Gary Burton's Top 10 Jazz Albums

6 decades of breaking ground might be an apt description of the artistry and career of Gary Burton. Here's some things you may or may not know. The pianistic, four-mallet playing technique is pretty much his creation. After 3 years with Stan Getz he intrinsically pioneered jazz-rock in the 60's ("Duster" with Larry Coryell, Roy Haynes and Steve Swallow is considered by many to be the first important album of the genre, if not the actual first). He was the youngest recipient of Downbeat's Jazzman of the Year (1968). In 1971 he turned the risky venture of a solo vibes concert at the Montreaux Jazz Festival into a show stopper and his first Grammy award. In the 70's he continued taking chances with his "New Quartet" and duo albums including the extremely popular and ongoing collaborations with Chick Corea. By 1985 he was Dean of Curriculum at Berklee and in 1996 he was appointed Executive Vice President. Along with jazz, Gary ventured into Tango and even classical with long-time collaborator pianist Makoto Ozone - winning a Grammy in each genre around the millenium mark. Last year his newest quartet released "Common Ground" on Mack Ave records, and this year saw "Hot House" - another amazing duo with Chick Corea. He's just completed his own Online Improvisation Course, and most recently - the Downbeat Readers Poll just crowned him the best vibes player of 2012. And that's the short version.

Almost unbelievably - Mr. Burton took time out of his intense schedule to contribute to our Top 50 Jazz Albums of All Time poll, so we have the remarkable opportunity to see a list of some of the music that pleases and inspires a master creator and craftsman. A great list & what a treat!

"Here are ten of my favorite records, not sure if I could narrow it down to my 10 best, but I would readily recommend any of these for their lasting qualities."


 1. (Anything by Miles and Gil, but let's go with) PORGY AND BESS - Miles Davis/Gil Evans "I consider the entire set of Miles and Gil records to be one of the great achievements in recorded jazz.  Incredible writing and playing, and a very original concept. Those records changed the nature of large ensemble jazz for all time."

2. PORTRAITS IN JAZZ - Bill Evans Trio

3. EXPLORATIONS - Bill Evans Trio "Bill Evans influenced practically every young musician coming up in the 60s, especially the piano players, of course."

4. RELAXIN' - Miles Davis Quintet

5. NEWK'S TIME - Sonny Rollins

6. THE BRIDGE - Sonny Rollins

7. BLUES AND THE ABSTRACT TRUTH - Oliver Nelson "Oliver Nelson's signature recording was innovative, and brought together an amazing group of major players. Definitely a must-have record."

8. KIND OF BLUE - Miles Davis "Miles Davis, generally speaking, was the most influential jazz musician of the past fifty years, introducing a host of majorly talented players through his bands, and pretty much reshaping the current style of jazz every decade (BIRTH OF THE COOL'49, KIND OF BLUE '59, BITCHES BREW '69)."

9. NOW HE SINGS, NOW HE SOBS - Chick Corea

10. GETZ AND J.J. AT THE OPERA HOUSE - Stan Getz and J.J. Johnson



A thousand thanks to Gary for his insights and list, making our poll that much more awesome and fun! You can visit Gary's website here and pick up any of his latest releases wherever jazz is sold. Below are some links for your convenience. Thanks to all the many artists who contributed and help to make the jazz scene throughout Florida flourish. And thanks to YOU for visiting! - PC Jazz

La Lucha Nails It

Album cover photo - "Eruption of the Popocatepti Volcano" - John O'Leary

La Lucha - La Lucha

In case you haven't noticed - PC Jazz only reviews albums we like. (Why waste time?) There's a concerted effort made to keep album reviews brief - very hard to do when you are excited about the music, and nearly impossible in this case. If you're looking for the short version, here it is: you must go out and buy this album. You won't want to miss it; and we wouldn't steer you wrong!

The bio: La Lucha is a Tampa-area based piano trio with members from 3 different countries (Columbia, Mexico & United States). Alejandro Arenas - bass, Mark Feinman - drums, John O'Leary - piano. They've many accolades including the Umbria Jazz Festival, a grant from Hampton Arts Management and a commission from American Stage. This is their second release. 

The aesthetics: "to create music that transcends genres and classifications". La Lucha is not the first jazz act to 'jazzify' music by current (or older) pop acts; nor is this their only output (very fine originals and a bright "Stella by Starlight" also grace the cd). The difference being that they are so incredibly successful at doing it; the results are so dang pleasing and often surprising, that one instantly embraces their ideas, and fans are won quickly (the first run of the cd sold out within a few months - rare in jazz!).

The music: John Lennon's "I'm So Tired" opens the album & sums up neatly the aesthetics of the band - simple production, stark emotion, tongue-in-cheek melodrama, bittersweet piano, organic meter changes and a trio very frequently functioning as one. The addition of vocalist Jun Bustamente is nothing short of genius - her broad range; warm, wonderful tone and conviction (with a grand sense of irony) are entirely perfect for this project, and frankly - indispensable. As an instrumental, No Doubt's "Don't Speak" becomes a rhapsodic jazz saga, showcasing O'Leary's subtle style and skill, suddenly breaking down into naked, gritty funk with both bass & piano endowed with fascinating electronic processing. More importantly, these boys can play! Attention to detail in the arranging is also a high mark.

Saxophonist Austin Vickrey joins the trio for both originals and "Stella", his tenor sound is clear with enough bite (a la Brecker); adding a welcome new color, some extra fire and a chance for the arrangements to expand in depth. The latin "La Migra" airs out some refined and modern compositional abilities from Feinman & Arenas, the melodies stand up well next to all the familiar tunes.

Other highlights include the Beach Boys' "Dont Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder", an exquisite rendering with Bustamante and trio giving a hear-a-pin-drop, edge-of-your-seat performance. Seriously, you need to hear this.

"Papparazzi" (Lady Gaga) is stunning and dramatic, putty in La Lucha's hands; another must hear (see video below). The groove from Feinman & Arenas is first-rate, and O'Leary responds every step of the way. The bass solo is gorgeous. (ps - this album is well recorded, mixed and produced.)

A jazz version of Britney Spears is laughable. Of course it is! La Lucha have nailed it twice - this time around it's a delightfully re-harmonized "Oops...I Did It Again". Bustamante magnificently laments, moans and croons her social faux pas, almost Shirley Bassey-esque, all flirt; while slinky bass lines & film noir jazz creep and crawl under her. It will change your thoughts about the song, (surely their goal).

A lot of great jazz albums have come our way this year, and labeling one 'the best' can't be done. If you're looking for jazz that's essential; both stimulating and easy on the ears; an album that will satisfy nearly every age group - this might be the best album in decades. - PC Jazz
 
places you can get a copy:
Itunes
CD Baby
Amazon

La Lucha - Paparazzi from La Lucha on Vimeo.

Stetson Jazz Ensemble Concert 10-3-12

Joe Burns singing out

Palm Coast Jazz caught the first concert of the fall season from Stetson University's Jazz Ensemble last night in DeLand - a fine opening performance from the 19 piece unit led by Don Waldrop.

The concert was short and sweet - dominated by swingin' Count Basie charts from Sammy Nestico  - handled with finesse and soul by the band. The balance was especially delightful & lush during the quite, mellow numbers like "Li'l Darlin'" (Neil Hefti) and former director George West's neat arrangement of "Round Midnight" for the trombones.

Joe Davis wailing on baritone

Joe Burns and Andrew Fridsma listen while Tim Eggen lays it down

Frank Foster's crowd pleaser "Shiny Stockings" had panache, as did "Look for the Silver Lining", with a cool harmon mute solo from Tim Eggen. Joe Burns' displayed a clarion tone and well-honed technique during Nestico's "Rachael"; and a fascinating sound color brightened the rhythm section via Rahkeem George's tenor pan drum (Rahkeem also soloing well). 

Rakeem George adding a new texture on tenor pan

Johnny Mandel's "A Time for Love" got the Nestico treatment along with superb sounds from trombonist Joe Warner. The 8 piece combo then took over with impressive drives through "Impanema" and "Ladybird".

Saving the best for last on a few fronts - Waldrop led the band through Bob Florence's "Cole Porter Stomp". Here the band was at it's tightest, swinging hard and filling the Stetson Room with layers of brass, wind and cymbals (drummer Joshua Albert rocked the whole evening) and letting loose with the most centered improvisations of the night from baritone saxophonist Joe Davis and Paul Kollas on the alto. The crowd was instantly on it's feet.

Joe Warner - trombone, Don Waldrop leading the Jazz Ensemble

The sound in the room is surprisingly full bodied. A thoughtful touch to the evening was to mic and skype the concert to long-time director George West - who is very ill.

Kudos and respect to director Don Waldrop, an A-lister from the Los Angeles music scene for 35 years (who among other things, recorded 11 albums with Bob Florence); and congrats to the band for the skilled performance. The next concert is in November - check the Stetson schedule for details. - PCJ

Some of the Stetson Jazz Ensemble brass section playing the last note of the evening!

Ed Calle's Top 10 Jazz Albums (+ 2)

Mind-blowing saxophonist Ed Calle lives in So. Florida. In the last 10 years alone, the Caracas-born musician has appeared on albums by artists like Santana, Placido Domingo, Pet Shop Boys, Michael Bolton, Arturo Sandoval, Wyclef Jean, Jose Feliciano, Jennifer Lopez, Al DiMeola, Gloria Estefan & Rihanna... just for starters. He's even on Grammy-winning albums by the Chairman of the Board himself. He's had 2 latin Grammy nominations for his own albums, and is a member of the Miami Saxophone Quartet. When he's not laying down unbelievable & memorable woodwind solos or writing horn arrangements for the artists above, he's busy as Associate Professor Senior of Music Business and Production at Miami-Dade College.

It was then thrilling, of course, to have Dr. Calle participate in our humble top-50 jazz albums poll. We celebrate our blog's one year anniversary with his top 12 jazz albums. Though his list favors saxophonists, the stylistic scope is vast, and his thoughts on the albums are both intimate and exuberant.

• 1. John Coltrane - "Coltrane's Sound" – My favorite Coltrane album and time period. The re-harmonization on Body and Soul is so beautiful.
• 2. John Coltrane - "Giant Steps" - Giant Steps, Countdown, Naima, and the rest. A definitive recording if there ever was one.  
• 3. Miles Davis - "Kind of Blue" - No comment is worthy.



• 4. Steps - "Smokin' In the Pit" – Michael Brecker, Mike Mainieri, Steve Gadd, Don Grolnick, Eddie Gomez, and Kazumi Watanabe. On fire.
• 5. Claus Ogerman and Michael Brecker - "Cityscape" – A masterpiece.
• 6. Elvin Jones - "Live at the Lighthouse" – Liebman and Grossman. Influences for a lifetime.
• 7. Dave Sanborn - "A Change of Heart" – Dave is too great. A giant among giants.

• 8. Tom Scott – "Desire" – Tom Scott is a master musician, composer, arranger, and leader. Like the rest of the artists mentioned, Tom established a unique sound that has inspired and enriched all of us. 
• 9. Grover Washington – "Winelight" – Beautiful.
• 10. Arturo Sandoval – "Flight to Freedom and Swingin'" – Making music with Sandoval, Corea, Weckl, Jackson, Brecker, Patitucci, Daniels, Calderazo, and the rest – Life is great.
• 11. Gato Barbieri – "Caliente" – I still love that record. Beautiful vibe, arrangements, and playing. I could care less what the jazz police thinks, Gato is a major musical figure and is particular special to me as someone who comes from South America.
• 12. Jaco Pastorious - "The Birthday Album" – I met Michael Brecker for the first time that day. That day and concert changed my life in a very positive way.
  
  "Truthfully, how can we even rank or comment on all of the beautiful music that has been shared by so many brilliant musicians of yesterday and today? I am thankful and indebted to all of them for the inspiration, information, and joy they share with us. God bless them one and all."

Thank you Ed for your personal list and for participating in our poll! You can visit Ed Calle at his website, where all his releases are also available. Below is a video of Ed playing "Rice and Beans". It's amateur video, but worth it. Hold on to your seat! - PCJ

CD Review ~ Out of this Town, Zach Bartholomew Trio

Something for Northern Florida to be proud of.

"Like" ZBT on Facebook!

"Fresh new spin on jazz" might be a phrase tossed around frequently, as might be "distinctive sound"; when the truth is, this guy is just revamping 70's soul-jazz nicely, that girl is riding the coattails of The Krall, and this quartet sounds like it wrote their new album in 1961, and so on.

I caught ZBT live a few months back, and knew immediately I was privy to something 'new'. I can't always put my finger on it - which, might be a good description for something new. Not to say you wont hear snatches of Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett or Brad Mehldau; but all three members of the group (particularly Bartholomew) have somehow allowed themselves to get right to themselves; and one knows at once upon listening that the experience is original and indeed, fresh.

The album starts strongly - "Stop and Go" efficiently introduces you to each member and is a fine listen - clever on many levels; with a head that will make other musicians go 'wow', a phrase or two reminding me of the great Herbie Nichols. Striking is a confidence in playing that endures for the entire album; an easy-going assurance that your ears are in capable and caring hands. The mid-song tempo change is bold and welcome. Also clever is putting such a track in the lead-off slot where many artists go with "this is what you want me to do"; ZBT instead choosing "This is what we can do, check it out."

"Out of This Town" is an uptempo jazz waltz sporting a certain pleasant liberation in rhythm thanks to drummer Miles Bozeman, Who also takes a dandy solo at the end. The sunny tune could easily be adapted to a throwback r&b hit. "Shades of Blue" relaxes and swings with enjoyable sprawling lines and lush solos; bassist Brandon Robertson hitting a number of nails on the head.

Zach at the recording sessions for "Out of This Town"

A full-bodied, romantic melody permeates the entire track of "Lovers Lament"; carrying it amply from rhapsodic, meterless strumming to mildly-angry driving rock and back again. The plaintiff melody is there even when it's not - making it comparable to the many fine, early RTF compositions.

One could go on. These boys play very well together, and that undefinable something really comes through in both "New Beginnings" and "Road Trip". The former is a jaunty & delightful romp in 5 with prime soloing by Bartholomew and all three enjoying the proceedings; while extended form, a smattering of Monk-like harmonies and modern funk feel make "Road Trip" a most enjoyable ride.

No filler, excellent compositions and even a smart rendering of Coltrane bolster the album. A small distraction is the slightly dull mastering job, hardly noticeable once you're tuned in to all that's going on: both the spirit and accuracy of the performance. Certainly, this is one of the best jazz 'things' to come out of Florida in some time. Don't let it escape you. In one word: "refreshing". - PCJ 

Get your copy of "Out of This Town" at:
Itunes, Amazon or CD Baby.

Jazz-Inspired Art by Eugene "Jeep" McCoy Part II

Here is the second presentation of beautiful jazz paintings by the late "Jeep" McCoy - founder (with wife Muriel) of NEFJA and a jazz lover/activist in Palm Coast. Click on images for a larger view!

Lady Day - painting by Jeep McCoy

Duke Ellington - painting by Jeep McCoy

I asked Muriel if Jeep was a musician himself: "No! He wanted to be - he was a frustrated musician. He used to carry a guitar around with him everywhere" she remembers, smiling.

Eugene "Jeep" McCoy attended FAMU where he was on the boxing team (he boxed in the Army as well). He met Cannonball at the college and they became friends.

"Swingin'", Lester Young & Cannonball Adderley - painting by Jeep McCoy

Later on, when Jeep lived in Greenwich Village, NYC - Cannonball would stop by to partake of Jeep's cooking - a big pot of spaghetti or stew.

The McCoys, who shared a deep love for the music and were always 'on the scene', lived in Teaneck, NJ - where they had jazz royalty for neighbors. Stanley Turrentine & Shirley Scott lived across the street, and Nat Adderley lived a couple of blocks over. Nat's daughter and the McCoy's son Chip went to high school together.

"Jam Session" - Betty Carter, Dizzy, Ray Brown... painting by Jeep McCoy

For bringing jazz music to an area where there was none; for presenting concerts with "A-1" performers & creating long-lasting memories for all who attended; for gathering together jazz lovers all over North East Florida; for encouraging young musicians to pick up the torch with helpful scholarships and much more - the presence of both Jeep and Muriel McCoy in Palm Coast will go on for a long, long time. These paintings celebrate jazz through the eyes of an ardent admirer - today we celebrate and admire the McCoys!

Chip McCoy - painting by Jeep McCoy

You can help continue the work of Jeep & Muriel by considering a membership of or by supporting the North East Florida Jazz Association (NEFJA). Visit their website to find out what they do and 'like' them on Facebook to be kept in-the-know about the upcoming season!

John Coltrane & Miles Davis - painting by Jeep McCoy

Special thanks to Chip McCoy for photographing the paintings. (Disclaimer: the copyrights of these works of art belong to Muriel McCoy - please do not reproduce without first obtaining permission from the copyright owner (via NEFJA). We hope you enjoyed these amazing works of art! - PCJ

Jazz-Inspired Art by Eugene "Jeep" McCoy

(click on art for a larger view)

Hands by Jeep McCoy - the artist used his own as a model!

Jazz lovers in NE Florida know the name "Jeep" McCoy from the North East Florida Jazz Association (NEFJA) - which he and his wife Muriel founded in 1987. Acquainted with a flourishing jazz scene in the North, the McCoys quickly discovered after settling in Palm Coast a serious void in the 'new' city. "Where's the music?" Muriel laughs in recollection.

John Coltrane  - painting by "Jeep" McCoy

In May 1986, they invited jazz lovers (via letters to businesses in PC) to their home for a night of jazz. 40 people showed - quite a turnout for a first run! NEFJA has since become an important lighthouse for lovers of jazz in an area that can't seem to maintain a jazz venue for very long; presenting over 100 concerts and giving out annual scholarships to serious jazz students in FL. 

Louis Armstrong - painting by Jeep McCoy

Though Jeep passed in 2002, Muriel continues to man the helm for NEFJA - recently celebrating it's 25th anniversary with a Jazz Festival featuring Marcus Roberts and Wallace Roney. While visiting in her home last year, I noticed (it's impossible not to!) the amazing, colorful paintings of jazz performers by Mr. McCoy on nearly every wall. I felt they deserved to be appreciated by art and music lovers everywhere, and Muriel graciously obliged.

Milt Hinton - painting by Jeep McCoy

Eugene "Jeep" McCoy was a fast worker, once he got started he'd work well into the night finishing a painting. There is a certain vibrancy and sense of excitement in the works that could only have been captured by someone intimately and deeply associated with the music. The facial expressions capture the deep thought and/or ecstatic joy of the improvisor.

Nat & Cannonball Adderley - Jeep McCoy

This is the first of two posts celebrating Jeep's wonderful creations - in the next we'll view more works and learn about the McCoy's jazz history in NJ with some of the greats. (Disclaimer: the copyrights of these works of art belong to Muriel McCoy - please do not reproduce without first obtaining permission from the copyright owner (via NEFJA). Special thanks to the McCoy's son for photographing the paintings!) - PCJ

Bill Doyle's Top 10 Jazz Albums

Drummer Bill Doyle and his sweet red Gretsch kit '09

We continue our postings of individual lists from our popular Top 50 Jazz Albums List with Palm Coast's own Bill Doyle. Bill has been keeping things swinging through thick and thin in NE Florida since 2004 with his own trio. He began playing drums at 12, studying under some serious cats including Larry Rosen from the Dave Grusin band; working in the New York/New Jersey area with some of it's top jazz, pop and society musicians. He managed to maintain a part-time music career while becoming quite successful full-time in marketing.

Nowadays Bill is a high-profile musician in St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona Beach and more, performing with stellar musicians like Ray Guiser and Cheryl Page; and especially with his crowd-drawing trio, featuring Don Durkee on piano and Frank Capek on bass. His top 10 jazz albums list is an exposition in exquisite taste!

1. Woody Herman - 1964  When my Dad ,who was a musician,first brought this home I was in awe and could not stop playing it and tried to master playing along with the up tempo tunes.Great charts, great solos and Jake Hanna knew how to push a big band.

2. Dave Brubeck - Time Out My role model as a drummer was Joe Morello (R.I.P.). His skill set and ability to be totally musical was unbelievable. I tried to imitate him in every way. Hah! That's a joke.

3. Lambert, Hendricks and Ross - The Hottest New Group in Jazz  Just too cool and from this I learned to appreciate scat.

4. Charles Mingus - Mingus Ah Um  Timeless, could have been recorded yesterday.

5. Joe Morello - It's About Time  Again, I loved Joe. This was a straight-ahead jazz album with some very cool work with Phil Woods, Gary Burton and Joe.

6. Jazz Crusaders - Live at the Light House 1966  I can listen to this for hours. Joe Sample grooves as does Wayne Henderson.

7. Sinatra and Basie  Big fan of both.

8. Ella and Basie  Big fan of Ella, too.

9. John Coltrane - Blue Train  He's just too good with Lee Morgan, Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones to boot!

10. Tie with all the other great work with great artists!



Thanks Bill for the list and for keeping jazz thriving in PC! You can check out more of Bill at his youtube channel, and below is a video of the Bill Doyle Trio + 2 (Pete Gemski - valve trombone; Larry Dickson - baritone sax) performing at the Three Dogs Grille this past February; they're playing Frank Capek's original "Abba". - PCJ

Lynne Arriale - Solo

Motéma Records ~ MTM-83

Lynne Arriale's adventurous "Solo" has the win/win quality of being both easy to listen to and musically fulfilling. You'll find yourself weaving in and out of relaxed enjoyment, getting kicks and rapt concentration. It's the perfect album for sittin' and ruminatin' in the lazyboy with a piping mug of whatever; or poolside: just you, a frosty glass and the puffy clouds.

The album is reminiscent of Thelonious Monk's finer solo releases (like "Alone in San Fransisco") not simply because Lynne covers two of his works aptly (and imaginatively), but because she's learned a thing or two from both his ability to stimulate the listener rhythmically and harmonically, and his knack for setting a stark emotion with the piano that draws one right in.

Arriale is a fine composer - the opener "La Noche" is a chromatic, brooding mood setter; while "The Dove" is all-out impressionism: here a shade Eastern, there a touch Debussy - just lovely and warranting repeat listens.

Her first Monk cover "Evidence" begins in an inquisitive,  searching manner, gradually building into some of the album's most swinging invention. She manages to bring forth all the tune's mystery, with none of the obligatory aping. 

"Wouldn’t It Be Loverly" floats directly from the "enormous chair": dreamy, romantic, wise and reflective; followed by the pianist's rhapsodic "Will O' The Wisp". Lynne states her independence from the rhythm section with "Yada Yada Yada", a jaunty, angular blues with verve and motion.

Romance skirts on the edge of New Age aesthetics with the lilting "Dance" – one of the real high points of the disc; unforgettable once heard. "Arise" has all the makings of a quality theme for a romance movie, gorgeous and touching if you stick with it.

The best display of Arriale's depth and capacity as a jazz pianist comes on an enigmatic spin of Cole Porter's "What is This Thing Called Love"; anything but an old warhorse here: full of surprises, harmonic inventiveness and delightful tension; all with fluidity and poise.

A minor original "Sea and Sand" is a fine addition to the long line and grand history of slow, haunting, danceable Latin piano ballads. "Bye Ya" begins as a playful exposition on both the composition and the more finer points of Monk's improvisation; but soon develops into a marvel of jazz architecture, revealing distillations from several jazz masters and coming out sounding very much Arriale.

"And So It Goes" is the closer as it is on Billy Joel’s "Storm Front" – a pretty investigation of the familiar melody.

All that and no filler make this a necessary addition to the library of jazz piano lovers, particularly those who might have feared the art of making a real good solo piano album was lost a few decades ago. - PCJ

Sample and pick up your copy of "Solo" at these locations:
Motéma Records Website,
Itunes
Lynne Arriale's Website
or wherever jazz music is sold!

Jazz in June

The closing concert for NEFJA's 2012 season did not disappoint! Doug Carn, Calvin Newborn & Michael Carvin came out of the gates charging - supplying an afternoon of soulful summer jazz in what turned out to be an intimate and  refreshing performance. Below is a clip of Calvin starting to tear it up during the first number.

right to left - Doug Carn, Calvin Newborn, Michael Carvin

Carn & Carvin played with a fire and empathy immediately calling to mind their days together in the '70s;  breathing vigor into standards like I'll Remember April & Body and Soul.  Doug's effortless authority over the hammond and equally adept bandleading skills set the standard, while Carvin's ingenuity and backdrop were nothing short of an education.


Calvin Newborn - a late fill-in for Calvin Keys (recovering from heart surgery) also commanded a stage presence worthy of his legacy. Although at times he struggled to keep up with the faster tempos, he was never short on high quality melodic ideas and nuances, flowing to the point where Doug & Michael broke out in uncontrollable smiles and chuckles of glee.

Doug & Michael burst into smiles over Calvin's triumphs!

Set two saw the addition of Ray Callender on trumpet and Doc Handy on the congas, both playing skillfully and artfully on two Lee Morgan numbers as well as Pensativa by Clare Fischer. The afternoon was capped off by a compellling drum solo on a tune Carvin hadn't played before; a solo that had the audience rapt and on the edge of their seats in delight. 

L-R - Doc Handy, Doug Carn, Ray Callender, Calvin Newborn, Michael Carvin

Although church prevented an early arrival to catch it - a special treat was added to the beginning of the show with a performance by Lee & Sally Quick with Jay Messick. Thanks to NEFJA for a stellar season of jazz in NE Florida! - PCJ

Jay Messick packing up!

Sally & Lee Quick - jazz troupers!