posted by Robert J. Carmack  #@blues2jazzguy

East Coast/West Coast Jazz Noir is how I describe veteran saxophonist Teodross Avery. After a brief time off the scene to complete his doctorate in music from University of Southern California, Teodross or “T” (friends call him) is turning over new soil and breaking out like a “Panther from Wakanda.”

Teodross Avery is a saxophonist of the highest level and now he’s  returned his focus to acoustic Jazz. For the past twenty years he assisted multi-platinum, award-winning, and critically acclaimed artists, as they made their mark on the domestic and international music scene. Now, it’s his turn.

Here, on his most recent album, Postmodern Trap Music, Avery enlists drum master Marvin “Bugalu” Smith (Archie Shepp, Sun Ra, Chet Baker) for an exploration in sax/drum duos.

While in the spirit of duo albums of the 1960’s and 70’s, John Coltrane’s Interstellar Space and Frank Lowe & Rashied Ali’s Duo Exchange, Avery adds his own stamp on the Deep Jazz format. He teeters on the edge of Modern Jazz and Free Jazz. The improvisations are in the moment and his compositions leave musical impressions that linger on long after the CD is over.

Always expanding his artistic and creative licenses. Adding film noir and deep jazz explorations, using what was left by Trane, Archie Shepp, Sun Ra and others to launch his own soul vessels of music and legacy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a recent interview with the “good doctor” after a blitzing concert with Dwight Trible and Mark Clive-Lowe, I asked Teodross about my favorite Jazz musician and saxophonist, John Coltrane.

Robert: How do you feel about John W. Coltrane?

T: I love Trane and all he stood for.

Robert:Why John Coltrane?

T:John Coltrane’s music promotes peace, understanding and spirituality. His message of love is timeless.

Robert: Do you feel Trane would be relevant today even?

T: More so today than yesterday, because of these times we are living in, its needed even more. Once the listener hears Trane, they can share in the spirit of John Coltrane’s music and the Message. It’s one of my main motivations for my next CD project, a Live recording session in Oakland, California.

Robert: what’s it about and where, you know, the 411,Lol!

T: Well , its A Night for John Coltrane, Saturday March 31 , at the Sound Room in Oakland, California. 2147 Broadway Doors open at 7pm and the sets are 8:pm and 9:30pm $15 at door. tickets can be purchased on line through http://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/20370.

Robert:Wow, that sounds like a fun Project , what’s the set-up and personnel?

T: Darrell Green-Drums, Jeff Chambers-Bass, Adam Shulman-piano and myself saxophones.

Adam Schulman-Piano

Darrell Green-Drums

 

Jeff Chambers

Teodross Avery-Saxes

 

 

 

T: my record label: http://www.thompkinssquarerecords.com and follow me on web: www.teodrossavery.com, twitter:@teaodrossavery

Robert: Thanks “T”, I will be looking for a launch date for the Release party. All that can be followed right here on Hipster Sanctuary.Com…Celebrating the legacy since 1998. Our 20th Year.