First Podcast for 2013

 

Happy New Year to all! Hope you had a good holiday season - mine was splendid. Quiet at home, just the way I dig it. Lots of new jazz acquisitions, a turntable, new walking shoes and an always bright outlook. Jazz album sales were up 23% in 2011. Can't wait to see how 2012 did! Above is the latest Palm Coast Jazz podcast that I produce & co-host. Variety and stellar performances by familiar names and names you will want to know more about. Hope you enjoy it!  - Kenny

Cool Shot

What a day on July 30, 1972

(click to enlarge)

Photo by K'Abe. I'm really taken by this image on the inside gatefold of the album "CTI Summer Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl". I think it pretty much tells it's own story - but what an assemblage of musicians on a July day in LA. The size here doesn't do it justice - but there are a few interesting things to notice. To the left of Ron Carter is a little boy sitting in a chair. Not sure whose it is, but one would think he's sitting somewhere near his Dad so either Ron, Jack or Grover. Imagine the energy, sounds and feelings he must have been experiencing! Also, on the right - Deodato is leaning over the shoulder of Johnny Hammond, whatever he's doing/saying has caught the attention of Airto, Jack, Ron, Grover and the boy. About to listen to this one now :) - Kenny

Missing in Action...

in the booth at WFCF Saint Augustine

For the few of you who stop by here - I do apologize for not keeping things lively. And for those of you wondering what's going on with the band - I'm taking a little break. We had a nice run at Jazzland in Jacksonville, but John wasn't up for the drive anymore (he turned 80 in June) and I wasn't up for working in a new bass player just now. We capped off the summer with a packed house at the New Smyrna Library, and then one more Jazzland show.

In the meantime - I'm fully engaged in promoting the music of other Florida musicians with Palm Coast Jazz - which continues to do well; and I'm now a jazz jock at WFCF in Saint Augustine - a truly hip college station with 20 hours of jazz a week and no automation. It's a lifelong dream come true - and basically taking my love for sharing good music to another level. You can listen online Tuesdays 3-5pm (Eastern) via Iheart, and I'm actively blogging & tweeting in that context.

I haven't abandoned the piano playing thing lol, just taking it easy (very easy!). A new album has been in my mind for a while now - it will come to fruition I believe, but it may be a little while before it happens. A few collabs are on the back burner as well!

I encourage anyone who truly likes the music I put out to have a listen to the Palm Coast Jazz podcast. There is some fine, tasteful & even progressive music being made down here by some serious cats and kittens. Thanks for stopping by! - Kenny

Sounds Coming Out of Florida II

As many of you know - I've been producing and co-hosting a podcast for the last year that focuses on original music being created by musicians living in Florida. Although jazz does well in South Florida; it's a big state where the genre is languishing in some pretty big cities including Jacksonville (!), St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and Gainesville.

The podcast is designed to be that "one more" outlet for the composers & performers here in the state to gain a little exposure; and has done well, with a faithful audience all over the world and consistently high ranking in the jazz category.

For August I decided to buck tradition a bit and program music that requires more listener involvement. If you haven't heard artists like Ron Miller, LaRue Nickelson and Zach Bartholomew, I encourage you to have a listen and see what's really going down here in the South.

If you want to help us in this endeavor - simple things like clicking the Facebook "like" button, or sharing an episode on your wall or twitter go a very long way! Thanks in advance and God bless! - Kenny

more classical eye candy

Two more classical album covers that are unusual in a cool way; from my recent 'great acquisition'. The first is circa 1967 on RCA with the pink label - on 'dynaflex' (aka seriously floppy vinyl). The second is from 1976 on London, but no info on the painting is given.

Album cover painting by Barron Storey

painter not listed on jacket...

The Admiral's Jazz

I've recently come to experience that the adage "when it rains it pours" can sometimes go in a positive direction. I recently relayed how I acquired roughly 600 vinyl albums for $20; a collection I shall henceforth refer to as the 'great acquisition'. It has it's flaws, with a previous owner heavy on the magic marker, and a good portion of the music being classical - the least tolerable music for snaps and crackles. I've hardly put a dent in it as far as (cleaning and) listening goes, but I've certainly enjoyed myself.

I've also recently been performing in a 5 piece band that plays a weekly dance attended by senior citizens. The leader of that band, and a real good guy, is a former Rear Admiral of the Navy who, as it turns out, has in common with me an ear for good composition (imnsho) and likes jazz.

Long story short - one day he brought me to his car, opened the trunk and there was a banker's box full of pristine jazz vinyl. Turns out his wife wants him to clean house a bit, so I am now the proud owner of an immaculately kept (of course!) and pleasantly varied collection of piano and saxophone jazz (my friend is a trumpet player). Oscar, Zoot, Stan, Dave McKenna, Art Tatum & lots more, a handful are of significant value. Again - I've hardly scratched the surface listening thus far.

I've had some poor health the last few months - I'm feeling better now, but I'm thankful to God for these unusual blessings that have been like a warm tonic to my soul, and for the ones that are yet to come! - KM

Below is "Moonlight in Vermont" originally from the album "Reflections" pictured above.

Sounds Coming Out of Florida

Above is the latest episode of the podcast I produce and co-host - "Palm Coast Jazz"; which features original compositions from musicians residing here in the Sunshine State. It has turned out to be one of the most rewarding undertakings of my life - to be exposed to so much creativity & talent, along with many of the musicians themselves who are friendly and down to earth. Hearing the music is inspiring, and it's encouraging to see the response of listeners from all over the world who agree - there's some amazing and highly listenable music being made here! Hope you enjoy the show :)
- KM