Is Anybody Out There?

Haven't posted in several months and thought I'd pay a visit to the site and see if my remote posts (via my cellphone) had worked. Well, as I found out, sort of. What ended up being posted was lots of computer code but nothing resembling what I wrote. Perhaps I missed a step along the way or the technology isn't working as intended. In any event, I took it down and now catching up via my computer.

As I mentioned in my last post, I returned to Jakarta and had a great time. The event - The Java Jazz Festival - was moved to another venue within the city to accomodate a larger crowd. While it was indeed bigger, I hesitate to say it was better.

In addition to the venue being moved, the artists were also booked into a different hotel. In the past, the hotel & venue were linked by an underground walkway which made commuting to and from the venue quite easy. No such convenience this time. What was once a 15 minute walk turned into an almost 2hr. shuttle ride. Not that the new venue was that far away, it's just that the traffic was ridiculous! Though I am unsure if I will return next year, I hope the event planners will reconsider their restructuring of the arrangements and go back to what was a very efficient system.

Of course, much time has passed since then and I have been quite busy here in town with my usual assortment of gigs, sessions, reherasals, teaching and the like. I am very proud of the musical associations I've made and these past few months have provided much food for the soul. It's no mystery that Los Angeles is brimming with talented musicians; that I get to play with so many of them with such regularity is truly a blessing. As I explore the Internet and discover one great bassist after another, I hope that I continue to improve and enjoy whatever slice of the pie I am able to carve out for myself. Here's to the phone ringing!

Beth and Natalia (our 4 year old little angel) have been in NY & NJ visiting friends and relatives for the past week and a half. And, while I've enjoyed the quiet, the endless hours of baseball & movies on TV, and the time to myself upon arriving home from a gig, I am happy to be picking them up tonight at the airport and having them home. I miss my girls!

Regarding the title for this post; I'm wondering if there's anyone reading these anymore. I enjoy writing but I'm beginning to wonder to whom.

In any event, it's been a great summer of 2010. Up until the last few days the weather has been decidedly comfortable and only now do I find myself turning on the A/C. The economy has, as with most things, affected my work situation but thankfully only moderately as I seem to keep the calendar relatively full. However, not one to sit around waiting for things to happen, I'm embarking on a new career path for myself. This is not to replace my musical career but rather inject an additional flow of income from a new and, for me, a very different source. Curious? Stay tuned!

Until next time, your friendly neighborhood bassist...

--Adam

Return to Jakarta!

Can't believe it's already coming 'round but, once again, I return to Jakarta for the 2010 Java Jazz Festival. How fast the weeks and months go by!

Once again I will be joining my band mates in The Ron King Big Band for a week or so of non-stop playing, hanging, and sightseeing. In addition to the full band & quartet dates with Joel Taylor, Cho, Ron, and myself, the big band will be accompanying The Manhattan Transfer, Eric Benet, and a "Rat Pack" tribute show; all of which makes for a varied and undeniably fun time.

With this being my third consecutive year there, I've learned a few things about what to expect instrument-wise. With the prospect of bringing my own bass not within the plans or budget, I've made do with the "house bass" at the festival for the last two years and this year will be no different. While not having to schlep a double bass through airports, hotels, and buses is nice, it leaves me with an instrument that is less than desirable. One solution I've come up with is to pack a set of strings that I can slap on before our first performance. Then, after some tinkering with the bridge and amp settings, I'm hoping a reasonably musical sound will be produced. I'll report on the results.

On the home front, it's been a busy - though not incredibly lucrative - couple of months. The datebook is filled with many musically-rewarding engagements and looking around to see that I've been keeping the company of so many talented musicians is indeed inspiring.

That's all for now, I guess. Please visit my website for details on where I'll be playing and feel free to say hello.

Until next time...
--Adam

Winter 2010

Not sure if anyone still follow this blog - had a minor following during my Engelbert days - but I'm due for another post. Hope someone's out there to enjoy it.

As I write this, I marvel at the sheer volume of blogs, Podcats, articles, magazines and the like that are out there covering & addressing practically every subject under the sun. Makes it rather challenging to contribute something fresh, and worthy of the attention.

My perspective on things, though not novel, is certainly one of a field less crowded. The freelance musician occupies a space in the world that is highly visible (and/or audible) yet is often mysterious to the casual observer or listener. We peddle our wares - in this case our abilities as creative, skilled musicians - to whomever & wherever they'll have us. When I'm asked by someone what it is that I do, and I say "I'm a musician", it is often met with "Oh! What's the name of your band?". I usually reply with a smile and say that I'm not in a band, per se, but rather perform & record in various settings and that my work entails that I play a variety of music. This is sometimes met with surprise. I then try to help by pointing out that much of the music we hear in the world around us is composed & played by people who's career in music is similar to mine. We show up to a job at a specific time with other musicians we may or may not have met before, and play music we may or may not have played before, and do it with the utmost precision and musicality. Hopefully there is a fair wage to be made upon completion.

This may seem quite removed from the "Hollywood" version of the rail-thin, excitable, and chemically-altered rock musician. Let's just say we couldn't maintain careers with that state of mind or work ethic.

I sign off by expressing my gratitude for being able to have carved out at least a small piece of the pie for myself and for so many years now. As the father of a 4-year-old girl and with a family to help support, it presents more of a challenge than ever. What lies ahead is uncertain, but I will endeavor to do my best and make those who love me proud.

Until next time...
Adam

Back to Jakarta: Java Jazz Fest '09!

Hi Music Lovers,

I noticed that it's been a long time since I've posted and that my last one was exactly a year ago covering my trip and performance at the same event. Well, this year's was every bit as exciting and then some!

Naturally, I relish any opportunity to travel with great cats and make some satisfying & challenging music. This year's Java Jazz Festival came through on both counts. The performance schedule encompassed over 5 days of intense rehearsing and performing, all with the wonderful Ron King Big Band (of which I've had the pleasure of being associated with for over 3 years now).

As with last year's festival, we were contracted to back up a few other artists as well as performing a set of our own. Once again, we served up a swingin' affair with vocalst Gary Anthony whose tribute to Frank Sinatra just gets better and better. Also in the schedule was a quartet show which paired the rhythm section (Jamey Tate/drums, Cho Yeung Soon/piano, and of course yours truly on bass) with our leader the terrific Ron King on trumpet. We played several of Ron's contemporary-sounding compositions to a very appreciative audience. Ultimately though, the highlight for me was the thrill of backing up the masterful vocal group The New York Voices.

I cannot do justice in words to describe how truly fantastic they (the NYV) were! Complex, inventive, and fresh-sounding arrangements coupled with some of the richest vocal harmonies I've ever heard were the order of the day. We had one rehearsal before the big concert and, as I somehow knew we would, we nailed it! Kudos to my immensely talented colleagues & friends in the Ron King Big Band for rising to the occasion and making me honored to be part of such a fine group.

On a somewhat personal note, I had the thrill as a composer to have one of my tunes, "The Road Home", from my last album Ritual, played during our band set. Special thanks to Bill Fulton for doing such a fine arrangement and bringing it to life in a big band setting as only he can. And, thanks to Ron for generously including it in an already crowded repertoire of wonderful tunes & arrangements.

So much more to share but I'll save that for future postings as I try to check in with a bit more regularity. So now, I'm back in L.A. doing that thing I do (what exactly is that, anyway?) and basking in the warm glow of family, friends, and a healthy amount of work.

Until next time, your friendly neighborhood bassist...

--Adam

Jakarta - March 2008

Dateline: Monday, 3/10, 7:17am - Well folks, back on the road again; this time, Jakarta, Indonesia with the Ron King Big Band. We've spent a little over a week here performing in & around the Java Jazz Festival. The festival, held at a  massive  convention center  in downtown  Jakarta, is the fourth such one they've had here and appears to be growing in popularity (both with fans and performers). This year's lineup included Jeff Lorber, The Manahattan Transfer, Lee Ritenour, The Crusaders (with Steve Gadd!), and many others.

The big band got busy almost from day one. In addition to performing our own music, we had been chosen to back up two other artists with quite different but equally satisfying acts. A fellow from Las Vegas, Gary Anthony, did a tribute to Frank Sinatra that was a real gas to play. The charts were very accurate takedowns of many of his classic arrangements and, as I expected, the band played the hell out of them. What a treat to be sharing the stage with such fine musicians! Mining similar territory but perhaps a different vein was singer Renee Olstead; a very young & talented vocalist riding the current wave of youthful jazz & swing performers. She sang  tunes very much from the American songbook with one notable exception - a tune she composed - that was really a nice tune. It was encouraging to see someone step outside of the box a little and present something new.

In addition to all that, Ron broke off the rhythm section to do a couple of shows as a quartet. A nice thing as it allowed the four of us to stretch out a bit in ways the big band repertoire doesn't allow. I must mention at this point the incredible musicianship of my cohorts in the rhythm section; Cho (as he's known) on piano, and Jamey Tate on drums. These guys really can play just about anything and do it with the ultimate in musicality.

The festival reminded me of the North Sea Jazz Festival in it's gargantuan production with several venues simultaneously presenting various performances under one roof. That is to say, not in the same hall but all within the confines of the convention center. Despite the separation of various-sized rooms & halls, it can get a bit cacophonous and can be - with the enormous crowds - a real assault on the senses. I began to wonder what was really the attraction; the music or the "scene" itself as it reminded me ofa really crowded shopping mall where, with no real intent involved, people just go to hang out.

I can't say much about Jakarta itself as I rarely ventured outside the hotel. Partly because I didn't see much that compelled me and partly because the promoters themselves, all locals, suggested we don't. I took that as a good piece of advice.

We ended our run here backing the Sinatra guy last night in one of the larger venues. It was literally a foot race to get seats when they opened the doors. You'd think Frank himself was appearing! The band, undoubtedly feeling just a little beat up after such a busy rehearsal & performance schedule, rose to the occasion and served up the kind of swinging affair that we all knew was called for. The crowd - with many of the women in semi-traditional Muslim head dress - sang along with several of the tunes and cheered wildly for every song. It was really great. We ended with My Way (naturally) and, for an encore we did New York, New York (naturally). As I looked out upon this huge crowd singing along, smiles on their faces, I couldn't help wondering how many of them cheered when the planes hit.

I am excited to be heading home after a truly enjoyable and rewarding musical experience. I think (I hope) it's made me a better musician.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
Adam

Winter 2008

It's been some time since my last entry and with spring approaching I thought it fitting that I put some things "on paper" before the last gasp of winter.

While I am by no means gracing the covers of any major music publications, I am happy to report that 2008 has started off where '07 left off; with a flurry of work. Club gigs, concerts, some nice session work, and an upcoming tour, all have served to keep me satisfied and filled with anticipation for what lies ahead.

My group, the Adam Cohen Band, received a wonderful review in the L.A. Jazz Scene for its performance at La Ve Lee (a local jazz venue). It was extremely gratifying to see everyone in the band spoken of so highly. Not that I needed the confirmation, but it simply reaffirmed what I already knew; I've got a terrific group of musicians playing with me!

In March I will be traveling to Indonesia for a jazz festival there. In addition to  my performances with the Buddy Childers Big Band (under the direction of Ron King) will be a couple of quartet dates and a show with vocalist Renee Olstead. I look forward to visiting what, for me, is a new place. When I was touring with Engelbert, we had Indonesia on the schedule but it was cancelled due to what was, at that time, a security concern. Nevertheless, I will not be drinking the water. Can you brush your teeth with Scotch?

On that note, I will make this brief and say so long. Stay tuned for reports from the road as I once again make my way through Asia!

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
Adam

Fall 2007

I'll resist the urge to open up with a line from "Autumn Leaves" and just say hello and trust a good summer was had by all. It certainly was the case for me as an enjoyable European tour was followed by a busy schedule of concerts, club work, and a few extremely satisfying recording sessions.

August saw the release of Christina Linhardt's new album "Voodoo Princess". I played electric bass throughout and enjoyed finding the answers to musical questions posed by a rather electic mix of material. It was produced by my friend, saxophonist Dr. Bruce Eskovitz. For more information visit: www.voodooprincessmusic.com

Speaking of Bruce, I was happy to play on his just completed forthcoming album of the Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra entitled "Invitation". I played both acoustic & electric bass and have a couple of solos on there that I felt pretty good about. One was on the Freddie Hubbard classic "Red Clay" which was sort of a stop-time section where I had eight-bar phrases by myself in between the band hits. It was a creative challenge to keep the time moving and yet maintain some harmonic interest as well. I think I partially succeeded. The other was on a very slow swing number by Bruce reminiscent of the old Basie tunes that had that wonderful laid-back groove. It had some nice meaty changes to dig in to and I did my best to keep things firmly in the pocket. Look for a December release. (Label and points of purchase TBA).

Also finished are three tracks for Bill Fulton's new album which had the wonderful Gary Novak on drums. Gary has played with, among many others, Chick Corea (he was in the second edition of the Elektric Band) and the late Bob Berg. It was some very challenging music made relatively easy by Gary's terrific feel and sharply tuned musical instincts. A memorable session indeed.

Upcoming is the October 18th performance at La Ve Lee of my group, The Adam Cohen Band. I'm very excited and have already begun sketching out some new material and choosing what to play from my book. I've got a great lineup - Rob Hardt/sax, Bill Fulton/keys, and Dave Derge/drums - and can't wait to begin rehearsals early next month.

On the home front, Beth & Iare taking a brief 4-day trip to Boston with our daughter Natalia. It will be her first plane ride! Drinks all around though I expect it to be a smoother experience than my nightmarish imaginations would suggest. Natalia is simply delightful (see photo) and brings more joy, surprises, and discoveries into our home with each passing day.
     

Finally, I am feeling particularly blessed by the presence & good health of my Dad, who continues to be the paradigm for everything I aspire to be as a man and as a father, and my beautiful and talented companion Beth who is the best mother, lover, and friend I could ever wish for.

That's it for now music fans. Until next time...

--Adam

Dublin 2007: Two & Out

7/28/07: The conclusion of an extended tour always brings a moment for reflection. There is also the bittersweet feeling of something fun coming to an end coupled with the anticipation of returning home to family & friends.

I have travelled to seven different countries, played in 10 or 11 different venues - large and small, gotten to know a little about other parts of the world, and it all seems to have happened so quickly.

I have come to realize that many of the problems we face as Americans - both as individuals and as a country - are not unique, and we can derive some sense of community with the rest of the world from the notion that in our struggles we are not alone. Parents chase after their little children, communities struggle to recover in the wake of natural disasters, and families try to hold it all together in a modern, increasingly fast-paced, and often tense global environment rife with distrust. In the midst of all that, a stranger holds open a door for you, a playful child laughs, and a woman checker at the supermarket wearing the garb of those who we’re conditioned to fear smiles and offers a friendly greeting. Perhaps underneath all the political posturing and chest-pounding of a relative few there is the desire of most people to just get on with life and be happy.  

With those uplifting thoughts swirling in my mind, I head down to the lobby and off to our final performance; “The Midlands Music Festival” in Ireland. It’s an outdoor affair with many acts participating (Kris Kristofferson, Aimee Mann, and Ricky Scaggs among them) and should prove to be a fine - if wet & muddy - way to close out our European tour.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

The Long and Winding Road: Oslo to London

7/24/07: I've got a cold. It's the one thing I was determined not to have happen to me on this tour; three weeks of planes, damp climates, and lots of second-hand smoke and dammit I was not going to get sick! I blame it on Oslo. Not the city, but rather my stupidity for not listening to my body when I felt rundown after our show there. Instead of returning to my room and preparing for an early flight to London by getting some rest, I joined my bandmates for a few beers at the bar next door. Now, these aren't Budweisers, these are European beers engineered to help you forget you're freezing your ass off 10 months out of the year. I woke up feeling horrible and angry at myself for not being sensible.

If that were the end of it, that would be fine. Instead I had to endure an hour flight delay, a half hour stuck on the tarmac upon our arrival, and three hours being detained by the UK immigration officials. Why? Because when I presented them with my passport they asked me what my reason for visiting the UK was. I answered that it was work-related to which they responded by asking to see my work permit. I didn't have one. No one did. But they all got through and - I suppose by the luck of the draw - I was the shlemiel who got flagged. Anyway, 3 hours and multiple phone calls later, I was on my way out of Heathrow and on to the hotel.

It's a beautiful hotel called The Mayfair right in the heart of London's theater district. We had a great show - maybe our best - last night at The Pigalle Club (a very upscale  night club a few blocks from the hotel). It was packed to the rafters and I mean that literally because it had two levels with a balcony level overlooking the stage. It made for an exciting evening filled with a palpable energy from both the audience & the band.

On a personal level it was the first gig where I had a bass that was truly a fine instrument both in sound & playability. It was a German flatback built in the 1920's and just sounded like maple syrup. I secretly wished I could take it home. I generally haven't complained thus far about the instruments they've rented for me (it's a pointless exercise and why be a source of discomfort to people who have a hundred other things to worry about?) as they have little control as to what is sent from the backline companies. Besides, Steve and Simon (our tour managers), are two lovely British chaps who I've come to like a great deal. Nevertheless, I was so overjoyed by being able to do the gig on a professional quality instrument that I had to share my euphoria with them and subsequently allude to a clunker or two from past shows. I left it that and proceeded to have my best performance of the tour. I think Anjani felt it too as she flashed me a smile during the show suggesting that I was perhaps a key ingredient in helping to lift the proceedings a bit. Naturally, I am part of a group and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the incredibly musical contributions of my bandmates (Bryan Brock, Steve Gregory, Mark McMillen, and Dominique Plaisant). We all helped frame Anjani's beautiful voice and compositions perfectly.

Well, my nose is running and it's time for another Alka Seltzer. I've got two whole days off in London to recuperate. Beth wants me to get out and see the city. Perhaps a bit of London air will do me some good. That, and some self-indulgent lazing around my hotel room with my book, my computer, and thoughts of home & family.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

Holland/Belgium/Denmark - 2007

7/18/07: Greetings from Copenhagen! We just checked in to our hotel; an older place that looks like it’s been around for a long time but has been updated with 21st century amenities. Quite lovely with a white & gold exterior and interior that suggests a time way before the industrial age. My room is comfortable with a nice view of the streets below and a huge domed structure at eye level. Our ride from the airport to the hotel gave me a good idea of the beauty and history of this seemingly wonderful city. I am excited to take it in...

...after my nap.

Now, about the last few days.

We had a good show at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, Holland. In addition to the impressive array of artists that were on the schedule, equally impressive was how incredibly organized the whole event was. It was held on the site of a huge convention center where venues ranging from small and intimate, to larger theaters and auditoriums, were set up according to the style and popularity of the performers. Among the artists I was able to see were Marcus Miller, Randy Brecker (with an all-star band), and Dave Holland. Unfortunately, due to the stifling heat & humidity (the was no A/C!), I could only tolerate about an hour or so before I left. So, it was about 20 minutes of this guy and 20 minutes of that guy and so on. Words could not accurately describe how impressive the infrastructure of the whole thing was. From kiosks with computers where you could see where an artist was performing and get biographical information, to a whole mini-mall of music related merchants, to a booth where interviews were being conducted and broadcast over the flat-screen TVs that dotted the landscape...it was really something to take in.

As for our show, it went well. A packed house of about 60 or 70 people listened intently and reacted enthusiastically to the band. It was a nice feeling, especially with the likes of Mike Stern and Wynton Marsalis playing nearby. Anjani seemed pleased and I think everyone went away feeling pretty good about things.

After that, it was a day off and then off to Gent in Belgium for the Blue Note Music Festival where we were opening up for Elvis Costello (apparently a big fan of Anjani). Gent was quite an experience in that we were right in the middle of a yearly 10 day event known as the Festival of Gent. It’s sort of their Mardi Gras. I have never witnessed such mass drinking, by so many people, for so long, in my life! It doesn’t get dark till around 10:30pm there this time of year and it gets light around 5:30am. I walked outside around 6:30am and people were still at it. I heard sounds from my hotel room window that were, as one band member described it, “medieval” in nature. I won’t go into detail as to what the streets looked like but at around 7pm a street sweeper truck was making the rounds. This goes on for 10 days. People were staggering in the middle of the street at a time when most of the rest of the world is opening for business. Amazing.

The Blue Note gig went, for me, exceedingly well as I had the pleasure of playing a good bass - the best so far - that had a nice singing tone and playable action. The result was that I felt free to be a bit more expressive within the music. Though I play a German style bow, all the bows thus far have been French. Not a problem as I only bow on a couple of tunes and I have enough experience with the French to pull it off. For those of you who don’t know the German bow has a larger end where the hand is placed and is held with sort of a side-ways/underhanded grip, while the French is held much in the same way a violin bow is held.

 Tomorrow is a club date here in Copenhagen which I am excited about as it will return us to a more intimate setting. I also feel that having just one day off between gigs will give us a chance to keep our musical engine warm and running smoothly.
That’s it for now!

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

Paris 2007: Part 2 - Opening Night and Beyond

7/14/07: Hello from Rotterdam in The Netherlands (or Holland, take your pick). I’m gazing out my hotel room window which overlooks the main drag here and further on down to the waterway which is crested by a white, very modern-looking, suspension bridge.

<Sidebar: Okay, now I know I’m definitely not in the US anymore; I hear accordian music wafting up from the street.>

I have a backlog of events to relate and I will do my best to remember...

Naturally, our first show is at the top of my list. Things unfolded rather grimly that afternoon at soundcheck as our percussionist, whose equipment was lost in transit from London to Paris, was having to make do with a bass drum, snare drum and other assorted odds & ends that were quite foriegn to his accustomed setup. Bryan plays aninstrument called a djembe (hope I spelled that correctly) which is a rectangular box that emanates a variety of tones, textures, and sounds. You actually sit on the instrument itself and, depending upon the desired effect, can be played with either hands, sticks, or brushes. I think it’s fair to say that it’s the core of Bryan’s whole percussion rig and an important element in the band’s sound. Like a true professional, he carried on and we all waited for some kind of lucky break. That lucky break came about two hours later in the form of what looked like a quality djembe that was procured by our crack road management team. Smiles all around and the soundcheck wrapped up on a positive note.

Everyone scattered for dinner; I walked across the street to a little grill joint while the rest of the gang ventured elsewhere. I had a delicious sandwich with grilled marinated chicken on a toasted roll and french fries (though there they call them American fries strangely enough...just kidding).

So, how was our first show? It was an unequivocal success! Two encores and calls for a third. I was very happy with the bass I had (we’re taking the rental route since shlepping my double bass across oceans and continents wasn’t an option) and felt like the band really rallied and took the music up anotch. Afterward, people clamored around the entrance to our dressing room and, as I frequently had to do on the Engelbert tour, politely mentioned that I was too tired for autographs and would they mind settling for Anajani or Leonard Cohen.

Back at the hotel, smiles all around and the energizing feeling of things getting off to a good start.

Got into Amsterdam - where we’re playing the North Sea Jazz Festival - yesterday afternoon after a short flight from Paris. This time they forgot our guitarist’s pedal board. Good thing we didn’t have a show until Sunday so aside from some understandable annoyance cool heads prevailed.

We checked into our hotel and when I headed up to my room I found myself sharing an elevator ride with none other than Joe Zawinul! To those of you who may not know, Joe Zawinul is a legendary composer and keyboardist who got his first big break as pianist with Cannonball Adderly, co-founded the band Weather Report, and has written several tunes that have become staples in the jazz lexicon; “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” and “Birdland” among them. Not a bad way to start my stay here!

So, with the dulcet tones of streetcars, seagulls, and the accordian, I head off to my book and syndicated American TV.

Until next time...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

Paris 2007: Part 1 - Back In The Saddle

7/11/07: Well, to those of you who have sustained an interest in my journal over the last year or so - a less than prolific time for it - I wish to announce that I’m back on tour and anxious to share my musical and personal journeys once again. Welcome readers new & old!

I’m sitting up in bed in my hotel room in Paris watching CNN International (the only English-speaking station I could find) and jotting down the kind of thoughts that could only reveal themselves at 3:30am. No, I have not been up all night. Rather, I powered through a 9-hour flight from L.A. to London, a two-hour layover at Heathrow, a one-hour flight from London to Paris, dinner with band & management (more on that later) and finally retreated to my room where I slept deeply from 10pm till about 1:30am. I know, 3 1/2 hours is nothing to crow about but it was deep satisfying sleep unimpeded by cramped seats, inrusive public announcements, and gaseous passengers. I am hoping after some writing here and a bit of reading that I can get a few more hours under my belt before breakfast.

To set the table; I am on a three week tour of Europe with the artist Anjani. Anjani, a native of Hawaii, is a talented singer/songwriter (think Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, etc.) who plays piano and composes rather lovely, intimate pieces laden with imagery and personal emotions. The arrangements - though rich in melody & harmony - are quite sparse and present a somewhat unexpected challenge for me as a bassist. That is, where are broad brush strokes called for and where do I shade things a bit lighter? In this music, the line has proven to be quite narrow between finding that place and missiing the mark. Additionally, I am tackling some backgound vocal parts which is exciting & fun but also, admitttedly, not one of my strongest skills. I am hoping (as I’m sure my bandmates are) that with continued experience my singing will improve.

Dinner earlier today (now yesterday) revolved around the kind of service that my beautiful Beth would have typically described as “disgusting”.  At least the food was great (oh wait, I’m chomping on Tums like candy here!). Nevertheless, the company was great and it felt good to take a short stroll through the area and get the “airplane film” off of me.

Tomorrow is our first show. We’re playing at the premier jazz club here called New Morning.
Needless to say, I’m very excited and anxious to get that first gig under my belt. We’ve got Mark McMillen on keyboards, Steve Gregory on guitar (an old friend who ten years ago recommended me for the Ray Charles auditions), and Brian Brock on percussion. They’re fine musicians and, as I’m finding out, great cats to hang out with. A sure recipe for success.

Until next time music fans...

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,
--Adam

A Cool February Evening: Think On This

With all of us running around trying to make something happen, stay ahead, catch up, or simply get through the day, we often overlook how much we can learn and absorb if we turn off the TV, or iPod, or stereo, and let our minds re-open to things we didn't give ourselves a chance to understand or appreciate.

Before writing this, I literally sat in my chair and stared...for quite some time. No music, no reading, no TV to pass the time, just the sound of silence and the veritable flood of thoughts and images that seeped into my mind. Foremost at this time is, of course, my family. But also the passing of a true musical genius, Michael Brecker.

I won't attempt to add to the already overwhelming display of affection & sense of loss that has been expressed by so many in the jazz community. The tributes abound and continue to pour in, and Michael's legacy as a saxophonist & composer is well-known. I suppose it is on that note that I was compelled to put thoughts on paper (as it were) while sitting quietly in my basement.

I have decided that I'm not going to wait till someone who is important to me leaves this life before I express how I feel about them. All too often we hesitate - we keep our cards close to the vest - when struck with the urge to say something nice; something truly sincere. Why this porcelain veneer? Why this aura of "cool"? If something that somebody has written, or said, or created, or played, had an impact on you or moved you in some way, why hesitate in telling them? This is my thought for the evening.

As musicians, it is imperative that we strive to communicate through our art. Yes, we continually work on the mechanics of what we do and the vocabulary with which to use it, but we must also seek to enhance the lives of those around us. And when someone - even for a moment - achieves this and stirs the soul within you, tell them. Tell them because it will put that person on a cloud for days to come. It will make all the endless hours practicing, writing, doing gigs (both good & not so good) all worthwhile.

I believe Michael Brecker found that place, that place where the music transcended technique and allowed the listener's heart to soar right along with the beautiful sounds that emanated from his horn.

Next time you hear someone "find that place", remember to let them know. It'll put a smile on both your faces.

Until next time...
--Adam 

Natalia Vicki Cohen - One Year!!!

Good morning music lovers! With fatherhood being such a big part of who I am now, I suspect that this journal will be as much about that part of my life as music. I hope those of you who have either already sailed that ship, or are not interested in it altogether, will find something amusing or entertaining (if not particularly interesting) in my little anecdotes. Fear not however, as there will be plenty of reports from the gigging front. I'm embedded with the Local 47 here in the mean streets of Los Angeles.

A couple of new and interesting gigs on the schedule...

Tonight I'm playing with one of my favorite guitarists in town, Jamie Findlay. Playing in a duo situation can be challenging and often result in some very satisfying music. The intimacy, coupled with the element of being so exposed - just two "voices" interacting - leaves little room for extraneous noodling. Every note must count; everything executed with intent and assuredness so that our small but mighty ship sails undaunted through the murky waters of ambiguity. Let our sails unfurl with bright, bold passages! Let the bow of our ship point forward with grace and fire! Let our...alright already.

Later this week is the return of the Adam Cohen Band to The Baked Potato. Joining us this time around is the wonderful saxophonist Doug Webb. Among Doug's many well-known employers is none other than the great Stanley Clarke. I'm thrilled to have him on the gig. We'll of course be playing music from my recent album Ritual, but also on tap is a tune (After The Rain) from my first album - from 1994! - and a couple of others that as yet have not been recorded. At rehearsal, it was nice hearing a song I wrote so many years ago and feeling like it still had some legs.

Next month is gigs with The Buddy Childers/Ron King Big Band; a fairly recent association for me. Since I joined the band a couple of months ago, it has provided me with a great deal of musical satisfaction as well as some challenges. There are a couple of bass features in the book (a wonderful book overall, by the way, with terrific tunes & arrangements) and I've enjoyed making new friends and basking in the powerful & tasteful playing of my comrades.

Finally, I have to announce the first birthday of our lovely little girl Natalia! Yup, as my Mom used to say, one year ago I had such a tummy ache! Of course I'm really referring to the lovely Beth, but I had to share that with you. The official date is 12/13 and we're having her party on the 17th. She's become quite enamored (in as much a one-year-old can become enamored) with Sesame Street and in particular the character Elmo. So the whole theme of the party is Elmo! Elmo plates, cups, signs, etc. Don't tell her, but Mommy & Daddy bought her an Elmo doll!

Okay folks. I'll sign off before I lose my hip musician-type status.

Until next time...
--Adam  

Fall

Greetings, and hoping everyone had a safe & happy summer and wishing everyone the best for the remainder of the year! Much time has passed since my last entry and, as one would expect, a lot has transpired.

First, as you can see from the picture, Natalia is growing leaps and bounds (the photo is from July so imagine even more changes) and has become a delightful, beautiful, and precious little girl. So much personality! Like her mother, she has a keen sense of humor and is always ready to entertain. Unlike her father, she has yet to embrace the afternoon nap (see photo as I'm trying - unsuccessfully - to get her to join me). She also has made several friends in the neighborhood and already seems to have her "crew" in place. They have a secret handshake that I'm hoping she'll share with me.

Beth, as beautiful and talented as ever, is in the process of finishing up a script for a pilot that she and her partner are developing. If the laughs emanating from the room where they work are any indication, it's sure to be very funny. Aside from that, Beth has embraced motherhood in a remarkable way. I can't believe the joy I feel from watching the two of them hang out together.

On the musical front, my schedule is peppered with a nice variety of work. Last month saw the premier performance of my band at the world famous Baked Potato in Studio City, California. It was the official CD release party for my album Ritual. All my expectations were exceeded as the band played brilliantly to a packed house full of what turned out to be a very appreciative audience. It came on the heels of some very nice reviews from bassists Darryl Jones, Jimmy Haslip, the website ContemporaryJazz.com [Rob Young], and the latest issue of Jazz Improv Magazine. Here's hoping the momentum continues as we approach the new year. Additionally, there's gigs with Connie Stevens, Carlos Cuevas Trio, The Dave Hill Band, The San Gabriel Seven, The Buddy Childers Big Band, The Bill Fulton Band, The Bruce Eskovitz Jazz Orchestra, and vocalist Bernie Meisinger. Session work includes new releases from vocalist Christina Linhardt and guitarist James Moody. I also subbed on the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, which provided a real kick in the ass if only for the reasonthat I never felt so much pressure playing a two-beat for 90 minutes in my life!

On that note, I will humbly sign off as classical bassist Gary Karr sends me off to the practice room, tail between my legs.

As a former employer of mine likes to sing..."I wish you love".
--Adam       

Spring Has Sprung

5/8/06, 4:40pm - Nearly five months have passed since my last entry and I feel it's time to put pen to paper (so to speak).

Speaking of time passing; guess who's 5 months old on the 13th? Yup, our little Natalia! Cute as ever and now expressing herself - short of actual words - in every way, including that patented smile of hers that simply brightens every room she's in. The love I have for that little girl is beyond description. As for mommy, she's back in the thick of things with a new show she's developing and, by all appearances, it looks like "Half & Half" will be returning for another season as well. Lots on her plate and she's embracing it with a renewed enthusiasm.

And daddy? Daddy is proud to announce - finally! - the release of his long-awaited new album Ritual. Ten all-new, all-original tunes that span a variety of musical genres; jazz, fusion, Brazilian, ballads...all tied together by yours truly on acoustic & electric basses. Where can you get it, you say? Well, I'm glad you asked! Go to my brand new website: www.adamcohenmusic.net

Also on the music front, I recently returned from a brief stint with Connie Stevens, playing shows in Portland, OR and Houston TX. It was great fun and I enjoyed both the musicianship and comraderie of my bandmates. Connie, at 63, is lovely as ever and simply a delight to work with.

Well, I hear the baby crying so I'll sign off for now and return in much sooner fashion for my next entry.

Until next time...
--Adam

2005: What a year!

1/5, 5:11am: So, 2005...Did much happen for me? All I can say is, what a year!

To recap:

By this time last year I had just received news that I had been offered the bass chair on the Engelbert tour after filling in last-minute the month before (12/04) for a week in Malaysia. You know, just the craziness of being flown to Malaysia for a week should’ve given me a clue I was in for an eventful year.

Fast-forward to April and I’m awakened out of a dead sleep by my wide-eyed girlfriend bearing the news that we’re going to have a baby. “Holy shit!” would have been my natural response but, instead - already mindful of being the sensitive partner - I hugged her and said something I’m sure Dr. Phil would have approved of.

In September, Beth and I moved into our dream apartment. With my humble belongings and Beth’s (what can only be described as Streisandian in its copiousness), we moved our stuff into our new place and began the seemingly endless task of unpacking. We are now quite comfortably settled in and Beth has even allowed me some closet space in the baby’s room.

In December, well, it was the grandest way to cap off what has been perhaps the best year of my life…little Natalia Vicki Cohen entered the world at 12:24pm at 7lbs., 6oz. There is nothing I can ever do to top that creation! All I can say is that I had the best co-writer I could ever ask for. Baby, here’s to a lifetime of comedy & drama with our little girl in the starring role!

And, though I’m beginning to feel like it’s the Santa Monica Blvd. Project (you‘d have to be an Angeleno to understand), I’m in the final stage of launching my second greatest creation; my new album “Ritual”. I think I can safely anticipate a February release.

Armed with a beautiful and supportive family, my terrific father healthy and proud of his new granddaughter, and a boat-load of diapers, I am ready for ‘06. Here’s to making it happy, healthy, prosperous, and satisfying for all!

Happy New Year!

--Adam

The Phantom Of The Opera Is Here!

11/19 - 10:20am: So much going on and decided it was time to pay a visit to Bassikly Speaking again. Now that I'm off the road, I feel less compelled to jot down my thoughts here. But I enjoy it and I know that someday it will be a gas to go back and read where my head (my life!) was at when I wrote this stuff.

Played a private function last night at The Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The evening's affair was The Crown Jewel Gala. Essentially, a room full of yentas wearing tiaras and dragging their poor husbands behind them to feast on excellent food and make a fuss over each other and everything around them. I've decided that this is something for Beth & I to aspire to. I've ordered a custom tiara for her. It's got a special holder and drinking tube for her Diet Coke so she can go hands-free and I figured I'd go for the real thing with diamonds & jewels and the whole bit. By the time I pay it off we'll be at the right age to attend. The music of the evening was fairly typical fair; standards/bossa novas during dinner, classic rock/R&B/disco for the revelers to dance to. I hadn't played my electric bass for a while so it was fun to strap on the "plank" and churn out rousing renditions of "YMCA", "I Will Survive", and "Honky Tonk Woman'. (Hmmm, suddenly the 2-hour sound checks with Engelbert don't seem so bad). The featured entertainment of the evening however was not us but rather an excellent performer who sang a medley of show tunes dressed as the phantom from Phantom of the Opera. Little did they know that underneath the white mask was yours truly trying to diversify and make some extra bucks for Natalia's college fund. All kidding aside, the guy was great and killed an hour while we ate our "bandwiches" and cookies.

On the home front, Beth had a lovely baby shower with all her close friends from L.A. in attendance as well as the Aunties (my aunts, Sandy & Adrianne), and my Dad's lady friend Minnie. I wasn't there, but it looked like quite a party. Gifts from L.A. to N.Y. have been arriving and Natalia's room is going to be a beautiful, comfortable room filled with lots of love. (Mom, I miss you and wish you were around to see all this.)

Work-wise, the calendar is filling up nicely with gigs ranging from guitar/bass duos to a 7-piece horn band. I'm enjoying the diversity and the challenges that many of the situations present. I have to confess tofeeling a little rusty. I've been getting back into a practice routine again but it's nothing like getting out there and just doing it. As the great guitarist John Abercrombie so astutely said "If I wanted to play by myself I'd just get a couple of cut-out dolls - a Chick Corea or Herbie Hancock doll - sit in my house and pretend I'm playing with them. But I like making music with people; that's what it's all about". Amen to that! I'd only add that I enjoy playing music for people as well. How satisfying to make that connection!

So, that's it for now. My website is officially up - www.adamcohenmusic.net - and I'll be adding audio clips of my music as well as other albums I've played on very soon. Please stop by and say hi.

Until next time,
--Adam

 

The Final Curtain

11/1, 11:40am: Said goodbye to my friends & colleagues - as well as Engelbert himself - on the EH tour last month. With so many great memories and the wonderful friendships I formed during the past year, it was a departure that was laced with mixed emotions. While I am extremely excited about this new chapter I am embarking on in my life, I am also going to miss the warmth and comraderie I had come to know on the road. Nevertheless, I move forward with eyes wide open and expectations at an all-time high.

The night I arrived home from Toronto I was right back in it with a gig that evening with jazz singer Bernie Meisinger. The upright bass has become my true love and though it had been several weeks since we’d made music together, and despite feeling a bit unfamiliar, it felt good to play it again. Fast forward to now and we’re back to feeling like old friends.

I had been concerned that it would take a while for work to start coming in - not sure how well the news of my return home had traveled - but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how things have developed. Among the usual assortment of casuals - or as they say on the east coast; “club dates”, though neither is accurate - is a couple of nice dates I am very excited about. Later this month I’ll be working with Carlos Cuevas who is a fine pianist & composer. Carlos works within the trio format and has a terrific album out that showcases his many interesting compositions. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Also are some dates with guitarist Ron Anthony. Ron has worked with George Shearing, Frank Sinatra, and many other jazz luminaries. Playing with Ron is always a chance to learn and have some fun. I believe we’ll be in a trio format as well. I’m excited about making music with him. Also on the schedule is some dates with vocalist Bernie Meisinger (lots of great standards!), the 17th Anniversary Show for Chick Singer Night/L.A., and some private functions that will no doubt put me back together with some old acquaintances.

Finally, two very important projects in my life are in the final stages of completion. With only a little over a month to go, Beth and I will soon be blessed with the arrival of little Natalia Cohen. I have never been more excited and more unsure of what lies ahead about anything in my life! Thank goodness I have a terrific partner, a wonderful family, and great friends. I love you all. Also in the home stretch is the production of my new album “Ritual”. Final mixes are done and the project is currently in the hands of the very capable Paul Tavenner for mastering. Doing the graphics and design is a fellow from New York who specializes in jazz artists and has worked on albums from Hiram Bullock, Bob James, Larry Carlton, and Marcus Miller, among others. I think it’s safe to say the project is in good hands.

Finally, stay tuned for the arrival of my new website! Right now it’s “under construction” (web jargon which really means I don’t have a damn thing to put on it). But the domain name has been locked in, so please keep your eyes open for news on the upcoming: www.AdamCohenMusic.net !

So, to quote a familiar tune, as I face the “final curtain” on my days with the Humpy Tour, a new one rises up on fresh challenges and experiences.

Okay, music fans…stay tuned!

Your friendly neighborhood bassist,

--Adam

The Changing Time Pub

10/8, 1:56am: Just played our first night at the Westbury Music Fair. What a fucking circus (pardon the pun). Whatever it was that the audience had come expecting to see, I’m pretty sure tonight’s bloodbath wasn’t it. I won’t go into details but I believe two words are in order here; very sad.

To wash it all away, Ron (trumpet), Dave (guitar), Jeremy (trombone), and I decided to take in one of the local watering holes. Though Dave & Jeremy seemed to fade fairly quickly, Ron and I had a great time talking and observing how different the scene was from what we know of L.A. As I mentioned in a previous entry, the charm and substance of the people and places of New York has already placed its spell on me. I know it might sound crazy but hearing that NY accent just sends me. We had two women bartenders with hair from 1977 who sounded like the chick on King of Queens and I was in heaven. Nobody said “I’m like” this or that. Nobody gave a shit and a shake whether or not they had on the latest fashion. Everyone spoke in a no-nonsense, direct, warm, and genuine way. My God, I thought there had been something wrong with ME all these years!

When we decided to call it a night, we had the bartender call us a cab. To my surprise, it was a white guy who spoke english. Not only that, but he seemed to be a local who had been doing the cabbie gig for some time. He regaled us with stories of how he’d recently turned 50 but was trying not to succumb to talking and acting like his old man did at that age. The depth of the conversation quickly swam towards the shallow end when the subject turned to women of different ethnicities and he told us of an Indian gal he knew who was in NY studying medicine and had “great jugs”. I laughed all the way back to the hotel.

Well, my three scotches are beginning to work on me, so I better go. I’ve got ESPN, HBO, and CNN waiting for my remote. And how about the baseball playoffs?! I’ve been relishing very moment of every game. And, by the way, it’s heartwarming to see everyone here in their Yankee garb. People talk about sports -- and particularly, baseball -- around here, knowledgeably and passionately. So refreshing.

Until next time...go Yankees!
--Adam