medjuck

I wish I knew how to merge this thread with the one about "what we want to do and what we want to leave behind". I read a review in Coda of the French edition of the book where the reviewer complained that most of the wishes were mundane. I think they were just humble. Sure some people wish to be rich but it's amazing how many of them are for things we think of as pretty basic. You have people we think of as famous wishing they could own a hose or have steady work. You also have great musicians wishing they could play better!

Happy B'day Brownie!!

In Last of the Blue Devils someone asks Count Basie what he wants to be remembered for and he replies that he just wants to be remembered as a nice guy. I told this to some people once, all of whom said "easy for him: he's Count fucking Basie and is going to be remembered for lots of things". But as I get older I think I understand what he means. When I was young I thought it was important to write for publications that would be in libraries forever, teach at a university and have at least some students who remembered me, and more recently have my name on some films that would last. But finally I think none of it matters as much as your friends, all of whom--like oneself-- are far from perfect. As Chris pointed out, none of us live forever and right now my ambition is to try to find more time to spend with friends while those of us who remain are still around. (I've had 2 close friends die this year-- so far.) This also also requires more time for travel. And, of course, as with most ambitions, I'm putting this off while I deal with more mundane issues like making a living. I think my kids are terrific but I don't feel I can take much credit for that. Each of them has their own unique personality which they've manifested virtually since birth. The college at which I used to teach put up plaques for a bunch of former students and teachers and asked each of us for one piece of advice. All I could come up with was: "Be slow to take offense."

I saw Alberta Hunter at The Cookery. A friend who was with me wrote and published a poem about it. I also saw Mary-Lou Williams there. In both cases the by then elderly Barney Josephson introduced each set. It was a great club.

I heard about this from my friend Lynda Myles who was also a good friend of Shivas. Didn't realize that you were also. I still remember him as a critic for Movie. My condolences.

I haven't watched the Jazz Icons DVD devoted to her yet but Mississippi God Damn on the bonus disc is amazing. I gotta admit I never dug her in her heyday-- thought she was a lounge act--- but have recently started to like her. The unmixed version of Sinner Man is way better than the Verve Remix.

Saw Randy Newman last night. Just him and a grand piano. Told a few new jokes and anecdotes and sang things from throughout his career-- even Rednecks. Did Ray Charles once cover Sail Away?

Pretty funny. For another account of Nazis and jazz i recommend Jose Skvorecky's novel The Bass Saxophone.

Happy B'day and many,many more!!!!

I heard an interview with Johnny Mandel on Fresh Air where he said Greenspan did all their tax returns for them.

Saw DAvid Byrne a few nights ago. Good stuff.

I'm sorry. I'm too hip to admit to liking anything that's number one.

I like Ratso's notes. Has anyone else pointe out that the last 3 albums seem influenced by his 2 cds covering folk songs and blues? BTW What's on the 3rd disc?

I've been to St. Maarten a couple of times. Given that it's a small island with 30 or so beaches I don't know why anyone would hang out at this one except for the thrill of being buzzed.

Happy B'day and many more!!!!!!!

I always that whatever he was thinking Mingus stayed onstage but was badly recorded. Aren't both versions (dubbed bass and original bass) now available?

That wouls be fun. Where is that? Allan, she has a lot more going on than one line from one song. And I think she's pretty great live. UCSB In February. Part of series which also includes Sonny Rollins.

I'm seeing her with Philip Glass!!!

B-)

"While you're driving on the freeway, a van in front of you swerves, and a ladder strapped to the top of the van comes loose. The ladder crashes through your windshield at high speed and crushes your face." What's scary is that this is quite plausible.

Uhhh.. And that would be.....?

So did recording techniques actually change in the early '50s?

I seem to be the only one who likes disc 7. Not necessarily the best and certainly short, but very mellow.

Actually that sounds about right to me.

So was microgrove 33 1/3 recording superior 78 recording?