Justin V

Disc 3: I recently realized that I needed to spend more time with this one after hearing the Latin session with Thad Jones on the Stitt Mosaic.

It's crazy that it took 31 years for this to see release.

Finishing the night (and likely starting the morning) with:

This project originally started out as a brief interview and duet with a guest, with the duets eventually compiled here. I remember downloading the Hank Jones duet at the time and later found the CD at a library sale. I ripped it and forgot that I had it. I am enjoying it a lot so far. Besides Hank Jones, the other duet partners are Angelique Kidjo, Chick Corea, Regina Carter, George Duke, Sting, Russell Malone, Billy Taylor, Roy Hargrove, Eddie Palmieri, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ron Blake and Gina Gershon. McBride's incredible technique and musicality shine throughout, commanding attention without dominating the proceedings.

Wait, Grandpa Munster was there?!?!

A beautiful record (and cover, for that matter). I've seen everyone on this record multiple times except for the late Percy Heath. This one was on my wish list for probably 10 years before I finally bought it a few years ago.

Nice! For as prolifically as Bryant recorded and worked with everyone, it feels like he is overlooked. Having listened to McCoy's Soliloquy and Coltrane with Dameron on Mating Call, today's Philly celebration continues with this:

More Philly greatness, with a bonus session with Bobby Timmons.

I finished the Kenny Barron album and decided to go with another Philly great.

Before the wheels fell off of the world, I saw Reid in November, Barron in January and Lewis in February.

This one didn't click with me after the first few listens, which is inexplicable. Katz's laidback style meshes well with LaSpina's rich tone and Riley's dancing drums. I'll be spending more time with this one.

I just received this in the mail today and am very impressed. Mr. McPherson is joined by Terell Stafford, Lorraine Castellanos, Jeb Patton, Randy Porter, Yotam Silberstein, David Wong and Billy Drummond. The album consists of pieces written to be performed with and inspired by his daughter, Camille, a soloist with the San Diego Ballet. With strong melodies and arrangements and McPherson and company in top form, I heartily recommend this one. Although I've seen Charles McPherson perform twice, the most recent release I have of his is Come Play with Me, which has 'Marionette', inspired by his daughter when she was a young girl and also on the new album. I have some catching up to do with his catalog. I hope that I can see him the next time he comes to Detroit. Here is the press release. You can order it directly from the man himself.

Oof. I now see a separate listing without that border with listings from third-party sellers. I'm giving it another spin now. Amazon tells me that I purchased it nearly 13 years ago. It's crazy to think how many concerts (hundreds) and albums (~2000?) have come along since then, but it still holds up. It's fortunate that their brief collaboration was captured on tape in such fine sound.

A record that shouldn't be missed by fans of Marsh and Drew. Amazon has one copy left for $6.74 with free Prime shipping.

McVea ruins it for me, which is a shame. Now playing:

Man, I never knew about this one. That is some band! Now playing: Leroy Vinnegar - Walkin' the Basses

This album works so well for many reasons, one of which is the contrasting baritones of Cecil Payne and Pepper Adams.

I've been celebrating Gary Peacock by revisiting the Standards Trio. I have 6 albums with the classic trio and At the Deer Head Inn, with Paul Motian in place of Jack DeJohnette.

Inspired by the Ambrose Akinmusire thread, I am revisiting this. I've listened to it probably a handful of times since it came out. Having checked out a more recent release of his earlier today, we'll see where there this one stands.