David Fernandez's Favorite Concert - Henderson!

One of Miami's most startlingly original voices in jazz is David Fernandez. His technical fluency and ease of expression on the saxophone are matched with a supple and gorgeous tone; his solos often develop into pleasing deluges of romanticism, backed up with broad harmonic intelligence and a wealth of ideas.

David has toured with Latin pop stars Chayanne, Jon Secada and Gloria Estefan, as well as jazz flute legend Nester Torres. He's shared the stage with the likes of Randy Brecker, Paquito D'Rivera, Gerry Mulligan, Bob Mintzer and Arturo Sandoval. He's currently the Adjunct Professor of Saxophones at Miami-Dade College, also
instructing at MDC-Kendall and Barry University. David has 2 albums available - "Transition Project" and "Symmetry". Both are highly recommended, with killer performances and top-notch, feast-for-the-soul compositions.

David's concert remembrance is unique, in that he was on the stage rather than in the audience. Catch a glimpse into a more intimate observance with one of jazz's most brilliant legends!

Joe Henderson - Miami University 1990's

Joe Henderson - courtesy of Verve Records

I would say the best jazz concert I have ever attended was a concert I took part in when I was at the University of Miami. We had the honor of performing with the late Joe Henderson. He had just recorded a trilogy of records that included a tribute to Miles, Billy Strayhorn, and a big band album, and I also believe he might have even done a tribute to Jobim around that era. Even more spectacular, was rehearsing with Mr. Henderson. I still have the sound of his saxophone engraved in my ears and in my mind. The bell of his saxophone was literally inches away from me since I was playing alto at the time. He had the softest,

warmest, and fullest tone I have ever heard. I also recall the forum he had where he spoke about capturing the lyrics of a song without the benefit of words and how Thelonious Monk was a big influence on his playing even though he played a totally different instrument. Finally, I also remember him dressed to impress. He wore nice trousers with a tie and suspenders. This gentleman was not only a throwback from the great Blue Note era, but an icon and a legend standing before us. A night I carry with me everyday.

Thank you, David, for fun and exclusive insight into Joe Henderson, and especially for taking part in our poll! - PC Jazz

Upcoming dates for David Fernandez include 11/30 at the Globe Cafe in Coral Gables and 12/10 at Van Dykes Cafe, Miami. His albums are available wherever jazz is sold online. For your convenience, links are provided below to albums available on Amazon. Green links take you to the album page for review and info. Below links please enjoy a video of Dave and his band!

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New Podcast Opens Our 3rd Season!

Thank you to all our faithful listeners who have helped make our podcast a big success! This month features two Jazz Orchestras! Featured players include Phil Woods, Ed Callé, Gary Brown and Jason Carder. Larry Coryell & Kenny Drew Jr supply an exquisite duet tribute to Hank Jones, George Grosman pays homage to Sidney Bechet & much more! At the end of the show we pay our own tribute to the late bassist/composer/friend Frank Capek and Gers Yowell, the saxophonist whose story we told in our second episode. Every number is a gem! Thanks for all the shares, likes and for spreading the word. :) Enjoy!!

Pictured: George Grosman (photo by Greg King)

Host: Kenny MacKenzie 

Our Facebook page!
Kenny's hosts"Jazz Greats" on WFCF every Tuesday 3-7pm EST. Listen on iHeart!

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1. Introduction - Kenny
(download our theme song "In Control" on iTunes!)


2. "Read My Lips" - South Florida Jazz Orchestra (Miami, FL)     websiteChuck Bergeron - director, bass;
Trumpet: Jason Carder, Greg Gisbert, Alex Norris, Augie Haas
Alto Saxes: Gary Keller, Gary Lindsay,
Tenor/Baritone saxes: Ed Calle, Ken Mattis, Mike Brignola
Trombones: Dante Luciani, John Kricker, Joanna Sabater
Bass trombone: Jennifer Wharton
Piano: Martin Bejerano
Drums: John Yarling
Timbales: Raymer Olalde; Congas: Roberto Quintero

from the album "Trumpet Summit".

Purchase at Amazon or iTunes!



3. "Pasajé Tennessee" - Jamie Ousley (Hallandale, FL)      website

Jamie Ousley - double bass, Phillip Strange - piano,
Johnny Mendoza - Violin, mandolin, quatro, marracas
Larry Marshall - drums

from the album "Back Home".

Purchase at Amazon, CD Baby or iTunes!



4. Announcements - Kenny
(background music from the album "Second Chances" by Allison Paris)


5. "Feeling His Groove" - Jose Valentino  (Tampa, FL)      Facebook

Jose Valentino Ruiz - vocals, flute, sax, bass, guitar, rhodes
Jonathan Thomas - drums
Benny Maldonado - congas


From the album "Messiah"



6. "Goodbye Mr. Jones" - Larry Coryell & Kenny Drew Jr (Tampa, FL)     Kenny's website

Larry Coryell - guitar
Kenny Drew Jr. - piano

From the album "Duality", courtesy of Random Act Records (website).

Purchase album at Amazon or CD Baby!



7. Announcements - Kenny(background music from the album KMT I by Kenny MacKenzie Trio)



8. "Sidney Fandango" - George Grosman & Bohemian Swing (Orlando, FL)     website

George Grosman - guitar, Brandon Walker - soprano sax,
Ian MacGillivray - trumpet, David MacDougall - drums,
Rachel Melas - bass, Refael Keren - accordian


from the album "Sidney, Mon Ami".
Purchase cd at Amazon, CD Baby or iTunes!


9. "Birth Without Violence" - Gary Wofsey and the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra (Alford, FL)     website
Trumpet/Flugelhorn: Gary Wofsey (solo), Moose Foyer, Laurie Frink, Bob Freeberg
Alto Saxes: Phil Woods (solo)
Flute/Tenor/Baritone saxes: Gary Brown, Dick Oates, Ronnie Cuber
Trombones: Bob Carlson, Joe Letizia
Piano/Electric Piano: Mike Abene
Guitar: Melanie MacQuarrie
Bass: Paul Adamy
Drums: Jim Mola
Timbales/congas/perc: Bob Merigliano

from the album "Kef's Pool".

Purchase vinyl lp at Amazon!
10. Announcements - Kenny(background music from the album "Live From the Warehouse" by Dot Wilder)


11. "Blues for L.T." - Gers Yowell Quartet (Ormond Beach, FL)

Gers Yowell - EWI, Kenny MacKenzie - piano
Frank Capek - bass, Frankie Capek - drums

recorded October 21, 2011 ~ PC Jazz exclusive.
In memoriam: Frank Capek and Gers Yowell.


12. Closing Announcements - Kenny
Palm Coast Jazz closing theme by Seven Octaves.produced by Kenny MacKenzie

If you are a jazz musician residing in Florida with quality recordings of your original music (new or old) and would like to submit for future podcasts, please contact us at palmcoastjazz@gmail.com

All recordings and compositions are the property of their respective performers and composers, all rights reserved. This podcast copyright 2013 Kenny MacKenzie. All rights reserved.

Pete Gemski's Favorite Concert - Faddis!

Pete Gemski with new 'weapon'.

Pete Gemski is the founder & leader of The Lighthouse Little Big Band - an 8-piece unit in St. Augustine that promotes creativity in the region by performing original arrangements as well as more famous ones. Pete plays valve trombone & bass trumpet in the band, but the instrument for most of his life is the trumpet; playing professionally from 11th grade on. He studied at Brown University, did graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, post doctoral research at the Stanford University Medical School and put in 30 years at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, DC. In DC he played in the Bill Potts Big Band, also performing at several inauguration Balls; in particular, Ronald Reagan's 2nd inauguration with the Benny Carter Big Band.

After retiring as Chief of the Department of Molecular Pathology at Walter Reed, he and wife Lenny moved to New Hampshire where he performed and expanded his "arsenal of brass weapons" to euphonium, baritone horn, valve trombone and bass trumpet. The Gemski's became St. Augustine residents in 2005. In 2012 The Lighthouse Little Big Band put out their

The Lighthouse Little Big Band

self-titled first cd featuring arrangements by Pete, Dave Wolpe, Ralph Martin, Larry Dickson and the late bassist, composer and member Frank Capek.

At 77 years young, Pete's 'bucket list' is to play all the brass instruments. He's currently learning the Bb tuba, with thoughts of forming a Dixieland group in the future. Below is his very entertaining anecdote about an encounter between two trumpet players...


Jon Faddis Quartet at The Wolf Trap, D.C. Area  November 24, 1989

(Renee Rosnes - piano, Louis Nash - drums, ????? - Bass (sorry, I can't remember----too many high notes played as I age as a trumpet player)

As is typical of Jon Faddis, he paid homage to Louis Armstrong by performing (ala Satchmo) "West End Blues" at the end of the set. A standing ovation from the
audience was almost universal. Faddis responded with a big grin and shared the moment with his group that also caught the essence of Satchmo's style in their playing. 

As Faddis walked off the stage, he stopped, turned to the audience and said "How about this?"  He then did Harry James' version of "Ciribiribin" for a few measures, this time having the style and sound associated with Harry James. Someone in the audience requested his version of Wynton---he smiled, took a proper concert posture and played several measures of the Hayden Trumpet Concerto as recorded at one time by Wynton---then gave it a Faddis touch by repeating the same measures octaves above. He then continued interacting with the audience saying "Ready for Miles?"---walked off the stage, returned wearing a borrowed long coat, turned his back to audience, stooped over with the horn pointing at the floor and started

L-R: Lewis Nash, Bill Charlap, Jon Faddis &
Renee Rosnes - from reneerosnes.coml

playing "Freddie Freeloader". Standing ovation again. "Any other requests?" he inquired.  The big mouth of yours truly took over and from the front row I said "How about the famous Faddis  Double C's?" Faddis grinned and said "How many?". Not to be outdone, I answered "100".  Because he 'clamed' on the 86th double C, I treasure an autographed program by Faddis to "Mr 86" on my music wall. PS--that's how I know the exact date of this memory.

Thanks, Pete, for a very fun concert story and for insight into the congeniality and good humor of a world-class star! - PCJ