Davo-London Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Phil and I have just seen Zawinul in the Jazz Cafe in London. This is a really small venue. The band were scalding, boiling, bubbling and charging along. Oh my. The pace, the rhythm section. Oh my. The band were on a different plane. The sense of time and groove was just overwhelming. I'm lost for words ... Oh my Davo "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo-London Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 I've just celebrated 2 years on the forum. And "Davo", whoever he is, hasn't posted for 6 years!!!! Can I have his username oneday? Davo "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 I'm still a little lost for words, Davo. That was such an incredible gig. I'm glad we were both there as if it was just me people might take my postings as crazed ramblings (no change there then!). Noticable how happy Joe Zawinul looked, who can blame him? I'm off to do some work now and I'll post more on this later. Davo and I have seen some great gigs between us but this was the greatest musical experience I've had. It seriously flashed through my mind for seconds to just give up playing and I've never felt like that before. Seconds later that feeling was converted more to inspiration. Mostly I just felt pure joy. That was amazing! http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 It seem almost sacriledge to talk about such ordinary concerns as gear and specific instruments (it was such a collective band) but here's some anyway. Linley Marthe played this oddly worn old jazz bass: http://jazzns.eunet.yu/linleyphoto_files/linley.jpg He played with an incredible capacity for maintaining intensity. A played a fair amount of unison parts with Joe Z but also solos, improvised groove parts and incredibly fast, even and intense 16th note parts. He made a lot of use a wah pedal. Linley used Markbass gear. Overall the sound balance was amazing but occasionally he would sit back low in the mix underneath the waves of percussion and drums. It was great to hear those Weather Report tunes. I said to Davo beforehand that Joe doesn't normally play the old Weather Report stuff but they featured a couple from the later Jaco era (I'll have to get Night Passage out to ID them - I struggle with the tune names from that period - Port of Entry and Fast City???). They also incorporated a big chunk of Gibraltar which was a huge highlight for me. Linley laid down a fast, bubbling, high register line that went on and on and on under the pentatonic riffs of that tune. http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Linley playing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qX7AWuIq5I with Hadrien Feraud http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IQGCAVHKLs&NR with the Zawinul Syndicate (incredibly he even intensifies the groove at around 4m30s. Linley rocks out in solo mode. Enjoy! http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davo-London Posted March 21, 2007 Author Share Posted March 21, 2007 Trying to explain the experience. I barely noticed Zawinul. The band comprised of: Drums Percussion 1 Percussion 2 + vocals Vocals (+occasional percussion) Bass (Linley) Guitar Keys (Joe) You could listen to that rhythm section all night. The groove started in the first bar of each song and never ever faltered. Such pace and such precision. I've been to few gigs in my time, indeed I saw Weather Report three times around 1978-80, but I have never witnessed anything like this. Linley was great but that really isn't the point, it was the collective sound and pulse. No wonder the whole band seemed really happy. Phil, I had the same thought about giving up and now I feel completely inspired. Davo "We will make you bob your head whether you want to or not". - David Sisk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 Lineup: Joe Zawinul keyboard/vocals/conductor/sorceror/orchestra leader Sabine Kabongo - vocal/percussion/enchantress Linley Marthe - bass/vocals/monster Jorge Bezerra - percussion/vocals/juggling/entertainer Alegre Correa -guitar/vocals/berimbau/Mr400% Paco Sery - drums/thumb piano/vocals/enthusiasm/spiritual force Aziz Sahmaoui percussions /vocals/living force Yeah, it wasn't really about individuals, it was a collective performance. I just posted the stuff on Linley as I know bassists will want to hear that. I've heard a lot of Joe's solo material and have never heard anything as dramatic as that. The variety of sound textures, the rhythmic precision, the depth of groove, the use of dynamics, the melodic interplay, the sonic textures, the sheer intensity of it all, the sheer spirituality of it all - wow! On a few tunes, the band started from the first beat with the kind of intense groove that most great bands reach at the peak of their performances and then built from there. I was impressed at the way Joe integrated his voice and the many voices into the fabric of the music. It's something he has been trying to do for years and seems to have finally achieved an integration of voice and music that is unique and incredibly powerful. Joe was very playful in his use of keyboard voices - was that a sample of Sabine's voice he was playing on the keyboard at some point. Did you see the ecstasy on the musicians' faces. Having stressed how it was the communality of the peformance that created the intensity and beauty of the music (I can't find the words to express that yet. You've made a fair attempt, Davo) I'll write a little about the contributors at the risk of creating entirely the wrong impression. This was one gig that was not about individuals. Joe had a kind of Duke Ellington role but obviously played a lot more than Duke did in his orchestra. It was like Duke's band or the Bitches Brew sessions but from an entirely different universe. Joe conducted events and brought voices in and out and cued the stunning unison riffs. I found his playing a lot more melodic and vital than I have heard for a long time. I loved the sound of his voice whether through the vocoder like device or simply speaking or singing. It was so cool to have been able to share hellos with him before the gig. I saw Sabine with Zap Mama twice many years ago, she was always a talent but this is her element. Jorge from the favelas of Rio was so impressive. He is one of the greatest percussionists I have heard. I loved the visual colour that he also added with all his flowing decorations on his instruments and his juggling and visual tricks. His use of Santeria (or was it Candomble) really added to the atmosphere. The Samba duet with Jorge was a great contrast. That was a stunning tambourine solo! Alegre looked manic as he fueled the intensity with those single note guitar patterns. A very intense guy. The rhythmic sensiblity of the input from the two Brazilians added a lot. When he let fly the single note runs and wailed over the ensemble it was like the release of a spirit. However, none of the solos (except maybe some percussion and bass solos) stood apart from the ensemble - there was more of the old Weather Report maxim - We never solo and we always solo. Aziz had an incredible yoice and added yet another level of percussion. It was notable how up to 4 percussionists at a time complemented each other and guitar, bass and keyboards perfectly. Again the precision of the rhythm was so intense and sharp. You felt you could 'cut yourself' on the rhythm - indeed I heard a few 'ouches' from the crowd as Paco, Jorge or Linley rose briefly from the ensemble to throw down a sudden spectacular fill for a few seconds before subsuming themselves in the ensemble again. Some of the polyrhythms were incredible. I keep using that word! talking of polyrythms and incredulity we come to Mr Paco Sery from the Ivory Coast. My favourite drummer now without a doubt. Capable of playing so simply and implying complexity. He threw himself so fully into the music - even standing up to play some fills and with an expression of pure joy throughout. He played a simple kit and played wonderfully. I knew him from his many years in Sixun and with Salif Keita and others but this is his element. It made me want to be a drummer. His thumb piano duet with Joe's keyboards was phenomenal. I've never heard anyone play mbira like that. The first gig I ever went to at the Jazz Cafe (opening night?) featured a thumb piano in a duet gig between saxophonist David Murray and percussionist Kahlil el Zabar so it brought back happy memories. Having said that, Paco played like the Paganini of the thumb piano. If you get the chance to se this line up, take it. You will not regret it. It was stunning! http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Will- Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 There is an article on Linley in the recent BP, I'll have to re-read it. But if I recall correctley they stated that the bass was the island rental that he bought for $300 bucks before leaving. Music has no boundaries. It is yours to discover, to enjoy, to draw from and to pass on to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michele C. Posted March 21, 2007 Share Posted March 21, 2007 No, Linley's bass is the one his father bought for him long ago, if I recall correctly. I had a chance to talk briefly with Linley after his concert at "Noi Bassisti" here in Milan, last summer. He was hanging at the Mark Bass booth playing a full mahogany bass that I bought at the end of the day. At least my instrument has been played real fast at least once . He was so kind to show me what he liked of the instrument he had played with. I think he is a nice person: he was constantly smiling while playing as he plays and pretty easy going. This is a picture from the luthier's site http://www.liucas.com/zoom.php?id=9 -- Michele Costabile (http://proxybar.net) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 Still recovering! That was one great band. They're touring Europe right now, check Joe's website for tour dates. I still haven't been able to play the bass since. I will be back though. I've never had feelings of giving up before and my feelings that way were not born of disillusionment with my own playing - more like a sense of incredible musical satistfaction from hearing that band play - there was no need for anything else - and realising that, great as some of my musical experiences have been, that band was coming from a different plane. I will sit down, go back to basics and endeavour and try to tap into my spiritual beng and inspiration with every note I play after that. Anything else wouldn't do. Linley seems like a great guy, as did the whole band. Joe sat in the bar chatting with punters before the show. It was also great to be stood only a few feet away from the stage during such an amazing concert. http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 Not much on Linley on the Internet. This Japanese fansite has a lot of great stuff though - including videos http://yaplog.jp/linleymarthe/ http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 22, 2007 Share Posted March 22, 2007 Beboss posted this on the Keyboard Corner forum link "Just saw Zawinul at the Jazz cafe in London.... WOW. I have never ever seen a band with more groove, completely incredible. I have seen Zawinul play around 20 times over the last 20 years but this was the best ever. It was such a shock being so close to the band - I have seen the syndicate quite a few times in large venues and there the subtlety of Joe's playing is completely lost. The Jazz cafe is just the best as you can be so close to the music its actually like being in the band, and I heard every note he played, and watched every movement of his fingers. We were so close that my girlfriend actually bumped her head on his T8 as she reached for her beer! Seeing Zawinul's mastery over the keyboards from such close proximity is an experience I shall never forget. And the music....WOW. The groove was awesome. The old tunes sounded so fresh, like I was hearing them for the first time. Oldies from Night Passage played with such attitude and passion it defied belief, tunes such as Madagascar and a trio version of Fast City (although I was just a touch disappointed not to get to the synth solo - after a 10 minute Linley Martha bass solo the applause was so strong that it was just impossible for them to continue. That guy is unbelievable). What impresses me most about Zawinul is his musical vision, which is completely revolutionary. He truly deserves to be regarded as a Charlie Parker or a John Coltrane, an Art Tatum or a Jimi Hendrix, one of the few musicians who change the nature of music forever. Keep it up for many more years Joe!!! (and come back to the jazz cafe soon) for those interested in tech stuff, the following...eye opening for me at least... 4 keyboards, none with weighted action 9 volume pedals, no sustain pedals one monitor, and prophecy and T8 only had one output (couldnt see MI and nord3, or rack gear obviously), which suggests a mono rig he never touched the modulation or pitch bend at all, apart from the piano sound (on the M1) which was never played without. he never had both hands on the same keyboard at the same time, except the solo piano piece. all the single line stuff was played on the prophecy, often with 2 sounds (or 3 counting the vocoder) which he switched between with the volume pedals in between phrases. a few utube links to get the idea... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNG64mCwEd0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk8ru26gVno _________________________ David" http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 David attended the Wednesday show. What a great venue the JC is to be able to stand so close to top musicians like that. And it's walking distance from my house! http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I saw Zawinul a few years back in the Brighton Dome. Amazing playing but every composition sounded the same, like he'd lost his knack for melody. I presume that has returned with a vengeance! I posted about it somewhere here... Alex Barefaced Ltd - ultra lightweight, high ouput, toneful bass cabs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Yeah Alex, I remember feeling exactly the same. I have some Zawinul solo Cds like World Tour and, while they're rhythmically exciting, I never felt there was enough melody for me. Particularly as Joe is a master melodist. This was an incrdible return to form. Also when he's gigged recently he's been chopping and changing the line up but this line up was just something that clicked together incredibly well. The groove was so incredible that we'd have been knocked out even with no melodies - but with the melodic, harmonic and purely sonic content added it was an absolute blast. Davo wondered to me before the gig if they's play any classic Weather Report tracks and I replied that, from what I knew, they didn't (although they might play later stuff like Indiscretions). I think it was significant that I was wrong and that they played three classic WR tunes. You got a sense that this band was more about communictaing and celebrating with the audience than at times when Joe was trying to build his own solo career post WR and thing were a little more austere. http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Will- Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Your enthusiasm has peaked my curiosity. So since Joe will not me coming this way anytime soon I was thinking about buying the Vienna Nights CD. I know it can't capture the energy of a live show, but I was wondering if anyone has heard the CD and if so had any reviews/opinions. Music has no boundaries. It is yours to discover, to enjoy, to draw from and to pass on to others. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 I don't think anyone here has it? Try the Keyboard Corner, someone there will certainly have it. I doubt it comes close to that live experience though. The new big band CD Brown Street is worth having too. This is the best Zawinul site: http://www.zawinulonline.org/ http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 23, 2007 Share Posted March 23, 2007 Apparently Weather Report Live at Montreux 76 is due out on DVD in April! http://www.zawinulonline.org/2007/03/13/weather-report-live-at-montreux-1976/ http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Dodgy pictures - sorry, I couldn't stand still (and their only from a cellphone)! Sabine and Linleyhttp://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/DSC00258-copy.jpg Joe's pedal setuphttp://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/DSC00255-copy.jpg Joe introducing the bandhttp://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/DSC00259-copy.jpg Jorgehttp://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/DSC00262-copy-copy-copy.jpg Alegre, Sabine, Jorge and Linleyhttp://usera.imagecave.com/feilik/DSC00270.JPG http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny B Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 I saw in the listings that Ron Carter's playing at Ronnie Scotts' this week.... Don't think i can make it, but i'd really quite like to. The bass player's job is to make the drummer sound good - Jack Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Yeah Alex, I remember feeling exactly the same. I have some Zawinul solo Cds like World Tour and, while they're rhythmically exciting, I never felt there was enough melody for me. Particularly as Joe is a master melodist. This was an incrdible return to form. Also when he's gigged recently he's been chopping and changing the line up but this line up was just something that clicked together incredibly well. The groove was so incredible that we'd have been knocked out even with no melodies - but with the melodic, harmonic and purely sonic content added it was an absolute blast. .... Not being familiar with the material, I had based my descision on not to go on the links you had posted, which had led me to the same conclusion. Oh well, there will be another time. This week ended up being bad anyway, it started on Sunday evening when someone crashed into my car and has steadily got worse as the week progressed. Another late night would not have been ideal. Feel the groove internally within your own creativity. - fingertalkin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 Hi Lenny, how's the family. I'd love to see Ron Carter but am pretty broke. Bad luck, Tim. http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted March 24, 2007 Share Posted March 24, 2007 It was great too that the Jazz Cafe is now non-smoking! What a positive difference that made. http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted June 15, 2007 Share Posted June 15, 2007 Nice Zawinul thread on Keyboard Corner right now here http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil W Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Bump http://philwbass.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.