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December 2002

It's so hard to believe that December is here; at least in Vancouver it's hard to believe because many of the trees hold fast to their autumn colored leaves and the temperature seems more like October than December. Usually by now we have had rain and more rain. Of course that keeps everything lush and green through the season and I actually like rainy days but so far we have barely seen any and have had lovely sun filled days. Still there is that sensation of imminent change that comes with the seasons and for me somehow in the listening department a change in what I am putting in the CD player as well. I notice myself drawn to the moodier recordings; the ones that somehow represent this greyer period of stillness and the more reflective moods that winter brings. Not all the music that I have listened to is of that variety but certainly there has been an unconscious shift that I have noticed just recently.

A CD recorded in 1997 that features Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, John Taylor and the Maritime Jazz Orchestra (SIREN SONG 1997) is an example of this. Beautiful poetic music headed by three truly innovative people. The music just seems to fit perfectly with this season and although I'm sure it would be beautiful on a July day it just seems to work with the surroundings that Mother Nature currently shows us.

A beautiful solo recording by Keith Jarrett that I had not heard until recently seemed to come at just the right time with its quiet and intense beauty. It's a 1999 recording called "The Melody At Night With You" and it is absolutely gorgeous and includes standards and interpretations of songs like My Wild Irish Rose and the old folk song Shenandoah. It's a perfect recording for sitting silently, sipping a cup of tea and looking out at the remaining leaves drifting slowly to their end.

Sonny Stitt is a saxophonist I really did not know much about and lately I have become fascinated with his playing as I heard him within a compilation of pianist Bud Powell called "Tempus Fugue It". The box set includes 86 recordings with various musicians that Bud Powell recorded with over the years. The whole collection is wonderful to hear and is a real study in the artistry of Bud Powell but in particular the ones that feature Sonny Stitt grabbed me. What a wonderful player he was.

Earlier in November I was able to attend an inspiring concert put on by the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society at The Vogue Theatre. It was Vincente Amigo and his group from Spain. Vincente Amigo is a virtuoso flamenco guitarist. With his spirited group he proceeded to capture the Vancouver audience's hearts with that truly passionate music.

The sound that evening was fantastic apparently because the band travels with their own sound technician. The acoustic guitar was very pure with each note retaining its definition and warmth and the cajon (a percussive box) had a wonderful deep rich tone. The band really appeared to enjoy each other on stage and there was a definite feeling of mutual respect between the musicians. It was equally exciting to sit in the front row of the Vogue amongst musicians who idolized Vincente Amigo and hear their involuntary sighs at times and cheers in other moments at the beauty of the music being offered to us. It feels exhilarating to share in a listening experience when the music is that dynamic and when it reaches the heights that this concert did. It is powerful enough to collectively transport you to that feeling of absolute excitement that you somehow share in and relish together.

I am looking forward to playing the Christmas Jazz Vespers with fellow musicians again this year. This will be our third year playing the special Christmas edition of Jazz Vespers and each year I do manage to dig up some lesser known carols and jazzify them somewhat. This year I have found some lovely Polish Carols that I am going to sing (in English) as well as a couple of Spirituals that should be fun to do. I really do love the Christmas season. Of course I dislike the insanity at the shopping centers and I avoid Christmas shopping like the plague but I do love the candles and wreaths and the decorations that come out for the month of December. I love the dinner parties with friends and I love the holiday season with my family. I hope you all have a peaceful and fun filled Christmas with your friends and families.

Merry Christmas!

Karin