mhatta

I didn't know until today that Bob Neloms passed away this year (March 2, 1942 - July 28, 2020). R.I.P. He is way overlooked because (I think) he retired early. Neloms was the last pianist of the Charles Mingus group. Recently, I obtained Mingus' Feb. 1977 live recordings at Michigan Union Ballroom, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mi. For some reason, Dannie Richmond missed this date, so was done by the Mingus (drumless) Quartet. Neloms simply shines.

Al Haig is the best pianist to listen to in the (rainy) fall. This is somewhat obscure (I guess Japan only?) release of his solo piano. His rendition of "I Remember You" is legendary.

Most of you seem to like group efforts, but I think AH is essentially a solo artist (like Monk). I love his solo pianos, especially this:

Thanks for the information! I thought most of Dexter's Danish Radio broadcasts in 1964/65 have been already issued as Dexter In Radioland series, but it might be from (missing) July 20, 1964? A discography says they played I Want More, Misty and Cheese Cake at that night. Dexter and Tete were really getting along. I really hope someday I can get their private live recordings from Whisky Jazz Club in Madrid, Spain (Nov. 1964). Seems somebody recorded tons of their music.

My personal favorite John Gilmore is his solo on "Thoughts Under a Dark Blue Light" (from "The Great Lost Sun Ra Albums: Cymbals & Crystal Spears", recorded in 1973). Very shaky, ragged performance overall, but Gilmore still pours everything he got -- Some Ammons, some freeky stuff, etc.

I'm kinda surprised that nobody seems to have mentioned "On Fire"...

It's very rare to possess a "triple threat" in Jazz -- talents of composition, arrangement, and instrumental prowess. Jimmy Heath had all. Compositions: possibly "Gemini" is the most distinctive. but personally I love "For Minors Only". Chet Baker was the best interpreter of that tune. Arrangement: The Heath Brothers, Little Man Big Band, etc., etc. Sax: Maybe "Picture Of Heath" (Xanadu) is the best for enjoying Jimmy's saxes. Barry Harris also shines. Red Garland's "The Quota" (MPS) is also a hidden gem. R.I.P.

Well, it is not a balanced introduction, but once I gave my friend (a painter, don't know so much about Jazz) "Monk Alone: The Complete Solo Studio Recordings of Thelonious Monk 1962-1968", she loved it. Seems solo piano is the best starting point of a trail up the Monk mountain.

It's interesting to listen to JD in a bass-less piano trio setting.

I think Live at the Five Spot is an underappreciated gem. It is quite obvious that the band didn't rehearse, so there are some rough spots. But Hawk and KD tackled Randy's music quite well. Lisa Lovely is surely lovely!

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest tuned out to be quite a fun! Saw lots of sets -- especially Makaya McCraven, Delvon LaMarr, and Erik Jekabson stood out. Rahsaanathon@Cafe Stritch was also very good -- James Carter! Also, I visited Bird & Beckett Books today. Unfortunately, I didn't have time for attending tonight's Jazz gig, but they had lots of nice books, including Jazz books. Anywise, thanks a lot for suggestions!

Last weekend, I went to San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and saw this Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. I didn't know them at all, but It was something else. They played Big John Patton's tune or such, but somehow they reminded me of the late great Charles Kynard... Their website (incl. schedule). Twitter. Heartily recommend.

Sir Charles Thompson lived in Japan until his death in 2016. He played piano sporadically. Some of his Japanese recordings are worth looking for. Vocalist Dolly Baker is another fine example of musicians long lived in Japan.

Thank you all for your informative comments! Sadly Willie Nelson/Alison Krauss is already sold out. SJ Summar Fest and especially Rahsaanathon@Cafe Stritch are very interesting. SF venues are also interesting, too.

Hi, I stay in San Jose from now till Aug. 28. I'd like to visit some live shows/interesting venues if possible. Do you have any recommendation? Basically I love Jazz (bop, free, experimental, etc), but am interested in any other styles. Thanks in advance.