The Jazz Voyager
This week the Jazz Voyager is in Madison, New Jersey and tonight will be sitting in a jazz spot established in 1995 by Martha Chang and David Nui called Shanghai Jazz. Inspired by Shanghai of the 1920s and 1930s, they are reputed to host acclaimed jazz musician performances six days a week with no cover except for special events. Located at 24 Main Street, 07940 if you need to map quest it but this jazz voyager is going to Uber my way over there.
Looking forward to sampling the Asian cuisine that is inspired by the seasons while enjoying Elias Bailey and Avalon Jazz Band in one of the top 100 jazz clubs in the world. Take precaution on Friday and Saturday by calling 973-822-2899 for a required reservation if you want seating at the 6:30 or 8:35 performance. #jazzvoyager #wannabewhereyouare
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The Jazz Voyager
The Jazz Voyager is once again is enjoying the bright light and night life in the Big Apple. Tonight I’m in Manhattan heading to Cleopatra’s Needle at 2485 Broadway, New York City 10025 to check out pianist Alan Rosenthal, followed by their acclaimed jam session into the early morning hours.
I am also curious to sample their menu’s fare as I am told it is as popular and good as the jazz they present. Admission is free, the food’s Mediterranean and the talent includes young and emerging musicians as well as veteran acts. For more information the number is 212-769-6969. #jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare
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The Jazz Voyager
Heading towards what is arguably the best jazz club in Europe at Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 BR Amsterdam, Netherlands and perched on one side of the city’s almost transparent glass-and-iron riverside Muziekgebouw (Music Building), is Bimhuis. This Jazz Voyager is anticipating the claim that it offers the ideal live experience with its almost perfect acoustics and amphitheater-style seating and catching Lucia Cadotsch for around $20. This should mean there is not a bad seat in the house.
And beyond… during a concert, the curtains are raised behind the band to reveal the glass wall that renders the commanding, Renzo Piano-designed Nemo Museum. It is said to be a visual experience that reflects the thrilling sounds of the international jazz masters regularly performing at the Bimhuis. To purchase tickets call +31 20 788 2150 or visit www.bimhuis.nl #jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare
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The Jazz Voyager
Just hours away from landing on my overnight flight to the other side of the world in the South Pacific, the Jazz Voyager is planning to sit down under and enjoy a weekend of live jazz in an intimate, dimly lit room while dining on tapas and cocktails in the Paris Cat. Located at 6 Goldie Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia tonight will start at 7:00pm with a tribute to Chet Baker’s musical life with and then check out some Latin Grooves with Sincopa featuring Paul Van Ross.
Too far to travel to just turn around and jump on another plane, on Saturday I’ll check out the city during the day before catching Nichaud Fitzgibbon celebrating Cole Porter & The Gershwins in the Parisian Loft. Make your reservation at 61 3 9642 4711.
#jazzvoyager#wannabewhereyouare
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Review: Virginia Schenck | Aminata Moseka
Whenever I hear the word ambitious used by critics, I take pause, because it rings of a generosity that references an artist who has made a conscious decision to cover the music of an icon. The artist is often convinced that they have the chops to give a new life to the music; however, they are often the singers who release the adequate. And then there are those vocalists who are the light at the end of the tunnel and successfully walk into posterity. This offering by Virginia Schenck, however, happens to be a case of the latter and this is her moment.
The last time I saw this talented interpreter of lyrics I was amongst a gathering of jazz enthusiast under a beautiful Atlanta evening sky. During her set while singing Caged Bird, providence stepped forward and a small flock of birds answered her call with an appropriate and timely response. I knew a higher power was at work and everyone felt the energy pass throughout the audience. There are very few occasions when I experience a connection with nature in an urban setting as I did that night.
So to choose to pay homage to a poet of Abbey Lincoln stature was not only adventurous but exhibited a resolve that resulted in a highly rewarding experience. As I sat listening to Virginia’s delivery, with each composition hope blossomed again and again into a blissful reality. This was no mere one or two listens to this compendium of songs, but a dozen or more at different times in light and darkness, at different levels of volume and not all songs at the same time. I became engrossed in the conversation between musicians and heard the joy and pain, the laughter and sadness, the troubles and the victories as each song unfolds and began feeling the spirit of Abbey in every word from this messenger.
Though the subtitle states this recording is a tribute, this is so much more. It is a conversation between Abbey and Virginia. If you are familiar with Ms. Lincoln, then you know each vocalist is holding her own tempo and pacing within the understanding of the lyrics. Ms. Schenck’s choice of compositions were well thought out, with a precision that compliments her voice and clearly represents thirteen of Abbey’s best. To be true to the emotion and exhibit every side of the composer, these musicians invite you to be privy to the conversation between poet and vocalist.
Virginia hangs with a few of Atlanta’s best in the recording studio for a session that may appear perfunctory, however, it is the banked talent that makes it look and sound effortless in their execution that allows one to hear the voice until it’s time for the musicians to shine. With Kevin Bales tickling the 88, Rodney Jordan walking the bass, Marlon Patton keeping time on the drums and their special guest on alto saxophone Kebbi Williams, they bring a fresh breath of interpretation to these 13 songs. It is here that we hear the musical dialogue between the rhythm section and Virginia as they playfully emote their understandings. Kebbi’s frenetic improvisation keeps pace, adding complementary emphasis to Schenck’s spoken word of The River.
The arrangements. Listen but listen most carefully and you will hear the subtleties in the playing of piano, bass and drum that will entice you to desire more. This project goes beyond the borders of convention as collectively and individually each musician contributes their thoughts to each song that will touch, move and inspire each listener differently.
So, suffice it to say, Ms. Schenck has made a joyful noise in honoring one of America’s preeminent lyricists by crossing the borders of time, race and emotion with Aminata Moseka. She has raised the bar a few feet and what she leaves behind is an indelible audible mark on the industry that she loves. I would be remiss if I didn’t compel you to sit and listen, then read the liner notes for context, then listen again to truly hear the magic of Virginia and company talking to the sun.
carl anthony | notorious jazz | august 28, 2017
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