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!

Upcoming Doug Carn Organ Trio concert!!

 

Press play on the audio player above to enjoy classic organ jazz by Doug Carn while you read!

Three artists all famous for their association with the 1970's Black Jazz record label - Doug Carn, Michael Carvin & Calvin Keys, will be reuniting for a sizzling summer concert of blissful organ trio jazz, Sunday June 3rd at the Daytona Museum of Arts & Sciences in a concert presented by NEFJA. 

A familiar name here in Northeast Florida; the exceptional talents of Doug Carn are known all over the world - not just for playing with artists like Lou Donaldson, Stanley Turrentine, Shirley Horn, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nat Adderley and more recently featured on albums by Cindy Blackman and Wallace Roney; but also for his own releases. Several of these are part of an important jazz movement in the early 70's presented on the Black Jazz record label.

Doug Carn's 1971 release "Infant Eyes" on Black Jazz label.

Not only have these recordings reached cult status among jazz aficionados and collectors alike, but are also acknowledged as an important watershed in jazz music, "combining a  looser feel with a political mood that emphasized peace, love and independence...alive—and free of restraint and compromise." (jazzwax.com). The Black Jazz catalog forms a stunning chronicling of the African-American urban experience and outlook of the era. This purity and emotion was in stark contrast to the note-y, noodle-y fusion music then dominating the market.

Doug's 1973 release featuring Jean Carn - "Revelation"

As a surge of appreciation for these albums now dominates the internet on jazz & soul-jazz blogs & forums, and as the Black Jazz catalog has recently been purchased and the label re-booted, Doug Carn has been making appearances all over the world with several of his label mates from back in the day. This is essentially the jazz equivalent of a rock band like Cream's recent reunion & tour, and not to be missed if you take your jazz seriously. 

L-R: Michael Carvin, Calvin Keys, Doug Carn

Shows have already hit Yoshi's in Oakland and Dizzy's Coca Cola Club in NYC, and upcoming gigs include a weekend at world-renowned Ronnie Scott's club in London with Jean Carn. Floridians will have their chance on Sunday June 3rd 2012 at 2:30 pm to experience these three legends bringing their message of strength and love on into the new millennium and beyond. Get your tickets over at the NEFJA website (phone and mailed check options available). - PCJ