Is it possible to get too much of a good thing? Jeremy Pelt was back in town at Twins Jazz club with Noah Haidu. I got tickets to the Saturday night show. My wife and I arrived early and got a nice seat right up front. I hooked Jeremy up with a bottle of Al Cass oil as he was running a touch low. Cats in the jazz/trumpet family have got to look out for each other…
As much as I enjoyed the performance at the Kennedy Center this show eclipsed it easily. The group played a mixture of original tunes and standards. The energy level was HIGH. Tunes like “E.S.P” and “Cassius” (a Pelt original) were counted off at a quick tempo and the players handled it with ease. Jeremy once again showed me why he is one of the rising stars in jazz. His command of the horn is absolutely amazing. When I listen to him play I get the feeling that the horn is no longer an obstacle when it comes to delivering the ideas that are in his head. He played fast runs, original ideas and seemed to be having an absolute ball on stage. All of the musicians did. That joy spilled into the crowd as everyone seemed to be pleased. I was so pleased that I talked my wife into staying for all three sets and we were glad that we did. An amazing local alto player named Lyle Link came up on stage for a performance of “Birdlike” and “In Your Own Sweet Way.” Jeremy and Lyle navigated the changes like pros and delivered lyrical and energetic solos. When listening to them play I felt validated by my decision to play this music. I also felt as if I had a lot of work to do if I ever thought of playing with that type of skill and freedom. Renee Marie was in town for the Mary Lou Williams Women of Jazz show at the Kennedy Center and she dropped by to sing “I Thought About You.” It was a real treat. Renee and Jeremy had great chemistry on stage. It was truly amazing. I’ve already ordered some of Renee’s CDs after hearing her sing. What a voice!
Afterwards I had a moment to talk to Jeremy and listen to a few cuts from his upcoming CD. It sounded fantastic and I will count the days for its release. I’ve been communicating with JP since I heard his performance on a Sharp Nine CD – I think it was back in 2002. He has always given me good advice and encouragement when I needed it. It has been great to watch him take off as an artist. I have a feeling he is just getting started – the sky is the limit with this cat!
Things have been great/busy for me musically. I got a chance to jam with my fellow musicians again. We had an amazing time and plan on making a regular 2 week event of it. This time we had a piano player and were able to get away from the Aebersold CDs. We also have a potential performing gig in early June if we can find a bass player. We’ve got a few feelers out so hopefully something will click. I have subbed a few times with the master class. One was with a more advanced class where I got totally run over with theory talk (you can’t be an ear player and talk/apply theory). I’ve also got a regular slot playing solos at church on the Sundays that my choir sings. Life is good!