On drums...

Just scored tickets to see the McCoy Tyner Trio in a great theater setting, in the beginning of May.

One of my favorite piano players; right up there with Monk, Evans, Powell, Hancock...

...and he's one of the ones that's alive.

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Fantastic, Cliff. Where is he playing?

I listen to his "Guitars" album a lot, and while I am not all that enthusiastic about all the guitar stuff, the drum, piano, bass section is fantastic.

_________________
Gregory

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Teri and I had front row seats for a performance by a legend last night – McCoy Tyner Trio at the One World Theatre, in Austin.

Everything about the venue is a welcoming and comfortable experience, and it is a small intimate venue.

McCoy is aging and frail. He came out and spoke to audience about his sincere gratitude for life itself, and for being able to be there and play for us, and said, ‘Now I’ll sit down, shut up, and do what I came to do’.

Some Tyner classics, a beautiful piano solo piece dedicated to his wife, and some piano work that just made me laugh. The band was not his peers, but each player was enthusiastic, and Tyner seemed to enjoy spotlighting the younger musicians.

At the end of the show, McCoy took a few steps forward towards the edge of the stage, and we made eye contact; I was able to reach out, shake his hand, and thank him for the performance, and all of the enjoyment I have taken from his work.

A good night.

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Nice, Cliff. Sounds like a great evening, and thanks for the report.

As a side note - I'm not sure why it seems related - Cupola had one rehearsal with a bass player of considerable ability - probably the best bass player I've ever played with - and does our music suddenly have dimensionality and interest, even when the guy does not know the songs - which is most of the time. Then they are screwed up, in an interesting kind of way

There is no substitute for musicianship!

_________________
Gregory

Great read Cliff. Very happy you got to see someone you look up to and really appreciate.

It reminds of one of the last times Buddy Rich played. He came out with two people walking him across the stage, he looked crippled.
When they sat him down though, it was if they plugged him in.
I was seated over his head on a balcony. Awesome view. He was gone a few months later.

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Buddy really was a freakin' force of nature. And it still amazes me that even with the reputation his big band had that he was relegated to doing a lot of gigs at high schools and similar venues. But fortunately for a lot of us, that's where we got it see him!!

- D.