C jam blues, played with four hands in Yokohama

As I repeatedly confess, I cannot get away from 1960es jazz scene. Because it links to my best years with excitement and thrill. One element that constitute the memory is Red Garland trio. Especially C Jam blues.

It was my greatest regret that I did not have the chance to listen to him live during my stay in NY, 1967-1972. I have experienced Bill Evans, Tomy Flanagan, Art Tatum, Wynton Kelly, Harbie Hancock and etc. Everybody except Evans played with so many sound and proved that they do have quite flexible fingers. Yeah, right Monk was the another one who sounded just like listening to LP.

Here, I have to get rid of my memory of Garland. Four hands play C jam Blues. The place was in Yokohama, my hometown.

There were Mr. Yoshida, who was the owner of a coffee shop. He was quite famous as the early explorer of jazz in Japan and love play with Pachinko. The name of the coffee shop was "Chigusa". As hs passed away, the shop had been demolished and give the space to one of those characterless condo in 2002? I am not sure on the date though, it's been a while since the shop is gone.

OK, here's what Red Garland did from his album "Groovy"

hey, Yokohama isn't bad, don't you think?

Movie with jazz, an old story

I haven't touched anything other than the piano jazz itself. But on the second thought that there were so many things attached to the jazz music, right? Dancing is one, nice dinner of course, and it should go along nicely with your love whisper.

There are lots of great movies that are featured in the movie. Or the jazzy version of movie themes that remind me of those beautiful days in my life. The first one was Miles Davis playing the BGM for Ascenseur pour L'echafaud. Jeanne Moreau walking around the night street. The movie was of 1957. Most of you weren't born, huh!

We, group members of Modern Jazz Lovers were fascinated by beautiful Ms Morrow and the rumor that Miles improvised the music at the scene. Yes, those were the most beautiful days for me, the 1960es.



Since I have raised the name of Miles, tell me your opinion. Who was the best match pianist for him?
Well, since I love his recording of "So what", Red Garland is my choice. Miles had changed his style so much. He should have selected the best available and the best fit for him whenever.

Two "Softly as in a morning Sunrise" from the past

Softly as in a morning sunrise has been my favorite. See, the face of John? It's rare to see his face with this kind of smile. When could this video be? They all are pretty young and I've never heard this kind of clear recording before. My experiences with MJQ is limited to the LP. No, I went the very first concert in Tokyo. That was, . . . well I cannot be sure though, it could be somewhere around 1960. Boy! that was the experience.

Well, tell you the truth, I don't like John's backing Mr. Jackson with too much high notes.

I realized first time that the improvisation of Milt is kind old fashioned. This recording cannot be any later than 1970, right?


My favorite softly is of Wynton Kelly. This is in Kelly blue, is it? This is my favorite "Softly".


See? that beautiful block chords Kelly does. That 's Wynton Kelly. and I like the way he use scales in his improvisation so naturally. And listen, so beautifully sing this song with his piano! I agree, drumming is a bit too old. But Kelly does as he should, my goodness.