In these interesting times, I have had moments of turning to my record player for solace to reflect on some of the fantastic jazz musicians who have appeared at Lakeside, sometimes on more than one occassion. I share with you some of my favourite jazz tracks by musicians who have struck a cord with me for their musical talents – Ian Perry, Box Office Manager, Lakeside's in-house jazz expert on a series of jazz discoveries.
This week's jazz playlist rounds up the selection of musicians from US who have performed at Lakeside.
MARILYN CRISPELL – WILD ROSE
Marilyn Crispell came to prominence as part of the 1970s Avant Garde with the Anthony Braxton Quartet, Reggie Workman Group and Barry Guy New Orchestra. She came to Lakeside twice, first as a soloist in 2009 and again in 2012 with Eddie Prevost and Harrison Smith. I’ve veered more towards the solo concert with my choice but instead of something from the 2008 solo album Vignettes, I’ve gone for the earlier 2004 ECM album Storyteller, which is stunningly beautiful. She is accompanied by Mark Helias (bass) and Paul Motion (drums).
Further listening: Amaryllis (ECM 2001) Vignettes (ECM 2008) Anthony Braxton Quartet Birmingham (Leo Records 1991 – this was recorded live in Birmingham in 1985. Where any of you at that concert?)
THE BAD PLUS – POUND FOR POUND
The Bad Plus came to Lakeside twice so I’ve included a second track by them, this one an original by bassist Reid Anderson, from the album Made Possible.
Further listening: Reid Anderson Abolish Bad Architecture (Fresh Sound 1999) Craig Taborn, Reid Anderson, David King Golden Valley is Now (Intakt 2019)
CHRISTIAN SCOTT aTUNDE ADJUAH – WEST OF THE WEST
The first time I heard trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah I said “Whoa!” out loud. The track was West of the West. I sent a link of it to a friend. He said “Whoa!”. I’ve saved the liveliest track of this playlist to the end to leave you with a positive vibe. His 2015 concert at Lakeside was a blast of fresh air. He’d chosen an outstanding band of younger musicians: Elena Pinderhughes (flute) Braxton Cook (alto) Corey King (trombone) Cliff Hines (guitar) Lawrence Fields (piano) Kris Funn (bass) Corey Fonville (drums). Elena Pinderhughes was a great find. Christian was a massive presence, one of the characters in the HBO series, Treme, is based on him. I was in awe of him. I gave him a Robin Hood badge and he suddenly became so humble. He loved Robin Hood!
Further listening: Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Concord 2012) Ancestral Recall (Ropeadope 2019)