I'm glad! Jalen's music is on Bandcamp. He's got two recordings out, and they're both fantastic. And on YouTube, you can check out his quartet live, which a whole other level of energy.
"If you can make an arts career in Houston, you are really, really doing something right! "
Maybe my favorite moment from this, on a personal level. Houston is a wonderful, yet tough, city—but so much to give. I've always bragged to people elsewhere about the level of talent, and structure that is here to support it...if only we were willing to make the most of it.
I totally agree with you. I moved down here in 2010 from New York, and over time, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the history of its contributions to jazz, as well as visual art. Jalen’s commitment to keeping the Houston arts scene growing is inspiring.
Nice rapport between the two of you, Chris. I've liked the Blindfold Test format since I was a kid, particularly when the "test" element is subdued, as you Jalen have done.
Thank you. I appreciate that. I was also inspired by a Chick Corea blindfold test to dispense with the star rating thing, which I know would have gotten in the way of just enjoying and rapping about the music. Corea said, ““All musicians, they’re my friends. So, I want to encourage everybody. To tear the music apart like a critic is not a tendency for me."
The "Blindfold Test" is a great feature, Chris! I look forward to more of them! The commentary alone is motivating me to further explore the music of the mentioned artists (including the one blindfolded!).
Thank you, Carolyn! I had a lot of fun doing this, and discovering some gems I'd never heard like the Red Norvo trio doing that crazy version of "Cheek to Cheek" and Sasha Berliner's album. Jalen's albums are both excellent.
I was in the gallery doing some writing today. Loved listening to this while I worked!
I'm glad! Jalen's music is on Bandcamp. He's got two recordings out, and they're both fantastic. And on YouTube, you can check out his quartet live, which a whole other level of energy.
"If you can make an arts career in Houston, you are really, really doing something right! "
Maybe my favorite moment from this, on a personal level. Houston is a wonderful, yet tough, city—but so much to give. I've always bragged to people elsewhere about the level of talent, and structure that is here to support it...if only we were willing to make the most of it.
I totally agree with you. I moved down here in 2010 from New York, and over time, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the history of its contributions to jazz, as well as visual art. Jalen’s commitment to keeping the Houston arts scene growing is inspiring.
Nice rapport between the two of you, Chris. I've liked the Blindfold Test format since I was a kid, particularly when the "test" element is subdued, as you Jalen have done.
Thank you. I appreciate that. I was also inspired by a Chick Corea blindfold test to dispense with the star rating thing, which I know would have gotten in the way of just enjoying and rapping about the music. Corea said, ““All musicians, they’re my friends. So, I want to encourage everybody. To tear the music apart like a critic is not a tendency for me."
The "Blindfold Test" is a great feature, Chris! I look forward to more of them! The commentary alone is motivating me to further explore the music of the mentioned artists (including the one blindfolded!).
Thank you, Carolyn! I had a lot of fun doing this, and discovering some gems I'd never heard like the Red Norvo trio doing that crazy version of "Cheek to Cheek" and Sasha Berliner's album. Jalen's albums are both excellent.