Thanks to Wordpress user and YouTuber James Sedge who shared this great bird's-eye view footage of Bill Stewart in action with John Scofield and Vicente Archer:
Thank you to Joe Farnsworth for sharing a preview of his "percussion discussion" with Kenny Washington, from a recent hit at New York's Smoke jazz club, part of their Max Roach Centennial Celebration.
editors note: I think that the term "Drum Battle" may be a bit misleading here as it could imply that someone ones wins and someone loses. However, personally I think that when two drummers like this join forces on the bandstand, in fact, everyone wins!
It's already been a busy start to the New Year 2024 but I had a wonderful time attending the JEN conference in New Orleans and I'm already plotting my return to the Crescent City (after all, one can never get enough beignets and chicory coffee...)
A quick shout-out to a bunch of great musicians I heard and all the great people I hung out with who made my trip such an inspiring and memorable experience:
Peter Erskine
Jeff Hamilton
Allison Miller
Rudy Royston
Ignacio Berroa
Johnny Vidacovich
Quincy Davis
Will Kennedy
Jason Marsalis
Matt Wilson
McClenty Hunter
Carl Allen
Shannon Powell
Justin Varnes
John and Mari Jo deWaal
Paul Read and Trish Colter
Natalie Wilson
So what's happening?
Well, as usual, things are on the go these days and I am currently working with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Canada's premier contemporary jazz dance company, on their new production of Olio.
The show runs opens on Thursday, January 18th and runs until January 28th, part of the annual 38th annual 2024 High Performance Rodeo
Olio means a stew, or a collection of thing, and in this case it’s an exciting new performance created by five dynamic choreographers: company dancers Catherine Hayward, Sabrina Naz Comanescu and Kaja Irwin; DJD alumnus, Deanne Walsh; and DJD artistic director Kimberley Cooper.
The music is played by a trio led by myself on drums with Jonathan Wielebnowski on bass and Chris Tauchner on piano.
I'm really excited about this upcoming show and very proud of this particular production. I've been fortunate to have worked with DJD since 2011 on over a dozen or so shows and projects, all under the musical leadership of bassist and composer Rubim De Toledo. However, for this show I was invited by Kimberley Cooper to be the musical director, to work with each of the choreographers and to offer my own musical ideas and stylistic contributions.
It is a tremendous honour to work not only with such a great company and talented group of artists but also to have the opportunity to contribute my own original music, compositions and arrangements to their creations.
Last Fall 2023 was quite busy between developing ideas and going back and forth with all the individual choreographers but it's been an exciting ongoing collaborative process. Now that we are only mere days away from our opening night, it's really interesting to see and hear how the choreography and music has come to life and evolved over the last few months. It's really something special to be a part of and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished.
The music for Olio is eclectic, quite diverse and all falls under the giant wide umbrella that is called Jazz. It swings, sings the blues, is up-beat, it's slow and introspective, funky, very rhythmic, it shimmers, rumbles and tumbles and everything in between. It's really been an amazing experience working with Catherine, Sabrina, Kaja and Deanne who all bring so much imagination and passion to their craft. I also really sincerely appreciate Kim for being so supportive, putting her trust in my musical abilities and for inviting me to create the music for this project.
I always find my involvement with DJD to be a creative challenge and enjoy reaching deep and far and wide rhythmically, using the drum set orchestrally to give each piece what it needs, in a unique way that serves both the music and the dance. This show is no different and I've really learned a lot from the compositional and creative process that emerged over the last four months. I think anyone who listens to the music I've written (expressed so musically, I might add, by Chris Tauchner on piano and Jonathan Wielebnowski on bass) will hopefully experience a wide range of my influences, both as a drummer and composer.
*here's some insider info: both Duke Ellington's Money Jungle album recorded with Max Roach and Charles Mingus in 1962 and Terri Lyne Carrington's 2013 sonic re-imagination of the same album were both significant influences for this project (among others)...but you'll have to hear it for yourself*
This show is definitely a career highlight for me and I really hope you enjoy watching this show as much as we do performing it!
Thanks for checking in over the holidays and I'd thought start off the year 2024 with a percussive blog post bang. So please enjoy the January 2024 edition of The Monday Morning Paradiddle, my more-or-less monthly jazz drumming variety column.
Hey, I'm going to be in New Orleans this week, attending the Jazz Education Network's annual JEN Conference. It's my first time attending this conference and this will also my first time in the Crescent City. So if you are also going to be there please drop me a line and I'd be delighted to connect. Check my social media feeds (Instagram @fouronthefloorblog in particular) for regular updates.
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The Monday Morning Paradiddle - January 2024
1. When someone says that Jazz is Dead these days, I usually shake my head but I'm actually often curious as to what they are listening to (or more importantly, what they aren't listening to!) Tim Mah's annual list of recommended Canadian jazz albums (see last week's blog post) always highlights the great things happening up here in the Great White North. Please take a read and check out some amazing new music.
Similarly, Ottawa's Peter Hum is also on the pulse of current happenings in Canadian jazz so please check out his excellent year-end list here as well, found in the Ottawa Citizen.
2. A wonderful article and tribute to the late Tony Oxley from the always informed and articulate Vinnie Sperrazza
4. And also from Matthew Crouse's Working Drummer Podcast this fantastic interview with Ra Kalam Bob Moses
5. Award-winning drummer, author, historian and educator Daniel Glass interviewed by The Drummer's Pathway
6. A fascinating piece from the CBC on the late Charlie Watts' collection of drums including those owned and played by Max Roach, Joe Morello and Tony Williams
7. Thanks to Craig VanDerSchaegen who shared this fantastic interview with Billy Higgins:
Here's what Ron Carter had to say about Billy Higgins:
10. My teacher and mentor John Riley interviewed by The Back of the Band Room:
11. Some wisdom from Lewis Nash:
12. Kenny Washington returns to the Drum Candy Podcast:
13. It wouldn't be a Monday Monday Paradiddle without some videos from Quincy Davis' excellent ongoing Q-Tips series:
14. Marcus Gilmore takes a spin on his Sonor drums:
15. Willie Jones III with Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker and Herbie Hancock:
16. Thanks to the prolific Todd Bishop over at Cruiseship Drummer who hipped me to this duet of Peter Erskine and Bob Mintzer from the album Hymn:
17. Kyle Poole unleashes on a spirited version of Cherokee:
18. Okay dig this...Art Taylor playing trio with John Coltrane and Paul Chambers circa. 1958:
19. What am I listening to these days?
Duke Ellington "Money Jungle" - Max Roach (drums)
Nate Smith "Pocket Change" - Nate Smith (drums)
Dexter Gordon "Our Man in Paris" - Kenny Clarke (drums)
Jerry Gonzalez & The Fort Apache Band "Rumba Buhaina" - Steve Berrios (drums)
Peter Erskine Trio "As It Was: ECM Old and New Masters Series" - Peter Erskine (drums)
20. And today's Final Word comes from the great Victor Lewis:
“You just got to be cool. And if you’re not cool, then you should be cool. Because THAT’S COOL!”
- Victor Lewis
(via Vancouver's Bruce Nielsen)
As always, when the Masters speak, we listen.
Thank you for all your continued support and hope to see you all in the year ahead 2024 (which will incidentally also be the 15th anniversary of this blog!)
Frequent Four on the Floor correspondent Tim Mah returns once again, offering his generous and extensive yearly list of music released by Canadian jazz artists over the course of the past year 2023. As you will see, read, watch and hear below, there continues to be lots of great music coming out of Canada these days.
Tim's weekly radio program Jazz Today can be heard on CJSW Radio 90.9 fm (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on Thursday mornings from 530-7am MST. It is also streamed on the CJSW website and available through Apple and Google podcasts and the CJSW mobile streaming app. Tim's weekly radio program and podcast is also recommended by New Music USA.
Thank you Tim!
Tim Mah's Recommended Canadian Jazz Albums of 2023
During the summer, I became aware of a jazz-infused, six-part comic book series, called “Deep Cuts,” which is co-written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark. Upon further research, I learned that Joe Clark is a Chicago-based trumpet player, composer and educator (not to be confused with the former Canadian Prime Minister) and that he wrote a song, “I’m Just Here for the Music,” that was inspired by the story in the second issue of “Deep Cuts.”
You can learn more about the origin of the comic book series and song (Leslie Beukelman – vocals, Jeremy Kahn – piano, Christian Dillingham – bass; Greg Artry – drums; Joe Clark – music) here:
The song title “I’m Just Here for the Music” describes what this blog is about and what this list is about. We’re here to celebrate and be advocates for this music.
Below is a list (in alphabetical order) of thirty of my favourite new releases from albums led, or co-led, by Canadians over the last twelve months (December 2022 to November 2023).
Unlike some other year end lists, we are not using the word “best.” Our musical preferences are unique to ourselves. Instead of debating which is the best, let’s to listen more music and support your local live music scenes, as much as you are able.
Thank you to all of the Calgary music presenters and artists who performed in Calgary over the last year.
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Aline’s étoile magique “eclipse”
My favourite performance at the 2023 summer jazz festival in Calgary was by Aline’s étoile magique, a quintet led by violinist and songwriter Aline Homzy, which featured music from the album “eclipse.” The other musicians on the album include Thom Gill (guitar), Michael Davidson (vibraphone), Dan Fortin (bass), Marito Marques (drums) and Felicity Williams (voice).
This is the official music video for “Caraway” (written by Aline Homzy):
Allison Au “Migrations”
Saxophonist and composer Allison Au’s new album “Migrations” draws inspiration from her family history of immigration. The suite of music on this album speaks to cultural identity and is the first time that Allison features vocals and a string quartet.
This is “Aves Raras” from the album “Migrations”:
Andrew Rathbun “The Speed of Time”
After releasing three albums last year, saxophonist, composer and educator Andrew Rathbun’s lone 2023 release is called “The Speed of Time” and features his quartet - Gary Versace (piano), John Hebert (bass) and Tom Rainey (drums). Thematically, the album is about the perception of time, both musically and in life.
This is the title track “The Speed of Time”:
Anna Webber “Shimmer Wince”
Anna Webber’s (saxophone, flute, composer) latest album, called “Shimmer Wince,” requires the band members to perform music based on “just intonation” (an ancient tuning system based on natural harmonics and resonances. The album title reflects how this style of tuning makes her feel. Her quintet includes Adam O’Farrill (trumpet), Mariel Roberts (cello), Elias Stemeseder (synthesizer) and Lesley Mok (drums).
Also, listen to Anna Webber’s other 2023 releases including “Several” with Weston Olencki (trombone), “Capacious Aeration” with Matt Mitchell (piano) and “Letters to George” from the band called George, led by John Hollenbeck (drums).
This is concert features music from “Shimmer Wince” that was recorded on September 9, 2023 at Arts Center at Duck Creek:
Anthony Fung “Fo(u)rth”
This is drummer and composer Anthony Fung’s fourth album as a band leader, features Mark Turner (saxophone), Luca Alemanno (bass) and Michael Ragonese (piano). The album includes tunes written specifically for Mark Turner and also takes inspiration from his film scoring work.
This song is called “The Valley” (inspired by Anthony’s move to the San Fernando Valley):
Artemis “In Real Time”
The ensemble Artemis, the brainchild of pianist, composer and musical director Renee Rosnes, released their second album, “In Real Time,” this summer. It showcases co-founding members, Ingrid Jensen (trumpet), Noriko Ueda (bass), and Allison Miller (drums), as well as newcomers Nicole Glover (saxophone) and Alexa Tarantino (multi-reeds). Renee Rosnes is quoted as saying “Music exists in time. Without time, there is no music.”
This is a video of a live performance of “Balance of Time” (written by Renee Rosnes):
Ben Wendel “All One”
Vancouver-born, Los Angeles-raised, New York based saxophone and bassoon player Ben Wendel’s latest album, “All One,” features a series of duets - with Cecile McLorin Salvant, Terence Blanchard, Bill Frisell, Elena Pinderhughes, Jose James and Tigran Hamasyan.
This is a video of Ben Wendel and Jose James performing “Tenderly”:
Caity Gyorgy and Mark Limacher “You’re Alike, You Two”
Calgary-native, Montreal-based Caity Gyorgy (voice) and Calgary’s Mark Limacher (piano) provides their fresh interpretations of the Jerome Kern songbook on “You’re Alike, You Two.” You can add this album to the list of great Jerome Kern tribute albums (check out albums from Sandy Stewart and Dick Hyman, plus Tony Bennett and Bill Charlap).
This is a video of Caity Gyorgy and Mark Limacher performing “I’ll Be Hard to Handle”:
Curtis Nowosad “If I Had”
On “If I Had,” drummer Curtis Nowosad is joined by his working trio (Andrew Renfroe – guitar; Luke Sellick – bass), interpreting the music of Sam Cooke, Glen Campbell, Stevie Wonder and Nick Drake, while delivering a message of social justice.
This is the video for “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”:
Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society “Dynamic Maximum Tension”
This double album from Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society pays homage to forward-looking mid-century innovators who fashioned their own vision of the future, with music dedicated to Buckminster Fuller, Alan Turing, Mae West, Duke Ellington, Laurie Frink, Bob Brookmeyer, and Levon Helm.
This is a video for “Dymaxion” (inspired by Buckminster Fuller):
David Virelles “Carta”
Pianist and composer David Virelles presents “Carta,” featuring Eric McPherson (drums) and Ben Street (bass). Eight of the nine compositions on “Carta” are written by David Virelles.
Originally from Lloydminster, Alberta, New York-based saxophonist, composer and educator Erin Rogers released “Earth’s Precisions” in June, with New York-based guitarist Alec Goldfarb. This album is inspired by the lineage of guitar & saxophone duos (from Fred Frith and Anthony Braxton to Tim Berne and Bill Frisell) and expands upon this tradition.
This is a video of Erin Rogers and Alec Goldfarb performing together in New York (May 2023):
Francois Houle Genera Sextet “In Memoriam”
On the album “In Memoriam,” clarinet player and composer Francois Houle pays tribute and celebrates the memory of Ken Pickering (co-founder and artistic director of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, who passed away in 2018).
Check out Francois Houle’s other 2023 releases, including “Poise” with Benoit Delbecq, “Triocular+” with Linda Bouchard, “Voci Volante” with Charlotte Hug, “Hush” with Joe Sorbara, “Crystalline” with Daniel Janke to name a few.
This is “Requiem for KP”:
George “Letters to George”
George is a group led by John Hollenbeck (drums, piano, compositions) and featuring Anna Webber (saxophone, flute), Aurora Nealand (voice, saxophones, keyboards) and Chiquita Magic (keyboards, voice, piano). The name George is derived from the Greek word, meaning “farmer, earthworker” and song titles on the album include references to famous people named George, including George Clinton, George Washington Carver and Georgia O’Keefe. This autumn, John Hollenbeck also released a duo album with pianist Marianne Trudel called “Dede Java Espiritu.”
Here is the official music video for “Iceman” (the nickname for American basketball player George Gervin):
Hilario Duran and His Latin Jazz Big Band “Cry Me a River”
Composer and pianist Hilario Duran leads a nineteen piece ensemble with the album “Cry Me a River,” his first big band album in seventeen years. It features special guests Paquito D’Rivera, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, and OKAN.
This is the live in studio performance of “I Remember Mingus” (which was nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award):
Jessica Ackerley “Petting Zoo”
One of my favourite guitarists on today’s scene is Jessica Ackerley, who released four albums over the last year:
- “Live Recordings” with Frank Meadows and Eli Wallace, released under the band name “MAW”
- “Submerging Silently” with bassist Gahlord DeWald and drummer Kevin Cheli. This album was named one of the 20 best experimental albums of 2023 by the online magazine PopMatters
- “Petting Zoo” with saxophonist Yuma Yusaka and drummer Colin Hinton
- “five lines indecipherable” with violinist Alex Cunningham, saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi and bassist Damon Smith.
This is a performance in 2018 from the Petting Zoo trio in Brooklyn, New York:
Jocelyn Gould “Sonic Bouquet”
Guitarist Jocelyn Gould’s third album as a leader was recorded in 2022 after completing her North American tour. The other musicians on the album include Quincy Davis (drums), Rodney Whitaker (bass), Randy Napoleon (guitar), Will Bonness (piano) and Virginia MacDonald (clarinet).
This is “Tender is the Night”:
Josh Cole “Kind Mind”
One of the live performance highlights in Calgary this autumn featured the Toronto-based trio of Josh Cole (bass), Karen Ng (saxophone) and Michael Davidson (vibraphone), performing music from the album “Kind Mind.”
This is a video of a live performance from this trio at the Open Waters Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia in January 2020:
Kelly Jefferson “Rituals”
The album “Rituals” is saxophonist Kelly Jefferson’s first solo recording in over fifteen years, and features music that he wrote over the last twelve years, most of them represent a time in his life where significant changes occurred. The other musicians on the album are Amanda Tosoff (piano), Jon Maharaj (bass) and Morgan Childs (drums).
This is “Holding Court”:
Kris Davis “Diatom Ribbons – Live at the Village Vanguard”
This double album documents performances during a residency in May 2022 at New York’s Village Vanguard. Pianist and composer Kris Davis is joined by three musicians from the 2019 album “Diatom Ribbons” (Terri Lyne Carrington – drums, Val Jeanty - turntables, electronics and Trevor Dunn - bass) and guitarist Julian Lage. Instead of a re-recording of the 2019 album, this album includes eight new compositions and three covers (Wayne Shorter, Geri Allen and Ronald Shannon Jackson).
This is a video of a live performance of “VW” (with Terri Lyne Carrington and Val Jeanty):
Lina Allemano Four “Pipe Dream”
The Lina Allemano Four, led by trumpet player and composer, Lina Allemano, released “Pipe Dream” in May 2023 via her record label, Lumo Records (which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year). The other members of the quartet include Brodie West (saxophone), Andrew Downing (bass) and Nick Fraser (drums). I also recommend listening to Lina’s album called “Aphelia” with Berlin-based trumpet player, Axel Dorner, released in August 2023 by Relative Pitch Records and her album “Canons” released on December 8, 2023 via Lumo Records. Also, Lina is also part of the 2023 albums “Dead Leaf Butterfly” (with Els Vandeweyer, Maike Hilbig and Lucia Martinez) and “Khyal” (from Sophie Tassignon).
This is a video of Lina Allemano Four’s live performance of “Longing” in Bremen, Germany during 2022:
Melissa Pipe “Of What Remains”
The album “Of What Remains” is Montreal baritone saxophonist and bassoonist Melissa Pipe’s first release as a leader. It explores ideas around temporality: the shifting of time, form and being. The other musicians on the album include Lex French (trumpet), Philippe Côté (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Geoff Lapp (piano), Solon McDade (bass) and Mili Hong (drums).
This song is called “La part des anges”:
Michael Blake “Dance of the Mystic Bliss”
Michael Blake’s (saxophone, flute and compositions) new album “Dance of the Mystic Bliss” is dedicated to mother who passed away in 2018. The album features his project Chroma Nova, which includes a small string section (Skye Steele, Chris Hoffman, Michael Bates), electric guitar (Guilherme Monteiro) and percussionists Mauro Refosco and Rogerio Boccato.
This is the music video for “Merle the Pearl”:
Mingjia “star, star”
On the album “star, star,” vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Mingjia Chen leads the Toronto-based chamber ensemble, the Tortoise Orchestra, through her compositions, which explore stories from her life, Chinese mythology and the world around her.
This is the Venus Fest video of Mingjia’s “star, star”:
Nicky Schrire “Nowhere Girl”
Toronto-based vocalist and songwriter Nicky Schrire’s first album in a decade demonstrates her masterful ability to tell stories through songs. Nicky is joined on this album by Chris Donnelly (piano), Dan Fortin (bass), Ernesto Cervini (drums), Tara Davidson (saxophones), Laila Biali (voice) and Julio Sigauque (guitar).
This is a video of the title song, “Nowhere Girl”:
Peripheral Vision “We’ve Got Nothing”
Peripheral Vision is co-led by guitarist Don Scott and bassist Michael Herring, and also includes Trevor Hogg (saxophone) and Nick Fraser (drums). The album “We’ve Got Nothing” celebrates of the band’s fifteen years together, and marks the first time in their long creative history that Scott and Herring have co-written music together. The project was recorded over the course of four months between January to April 2023 at The Tranzac, one of Toronto’s most important creative music hubs.
This is the music video for “I’ve Got Nothing”:
Quinsin Nachoff “Stars and Constellations”
Saxophonist and composer Quinsin Nachoff is joined by his Ethereal trio (Dan Weiss -drums, Mark Helias - bass), as well as two New York-based string quartets (The Bergamot Quartet and The Rhythm Method), on his latest album, “Stars and Constellations,” blending jazz and classical music.
This is the song “Sagittarius” by Quinsin Nachoff:
Rachel Therrien “Mi Hogar”
The album “Mi Hogar” is the first recording for trumpet player Rachel Therrien’s Latin Jazz Project, which features many of the musicians that have been a part of her musical journey.
This is the music video for “Porcelanosa” written by Rachel Therrien:
Rubim de Toledo “The Drip”
My favourite concert at the November 2023 jazz festival in Calgary was from Edmonton bass player, educator and songwriter Rubim de Toledo, which featured music from his new album, “The Drip.” Rubim is also a member of the Up and Over Trio (Chris Andrew – piano, Jamie Cooper – drums), who released their debut album, “Up and Over” in December 2022.
This is the music video for “Rhythm Chante” off the album “The Drip”:
Sanah Kadoura “Duality”
Drummer and composer
Sanah Kadoura’s second album, “Duality” focuses thematically on the balance between light and dark. The album is an offering of healing, guidance and love. Her band includes Stacy Dillard on soprano saxophone, Rachel Therrien on trumpet and flugelhorn, Virginia MacDonald on clarinet, Joanna Majoko on vocals, Michael King on piano, Jonathan Michel on bass, Parham Haghighi on vocals, and Flavio Silva on guitar.
This is the EPK for the album “Duality”:
The Peggy Lee Band “A Giving Way”
The album “A Giving Way” is the first release in eleven years and sixth studio album for Vancouver-based The Peggy Lee Band, which is led by cellist and composer, Peggy Lee. The compositions come from a place of gratitude and a desire to do better collectively toward justice and human dignity.
Peggy Lee is also a member of the trio Beatings Are in the Body (Erika Angell – voice, electronics, bells; Roisin Adams – piano, Wurlitzer, voice) who released their self-titled debut album in May 2023. You can also hear Peggy Lee on the September 2023 album “fLuXkit Vancouver (its suite but sacred)” by Darius Jones and the December 2023 album “Canons” by Lina Allemano.
This is “Justice / Honour” from the Peggy Lee Band:
There were plenty of new releases from Canadians over the last twelve months. Here are more suggestions, listed in alphabetical order by artist. And of course, there are many more that are not listed below. Regardless, let’s keep listening to the music and find your next favourite artist, album or song.
Aaron Leaney “Lockdown” (with Guy Thouin)
Aaron Shorr “Omand’s Creek”
Alex Fournier “Magnetic Dreaming”
Ally Fiola and Next Quest “Interblaze”
Andrew Jackson and Sam Wilson “New Doors”
Aretha Tillotson “Introducing Aretha Tillotson”
Artie Roth Quartet “Resonants”
Audrey Ochoa “The Head of a Mouse”
Beatings Are in the Body “Beatings Are in the Body”
Bellbird “Root in Tandem”
Ben Frost Quartet “Pixies”
Blanche Baillargeon “le nid”
Brad Turner “The Magnificent” and “North Star”
Carl Mayotte “Carnival”
Christine Jensen “Day Moon”
Colin Stetson “When We Were That What Wept for the Sea”
Crossroad Copeland “Cope Land”
Dan Pitt Trio “Stages”
Daniel Hersog Jazz Orchestra “Open Spaces (Folk Songs Reimagined)”
Darren Johnston “Wild Awake”
Derrick Gardner and the Jazz Prophets “Pan Africa”
Doxas Brothers “Kindred”
Eli Davidovici “Shapes”
Eliana Cuevas “Sere Libre”
Flying Pooka! “The Ecstasy of Becoming”
Francois Bourassa Quartet “Swirl”
Greenhouse Ensemble “Rez-de-chaussee”
Gordon Grdina “Live at the Armoury” (with Mat Maneri and Christian Lillinger)
Hugo Blouin “Sport national”
Jacob Wutzke “Show Yourself”
Jacques Kuba Seguin “Parfum no. 1”
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque “Playing With Fire”
Jean-Michel Pilc “Symphony” and “You Are the Song” (with Francois Moutin and Ari Hoenig)
Joel Haynes “The Return”
Julian Gutierrez’s Project “Goldstream”
KneeJerk “Blind Painter”
Laila Biali “Your Requests”
Leland Whitty “Anyhow”
Les Royal Pickles “Take 3”
Malleus Trio “On / Off”
Marianne Trudel & John Hollenbeck “Dede Java Espiritu”
Mary Ancheta Quartet “Level Up”
Matt Choboter “Postcards of Nostalgia”
Meredith Bates “Tesseract”
Nicole Rampersaud “Saudade”
Noah Franche-Nolan “Within the Stream”
No Cosmos “you ii everything else”
Paul Tynan “Bicoastal Collective: Chapter Six” (with Aaron Lington)
Hey everyone! The great Gregory Hutchinson is giving an on-line masterclass via Zoom on Saturday, December 23rd and you all need to check this out. I've followed his Instagram account for some time now, attended several of his Zoom masterclasses in the past and also checked out his excellent courses on Open Studio. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the greats, no matter where you are in the world.
Here's the details:
Zoom Masterclass with Gregory Hutchinson
DECEMBER 23, 2023 at 12 noon (EST) - 5 pm (UTC) - 6 pm (UTC +1/Italy)
Two tiers: full level participants and auditors (more info below)
2 hour masterclass
Topics include:
- How to be successful in the music business (as sideman and leader) - Rudimental concepts - Ride cymbal sound technique - Brushes technique - How to build a practice routine - My own concepts on the drums - Importance of knowing history - How to develop your own voice and not a copy as soon as possible
Open level - everyone is welcome
PRICING:
AUDITORS 45€
- inactive participation as listeners
FULL LEVEL PARTICIPANTS 75€
- Interactive participation & questions
- 10 minute INDIVIDUAL one-on-one drum time to have your playing heard at the end of the masterclass - Copy of masterclass recording (audio & video) - 100 € OFF the 4 LESSON PLAN, valid one time only for the first 10 students who redeem it, if you decide to further your learning
Check out this fantastic four-part series on Tony Williams' drums and cymbals featuring Paul Wells and Scott Garrison, hosted by Bart van der Zee, the host and curator of the ongoing and excellent Drum History Podcast series.
There is a lot of great information and insight into Tony Williams to be found here. Paul Wells is a great drummer and has a tremendous knowledge of the history of jazz drumming. Scott Garrison was Tony Williams' drum tech from 1994 until Williams' passing in 1997!
Bart has consistently been putting out great content through his podcast so make sure to check that out here: www.drumhistorypodcast.com
I regularly post and share Quincy's videos and ongoing YouTube series Q-Tips, usually in my monthly Monday Morning Paradiddle jazz variety columns. In my opinion, his lessons and explanations are some of the best out there: https://www.youtube.com/@drumqtips
So check these out, learn something, use the two videos above as some motivation/inspiration and get to work!
Mareika Wiening is one of my favourite jazz drummers and composers these days. Her original music is compelling and is played by a great band, the core of which she's managed to keep together over the course of several albums now. And she is also a dynamic drummer whose original style is rooted in the tradition while also progressive and original that matches her compositional concept perfectly.
Mareike is a busy person and she was kind enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions about her new music below.
Mareike Wiening, percussionist and composer, spent six years in Brooklyn, New York, where she cultivated her musical career. Since 2019, she has been commuting between the United States and Cologne, Germany, while actively participating in the international jazz scene.
Her career as an independent jazz musician encompasses a diverse array of projects and ensembles in New York and Europe. Since 2022, she has been serving as a lecturer in jazz percussion at the Zurich University of the Arts.
The Mareike Wiening Quintet, featuring longstanding musical partners Rich Perry, Glenn Zaleski, Alex Goodman, and Johannes Felscher, was nominated for the 2022 German Jazz Award. In November 2023, their third album, Reveal, is set to release on the renowned New York label of Dave Douglas, Greenleaf Music.
Concert tours have taken her across Germany, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Slovenia, Norway, Lithuania, Brazil, and the United States. Mareike Wiening has graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Blue Note NYC, Jazzgallery NY, Jazzclub Unterfahrt, A-trane Berlin, the New York Winter Jazz Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the Elbjazz Hamburg. She has also contributed to musical and theatrical productions in Europe and Off-Broadway shows in New York City. In 2023, she made an appearance in the documentary “Jazz Fever,” which was screened in theatres throughout Germany.
Mareike Wiening has collaborated with renowned musicians such as John Zorn, Stefon Harris, Dan Tepfer, Dayna Stephens, Fabian Almazan, Johannes Enders, Adrian Mears, Ben Wendel, and many others. Her exceptional performances have earned her accolades, and she serves as a MEINL endorser for cymbals and sticks.
Mareika Wiening Reveal - Four on the Floor: November 2023
1) Tell us about your latest recording!
My new album, "Reveal," is an embodiment of my recent life experiences and observations, both global and personal. The process of creating this album began as I looked around at the world, witnessing the significant changes and challenges we've all faced: the global pandemic, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the political strife not just in the U.S. but across Europe. These tumultuous events, alongside my return to Germany from New York after six years and personal trials, including the loss of a close family member and societal pressures, have deeply influenced my creative process. "Reveal" emerged from a desire not to dwell in the darkness of these challenges, but to find light and hope within them.
This album is a journey of introspection, a search for the core essence that first connected me to music.In crafting "Reveal," I realized that in times of uncertainty and change, music could be a source of comfort and inspiration. It's a reminder that, amidst the turmoil, there remains a constant – the enduring power of music to uplift, heal, and connect us. This album is a reflection of my journey as a person and a musician, navigating a world of uncertainty with the solace and joy that music brings.
2) How did you choose your repertoire and sidemen?
I composed the songs during the last year and recorded with my longtime working quintet. But I also had the urge of adding another voice for certain tunes. I always wanted to pair Rich with a second horn player and was looking for strong artistic voice that would fit the overall band sound. That’s why I asked esteemed trumpeter and Greenleaf founder Dave Douglas. He was the perfect fit!
3) What inspired you to pursue the vibe and instrumentation that you did?
The instrumentation is set through my longtime working band. Musically, I wanted to explore a broader palette of textures and emotions, blending the traditional elements of jazz with contemporary influences.
4) Was there a particular message you were trying to convey to the listener?
I aimed to convey a message of resilience, introspection, and hope. Through the compositions, I wanted to take listeners on a journey that mirrored my own experiences during a period marked by significant global and personal challenges. The album is an invitation to delve into a spectrum of emotions, from contemplation and sorrow to optimism and strength. It's about finding beauty and strength in vulnerability, and the transformative power of music to heal and uplift.
5) Who are your influences with regards to your style of writing and playing?
Guillermo Klein for sure! Playing drums: definitely Elvin Jones and Bill Stewart these days.
6) What are you practicing/studying/listening to/researching these days?
Researching how to compose and arrange for symphonic orchestra and that’s why also listening to a lot of different pieces from Stravinsky to Bach and modern pieces. I’m always transcribing solos or small ideas and try to develop those on the drums.
I also get inspired by my students at the Conservatory in Zurich. They all have very different backgrounds and difficulties and often I try to challenge myself in getting involved in new territories.
7) What other current and future projects do you have on the go at the moment?
I got a commission to write a piece for orchestra and also arrange it. That’s going to be a major project for the next several month as I have no experience in writing for orchestra. I’m very much looking forward to this challenge though. Otherwise I’m very active with the trio and quartet of Korean pianist Gee Hye Lee. Also preparing for a couple new projects I’m involved in that will start in 2024.
8) How does the drums and your overall approach to rhythm factor into your compositions and concept?
First of all I compose mainly on the piano. Once the tune is mostly finished I always sit down at the drums and try out the composition, see how it feels, try out different grooves, change little things to improve the overall flow of the tune. Rhythms are very important. If I can make the tune groove by playing it together with the midi file, it’s usually done.
9) What drummers or other musicians do you consider as influences?
Elvin Jones, Brad Mehldau, Philly Joe Jones and Bill Stewart
10) What advice do you have for younger, aspiring jazz musicians and jazz drummers?
For aspiring jazz musicians and drummers, focus on mastering the fundamentals of jazz and your instrument. Immerse yourself in diverse jazz styles and practice as much as possible to improve your technique and improvisational skills. Play with others as much as possible to develop your sense of timing and ensemble playing, and always stay open to learning and experimenting.
Thanks for checking in and I'm pleased to offer you the November 2023 edition of The Monday Morning Paradiddle, my occasional and semi-regular jazz drumming variety column (however, I just realized that I haven't published one of these since late July...anyways, here it is. Busy times I suppose!)
I was fortunate to spend some time in New York City earlier this Fall following a busy summer on the road, studying with John Riley, checking out gigs and all my favourite drummers on a nightly basis and, of course, drinking the best coffee I could find in mid-town Manhattan.
Thank you to all of those whose generosity (musically and otherwise) made my time in New York a truly special and inspiring experience. Onwards and Upwards.
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Anyways, here's a collection of interesting things making the rounds around the Four on the Floor office these days...
The Monday Morning Paradiddle - November 2023
1. Vinnie Sperrazza continues to offer great insight and commentary in his ongoing series Chronicles including excellent pieces on:
6. Kendrick Scott offers his thoughts on Max Roach via PBS, on the heels of the release of the recent documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes on Amercian Masters.
If you haven't seen this excellent work yet, check it out. Now!
7. Check out Sherrie Maricle's excellent collection of drum tips on her YouTube page. Sherrie is the real deal and there are lots of great lessons and things to practice here!
Sadly, Peter passed away last August. I didn't know him very well but our paths did cross on several occasions when we both lived in Montreal during the mid 1990s and I also use his books routinely in my own teaching practice.
Check out Aldo Mazza's interview with Peter from his ongoing series Shaping Your Journey:
9. Montreal bassist Fraser Hollins interviews my teacher and good friend Dave Laing in his ongoing drum and bass interview series The Hook Up:
I am really hoping that Fraser interviews Montreal's Andre White next...
10. Allison Miller playing great drums as always!
11. A great interview and lesson with my good friend Geoff Clapp:
12. Willie Jones III and Rudy Royston both interviewed by the Drum Candy Podcast:
13. 10 Reasons to Love Elvin Jones from Thomas Wendt and the Drum Candy Podcast:
...and 10 Reasons to Love Joe Chambers:
14. Ulysses Owens Jr. and Drumeo offer How to Play Jazz on The Drums:
15. Joe Farnsworth with Emmet Cohen:
16. The 80/20 Drummer interviews John Riley, Dan Weiss and Stanton Moore:
17. Quincy Davis continues to share great concepts and things to practice in his ongoing Q-Tips series on YouTube. There's a wealth of information here folks, so check it out!
18. A few words of wisdom from the always inspiring Matt Wilson:
19. What am I listening to these days?
Allison Miller "Rivers in Our Veins" - Allison Miller (drums)
Don Cherry "Art Deco" - Billy Higgins (drums)
Max Roach & The J.C. White Singers "Lift Every Voice and Sing" - Max Roach (drums)
Kelly Jefferson "Rituals" - Morgan Childs (drums)
Oscar Peterson Trio "Night Train" - Ed Thigpen (drums)
Philly Joe Jones "Drums Around the World" - Philly Joe Jones (drums)
Joel Haynes "The Return!" - Joel Haynes (drums)
George Sluppick "Play What You Love" - George Sluppick (drums)
20. And today's Last Word goes to the great swing drummer and teacher Cozy Cole:
“The more you study, the more you find out what you don’t know, but the more you study, the closer you come.”
This is a blog about jazz, jazz drumming and all things unrelated. Thanks for stopping by!
A Bit About Me...
Jonathan McCaslin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jonathan began playing the drums at the age of nine. He progressed through the Regina Lions Junior Band and the music program at his high school, Campbell Collegiate, soon developing a passion for playing the drums and jazz. Ultimately, Jon's interest in music led him to enroll in the Jazz Studies program at McGill University, graduating with distinction in 1999.
While at McGill Jon had the opportunity to study with some of the finest jazz educators in the country including Gordon Foote, Kevin Dean, Jan Jarcyzk, Chris McCann, Andre White, Michel Lambert and Dave Laing. He also attended the prestigious summer jazz workshop presented by the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1997, where he performed with Canadian jazz greats Hugh Fraser, Don Thompson and Kenny Wheeler.
Jon has also been fortunate to have performed with many of Canada's jazz elite including Charlie Biddle, Brian Hurley, Louise Rose, Alaister Kay, Mart Kinny, Gary Guthman, Mike Rud, Hadley Caliman, Greg Clayton, Chase Sanborn, Andre White, Tilden Webb, John LaBelle, Kevin Dean, Dave Turner, Ralph Bowen, Don Thompson, Dionne Taylor, Jim Vivian, Kelly Jefferson, Ian McDougall, Brad Turner, Jim Brenan, The McGill Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Johnston, Lorraine Desmerais, Steve Amirault, Hugh Fraser, Chucho Valdes, Kieran Overs, The Altsys Jazz Orchestra, Pat LaBarbera, The Regina Symphony Orchestra and The Montreal Jazz Big Band.
In the spring of 2002 McCaslin completed his Master's in Jazz Studies at McGill University where he studied jazz drumming, improvisation and composition.
In January 2003 Jon released his debut CD, “McCallum’s Island”. Featuring his quintet, the CD contains an exciting collection of McCaslin’s original compositions, featuring himself and his band. The release of this CD was followed by a twenty-day tour of Western Canada, performing to enthusiastic, capacity audiences. During March of 2003 Jonathan was the recipient of a fellowship from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and attended the “Betty Carter Jazz Ahead” residency in Washington, D.C. Along with twenty other distinguished young jazz artists, McCaslin was featured with such jazz icons as Terence Blanchard, Carmen Lundy, Winard Harper, Curtis Fuller and John Clayton.
McCaslin’s quintet performed at the 2003 edition of the Montreal International Jazz Festival and was nominated for the General Motors Grand Prix du Festival (awarded to the most outstanding Canadian group). From 2004 until 2006, Jon toured North America, Asia and Europe with the high-energy, critically acclaimed music production troupe “Barrage”. Featuring a cast of seven world-class fiddlers and a four-piece band, this dynamic show featured high-energy music and fiddle traditions from around the world set to upbeat choreography and movement.
In 2015, Dr. McCaslin received his Doctorate through the University of Toronto and completed his dissertation on the conceptualization of contemporary melodic jazz drumming. He is currently based in Calgary, Alberta where he maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule across Canada.
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