Jazz Source

Critics Agree Sonny Rollins No Longer Has To Try

Tarik — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:00:08 +0000

Addressing the suspicions of many, a statement released by the National Organization of Jazz Critics confirms that tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins doesn’t even have to try anymore.

“After much deliberation, we have collectively reached the conclusion that Sonny Rollins has our unconditional support.” the statement read, promising only glowing reviews for future endeavors and outlining his storied career using flowery and unnecessarily complicated language. “With each effort, Rollins takes his listeners on a journey to the edge of the galaxy, reminding us of the fragility of humanity whilst summoning the puissance of Thor himself.”

While the bulk of his major contributions were made during the 1950′s, Sonny Rollins, now 80 years old, continues to be a favorite of critics, earning “Jazz Artist of the Year,” “Jazz Album of the Year” or “Tenor Saxophonist” the last four years in the Downbeat Critics Poll. Downbeat contributor Ed Enright explained “He’s an unstoppable force really. He plays tenor sax, has a white beard, wears sunglasses and can play really high notes. I can guarantee anything he puts out will get universal acclaim.”

“I start every morning with ‘All the Things You Are’ from Sonny Meets Hawk” said All About Jazz critic Joel Roberts, adding “At this point he could fart into a trash can at the Blue Note and I’d be first in line for tickets.”

When reached for comment, Mr. Rollins expressed his gratitude but declined to comment further, saying only “It’s about goddamned time.”

McBride’s “Inside Straight” To Be Followed By More Adventurous “Outside Gay”

Tarik — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:00:18 +0000

Bassist Christian McBride announced this week that his wildly popular swing-blues quintet Inside Straight will take a backseat to his new, more adventurous project Outside Gay.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now, and with the musicians I’ve got on board I think we’ll be able to explore some new musical space and really push some boundaries” McBride said.

Joining McBride will be acclaimed pianist Jason Moran, rising star saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa and Bad Plus drummer Dave King. While Inside Straight draws its inspiration from hard bop and swing, Outside Gay will focus on free and avant-garde interpretations of pop and rock hits from the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

“We’ve been covering material from Creed, Rob Thomas, Savage Garden, Nickelback and even some Linkin Park. It’s been a complete joy to take these tunes and really make them our own. I just can’t wait for the tour.” King said.

When asked if the new project will be tackling any R&B or Hip-Hop from the turn of the century, McBride declined, adding “No, that shit’s gay.”

Kenny Garrett Running Out of Black Drummers

Tarik — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:00:21 +0000

Alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett revealed to Jazz Source this last weekend that he has exhausted Earth’s supply of loud black drummers, thereby forcing Garrett into early retirement.

“It’s a day I always knew would come. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.” said a pensive Garrett, sitting backwards on a chair with his instrument on a table beside him. “It’s been a good run, I have no regrets.”

Since the mid 80′s Garrett has continuously recorded and toured with a veritable who’s who of explosive black drummers. The long list of players includes Tony Reedus, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Brian Blade, Ronald Bruner Jr. and Chris Dave among others. Elvin Jones, long considered to be the godfather of loud, black drumming was featured on Garrett’s album African Exchange Student.

Jamire Williams, Garrett’s current and final thunderous black drummer, expressed gratitude for his time in the chair, saying “It’s an honor to be the last in a long line of intense, sometimes deafening black drummers. We all appreciate what he’s done for us and I wish him the best.”

Pat Metheny Engaged to Orchestrion Marimba

Tarik — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:00:24 +0000

Jazz Source has confirmed rumors that guitarist Pat Metheny is engaged to his Orchestrion marimba. The proposal was made backstage at their final international tour stop and was met with a jubilant major arpeggio.

“They’ve been close from the very beginning.” related a close source on condition of anonymity. “I’ve never seen two musicians so in tune with each other, it’s communication on a whole other level. Looking back, it makes sense that they would want to be together.” The source went on, attributing their musical connection to both time spent working together and the electrical signal sent from Metheny’s guitar to the marimba’s computer brain and actuators.

The Orchestrion Project uses “acoustic and acoustoelectric musical instruments that are mechanically controlled” to produce orchestral performances of Metheny’s original material. While the cymbals, bells, drums, and guitars of the group have been supportive of the engagement, Orchestrion’s piano was less than excited when reached for comment, saying “That bitch has been all over him since day one.”

Metheny’s spokesman declined further comment, only confirming a June wedding date and the couple’s honeymoon at Sandals Jamaica.