On the Playlist 2/APR/21…

When I was in high school I played tenor saxophone in both band and jazz band. I was the only person who played tenor saxophone so my band teacher wanted me on these groups. I got credit for both classes and the jazz band was at lunch so it kept me from just hanging out at the mall across the street from my school so I didn’t mind. I was already into jazz anyway so I enjoyed playing some of the selections in jazz band. One of those selections was Children of Sanchez by Chuck Mangione who plays flugelhorn. I enjoyed the music and discovered Chuck Mangione. Fast forward many many years and I purchased the CD recently to bring back the memories of that music. So enjoying listening to this one a lovely afternoon here while I am reviewing documents for work.

This album was the soundtrack of the movie of the same name in 1978. The song won a Grammy for best pop instrumental. The album was recorded quickly and with the musicians assembled a lot of the tracks were captured on the first take. This album came after his “Feels So Good” which was his first big success. This whole album because it is a soundtrack follows a common theme to it. I still like albums and especially when they really express a cohesive theme of music. Someday, I should get around to watching this movie.

On the Playlist 1NOV2018…

Listening to Evan Parker and his album Conic Sections today. This album from the British saxophonist is something that is quite different in the avant garde or free improvisation genre. I first became aware of this album when I was study clarinet improvisation while I was in graduate school in Vancouver. I was trying to learn circular breathing techniques on the clarinet (I was never really able to get it down) and was introduced to this album that includes not only circular breathing but also includes overlaying harmonics by having the reed vibrate in two modes simultaneously. So when you listen to the music on this album there are multiple layers to the music that if you focus on you can shift between hearing almost like two different tunes within it. Amazing stuff!

Evan Parker - Conic Sections