boomac Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 My son Kyle and I returned from our week long westward swing early this morning. Its always best to be home but I gotta tell you..we really had a great trip. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> The four hour flight to LAX, (last Thursday) was smooth and Mr. Jazz, Allan Songer, was there to meet us. The weather was beautiful but a bit on the cool side for <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Southern California. After dropping off our luggage, Allan took us to a great old LA bar/pool hall where we had the special, (hot dog on rye) pickled eggs and a few beers. While there, we played several competitive games of shuffle board. When we returned to Allans house we experienced the pleasant aroma of roasting turkey. While Kerrie prepared the fixings, Kyle and I admired Allans system as it realistically reproduced the sound of Benny Golson, Horace Silver, Art Blakey and other hard bop favorites. The "two armed" Thorens was really cool and Allan had an easy time going back and forth from mono to stereo. I really like the McIntosh sound and of course the Cornwalls performed without fault. After a wonderful dinner we headed over to the CrownePlaza to see The Jennifer Leitham Trio. Jennifer is a left handed virtuoso of the bass and her performance was amazing. The trio was still cookin as we took off for LAX where we met up with the G-man. Although somewhat tuckered out by the lengthy flight, Gary was his normal jovial self and the four of us headed up the 405 to see the great Jack Sheldon. On the way, Gary got a call from another Forum pal. It was Tom (piranah) and he was already at Jax Bar & Grill waiting for us. Jack Sheldon was entertaining as hell. He was really funny and damn, that old bugger can still blow! It was great to be back together with Allan, Gary & Tom. Having my kid along and having him enjoy it was also pretty special. Toms generosity took care of the drinks and we headed back to Long Beach. On Friday, Allan, Gary and I listened to jazz all morning while Kyle slept in. Sometime around noon, I mentioned John Coltranes Ascension and Allan went into his closet to fetch the thing up. Gary grabbed his cloths and headed for the shower as Allan placed the disc on the platter. You have to play Ascension loud, Allan said. I said it was time Kyle got up anyway! How he ever slept through that 28 minutes will always amaze me. The kid has no recollection of it at all. Sorry Allan but thats probably a good thing! On Friday afternoon we visited NBC Studios for a tour and performance of the Tonight Show. Thanks to Allan we received VIP treatment and the experience was absolutely fantastic. After the show we headed for what is, probably, Gary and my favorite spot; Charlie Os Bar & Restaurant. Last year, Allan, Gary, Tom and I had a great time listening to John Heard on bass, Bobby Shew on trumpet, Jon Mayer on piano and Roy McCurdy on drums. Friday night the Quartet featured John Heard on bass, Jon Mayer on piano, Herman Riley on tenor and young Lorca Hart on drums. They were smookin and it was another amazing night of jazz. Kyle and I especially enjoyed talking to Lorca Hart during the breaks. John Heard was funny as hell and these guys spent half the night just makin stuff up. It was great! On one occasion John Mayer asked Heard what key does Herman want? John Heard said, he doesnt give a sh!t what key you play! Whatever they did worked like a charm and once again we had another memorable night at Charlie Os. BTW, we also had dinner there and it was really quite good! Did I say how much we enjoyed Herman Riley? We did! On Saturday morning, while Kyle slept in, Kerrie, Allan, Gary and I went out for a dandy breakfast. We returned to Allans and once again he started spinnin discs from the collection. Patrick, (St Patrick) was expected around two and thats about what time Gary rousted Kyle. Its amazing how long kids can sleep! Anyway, Patrick arrived shortly after and it was a pleasure to meet him. We all sat around, listened to music and talked audio for the balance of the afternoon. While that was going on we were once again treated to the smell of home cookin. This time, Kerrie was working on tomato sauce and pasta. Add some garlic bread & wine and holy cow what a great meal. Oh yeah, Kyle is still talkin about the salad? We barely had time to clear the dishes and it was off to the famous Jazz Bakery to see hard bop icon Benny Golson. Benny, even at his advanced age, can still blow and between numbers he shared several interesting stories about the past and his recent appearance in the movie Terminal. He played many of his old tunes and my only disappointment was that Killer Joe wasnt included in the program. Still, it was an enjoyable evening with one of the greats. During a break I was able to introduce Kyle to drummer Roy McCurdy and we had a great conversation. Roy is 70 years old but looks much younger. Kyle thought he was probably 40 something! Dude is in shape! After the concert we said goodbye to Patrick and when he took off for Santa Barbara we proceeded south to Long Beach. Sunday morning we flew up the 405 (and I mean flew) to LAX where we thanked Allan for the great time. He and Kerrie were gracious hosts and Kyle and I will always have fond memories of the visit. Im sure Gary would agree. On the plane to Vegas, Kyle said that he was amazed at what great friends I have I think he now perceives Allan and Gary as uncles! He told me Allan must be the happiest guy in the world because hes always smilin. I said, Ah, he just loves hard bop! Speakin of hard bop, I suspect Kyle has had enough for a while. In fact, he may have over dosed. He listened to his own music for the balance of our trip. Listening to Allan and Gary tell stories and the live action, especially at Charlie Os, were his favorites. He did ask a rather strange question though. Just before touching down in Vegas he said, Is Gary into guns? I said what do mean? He smiled and said, I was just wondering if he owned a gun! Vegas was great! It was a trip for Kyles 21st birthday and like the LA experience it was quite memorable. On Tuesday afternoon and within seconds, he won $750 and I won $600 on side by side game machines. (We were playin Let It Ride) Like a typical 21 year old he gave it back but both he and his best friend left town even. That alone is one hell of an accomplishment. I won, for a change, and that made the trip all the better. During our stay we saw impressionist Danny Gans at the Mirage and we highly recommend the show. Gans is fantastic and well worth the price of admission. When he did Billy Holiday both Kyle and I got chills. We had listened to some Billy at Allans and the voice was fresh in our minds. Lordy! Gallaghers at NYNY provided great steak and prime rib and the buffet at the RIO was superb. I also had dinner at the Palms Hotel & Casino and it was excellent as well. The dealers, pit crew and a couple cocktail waitresses at NYNY will not likely forget Kyle and his friend for some time. One morning the boys didnt get in till 11AM. I finally got them up at 4! Kyle said that the only thing that could have made the trip better was if Uncle Gary and Allan had come to Vegas with us. I agree! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 That's a great write-up, Scott. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted January 18, 2007 Moderators Share Posted January 18, 2007 Very nice, sounds like a great time ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
st. patrick Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 Great write-up Scott, but even better was meeting you and Kyle, Allan and Kerrie, and who was that guy with the gun . . . . . oh yeah, Garymd. As you all can tell from Scott's post, Allan and Kerrie are very gracious hosts . . . . . and damn, that guy knows his jazz. It was amazing listening to his encylopedic knowledge about every record we played, as well as listening to he and Gary talk about these muscians as old friends. I have alot to learn, but what a great start. As for Scott and Kyle, it was great to see a father-son team really relaxing and enjoying themselves. When I was there Kyle was always awake, but boy-o-boy, can that kid eat . . . . . and Kerrie's food was great! Thanks to all of you for allowing me to participate. Tom, hope to meet you next trip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted January 18, 2007 Share Posted January 18, 2007 Scott, Man that was a great write up I almost felt like I was with you "Jazz cool cats". It made me sad though..................I have to make one of these trips with you guys. Memories like that are worth the time spent. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Scott, A great detailed post of your trip out here. I am still really disappointed that I couldn't hook up with you guys more than once last week. Unfortunately it just didn't pan out for me. Supporting two households and being a single Dad can be challenging. Oh, and did I mention tiring? I am glad to hear that you, Allan and Gary had a blast though. Yeah right, as if you wouldn't with Allan. [] You took Kyle on the cultural trip of a lifetime. He'll look back upon this past week years from now and recall what a wonderful time he had with you in So Cal and Vegas. Ahhh..........the memories. I am sure you're very proud of him, and rightfully so. He seems like a great kid. He's well grounded, respectful, and most importantly, he has class, just like his Dad. I hope to see all of you guys again soon. I need to go back and see Jack Sheldon again. He kicked *** and he was damn funny to boot. Patrick, I am looking forward to meeting you one of these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrWho Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 wow - sounds like y'all had a blast. Did your fam get over the colds before y'all left? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Amazing write-up Scott. I'm too tired to add anything tonight that would make sense but I'll post tomorrow. Love, Uncle Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boomac Posted January 19, 2007 Author Share Posted January 19, 2007 Its always easy to write about good times and because of this Forum Ive enjoyed quite a few. Most people find that hard to believe but its the dawgone truth. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Doc Kyle had started antibiotics and my doctor gave me some just incase but I used that Aitborne stuff and other than some scratchiness in the throat I was fine. My wife still has a bit of a cold though. I was either really lucky or that fizzy concoction works! Tom I hear ya bud. Maybe by the next time things will have settled down and we can spend some more time together. <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Gary said he wants to learn how to surf so well have to make it sometime when its a bit warmer. Lordy it was cold out there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Songer Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Ah, the simple pleasures! The company of good friends and LIVE music. We get caught up around here talking about hifi reproduction (this is, after all the Klipsch Forum), but no record I have ever owned played on the best system in the world (whatever THAT is) can compare with listening to master musicians performing for you in an intimate setting. That's why I head out and listen to live music at least once a week and I reccomend that ALL of you do so as often as you can! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators dtel Posted January 19, 2007 Moderators Share Posted January 19, 2007 Ah, the simple pleasures! The company of good friends and LIVE music. We get caught up around here talking about hifi reproduction (this is, after all the Klipsch Forum), but no record I have ever owned played on the best system in the world (whatever THAT is) can compare with listening to master musicians performing for you in an intimate setting. That's why I head out and listen to live music at least once a week and I reccomend that ALL of you do so as often as you can! That about sums it up in one paragraph ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben. Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Beautiful. The musical experience can be a somewhat solitary one depending on one's situation, but nothing tops the times when it brings people together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lindsey Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Yep... great writeup Scott! Almost seems as if we were all there! Speaking of that, when are you going to invite me, Allan? [] Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Champagne taste beer budget Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all. Nice report, you have a lucky son. Or he has a lucky dad. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meagain Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Excellent, detailed story. Glad you had a good time and bonus points for winning money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiser SET say Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Extremely well written Scott and as a father the best part for me was you and Kyle having quality time together while exposing him to one of your favorite hobbies[] Sounds like Allan has probably forgotten more about Jazz than many of us will ever learn! Great hosting Allan[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gonzp Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Scott, I am glad to hear that all went well in California. My Mother always tought us that memories were priceless. They are!! Kyle will look back at this trip down the road and will cherish the time that you all spent together. There will also come a day when he will pass on the bond with his child/children. In todays world it is nice to hear story's like this. Thanks for sharing!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 I agree. Sounded like a great trip for all. Too bad everyone isn't more centrally located (as in, all on the forum). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Amazing write-up Scott. I'm too tired to add anything tonight that would make sense but I'll post tomorrow. Love, Uncle Gary Yea it's rough being a "Flintstone" [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted January 19, 2007 Share Posted January 19, 2007 Scott, Man that was a great write up I almost felt like I was with you "Jazz cool cats". It made me sad though..................I have to make one of these trips with you guys. Memories like that are worth the time spent. Craig It does sound like an awesome time. I do not see Craig as a "cool jazz cat". "Chicago blues dude" may be a better fit. It appears Allan is one serious tour director! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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