While the rest of us are sleeping, doing laundry, openng cans of cat food, Colin Hancock is busy creating. And here’s som recent evidence that shows he is as wonderfully consistent (or is it consistently wonderful?) as always. The videos come from his YouTube channel, which you can find in the link above.
First, Colin among Austin, Texas friends, “the Joymakers.” They are Colin Hancock, cornet, baritone saxophone, vocal, director: David “Jelly” Jellema, clarinet, C-melody saxophone / Lauryn Gould, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet / Westen Borghesi, banjo / Shane Dickens, piano / Ryan Neubauer, druns / Ryan Gould, string bass:
PAPA’S GONE:
HOT LIPS:
and just this morning, I found the newest effusion of music from Colin’s “Semper Phonographic Co.” Look closely at the credits, for the nimble Mr. Hancock plays all the instruments and sings, sometimes his own compositions, sometimes less-performed songs by well-known composers, all in beautiful energetic idiomatic style:
CAN’T YOUR FRIEND FIND A FRIEND FOR ME?
NOBODY LIED:
IT BELONGS TO YOU:
SOB SISTER SADIE:
LIVIN’ IN THE SUNSHINE WITH YOU:
WYGGLE WOBBYL:
KANSAS CITY KITTY:
IF YOU CAN’T HOLD THE MAN YOU LOVE:
Spectacular creativity. And I will leave it to erudite listeners to trace Echoes and Influences.
All I will say is that we have more than enough evidence for Great Artist / Loathsome Person. Colin knocks that formulation flat, for he is a remarkable human being even when all the instruments are in their cases. May he always keep going! (And, Colin, New York misses you, by the way.)
May your happiness increase!
JAZZ LIVES 