No photography was allowed during the performance at UCLA Royce Hall as requested by the artists so during intermission, I headed to the front row and captured a lasting image of Jarrett's grand piano, Peacock's double bass resting on its side and DeJohnette's Sonor drum kit. Ever since Dave Brubeck passed away last year, I had made it a point for me (and the kids) to see these giants of jazz whenever possible. I wasn't sure how the kids would react to the jazz trio format but I figure them playing bass and drums, they would have somewhat of an instant appreciation of Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. But the real genius of this group is Keith Jarrett, who at age 68 continued his grunting and dancing while playing jazz standards. Jarrett requested a Royce Hall staff to change the piano bench after one song claiming it was uncomfortable -- consistent with his reputation for being somewhat of a pain in the ass. But his mastery of the piano and the standards is also one of the few remaining consistent things in jazz today.
I had been listening (and playing) to Black Sabbath ever since I learned how to play guitar. So when the band announced a tour date in Los Angeles, I was all over Ticketmaster. Ozzy, Tony and Geezer was joined by drummer Tommy Clufetos at the LA Sports Arena and they did one heavy set of old standards and songs off the new album '13'. The kids tagged along for this concert even though it was a school night -- I was not going to deprive them of this opportunity. The only thing that really sucked is the parking in the LA Coliseum complex. A half hour to get it and a hour to get out. For some reason, the parking lot personnel did nothing but collect my $20. No marshalling, no traffic control.
