I have loved jazz since I was a kid. (For years, I even played jazz!) And, this past weekend, I had the opportunity to see a bunch of virtuosos come together and celebrate a new album for which they all participated.
In no special order, I’ll introduce the artists that comprise this loosely organized band that’s been in existence for about 5 years. The standard ‘front line’ referred to by its moniker are 2 to 3 horn players (the term is derived from Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’, all working to provide jazz that swings.) And, as we introduce the players, you will see how the “small world” concept applies to these great musicians. By the way- all these folks both compose music and play!
John D’Earth (trumpet) arrived at UVa about the time I was leaving. John was hired- by the music students- to work with them and improve their music. (Note that John was the music teacher for a few of these great musicians.) About the time John arrived in Charlottesville, my best friend, Gary Thompson (GT) was in love with one of the finest guitarists in the land- Emily Remler. And, I had the opportunity to listen to Emily all the time- and one of her collaborators was John. John also performs at Miller’s- a local C’ville hangout (where Tim Reid and Dave Matthews made their reputations).
Charles Owens plays tenor saxophone in New York City, Richmond, and Charlottesville (as well as in Alexandria). He’s got his own group and still joins others, just so he can play his music. One of the individuals with whom he’s created music is Omar Avital, originally of Israel. Whose mother was a childhood friend of mine (hi, Aliza)- we went to HANC together for years.
Elad Cohen is a trombonist who hails from New York- he also has own group, but plays with the Front Line often. He studied at the Aaron Copeland School of Music (Queens College), among other places- which is where he met Jack Kilby.
Kris Monson, who hails from the NoVa (northern Virginia, DC) region, is one of the youngest musicians of the bunch, and plays bass. He often plays with Charles Owens, as well as the Front Line.
Allyn Johnson, one of the best local DC pianists, is on the album, but didn’t join the Front Line for this performance. Instead, it was Josh Espinoza, who hails from Baltimore.
While not on the album, Vaughan Ambrose and Micah Robinson joined in with the Front Line for several of the songs during this celebratory performance.. Vaughan teaches at one of the local prep schools (in the DC area) and plays a few different saxes. Micah Robinson is a local DC singer- even though vocals are not among the normal tunes the Front Line will deliver.
Jack Kilby is the organizer of the Front Line- and a super drummer. (He is also a friend of my son!) Jack studied under D’Earth at UVa, and played with Robert Jospe (another musician to whom I enjoyed listening on many a Charlottesville evening.) Jack also studied at Aaron Copeland.
These folks all coalesced at Mr. Henry’s, the venerable jazz location at Capitol Hill in DC this past weekend. (They played the previous night at the coffee shop I used to frequent for 20 years- until I stopped.)
The new album is “Love is a Song Anyone Can Sing”. And, these clips interspersed in the post should give you an idea of why you should buy the album, too.
On a separate note (this one is not musical 🙂 ), my book that describes the changes in the tax law (Tax Cut & Jobs Act, PL 115-97) is now out in both kindle and paper editions. The information will help you arrange your business and personal lives to let you pay the lowest amount of taxes required by law.
Jack just posted a new YouTube video to coincide with his interview at WTJU. (That’s UVa’s public radio station, which- at least when I lived there- included jazz in its portfolio.)
Ah, Roy, that must have been lots of fun!
It was a most enjoyable evening, Jessica. And, one of the newer benefits is that smoking is no longer allowed in those establishments!
These music clips remind me of weekend nights spent in smoky rooms, listening to live jazz, when visiting Adams Morgan. Thanks for pleasant memories and an introduction to new music to collect .
Ah, Adams Morgan used to have a bunch of such places. Much fewer choices now. Glad to revive your memory!
You should link to the Music Moves Me that I participate in; I think several of my fellow bloggers would love this (especially a blogger John Holton who goes by “The Sound of One Hand Typing” ). It’s not too late. I thought your special announcement was that you were going to change careers still again and devote yourself to smoke-free jazz. It’s not too late for that, either!
I don’t publish many blogs about music, so I don’t think that hop is appropriate for me, Alana.
They are welcome to check out any of the selections from the Front Line, though.
Smooth jazz — sweet sounds. Thanks for sharing the fun.
And, the album has even more tunes- including those with a wonderful soprano!
By the sounds of the videos, you must have had a wonderful time! It’s great that you were able to be there for the celebration of their new album.
I had a fantastic time. And, I was thrilled I could support musicians who were trying to provide me with the best experience possible.
Thank you for the music, Roy. I truly enjoy jazz and this was a wonderfully musical blog post.
Glad to oblige, Alice. I, too, love jass- and it’s great when those playing it- revel in it. Their performances animate us.
Beautiful jazz – smooth like fine wine. I want to make and write music, too but it’s not in me. Thanks for sharing.
I have been listening to the album in my car. (There is more than just what was done live, there. AND, they have some beautiful voices to enhance the experience, too!)
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Well, Anita- I am thrilled that you broke your tradition and decided to visit my blog. Hopefully, you can find many other items of interest here. Please come back often!