MUSIC THIS WEEK

Sunday, August 30, 2009 

Music this week...

My gradual return to life in New York continues. Of course, the reason why I am here is for the music and this week it was very satisfying to hear some great music--two nights at smalls: Tuesday with the Fred Hersch trio (Matt Penman and Eric Macpherson) and Saturday with Joe Magnarelli's band (Rich Perry, Rick Germanson, Ugonna Okegwo and Marcello Pelliteri.) 

Fred's set was really beautiful--I think it is a function of all the solo playing I have been working on this year that I appreciate Fred's playing more than ever. He knows the instrument so well and plays with grace and a wide range of textures and harmonic nuance. It was a real piano lesson to hear him. It's also inspiring that the last few years during which he has had on and off again health problems that he keeps coming back and playing at the peak of his ability. 

Mags set was also great--I used to play a lot with Ugonna, Marcello, Joe and Rich in a lot of different contexts from my earliest days in New York almost 25 years ago, so it's a very familiar feeling to hear them even though it's been a while since we were on a bandstand together. (Although I did play one concert with Ugonna this summer...) Anyway, three cheers for smalls and Spike Wilner for keeping this great New York venue going.

I'll be there with my trio (Otis Brown III and Johannes Weidenmuller) this Wednesday September 2nd 9 to 12 so come by if you are in New York.