“While reports had been circulating that he was feeling stronger lately, entertaining visitors at his home and woodshedding again on his EWI and tenor sax, no one—except for Brecker’s inner circle of friends and family—suspected that he was well enough to make a public appearance, let alone a high-profile one at such a prestigious venue.”
You can read the entire review at the link below.
http://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/concert_reviews/detail.cfm?article=10378
2) Here in the Philadelphia/Atlantic City, as in other metropolitan areas there has been an increased popularity of Smooth Jazz on local radio. WJJZ was a fixture on Philadelphia radio for nearly the past 15 years. Like so many other stations before it, WJJZ has changed the format. Presently, there is no local Smooth Jazz station. About 5 years ago, there were two stations, the second being down the Jersey Shore. That station (which I can’t remember right now) left the airwaves a few years ago as well.
As a frequent traveller to Boston, I used to enjoy tuning into Smooth Jazz stations along the eastern corridor. It seems that some of those stations have disappeared as well.
Now having said all this, I have a question to pose. What will come next? What venue will be available to the next generation of saxophonists? Traditional and Straight Ahead Jazz will likely continue in it’s popularity among players and jazz enthusiasts. The cool thing about Smooth Jazz is that it was a form of instrumental music (largely saxophone music) that was consumed by the masses. The loss of one, singular station does not signal the end of an era – but it does make me wonder…
3) Having taken to riding a bike (bicycle, no engine) for exercise and recreation, I have enjoyed riding in the local area. A stationary bike is great in bad weather, however I much prefer taking to the back roads and county parks. Recently, I was riding on a bike path through Camden County Park and passed several families romping on the playground. This one little girl (and presumably her sister) was riding on a see-saw. Her sister went up and she bumped on the ground. The little girl shouted, “It shut off my ipod!” Wow…I remember when the see-saw all by itself was the entertainment. Call me old-fashioned.
4) Transcribing has taken a back seat to working on another Saxophone Journal Masterclass Cd. This is my fourth and will hopefully address another interesting topic – styles. Over the years, many of us have found it necessary to play in the style of a famous saxophone player. Although most of us search for a unique sound and style, copying others and emulating their approach is part of getting there. The new masterclass will provide examples and tips on honoring the tradition of stylists like Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Sam Butera, Gato Barbieri and even Clarence Clemons.
Well, that’s all to tell for now. Hope everyone has had a great summer and looking forward to an even better fall.
Stay well and play well.
Skip@SaxShed.com
