Keeping cool, my late summer readers?

Well…. I’m not as hot under the collar as I thought I might be, considering the jazz scene as envisioned by moi.

Lincoln, Nebraska isn’t NYC, or even close to KC as a Mecca for our beloved music. The former heavyweight line-up of jazz monsters from coast to coast at the annual Jazz in June series fell to a more localized array of talent to fulfill a need to make a few more bucks, and the “Hey…it’s free, so how GREAT does it have to be?” kind of attitude from the recent powers to be.

I had high hopes for the now defunct Melting Spot, which proved you can fill a cool night spot with jazz fans, bring in a great act like Giacomo Gates, backed by the Joe Cartwright Trio, for a wonderful night of superb entertainment—with hopes of more to follow—and then close the doors a week or so later, due in part to a few local acts overpricing themselves and drawing little, as the door price had to equal what we charged for Gates.

I also had high hopes that the Krem le Bistro, whom we did a little piece on in the last issue, would try to find some time to work with us on the dinner piano concerts or duos we had discussed. I know that starting a new eatery is a major nightmare, and I’ll always try to be patient when it comes to jazz venues-to-be, but I’m beginning to have my doubts. Some of the local pianists advertised as “jazz piano” are fine music teachers who don’t improvise, which in my opinion isn’t jazz. Hey, they’re doing a fine job with good food and regular music, so I’m only stating the reality, with all my “I should know better” expectations. Maybe the past few lovely years with my wife, Grace, has had some positive effect on my occasionally passionate, but emotional behavior. I seem to take things a little more in stride and try to not burn every bridge I can’t cross.

So between doing our web/jazz newsletter, my enjoyable work as D.J. on my “Tuesday Morning Soul Stew” radio show on KZUM, 89.3 FM in Lincoln, and rocking out with my band The Cronin Brothers, I’m livin’ a life. If I knew during my younger days trying to “find myself” that I’d end up with a lifetime career of turning my hobby into my job, mostly on my terms to boot…Wow! I have too much to be thankful for to be pissed about stuff I’ll probably never be able to change. You can’t blame a guy for having deep principles concerning jazz. Onward.

Two incredible piano virtuosi whom I was extremely fortunate to have met and hung with on occasion, and listened to in NYC when I was visiting, passed away suddenly a few weeks apart last month. I’m referring to the genius that was John Hicks and Hilton Ruiz. Thanks to my dear friend, percussionist Norman Hedman, who introduced me to both of these fine gentlemen within the past decade of my involvement in jazz. He attended both funerals and shares my sadness in dealing with the shock of their demises.

I caught John several times over the years, and cherish a ton of his recorded stuff…all inspiring, solid brilliant pieces of work covering a lot of jazz styles. From his “Live at Maybeck” concert to his stunning ensemble work with Bobby Watson, Victor Lewis and Curtis Lundy, as well as his classic tributes to Erroll Garner and Mary Lou Williams, his work was dazzling. His contribution on Norman’s “Flight of the Spirit” CD showcased his artistry as well. The most memorable performance was at the legendary Bradley’s several years ago, when he did a double-piano concert with Larry Willis.

I only got to meet ‘n’ greet and hear Hilton once, in a duo at a spot called Zino’s.  His Latin tinged bebop tore up the place, and he made a hefty entry into my never-ending jazz LP/CD collection soon after witnessing his magic. We can be thankful that their vast catalogues of music will live forever beyond the too-soon departures of these special cats.

I also lost a new friend on May 14, on a much more personal level. Steve Alvis, the general manager at KZUM, while on a golf-and-fishing trip with his buddies, died instantly after a freak fall from a golf cart in Florida. I’d only been back on the air for a few months, but the depth of character and personality of this kind, jovial middle-aged man was apparent from the get-go. We bonded with a mutual love of the soul-tinged ‘50s and ‘60s soul music I play on my show. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Tammy, a master chef and avid sports enthusiast with a great rep from his many years putting a sports agenda together at Nebraska Pubic Television before taking over the helm at KZUM.

Our own Jazz newsletter editor and webmaster Tom Ineck, chairman of the board at the radio station, has temporally assumed Steve’s position until his huge shoes can be filled. May all of these magnificent men’s souls rest in peace…never to be forgotten.

On a cheerier note, my old friend Bob Popek, after many years at Dietze Music House as their string instrument luthier, left to start his own private business, called CGSMUSIC, at 1244 High St. in Lincoln. Bob’s work is world-renowned, as is his splendid website, showcasing the musical tablatures of his arrangements for guitar. His store will be an all-purpose, service-oriented music establishment featuring his repair capabilities as well as the selling of a wide array of interesting guitars, basses, violins, some keyboards, and world instruments, as well as musical literature. Tom Ineck will do a feature article on Bob’s venture in the near future. We wish him the best. If you loved the way my guitars have sounded in all of my bands the past 25 years, Bob’s the reason why. He’s the best in the biz!!

In closing, I also want to welcome a new addition to my household with the arrival of a 3-year old English shepherd named Peanut that came from a farm in Gordon, Neb., where I was told an evil farmer named Leo Woodhouse brutalized this adorable dog, and caused the death of his brother. Shame on him and “Yea!” for Peanut. He joins my other fairly new adopted No. 1 dog Kaliber and even gets along great with the real boss—no, not Grace, but my cat Muggles.

This one big, happy and jazzy family wishes you all a swinging autumn.

Butch Berman

top

Dear Faithful Readers, 

Here’s comin’ at ya on the 21^st day of February, my least favorite month. It all started decades ago when, soon after purchasing these ultra-cool blue suede boots for my honey for Valentine’s  Day…she dumps me. (I probably deserved it, in those days.) Even now, married to a most tolerant and lovely woman, my darling Grace, this month still bugs me. Having to put my ol’ 20-year-old doggie, Sherman, to sleep over the weekend didn’t help much, either. You canine fanciers, like me, will hopefully dig my obit in this issue. Yeah, there’s been some good shit happening too…and even on our home front. Get ready for the local scoop.

I came into contact with two different establishments within the past few weeks that hold great potential for more, and better, live jazz in Lincoln. I got a call from a gentleman named Cal Simmons, who now runs The Melting Spot, at 227 N. Ninth St. in downtown Lincoln, just around the corner from our historic Haymarket District. Before I had a chance to return his call, Grace and I ran into our old friend, Lincoln ombudsman Oscar Harriott, who is a friend and “consulting partner” in making this new African-American venture a success. After groovin’ on the serendipitous nature of it all, Oscar got Cal on the cell phone, we met, talked biz, and have two shows booked at this lovely, two-level nightspot.

Local saxophonist Bill Wimmer brought his hot quartet to this club March 10, my 57^th birthday. On April 7, a star-studded show features East Coast singing sensation Giacomo Gates, backed by the incredible Joe Cartwright Trio from Kansas City, Mo. These cats stole the show at the Topeka Jazz Festival last Memorial Day weekend, and have several nationally released recording behind them. A SHOW NOT TO BE MISSED!!!  More info will be available and updated on our website, so you all can show up and help support big-time jazz here again in Nebraska.

Another beautiful room that runs jazz is also one of Lincoln’s best new eateries. The Le Krem Bistro on the second floor of The Creamery Building at 701 P St., right next door to the Burkholder Project, which, among other local artists, houses our Berman Music Foundation office. Anyway, I was eating dinner there one night, loving the ambience and diggin’ the cuisine, and I thought to myself, “This reminds me of Zino’s (now defunct) in New York City. Wonder if they could use some big-city jazz to augment their already nice local music format?”

I then spoke to owners Kris and Emily Raasch about my ideas, and were received warmly. We plan to meet soon to discuss plans for doing some jazzy stuff together this summer…which could coincide in positive ways with Jazz In June. Keep your fingers crossed for us all here, as this could turn into, let’s say…something cool (homage to June Christy). As always, we’ll keep you posted.

In reference to Jazz In June…aside from helping book Alaadeen and his wonderful band here last year, I had nothing at all to do with the musical choices or any of the politics and workings of that event, or this year’s proceedings. I and the BMF wholeheartedly urge you to always support live jazz ANYWHERE.

I’m thrilled to be back on the radio again at our community station, KZUM 89.3 FM. I do a show called the “Tuesday Morning Soul Stew” that airs from 10 a.m. to noon every, yup, you guessed it…Tuesday. I figure “soul” music has these three major requirements—stories that convey truth, conviction and emotion that allow me to present a wide variety of musical genres. Check me out! I got a surprise call while I was on the air today from Norman Hedman in New York who was listening on his computer via streaming. Just go to www.kzum.org and press the “Play” button on the right.

Since I just mentioned Norman, this is a perfect lead-in to mention his visit here recently. The BMF just celebrated its 11^th year in show-biz, so we had a great dinner and meeting at the Dish restaurant. Tom Ineck reports on the business side of our meeting in this newsletter. Besides Norman, Dan Demuth of Colorado Springs, Colo., also attended. He and Norman are consultants for our foundation.

Norman also was interviewed by Lincoln musician and deejay Bill Wimmer on his KZUM show, “Jazz Journey,” which airs every Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. Norman’s still active with his longtime band, Tropique, and gigs regularly with a wide variety of cats up and down the Eastern coastline, and is working on a new solo project to be announced. Norman Hedman and Tropique are in the process of planning their upcoming summer tour of Europe. Also on board for this excursion is saxophonist Chico Freeman and vibraphonist Roy Ayers.

In closing, let me shamelessly mention my slammin’, rockin’ r&b band The Cronin Brothers, who recently celebrated our 2^nd anniversary of giggin’ together. We’ve developed a great, small but fervent cult fan base of folks led by perhaps my best oldest friend, or is it oldest best friend (oops, she wouldn’t like that, but you get the picture) Joyce Latrom. She’s been a loyal follower of every band I’ve ever played in, and herself ran the sound and lights and tour biz for one of Lincoln’s favorite bands from the old days…Cricket. She’s a big ballet supporter as well, working behind the scene of our annual “Nutcracker” Xmas concert at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, and usually chairing the now-consolidated high school reunion extravaganzas ever five years.

Anyway, the Cronins have found a new home to do our stuff in on a regular basis at a lovely new nightspot on the corner of 12^th and O streets in downtown Lincoln called Christo’s Pub, operated by a very nice fellow named Randy Christo, who really knows how to run a tip-top establishment with great drink selections, real decent bar food and a very pleasant wait staff. They’re booking live music pretty much all of the time, and we will try to perform there the first Saturday of the month starting in April. Check our Updates page for all kinds of groovy musical adventures.

Swing into spring.

Butch Berman

top