Ports of Call

Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Straight Point, Victoria, Astoria and San Fransisco.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

My new place.

Hey everyone! It's been a quiet few months at this blog, but I can assure you it has been less than quiet for myself. New home, new workplace, a completely new lifestyle has taken its toll on my ability to remain grounded, but I'm here again and will do my best to take up where I had left off.

Some notable music stuff from the last few weeks:

Esperanza Spalding visited the Portland State Jazz department yesterday. A Blog Supreme had a write up of her last week. It's nice to see such a successful young Jazz artist come back to Portland. Portland's jazz scene is so classic, but it's struggles every year to stay relevant.

Oregon Music News brings an update of the next Portland Jazz Festival.

It was Art Blakey's birthday the other day. Here's a great video of his band when Wynton was playing with him. For such a great sound, he was really eating the mic back then.

Last but not least, cool video from David Haynes, displaying quite an ability on the "Maschine," an electric drum machine.

I've been pretty lax about becoming more involved in the local jazz scenes. My goal is to figure out the best spots in Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia to listen to local jazz consistently. We'll see how it goes.

-Slide Funk

Monday, July 5, 2010

Quick Update


Hey all, it's been a while! Wanted to give a quick update.

June and July have been pretty busy music wise for me. A trip to Boise for two nights, Organic Brewfest, The Goodfoot and Mountainstomp. This Wednesday the 7th we open the Crystal Ballroom for The Wailers! Do not miss this show!

About three weeks ago Lia was offered the job at North Mason High School in Belfaire Washington! After two long and stressful years of job searching, she had finally found her dream job. This does however, mean some large changes for myself. Most importantly, we will be moving north out of Portland. This will mean the end of my tenure with the Phunkestra for the time being, though I am still hoping to play with them off and on in the future.

I'm pretty bummed about it, but I feel as though we have reached a good point so far, and that some time spent focusing on my own musical goals will be good for me. What has me excited is the opportunity to set up shop in our new house, build a studio, and meet some great musicians out of Seattle, Tacoma and Olympia.

My last show here in town will be the 30th of July at Jimmy Mak's. I cannot think of a better place to play. For our shows in-between check out the Phunkestra Myspace page.

-Slide Funk

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Bread.

I struggled a great deal about what I could write about this week, until I saw this blog discussion over at Ian Carey's blog on the topic of funding of jazz music, the decline in playing venues and the general ability to make a living as a jazz musician. Or as many of us like to say, earning our "Bread." The topic as also spilled over to Patrick Jarenwattananon's A Blog Supreme at NPR. Highlighted were two major donations at both Drake University and an anonymous donation of $20 million towards Bay Area presenter SFJazz's new concert hall.

This brought up the question from both blogs; Would that kind of money be more beneficial spread out into smaller venues for the average jazz musician, than put into one large facility for the larger name touring artists? It's a tough question to ask, because as others have pointed out, getting any funding at all is a blessing. However, it is extremely important for any musician, let alone a jazzer, to work in front of an audience. It builds confidence, and it's a great way to practice one's art.

I think the idea is great, but I don't see it catching on anytime soon. Donors, I imagine, like to see their money in action, and large scale institutes provide that for them. More importantly, I think musicians need to work on the marketing side of their craft. I believe that at least 75% of a musician's success financially is presenting yourself in a business sense. So much of what I've learned and continue to learn to this day about playing music still leads back to the basic business practices; showing up on time, dressed for the gig, and knowing ones part. And for bandleaders, it's about presenting a product to the audience. Having a 'dress' code, looking active and involved in your music, and having a sustained relationship with the audience. They are there for us, and we should reward them for showing up and listening. A good time spreads quickly, and if you seem to be having one, I bet your audience will too. If you talk to your audience, if you get them involved mentally while the music is off, they will be more likely to stay engaged when the music is playing.

I guess what I mean to say through all of this is that the jazz community, and really the music community in general, shouldn't be waiting for the day when the funding and money start rolling in. We should be actively seeking it, looking for ways to fill the seats and tables and keep folks coming back for more. I don't think it's going to be given to us. I think we need to earn it.

Feel free to post your thoughts, and check out the links I posted, as much better writers than I put far better than I can.

-Slide Funk

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Encouraging Signs


Through a rather odd misunderstanding, I found myself at the Lily Wilde show at Duff's Garage last night to watch the first set. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I hadn't seen them before and I was extremely surprised and pleased with what I saw and heard.

Having been texted by an old UO buddy, I arrived at the location ready to sit in and read the lead book for the first set. I was told (to my relief as I had spaced on my music stand) that the regular (my teacher Ben Medler) was indeed going to play. There was apparently some confusion on my friends part, who had subbed the last two shows and had assumed a sub would be needed for this one. Thus, a bit of an embarrassing arrival on my part. Confusing indeed, but it was yet another great lesson on how to be a professional.

Better yet, I got in for free, received a free drink ticket and saw a fully loaded, professional big band. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived, but upon seeing the swarm of some of Portland's best professional jazz cats the expectation level went skyrocketing. I was not to be disappointed.

Let's step back a moment and take a look at the current goings on in the big band world. Europe features many fine radio big bands. The most famous big band out of New York in my mind would probably be Lincoln Center. Wynton likely has a lot to do with that status, but they are an exceedingly good group regardless. The Village Vanguard Orchestra has been around in one form or another since about 1965. The Mingus Band is around. Out west we have the ever popular Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band. Bob Mintzer is currently in L.A.

These are the big names. Unless you are in their respective cities, hearing such bands live tends to come with travel expenses, though usually you can see some groups on tour. Dave Holland has been through Oregon with his big band a few times in the last decade. These groups are rare though, much of that stemming from the cost to run such a large ensemble, let alone send them on tour or pay for a recording session.

Portland has a few of its own Big Bands. Art Abrams has lead a band for some time now, and has produced a couple CD's. The band has always sounded great, and is filled with great players. The Portland Jazz Orchestra is also a great group. Carlton Jackson and Dave Mills lead another large ensemble. And of course, the Lily Wilde Orchestra.

Now, it has been some time since the big band era of the 30's and 40's. For the last few years I've been stuck playing and listening to college ensembles. I certainly enjoyed my time in such groups, but nothing beats a true professional ensemble with musicians who understand the genres and styles and who are able to, with very little rehearsal time, play so well together.

Indeed, the woodwind section was easily the finest I've heard in some time. Overall the band played extremely well in tune, and for a group that doesn't rehearse often they ended phrases very well and moved together dynamically. Everything laid well for the talented Lily Wilde, who has a wonderful voice and didn't miss a note the whole night.

I went home that night very happy despite the earlier confusion. It's nights like that that I find myself inspired to learn and practice my craft. I think that's why it's so critical to always be hearing as much live music as one can. To hear it played that well inspires me every time.


-Slide Funk

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Musical Elitism?


So, I've been thinking a long time about this post the last week or two, but the last 12 or so days have been totally hectic. Between working a 10 day streak and the four gigs I had last week, it was a wonder I found time to eat and sleep properly. Oh wait, I didn't... oh well, so it goes.

Before all the crazy happened, my brain was kick started by this post from Alex W. Rodriguez. It was a pretty lighthearted piece, and I didn't dwell on it long until I stumbled across a particular documentary on Hulu.

Firstly, if you haven't watched Before the Music Dies, do so right now. I mean it, stop reading and watch all of it. Mainly because it is eyeopening, but also because this post was born of my thoughts after seeing it fully for the first time.

I remember some years ago while visiting with a friend, someone had brought the documentary over and I had watched the first 45 minutes or so. That had been enough to stick with me for close to four years, but when I discovered (it's amazing what you will find while researching bands on youtube) that it was free to watch whenever I wanted on the internet, I was overjoyed. More importantly however, the film's relevance to me had changed completely.

Four years ago I didn't play in a band I could consider my own. I didn't really understand the time commitment and mental effort it took to play with a group that wanted to succeed professionally. I wasn't spending most Sundays working eight hours and eating quickly before going to a 3-4 hour rehearsal. I didn't play 4 gigs in a week, I wasn't writing music. I hadn't been to a sound check in my life, nor was I playing gigs that went over four hours in length. So while the documentary by Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen was incredibly interesting to me, I didn't connect with it as I did now.

One of the things I came away asking myself was, "What makes quality music?" The main concern of the filmmakers was the rapid decline in the quality of the current pop music and musicians. To explain this decline they pointed to Clear Channel and pop radio as the culprits. I can totally agree with them on this end, and I started looking more closely around me at the music my peers were listening to.

I already knew most of my fellow music heads could be just as opinionated as I, but what intrigued me was their knowledge and open enjoyment of the pop music industry. Do they look at Telephone they same way they do a piece by Mozart or Brahms? Not that I can tell, but they often find an equal amount of short term enjoyment in it. Lia often says, "it's catchy, don't judge it so quickly. People enjoy this rhythmic style." And both she and Kim like to listen to Beyonce (Play Put a Ring on It and they go nuts). These are young, intelligent musicians with degrees in performance and education, and perhaps that is something Shapter and Rasmussen overlooked.

I understand the filmmakers intent, and I completely agree with their take on the industry and radio. I can't stand to listen to Z100 or 107.5 for more than ten minutes, but it isn't always because of the music. Part of the argument presented by Before the Music Dies is the influence of advertisement and the advent of playlists on radio stations. It was interesting to hear about a time when local DJ's were popular and radio stations had a hometown feel to them. I also recognize the lack of substance in much of the pop world. Branford Marsalis says in the film, "The reality is that superficiality is in, and depth and quality is kind of out." Listening in on pop radio today, you can hear what he's talking about.


I was left thinking that my fellow music majors and I were the only ones left on earth who didn't listen to pop radio. So I set out, as the filmmakers had, to find people around me who enjoyed other kinds of music. Like the documentary, I didn't look far.

I started with my coworkers. Working in the electronics industry, we're exposed every day to the pop elements by way of the car stereos and speaker systems that are always on during store hours. It seemed to go 50/50. Some care little about music, concerning themselves more with the cultural aspect of pop radio. A few seem to genuinely like Jay-Z and Usher, as well as most of the songs on the radio, but I would hear one common complaint: "I'm tired of hearing this song." The other half are really invested in their music. One of my coworkers owns a few hundred records that he is in the process of converting. I was amazed, because as he is relatively close in age to myself it was apparent that he had gone out of the way to collect a obsolete form of recording. Why? Because he liked the sound of vinyl better. Another coworker and I spent the better half of a shift talking about what he finds enjoyable in music. Chris the Comcast rep is a reggae nut, but enjoys a wide variety of non-pop music, from rock to funk.

When the Phunkestra opened for the B*Side Players, I was happy to note the group of fans who were there, singing along with the San Diego based band. It is evident that people want to hear substantial music, as the film points out. But does that mean anything and everything on pop radio or coming from Sony Records or written by Lady Gaga is to be deemed superficial? I will always be skeptical, but I would hate to jump on something that way.

I'd be really interested to hear what everyone thinks. I know I don't have a ton of readers, but I feel like this is a subject that everyone who cares about music should be talking about with each other and friends. What is music with substance to you? Do you shun pop radio? What makes a great band or artist?

I leave you with my substance for the week.

EDIT: It's now open for commenting for anyone.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

A Portland Sound?


The Jazz Society of Oregon had a somewhat interesting article about the possible need for some sort of label for the jazz music being made in Portland. While the Rose City certainly has a wonderful scene with fantastic musicians both young and old, I'm not sure it needs to be branded just yet. Our flourishing jazz community may be unique to the northwest, but I feel that our sound draws from many influences around the world. Mel Brown was a house drummer for Motown. Alan Jones has spent several years in Germany on top of touring Europe several times. Thara Memory was born in Florida. Ben Medler and Farnell Newton grew up on the east coast. The late Leroy Vinnegar first established himself in Los Angeles. Young players like John Nastos, Ben Darwish and Esperanza Spalding have been heavily influenced by all of these varied sounds and backgrounds. Is it a true, unique "Portland Jazz" sound? I wouldn't label it just yet.

Went to the Dookie Jam last Wednesday. Lets just say it was a blast and I'll be going back many more times. Show upcoming on Tuesday the 13th at Berbati's as part of the Soul'd Out Festival. Be sure to check it out, as we've added so much more since the last time you likely heard us, and the venue is great. We also have many other show's upcoming, so keep track of the Phunkestra at one of our pages.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

New listenings.

Been going to the library here every few days and picking up three albums to be copied and listened to. I'll try and keep you up to date on the especially good ones, starting with this gem from Billy Childs.

I first heard Childs as a sideman on a 1977 J. J. Johnson album and always loved his playing from that album. Childs has a variety of colors he uses to paint his music and solos and it is evident here in 'The Child Within'. He's backed by a fantastic group as well, boasting a rhythm section with Dave Holland and Jeff Watts, and fellow horn players Terence Blanchard, Steve Wilson, Ravi Coltrane and Luis Bonilla. Be assured, this album is crazy good.

I picked up an album by Bill Frisell, of who I haven't heard much of but a lot about. I'll be checking that one out tomorrow.

The third was from Terence Blanchard, who I have always enjoyed but never owned. The album features several great vocalists, and while I was only able to listen to part of it as I was getting ready to head out this afternoon, I enjoyed what I heard. I really enjoy Terence's lines and sound, as well as his musical thought process.

I've been listening to a lot of Dave Matthews music these days off of Youtube. I might have to go out and get his latest album.

Seattle based trumpeter Jason Parker will be touring the west coast and will stop by Portland, as well as Eugene and Ashland. Be sure to check him out here in town on the 18th at Mississippi Pizza.

-Slide Funk

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Saturday Music Thoughts.

We had a good show last Thursday that was slow to start, but was a great night for myself. I thought most of my improve was well thought out, though I'm still trying to get used to Aniana's new tune. It seems odd that I would have trouble with a piece that I really like in an easy key, but I guess maybe I'm over thinking it. Perhaps D minor shedding needs to occur this weekend.

Ben and Michelle Medler will be performing at Jimmy Mak's tonight with their septet and will also be joined by the Quadraphonnes. Both groups boast great musicians, and its a great chance to see some of the best musicians in town, though a $12 cover seems a bit steep.

It's nice to have a Saturday off for a change. I hope you all enjoy your Super Bowl parties, as I will be partying it up at Best Buy... anyone want to bring me some booze and a burger?

Monday, February 1, 2010

Grammys and Taylor Swift.


If Taylor Swift hadn't yet destroyed your sense of musical well being, this surely did the trick. Big thanks to Stevie Nicks for making the performance that much worse.

I thought Jason Parker put it into words best in his blog, and I'd recommend anyone to check it out. I still find it sad that these are the "musicians" given the starlight, the money and world exposure, while those who have studied a craft through multiple collegiate degrees and spent decades perfecting their music get next to none of that.

That's a rant for another time, though. I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of Miss Swift in the upcoming year.

Phunktion upcoming this week. More musical updates incoming as well, I promise not to miss out on another Friday post!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Jazz and the BBC.

WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Check out this recent panel discussion about jazz coverage on the BBC. It's pretty interesting to hear that jazz music is growing popular again across the Atlantic. I'd be pretty interested to look into why that might be.

There was a great broadcast from Fresh Air today, that finished with a review of some newly released Ella Fitzgerald by Kevin Whitehead. I'll tell you this much. I need more music from Ella. Her range of styles and ability to mimic what she hears is second to none.
A bit quiet today, not much out there exciting in the way of music tonight. Pianist Kerry McCoy is playing at the Brasserie tonight, and you can get a preview of his music here. Mel Brown is a staple down at Jimmy Mak's; tonight he'll be with his quartet.

Philly's Phunkestra's band leader Chris Phillips will be on KMHD at 10am for a radio spot. He'll be bringing one of us along with him, so be sure to tune in and check it out.

Its beautiful outside. Hope some of you out there are able to enjoy it. I'll be going straight from rehearsal to work...

-Slide Funk

Monday, January 25, 2010

Coming Down off a Great Weekend.




Big time show for the Phunkestra last Friday night as I had mentioned it might be. We played what was likely the best 30 minutes of music in our short tenure together. Perfect set, perfect finish, and a great show afterward.

Dumpstaphunk was great, though there were some distracting sound issues made more distracting by the clear displeasure of the band. The group is a fine blend of funk and soul mixed with a touch of rock sound. Their music starts with their two fantastic bass players, who's lines draw directly from a New Orleans tradition and drive every song along. The group's lyrics remind me a lot of Parliment with they're comical, carefree fashion, but the best thing about their music is certainly the ability to lay down a groove that is easy to move to for long periods of time.

It got even better after they left the stage, as it was Rebirth Brass Band's time to play. After arriving late, they took the stage to a semi-awkward sound check in front of a crowd. Once that tuba took off however, the room was transported to Bourbon Street. Joyful trumpet lines, gritty trombone and tenor sax, and a snare and bass drum duo that did not let up filled up the large room and got the crowd moving. More important than anything they played was that they looked as if they were enjoying themselves, and I think that is what generated the most excitement out of the room.

Going into rehearsal last night, I felt even better about picking up the horn. Every so often you take the trombone out of its case, put it together and play a first note and know immediately that you are going to have a good night playing it. It's both exciting and frustrating, because often that feeling can slip away the very next day. It becomes so important that you figure out what you are doing differently and remember it for the next time you take the horn out of the case.

If you're looking for great, cost free music tonight, look no further than Jimmy Mak's, where Guitarist Dan Balmer will be playing tonight. Dan is fantastic, and the cover is free. Jimmy Mak's has a great group every night, including three nights a week featuring Mel Brown. Be sure to check out the upcoming schedule.

The first half of the week looks relatively quiet. If you're interested in current music news, there are some great places to check out online, one of which is a site crafted by a fellow Portlander and former section mate Alex Rodriguez. Check it out.

-Slide Funk

EDIT: Check this out! Oregon Symphony tickets on sale for $20 and $40 dollars for any of their remaining shows. ONE WEEK ONLY!. Every orchestra is struggling these days, and this is a great way for us to help them out. GET ON THIS BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Rebirth and Dumpstaphunk Tonight!

After playing close to four hours last night, I'm finding it hard today to play with any finesse, but I should manage the thirty minute set tonight just fine. After all, I can't complain about getting in for free to see BOTH Rebirth Brass Band and Dumpstaphunk at Berbati's Pan afterward. This show is bound to be nuts. If you haven't heard either group, do yourself a favor and youtube both of them. It will also be nice to check out a new venue. Berbati's website looks nice enough, but we'll see once we get there what kind of place it is. If you're looking for a great show tonight, it starts at 9pm, $25 at the door.

Elsewhere you can find Farnell Newton will be playing downtown at the Brasserie Montmartre. The site doesn't list a cover, but it looks nice enough, so bring some cash just in case. Farnell is a great player, and he plays a ton around town, so get down there and check him out.

I've been trying to expand my musical ears somewhat. The more I hear, the more I like, and I feel it's important to continue to build my musical vocabulary. New music is also a great way to stimulate your creative urge and makes you want to play. So often I think young musicians feel as though it is a task to practice new things. It's easy to forget that we picked up the instrument for fun, and hearing new things is a great way to remind ourselves of that.

Finally, a beer to start off your weekend. Earlier in the week I stopped by Gustav's near Washington for happy hour with Lia and Kim. Besides the crazy cheap fondu and the comical attempt at a German setting, Gustav's has a pretty good beer selection. Being that we're in the middle of winter, I try to stick to the dark stuff. If you find yourself in the area, stop by and get a Warsteiner Dunkel.

The general difference between your usual Oregon stout or porter and a Dunkel out of Germany is in the off-flavors. Especially the case with porters, many darker beers will leave the taster with a hint of another flavor, usually coffee or chocolate. A Dunkel is, like most German brews, very clean tasting. It allows the drinker to enjoy the basics of beer. This particular Dunkel held a very good balance between the sweet malts and sharp bite of the hops. While most darks can seem like a meal, this one was actually quite refreshing, and I could see myself drinking this during the summer months.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I'd thought I'd start out with my first post by plugging something of my own that goes on every other Thursday down off 4th St at the Crown Room. Be sure to check out myself and eight others come together to form Philly's Phunkestra every first and third Thursday. Downbeat is at 10pm, and the double set runs four hours.

For those of you who haven't seen the Phunkestra yet, take a Thursday night off to check out one of our FREE shows. We play all sorts of funk, afro-beat, hip-hop and Nawlin's funk, and
the Phunkestra has been a great chance for upcoming musicians to stretch their composition and improv chops. You can check out some of our tracks at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/controller/audio_player/detachable_player/artist_540683?autoPlay=true

The Crown Room is a great club for this kind of music. While it doesn't have much room for seating or even a real food menu, half the club is devoted to dancing space. If you're into sitting down and ordering up some wine or a meal with your music, it probably isn't the setting for you. However, this is a great date place. They have music throughout the week and its location probably couldn't be any better. If you're young and you like to dance, definitely check it out.

Look for the Phunkestra to be racking up more shows in town. Check us out on Facebook or Myspace. I'll have a look at a great one we'll be at this coming Friday, as well as an End of the Week Beer, so stay tuned for that post.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Hey all! I created this blog to empty my head of random thoughts on Music, Beer, and living in the Northwest. I'll be updating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the latest on the music scene and a beer of the week. Keep in touch with me here and at slide.funk@gmail.com!