It's that time for me. After talking the talk and then buying the walk, now it was time to learn to play the walk, I mean, the flute. I purchased one this past spring, but remained totally clueless. So yesterday I had my first-ever private lesson, courtesy of Dan Jacobs, a professional trumpet and flute player currently ensconced in Bellaire. I first met Dan several years ago at a Coldwell Banker party where I booked David Chown's group. I asked David to get a trumpet player as well as sax cuz I wanted to play, but not by myself. Dan was the man, and he still is The Man.
So I took my trumpet and my flute. He showed me how to hold the latter, what keys do what, and kept telling me it was easy. Thanks for the encouragement, Dan, even if I respectfully disagree at this point. But I was able to make some noises that eventually sounded like notes, and then, wonder of wonders, I got to play one of his alto flutes. It is so cool. I must get better so I can get one someday.
Then it was on to the trumpet. At least I know how to hold it, and it only has three valves instead of all those pesky keys. Here he gave me some technique tips and practice ideas. All in all it was a well-spent afternoon. Torch Lake was even more beautiful than usual on the way up, and now I just have to follow through.
Dan plays a lot in northern Michigan and also in the Grand Rapids area. For play dates or other information, check out his website at DanJacobsMusic.com. He's also on Facebook, sharing photos, shows, tips, and other fun stuff.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Foreigner? Yes, Foreigner.
Now I've gone and done it. David Sanborn? Sure, he's great. Moody Blues? Well, okay, they were creative with "Threshold" and "Every Good Boy." Lyle Lovett? Stretching it, but with Lee Sklar and the amazing Russ Kunkel, okay.
But Foreigner? I really went to Foreigner? Sure, Kelly Hansen is one of the nicest guys I've ever interviewed, and Lou Gramm, the original lead singer, was as well lo these many years ago. But I've never really been a fan, not since Ian McDonald bailed on the band and any prog tendencies were long since abandoned. Still, I love that synth figure on "Feels Like the First Time," so why not.
Here's the deal: Kelly Hansen brings the goods. He looks like Steven Tyler's younger brother, but even skinnier. He flies around the stage and never misses a beat. Or a note. Great pipes, and he certainly doesn't lack for enthusiasm. Leader Mick Jones, with his balding pate and white sticky-uppy hair looks like nothing so much as an accountant who just found out his clients and his business are being audited. Bassist Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio) keyboardist Michael Bluestein and rhythm guitarist/saxophonist Tom Gimbel are all solid, but the drumming lacks subtlety. Yes, it's a rock band, but everything doesn't have to be thunderous. The band could definitely have used Russ Kunkel.
We all know the songs, as was evidenced by the crowd's singing along. The band does some creative things vocally, and it's a tight, rocking unit. The crowd was amusing to watch. Bet there hasn't been that much fist-pumping at Interlochen in - well, probably forever. But there's just some dynamic missing. Oh well, Todd's in less than a month.
But Foreigner? I really went to Foreigner? Sure, Kelly Hansen is one of the nicest guys I've ever interviewed, and Lou Gramm, the original lead singer, was as well lo these many years ago. But I've never really been a fan, not since Ian McDonald bailed on the band and any prog tendencies were long since abandoned. Still, I love that synth figure on "Feels Like the First Time," so why not.
Here's the deal: Kelly Hansen brings the goods. He looks like Steven Tyler's younger brother, but even skinnier. He flies around the stage and never misses a beat. Or a note. Great pipes, and he certainly doesn't lack for enthusiasm. Leader Mick Jones, with his balding pate and white sticky-uppy hair looks like nothing so much as an accountant who just found out his clients and his business are being audited. Bassist Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio) keyboardist Michael Bluestein and rhythm guitarist/saxophonist Tom Gimbel are all solid, but the drumming lacks subtlety. Yes, it's a rock band, but everything doesn't have to be thunderous. The band could definitely have used Russ Kunkel.
We all know the songs, as was evidenced by the crowd's singing along. The band does some creative things vocally, and it's a tight, rocking unit. The crowd was amusing to watch. Bet there hasn't been that much fist-pumping at Interlochen in - well, probably forever. But there's just some dynamic missing. Oh well, Todd's in less than a month.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Guitar Festival coming to Interlochen
The end of summer is always poignant, but for the last four years there's been a great way to celebrate. This year that's no different, as the Interlochen Guitar Festival brings in a host of axe-slingers to mentor guitar students. And put on some great shows as well. They run Aug. 26028. Interlochen alum Bruce Dunlap is sure to please, his Latin jazz show Thursday night a highlight for sure. Phil Keaggy is always a big name, and will be the headliner for Friday. But even lesser-known names will be engaging, and the workshops are great for any players.
Friday, August 13, 2010
David Sanborn, great saxophonics
Quick review of David Sanborn at Interlochen:
Wow.
Slightly longer one: Dressed in his trademark black, Sanborn and his trio wailed at Interlochen tonight. Joey DeFrancesco is a wiz on organ, and sings too. Even plays trumpet. That's right, I hate him. Drummer Byron Land was crisp, dynamic and kept things rolling. But Sanborn is and was the man. This wasn't smooth jazz Dave. It was wailing, rocking, blowing bluesy Dave. He primarily played tunes from his last two discs, tributes to Ray Charles, Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman. A great show was had by all.
Wow.
Slightly longer one: Dressed in his trademark black, Sanborn and his trio wailed at Interlochen tonight. Joey DeFrancesco is a wiz on organ, and sings too. Even plays trumpet. That's right, I hate him. Drummer Byron Land was crisp, dynamic and kept things rolling. But Sanborn is and was the man. This wasn't smooth jazz Dave. It was wailing, rocking, blowing bluesy Dave. He primarily played tunes from his last two discs, tributes to Ray Charles, Hank Crawford and David "Fathead" Newman. A great show was had by all.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
We could be heroes, just for one day
Two of my friends told me within the last few days that I was their hero for maintaining since Mary was diagnosed with cancer. That tells me two things. One, they need to get a better class of friends, or more discriminating taste in their heroes. And two, as David Bowie said, we can all be heroes.
I’ve done nothing extraordinary here. Just taking care of business. My buddy George Izeluk, who helped care for a friend who had cancer, told me, “We just do what needs to be done.” Well said, Geo.
All of you who have supported us are our heroes, for your love, prayers, and generosity of spirit. But I’d like to to acknowledge some of those of you who are particularly inspirational at this time. For those of you who aren’t named, don’t worry, there’s still time for you to make the next cut. Just step up your game a bit.
We all know some people who will be there for you anytime you need something, even if you don’t see them for months or years. George is one. Another is Mark Brock. One day shortly after my Mom had returned home after a stay in the hospital, I couldn’t reach her by phone. I called Mark and before I could even ask him if he might be able to check on her, he was going out the door, and called me five minutes later (even though his office is ten minutes away) to tell me everything was fine. That is a friend, and a hero.
The same is true of my three best friends in the world, Mark Businski, Jon Bumstead, and Joe Sorden. Mark is my former roomie at State, and has been one of the constants for us. The annual day at his parents’ cottage on Torch Lake is always a great time. When you are his guest, he’s determined you are going to have a good time. As Bartles & Jaymes said, Thank you for your support.
As has been documented here earlier, Jon wearied of political stupidity and stalemates in Lansing, and after griping about things, decided to actually do something about it. He ran for office, and by dint of hard work, he won the primary last week and will be the Republican nominee for the 100th district of the State House. That’s putting your money where your mouth is.
Joe, like George, is one of those rare people who always makes you feel better whenever you talk to him. And now, he’s not just as a hero, he’s a superhero: Triathlon Man. At the ripe old age of (insert two digits here, just make sure the first one is a 5), Joe is participating in his third triathlon this week. You go, Joe!
My Jazziz pal Melissa Blazek, who has been a source of strength and inspiration for both Mary and me since this ordeal began, is his counterpart. An avid cyclist, she rode in Mary’s name in an 80-mile bike race earlier this year, and had the following painted on the road during this year’s Tour de France. Now she too is in triathlon training. Blaze, you are the best.
Michael Koretzky was the first person I dealt with at Jazziz, when I said I’d review a disc the magazine was distributing if they’d let me write for the publication. Like Bumstead, Koretzky is one of those people who will always put his money where his mouth is. Let go by Florida Atlantic University, where he was the advisor to the student newspaper, he turned around and continued to advise the students as an unpaid guest lecturer. Also to rub it in the faces of the administration there. Just a little. Koretzky will never go gentle into that good night.
Koretzky also wrote me a great recommendation letter, noting that although we had worked together he’d never met me and if I walked into a room he wouldn’t recognize me. The letter is working great. I’ve had to fight off the job offers. Way to go, Koretzky.
Other heroes: Jacki Krolczyk, one of my best friends from the Record-Eagle days. Warm, bright and sparkling, Jacki felt underutilized at her workplace and missed leading a group of like-minded people. So she took on three new challenges at the same time: Moving to a new town (South Bend, Indiana), taking on a new job (ad director with the South Bend Tribune), and going back to school to get her Master’s degree at Notre Dame. That’s bravery.
Diana Labadie also made the difficult choice to move from home. Her husband Mark was a victim of the economic downturn in the homebuilding industry, but found a job in Pennsylvania. That meant saying goodbye to her job at Coldwell Banker, their home, their church, and their friends in Traverse City. So off she went.
But if the one who moves farthest wins, then the leader in the clubhouse is Joanie Bartels. Those of you with kids of a certain age, say, 15-30, hopefully know her music. With a lovely voice, impeccable taste, and an obvious, genuine love for both kids and their music, she’s been a mainstay of the children’s music scene for many years. That would be enough to be a hero, but wait, there’s more. Unafraid of life’s great adventure, she waited till she was somewhere north of 40 to fall in love, get married, and move – from Los Angeles to New Zealand. Classy, fun-loving and possessed of a beautiful soul, we are so proud to count her among our friends.
More heroes: Denny Becker saw a need for a cantor at our church in Empire. Without musical training, he bravely took it upon himself to become well-enough versed in the Mass liturgy to lead the congregation. Bravo Denny.
Those of you who attend St. Philip Neri have also heard Galen Tarrant, our accompanist for the last couple years. He started playing at Mass as a 15-year-old high school sophomore, becoming more confident, even to the point of leading the singing himself. Now, as a senior-to-be, Galen is considering music as part of the mix of his future.
Greg Holmes, like Mary, was stricken with a rare cancer. But with determination, some alternative therapies, the support of his doctor (okay, he cheated, he’s married to her), and his unflagging good humor, he beat it back.
Bruce Lirones, doctor by day, musician by night. As if getting back into the swing of things with his trumpet and the NMC Jazz Lab Band wasn’t enough, he’s outfitted an entire band (including his sons and neighbors), with which he plays bass. For a wanna-be musician like me, that’s inspirational.
Marti Johnson, another member of the Record-Eagle alumni club, who’s moved from media sales to standup comedy. She performs at Bo’s in TC and opened for a national touring comedian at Interlochen.
And of course, my family. Mary has bravely faced this bastard of a disease with strength and determination. She’s seldom been down, and greets each day. She’s made it to such milestones as Marc’s graduation, our anniversary and Marc’s birthday. She keeps on keeping on. She shouldn’t have to be going through this, but it’s the hand she’s been dealt, and she’s been tough and amazing throughout.
Marc is also one of a kind. While I miss dancing around the house to Tom Chapin, the Call and the Brian Setzer Orchestra with him on my shoulders, he’s so engaging to be around. He’s thoughtful, brilliant, and funny. No one should have to go what he’s gone through either. But as he said when we discussed it, “It is what it is.” Profound and insightful. That’s our boy.
So there’s a few of my heroes. They’re all out there. You're all out there. You just have to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
I’ve done nothing extraordinary here. Just taking care of business. My buddy George Izeluk, who helped care for a friend who had cancer, told me, “We just do what needs to be done.” Well said, Geo.
All of you who have supported us are our heroes, for your love, prayers, and generosity of spirit. But I’d like to to acknowledge some of those of you who are particularly inspirational at this time. For those of you who aren’t named, don’t worry, there’s still time for you to make the next cut. Just step up your game a bit.
We all know some people who will be there for you anytime you need something, even if you don’t see them for months or years. George is one. Another is Mark Brock. One day shortly after my Mom had returned home after a stay in the hospital, I couldn’t reach her by phone. I called Mark and before I could even ask him if he might be able to check on her, he was going out the door, and called me five minutes later (even though his office is ten minutes away) to tell me everything was fine. That is a friend, and a hero.
The same is true of my three best friends in the world, Mark Businski, Jon Bumstead, and Joe Sorden. Mark is my former roomie at State, and has been one of the constants for us. The annual day at his parents’ cottage on Torch Lake is always a great time. When you are his guest, he’s determined you are going to have a good time. As Bartles & Jaymes said, Thank you for your support.
As has been documented here earlier, Jon wearied of political stupidity and stalemates in Lansing, and after griping about things, decided to actually do something about it. He ran for office, and by dint of hard work, he won the primary last week and will be the Republican nominee for the 100th district of the State House. That’s putting your money where your mouth is.
Joe, like George, is one of those rare people who always makes you feel better whenever you talk to him. And now, he’s not just as a hero, he’s a superhero: Triathlon Man. At the ripe old age of (insert two digits here, just make sure the first one is a 5), Joe is participating in his third triathlon this week. You go, Joe!
My Jazziz pal Melissa Blazek, who has been a source of strength and inspiration for both Mary and me since this ordeal began, is his counterpart. An avid cyclist, she rode in Mary’s name in an 80-mile bike race earlier this year, and had the following painted on the road during this year’s Tour de France. Now she too is in triathlon training. Blaze, you are the best.
Michael Koretzky was the first person I dealt with at Jazziz, when I said I’d review a disc the magazine was distributing if they’d let me write for the publication. Like Bumstead, Koretzky is one of those people who will always put his money where his mouth is. Let go by Florida Atlantic University, where he was the advisor to the student newspaper, he turned around and continued to advise the students as an unpaid guest lecturer. Also to rub it in the faces of the administration there. Just a little. Koretzky will never go gentle into that good night.
Koretzky also wrote me a great recommendation letter, noting that although we had worked together he’d never met me and if I walked into a room he wouldn’t recognize me. The letter is working great. I’ve had to fight off the job offers. Way to go, Koretzky.
Other heroes: Jacki Krolczyk, one of my best friends from the Record-Eagle days. Warm, bright and sparkling, Jacki felt underutilized at her workplace and missed leading a group of like-minded people. So she took on three new challenges at the same time: Moving to a new town (South Bend, Indiana), taking on a new job (ad director with the South Bend Tribune), and going back to school to get her Master’s degree at Notre Dame. That’s bravery.
Diana Labadie also made the difficult choice to move from home. Her husband Mark was a victim of the economic downturn in the homebuilding industry, but found a job in Pennsylvania. That meant saying goodbye to her job at Coldwell Banker, their home, their church, and their friends in Traverse City. So off she went.
But if the one who moves farthest wins, then the leader in the clubhouse is Joanie Bartels. Those of you with kids of a certain age, say, 15-30, hopefully know her music. With a lovely voice, impeccable taste, and an obvious, genuine love for both kids and their music, she’s been a mainstay of the children’s music scene for many years. That would be enough to be a hero, but wait, there’s more. Unafraid of life’s great adventure, she waited till she was somewhere north of 40 to fall in love, get married, and move – from Los Angeles to New Zealand. Classy, fun-loving and possessed of a beautiful soul, we are so proud to count her among our friends.
More heroes: Denny Becker saw a need for a cantor at our church in Empire. Without musical training, he bravely took it upon himself to become well-enough versed in the Mass liturgy to lead the congregation. Bravo Denny.
Those of you who attend St. Philip Neri have also heard Galen Tarrant, our accompanist for the last couple years. He started playing at Mass as a 15-year-old high school sophomore, becoming more confident, even to the point of leading the singing himself. Now, as a senior-to-be, Galen is considering music as part of the mix of his future.
Greg Holmes, like Mary, was stricken with a rare cancer. But with determination, some alternative therapies, the support of his doctor (okay, he cheated, he’s married to her), and his unflagging good humor, he beat it back.
Bruce Lirones, doctor by day, musician by night. As if getting back into the swing of things with his trumpet and the NMC Jazz Lab Band wasn’t enough, he’s outfitted an entire band (including his sons and neighbors), with which he plays bass. For a wanna-be musician like me, that’s inspirational.
Marti Johnson, another member of the Record-Eagle alumni club, who’s moved from media sales to standup comedy. She performs at Bo’s in TC and opened for a national touring comedian at Interlochen.
And of course, my family. Mary has bravely faced this bastard of a disease with strength and determination. She’s seldom been down, and greets each day. She’s made it to such milestones as Marc’s graduation, our anniversary and Marc’s birthday. She keeps on keeping on. She shouldn’t have to be going through this, but it’s the hand she’s been dealt, and she’s been tough and amazing throughout.
Marc is also one of a kind. While I miss dancing around the house to Tom Chapin, the Call and the Brian Setzer Orchestra with him on my shoulders, he’s so engaging to be around. He’s thoughtful, brilliant, and funny. No one should have to go what he’s gone through either. But as he said when we discussed it, “It is what it is.” Profound and insightful. That’s our boy.
So there’s a few of my heroes. They’re all out there. You're all out there. You just have to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Lyle Lovett's Large Band includes four ringers
Okay, let's be upfront about this. Lyle Lovett's music isn't exactly my bag. Too much twang, not enough torch, to misquote k.d. lang. But his band - what a blast. Start with the guitarist who bears an uncanny resemblance to Willard Scott. Or the fact that the cello player sings. Yup, that's right, cello player.
His backing vocalists included Was (Not Was) stalwarts Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowen. Mesmerizing, classic cool. And the rhythm section was dynamite. Make that The (rhythm) Section, as it was half that classic studio band - bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russ Kunkel. Kunkel was a revelation. He sounded like a cross between a dynamite swing drummer and Prairie Prince from the Tubes and Todd Rundgren (more on Todd in a minute). He drove the band, had impeccable time, swung fiercely, and man, did he thwack those skins!
The comparisons to the Tubes are apt. In addition to the thunderous drummer, each band had a versatile percussionist, two stinging lead guitarists, and the ability to shift gears and styles in a moment's notice. And both boasted a charismatic front man who is tall, angular, and has a brillo pad of hair. Plus Fee Waybill is one of the funniest human beings I've ever spoken with, and Lovett is one of the most genuine people I've seen on stage.
So, Todd. I interviewed him last week for a piece in the Muskegon Chronicle for his show there next month. Not a lover of sweets, as he turned down my offer to bring cookies with me to the show in Muskegon, but he did say he likes pickled okra. He was affable and engaging in conversation, and promised some surprises for concert-goers who see the Todd/Healing show. Last year's A Wizard A True Star tour featured nUtopia as the opening act, with Roger Powell, Kasim Sulton and Prairie Prince joining Todd in a set of favorites from that band before launching into the revue-style show for the bulk of the performance. He's promised some surprises this time around as well, though with Powell not on board (he's got a fulltime gig with game-makers Electronic Arts), it won't be Utopia redux.
What is it about Foreigner, the band I love to hate and hate to love? The irresistable hooks, riffs, and almost-bombast of "Hot Blooded" or "Cold As Ice," and emotional power ballads "Waiting" and "I Wanna Know What Love Is." I spoke with singer Lou Gramm many years ago when the band performed in Traverse City, and he moved to the top of my "People Who Could Be My Neighbors" list alongside the likes of pianist Liz Story, pop star Howard Jones, Deep Purple organist Jon Lord, and jazz singer Michael Franks (besides, Franks loves doxies). Yesterday I had the chance to interview Kelly Hansen, Gramm's replacement as of 2005. Like Gramm, he's got the pipes (check out the videos on YouTube), and like Gramm he's thoughtful and engaging. He also reminds me of our friend Christopher Knight (a.k.a. Jonathan Rand), both visually and vocally. What a great guy. Yes, he too could be our neighbor.
Last musical update before moving on: I earlier opined that the Brandenburg Gate show by Chamber Arts North was the concert of the summer. They're going to try to top that this weekend, with a show at the TC Congregational Church Friday and one in Glen Arbor Sunday. It promises to be exquisite, despite the absence of any Telemann. Anyone who likes classical music or chamber music at all is guaranteed an enjoyable evening.
His backing vocalists included Was (Not Was) stalwarts Sweet Pea Atkinson and Sir Harry Bowen. Mesmerizing, classic cool. And the rhythm section was dynamite. Make that The (rhythm) Section, as it was half that classic studio band - bassist Leland Sklar and drummer Russ Kunkel. Kunkel was a revelation. He sounded like a cross between a dynamite swing drummer and Prairie Prince from the Tubes and Todd Rundgren (more on Todd in a minute). He drove the band, had impeccable time, swung fiercely, and man, did he thwack those skins!
The comparisons to the Tubes are apt. In addition to the thunderous drummer, each band had a versatile percussionist, two stinging lead guitarists, and the ability to shift gears and styles in a moment's notice. And both boasted a charismatic front man who is tall, angular, and has a brillo pad of hair. Plus Fee Waybill is one of the funniest human beings I've ever spoken with, and Lovett is one of the most genuine people I've seen on stage.
So, Todd. I interviewed him last week for a piece in the Muskegon Chronicle for his show there next month. Not a lover of sweets, as he turned down my offer to bring cookies with me to the show in Muskegon, but he did say he likes pickled okra. He was affable and engaging in conversation, and promised some surprises for concert-goers who see the Todd/Healing show. Last year's A Wizard A True Star tour featured nUtopia as the opening act, with Roger Powell, Kasim Sulton and Prairie Prince joining Todd in a set of favorites from that band before launching into the revue-style show for the bulk of the performance. He's promised some surprises this time around as well, though with Powell not on board (he's got a fulltime gig with game-makers Electronic Arts), it won't be Utopia redux.
What is it about Foreigner, the band I love to hate and hate to love? The irresistable hooks, riffs, and almost-bombast of "Hot Blooded" or "Cold As Ice," and emotional power ballads "Waiting" and "I Wanna Know What Love Is." I spoke with singer Lou Gramm many years ago when the band performed in Traverse City, and he moved to the top of my "People Who Could Be My Neighbors" list alongside the likes of pianist Liz Story, pop star Howard Jones, Deep Purple organist Jon Lord, and jazz singer Michael Franks (besides, Franks loves doxies). Yesterday I had the chance to interview Kelly Hansen, Gramm's replacement as of 2005. Like Gramm, he's got the pipes (check out the videos on YouTube), and like Gramm he's thoughtful and engaging. He also reminds me of our friend Christopher Knight (a.k.a. Jonathan Rand), both visually and vocally. What a great guy. Yes, he too could be our neighbor.
Last musical update before moving on: I earlier opined that the Brandenburg Gate show by Chamber Arts North was the concert of the summer. They're going to try to top that this weekend, with a show at the TC Congregational Church Friday and one in Glen Arbor Sunday. It promises to be exquisite, despite the absence of any Telemann. Anyone who likes classical music or chamber music at all is guaranteed an enjoyable evening.
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