This is a painting I did a few years back in August.
There is a bit of contrast to my older paintings to the newer ones-
I don't use black outlines for contrast anymore.
I've discarded them, and the idea of them like training wheels on a bicycle-
I simply don't need them anymore .
The flowers in this painting, Nozen Kazura in Japanese
are everywhere I look, now...
They grow on a sort of vine,
that wraps and drapes on tall shrubbery / trees.
The flowers drop onto the ground
and replenish often during their bloom into September...
This painting is of the "nozen kazura", or "Chinese Trumpet Flowers" in English...
They bloom all through the summer here, hanging down on vines all over the place...
I recently bought the new reunion "Crusaders" CD; "Rural Renewal".
I like it.
I have always liked the "Jazz Crusaders" so when I saw this CD, I was glad.
It has that signature "Crusaders" sound; tight and funky- with a mellow, seasoned, tempered feel about it-
not hyper or annoying.
If I had a car, I would think this a great CD to listen to while driving...
Joe Sample is as happenin' as always, along with Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper, Freddie Washington, Steve Baxter, Dean Parker, & Lenny Castro.
Ray Parker Jr., Arthur Adams, and Eric Clapton do some guest tracks...
I'm presently thinking of some new ideas for my gig at "J" August 8, Friday.
I want to get a beautiful acoustic sound.
I have always thought it "corny" to sing "pretty"-
I don't think that singing with soul, swing, and economy of instruments is "corny" any more.
My gig at "J" will be just me, piano, guitar & bass,
and I've got some great ideas for some tunes and arrangements...
Stay tuned for more details...
Photo: Michio Yves Ueda
