Great evening concerts at the Aebersold camp thus far. I had no idea there were so many fantastic jazz artists at the UofL, but their set tonight was a highpoint in my life. Great tunes, 2 originals, genius playing and communication. Words fail me how awesome it was. On par with Mile's quintets? I think so.
As a bass student I find it really interesting how the masters of the instrument and brilliant jazz artists like Lynn Seaton, John Goldsby, Chris Fitzgerald and many others have such completely different techniques and approach and yet all sound so absolutely brilliant. Chris is so lyrical in everything he plays. His sense of phrasing is absolutely beautiful to me. I think I've died and am now in heaven. Oh wait, I'm an athiest. Still, it's like being in heaven.
Jamey's done a fantastic job assembling many of the greatest living jazz musicians into one place, IMO. The concerts are worth the price of the camp alone, but we get so much more. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of the NEA Master's award than Jamey. The guy is a saint. Blasted atheism thing again, but you know what I mean.
And, the food's a bit better this year. Still not gourmet but it doesn't cost gourmet either. IMO, this year it's a bit better than a fair value in the camper's favor. If they could handle the logistics, they could add a more expensive meal plan and I think a few more campers would appear, but they'd need more staff. Still, it's really kind of them to do what they can to make the experience better.
I've also been having a good time getting to know some of the staff who are serious jazz students themselves and are supper hospitable folks. I only remember Jason's name, of course, and Brett, but they are all super positive folk even while they're functioning on only 2 hours of sleep. They truly work like dogs to try to give the campers the absolutely best experience possible.
What a completely amazing camp! This is my 3rd year in a row and I'm getting more each time.
I play more than once a month in LA, but I have to say that while my combo was less than perfect, including my clams, the energy was better than the LA groups, and that's saying a lot. All of my LA groups have killer time with some well known players, well developed and experienced players.
I did have dinner with one guy who was pretty much non - stop complaining, but as near as I could tell, it was because he expected the camp to come to him rather than meeting it in the middle. One of my favorite sayings is that you only get out what you put in. It's been consistently true for me thus far, at half a century plus, and YMMVBPN - your mileage might vary but probably not, IMO.
As a bass student I find it really interesting how the masters of the instrument and brilliant jazz artists like Lynn Seaton, John Goldsby, Chris Fitzgerald and many others have such completely different techniques and approach and yet all sound so absolutely brilliant. Chris is so lyrical in everything he plays. His sense of phrasing is absolutely beautiful to me. I think I've died and am now in heaven. Oh wait, I'm an athiest. Still, it's like being in heaven.
Jamey's done a fantastic job assembling many of the greatest living jazz musicians into one place, IMO. The concerts are worth the price of the camp alone, but we get so much more. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of the NEA Master's award than Jamey. The guy is a saint. Blasted atheism thing again, but you know what I mean.
And, the food's a bit better this year. Still not gourmet but it doesn't cost gourmet either. IMO, this year it's a bit better than a fair value in the camper's favor. If they could handle the logistics, they could add a more expensive meal plan and I think a few more campers would appear, but they'd need more staff. Still, it's really kind of them to do what they can to make the experience better.
I've also been having a good time getting to know some of the staff who are serious jazz students themselves and are supper hospitable folks. I only remember Jason's name, of course, and Brett, but they are all super positive folk even while they're functioning on only 2 hours of sleep. They truly work like dogs to try to give the campers the absolutely best experience possible.
What a completely amazing camp! This is my 3rd year in a row and I'm getting more each time.
I play more than once a month in LA, but I have to say that while my combo was less than perfect, including my clams, the energy was better than the LA groups, and that's saying a lot. All of my LA groups have killer time with some well known players, well developed and experienced players.
I did have dinner with one guy who was pretty much non - stop complaining, but as near as I could tell, it was because he expected the camp to come to him rather than meeting it in the middle. One of my favorite sayings is that you only get out what you put in. It's been consistently true for me thus far, at half a century plus, and YMMVBPN - your mileage might vary but probably not, IMO.
