Rob is an upright bassist. Here’s what he has to say about this tune.
“This is an arrangement I did of one of alto saxophonist Jackie McLean’s more popular compositions. The melody has a certain melodic “quirkiness” about it that really stands out. It also uses many harmonic devices that were a direct departure from the more traditional Bebop harmony
Here’s what a critic says,
“Jackie McLean's "Little Melonae," a tune that always sounds like it's pushing the mainstream boundaries to the edge, gets the standard straight-ahead quintet treatment with rhythm section and two horns, Castellanos' trumpet again teamed with tenor saxophonist Bob Wendel in the front line for some fittingly edgy interplay. Charlie Chaplin's beautiful "Smile," another trio workout that features Geoffrey on piano, on a rendition that gives Thorsen another chance to take the melody down deep."
It’s been a busy – yet relaxing weekend. Friday night the boys came and picked me up from work. We went home, sat on the porch for a while drinking beer and discussing our day. Then we went for a walk around the hood. Down both sides of the greenway and following the creek. It’s always fun to see my neighborhood through other people’s eyes. Nice to have confirmation I live in a beautiful, peaceful part of town.
For dinner, I warmed up the left over pork tenderloin, made scalloped potatoes – and a great panzella (tomato/bread) salad and … uhhh – some other stuff.
Saturday we got up “early-ish” and while the guys fixed the sagging front porch ceiling, I made biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and link sausage. Then they wrestled with the acoustical tiles in kitchen. We stopped the home improvement tasks at 11 o’clock and took off for the Carolina Brewing Company. This is part of the “Chez Mit” tour for anyone who’s in town on a Saturday. They’re great people at the brewery – and have some great stuff on tap to taste. My favorite was their Belgian Tripel brewed for their 14th Anniversary.
After the beer tour, we went and checked out a Miata, drove to the bus station so Herman could purchase his “see America” pass – and stopped to get some fresh shrimp.
Dinner Saturday night was Spicy Shrimp and Grits (a southern must), green salad – and Molasses Buttermilk Ice Cream. (It’s my favorite ice cream – EVER) – accompanied by CBC Beer.
Sunday morning I dropped Herman off at the bus station – and bid him adieu as he headed south to Austin. Then I went to church. When I came home, Jason and I messed with the kitchen ceiling some more (success!) I made BLTs for lunch – we cleaned behind the refrigerator – and then cleaned out the dinning room so he can start painting the ceiling today. Of course, it took two trips to the hardware store to get the right width painter’s tape. *sigh* It’s all masked off – and so is most of the new wood screen door we’ll be installing.
Last night I made “Carolina Chili” for a local recipe our Bright Leaf hot-dogs. Tuesday night we’re having short ribs – and Wednesday the neighborhood dinner group will be dinning on some version of lamb.
Lots of other stuff going on too, I think it’s going to be a busy week.
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