Thursday, December 26, 2019

December 21, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 12/28. CANCELLED due to ice

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Bitches Brew (III-49)

Your scribe does not feel like writing much this week, because it's been very hectic, and now he is sitting in front of a fire with his feet up. So here are the bare bones.

Present:
John (trombone), Steve H (piano, soprano), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), and Carl (trombone).

Played:
Blue Seven (Sam's Add-A-Tune)
Blue Bossa (John)
I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (Steve H)
Unforgettable (Raphael)
Dear Old Stockholm (Sam)
Wave (John)
Santa Monk Is Coming To Town (Steve H)
Copenhagen (Raphael)
West Coast Blues (Sam)
In A Sentimental Mood (Carl)
In A Mellow Tone (Steve H)
Lover Come Back (Raphael)
Stablemates (Sam)
Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West (Carl)
Are You Havin' Any Fun (Steve H)

Merry Christmas from the Workshop!

--SJH

Friday, December 20, 2019

December 14, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 12/21, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Blue Seven (II-56)

Never more than four of us at a time this week, but plenty of fun for all. Attending were Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Steve H (piano, soprano), Jack K (trumpet), and Wes (trumpet).

Chitlins Con Carne (I-81) was Sam's Add-A-Tune and got things underway. Jack slowed us down immediately with In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (I-210). Your scribe was feeling both Sidney Bechet and Latin, calling Petite Fleur (II-312). Raphael found one we didn't know, It's A Blue World (II-207). 

Sam began the second round with Mr. Magic (II-268). Jack shook that one off with a mid-tempo version of For All We Know (I-145). Yours truly went with another classic, Broadway (I-61). Raphael acquiesced to a suggestion, Creole Love Call (III-88). Wes now present called for old favorite Blues For Alice (I-50). 

Continuing a run of lesser known tunes, Sam called Lucky Southern (I-255). Continuing a pattern of Gerry Mulligan tunes, your scribe went to Line For Lyons (III-240). Raphael picked another tune written by Mulligan, Song For Strayhorn (III-368). Wes surprised us with The Song Is Ended (III-369). 

Sam got one more choice, going to Book IV and A Foggy Day (IV-xxx). Having to leave early, yours truly got the last one, All Of Me (I-20). 

--SJH

Thursday, December 12, 2019

December 7, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 12/14, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Chitlins Con Carne (I-81)

A decent crowd coming and going as the afternoon progressed. Your scribe was late arriving, but did not miss too much of the fun. Present at one time or another were Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Jack K (trumpet), Jack D (trumpet), Ari (trumpet), Steve H (piano, soprano), Steve M (alto), Carl (trombone), and Wes (tenor).

Sam's Add-A-Tune was, as usual, our kickoff number: Baia (III-435). Jack K got the next call, Till There Was You (II-400). Yours truly was listening to Gerry Mulligan and Chet Baker in the car, and pulled out These Foolish Things (II-392). Raphael chose to challenge us, but not too much, with a lowered speed on Airegin (I-13). Ari was feeling a 3/4 thing and turned to Alice In Wonderland (I-17). Wes opted for old stand-by Groovin' High (I-166).

The second round began with Sam's choice, Little Boat (I-245). We went at a medium tempo on the classic ballad, The Nearness Of You (II-285), Jack K's pick. Steve M was ready for a solid groove on Mean To Me (III-274). Carl mixed things up with a personal favorite, So What (I-364). Your scribe acquiesced to Steve M's suggestion of Jitterbug Waltz (II-214), which said scribe also really enjoys playing. Raphael got us back to modern times with Jeannine (II-212). Wes stayed in his bop-era mode, choosing Blues For Alice (I-55). We finished off with Sam's call, Minor Swing (IV-284).

--SJH

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

November 30, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 12/7, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Baia (III-47)

Bad road conditions kept us from getting started on time, but by noon, Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (piano, alto), and Raphael (bass) were on hand. Carl (trombone) arrived a bit later, and long-absent Matt arrived to do vocals at 1:00.

We worked long and hard trying to make Air Mail Special (II-13), Sam's Add-A-Tune, viable. Hard to say why we struggled with it so much. The solos weren't the problem, just the song itself. We don't give those long-ago jazz musicians enough credit for virtuosity. Your scribe took the next one, calling Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (II-354), which he had long thought of airing out at the Workshop. Raphael turned to the Cedar Walton classic, Holy Land (II-166). Carl went with the next page, Honeysuckle Rose (II-167).

Vocal time, and Matt kicked us off with Fly Me To The Moon (II-135), and followed up with Angel Eyes (I-28). Sam called the instrumental interlude, All The Things You Are (I-22) with a Latin rhythm. XXXX went next to the ballad, What'll I Do (II-419) and finished the afternoon with

The Minnesota-Wisconsin border battle for the Axe being close to underway, and the residents wishing to watch on the big screen, we abandoned the theater at 2:10.

--SJH

Sunday, November 24, 2019

November 23, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 11/30, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Air Mail Special (II-13)

On hand for a shortened version of the Workshop were, variously, Sam (trombone), Jack D (trumpet), Jack K (trumpet), Raphael (bass), Steve H ("piano," soprano), and Ari (trumpet).

The festivities began with Sam's Add-A-Tune, Black Nile (I-xx). Jack K got the follow-up call, Out Of Nowhere (I-318). Your scribe heard Gypsy In My Soul (I-169) in the car on the way to the Workshop, and thought it would be worth a try. Raphael found a fun 3/4-time tune, Masquerade (III-269). Jack D requested one of his favorites, My Funny Valentine (I-287). Ari, freshly arrived as Sam was leaving, was unfamiliar with the moving Ellington piece, Come Sunday (I-82); now he knows.

Back to Jack K, who opted for a lightly swinging My Foolish Heart (I-286). Your truly pulled out another bit of Ellingtonia, I'm Beginning To See The Light (I-200). Raphael challenged us with the tricky Charlie Parker piece, Segment (III-xxx). Ari went to the much smoother All Blues (I-18). Your scribe found more Ellington, the Johnny Hodges vehicle Warm Valley (II-412). We finished the afternoon with a Latin version of More (III-284).

--SJH

Sunday, November 17, 2019

November 16, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 11/23, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Sam's Add-A-Tune: Black Nile (I-48)

A small group again, but Jack D (trumpet) made an appearance after a long absence to join Raphael (bass), and Steve H (piano, soprano). Annie (vocals) and Carl (trombone) joined us for the last hour.

Jack took the first call, How Deep Is The Ocean (III-xxx). Your scribe opted for All Blues (I-18). Raphael found the harmonically predictable but melodically interesting Lover Come Back To Me (III-255). Jack chose old favorite My Funny Valentine (I-287). Back to yours truly, we went to the even older standard All Of Me (I-20). Raphael dug out the unfamiliar My Silent Love (III-296), which worked out great. Jack's last choice for the afternoon was Angel Eyes (I-28). Your scribe turned to a fun medium-up version of Easy To Love (I-128). Joyce's Samba (III-216) was another fun find by Raphael.

Vocal time began with Annie choosing Poor Butterfly (III-324), which by all reports went much better than last week. Carl took an instrumental call, Bye Bye Blackbird (II-73). Annie got the call for the last four. The Birth Of The Blues (II-49), Close Your Eyes (II-86), Come Rain Or Come Shine (III-xxx), and did a duet with the bass on It Could Happen To You.

--SJH

November 9, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 11/16, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Report by Raphael

Present:
Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Ari (trumpet), Carl (trombone), Annie (vocals)

Tunes played:
Byrd Like (I-xx) Sam's Add-A-Tune
Time Was (III-409) Raphael
St. James Infirmary (II-xxx) Ari
Time After Time (III-408) Sam
Say It With Music (III-347) Raphael
Red Clay (I-338) Ari
So Nice (I-362) Ari
Poor Butterfly (III-324) Annie
Autumn Leaves (I-39) Annie
Blue Monk (I-52) Carl
How Little We Know (Handout) Annie
'Tis Autumn (Handout) Annie
The Nearness Of You (II-285) Annie
Telephone Song (III-390) Raphael
Ten Cents A Dance (III-391) Ari
Nica's Dream (I-xxx) Annie
Give Me The Simple Life (Handout) Annie

--SJH

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

November 2, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 11/9, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Byrd Like (I-64)

The gathering took place as usual, with five regulars: Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve C. (piano), Raphael (bass), Steve H (alto, rhythm), and Wes (tenor). The smaller group gave time for extra solos.

Sam kicked of the festivities with his Add-A-Tune, Broadway (I-61). Steve C. got the next call, But Beautiful (I-40). Raphael got everyone working on Daahoud (I-96). Your scribe dug out an Ellington standard that doesn't get out enough, I'm Beginning To See The Light (I-200). Sam pulled out a favorite of one of the Workshop founders, Afro Blue (I-11). Steve C found some fun John Lewis, calling Django (I-114). Raphael opted for a little straight-up (but not too fast) Parker, Scrapple From The Apple (I-351). Wes decided to cool things down a bit with Ceora (I-72). Yours truly was feeling the need for a bit of Gershwin, and found Somebody Loves Me (I-369). We hadn't done anything in 3/4 yet, so Sam surprised us with his call, The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers (I-348). Steve C. found the sweet spot of modern and classic with Lady Bird (I-235). Raphael found he had a desperate need to get out of Book I, calling for Victor Herbert's Indian Summer (III-201). Back to Vol. I, Wes returned to old friend Donna Lee (I-123). Your scribe was feeling like a bit of straight ahead soloing, and chose a mid-tempo Cherokee. Sam got the last turn, How Insensitive (I-181). Some of the group played a bit of St. Thomas to carry them home.

--SJH

Sunday, October 27, 2019

October 26, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 11/2, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Broadway, I-61

A smaller but healthy group this week: Sam (trumpet, trombone, bass), Raphael (bass), Steve H (piano, alto), Steve M (alto), Serdar (guitar), and Carl (trombone).

We began with Lennie Tristano's very difficult riff on All The Things You Are, entitled Ablution (II-10), Sam's Add-A-Tune for this week. Hey, it's a Workshop. Steve M returned us to earth with Indiana (II-201). Your scribe stuck to jazz roots by calling Honeysuckle Rose (II-167). Raphael the Adventurous--again, it's a Workshop--got us working on Speak Like A Child (II-363). Serdar was set up by this point, and opted for Blue Monk (I-52).

Back around to Sam, we ran with an easy-going version of Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise  (II-355). Sam wanted to get in one more before Raphael had to go, so we gave him an extra turn with Minor Swing (IV-284). Raphael got another before he departed, By Myself (III-67). We returned to the usual pattern of going around the circle, Steve M calling Like Someone In Love (I-243). While Sam went out to get his bass, yours truly decided on a ballad he could handle the bass line on, Polka Dots and Moonbeams (II-318). Carl was given the next one, and we dug into Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West (II-408). Serdar took on one last tune before departing, old favorite Billie's Bounce (II-44).

Sam thought we needed a bit of Latin, and chose Triste (I-417). Carl pulled out a bit of Ellington with Mood Indigo (I-279). Steve C made his last call of the afternoon Cheesecake (II-82). Your scribe pulled out Creepin' for one last pre-Halloween turn. Sam wrapped up the day with St. Thomas (II-339).

--SJH

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

October 19, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 10/26, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Ablution (II-1)

After weeks of small group work, a merry band of regulars dropped by for a festive gathering. Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (piano, alto), Jack K (trumpet), Raphael (bass), Steve M (alto), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet), Annie (vocals) and Carl (trombone).

Sam, Jack, Raphael, and yours truly got things slowly rolling with Sam's Add-A-Tune, Harlem Nocturne (III-140). Jack got the next call, with There Will Never Be Another You (I-406). Your scribe went a bit more up-tempo on Perdido (II-311). Raphael introduced us to one we were all unfamiliar with, Time Was (III-409). Sam started the next go-round with Move (II-280). Jack took his second shot on Time After Time (II-408). Steve M. opted for a a crisp, alternating Latin/swing version of I'll Remember April. Yours truly finished out the instrumental segment with an original Halloweeny called Creepin'.

We haven't had a vocal segment for weeks, but Annie was back and in voice. She had a theme for the first two: Early Autumn (II-114) and Autumn Leaves (I-39). Wes surprised this writer, at least, by choosing Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (II-212). Another pair of songs from Annie: Good Morning Heartache (III-134), and Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (I-335). Ari took the instrumental call with Lullaby of Birdland (II-256). Annie took us right to 3:00 with It Never Entered My Mind (II-204) and Without A Song (II-428).

--SJH

Thursday, October 17, 2019

October 12, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 10/19, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Harlem Nocturne (III-140)

Small group again, but plenty of opportunity for us to get to work. Present were Raphael (bass), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (piano, soprano), and Serdar (guitar).

We got started with the first three aforementioned, taking on Sam's Add-A-Tune, There's A Small Hotel (II-391), mostly because Sam said he hadn't heard it for a long time. Your scribe, not wishing to look too far, chose These Foolish Things (II-392). The ever-adventurous Raphael decided it is, after all, a Workshop, and had us tackle Ezz-Thetic (II-124); it was weird, but we think we got a bead on it. Sam returned to something more traditional, Perdido (II-311). Yours truly again went to the next page, following Ellington with Bechet's Petite Fleur (II-312), which we tried as a tango. Raphael spared us the peculiar, but we worked hard to pull off a satisfactory Cheesecake (II-82).

Sam opted for a book change, going to Minor Swing (IV-284). The piano player was looking for a good soprano ballad, and called Come Rain Or Come Shine (II-88). Right around here, Serdar made his first appearance in a long time, and joined us for Raphael's pick, Gerry Mulligan's Idol Gossip (II-191). We made Serdar make the next decision, and he immediately said Four (I-149).

The piano player had to leave, but the remaining trio still had what they needed for a rhythm section. Raphael kept the notes. Sam wanted to return to Petite Fleur, and apparently they did. Raphael found another lesser-known piece, Spiral (II-365). Serdar went full on trad jazz with Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans (II-108). Miss New Orleans had no comment. Sam found another Latin bit, My Little Suede Shoes (II-282). Raphael went to the unusual but haunting Nature Boy (II-284). Serdar's turn brought them to old favorite Blue Bossa (I-50). They rounded out their afternoon with Sam's last, Swing 42 (IV-442).

--SJH

Thursday, October 10, 2019

October 5, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 10/12, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: There's A Small Hotel (II-391)

A very small attendance, and a shortened session due to other commitments. Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (piano) and Carl (trombone) managed to put together some fun for a while.

Sam's Add-A-Tune was the other version of Miles Ahead that was in the earlier edition of Vol. II of the Real Book. We're pretty sure it's a different song that was mislabeled, but have been unable to track it down. It's an intriguing tune with peculiar chord changes in the last segment. Anyone know?

Your scribe took the next call, going to A Foggy Day (IV-135). Sam opted for Django's Minor Swing, which we played in a couple different styles. Back to the piano player, we moved on to Benny Golson's Whisper Not (II-422).

Carl was in time to join us on Sam's next pick, All The Things You Are (I-22), sans intro. Carl, not wishing to search far, settled on Blues By Five (II-59). Yours truly decided on a slightly slower than usual, rocking' and swaying' version of How High The Moon (I-180). We finished off with Sam's call of Once I Loved (I-311).

Here's hoping everyone is OK and will be returning this week!

--SJH

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

September 28, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 10/5, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Miles Ahead (1st edition version: Sam will bring copies)

Sorry about the last minute cancellation last week. Your scribe was at about 30,000 ft. over Lake Erie when the word came in, and did not discover it until late that evening.

We're up and running for this week though. Hope to see you there!

--SJH

Thursday, September 26, 2019

September 21, 2019

Next Time:


It was a quiet week, but in no way woebegone. Steve H (alto, piano), Raphael (guitar) and Tony (bass) were the complete package.

Things started close to noon with an unusual choice by Raphael, One Morning In May (II-302). Yours truly decided on It's All Right With Me (II-208). Tony opted for a ballad-y version of I Remember You (II-179). Raphael captured no one's feelings today with It's A Blue World (II-207). Needing a pick-us-up after the slow ones, your scribe called Perdido (II-317). Tony was definitely on the slow boat, turning this time to the immortal Stardust (II-367). Raphael got us back up-tempo with Tangerine (II-386). Your scribe decided to give a whack at a Parker-esque ballad, Leonard Feather's I Remember Bird (II-178), who was not the "You" being remembered in the earlier tune. Tony chose the classic Oliver Nelson piece, Stolen Moments (I-384). Then he left. Raphael waxed nostalgic with The Last Time I Saw Paris (II-233). This writer thought it might be fun to take a swing at The Jitterbug Waltz (II-214), which it was. Raphael thought it would be even more fun to watch the alto player stagger over Ice Cream Konitz (II-190), which he did. 

--SJH

Monday, September 16, 2019

September 14, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 9/21, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Miles Ahead (No the one in current book. Sam will provide music.)

A slower start than usual. Your scribe sat alone for a while until Raphael arrived. We played duets until the remaining four dropped in. So, all told: Steve H (piano), Raphael (bass), Wes (tenor), Annie (vocals), Carl (trombone), and Ari (trumpet).

Raphael took the first call with Walkin' My Baby Back Home (III-428). The piano player found Three Little Words (III-406) that seemed appropriate. Raphael looked around for something more contemporary, opting for Segment (III-349). Yours truly turned to the opposite page, Seems Like Old Times (III-348). Raphael wanted to give I'll Get By (III-178) a try, so we did. For all of these tunes, we took extra solos.

Wes showed, followed immediately by Annie and Carl. Soon, Ari made his appearance. Wes got in an instrumental, Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). Annie began a vocal and alphabetical exploration of Book III, starting with After You've Gone (III-12) and Ain't Misbehavin' (III-13). Carl found an interesting blues, Hit That Mess (III-146). Two more from Annie, All Or Nothing At All (III-18) and At Long Last Love (III-32). Ari, arrived at last, got to take one with All Of You (I-21). A couple more vocals from Annie, this time Besame Mucho (III-42) and Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (III-46). Raphael found one he was not familiar with, You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You (II-438). Annie got three next time: Bye Bye Baby (III-68), Crazy He Calls Me (III-85), and Chicago (III-79). Wes took one more, Groovin' High (I-166). We finished out with two last vocals, It Never Entered My Mind (III-205), and Feel Like Making' Love (III-119).

Hope to see you next time.

--SJH

Thursday, September 12, 2019

September 7, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 9/14, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


A nice workable combo made an appearance: Steve C (piano), Tony (bass), Raphael (guitar), Sam (trumpet, trombone), Steve H (soprano and percussion), Wes (tenor) and Carl (trombone).

Sam's Add-A-Tune, Miles Ahead (II-264), got us rolling. Your scribe, having recently found a small knot of good tunes in Book II, called for the blues tune Tenor Madness (II-390). Steve C. wanted something else entirely, and reached back for Tangerine (I-386). Feeling it was time for a ballad, Tony chose When Sunny Gets Blue (I-440). Raphael got us working with Si Danco Samba (III-360). Wes called on old favorite Blues For Alice (I-55).

Coming full circle, Sam opted for a medium-speed Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (II-355). Yours truly, holding tight to his knot of tunes, went with These Foolish Things (II-392). Carl looked at the next page for Things To Come (II-393). Steve C. was feeling more traditional, calling Beautiful Love (I-40). Tony got all ballad-y again, but everyone had a nice solo on My Funny Valentine (I-287). Raphael changed the mood with the old Basie standard Until I Met You (II-409), or Corner Pocket if you aren't singing it (which we did not). Wes decided on Along Came Betty (III-22).

Sam changed speeds with Pent Up House (I-324). Your scribe changed mellowed them out with In A Mellow Tone (I-206). Carl got all hypothetical with If I Were A Bell (II-194). We finished off the afternoon with St. Thomas (II-339).

--SJH

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

August 31, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 9/7, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Miles Ahead (II-264)

We had some fun for a while: Sam (trumpet and trombone), Jack K. (trumpet), Steve H. (piano, alto), Tony (bass), Raphael (guitar), and Steve M (alto).

We began with Samba de Orfeu (III-344), Sam's Add-A-Tune. Jack K. has a very different mood in mind with Four (I-149). Your scribe went full standard with Satin Doll (I-349). Tony stayed in that groove, calling for Lullaby of Birdland (I-256). Raphael reached into his back of tricks and found Skating In Central Park (I-360).

Sam went to Little Boat (I-245) to open the next round. Jack K. was feeling the mood on Isn't It Romantic (I-219). Yours truly picked up the pace (but not too much) with Cherokee (I-77).

Sam, Tony and Jack all cleared out, but Steve M checked in as we moved to Raphael's choice, Perdido (II-311). Steve M opted for the friendly Robbins Nest (II-330). Back to your scribe, we turned to show tunes on People Will Say We're In Love (II-310). Even more surprising was Raphael's movie choice, Moon River (II-274). Back to something more originally jazz, Steve M called John Lewis' Afternoon In Paris (I-12). Yours truly had been thinking recently about Thou Swell (I-411). While Raphael packed up, the two Steves took things out with a duet on Autumn Leaves (I-39).

--SJH

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

August 24, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 8/31, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Samba de Orfeu (III-344)

A slightly shortened version this week, but fun while it lasted. Present were Sam (trumpet, trombone), Roger (tenor), Steve H (piano), Raphael (bass), Wes (tenor), and Carl (trombone).

Sam's Add-A-Tune was a Book V number, I Never Knew, so Sam had some handouts. Roger turned right away to the classic ballad, Body And Soul (I-57), which takes awhile, but it was worth it. Your scribe flipped the tempo with a swingy take on Thou Swell (I-411). Raphael moved us back and forth between Latin and swing on I'll Remember April (I-197). Robbin's Nest (II-330) was Wes' choice, to everyone's relief.

Round 2 got going on Sam's pick, Charlie Parker's My Little Suede Shoes (II-282). Roger turned us to John Lewis' tribute tune, Django (I-114), with its dual tempos. Yours truly decided to something really standard, Ellington's Take The A Train (I-399). Carl let Raphael pick the tempo on his choice, So What (I-364). Raphael had us take on the Bill Evans' oddly harmonized but lovely Time Remembered (I-413). Wes called one of his favorites, Along Came Betty (II-22).

Sam started a third set with Song For My Father (I-373). Carl got the last call, Autumn Leaves (I-39). But then we had a mass exodus, and our revels ended.

--SJH

Monday, August 19, 2019

August 17, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 8/24, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Sam's Add-A-Tune: I Never Knew (V-186) [Sam will supply sheet music in concert key.)

Another light attendance, which is not entirely surprising in the summer. With us this time were Sam (bass, trumpet, trombone), John (trombone), Steve H (piano, soprano), Wes (tenor) and Carl (trombone).

Sam's Add-A-Tune for the session was Manteca (II-259), which is supposed to be a Latin thing, but somehow came out for us us as something not quite either Latin or swing. We got through it with some dignity, though. John opted to take a ride on Route 66 (II-334). Your scribe hadn't called Polka Dots And Moonbeams (II-318) at the workshop that he could remember, so that was nice. Wes decided on a somewhat slowed version of Groovin' High (I-166).

Sam, up again, pulled out Jordu (I-227). John's second choice was Black Nile (I-48). Carl took his first swing with a swingy Autumn Leaves (I-39). Yours truly thought a little Django would be fun, and we played Nuages (I-307). Sam, having changed seats to play bass, called Bluesette (I-56). Wes downgrade the difficulty of his choice with Red Top (III-332).

John got in one more before leaving, asking for Blue Bossa (I-50). Carl needed an Ellington fix, Mood Indigo (I-279). At Wes' suggestion, your scribe went with Mr. P.C. (I-276). Out of nowhere, Sam called for Out Of Nowhere (I-318). Wes went back to more difficult with Ornithology (I-317).

Carl took his last turn and asked for Lady Bird (I-235). Yours truly decided for the decidedly strange progressions of Unforgettable (III-420). We finished off the day with Sam's pick, that Summer Samba, So Nice (I-362).

--SJH

--

Thursday, August 15, 2019

August 10, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 8/17, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Manteca (II-259)

A fun time was had by the five who could attend this session: Sam (trumpet/trombone), Steve C (piano), Raphael (bass), Steve H (alto and percussion) and Ari (trumpet and percussion).

The party started with Sam's Add-A-Tune, Straight No Chaser (I-386). Steve C went more traditional with How High The Moon (I-180). Raphael reached into his Bag of Unfamiliar Tunes for Bolivia (III-56). Being lazy, your scribe called the tune on the next page, Born To Be Blue (III-57).

Sam took us on an excursion into the lesser used books with A Foggy Day (IV-135). Steve C went even more traditional with Struttin' With Some Barbecue (II-372); everybody took two choruses. Raphael found an interesting change of pace in Straight Life (II-368). Yours truly opted for a somewhat uptempo version of It's All Right With Me (II-208).

Sam swung the tempo around with It's Only A Paper Moon (II-209). Ari got his first shot with I Found A New Baby (II-188). Steve C found his inner Parker, picking Yardbird Suite (II-433). Raphael took us for a ride on The Drive (II-112). Your scribe chose to slow things down and channel his inner Billie with Lover Man (II-255).

Sam kept things on a slow simmer, calling for Black Coffee (I-45). Ari picked up the pace with Boplicity (I-58). Steve C turned to Porter (again) with You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (II-436). We finished the day with Raphael's choice of Black Narcissus (I-47). 

--SJH

Monday, August 5, 2019

August 3, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 8/10, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Straight No Chaser (I-386)

An odd week with a shortage of people. The day began a bit late with only Steve H (piano, alto) and Raphael (bass) on hand. Eventually they were joined by Ari (trumpet), and by 1:00 Annie (vocals) and Carl (trombone) had arrived. Most of us had to leave at 2:00, so we ended then.

Raphael and your scribe got things underway with an easy swing on the ballad Tenderly (II-389). Raphael got us swinging a bit more with Why Do I Love You (II-425). Yours truly upped the ante with Cherokee (I-77). Raphael's next choice changed directions--Jobim's Antigua (III-28). Ari arrived during our next tune, Parker's Blue Bird, and had his horn out in time to take some choruses and trade fours. Annie and Carl showed by the time Ari made the next call, Autumn Leaves (I-39), so Annie got a chorus in there as well. Annie took charge of the next four: Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love (handout); Midnight Sun (III-276); It Never Entered My Mind (III-205); and Without A Song (II-428). Sadly, we could not continue after that.

--SJH

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

July 27, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 8/3, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Your scribe arrived late and left early, so Raphael took charge of the notes. On hand were Raphael (guitar), Steve H (piano, soprano), Tony (bass), Sam (trumpet, trombone), John (trombone), Ari (trumpet), Wes (tenor), Carl (trombone).

Sam kicked things off with Straight, No Chaser (I-386). John called the classic Satin Doll (I-349). Tony got us grooving to Stanley Turrentine's Sugar (I-387). Raphael surprised us with the 3/4 Oh What A Beautiful Morning (II-296). Yours truly wanted to play soprano on Indiana (II-xxx). Ari had, amazingly, never had a chance to play On The Sunny Side Of The Street (II-298), so we indulged him.

The next round started with Sam changing the feel of things with Nica's Dream (I-299). Wes went to the fun Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). John messed with us with Wave (I-431). Carl brought us back to earth, opting for In A Mellow Tone (I-206). Tony chose a more ballad-y version of My Romance (I-289). Raphael pulled one out of the hat with One Foot In The Gutter (II-300). Wes surprised no one with his choice of Groovin' High (I-166). Sam's last call was It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing (I-244). Carl ended the afternoon with Blue Bossa (I-50).

--SJH

Friday, July 26, 2019

July 20, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 7/27, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Straight No Chaser (I-386)

Attendees:
Sam, Jack K, Carl, Raphael

Compositions:
Moanin' (II-270) Sam
I Remember You (II-171) Jack
Jumpin' With Symphony Sid (II-218) Carl
Why Do I Love You (II-425) Raphael
Nuages (I-307) Sam
Indiana (II-201) Jack
In Walked Bud (II-200) Carl
Watch What Happens (II-413) Raphael
Softly As In A Morning Sunrise (II-355) Sam
Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West (II-408) Carl
It's A Lovely Day Today (III-210) Raphael
Triste (I-417) Sam

--SJH

Saturday, July 13, 2019

July 13, 2019

Next Time:

Sam's Add-A-Tune:

Things got under way with Sam (trumpet, trombone), Jack K (trumpet) and Steve H (piano, soprano). Soon enough, Tony (bass), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet), and Roger (tenor) joined in. By 1:20, Annie (vocals) and Carl (trombone) rounded out the congregation.

Sam's Add-A-Tune this week was Bud Powell's Parisian Thoroughfare (II-307). Jack liked the changes on the Ellington/Tizol classic, Perdido (II-311). Your scribe likes playing Pennies From Heaven (II-309, especially on soprano. Tony asked if it would be OK to work on the funky/floaty Cantelope Island (II-76). Sam took an easy pace on Four Brothers (II-138). Jack went to another classic set of chord changes, Bye Bye Blackbird (II-73). Yours truly had often wanted to pull out Oscar Pettiford's Blues In The Closet (II-61), and finally did. Tony's second call was Four (I-149). Wes got his first chance, wanting the Latin Ceora (I-72). We found Days Of Wine And Roses (IV-99) for Ari, loping along with a medium swing; Annie present, tossed in a vocal chorus.

Following protocol, the vocal portion gives the singers several tunes with only two choruses maximum of instrumental. But things began to drift, with everyone taking choruses, so we only took one pure instrumental break. Annie's first two calls were Without A Song (II-428), and It Never Entered My Mind (III-205). Roger got to name the instrumental, Some Day My Prince Will Come (I-367). From there on, Annie decided the rest of the tunes, but a lot of solos got involved: I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (I-195); People Will Say We're In Love (II-310); Fine And Mellow (III-122); Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (I-335); and Take The A-Train (I-298). We finished with our traditional St. Thomas, though this time at slower, but surprisingly effective, pace.

--SJH


July 6, 2019

Next Time: Sat., July 13, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Parisian Thoroughfare (II-307)

We began with the unlikely combination of Sam (bass, trumpet, trombone), Raphael (guitar), and Steve H (piano, soprano), who were eventually joined by Wes (tenor), Carl (trombone), and Ari (trumpet). 

While it was just the three of us, we apparently played every instrument we brought on each song. Sam's Add-A-Tune, Summertime (IV-4xx), got us off to a good start. Yours truly opted for It Could Happen To You (II-204). Raphael went to the classic ballad, The Nearness Of You (II-285). Sam got us hopping on the next call, Jeannine (II-212). Wes changed the mood with Blue Trane (I-54). Ari tried one he'd never heard before, Big Nick (I-44). Carl was feeling Ellingtonian, and drew Mood Indigo (I-279). Picking up the pace, your scribe called Thou Swell (I-411). Raphael decided on a bit of Latin, One Note Samba (I-314).  This time around, Ari looked for a tune we all knew well, and went to Misty (I-277). Sam dropped us into a medium groove on Broadway (I-61). Carl surprised us with My Little Suede Shoes (II-282). Wes further surprised with Cousin Mary (II-93). Together, Wes and your scribe asked for Along Came Betty (III-22). Carl took another bow with After You've Gone (III-12). Sam got the last regular choice, All The Things You Are (I-22), and we finished off with a spirited version of St. Thomas (II-339).

--SJH

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

June 29, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 7/6, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Sam's Add-A-Tune: Summertime (IV-435)

Your scribe missed the fun, but these people did not: Sam (trumpet and trombone), Jack K (trumpet), Tony (bass), Raphael (guitar!), Roger (tenor), and Ari (trumpet). Raphael faithfully provided all our information.

Tunes encountered:
Pick Yourself Up (II-317) Sam's Add-A-Tune
Satin Doll (I-349) Jack
Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (I-335) Tony
There Will Never Be Another You (I-407) Raphael
Cantelope Island (II-xxx) Sam
All Of Me (I-29) Roger
Wave (I-431) Tony
Recorda Me (I-337) Raphael
Footprints (I-xxx) Ari
It Don't Mean A Thing (I-224) Sam
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning (I-210) Roger
I Love You (I-190) Raphael
Lazy River (I-242) Ari
Little Boat (I-245) Sam
Maiden Voyage (I-261) Roger

--SJH

Friday, June 28, 2019

June 22, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 6/29, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Pick Yourself Up (II-317)

Present:
Sam (trumpet, trombone), Roger (tenor, keyboard)), Steve M (alto), Raphael (bass), Tony (bass), Steve H (soprano, keyboard).

Heard:
Peri's Scope (I-326) Sam's Add-A-Tune
All Of Me (I-22) Roger
When Sunny Gets Blue (I-440) Steve M
Round Midnight (I-345) Raphael
Pennies From Heaven (II-309) Steve H
Dear Old Stockholm (I-102) Tony
My Little Suede Shoes (II-282) Sam
Why Do I Love You (II-425) Steve M
Ornithology (I-317) Roger
Honeysuckle Rose (II-167) Steve H
Reincarnation Of A Love Bird (I-362) Raphael
Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172) Sam
It Might As Well Be Spring (II-205) Steve M
Blue Monk (I-52) Tony
In A Sentimental Mood (I-xxx) Steve H
Watermelon Man (III-429) Sam
This I Dig Of You (II-395) Raphael

--SJH

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

June 15, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 6/22, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Peri's Scope (I-326)

Old faces and new at this week's workshop. Sam (trumpet and trombone), Raphael (bass), Steve H (soprano and drums), Steve M (alto), Roger (tenor), Jack K (trumpet and drums), Robert (piano), Annie (vocals), and Carl (trombone).

We got underway with Sam's Add-A-Tune, the easy swaying Ceora (I-72). Steve M called for a nice swing on Here's That Rainy Day (I-175). Jack K asked for a ballad, but not too slow, with Easy Living (I-127). Roger changed things up entirely by pulling out 500 Miles High (I-141). Raphael requested J.J. Johnson's lovely Lament (I-239). Your scribe changed tempos with a medium up version of Easy To Love (I-128). And somehow it was already 1:00.

Annie got the vocal segment off to a good start with Song For My Father (I-373), and followed up with the gospelly rocker, I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free (I-195). Sam called the instrumental break, going with Little Boat (I-245). Annie finally got us out of Book I with a ballad and a slow blues: It Never Entered My Mind (III-205) and Fine And Mellow (III-122). For the next instrumental, Carl opted for old favorite 2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West (II-408). More vocals from Annie, this time Without A Song (II-428), and the tricky Rodgers and Hammerstein number, Love Look Away (II-252). Steve M dug out Dexter Gordon's Cheese Cake (II-82) for the instrumental. Annie took one more, finishing her afternoon with People Will Say We're In Love (II-310). We ended the session on Raphael's choice, the alternating Latin/swing I'll Remember April.

--SJH

Monday, June 10, 2019

June 8, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 6/15, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune: Ceora (I-72)

Your scribe finally has a little more time, so a return to narrative. If that bothers you, please re-read last week's entry.

Present at some time or other were Sam (trombone, trumpet), Raphael (bass), Steve H (piano, soprano), Jack K (trumpet, drums), Roger (tenor, drums)), Craig (guitar), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet, drums), and Carl (trombone).

Sam's Add-A-Tune this week was Doxy (II-111), which got us off to a smooth start. Roger grabbed the next call with Au Privave (I-37), which Raphael continues to insist doesn't mean anything in actual French. Your scribe was up next and opted for All Of You (I-21). We had skipped Jack's turn, and now he got his chance with When Sunny Gets Blue (I-440). Raphael pulled out his list and challenged us with Minority (I-273). Craig opted for Cole Porter's peculiarly segmented In The Still Of The Night (II-198). Ari went for the simply difficult Speak No Evil (I-xxx), which somehow was not a complete disaster. An easy-speed version of Groovin' High (I-166) was Wes' pick, and it's not often when that is considered a rest song. Carl decided on So What (I-364), and we all said, Whatever.

Round 2 had us on Sam's choice, Killer Joe (II-229), which we found oddly difficult to keep from speeding up. On the other hand, Roger wanted to play Blue Bossa (I-50) up tempo, which was quite the trick. Ari's choice, My Favorite Things (II-285) was nobody's favorite by the time we finished; not one person got through a chorus without having to stop and get everyone back together. (I suspect we'll do it again next time.) Wes opted for an old favorite, Robbin's Nest (II-xxx), which got everyone back in the groove. Next up, Carl took us on a Sentimental Journey (II-343), complete with trombone phrases and some harmonies. Yours truly went with the Ellington swinger, Perdido (II-311). We finished off with Raphael's final choice, the ballad You Don't Know What Love Is (I-459).

--SJH

June 1, 2018

Next Time: Sat 6/8/19, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Who Was There
Sam (trumpet, for one song), Raphael (bass), Jack K (trumpet), Steve H (piano), Ari (trumpet)

What Was Played
Nuages (I-307) Sam
When I Fall In Love (I-439) Jack
I Love You (I-190) Steve
With Every Breath I Take (III-453) Raphael
Old Cape Cod (III-307) Jack
Hello Young Lovers (I-176) Steve
Song For Strayhorn (III-368) Raphael
Blue Monk (I-52) Jack
Body And Soul (I-57) Ari
Come Rain Or Come Shine (II-88) Steve
Early Morning Mood (III-103) Raphael
I've Got You Under My Skin (III-190) Ari
Lover Man (II-255) Steve
This I Dig Of You (II-395) Raphael
Giant Steps (I-157) Ari
Easy To Love (I-128) Steve
Speak Like A Child (II-363) Raphael
Soultrane (II-362) Steve

--SJH

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

May 25, 2019

Next Time: Sat, 6/1, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Once again, your scribe was not able to attend, but will return this coming week, as if that matters to anyone reading this blog. (IS anyone reading this blog?) In the meantime, Raphael has kept meticulous notes of the last session--a good one, he reports.

Who Played
John, Raphael, Robert, Craig, Carl, Ari and Wes

What They Played
In A Mellow Tone (I-206) John
Blue Monk (I-52) Robert
Four (I-149) Raphael
Ornithology (I-317) Craig
Oleo (I-305) Ari
Wave (I-431) John
Bessie's Blues (I-42) Carl
Blues For Alice (I-55) Wes
How High The Moon (I-180) Robert
Cherokee (I-77) Raphael
There Will Never Be Another You (I-407) Wes
It's Too Late (III-218) Craig
Autumn Leaves (I-33) Carl
Lullaby Of Birdland (I-256) Robert
Without A Song (I-428) Raphael

--SJH

Sunday, May 19, 2019

May 18, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 5/25, 11am-3pm. TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-A-Tune:

Your scribe had too much weekend, and had to miss the Workshop, but the faithful Raphael took notes for us.

Personnel: Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Jack K (trumpet), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet), Lathiel (trombone), Lachel (trumpet), and Carl (trombone)

Tunes:
Beautiful Love (I-40) Sam
I Thought About You (II-180) Jack
Things To Come (II-393) Raphael
Groovin' High (I-166) Wes
Take Five (I-397) Ari
St. Thomas (II-339) Lathiel
So What (I-366) Carl
Four Brothers (II-138) Sam
I'll Take Romance (III-180) Raphael
All Of Me (I-20) Ari
Autumn Leaves (I-28) Carl
Robbins Nest (II-330) Wes
Quizas Quizas Quizas (III-329) Raphael
Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (II-355) Sam
Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West (II-408) Carl
Red Top (III-332) Wes

--SJH

Saturday, May 11, 2019

May 11, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 5/18, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Sam's Add-A-Tune: Beautiful Love (I-40)

In a hurry. But soon your scribe can relax.

The Players:
Sam (trombone, trumpet), Steve C (piano), Steve H (alto, percussion), Jack K (trumpet, drums), Raphael (bass)

The Compositions:
Solar (I-363) Sam
Indiana (II-201) Jack K
On The Street Where You Live (III-310) Steve H
Bouncing With Bud (II-66) Steve C
Song Of The Jet [Samba Do Aviao] (II-370) Raphael
Sister Sadie (III-355) Sam
Nancy With The Laughing Face (III-298) Jack K
Thou Swell (I-411) Steve H
Yardbird Suite (II-433) Steve C
Until I Met You (II-409) Raphael
Nica's Dream (I-299) Sam
Georgia On My Mind (II-145) Steve H
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (II-436) Steve C
Pursuance (Part III) (II-321) Raphael
Jeannine (II-212) Sam
Jitterbug Waltz (II-214) Steve H
Lady Bird (I-235) Steve C
Very Early (I-428) Raphael

--SJH

May 4, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 5/11, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Add-A-Tune: Solar (I-363)

Speed report!

Present:
Raphael (bass), Steve H (piano, soprano), Sam (trombone, trumpet), Ari (trumpet), Lachel (trumpet), Lathiel (trombone), Roger (tenor), Annie (vocals), Carl (trombone)

Tunes:
Whisper Not (II-422) Sam
Blue Bossa (I-50) Lachel
Watermelon Man (III-429) Ari
Au Privave (I-37) Roger
My One And Only Love (I-288) Steve H
This Could Be The Start Of Something Big (III-404) Raphael
Blue Monk (I-52) Annie
Blue Room (I-53) Annie
Move (II-280) Sam
West Coast Blues (I-436) Annie
Blue Skies (II-58) Annie
Donna Lee (I-123) Wes
Fine And Mellow (III-122) Annie
Exactly Like You (III-116) Annie
Mr. P.C. (I-276) Steve H
It Never Entered My Mind (III-205) Annie
A Fine Romance (I-140) Annie
Why Don't You Do Right (III-447) Raphael
Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars [Corcovado] (I-335) Annie

--SJH

Thursday, May 2, 2019

April 27. 2019

Next time: Sat., 5/4, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

Sam's Add-a-Tune: Whisper Not (II-422)

A familiar gathering: Sam (trumpet and trombone), Raphael (bass), Jeff (piano), Steve C (piano), Jack K (trumpet, drums), John (trombone), Steve H (soprano, rhythm), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet, drums).

We got started, as usual, with the Add-a-Tune, this time Benny Golson's Stablemates (III-378), mostly because Sam had just seen Golson at Crooners and had a good time. Heading around the circle, John got next crack and pulled out Wave (I-431). Jack took us on an easy-feeling My Romance (I-289). Jeff made us work on a lengthy samba, Chega de Saudade (I-74). Steve C opted for the swingier Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). Raphael, always looking for the one he hasn't played, chose Midnight Sun (III-276) which, because of its unusual phrase lengths, is a lot trickier than it sounds. As for Wes, Straight No Chaser (I-386) was just the ticket. Yours truly thought it might be fun to play one he's always wanted to try, Lazy River (I-242); nobody objected.

Back to Sam for a second round, we went to Out Of Nowhere (I-318). John next called Black Nile (I-48). Steve C was on the keys for Lady Bird (I-235). Ari decided on Sophisticated Lady (I-376). Raphael also rummaged around among the old tunes, choosing I'm Sitting On Top Of The World (III-187). Wes went to the tried and true, with Donna Lee (I-123). Your scribe was feeling upbeat, and called Cherokee (I-77). Sam took us to closing (and beyond) with St. Thomas (II-339).

--SJH

Thursday, April 25, 2019

April 20, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 4/27, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Sam's Add-A-Tune: Stablemates (III-378)

The usual crowd of instrumentalists, but still no vocalists able to make it: Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Steve C (piano), Steve H (alto), John (trombone), Ari (trumpet), Carl (trombone), Wes (tenor) and Roger (tenor).

Sam got us off and running--or flying--with Ornithology (I-317). Well, flying low and not too fast. John took us at a similar pace through There Will Never Be Another You (I-407). Carl wanted to revisit Ornithology via How High The Moon (I-180). Steve C changed direction with Jordu (I-227). Raphael radically changed direction with Mingus' Reincarnation Of A Love Bird (I-342). Roger soon had us loping through A Night In Tunisia (I-302). Yours truly thought it would be interesting to try to sound like Johnny Hodges on Passion Flower (I-321), but Strayhorn pieces sound way better with full orchestration, and only Johnny Hodges is Johnny Hodges. Wes went with an old friend, Dizzy's Groovin' High (I-166). Ari called another familiar bopper, Bird's Au Privave (I-37).

Your scribe is pretty sure Sam called something in here which he failed to write down. Carl took the next call, Nostalgia In Times Square (I-306). It is not often that Mingus gets a curtain call at this Workshop.  Roger opted for the tempo-switching John Lewis tune, Django (I-114). Steve C. decided to cool things out with In A Mellow Tone (I-206). Raphael worked his own fingers to the bone with the longish but fun That Old Black Magic (III-394). Yours truly took things out with that old Irving Berlin Easter standard, I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket (II-187).

--SJH

Thursday, April 18, 2019

April 13, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 4/20, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

FJF practice: Ornithology (I-317)

Sorry, getting behind again.

The Players
Sam (trumpet and trombone), Jeff (piano), Steve C (piano), Raphael (bass), Jack K (trumpet), Ari (trumpet), Carl (trombone), and Steve H (alto).

The Tunes
 I-324 Pent Up House (Sam)
I-12 Afternoon in Paris (Me)
I-402 There Will Never Be Another You (Jack K)
I-367 Someday My Prince Will Come (Jeff)
II-372 Struttin' With Some Barbecue (Steve C)
II-160 Head and Shoulders (Raphael)
I-57 Body and Soul (Ari)
I-337 Recorda Me (Sam)
II-293 Now's The Time (Jack K)
II-167 Honeysuckle Rose (Me)
I-226 Jelly Roll (Carl)
I-382 Stella By Starlight (Jeff)
II-436 You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Steve C)
II-386 Tangerine (Raphael)
I-17 Alice in Wonderland (Ari)
I-22 All The Things You Are (Sam)
I-196 I'll Never Smile Again (Me)
I-206 In A Mellow Tone (Carl)

--SJH

Monday, April 8, 2019

Bert Blyleven's Birthday, 2018

Next Time: Sat., 4/13, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


FJF prep: Pent Up House

Due to unforeseen events going on in our host building, the Workshop was cut short at 1:30. Still, we had a good crew of Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Steve H (piano, alto), Arthur (drums), John (trombone), Ari (trumpet), and a surprise visit from Ray (bass) and his friend Rosa (good listener). Annie (vocals) and Carl (trombone) got there just before we shut down. Next time, we'll remember to call and warn you!

We began the day with Sam's FJF prep of Four Brothers, first from the book, then using three of the four parts from our arrangement. We went Wave (I-431) next, courtesy of John. Your scribe thought it would be cool to do a Desmondesque version of I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face (III-192), but it was a lot trickier than he makes it sound. We then took on Waltz for Debby (I-432) at the behest of Raphael, and at a good clip. Arthur got the next round, choosing Pent Up House (I-324). Ari stuck his finger down on a page and came up with Road Song (I-344), which I think we were all pleased with by the end.

We started the second round with Sam's call, Jeannine (II-212). For some reason, John thought Anthropology (I-xx) was a good idea, and he wasn't entirely wrong. Ray decided to sit in for a few, and picked I'm Confessin' (II-xxx), challenging us to play it in a different key than was in the book. The piano player borrowed a computer cheat, but the horns gamely worked through it.

Just as we got started with Annie's first tune, we got the word that we had to leave, and your scribe forgot to write it down. Something with Blue in the title.

--SJH

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

March 31, 2019

Next Time:

A very busy afternoon: 11 instrumentalists, no singers, a lot of rotation on instruments. We had Sam (trumpet, trombone), Roger (tenor, piano), Raphael (bass), Jack K (trumpet, drums), Jeff (piano), Craig (guitar), John (trombone), Ari (trumpet, drums), Wes (tenor), Carl (trombone) and Steve H (alto, piano, hi-hat).

Your scribe is still a bit short on time, so we're going with the short version.

Tunes Played more or less well
I-373 Song For My Father (Sam)
I-425 Up Jumped Spring (Jack K)
I-402 There Will Never Be Another You (Jeff)
Handout Pent Up House (Steve H)
I-51 Blue In Green (Raphael)
I-431 Wave (John)
I-152 Freedom Jazz Dance (Roger)
I-98 Dancing On The Ceiling (Ari)
I-22 Ceora (Wes)
I-311 Once I Loved (Sam)
I-306 Nostalgia In Times Square (Carl)
II-208 It's All Right With Me (Steve H)
I-119 Dolphin Dance (Raphael)
I-317 Ornithology (Roger)
I-3xx St. Thomas (Sam)

--SJH

Thursday, March 28, 2019

March 23, 2019

Next Time: Sat., 3/30, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


FJF prep: You bet

Still bare bones, but hopefully soon back to normal.

Attendees at one point or another
Sam (trumpet, trombone), Roger (tenor), Jeff (piano), Raphael (bass), Steve H (alto), Wes (tenor), Ari (trumpet), Craig (guitar)

Tunes Attempted
III-429 Watermelon Man (Sam)
I-77 Cherokee (Steve)
I-20 All Of Me (Jeff)
III-26 A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody (Raphael)
I-302 A Night In Tunisia (Roger)
I-378 Speak No Evil (Ari)
II-282 My Little Suede Shoes (Sam)
IV-150 Goin' Out Of My Head (Craig)
Handout Pent Up House (Steve H)
I-122 Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Ari)
I-431 Wave (Raphael)
I-166 Groovin' High (Wes)
I-256 Lullaby Of Birdland (Roger)

--SJH

Friday, March 22, 2019

March 16, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 3/23, 1am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


FJF prep: We hope so.

In a bit of a hurry; your scribe needs to post two weeks worth of material and the notice for the next time, so bare bones reporting.

Present and one point or another
Steve C (piano), Steve H (alto), Roger (tenor), Jack K (trumpet), Raphael (bass), Ari (trumpet), Carl (trombone)

Tunes played
I-219 Isn't It Romantic (Jack)
I-187 I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good (Steve H)
I-227 Jordu (Steve C)
I-413 Time Remembered (Raphael)
I-317 Ornithology (Roger)
I-32   April in Paris (Ari)
II-422 Whisper Not (Steve C)
II-324 Pent Up House [FJF arrangement] (Steve H)
II-34  Perdido (Raphael)
I-391 Take The A Train (Roger)
I-340 Reflections (Ari)
II-324 Pent Up House [again] (Steve)
I-364 So What? (Carl)
II-436 You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Steve C)
II-344 September Song (Raphael)
II-172 I Believe In You (Ari)
II-167 Honeysuckle Rose (Steve H)

--SJH

Thursday, March 14, 2019

March 9, 2019

Next Time: Sat. 3/16, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Not a huge group showed (the weather forecast being so foreboding--not to mention incorrect), but all ready for action: Raphael (bass), Sam (trumpet and trombone), Jack K (trumpet), Roger (tenor and piano), Ari (trumpet), and Steve H (alto and piano).

Sam got things rolling with Four Brothers (II-138), which went surprisingly smoothly. Jack K opted for Footprints (I-144), which actually gave us more trouble, but we started to get the hang of it. Yours truly called the ballad For All We Know (I-145), but not too slow. Raphael reached into his bag of surprises for A Taste Of Honey (III-386), with its occasionally unusual phrasing. Roger found one very suitable for his sound, Seven Steps to Heaven (I-356), which proved difficult to get started, but eventually we found a groove.

On the second round, Sam gave us Dear Old Stockholm (I-102), another tricky tune to take at speed, but we held our own. Jack turned to a fun tune, Teach Me Tonight (III-387). Ari opted for something simpler, Freddie Freeloader (I-151). Before heading out early, your scribe asked for Don't Get Around Much Anymore (I-122). Raphael decided on the lesser-known Rodgers and Hart tune, Mimi (III-278). Before it was even his turn, Roger was suggesting Parker's Au Privave (I-34), and got his wish.

For the final spin, Sam turned to Mr. Magic (II-268). Ari got the nod to pick Straight No Chaser (I-386). The fun closed out with Roger's choice of Blue Bossa (I-50).

--SJH

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

March 2, 3019

Next Time: Saturday, March 9, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)

FJF prep: Four Brothers (II-138)

Another voiceless session as only the instrumentalists made an appearance. Raphael (bass) was our notetaker, and he was joined by Jack (trumpet), John (trombone), Roger (tenor), Jeff (piano), Carl (trombone), Ari (trumpet) and the indomitable Sam (trumpet, trombone).

Things got underway with Jack putting in the request for The Nearness Of You (II-285). Jeff got the next call, A Fine Romance (I-190). Raphael was next up, and chose Black Nile (I-48). John wasn't sure what to choose, calling Yes And No (I-452). Roger put a twist into the fabric by calling Giant Steps (I-157) as a samba. Sam went to this week's Add-A-Tune and possible FJF number, Sonny Rollins' Pent Up House (I-324). 

The second round began with Jack's call, Tune Up (I-418). Somehow, Sam got another swing right away, requesting Summer Samba (I-362). Ari was in the rotation now, and stayed with that summer feel with Wave (I-431). Carl, also now on hand, went to old standby In A Mellow Tone (I-206). Jeff up next turned to the classic ballad, Body and Soul (I-57). Raphael opted for a little Parker and Au Privave (I-37). 

Apparently missing some people by this point, the rotation returned to Sam, who finally broke the spell of Volume I by calling Killer Joe (II-229). Ari went with something less familiar, Barbara (II-36). Carl brought things home with 2 Degrees East, 3 Degrees West (II-408).

--SJH

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

February 23, 2019

Next Time: Sat. Mar. 2, 11am-3pm, TowerLight 3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park


fjf prep: Pent Up House (I-324)

Some new faces among the old: Roger (tenor and some drums) and John (trombone),  joined Sam (trumpet, trombone), Raphael (bass), Jack (trumpet, drums), Steve H (alto), Jeff (piano), and Serdar (guitar) for an all-instrumental session.

We began with Sam's Add-A-Tune, Minor Swing (IV-284). Jack took the next call with Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). While your scribe was off locating the drums, Jeff ordered up an easy-going version of How High The Moon (I-180). Yours truly changed the feel with John Lewis' Afternoon In Paris (I-12). Raphael really changed the feel with Dolphin Dance (I-119). Roger, perhaps merely wanting to speed up Jeff's order, asked for Ornithology (I-317), which we tried first a bit slower, then more to speed. John took his first shot with Nica's Dream (I-299). Late arriving Serdar polished off the first round, and got us out of Book I, with Billie's Bounce (II-44).

Sam got round two off to a weird start with Cantelope Island (II-76). Your scribe opted for the much more laid back Line For Lyons (III-240). Raphael came charging back with Pat Marino's Interchange (III-202). Serdar called the much more straightforward Four (I-149). Sam surprised with West Coast Blues (I-436). Yours truly slowed things down with the Ellington ballad Warm Valley (II-412). We wrapped things up with a rollicking St. Thomas (II-339).

--SJH

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

February 16, 2019

Next Time: Sat., Feb. 23, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)

FJF Prep: Minor Swing (IV 284)

Only a small group present this past session. Along with reporter Raphael were Sam, Jeff, and Wes.

Songs
I 324 Pent Up House (Sam)
I 128 Easy To Love (Jeff)
I 119 Dolphin Dance (Raphael)
I 245 Little Boat (Sam)
I 166 Groovin' High (Wes)
II 288 No Moe (Jeff)
I 285 My Favorite Things (Raphael)
I 55 Blues For Alice (Wes)
II 355 Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Sam)
II 293 Now's The Time (Jeff)
II 433 Yardbird Suite (Raphael)
III 22 Along Came Betty (Jeff)
I 39 Autumn Leaves (Sam)

--SJH




Wednesday, February 13, 2019

February 9, 2019

Next Time: Saturday, February 16, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


Your scribe had to cut out early in the proceedings, so Raphael kept tabs on things.


II-67 Blues in the Closet, SteveII-112 The Drive, RII-102 Dexter Rides Again, AriI-311 Perdido SteveII-218 It's Too late, CraigI-267, Memories of Tomorrow, AriI-283 The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, CraigI-39 Autumn Leaves, AriI-338 Red Clay, RI-453 Yesterday, AriI-195 I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, AnnieII-408 2o E, 3o W, CarlI-16, Alfie, AnniePrinted, How Little We Know, AnnieI-207 In A Sentimental Mood, CarlI-82, Come Sunday, AnnieI-62 But Beautiful, AnnieII-261 Makin' Whoopee, AnnieIII-313 The Party's Over, CarlIII-312 On the Sunny Side of the Street, Annie attendance - Steve, Ari, Craig, Annie, Carl, Raphael 

--SJH

Thursday, January 31, 2019

January 26, 2019

Next Time: Saturday, February 2, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale, St. Louis Park)


The following is a report from Sam.

Present: Jeff, Craig, Serdar, Jack K, Sam, Terry. (What a lot of guitars.--SJH)

Tunes played:
Work Song (II-429)
On The Trail 
Four (I-149)
Lady Bird (I-235)
Feel Like Makin' Love (III-119)
So Nice (I-362)
All Of Me (I-20)
Blue Monk (I-52)
Stella By Starlight (I-382)
The Rainbow Connection (III-330)
I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart (I-188)
What's New (II-420)
How Insensitive (I-181)
Autumn Leaves (I-39)

--SJH

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

January 19, 2018

NEXT TIME: Saturday, January 26, 11am-3pm, TowerLight (3601 Wooddale Ave., St. Louis Park)


No vocalists this week, so more time to work on the playing, and some of these tunes were tricky. Present were Sam (trumpet and trombone), Raphael (bass), Craig (guitar), Terry (guitar), Steve H (soprano, piano, rhythm), Jack K (trumpet, drums), Jeff (piano), and Wes (tenor).

Sam got us off to a good start with Out Of Nowhere (I-318). Jack K kept us in the groove with Have You Met Miss Jones (I-172). Craig extended our time in the mid-tempo swing tunes with In The Still Of The Night (II-198). Jeff shifted out focus with a ballad-y version of I Hear A Rhapsody (II-177). Raphael consulted his list, and threw us all on our heads with Coltrane's Moment's Notice (I-280), which resulted in quite a workout. Terry helped us relax with an easy swing take on Misty (I-277). Along came Wes with Along Came Betty (III-22). Your scribe took the opportunity to lift the mood with It's Delovely (III-273). 

Around the circle once more, Sam opted for Denzil Best's semi-bop Move (II-280). Jeff went all-bop with Boplicity (I-58). We played neither of these tunes to speed. Raphael took us right over the top with another one-word title, Equipoise (I-134). Terry changed directions entirely by calling Moon River (II-279). Wes brought us back to slow bop with a speed-governed version of Donna Lee (I-120). Yours truly, by now on piano, asked for Lady Bird (I-235). Sam decided Four Brothers (II-138) would be fun, and it worked out fine. Back to your scribe (people were heading out), we played a swingy version of I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face (III-xxx). We finished off with Raphael's choice, Wave (I-431). 

Participant Picks


George Shearing Quintet
Move

John Coltrane
Moment’s Notice

Max Roach
Equipoise

Paul Desmond
I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face
Enjoy!

--SJH