There’s a nice article in today’s New York Times about the Apollo Theater, the iconic Harlem venue famous for launching the careers of many familiar names, like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/27/arts/music/27apol.html

In 1963, James Brown struck gold with an unexpected hit release from a live recording of a 1962 performance at the Apollo, modestly titled “Live at the Apollo.” Less known is the fact that James Brown went on to release three more Apollo performances, from concerts during 1968, 1971 and 1995, respectively.

And yes, Funky Drummer fans, that’s Clyde Stubblefield playing on the 1968 album, “Live at the Apollo, Volume II” (2-discs). L-E-G-E-N-D !

They’ve got great new digs (read the article from Dane101). I appreciate that the UW-Madison, and John Wiley in particular, recognized the campus radio station’s value to the community and their need for support. Congratulations and keep the music pumpin’!

Al Roberson’s Facebook page, organizer and lead member of Art of the Moment.

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment, that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. In proportion as he simplifies his life the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor will poverty be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”

Art of the Moment is/was…
Robert “Cujo” McKenzie (vocals), Albert Roberson (piano, flute, bass clarinet, saxophones), Bryan Husk (alto sax, piano)

All of us graduated from U of Michigan, but I lost contact with both these important figures until just recently. I’m so glad we have rediscovered each other!

I appreciate Al’s quote, in part because during the 15 years that we lost touch with each other, I have lived my life in a manner that is to some degree consistent with the quote’s message, or at least have discovered it’s message to be true as I’ve moved through time. It is a testament to the influence that that moment, these people, our band had on my life then…and still does today. I know Cujo feels the same way. Truly and genuinely, the Art of the Moment.

P.S. The quote is from Henry David Thoreau, and I admit, I had to look it up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Wow. This just kills me. I got a hold of some new music, including Kenny G’s “Breathless” album. Inspiring. I hit the song “G Bop” for kicks and darned if I didn’t hear Clyde’s famous drum lick start off the track. Say it ain’t so…but alas, it’s true!

From http://whosampled.com

Clyde and Kenny, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G…yuck!

JUST ANNOUNCED!

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is playing the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI on Saturday, March 28th. KDTU has been through Madison before and if you’ve seen them, you know how deep their grooves go. Expect to see a packed house and lots of get down dancing. Tickets are only $18.

To double (or at least increase by 25% to 40%!) the value of your Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe ticket, the Clyde Stubblefield Show will be performing a set from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to warm up the crowd. If this ain’t one of the best lineups for a funk show in Madison, then you’re not paying attention. We can’t wait to play for you. See ya at the gig!

Check it out. The spring and summer are filling in…

I caught a saxophone forum post that shared these online resources. I thought they were useful enough to share here, as well.

http://www.cannonballmusic.com/fingering.php

http://www.petethomas.co.uk/saxophone-altissimo.html

http://www.levelthreesolutions.com/saxcharts/chartview.php?chartid=24

It looks like The Jimmys are confirmed to play The Blind Pig Pub in Austin, Texas on Friday, March 19th at 7:00 p.m., sponsored by Broadjam.com.

Make it a vacation and join us! It should be a music blast!!

The Jimmys have been invited to play a 45 minute set in downtown Austin, Texas on Friday, March 20th at the Blind Pig Pub as part of the Red Gorilla Festival.

It’s not a money-making gig, but it should be a lot of fun for a band featuring the talented Jimmy Voegeli (B3 Hammond, piano), The Crashers and the Clyde Stubblefield Horns (me - tenor/bari sax, Pete Ross - alto sax, Chad Whittinghill trumpet/flugel horn).

Now all we need to do is figure out how to get there. It’s only 1,181 miles away. While my new Outback would love to eat up the miles, it’s just too far to be practical (~19 hours). Currently, flights are running at ~$500, although there were some available for ~$300 a week ago. Let me know if anyone finds a good deal from Madison to Austin from Thursday to Sunday…

From the 1978 movie, Rockers. I gotta see this one…Roots, Rock, Reggae! One Love! Or-igi-nal muzik from Jamaica! Bring dat beat back…