Album Review: Poecia

An unambiguously gorgeous album

Ed Simon's most recent trio album is somewhat overlooked and unambiguously gorgeous.  Even though this is not a trio that tours together often, the level of sympathy and communication between these players is profound.  This is a great chance to check out some of Brian's most mature playing, and it is a thrill for any drummer or musician to hear him dancing with these beautiful melodies.

Uptempo Jazz: Playing fast, slow

I recently stumbled across a lovely video of Steve Smith talking about his practice habits.  Check it out:

Practicing slowly
Although this is all stuff that I have thought about and pursued in my own practicing, something that Steve said about practicing slowly and quietly stuck in my mind.  The one thing that I can never seem to practice slowly is playing fast.