SMOKE

I've heard Joe Farnsworth play many, many times and have marveled at his virtuosity, but something special happened last night. He burrowed down deep and released himself. I could see it happening as he played, the effortless exhilaration when there is no separation between the artist and their medium. When musicians like Joe, who also bring phenomenal skill and discipline, connect there is nothing better. That five or seven minute drum solo (I lost track of the time) was epic in scope, power, variety, and expression.

Mike LeDonne was on the organ, Vincent Herring on sax, and Peter Bernstein on the guitar. The whole second set had a driving, bluesy feel which I love. I asked LeDonne about it after and he said that is often what the organ brings to the music. They opened the second set with a crazy fast version of "Backstabbers." It jumped off the stage, lyrical, rousing and shaking the place up. LeDonne's organ on "Someday We'll All Be Free" was aching and moaning with serious passion.

On the third set of the night the legendary George Coleman came up on stage and sat in with the guys. His presence changes the room. Giddiness and anticipation takes over on stage. He played "You've Changed" -- simple, elegant, perfect. It was a lucky night for me. Joe Farnsworth will be at Smoke this weekend playing with his brother John. I will be at Iridium Friday night.