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some weekend jazz in vancouver
| Message Board > Show Reviews > some weekend jazz in vancouver |
| Sati User Info... | I'm writing this because I really think some evidence of the show should be recorded somewhere for posterity but I know I can't really do it any justice. A friend called me about it the night of and I couldn't believe it - Ron Samworth (guitar), Tony Wilson (guitar), Dylan van der Schyff (drums) and Skye Brooks (drums), 4 of THE most brilliant local improvisers ALL TOGETHER with this visiting bassist from Sweden, Joe Williamson. I'm really not all too sure what the deal is with these jazz shows, but its like everything has to be hush hush and not spoken about. Thats against everything I'm about. The fact that even hardcore fans miss seeing their favorite players because of it sucks, and that shows end up drawing less than 20% of capacity? Well, I like that cuz then no one's distracting me or talking through it... but still, everyone who missed out! -its a crying shame. I remember Nev speaking with an organization about automating their show listings but they were concerned that as a result too many people would then be privvy to them. HUH???? Of course, I have no business talking about all these exclusive scenes either. Skye didn't make it on account of the snow, which isn't TOO harshly unfortunate for me, given that I had been able to see him play in different projects more recently, as opposed to the other 3 who I managed to miss almost completely during jazz fest. I caught a glimpse of Dylan but he was playing to this huge, packed house where people could wander in and out, and he was playing some crazy, quiet, stuff which I couldn't get into, probably due to all the distraction. Same with Ron, from what I remember. They really do get into some "CHALLENGING!" stuff at times. So Saturday they, how do I say this with all eloquence, BLEW MY MIND. It really is amazing how lucky we are to be able to watch players like that up close, and so often, right here in town. Totally enjoyable, listenable, rhythmic... yum. Ron kind of hung back a bit at times while Tony went at it, but the times he did kick in reminded me of the times I'd first seen him when I was thrilled at how a he could rock out and get so f'n heavy during a jazz set, but thats Ron. Its just in him - I don't get how he's never been in metal or cool punk bands. But maybe he has. You guys on the island probably have more opportunities to see Tony, since I think he plays all the time out that way on some little islands, so those of you who'd mentioned you were blown away by some guitar heavyweights who visited Victoria, should check out who you have locally. He's a maniac, and totally brilliant. I'm not saying this lightly. I have seen him do SUCH a wide variety of work, and I don't know if he's ever left me less than stunned. It would have been great to see Skye with them since he's comparatively part of the younger crew, so it would have been exciting for me. I'm sure that he's already had the pleasure many times, but I've missed those shows. But getting to see Dylan again, in that room, in those intimate circumstances... well, the result of the whole experience was that my eyes literally teared up for a second. I can't describe what sets him apart, but like the rest, its far beyond jaw-dropping skill, and creativity in using the instrument up the wazoo - but something soothing and inspiring and energizing that just flows. He can do so little and express so much, or do so much and just kill. People like that freak me out. I refer to them by first name, but its not like I've ever been able to stammer out more than a shy thank you to most of them. They all seem down to earth and really personable too. I wish I could say more about the guy who brought them all together, Joe Williamson, but I was so focussing on the time I got to spend with the other three who I was so stoked to see again, that I just took him for granted. To me it was all flawless and magical, and I heard that the night before he played a solo set in a totally different capacity (voice/guitar?) to a pretty receptive audience. Finally, I ran into Cem Zafir there, which was a nice surprise. Cem's an independent promoter (Zula productions) who over the years has brought some internationally renowned improvisational groups (such as Atomic!) to town, which is a huge risk given that even high end improv isn't the easiest thing to sell. For what sounds like pretty immense amounts of effort, he's earned pretty immense amounts of gratitude from a small handful of fans, in the know. We've got a pretty exceptional jazz festival who're cool enough to shine a light on these kinds of players from time to time but its small promoters like him who help keep this kind of thing alive year 'round. Look for him doing his thing out on the islands as well! Anyway... best show of the year!!! ('kay, screw the typos, i'm going to sleep now) - Wed, 7 Jan 2009 10:53pm Edited: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 11:03pm | ||
| denny User Info... | You have the craziest taste in music. All over the map, it's great. I have no idea who any of these people that you wrote about are, but it was definitely an interesting read none-the-less. The Vancouver music scene needs more people like you! - Fri, 9 Jan 2009 3:23pm | ||
| Sati User Info... | Hey Denny, forgive the late reply, but thanks! Its such a struggle trying to articulate why good music's good. And there are loads of us around with really eclectic tastes, i.e. don't travel with a pack, aren't tru... ha! I've generally gravitated towards heavier stuff, but the crowds are so watered down now, they don't really feel as intense anymore. So its just good to see shows, whatever kind they are, where everyone's on the same page. - Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:09pm Edited: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:22pm | ||
| denny User Info... | It can be quite hard to articulate why good music is good. I go through that every other week while writing for The Skinny Magazine. I couldn't agree more with the watered down statement. The local punk scene is especially hurting it seems. I guess the big city ultimately spoils everyone. All kinds of people will come out of the woodwork to see the bigger more popular acts that tour through town. However metal seems to be doing alright. On an unrelated note I finally saw Last Plague this weekend, they were really good. - Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:07am | ||
| Sati User Info... | Yeah, but you're a writer and able to pull it off. I find it a real struggle and a disservice to the musicians when I can't and no one else does. About the watered down thing, now you've set me off. I seriously need some DARKNESS. There doesn't seem to be any contrast these days, and I'm losing it. I go to metal shows and there's all these former punks going on about how they only like metal and lecturing me on it, and I don't ever see any of the black metal guys I used to, which I used to find kind of grounding. i take back what I wrote about not publicizing shows, i'm gonna start crashing jam spaces. I'm glad punk is hurting, maybe real punks will rise up and show what commitment is about. i'm shocked that no one's carrying jay brown's torch, it makes me want to go back and re-read all his posts just to be reminded. glad you saw that show, i missed it. i'm going to go snarl at happy people now. - Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:32pm Edited: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:33pm | ||
| Sati User Info... | i'm sorry, i'm talking shit. i'm pretty sure the weather's affected me the last couple of weeks and with the sun suddenly hitting, i'm going loopy. - Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:44pm | ||
| denny User Info... | Well not all punk is hurting. Just the local bands still struggling to make a name for themselves. Snfu, DOA and the Rebel Spell still pack the house. And that damaged art punk sound seems to be a big thing lately. But as far as the straight up punk goes, the scene has hit a lull. That's why I find myself now avoiding the shows that I know will be packed and instead going out to support the bands that need the bodies. Then hopefully they'll repay the favour when Jones Bones resurfaces to play to no one. It was a really good show on Friday and I'll have a review of it in the upcoming issue of The Skinny coming out on Friday. Sorry about turning you jazz thread into punk rock bawling. - Sun, 18 Jan 2009 2:00pm | ||
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