Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade Played in Patchogue to a Packed House

10/26/19 20:36 East Northport

It’s the night before the half marathon and I have to say I am not feeling nervous.  I have my clothes laid out.  I am prepared for a light rain which will become heavier in the afternoon; thanks to the predictions from my father, who studies the weather like a radio forecaster.  More on the race tomorrow night.

Chick Corea, Trilogy played in Patchogue

Of course some guy comes in and asks if I can move over to the empty seat next to me.  He was grateful and we started talking, yes he is also from East Northport.  He just bought the tickets that day and was not sure what to expect. I explained, Brian Blade is an incredible drummer.  I’ve seen him a few times and if I see he is on the bill, I try to buy a ticket.  Christian McBride, is also an accomplished bass player and both will be amazing, and of course there is the legend, Chick Corea.  We’re in for an amazing show.

Before they took the stage some impatient nut started to clap his hands, hoping he could get the whole theatre clapping.  A few of us turned around and gave him the evil eye.  This is not a Zebra concert.  Sit tight. 

The band came out and played a piece from Cole Porter.  The set was very eclectic, included audience participation, singing along to the notes Chick played.  And then the music started.  What struck was the energy flowing from the stage.  It was joyful.  Blade and McBride who shared the center, weaved through the set and met each other’s skillful challenges.  I dare you.  Like two dancers catapulting through the set.  All along it was led by Chick Corea who at times sat there in awe of his bandmates.  We were all in awe.  Songs from Thelonious Monk, originals like Corea’s Windows and Footprints, 500 Miles, and more.    

During intermission I bought a CD, this is their second recording.  I had to run down to the bank since they do not process cards in the theatre.  They should.

The theatre is very spacious and ornate, they restored a palace in Patchogue. The band was grateful to play to close to a sellout.  The audience was great.  I was impressed with the friendly staff and the gentle way they monitored the crowd.

After the gig, I had the opportunity to meet the band and share some insight in Long Island.   Chick mentioned, during the show that he lived in Huntington for a couple of years.  Backstage, we spoke about Coltrane and his house.  Brian looked up Dix Hills and Coltrane on his phone and was impressed. If you have the opportunity to see this band or any of the members, go. 

Thank you for reading this.

Back in Northport, I learned my favorite Barber passed away

10/25/19 17:49 East Northport

I have not taken a shower today.  My skin is feeling clammy, but it’s alright.  I will jump into a hot shower and head over to Patchogue to see Chick Corea and company.  The seats I assumed would be empty – one on either side have been sold to strangers.  It’s alright.  Looking forward to seeing this show since it’s the first concert in a few weeks, and the first on Long Island in months, maybe a year?  Who cares? 

Meli and I had a tiff last night.  By this morning, we were back.  She fell asleep without calling.  My imagination was creating a scene that is best left unsaid in this blog.  I feel like a commercial, “For the rated R version, go to my other blog…but this is it ladies and gentlemen.”  Like I said, this morning we were back.  She explained she laid down last night, pulled the covers over her since it was cold and rainy in Mexico City and was quickly off to dreamland.

Saw Lou today.  We had lunch.  I have sad news to share since my worse fear came to life.  My favorite barber, Jack passed away.  After lunch we walked over to see if he was there – to make an appointment.  The store was black.  There were signs on the window and letters from customers, expressing their condolences to his family.  Dried flowers were still in a vase. There were candles long seduced by the elements - extinguished.  We read the notes and the posts.  This was a man spent his life working and loving his family.  They were his life, and I know they will be successful since Jack was very proud of all of them.  They were all successful.  I will miss him and yet I was not surprised.  He was sick for a while and yet it was sudden.  The last couple of times, I needed a haircut I’d call Jack.  The answering machine would not pick up.  I knew he had passed.

Thank you for reading this.

My visit to the Social Security Office on Main Street

10/21/19 22:35 Bethlehem, PA

Today, I spent more than an hour in the social security office.  There were three rows.  The waiting room was very warm.  A girl with a heavy coat sat between her mother and father and appeared sick.  A younger child was hacking a deep bronchial cough, her mother kept her away from a new born who sat next to them.  I don’t want you to make the baby sick.  Do you want me to pinch you?  I said no.  Time slowly drained out from all of us.  I needed a replacement social security card since I need to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s license.  I will give up the Empire State, hologram, the same picture from fourteen years ago when I was holding Bella and pissed off for waiting for so long.  Smile, no.  Gone.  Follow my progress on this adventure.

Heading to Mexico on November 21 since Meli celebrating her birthday on the 22^nd.  We are making plans to spend a couple of days in a picturesque part of Mexico.  I bought the ticket, Jet Blue and look forward to seeing her again.  It will be a short trip, flying back on Sunday and will be at work on that Monday. 

Went to a meditation class, just around the corner at Moravian Theological.  The class was led by Francis who is soft spoken young man, and could put a hyperactive juvenile delinquent to sleep within minutes. I appreciated his message. Since Francis is a replacement, there were a few more empty seats.  Saw my friend who I shared a few classes with, shit what’s her name, Candice?

I may drive to Long Island on Thursday night, and see a jazz concert in Patchogue on Friday; Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and my favorite drummer of all time, Brian Blade.  It’s one show I would like to see.   There is always one show I would like to see.

Thank you for reading this.

Brian Blade blesses The Jazz Standard

11/20/2017 14:25

For those of you who have not seen Brian Blade, I strongly recommend blessing your eyes and ears to see this man rip over a simple drum kit.  He is an artist and has formed a compact group of musicians who will whisper to your angelic soul.

There were a couple of tickets available for the last night’s gig, Brian Blade & The Fellowship band played at Jazz Standard.  It was the last show after a five night run.

I went into the city with a friend.  Another sober friend who has been blessing in my life.  I brought my sketch pad.  Found a parking spot a few feet away from the entrance to the club.  We went in and saw Brian standing against a wall talking to someone.  I put my coat down, excused myself and brought over the pad to get the man’s autograph.  He was at the bar by the time I got back and I spilled out how I was going to sketch and how many times I’ve seen him.  I was like a little kid telling Mr. Blade how much I respected his work.  He was soft-spoken and sounded surprised that I’ve seen him as many times.  God bless, were my parting words. 

I was back in my seat, the light dimmed in the house.  The band took their places on the stage.  The music began.  Seltzer with lemon, one for me and one for my friend who was excited about a night out. 

The band was tight, Jon Cowherd on piano, Myron Walden, alto sax, bass clarinet, Melvin Butler, soprano and tenor sax, and the ever present, cheering Chris Thomas on bass.  

Not knowing the music which was a mixture of free jazz, fusion.  At first it was a slow somber setting, but the music increased in energy and pace.  It leveled off once again.   Jon Cowherd merged so many styles and yet each song spoke to me. 

Eventually, the set was finished.  Brian spoke, introduced the band, and told us what they songs were played and said God bless. 

They came out for an encore, This Little Light.

The show was over.  Paid the bill and we were back in the car, passing streets and steaming street caps. Heat kicking on.  Dodging taxis who were out to kill me.  The gigantic Met Life building, and drove over to the East side and up and over the 59^th Street Bridge.  The shimmering water, the colored lights on the water, the cold water leads to the endless ocean, and the twisting roads led me to the Long Island Expressway.  Think it would be a breeze on a late Sunday night?  Think construction.  Think Northern State. 

After walking down the driveway, just before going inside, I stood outside in the frigid November air and gazed up at the stars.  Their lights.  The cold air.  I thought of the music I heard, and imagined Brian Blade smiling up at a different ceiling.  Good night.

Thank you for reading this.

Wayne Shorter quartet at Lincoln Center

4/29/12 09:27 Traffic on the LIE was heavy in Queens. I watched as time extra time I gave myself seep away as the car crawled in the fast lane. No accidents reported on the radio, it was Saturday night west bound traffic heading into the city. When I feel myself getting stressed out, I put it in God’s hand. Like life the traffic is not in my control, but I looked for openings and weaved in and around some drivers. Crossed over Ed Koch Bridge, down to 58th and across town and up Eighth but had to circle around Columbus once like a fool - I cursed out loud for following the GPS. I parked the car with minutes to get inside. Walked past a long line waiting to get tickets and took a cramped elevator up. I was closer to a young man, so much I could smell his hair. Found where I had to go, around and up the stairs. Minutes… then the rush dispelled as I took my seat. I took in the warmth of the Rose Theatre, which enhanced the show as the colors in the room faded to deep red and blues. I knew I was in for something special. Lincoln Center has created a unique theatre. When it comes to going to jazz concerts, I accepted the stark reality years ago, I will go by myself; ever since Betty Carter at the Bottom Line when Freddie Hubbard made a guest appearance. Go alone. There are not many jazz fans. But the isolation in the crowd allows me to absorb the music, the lights, and the long shadows in the corners. The lights dimmed. Wayne Shorter’s quartet walked out onto the stage. Mr. Shorter walked slowly with a slight bent back and appeared heavier than when I saw him perform at Carnegie Hall at Ron Carter’s 70th birthday celebration. I’ve seen the quartet’s drummer Brian Blade perform at Birdland with Pharaoh Sanders and became a fan. He played on a vintage Gretsch drum kit and from resources the bass is extremely rare. If you have an opportunity to see him, stop everything and go. The man explodes on the stool, kicking and bouncing but maintains a disciplined monk like rhythm. He used a towel at one point, making a soft sound over his bass. The bassist John Patitucci and Brian were going back and forth in union. I was distracted more by watching those two than Shorter who leaned against the grand piano as the pianist Danilo Perez played at times haunting music. The group has played together for ten years, they gelled together, the moment Mr. Shorter raised his two fingers they carried the last song for an extra measure. It appeared as if Shorter had some difficulty with his tenor and switched back to the alto. What distinguishes each performance is Wayne’s ability to create a new sound. His minimal approaches reminded me of Miles Davis, but this group continues to create their own standards.