DownBeat June 2002 [antikvár]

STUNRECORDSEd Thigpen Rhythm Features with Joe Lovano The Element Of Swing'This meeting of giants includes original material by all members of the quartet, as well as Lovano's stunningly beautiful tribute to Ben Webster on "Chelsea Bridge"."Altogettier brilliant" jazzspecaiThe Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra Jim IVIcNeely'Play Bill Evans'Once again the world famous Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra covers new ground. Under the leadership of Grammy nominee, Jim McNeely, they sparkle and ring as few other big bands.Krlstian Jwgensen QuartstMonty AlexanderKristian Jargensen Quartet feat. iVIonty Alexander 'Meeting Monty'On this happy and harmonious session wilh jazz violin virtuoso Kristian Jorgensen, piano great Monty Alexander fits in as a natural member of the hard-swinging Jorgensen Quartet.SlUNt REconosxASUNDANCE^THE SCANDINAVIAN MUSIC COMPANYdistributed by: Stateside Distributors Bayside Entertainment Fusion IIIwww.sundance.dkonthebe^tPat Metheny is the consummate road warrior. When one of his albums hits the streets, as Speaking Of Now (Warner Bros.) just did in February, the guitarist instinctively hits the road.In the story on his spring and summer tour (Page 24)part of our cover package on some of the hot touring acts currently on the roadMetheny provides an interesting observation to writer Howard Mandel about the state of road life these days. "Assuming I want to keep a band, we have to tour, because with our tunes all 10 minutes long, we don't get played on many radio stations," Metheny said. 'To get ourselves heard, all we have is going out and playing gigs."OK, Metheny sits in a rather unique position in the jazz world, as he has built up a large audience that will pay good money to see him when he comes to town. Concert halls and theaters that very few jazz artists can play open up to himand fill up. Through hard work over decades on the road, Metheny has created a situation for himself where he can bring his music to the people when he wants.But this is not the case for most in jazz these days.For many, Metheny's quote opens up a Catch-22. If 1 was offered a gig every time I had a conversation about tiie lack of touring opportunities in jazz today, I would have a ratiier full schedule playing. That is if I had a biuid and played out. It's sad thatthis type of conversation is commonplace, but almost daily I talk to someone about the lack of available gigs.I wish this column could offer some workable solutions to this scenario. It can't. But one thing that this issue of Down Beat demonstratesas we shine the spotlight on artists such as Jane Monheit, "Directions In Music" with Michael Brecker, Herbie Hancock and Roy Hargrove, Esbjorn Svensson, Roy Haynes and Wayne Shorteris that between the European and American festivals, clubs and assorted other gigs, artists, if presented right, do have oppor-tijnities to gig. Expanding these will take plenty of creativity, as well as an active audience that goes out to see live music.Metheny has this audience, but even he does not know what the future of the road holds. "Where for 15 years, basically from '77 to '92, I did 260-300 gigs a year, those days are behind me now," he told Mandel. "Now I'll do a record, do a tour, then go out and do little things here and there. Of course, who knows how the music industry is going to change in the next five yearsit's become increasingly clear it may not continue to be as it is now. Maybe in five years I'll have to do a lot of gigs just to pay the rent. We'll see. But being flexible is always the key."We'll see indeed. But one thing is for sure, however. It will be a great summer to see live music.dbbyjason koransky