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Inner Rhythm with special guests The E.C. Glass Jazz Band Robert Jospe was on the Ellington scene from before the beginning. And he's promised to return again in another incarnation next weekend. This is not a prediction. He really is coming back. So, in the few days remaining between now and then, you might want to make peace with your significant other, book a babysitter, purify your chakras, and prepare shake your groove thing. Let me explain. Back in the 1980s, while the Ellington Founders were busy founding the Ellington, another far less serious-minded group of folks known as the Lynchburg Yacht Club were booking bands and halls and having big, raucous parties a couple of times a year. One of those parties was held at the Mad Heights Ruritan. (The Yacht Club had to pay an extra $50 for the hall because people would be dancing. They thought it was some sort of sin tax. Actually it was just for floor waxing.) Which brings us to Inner Rhythm and its leader, percussionist Robert Jospe. Robert Jospe was part of the band the Yacht Club booked to play the Ruritan, Cosmology from Charlottesville. John D'earth and Dawn Thompson (who have appeared together at the Ellington many times over the years) started Cosmology. At the time, Cosmology had an album out on Vanguard which included John Scofield in the lineup, though that night a Charlottesville guitarist named Tim Reynolds covered the spot. Tim Reynolds went on to become the recording mate and road companion of Dave Mathews, who at that point was nothing more than a lowly bartender and balladeer. Cosmology's instrumentalists were Mathew's first back up band. Jump forward a year or two from the Ruritan party and you'll discover members of the Lynchburg Yacht Club joining forces with the Ellington. The first collaboration was a show that headlined local R&B diva Brenda Nichols along with a band called Visions, a great jazz fusion group that counted most of Cosmology among its members, including Jospe. Since then Jospe has appeared may times on the Ellington stage as part of the Free Bridge Quintet, the Charlottesville Swing Orchestra, Tim Reynold's group TR3, and his own Inner Rhythm. If you haven't heard Inner Rhythm yet you owe it to yourself to find out what you've been missing. If you know Jos's music, then make sure you bring some friends and share the love. "From Charlottesville, Virginia, Robert Jospé and his Inner Rhythm showcase a polished, jubilant mix of straight-ahead, Latin, and funk on Hands On. Jospé's crisp, tight grooves seamlessly merge styles. Hot!" Modern Drummer August 2004 "Drummer Robert Jospe and Inner Rhythm turn in a spunky Latin jazz program with Hands On. Jospe's septet projects a notable sense of depth throughout these largely, melodic works. Jospe is an adept timekeeper, thanks to his in-the-pocket grooves and energetic breaks." Kevin Davis DownBeat Magazine November 2004 "If you don't know Robert Jospe by now, it's time you became acquainted with this highly creative drummer, percussionist, and composer. His latest release, Hands On (Random Chance) is simply a masterpiece of fine jazz- all highs with no low spots...... Fresh sounding solo improvisations and equally exciting arrangements give this CD my highest recommendation." Ken Wibecan Soundcheck Lake Champlain Weekly, Vermont Robert Jospe's Website Opening the show is the E.C. Glass Jazz Band, themselves no strangers to the Ellington stage. For this show, they will be under the direction of Concord's own Clarence Clemons... Frank Coffey. Chef Val Bolling has a great menu planned. Grilled Salmon Cakes with a pumpkin seed and tomatilla sauce Pan Seared Chicken Breast with salsa rojas Braised Country Style Ribs with anchoe chile sauce Salad and tea Mango Mouse The show is Saturday, May 14th. Doors open for dinner at 7pm and for the show at 8pm. The E.C. Glass Jazz Band starts the night off at 8:30. Tickets are $20 for the show and $37 for dinner and the show. They're available from the Website and our regular vendors listed below. This show is sponsored by the great folks at Campbell Insurance and our dear unconditional friends Laurel and Jimmy Feinman. When you see these folks let them know how much you appreciate what they do for our organization. Jos will be conducting a world rhythm workshop for musicians and music lovers Saturday at 2pm at the Ellington. Admission is free. See you at the Ellington. Important Links | |||
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