montg

The curiosity factor alone will make this a big seller (by jazz standards). I'll preorder it. It'll be interesting to see how Blue Note approaches this. Will WM record with his sextet? Big Band? Or will there be a lot of guest appearances by Osby, Lovano etc.

This is probably a case where the sum is greater than the parts. Diz's contribution is enhanced by Bird's and vice versa. "Woody 'n you" is sometimes referred to as the first bebop recording for a record label. Dizzy bursts out for his solo like a supernova. The speed, harmony, and control in the upper register are beautiful. Hawk almost sounds flustered or angry when he returns for a final bar or two.

I'm glad for Hargrove and whoever else is involved, but in some ways the good sales is bad news. I mean, according to Jazz Times Greg Osby's Blue Notes only sell 5000 total. Good sales will probably only encourage companies to follow the same formula--light on the jazz, heavy on the hip hop, record scratching and whatever else sells. I have no interest in this type of fusion.

This is a golden era for Mosaic. Well, my Christmas list is done. I wish shopping for my wife was as simple.

I saw the LCJO in concert last month and Nash and Marsalis were featured in a sextet playing some New Orleans tunes. They seemed like old friends to me which they probably are since Nash has been with the LCJO for awhile. Hearing Wynton in a different context makes one wonder what may be in store now that he's signed with Blue Note. BTW, I really like Ted Nash's last album, Sidewalk Meeting. His version of Ellington's Amad swings like crazy..with a tuba and an accordian in the band!

I'm waiting for my copy to arrive in the mail--glad to hear the positive review. In general, I like what the Jazz COmposer Collective is doing. It seems to me that too many new releases are bogged down by weak themes that are just blowing vehicles. Nothing wrong with that I suppose, but there's a freshness to the stuff from Ben Allison etc that I really like.