Semi-Annual Review
The first half of my year was interrupted by a re-aggravated brain injury and my own CD release, which meant I couldn't get out and about much or be in computer screens to update my blog.
Now that I'm up for live music again I hope to pick up my blog where I left off. In the meantime a very short review of what I've seen and where I've been:
(top photo) Tony Grey and Brett Williams - James Street - This is a reason why jazz works in my city. Here's a venue that enthusiastically supports it and players who bring it when they are on stage and crowds who turn out.
(photo 2) Avi Diamond - CD Release at AVA - AVA used to be located in another neighborhood and joined forces with The Quiet Storm, which also relocated, to form the new AVA. The food is exceptional. I went to see young women musician/songwriters. Opening the night was Velvet Heat, a mighty impressive jazz ensemble fronted by the mighty impressive Arianna Powell. Avi took the stage with a collection of players, most of whom I didn't know, and presented her collection of songs. They weren't really to my taste but I felt she's creative in a Fiona Apple kind of way and young. My city and venues like AVA, owned by Justin Strong, are exactly the kinds of places where young artists can develop and grow. I was glad to support the new venue and a new artist.
(photo 3) Christopher Mark Jones - CD Release "Atlantica" - This man's stage presence and songwriting as just so damn classy. The songs shuffle along with a maturity and grace and his jagged bluesy voice weaves stories and imagery in English and French. The album is super solid. He was joined by his band which includes Vince Camut on pedal steel (in the picture)
(photo 4) Clinton Clegg - Ok, this man's voice and songs are among my favorite that my city has to offer! His performances are mature, funny, soulful, insightful, and a good time. He was joined by some of the players from City Love Story at the AcoustiCafe Open Stage.
(photo 5) The Gathering Field - this is a band that was hot in the 1990s and has reformed with frontman Bill Deasy. They are working on a new album and I wanted to check out a band in the Pittsburgh Winery to see how it sounded. A little scouting. :-) The band sounds solid as usual and packed the house.
(bottom photo) Heather Kropf - CD Release @ Pittsburgh Winery - So the venue was my pick for my release party. What a fun night! Here's the first of what I hope will be a few live videos: http://youtu.be/342g3Rx73x0