Joshua Redman
Many years ago, I lived in an apartment in NW Portland, across the hall from a friendly group of techies.
One of those techies, Nick Farina, is getting married today.
In the early years of our friendship, I happily watched Nick's TIVO and pilfered internet from him, in exchange for occasional food, a touch of software testing, and a sampler of jazz. Nick, like so many people I know, hadn't really been exposed to a good selection of modern jazz, and asked me to introduce him to a mix's worth of jazz. I don't recall, for sure, what exactly was on that disc. I know for a fact that he gravitated toward Art Blakey's Moanin' (featured 01/15/10) but I know there was a lot of other great music on there. I'm pretty darn confident that the disc included some Miles Davis, and Coltrane. I might have put one of the more accessible Monk tunes on there as well, as well as some Ellington and Basie. I recall Nick telling me later, "I like Big Band music --- it makes me feel rich."
I suspect, I'd have also included a little Joshua Redman, because at that time I was kinda into his playing. He had appeared on the scene in the early 1990's, winning a record deal as part of the award from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. He quickly became "hot shit" to every music magazine around, which also made him unappealing to anyone who considered themselves a serious jazz fan. His music was suddenly considered "too accessible", if you know what I mean.
Personally, as a new jazz fan, I didn't really mind that though. I found his 1994 album, Mood Swing, a wonderful listen. Each song on the album is based on an emotional idea, detailed in the liner notes. I marveled at his songs Mischief and Obsession, but my favorite off the album was called The Oneness of Two (in Three), an elated song of joy done in a swing time.
Seemed appropriate to celebrate a happy occasion, like the marriage of Nick and Vicki, who tie the knot today. Congrats!
By the way, Redman's been around long enough to earn most critics' respect, and he's making much more interesting, challenging music. Got an extra moment, check out this wonderful little video from a more recent performance. It's pretty kickass, specially during his solo in the latter half of the clip.
The Oneness of Two (in Three) - Joshua Redman
1994 - Mood Swing
Jazz
Track Length - 5:13
Right Click to Download
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