Review: Rick Bear & Friends | Sweetness

If you’ve ever been to the Crescent City, then you are well aware of the charms that seduce its visitors, as its residents are already under the city’s spell. Within its confines and in neighboring jurisdictions belies a cornucopia of delights in the aromas of varied cuisines, ample drinks and lots of music. It is, however, the latter that embraces and stimulates the enthusiast and aficionado to move to the myriad of rhythms.

So don’t allow the cover art to tempt you to pigeonhole this group of world class musicians in some staid understanding of what NOLA offers, for you just may miss their stellar performances. And for you initiates who have yet to sample the delights there is no better place to begin your journey than with a tasting of Sweetness.  This is a recording representative of the talent that continues to spring forth from the city that has heralded the title of the birthplace of jazz.

Sweetness not only lends itself to the cuisine of the Crescent City but also invokes the very nature of the musicianship that is its tapestry. Herein lies the beauty of the compositions performed by drummer Rick Bear, guitarist John Fohl, bassist Jason Stewart and trumpeter/trombonist Ken Gregory. Stir in the piano and organ of Herb Avery and the vocals of Hampton B. Cole and you understand why jazz remains such an integral component to the gumbo that is New Orleans.

The base ingredients of this gumbo of compositions are Bechet, Waller, Rodgers & Hart, Henderson, Monk, Mitchell, Hines, Hancock, Ronell, Patton and Bernie who set the stage for this compendium of jazz standards. There is nothing subtle about their choices as they pay homage to the jazz canon and the Great American Songbook. So put aside any and all biases as to what may be and enjoy listening to these arrangements.

The set opens with the Sidney Bechet classic Petite Fleur where Spanish trumpet and French guitar influences conjoin in a flourish of style. The rest of the album follows with jazz standards – Willow Weep For Me, Rosetta, My Funny Valentine, Honeysuckle Rose, Bye Bye Blackbird, ‘Round Midnight, Hard Times, Jitterbug Waltz, Cantaloupe Island, Funky Mama and Sweet Georgia Brown.

Gregory takes the lead on most songs and his interpretations of My Funny Valentine and Round Midnight, the two ballads presented here, mournfully take you into a place of melancholy. The trumpet and trombone spell out his attributes, begging Valentine not to leave. On the latter, Fahl’s guitar quietly releases the anguish of a soul as it spells out its woes.  

Hard Times is juxtaposed against its name with a rhythm that is anything less than enjoyable. Composed by Paul Mitchell during the turbulent Sixties, Americans on both sides of the struggle found lighter moments. Just the same way society did in finding its fun during the war years in the Jitterbug Waltz of Fats Waller.

Fohl opens up Cantaloupe Island with an easy strum and accompanies Gregory through what puts me in the mood for a hammock, warm breezes, sand and a cooler as the Hammond B3, guitar and the trombone swing you into a toe-tapping, finger snapping mode on Funky Mama. The closing tune on the album, Sweet Georgia Brown, opens with a rim shot staccato and ends the set on a fun note, a fitting tribute to the vocals of their recently departed friend, Colonel Bruce Hampton (Hampton B. Cole), making this final studio recording and an apt farewell.

Throughout the project, Rick Bear leads his compatriots and keeps time, allowing each musician to bring his sensibility to the signature sound that emanates from this city. Subtle though it may be, this session extolls a synchronicity in the songs that tell stories that are American made, as are the players whose star-power has not diminished.

To return to an earlier statement, allow me to clear up any misconception it was not my intent to disregard the thought behind the cover. I merely mentioned not to be distracted or form an opinion of what lay behind because there is a sellable story in the art. The missing part of the sign painted on the side of the building is A. J. ‘S Produce Co. Inc, 3162 Chartres. Angelo Benandi, the son who broke away from the family produce business at the French Market, established it in 1983. The Creole Tomato is grown in Louisiana soil in the river parishes along the Mississippi where the soil is richer. They are large, meatier, heat resistant, stay on the vine longer and hit the table so much sweeter.  So when you’re down in New Orleans feel the pulse of the city, have a robust taste of homegrown and you’ll begin to understand the flavor that is The Big Easy.  

carl anthony | notorious jazz / august 3, 2017

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The Jazz Voyager

The next stopover for The Jazz Voyager is out West in 80205 zip code of Denver, Colorado to visit what has been widely praised and considered super elegant, a jazz spot named Nocturne. Located at 1330 27th Street it is said to be a place that introduces jazz fanatics to ravishing rations and lovely libations. We shall see…

This Friday night I’m looking forward to catching the Trio +1 tribute to the Oscar Peterson Trio and Clark Terry and I think I’ll stick around to see what the Late Night Sessions from 11:15pm to 1:15am have to offer in the way of duos, trios or jazz on vinyl.

The bi-level lounge and eatery is closed Sunday and Monday, but presents live jazz Tuesday through Saturday from 7pm to 11pm, with late night sessions on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 303-295-3333. For those of you wondering, the entrance is to the left of the wall art and you already know who made their reservation three days ago!

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The Jazz Voyager

On my way to Columbus, Ohio, specifically to 150 S High Street in the 43215 zip code at de|NOVO Bistro & Bar. This Jazz Voyager is going to check out some jazz while sampling their New-American style cuisine that is infused with touches of Asian, Latin, French and Italian on small plates and sandwiches. Not limited to the aforementioned, this sleek artsy locale also offers a brunch and happy hour.

For the enthusiast live jazz and/or blues can be enjoyed on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. Wrapped in a modern décor of exposed brick, rod iron and floor-to-ceiling windows giving patrons a nighttime view of Columbus Commons. Recommended reservations at this busy nightspot for couples or groups up to 250 can be made at 614-222-8830.  #jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare

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The Jazz Voyager

The midwest was a blast but there’s nothing like the Big Apple and this Jazz Voyager has landed and is going to hang out with some longtime friends. However, the icing on the cake will be sitting in the audience of  one of the country’s preeminent non-profit cultural centers and performance spaces, the Jazz Gallery.

It was founded in 1995 by Dale Fitzgerald, vocalist Lezlie Harrison and renowned jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove who envisioned a hub and home for the jazz musicians and composers from around the world who come to New York to take part and enhance the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Located at 1160 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001 in downtown Manhattan, the Jazz Gallery showcases progressive jazz music and gives artists, both young and old, a place to perfect their craft.  They commission new works, pair young artists with established ones and provides rehearsal space for NYC’s jazz musicians.

The Jazz Gallery is open 3 to 5 nights per week, 50 weeks per year and you can check the schedule at http://www.jazzgallery.org/ or call for information on tickets prices ranging from $10 to $30 depending on performer. #jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare

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The Jazz Voyager

I’m leaving Philly on a jet plane, landing in St. Louis, Missouri and heading to 3536 Washington Avenue, 63103 to imbibed some music at Jazz At The Bistro. Opened in 1995, and situated in St. Louis’ Grand Center Arts District, this space is located in the newly renovated Ferring Jazz Bistro which is part of the Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz.

Boasting an American menu with Southern accents, this intimate jazz performance space with cabaret seating has not a bad seat in the house. It is said the acoustics are extraordinary and offers patrons one of the finest listening experiences in the nation. This Jazz Voyager aims to find out. Jazz at the Bistro is part of Jazz St. Louis, a non-profit whose aim is to promote jazz.

Seating is limited, reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 314-571-6000. Cover charge is $20.00 for adults with students $10.00. #jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare

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