Slide Show
Going to Café Metropol or “Rocco’s” as I will commonly refer to any place that Rocco Somazi affiliates with, is like going to a family affair. It is early and people are still walking in but every time someone turns the corner they turn out to be part of the group of jazz lovers who support the arts in this town that I call family! The jazz community is small but mighty and those who are the true supporters of the music can always be seen on the scene!
I met Andy at the Monterey Jazz Festival about a decade ago and was blown away back then by his signature sound and his approach to the music. Dapp Theory is the band that Andy has led for many years and has always he has always been very diligent about playing, recording, booking tours and of course creating new and interesting music. On this trip he is flying solo, which is a wonderful way for his audience and those new to his sound to separate and distinguish the brilliance behind the brilliance.
Should Andy be better known, absolutely! You have heard the distinction not only behind the Dapp Theory but also as a strong part of the rhythm with players like Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Cassandra Wilson, Ralph Allessi, Ravi Coltrane and more. This tour of solo performances along with a brand new disc on the Songlines label called “Dreams and False Alarms” will allow the masses of jazz lovers and aficionados to really hear and appreciate the space and vibe that Andy creates.
Tonight Andy approaches the piano casually and introduces the band for the evening. He can be quite a funny cat but, when you hear him play, fields of beautiful rolling notes are what capture your imagination and the journey beyond the combination to magical door of melodic laid back loveliness begins. You are welcomed into your own subconscious, which is like being submerged into a warm ocean where thoughts, memories and experiences breathe and new stories ignite. Imagine the floating experience as you seek to explore new endeavors on blank opaque cerebral canvases that emerge into extraordinary colors with each stroke of ivory.
“Dreams and False Alarms” is a take from a Joni Mitchell lyric from the tune “Amelia”. Joni is the true meaning of artist and her music, lyric and spirit have inspired the likes of Charles Mingus, Herbie Hancock, Andy Milne and a whole generation of others. Her musical folk stories emanate from a peaceful place and I would imagine that peace is where musicians like Andy can get a taste to create a whole new beauty. Andy takes the folk classic “I Shot the Sheriff” and gently twists it into a wonderful melodic reconstruction of its former self. Beautifully done and makes you glad to be the deputy!
With all of the space that solo piano allows, it is imperative that the conversation of the music have a voices, texture, direction and some final destination for completion; sometimes leaving you with a question. Thought provoking musical aggregates to spark feeling and contemplation keep the mind fresh thereby actually producing positive physical attributes as well. It not only sounds good but also, is good for you!
Here is a first for me, Andy picks up the microphone and starts crooning! I have never heard this before and from what Andy says, it does not happen often but, we all experienced another little slice of the diversity that spontaneously appears with new surprises every time.
Andy’s other release called “Scenarios”, a duo project with Swiss harmonica player Gregoire Maret recorded for Oblique Sound Records. “Geewa” is a tune that also appears on “Dreams and False Alarms” but, is a piece that in some ways is an imitation of Gregoire Maret’s playing and we all know that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! Andy’s sound is intimate but, could easily fill the walls of any concert hall. Music with vision and purpose! Peep the concept, the man and the music of Andy Milne.
Click Picture above for Andy Milne interview
LeRoy Downs
