TT 343: January Open Forum
Hello 2024
The comments section on this post is open for all readers (usually it is for paid subscribers only). The previous threads were pretty active and interesting, so: Say what is on your mind, drop your hottest take, or ask me anything — but please keep it clean and civil.
A highlight of my holiday was a hang with my former teacher and still mentor Fred Hersch.
Fred and I are both at the Village Vanguard this coming month. Mostly piano trios! I admit that I am not an objective party, but this does seem to be a pretty interesting line-up for those wanting to get an overview of “the state of the piano trio today.” (I saw the Chris Potter quartet last night and they were state-of-the-art. Incredible performance from Craig Taborn.)
2023 is in the books. Scroll the archive if you wish….
The key pieces outside of Transitional Technology were for The Nation:
“The End of the Music Business” (which went reasonably viral)
“Louis Armstrong’s Last Word” (a cover story! I’m still surprised)
Stuff here at TT included a full court press on Charles Ives, three posts connected to the late Russell Sherman, and, in the wake of the Nation story, much more on Louis Armstrong. The bass players were happy with back-to-back praise of Wilbur Ware and Richard Davis. The non-musical pieces included an obit of the very important K.C. Constantine and an honest critique of 70’s Car Movies. While I mostly present only positive stuff about my fellow musicians, this past year I did weigh in with a frown concerning Philip Ewell, Jon Batiste, and Keith Jarrett. TT commissions included Ray Banks on Alan Sharp and Russell Scarbrough on Thad Jones.
Again, the comments section is open to all for today and tomorrow. Ask me anything! If you don’t chime in this time, I will host another open thread at the top of February. (Update: the comments are now closed.)
Best seat at the vanguard? For many years I’ve sat in the upper section, as close to the drummer as possible. But recently a host recommended the bar, and, the first seat at the bar had surprisingly great sound and view for being so far back. I may be a convert. What do you think?
Ok, so a few weeks ago, there was some discussion on Twitter about Herbie’s Inventions and Dimensions album. Since it’s also the holidays, and holiday special time, for some reason I now hear “Succotash” as a really avant- version of The Charlie Brown theme