Mindi Abair on American Idol! April 16, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Music, TV.add a comment
NOTE: Abair is pronounced “AY-bare.”
I am subscribed to saxophonist Mindi Abair‘s newsletter. Last weekend, the newsletter noted that Mindi would be on American Idol on Wednesday night performing with an undisclosed contestant on a song produced by Don Was:
Visitors to her website were also informed of her upcoming appearance:
Mindi recorded a track with producer Don Was for one of the American Idol finalists this weekend, and she will be performing it live on American Idol Wednesday, April 13th. Tune in to your local Fox listings and cheer her on. It might be the first sax solo ever in American Idol history.
Not a regular viewer of the show, I DVR’d it while watching a different show in the 8:00 hour. Later, I skimmed through the recording to see where Mindi showed up. I wasn’t skimming for long. Five minutes in, there she was with Paul McDonald on “Old Time Rock and Roll.” Again from her website:
Mindi rocked out with Paul McDonald on American Idol last night to open the show. Steven Tyler remarked “Who’s that sax player?” and Ryan Seacrest said if you’d like to vote for “Sax with Paul”, call in.
What a performance it was! Watch:
You can buy the single, produced by Don Was at iTunes!
Katherine Gilraine liked it, too, writing about the exposure Mindi’s appearance gave smooth/contemporary jazz:
If you caught American Idol recently, then you may have seen something different. And if you’re not part of the jazz scene, then you may be asking yourself, “Who is that sax player? She is good!”
From what I saw on FB and Youtube, Mindi Abair all but upstaged the contestant, and people are absolutely amazed, asking why they hadn’t seen her before. Why they hadn’t known that someone can play the saxophone like that. And I say to them, “Are you of the people who dismisses smooth jazz as ‘not real music’? Then that’s why. You dismissed the very music that you’re finding yourself noticing as great and enjoyable.”
Oh, the power of perception and exposure that shatters it.
You can read the rest here.
4/28 UPDATE: From Mindi’s website:
Mindi back on American Idol
Tuesday, 26 April 2011 21:49
Mindi will be back with her saxophone on American Idol this Wednesday night 4/27/11, this time playing with the horn section. Tune in and cheer her on.
I wish I had known of this sooner. I’m sorry I missed it.
Eric Marienthal/Jazzaphonic concert recap March 23, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal.add a comment
Eric Marienthal came to the Boulton Center in Bay Shore last night for a masterclass (“bring your instrument”) and concert. This is a photo recap of the concert.
Eric was backed up by the band Jazzaphonic. Jazzaphonic was made up of Bill Heller on the keyboard:
Steve Salerno on guitar:
Jim Cammack on the electric bass…
…and acoustic bass:
And Frank Bellucci on drums:
SET LIST
1. Hangin’ On The Boardwalk
Originally heard on: “Turn Up The Heat,” 2001
2. Blue Water
Originally heard on: “Just Around The Corner,” 2007
3. Oasis
Originally heard on: “Oasis,” 1991
4. Down and Loaded (Jazzaphonic, written by Bill Heller)
5. New York State Of Mind
Originally heard on: “Got You Covered!,” 2005
6. Safrica (Jazzaphonic, written by Steve Salerno)
7. Moody’s Mood For Love
Originally heard on: “Got You Covered!,” 2005
8. Latinesque (Jazzaphonic, written by Bill Heller)
9. Compared To What
Originally heard on: “Got You Covered!,” 2005
Encore 1. Bill’s Bop (Jazzaphonic, written by Bill Heller)
Eric switched to the soprano sax for “Oasis”:
Wayne Schuster played soprano sax to Eric’s alto on “Safrica”:
Steve’s guitar solo on “Latinesque”:
“Compared To What”:
That was followed by an encore: “Bill’s Bop.”
Before I left, I briefly caught up with Eric and our mutual friend Kat Sarracco, whom I sat with during the concert, took our picture:
This concert was a blast! Thanks to Eric, Bill, Steve, Jim, Frank, and Wayne.
3/26 UPDATE: Eric’s concert was on a day off from touring with the Jeff Lorber Fusion. Wednesday and Thursday nights, Fusion played at Iridium. Katherine Gilraine saw them Thursday night. In her recap, she lauded Eric:
His own material shows it best; he knows his horns. He knows his soprano sax and does not have to do much to get to the sound as he wants. High notes – effortless. Low growls on the alto or tenor – no problem. There is no effort whatsoever needed for Marienthal to rock out with a solo, or accent with a lick or two, and he can stand out just as easily as he blends into the overall sound.
Smooth no more March 8, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio.add a comment
A few days before scheduled to occur, the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards were canceled. My friend Katherine Gilraine, who was supposed to co-present, is rightfully perturbed:
…
To say that I’m angry is an understatement, and not just because they have canceled the event so close to the wire. Generally, you don’t cancel shows this close in advance. Bad ticket sales are one thing, but if it’s obvious that the ticket sales are dismal – which, believe me, is not something that a promoter misses over an extended period of time – you let people know in advance. Because that way, they can plan on alternatives.What really raised my hackles is the way that the advertising was – or in this case, wasn’t – done for this event, and the producers are pulling out the “smooth jazz radio is dead” card as the reason why ticket sales were bottomed. Similarly, it pisses me off that the article above [This article. –MC] suggests that the artists drop the “smooth” moniker and “start making real music.”
What part of this music isn’t real, I ask? Seriously. What part of this music isn’t real if the cruises are booked a year in advance to the gills, the festivals are a hit, new artists are voluntarily entering the genre, and the listeners have gotten involved in more than one grassroots petition to bring the stations back?
…
You can read the rest at the link on the words “rightfully perturbed.” She goes on to say that smooth or contemporary jazz is real music. And I agree. But her post hit close to home because I relied heavily on contemporary jazz in my time at Evening Jazz on WCWP, a format that is supposed to be perhaps a little c-jazz, but mostly other sub-genres of jazz and jazz-inspired music from other genres. I got by for seven months without incorporating all of that, but chose to step down when I was told I had to.
Outside of c-jazz fan friends and musician friends, few people I know believe the genre Kat and I love is real music. They think it’s elevator music, it sucks, it gives them a headache, they hate it and the artists, they whine about a lack of vocals (“where are the words?”), it’s lovemaking music, and other complaints. Some of it could be considered lovemaking music, but I don’t think of that when I listen or talk about it on the air. If I hadn’t been introduced to c-jazz, new age, and traditional jazz in the Local Forecast on The Weather Channel when I was young, I’d probably think the same way as those that bash it. I’m glad I discovered it.
While on the subject, I have good news. I’ll be heading back to the Boulton Center in Bay Shore on Tuesday, March 22, to see Eric Marienthal, and to Houndstooth Pub in Manhattan on Saturday, April 16, for Brian Simpson. Expect recaps of both.
3/9 UPDATE: It appears Kat’s dark cloud has a silver lining:
Not 24 hours past since I put up my last post regarding the abrupt cancellation of the Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards, and already the wheels have been set into motion. Before Tuesday elapsed, Ken Levinson, Bruce Nazarian, the artists, the people at Anthology, the people at Spaghettini’s, and everyone else who was left in the lurch by this turn of events had pulled together and engineered what has become known now as the Lemonade Weekend.
This astounds me, in the very best of ways. This is exactly why I call jazz “Our Music” when I’m with fellow fans. We took a failed, poorly-marketed event, and turned it into a makeshift festival. I’m not sure who will be part of this makeshift festival, but there is much to be said for the tenacity, gumption, and love that we have for the artists.
We, the fans, made this happen.
…
Dave Koz and winter storms February 6, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio, Weather.2 comments
Four years ago next Monday, Valentine’s Day, I was supposed to see Dave Koz perform at the Best Buy Theater (then the Nokia Theater) in Times Square. Unfortunately, there was a winter storm that day. So, rather than risk taking the LIRR to Penn Station and walk through the snow and ice on the way to the theater, my parents and I stayed home. We figured the show would be canceled. I’m sure it wasn’t.
This Friday, Dave returns to that theater. Though only a few snow showers are in the forecast, the friend with whom I was going to Dave’s concert had plans come up that night. So, once again, I miss out on him. Maybe next time.
I highly recommend Dave’s current album, “Hello Tomorrow.” You can buy it here. I played a few cuts from the album on CJazzPlus, my recent Live365 station.
Here’s hoping less snow and ice are in the forecast for the rest of the winter.
2/14 UPDATE: I may not have gone to Dave’s concert, but Katherine Gilraine did.
Smooth Jazz for Scholars 2011 dates/lineup January 20, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal.add a comment
Jay Rowe is hosting his 9th annual Smooth Jazz for Scholars concert on Saturday, April 30, in his hometown, Milford, Connecticut. The concert will be 8PM at the Parsons Complex Auditorium. It’s located at 70 W. River St., Milford, CT 06460.
Headlining SJFS are Chieli Minucci, Ken Navarro, Marion Meadows, Jeff Kashiwa, and Steve Cole. Backing them up will be Jay on keyboards, Dave Anderson on bass, percussion by Steve Scales, and Trever Somerville on the drums. Tickets are $40.
This will be my fifth SJFS.
On Friday, April 29, one night before the main show, there will be a jam session at the Daniel Street club. (6/22/12 UPDATE: Daniel Street closed in January.) The 8PM jam session will feature Steve Cole and Jeff Kashiwa. Tickets are $20.
To purchase tickets, send a check or money order made payable to Smooth Jazz for Scholars Inc. to:
P.O. Box 3723
Milford, CT 06460
You can look my recap of last year’s SJFS here.
6/3 UPDATE: This year’s recap is up.
Matt Marshak concert recap December 6, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Jazz, Music, Personal.add a comment
Later Matt Marshak show recaps: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
Yesterday, I saw Matt Marshak perform at Houndstooth Pub, located in the Fashion District section of Manhattan.
Before the show, between sets, and after the show, music was provided by DJ Rafe Gomez of “The Groove Boutique.”
The show began just after 5PM.
Matt Marshak was on guitar:
Kenny Harris on bass:
Rodney Williams on the keyboards:
And Carl Anderson was on drums:
SET 1
1. Seduction
2. I Will Be With You
3. Affirmation/Breezin’ (George Benson medley)
4. Wind Chill Factor
5. Uptown
6. Sleepwalk (Larry Carlton cover)
SET 2
7. Ascension (Maxwell cover)
8. Summerfunk
9. Tell Me How You Feel – Gina Breedlove, vocals
10. Low Rider (War cover)
11. Gratitude
12. What You Won’t Do For Love (Bobby Caldwell cover) – Kenny Harris, vocals
13. Smile (I think this was a cover, too. Again, let me know in the comments.)
14. Kiss (Prince cover) – Paula Atherton, alto sax
15. Funkology – Paula Atherton, alto sax
Let’s take a photographic journey through the evening.
Gina Breedlove came in on vocals for “Tell Me How You Feel”:
Kenny Harris was on vocals for “What You Won’t Do For Love”:
The rest of the band, including Kenny, had background vocals in a few songs in both sets.
Carl’s wild drum solo:
Saxophonist Paula Atherton performed on the last two songs of the evening:
Rafe Gomez also played a role in the last two songs. He’s seen here after the last song:
Between sets, Matt and I posed for a picture:
It was an exciting two and a half hours. Thanks to Matt, Kenny, Rodney, Carl, Gina, Paula, DJ Rafe Gomez, Katherine Gilraine, Kat Sarracco of Neko Productions, and Ed Tankus of Blue Plate Radio.
4/3/11 UPDATE: I was able to identify “Tell Me How You Feel” because it’s on Matt’s recently released album “Urban Folktales.”
Peter White Christmas 2010 at B.B. King’s December 5, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal.2 comments
Last night, Peter White took his annual Peter White Christmas tour to B.B. King’s in New York City. Unfortunately, I was not there, but my friend Katherine Gilraine was:
… Now, here’s an interesting factoid: despite my atheism, I rather like Christmas music, especially Christmas music done right. So naturally, where would I be today but with Peter White, Mindi Abair and Rick Braun for the Christmas special?
The first show, the one that I had my ticket for way in advance – since before the Big Cruise, mind! – was sold out. How I got the seat right next to the stage, I will never know, but you cannot beat that view. And what is first but Rick opening up with Little Drummer Boy? Muted trumpet, brushes on the snare – a light, simple-but-classic take on this holiday favorite. And soon enough, Peter and Mindi come on up as well and the rest of the band, standing by, joins in as well, turning an easygoing tune into something rousing.
You know, seeing that trio on stage together is something interesting, considering the stylistics. Rick Braun is almost old-school in his handling of the trumpet – and he handles it to perfection. Peter White is deceptively straightlaced, and is immensely playful when he’s on stage. Mindi – all attitude, sharp and energetic. But put them together, and the creativity on stage is infectious. …
Read the full recap here.
The last time I saw Peter White Christmas was in 2008 at IMAC. You can check out my recap of that show here.
Last day of CJazzPlus tomorrow December 1, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Media, Music, Personal, Radio.add a comment
Tomorrow is the last day of operation for my Live365 internet radio station, CJazzPlus (station link). Listen in from 12PM to 12AM Eastern.
In its two-month existence, CJazzPlus (blog page link) has struggled to get listeners, but it’s been an honor (I know, I always say that) to run it, playing my favorite instrumentals from my personal collection. I don’t know what will come next for me, but there must be something.
Mike C. November 16, 2010
Posted by Mike C. in Internet, Jazz, Music, Personal, Radio.add a comment
Starting today, I’m shortening my display name from “Mike Chimeri” to “Mike C.” Since this is The Mike Chimeri Blog, you’ll know what the “C.” stands for.
In other news:
- My 29th birthday is tomorrow.
- CJazzPlus continues to chug along and I have an eye on expanding listening hours next month. Stay tuned.
- My grandfather, Arthur Rose, passed away on November 5. May he rest in peace. Thank you to those that have expressed condolences.
MikeChimeri.com 
Suddenly off the air: Olby and me January 21, 2011
Posted by Mike C. in Commentary, Jazz, Media, Music, News, Personal, Politics, Radio, TV.1 comment so far
Shortly after 9PM, I learned that Keith Olbermann had done his last show with MSNBC. At first, I was in denial. Without knowing the details, I figured he wouldn’t be gone long, as was the case when he was suspended in November. But there won’t be a reprieve for him this time. This is really the end.
It came as swiftly as my end came at WCWP last August. On a Wednesday afternoon, August 4, hours before going on the Spirit of New York’s Smooth Cruise, it was Rick Braun and Richard Elliot that week, I got an e-mail that stopped me in my tracks. Long story short, six days later, I wrote the following:
I stand by what I said then. I will admit that I’ve had bitter moments since the decision. No one likes to step away from something they love, but that’s the business of media. I wouldn’t have been part of “Evening Jazz” had it not been for Martin Phillips, who I trust has done a fine job in my place.
There is one glaring difference between Olby and me: I didn’t use my show to lob personal attacks at my competition or people I disagreed with politically. For that, I did not like Keith, after loving his work at ESPN and Fox Sports earlier in his career. I’ll never forget how listening to the audiobook for The Big Show by Keith and Dan Patrick got me and my family through the car ride to Florida in December 1997, or how listening to the same audiobook got me through an hours-long power outage in September 1998 (though not days long like last March’s Nor’easter). That made it hard for me to suddenly dislike him beginning in 2006 when he took liberal blog-inspired shots at Bill O’Reilly. Then, I discovered Olbermann Watch, where Keith’s misinformation and embellishments were questioned and debunked. It dulled the pain of the personal attacks, unless I witnessed them while recapping segments for the site.
To the chagrin of his fans, to recap what I said at the top of this post, tonight was the end of the line for Keith Olbermann at MSNBC. You can watch his farewell here.
I don’t know where either of us will end up next, but for my sake, there must be some place out there for me. I hope I don’t regret posting this.
11:32 PM UPDATE: Here’s a supportive tweet from Johnny Dollar:
I replied by thanking him for the support. Check out his site’s links for today. Since the announcement, it’s been Olbycentric.
1/22, 12:55 AM UPDATE: J$’s weekend thread has more Olbycentric links.
1/22, 5:39 PM UPDATE: The final Olbermann Watch post…for now.
1/23 UPDATE: J$’s Fox Haters Week in Review closed with a segment on Olbermann. Here’s a preview:
1/24 UPDATE: The Olbermann reportage carried over to today, as documented at J$P. Included in the links is this video:
From NewsBusters, it’s Keith Olbermann’s greatest hits.
Greg Gutfeld: Olby’s Exit.
Despite Keith’s departure from MSNBC, Bill O’Reilly still won’t mention his name on the air, as we saw tonight on The O’Reilly Factor in the Weekdays with Bernie [Goldberg] segment. Jeff Poor elaborated on that move at The Daily Caller. It’s a good move because Olbermann still has Twitter to snipe back on and rally his base. The new #FOK, or “Friends of Keith,” hashtag is one way that base is rallying.
1/25 UPDATE: Today’s round of links
The Red Eye version of Greg Gutfeld’s commentary (Gregalogue):
1/26 UPDATE: Hal Boedeker of the Orlando Sentinel replied to Goldberg today.
1/30 UPDATE: Phil Mushnick: The real reason Olbermann lost his show
Fox News Watch on Keith’s dismissal:
2/8 UPDATE: Keith is headed to Current TV. With that, attacks on everyone he disagrees with will resume.
2/9 UPDATE:
3/30/12 UPDATE: Keith Olbermann was fired by Current TV earlier today.
4/1/12 UPDATE: From Howard Kurtz: Keith Olbermann’s Angry Email Trail Traces Breakup With Current TV
4/2/12 UPDATE: John Gibson weighed in at the end of his Fox News Radio show this afternoon: