Master percussionist Robert Houtman's RWH Jazz Triad hosted a benefit performance at Angelica's Bistro in Redwood City on November 12. This most expert trio -- with Robert on drums, the bassist Carl Herder, and the guitarist David Copeland -- performed their wonderful, original music, and included my piece 'Robert's Return', which was written specifically for this concert.
Here are the concert tapes, which are posted to YouTube.
Thank you all for your support.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
new book: Andrew Hill music
I've just received these detailed scores; wonderful works for solo piano, including Erato, 15/8, and Dusk. Check it out!
http://www.musicdispatch.com/product/viewproduct.do?itemid=48020929&lid=0&keywords=andrew hill&subsiteid=105&&viewtype=songlist
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sixth Anniversary of 'Out of the Underground' session
The upcoming sixth anniversary of the Out of the Underground trio session (June 14, 2010) is bittersweet. On one hand, these performances with James Edmiston and Andrew Wilshusen continue to be enjoyed all over the world. As of May 16, 2010, there were 2,112 downloads of Beijing Girl through the All About Jazz website. On the other, Edmiston, the bassist on these sides, has since passed away. But his memory, and the very high professional standards that he set, live on.
In its all too brief lifespan, the trio captured an angst and immediacy not typical of groups from this region. Far removed from mainstream jazz, the music had more in common with 20th century European classical music, with direct references to the work of Bartók, Busoni, and others. Simply put, it scared the hell out of a lot of people. A local FM radio station was especially offended, and took the recording out of broadcast rotation. Which makes its current popularity both ironic and poignant.
Wilshusen, a virtuoso percussionist who now lives in Portland, Oregon, was at the group's core. At the time, Edmiston remarked that no one had driven the ensemble with greater technical skill.
What did we get out of this, as musicians? Maybe we learned to stand our ground, despite very real obstacles.
Out of the Underground continues to be streamed in its entirety at http://www.myspace.com/jamesarmstrongtrio
Wishing you all the best.
James
In its all too brief lifespan, the trio captured an angst and immediacy not typical of groups from this region. Far removed from mainstream jazz, the music had more in common with 20th century European classical music, with direct references to the work of Bartók, Busoni, and others. Simply put, it scared the hell out of a lot of people. A local FM radio station was especially offended, and took the recording out of broadcast rotation. Which makes its current popularity both ironic and poignant.
Wilshusen, a virtuoso percussionist who now lives in Portland, Oregon, was at the group's core. At the time, Edmiston remarked that no one had driven the ensemble with greater technical skill.
What did we get out of this, as musicians? Maybe we learned to stand our ground, despite very real obstacles.
Out of the Underground continues to be streamed in its entirety at http://www.myspace.com/jamesarmstrongtrio
Wishing you all the best.
James
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