Those who listen to Jazz quickly recognize the names Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker, three exceptionally talented musicians who would play for James Brown. In the 1960’s and 70’s when James Brown used to perform, these three, who were asked to “hit me!” and “take it on out,” developed a unified style while playing trombone and saxophone together.
After a 20 year hiatus, in which each separated into their own successful careers, these greats plan to perform together on Thursday at Town Hall. The three different styles which they bring to the table, a mixture of Jazz and Funk, is expected to produce an exceptional show. Furthermore, depending on the sucess levels of this event, brings about ideas about future shows. The group even plans to create a record.
Whether a fan of jazz or not, one should definitely check out their work. Here is a link to the article; surely this event will be a successful reminder of their immense talent.
What the article stresses, is that the individual players had different styles that melded together to drive the James Brown band. Brown was most definitely a funk band, but the different stylistic tendencies of these three players (who, by the way, are NOT particularly famous, with the exception of Maceo Parker) provided a rich mixture that helped provide the distinctive James Brown sound. Another example of how the artistic whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.
Not gonna lie, my first introduction to jazz music was the soundtrack of the Disney animated movie, Aristocats. It inspired my older brother to invest in some Louis Armstrong cd’s which, in turn, inspired me to run around the house yelling “here comes mack the knife!” at the top of my lungs (sometimes it was ‘jack the knife’ depending on my mood.) Antonio Hart’s brief performance was enough to show me that Jazz live is 10 times more awesome.
And while we are talking about awesome soundtracks, the animated movie Oliver and Co. has an awesome one featuring none other than Billy Joel. And although, judging by reviews, I stand alone on this topic, it is not without reason. Favorite animated films feature show tune pieces promising eternal everything if you would just believe! performed by Broadway’s biggest names. The eternal universality of wishful thinking keeps those songs popular; however, this movie’s soundtrack successfully offers something entirely different—music to fit the rhythm of New York. Instead of becoming dated, the music preserves the eighties setting in a manner that 21st century viewers can appreciate.