Additional Photos

After the Diane Reeves, George Duke and Billy Childs gig at the Disney Complex on Saturday night, I took a stroll to the park, Lemeirt Park! More jazz music is what I was in search of. When I go there, it was not like it used to be. I remember when the Vision Theater was happening, Richard always had something happening at 5th Street Dicks and people were in the streets talking about jazz music.

 

I drove around a couple of times and almost left. Ken Moore of the former coffeehouse “Howling Monk” had told me to come on down and check out his venue called Jazz@ten. The Taumbu International Ensemble was playing at the Villiage theater and if you have seen Taumbu, you know the night was going to be full of history and jazz music.

 

I did not see a theater or any people. I know I was late but, I did not think that everyone would just leave after the gig. I asked the twins at the coffeehouse on the corner and they pointed me toward the back of the complex, Suite 101. I did not hear anything until I got right up on the door but, when I opened it, BAM! Taumbu was in one of his thick latin grooves and every seat in house was filled with jazz lovers, couples and those who love, appreciate and understand the music!

 

Before each piece of music, Taumbu would tell a story of what the song was all about. He told one story of a great black warrior called El Tarik, who was sent to go and conquer. When he did he got all the accolades. Those who had sent him felt that El Tarik was stealing their thunder so they arrested the great one and imprisoned him. Damn, you go and to a great job to serve your people and look what happens!

 

He also told of the power of the drum. How it came from Africa and it was the one thing that the powers that be could not tolerate because it was a symbol of African power. He says this is why you don’t hear the bongo drums in much music.

 

When he played with the other cats in the band, you certainly could hear the power of the drum. Taumbu with Micheal Sessions on the alto, Steve Smith on trumpet, Phil Ranelin on Trombone, Jeff Littleton on bass and two other cats I have not heard before.

David on piano and I did not get the other name. Check out the pictures, if you know, let me know!



Click Here for Taumbu's Site

 

LeRoy Downs