Bruce Jackson: News

Thats right, I'm coming down to not the city of brotherly love, but the city of Archie Bell and the Drells. I'm in Houston, Texas on August 12th for a performance of "Ain't Misbehavin'" at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Squander your money on popcorn, the performance is free! Check the calendar link on the site for more info.

So not wanting to miss the bus leaving at 10:00, I get to the departure point at 9:30 pm. The folks driving the bus were not worried about missing the bus, they were already on it. So when they got there about 10:45 the rest of us boarded.

Here's what I've learned about large bus groups. It's like eating dinner with a large family. In the words of Bernie Mac, "I got mine. You better get yours". My miscue came when I decided to not only get on the back of the line of folks going in, but to put my bag in the compartment under the bus. That put me further off line and totally out of luck with getting seats. So I managed to compress myself into a seat in the back of the bus. The one dead center at the end of the isle. The one that, if the bus stops short, it's gonna look like my auditon tape for the Flying Wilendas.

11:00 and we're rolling. One of the folks leads the group in prayer. Makes sense. We pray for a safe trip. We pray that the Lord watches over our families and our homes while we are away. We pray that everything mechanical to get us there is sound. But in the few minutes that take us to the Gardern State Parkway, I find that we somehow make a turn, head back the other way, make a turn head back in our original direction.

And now I'm praying that this guy can find Route 95 south.

Praise the Lord, and pass the... navigation device.

You know, in one respect, I'm a lot like the great bassist Bob Cranshaw. I can sleep anywhere, just about any time. So in that bus of sprawled out people, I manage to wedge myself in a single seat, leaning up against the outer wall of the bathroom. I feel bad, I've encroached on the back row where the stage manager was going to try and fit his 6 foot 5 inch structure across three seats. Now there are two.

So it's 2:30 in the morning, and this woman wakes me up trying to get into the bathroom. Not by the act itself, but by waking me up because the door won't open. The sweatshirt I'm wearing says "Harvard School of Public Health" not "Department of Public Works". I'm not the washroom attendant. One of the costume changes for the show is not a white jacket and a whisk broom. Now, I do feel for you, really I do. Wrote a poem about it at that very moment:

I know that gentle
Pitter patter
Is not new love
It's just your bladder


The second bus driver managed to get the door open for her. He, after all was awake. We could have avoided this whole write up with, "sorry to wake you, but..."

So, I'm in the back of the bus. By choice, thanks to those who have gone before us.

Anyway.

It's really hot back here and folks are headed towards the front. I figure we should be in Jacksonville soon, so I push the seat back and take yet another nap. What wakes me up is the quiet. There's no sound, but the bus is still rolling. Ever so slowly. As we pull onto the shoulder of Route 95, it's like the rumble strip on the side of the road is pulling the remaining energy out of the bus.

This can't be good, boys and girls.

So now there's no air on the bus, and folks begin to get out. I remark to one of my fellow passengers, "Now it's a church bus trip". Go ahead ask me. Ask me how one of the women in the choir got the bus started.

Seems that her regular job is driving for a big time bus company out of New York. So she actually made a phone call, opened up the back of the bus and got busy. Next thing we know, the bus is running and we are gingerly making our way into Florida.

That Gloria. Like the song says, G L O R I A.

So we let key personnel off the bus (man was that guy suprised), and go to Jacksonville Landing. I did, but it's more than just me getting out of the bus. We descend onto the front desk at the hotel, where we have an hour and a half to shower, make phone calls home and flip around cable. Okay. Our of the hotel, to the Ritz. Staging, sound check, a bite to eat. The house is already open. I forgot to put on my belt and almost went on stage wearing white socks! Places? I've been more places today than I was all last year! But, the show must go on. So, go on over there and make it sound like something!

So it's been exactly 24 hours since we first got on the bus. And here we are, getting to head back up Route 95. We've only gotten out for a couple of rest stops. The longest one was the show. But it was fun and the audience really enjoyed themselves. Somehow, I don't feel as wiped out as I thought I would have. Eh, once the bus starts rolling, you'll have trouble staying awake. So as we descend back into the dark of night, I'm sure your next question is: Why did the drummer cross the road?

To get biscuits made from scratch at a real barbeque joint, that's why! On our next to final stop on the way home, we stopped in a service area. Most of the usual stuff, gas, Burger King, souvenir shop, etc. But what caught everyone's attention was the Prince George Family BBQ restaurant across the road. Open for breakfast! It's like the first couple on the dance floor. It only took a couple of people to head over there before the majority of the company was in the place ordering breakfast. I guess it's best that we had to be back on the bus in 20 minutes. It looks like the kind of place you could spend some time and money in. I almost walked out with a ham! It was nice to open the day with good food, in a nice part of the country.

http://www.pgbbq.com

Coda

I've been on worse road gigs by bus. Ask Lee Sandrson or Peter Giron. But on a serious note, some thankful shout outs are in order.

Thank you to Ron Lucas and A. Curtis Farrow of Irving Srteet Rep for inviting me to share this adventure. It was a pleasure as always. Thanks to Hassan Wilkerson, stage manager extraordinaire. Somehow, it always looks effortless.

Last but not least, thank you to Carol Alexander and the staff of the Ritz Theatre for another wonderful visit. I hope to see you again soon. I wish I could have seen the look on John's face when he got the picture from Carolyn!

No, it's not a recall. I'm performing this Saturday with the Irving Street Rep theatre company. A special presentation of "Your Arms Too Short To Box With God". And it's true. If man were played by like, Gary Coleman, God would be played by Larry Holmes. Tell me two things. Who do you think has the better jab, and how long do you think this fight is going to last?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to doing the show. It's the first time I've worked with a full gospel choir. It's really beautiful to hear. But wait, there's more...

This was described to me by one of the company members as "an old fashoned church group bus trip". As Archie Bell and the Drells advised, tighten up. We're going to be doing some riding. Ready?

The bus leaves New Jersey at 10 pm. We ride all night and get to Jacksonville around 2 pm. I keep doing the math on this, so let's hope they're right.

Now.


After a brief rest, there is a sound check at 4 pm. There will be some 25 people in the show, so with all the mikes to be tested, it won't be as my friend Frank Pagano would say, "hit it and quit it". There are hotel rooms and showers in the plan, shoe horned between rehersal, rest, eat, and hit the drum seat. The performance is at 7:30. We're scheduled to be back on the bus and back out of town at 10 pm. Just like we did the night before. Home Sunday afternoon. Where after a libation, the tv will watch me.

I know that most people I know (actually ALL of them) would not take on something as non-stop, jam-packed, shouldn't have had that third cup of coffee as this. But I have had some absolutely great times with this theatre group. And while this is the exception to what I usually do with them, it sparks of adventure. The kind of stuff we would do when we were younger. And maybe, just maybe, I need to get some of that back.

Above all else, it is a leap of faith. In them, in me, in God.

It's gonna be a hoot. I'll make sure of it. I'll keep you posted.

Thsi is my second year performing at the September Concert: The Heart of Jazz. I hope many of you can come out and share this special night wth the many musicians, restaruants and individuals who give their time so that we can come together for a few hours an reaffirm our connections through music. The Heart of Jazz presentation is coordinated by New York City based vocalist E.J. Decker, and it's quite a balancing act every year. But everyone gets to contribute, and the musicians never know with whom they will be playing. Many world famous players come and play beside folks who you may know on a local level. The greats, the near-greats. Never any ingrates. Last year, I got to hang with such jazz greats as Sheila Jordan, Cameron Brown, James Weidman and Gene Perla. Come to either venue (check the information on the calendar) and be part of a very special evening.

I just wanted to take a minute to thank all the folks who came out to hear the trio at the Brotherhood Winery on July 19. And I know you're going to look, so here it is. Putnam County is in the house! Long Island is in the house! As always, thank you to Colleen Hughes and the folks at the winery for a great evening. I'll be returning on August 16, so if you enjoyed yourselves, by all means, come back. If you were unable to attend on July 19, you can make it up!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Joan Watson-Jones in Studio 952 for talk about the CD, being a leader and mutual friend we had in common, singer Joyce Bryant. The interview will be available on the internet starting today for two weeks.

Here are the details for accessing the interview:

The Jazz Room
Internet Jazz Radio
www.cyberstationusa.com
HOW TO FIND THE JAZZ ROOM
Log on to www.joanwatsonjones.com /jazz_room_page.html and click on the link to www.cyberstationusa.com.

We air every Monday at 7:00-7:30 PM and Sunday at 6:00-6:30PM Eastern Time on www.cyberstationusa.com. We are also available for On Demand listening. When you log on to the stations' website click on the tab "The Shows" in the menu at the top of the screen. The Jazz Room will be in the list of programs. Next click next to the Jazz Room either "This Week" or "Last Week" to listen to a program.


UPCOMING SHOWS

Last Week - Vocalist Judi Silvano. We talk about her current
CD, ”Womens Work” , upcoming projects, the record label she
started with her husband Joe Lovano, and improvisation and
personal style in jazz.
Starting July 14th - Meet Drummer Bruce Jackson. We chat about being a bandleader and the emotions that go into creating a CD . Also we talk of our mutual experiences with Singing Legend Joyce Bryant.
Starting July 21st - We’ll introduce to you Baritone Saxophonist Claire Daly.We have a spirited discussion about her CD “ Heaven Help Us All” and the eclectic content which includes Jazz and the Spoken Word, Afro- Cuban Rhythms and Straight Ahead Jazz . Also the theme of the CD which is a protest of our political times in 2008.
Starting July 28th - We talk with Pianist Onaje Allan Gumbs. We chat about his CD “Sack Full of Dreams” and his experiences working with jazz legends during his long musical career.

Last Week -Live performance by Saxophonist Cercie Miller
accompanied by Pianist Frank Wilkins. Cercie talks about what it's like to be a woman in the “man's” world of jazz saxophonists and her CD's.

You'll see photos of all the guests on at www.joanwatsonjones.com /jazz_room_page.html.
Please pass this eNewsletter on to someone you think might be interested.

I'm pleased to announce a performance at the Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville, NY on Saturday, July 19. A relaxed atmosphere with some wonderful wines and some great music. We'll be performing outdoors in the courtyard from 5:00 until 8:00 pm, so come and relax at Americas oldest winery. It's also one of my favorite venues to play.

Ah, the staves of life: good food, good wine, good music and good friends.


Join us for one of the premier wine tastings on the east coast. I'll be performing
with my trio. Some selections from the CD of course, and some things we just enjoy
playing. Come out and enjoy some of the best wine, food and music of the summer!

Located in Washingtonville, New York, on July 28 and 29, the Brotherhood Winery will
host an array of food and wines sure to delight the senses. Here is a description
from the Brotherhood Winery web site:

"SWT's Bounty of the Hudson at Brotherhood Winery! Local produce,
restaurants, music and of course, Wineries from all over the Hudson Valley come to
this event to showcase the fruits of their labor during this fun filled weekend.
Cooking demos, live music, great food and GREAT WINE!"

www.gunkswine.com for tickets and more information

http://www.brotherhoodwinery.net/pages/events.asp

If the first month of this year is any indication of what's coming, what a year it's going to be. In addition to a wonderful radio interview on New Jersey station WCTC, I attended the IAJE (International Association for Jazz Education) conference in New York. It was an inspiration as well as a learning experience. In part, it was like shaking hands with your record collection. I met so many great people. Drummers Matt Wilson, Peter Erskine, Allen Carter and Billy Hart (who I had seen perform the night before with the "young lions" of the Paris Conservatory). Bassists Eddie Gomez, Bob Cranshaw, Riccardo Del Fra and Rufus Reid. Pianists Mulgrew Miller, Mark Levine, Mark Kramer, Dr. Billy Taylor and Hal Galper (who encouraged me to hang in there in trying to book my first tour). World renowned saxophone player and educator Dave Liebman.
And, managers Karen Kennedy, Gail Boyd and Miles Weinstein.

If that weren't enough, I was able to connect with my "peeps" from Paris! Sarah Morrow, John Betsch, Rhoda Scott and Jean-Noel Ginibre were all in town for the conference, and John had played earlier in the week at the Dewey Redman memorial. A quick hang at the hotel bar and everyone hooting and hollering. And, on the 12th, the trio made a return appearance at the J.J. Bitting Brewing Company to a very enthusiastic crowd.

But there was some sadness as well. Last weekend, we lost two musicians who have contributed much to the jazz landscape. Pianist Alice Coltrane and saxophonist Michael Brecker. They will be missed...

Anyway, there will be some administrative stuff going on, rehearsals and getting ready to perform for you again this year. I hope you'll keep coming out, and if you have not seen the trio yet, this is your year!

For those of you in the central / south Jersey area, I will be a guest on WCTC''s "Loud and Clear" wih Maggie Glynn and Keith Rasmussen. We'll cover some of my background, discuss the CD, and talk about upcoming appearances. WCTC is located at 1450 on your AM dial.

For those of you who are not in the listening area, you can hear it over the internet. Go to: http://www.wctcam.com/index.asp and click the "Listen Live" button.

Here's a summary of how I got to play some great music and pull a fast one on one of my oldest friends at the same time.

Sarah Morrow, who I had met earlier during the year when she was here touring the states, contacted me. She wanted to know if I had planned to be in Paris in November. If so, she would offer me the opportunity to play with her group, The American All Stars In Paris during a trip to the 9th annual Rassegna Internazionale Jazz Festival, held at the Fonderie Teatrali Limone in Moncalieri, Italy. For a couple of reasons, it would be a suprise for my friend, Peter Giron, a noted player and educator in Paris. I agreed, and through the magic of the Internet, we hammered out all the details in about three hours. Her agent, Jean-Noel Ginibre mailed me the charts, and Peter's wife Nicole picked me up a the airport (my flight was four hours late; sorry, Nicole) and made room in their spacious Paris apartment. Peter was indeed suprised (although Jean-Noel gets the MVP award for throwing him off the trail at the last minute). It was great fun, and the story continues in subsequent headings.

Despite a potential roomate in part one and seeing the light in part two, not all of the day has been a series of mishaps. Okay, we did get lost trying to walk back to the hotel from lunch. But I got to spend time talking with everyone in the band. And lunch was great. Sarah, Ricky, Rhoda, Jean-Noel and Peter are a fun group of folks to hang with, and the music that evening really reflected it. But before we leave for the venue, yours truly has time for one more "yikes" moment.

We had dinner in the hotel, and it was just as good and as much fun as lunch. We talked about the set we were going to play, what time to be downstars for the van to the venue, etc. So I go up to my room to take a shower and get dressed. The shower is a small square, a bit larger than an old style phone booth. It takes a minute to get the hot water going, but I'm in, and moving. I have to be downstairs in 20 minutes. So I'm covered from head to foot in lather, and the soap slips out of my hand. I bend down to pick it up... and the water cuts off! For you musicians wondering what scale I'm using, I am now in panic mode!

I'm looking up at the shower head, knowing this can't be good. Given the whoops factor of the first room and the discovery of light, I'm trying to guess; is the water on a timer? I just got in here, I'm not doing the "extra rinse" cycle. Did all the water in the building go off? I'll tell you one thing. If I get out, and there is water running in the sink, this is going to be the birdbath for the ages!

Get ready. This is the part of the story where you, the audience gets to yell out, "dolt", "dimwit" and even "crackhead" (implying there is a physical split; no other pipes other than the bathoom are involved in this story) when I tell you the cause of the pause. Seems I leaned against the faucet on the way to pick up the soap. In my rush to get showered, I didn't feel a thing, and the pipes made no noise. I looked at the handle, took a deep breath, and pulled. When the water flowed, it was a bigger bonanza than having the lights come on!

(okay, yell now...)

A move was then busted, and I was able to be downstairs in plenty of time to join the band. And from there, it was one of those nights you hope for, but don't always get. And thats the risk and reward of playing jazz.

Okay, now I'm in the room. Not bad. Put the bags down, hang up my suit for tonight, put a light on and... hold it. No lights. I try all the switches by the lights and even go back into the entrance way to see if one of the three buttons is the master switch. In less than six minutes, I have more combinations than a Rubik's cube. And none of them work. Back down the stairs I go. Well at least this time, I'm not carring my luggage, shoulder bag, stick bag and cymbal case. On the way down, I see one of the housekeeping staff. Okay chief, act it out. Because the few words you know in Italian will not win this woman's heart. But they will probably get you slapped.

As we enter into the dance of "I don't know how to say this", I point to the light in the hall and show her my room key to indicate what room I'm in (Again, saying the wrong thing and offering a woman your room key could produce unexpected and painful results.). She says, "Ah, la luna?" Close enough. She takes me over to a room she is cleaning, and shows me that there is a slot by the inside of the door. The room keys, with a plastic card attached to them are plugged into the slot. I go up and find the slot in my room, and place the plastic card in the slot. Bingo! The place lights up like a casino! Even the phone rings! Actually, it's Peter, the bassist, who says, "We're waiting for you". I know, but Edison was up here discovering electricity. I'll be right down.

Next installment: All soaped up, and no where to go.

The plane ride is short and pleasant. We get to the hotel, and we get our rooms. I'm down the hall from Sarah, Jean-Noel and Peter. We'll meet for lunch in about 20 minutes, so I go up to drop off my bags. When I get to my room, there is a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. Talk about catering to your every need! Except I'm not in there...yet. But someone is. So, I knock on the door. No answer. Knock again, no answer. It must be okay, I mean, I have the key. I open the door, and the lights are on. What gets my attention is the bathroom door is open, and the lights are on. I don't know if anyone was in there, I didn't stick around to find out! So my first drumming was to beat a hasty retreat back downstairs to the front desk. So if you look at the pictures I shot from the window of the room, I am now located on the third floor.

Next installment: La Luna Eclipse!

I just wanted to thank everyone who came out to the CD release party at The Jazz Galllery on June 13. It was a very special night for me and everyone who attended made it that much more special. A lot of people helped to pull this off. So, in addition to the great musicians (Bob Himmelberger and Tim Ferguson), I'd also like to extend my thanks to the following: Sharon Jackson (personal assistant, transportation coordinator, refreshment supervision, chaos intervention); Charlene Hooper (reception and design); Michelle Greenwood (promotional distribution); Michael Hooper (beverage director, keeper of the office door); Dena Florczyk (photography); Mr. Jeffery Muhammad (wardrobe consultant); Dale Fitzgerald and the staff of The Jazz Gallery for all their help.

Very special thank you: Lezlie Harrison.

Reviewed by Dan McClenaghan, I'm pleased to share this article about the release with you.

http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=21686

I'll be the guest host on Midday Jazz with Rhonda Hamilton on May 3, 2006 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Tune in to WBGO, 88.3 FM to hear me play selections from my personal record collection (I'll be spinning some vinyl as well as CD's). I'll also be pleying a selection from my new CD, "Don't Sleep On Your Dreams" . Tune in to hear a little of everything, from traditional to the avant garde!