Jazz ... Influencer of all

There are only a few musicians and musicologists who claim that Jazz is their favorite genre of music. I enjoy a great Jazz band or individual performance. My main exposure to jazz has been following the career of Branford Marsalis who was introduced to me through Bruce Hornsby. Branford hung out with us at the '92 Olympics and often jammed on the rooftop of the Ambassador Hotel in Barcelona. David Robinson brought his sax along and (tried) to jam with Branford.

So, anyway, my musical favorites usually lean toward rock, now known as "classic rock"... but it was just rock when I first listened to it.

I've come to love the music and guitar of Derek Trucks. He and his wife, Susan Tedeschi (of Boston fame), are amazing musicians and wonderful people. I will write my Allman Brothers Band review when I get some serious writing time later this week.

Since I attended the ABB show last week, the band has been joined by Eric Clapton (twice) and Bruce Hornsby (Saturday night). Their shows have taken on "Last Waltz" legendary status and the guest appearances have been off the charts.

So, as a quick salute to Jazz, the grand-daddy of it all, I bring you a quick recommendation - for New England and Boston area blog faithful. Come check it out:

Julian Lage will be playing legendary Harvard Square Club Passim for three shows this coming Thursday and Friday (March 26-27). Julian is Gary Burton's latest guitar find, is showcasing his debut solo release SOUNDING POINT on EmArcy.
He will be featuring tracks from his new album as he plays alongside his bandmembers: Tupac Mantilla (percussion), Jorge Roeder (bass), Aristides Rivas (cello) and Ben Roseth. The saxOne show on Thursday March 26 is at 8:00pm -- conflict with 'Nova vs Duke for you NCAA fans out there) and two shows on Friday, the 27th, at 7:00 & 10:00pm.

By the way + some notes and quotes: Gary Burton's earlier guitar finds include Pat Metheny and Larry Coryell, so Julian is another one to watch ... Herbie Hancock noted: “Julian, you play with heart, mind and soul!” and Béla Fleck, who is featured on SOUNDING POINT, loves playing with Lage as: “Julian is one of the special ones!”