Roy Haynes and the Fountain of Youth Quartet

Yesterday evening Felipe and I joined our friend Anna and some visitors from Barcelona for an evening of wonderful jazz with Roy Haynes and the Fountain of Youth Quartet. Dizzy's club is one of my favorite venues in the city - not only is it close to our apartment (a definite bonus for me), but it has amazing views of Central Park south and Columbus Circle.

I was quite excited to hear that Roy Haynes was playing in New York City. Felipe and I saw Roy Haynes perform at the Duc des Lombards in Paris when we were there last, and swore that we would see him if he ever came to NYC.

Mr. Haynes (aged 84!) has had a very prolific career - playing with such jazz greats as Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Pat Metheny, Thelonius Monk, and many many others. He's had a very successful career on his own, including touring with the Fountain of Youth Quartet. He even has a set of Zildjian Drumsticks styled after him.


He gave a great performance as expected with his quartet, including: Jaleel Shaw on the alto/soprano saxophones, Martin Bejerano on piano, and David Wong on the bass. They were all fantastic - complimenting each other perfectly. I think my favorite was Jaleel Shaw's performance on Roy Haynes song "James" - I just loved it!

Here's a short video of "James", it starts with a drum solo from Mr. Haynes and then around the three minute mark gets back into the main part of the song - it's about a five minute clip, but I suggest you watch it through (it starts out a bit slow).


He's so cool - after his set he was spending some time walking around the club talking with people. Felipe and I were able to greet Mr. Haynes and congratulate him on a wonderful performance. It was such a fantastic evening, nights like these make me so grateful that I live in a city like New York City.

Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy...

Last night was fantastic! Mom, Felipe and I spent the evening, listening to jazz under the twilight sky, dragon flies over the heads of the crowd, and a hazy lingering heat. This was the opening evening of Lincoln Center's Out of Doors, and they had two performing groups - the first was Amir ElShaffar and the Two Rivers Ensemble and the second was the Dave Brubeck Quartet with a special guest, Simon Shaheen.





Amir ElSaffar and the Two Rivers Ensemble is headed of course by Mr. ElSaffar who blends Iraqi music with Jazz - and I have to say, the combination was so engaging...just wonderful.

After their set, there was the set I was looking forward to - a jazz legend, and a national treasure - the Dave Brubeck Quartet. I have had the good fortune of seeing Dave Brubeck twice before already, and it still moves me. Even at the age of 89, Dave Brubeck can really wail on the Piano like it was 50 years ago!



He and the others played a few songs, including a wonderful version of Stormy Weather and Three to Get Ready.







Then they invited Simon Shaheen, a wonderful musician who plays the Oud and Violin to come on and play a couple of songs with them. His oud playing was masterful, and a great treat to listen to.





The last song they did was Dave Brubecks legendary Take Five. Simon Shaheen joined in the song, playing the violin. It was amazing! It brought me close to tears it was so beautiful, and the addition of the violin made this - to me - the best version of the song I have ever heard. It seemed natural to add it to the quartet, and the notes of the violin joined the song as if it had always been meant to be played as such. I hope they make a recording of the collaboration.

In the end, all I can say is it was an incredible night of wonderful music, in a city that I can't believe! In total we saw two great musical acts, enjoyed a full two and a half hours of jazz, and it was totally free and practically in our back yard! I love this city.