I was afforded the great opportunity, on September 23, 2006, to perform with Artt Frank, one of the finest bebop drummers/scat singers ever to walk around. The concert was produced by my good friend and drummer, Bob Levey. The other musicians in the group were Matt Criscuolo, on Alto Sax, Andy Weyl, on piano, Dennis Woodrich, on bass, and Bob played drums when Artt sang. Bob worked hard to bring the musicians, the audience, and the venue together, with the goals of getting Artt heard, and honoring the legendary "Original original," Stan Levey, Bob's father, who passed away not long ago.
We performed, among other things, "All the Things (Stan) You (Was) Are", "Funk in a Deep Freeze", "My Funny Valentine", "Let's Get Lost", "Milestones" (original), "Lady Bird", along with some of Artt's compositions, "18th and Vine", "Waitin' for Clayton", and "Lonely Chet". Bob was featured on drums, and played brilliantly, in a tribute to Stan, on the tune "Diggin' for Diz".
Artt was, for many years, a friend of, and drummer for Chet Baker. I got nervous at the thought of playing with Artt, not knowing if he'd enjoy playing with the likes of me. But, Artt is a genuinely wonderful human being, and he made me feel very comfortable and inspired.
A unique synergy developed between musicians and audience that night. The music was strong. The audience participated in the performance. Most everyone left there uplifted.
I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to contribute, and look forward to being able to do so again.
Check out 18th and Vine on my podcast site.
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