Justin V

I saw some reference to Laurel, MS recently and thought of Mundell Lowe. I've seen him three times in the company of guitarist Mike Magnelli, and would like to see him again. Thanks for posting the link to the article.

I only first heard her in the last year or so, after picking up Live at the Alley Cat by the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut and later her album, Never Make Your Move Too Soon. She had such a rich, deep voice that was equally at home belting out a blues or caressing a ballad. I'll be checking out more of her work in the future. Thank you for the music, Ms. Anderson, and rest in peace.

I caught both sets of Roy Haynes playing alongside his working band and Pat Metheny on Thursday at the Blue Note in New York. As always, it was an honor and a joy to watch Roy Haynes (sitting right near his drums and Metheny, no less) with his incredible group of Jaleel Shaw, Martin Bejerano and David Wong, and it was a special thing to see him perform with Metheny, who was obviously enjoying himself. Metheny called Haynes the baddest cat on the planet, and I wholeheartedly agree. I saw Haynes during his 90th birthday tour as well (and on several other occasions), and I am looking forward to seeing him again. Happy Birthday, Roy Haynes!!!

That's a nice set of discs. Alankin is going to be a happy man.

I was just listening to Joe Harris earlier today on Sastanak U Studiju, an album that featured Jerome Richardson, Julius Watkins, Buddy Catlett and Harris collaborating with vibraphonist Boško Petrovic and pianist Davor Kajfeš while the Americans were on tour in Europe. A few years ago, I saw Roy Haynes in Pittsburgh and actually sat a few seats over from Mr. Harris. When Roy Haynes asked if there were any drummers in the house, Joe Harris came to the stage and played a brief, crisp and fun solo and said that Haynes was always the best-dressed when he knew him in New York back in the day. When I went home and realized exactly who Joe Harris was, I was a little floored. Rest in peace, Mr. Harris, and thank you for the music.

I received Roy Haynes' People in the mail yesterday and found myself wondering, as I have when listening to Art Blakey's Hard Bop and Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk about Sam Dockery (Monk was obviously in Dockery's place on the latter recording). This time, my Google search revealed that he had passed away on December 23rd (here is the link). Until I read the article, I didn't realize that he was on so many Blakey albums, so I have some catching up to do. Although his remaining in Philly prevented him from becoming a household name, he was a talented pianist who contributed to some classic albums and deserves to be remembered. Thank you for the music, Mr. Dockery, and rest in peace.

I would like to catch that date in Akron. I saw him in Cleveland a few months ago with a local group that had clearly taken care in learning Russ's original material and creative 'derangements' (as Russ calls them) of standards and pop fare. On one song, he brought up Cleveland alto saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio and more sparks flew. On top of it being a good show, Russ is a nice guy to boot. I have his other releases and will be picking up this one. I've mentioned it elsewhere, but you can get a free download of his debut, Two Colors, by signing up for his mailing list. I think that those unfamiliar with his work will like him.

That is weird. I initially thought that it was because Blues Caravan had been a part of that limited LPR Verve series years ago, but so had Buddy and Sweets. I have and enjoy both; I really should pick up that set.

I really enjoy Major Holley's bass/vocal solo on 'Angel Eyes' from the Al Cohn/Zoot Sims album, You 'n' Me.

I'm at a loss for words, but Paul Bley was such a monumental figure whose presence will be missed and whose influence will be felt for a long time. Thank you for the music, Mr. Bley, and rest in peace.

I have nothing but respect and admiration for Ron Carter. This just goes to prove that no matter how much of Ron Carter's work I have in my collection, there will always be more out there. Congratulations to him.

I didn't find that on my search. Thank you very much, Jeff! I'm looking forward to digging into this set.

So, my library has a streaming download service that allows 5 downloads a week. Although it does have some questionable labels, it does have majors like Columbia and RCA Victor and a ton of indie labels. I've been using some of my downloads for box sets (I already downloaded the Plugged Nickel box) and recently completed The Complete On the Corner Sessions. As I don't have the booklet, I'm looking for a track-by-track breakdown of the personnel. If anyone could list it here, PM me or email me a scan, I'd appreciate it greatly. Thanks.

I hope Barry Harris has a happy birthday. I'll give Luminescence a spin later.

The great Donald Byrd would have been 83 today. I'm playing Blackjack now.

How was the email's design?

It appears that I am in the minority, but I like the new design, which I found to be eye-catching. I can't remember the last time that I received a catalog from Mosaic, despite having ordered several sets over the years.

I agree; Hand in Hand, like all of Miller's Novus albums, is well worth hearing. Now that I know that that band toured in support of the album, I can lament the absence of a live album. I've been thinking of Miller a lot lately, having recently picked up three of his Landmark albums (Keys to the City, Work! and Wingspan).

I wonder what Mr. Cranshaw has been up to since Sonny has been sidelined. I've been fortunate enough to have seen him three times with Sonny (the last time he was on upright tather than electric), and he's a great bassist. I remember talk of a session several years ago with Sonny, Cranshaw and Al Foster, and I wish that it would be issued. Anyway, it's good to see Cranshaw recognized. Also, I'm sorry to hear about Louis Hayes. Like Tootie Heath, he's one of those master drummers whose playing is just so damn tasty and yet he seems to fly under the radar a bit.

I thought that I had mentioned it here, but I didn't- I really enjoy Braden's work on The Rivington Project's Trip. The Rivington Project is George Coleman, Jr's group. After seeing Big George and his son at Jazz Standard a few years ago, I played the heck out of that album.

I've only heard him on Ted Brown's Free Spirit and Rene Thomas' Guitar Groove and have enjoyed his playing on both, so I'll have to check out more of his work. I see that his I Hear a Rhapsody has the eighteen-year-old bassist Daryl Johns, who is the son of drummer Steve Johns. Daryl is making a name for himself; I saw him in Detroit with Greg Osby and Will Calhoun in September. Anyway, I bet O'Brien's book would be a good read. Not enough veteran jazz musicians have written autobiographies.

I haven't heard Charisma, but I'm a fan of The Sixth Sense. In particular, 'Afreaka' is a killer Cedar Walton tune (is there any other kind?) and Frank Mitchell is an interesting player. I've also long admired the hook-up between Lee Morgan and Billy Higgins.

I just caught a gig by Jeremy Cunningham's quartet and have an extra two-track download card. The core band is drummer Cunningham, saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker and bassist Matt Ulery, with pianist Andrew Toombs and saxophonist Dustin Laurenzi guesting. Modern music from a strong, young band. I'll pass along the info and card number to whomever sends the first PM.

Happy 89th Birthday, Mr. Donaldson!

I became aware of him through his fine playing on the Jazz on Disques Vogue box set. Thank you for the music, Mr. Peck, and rest in peace.