riceonthebass

Here in the Outer Banks, lately, it has been hot as hell, and due to wildfires at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, there has been alot of smoke in the air. We need some rain to clear the air and break the heat, but especially to put out the fires.

When we were down in Mexico I spent alot of time recording. This here tune is one of the saddest jazz tunes but still one of my favorites. I played the bass, guitar and sang the lyrics. Edgar Abril layed down some tasty sax on it as well. There may be some roosters heard on here as well.

So, let’s here it for a rainy day. Be well.

heres-that-rainy-day

One of the first tunes that jazz students learn is Autumn Leaves.  I am no exception.

Many of my peers have grown tired of many of those old tunes and i also have some that i’m not that psyched to play any more.  For some reason, i have always liked playing this tune.

When i was still in college, i attended a Ray Brown clinic that was held at UNH.  Ray was talking about learning all of the tunes that you know in all 12 keys.  I raised my hand and asked him how he went about doing this.  He then asked me what instrument i played…..”Bass”, I gulped.  He then beckoned for me to come to the front of the room where he gave me his bass and proceeded to have me play autumn leaves in a few different keys.  Lesson learned.  Huge moment for me.  Playing Ray Brown’s bass.  Getting a mini lesson from Ray.  He passed away a couple of months later, so i feel really lucky to have experienced that.

the tune has a soft spot for me and i recorded it in mexico with Julio and Edgar.  it is also yet another raspy crooner for me.

Here it is:  autumnleaves1

I wrote this song while in Mexico and it was recorded there too.  I played the guitar, bass and sang.  There are actually 3 bass parts at the end.  

Don’t worry if the lyrics don’t make 100% sense, they will in time.

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