The first few weeks of 2024 have already brought a significant change to my music world.

On the heels of passing up Joe Russo’s Almost Dead for the Black Pumas at Fillmore Philly (click here to read that story), I secured courtside seats to see an unusual pairing of Hip-Hop and Jazz on Saturday night (January 27, 2024) at the legendary Blue Note NYC jazz club in the heart of Greenwich Village. This was the second night of a four day sold-out residency for DJ Logic + Friends.

Although sorry that I missed fellow Nyack-er and Lettuce drummer Adam Deitch (Jan 25) and the steel-pedal king Robert Randolph (Jan 28)… I could not have more happy with the performance and my new wonderful introduction to these great musicians (more on that below).

Although I have seen DJ Logic perform before (with rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse Government Mule and the always funky Medeski, Martin & Wood trio), this show was “outside the lines” for me and provided an intimate taste of the Bronx-born 51 year old DJ Logic that is so sought after in the studio and as a bandleader. 

Anytime you get see musicians of this quality up close it is always special… reminiscent of watching Daniel Lanois’ set at Jazz Fest on May 1, 2022 with Brian Blade on drums and Daryl Johnson on bass (see picture I took below). Click here to read about my adventures at Jazz Fest 2022.

The coolest part of the night #1 was witnessing the incredible joy and electrifying connection these dudes had on stage. It is what musicians live for.

Just take a look at the video I grabbed below to see exactly what I mean. These guys were having a ball!

Coolest part #2 was being introduced to drummer Terreon Gully. I was so impressed with his style and chops. I will not forget his name and will surely catch his jam again. Check out his playing in the video above. I must say, I have never seen anyone tuck his ears under a cap this way. Funkie.

Coolest part #3 was seeing horn man Casey Benjamin rock out an electronic sax called an EWI (thank you Sidney for educating me). Although it played like a saxophone, an EWI is more similar to a piano with eight octaves and limitless sounds.

Having Christian McBride on bass driving the bus with this band was a s pecial treat to watch. Here are some more photos I took…

Exploring this unexpectedly compelling broader musical palate is crazy phun. Classical and country western genres are certainly on the horizon.

In the meantime Rancheleros… keep flapping your wings!

Peace.

; )