Sunday, July 12, 2015

The Scofflaws played Ska in Setauket near sheep

The Scofflaws played in Setauket on Friday Night (7/10) at Benner’s Farm.   Parking was very easy and I was surprised with the number of vehicles, it was evident there was a crowd. I was impressed with the sound system as well as the raised and well lit stage which was set up next to one of the sheep stables.   There were food trucks as well as an ice cream truck.  It was a reasonable $10.00 to get in.  Yet, I needed a beach chair or blanket. Maybe I should keep one in my trunk for these summer shows?  With five kids dancing in the grass as the sun was setting and families on lawn chairs and virtually no one...dancing the show was...different. Being alone, I was a little out of place.  When you see The Scofflaws everyone should be up and having a good time.  Even some of the sheep cried out.  It was also a clean show.  Their song Paul Getty which normally has an angry anthem at the end…was…tame.    Typically, you would hear some lines like, “Got any ganja?  You know what I told him (The boss) Eat Shit.  This is my mantra, work sucks!”  None of the angst was there expect for a slide slip of sensamilia…I was also disappointed with their song, Till the End of Time.  I think Sammy was just going through the motions.  He jived a little, but he did not have the balls to get the crowd up and moving.  The positive, was that their trombone player, Jared Dubin was there, he fills out their sound.  Hats off to the talented Brian Duggan who kept the rhythm section tight.

So why did I go?  I went for the prime reason, it was The Scofflaws and the show was close to my house.  I did not stay to the end of the second set.  The kids were playing with beach balls that glowed in the dark.  That was cool.  The stars were out, very nice.  The adults for the most part were sitting in their chairs and clapped and occasionally hooted, which was a little disappointing.  Two thick bugs flew in my eyes and blinded me.  I could feel the blood sucking mosquitoes were getting a good pint out of me.  Time to go…till the next time…and remember when The Scofflaws announce family fun on their Facebook page...I just might skip it...

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Ravi Coltrane plays in Huntington, a review

7/12/15

We arrived from California just after midnight.  On Saturday, while we were packing up I read Ravi Coltrane was giving a free concert on Sunday (7/5) in Huntington.  He was also going to be interviewed by a DJ from Hofstra.  This event was to kick off a proposed annual event, John Coltrane Day in Huntington.  It was also a fund raiser for the Coltrane Home foundation which is trying to raise funds to refurbish the house where John Coltrane lived and composed for the last years of his young life.  He was only 40 when he passed in 1967.  This is the house where he wrote the classic and influential A Love Supreme.  There are details on the house on the web site:

From what I understand Ravi has played in Huntington previously, but I am waiting for more details.  I’ve seen Ravi Coltrane previously, performing at the Blue Note, Iridium, Lincoln Center as well at his mother’s memorial at St. John the Divine.   This was one of those shows I would be kicking myself if I didn’t attend.   Even Ali said I should go.  Off I went with my head still in the clouds and a little jet lagged.  I found a spot on the hill, sloping towards the stage and in the back.  I could have sat closer.  There are rules to these concerts I learned.  No beach chairs in front of the stage, only blankets.  Since I had neither, I could have propped down stage center. 

Before long more people were staking out their places, some had candles in glass cups. One couple had a small hibachi with a small flame.  There was a crowd.  As dusk fell on us I saw a drone which at first I thought was a bird fly over the park and then fly back to where it originated.   The device was pretty cool and I have to admit I’d like to get one.  Why?  It’s a cool toy.  Fire flies dotted the dark.  Children were playing in the park. Sparse couples sauntered around the pond as Ravi Coltrane’s quartet played.  It was a cool summer night to spend under the Huntington sky....listening to jazz.

The interview was sort of bland, the DJ said he was nervous, but Ravi made a memorable remark about his birth at Huntington Hospital. “The doctors botched up my circumcision. I really need to speak to them.”  He discussed growing up in California, “My mother was an Ashram and my father was a jazz legend.”  As well as the influence John Coltrane has on jazz. 

The Ravi Coltrane Quartet:  featured Glenn Zaleski, piano, Joshua Crumbly, bass and Kush Abeday, drums. This quartet is different and new and as Ravi explained, “young.”   Still, this brief show displayed their immense talents. Yet, I am curious why Ravi would not play one of his originals?  He is a Grammy nominated artist...

The following is a play list:

My Lady, by John Coltrane
Who wants Ice Cream, by Ralph Alessi
I’m old fashioned, by Jerome Kern
Nothing Like You, by Bob Dorough
Lush Life, by Billy Strayhorn

A Love Supreme, part two resolution by John Coltrane

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London Calling

  January 28, 2024 Flying to London tonight for our sales meeting.   First time traveling out of the country for the job.   First time in ...