The Jazzcat

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