Kenneth & Kenny: Watching one, Listening to the other

July 2nd, 2009
Kenny G 2009 Syracuse Jazz Fest

Kenny G JazzFest 2009

I had the opportunity to cover the 2009 Syracuse Jazz Fest at OCC last week and see Spyro Gyra and Kenny Gorelick (aka Kenny G.)  I’m familiar with some of Gorelick’s work, and maybe my favorite cut is ”Hi! How Ya Doin,” which was produced by Kashif.  If you check out the video, you can see Kenny G before he had the long curly hair and you can even see his dance moves.

What I didn’t know about Kenny G is that he has sold over 50 million albums, he started out playing with Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra and his wife is photographer Lyndie Benson.

Before Kenny G took the stage I had a wonderful conversation for the Jazz Fest’s piano tuner Kenneth Williams back stage. I know Williams from a previous job and we’ve had brief conversations about his vision (he’s legally blind) his hearing (he has what he calls “good relative pitch.”) and his love of music (he doesn’t own a piano but he is actually a trumpet player).

Kenneth Williams, piano tuner

Kenneth Williams, piano tuner

Williams is a jovial personality who does some of the best impressions I’ve heard outside of Hollywood. He does a great John Wayne, Pearl Bailey and Jimmy Stewart. I asked him how long would he continue to work (he’s been a piano technician and tuner for longer than I’ve been alive).  I’m never going to retire, he said. I’m having too much fun.

Would you do it for free?

July 2nd, 2009

Author and marketer Seth Godin, who is a small guy, shows in a recent article that sometimes you have to take on the giant(s).

I Can’t Help It

June 26th, 2009

Podcast mixologist EJ Flavors offers a great tribute to MJJ that features hits from the totality of his catalog. Listen here.

Brand Envy in the City

June 22nd, 2009

Earlier this month I covered the Syracuse University VPA School of Design Senior Fashion show in New York City. The show was held at the JP Morgan Building on the 50th Floor above Park Avenue. 

Following the show designer Henry Grethel was presented with the Icon of Style Award and he said orange has become the new black for Manhattanites with connections to Syracuse University and SU Athletics.

To see photographs click here.

The Graduate

June 11th, 2009

“We take pictures because it makes us feel good to know that years later, when nostalgia for that moment comes around, we’ll be ready.”

-Seth Godin

Mateo Baker, Kindergarten Ceremony

Mateo Baker, Kindergarten Ceremony

Just Married

May 27th, 2009
John & Veronica

John & Veronica

Congratulations to SIF Advisory Board member John Giles and his bride Veronica. They were married on Saturday at Eternal Hope Worship Church in Syracuse.

Around the World in 279 Days

May 12th, 2009

I recently read a manifesto by Chris Guillebeau. He has traveled the world and been chronically self-employed.

For a free copy of the e-book, click here.

From Suzuki to the Stage

May 8th, 2009
Christian Howes

Christian Howes

Jazz violinist Christian Howes talked about his early training with the Suzuki method, the state of jazz violin and his time in jail during an informative interview on the Speakeasy with Dorian on Monday.

Howes played last year’s Syracuse Jazz Fest with Bill Evans.

Skins & Shirts to the Sugar Shack

May 6th, 2009

Athlete-turned artist Ernie Barnes passed away last week.  One of the most influential artists of the past quarter century, he is remembered here on a Kanye West Blog. Growing up I’ve seen his work reading Ebony Magazine, watching Good Times, and even had the chance to see some of his work at North Carolina Central University.

For a more critrical appreciation of Ernie Barnes and techniques, check out this review.

Sax Ed 101: Jamming

May 4th, 2009
philly-mural-grover-arch1

Grover in Philly

T. Grundy posted some wonderful items on his Jazz 101-An Intro to Jazz and Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) podcast epsiodes. His sax-appeal series included Pamela Williams (aka the Saxtress) who played last year’s Jazz In The Square.  And in one post Grundy also featured one of my favorite’s Grover Washington, Jr. ( I have several of his albums), as well as Maceo Parker, who played in Syracuse a few months ago.