Praise and Kudos for the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble (and Keith)
Some of the better things said about the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble (and Keith), and their music:
- Guitarist Jim Hall, on Pharaoh's Dance, 1991
- "Great textures! What musical playing! Great dynamics! Good feeling.... Cowbell good." [Inside joke: Jim was totally stumped as to who was playing the cowbell. It was me, sneaking it in.]
- Drummer Roy Haynes, on Paradise Complete and FJE, 1991
- "Yeah David! I think Duke would like that."
"MIT: Great."
- Eddie Gomez, on FJE, 1991:
- "Fine ensemble work and spirited. Good dynamics and interpretation. Nice rhythm section feeling. Good arrangements with fresh and stylistic approach.... Drummer very supportive. Overall, refreshing sound: well done!"
- Music critic Dan Morganstern, on FJE, 1991:
- "As usual, some real music from my favorite mad scientists. But nothing usual about the quality of the band - fine work by all sections and soloists!"
- Dick Oatts on Pharaoh's Dance and FJE, 1991:
- "Another great arrangement. You get the medal for keeping my interest throughout. A great original approach to music - congrats! Rhythm section was smoking! Your enjoyment is evident on stage and it comes out in your music. THANK YOU!"
- Marc Johnson on Denial and FJE, 1989:
- "Really nice mood. Original, musical, nice ensemble blend, beautiful...sound. Very pretty."
"Nice cymbals." [Granted, there was more said, but it's amuisng that he singled this out.]
- Founder Herb Pomeroy, on Paradise Complete and FJE, 1991
- "Overall piece creates a lovely mood. Drums excellent; full of life. Great arrangement! ... As always, I am very moved by Jamshied [Sharifi], Dave [Ricks], Ron [Soltz], and all of you. I love you and your music."
- Trombonist Hal Crook on FJE, 1992:
- "Musical
Soulful
Interesting
Surprising
Paul Motrianish
Expressive
Mature
Exciting
Balanced
Contrasting
Accurate
Clear
Moving
Deep
Wow
Holy Shit
Thanks."
[The second-to-last comment was undoubtedly in response to a 64-bar trombone soli in Stretchin'.]
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