Stefan Wood

I am afraid to go to the Dusty Groove site because everytime I do, my credit card groans! I recently purchsed the Howard McGhee "Connection" cd -- sounds great, way too short, but good stuff. Also, the CTI double disc live set (Hollywood Bowl?), and other miscellaneous soul and funk music that I love. Reissue of the Year? Mickey and the Soul Generation! This double disc set lays down some of the heaviest funk I have heard since I was first exposed to PFunk in college. A reexamination, of sorts, of a teriffic Texas band from the late 60's early 70's that put out a smattering of singles (coveted by collectors and later put into some of the earlier funk compilations as they became vogue in the 90's), now their entire output has been placed on two cds. 19 tracks on the first, and a smoking live set on the second. Take the best of the Meters, the JB's, early Kool and the Gang, etc., and you come close to what these guys are all about.

I have the lp.

Naaah, get them both! Alegria was done before the live cd, but understanding one won't lead you to the other. To me this is all a summation and a new direction for him and his work.

This also has a bonus cd, right? I heard there is a live session included.

Granted, there are three dates which people could buy as imports........... I'm not going to pout, though. If there was to be a box, it should be ALL of his work, not just bits and pieces........ Yet I am glad there is something that's coming out.

I'll be looking forward to both sets. So far, the Select series has got my wallet's attention!

I picked up the Bobby Timmons and the Mongo Santamaria. The Timmons' material is very good, all trio sessions from 1964 (My Barefoot Soul and Chun-King -- wish there was a bigger image of THAT cover!). Strong playing by all involved. The Mongo date I listened to only a couple of tracks, but for those who think Mongo's later work isn't as exciting or interesing as his recordings in the 50's through the early 70's, this seems to be a real treat. Hot hot hot!!!

I have the cd -- it is excellent! I had posted on the "other" board about this -- I had forgotten that this was done BEFORE his current tour, but it has the same personnel, with some additions. Wayne is definitely playing at a higher level. It is an all acoustic affair -- some tracks have a latin tinge to it, similar to Native Dancer but this is way different. The Villa Lobos tune is outstanding.