Improvisations on Reality

I’m noticing that I’m leaning to the horns more and more in spotlighting, which I find rather ironic because I’m a lot more inclined to strings. But what can I say, if it strikes, it strikes.

A New England-born who transplanted into California, Boney James is a staple in smooth-jazz collections. His style is distinctly urban-contemporary; he’s versatile in tenor, alto and soprano saxophones and carries an undertone that I classify as the storytelling style, which I personally love. I think the following may go without saying, but what I find is that when a saxophone starts going romantic, about 75% of the time I hear a melody that completely takes away from the skill of the player, from the inspiration behind the song and puts a spotlight right into what the hell, turn that off, sap meter alert.

"Boney" James Oppenheim

Boney James, born James Oppenheim, does not do sappy. Oh, he toes that line on occasion, and if you heard the album Shine then you may see what I mean in Dedication, but his saxophone carries a bit of a spoken-word quality. It’s as though when he writes his music, he doesn’t think of the horn as an instrument, but as a person that is trying to say something.

The effect makes for a world of difference and this shows in abundance with both original compositions and his covers of the classics.

For instance, mosey over to Seduction, released in 1995 and get to the last track, the cover of Ain’t No Sunshine. You may’ve heard the vocal versions, you may’ve heard other covers, but – and this I can promise you! – this is by no means the way you would expect a saxophone to cover it. The instrument isn’t just playing, but singing it in a way that you would expect a vocalist; every emotional inflection behind the original lyrics is translated into a smooth, flowing, beautifully paced cover. That, ladies and gentlemen, takes skill and a lot of soul.

As I mentioned, I’m no romantic, habitually, but that cover sure as hell taps the sentimental side in me. Without setting off the infamous Sap Meter.

If you want to see what he’s really capable of, I strongly recommend Ride as your comparison. Where Seduction can count as a perfect background to Valentine’s Day, Ride taps the urban side and brings a hearty R&B flavor to the previously demonstrated capacity. See What I’m Sayin’ is a perfect strut-worthy track that once again channels a bit of a vocalizing tone to the instrument and adds a slick R&B beat to the story. As to what the story is, leave that to the listener. Another winner in the ‘not romantic’ department on that album is RPM, easily my favorite from the majority of his older albums. Tempting bass intro that explodes into an addictive, intricate piece that is perfect for a fast drive on a twisty road. Or a speedwalk through New York City streets, but your mileage may vary, as usual. :)

When he released his newest album, Send One Your Love, Boney James mentioned that he wanted to make it a ‘make-out album’. I was, truthfully, surprised. Why? Because seriously, going through his discography, I can pick out a makeout-session-caliber compilation just from his existing work. This isn’t an insult – considering I’m as far from romantic as they come, if I actually like romantic music, it’s a major, major stamp of approval. So when I got back from the cruise and iTuned it, I was very, very surprised.

Immediately, I was intrigued by his version of Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart) – a sentimental, borderline 3 on the Sap Meter (couldn’t help it, Boney, sorry!), but one that actually made me stop, look and listen, not to my heart but to the way that it’s played. I had to smile, if only because this set the tone for the majority of how the rest of the album flows. And when I heard City of Light (click for the Youtube posting of this song, you will not be disappointed), I only said one thing, “That’s what I’m talking about.” It’s a perfect story in a song, and if you live in a large city, or visited one, or walked in one, you will undoubtedly relate to it. I certainly did, in this vignette.

Boney James routinely features R&B singers, as well as multiple other artists, within his work. Now, I will confess that I do not like lyrical music anywhere near as much as I like instrumental, but in the true show of skill, he balances it well. 2006 Shine featured Dwele to great effect, but what impressed me most was, as in my usual style, something purely instrumental. Tenor saxophone and George Benson’s guitar spun into a delightful fabric of melody that was quite appropriately named: Hypnotic. Take a listen. Don’t be surprised if it lingers.

Have I seen Boney James live? Oh, yes. And just like on every album, he brings every facet of his creativity – from Sap Meter-setting romantic, to intricate stories-in-melody, to dance-worthy grooves – into his live shows. The energy that you may hear on the albums is one thing, but the way he translates it to stage, it’s something that defies my writing capacity. Very, very few things match the kind of party he’s capable of throwing.

Keep on keepin’ on, Mr. Oppenheim. Cannot wait to see what else you can come up with.

K.G.

2009 is wrapping up in a matter of days and, of course, everything is quiet in the office. So I am taking this time now to get some writing done.

Because of the worst writer’s block I’ve had in a very, very long time, I’ve let Book 4 sit unfinished for most of December. I had the plot, but once the pressure of the Nov 30th deadline eased off, the writer’s block crept in and kind of lingered. I made some headway on editing/retrofitting Book 2, with my friend Ian’s help (major kudos to him for helping me out with this; was going to go stir-crazy otherwise), but Book 4 just kind of sat there.

Until earlier in the week, when the muse gave me a solid kick in the head.

(took it long enough, says I!)

So while the office is empty, I am going to put together the remainders of Book 4, as much as I can. I am going to finish out Ch. 10 at the very least and sketch out the ending scenes. The funeral, the segue into the next arc – that’s on my menu today.

No, no spoilers, not yet.

I will definitely post a scene from Book 2 soon. And as soon as the first draft of it is done, there is a free CreateSpace proof waiting to happen. Cannot wait!

K.G.

Semi-crosspost from the NaNo forums, which are still alive and well…

Dear Muse,
I want to know where the hell you’ve been this entire damn month, and why the blue loving HELL didn’t you kick the writer’s block’s arse sooner.

I’ve not written A WORD on my NaNo novel past what I’ve done for NaNo for over three weeks. Your lack of attendance is unsatisfactory, Muse.
No love,
me.

Dear Kataria,
Okay, so you’re on your way to kick ass. And now what?!

Help me out here, wouldja?
Your Creator.

Dear Plot,
THANK YOU, you’re back!!!
Me.

Dear Romantic Side,
Seriously, the eve of a battle is not the time where my two main characters, who spent the last 3 books dancing around the elephant in the room emblazoned with “LOVE!” on either side, to go slow-dancing. Shut up. Seriously. I know you like this sort of stuff, but bloody hell, let the FMC actually come out of this battle ALIVE for a change?! We’re not done with the damn skirmish!
No love (ha!),
The Author

Dear Jason,
You’ve evolved from Books 2 and 3, I’ll grant you that. In fact, it’s great that with the gaining of your abilities, you really grew into the rest of the story. But all of that aside, in dialogue, you’re way too much like your real-life counterpart. Stop making me laugh when I’m trying to write the damn dialogue.

LOL.
me.

I’m a horrible procrastinator, which is well obvious, because I’ve been promising to do this one forever. The last day of Jamaica.

The Q&A, once again in the Cohobo Lounge, was mainlined by Nick Colionne with Jonathan Butler joining in as well. Now, there’s a reason for my use of the word ‘mainlined’, and that reason is – Nick is a natural emcee. You see it in his shows – and I definitely recommend checking out his tour, as well as the new CD – and it came through in abundance with the panel. While we all know Warren was the brainchild behind this, on this panel, Nick’s interpersonal charm took full lead. Jonathan’s answers showed an abundance of faith – considering his style leans heavily into Gospel, this is not a surprise, but together, this was the most fun panel to date.

<<fast-forward the sun, fun and delicious creme-brulee, as usual>>
*recordscratch* Actually, nope. :)

The final dinner was actually on the beach by the East Lawn, where the stage was set up. Just a hundred feet or so away from the lawn, a short pathway walk down, there is a stretch of beach that was set up with a series of buffet tables with some delicious food, some of it native to Jamaica and oh-my-delicious. I was joined by Estella (hello darling, if you’re reading this!) and several other lovely people. Great conversation, many hugs were had, many numbers exchanged. I’m sure that there are some people that are reading this now, so hello readers :)

The final show was definitely one of the best, and I will admit to being a little sentimental, because in the very short time that this trip was, I got so used to the atmosphere. Surrounded by exotic smells, foods, amazing people, excellent music – that is what dreams and dream vacations were made of, I say.

First up – Mr. Butler.

Now, I am not a religious person by any means, but I do appreciate Gospel music once in a very, very long while. Aside from that, though, I do have one song of Jonathan Butler’s that stands out in a way that I wish I could explain in better words. It calls to me in a certain, very peculiar way, as though it reminds me of words that I wish I could’ve said to one person or another. And I’ve had people – as I’m sure you had too; whether friends or lovers – that you’d ask “What happened to you and I?”.  Hearing that song live firmly puts Jonathan Butler onto my cool list, for good. And yes, I did get a little bit wistful; I do have some people wherein I ask, “What the hell happened there?”

And then…the man of the hour, Warren Hill.

Now, if there is ever a time for me to be surprised, that was truly it. Warren, a Canadian-born Berklee School of Music alum, with a voice that speaks like a Twilight Zone character (I know there’s an episode with a man who speaks exactly like that, no joke) and sings something amazing, proved his versatility on stage. Between the alto and soprano saxophones and his voice, he proved in abundance that he loved his music and held a good degree of appreciation for his fellow musicians on stage. His best number was Still in Love, dedicated to both his wife Tamara and his parents, who were also both in attendance.

A special surprise was in the form of Olivia Hill, who took the stage with a revival of Billie Holiday’s God Bless the Child – and surprised the hell out of everyone. If talent runs in the family, then this is a perfect example; Olivia has an amazing, Broadway-caliber voice that gave the song a classic, full-bodied richness that I didn’t expect to hear. Jonathan’s joining her onstage was the perfect finishing touch.

Then, the rest of the musicians came up to the stage to do a rousing rendition of Hey Jude. That was an excellent touch to finish off the night; the applause was amazing and, of course, there was the after-party.

However, that one I had to miss because I had to – of course – pack up and get a catnap before I had to go to the airport in the morning.

And for breakfast, at the airport lounge…because seriously, I woke up at 6am to make the shuttle, you think I had coffee time?…Jerk sausage. Most delicious thing next to jerk barbecue ribs that I’ve ever had, and that’s excellent.

And that, ladies and gents, was my trip to Warren Hill’s Jammin’ in Jamaica.

Until next year,

K.G.

ETA: Nov. 2009: Jammin’ in Jamaica, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 writeups.

Dear Muse,

Is it a little too much to ask if I’d like consistent attendance? I had a kickass scene ready and waiting for you to arrive so that I could get to putting words to the Word file. So, finally, a chance to do so and I don’t recall giving you permission to go AWOL.

And now I can’t even write much more than this post?

Quit with the one-night stands already.

No love,

Kat.

Yeah, yeah, yeah – I need to do the last day of Jammin’ in Jamaica.

But I interrupt your normally scheduled procrastination to bring you the following:

I am, at last, heading to Berks Jazz Festival in March.

As in, the 20th Anniversary of Berks. As in, I cannot bloody fucking wait. The hell with language. Berks or bust!!

Excuse me, I will have a celebratory jig around my office and raise a slice of NY cheesecake in celebration.

K.G.

Because my muse has ADD and deserted me, of course I’ve taken a break from both Books 2 and 4. Until now.

It’s raining, number one, and the funk that I was in owing to some work-related issues had finally begun to lift. So I’m reviewing Book 2; ironing out a few odd errors in the first couple of chapters. The retrofitting stage is mostly done; I don’t think I have to put in another scene that seeds out the overall plot – but that may change. I do need to read it through closely. There’s a few odd, interesting points from Book 1 that I can really, really get into in Book 4 as well (Thanks, Ian) that I need to be careful with also.

Yes, here we go again.

The thing is, if I power through most of it, I will be able to have it done and ready as quickly as by close of year – although, realistically, I doubt it will happen. Thanks to NaNo, I get a free proof copy and after that, back we go again on the grind. If you don’t recall the absence of sleep I had going on with the edit of Book 1, I’m into much the same for Book 2. Awesome.

Syntax is definitely going to be an issue, if only owing to the fact that I didn’t get a solid hang of the style and rhythm until Book 3.

Plot….oy. Yes, that’s my biggest concern.

But this is what I am, and this is what I do. Let the good times roll.

K.G.

Sorry for the lag – life/job issues had taken forefront throughout the week.I look forward to my day off on Monday, so I can catch up on my writing.

Before everyone went for the after-party on Day 2, Warren announced a change of venue for the panel of the following day – instead, it took place in the delightful Cohobo Lounge. The Cohobo was a bright, sun-flooded expanse of deep wood tones and a vaulted ceiling, complete with an almost curio-styled case of liquors and another case – of cigars. A lounge indeed, and a perfect setting to the Jeff Golub panel.

Jeff, like so many of us, slept in. Except, unlike so many of us, he was late to the panel. :) We don’t fault you, Jeff, because sleep is tough to come by (take it from this insomniac!).

This time, questions were a lot less along the line of “where is this music going” and “what’s happening with the audience”, but a lot more along the “what trials and tribulations did you have so far?” That’s when I found out that sometime at the show last night, the sprinklers went off in the back. Which explained why one of the ladies from Destination Concerts had damp hair; I frankly didn’t notice or realize that was what happened until that moment. Warren and Jeff spoke of one show at a rather upscale place, when the sprinklers went off throughout the entire lawn

Nick Colionne jamming with Jonathan Butler. Photo credit to Mme. Estella Taylor-Greene

right when they were announced. Murphy’s Law? Maybe, but oh, the mental image… If I work this into my sci-fi writing somehow, I think I’ll have to credit those guys.

I will again fast-forward the sun-and-fun portion of the evening and steal a pic from a friend of mine. Turned out that I am not the only veteran of the Smooth Music Cruise and not the only New Yorker – which is very awesome. So yes, thank you Estella, for having a good camera. As you can see, that night was Nick Colionne.

Now, what can I say about Nico?

First of all, he’s Chicago, so you know what this means: blues. Although he is classified as smooth jazz – still the greatest misnomer I’ve heard thus far – he plays a fantastic blues riff and you hear a lot of Wes Montgomery in his playing. As I found out later, that’s exactly what he grew up listening to. Completely not surprised; influences always find a way of showing up through current work.

The other thing you have to know about Colionne is that he is hilarious. Whether in conversation or addressing the audience, it’s a near guarantee that he’d either 1. raise your eyebrow, 2. make you laugh or, as in my case, 3. both.

So, that said, it all brings me back to Day 3 of the best vacation ever. And in retrospect, I should’ve written this up sooner, because I can no longer remember the exact words. To make a long story short, Nick’s CD sales pitch involved addressing the ladies in the audience with a good measure of hilarity. I know I heard at least one, “He did not just say that” next to me, but yes, he did say that and yes, it was crack-up-worthy.

Up there with Nick was another great performer, Mr. Jonathan Butler, whose show I will review when I review Day 4. Which will be…whenever, by this stage.

The after-party/jam session was, frankly and without exaggeration, better than the last. Warren and Euge came together on my favorite tracks, Ain’t No Sunshine and Mercy Mercy Mercy. The last, dare I say it, is a jam session requisite. There’s only one jam session that I can think of that can top this: Smooth Music Cruise 2009. Steve Cole, Michael Lington, Mindi Abair blasting into it and for the life of me, I cannot recall if Marion was in on that one. I think he was, and ahh that was good.

I think I crawled into bed at…maybe 2am that night? I don’t remember anything, save for being bone-tired and happy.

K.G.

ETA: Nov. 2009: Jammin’ in Jamaica, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 writeups.

First thing I remember about this is…room service is the best way to have breakfast. No joke.

My room had a balcony, so after I washed up, got dressed and room service arrived with some of the most decadent eats that I’ve had to date, I was going to eat while sitting out there. The air around the resort smelled like honeysuckle, oddly enough, except that it was drizzly. So, instead I caught up on my NaNo work with Book 4.

Also note this: Jamaican coffee is amazing. Take it from this coffee buff.

Now, back to the course of events.

One of the standard things about destination concerts, whether they are the Montego Bay getaway or a jazz cruise, there is an artists’ panel, wherein the artists answer the audience’s questions and get a good feel for how the audience likes the music that they receive. The very first panel, I was there with my notebook in hand (noveling, not interview jot-downs!), and the gents on panel were Euge Groove and Bobby Lyle.

One thing that I observed was that a lot of the questions and remarks from the audience were that  jazz music – specifically contemporary/smooth – has been slowly squeezed out of the airwaves. It’s something that I noticed in abundance when CD 101.9 shut down here in NY and turned to rock instead – and, considering that it was the station that began my love affair with this music, it’s rather saddening to know that this is where it was going.

So, I speak up, and bring up that I am, point blank, the youngest person here and that my generation largely disregards this style of music. Incidentally, when I would bring a friend to any show, they would have an amazing time. So I ask: what can I do, and what can the musicians do to show the younger crowd that this music is out there and waiting?

Euge and Bobby’s replies were that I have the concept right: bring people in, show them the party and let them come back. Because – and my own experience shows it – they do come back once they get a feel for what ‘smooth jazz’ really is. It also brings back the Spyro Gyra show at the Blue Note, wherein the same thing happened: I’m the youngest person there, I brought in a friend of mine, and now she’s anxious to get into another show – because she loves it.

Fast-forwarding past sunning myself with the Caribbean Sea next to me and reading Master and Margarita until I ceased looking pasty (if you don’t know me in person, know this: I’m one of those people who get so pale that they’re damn near transparent in the winter), it was time for dinner and then, Jeff Golub.

Food was decadent, as usual, and so was the creme-brulee for dessert.But never mind the dessert – that was the show itself, truly.

When I think about Jeff Golub, I think immediately of Avenue Blue, more specifically Nightingale. I have a major affinity to the guitar as a whole and what Jeff does there is tweak the tone to where it very strongly reminds me of old-school funk a la John Tropea and bends the strings into this slick, sly, intricate piece of blues that is a surefire way to please to both jazz and old-school funk fans alike.

So, by the time I went down to the outdoor stage, I will admit to having an expectation. And, Mr. Golub did not disappoint.

His style and skill were definite and irrefutable, especially when he blasted straight into Shuffleboard off his newest album (Blues for You, 2009, and damn is it good). The rhythm was utterly infectious and smacked very strongly of the same old-school funk that I love very much with Nightingale. S-l-i-c-k.

This time, however, there was another person joining in and that was Nick Colionne. Which posed the question, what do you get when you combine old-school funk with a sound that smacks heavily of the late, great Wes Montgomery? The answer was that night. Astounding show, astounding contrast of styles on guitar and I can think of no face left unsmiling.

Now, I shall add this about Nick Colionne – the first time I met him was on the Smooth Music cruise in January. At that event, he was the host of the jam sessions, which went on from midnight to last man standing…which was usually about 3-4am. I had a stateroom right under the theatre and while I loved what I heard, it certainly didn’t make for a good night’s sleep (never mind also that the boat creaks horribly when you’re at the nose…which I was…yeah.) So the minute I saw that signature hat on stage, I started grinning because I knew very well what I was in for at the after-party.

I just wish I could remember where I got the energy to crawl into bed afterwards. Between the music, the food and nowhere near enough coffee, I think I was out before my head touched the pillow.

Annnd tomorrow: Nick Colionne, Jonathan Butler and NaNo by the sea.

K.G.

ETA: Nov. 2009: Jammin’ in Jamaica, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 writeups.

Now that I’m kind of, sort of recovered from the tropical contact high… (okay, cut the Beach Boys reference, but c’mon, that was just too appropriate…) I have a lot of catchin’ up to do.

I heard about this by route of a friend: Warren Hill, the original mastermind behind jazz cruising, was putting together a destination event in…Montego Bay, Jamaica. Now, those three words are effectively magic for me; I wanted to go to Montego Bay for years and chasing music was something that I got hooked on when I went on my first jazz cruise in January. I was sold, and thanks to Donna at Destination Concerts (whom I love very much!) I was sold for real.

The flight was via American Airlines and I will recommend them to the last. Awesome service, good luggage handling, smooth and short layovers – you cannot ask for anything more out of an airline, I’m certain. Flying in, I was sitting at wingside both times and the first time, hapless me was sitting next to the jet engine. Since I learned the hard way that airplanes make me sleepy…well, let’s just say I had no sleep for the NY-Miami leg. For the Miami-Jamaica leg, I was wingside at the window and got a hell of a view when the plane went through a storm cloud. A little scary, quite exciting and all the while, it sealed that chasing music, especially to destinations like Montego Bay, is the best hobby ever. (debatable, of course, but for me…no other)

Stellar sunset in Montego Bay

The resort, the top-of-the-line Ritz Carlton at Rose Hall, was amazing. Vaulted ceilings, wood accents and a ready smile from the staff set the most amazing of scenes. The adjustment to ‘island time’ was a little odd; I’m the quintessential New Yorker who juices up on coffee

and walks at a clip that can mow down a tourist. To adjust to suddenly taking time, relaxing and having everything readily available without a rush was a little strange at first, but oh, how quickly one learns.

I was immediately amazed at the views, even before the music kicked off. The sunsets are what “romantic” scenery is made of (and I honestly thought I squashed my inner romantic years ago, but I do admit – there is a little bit of that still remaining when I’m in a scenery like that) and the food is astounding.

The very first dinner, after some amazing barbecued ribs, I received a surprise when Warren Hill made the rounds of all the booked guests and welcomed us to this event – a truly gracious host, to say the least. Me being a booking agent as well as an author, I played the shameless opportunist (Sorry, Warren!!!) and got to chatting.

The first show, featuring Euge Groove, was phenomenal. As you may have gathered in my review of Marion Meadows, I’m highly picky with my saxophones, so when Euge took the stage, I was skeptical. After about the first ten minutes of high-energy, dance-ready music, the skeptic had been readily tossed overboard.

Euge surprised us that night by introducing Sunday Morning – title track of his new CD – and describing it as Gospel-infused jazz. A first? Quite. Enjoyable? Oh. Yes. A second surprise came in the form of the piano powerhouse Bobby Lyle on the keys. Now that is how I like my piano.

That night, when I came home (or the hotel room, but sure felt like home), I discovered two surprises: Jonathan Butler’s CD Brand New Day on one bed…and a couple of chocolates on the other. Ritz provides dark chocolate. I’m sold, for whichever time.

Unfortunately, that was also where I was exhausted to no end. I was awake at 3:00am to fly out to Montego Bay and it was about 1:00am the next day by the time Euge told us all good night. I knew there was an after-party in there somewhere, but trust me: when your eyelids feel like lead, you are 10,000 words away from winning NaNoWriMo for the fourth year in a row…you want to go to bed. A lot.

And you know, it was a hell of a sleep that night. Considering I’m an insomniac and don’t rest as often as most people, that was a great night’s sleep.

Tomorrow: The panel, the sea, Jeff Golub and the after-party jam.

K.G.

ETA: Nov. 2009: Jammin’ in Jamaica, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 writeups.