Jazz at 30

I spent a few hours over the weekend working on a new jazz track. I still want to work on the guitar and piano parts a bit.

Thirtysomething Bop by Brother Seamus

August 27, 2009

This is the last day of my 20s - sigh.

Lester Young was born 100 years ago today.

Hardcoretet

This summer I have discovered two Seattle bands that I like and that I think have some hope of going beyond flash-in-the-pan status. I first saw each of them at the Triple Door Musicquarium, which may seem kind of square (maybe, I don't know).

The Raggedy Anns describe themselves as being influenced by "Django Reinhardt, Dr Seuss, Kinks, The Ventures, Julie Andrews, Libertines, Acid rain, and Buddy Holly." Although that may seem pretentious and hyperbolic, it isn't; the band lives up to its influences. Buy their new album and go see one of their shows now if you want in on the "I was into them when..." party.

The Hardcoretet is a jazz quartet that plays fusion-influenced grooves and, aside from their original compositions, can bang out a very respectable cover of Hancock's "Sly". They are well matched in terms of musicianship; all are expert at their instruments and young for it. If you have $10 I beseech you to pre-order their album. It is good to support real local talent when it comes along.

Mason Lake

The Mason Lake trail starts a couple of dirt-road miles off of I-90 at the end of Forest Service Road 9031. It gains about 2,400 feet of elevation over about 3.4 miles, so it lets you feel the burn. It was a beautiful, cool August day for hiking. It had been four years since I last hiked - that was in Boulder. It was nice to experience some real alpine majesty again.

Nate's Beach House Pics

I ended up getting hit with a migraine on the way to the ferry line and spent a couple of hours laying down in the dark Friday night. Fortunately, Chris had codeine from injuring his foot on the job and after a couple of those I spent a numb night by the fire. By morning I recovered and the rest of the weekend was the bees knees.

Phish (Jess' Pics)

One girl, no cup.

Phish