WE HAVE AN FMP WINNER

August 20, 2014

whole shebang

We’d like to express our extreme gratitude to everyone who participated in the FMP box set contest. Also, our sincere apologies for the slooooow way in which we’ve rolled this out. Following an algorithmic process that took into account long-term weather patterns over the Pacific, migratory bird extinction events, the use of the word “melons” at Buzzfeed over a six-week period, and arrest rates of Times Square Elmos, we generated the winning name:

Peter F., of  Newark, Delaware!

Congratulations to Peter. Congratulations, too, to all who purchased FMP downloads from the store — we are all winners, in this way. And speaking of FMP downloads, we’ve added a bunch of great records recently; here are a few:

Free Jazz und Kinder Thrumblin'

 

The Early Quintet Opened, but hardly touched

And there is MUCH more coming, as soon as we can get them up. You might consider following us on Twitter [@destinationout] or Facebook, to be informed of new additions to the store.

Category contests, FMP Tags

MASSIVE FMP BOX SET CONTEST

March 17, 2014

As we wind down, in our own slow fashion, we are thrilled to be able to go out with a bang: we are giving away a copy of the limited run FMP box set, Im Rückblick – In Retrospect. This massive set includes 12 CDs, including many previously unreleased recordings, plus a beautifully produced large-format book that illustrates and elucidates the FMP journey in words and pictures. The book includes a complete discography, tons of amazing photographs by Dagmar Gebers, and contributions from Peter Brotzmann, Ken Vandermark, Alexander von Schlippenbach, and many others. It’s Out-of-Print and fetches hundreds of dollars on Ebay.

In order to make sure that this set goes to a good home, we are raising the bar for entry. Here’s the rundown:

Anyone who purchases at least *TWO* FMP releases from the D:O Download store from today (March 17th) onward is eligible for the drawing. And the more you buy from the store, the more chances you have of winning! (We would also ask that, given the limited nature of this prize, if you already have one, it would be sporting if you refrained from entering at this time.) The closing date for purchases  to enter the contest is April 1st.

To make shopping a little easier, we’ve added a number of outstanding releases to the FMP Bandcamp store. Plus there are a number of landmark titles queued up and almost ready to go. You can also now send downloads of albums as gifts. Happy hunting and good luck!

Category contests, FMP Tags

THE END OF DESTINATION: OUT

January 31, 2014

A SLOW FADE-OUT
In the coming months, we’re going to be pulling the plug on Destination: Out. It’s been a great run – almost eight years! We’re extremely proud of the site and thankful for the many musicians, critics, and fans who’ve generously contributed guest posts, rare music, and timely advice over the years. All the comments and emails from readers have meant more than we can properly say. Rather than announce an abrupt ending, we wanted to give you a heads-up that the end is nigh. There will be a few more new posts, a farewell contest, and then a refocusing of energies. The site will continue to exist online as an archive, but it won’t be active.


RADIO ATE THE INTERNET STAR
Why are we ending the site? Truthfully, we simply don’t have enough time to do it justice. We’ve struggled to keep the site active, but increasingly our energies have been pulled elsewhere. Jeff J. has been focusing on promoting his debut novel Mira Corpora and launching a fiction career. Jeff G. has been working on creating a three-hour radio show every single week for the Give the Drummer Radio stream on WFMU. We had to make some hard choices. One thing we really didn’t want to oversee was D:O’s slow slide into irrelevance, as it became a repository for broken links and comment spam.

Rather than continue to let our energies flow in different directions, we’ve decided to combine them once again — and focus on making the radio show a true joint venture. The program already features the sort of rare and adventurous jazz we’ve showcased here — and we plan to add a lot more surprising left-turns to the mix. If you’re not already a listener of the show and you’ve enjoyed the site, we promise you’ll want to tune in!

A PARTING GIFT FOR YOU
Next week, look for details of the biggest giveaway we’ve ever done on the site. We have a copy of the massive FMP Box Set — 12 CDs of material, much of it previously unreleased, and a deluxe book with articles, color photos, and documentation. This limited edition set — from a run of 1,000 copies — is OUT OF PRINT and easily worth hundreds of dollars. And we’ve got a copy to give to one of you. Stay tuned for more details about this and the FMP Bandcamp store.

RE-UPPING OLD POSTS
In the meantime, are there any old posts you want to see re-upped? Scroll through the archives to check out the many offerings. Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to accommodate as many requests as we can.

Love,
Jeff Jackson (Chilly Jay Chill) & Jeff Golick (Prof. Drew LeDrew) 
The boys from D:O

Category Uncategorized Tags ,

THE FIVE SPOT:
WILLIAM PARKER ON INSPIRATIONS

January 14, 2014

Robert Indiana,, (1963-) 1980

SHIFT
David S. Ware
Planetary Unknown
AUM Fidelity : 2011

David S. Ware, saxophones; Cooper-Moore, piano; William Parker, bass; Muhammed Ali, drums.

We are thrilled to present the next installment of our Five Spot series, selected and described by bassist/composer/bandleader William Parker. Parker, who often references other musicians in his work, writes about five inspiring performances of significant importance to him. In Parker’s monumental new box set Wood Flute Songs, there are major compositions dedicated to several of the people discussed below (Ware; Kalaparusha; and Bang). Wood Flute Songs was recently named “#1 Archival Release of the Year” by The Wire. We highly recommend it as well!

William Parker

William Parker. Photo by Žiga Koritnik.

1) Kalaparusha Ahra Difda AKA Maurice McIntyre, “Behold! God’s Sunshine!” (Forces and Feelings, Delmark, 1972). The late Kalaparusha Ahra Difda AKA Maurice McIntyre was one of the most important musicians who came out of the AACM. He had a New York sensibility and in his heyday was a major force in the music. This is from his second recording under his own name. The song expresses a wide range of spiritual messages, as does the entire recording — seven compositions (prayers) that, when listened to repeatedly, echo the sentiment and power of God’s Sunshine.

This is a special late sixties, early seventies music that served as a source of inspiration for the black community and all communities who could hear and feel the energy. This was part of the New Black Music in America. Kalaparusha’s saxophone playing was powerful, bright, and filed with Light. Fred Hopkins is shining throughout. In fact, all the musicians shine.
Personnel: Kalaparusha, tenor sax, clarinet, flute; Sarnie Garrett, guitar; Fred Hopkins, bass; Wesley Tyrus, drums; Rita Omolokun (Worford), vocals.

2) David S. Ware, “Shift” (Planetary Unknown, AUM Fidelity, 2011).
All the music on this album falls in the category of beautifully generous sound; it flows moment to moment. I was in the David S. Ware groups since 1981. I rarely listen to recordings once they are done; listening to this music was a surprise and revelation to me. These sounds are in the realm of true Soul music because they travel through many moods and dimensions taking us on a journey that goes directly into the soul. It is also a cathartic blues-based music that is being played in the moment without a predictable outcome.
Personnel: David S. Ware, saxophones; Cooper-Moore, piano; William Parker, bass; Muhammed Ali, drums.

3) Bill Dixon, “Velvet” (November 1981, Soul Note, 1982).
This recording is very important to me as it was recorded the same day — November 8, 1981 — I recorded an album with Cecil Taylor called Calling It the Eighth. Bill Dixon played first at the festival in Zurich, then the New Cecil Taylor unit played. Bill graciously introduced us. The music Bill played that afternoon was breathtakingly beautiful. I was convinced if the wind were to blow through a trumpet, you would have Bill Dixon.
Personnel: Bill Dixon, trumpet; Alan Silva, bass; Mario Pavone, bass; Lawrence Cook, bass.

ADHESIVE
Joe Morris/Mat Maneri
Soul Search
AUM Fidelity: 2000

4) The language Joe Morris and Mat Maneri are using expresses still another kind of landscape, and this music is beautiful in an entirely different way. They make quick changes and within each sound there is a complete musical universe.

Nothing is missing; they are transforming sound into tone. The tone changes and is held together with rhythms and melodic fragments. Listen to how it trances around itself creating a web that captures and frees at the same time.
Personnel: Joe Morris, electric guitar; Mat Maneri, electric violin.

5) Billy Bang, “Reconciliation” (Vietnam: Reflections, Justin Time, 2005).
The music on this recording meant a lot to Billy Bang. I know he put a tremendous amount of work into its preparation. Going to the Vietnam War ripped his life apart. Playing the violin helped to reconnect him with the light and the living. Billy was a great composer and visionary; his music was always emotional, spiritual, and political. He knew how to reach people. When he played the violin, he touched the core of a human being. One’s spirit could not resist being uplifted, even with the sadness expressed in the music.
Personnel: Billy Bang, violin; James Spaulding, flute, alto sax; Henry Threadgill, flute; Ted Daniel, trumpet; Butch Morris, conductor; John Hicks, piano; Curtis Lundy, bass; Michael Carvin, drums; Ron Brown, percussion; Co Boi Nguyen, vocalist; Nhan Thanh Ngo, dan tranh.

Category Five Spot, guest posts, William Parker

“A Strong Vibration” – An interview with Pheeroan akLaff

December 18, 2013

pheeroancymbalSQ

CLEVONT FITZHUBERT
Oliver Lake Quartet
Clevont Fitzhubert (A Good Friend of Mine)
Black Saint : 1981

PA, drums; Oliver Lake, alto sax; Baikida Carroll, trumpet; Donald Smith, piano.

3 IN 1
Pheeroan akLaff
House of Spirit –  “Mirth”
Passin’ Thru : 1979

PA, percussion.

SIR SIMPLETON
New Air
Live at Montreal International Jazz Fest
Black Saint : 1984

PA, drums; Henry Threadgill, alto sax; Fred Hopkins, bass.

We at D:O were delighted to recently receive an email from Jake Nussbaum and Alex Lewis, of Expandable Sound, a documentary project that seeks to record knowledge associated with improvised music, and the performers thereof. They had interviewed drummer/composer Pheeroan akLaff, and wanted to know if we’d like to host it. This is what’s known in the blogging community as a no-brainer. Herewith, in mildly edited form, the words of akLaff, Nussbaum, and Lewis. (You might also be interested in checking out the interview Nussbaum & Lewis did with Oliver Lake, which you can find at Ethan Iverson’s Do the Math.)

This interview took place backstage at Flushing Town Hall, before Pheeroan’s performance with the Don Byron New Gospel Quintet, 9/27/2013.

Jake Nussbaum: Maybe we could start by introducing yourself and talking a little bit about Detroit.

Pheeroan akLaff: My name is Pheeroan akLaff and I would like to be forgiven for every place I have walked and crushed flowers, and for every place that I may have thought a bad thought. One of my biggest joys is that I came from a great family who enjoyed music and thought that we should all have music lessons. It started out with my elder brother (I am the second in seven), who took to the pianoforte like the fury of the heavens was unleashed. It was a very high bar for my involvement in music, and it took me a long time to talk my father into getting me a drum set. But my Uncle Harry forced his hand and I did get going with the drums. I took the usual lessons and played music in Junior High.

Then High School came and I had to decide whether to be in the band or on the football team. Well considering my size, I should have chosen the band. But the band director was a bad guy, and I thought I could actually go from Little Catholic League to High School League and still play middle linebacker. Well… that didn’t work out. The middle linebacker was as big as the coach himself. So, they told me to run the ball, but I ran over people instead of hitting the hole. They thought I was sarcastic.

Then I discovered tennis and said forget this! The tennis coach was very cool… He said, “Do you know who Arthur Ashe is? Do you know how fast the ball is traveling when Jimmy Connors hits it?” So I was like, wait a minute. This is something different.

All along, playing drums was for fun and at home. I would play for my friends, but I never thought I could really be professional. I’d seen the motown bands, they’d play Detroit every Christmas. I’d seen people in churches play. My friend and I would go see Alice Coltrane, Horace Silver… We were only 14 but we’d get on the bus and go downtown and see jazz.

So, somewhere along the line I just decided, OK, I should keep doing this. I took my drums into my room at Eastern Michigan University. Then I run into Travis Biggs, my brother’s colleague, who said, “You got your drums?” I said, “Yeah, but I don’t think you want me to play with you.”

Well he said, “Bring ‘em over!”

So basically I learned how to play drums from an arranger, conductor, producer, singer, violinist. saxophonist, piano­player guy named Travis. He taught me the most significant things about the drumset and its accompaniment role. Learning that helped me a lot, I even got on a record. I made a 45 when I was sixteen of a pretty popular bluesy R&B singer named Major Lasky. Lansky? Lasky? I can’t remember. He’s on those classic “whatever­happened­to” lists. Continue reading →

Category Pheeroan akLaff

NATION TIME – We have a winner!

December 17, 2013

Joe

SONG FOR LAUREN, alt 2
Joe McPhee
Nation Time: The Complete Recordings (1969-70)
Corbett vs. Dempsey : 2013

JM, tenor sax; Mike Kull, piano; Tyrone Crabb, bass; Bruce Thompson, drums.

As noted here two weeks ago, the fine folks at the Chicago-based label Corbett vs. Dempsey were kind enough to allow us to give away a copy of their extremely fine new expanded reissue of Joe McPhee’s Nation Time. Entry was based on purchases at the D:O FMP download store, and we have tallied those orders, drawing one customer at random from the pile.

And the winner is: Mihaly Balogh, of Ridgewood! Congratulations, Mihaly, and many thanks to all who participated.

We are planning an even more massive giveaway for early 2014, so watch this space for an additional chance to win some astounding music. If you can’t wait that long, perhaps you’ll want to drown your sorrows in the offerings on display at the D:O store….

Category contests, Joe McPhee

Win the NATION TIME BOX SET!

December 1, 2013

nation-box

SONG FOR LAUREN, alt 2
Joe McPhee
Nation Time: The Complete Recordings (1969-70)
Corbett vs. Dempsey : 2013

JM, tenor sax; Mike Kull, piano; Tyrone Crabb, bass; Bruce Thompson, drums.

The recent appearance of a 4-CD set containing remastered and unreleased classic work from Joe McPhee is cause for celebration around these parts. Nation Time is a  favorite album and this set offers a treasure trove of new material around that landmark release. We were overjoyed when the Chicago label responsible for this musical windfall, Corbett vs. Dempsey, was kind enough to provide D:O with a copy of the set to give away!

Unlike previous giveaways, winning this set requires more than just guessing a number. This time, it’s closer to a raffle.

CONTEST GUIDELINES: 
1) You enter by buying something from the FMP Download Store. For each item you buy, you’re entered one time into the drawing. The more you buy, you more you increase your chances of winning! There’s a huge range of music to choose from: FMP classics to brilliant rarities that’ve been out of print for 30+ years. It’s win-win!

2) You can buy music for yourself — or as a gift for somebody else! Bandcamp now allows you to buy songs and albums to send as gifts. Show off your good taste. What better holiday present than some exceptional music?

3) Any purchases made starting November 25th are automatically entered in the drawing. We’ve also added a bunch of new titles to the store over the past week – including albums by John Tchicai, Misha Mengelberg, Irene Schweizer, and more!

CONTEST ENDS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 @ 11:59 PM EST. 

The NATION TIME box contains:

* 1 CD of “Nation Time,” the original LP, complete as issued & re-mastered
* 1 CD of “Black Magic Man,” the original LP, complete with two alternate takes of “Song for Lauren”
* 1 CD of “The Vassar Sessions, 1970,” six unreleased tracks from the Nation Time recording sessions
* 1 CD of “Nation Time Preview, 1969,” two concert recordings in the run-up to Nation Time
* 60-page liner booklet, full-color, stocked with never-published vintage photos
* Definitive “Nation Time” interview with Joe McPhee by John Corbett
* Hardshell case, separate cardboard sleeves for all 4 discs
* Luxurious design by Sonnenzimmer

“In 1970, multi-instrumentalist Joe McPhee waxed one of the landmark free-funk records: Nation Time. Recorded in concert at Vassar College and originally released on McPhee’s own CjR label, Nation Time culled elements of post-Coltrane spiritual jazz, greasy organ funk, and expressive R&B into a previously unknown brand of Poughkeepsie stew. When it was reissued on CD a dozen years ago, it became an instant hit, drawing fans from the British soul scene and denizens of free jazz alike, introducing a new generation to McPhee’s powerful statement.

“After working on it for five years, Corbett vs. Dempsey is proud to release Nation Time: The Complete Recordings, a deluxe 4-disc box set featuring all the music leading up to and around the seminal LP. With 17 previously unreleased tracks, the set provides an expansive picture of the vibrant up-state NY free jazz/new thing scene, centered as it was on Joe McPhee. It also presents tracks recorded during the original 2-day performances in December 1970, including a version of James Brown’s “Cold Sweat,” as well as the full LP Black Magic Man, which was released on vinyl as the very first issue of the fledgling Hat Hut record label in 1975, but has never been reissued on CD.

“This box set cuts direct to the heart of 1970s jazz-funk expression, with all the passion, intrigue, and tenderness the world has come to expect from Joe McPhee. Here it is in all its germinal, previously unheard glory. What time is it? You know what time it is. Once again, it’s Nation Time.”

Category contests, Joe McPhee