Garry and Janice Siegel
Diane and I attended a day of jazz at the Mohonk Mountain House yesterday with friends. We saw two absolutely amazing concerts and had a wonderful dinner at this historic resort right here in the Catskill Mountains. One concert was a trio led by the fabulous Janice Siegel of the Manhattan Transfer with pianist John DiMartino and bassist Martin Wind. The solos and ensemble playing were exceptional. Janice demonstrated her amazing vocalese style, the influence of which she credits to Jon Hendricks. Check them out if they are ever in your area.
Brubeck Brothers Band
The other concert was The Brubeck Songbook which featured the Brubeck Brothers (Chris and Danny) with Hilary Kole and Michael Bourne. Hilary’s classic jazz voice can be heard on her recording with Dave Brubeck of his ballad Strange Meadowlark, which she performed at this concert, skillfully accompanying
Garry and Chris
herself on piano. Michael Bourne, who narrated the show, is the voice of WBGO radio in Newark, NJ, where he has brought great music to the public for decades. I went to the Interlochen Arts Academy during my high school years with Chris Brubeck, so the reunion was a special event for me. Chris is an accomplished composer
Garry and Danny
and master on the bass as well as the trombone. Danny took an extended drum solo in Take Five, which blew everyone away. World-class guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb completed this incredible quartet. The Brubeck Brothers travel extensively, keeping the seminal music of their father Dave alive and extremely resonant! Check them out at Yoshi’s Jazz Club if you are in San Francisco this Wednesday (1/18/17).
