I think that any year where you’re breathing for twelve months is a banner year, and 2015 felt good to me, even with potholes and road repairs. A wonderful musical highlight was the double appearance of the Dawn Lambeth Trio at the San Diego Jazz Fest. Initially, the trio was Dawn, vocals; Marc Caparone, cornet; Ray Skjelbred, piano; then they were joined for the final numbers by Jeff Hamilton, drums. I will — as a present to myself as well as you — repost the first selections of the set:
Eddie Condon’s LIZA (Ray and Marc):
GETTING SOME FUN OUT OF LIFE (the Trio):
I MUST HAVE THAT MAN:
WHEN I TAKE MY SUGAR TO TEA:
THE RIVER’S TAKING CARE OF ME (Marc, Ray):
EV’RYONE SAYS ‘I LOVE YOU’ (Marc, Ray):
and four new highlights —
THE ONE I LOVE (BELONGS TO SOMEBODY ELSE):
IF I HAD YOU:
I’VE GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED (Marc, Ray, Jeff):
THREE LITTLE WORDS (the Quartet):
The Trio (and Quartet) is setting up its touring schedule for 2016. Club-owners, party-givers, and festival promoters take heed!
Thanks again to Paul Daspit and Hal Smith for making this wonderful dream come true.
May your happiness increase!