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Jason Crane Posts

My interview with Harry Allen at All About Jazz

Published 23 January 2007 by Jason Crane

Tenor saxophonist Harry Allen was born in Washington, D.C. in 1966, but he grew up in California and Rhode Island. His father was a drummer who played jazz records for Allen before kindergarten, and that early exposure set the course for his professional life. Unlike many saxophonists of his generation, Allen chose not to emulate John Coltrane’s sound, choosing a mellower path. The result? Decades of touring the world and recording albums. His latest album is called Hey, Look Me Over (Arbors, 2006). I talked with Harry Allen in December 2006, following Allen’s two-night stand with the Bob Sneider quartet at the Strathallan Hotel here in Rochester, NY.

You can read the full interview at All About Jazz.

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Li Wei Is Falling

Published 22 January 2007 by Jason Crane

Li Wei

If you think that photo is cool, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Check out photographer Li Wei’s Web site.

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All About Jazz: My interview with saxophonist Don Braden

Published 22 January 2007 by Jason Crane

Don Braden went to Harvard in 1981 to become a computer programmer and emerged as a new voice on the saxophone. For two decades he’s been making a name for himself in the modern jazz world, and he’s compiled an impressive resume, working with established masters like trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, vocalist Betty Carter, drummers Roy Haynes and Tony Williams; then-emerging-talents like trumpter Wynton Marsalis and the Harper Brothers; and as a leader and composer in his own right.

Braden’s new album, Workin’ (HighNote, 2006) is a showcase not only for his playing skills, but also for his talents as an audio engineer. Visit All About Jazz to read my interview with Don Braden.

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The jazz world loses two greats: Michael Brecker and Alice Coltrane

Published 14 January 2007 by Jason Crane

Sometimes you turn on the computer and wish you hadn’t. A few minutes ago, I looked at the news ticker from All About Jazz and learned that both Michael Brecker and Alice Coltrane died this weekend. What a damned shame.

Michael Brecker

Even if you’re not a jazz fan, you’ve heard Michael Brecker. In addition to his unmatched jazz chops, he’s taken some of the most famous saxophone solos in pop and rock history, playing with everyone from Paul Simon (“Still Crazy After All These Years”) to James Taylor to Steely Dan to Joni Mitchell (including the brilliant live album Shadows And Light“).

In 1997 or 98, I took a master class with Michael Brecker at the Tokyo Blue Note. It wasn’t a master class in the usual sense — it was a room of about 40 people who spent an hour with our jaws hitting the floor as we watched Brecker run through a series of excercises and improv ideas. I don’t know if I left knowing how to play my horn better, but I certainly left with an even deeper respect for Brecker’s artistry.

I only got to see Michael Brecker once in concert. He was playing with Dave Liebman and Joe Lovano. The three of them had just made the album Gathering Of Spirits, and they captivated a roomfull of passionate fans during the International Association for Jazz Education conference in New York in 2004.

I love Michael Brecker’s playing, and I’m truly saddened to hear of his passing.

Alice Coltrane

Alice Coltrane was the wife of saxophonist John Coltrane. In recent years, she’d been on the comeback trail, releasing Translinear Light in 2004 — her first new album in 26 years. She was a wonderful spirit and an inspiration for many, including her son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane. You can see some good interview footage with Alice Coltrane on Brandford Marsalis’s DVD performance Coltrane’s A Love Supreme: Live.

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Pinball Number Count

Published 14 January 2007 by Jason Crane

One of the favorite musical memories of my childhood is the Pinball Number Count from Sesame Street. I dare you to find a hipper 60 seconds of music on any kids show today.

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Vrabelize your new year

Published 7 January 2007 by Jason Crane

My good friend Jeff Vrabel has been a busy guy recently. For a small sampling of his wares, check out his recent reviews of new albums by Mos Def and Nas, and his Top 10 of 2006. Enjoy!

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Saxophonist Harry Allen on The Jason Crane Show

Published 1 January 2007 by Jason Crane

Visit The Jason Crane Show for my latest interview. This episode’s guest is tenor saxophonist Harry Allen. Turned on to jazz as a kid by his father, Harry Allen set his sights on becoming a professional. Along the way, he took a different path from the many Coltrane disciples, and that has made all the difference. You can find out more about Harry at HarryAllenJazz.com.

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Julius LaRosa and Why I Love Live Radio

Published 31 December 2006 by Jason Crane

Julius LaRosa

I’m sitting here listening to the Sunday Music Festa on Jazz90.1. My good friend Otto Bruno is interviewing singer Julius LaRosa right now, and reminding me why I love good, live radio. Otto and Julius are telling old show biz stories, playing great classic music, and just generally doing what radio was intended to do — bringing culture, humor, entertainment and information into our homes. For free.

You can find out more about Julius LaRosa at his official Web site.

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Otto’s back

Published 31 December 2006 by Jason Crane

My good friend Otto Bruno is back in two media: He’s (finally!) got a new entry on his blog, From Where I Sit, and he’s also on the radio tomorrow (New Year’s Eve) with his wonderful show the Sunday Music Festa. Tomorrow’s show features an interview with vocal legend Julius La Rosa. Don’t miss it. Tune in to Jazz90.1 in the Rochester area, or visit jazz901.org to listen live via the Internet.

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Our high-tech world

Published 30 December 2006 by Jason Crane

apple

I use my iPod in the kitchen, plugged into a set of speakers. I left the USB cable for the iPod on the kitchen counter on Christmas Eve, and it ended up resting in a small pool of water on the counter. The next day, the cable was all gummed up and it didn’t work anymore. I went to our local Apple Store today to replace the cable, and was amazed at how fluid and easy the entire experience was. A guy met me at the door. I told him what I wanted. He got me one off the shelf and asked if I was paying with a credit card. I said I was, and he whipped out a little scanner device maybe 50% larger than a Palm Pilot. He scanned the cable and swiped my credit card using this device. “Do you want us to send you a receipt via e-mail?” he asked. He already had my e-mail address on file. I said, “Sure, thanks,” and split. No lines, no counters, just quick and efficient service. Wacky!

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