Jazz

Hey all, I've got a question. So, this past weekend I went to see the Gilad Hekselman Trio in Montreal (first show I've seen in 1.5 years, woot-woot!), and he was playing in this new style of jazz that I've been hearing a lot of for the last decade or so. Can someone help put a name to this style of jazz? Let me explain what it sounds like. Firstly, the songs generally have relatively few chord changes. Further, and the most distinguishing feature, is that the volume of the band slowly rises over the course of a song, until everyone is playing super-loud. Then, the song volume decreases, and band goes back to the out-head. That may sound like a relatively simple explanation, but honestly, these ARE what the songs sound like. OH! And the rhythm section in these songs NEVER walk; usual the rhythm section plays is a contemporary version of a "loose-two" feel (like a modern version of the Bill Evans-Scott Lafaro's "two-feel" rhythm). Essentially, the music sounds like a jam-band song played by very competent jazz musicians.

So, what's this new style of jazz called?

** Now, to add a bit of editorial-ism. As I alluded to above, this contemporary jazz sound is a lot like upscale jam-band music. I dig it for a song or two, but not really for an entire show. I don't consider bands like Phish to be jazz, and adding jazz chords and virtuosic arpeggios to a never-ending vamp for a whole concert doesn't make for great jazz music in my books. **

P.S. It may sound like I'm trashing GIlad Hekselman, but I actually enjoyed the show. He just played slightly too many of these kinds of songs. It was still a good show.
 
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might be worth it to keep an eye on the craft one step site. just noticed they took it down and are redesigning some things, so a new release could potentially be on its way!
 
Potato-Socks said:
Hey all, I've got a question. So, this past weekend I went to see the Gilad Hekselman Trio in Montreal (first show I've seen in 1.5 years, woot-woot!), and he was playing in this new style of jazz that I've been hearing a lot of for the last decade or so. Can someone help put a name to this style of jazz? Let me explain what it sounds like. Firstly, the songs generally have relatively few chord changes. Further, and the most distinguishing feature, is that the volume of the band slowly rises over the course of a song, until everyone is playing super-loud. Then, the song volume decreases, and band goes back to the out-head. That may sound like a relatively simple explanation, but honestly, these ARE what the songs sound like. OH! And the rhythm section in these songs NEVER walk; usual the rhythm section plays is a contemporary version of a "loose-two" feel (like a modern version of the Bill Evans-Scott Lafaro's "two-feel" rhythm). Essentially, the music sounds like a jam-band song played by very competent jazz musicians.

So, what's this new style of jazz called?

** Now, to add a bit of editorial-ism. As I alluded to above, this contemporary jazz sound is a lot like upscale jam-band music. I dig it for a song or two, but not really for an entire show. I don't consider bands like Phish to be jazz, and adding jazz chords and virtuosic arpeggios to a never-ending vamp for a whole concert doesn't make for great jazz music in my books. **

P.S. It may sound like I'm trashing GIlad Hekselman, but I actually enjoyed the show. He just played slightly too many of these kinds of songs. It was still a good show.
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You know, I've had variations of these thoughts as well, even in regards to highly-acclaimed contemporary jazz musicians like Kamasi Washington. It's like every other tune has to have this grandiose build up and climax, which IMO gets tiring pretty fast (well before the end of the album). Obviously this is an over-generalization, but it's definitely a pattern I've noticed.
 
bettim84 said:
You know, I've had variations of these thoughts as well, even in regards to highly-acclaimed contemporary jazz musicians like Kamasi Washington. It's like every other tune has to have this grandiose build up and climax, which IMO gets tiring pretty fast (well before the end of the album). Obviously this is an over-generalization, but it's definitely a pattern I've noticed.
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I saw Kamasi many times before he was famous in Ethiopian/African Diaspora band called Ethio Cali ensemble. His solos were very different from the rest of the band’s. He keeps reaching top intensity and then just goes for more. It was amazing. It’s just the way he plays. it’s natural his arrangements and songs would be this way.
 
Dtknuckles said:
I saw Kamasi many times before he was famous in Ethiopian/African Diaspora band called Ethio Cali ensemble. His solos were very different from the rest of the band’s. He keeps reaching top intensity and then just goes for more. It was amazing. It’s just the way he plays. it’s natural his arrangements and songs would be this way.
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I can see how that would be fun live. On record, not so much.
 
JohnnyCashFan said:
Which album was that Mike ?
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Nothing formally announced, but last time they wiped the Craft One Step site, they released a new title in that series a few days later. Could just be a complete website refresh but it's worth keeping an eye on! Strange that the whole One Step sub-site is blank for now.
 
bettim84 said:
You know, I've had variations of these thoughts as well, even in regards to highly-acclaimed contemporary jazz musicians like Kamasi Washington. It's like every other tune has to have this grandiose build up and climax, which IMO gets tiring pretty fast (well before the end of the album). Obviously this is an over-generalization, but it's definitely a pattern I've noticed.
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Yes yes YES! That's EXACTLY what I'm talking about. I'm so happy that I'm not the only person who has noticed this :)
 
MikeH said:
might be worth it to keep an eye on the craft one step site. just noticed they took it down and are redesigning some things, so a new release could potentially be on its way!
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Do we know what's next for them? More jazz?
 
Turbo said:
Do we know what's next for them? More jazz?
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we don’t know. I really hope they do a Stax title. Concord owns an insane amount of music rights so it could be any number of titles. The only thing they have said was that they would be pressing more copies for the next title. And we can guess that they are waiting for it to be in stock before shipping like they did the last two times. They seem to have no desire to do year long preorders like MoFi does.
 
Turbo said:
@Potato-Socks

I picked up these two records from Cellar/Reel-To-Reel after you guys talked about them last week... they just arrived. Both seem promising after quick needle drops. The first was recommended by @Selaws and the second is Hammond B-3 led... I'm a sucker for jazz organ.

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DUDE! No way! I ALSO picked up two discs after our Cellar discussion.

I got the Ray Gallon disc because I love Kenny Washington from millions of other albums, and I know David Wong from The Vanguard Orchestra. It's a wonderful album with interesting compositions and great solos (especially the bass solos).

I used to go see Joel Haynes in Montreal in the early 2000's, and thought he was one of the best drummers in town. However, I bought his disc because Seamus Blake is on sax, and he's a ton of fun. Also, Tilden Webb was my ex-girlfriend's piano teacher.

I recommend both albums (y)(y).

IMG_20210928_110100928_2.jpg
 
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Hearing that Lonnie Smith has passed, devastating if true :(

Update: BN confirms he has passed. Awful news, what a legend.

Blue Note's statement: "We're deeply saddened to announce that the great Hammond B3 organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith passed away today. He was 79 years old. One of the funkiest & most inventive organists to ever walk the earth, Doc made his name on Blue Note in the late-1960s & returned home to the label in 2016 still at the peak of his powers. We were proud to bring this remarkable man's joyous music to fans all over the world. RIP, Doc..."

www.npr.org

Dr. Lonnie Smith, Master Of The Hammond Organ, Dies At 79

The NEA Jazz Master died Tuesday from pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 79.
www.npr.org www.npr.org
 
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