I'd really like to tailor this blog to the needs of the reader. So, go down to the comments section and ask questions. Does music theory confuse you? Are you looking for a teacher? Do you think you have talent and want to know how to find out for sure? Did something happen on a gig that you want to share? Let's dialog.
There are so many people online, there's bound to be someone with the same or similar questions.
Do you need a source for your favorite recordings on CD? I would like to find more jazz (bebop, straight ahead) on CD. Maybe this is a solution.
I guess we'll find out...
In the meantime...I'll think of something to get you started.
Marcellla Monk-Flake, my cousin, launched a fundraiser against cancer at Yale University on May 7th, 2011. It was attended by locals, civic entities, music professionals, students and clergy. The headline was T.S. MONK. He was amazing and entertaining. The T.S. Monk Sextet was preceded by an ensemble comprised of High School students who attend a jazz program in New Haven. They were phenomenal.
Now, how does this fit into this blog?...
When I go out to enjoy music, I ask myself "how does this tune make me feel". If I'm tapping my feet already, I don't even have to ask. I might feel like dancing or swaying. If there's no reaction, something is not right. I look for the reason I'm feeling what I'm feeling. Do I want my music to feel like that? How can I get that reaction to my music (if it's not already there).
This way, I find new favorite artists and genres. I wholeheartedly advocate going out to listen to live music. You meet other musicians, you get inspired to play and write . . . and most of all, practice! Some local students from, COOPERATIVE HIGH SCHOOL, played with T.S. Monk at the fund raiser and RAISED THE ROOF!
Here, they are playing IN WALKS BUD. Taking solos and trading 4's.
They were absolutely amazing! They opened and closed the evening.
This was an important event for me to attend. The Civic Community cited T.S. Monk for his contribution to the world of jazz from the high administration of Yale University to the Mayor of Connecticut. Hearing the young, new jazz artists who are coming up now makes it clear that Connecticut is doing it's part to make sure jazz stays alive and thrives. Youth everywhere should be inspired and you guys at COOPERATIVE H.S. should be proud of yourselves!
I haven't blogged in months. I was in the beginnings of mapping out the bare bones basics for the newbies. I'll be back with that very shortly.
If anybody wishes to come hang and hear some music, I am singing at a club on the L.E.S. (lower east side), Manhattan. It's called 5C. On Avenue C at 5th Street. The event will be on March 10th at 8pm. There is no cover charge, but we will pass the bucket!
In the mean time, there is a jam on Saturday nights at a place called THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STREEETS. Ave. A at 7th Street in the East Village. It starts a little late like 9 or 10pm and goes to around 2am. So, if you're looking to jam after an early hit or before a late one, that's your spot. It's Run by bass player Rob Anderson.
