webbcity

Hey all, apologies for the delay in responding, life has been nutty these past couple days. More detailed response coming soon. Thanks for listening! And yes, I figured many people would get #3, but a part of me was hoping to fool some, as I've done with JMac previously. 😎 More on that later...

I was confused for a minute, but I think you're listening to last month's BFT. This one, BFT235, is actually the 2nd one down in the player. You did nail track 13 though! 😄

Hi all, very happy to be this month's presenter! As always, it's great to hear your thoughts & reactions even if you can't ID players. Hope you find something to enjoy here. https://thomkeith.net/index.php/blindfold-tests/

Wow, some really fascinating reveals here. I guess I was one of the few who dug #2! And #6... I definitely have to keep an eye out for that one. Agreed, Haynes sounds amazing on this cut, and he's not someone I'm familiar with at all. The hate for (or indifference to) the Hancock/Shorter record is surprising to me. I really like that one. And #12 was a big winner for me too. Don't know Rehak, but will get further acquainted soon. Thanks so much Joe! Excellent BFT!

You know, I did wonder about Jarrett and Haden on #7 but I thought that was too obvious!

Coming in late as usual, and I haven't looked at any responses yet but will do so as soon as I post this. These are notes I took as I listened... Track 1 - Off to an ominous start, and I mean that in a good way... the mood is being set, it's mysterious, and I dig it. I really like the guitarist, and there are some familiar sounds here but I don't think I can name names. Once this settles into the 3 feel it's very nice indeed. Still digging the guitarist, but also wishing for some over-the-barline phrasing rather than everything "fitting neatly," so to speak. The contrast of the faster & slower sections is nice. Is that a celeste? Also must mention that I'm a big fan of the bassist's playing and sound. Overall an intriguing track, very curious to know who it is. Track 2 - Wow! This is different. Me likey. Sounds almost proggy. I do enjoy some good odd meters. Great group sound, love the keys and the repeating motif they keep coming back to. Yeah, this is excellent... would love to hear more from this group. Track 3 - Right off the bat I'm getting hints of Larry Young, but that could just be because I'm not familiar with more than a handful of organists. This tenor solo builds really nicely... digging this a lot. Not sure I'm familiar with this player but I could be surprised. The drummer is driving the hell outta this. Wait, Woody Shaw? Okay, and that IS definitely Larry Young. Ah! It's Buddy Terry... this is an album I need. "Natural Soul." Nice one! Track 4 - I like the instrumentation & arrangement of the horns. The trombonist gets to shine a bit here. In fact I think the bone solo is my favorite, though the trumpet & tenor solos are most excellent. Some really interesting stuff in that piano solo too actually, I definitely want to know who that is! Rock solid rhythm section. Fantastic cut! Track 5 - Again, it's nice when the players can set a mood, and it's happening here. I like the openness and the darkness. Having said that... I'm not really grabbed by this. As a group they're all on the same page, but the piano solo is not saying a lot to me. But that's just me. Track 6 - I should know this bass player. Well done on the intro. The bassist & drummer are like hand and glove here. Hmmm... what does that make the horns, head and hat? The trumpet player is a research scientist, and this is my kind of research. The alto player...okay, let's stop with the metaphors. The alto player is killer! The Ornette influence is strong here, but other elements are at play too. Boy... I should know who this is. And this bass player, yo! What is going on here?? I really hope someone else has already ID'd this because I really don't want to wait another week. This is a five star track for me, no question. Track 7 - The chromatic motif is very cool and I like the rubbery sound the bass player gets. It's always interesting how often the best ideas are the simplest ones. I mean, there's almost nothing to this tune, but it's perfect. It almost sounds like it plays itself. Honestly I don't even think they need that 2nd, groovy section! I don't like that nearly as much, personally. Great feeling in the drums. And overall you can hear they're having a blast. But see, this went actually in a really different direction from what I expected. Some of the stuff they get into after 4:30 doesn't really fit with some of what came earlier, to me. Or maybe it's the stuff I like that doesn't fit? Anyway, overall there's some great things happening here but I'm personally a little divided on this cut. Track 8 - Ah! Now this is an easy one, as soon as Wayne came in I knew it. It's this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOB2Xx-hiw ...and it's fantastic. I didn't discover this album myself until relatively recently but boy is it DAMN good. Two old friends pushing each other into new territory. Five stars! Track 9 - You had me at bass clarinet. Oh! But there's so much more... sounds like quite a large group in fact. Hmmm. I'm having a bit of trouble latching onto this though. Either it feels directionless, or it's user error, which is possible. I'll probably be shocked at the reveal but this one isn't doing a lot for me. Feels kind of like several different conversations happening at the same time. Track 10 - My first reaction to the alto sound: Arthur Blythe? No, it's not him though. The pianist is standing out to me here. Yep. Definitely digging the pianist, big time. Truly free with the material. The bassist has incredible chops but the actual solo ideas are not that interesting to me. I'm sure I'll regret saying most of this! Track 11 - What a great flute sound. Almost sounds like a wooden flute? Not that I'm an expert. This is interesting and I'm impressed with the musicians though it might not be something I personally would play a lot. Still, I think it's very well done. Track 12 - Love the intro, the way the rhythm section sets it up and the horns feel like punctuation. Damn, what a bari sound! I can already tell I like this. Kinda sounds like early Sun Ra. Some excellent improvising all around and I love the feel. Thumbs up from me on this one. Track 13 - Great trio sound, very solid rhythm section and the pianist is tasty. I want to say that's Billy Higgins on drums? Should I say that? Hmmm... no, maybe not. But a very respectable track nonetheless. Good stuff! Joe, thanks so much for a REALLY enjoyable BFT! Really anxious for the reveal on many of these. Appreciate your efforts getting this music to us!

Finally got to check this one out, and as always, I'm posting my notes made while listening before going back to read the thread and see just how far off I was on some of these guesses. Track 1 - Right away I love the clarinet, the percussion and the way this begins with so much space... it draws me right in. As the arrangement gets going it sounds a bit like a modern version of Ellington. Oh yes! Very Ellingtonian. Some beautiful horn arranging and a very solid rhythm section. If I have any complaint it's that it's too polite, I could use a little more grit. Overall a nice selection though, clearly a very tight group. Track 2 - Very sensitive playing, beautiful start on this. Early on I'm getting a touch of Sonny Rollins from the tenor player, though I highly doubt it's him. No, this is someone of an older vintage. I suppose it could be someone who is one degree from Rollins... say Coleman Hawkins? Beautiful track all the way around. Can't ID the other players, but very nice support from all. Track 3 - Black Orpheus, right? My memory is getting worse and worse but I think I'm remembering that correctly. Definitely a 70s production, listen to the electrified upright! Not that I'm complaining, I don't object to that, just noting it. I suppose the obvious call is Milt Jackson but I'm not convinced it's him. The drummer sure sounds familiar but I don't have a clear answer there either. Overall I like the energy of the track. Feel-wise it's a little uptight to me. The drummer sounds way on top of things in a way that I'm not sure I'm down with. A fun listen though. Track 4 - Now we're in some quite different territory, and I do like it. I like the space we're in... nice use of sounds. Not a lot to go on here, but I'd be interested to hear what the rest of this recording sounds like. Track 5 - Not sure I completely love the head, but once the tune gets going it is cookin! Great trumpet solo right out of the gate, but my ear is equally drawn to the rhythm section which is just LAYING IT DOWN. Damn! Whoever is on bass and drums here, I salute you. The flute solo is slightly less engaging to me, but that's ok because we're still cooking. In fact, ok, we're heating up again. I take back my earlier assessment of the flautist. Once again, the rhythm section is just killing it. Absolutely driving, yet it sounds effortless at the same time. Really digging the piano solo too. I don't think I know this bass player. Good solo. Drum solo is super tasty. No guesses on any of this, but me likey. Track 6 - Very torn on this one, the tune and arrangement is a bit corny to me, but then again that sure sounds like Clark Terry on trumpet and I do dig it! But whose band? Maybe Basie? Not sure on this one. Track 7 - Alone Together! And I suppose that's meant to apply to the two horns here? Very competent band, but a couple minutes into the tenor solo and I don't really feel moved. I like the 2nd tenorist a bit more, a little more fire there, but overall this isn't getting off the ground for me. Too much head and not enough heart. But what do I know? Track 8 - Now this is interesting. I really like the vibes/guitar sound right off the bat on those lines. Kind of magical and other-worldly. Getting deeper into the tune, I enjoy it but need to give it another listen or two I think. The solos are not grabbing me as much as the overall sound and feel, which I do like... but something's missing. Not sure. I don't dislike it, in fact I like the sound of the group a lot, but I needed more of a story or an arc to the tune I guess. Track 9 - The guitarist sounds very Scofield-inspired to me. Probably what I like most about this from the get-go is the drummer... great loose feeling in the drums. Other than that this one just may not be for me. Not really my taste. All the musicians are technically very good but it doesn't speak to me. Track 10 - Early on, this track gives me what the last one did not: feeling. This is very nice. A bit of funny intonation here and there from the tenor player, but that doesn't get in the way of my enjoyment of this. Don't know the tune, but I like it. Overall this was a keeper for me. Track 11 - Ah, Blood Count! What a great tune. So far this is a good reading for me. I kinda wish the recording was a little better... I feel like the tenor player's sound is not well served by this. But I do like the tenor player very much. I definitely want to hear more from this group, they're hanging out in a neighborhood I like. In fact I will probably feel silly for not getting who this is, but in any case, it's fantastic. Track 12 - This is of course Horace Silver's "Peace" and this pianist is doing some very interesting things with it. Not sure this is someone I know, but it's an individual approach and I appreciate what they're doing. Track 13 - On this track I appreciate the fun factor, and they're all great players having a good time, but it's not something that personally resonates with me. The drummer sure does sound familiar though. Sounds like it could be Phil Woods on alto, who is not one of my favorites. Will be interested to find out who it is anyway! Some very nice stuff here, will look forward to the reveals! Thanks so much for putting it together for us, Ken!

Some great stuff here to dig into. As always, you outdo yourself! Many highlights here but I loved the Gillespies, the Lowe, Azar Lawrence...well, pretty much everything. Can't believe that was Richard Pryor. Definitely gotta go back and play that one again...

Wow! Some of these IDs have my head spinning. 😵 Of course #14 is Frank Lowe!! (slaps forehead)... And Wilber Morris! And I have to laugh that after my comment about not thinking I would know the guitarist on that track... he's the one guy in that band who I've met and actually played with once. D'oh!

Late to the party, but... I brought snacks? Haven't cheated and looked at previous comments but will do so as soon as I post this, to see what I missed. No surprise, some amazing stuff here! Track 1 - You had me at strings! Powerful opening chord. Oh wow! This went in a direction I wasn't expecting, but I dig it. I wonder if this is all new material, or someone riffing over an old recording/sample? No, no... this was recorded together. I love the vocalist and the groove/backdrop is killer. Off to a great start! Track 2 - And now for something completely different... yet also fantastic. This sounds vaguely familiar. Any chance that's Clark Terry? Sure sounds like it could be. No wait, Dizzy! But there's something very Ellingtonian about this whole affair. It grooves and I like it. A most excellent trombone solo too. Yes, some very Ellingtonian chords there. Track 3 - Well, I'm going to ruin this tune for you now, but that sure started off sounding like it was gonna be "Christmastime is Here"... 😄 Hmmm...now I'm hearing something I recognize. You could say this composition is kind of long, but I think it's SHORTER... am I right?? Yeah, this has gotta be Blakey, Lee Morgan, Wayne... less certain about who the pianist & bassist are but this is absolutely a Messengers record. Maybe Workman on bass? This is a real interesting tune. Track 4 - Aha! Gerald Wilson, right? I definitely know this one. That standard mid-60s jazz boogaloo. I really like how the head is slightly off-kilter. No... this is not Gerald Wilson. But I do know this. Dammit. And who is that tenor player? Somebody I know, no doubt. The reveal is gonna kill me on this. Fun track. Track 5 - Interesting. Sounds slightly like Mel Torme. Great feel and tone from the bassist. Laying it down! Ah! Halfway through, goin' downtown!! Yes! OK, you got me. I can get into this. Damn that's a solid groove! This one really surprised me, great track! Track 6 - Beautiful tenor playing, like buttah, and how can you not dig those congas? This one grooves like hell too. Now that's a rhythm section. The piano solo is, to me, somehow both "by the book" and very thoughtful. Everyone is in the pocket here. That tenor solo is flawless, and again... that SOUND. Wild guess, Gene Ammons? Track 7 - I'll be honest, the trio intro was SO damn good I kinda didn't need the horns to come in. Ah, but here we have a nice little bass solo. Hmmm, maybe Percy Heath? Great sound. I enjoyed the trombone solo, but then the tenor player upped the ante. Wow! Now that was epic. Track 8 - First thing this reminded me of is Horace Silver's "Nutville." (That's not a guess, I know it's not Nutville, but it's not dissimilar...) Boy I should know this tenor player too. This is fabulous. Tremendous band all around, but I'm paying particular attention to the drummer who is just nailing it. Most excellent. Track 9 - Oh man! Hang on, I know this one too... damn, I know I've heard this just recently. Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. This is good! Love the feel... this takes me to an exotic location. That bass line is absolutely brilliant. I like that the pianist drops out at the top of the trumpet solo... and everything just opens right up. And damn, when they come back in! Hooo! This is hot stuff. Incendiary playing from all involved. Did you play me this one? It sounds so familiar. Whoever this is, they're just killing it. Definitely need to know what this is. Track 10 - Nice arrangement, and now I'm wondering if this one is Gerald Wilson. Obviously I have Gerald Wilson on the brain. Not only is the tenor soloist on fire, I love the brass hits echoed by the drummer underneath. The percussion section is really cooking on this. That trumpet sound is searing! Another winner. Track 11 - Wait, is this Gerald Wilson? Seriously though, I like this but it's not especially grabbing me out of the gate like most of the others. Great players, obviously, but it feels a touch too polite. Actually now that I say that, the pianist is taking it up a notch though. Aha! Buster Williams! I was actually wondering about that. Well this is quickly getting better than my initial first impression. So hang on, is this Sphere? A group I should have checked out more of by now. Track 12 - Well, that's Jean Carn and she just gave this one away. This is another record I really should know better, have heard it once or twice but don't know it well. Hell of a tenor solo from Azar. Yeah, so, obviously I need to dig into this one a lot more! Killin! Track 13 - Damn, the production on this one is BIG! Heavy bass! I like the spaciness of it, sort of like ambient music meets Pharoah Sanders. I'm torn between thinking it's nice that not much is going on and sort of hoping something happens. It kind of simmers a long in the same spot for a while. Overall great feel and an interesting track but I think I wanted a little more spark somewhere in there. Track 14 - I love the instrumentation, and there's something so familiar sounding about this group. This has got to be Khan Jamal, right? Maybe William Parker? It's reminding me a lot of a Jemeel Moondoc session I really like... I know it's not Jemeel but it's gotta be people in that neighborhood. Not sure I could ID the guitarist but I bet I know everyone else. Really looking forward to the reveal on this one! Great cut! You've outdone yourself once again, my friend, as you tend to do. This was a blast!

Well, it's not exaggeration or hyperbole to say I loved every track on this. Yes, even (especially) #3! Have always wondered about that Torn record but hadn't made the time yet to check it out. I'm glad you listened to the message in the tune title and decided to include it. Same with the Melford-- always wanted to get to that one. And I don't know that Braxton record either, and that cut is fantastic. I don't think I realized Blackwell played with him. Everything here is a hit for me, I'm sorry I didn't get to it sooner! But you've certainly given me a lot to add to my list for the next record store run. 😎👍

Wow. I am really sorry I missed this one. June was a busy month, but that'll teach me not to make time. This looks like it was a great BFT... I'm gonna go back and listen!

Yes! I wasn't familiar, but was just enjoying a bit of it on the YouTubes... beautiful record!

Sending a PM re: Peterson ,Hannibal – In Antibes cutout still in plastic $6 Hino ,Terumasa – May Dance cutout still in plastic $5 🍻🎵

Sold, thank you Jim!

Updated the original post as some more titles have sold, and have added price drops on some remaining.

Some really interesting reveals here. Ira Sullivan on track 1, wow! Definitely a bunch of things I need to explore further, probably starting with the Randy Weston and the Erroll Garner. I really dug a lot of this. Thanks so much for putting it all together.

Come on, you know you need it! On another note, three of the above CDs have sold so I'm editing the original post again to reflect that.

I thought some prices were still a little high, so I lowered them in the original post.

Cheers Dmitry! I appreciate it. And I completely understand, I'm trying to cut back on new purchases at the moment myself.

Hi all, time to let go of a few things… Shipping via Media Mail in CONUS is $4 for 1-2 CDs, .50 for each additional CD. I’m willing to ship overseas, but will have to check with the post office on cost, on an individual basis. Paypal preferred, but Venmo okay too. Please post here first to reserve (or ask questions), then PM me. Grading is disc/inserts and I do try to grade conservatively. I’ve included a link to the exact version of each CD on Discogs. A few of these discs are considered pretty “rare” now but I’ve tried to price them well under some of the nutty prices I’m finding online. I'm not a super-active poster here so some of you may not know me, but you can find seller feedback for me on the Steve Hoffman forums (same username) or on Ebay under webbsmusic. Hope you find something you like! Thanks! John Abercrombie/Marc Johnson/Peter Erskine (ECM 1390) (Paper sleeve “Touchstones” limited edition) (NM/EX) $9 https://www.discogs.com/release/13651856-John-Abercrombie-Marc-Johnson-2-Peter-Erskine-John-Abercrombie-Marc-Johnson-Peter-Erskine The Byron Allen Trio (ESP CD 1005) (Calibre issue/no slipcase) (VG+/VG+ - light marks on disc, rear insert slightly wavy, light sticker residue on back of case) $5 https://www.discogs.com/release/1630840-The-Byron-Allen-Trio-The-Byron-Allen-Trio Fred Anderson/Steve McCall - Vintage Duets (Okka Disk OD12001) (EX/VG - some bending/indents on booklet, sticker residue/scuffing/crack on case) $7 https://www.discogs.com/release/2543183-Fred-Anderson-Steve-McCall-Vintage-Duets-Chicago-1-11-80 Billy Bang - Bang On! (Justin Time JUST 105-2) (NM/EX - small hole punch in tray card) $6 https://www.discogs.com/release/1235681-Billy-Bang-Bang-On Kenny Barron - What If? (Enja ENJ-2142 2) (digipak 24 bit master) (VG+/EX - light marks on disc, light scuffing to digipak) $5 https://www.discogs.com/release/9133334-Kenny-Barron-What-If Hamiet Bluiett - Resolution (Black Saint 120014-2) (EX/VG- - light marks on disc, front insert quite wavy with prominent tab dents, scuffs on case, price sticker in upper right) $13 $12 https://www.discogs.com/release/1642815-Hamiet-Bluiett-Resolution Cherry/Redman/Haden/Blackwell - Old and New Dreams (Black Saint BSR 0013 CD) (EX/VG+ - light marks on disc, price sticker on back/inside page of booklet, light fading on spine) $12 https://www.discogs.com/release/1795347-Don-Cherry-Dewey-Redman-Charlie-Haden-Eddie-Blackwell-Old-And-New-Dreams SOLD Marilyn Crispell Trio - Storyteller (ECM 1847) (Includes slipcase) (NM/EX - very light edgewear on slipcase) $9 https://www.discogs.com/release/4314658-Marilyn-Crispell-Trio-Storyteller Connie Crothers - Perception (Steeplechase SCCD 31022) (EX/NM) $12 $11 https://www.discogs.com/release/3531417-Connie-Crothers-Perception Miles Davis - Volume 1 (Blue Note CP32-5221) (Mono) (Japan / No OBI) (EX/EX - light lines on disc, light dents on booklet) $15 $13 https://www.discogs.com/release/3988118-Miles-Davis-Volume-1 Charles Earland - Living Black! (Prestige PRCD-24182-2) (EX/EX) $18 $15 https://www.discogs.com/release/5437167-Charles-Earland-Living-Black Vic Feldman On Vibes (VSOP #13 CD) (this is a CD-R, even though the Discogs description does not indicate this!) (NM/NM - crack on front of case) $6 https://www.discogs.com/release/2455997-Vic-Feldman-On-Vibes Dexter Gordon - The Tower of Power! (Prestige OJCCD-299-2) (EX/VG+ - prominent tab dents on booklet, light smudging on disc) $10 $9 https://www.discogs.com/release/4745129-Dexter-Gordon-The-Tower-Of-Power Barry Harris - At the Jazz Workshop (Riverside OJCCD-208-2) (EX/EX - very light marks on disc, very light scuffing on case) $16 $14 https://www.discogs.com/release/9211759-Barry-Harris-At-The-Jazz-Workshop-Recorded-Live-In-San-Francisco Julius Hemphill - Dogon A. D. (International Phonograph mini-LP reissue/Arista-Freedom) (NM/EX - cardboard mini-LP sleeve and all inserts in nice shape) $30 $27 https://www.discogs.com/release/2947797-Julius-Hemphill-Dogon-AD Andrew Hill Trio and Quartet - Shades (Soul Note 121113-2) (NM/EX) $10 https://www.discogs.com/release/1376394-Andrew-Hill-Trio-And-Quartet-Shades Marquis Hill - Modern Flows Vol. 2 (Black Unlimited Music Group / no cat #) (digipak) (NM/EX) NOT a Japan release as shown in Discogs link, but it’s the only listing there $15 $13 https://www.discogs.com/release/12982230-Marquis-Hill-Modern-Flows-Vol-2 Bobby Hutcherson - Linger Lane (Blue Note TOCJ-50527) (Japan / Includes OBI) (NM/NM) $9 https://www.discogs.com/release/20849491-Bobby-Hutcherson-Linger-Lane Oliver Lake Trio - Zaki (hat ART CD 6113) (NM/EX - tiny tear/tab damage at bottom of booklet, scuffs on case) $6 https://www.discogs.com/release/1277564-Oliver-Lake-Trio-Zaki Byard Lancaster - It's Not Up To Us (Warner/Atlantic WPCR-27388) (Japan / Includes OBI) (NM/EX - very light scuffing on back of case) $30 $27 https://www.discogs.com/release/6794402-Byard-Lancaster-Its-Not-Up-To-Us James Moody - Feelin' It Together (Muse MCD 5020) (VG+/VG+ - light marks on disc, slight wave to booklet, hole punch through bar code, scuffs/sticker residue on case) $5 https://www.discogs.com/release/11764948-James-Moody-Feelin-It-Together Pullen/Freeman/Hopkins/Battle - Warriors (Black Saint BSR 0019 CD) (EX/EX) $9 https://www.discogs.com/release/10524653-Don-Pullen-Chico-Freeman-Fred-Hopkins-Bobby-Battle-Warriors SOLD Pharoah Sanders - Heart is a Melody (Evidence ECD 22063-2) (EX/EX) $11 https://www.discogs.com/release/1577078-Pharoah-Sanders-Heart-Is-A-Melody SOLD Horace Tapscott & the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra - The Call (Nimbus West NS246C) (VG+/NM - light marks on disc, small crack on back of case) $30 $27 https://www.discogs.com/release/4077997-Horace-Tapscott-Conducting-The-Pan-Afrikan-Peoples-Arkestra-The-Call Walcott/Cherry/Vasconcelos - Codona 3 (ECM 1243) (EX/EX - scuffs on case) $8 $7 https://www.discogs.com/release/1805034-Codona-Codona-3 Mal Waldron - One Entrance, Many Exits (Quicksilver QSCD-4019) (EX/EX - crack & some sticker residue on case) $10 $8 https://www.discogs.com/release/7565465-Mal-Waldron-One-Entrance-Many-Exits

I'm finally back on the BFT train! I haven't peeked at anyone else's guesses yet, but will look back at previous comments just as soon as I post this. My notes below were made as I listened. This was a really fun BFT and there was a lot here that I really liked. I guess the good thing about doing this near the end of the month is that I don't have to wait tooo long for the ones that haven't been ID'd yet. But I'm excited to find out what some of these are. --- 1. Sounds like bowed cello and bass together at the beginning? And soprano. "Amazing Grace"...definitely not what I was expecting! Oh, I do like the overdubbed horns, that's interesting... the echoey sort of effect is pretty great. At least it sounds overdubbed, but I could be wrong. Overall I really like this but I have no guesses. 2. I love the piano intro so much I went back for a 2nd listen. I'm having a senior moment on the name of the tune, but boy do I LOVE this tenor player. Beautiful sound and feeling. And I'm really drawn in by the pianist too, extremely tasty. When they go into double time near the end, there are moments where the tenor player is almost early Rollins-esque, but it's not him. Wait, there's a trumpet player on this? Anyway, this is fantastic. 3. "Someone to Watch Over Me," which I will admit off the bat is not one of my favorite tunes. But I'm intrigued by the way this is starting off. Trombone and strings, I like! I have to say, despite my earlier comments about the tune, this is a stellar arrangement and this trombonist is clearly served well by this setting. Wow. I like the freedom in this, particularly things like the staccato notes around the 5 min mark. Not very typical of these kind of "with strings" sessions. Very cool! 4. Nice bass & piano intro. "I've Got You Under My Skin." Ooooh, if this is going to be all bass & piano, I am all in. Great rapport between these two... I love the chunkiness in the piano chords. Concept-wise this is resonating with me. No guesses again but I'm especially curious about this one. I really loved this track. The musicians felt very sympathetic to each other and I liked the sound, the grit, that the players brought. And that out of tune piano! 5. This one feels all about the rhythm, which is nice... I do like the percussion, and the groove is very solid... but not much really happens in this one for me. The pianist is obviously talented but the solo doesn't tell me a lot. It's a Monk tune, but I can't think of the name at the moment... I tend to mix up some of the names of Monk tunes. 6. Aha! Mary Lou Williams! It's from Zoning, with Bob Cranshaw and Mickey Roker. Not only was I just listening to this album, I recently heard Allison Miller's group Boom Tic Boom at a local venue and they did a great version of this. I think it's "Intermission." Love this. As they used to say in Downbeat, one thousand stars. 7. Nice instrumentation on this and I like the feel. Not sure the solos are really speaking to me though these are clearly accomplished players. Okay, the tenor player is reaching me a bit more. And the pianist-- some interesting things going on there. Nice track but I'm not digging it as much as some other things here. 8. Oh man, I recognize that bass line, but what the heck is it? Is this a Cedar Walton tune? I swear, my memory is shot, I am grasping here. Oh now hold the phone. If that's not Bobby Hutcherson on marimba, I'll eat my hat. Really getting into this flute solo too. Man, this one doesn't let up... the tenor solo is hitting the spot too, and the rhythm section is cooking along underneath. And I really should know this bass player. This is terrific, I love this track and look forward to the reveal. It's killing me that I can't remember the name of the tune. Arg. 9. Something is off for me, rhythm section-wise, with this one. And I am probably going to regret saying that. The trio don't really feel in the pocket to me. It's a little uptight. Maybe it's partly the way the drums are recorded too. The soloists are good though. I dunno... I just can't settle into this track. The head also seems a bit like they're trying to cop an older style, to recreate something rather than create something, if that makes any sense. 10. Whatever authenticity I felt was lacking in the last track, this is the opposite. Full commitment from the tenor player. This isn't in my wheelhouse in terms of what I typically listen to, but I like it a lot. Great feel and sound. Fun track. 11. Nice, organ trio... plus actual bass player? And some soulful tenor playing on top. Sounds like classic stuff to me. Ahhhh yeah, when the drummer starts hitting on 4 during the organ solo things really start to open up. Was hoping for more of a longer build after the organist held that one chord, but I guess it wasn't meant to be. It felt like it really should have taken off at that point! Maybe they had to keep it to 5 mins for the record company. Oh well. Good stuff though! 12. This is a neat tune, I don't think I've heard it before. I like the changes and it has the feel of a Clifford Jordan tune to my ears, though it's obviously not him. Killer tenor solo though. Boy, I know this person. Any chance it's Booker Ervin? No hang on, it's Wayne! And the rhythm section is right on. Holy smokes I love that bass sound. Ahhh, and it's definitely Ron Carter. This is right up my alley, can't wait to learn the entire cast of characters. 13. Beautiful feeling and a recognizable tune, but I won't bore you with my memory woes again. Almost sounds like Ron Carter again on bass. Absolutely lush tenor sound. Okay now... gotta be Billy Higgins on drums? And I am rethinking the bass player-- Buster Williams. Even if I'm wrong on all these, really enjoyed this one. 14. "On A Clear Day"... I think? No, I'm not sure that's right. Sounds like a live recording? Ahhh... there comes the bass. Whoever this is on alto certainly gets around. Intonation is a little out but it doesn't bother me. Although, listening more, the fault is just as much with the bass & piano methinks. But a good solid groove here with some creative alto soloing. I like how the piano player finds a happy note or theme or chord and digs in. Ah, the dreaded bowed bass solo! Speaking as a bass player... I am not a tremendous fan of bowed bass solos. And this is no exception. The struggle is real. But overall I like this track. 15. I like the singer a lot. And am I hearing celeste in the background? This is a nice little track. Solid group, great singer, good tune. 16. Definitely outside my area of expertise, but this swings and I like it. The bassist & drummer are tight. And wow, there's some really forward-looking piano playing on this. This person is pushing the envelope and I love it. Anxious to learn who it is! Again, many thanks for your efforts, really enjoyed this! ☮️🎵 EDIT: after reading previous posts... I absolutely should have gotten the tune on #2. D'oh! And WOW on #4! I need to listen to more of that one for sure. Some interesting reveals so far!

Very interesting! I should check out some more Walter Norris. And I like Mose on trumpet! This BFT has also pointed out to me that I should be listening to more Jimmy Rowles. The Lonnie Smith track (which I REALLY thought was Amina!) seems to have been a divisive one, but I loved it from beginning to end. Great stuff Mike, thank you for putting this together.

Coming in just under the wire!! Below are my thoughts as they occurred to me while listening, and I have not cheated and looked back at others comments to ruin it for myself, but will do so just as soon as I submit this post... 1. Off to a great start! This is "Grooveyard" by Carl Perkins, though I'm not sure yet if I know this recording. I suspect whoever this is got their inspiration from the Montgomery Brothers record of the same name? Nice easy feel here, the swing is real. I'm a particular fan of guitar/piano/bass trios and this is hitting the spot. Great solos all the way around, particularly that bass solo, very nice. Clearly the guitarist is inspired by Wes but I have no guesses. 2. Funny, I like the way this starts. I'm thinking this is not someone who makes their living as a singer, but rather a horn player who enjoys a bit of boodeedledeedooing on the side. Oh... or maybe it's the pianist? OK, this is a solo performance. Solid playing, I'm liking the confident feel...whoever this is also doesn't need a drummer to feel the time. I like the way the tempo is brought down at the end. 3. This sounds vaguely familiar. I'll make an early guess-- Clark Terry? I'm a fan of this whole group so far... great feeling from the bass & drums, and I love that bass sound. Big thumbs up for the bass solo as well. Hmm... no, I think I'm gonna take back my Clark Terry guess. Not sure who this is but I like it! 4. Well right off the bat I'm thinking Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy or something like that. Hmmm... nope, we're a bit more inside now. Something in the arrangement actually now sounds very Quincy Jones to me. So... ok... now I'm back to thinking that trumpet player does almost sound like Bowie. I am all sorts of confused now. In any case, this is cool. Fun arrangement, great playing. 5. It's bugging the heck outta me that I can't remember the name of this tune. I like the dirt & grit in the tenor player's sound. Got some bite! Not as much a fan of the solo ideas as I am the sound though. The way the drummer is hitting the cymbals it has almost a Vernell Fournier feel. Overall a fun track, nice feeling. 6. Interesting intro! Boy, my head is spinning a little from all these turnarounds... or is it the coffee? And now I will reluctantly have to admit that I am one of those few people who has never fully clicked with the Getz/Gilberto thing (not saying this is them, I don't know). This is really great, of course, just doesn't do a ton for me personally. But I can still appreciate it on the level of knowing that it is spot on. 7. I like that ostinato line a lot. The singer is very interesting and I feel like I've actually heard her before. Is that possible though? Hmm. This is Italian, yes? My language detector is a bit slow. Nope, it's Spanish! See, I told you. I really like the juxtaposition of the active bass/piano line and the floating middle eastern sort of vocal line on top. Very cool track. 8. Ahhh... right away the bassist & drummer have pulled me in. Wonderful feel. Very quickly I'm in a world I like. This is clearly modern, and I hear that the tenor player can do some of those "modern" runs and things but I like that he or she is holding back a bit. The best parts for me are where they respect the space. The guitar solo is good and the trumpet solo even better. Beautiful tone! Overall I really like this tune and the overall group sound in particular. 9. Well right away I like the instrumentation with the flute and cello. Good piano solo but no guesses as to who it is. Oh, the cello player must be Sam Jones? It's funny because the tune sounds very much like a Pettiford tune but it's not OP. Cool track! Not sure of the rest of the players so I'm anxious to hear who it is. 10. ROCK solid feel, once again, for two instruments with no drums. They are feeling it deep down here. Boy I love the bass sound too... very familiar sound. Don't know the pianist but I'm really digging the solo. Ah! That's Red Mitchell on bass. Still not sure who the pianist is. What a great recording too... I love being able to hear the breathing sounds etc in the background. Feels like you're there. And yeah, if there was any doubt this was Mitchell, it vanished as soon as he hit that LOW note. And I love the trading between the piano & bass, this is pure communication. Great track! 11. So... lots of good bass players in this BFT. Just sayin. And this track? You had me at hello. Not only with the bass, but then you throw in a bari? Come on. As the tune goes on, though, I do wish they would take a few more risks, it feels a bit safe to me. Some nice playing though. And I think the tune itself is interesting, I just wish they'd cut loose and really go for it. Put it this way, as deep and telepathic as the communication was on the last track, I feel it's missing here. Boy, I turned on this track pretty quick. 12. This one is not really my bag. It's obviously played well but it just doesn't do a lot for me. Despite it sounding like an emotional piece of music it oddly leaves me a bit cold. I can't connect with it. 13. I'm intrigued right from the get-go, and my first thought is, "please let this be Amina Claudine Myers!" It sure sounds like her, but I can't place the recording. This is absolutely hypnotic though, I love every note. A++++ 14. Hmmm, I liked it before the vocal came in. Sounded like it was going to be an interesting arrangement, and the vibes are adding a lot. But yeah, I really do not get the singer. Every time he stops, I really enjoy the other elements of the arrangement. Fire the singer! Thanks so much for your efforts Mike! Some really great stuff here and I look forward to the reveal.

I don't live in Chicago, but wish I did. Have visited a number of times and always try to hit Hyde Park Records, which does still appear to be open and thriving! (I haven't been since before the pandemic) ... their stock is fairly massive with lots of jazz, and I've had some amazing finds there at really good prices. They're always well-stocked in both LPs and CDs.