Pat Metheny : American Garage

SUBJECT:	Snarky Puppy and Metropole Back to Subjects
foper Feb 17 2015 at 12:21 PM	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLJLRN8LOVA -- I’m really looking forward to this. Both The Pups and Metropole are awesome on their own. Together... this ought to be phenomenal.
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jazziz22 May 28 2015 at 5:01 AM	Have watched the Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest "Sylva" DVD several times - incredible, from latin, funk/groove, jazz, even has a New Orleans Second Line feel on the third song, rock, more funk and jazz ... great writing by Michael League ... the arrangements are excellent ... and the playing is so tasteful - great solos ...
foper May 18 2015 at 8:12 PM	One other thing I forgot to mention about SP... If you’re as old as I am you hear some very reminiscent sounds from the old fusion days of the 70s.
foper May 18 2015 at 7:53 PM	Patsfan… LOL, I don’t think anyone could come close to simulating Jeff Beck. To me, there is far more to talent than the instrument you play. For a band this size to play to even be able to play together on more ‘simple’ music (straight 4s or 3s…) is an accomplishment on its own. If you’ve ever played in a big band you know what I’m talking about. When you add in very unconventional time signatures and rhythms… quite honestly, keeping this many people together becomes exponentially more difficult. Now, I’ll grant you, their chord changes may not be hugely challenging; but I think that comes more from distributing chord notes throughout the horn section. For instance, they do a lot of parallel 4th and 5th. This leads to some very simple writing. But it also plays into their unique sound. I’m a musician (not professionally) and have been playing for about 40 years. I am very, very picky about what turns me on and what doesn’t. From the moment I heard these guys I was turned on. I may have mentioned it in this thread, I have been this excited about a band since Pat. And I’ll lastly say that SP’s success speaks for itself.
patsfan May 14 2015 at 10:51 PM	Damn, I asked an innocent question about guidance and direction re the pups music, and I have ended up in the ’ Snarky Lions Den ’ , ignorant about good jazz and even counteracting the apparent opinion of Pat himself. Oh, my god, I’m sorry !!! But, I did make an attempt to listen to more samples from You Tube. The guitarist seems to simulate Jeff Beck, not all that bad i guess, but the multiple horns and drums and the talented guy on keyboard who blows through a rubber tube. .... Well, let’s just say initially it’s a little too musically confusing for my simple tastes. But obviously they have respect out there, or they wouldn’t be playing with Metropole and the big jazz festivals.
hman01 May 14 2015 at 3:06 PM	Oops! I guess sarcasm sometimes doesn’t translate in print. I was joking when I said "I love music that is trite". I do not at all think that Snarky Puppy’s music is trite. In my opinion, I think they are probably the most important group to come along since Pat Metheny. Nobody is better than Pat. But, the pups are the most musically creative band that has come along since Metheny. And that is huge! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that is mine.
jazziz22 May 14 2015 at 5:11 AM	Wow, here we go again ... so a few individuals do not like SP so they continue to post how weak their playing is and faulty the compositions are, than we have others who have listen to a couple of tunes on YouTube and now they are experts on Snarky Puppys material ... did anyone watch the entire live show from France with Snarky Puppy & the Metropole Orkest that "tiny_tim" posted ... obviously not are these statements like the following wouldn’t have been made, "sounds more like an accomplished rock band. Nothing too memorable or intellectual, and definitely would NEVER associate them at all with good jazz and definitely not Pat" - really ... I hate to break it to you, but Pat digs Snarky Puppy and no one is comparing them to Pat, but lets hope there is room for other artist besides Pat ... and Snarky Puppy has some of the most talented young players around today, i.e., Cory Henry, Bill Laurance, Mark Lettieri ... comments about using many instruments to cover up faults in compositions just shows a lack of any idea as to why SP uses multiple instuments when recording their live CD/DVD’s, but then again, as I’ve stated you would need to watch their entire DVD’s to get a better understanding of the recording process ... ... oh and what was it that Pat said about Snarky Puppy, Pat’s quote: "they’re latest record has some really, really good melodies on it. And that’s the thing I’m usually looking for and kind of wish I was hearing more of. Things you actually like you remember the first time you heard it. Like, I can sing it. And those guys did that for me – I was like “Wow, that’s fantastic” and just on a writing level – really admire it, and they play great on top of it. So that’s something I’m into right now.” ... I guess Pat has bad taste in music - c’mon man ...
patsfan May 12 2015 at 10:56 PM	Well, I’m not a musician and definitely not qualified to judge the Snarks competence as musicians, but after listening to several of their ’compositions’ on YouTube, I vote on the side of hman and METHaddicted. Definitely not much subtle going on there, and to me sounds more like an accomplished rock band. Nothing too memorable or intellectual, and definitely would NEVER associate them at all with good jazz and definitely not Pat !
hman01 May 12 2015 at 5:51 PM	Yes,I love music that is trite (haha)
patsfan May 11 2015 at 10:23 PM	Thanks, Meth addict ( sorry ! , I know it’s Meth-eny !) , but it seems there’s a big convergence of opinion here on the Snarks music .. My feeling is I wouldn’t like it that much, but I’m really curious now. So I’ll be on the lookout for some very sugary and delicious tunes that may just sate my curiosity.
METHenyaddicted May 11 2015 at 12:56 PM	Philosophy: Use many instruments to cover up any faults in composition, switch themes a lot to avoid boredom, borrow from every jazz genre especially fusion, appeal to be popular! I too listen, don’t get me wrong but I don’t take them seriously. So much better out there but like sugary cupcakes, their songs are easy to digest and not too nutritious or satisfying beyond a few listens. Snarky M-A.
patsfan May 10 2015 at 11:40 PM	Ok, snarky guys, I know nuttin about snarky music and want to know the best album/ or songs to sample . Can you describe the group members ,possibly, and their philosophy , etc. ......... Thanks..
tiny_tim May 10 2015 at 2:41 AM	whoa....here you go......http://m.culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/festivals/jazz-sous-les-pommiers/snarky-puppy-metropole-orkest-a-jazz-sous-les-pommiers-217919
METHenyaddicted Apr 21 2015 at 10:57 AM	My bad... it seemed the entire JazzFM station web site was not showing up but it’s there now.
jazziz22 Apr 20 2015 at 11:34 PM	METHenyaddicted - looks like Mike Chadwick is on JazzFM this Saturday and Sunday according to the schedule, but not during the week, at least for the schedule that is posted ...
METHenyaddicted Apr 19 2015 at 12:20 PM	So Brits, where is SP manager Mike Chadwick on air! His show ’the cutting edge’ is not there - what happened to JazzFM? (sob sob).
foper Apr 17 2015 at 9:38 AM	Jazziz… I guess some folks just don’t get impressed with the artistry… the talent. If the music doesn’t hit them, then it’s just not there. But even without knowing how they put ‘We Like It Here’ together, the music still hits me in the right place. I keep thinking about something like ‘Kin’ and how long it might have taken Pat to put that together, rehearse, record, etc… I don’t get the impression it was in a weekend. And that was with just writing for 5 people. League is writing for – what? – over a dozen? Again, if you listen to the complex meters and such… then to have the drummer come in 2 hours prior to recording and learn this stuff? I didn’t see any music in front of him either. Nothing less than astounding to me.
jazziz22 Apr 12 2015 at 1:43 AM	foper tried to answer you yesterday, but I guess I didn’t hit "Add Message" ... yes rehearsed 4 days (without a drummer) and recored in 1 day "We Like It Here" ... SP arrived in Holland on Thursday, with only 2 songs written, Michael League started writing the rest of the songs and the group started working on it, but without a drummer because Sput was not able to make the session (at the last minute) ... League was able to get Larnell Lewis on drums and he did not arrive until about 2 hours before the recording session was to begin on Monday ... he’s an incredible drummer and did a great job and the CD/DVD speaks for itself ... this is a very talented and special group that seems to work very well together, which may be part of their secret ... I know I keep mentioning that people should get the DVD’s and watch them, because of all the back stories that helps you appreciate SP even more ...
foper Apr 10 2015 at 11:21 AM	Jazziz… Isn’t ‘We Like It Here’ the one where League wrote and the band recorded everything in one weekend? I’m not sure if I have that completely right, but I seem to remember they got the thing done in one weekend. Given the complexity of some of the tunes, AND tossing in a fill-in drummer at the last minute shows how talented they are and adaptable.
jazziz22 Apr 08 2015 at 5:31 AM	Anytime shockandwoe ... though I could care less whether or not you like SP, you definitely should watch their DVD, "We Like It Here" in it’s entirety ... you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the talent in this group ... I’d like to hear your take after watching the DVD ... Cory Henry’s solo on Lingus is big time ... the group is so tight and considering that they did not have the majority of songs written before arriving the Thursday before the recording session that following Monday, plus they also did not have a drummer until 2 hours before the recording session started and the end result is nothing short of amazing ... oh well, take care ...
shockandwoe Apr 07 2015 at 1:59 PM	Thanks for the compliment, Jazziz. It’s a nice to know that one’s opinion seems important to somebody. You know I tried listening to the puppies in my car while driving, i.e. without visual input, and I actually liked the music more than when I was watching and listening to clips on youtube. Feel better?
jazziz22 Apr 07 2015 at 4:46 AM	"This band is more flash than substance to me. I don’t really get it." ... Bingo, as Pat says, "some people will get it and some will not and in a way it is irrelevant" ... oh, SP released another video from their upcoming CD/DVD, SyLva - "The Curtain" ... ... ... Pat’s comments on Snarky Puppy, "“What album am I into right now?… there’s a band that’s been floating around for a couple of years… I’ve heard their name a lot then I finally got into their music… and it’s a little bit unusual for me… because it’s not exactly my kind of thing… at least in terms of being on the jazz scene. It’s a band called Snarky Puppy and I can hear that they have a certain amount of influence that’s coming a little bit from my thing and my band and many, many other things too. But in terms of organization, writing, and sort-of an orchestral sense of a small group thing. But it’s more than that. It’s just… they’re latest record has some really, really good melodies on it. And that’s the thing I’m usually looking for and kind of wish I was hearing more of. Things you actually like you remember the first time you heard it. Like, I can sing it. And those guys did that for me – I was like “Wow, that’s fantastic” and just on a writing level – really admire it, and they play great on top of it. So that’s something I’m into right now.” - interview Pat did with JazzFM.91 Toldedo ... ... ... so Pat’s into SP , I guess Pat gets it, oh well to each his own ...
jazziz22 Apr 06 2015 at 6:24 PM	As I previously said, "to each his own", though I agree with foper that the dislike of SP is in the minority, by a large amount ... where it becomes most obvious is when their peers start asking to perform/record with them and the responses after working with them are that this is a special group with tremendous potential ... at the Family Dinner Vol 2 recording session artist after artist commented to the guest there that they did not want to see the session end, that it was magical and loved SP ... but again every artist is liked by some people and disliked by other - so what ... like Pat says, "some people will like what I do and some will not and in a way it is irrelevant", so again to each his own and these obviously ridiculous comments that these guys need to make music with the BIG DOGS just shows how uninformed and idiotic that sounds (though the obvious attempt at being cute is really funny) -- these guys are loaded with talented players/song writers/soloist, Cory Henry, Bill Laurence, Shaun Martin, Mark Lettieri, Michael League, etc. ... an with their DVD’s being live with no over dubs I have enjoyed the SP DVD’s as much as any DVD’s I have, (including all of Pat’s DVDs) and I’ve got many music DVD’s, in quiet a few genre’s ...
shockandwoe Apr 06 2015 at 2:07 PM	This band is more flash than substance to me. I don’t really get it. The music seems to get "old" really quickly. I’m sure their folks, some friends, and a few in the garage really like their music.
METHenyaddicted Apr 04 2015 at 5:52 PM	Ah the ’Pups! ’Poppy’ and as pleasingly palatable as pablum. So tasty and easy to like. As I listen to Mike Chadwick’s show this week carefully noting each of the amazing tunes he finds, the new SP tunes he plays are the weakest . I do listen to them, I ’sort of like them’ especially Bill Laurance’s own releases but honestly mostly they aren’t good enough. There is just so much better, complex and superior contemporary talent. I have Mike to thank over and over for an awesome education in new releases. I hope SP makes him a small fortune. But the Pups? No insult to the tastes of those who are fans but I know I am not alone. Right, Shock and Woe?
foper Apr 03 2015 at 2:39 PM	Sorry METHenyaddicted, I have you confused with someone else. I just haven’t gotten on here often enough lately to remember who it was that had the Manzer and put a few of their songs on SoundCloud. On SP, I think you’re pretty alone in your feelings about them. They almost do for my emotions like Pat does. I haven’t felt so excited about a band since PMG hit me in 1978 - yes, it’s been that long. And I think I have really picky taste. If it doesn’t hit me right, I listen once or twice then move on. My son is in college right now studying music. His general taste in music is more in the realm of Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour, Tommy Emmanuel... But he’s also big into the current rock/progressive groups in the pop world. His friends are more of the pop world. i turned him on to SP. He and his friends went to one of their concerts and now they ALL are avid SP fans. They seem to reach all level of listens and musicians. Even Pat has become a bit of a fan from what I hear.
hman01 Apr 03 2015 at 11:42 AM	I guess a new thread that could come out of this one is: What groups suck so much that they are really great??? I’m an old man I guess,but irony is not lost on me. I guess if things move in a circular motion, that a converse reality could be true. The prospect of being so bad that you’re good is a puzzling one,but I’ve seen it happen. I would think though that the case for amazing talent in Snarky Puppy is clear cut. But as an educator,I guess I’ve become used to being forced to take 5 or 6 hours to wrap my head around a concept,when it just isn’t necessary.
shockandwoe Apr 02 2015 at 2:24 AM	I cannot wait for the pups to finally leave mom and dad at home and make music as BIG DOGS. Helicopter parents are cute, but ....no not for me. ...not on my music DVD. I’m sorry.
tiny_tim Apr 01 2015 at 4:42 AM	Just a taster of the willing Pupz’ ability to engage with their willing audience..... go see this group live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDRGh4Rus70
jazziz22 Apr 01 2015 at 3:59 AM	METHenyaddicted - So you go to Google to find out an opinion ... really, that’s sad, but to keep in the spirit of the, let’s say discussion, I went to Google and asked the same question about Pat and found some people that think Pat sucks, but that would be for any artist ... so the review you posted is where you got the elevator & cheesy and 30 year references from, wow and you listen the SP all the time, again have you watched their DVD’s, espeicially the latest one from beginning to end, I doubt it, but I am just curious ... oh, you know the other night my son was going thru the music channels on TV and he called me into the room to ask me if I was familiar with "Icefire" by Pat Metheny that was playing on the New Age channel, I told him that was from Watercolors, (be careful someone not REALLY familiarwith Pat, might thing Pat’s music is cheesy) ... oh I do not waste my time listening to artist like Pit Bull, but there in may lie the difference in taste of the music we listen too ... So let’s just agree to disagree on SP ... at least we can agree that Pat Metheny is great! ... ... P.S. I can guarantee that if you had been at SP’s Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD recording session, we would not be having this discussiion because the level of musicianship was as good as anything I’ve ever been around - it was magical, best music experience of my life (I seen Pat live at least 20 times, Chick Corea numerous times, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Jimmy Smith, Al Jarreau, etc - and before anyone thinks I’s saying that SP is better than any of these artist, I’M NOT ... These artist are some of the greatest on their instruments of all time, just saying that night at the SP Family Dinner Vol 2 session was very different from just being at a live concert, more intimate and informal and a learning experience seeing how artist at this level create the recording - sorry for rambling on and on) ... P.S.S. Besides looking forward to the 2 CD/DVD’s that SP has coming out this year I’m really looking forward to what Pat is going next - can’t wait ...
hman01 Mar 31 2015 at 12:03 PM	Frankly, I fail to see why anyone wouldn’t be dazzled by the pups. I shall remain blissfully ignorant. The fella from Dallas must have had a bad meal before the show, or the service was terrible....or something.
METHenyaddicted Mar 31 2015 at 10:33 AM	My musician co-worker and I struggled mightly to find the words to express our feelings about the ‘pups’. Alas, I turned to the internet-god Google and asked “why does Snarky Puppy suck?” I was sent to a blog from the Dallas Observer – Feb. 2014 concert notes by a Mr. J, Patrick. Some cherry- picks: “Showy, cheesy and routined, Snarky Puppy were unconvincing from start to finish. There was no creativity on stage: Notes were carried like anchors and originality was nowhere in sight. There was no heat, no pulse, no sex, no life, just sounds that you’ve heard before (maybe in a commercial or elevator), and a stage presence that was plastic and overtly theatrical. You didn’t have to be a connoisseur or a jazz purist to see it either.” “This the kind of ornate, emotionally vacant junk that’s contributing to the dispiriting sameness that’s been choking the life out of jazz for the last 30 years.” “These guys won a Grammy and no one can take that away from them. But if any art, any music, no matter how affable or renowned its purveyors, doesn’t break something loose, move those gears inside your soul that grasp at the meanings of heart and emotions and inspiration, then it’s useless, a waste of your time. “ Hmm, a little ‘ruff ruff ruff’. But I have to agree. Yes, there is clever retro appeal. In fact, I listen to all of the aforementioned ‘Puppy’ tunes all the time. But hey I also listen to ‘Pit Bull’. Arf. Re: Manzer. I have seen one - I have talked to Linda - that ’s about it.
foper Mar 30 2015 at 10:36 AM	Hey METHenyaddicted... how’s the Manzer holding together?
foper Mar 30 2015 at 10:35 AM	It’s funny what people like and don’t like. A guy I work with and I were talking guitar one day, and I told him about Tommy Emmanuel. TE is so hugely talented I can’t accurate define it. And he’s extremely entertaining. So this guy decided to go see him in concert. The following Monday I asked him about the show and he said it sucked. He hated every aspect of his playing and the show in general. He seemed to center in on how TE seems to be really arrogant on stage and too showy. I asked him what he thought about his playing and he simply said it was just too showy for him. I guess taste is not all kinds. SP is, in my listening, in the same vein as Pat with complexity, inventiveness, and intensity. I would love to see Pat collaborate with them… SOON!
jazziz22 Mar 28 2015 at 5:55 AM	METHenyaddicted ... I’d love to know what company supplies the music for the elevators you ride on ... and you’ve listen to most of SP’s output (as you say) and their music is ’easy-pleasy’, plus their style has been around for 30 years already - humm ... some of Pat’s music might be referred to as ’easy-pleasy’ also, but so what (listen I feel that Pat is one of the greatest, if not the greatest musicians/artist alive) ... let me ask you if you’ve heard "What about Me?", "Shofukan", "Jambone", "Lingus", "Something w/Lalah Hathaway", "Slow Demon", "Loose Screws", etc on an elavator or songs like these? ... oh and which SP DVD’s, (i.e., "We Like It Here", "Family Dinner Vol 1", Ground Up") have you watched? ...
METHenyaddicted Mar 24 2015 at 12:06 PM	Having listened to almost all of the Pup’s output including the upcoming releases and notwithstanding (clause) that Mike C’s awesome jazz show is truly valuable - I’ve heard better elevator music. Sorry for the ’snarky’ remark. They so skirt the borders of ’easy-pleasy’ plus hasn’t this style of music been around for 30 years already? Thanks Mike for playing Tigran H and Jacob Karlson.
Willbur Mar 23 2015 at 5:31 PM	This looks/sounds fantastic! Thanks a lot for the heads-up, foper.
jazziz22 Mar 22 2015 at 1:00 AM	Just pre-ordered Snarky Puppy’s CD/DVD, Sylvia w/The Metropole Orkest ... on Amazon, you can watch a video of one of the selections from the DVD, Gretel ... it’s unbelievable ...
jazziz22 Mar 12 2015 at 4:52 AM	foper - You are so right, concerning allowing everyone to sit all around the band ... that’s what makes it so special, not to mention the level of musicianship is so great ... just read a blog (Scene and Heard) about Snarky Puppy and Michael League is quoted saying, "It was like the closest I’ve ever come to utopia, saya League when asked about the Family Dinner - Vol 2, We had all these musicians in one building and people supporting each other and playing music. We try to make a point to bridge genres." ... I believe Snarky will be doing another live CD/DVD later this year - believe me if you have the chance to go it is well worth it ... FYI, you need to check out some of the video’s for Bill Laurance’s next release later this month, Swift ...
foper Mar 07 2015 at 9:33 AM	Thank you Jazziz. Unlike most concerts where we sit so separated from the musicians, Snarky Puppy not only allows folks to attend their recording sessions, but seat them all around the band. That has to be a really intimate place to be. I envy you. And thanks for correcting me on retakes. Their ‘live’ appearances deceived me. But it’s still a huge challenge to do these recordings live, and put it out on video and CD. When folks like Pat record in the studio, I always wonder how many times they have to do retakes. Their music is so complex that I have to imagine quite a bit. I do home recording and because I am such a lower-level musician (relative to the pros) I have to do several retakes. And even there, much of what I do, I am never really satisfied with it. But I get a lot of joy out of it. So, for the Pups to do their stuff live, it’s enormously impressive to me. I can’t imagine the joy they feel to achieve this level of play.
jazziz22 Mar 06 2015 at 4:12 AM	foper ... great post ... Snarky Puppy is indeed a special group. I can tell you that at the Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD recording session that I, my wife and son were able to attend on 2/14/15 in New Orleans, that on several of the songs they stopped in the middle of the songs and restarted the tune, but in every case it was the guest artist requesting the restart, i.e. Becca Stevans several restarts, David Crosby, I believe restarted one of his songs 3 times ... Crosby even commented that with an audience he had to keep telling himself that though it is live it is not a concert, but a live recording session ... it was a truly magical night, like nothing I or my wife have ever been to musically ... as I previously posted the size of the bans, excluding the guest artist was 17 to 18 musicians and 3 backup singers ... these cats are, to quote Shock, BIG DOGS ... ... looking forward to the March 31 release of one of their keyboardist Bill Laurance’s 2nd CD, "Swift", also the percussionist, Nate and Sput their drummer have a release coming out under the group name "Ghost-Note" and not to leave out what you originally started this post about, the Pups next CD/DVD, "Sylva" with the Metropole Orkest - this should be great ... oh well, take care
foper Mar 05 2015 at 6:18 PM	Shock... It seems to me Snarky Puppy is well into breaking their own ground; all of them obviously very accomplished musicians. Aside from the fact that their music has a complexity that almost rivals that of Pat Metheny, they record their music live; every musician. It’s a fairly large band, which makes it difficult enough. I would also guess their projects are recorded from beginning to end without any retakes or edits.
tiny_tim Mar 04 2015 at 12:07 PM	Snarky Puppy are monsters, and if you’ve not been to a live gig of theirs, then get on the case. Like someone has said this kind of high-level talent, and with pedigree from North Texas State Univ. Jazz Cirriculum (where Lyle Mays went, the "1 O’clock Lab Band"), comes around every once in a while. March 2013 they played the Koko/London and tore the roof off, May 2014 they played 2x La Scala/London with same results, then at the Roundhouse/London in Nov 2014 during the London Jazz Festival.....and 06 October 2015 they are playing where...... Yes, the Hammersmith Apollo!
jazziz22 Mar 04 2015 at 5:01 AM	Shock, again you are entitled to your opinion and there are tons of great artists out there, but unless you’ve watched the Pups 4 DVDs in there entirety you can’t appreciate just how talented this group is ... just listen/watch Cory Henry’s solo on Lingus on the DVD and tell that’s not a big time solo ... believe me they can hang with any of the "big dogs", matter of fact the so called "big dogs" are now looking to play with them ...
shockandwoe Mar 02 2015 at 9:48 PM	Foper, I agree Stern is probably the weak link in that group. That’s how good it is. Going back to the pups, I am open to buying their cds/dvds when they make music as BIG DOGS.
foper Mar 02 2015 at 3:38 PM	Shock… I can almost guarantee the Pups have learned from a plethora of folks out there. All of them are quite accomplished. The one thing I would say about the video is I have always like Stern, but he uses way too much chorus, which tells me he’s covering something up. I wish he would go clean. Brecker goes without saying… GREAT!
shockandwoe Mar 02 2015 at 1:04 AM	Here’s one that gets my heart and soul and these puppies would be well advised to watch this video over and over and learn from these CATS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl1gHzN0rnQ
hman01 Mar 01 2015 at 2:04 PM	To me, Snarky Puppy is one of the coolest things to happen since Pat Metheny entered the musical universe. And then you add the video to it and it goes straight to my heart AND soul.
jazziz22 Mar 01 2015 at 4:28 AM	Geeish, an enigma ... Hummm to each his own and that’s cool ... Snarky Puppy’s last 4 CD/DVD’s (especially the DVD’s) give you an excellent view/peek into the different ways they are able to take the music ... if you haven’t watched their DVD’s then you should to get a better idea of where this group comes from and is going ...
shockandwoe Feb 28 2015 at 9:28 PM	Snarky Puppy is an enigma to me. My brain "gets" the music, but my heart does not.
jazziz22 Feb 28 2015 at 5:31 AM	Couldn’t agree more ... had the opportunity to attend the final session of Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner Vol 2 live CD/DVD recording session in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago ... all I can say is this was the BEST musical experience of my life and that includes seeing Pat 15 to 20 times ... what was suppose to be 1 1/2 session ended up being over 3 hours ... Snarky Puppy is a special group/artist that only comes around every 10 to 20 years ,,, the comments by all the guest artist confirmed my feelings that this was a magical event ... Snarky had 2 drummers, percussion, 6 piece horn section, 3 piece guitar section, 4 keyboard players, 3 backup singers and of course Michael League on bass, not to mention additional guest musicians ... can’t wait for the Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD release ...
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jazziz22
May 28 2015
at 5:01 AM

Have watched the Snarky Puppy & Metropole Orkest "Sylva" DVD several times - incredible, from latin, funk/groove, jazz, even has a New Orleans Second Line feel on the third song, rock, more funk and jazz ... great writing by Michael League ... the arrangements are excellent ... and the playing is so tasteful - great solos ...

foper
May 18 2015
at 8:12 PM

One other thing I forgot to mention about SP... If you’re as old as I am you hear some very reminiscent sounds from the old fusion days of the 70s.

foper
May 18 2015
at 7:53 PM

Patsfan… LOL, I don’t think anyone could come close to simulating Jeff Beck. To me, there is far more to talent than the instrument you play. For a band this size to play to even be able to play together on more ‘simple’ music (straight 4s or 3s…) is an accomplishment on its own. If you’ve ever played in a big band you know what I’m talking about. When you add in very unconventional time signatures and rhythms… quite honestly, keeping this many people together becomes exponentially more difficult. Now, I’ll grant you, their chord changes may not be hugely challenging; but I think that comes more from distributing chord notes throughout the horn section. For instance, they do a lot of parallel 4th and 5th. This leads to some very simple writing. But it also plays into their unique sound. I’m a musician (not professionally) and have been playing for about 40 years. I am very, very picky about what turns me on and what doesn’t. From the moment I heard these guys I was turned on. I may have mentioned it in this thread, I have been this excited about a band since Pat. And I’ll lastly say that SP’s success speaks for itself.

patsfan
May 14 2015
at 10:51 PM

Damn, I asked an innocent question about guidance and direction re the pups music, and I have ended up in the ’ Snarky Lions Den ’ , ignorant about good jazz and even counteracting the apparent opinion of Pat himself. Oh, my god, I’m sorry !!! But, I did make an attempt to listen to more samples from You Tube. The guitarist seems to simulate Jeff Beck, not all that bad i guess, but the multiple horns and drums and the talented guy on keyboard who blows through a rubber tube. .... Well, let’s just say initially it’s a little too musically confusing for my simple tastes. But obviously they have respect out there, or they wouldn’t be playing with Metropole and the big jazz festivals.

hman01
May 14 2015
at 3:06 PM

Oops! I guess sarcasm sometimes doesn’t translate in print. I was joking when I said "I love music that is trite". I do not at all think that Snarky Puppy’s music is trite. In my opinion, I think they are probably the most important group to come along since Pat Metheny. Nobody is better than Pat. But, the pups are the most musically creative band that has come along since Metheny. And that is huge! Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that is mine.

jazziz22
May 14 2015
at 5:11 AM

Wow, here we go again ... so a few individuals do not like SP so they continue to post how weak their playing is and faulty the compositions are, than we have others who have listen to a couple of tunes on YouTube and now they are experts on Snarky Puppys material ... did anyone watch the entire live show from France with Snarky Puppy & the Metropole Orkest that "tiny_tim" posted ... obviously not are these statements like the following wouldn’t have been made, "sounds more like an accomplished rock band. Nothing too memorable or intellectual, and definitely would NEVER associate them at all with good jazz and definitely not Pat" - really ... I hate to break it to you, but Pat digs Snarky Puppy and no one is comparing them to Pat, but lets hope there is room for other artist besides Pat ... and Snarky Puppy has some of the most talented young players around today, i.e., Cory Henry, Bill Laurance, Mark Lettieri ... comments about using many instruments to cover up faults in compositions just shows a lack of any idea as to why SP uses multiple instuments when recording their live CD/DVD’s, but then again, as I’ve stated you would need to watch their entire DVD’s to get a better understanding of the recording process ... ... oh and what was it that Pat said about Snarky Puppy, Pat’s quote: "they’re latest record has some really, really good melodies on it. And that’s the thing I’m usually looking for and kind of wish I was hearing more of. Things you actually like you remember the first time you heard it. Like, I can sing it. And those guys did that for me – I was like “Wow, that’s fantastic” and just on a writing level – really admire it, and they play great on top of it. So that’s something I’m into right now.” ... I guess Pat has bad taste in music - c’mon man ...

patsfan
May 12 2015
at 10:56 PM

Well, I’m not a musician and definitely not qualified to judge the Snarks competence as musicians, but after listening to several of their ’compositions’ on YouTube, I vote on the side of hman and METHaddicted. Definitely not much subtle going on there, and to me sounds more like an accomplished rock band. Nothing too memorable or intellectual, and definitely would NEVER associate them at all with good jazz and definitely not Pat !

hman01
May 12 2015
at 5:51 PM

Yes,I love music that is trite (haha)

patsfan
May 11 2015
at 10:23 PM

Thanks, Meth addict ( sorry ! , I know it’s Meth-eny !) , but it seems there’s a big convergence of opinion here on the Snarks music .. My feeling is I wouldn’t like it that much, but I’m really curious now. So I’ll be on the lookout for some very sugary and delicious tunes that may just sate my curiosity.

METHenyaddicted
May 11 2015
at 12:56 PM

Philosophy: Use many instruments to cover up any faults in composition, switch themes a lot to avoid boredom, borrow from every jazz genre especially fusion, appeal to be popular! I too listen, don’t get me wrong but I don’t take them seriously. So much better out there but like sugary cupcakes, their songs are easy to digest and not too nutritious or satisfying beyond a few listens. Snarky M-A.

patsfan
May 10 2015
at 11:40 PM

Ok, snarky guys, I know nuttin about snarky music and want to know the best album/ or songs to sample . Can you describe the group members ,possibly, and their philosophy , etc. ......... Thanks..

tiny_tim
May 10 2015
at 2:41 AM

whoa....here you go......http://m.culturebox.francetvinfo.fr/festivals/jazz-sous-les-pommiers/snarky-puppy-metropole-orkest-a-jazz-sous-les-pommiers-217919

METHenyaddicted
Apr 21 2015
at 10:57 AM

My bad... it seemed the entire JazzFM station web site was not showing up but it’s there now.

jazziz22
Apr 20 2015
at 11:34 PM

METHenyaddicted - looks like Mike Chadwick is on JazzFM this Saturday and Sunday according to the schedule, but not during the week, at least for the schedule that is posted ...

METHenyaddicted
Apr 19 2015
at 12:20 PM

So Brits, where is SP manager Mike Chadwick on air! His show ’the cutting edge’ is not there - what happened to JazzFM? (sob sob).

foper
Apr 17 2015
at 9:38 AM

Jazziz… I guess some folks just don’t get impressed with the artistry… the talent. If the music doesn’t hit them, then it’s just not there. But even without knowing how they put ‘We Like It Here’ together, the music still hits me in the right place. I keep thinking about something like ‘Kin’ and how long it might have taken Pat to put that together, rehearse, record, etc… I don’t get the impression it was in a weekend. And that was with just writing for 5 people. League is writing for – what? – over a dozen? Again, if you listen to the complex meters and such… then to have the drummer come in 2 hours prior to recording and learn this stuff? I didn’t see any music in front of him either. Nothing less than astounding to me.

jazziz22
Apr 12 2015
at 1:43 AM

foper tried to answer you yesterday, but I guess I didn’t hit "Add Message" ... yes rehearsed 4 days (without a drummer) and recored in 1 day "We Like It Here" ... SP arrived in Holland on Thursday, with only 2 songs written, Michael League started writing the rest of the songs and the group started working on it, but without a drummer because Sput was not able to make the session (at the last minute) ... League was able to get Larnell Lewis on drums and he did not arrive until about 2 hours before the recording session was to begin on Monday ... he’s an incredible drummer and did a great job and the CD/DVD speaks for itself ... this is a very talented and special group that seems to work very well together, which may be part of their secret ... I know I keep mentioning that people should get the DVD’s and watch them, because of all the back stories that helps you appreciate SP even more ...

foper
Apr 10 2015
at 11:21 AM

Jazziz… Isn’t ‘We Like It Here’ the one where League wrote and the band recorded everything in one weekend? I’m not sure if I have that completely right, but I seem to remember they got the thing done in one weekend. Given the complexity of some of the tunes, AND tossing in a fill-in drummer at the last minute shows how talented they are and adaptable.

jazziz22
Apr 08 2015
at 5:31 AM

Anytime shockandwoe ... though I could care less whether or not you like SP, you definitely should watch their DVD, "We Like It Here" in it’s entirety ... you’ll get a whole new appreciation for the talent in this group ... I’d like to hear your take after watching the DVD ... Cory Henry’s solo on Lingus is big time ... the group is so tight and considering that they did not have the majority of songs written before arriving the Thursday before the recording session that following Monday, plus they also did not have a drummer until 2 hours before the recording session started and the end result is nothing short of amazing ... oh well, take care ...

shockandwoe
Apr 07 2015
at 1:59 PM

Thanks for the compliment, Jazziz. It’s a nice to know that one’s opinion seems important to somebody. You know I tried listening to the puppies in my car while driving, i.e. without visual input, and I actually liked the music more than when I was watching and listening to clips on youtube. Feel better?

jazziz22
Apr 07 2015
at 4:46 AM

"This band is more flash than substance to me. I don’t really get it." ... Bingo, as Pat says, "some people will get it and some will not and in a way it is irrelevant" ... oh, SP released another video from their upcoming CD/DVD, SyLva - "The Curtain" ... ... ... Pat’s comments on Snarky Puppy, "“What album am I into right now?… there’s a band that’s been floating around for a couple of years… I’ve heard their name a lot then I finally got into their music… and it’s a little bit unusual for me… because it’s not exactly my kind of thing… at least in terms of being on the jazz scene. It’s a band called Snarky Puppy and I can hear that they have a certain amount of influence that’s coming a little bit from my thing and my band and many, many other things too. But in terms of organization, writing, and sort-of an orchestral sense of a small group thing. But it’s more than that. It’s just… they’re latest record has some really, really good melodies on it. And that’s the thing I’m usually looking for and kind of wish I was hearing more of. Things you actually like you remember the first time you heard it. Like, I can sing it. And those guys did that for me – I was like “Wow, that’s fantastic” and just on a writing level – really admire it, and they play great on top of it. So that’s something I’m into right now.” - interview Pat did with JazzFM.91 Toldedo ... ... ... so Pat’s into SP , I guess Pat gets it, oh well to each his own ...

jazziz22
Apr 06 2015
at 6:24 PM

As I previously said, "to each his own", though I agree with foper that the dislike of SP is in the minority, by a large amount ... where it becomes most obvious is when their peers start asking to perform/record with them and the responses after working with them are that this is a special group with tremendous potential ... at the Family Dinner Vol 2 recording session artist after artist commented to the guest there that they did not want to see the session end, that it was magical and loved SP ... but again every artist is liked by some people and disliked by other - so what ... like Pat says, "some people will like what I do and some will not and in a way it is irrelevant", so again to each his own and these obviously ridiculous comments that these guys need to make music with the BIG DOGS just shows how uninformed and idiotic that sounds (though the obvious attempt at being cute is really funny) -- these guys are loaded with talented players/song writers/soloist, Cory Henry, Bill Laurence, Shaun Martin, Mark Lettieri, Michael League, etc. ... an with their DVD’s being live with no over dubs I have enjoyed the SP DVD’s as much as any DVD’s I have, (including all of Pat’s DVDs) and I’ve got many music DVD’s, in quiet a few genre’s ...

shockandwoe
Apr 06 2015
at 2:07 PM

This band is more flash than substance to me. I don’t really get it. The music seems to get "old" really quickly. I’m sure their folks, some friends, and a few in the garage really like their music.

METHenyaddicted
Apr 04 2015
at 5:52 PM

Ah the ’Pups! ’Poppy’ and as pleasingly palatable as pablum. So tasty and easy to like. As I listen to Mike Chadwick’s show this week carefully noting each of the amazing tunes he finds, the new SP tunes he plays are the weakest . I do listen to them, I ’sort of like them’ especially Bill Laurance’s own releases but honestly mostly they aren’t good enough. There is just so much better, complex and superior contemporary talent. I have Mike to thank over and over for an awesome education in new releases. I hope SP makes him a small fortune. But the Pups? No insult to the tastes of those who are fans but I know I am not alone. Right, Shock and Woe?

foper
Apr 03 2015
at 2:39 PM

Sorry METHenyaddicted, I have you confused with someone else. I just haven’t gotten on here often enough lately to remember who it was that had the Manzer and put a few of their songs on SoundCloud. On SP, I think you’re pretty alone in your feelings about them. They almost do for my emotions like Pat does. I haven’t felt so excited about a band since PMG hit me in 1978 - yes, it’s been that long. And I think I have really picky taste. If it doesn’t hit me right, I listen once or twice then move on. My son is in college right now studying music. His general taste in music is more in the realm of Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour, Tommy Emmanuel... But he’s also big into the current rock/progressive groups in the pop world. His friends are more of the pop world. i turned him on to SP. He and his friends went to one of their concerts and now they ALL are avid SP fans. They seem to reach all level of listens and musicians. Even Pat has become a bit of a fan from what I hear.

hman01
Apr 03 2015
at 11:42 AM

I guess a new thread that could come out of this one is: What groups suck so much that they are really great??? I’m an old man I guess,but irony is not lost on me. I guess if things move in a circular motion, that a converse reality could be true. The prospect of being so bad that you’re good is a puzzling one,but I’ve seen it happen. I would think though that the case for amazing talent in Snarky Puppy is clear cut. But as an educator,I guess I’ve become used to being forced to take 5 or 6 hours to wrap my head around a concept,when it just isn’t necessary.

shockandwoe
Apr 02 2015
at 2:24 AM

I cannot wait for the pups to finally leave mom and dad at home and make music as BIG DOGS. Helicopter parents are cute, but ....no not for me. ...not on my music DVD. I’m sorry.

tiny_tim
Apr 01 2015
at 4:42 AM

Just a taster of the willing Pupz’ ability to engage with their willing audience..... go see this group live! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDRGh4Rus70

jazziz22
Apr 01 2015
at 3:59 AM

METHenyaddicted - So you go to Google to find out an opinion ... really, that’s sad, but to keep in the spirit of the, let’s say discussion, I went to Google and asked the same question about Pat and found some people that think Pat sucks, but that would be for any artist ... so the review you posted is where you got the elevator & cheesy and 30 year references from, wow and you listen the SP all the time, again have you watched their DVD’s, espeicially the latest one from beginning to end, I doubt it, but I am just curious ... oh, you know the other night my son was going thru the music channels on TV and he called me into the room to ask me if I was familiar with "Icefire" by Pat Metheny that was playing on the New Age channel, I told him that was from Watercolors, (be careful someone not REALLY familiarwith Pat, might thing Pat’s music is cheesy) ... oh I do not waste my time listening to artist like Pit Bull, but there in may lie the difference in taste of the music we listen too ... So let’s just agree to disagree on SP ... at least we can agree that Pat Metheny is great! ... ... P.S. I can guarantee that if you had been at SP’s Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD recording session, we would not be having this discussiion because the level of musicianship was as good as anything I’ve ever been around - it was magical, best music experience of my life (I seen Pat live at least 20 times, Chick Corea numerous times, Herbie Hancock, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Jimmy Smith, Al Jarreau, etc - and before anyone thinks I’s saying that SP is better than any of these artist, I’M NOT ... These artist are some of the greatest on their instruments of all time, just saying that night at the SP Family Dinner Vol 2 session was very different from just being at a live concert, more intimate and informal and a learning experience seeing how artist at this level create the recording - sorry for rambling on and on) ... P.S.S. Besides looking forward to the 2 CD/DVD’s that SP has coming out this year I’m really looking forward to what Pat is going next - can’t wait ...

hman01
Mar 31 2015
at 12:03 PM

Frankly, I fail to see why anyone wouldn’t be dazzled by the pups. I shall remain blissfully ignorant. The fella from Dallas must have had a bad meal before the show, or the service was terrible....or something.

METHenyaddicted
Mar 31 2015
at 10:33 AM

My musician co-worker and I struggled mightly to find the words to express our feelings about the ‘pups’. Alas, I turned to the internet-god Google and asked “why does Snarky Puppy suck?” I was sent to a blog from the Dallas Observer – Feb. 2014 concert notes by a Mr. J, Patrick. Some cherry- picks: “Showy, cheesy and routined, Snarky Puppy were unconvincing from start to finish. There was no creativity on stage: Notes were carried like anchors and originality was nowhere in sight. There was no heat, no pulse, no sex, no life, just sounds that you’ve heard before (maybe in a commercial or elevator), and a stage presence that was plastic and overtly theatrical. You didn’t have to be a connoisseur or a jazz purist to see it either.” “This the kind of ornate, emotionally vacant junk that’s contributing to the dispiriting sameness that’s been choking the life out of jazz for the last 30 years.” “These guys won a Grammy and no one can take that away from them. But if any art, any music, no matter how affable or renowned its purveyors, doesn’t break something loose, move those gears inside your soul that grasp at the meanings of heart and emotions and inspiration, then it’s useless, a waste of your time. “ Hmm, a little ‘ruff ruff ruff’. But I have to agree. Yes, there is clever retro appeal. In fact, I listen to all of the aforementioned ‘Puppy’ tunes all the time. But hey I also listen to ‘Pit Bull’. Arf. Re: Manzer. I have seen one - I have talked to Linda - that ’s about it.

foper
Mar 30 2015
at 10:36 AM

Hey METHenyaddicted... how’s the Manzer holding together?

foper
Mar 30 2015
at 10:35 AM

It’s funny what people like and don’t like. A guy I work with and I were talking guitar one day, and I told him about Tommy Emmanuel. TE is so hugely talented I can’t accurate define it. And he’s extremely entertaining. So this guy decided to go see him in concert. The following Monday I asked him about the show and he said it sucked. He hated every aspect of his playing and the show in general. He seemed to center in on how TE seems to be really arrogant on stage and too showy. I asked him what he thought about his playing and he simply said it was just too showy for him. I guess taste is not all kinds. SP is, in my listening, in the same vein as Pat with complexity, inventiveness, and intensity. I would love to see Pat collaborate with them… SOON!

jazziz22
Mar 28 2015
at 5:55 AM

METHenyaddicted ... I’d love to know what company supplies the music for the elevators you ride on ... and you’ve listen to most of SP’s output (as you say) and their music is ’easy-pleasy’, plus their style has been around for 30 years already - humm ... some of Pat’s music might be referred to as ’easy-pleasy’ also, but so what (listen I feel that Pat is one of the greatest, if not the greatest musicians/artist alive) ... let me ask you if you’ve heard "What about Me?", "Shofukan", "Jambone", "Lingus", "Something w/Lalah Hathaway", "Slow Demon", "Loose Screws", etc on an elavator or songs like these? ... oh and which SP DVD’s, (i.e., "We Like It Here", "Family Dinner Vol 1", Ground Up") have you watched? ...

METHenyaddicted
Mar 24 2015
at 12:06 PM

Having listened to almost all of the Pup’s output including the upcoming releases and notwithstanding (clause) that Mike C’s awesome jazz show is truly valuable - I’ve heard better elevator music. Sorry for the ’snarky’ remark. They so skirt the borders of ’easy-pleasy’ plus hasn’t this style of music been around for 30 years already? Thanks Mike for playing Tigran H and Jacob Karlson.

Willbur
Mar 23 2015
at 5:31 PM

This looks/sounds fantastic! Thanks a lot for the heads-up, foper.

jazziz22
Mar 22 2015
at 1:00 AM

Just pre-ordered Snarky Puppy’s CD/DVD, Sylvia w/The Metropole Orkest ... on Amazon, you can watch a video of one of the selections from the DVD, Gretel ... it’s unbelievable ...

jazziz22
Mar 12 2015
at 4:52 AM

foper - You are so right, concerning allowing everyone to sit all around the band ... that’s what makes it so special, not to mention the level of musicianship is so great ... just read a blog (Scene and Heard) about Snarky Puppy and Michael League is quoted saying, "It was like the closest I’ve ever come to utopia, saya League when asked about the Family Dinner - Vol 2, We had all these musicians in one building and people supporting each other and playing music. We try to make a point to bridge genres." ... I believe Snarky will be doing another live CD/DVD later this year - believe me if you have the chance to go it is well worth it ... FYI, you need to check out some of the video’s for Bill Laurance’s next release later this month, Swift ...

foper
Mar 07 2015
at 9:33 AM

Thank you Jazziz. Unlike most concerts where we sit so separated from the musicians, Snarky Puppy not only allows folks to attend their recording sessions, but seat them all around the band. That has to be a really intimate place to be. I envy you. And thanks for correcting me on retakes. Their ‘live’ appearances deceived me. But it’s still a huge challenge to do these recordings live, and put it out on video and CD. When folks like Pat record in the studio, I always wonder how many times they have to do retakes. Their music is so complex that I have to imagine quite a bit. I do home recording and because I am such a lower-level musician (relative to the pros) I have to do several retakes. And even there, much of what I do, I am never really satisfied with it. But I get a lot of joy out of it. So, for the Pups to do their stuff live, it’s enormously impressive to me. I can’t imagine the joy they feel to achieve this level of play.

jazziz22
Mar 06 2015
at 4:12 AM

foper ... great post ... Snarky Puppy is indeed a special group. I can tell you that at the Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD recording session that I, my wife and son were able to attend on 2/14/15 in New Orleans, that on several of the songs they stopped in the middle of the songs and restarted the tune, but in every case it was the guest artist requesting the restart, i.e. Becca Stevans several restarts, David Crosby, I believe restarted one of his songs 3 times ... Crosby even commented that with an audience he had to keep telling himself that though it is live it is not a concert, but a live recording session ... it was a truly magical night, like nothing I or my wife have ever been to musically ... as I previously posted the size of the bans, excluding the guest artist was 17 to 18 musicians and 3 backup singers ... these cats are, to quote Shock, BIG DOGS ... ... looking forward to the March 31 release of one of their keyboardist Bill Laurance’s 2nd CD, "Swift", also the percussionist, Nate and Sput their drummer have a release coming out under the group name "Ghost-Note" and not to leave out what you originally started this post about, the Pups next CD/DVD, "Sylva" with the Metropole Orkest - this should be great ... oh well, take care

foper
Mar 05 2015
at 6:18 PM

Shock... It seems to me Snarky Puppy is well into breaking their own ground; all of them obviously very accomplished musicians. Aside from the fact that their music has a complexity that almost rivals that of Pat Metheny, they record their music live; every musician. It’s a fairly large band, which makes it difficult enough. I would also guess their projects are recorded from beginning to end without any retakes or edits.

tiny_tim
Mar 04 2015
at 12:07 PM

Snarky Puppy are monsters, and if you’ve not been to a live gig of theirs, then get on the case. Like someone has said this kind of high-level talent, and with pedigree from North Texas State Univ. Jazz Cirriculum (where Lyle Mays went, the "1 O’clock Lab Band"), comes around every once in a while. March 2013 they played the Koko/London and tore the roof off, May 2014 they played 2x La Scala/London with same results, then at the Roundhouse/London in Nov 2014 during the London Jazz Festival.....and 06 October 2015 they are playing where...... Yes, the Hammersmith Apollo!

jazziz22
Mar 04 2015
at 5:01 AM

Shock, again you are entitled to your opinion and there are tons of great artists out there, but unless you’ve watched the Pups 4 DVDs in there entirety you can’t appreciate just how talented this group is ... just listen/watch Cory Henry’s solo on Lingus on the DVD and tell that’s not a big time solo ... believe me they can hang with any of the "big dogs", matter of fact the so called "big dogs" are now looking to play with them ...

shockandwoe
Mar 02 2015
at 9:48 PM

Foper, I agree Stern is probably the weak link in that group. That’s how good it is. Going back to the pups, I am open to buying their cds/dvds when they make music as BIG DOGS.

foper
Mar 02 2015
at 3:38 PM

Shock… I can almost guarantee the Pups have learned from a plethora of folks out there. All of them are quite accomplished. The one thing I would say about the video is I have always like Stern, but he uses way too much chorus, which tells me he’s covering something up. I wish he would go clean. Brecker goes without saying… GREAT!

shockandwoe
Mar 02 2015
at 1:04 AM

Here’s one that gets my heart and soul and these puppies would be well advised to watch this video over and over and learn from these CATS. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl1gHzN0rnQ

hman01
Mar 01 2015
at 2:04 PM

To me, Snarky Puppy is one of the coolest things to happen since Pat Metheny entered the musical universe. And then you add the video to it and it goes straight to my heart AND soul.

jazziz22
Mar 01 2015
at 4:28 AM

Geeish, an enigma ... Hummm to each his own and that’s cool ... Snarky Puppy’s last 4 CD/DVD’s (especially the DVD’s) give you an excellent view/peek into the different ways they are able to take the music ... if you haven’t watched their DVD’s then you should to get a better idea of where this group comes from and is going ...

shockandwoe
Feb 28 2015
at 9:28 PM

Snarky Puppy is an enigma to me. My brain "gets" the music, but my heart does not.

jazziz22
Feb 28 2015
at 5:31 AM

Couldn’t agree more ... had the opportunity to attend the final session of Snarky Puppy’s Family Dinner Vol 2 live CD/DVD recording session in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago ... all I can say is this was the BEST musical experience of my life and that includes seeing Pat 15 to 20 times ... what was suppose to be 1 1/2 session ended up being over 3 hours ... Snarky Puppy is a special group/artist that only comes around every 10 to 20 years ,,, the comments by all the guest artist confirmed my feelings that this was a magical event ... Snarky had 2 drummers, percussion, 6 piece horn section, 3 piece guitar section, 4 keyboard players, 3 backup singers and of course Michael League on bass, not to mention additional guest musicians ... can’t wait for the Family Dinner Vol 2 CD/DVD release ...

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