In 2005 I was among a new group of musicians that was inducted to the AACM. In the spring of 2008 one of the AACM’s most noted members delivered to the world his long awaited text and “history “ of the AACM. George Lewis’ book, A Power Stronger Than Itself, not only serves to recount, document and analyze the success and struggle of the organization, but also to set forth a gauntlet of challenge for the future of this acclaimed and influential body. Now in it’s fourth decade the organization has once again positioned itself to display the strength, skill and creativeness that is the heart of our engagement in the communal experience of music and spirituality.

I was honored enough to be nominated and then elected Vice Chairperson for the organization. It also marked a historical moment for the organization since three of the five offices elected were filled by women. The total executive committee now consists of:

Nicole Mitchell – Chairperson
Mike Reed – Vice Chairperson
Tomeka Reid – Treasurer
Saalik Ziyad – Secretary
Coco Elyeses – Dean of the School.

We've set forth our goals for the forthcoming year and are hoping to reinvigorate the organization. The first sign of our new regime is This weekend's Nomadic Sound Experiment, a new AACM performance series which I'm heading up. This bi-monthly series will be traveling showcases and feature two performances at each event. The goal is to present concerts in a variety of settings around the Chicago land area (hence the Nomadic title), emphasize original music or concept, partner with arts organizations that will help promote the events and provide production infrastructure, reach out to new audiences (from Highland Park to Tinley Park and then some). 

The first installment will take place this Saturday:

the AACM Presents  
Nomadic Sound Experiment #1:
7pm June 13th, 2009
The Southside Community Art Center
3831 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL

Set I
DEE ALEXANDER'S EVOLUTION ENSEMBLE
Dee Alexander – vocals
James Sander – violin
Tomeka Reid – cello
Junius Paul – bass

Set II
THE NICOLE  MITCHELL TRIO
Nicole Mitchell – flutes
Tomeka Reid – cello
Jovia Armstrong – percussion

 I got news today that Lorenzo Brower passed away back in March. For anyone that was fortunate enough to have  been at Fred Anderson's original Velvet Lounge Lorenzo was known as one of the old regulars. For much of his later life he was confined to a wheelchair, but it never kept him from hanging out at the Velvet as late and as often as possible. He was nothing less than a vocally opinionated man that didn't pass up a chance to talk up the ladies. He also never seemed to fade in his ability to make himself heard to people on the bandstand, especially when throwing out vocal encouragement ...”ah yeah drummer man, that's it!”

His encouraging vocals (and sometimes accompanying vocals) was a sure sign of a happening set,  Lorenzo's quick exit would be a definite way to find out if things weren't happening. I played the old Velvet many times, but none as memorable as when I'd play there with The David Boykin Expanse. Lorenzo would never let David end a night unless he played his song (“that one tune I like”) Big and Fine. David would always agree, there was no way you could say no because he truly did love it.

People, Places & Things recently recorded Big and Fine with David Boykin. Here's the track, which I'll  dedicate to Lorenzo, RIP. 

Sorry folks,
I've never had to cancel a show before, and am sorry to do so with such late notice. Due to some last minute conflicts our show at the Charleston in Bucktown has been canceled for this Saturday (4/18/09).

I hope to be able to give you a full feature performance in Chicago later this spring.

Over the last two years I’ve performed in Poland on 6 different trips. In just about every instance I have in some way either performed in the town of Wroclaw, or with musicians and artists from there. During my first trip, with Rob Mazurek, I was able to make the acquaintance of trumpeter Artur Majewski and drummer Kuba Suchar. The two had established a long time Chicago influenced quartet called Robotobibok and a newer duo Mikrokolektyw.
Through these two like minded musicians, I (and others Chicagoans) have befriended an association of musicians, artists, photographers and organizers that mirros a spirit of cultural development and community that can be seen in Chicago. Working out of a three story building, the community seems connected under the OPT organization (a multi-genre arts organization).  OPT has been the primary venue that I have performed at when in Wroclaw,  at which they house dedicated recording and filming equipment. In addition the organization hosts varied arts workshops, plays, and rents space to apiring artists. Looking towards the future I’m hoping to be able to play host in Chicago to some of these artists, the duo of Mikrokolektyw is being scheduled to perform in Chicago this coming September.
Check out an mp3 from their forthcoming record here

The hospitality, creativeness, ingenuity of the folks associated with OPT makes it no wonder why returning to Poland is such a pleasure.

Above Photo:
Here are SOME of the friends from Wrocalw from left to right
OPT Organizer Dawid Bargenda, Drummer Kuba Suchar, Trumpeter Artur Majewski, Photographer Bartek Szewczykowski, Vibraphonist Marcin Ciupidro, Sound engineer Michal Kupicz

Thanks to all for your kind thoughts, wishes and concern.

One thing I failed to mention in my last post:
To show some type of gratitude to the the "officer" who helped us out during the riot, the best that we could offer was a copy of our CD. His english was less than "ideal" so we didn't even get his name. Well it turns out that he found us through our label, 482 Music.


He sent his best wishes.

Thank you Petr!

Here's what he posted:

Sorry, but since I'm not the greatest writer below is the best way that I could report on the events of April 3, 2009. You can see a shaky clip that we uploaded to you tube here. This might give you a better sense of what this looked like before things got crazy.

I had been joking to the rest of the guys in the band that today, Saturday April 3, would be a “character builder.” This was mainly because of the long travel day, estimated at 13 hours. The day started out with a 7 am ride from Szehcfahrer to Budapest. We were lucky enough to share a compartment with a nice retired couple from Australia. Part two of the day had us change trains in Breclaw, in The Czech Republic (which we needed to ride to Olomouc). After about 30 minutes the train conductor informed us that we needed to get off at an earlier stop to make the connecting train to our final destination of Krakow. We took his helpful advice, thinking that train schedules do change often, especially in Eastern Europe.
 
We exited the train in the small town of Prevov, CZ finding that we had 2.5 hours until the our connecting train to Krakow. It was decided that we would try to venture into the town and find a nice late lunch and burn some time.  As we walked out of the train station we recognized swat team riot police mounting in front the of the station. Thinking not too much of it we continued out of the station looking at some of the shops and restaurants surrounding the station, however they all seemed to be closed (odd for a Saturday afternoon right?). As we proceeded further we found even more police in full riot gear and finally one stopped us and relayed that a neo-Nazi skinhead rally was happening and that we should go back to the train station.

Of course without haste we hauled our asses back to the station, believing that we would be safe there since the rally would probably be headed to some type of town square or city hall. As we retuned to the station armored vehicles and attack dogs were mounting and our nervousness began to build. We also began to notice an increasing amount of young bald men in black clothingand combat boots circling around the area we were huddled at.  The suspicious behavior was reinforced when we saw one of them coming into “check train schedules” holding a bullhorn.

Not knowing what to do for the next 2 hours we really started to get freaked. That’s when Tim Haldeman went to the front of the station and saw a few hundred skinheads amassed outside of the station and a line of swat team police in front of the station doors.

Of course this didn’t sit well and was even further freakish when finally we heard the sounds of chanting from the street, within minutes we heard loud booms (which turned out to be the sounds of tear gas being fired), within seconds hundreds of skinheads came running around the train station right towards us. The riot police followed them and we were swept up in the madness. The skinheads came prepared throwing bottles and rock, some even had gas masks.  We were caught in a slight moment of in-decision wondering what to do – go towards the police or run from the whole situation. Going towards the police would, out us in the middle of an uncertain situation, so we ran quickly ran with all of our gear and luggage to the farthest part of the train yard trying to find some hiding spot or at least a band of police to stand behind.  Being about 200 meters from where the action was really going down, we knew that if the skinheads spotted us the crowd would start moving towards us.

While standing out there wondering what to do we were approached by a large man who had walked over from a conference he was having with the high ranking police officials who were watching from a distance (it turned out he was part of the police force). Even though his English was poor, he stated the obvious and said we were not safe here.  We followed him across the tracks and behind a wall where the police had set up a small command center. There was also a 2 story narrow building, which seemed to have been an emergency center for the station years ago. He was able to persuade a woman inside the building to let us hide in a small room until the riot ended.  For about two hours we paced and worried about what was going to happen. Would we make our train? Would the mob find us? We were convinced that we needed a police escort to the platform when and if our train arrived. It was beyond unsettling.  Especially for Greg Ward and myself seeing that we’ve been no stranger to racial issues (profiling, comments etc) but this was something different and in the time we had it made us contemplate the struggles of so many before. Of course for us, it is the American civil rights struggle that people seem to think is over since Obama is in office. But, especially in Europe (eastern and western) there are still the remnants of the Jew and gypsy struggles to survive, and in contradiction in the Middle East the Israeli/Palestinian struggle. I could go on and on, but at one point while cowering in a 12x12 room I asked Greg and myself would we have had the courage to march in Selma or even Chicago?

I don’t know if I can be grateful enough to those who did and continue to, but it really made that fact that I exist possible.

Back to the story.

Our friend who was helping us informed us that the riot had died down and that it was time to make it to the platform for out train. He arranged for us to be escorted by 3 swat team officers, however there were still skin head’s hanging in the train station area. Of course being spotted they ran for our platform and boarded the same train as we did.  Even more unfortunately our seats were at the other end of the train from where we were boarding. Having to make our way down the narrow 3-foot corridor with the intention to bribing our way into the first class car we inevitably encountered the racists headed the opposite way. Of course they were searching us out for a confrontation. Greg led the way and since he’s slight and didn’t have much baggage he managed to squeeze by the line of bald Nazis headed towards us, while only being pushed and yelled at. I, however, having my cymbals did not manage to be able to slide through their advancement. Both Jason Roebke and Tim Haldeman were behind me and we were pushed as we tried to make it through and were shoved into a compartment that was occupied by a German family. It was obvious that they were try to egg us on into an altercation, but we deferred and simply got out of their way since they were “trying to pass”
Although we did get shoved and pushed around and at the most a few comments to the effect of

“Go back to your own country!”

The skinheads passed by and we left the compartment to continue hustling to the first class car, however as we moved towards the next car we found it to be locked! Of course we thought this was a set up because right behind us was the group of skinheads coming back for their second run at us. We were for sure this was going to be a showdown. Placing down our luggage we got ready throw down, but right at that moment the train conductor came from the other side fixed the door and let us through. He then proceeded to stop the skinheads from advancing while we were ushered into a reserved car with to polish women.  We quickly closed the curtains and braced ourselves for more harassment. Since we drew the curtains to the compartment our sight lines were only able to see advancing feet. As were heard the chanting and shout of the skinheads at one end of the train we started to hear rumbling footsteps, finally 2 sets of black combat boots were noticed standing outside of our compartment. Suddenly the door flew open and the curtain thrown back….
The biggest sense of relief was felt we saw that the boots belonged to 2 swat team officers, who must have been assigned to the train to keep watch on us. For the next hour we kept our eyes open at each stop watching for skinheads exiting the train as we came closer and closer to crossing the Polish border. We’re not sure if they were kicked off by the Police or if they finally gave in and called it a day, but by the time we got to Poland 1.5 hours later, we finally had the courage to check out the train, which by that time had no signs of ever having been disrupted.


One question still seems to bother us. Why did a skinhead rally stop at the train station? It tunred out that the train we actually got on was going to Warsaw not Krakow. We had to get off in Katowice so that we could get a train finally to Krakow. Was the train conductor who told us to get off in Prevov in on it? Did the mob have pre-knowledge that two black men were going to be comng to the small train station there?

We’ve just played three shows in towns that I’ve never been to before and did not know what to expect. Originally these set of shows were initiated by a request for the band (People, Places & Things) by the presenter David Braun in Maribor, Slovenia. I was flattered by the invite, but it was really out of the way of what we were planning. He thought so highly of the Proliferation record that he took it upon himself to contact other promoters in the region. Hence we were able to play Vienna, Maribor and then Szechvaherar in Hungary.

The excitement was well worth it, Heinz Henning in Austria turned a traditional Viennese beer hall into a packed jazz listening venue. Levente Dudas in Szechavherar, didn’t let us lift a finger to move our own bags and took every opportunity to attend to our needs (and anything we didn’t need). It’s incredibly flattering to have these promoters so excited and proud to have us perform at the venues. It’s a true labor of love and one that’s really appreciated. What’s also shocking is the Fans (yes I said fans) that come out and buy CDs. We had visitors from s far as 200 km and in one week we’ve sold 80 records (people still buy them in Europe!)

In Maribor, David Braun was the ultimate pro, completely attentive and cool. He seems to have similar responsibilities in music programming as I do (working on regular music series of Jazz/Improvised music and organizing festivals and funding). I felt an automatic kinship and understanding of what his day must be like having us come to town while having to juggle 20 different things. Thanks a lot David, we’ll see you next month in
Cerkno!

Pictures:
PP&T with Heinz in Vienna

I have always had an interesting relationship with The Netherlands. My mom primarily grew up in Holland after her family emigrated from Indonesia, post WW II (Indonesia being a former Dutch colony). Although, separated by thousands of miles there has always been a close relationship with that side of my family especially with the aspect of having lived in Germany till I was five and spending some summers there as a pre teen. Over the last six years that relationship has grown, not only to family but also to an ever-growing network of friends and musical colleagues.

This couldn’t have been more apparent then a recent show at Zaal 100 in Amsterdam. To those of you from Chicago, it can be best described as a combination of Myopic (all sets are meant to be improvised), Elastic (the small performances space lends itself to seated audience listening) and The Hungry Brain (there’s a bar outside of the performance room that lends itself to extended hanging out).

Although the Bimhuis may be apex of jazz/impro performance in The Netherlands, Zaal 100 is the real soul. It can really act as a meeting & collaboration place for visiting artist and a “workshop” for the rich musical scene of the city. The ever so modest, but fantastic trumpet/cornetist Eric Boeren programs the Tuesday improv series and last Tuesday People, Places & Things mixed it up with some of the great players from the city including Eric, the ubiquitous trombonist Wolter Weirbos, one of today’s  most exciting keyboardists Cor Fuhler and the young energetic keyboardist Oscar Jan Hoogland (who seems to be leading a new generation of exciting Amsterdam BASED improvisers – not exclusively Dutch).

Beyond the great crew that we mixed and matched with the crowd was also full of musical friends such as reedist Michael Moore and the beautiful drummer Michael Vatcher.  Colleagues/organizers/mangers Carolyn Muntz and Danille Oosterop.

And then there were the family and friends, in addition to these folks and just simple listeners, my brother Donnell, “cousin” Robil and old High school classmate Brendan O’Connor (with a herd of work colleagues) were present to listen and hang as well.

Since I see many of these musicians multiple times a year and I’m in Amsterdam at least 3 times a year I’ve started feeling that it really is my second city. From the family relations around the country, to the found relationships of musicians (many of whom I was great fans of before meeting) and the new friends and colleagues, I don’t think that there is any place on earth that would make me feel more at home.

Thanks Eric for putting the night together and of course to Ron for his indispensable work in producing shows at Zaal 100, the Bim and I’m sure many other spots.

PICTIRURES:
TOP PP&T WITH ERC "ERIL" BOEREN
BOTTOM GREG WITH MICHAEL MOORE

The title of the photo here is a little misleading. It really should be titled United States to Belgium. The couple pictured have become an integral aspect of touring musicians in Western Europe. Koen Vandenhoudt and his wife Christel reside in Antwerpen and for the better part of 2 decades have opened up their homes, their venues, connections and funding to countless numbers of musicians (not only from the states but around the world). Traveling to the small town of Hasselt (about 40 minutes from their home residence of Antwerpen), Koen is part of a smalll team that directs and programs music, film and general performing arts for kunstencentrum BELGIE (kunstencentrum meaning art center). Amongst musicians it is notorious for being one of the most hospitable and artistically friendly environments in Europe. On the the other side, Christel works to coordinate budgets, logistics and human resources for all the cultural centers in the city Antwerp (I think at least 9 of them). I personally have been able to perform in Hasselt with The Exploding Star Orchestra and Loose Assembly. I also have been inspired by both Koen and Christel’s commitment to being very hands on in the production and hospitality of the performers and showcases they present and support. Of course over time they have endeared themselves to a who’s who of contemporary music. Although they have worked with many artists from around the world there seems to be a great relationship and affinity for Chicago related folks. Some of these relationships extend to the likes of musicians such as

Jeremy Jacobson, Matt Lux, John Herdon, Fred Anderson, Jeff Parker, Ken Vandermark, Jeb Bishop, Hamid Drake, Rob Mazurek, David Grubs, Dave Rempis, Corey Wilkes, Fred Lonberg Holm, Kevin Drum, Josephine Foster, Sam Prekop, Chad Taylor, Matana Roberts, Noel Kopersmith, Doug McCombs, Dan Bitney, Kent Kessler, Tim Daisy, Town & Country at large

This is just a small example of their relationship with Chicago folks, which doesn’t even include so many more (I think they even do an annual Fat Cat records fest).

Anyway, a few years ago they started keeping a guest book of musicians who they’ve hosted at their home in Antwerp. Although we did not play in Haselt Koen did connect us with the afternoon show at Café Vertigo in Antwerp.  Both Him and Christel also did a great job getting the word out for this early (4pm) show. We had a great time playing and of course being in the company of very committed and inspiring hosts.  I’ve included some photos of photos and wishes from their guest book; you may recognize some of the people.

Christel and Koen, thanks again hopefully we’ll be able to show you the same in Chicago!

Soon...

Here are SOME of the Chicgao based folks that are represented in the guest book (pitcutres of pictures and pictures of words).

We’re two shows into a European tour with People, Places & Things. While I’m writing this we’re on our way to Cologne, and yes they have free wifi on the train (U.S. please take a lesson on rail travel). Anyway, so far the shows have been great, I’m really wondering what we’re going to get to by the end of this tour. The responses have been great and a lot of the people have been taking us home with them in the form of CDs (yes some people still buy them).

Anyway, I’ll keep you all up to date about the shows and hope to post some live music as it develops.
Special thanks to Eric Boeren for the show in Zaandam and Hans Martin for putting together another great time in Cologne.

BTW, I saw that movie about Chess Records on the plane over here (with Beyonce playing Etta James)….WOW WHAT A PIECE OF SHIT THAT WAS!