Ever since I heard Duke Ellington and John Coletrane's "In a Sentimental Mood" on the Love Jones soundtrack during my early college years, I've always felt like I needed to be more familiar with jazz. That song, and "Jelly, Jelly Blues" by the Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, were my first and only real connections to jazz. I didn't know where to start, who to listen to, or even what was considered good, so I never got more in to it and just hoped I'd meet someone who could show me the ropes.
In steps The Boyfriend, music fiend, former electric bass player, and lover of jazz fusion. He told me he'd introduce me to more jazz, so when he noticed a flyer for an upcoming Stanley Clark concert one night while leaving a Ledisi concert at Yoshi's Jazz Club, he said we had to be there.
When we walked into the venue last night, I had no idea who Stanley Clarke was. I just knew he was a jazz musician, but he is much more than just that. He's composed scores for tv shows like Soulfood, Pee Wee's Play House, and Tales From the Crypt; and movies like The Five Heartbeats (!!!!), Boyz n the Hood, Whats Love Go To Do With It, and The Best Man. He's also produced albums for the likes of Roy Ayers, Natalie Cole and Howard Hewitt. He was originally a member of Return to Forever, one of the most important bands in the jazz fusion genre. He's won Grammy's, and is one of the most famous bassists on the planet, with over 20 solo albums and just as many collaborations, spanning from 1973 to 2010.
I had a feeling I would enjoy myself but I didn't know that I'd be blown away by the talent on the stage. The song below, Black Narcisus, stuck out to me during last nights performance. Again, I don't know much about jazz, but I do know a good song when I hear one. And this one definitely fits that description.
This song screams "sexy" to me. I think I might have to play this on my wedding night...if you know what I mean.
I was just trying to find some good jazz music to listen to. I read somewhere that Charlie Parker has the same birthday as me, so I thought I would start with him. I’ll have to look this person up too. Thanks Suga for keeping a sista in the informed.
6 comments:
um yes. yes. yes.
This is hot. I'll have to look him up.
I was just trying to find some good jazz music to listen to. I read somewhere that Charlie Parker has the same birthday as me, so I thought I would start with him. I’ll have to look this person up too. Thanks Suga for keeping a sista in the informed.
Remember when jazz was less interesting when we were younger?
and older people loved it?
I'm old now
:-)
Thanks for sharing
James, yeah we're getting up there. I'd prefer to say "musically mature" though lol
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