Jazz Articles about Gary Meek

Gary Meek: Monterey Groove

by Jim Worsley
August 30, 2021

Finding a tight groove, or a groove you can ride like the wind, can be as crucial as the all- important melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and conversations in the jazz world. Grooves are unique onto themselves, and there are thousands of variants from region to region around the globe. Tenor and soprano saxophonist Gary Meek has been marinating in the Monterey Peninsula of California, basking in the sun, the surf, and the natural beauty that constitute the Monterey Groove. Joined by ...

The Dave Weckl Band: Live in St. Louis at the Chesterfield Jazz Festival

by Jim Worsley
April 2, 2021

At a time where millions around the world are thankfully being vaccinated, the cure for live music blues has yet to be addressed. While nothing can replace the sound, the energy, and feel of live music, a medicinal record will be on the market in April 2021. While this reunion concert recorded in 2019 would no doubt be impactful sans the pandemic, the timing and dosage is fortuitous. Getting the gang back together, a la the Blues Brothers, Dave Weckl ...

Tom Kennedy: Stories

by Jim Worsley
March 25, 2020

It's commonplace that an artist will have a concept or theme in mind when starting a record project. To build from the ground up without any preconceptions could be a recipe for a disaster. However, if it didn't crash and burn and, in fact, went the other direction, the possibilities then become infinite. With no boundaries and nothing to be tethered to, the sky's the limit. Tom Kennedy boldly took that approach to his new record. He took flight with ...

Gary Meek: Step 7

by Jim Santella
December 2, 2002

As a multi-talented session player, Gary Meek has worked with numerous artists who hold a deep respect for quality. His saxophones and flute are featured on Step 7, his latest recording project. Meek brings a full tone and shiny timbre to the session. He’s at his best when conversing with Flora Purim in that universal language which requires no lyrics. Airto, too, joins the ensemble with percussive scat singing to amplify his wide range of percussion tools. Meek’s flute graces ...

Gary Meek: Step 7

by Glenn Astarita
November 23, 2002

Saxophonist Gary Meek is a Californian who has performed and recorded with the fabled Brazilian musicians, vocalist Flora Purim and percussionist Airto Moreira. Meek boasts a lengthy resume that includes stints with keyboardist Jeff Lorber, drummer Alphonse Mouzon and others. Here, Purim and Moreira continue their longtime affiliation with Meek by lending their wares to this gratifyingly fashioned program.

Meek seems equally comfortable performing in a variety of formats, witnessed by his sprightly rendition of Charlie Parker’s ...