Blog for Freddie Dunn Jr

Art on 8th Street

2013-08-16T00:24:25-04:00

Had a quartet date as part of Dance Place's 'Art on 8th' presentation tonight. Many thanks to Carla Perlo and the DP staff, plus Cliff Brockington-keys, Scotty Peaker-drums, and Wardell Howell-bass. We had a good set, and kept my good neighbors and friends here in Brookland bopin' til sundown! Brookland is Artland! I can't wait for the artists studios to all be up and running!! Peace,

Freddie

Performance issues...

2013-08-10T05:24:54-04:00

Musicians seem to operate best when they can solely focus on the music. When encumbered by the other aspects of maintaining a performance career, such as booking, management, contracts etc., the performance often suffers. At least for me that's been my experience... Unfortunately if one doesn't keep their eyes and ears open to these aspects the musician often suffers! Therein lies the rub!

Atlas Shrugged

2012-05-04T12:02:24-04:00

Saw new trumpet phenom, Ambrose Akinmusire's quintet at the Atlas Theater in DC on Wednesday. They played a very intricate, heady style of post modal music with an emphasis on precise note placement. I enjoyed it because it sounded nuanced and searching. His duet with the pianist was sparse, soul-baring and tender. Everyone in the band played masterfully. If he keeps this unit, they will definitely find a new thing!

State of the Art

2011-12-06T03:05:44-05:00

The art of improvised music is in very capable hands. If you are a listener I suggest you check out some of the following:

Trumpet-Ambrose Akinmusire/Sean Jones
Keys-Jason Moran
Trombone-Robin Eubanks/Delfeayo Marsalis
Sax-Tim Green/Wayne Shorter/Jacques Schwartz-Bart
Drums-Eric Kennedy/Mac Hunter
Bass-Ben Williams/Christian McBride
Vocals-Gretchen Parlato

And a whole host of other established or up and coming artists who put their heart and soul into what they do! Oh, and my shameless self-promo? Look for big things from me in 2012!! Peace and keep it poppin'!

Freddie

Friday night hang

2011-12-03T02:20:58-05:00

Had a rare Friday night off and hung out with my neighbor Shannon at Bohemian Caverns checking out Etienne Charles' band. A tight unit with a great sound and direction. They'll be there again tomorrow. Check 'em out. You'll be glad you did! Ya dig?!

St Ives-an ancient riddle

2011-12-01T14:03:41-05:00

As I was going to St Ives I met a man with seven wives Every wife had seven sacks Every sack had seven cats Every cat had seven kits Kits, cats, sacks, wives

How many were going to St Ives?

Wack Friday

2011-11-26T02:41:00-05:00

I just saw a report of the carnage from the various "black friday" sale events. All I can say is it's sad! That's allI got ta say about that!

Mother's day

2011-09-25T12:48:57-04:00

Four days ago I witnessed the sacrifice that accompanies start of motherhood. The pains of labor, the changes to physique, emotions, and moods, and the temporary discomforts of one of life's most beautifully ugly processes. A salute to my wife Koto and to all good mothers!! You are the bringers of life, the gateway to our collective futures! If your mom is alive give thanks, call her and tell her you love her. If she's passed on kneel, pray and give thanks for the door she opened for you. Mothers-you only get one!

This week I will post a new ballad in salute of my mom Cynthia Dolores. She is gone but lives on in the many lives she touched while here. Thanks mom! Your music lives through me.

Love,
Freddie

Practice

2011-08-28T02:14:37-04:00

Something about a driving rain makes me stay awake, practice and listen to music. Checkin' out Keyon Harrold, Lance Houston, Ambrose Akinmusire, Jeremy Pelt, and my favorites: Miles Davis, and Dexter Gordon. I always hear something new or profound there!

Perspective...

2011-08-28T02:11:47-04:00

The quake came. My lady laughed. Irene came. She slumbered and woke up craving ice cream. Unflappable, or just Japanese?