Camp!

It’s been a busy spring here in Nashville, although since we hit 90 degrees yesterday it really seems like an early summer.  Some recent news to share:

This past weekend I had the distinct honor and privilege of playing with The Queen of Soul herself.  It was pretty wild to hear all the famous soul tunes that I’ve played at weddings and events countless times being sung by Aretha herself.  She completely killed it for 90 minutes and had the audience (and the band!) in the palm of her hand.

photo by Beth Lang

 

Yesterday I received some excitement from the mailman (not that excitement, get your mind out of the gutter) – the June issue of Downbeat.  When I first became enthralled with the jazz scene as a teenager I immediately subscribed to Downbeat – in my mind it was THE coverage of the jazz scene.  Today there are lots of great periodicals and websites covering the scene, but it was still thrilling to have an article written about yours truly in a news source that I grew up reading.

 

Lastly, but perhaps most exciting, is the launch of the Nashville Jazz Workshop’s Summer Jazz Camp.  This coming July will have a week-long hang for area teens who want to play & learn about the great American music.  There’s more information available here and there will be an open house at NJW on Sunday the 13th at 2pm for all interested to come a look and listen at what goes on in the Nashville Jazz Workshop, followed by the monthly jam session at 4pm.  Hope to see you there!

- evan

 

Tenor Players Passing Through

It’s been an exciting 2012 here in Nashville so far.  Monday nights have been a fun hang  since Chester Thompson started leading his trio at the Commodore Grille, and now the Nashville Jazz Orchestra is playing an early set there every Monday at 5:30!  Sportsman’s Grille has continued its Wednesday night jazz series, the Charles Walker Trio has been playing many Tuesday nights, Beegie Adair Trio on Thursdays at F Scotts…it’s been a thrill getting out and hearing so many inspiring players.

As a tenor saxophonist it’s been an especially thrilling winter.  First Bob Mintzer was here as a guest soloist with the Nashville Jazz Orchestra.  The band played about 12 of his charts and Bob sounded ridiculous.  He’s so incredibly expressive, and his tone is amazingly bright and dark at the same time.  I know that sounds strange, but I swear that’s what I observed.  I was very honored (and thrilled!) to play a tune with Mr. Mintzer as a special guest of the NJO after having filled his role in rehearsals prior to his arrival.  Ron Wynn had a nice write up on the concert at ArtNowNashville.com.

After playing ‘My Shining Hour’

Equally exciting, Benny Golson was in town to record some tracks with Gail Davies.  I was very fortunate to get to spend a little time with the great man and pick his brain on his tunes, the jazz scene, and life.  He was totally inspiring.

Sylvan Park After Dark

Interestingly, at the reception a jam session broke out…fiddle, banjo, lap steel, guitars, bass, snare drum, harmonized singing.   The grooves were certainly identifiable as “country” and “western swing,” but I had a revelation while listening to the star-studded jam – this music was jazz.  Everyone took a turn leading a tune and improvisation abounded.  I know there’s lots of arguments on the web lately about what ‘jazz’ is or isn’t and its etymology, as well as the thoughtful notion that jazz should really be called BAM.  I’m not sure if ‘jazz’ or ‘BAM’ would be the right term for what I heard, but it’s safe to say that if Benny Golson is a fan, you’re doing it right.

Checkin' out monster player Chris Scruggs

Next weekend: Cassandra Wilson.  Keep the jazz masters comin’ Nashville!

- evan

NY Times

The show with JD Souther was a big hit (despite what Stephen Holden might lead you to believe!).  The band played great and JD was totally captivating.  There’s a review of the show with a beautiful picture in the NY Times.

Also exciting is that this week Falling Up has officially ‘charted’ – reaching number 36 on Jazzweek’s Top 50 Jazz Chart for January 17th.  It’s the only album among the top 50 that is self-released!

And for future excitement, I just confirmed that I’ll be playing with Cassandra Wilson when she performs with the Nashville Symphony as part of the jazz series on March 2nd.  Time to practice!

- evan

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  • Nashville Performer, Composer, & Educator Saxophone • Oboe • Flute • Clarinet