"Good improvisation communicates harmonic progression melodically. Effective melodies manipulate harmonic content through the use of guide tones and preparatory gravity notes, masterfully woven in systematic tension, release, and transparent harmonic definition."
Hard to believe it's been almost nine years since we had the Don Stiernberg Quartet in the hometown of JazzMando Headquarters for the annual summer "Jazz in June" concert. What a thrill to hear the legend and his Chicago based sidemen in person!
You can't tell from the video, but the outdoor performance was in the middle of a typical Nebraska summer heat in front of a 5,000+ crowd, evening temperatures in the upper 90's, and grueling humidity to match. To try to cool everyone off, the band performed this Latinesque rendition of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic, "It Might as Well be Spring."
Timely, as in case you missed it on the calendar, yesterday was the first official day of spring.
Might also mention the world premier jazz mandolinist of today is a significantly more svelte version of the man. Exercise and clean living has forged the artist into to a profoundly healthier shape today.
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March 21, 2012 | It Might as Well be Spring
