I perceive this world as a place where authenticity must battle with fakery all the time — sushi is sometimes shoved aside for plastic food. So when a dining companion asks me how I like my dinner, I might say, “Tastes like food!” which few understand as sincere appreciation of genuineness. That expression works equally well for me in what I hear in improvised performance.
This morning, I checked YouTube and found videos — thanks to RaeAnn Hopkins Berry — of Clint Baker’s Golden Gate Swing Band at the Bootleggers’ Jamboree Weekend (I put the apostrophe there whether they like it or not) on May 26th. The band is Clint, trombone; Marc Caparone, trumpet; Paul Cosentino, reeds; Jeff Hamilton, piano; Bill Reinhart, guitar [whose name I misspelled in my first, pre-coffee, version]; Katie Cavera, string bass; Riley Baker, drums.
I started with JIVE AT FIVE, and was content. Knowing that such music is possible — inspired by Basie but not copying the Decca 78 — is consoling:
and ROSETTA, at one of many good tempos:
Leaving Jabbo Smith out would be neither wise nor gracious, so here is Clint’s ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY:
and the song Pee Wee Russell would title THREE LITTLE BIRDS (with a Commodore ancestry):
RaeAnn shot twenty-four videos of this fine band (including vocals by Dawn Lambeth and Jessica King) — which I will leave to your investigation (also so that you can subscribe to her YouTube channel) — but those should make you feel delight in the presence of the Real.
May your happiness increase!