....and all that jazz

The dawn of summer is welcomed with open arms and celebrated with music festivals of every genre. Yes, its that time of the year where all the across the globe, gigs and concerts are in abundance. Here in Glasgow, the annual jazz festival is currently undeway and I've been a faithfull member of the audience at quite a few events.
So far, the best gig I've been to was The Kyle Eastwood Band. Yes, he would be the son of one legendary Clint Eastwood.
Well, to succintly put it.........BLOODY BRILLIANT !!
It was a 5 piece jazz ensemble, with the saxophone, trumpet, grand piano, drums and Mr. Eastwood on the bass. A small cozy perfomance, it just blew the crowd away. Each individual was just gas like. In a industry where everyone is just that good, how do they define themselves from the rest? That's what I wondering. How do you become the best bassist of your time...the best trumpeteer.... ?? Chris Botti, Charles Mingus, Marcus Milner,Jaco Pastorius.....legends I tell you. ....I'm sure you have others to boost this list Wei Jin....;)
Anyway, it was a good evening, and as for Kyle, well he is a splitting image of his father. There was a sweet shyness to him when he was meeting with us after the gig. Strong,silent and simple. When he plays the double bass, his fingers seem to be engaged in this intricately choreographed dance. Beautiful...absolutely beautiful.
Jazz music has the ability to represent so many things all at once....love, romance, anger, enigma, confusion, bliss,simplicity.... all these can be heard and felt within one composition. Its a pity that some people try and analyze jazz and conform it to an intellectual body of material. Its not an exact science...its a feeling.
Whenever I listen to jazz, the word free springs to mind. The freedom of winds can be felt if you listen hard and listen good.
I love this quote Herbie Hancock said once..said so well...
"Life is not about finding our limitations,its about finding our infinity"