jimi089

I'm planning on stopping by Chuck. I looked at the Velvet schedule and it appears that there's an opener before Reptet or Reptet is opening? I'd like to find what order they're playing as the other group on the bill doesn't do much for me...

Yes indeed. I will report back. I know that it's almost all new music - just a couple of the old tunes are going to be played.

A nice short video promo for The Mande Variations. Great footage of Toumani and also of some Kora makers which is fascinating to watch.

The Awakening reunion - Ken Chaney, Ari Brown, T.S. Galloway (aka Steve), Corey Wilkes, Josh Ramos, Ernie Adams.

They should change the title of the festival to The Usual Suspects. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Some good stuff in there.

Yes, I have. Only very casually, but I enjoyed his vocal/guitar thing. It came across more as modern African music than jazz upon first glance. I'll give it a closer listen soon and report back.

Mel was scheduled to do an organ duel with Dr. Lonnie last fall in Chicago but he backed out. I haven't seen him in ages, thanks for posting that.

Cool, thanks for the recommendation, I will pick that up. I'm probably going to pick up some more Novos Baianos based on this album so I will report back!

Picked up a few discs in a recent Dusty Groove trip (you think it's bad having the temptation online - us folks here in Chicago have the store in our backyard!). I picked up this Novos Baianos disc after hearing it on seeline's wonderful blog Spinning in Air (thanks seeline!). It's really a gem, just great music from front to back. It exemplifies all the things I love about Brazilian music. Also picked up this Clementina de Jesus album: What a powerhouse vocalist. If you didn't know any better you might mistake her for a man due to her vocal range. Great stuff. I also picked up a Lo Borges album sight unseen that is a bit of a clunker to my ears. Too much of an 80s/synth sound. Oh well, only set me back $9. I was hoping for something more along the lines of his participation in Clube Da Esquina. Seeline, do you have any other Novos Baianos recommendations? I'm just loving this disc. Incidentally, I found out during my trip that we can expect some Baden Powell reissues in April/May on CD: The MPS Sessions, Canto on Guitar, Images on Guitar, Poema on Guitar, Tristeza on guitar, and the album with Vinicius De Moraes, Afro-Sambas. My wallet just groaned thinking about it.

I think they make a pill for that....

I've always claimed that Reid Anderson was the gem in The Bad Plus. I've enjoyed his playing and writing on more than a few occasions. Super nice guy too. As far as Redman goes, I've never regarded him with much more than a shrug. People like playing it safe when it comes to their listening and Redman is unlikely to push anyone out of their comfort zone. That's what many Americans look for in their art so it should be no surprise that he does well.

I remember that show Mark. I see Darius Savage in the corner there. Good time last night at the Velvet - cake for Fred, candles, a festive atmosphere.

Happy birthday Fred! And many many more to come. He is 79 today and playing as strong as ever.

Donny McCaslin at the Chicago Cultural Center for free this afternoon. Never seen him, interested to check it out. Nicole Mitchell Quartet at the Velvet Lounge tonight - this is her new band with Jason Adasiewicz on vibes, Josh Abrams on bass, and I believe Mike Reed on drums although I'm not sure if the drum chair is set or rotating at this point. It's also Fred Anderson's birthday, so there will be a bit of celebration.

There's also a Michael Jackson jazz photographer/writer. There are two Michael Raynors active as drummers in jazz - one goes by Mike Raynor and lives on the west coast, and here in Chicago we have Michael Raynor who plays with Von Freeman. The Chicago Raynor is very careful to make sure he's introduced as Michael rather than Mike to differentiate.

Wow! I had no idea Roscoe was a painter, although I guess I'm not entirely surprised. Looking forward to the reissue.

Thanks! That is a great cover. Who did the painting?

I was actually looking to see if there would be an enlarged version of your avatar. I think it was when you had the Bowie 1&2 up.

Glad I could you all get out of Gaaahhhhville.

I'll see if I can find out Paul and post back here with some more information.

Tatsu teaches shamisen and taiko here in Chicago at the Japanese American Service Committee building on the north side as well.

Robert Barry is alive but not really playing out. He was scheduled to play a Walter Dyett tribute a year ago in Chicago but had to cancel due to health issues.

I'm going to be skeptical until given reason to be optimistic about their reopening. Their website seems to indicate they're doing some presenting at the Viaduct during April. Not sure what that means about "reopening" or a permanent location though.

He's playing tonight at the Velvet, no joke. He's actually played a few times there lately. I went once and it was a bit of a circus - tons of people on stage. Some absolutely transcendent percussion jams interspersed with some powerfully mediocre jazz, in the idiomatic sense. Oh yeah, and some Moye ranting in there as well. If I'm feeling bold I might stop by tonight.