I did not watch the Oscars a couple weeks back. Which means I missed hearing the incomparable Cynthia Erivo b.1987_39ya, transform a, sorry to say it, mediocre song into what might be the greatest performance in the 97 year history of that event. Clearly, I haven’t seen them all but it is hard for me to imagine anyone matching the mastery on display in that moment.

Ariana Grande does a wonderful job on Over the Rainbow, despite the modern popular singer trend of sliding all over a note like it’s not quite good enough without embellishment.

Enjoy it here:

Well yes, I did watch Vision Quest (1985_41ya) last night. The star of film is the song Lunatic Fringe (1981_45ya) by Red Rider. A splendid treat of rock guitar goodness full of synth embellished hooks and general deliciousness.

Forgot about Madonna singing in the film, and is that Forrest Whitaker?

Red Rider's frontman Tom Cochrane had a hit 10 years later with Life is a Highway, 1991_35ya, but I think that's about it for Red Rider.

Enjoy!

Most (musicians anyway) have heard this old joke.

An anthropologist is studying an indigenous tribe in the jungle. He hears drums playing off in the distance. He's a little worried about what the drumming might mean. He asks the native chieftain about it and is told, "It's ok, but very bad if drums stop." The drumming continues for quite a long time, and the anthropologist notices everyone around him becoming agitated. He enquires again about the drumming and is told again, 'Very bad if drums stop.'

Suddenly the drumming stops. In a panic, the anthropologist yells "The drums stopped! What happens now?" The chieftain replies, "Bass solo."

This video gives the lie to that old slam. Both the playing and the venue are sublime. Kham Meslien⤴︎ gives a mesmerizing solo performance. Watch it here:

Kham Meslien - Cosmo Jazz 2023 - ARTE Concert

Here's a treat. Jason Parker Quartet giving us beautiful renditions of Nick Drake songs.

Great vocals from Michele Khazak.

This get-together was recorded about 37 years after Love, Devotion Surrender. LDS was a tribute to John Coltrane. Santana's fans hated it (not ready for it,) but it is amazing. The Montreux performance is a great showcase of Santana's lyricism matched with a harmonic master in McLaughlin.

Time Remembered

I found this gem yesterday, buried on Disc 9 of the Bill Evans Complete Riverside Recordings. Zoot Sims is inspired. Jim Hall on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums. Tracked it down on YouTube. Perfect for a Sunday morning.