Denney Goodhew is known to Seattle long-timers as a peerless musician—one of his nicknames is Denney Goodnotes.  People newer to the region didn’t really have the opportunity to hear him, due to dwindling venues, as well as what appeared to be a diminishing appetite for live performance.  Those that knew Denney from their time at Cornish College of the Arts found him to be an incredible teacher.

I’m presenting a few of Denney’s songs, with the hope that those who haven’t previously been able to can now have a taste of his compositional and musical talents.
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The Stranger—performed by Michael Schiefel, a former student of Denney’s.  I believe this song is utilizing a completely made-up language.

Trust In Me—performed by Julie Wolf (lyrics are also Denney’s—Hans Teuber plays sax on this track).

[unknown title]—performed by the Reputations (taken from a recording of one of the Reps’ Scarlet Tree performances).  I don’t know who wrote this, however it showcases Denney soloing in an R&B context.

Stridge—part of a collection of material for film, performed by Denney.

Sax Duet—Taken from the ECM album, First Ave, both parts performed by Denney (echo by Manfred).

Please enjoy this rough draft of a song and look to the future (if there is indeed one), when I will have something more complete to offer.

(thank you, Marc Fendel, Eric Verlinde, Gregg Belisle-Chi, Chris Symer and Jason Gray.)

My friend, Paul Fischer and I have been playing together for quite some time.  Recently, we have been getting together on a weekly basis and recording our improvisations.  We come in with no agenda and we record what comes out of our collaboration.  These sessions are now part of a podcast, which one can subscribe to on itunes, or simply stream at our website.

Good Bye, Nigel!  Speaking on behalf of We, We wish you the best back home.  Here’s to much gigging and lots of time with your daughter.  We’ll miss your calm, intelligent demeanor and pleasant company.

Just played the Brick with Judd Wasserman and company (Jason Gray, Colt Valenti).  This band is still in the process of finding what exactly it is, but that process is good.  We’re kicking more and more ass every time we play out.  If I manage to get a hold of the footage (hi, Jenna!) I’ll post video of Judd coming out from backstage during my solo with a sheet over his head, looking like a ghost.  My solo quickly became an accompaniment.

Also, do try and make it to Sullivan’s (7th and Union) some Wednesday.  The Mack Grout Trio plays there from 5-10 every week, and we’re starting to dial in the sound, playing more and more original compositions.

Thanks for listening,

B

Recently, I spent a few days at a Buddhist meditation retreat.  This is a regular occurrence for me.  During zazen, as well as throughout the day, thoughts, images, sounds, etc, come to one.  These are fleeting apparitions.  Sometimes they have meaning to one’s life, such as when an emotion is triggered by a particular thought.  Sometimes, as I said, they are merely apparitions.  Scenery that shouldn’t be given too much attention.

It’s not usual for me to keep a journal during these times, as one tries to focus on the present as much as possible, not getting too caught up in the mental processing of events, however I thought it would be a nice, brief pastime to notate the songs that came to mind while in retreat.  All but one of these songs came as an actual song and not a thought of the structure—I heard them, noted, and then turned off.  (Thank god I’ve acquired the ability to turn these things off, not letting them loop endlessly.)  Here they are, in order of appearance (I will try and update this post in the next couple of days with samples):

September Song
Sunshower (Kenny Barron)
Everything Happens To Me (ver: Chet Baker)
No Such Thing (John Mayer)
Mood Indigo (ver: Mingus / Ellington & Armstrong - this was thought of first)
Lost Magic (Gilfema)