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Friday, December 31, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Los Angeles Jazz "Positootly" Grows at the Grammys
Of the 109 Grammy awards given, 6 of them go to jazz albums. In the universe of music, with jazz accounting for less than 3% of all albums sales, you might say the Grammys are very generous giving the jazz area 6 trophies. But if you like this music, and you dig into the five people nominated in each of these 6 categories, you will find some astonishingly good music.
A refreshing turn of events here is that the vast majority of the nominees come from small independent labels. (Perhaps this is not a surprise as the major labels have pretty much abandoned new jazz and spend most of their time mining their catalogs over and over again). And another wonderful discovery this year is the large number of Los Angeles-based musicians showing up on the short list.
A perfect example of this is found in the “Best Jazz Instrumental Album” category: three of the 5 nominees are either LA-based, or self-professed “bi-coastal” musicians. The Clayton Brothers turn in a grand project, “The New Song and Dance” on ArtistShare. The sentimental favorite and front-runner will be James Moody’s album “Moody 4B” from IPO records. (Moody was one of my early heroes, and he will be sorely missed with his passing this week). But for the moment let me dwell on the outstanding project that John Beasley turns in, “Positootly!” on Resonance Records.
The follow-up to Beasley’s “Letter To Herbie”, this album continues to show the pianist’s many talents. His improvising is exceptional; the compositions are interesting, harmonically challenging but still musical and constantly swinging. John reunites with Jeff ‘Tain” Watts on drums, and adds bassist James Genus to the mix this time. Their playing together is intuitive and always joyful. “Tain” is a master of the toms, and he plays inside and outside the beat with equal skill.
The album takes the listener on a wonderful journey through many styles and aspects of jazz, from jazz trio to New Orleans funk to a little electric jazz, to tango and songs that could easily have been written and performed by Miles Davis’ classic quintet. The whole project totally holds together with John’s distinct piano style and writing.
It is a pleasure to hear Bennie Maupin stretch out on this record and do some straight-ahead blowing. Brian Lynch on trumpet keeps pace with Bennie, and the whole band swings especially hard on the opening cut “Caddo Bayou”, as well as “Black Thunder”
The few compositions that are not originals are well chosen. Beasley’s take on Jobim’s “Dindi” is unique – if I did not know the tune I might not even recognize it in this swinging version. His tribute to Bobbie Timmons is wonderful. Bobbie was one of the most overlooked pianists and composers in jazz, and it is great to hear one of his songs again.
If you think you know this album after the first 5 cuts, think again. Beasley’s take on Piazzola’s “Tanguedia III” kicks off the second half of this album and is probably the most inventive cut on the album. Each of the following songs is different and wonderful in their own ways. And whenever Bennie Maupin appears on a cut, with his soprano or tenor sax, it kicks the band up another notch.
Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is “Positootly” worth buying.
A refreshing turn of events here is that the vast majority of the nominees come from small independent labels. (Perhaps this is not a surprise as the major labels have pretty much abandoned new jazz and spend most of their time mining their catalogs over and over again). And another wonderful discovery this year is the large number of Los Angeles-based musicians showing up on the short list.
A perfect example of this is found in the “Best Jazz Instrumental Album” category: three of the 5 nominees are either LA-based, or self-professed “bi-coastal” musicians. The Clayton Brothers turn in a grand project, “The New Song and Dance” on ArtistShare. The sentimental favorite and front-runner will be James Moody’s album “Moody 4B” from IPO records. (Moody was one of my early heroes, and he will be sorely missed with his passing this week). But for the moment let me dwell on the outstanding project that John Beasley turns in, “Positootly!” on Resonance Records.
The follow-up to Beasley’s “Letter To Herbie”, this album continues to show the pianist’s many talents. His improvising is exceptional; the compositions are interesting, harmonically challenging but still musical and constantly swinging. John reunites with Jeff ‘Tain” Watts on drums, and adds bassist James Genus to the mix this time. Their playing together is intuitive and always joyful. “Tain” is a master of the toms, and he plays inside and outside the beat with equal skill.
The album takes the listener on a wonderful journey through many styles and aspects of jazz, from jazz trio to New Orleans funk to a little electric jazz, to tango and songs that could easily have been written and performed by Miles Davis’ classic quintet. The whole project totally holds together with John’s distinct piano style and writing.
It is a pleasure to hear Bennie Maupin stretch out on this record and do some straight-ahead blowing. Brian Lynch on trumpet keeps pace with Bennie, and the whole band swings especially hard on the opening cut “Caddo Bayou”, as well as “Black Thunder”
The few compositions that are not originals are well chosen. Beasley’s take on Jobim’s “Dindi” is unique – if I did not know the tune I might not even recognize it in this swinging version. His tribute to Bobbie Timmons is wonderful. Bobbie was one of the most overlooked pianists and composers in jazz, and it is great to hear one of his songs again.
If you think you know this album after the first 5 cuts, think again. Beasley’s take on Piazzola’s “Tanguedia III” kicks off the second half of this album and is probably the most inventive cut on the album. Each of the following songs is different and wonderful in their own ways. And whenever Bennie Maupin appears on a cut, with his soprano or tenor sax, it kicks the band up another notch.
Whether Beasley wins the Grammy or not, the nomination is well deserved, and this project deserves to be heard, and not just in jazz clubs. It swings and rocks, and is “Positootly” worth buying.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Still some seats left for the Holiday Jazz Party December 16
Reservations are filling up, but there are still some seats left. If you want to attend the Holiday Jazz Party for the Homeless, please call the Catalina Jazz Club today - tickets start at $25 ($15 for students) call (323) 466-2210
JAZZ PIANIST, GEORGE KAHN HOLDS 5th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ASSISTING THE HOMELESS at CATALINA BAR & GRILL
Thursday EVENING, DECEMBER 16TH, 2010
Let the holiday season begin…with an evening of great Jazz that’s also a benefit for the Los Angeles homeless community. For the 5th consecutive year, Jazz Pianist, George Kahn, returns to the CATALINA JAZZ CLUB with a performance benefiting PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) VENTURES on Thursday evening, December 16th. Path Ventures, a community development corporation created by PATH in 2005, focuses on the construction of affordable housing for individuals and families in the Los Angeles area.
The George Kahn “Jazz And Blues Revue” will feature George on piano with an all-star band of LA studio musicians. Special guests include: John Fumo on trumpet, Chuck Manning on sax, Karl Vincent on bass, and M. B. Gordy on drums. Adding to the night’s entertainment will be vocalists Courtney Lemmon, Kelsea Cire and Dianne Wright.
The George Kahn “West Coast Jazz” Quintet is currently touring to support the new album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto. The 2-CD collection was released in June 2010 to outstanding reviews and national radio airplay.
The doors open at 7 PM for dinner and the show will begin at 8:30 PM. There is a $25.00 cover plus Minimum. (Students with ID, $15.00).
Special Dinner/show tickets are available in advance for a $100 donation to PATH VENTURES. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
All profits from the evening will go directly to PATH VENTURES
The Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 Sunset Blvd. (just east of Highland Avenue - parking on N. McCadden Place). Dinner reservations suggested. (323) 466-2210.
This concert is generously sponsored by Mortgage Capital Partners.
Come see for yourself why Alfredo Cruz calls George Kahn “…creative, entertaining, intelligent, sophisticated and stimulating.”
www.GeorgeKahn.com
JAZZ PIANIST, GEORGE KAHN HOLDS 5th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ASSISTING THE HOMELESS at CATALINA BAR & GRILL
Thursday EVENING, DECEMBER 16TH, 2010
Let the holiday season begin…with an evening of great Jazz that’s also a benefit for the Los Angeles homeless community. For the 5th consecutive year, Jazz Pianist, George Kahn, returns to the CATALINA JAZZ CLUB with a performance benefiting PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) VENTURES on Thursday evening, December 16th. Path Ventures, a community development corporation created by PATH in 2005, focuses on the construction of affordable housing for individuals and families in the Los Angeles area.
The George Kahn “Jazz And Blues Revue” will feature George on piano with an all-star band of LA studio musicians. Special guests include: John Fumo on trumpet, Chuck Manning on sax, Karl Vincent on bass, and M. B. Gordy on drums. Adding to the night’s entertainment will be vocalists Courtney Lemmon, Kelsea Cire and Dianne Wright.
The George Kahn “West Coast Jazz” Quintet is currently touring to support the new album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto. The 2-CD collection was released in June 2010 to outstanding reviews and national radio airplay.
The doors open at 7 PM for dinner and the show will begin at 8:30 PM. There is a $25.00 cover plus Minimum. (Students with ID, $15.00).
Special Dinner/show tickets are available in advance for a $100 donation to PATH VENTURES. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
All profits from the evening will go directly to PATH VENTURES
The Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 Sunset Blvd. (just east of Highland Avenue - parking on N. McCadden Place). Dinner reservations suggested. (323) 466-2210.
This concert is generously sponsored by Mortgage Capital Partners.
Come see for yourself why Alfredo Cruz calls George Kahn “…creative, entertaining, intelligent, sophisticated and stimulating.”
www.GeorgeKahn.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
JAZZ PIANIST, GEORGE KAHN HOLDS 5th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ASSISTING THE HOMELESS at CATALINA BAR & GRILL
Mark Your Calendars for Sunday December 16!
I have now been in the mortgage business for 22 years, and have had quite a ride with the ups and downs of our business. But as anyone who has been in the business can tell you, real estate has been very good to many, many people in Los Angeles. That is why, once a year I like to give back and help some of the people that are not fortunate enough to have a home to lay their head at night.
Once a year I host a Jazz Party and Fundraiser at my favorite jazz club, The Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. I put together a killer band and a great show including various guest vocalists, and we play our hearts out for PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) Ventures, a non-profit that builds permanent housing for people that have been homeless in Los Angeles.
This year the event is on Thursday, December 16. The doors open at 7:00 PM for dinner, and the music starts at 8:30. There are no long boring speeches. There is plenty of good food, drink and amazing music. My company, Mortgage Capital Partners, sponsors the music, so all the money we raise goes directly to PATH Ventures.
I could use your help, if you have a minute, especially if you live in the Los Angeles area:
1) Please consider buying a table at the show. A table for six costs $500, and includes a three course meal and the show (alcohol is extra). If you don’t have 6 people, you can buy a dinner/show ticket in advance for $100, and we will seat you with others. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
2) If you don’t want to come for dinner, you can still make show reservations for $25 per person ($15 for students). You can buy drinks or food when you get there, and while you are there you can make an additional donation to PATH ventures. For reservations, call Catalina Jazz Club (323) 466-2210.
3) If you can’t make the show at all, please consider sending a donation for any amount to PATH Ventures. If you send it before December 16, I can deliver it to the concert. Mail checks for PATH Ventures to attn: George Kahn, c/o 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90025
4) I can also send you a copy of the press release and a flyer, so you can spread the word.
Please see below for details. I hope to see you at the show – it will be the best holiday party of the season!
All love,
George
JAZZ PIANIST, GEORGE KAHN HOLDS 5th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ASSISTING THE HOMELESS at CATALINA BAR & GRILL
THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 16TH, 2010
Let the holiday season begin…with an evening of great Jazz that’s also a benefit for the Los Angeles homeless community. For the 5th consecutive year, Jazz Pianist, George Kahn, returns to the CATALINA JAZZ CLUB with a performance benefiting PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) VENTURES on Thursday evening, December 16th. Path Ventures, a community development corporation created by PATH in 2005, focuses on the construction of affordable housing for individuals and families in the Los Angeles area.
The George Kahn “Jazz And Blues Revue” will feature George on piano with an all-star band of LA studio musicians. Special guests include: John Fumo on trumpet, Larry Klimas on sax, Karl Vincent on bass, and M. B. Gordy on drums. Adding to the night’s entertainment will be vocalists Courtney Lemmon, Kelsea Cire and Dianne Wright.
The George Kahn “West Coast Jazz” Quintet is currently touring to support the new album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto. The 2-CD collection was released in June 2010 to outstanding reviews and national radio airplay.
The doors open at 7 PM for dinner and the show will begin at 8:30 PM. There is a $25.00 cover plus Minimum. (Students with ID, $15.00).
Special Dinner/show tickets are available in advance for a $100 donation to PATH VENTURES. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
All profits from the evening will go directly to PATH VENTURES
The Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 Sunset Blvd. (just east of Highland Avenue - parking on N. McCadden Place). Dinner reservations suggested. (323) 466-2210.
This concert is generously sponsored by Mortgage Capital Partners.
Come see for yourself why Alfredo Cruz calls George Kahn “…creative, entertaining, intelligent, sophisticated and stimulating.”
www.GeorgeKahn.com
I have now been in the mortgage business for 22 years, and have had quite a ride with the ups and downs of our business. But as anyone who has been in the business can tell you, real estate has been very good to many, many people in Los Angeles. That is why, once a year I like to give back and help some of the people that are not fortunate enough to have a home to lay their head at night.
Once a year I host a Jazz Party and Fundraiser at my favorite jazz club, The Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. I put together a killer band and a great show including various guest vocalists, and we play our hearts out for PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) Ventures, a non-profit that builds permanent housing for people that have been homeless in Los Angeles.
This year the event is on Thursday, December 16. The doors open at 7:00 PM for dinner, and the music starts at 8:30. There are no long boring speeches. There is plenty of good food, drink and amazing music. My company, Mortgage Capital Partners, sponsors the music, so all the money we raise goes directly to PATH Ventures.
I could use your help, if you have a minute, especially if you live in the Los Angeles area:
1) Please consider buying a table at the show. A table for six costs $500, and includes a three course meal and the show (alcohol is extra). If you don’t have 6 people, you can buy a dinner/show ticket in advance for $100, and we will seat you with others. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
2) If you don’t want to come for dinner, you can still make show reservations for $25 per person ($15 for students). You can buy drinks or food when you get there, and while you are there you can make an additional donation to PATH ventures. For reservations, call Catalina Jazz Club (323) 466-2210.
3) If you can’t make the show at all, please consider sending a donation for any amount to PATH Ventures. If you send it before December 16, I can deliver it to the concert. Mail checks for PATH Ventures to attn: George Kahn, c/o 12400 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90025
4) I can also send you a copy of the press release and a flyer, so you can spread the word.
Please see below for details. I hope to see you at the show – it will be the best holiday party of the season!
All love,
George
JAZZ PIANIST, GEORGE KAHN HOLDS 5th ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ASSISTING THE HOMELESS at CATALINA BAR & GRILL
THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 16TH, 2010
Let the holiday season begin…with an evening of great Jazz that’s also a benefit for the Los Angeles homeless community. For the 5th consecutive year, Jazz Pianist, George Kahn, returns to the CATALINA JAZZ CLUB with a performance benefiting PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) VENTURES on Thursday evening, December 16th. Path Ventures, a community development corporation created by PATH in 2005, focuses on the construction of affordable housing for individuals and families in the Los Angeles area.
The George Kahn “Jazz And Blues Revue” will feature George on piano with an all-star band of LA studio musicians. Special guests include: John Fumo on trumpet, Larry Klimas on sax, Karl Vincent on bass, and M. B. Gordy on drums. Adding to the night’s entertainment will be vocalists Courtney Lemmon, Kelsea Cire and Dianne Wright.
The George Kahn “West Coast Jazz” Quintet is currently touring to support the new album, Secrets From The Jazz Ghetto. The 2-CD collection was released in June 2010 to outstanding reviews and national radio airplay.
The doors open at 7 PM for dinner and the show will begin at 8:30 PM. There is a $25.00 cover plus Minimum. (Students with ID, $15.00).
Special Dinner/show tickets are available in advance for a $100 donation to PATH VENTURES. Please contact Emily at 310-996-1171 or emilyr@pathventures.org for this special package.
All profits from the evening will go directly to PATH VENTURES
The Catalina Jazz Club is located at 6725 Sunset Blvd. (just east of Highland Avenue - parking on N. McCadden Place). Dinner reservations suggested. (323) 466-2210.
This concert is generously sponsored by Mortgage Capital Partners.
Come see for yourself why Alfredo Cruz calls George Kahn “…creative, entertaining, intelligent, sophisticated and stimulating.”
www.GeorgeKahn.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
For Your Consideration - send George to the Grammys!
Just got the GRAMMY List - how cool, I have songs from the new album, SECRETS FROM THE JAZZ GHETTO for consideration in many categorys (this DOES NOT mean I am a finalist, just in the initial nominating ballot):
- Record of the Year, SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
- Song of the Year, SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
- Pop Instrumental, EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Improvised Jazz Solo, ANDY SUZUKI: EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Improvised Jazz Solo, GEORGE KAHN: MY FUNNY VALENTINE
- Instrumental composition, EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Instrumental composition, WALTZ FOR DIANA
- Best arrangement, instrumental OVER THE RAINBOW
- Best arrangement, vocals SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
IF YOU ARE A GRAMMY MEMBER, you can hear these songs at grammy365.com
http://www.grammy365.com/users/geokahn
and please vote by November 3 for your favorite songs!
- Record of the Year, SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
- Song of the Year, SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
- Pop Instrumental, EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Improvised Jazz Solo, ANDY SUZUKI: EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Improvised Jazz Solo, GEORGE KAHN: MY FUNNY VALENTINE
- Instrumental composition, EVAN’S ELEVEN
- Instrumental composition, WALTZ FOR DIANA
- Best arrangement, instrumental OVER THE RAINBOW
- Best arrangement, vocals SOMBRAS DE NOITE (NIGHT SHADOWS)
IF YOU ARE A GRAMMY MEMBER, you can hear these songs at grammy365.com
http://www.grammy365.com/users/geokahn
and please vote by November 3 for your favorite songs!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
The Passion Principle
I clearly remember the day about 20 years ago when I was visiting a Real Estate office in Marina Del Rey, looking for business. I was 1 year into being a mortgage broker, and had just landed a job with Jon Douglas Financial – the Marina office was one of my “accounts”. The manager of the office called me in to his office. He had heard that I used to play music, and that I still played in a band, now and then. He told me, in no uncertain terms, that I had better NEVER mention music in his office – I was there to do loans, and he did not want to hear anything except that I would be available to his Realtors, 24/7, to help them get their clients financing.
This was just one of many times in my business life where I ran into “my way or the highway”-type managers. These leaders programmed me to believe that if people knew I did anything else besides loans, they would not work with me and somehow they would think less of me.
But over the years something amazing happened. I realized that people are MORE interested in me when I shared who I really am. Authenticity is attractive. Countless people in California can do a home loan. Not everyone can do a home loan and play a burning solo on Miles Davis’ “All Blues”.
There has been much written about the work-life balance today: how to balance the demands of a workplace that has fewer people doing twice the work, while still having a family life, a creative life, and a spiritual life. Now I know, there are a handful of people that say, “I love my job! My job is my life!” More power to them, but really, I don’t know anyone that, on their deathbed, said “I regret that I did not spend more time at the office.”
So, how do you integrate your passion with your business? Well, the question behind the question is: What are you passionate about?
I am lucky. My parent’s blessed me with a creative streak a mile wide. I love to play and compose music. I love photography. I love to write, to journal, to blog. I love to paint. I let me passion for jazz constantly spill over into my daily business. I share my performances with people at netowrking meetings. When I start a new loan, my clients get a gift of a “new Age” CD that I produced, to help them stay calm. Then, at the end of the transaction, I usually send people a gift basket with one of my jazz CDs and a couple of bottles of nice wine. And of course I invite all my clients to the jazz gigs and events that I play at. In sharing my love of jazz I have done loans for owners of music studios, many people in the entertainment business, as well as lawyers and CPAs that work with entertainment clients.
Once you have found it, how do your share your Passion with your friends and business associates? It’s easy – just open your mouth, and say it. Your passion is contagious and attractive.
This was just one of many times in my business life where I ran into “my way or the highway”-type managers. These leaders programmed me to believe that if people knew I did anything else besides loans, they would not work with me and somehow they would think less of me.
But over the years something amazing happened. I realized that people are MORE interested in me when I shared who I really am. Authenticity is attractive. Countless people in California can do a home loan. Not everyone can do a home loan and play a burning solo on Miles Davis’ “All Blues”.
There has been much written about the work-life balance today: how to balance the demands of a workplace that has fewer people doing twice the work, while still having a family life, a creative life, and a spiritual life. Now I know, there are a handful of people that say, “I love my job! My job is my life!” More power to them, but really, I don’t know anyone that, on their deathbed, said “I regret that I did not spend more time at the office.”
So, how do you integrate your passion with your business? Well, the question behind the question is: What are you passionate about?
I am lucky. My parent’s blessed me with a creative streak a mile wide. I love to play and compose music. I love photography. I love to write, to journal, to blog. I love to paint. I let me passion for jazz constantly spill over into my daily business. I share my performances with people at netowrking meetings. When I start a new loan, my clients get a gift of a “new Age” CD that I produced, to help them stay calm. Then, at the end of the transaction, I usually send people a gift basket with one of my jazz CDs and a couple of bottles of nice wine. And of course I invite all my clients to the jazz gigs and events that I play at. In sharing my love of jazz I have done loans for owners of music studios, many people in the entertainment business, as well as lawyers and CPAs that work with entertainment clients.
Once you have found it, how do your share your Passion with your friends and business associates? It’s easy – just open your mouth, and say it. Your passion is contagious and attractive.
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