Number 63 January 24, 2011

Joshua Redman at Zellerbach last Saturday was a delight.  Influenced, perhaps in equal amounts, by his father Dewey Redman , and John Coltrane, he was supported, and inspired by Aaron Goldberg on piano, Reginald Veal on bass, and Gregory Hutchinson on drums.  Along with Ravi Coltrane, he has grown and matured into a leader of his generation.  It was very interesting, and inspiring to me, that while the appraoch was very classic (almost all of the notes could have been played in the late 1950's or early 60's) the emotion and projection was very fresh and modern.  Summertime and Body and Soul were in the 90 minute set.  An original funk tune with a catchy melodic minor hook was the sole contemporary groove.  But Hutchinson can make anything sound fresh and forward.  Berkeley is Joshua's hometown, and he played to a loving and sold out audience.

Number 62 January 16, 2011

Patti Smith was on Charlie Rose speaking about her new book about her relationship with Robert
Maplethorpe.  She mentioned that fame used to be different; more enjoyable, a little club where enthusuiasts would know you, but you could walk the streets without being hassled.  She mentioned once being in a diner, and not having quite enough change for her sandwhich at the counter.  The man behind her paid for her; he was Allen Ginsberg!  She was amazed, and he went on to become one of her most profound mentors.  In the late 70's, when my first record Alicia was about to be released, I ran into Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso at the Cafe Roma in North Beach.  I introduced myself and asked him if he would consider writing the liner notes if he liked the music.  He said sure!  I had also called Herbie Hancock  (he was in the phone book in LA!) to ask if he would play on the recording.  He said that he would.  Unfortunately, my record label wouldn't pay for either.  (We are talking hundreds, not thousands, of dollars that many years ago).  I think that was when I decided to have my own label some day.

Number 61 January 5, 2011

We just spent the day on a photo shoot  with Emily Palen at Grace Cathedral.  It was wonderful to hear her play again in that sacred space.  Our photographer David Papas is brilliant, and all the crew were wonderful.  Visitors to the church would stop and listen as Emily played, and sometimes take pictures of our photo shoot.  One dear woman asked me if Emily was improvising, as she had never heard the music before.  I responded that it was indeed improvised, and that the two nights of recordings would be released presently on our Valence Records.  When I mentioned that Butch Morris is also on the label, she said that her brother-in-law is a friend of Butch's, and a big fan.  What a small world!