have a pod. And even if I did, I'm not sure I'd know how to cast. So, I've contacted my "IT Support Team" to see if they can make it happen. I'll keep you informed . . .
yours in music (and in anticipation of the Jazz Fest),
Tracy
Friday, June 1, 2007
Feeling Kind of Fest-ive
Now that it's June 1, I can officially begin my countdown to the Jazz Fest. I'm so excited! In the meantime, however, is Fairport's Canal Days festival with its own contribution to our musical well-being.
I see that Gap Mangione and His Big Band are playing from 6:00 to 9:00 before the fireworks on Friday night. Of course, at 5:30, I will be at Minerva DeLand School in Fairport to see the two jazz ensembles of Fairport High School perform their final concert of the year. These student musicians are among the best I've ever heard, and it's due in large part to their amazing director, Bill Tiberio. Bill pushes them to achieve even more than they think they are capable of; and they enjoy it, as well. It would be worth your while to stop in on your way to the chicken barbeque and Gap.
I'm only going to highlight a few of the groups playing this weekend, but you can view the whole schedule at http://www.fairportcanaldays.com/schedule.php and make your own choices. On Saturday, the Fairport Fire Department Band, always a parade favorite, is performing on the water at 1:00. The Blue Avengers are on at 2:00 at Fairport Junction (does everyone besides me know where this is?); Fred Vine, also at 2:00, is at Packett's Landing. I want to make a special point to see Footnote at 4:30 at Higher Grounds Cafe. They have been kind enough to read my blog and have invited me to come and see them. I'm looking forward to it. On Sunday morning at 11:00, the Fairport High School Alumni Jazz Band will perform--my son's first time as an alum--and they will be followed by The Bill Tiberio Group, jazz at its smoothest and sweetest, at 12:00, both at Packett's Landing. Mint Jam, a group of kids about whom I've heard good stuff (http://www.myspace.com/mintjam) will come after them, and I hope to get the chance to hear them. And, finally, at 3:30 at Packett's Landing, the Bowties will perform. They are a men's a cappella group, formed in 1997 here in Rochester. A delight to hear, they perform a huge variety of music, from doo-wop, jazz, and pop to classical, show tunes, etc. They're pretty cool . . . even though they actually do wear bowties.
Perhaps if I focus on listening to all this great music this year, I can avoid eating all that darned festival food! In addition, I can get a little "music fix" while I await the opening day of RIJF. In my posts next week, I'll offer up the groups I'm planning on seeing and some quick reviews afterward.
I see that Gap Mangione and His Big Band are playing from 6:00 to 9:00 before the fireworks on Friday night. Of course, at 5:30, I will be at Minerva DeLand School in Fairport to see the two jazz ensembles of Fairport High School perform their final concert of the year. These student musicians are among the best I've ever heard, and it's due in large part to their amazing director, Bill Tiberio. Bill pushes them to achieve even more than they think they are capable of; and they enjoy it, as well. It would be worth your while to stop in on your way to the chicken barbeque and Gap.
I'm only going to highlight a few of the groups playing this weekend, but you can view the whole schedule at http://www.fairportcanaldays.com/schedule.php and make your own choices. On Saturday, the Fairport Fire Department Band, always a parade favorite, is performing on the water at 1:00. The Blue Avengers are on at 2:00 at Fairport Junction (does everyone besides me know where this is?); Fred Vine, also at 2:00, is at Packett's Landing. I want to make a special point to see Footnote at 4:30 at Higher Grounds Cafe. They have been kind enough to read my blog and have invited me to come and see them. I'm looking forward to it. On Sunday morning at 11:00, the Fairport High School Alumni Jazz Band will perform--my son's first time as an alum--and they will be followed by The Bill Tiberio Group, jazz at its smoothest and sweetest, at 12:00, both at Packett's Landing. Mint Jam, a group of kids about whom I've heard good stuff (http://www.myspace.com/mintjam) will come after them, and I hope to get the chance to hear them. And, finally, at 3:30 at Packett's Landing, the Bowties will perform. They are a men's a cappella group, formed in 1997 here in Rochester. A delight to hear, they perform a huge variety of music, from doo-wop, jazz, and pop to classical, show tunes, etc. They're pretty cool . . . even though they actually do wear bowties.
Perhaps if I focus on listening to all this great music this year, I can avoid eating all that darned festival food! In addition, I can get a little "music fix" while I await the opening day of RIJF. In my posts next week, I'll offer up the groups I'm planning on seeing and some quick reviews afterward.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Hot Sweets Never Disappoints
From the opening note of Joe Chiappone's first solo of the night--George Benson's Breezin'--Hot Sweets was off and running and everyone was having a good time. The crowd was lighter than normal because of the holiday, but those who were there were dancing all night long.
The guys were hot all night--Todd East's vocals soared along with Chiappone's sweet guitar licks; Ralph Ortiz and Randy Richmond (on drums this week) kept the groove real smooth. Jimmy Richmond's plaintive and soulful vocals on There Ain't No Sunshine (When She's Gone) served to cap off what I think is the best rendition of that tune that I've ever heard. Not unlike the sound Charnett Moffett got out of his upright at last year's McCoy Tyner concert, Ralph Ortiz just about turned his electric bass into a percussion instrument. When these guys go into the recording studio, and I sure hope they do, this tune is a must for them to record.
For all of you who were at McCool's this past Friday, you got a night of first-class music by top-flight musicians. For those of you who weren't there, make sure you are next time!
yours in music,
Tracy
The guys were hot all night--Todd East's vocals soared along with Chiappone's sweet guitar licks; Ralph Ortiz and Randy Richmond (on drums this week) kept the groove real smooth. Jimmy Richmond's plaintive and soulful vocals on There Ain't No Sunshine (When She's Gone) served to cap off what I think is the best rendition of that tune that I've ever heard. Not unlike the sound Charnett Moffett got out of his upright at last year's McCoy Tyner concert, Ralph Ortiz just about turned his electric bass into a percussion instrument. When these guys go into the recording studio, and I sure hope they do, this tune is a must for them to record.
For all of you who were at McCool's this past Friday, you got a night of first-class music by top-flight musicians. For those of you who weren't there, make sure you are next time!
yours in music,
Tracy
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Looking Forward to Friday!
This Friday, May 25, Hot Sweets--Jimmy Richmond (Geneva's favorite son), Ralph Ortiz (the funkiest), Joe Chiappone (smokin' guitar), Todd East (the incomparable) and Dave Cohen (keeping it real on the drums)--will be playing at McCool's Music Room in Geneva. This place is definitely worth the drive. Check out their link on my website. The folks who've built this place wanted to make it a class act, and they have been very successful in this endeavor. They bring in high-quality music acts, like Hot Sweets, every Friday and Saturday night. Make the drive; you won't be disappointed--especially this Friday night!
yours in music,
Tracy
yours in music,
Tracy
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