Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Adam Nussbaum was born in New York City on November 29, 1955 and grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut. He first played the drums at the age of four, however, it wasn’t until after five years of piano study that he got his first drum set when he was around twelve. He went on to study music at the City College of New York, during which time he also played in local clubs.

1978 saw Adam joining Dave Liebman’s quintet and did his first European tour with John Scofield. He played with saxophonist Stan Getz for a year in 1982. The following year he became a member of the Gil Evans Orchestra, and toured Europe and Japan two years later.

Joining the Eliane Elias/Randy Brecker Quartet, Gary Burton, and Toots Thielemans, by 1987 he began touring with Michael Brecker’s band. He was a member of Brecker’s Grammy award-winning album. Don’t Try This At Home. In 1991 John Abercrombie hired Nussbaum to complete his organ trio and during 1992 Nussbaum was part of the Carla Bley Big Band.

He has kept active in a wide variety of groups and as a freelancer. His quartet recording debut as leader in 2018 was The Lead Belly Project, released on Sunnyside Records.

Drummer Adam Nussbaum continues to perform and record.

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The Jazz Voyager

The Jazz Voyager is off to Nashville, Tennesse for a night of music at Rudy’s Jazz Room. The venue raises the city to the level of other great jazz cities like New York City, New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City and many more, making the city fully live up to its name as Music City with a full fledged and accessible jazz club. They offer up a late-night atmosphere that is dark, warm, intimate, and eclectic with fine food, drinks and most of all wonderful jazz.

Hitting the hi-hat while leading the sextet is Dave Potter for one night of great music. With Miguel Alvarado on tenor saxophone, trombonist Desmond Ng, trumpeter Dr. Andrew Sioberg, Rob “El Ton” Linton on bass as well as pianists Martin Bejerano and Daniel Kuk playing separate nights.

Rudy’s Jazz Room is located in the Gulch at 809 Gleaves Street, 37203. For more information visit https://www.rudysjazzroom.com.

Tickets: $23.00

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Requisites

The Witch Doctor ~ Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers | By Eddie Carter

In this morning’s discussion, I’m excited to share a remarkable release from the library with you by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. Although it was recorded back in 1961, The Witch Doctor (Blue Note BST 84258) didn’t become available to the public until 1967. The Jazz Messengers were renowned for their evolving roster of exceptional musicians, and this particular album features one of the drummer’s most memorable ensembles. The group consists of Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass. The copy of this album I own is the 2021 Worldwide Blue Note Tone Poet Series stereo audiophile reissue, using the original catalog number.

The title tune by Lee Morgan opens the album, and the ensemble’s visit to The Witch Doctor sets a friendly tone with its mid-tempo introduction and inviting melody. Bobby starts us off with a relaxing solo, then Wayne takes a few easy-flowing choruses. Lee then takes over to give the following interpretation before Bobby returns to add a few comments, continuing to swing joyfully with the front line into the ending theme and climax. Lee’s Afrique begins with the trio’s animal sounds before Shorter’s piercing horn leads into the quintet’s medium-paced melody. Shorter kicks off the first solo with confidence, then Morgan adds an intense, steadily burning energy. Timmons approaches the third statement effortlessly, and Blakey finishes with a strong punch before the melody’s reprise and fadeout.

Wayne Shorter’s Those Who Sit and Wait grabs your attention right away with Art’s lively introduction to the quintet’s spirited theme. Wayne launches into a rapid-fire opening statement, followed by Lee’s energetic reading. Bobby jumps in next, meeting the challenge with an excellent solo that paves the way for a heated exchange between Lee, Wayne, and Art, propelling the ensemble to an electrifying climax. Side Two commences with the rhythm section’s infectious introduction, smoothly segueing into the group’s melody of Bobby Timmons’ A Little Busy. Timmons gets right to work first. Shorter keeps the lively mood going next, followed by another solo from the pianist. Lee paves a road back to the closing chorus, which softly fades away.

Joelle by Wayne Shorter comes at you with the rhythm section’s introduction gradually increasing into the ensemble’s upbeat theme. Lee makes the initial entrance with a nimble opening solo. Wayne delivers a captivating stream of ideas in the following reading. Bobby anchors the tune with a driving swing, culminating in a return to the melody that slowly dissolves into nothingness. Lost and Found by Clifford Jordan opens at a fast gallop for the quintet’s theme. Timmons leads the charge with a high-spirited statement, then steps aside for Shorter, who romps through the following solo. Morgan pours intense emotion into the third performance next, then Art engages the front line in a quick, dynamic exchange before the ensemble races to the conclusion with a sudden, abrupt stop.

The original recording session of “The Witch Doctor” was produced by Alfred Lion, with Rudy Van Gelder serving as the recording engineer. For the reissue, Joe Harley oversaw production, and Kevin Gray handled mastering, working directly from the original master tapes at Cohearant Audio. The result is exceptional audio quality, delivering a rich soundstage that truly immerses the listener. For those who are already collectors of the Blue Note Tone Poet Series, you know firsthand the exceptional quality and attention to detail these reissues offer, everything from high-resolution gatefold images and outstanding cover design to the premium 180-gram Virgin Vinyl, with the music itself being the ultimate highlight. But if you haven’t experienced them yet and you love jazz, you’re in for an absolute treat!

In addition to its outstanding musical performances, “The Witch Doctor” by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers is a fantastic album from beginning to end, perfectly embodying the essence of hard bop through vibrant compositions and dynamic group interplay. I highly recommend this Blue Note Tone Poet audiophile reissue as a great addition to your jazz library. I’m sure that whether you’re already a fan of Art Blakey or just starting to explore his extensive discography, this album is sure to become a favorite on your turntable!

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The Jazz Voyager

Leaving Michigan for Pennsylvania to a city known for its music and the birthplace of iconic jazz voices Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, and Benny Golson. The location is known as the City of Brotherly Love otherwise called Philadelphia. This week I will be checking out South, a jazz venue situated within the North Philly section of the city.

On stage for a three day engagement is a young Grammy nominated harpist who is revolutionizing the role of the harp in modern music. Brandee Younger is this artist and over the past fifteen years, she has worked relentlessly to stretch boundaries and limitations for harpists.

South is located at 600 N. Broad Street, 19130. For more information and to check seating availability, visit https://www.southjazzkitchen.com. Check available seatings for each day.

Tickets: $38.00 +$3.95 fee

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Michael Silva was born on November 12, 1925 in New York City, New York. After World War II he worked with Hot Lips Page, Milt Buckner Trio, the Robert Mavounzy Quintette and others. For a decade beginning in 1958 he was a member of Sammy Davis Jr.’s band.

In 1971 he settled in Paris, France where he recorded two albums with Ralph Sutton. Drummer Michael Silva died on March 8, 1990.

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