I came across this interview with Lee Konitz, who made such a big contribution at the Creative Music Studio.
Lee Konitz: Back to Basics
In it, Lee describes a ten-step approach to improvising on a melody that seems so practical and sensible. The bonus is the tenth step, which he describes as "an act of pure inspiration."
Sometimes the simplest approaches are the best.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Cyro Baptista
I don't know why, but something in Joe Germuska's "Conference of the Birds" feature on CMS sparked a memory of Cyro Baptista. Cyro is a Brazilian percussionist who first came to the USA to study at the Creative Music Studio.
Since then, he's played with "David Byrne, Kathleen Battle, Gato Barbieri, Dr. John, Brian Eno, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Palmer, Melissa Etheridge, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Michael Tilson Thomas, Daniel Barenboin, Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo-Ma, Medeski Martin & Wood, Spyro Gyra, Trey Anastasio from Phish, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Santana and Sting. He has also played with many respected Brazilian artists such as Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Ivan Lins, Marisa Monte, and Nana Vasconcelos" (from http://www.cyrobaptista.com/page.cfm?content=bio ).
I absolutely love Cyro's own account of his arrival at CMS, which he submitted to me for the email-newsletter version of the CMS Update, back in 2001. In his own words:
"In July 1980 I came to America arriving at JFK with a Berimbau and a cracked conga. I waited in front of the airport for a van service that picked me up and after two hours of driving on the highway, it delivered me at a Howard Johnsons. At that time it looked to me like an incredible piece of Swiss architecture. Karl and Ingrid Berger came to get me in an Oldsmobile and we stopped to get a six-pack of Michelob.
"Everything was so incredible. I was so nervous and I didn't have any clue of what would happen in this new situation. Also, I had no idea how CMS would be.
"Well, we arrived, and the place was really beautiful. It looked exactly like the Hollywood idea I had of Woodstock. They showed me my room in a little chalet, where I would stay with other students. In no time people started to arrive. I remember a guy with very nice long hair who came to me and said, 'Hey man you are the Brazilian percussionist. Yeah man, you guys are the
best.'
"I, with my Tarzan English, could barely understand what he was saying, and I just said, 'Yes.' Then he continued, 'Man you are going to play at my presentation tonight.'
"I told him that I didn't even speak English, and that I had just arrived. He replied, 'No man, I'll see you later, it is going to be very easy.'
"I went with my cracked conga to this big room. Students and teachers sat waiting for the presentation. The tune was 'Night in Tunisia,' a song I had never heard of in my life, and what was even worse, he arranged it in 9, which I didn't even know existed (In Brazil we mainly play in 2 or 4, sometimes 3).
"We started to play. The drummer was playing swing. I told myself, 'This is going to be a piece of cake, just do pa pumpum pa pumpum.' But then, suddenly, something different happened in the tune. I thought maybe it was an American thing . But it happened again and again. I knew I was playing right and they must be totally wrong. But the incredible thing was that they were doing the same mistake together at the same time. Then I started to get really paranoid, I kept thinking, 'Why is this happening to me? On my first day at school, in my first day in America, and in front of everybody.' I remember thinking, while I was playing, that maybe during the trip, when I crossed the Equator the magnetic fields took my rhythm away. I was totally destroyed and wanted to cry.
"Finally the torture ended. I went to a corner trying to recompose myself when this guy came to talk to me. He was one of the teachers. His name was Ismet Siral, an incredible musician from Turkey .
'You was lost there, eh?'
'Yes.'
'The tune was in 9.'
'Nine what?'
'1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9, 1 2....' He showed me, counting on his fingers.
'Why somebody would do something like that? To make other people's life miserable?'
'In my country they do that, and they even play that on the radio. They also
play in 11, 13, etc.'
"The late Ismet. What a guy he was. He told me, 'When you don't know what they are playing, just play what you know and wait with patience, because eventually you will play the 1 together.'
"I always tell this story to the students. It is easier to tell than to write, especially with my third-world English.
"I came to do the summer course at CMS. I stayed over there for a month, then, on my way back, I decided to stop in New York City for a week, and I ended up staying here for over twenty years.
"Eventually I came back to Woodstock to record and play some concerts with Karl and Ingrid. Sometimes I go to Woodstock to record at Bearsville Studios and I feel a lot of nostalgia.
"During the month that I lived up there I learned so much, not just about the art of making music, but also the art of living."
If you ever have a chance to check out Cyro's band Beat the Donkey, I think you'll find it to be pure fun, pure energy, and pure excitement. I haven't seen them except in video. When I see them it makes me think, "man, that's what I want to do when I grow up!"
Check out this brief YouTube sample:
And here's a little more seriousness, with Yo-Yo Ma:
See Cyro's website at http://www.cyrobaptista.com.
Since then, he's played with "David Byrne, Kathleen Battle, Gato Barbieri, Dr. John, Brian Eno, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Palmer, Melissa Etheridge, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, James Taylor, Carly Simon, Michael Tilson Thomas, Daniel Barenboin, Bobby McFerrin, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo-Ma, Medeski Martin & Wood, Spyro Gyra, Trey Anastasio from Phish, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Santana and Sting. He has also played with many respected Brazilian artists such as Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Ivan Lins, Marisa Monte, and Nana Vasconcelos" (from http://www.cyrobaptista.com/page.cfm?content=bio ).
I absolutely love Cyro's own account of his arrival at CMS, which he submitted to me for the email-newsletter version of the CMS Update, back in 2001. In his own words:
"In July 1980 I came to America arriving at JFK with a Berimbau and a cracked conga. I waited in front of the airport for a van service that picked me up and after two hours of driving on the highway, it delivered me at a Howard Johnsons. At that time it looked to me like an incredible piece of Swiss architecture. Karl and Ingrid Berger came to get me in an Oldsmobile and we stopped to get a six-pack of Michelob.
"Everything was so incredible. I was so nervous and I didn't have any clue of what would happen in this new situation. Also, I had no idea how CMS would be.
"Well, we arrived, and the place was really beautiful. It looked exactly like the Hollywood idea I had of Woodstock. They showed me my room in a little chalet, where I would stay with other students. In no time people started to arrive. I remember a guy with very nice long hair who came to me and said, 'Hey man you are the Brazilian percussionist. Yeah man, you guys are the
best.'
"I, with my Tarzan English, could barely understand what he was saying, and I just said, 'Yes.' Then he continued, 'Man you are going to play at my presentation tonight.'
"I told him that I didn't even speak English, and that I had just arrived. He replied, 'No man, I'll see you later, it is going to be very easy.'
"I went with my cracked conga to this big room. Students and teachers sat waiting for the presentation. The tune was 'Night in Tunisia,' a song I had never heard of in my life, and what was even worse, he arranged it in 9, which I didn't even know existed (In Brazil we mainly play in 2 or 4, sometimes 3).
"We started to play. The drummer was playing swing. I told myself, 'This is going to be a piece of cake, just do pa pumpum pa pumpum.' But then, suddenly, something different happened in the tune. I thought maybe it was an American thing . But it happened again and again. I knew I was playing right and they must be totally wrong. But the incredible thing was that they were doing the same mistake together at the same time. Then I started to get really paranoid, I kept thinking, 'Why is this happening to me? On my first day at school, in my first day in America, and in front of everybody.' I remember thinking, while I was playing, that maybe during the trip, when I crossed the Equator the magnetic fields took my rhythm away. I was totally destroyed and wanted to cry.
"Finally the torture ended. I went to a corner trying to recompose myself when this guy came to talk to me. He was one of the teachers. His name was Ismet Siral, an incredible musician from Turkey .
'You was lost there, eh?'
'Yes.'
'The tune was in 9.'
'Nine what?'
'1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9, 1 2....' He showed me, counting on his fingers.
'Why somebody would do something like that? To make other people's life miserable?'
'In my country they do that, and they even play that on the radio. They also
play in 11, 13, etc.'
"The late Ismet. What a guy he was. He told me, 'When you don't know what they are playing, just play what you know and wait with patience, because eventually you will play the 1 together.'
"I always tell this story to the students. It is easier to tell than to write, especially with my third-world English.
"I came to do the summer course at CMS. I stayed over there for a month, then, on my way back, I decided to stop in New York City for a week, and I ended up staying here for over twenty years.
"Eventually I came back to Woodstock to record and play some concerts with Karl and Ingrid. Sometimes I go to Woodstock to record at Bearsville Studios and I feel a lot of nostalgia.
"During the month that I lived up there I learned so much, not just about the art of making music, but also the art of living."
If you ever have a chance to check out Cyro's band Beat the Donkey, I think you'll find it to be pure fun, pure energy, and pure excitement. I haven't seen them except in video. When I see them it makes me think, "man, that's what I want to do when I grow up!"
Check out this brief YouTube sample:
And here's a little more seriousness, with Yo-Yo Ma:
See Cyro's website at http://www.cyrobaptista.com.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
CMS on WNUR "Conference of the Birds"
Joe Germuska of radio station WNUR in Chicago will be doing a Creative Music Studio feature program on his show "Conference of the Birds."
Love that name, Joe. It was the title of a Dave Holland Quartet album from 1972, with Dave, Sam Rivers, Barry Altschul, and Anthony Braxton.
It's also the title of a book of poems by Sufi poet Farid ud-Din Attar.
Check out Joe's latest blog post on "Conference of the Birds" (his show, not the album) at http://blog.germuska.com/2009/02/17/wnur-conference-of-the-birds-2009-02-17/ .
Bob
Love that name, Joe. It was the title of a Dave Holland Quartet album from 1972, with Dave, Sam Rivers, Barry Altschul, and Anthony Braxton.
It's also the title of a book of poems by Sufi poet Farid ud-Din Attar.
Check out Joe's latest blog post on "Conference of the Birds" (his show, not the album) at http://blog.germuska.com/2009/02/17/wnur-conference-of-the-birds-2009-02-17/ .
Bob
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
CMS Curates Concert Series at Symphony Space's Thalia Theater
Curates. That's an odd term. But I guess that's what they're doin'.
On January 16, 2009, the concert will be "In the Spirit of Don Cherry," an All-Star Octet under the direction of Karl Berger, performing mostly music by Don Cherry.
March 6, 2009 will be a musical conversation of alto saxophonist Oliver Lake with pianist Vijay Iver.
We missed the first one, which was the Jewish Music Project on December 12, featuring Steven Bernstein (trumpet/slide trumpet/compositions), Peter Apfelbaum (tenor saxophone, flute, piano , compositions), Mark Helias on bass, Dafnis Pietro on drums, and vibist/pianist Karl Berger.
See http://www.symphonyspace.org/genre/music for more info.
On January 16, 2009, the concert will be "In the Spirit of Don Cherry," an All-Star Octet under the direction of Karl Berger, performing mostly music by Don Cherry.
March 6, 2009 will be a musical conversation of alto saxophonist Oliver Lake with pianist Vijay Iver.
We missed the first one, which was the Jewish Music Project on December 12, featuring Steven Bernstein (trumpet/slide trumpet/compositions), Peter Apfelbaum (tenor saxophone, flute, piano , compositions), Mark Helias on bass, Dafnis Pietro on drums, and vibist/pianist Karl Berger.
See http://www.symphonyspace.org/genre/music for more info.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
CMS in the New York Times
The CMS tape-archive rescue project was written up in the New York Times on October 21. See "A Ferment of World Jazz Yields a Trove of Tapes."
The author, Ben Ratliff, points out that CMS remains "underdocumented." That's true, CMS is so underdocumented that it's in danger of being forgotten altogether without articles like Ratliffe's.
But CMS is certainly not undocumented. Read Music Universe, Music Mind: Revisiting the Creative Music Studio, Woodstock, New York.
The author, Ben Ratliff, points out that CMS remains "underdocumented." That's true, CMS is so underdocumented that it's in danger of being forgotten altogether without articles like Ratliffe's.
But CMS is certainly not undocumented. Read Music Universe, Music Mind: Revisiting the Creative Music Studio, Woodstock, New York.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
CMS Luminaries Celebrate
Click on the image to enlarge it so that you can read about this very exciting event.
Go to symphonyspace.org for more info.
Go to symphonyspace.org for more info.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
More "Different Music"
There will be a repeat of this spring's "Different Music" Festival to benefit the Creative Music Studio's Archive Project
Friday October 10
8 PM
Joe Giardullo / Harvey Sorgen
"seraphic hep & the magic of juju"
9:30 PM
Marc Black Band
"his songs are great and his singing is superb"
- Paul Winter
Saturday October 11
4:30 PM
Rehearsal: The CMS Orchestra ( free audit )
"Woodstock Orchestra Workshop"
7:00 PM
John Lindberg and Eric Watson
A performance for double bass and piano
supported by Grants from Chamber Music America and
Meet the Composer and co-sponsored by Planet Arts, Inc
8:30 PM
CMS Woodstock Orchestra
conducted by Karl Berger
with Ingrid Sertso, voice, Don Davis, sax + clar., Peter Buettner, sax + flute, Jayna Nelson, flute, Sylvain Leroux, flutes + sax, Joe Giardullo, sax, Bob Selcoe, Paul Henderson, trumpet, Tomas Ulrich, cello, Ted Orr, guitar, John Lindberg, Tom Schmidt, bass, Tani Tabbal, drums
10:00 PM
Futu Futu
legendary Woodstock Worldbeat Band,with Joakim Lartey, Chris Lane, Ted Orr, Peter Buettner, Dean Jones, Mike Colletti, Jamiles Lartey
Colony Café, Woodstock, NY, 22 Rock City Road
creativemusic@verizon.net www.creativemusicstudio.org
$ 20 per day, $ 35 both days, seniors and students $ 15 / 25
Friday October 10
8 PM
Joe Giardullo / Harvey Sorgen
"seraphic hep & the magic of juju"
9:30 PM
Marc Black Band
"his songs are great and his singing is superb"
- Paul Winter
Saturday October 11
4:30 PM
Rehearsal: The CMS Orchestra ( free audit )
"Woodstock Orchestra Workshop"
7:00 PM
John Lindberg and Eric Watson
A performance for double bass and piano
supported by Grants from Chamber Music America and
Meet the Composer and co-sponsored by Planet Arts, Inc
8:30 PM
CMS Woodstock Orchestra
conducted by Karl Berger
with Ingrid Sertso, voice, Don Davis, sax + clar., Peter Buettner, sax + flute, Jayna Nelson, flute, Sylvain Leroux, flutes + sax, Joe Giardullo, sax, Bob Selcoe, Paul Henderson, trumpet, Tomas Ulrich, cello, Ted Orr, guitar, John Lindberg, Tom Schmidt, bass, Tani Tabbal, drums
10:00 PM
Futu Futu
legendary Woodstock Worldbeat Band,with Joakim Lartey, Chris Lane, Ted Orr, Peter Buettner, Dean Jones, Mike Colletti, Jamiles Lartey
Colony Café, Woodstock, NY, 22 Rock City Road
creativemusic@verizon.net www.creativemusicstudio.org
$ 20 per day, $ 35 both days, seniors and students $ 15 / 25
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso, and Anthony Braxton
Talk about your cosmic, international, coincidental convergences:
I was talking with Karl Berger a few weeks ago, and he told me that Anthony Braxton had happened upon a concert that Karl and Ingrid were doing inItaly
I was talking with Karl Berger a few weeks ago, and he told me that Anthony Braxton had happened upon a concert that Karl and Ingrid were doing in
Shortly after that, while on vacation with the family and waiting for our luggage at the
How weird! I hadn’t seen Anthony since 1977 or ’78 at the Creative Music Studio. I went over to chat, and he corroborated his meeting with Karl and the upcoming project.
Look for the recording (I don’t know when it will happen), and if you ever run across Anthony Braxton in an airport, make sure you go up and say hi.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
"Different Music": The First Festival to Benefit the Creative Music Studio's Archive Project
Presenting two days of extraordinary music with CMS alumni and friends at the Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, New York, on Saturday May 3rd, 8:00 pm and Sunday May 4th at 5:00 pm.
During the '70s and '80s, the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio was considered the premier study center for contemporary creative music. Founded in 1971 by Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso and Ornette Coleman, CMS brought together leading innovators in the jazz and world music communities.
A project to preserve the CMS collection of over 400 recordings is underway. The "Different Music" festival to benefit this archive project will present two days of extraordinary music with CMS alumni and friends at the Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, on Saturday May 3rd, 8:00pm and Sunday May 4th at 5:00pm.
Saturday May 3 at 8:00 pm
The CMS Orchestra "an improvising music extravaganza"
Conducted by Karl Berger and including Tani Tabbal, drums; John
Lindberg, bass; Ingrid Sertso, voice; Don Davis, sax and clarinet; Peter Buettner, sax and flute; Sylvain Leroux, flute and sax; Jayna Nelson, flutes; Tomas Ulrich, cello; Ted Orr, guitar; Joe Giardullo, soprano and sopranino sax; Rebecca Francks, trumpet; Steve Bernstein, trumpet; and
surprise guests.
Saturday May 3 at 9:30 pm
Futu Futu
This performance ushers in the return of the legendary Woodstock band with a World Beat Dance Party, with Joachim Lartey, Chris Lane, Ted Orr, Peter Buettner, Mike Coletti, Dean Jones, Jamiles Lartey.
Sunday May 4, 5:00 pm
Solo/Duo "gems of musical artistry"
Featuring Marilyn Crispell, Ingrid Sertso, Tom Schmidt, John Lindberg, Karl Berger, and surprise guests.
Sunday May 4 at 6:30 pm
Sylvain Leroux + Friends "West African echoes"
Organic music based on West African traditional forms, with Karl Berger, John Lindberg, and David Schommer.
Sunday May 4 at 8:00pm
Blob "spots and splashes of color that enlighten your brain"
Psychedelic experimental jamband with John Lindberg,Ted Orr, Harvey Sorgen.
Sunday May 4 at 9:30 pm
Ben Perowsky "leaves you feeling optimistic about the state of jazz"
Drum excellence with surprising turns.
The fundraising drive to preserve the CMS Archive will continue with performances throughout 2008/2009 including a concert on October 24 at Symphony Space in New York, with Anthony Braxton, Ingrid Sertso, Karl Berger, John Zorn, Bill Laswell, Steven Bernstein, Peter Apfelbaum and others to be announced.
The CMS Archive of audio and video tapes contains recordings from the CMS facilities in these recordings are Don Cherry, Anthony Braxton, Leo Smith, Foday Suso, Abdullah Ibrahim, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Giuffre, Frederic Rzewski, Carla Bley, Dave Holland, Paulo Moura, Nana Vasconcelos, Pauline Oliveros, Karl Berger, Baikida Carroll, Trilok Gurtu, Steve Gorn, Ismet Siral, Jack DeJohnette, Fred Frith, Oliver Lake, Lee Konitz, Leroy Jenkins, George Lewis, just to name a few.
CMS is credited as the birthplace of Worldjazz - the improvisational and compositional expansion of the world's musical traditions. Now one of the main driving forces in many styles of music, this concept was pioneered very early on at CMS, guided by authentic leaders.
Contact creativemusic[at]verizon.net for more information.
During the '70s and '80s, the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio was considered the premier study center for contemporary creative music. Founded in 1971 by Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso and Ornette Coleman, CMS brought together leading innovators in the jazz and world music communities.
A project to preserve the CMS collection of over 400 recordings is underway. The "Different Music" festival to benefit this archive project will present two days of extraordinary music with CMS alumni and friends at the Colony Café, 22 Rock City Road in Woodstock, on Saturday May 3rd, 8:00pm and Sunday May 4th at 5:00pm.
Saturday May 3 at 8:00 pm
The CMS Orchestra "an improvising music extravaganza"
Conducted by Karl Berger and including Tani Tabbal, drums; John
Lindberg, bass; Ingrid Sertso, voice; Don Davis, sax and clarinet; Peter Buettner, sax and flute; Sylvain Leroux, flute and sax; Jayna Nelson, flutes; Tomas Ulrich, cello; Ted Orr, guitar; Joe Giardullo, soprano and sopranino sax; Rebecca Francks, trumpet; Steve Bernstein, trumpet; and
surprise guests.
Saturday May 3 at 9:30 pm
Futu Futu
This performance ushers in the return of the legendary Woodstock band with a World Beat Dance Party, with Joachim Lartey, Chris Lane, Ted Orr, Peter Buettner, Mike Coletti, Dean Jones, Jamiles Lartey.
Sunday May 4, 5:00 pm
Solo/Duo "gems of musical artistry"
Featuring Marilyn Crispell, Ingrid Sertso, Tom Schmidt, John Lindberg, Karl Berger, and surprise guests.
Sunday May 4 at 6:30 pm
Sylvain Leroux + Friends "West African echoes"
Organic music based on West African traditional forms, with Karl Berger, John Lindberg, and David Schommer.
Sunday May 4 at 8:00pm
Blob "spots and splashes of color that enlighten your brain"
Psychedelic experimental jamband with John Lindberg,Ted Orr, Harvey Sorgen.
Sunday May 4 at 9:30 pm
Ben Perowsky "leaves you feeling optimistic about the state of jazz"
Drum excellence with surprising turns.
The fundraising drive to preserve the CMS Archive will continue with performances throughout 2008/2009 including a concert on October 24 at Symphony Space in New York, with Anthony Braxton, Ingrid Sertso, Karl Berger, John Zorn, Bill Laswell, Steven Bernstein, Peter Apfelbaum and others to be announced.
The CMS Archive of audio and video tapes contains recordings from the CMS facilities in these recordings are Don Cherry, Anthony Braxton, Leo Smith, Foday Suso, Abdullah Ibrahim, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Giuffre, Frederic Rzewski, Carla Bley, Dave Holland, Paulo Moura, Nana Vasconcelos, Pauline Oliveros, Karl Berger, Baikida Carroll, Trilok Gurtu, Steve Gorn, Ismet Siral, Jack DeJohnette, Fred Frith, Oliver Lake, Lee Konitz, Leroy Jenkins, George Lewis, just to name a few.
CMS is credited as the birthplace of Worldjazz - the improvisational and compositional expansion of the world's musical traditions. Now one of the main driving forces in many styles of music, this concept was pioneered very early on at CMS, guided by authentic leaders.
Contact creativemusic[at]verizon.net for more information.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Jimmy Giuffre
Jimmy Giuffre has died. Giuffre was an important guiding artist at CMS because he served as a bridge between a more traditional, "mainstream" approach to jazz and some of the freer, "outside" approaches to improvisation. Too many who came to CMS were inclined toward the latter without much grounding in the former. Emily Hay credits Giuffre as the one who convinced her to stick with flute when she was interested in branching out to saxophones.
Here's an obituary from the Washington Post.
And here's an article that appeared in All About Jazz in 2003 that covers the range of Giuffre's career very nicely.
The quality of this video is not too good, but it's a nice opportunity to see Giuffre in his younger days as he was moving out of more traditional jazz structures. The absence of a drummer in his small groups became one of his hallmarks.
Here's an obituary from the Washington Post.
And here's an article that appeared in All About Jazz in 2003 that covers the range of Giuffre's career very nicely.
The quality of this video is not too good, but it's a nice opportunity to see Giuffre in his younger days as he was moving out of more traditional jazz structures. The absence of a drummer in his small groups became one of his hallmarks.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Marilyn Crispell at Birdland April 29th
Marilyn Crispell came to CMS in 1977 and was one of a small number of folks who came with a strong foundation in formal musical education, having graduated from Boston's New England Conservatory of Music in 1968. It was at CMS where she made connections with Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor. You can see a video of her performing with Anthony in 1981, below. It's nice because it features another CMS alumnus who made his Braxton connection at CMS, trumpeter Hugh Ragin.
I was pleased to see this announcement for Marilyn's upcoming concert at Birdland, of all places.
MARILYN CRISPELL
A SOLO CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF HER NEW ECM RECORDING
April 29th, 6PM
Birdland
315 W. 44th between 8th and 9th
For reservations and information call 212-5813080
http://www.birdlandjazz.com/
I was pleased to see this announcement for Marilyn's upcoming concert at Birdland, of all places.
MARILYN CRISPELL
A SOLO CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF HER NEW ECM RECORDING
April 29th, 6PM
Birdland
315 W. 44th between 8th and 9th
For reservations and information call 212-5813080
http://www.birdlandjazz.com/
Monday, April 21, 2008
Steve Gorn
Much of the "world music" excitement took place in the later years at CMS. And because I was there in some of the earlier years (1976, '77, '78, '79), I missed a lot of it, including Steve Gorn. Nonetheless, I did managed to meet him in 1994, and from our interview came this testimonial:
There clearly wasn't much financial reward [from teaching at CMS], but there was obviously something going on that inspired people. This brought in a number of musicians who were really exploring with ways to integrate non-Western music into a jazz context. Practically everyone that has been significant in exploring in that direction passed through CMS at some point or another (from Music Universe, Music Mind, page 137).
I found some Steve Gorn videos on YouTube, but the videos that I found on Steve's own site are much better. Please check him out. Buy his records and go to his concerts.Very beautiful, very peaceful. I like beautiful and peaceful, don't you?
There clearly wasn't much financial reward [from teaching at CMS], but there was obviously something going on that inspired people. This brought in a number of musicians who were really exploring with ways to integrate non-Western music into a jazz context. Practically everyone that has been significant in exploring in that direction passed through CMS at some point or another (from Music Universe, Music Mind, page 137).
I found some Steve Gorn videos on YouTube, but the videos that I found on Steve's own site are much better. Please check him out. Buy his records and go to his concerts.Very beautiful, very peaceful. I like beautiful and peaceful, don't you?
Monday, April 14, 2008
Babatunde Olatunji
Babatunde Olatunji was another bright and loving spirit who contributed so much to CMS. He's also one whom I am sorry that I missed. I interviewed him on the phone, though, and it was clear to me that the man was infused with something joyous that others naturally wanted to be around to soak up.
It might seem odd, in a blog that's devoted to updates on the ongoing community of CMS, that this and the previous post are both dedicated to musicians who have gone on. Well, I was just so thrilled to have come across these videos, that I for the first time realized that this blog could also be a means for helping to keep the memory alive of those of the CMS community who have left the physical realm.
This first Olatunji video is a nice tribute to the man, made at his 75th birthday party. It's a fitting portrait of how much the man was loved, but also sad in that it was a time of decline, after which he soon left us, as noted at the end of the video. Kinda cool to see Joan Baez at the party, too.
The second is an in-studio performance that I believe was made for an instructional video. Please enjoy.
It might seem odd, in a blog that's devoted to updates on the ongoing community of CMS, that this and the previous post are both dedicated to musicians who have gone on. Well, I was just so thrilled to have come across these videos, that I for the first time realized that this blog could also be a means for helping to keep the memory alive of those of the CMS community who have left the physical realm.
This first Olatunji video is a nice tribute to the man, made at his 75th birthday party. It's a fitting portrait of how much the man was loved, but also sad in that it was a time of decline, after which he soon left us, as noted at the end of the video. Kinda cool to see Joan Baez at the party, too.
The second is an in-studio performance that I believe was made for an instructional video. Please enjoy.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Ed Blackwell
I was inspired recently by a young fellow--nineteen years old--from Connecticut named Kyle, who recently picked up Music Universe, Music Mind. Kyle was interested in my Ed Blackwell tales, and was led to remark, "Ed Blackwell is just a rarity, and anything of his deserves appreciation."
Can you believe that? Another rarity is the fact that such a young guy would even know who Ed Blackwell is, let alone have an appreciation of him.
Ed Blackwell, as much as anyone else I can think of, was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of CMS. He was a very loving, gentle, and generous soul. And the music just oozed out of him.I'm sure that he could have played with anyone and been right at home with what was happening. Africa, New Orleans, New York--Ray Charles, even!!!
Here, Kyle, you'll like this:
Can you believe that? Another rarity is the fact that such a young guy would even know who Ed Blackwell is, let alone have an appreciation of him.
Ed Blackwell, as much as anyone else I can think of, was the perfect embodiment of the spirit of CMS. He was a very loving, gentle, and generous soul. And the music just oozed out of him.I'm sure that he could have played with anyone and been right at home with what was happening. Africa, New Orleans, New York--Ray Charles, even!!!
Here, Kyle, you'll like this:
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Frederic Rzewski
I've never seen Frederic Rzewski, even though he was very active as a guiding artist at CMS, especially in the early years. Our paths just never crossed. And, strangely enough, he is just one of those figures who I thought I'd never hear and never see perform.
Well, thanks to the wonders of YouTube, there are at least snippets available and opportunities to see and hear others play and talk about his music.
Here's a very nice little bit with pianist Sara Cahill talking about Rzewski and giving us some samples. (So disappointed, though, that she suggests that Rzewski wrote "Down by the Riverside.")
And here's the man, himself.
Here's probably as good a place as any to start to learn more about him.
Well, thanks to the wonders of YouTube, there are at least snippets available and opportunities to see and hear others play and talk about his music.
Here's a very nice little bit with pianist Sara Cahill talking about Rzewski and giving us some samples. (So disappointed, though, that she suggests that Rzewski wrote "Down by the Riverside.")
And here's the man, himself.
Here's probably as good a place as any to start to learn more about him.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Art Ensemble of Chicago with Cecil Taylor (1984)
Wow! I can put YouTube videos of some of the leading lights of CMS (and maybe even some not-so-leading lights) into blog posts.
Well, duh. . . of course you can.
Watch this:
Well, duh. . . of course you can.
Watch this:
Friday, September 14, 2007
CMS Recordings Preserved
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
LEGENDARY RECORDINGS OF
CREATIVE MUSIC STUDIO TO BE PRESERVED:
More than 400 performances by ground-breaking composer/performers of the World Jazz and New Music genre (1972-1986).
INNOVATIVE PROJECT WITH PLANET ARTS IGNITES
NEW PHASE OF KARL BERGER'S CREATIVE MUSIC FOUNDATION
(WOODSTOCK, NY) Sept. 12: The Creative Music Foundation (CMF), in collaboration with Planet Arts, has launched a new project to preserve the recorded archive of the legendary Creative Music Studio (CMS). The CMS Archive contains more than 400 audio and video tapes of live performances by some of the world's greatest musical innovators, recorded from 1972 to 1986 at the CMS facilities in Woodstock NY. as well as other concert sites in the US.
The collection of recordings is unique in its artistic scope and depth, capturing spontaneous performances by some of the most outstanding and ground-breaking composers/performers in World Jazz, World Music and New Music. CMS served as an incubator for new music for nearly 15 years, providing a musical laboratory for contemporary masters, guiding ensembles of highly motivated emerging artists and expanding the language of contemporary improvised music.
Among the artists leading ensembles on these archive recordings are Don Cherry, Anthony Braxton, Leo Smith, Foday Suso, Abdullah Ibrahim, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman, Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Giuffre, Frederic Rzewski, Carla Bley, Dave Holland, Paulo Moura, Nana Vasconcelos, Pauline Oliveros, Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso, Baikida Carroll, Trilok Gurtu, Steve Gorn, Ismet Siral, Jack DeJohnette, Fred Frith, Oliver Lake, Lee Konitz, Leroy Jenkins, George Lewis, and others (a complete list is available at: www.CreativeMusicStudio.org).
The CMS/Planet Arts project is considered revolutionary in that the re-mastered recordings will be returned to the contributing artists for their unrestricted use. Selected tracks of these recordings will be made available by participating artists to be included in a special CMS series of CD/DVD compilations.
CMF is partnering with Planet Arts to create an imprint label (Planet Arts/CMS records) that will jointly promote the project and disseminate the recorded packages through the Planet Arts International network and to the CMS network of artists, contributors and members, as well as to educational institutions and dedicated radio hosts. Planet Arts Recordings is a GRAMMY Award winning,
not-for-profit, 501(c) 3 Label.
Founded in 1971 by Karl Berger, Ingrid Sertso and Ornette Coleman, the Creative Music Studio (CMS) brought together leading innovators in the jazz and world music communities. During the '70's and '80's, the Woodstock-based Creative Music Studio was considered the premier study center for contemporary creative music. Unprecedented in its range and diversity, CMS was an acknowledged phenomenon in the international music world, providing participants with the rare opportunity to interact personally with the musical giants of improvisation and musical thought on a daily basis.
CMS is credited as the birthplace of Worldjazz - the improvisational and compositional expansion of the world's musical traditions. Now one of the main driving forces in many styles of music, this concept was pioneered very early at CMS, guided by authentic leaders.
A popular book about the Creative Music Studio, "Music Universe, Music Mind: Revisiting the Creative Music Studio, Woodstock NY", written by Robert E. Sweet, was published in 1996 by Arborville Publishing.
For more information on the CMS/Planet Arts Archive project contact:
Thomas Bellino, Planet Arts
518 945 2669
planetarts@earthlink.net
<http://www.PlanetArts.org>
or
Karl Berger, CMS
845 679 8847
creativemusic@verizon.net
<http://www.CreativeMusicStudio.org>
Nick Didkovsky Doin's
News from Nick:
Tonight (Friday Sep 14 2007), two great bands playing my tunes, at two different venues:
1) Electric Kompany, 7:30 pm at the Ethical Society of Lincoln Center (64th st. and Central Park West).
The opening concert of the 2007-8 Wordless Music series.
EK will be premiering one movement of my new 11 movement suite "Human Dog" for EK and Ethel. Ethel won't be there tonight (the double quartet will premiere all of Human Dog on late October). But this should be an exciting preview!
For tickets/info http://www.wordlessmusic.tickets.musictoday.com/WordlessMusicSeries/calendar.aspx
2) Meridian Arts Ensemble, 7:30 pm Borden Hall, Manhattan School of Music
Part of the new Graduate Comtemporary Performance Program
The following pieces to be performed without pause:
Remedial Eminent Brass Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Fanfare for All Milton Babbitt (1993)
Denser Mealtime Brains Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Mini Overture Witold Lutoslawski (1982)
Mantra I Mark Applebaum (2006)
The Black Page no. 1 (solo drums) Frank Zappa (1977)
Saóko Tania Leon (1997)
Last Inane Dismemberer Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Dimensions Dafnis Prieto (2005)
Meanie Master Blinders Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Rock on
Nick
Tonight (Friday Sep 14 2007), two great bands playing my tunes, at two different venues:
1) Electric Kompany, 7:30 pm at the Ethical Society of Lincoln Center (64th st. and Central Park West).
The opening concert of the 2007-8 Wordless Music series.
EK will be premiering one movement of my new 11 movement suite "Human Dog" for EK and Ethel. Ethel won't be there tonight (the double quartet will premiere all of Human Dog on late October). But this should be an exciting preview!
For tickets/info http://www.wordlessmusic.tickets.musictoday.com/WordlessMusicSeries/calendar.aspx
2) Meridian Arts Ensemble, 7:30 pm Borden Hall, Manhattan School of Music
Part of the new Graduate Comtemporary Performance Program
The following pieces to be performed without pause:
Remedial Eminent Brass Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Fanfare for All Milton Babbitt (1993)
Denser Mealtime Brains Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Mini Overture Witold Lutoslawski (1982)
Mantra I Mark Applebaum (2006)
The Black Page no. 1 (solo drums) Frank Zappa (1977)
Saóko Tania Leon (1997)
Last Inane Dismemberer Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Dimensions Dafnis Prieto (2005)
Meanie Master Blinders Nick Didkovsky (2000)
Rock on
Nick
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Karl Berger and Friends: "In the Spirit of Don Cherry"
IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB
1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st)
NEW YORK, NY 10023
RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/
Sets At 8:00 & 10:00PM
Karl Berger and Friends: "In the Spirit of Don Cherry"
Sept. 19 at The Iridium Jazz Club
Steven Bernstein, tp, Peter Apfelbaum, ts/fl, Bob Stewart, tuba, Mark Helias, bass, Tani Tabbal, dr., Ingrid Sertso, vocals, Karl Berger, piano/vibes
A Symphony for Improvisors that continues the exuberant spirit of Don Cherry. Karl Berger brings together an All Star Group of the highest caliber. The music is emotionally charged, bringing together many world-musical elements in a relaxed mix of themes and improvisations.
Pianist/vibist Karl Berger is a six time winner of the Downbeat Critics Poll as a jazz soloist and the recipient of numerous Composition Awards. A long-time associate of Don', Karl formed the Creative Music Studio with the help of Ornette Coleman, where Don developed many of his musical treasures.
Trumpeter Steven Bernstein may be the ultimate Downtown jazz personality. Certainly, he's one of the most ubiquitous. Steven worked closely with Don in Peter Apfelbaum's "Hieroglyphics Ensemble".
If you're curious to hear what a virtuoso tuba player sounds like, you won't want to miss Bob Stewart. Bob played with Don on many occasions and is always good for improvisational surprises.
Saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum has been called "a visionary, galvanic performer / composer like few others of his time." Peter was Don Cherry's music director and associate for many years, touring the world with him.
Bob Stewart’s distinctive tuba playing has been featured with such artists as Don Cherry, Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Carla Bley, David Murray, Taj Mahal, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Arthur Blythe, and Freddie Hubbard to name a few.
Mark Helias is one of the finest acoustic bass players in contemporary jazz, a guy who can play inside as well as out and who stretches the boundaries in both directions. Mark also frequently performed with Don Cherry.
Drummer Tani Tabbal became known for his fluidity with odd and mixed meters, pushing the jazz medium along with blending world rhythms, His approach has been compared to Ed Blackwell, who was Don Cherry's favorite drummer.
Ingrid Sertso established herself as a captivating, adventurous vocalist, capable of blending jazz, African, South American and other world-beat influences into a distinctive, hypnotic sound. Ingrid was Don's favorite singer/poet. He asked her to write the lyrics to his famed song Art Deco, which is part of the repertoire of "In the Spirit of Don Cherry"
This is a show not to be missed.
1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st)
NEW YORK, NY 10023
RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/
Sets At 8:00 & 10:00PM
Karl Berger and Friends: "In the Spirit of Don Cherry"
Sept. 19 at The Iridium Jazz Club
Steven Bernstein, tp, Peter Apfelbaum, ts/fl, Bob Stewart, tuba, Mark Helias, bass, Tani Tabbal, dr., Ingrid Sertso, vocals, Karl Berger, piano/vibes
A Symphony for Improvisors that continues the exuberant spirit of Don Cherry. Karl Berger brings together an All Star Group of the highest caliber. The music is emotionally charged, bringing together many world-musical elements in a relaxed mix of themes and improvisations.
Pianist/vibist Karl Berger is a six time winner of the Downbeat Critics Poll as a jazz soloist and the recipient of numerous Composition Awards. A long-time associate of Don', Karl formed the Creative Music Studio with the help of Ornette Coleman, where Don developed many of his musical treasures.
Trumpeter Steven Bernstein may be the ultimate Downtown jazz personality. Certainly, he's one of the most ubiquitous. Steven worked closely with Don in Peter Apfelbaum's "Hieroglyphics Ensemble".
If you're curious to hear what a virtuoso tuba player sounds like, you won't want to miss Bob Stewart. Bob played with Don on many occasions and is always good for improvisational surprises.
Saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum has been called "a visionary, galvanic performer / composer like few others of his time." Peter was Don Cherry's music director and associate for many years, touring the world with him.
Bob Stewart’s distinctive tuba playing has been featured with such artists as Don Cherry, Charles Mingus, Gil Evans, Carla Bley, David Murray, Taj Mahal, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Arthur Blythe, and Freddie Hubbard to name a few.
Mark Helias is one of the finest acoustic bass players in contemporary jazz, a guy who can play inside as well as out and who stretches the boundaries in both directions. Mark also frequently performed with Don Cherry.
Drummer Tani Tabbal became known for his fluidity with odd and mixed meters, pushing the jazz medium along with blending world rhythms, His approach has been compared to Ed Blackwell, who was Don Cherry's favorite drummer.
Ingrid Sertso established herself as a captivating, adventurous vocalist, capable of blending jazz, African, South American and other world-beat influences into a distinctive, hypnotic sound. Ingrid was Don's favorite singer/poet. He asked her to write the lyrics to his famed song Art Deco, which is part of the repertoire of "In the Spirit of Don Cherry"
This is a show not to be missed.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Watazumido Doso Roshi
Watazumido Doso Roshi(1910-1992) is perhaps the most legendary of all modern shakuhachi players and teachers. He brought his concept of music as not music to CMS in the fall of 1981.
Go see http://www.shakulute.com/R-Shaku-Watazumido.html.
Were you there? Do you recall any of the sessions from this master's sessions? If so, please send me an email message.
bsweet[at]arborville.com
Go see http://www.shakulute.com/R-Shaku-Watazumido.html.
Were you there? Do you recall any of the sessions from this master's sessions? If so, please send me an email message.
bsweet[at]arborville.com
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