pryan

Luciana was in town this past week doing some work at the school of music (U of M). She did a concert last night with the faculty jazz combo; it was great. She's a beautiful vocalist.

I'm getting this one for sure. Picked up DANCE WITH DEATH recently and really dig it. All of the Andrew Hill discs I have are killer, in fact. I seem to hear new things in Hill's music everytime I return to it.

When I first started posting on the old BNBB. The Lee Morgan 50s set was on last chance, and I happened to grab one of the few remaining copies. I remember my jaw dropping when I opened the box. The photographs were what initially grabbed me, but of course the music was superb also.

As soon as I get the dough, I'm gonna grab the Prez box. Was eyeing it today at a local music store. I'm a big Prez fan so it's a must; there's lots of good sessions on there for a novice Lester fan as well, such as the Oscar Peterson session and the first Nat Cole session w/ Buddy Rich. There's also a couple of interviews; one is conducted by Chris Albertson. I don't think you'll regret grabbing this one.

We're getting used to the crappy weather here. This morning it's sunny, but the temperature with windchill is around minus 40. Last night there was local blowing snow, and the polishing effect that occurred because of the strong north wind produced black ice on the roads. Fun times.

Up an' at em'.

Updated and up!

Prices include shipping to the U.S. and Canada. Check or money order please. PM me if interested. Thanks for looking. *THE COMPLETE CURTIS FULLER BN/UA SESSIONS ($80) *THE COMPLETE CBS STUDIO RECORDINGS OF WOODY SHAW ($80) *THE COMPLETE BLUE MITCHELL BN SESSIONS ($100) Prices reduced.

Lee Morgan: BN 50s Sessions

I would disagree with the poster who says that AT and Billy Higgins "lacked chops". Perhaps they weren't the virtuosos of say a Buddy Rich or Max Roach, but they could still solo very well. I wouldn't say soloing, for drummers, is a "bonus" either. Drummers usually are soloing constantly, in their reactions to the other soloists, or the commentary that they provide. They must react and respond instantly. A drum solo may stand out because it is unaccompanied (usually), but in no way should it be considered a "bonus", IMO.

I really like that rhythm section; their sense of swing was impeccable. Could you elaborate a bit on the "subdued" comment?

People have to start somewhere, dig? I can't just start writing for Downbeat or the New York Times right off the bat. That comment is bullshit, but will only inspire me to write with more conviction, depth, and clarity. I don't accept mediocricy either, if that's what you are assuming.

I might take that Brownie book out of the library again. It would be interesting to see the holes or flaws or whatever that are in it. Could you give me a couple of examples of what to look for if and when I re-read it? BTW, you did ask, "what have YOU written lately". Seems like you wanted some examples. Hence my response. Sorry about the making assumptions thing, but I think everyone assumes things to a certain degree. I wasn't attacking you personally. I admit I haven't read your book, but would like to someday. Can't say I'm the biggest Gigi Gryce fan, but I'm still very interested to read about his life. BUT, still I think bashing books to the extent that you and Bertrand did in this thread was a bit over the top. Sure, you have the "credentials" to do so, but does that mean that you should?

Sorry, Mike, I don't want you to hate me or anything like that and I'm not doing this just to argue for arguments sake. Your contributions here are welcome by everyone and I realize that the respect you garner is greatly deserved. You have "paid your dues", obviously. I'm hearing what you are saying for most of this post, but the last couple of parts I'm not too cool with. For one thing, I have been writing quite a bit lately. I contribute regularly to the University of Winnipeg's student newspaper. I wrote a piece on Chuck Nessa's label, which will go in this week's issue. Chuck was gracious enough to chat with me on the phone for about half an hour this past week. And I am also helping out in many respects with a local jazz publication that was started recently by my good friend Steve Kirby. My first article for that will go in the next issue; it is about the avant-garde/free jazz. And I am going to begin writing cd review for another local arts magazine, called Uptown. I could post some of my stuff if you like. I know the Brownie bio is supposed to be not that well-researched, but I read it before I knew much about jazz. I got a lot out of it, myself. Haven't read the Kirk one.

Congrats, Johnny. Keep us posted. Have you started giving the baby drum lessons yet?

I think you're going to like the Prestige stuff. I've been listening to it again recently, and am really appreciating it more than before. 4, 5 and 6 is a great album, IMO. Sweet rhythm section (Prestige regulars, according to the back blurb) and really beautiful playing from the leader. I like the first tune ("Sentimental Journey") quite a bit, as does my girlfriend who dubbed it her new favorite song. Really diggin' the version of "Confirmation" also. I going to have to order a bunch of these Prestige sessions with Jackie's name on them.

I do know something about Mike, or as much as you can know by way of internet bulletin boards. I realize he's a great jazz scholar/educator/writer and he does want to get the facts right. I just think that sometimes he gets too caught up in getting the dates correct and leaves out the more personal aspect of things, which IMO is what really matters.

It's not "nonsensical", just how I feel. You obviously know an incredible amount about Shorter, discography-wise, especially. You have written a book already, so it only makes sense that you'd probably be doing more books in the future. That would be awesome if you did a book on Shorter. However, I think just writing in a strictly factual sense somewhat leads to boring writing (see some of Bob Blumenthal's RVG series notes, for instance). Writing should have soul too.

So when is Michael Fitzgerald's Wayne Shorter biography coming out? I'm sure it will be mistake free.

Cheers! Have a brewski, eh?!

Mobley set: disc w/ the KD, Sonny Clark session

I'm going to buy 4, 5 and 6 today. My first sampling of the fifties stuff, with Jackie as a leader. I have heard him as a sideman in the 50s and dig it. Jackie is a guy who I could see myself being a "completist" with.