It looks like one of my favorite saxophone players and member of one of the most illustrious families in jazz, Branford Marsalis has started an indie label called Marsalis Music. I was planning to check out Branford’s new CD anyway, so it looks like I’ll be able to support one of what I hope is a new wave of smaller labels which will reinvigorate the jazz scene.

Last night at Sambuca’s I saw Kelly’s group Grenade. They put on an amazing show and the crowd (those who were paying attention) loved every minute of it. Rene, Jeff, and I managed to get a good spot in the bar right by the stage, and clung to it the entire night. I would have loved to eat there, but the food is very expensive, though I don’t feel it’s overpriced, because it’s quite good. It was a nice end to what otherwise had been an extremely stressful day. Got some more motion photos that I’ll put up later today. Update: Photos online

Everyone should attend a live jazz performance at least once a month. It reaffirms the soul and cleanses the spirit.

I was just lying in bed, soaking in the music and resting my eyes. There was a killer soprano player on, and as I walked to my desk to get something, I said that had to be Coltrane. The band was heavy with energy, the harmony was thick, a synergy/focus was there that you only hear from the very best jazz groups. As the drummer, who I could’ve sworn was Elvin kicked the melody back, I saw the artist on my Winamp playlist: Joshua Redman. Usually in instances like that I am inwardly embarrassed at my misidentification, but for some reason I felt proud of Joshua. Good for him. Spirit of the Moment: Live at the Village Vanguard is the name of the CD; it has Peter Martin on it, who I had the pleasure of meeting a year or so ago by the kitchen in a crowded and smokey New Orleans jazz club. Snug Harbor I think.

Speaking of jazz, and continuing today’s pattern of double entries, I’ll be seeing David Caceres, my teacher and first client, tonight at the Red Cat. He’s playing with Sebastian Whittaker and it looks to be a great show; I just wish I didn’t have a headache.