Sound
Sound Events by Myra Murphy
Review by Myra Murphy
Review of Rich Santucci Trio, August, 2013
Last week I caught an enjoyable performance by the Rich Santucci Trio. The Trio can be seen and heard Fridays at the Roadhouse Grill, and the Adjoining Brasserie 73,Both in Skippack, Pa., 6-9 p.m. The personnel of the group is Anil Veeraraj, keyboard, Bob Witt, electric bass and Rich Santucci, drummer and leader. From standards to reworking rock and pop tunes, the overall performance was super-eclectic.
The standard I Could Write a Book had a great tight Trio sound, tasty keyboard solo with a clean, bright touch. The bass solo had great articulation and a lyrical melodic solo with a quote from Ellington. The rhythm was “soul tapping”, with tight four’s near the end. This was followed by a nod to earlier times, with How Deep is Your Loveand Do It Again by Steely Dan. I thought the sound was very authentic, very rhythmic—8ths, and brushes in double time. A samba version of Body and Soul followed with an excellent keyboard solo with great electric accents. The Bass solo had double stops and the Trio played with great cohesion. The 8’s interaction with the drums was fluid and, after a quiet segue, the tune ended with the original feel. The next tune had a drum solo intro in ¾ and turned out to be Five Hundred Miles by the Proclaimers, a playful, energetic tune with a quirky high register bass solo. The Trio was always in sync and this group had fun together! In the tune Separate Ways, a Journey tune, the beat was heavy with extended block chords and the bass and drums in the forefront. The bass played deep extra sounds and a strong solo. A Go Go by John Scofield built up solidly and the standard The Nearness of You had a solo of great feeling.
From the keyboard—whether playing standards, reworking in their own fashion rock and pop tunes, this group is very tight, creative and enjoyable!
Review by Myra Murphy
Review of Mike Mahomet Jazz Quartet, July 31, 2013 at Round Guys Brewery, Lansdale
Last night I had the good fortune to catch a Jazz set with the Mike Mahomet Quartet. And will review by tunes played in the first set.
Out of no where, opener, was straight ahead with a lively vibes solo by Eric Loken followed by a locked hand two-handed improvisation by Patrick Fink on Fender Rhodes.
Leader Mike Mahomet on electric bass played a smooth solo backed by Rhodes and vibes. Alex Maio’s solid drumming set up the fours and solos with much interplay with Patrick Fink. Look to the Sky by Jobim was opened with authentic Brazilian intro followed by Eric Loken This time on alto sax. Eric played a laid back yet full tone solo. Patrick’s improv was elegant with no overplaying and the sound of the Rhodes and chords became more sonorous and intense. In second chorus. Mike and Alex played solos, the drums exploring different timbres. O Grande Amor, another beautiful Bossa, was played with a double-time feel, great Rhythmic comping and solos from vibes and Rhodes. The keyboard solo was pensive
But built in rhythmic layers. Mike played a lyrical bass solo. Do Nothing til you Hear From Me by Duke Ellington was given an uptempo, very Bluesy feel. Patrick’s locked handed improve and comping was similar to an arranger. Mike’s solid electric held all down and the drum solo by Alex was strong.After the set by the Quartet, there was an open jazz jam which was filled by a myriad of horns, guitar and drummers.
Review by Myra Murphy
On June 24, Monday, I had the great luck to come to M.O.M.'s in Doylestown and hear some of the most exciting, fresh and new music I have heard at any time. Previously, Kevin Ripley, drummer and leader, has brought wonderful Jazz and Funk groups to Maxwell's over a year and a half every Monday night at 9. Upstairs, the venue has the look and feel of a Village 60's coffee house with brick walls and tall windows. I had enjoyed all the groups but was in for a great experience on the 24th. The group, Kevin Ripley Group, was chordless which is a new style and genre of Jazz. Jarrett Gilgore, alto sax, Noah Jarrett, Bass and Kevin Ripley, drums performed an outstanding first set. This is a more free style and each performer expressed collectively and individually their ability to interact and yet play their own expressive and dynamic identities and solos. They spoke to each other without the fetters of harmonies and chords so each player had a chance to freely roam through many genres yet helping the whole. As in all really strong performances, the musicians played as if their lives depended on it as well they should.
After the first set they played open jam sessions. Although they started with a standard, it immediately took off in a completely new and exciting reworking by each player! I think that this music would enthrall people anywhere that great Jazz, especially new, is appreciated. Sadly, Maxwell's stopped the Monday night sessions and jam sessions. Hopefully, we can hear this great music again!
CLASSICAL
La Fiocco
Music of the Baroque Era on Period Instruments,
June 2, 4:00p.m., Bach & Beyond, Music of the German Baroque, ca. 1650-1750
October 27, 4:00p.m., Countertenor Spectacular. At P.O. Box 134, Carversville,Pa. 18913, www.lafiocco.org Trinity Episcopal Church, Route 263 and Sugan Road,Solebury, PA.
Lenape Chamber Ensemble
Outstanding instrumental soloists from the most renowned ensembles in New York City and Philadelphia come together for Chamber Music concerts.
Same concert held in two locations and two dates:
April 5, 8:15 p.m., Upper Tinicum Lutheran Church, Upper Black Eddy, Pa.
April 7, 2013 3:p.m. Delaware Valley College, Student Center Auditorium, Rte.202 near Rte. 611, Doylestown, PA. Post Office Box 93, Pipersville, Pa. 18947, 610-294-9361, www.lenapechamberensemble.org
JAZZ
M.O.M's, Maxwell's on Main
Mondays, 9 p.m.–12 a.m. Drummer Kevin Ripley's Group. Musicians are also welcome to sit in after the first set. Incredible music! Located on 37 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA; www.momsmaxwellonmain.com.
Osaka
Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m. Rich Santucci Trio featuring Guitar or Piano, Bass and Drums. Captivating music from the Trio coupled with some of the freshest and best Japanese food. Located at 1598 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, Pa. 19446; 267-222-8308; www.osakapa.com.
Penn Tap Room
Sundays, 7-10 p.m. Jazz Jam every Host Larry Tamanini, Jazz Guitarist, and a great house band of professional musicians play Jazz tunes and standards for one set. After that musicians are invited to sit in. Located at 80 West State St., Doylestown, Pa. 18901; 215-230-7299; www.penntaproom.com.
Roadhouse Grille
Friday and Saturdays, 9 p.m.–12 a.m. The Rich Santucci Trio. Located at 4022 Skippack Pike, Skippack Village, Skippack, PA; www.roadhousegrille.com.
Round Guys Brewing Company
Wednesdays, 7:30 to 10p.m. Jazz Jam. The host band consists of leader Mike Mohamet, Bassist, Patrick Fink, keyboard, Alex Maio drums and Eric Loken, alto sax and vibes. The host band plays a set at 7:30 and then musicians of all abilities are welcome to sit in. Recently other Groups such as the Myra Murphy Trio and the Fuzz, a teen jazz group from Pennridge High School have hosted and become fan favorites. Round Guys is a microbrewery with food selections to complement the brews. Located at 324 West Main Street, entrance on Wood St, Lansdale, Pa. 19446; call Mike 215-740-7196 for jam updates.
Temperance House
Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. Jazz
Thursdays 8 p.m. Jazz and occasional Big Band Jazz.
Located at 5 S. State St., Newtown, Pa. 18940, 215-860-9975, www.temperancehouse.com.
The Vault Brewing Company
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Many different fine upandcoming groups.Featuring both funk and jazz styles. Beer and Pizza are served. Located at 10 S. Main St, Yardley, Pa. 267-573-4291, vaultbrewery.com.
The Zen Den
The Zen Den is a cozy cafe with a great atmosphere and wide selection of gourmet coffee and tea. The Zen Den hosts live music every week often featuring jazz saxophonist Thomas B. Razler and his quartet. Music usually starts around 7pm and goes until 10pm. 20 Donaldson St, Doylestown, Pa 18901, 267-880-6205, www.zendencoffee.com
ROCK/POP
Havana
Mostly rock, with some blues and pop acts. Located at 105 S. Main St., New Hope, Pa.189038, 215-862-5501, www.havananewhope.com.
John and Peters Rock,
Singer-songwriters, blues and occasional Jazz. Located at 96 S. Main St, New Hope 18938, 215-862-5981, www.johnandpeters.com.
New Hope Winery
Singer-songwriters, Tribute bands, famous musicians from the 60’s and 70’s Located at 6123 Lower York Road, New Hope, Pa. 18938, 215-794-2331, www.newhopewinery.com.
Puck,
Mostly rock. Located at 1 Printers Alley, Doylestown, Pa. 18901, 215-348-9000, www.pucklive.com.
Sellersville Theater
National and local acts of all genres including Jazz, country, rock.
Located at 24 West Temple Ave. Sellersville, Pa. 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.