Trane

Ever since I relocated/returned to the east coast in 2013, I’ve made semi-annual trips to the Bay Area for 6- month check-ups with my dentist, who’s located in Concord, CA, a 55-mile drive from San Jose. What can I say? He does outstanding work! Along with these short trips, if possible, I ALWAYS try to fit in one or two Jazz shows, a play, movies, and meet-ups with my west coast Jazz buddies. Since I have to make my flight reservations several months in advance, I also check the respective websites of Yoshi’s, Kuumbwa’s, S.F. Jazz, Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society, and Healdsburg Jazz Festival for upcoming shows. When my travel dates have been too far out for shows to be advertised, I’ve contacted both Yoshi’s (Daniel) and Bach D&D (Barbara) directly on more than a few occasions to inquire about specific dates. During one such trip in late June 2017, I had the pleasure of seeing Buster Williams’ “Something More” Quartet, featuring Steve Wilson, George Colligan, and Lenny White, at Bach Dynamite & Dancing Society in Half Moon Bay, which has a beautiful beachfront view of the Pacific Ocean stage right. The Sunday afternoon concert comprised two sets that were outstanding and hard-swinging sets. I always enjoy Mr. William’s classic ballad, “Christina”, named after his niece, featuring the great Steve Wilson on soprano sax, and this time was no exception. During the intermission, while chatting with Steve, Mr. Williams walked past slowly, glanced up at me, and said, “Man, I see you everywhere!” I just had to smile. Not yet finished with my Jazz, I took in a very nice Earl Klugh concert at Yoshi’s on Monday eveningbefore returning home on Tuesday. Besides also being a Detroit native, I give Earl Klugh a lot of credit as one of the original creators and innovators of 1970s “Jazz Fusion”, playing the acoustic guitar exclusively. Earl Klugh also played on George Benson’s 1974 CTI release, “Body Talk”. As you’ve all probably figured out by now, I basically use my very health-conscious 6-month dental visits as a ruse to whet my appetite, tease my palate, and sink my teeth into some really great Jazz in the Bay Area… no puns intended. :v)