tkeith

Once again TK proves himself a very perceptive hearer. And I should come clean on this one, because I realize today that something I posted about this tune in haste yesterday might be misleading. Several people have thought they heard Jimmy Smith on this one. It's because they did. It's him. You are the third person I've played this for to pipe up, "Billy Harper!" That's because it's him too. Now the task is to identify the band. Just when I think I have completed my quest to acquire ALL Billy Harper... I had no idea he had worked with JS. Not Kenny, or Everett. (Wait a minute -- have you heard Everett anywhere but on Billy Harper records?) I have not. Helen Scott told me that he'd had some woman trouble and had stopped playing. I believe he was preaching at last count (if he's still with us). Why that guy never got more well known is beyond me. Him and Hannibal. Glad to hear. The tune was written by a friend. Now I *AM* intrigued. Track 10 - It has a bit of that Blue Note sound, but it's later. Not Johnny Coles... Carmell Jones? I don't have this, but I need it. Again, like to know if the whole thing is like this, because this is right on. Wish I weren't on the laptop because I like what the bass is doing, but can't really hear it. TK busts me again. It's Carmell. Very impressive!OH! Sweet score! I was nervous about that one. I was confident about the guess, but equally confident I was full of sh*t!

Well, only got one full ID. Some great stuff in here! Track 1 - Obviously Cherokee. I know it's blasphemy, but I've never cared for the tune. I know it's Jazz standard 101, but the melody does nothing for me and the lyrics are quite silly and dated. Rant over. Digging the guitar solo, though I have no idea who it is. There's a touch of Roy Eldridge in the trumpet, but I don't think it's him -- seems too controlled. Good cut, in spite of the tune. (In fairness, I have the same reaction to Giant Steps from a compositional standpoint.) Track 2 - Hmmm... I like this. A lot going on here. Seems very familiar (like, probably in my collection familiar). A post-Miles player with a debt of gratitude owed, but also someone with his own concept. Seems to mix that Yusef Lateef world-approach with the tradition and does so well. Liking this a LOT. I love the way he's working that simple motif and gradually building the tension. Rhythm section is following (though the drummer is a little off compared to the others). Snare sounds like it could be Idris Muhammad. That's Horace Parlan on piano. OH! I *do* have this. Wow, egg on my face. I believe it's the title cut from this. Track 3 - Cruisin' in my El Dorado, white on beige... aw yeah. Ah yes, and the requisite unemployment stick solo. This is terribly 70s, in a very good way. Ooooo! Billy Harper! Tasty! I assume Gil Evans, but which album, I lack clues. Billy is *so* bad ass! Huh... could be Thad/Mel, actually. That was my first thought when I heard the soprano. The band parts seem more Thad & Mell while the keys seems more like one of Gil's projects. Whatever it is, it cooks. Almost sounds like Jimmy Smith on organ, but that doesn't follow. Color me intrigued. Track 4 - I'm a product of the 70s -- my mind sees a cartoon (not a bad thing); maybe a drunken duck walking along a boardwalk. No one I'm familiar with. Track 5 - This is a quirky arrangement but it's striking a chord for me. Almost sounds like Harold Vick, but man, this guy has some furious running outbursts that are knocking my socks off. Everything here works for me. Man, that trumpeter is hitting some Kenny Wheeler lines like I've never heard anyone else hit. I don't think it's Kenny, but this guy has definitely put some time in with the man. He's more agressive, though -- like Everett Hollins ripping Kenny Wheeler lines. The sound of the drums is thin, which bothers me, but musically, this is absolutely killin'. It's almost frenetic, but holds itself together well. VERY interested to learn what this is (and if the whole album matches this level of quality). Track 6 - Overdubbed or three trumpets? It's interesting, I'm just not sure it's going anywhere. Doesn't seem like an avant garde guy (cherry, dixon, et al), but seems like a more straight ahead player (or players) looking for that feel. Track 7 - I want to fault this for it's intentional drag, but I'm totally buying it. It's very unique and it absolutely works. I don't know if you'd all this 4-over-3 or 3-over-4, but man, it absolutely works. I need this. Track 8 - Grapelli? No idea. Pleasant, but no lasting desire that requires ownership. Track 9 - I like this for its Messengers feel, but it doesn't have that *bite*. I'm wanting to hear a little more grunt, in spite of how much I like the tune. I thought it was George Adams at first, and I was thinking, "here we go." A little like Golson and a lot like Teddy Edwards, both of whom I like. The sound is Teddy but the ideas are Golson without the polish. This guy is going to drink your beer and leave with your girl -- in short, he's a tenor player! I feel like I should get closer to him than I did, but I can't get him. Has the sounds of one of those Muse dates, but seems newer than that. I'm in on this one, as well, even if it seems to try to cover a bit too much ground on the head. Track 10 - It has a bit of that Blue Note sound, but it's later. Not Johnny Coles... Carmell Jones? I don't have this, but I need it. Again, like to know if the whole thing is like this, because this is right on. Wish I weren't on the laptop because I like what the bass is doing, but can't really hear it. Track 11 - No idea. Great feel. Track 12 - No idea. Egad! "Wonderful"? Let's not overdo it! (Have I mentioned how much I hate the feature that combines your posts?) Oh, HELL yes! *THAT'S* why that tenor was so familiar and bad ass! I was right! He WILL drink your beer and leave with your girl!

Track 1 - She's Got It - Buddy Tate - (1968) Buddy Tate And His Celebrity Club Orchestra Vol. 2 Ben Richardson - alto & bari sax, clarinet, vocals; Buddy Tate - tenor sax, vocals; Dickie Wells - trombone, vocals; Dud Bascomb - trumpet, vocals, Skip Hall - keyboard; John Williams - bass; Billy Stewart - drums My Dad actually saw Buddy perform this with Arnett Cobb, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson and others in the 80s. I discovered this in my collection and had to include it. What can I say, I'm a sucker for dirty old men singing about a bad girl. Track 2 - 5/4 Thing - Art Matthews - (1978) It's Easy To Remember Archie Shepp - alto sax; Bill Pierce - tenor sax; Dizzy Reece - trumpet; Art Matthews - piano; Charles Fambrough - bass; Alan Dawson - drums I was very excited when I saw this record as a kid. I loved Shepp, loved George Coleman (his tune), loved Dizzy Reece, and was very excited to hear the young Billy Pierce on tenor. The album doesn't quite live up to what my expectations were, but it's interesting anyway. I don't know of any other albums by Matthews as a leader. Track 3 - The Chooch - The Fringe - (1981) Hey! Open Up! George Garzone - tenor sax; Richard Appleman - bass; Bob Gullotti - drums The original version of The Fringe. Most people don't realize that John Lockwood was NOT the original bassist. After I saw them perform this at the Portsmouth Jazz Festival (including vocals by Garzone), I had to have this. This was back when The Fringe were self-producing everything (not sure if that's still the case) and it's a needle drop. I'm torn on Garzone. Sometimes I love him, most times I don't. No denying he's a beast, though. Track 4 - Snake and Pygmy Pie - Bob Moses - (1979) David Liebman - tenor sax; Terumasa Hino - cornet, percussion; Steve Kuhn - piano; Steve Swallow - electric bass; Bob Moses - drums Heard this tune on the radio one night called Autumn Liebs and totally dug it. Encountered this album later and really liked the whole thing. This track was a bit of a discovery. Not sure when Liebman stopped being this guy, but I miss it. Track 5 - Light on the Path - Edward Wilkerson, Jr. - (1992) Light on the Path Edward Wilkerson, Jr. - clarinet; Rod McGaha - trumpet; Harrison Bankhead - bass; Reggie Nicholson - drums Throwing people off with a cut featuring the dreaded clarinet. This track is all about Rod McGaha on trumpet, for me. I love the guy. Love him on Jeff Coffin's Go 'Round, too. I picked up one of his own releases and it was awful. Heavy on the synth and "R & B" stylings. Again, don't know what happened. Track 6 - Queen of All Ears - The Lounge Lizards - (1998) Queen of All Ears John Lurie - alto & tenor saxes; Michael Blake - tenor sax; Steven Bernstein - trumpet; Evan Lurie - keyboards; David Tronzo - slide guitar; Jane Scarpantoni - cello ; Erik Sanko - bass; Calvin Weston - drums I had this folder of unknown tunes on my hard drive. No idea where they came from, no idea what they were. I finally was able to figure this one out, and had to include it here. Track 7 - Chris Klaxton - Exospheric - (2014) Starcode Chris Klaxton - tpt; Mark Small - saxophone; Taylor O'Donnell - vocals; Tim Jago - guitar; Kendall Moore - trombone; Mike Effenberger - keys; Josh Allen - bass; Michael Piolet - drums This is an odd cut from trumpeter Chris Klaxton -- I love it. He released two albums last fall and this is from one of them. He lives in my area and is really an impressive musician. He made a huge impression on me when he called an obscure Johnny Hodges tune on a gig at the now defunct Barley Pub. The guy REALLY knows his stuff. This is a little contemporary for my usual tastes, but he's really *doing* something, to my ear. Track 8 - Afrisong - Muhal Richard Abrams - (1975) Afrisong Abrams - piano I was going to include a different song from this album -- a more consistent ballad -- but this song was just too damned beautiful. I was slow to come to Muhal, but in the past couple of years, he's really making my ears happy. Track 9 - Do It To It - Richard "Groove" Holmes - (1980) Good Vibrations Groove Holmes - organ; Houston Person - tenor sax; Bob DeVos - guitar; Idris Muhammad - drums; Buddy Caldwell - congas I've always loved this adaptation of Santana. I used to gobble up these Muse albums as a kid, often for $3 a pop, on trips to Boston with my Dad. Not a lot of desert island classics, but some pretty consistent music from the period. Track 10 - On Green Dolphin Street - Buddy Tate - (1981) The Great Buddy Tate Buddy Tate - tenor sax; Warren Vaché - trumpet; Hank Jones - piano; Milt Hinton - bass; Mel Lewis - drums My second favorite version of this tune (Miles' Jazztrack being the first). Buddy Tate is just such a Jazz guy; straight to the point and always swings his ass off. Warren Vaché is the perfect compliment on this album. Good stuff. Double shot of Tate, so I was shocked when this one when unidentified. Track 11 - Brother Ed - Larry Willis - (2002) Sanctuary Larry Willis - piano; Joe Ford - alto sax; Ray Codrington - trumpet; Steve Novosel - bass; Steve Berrios - drums Larry Willis composed a song on my favorite Junior Cook album, Somethin's Cookin', called Illusions of Grandeur. I've been interested in him ever since, and he never disappoints. Most of this album is really unique and interesting. Several other tracks include strings, but in a very original arrangement. Larry Willis needs more appreciation. Track 12 - Jakubu's Dance - Dick Griffin - (1974) The Eighth Wonder Dick Griffin - trombone; Sam Rivers - tenor sax; Ron Burton - piano; Cecil McBee - bass; Freddie Waits - drums; Warren Smith, Leopoldo F. Fleming - percussion I was thinking, "Gee, I really need to include a Dick Griffin cut on one of these." I went back and checked and saw that I've done that two times, already (including the song I'd decided to include here, so I had to change that). I also found that someone else had included a track from this album on a previous test. Still, this is just such a great track, I had to include it. Track 13 - Song for the New Man - David Fathead Newman - (2003) Song for the New Man Fathead - flute; John Hicks - piano; John Menegon - bass; Jimmy Cobb - drums I didn't figure on confusing anyone with this track, but it came on in the car and it's just so damned choice, I had to include it. This is most of the band David had with him when I saw him (Yoron Israel as on drums), and this was pretty much what the night was like. Such a soulful player, and I really like the way this track plays out. Also, I really do need to include John Hicks more often -- my absolute favorite pianist. Track 14 - A Dream For Rahsaan - Dick Griffin - (1985) A Dream For Rahsaan Dick Griffin - trombone; Gary Bartz - alto sax; Stanley Cowell - piano; Cecil McBee - bass; Billy Hart - drums Speaking of favorite pianists and composers, why not a little Stanley Cowell. Another great Dick Griffin record (they're all quite good), this one just burns so hot. These are my guys. Track 15 - Debonair - John Handy - (1966) The 2nd John Handy Album John Handy - alto sax; Michael White - violin; Jerry Hahn - guitar; Don Thompson - bass; Terry Clarke - drums I'm a sucker for songs in three (in case you hadn't picked up on that), and this is a great cut from a remarkable album from a largely forgotten player. John Handy ALWAYS had something going on.

Damn me, I should have got Buddy Tate! That's mid fifties, I think. Never heard any of Tate from that period. In fact, I think he only did two sessions between about 1950 and '58. This really shows he shouldn't have been left out in the cold. MG 1968.

Ding! Ding! I'm surprised more folks didn't get Tate. I added this late. I realized when people started to post about the double numbers that I did not change the ID3 tags. It seems that people are getting them in the correct order, though.

This one is tricky because you can't over think it. When you think, "sounds like something these guys might do," it's probably them. I'm surprised only one person has gotten the tune. Check the hints about the players I gave in recent comments. Hint: Not sure you can. But if you do, you'd be buying it direct. I love this record far more than I love the players. Same trumpet player. Not well known, but this is his second appearance in one of my BFTs. Ding! Ding! Very surprised so many people heard Jarrett in this. You got it all except the names! Hint: This tenor player is royalty. Hint: This is a well-known label, lesser known player. Now readily available. Not always the case (hint). ID'd above. This is one of the few flutists I could peg. Yeah, that. Major and forgotten. ID'd above.

Well, not a modern player, by any means. Interestingly, the alto player's voice is one of the most unique in the music, but (and here is a BIG hint), alto is not the horn he is noted for. Trumpet was a lesser-known contemporary of Woody, but actually predates him. I like the description of the tenor, but he's actually the one administering the hard lessons. (HUGE hint) This one is going to be a surprise. Not AI. Ding! Ding! Bitch of a tune! Well, you're half right. These are the guys from that vintage. (I think my choices have you over thinking here) Ding! Ding! You knew John Hicks had to make an appearance on my BFT. It is a John.

Most definitely featuring the same musician twice in the same BFT is allowed! I have done it several times! #8 is a Keith Jarrett composition which I have heard by Jarrett many times. I can remember Jarrett's soft vocalizations behind certain parts of this, on the original recording. But I can't remember which Jarrett album it is from. It's maddening. It could be an excerpt from "The Koln Concert", which did not have song titles. I do not know who is playing this Jarrett piece. Perhaps inspired by KJ, but not his. Pianist is the composer.

I sure hope so. Dick was going to teach me this song when I met him back in '06... he didn't. He *did*, however, teach me The Queen.

George's tune, but not George. It depends on who "we" is, but definitely a well known band in certain circles. This one is going to surprise people. Yeah, right? Semi-ID'd, but this one deserves more recognition. It is not. This one is one I expect no one will get, but I'm hoping some people will be interested enough to seek it out. It is neither. A hint, this is somewhat more "inside" than what this player is typically noted for. Very definitely based on a Santana influence. Needle drop. I'm surprised that nobody has bagged this one. Perhaps one of the two most recognizable players in the test. Ding! Ding! Correct. Originally released on The 2nd John Handy Album.

Not Stanley, but I'm sure he wouldn't have minded the paychecks. He's more associated with another big tenor. Not overseas. The short songs are in keeping with the history of the leader. It *is* the pianist's date, but he goes back further than the stock you mention. James Wiliams is probably the closest of that bunch. I'm very pleased by the response to this track. Good ears. Trombonist IS the leader, and yes, this guy listened to a LOT of Sam Rivers -- every time he played. That would be the man himself. Excellent ear! It IS John Hicks, but not with the missus. I don't know about the quote. Yes, it IS Dick Griffin. I hadn't intended it, but this BFT could really be centered around people deserving more appreciation. The great thing about this group is the way they function as a unit. A very unique tribe. Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks, Felser.

Here is the BFT Master list, with links, beginning with BFT #74 from April, 2010.Please do not post in this thread. PM me with questions or corrections.For more information about the Organissimo Blindfold Test, see the Blindfold Test FAQ thread For links to BFT #1 through 73, see the Blindfold Test Master List, Volume 2 #74 - The Magnificent Goldberg - April, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #75 - Thom Keith - May/June, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #76 - Bill Barton - June/July, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #77 - clifford_thornton - August, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #78 - Hot Ptah - September, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #79 - Michael Weiss - October, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #80 - colinmce - November, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #81 - Tom in RI - December, 2010 (discussion) (answers) #82 - jeffcrom - January, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #83 - king ubu - February, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #84 - Spontooneous - March, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #85 - Alex - April, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #86 - NIS - May, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #87 - Joe - June, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #88 - Dan Gould - July, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #89 - Thom Keith - August, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #90 - BillF - September, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #91 - fent99 - October, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #92 - Hot Ptah - November, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #93 - mikeweil - December, 2011 (discussion) (answers) #94 - jeffcrom - January, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #95 - Hardbopjazz - February, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #96 - Spontooneous - March, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #97 - king ubu - April, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #98 - thedwork - May, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #99 - Stefan Wood - June, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #100 - Dr J, who presented the very first O forum BFT - July, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #101 - Thom Keith - August, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #102 - BillF - September, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #103 - colinmce - October, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #104 - Hot Ptah - November, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #105 - JSngry - December, 2012 (discussion) (answers) #106 - Big Al - January, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #107 - Hardbopjazz - February, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #108 - Dan Gould - March, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #109 - The Magnificent Goldberg - April, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #110 - jeffcrom - May, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #111 - Joe - June, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #112 - webbcity - July, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #113 - NIS - August, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #114 - Thom Keith - September, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #115 - felser - October, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #116 - Hot Ptah - November, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #117 - mikeweil - December, 2013 (discussion) (answers) #118 - Spontooneous - January, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #119 - Hardbopjazz - February, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #120 - Stefan Wood - March, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #121 - Dan Gould - April, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #122 - The Magnificent Goldberg - May, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #123 - Tom in RI - June, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #124 - fent99 - July, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #125 - awesome_welles - August, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #126 - Thom Keith - September, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #127 - Homefromtheforest - October, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #128 - Noj - November, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #129 - felser - December, 2014 (discussion) (answers) #130 - alex - January, 2015 (discussion) (answers) #131 - colinmce- February, 2015 (discussion) (answers) #132 - Tom in RI- March, 2015 (discussion) (answers) #133 - Dan Gould - April, 2015 (discussion disc 1, disc 2) (answers disc 1, disc 2) #134 - Hot Ptah - May, 2015 (discussion) (answers) #135 - Hardbopjazz- June, 2015 (discussion) (answers)

That's the bright side. Love those lyrics. Dirty old men making a statement. Correct ID on the tune. I agree on the drummer, and I think a lot of people will be surprised by the entire cast. The trumpeter should be royalty, instead of the insider that he is. Bassist should also get more love. I agree about the bass player. Oddly, he is completely forgotten. Most don't even know of his association with this band. This is going to surprise a lot of people. This, to me, is nearly mandatory for the collection, if only for it's role in an historical context. You might want to give it a second chance later. A fair assessment. I feel similar, but after hearing it, just can't clear it from my head. Not Roney, not Scott. People NEED to know this guy. Fortunately, it's relatively early, so there is time. Not a bad guess (and what drew me in to the song), but not AI. The organ solo is the key to this one. I get what you're saying, but as this sort of thing goes, this should have gotten more exposure. Great assessment all around. I think people will get this one, so I'll refrain from further comment. Not BN, but not a bad guess. Not a vinyl rip, but definitely started that way. Yes, 'bone player's album. Bassist is a MONSTER. It isn't, but originally was. Correct! I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days with the man and he is truly a survivor and ambassador of the music. When you look at the scope of musicians across genres this guy has worked with, you realize he's one of the last connections to the true history. Ding! Ding! Handy gets no love, and I will never understand that. You would think the solo on Goodbye Porkpie Hat would cement him in the history of the music, but nobody even know the name. The instrumentation of this band is one of the most unique and interesting I have heard. AND, it works. Glad you enjoyed it!

Wow... so, I guess the "upgrade" does let you toggle to raw code any longer. That sucks. 1 - Correct on Tate (didn't figure I was going to fool many on this one, but how could I not include it?). 2 - I like your assessment. This is a decidedly odd version of someone else's tune. It's the mix of players that lead me to include it. 3 - This is going to surprise some people. 4 - Hadn't thought about the MI link, but you're right. This one blew me away when it crossed the iPod. 5 - Ding! Ding! This is EW's Light on the Path. We'll leave the specifics open to guesses. Such a great track. 6 - Not BWW. 7 - I'm really looking forward to the feedback on this one, as it's not like anything else I typically would include on a BFT. 8 - Yes, I heard that in there the first time, too.

Tate and Wells, both correct. Well done.

It makes me happy that somebody likes that drummer. Too few people are familiar with him.

Sorry for the initial delay in getting things started, but everything should be up and running. Let 'er rip here with comments, discussion and guesses.

D'oh! Just back from vacation. Here is the link: http://www.thomkeith.com/BFT/bft136.html

Bill has the link and will post it here (I assume) as the date approaches (I'll be on the road). It's a bit of a mix. Some stuff I expect will get nailed in two notes, some stuff I expect will stump folks.

Hello all. I know I'm starting this a tad early, but I'm going to be vacationing the last week of the month, so I wanted to get this started. I'll make sure Bill has the link and send it to whomever has signed up before I leave. I won't be starting the discussion thread until I return, however.

HBJ, yes, Alden is my guess on Warm Valley (track 6)

One of those tricky, live sorta tests... I'm dig. Track 1 - Greasy. I like it. Reminiscent of some of Jeff Coffin's later stuff, but with more grit. I was liking the patience of the saxophonist, but he's started getting altered extension happy, and it's kind of lost the groove. It's a burner, but it didn't quite hold for me. Track 2 - The way you look tonight. Not a band I'm familiar with, but chops to spare all around. No guesses. Track 3 - Borrows flatteringly from Killer Joe. No guesses, another band with skills. Track 4 - This has a nice mix of old and new. Has a bit of a feel like Lou Donaldson, but then has the chop-heavy rhythms of Kenny Garrett. May well be KG. Right about 3:45 is a lick that almost loses the rhythm, but doesn't; has me thinking Joey D. Again at 4:10, a very Joey D line. That would lend some credence to the Kenny Garrett guess. Very bright sounding snare -- feel like I should know the drummer. Track 5 - I love this at two notes. Easy Living. The intro from the rhythm section reminded me a lot of Buck Hill's second Steeplechase date with Kenny Barron, Buster Williams and Billy Hart. Tenor player sounds like a younger guy the more he plays (or maybe I'm just getting old). Some very chop-heavy lines in there, sort of like Ricky Ford, but much cleaner than that. Second listen: I've got him at 5:15, but for a bad reason. It works here, but he does something that flirts with the line of taste and that's what outted him -- it's Craig Handy. Not sure what the band is. Could be Buster Williams on bass. Solid, tight rhythm section; drummer is for real. Track 6 - That confused me for a second -- nice segue, well done. Damned song is going to confound me... GAH! Sounds like Howard Alden to me. Tastefully safe. AH! Warm Valley! Track 7 - Sure could be Gene Harris on piano. Hmmm... maybe not, but derivative. No idea on the guitar, and not feeling GH any longer. But man, now into the solo, it sure could be. This has a terrific feel. About 3:05, no way that's Gene -- too flashy, but DAMN! This guy can PLAY! Can't place the song, but I know it... almost sounds like a Tristano tune, but seems more of a standard than that. Track 8 - I like the idea behind it. No idea who this is. Track 9 - Nice solid flute sound. Thinking saxophonist doubling -- has that heavy sound. Tune has a new agey quality about it at points, but more of a soul base than that (sort like Harold Land's album of folk music). I could listen to a lot of this. Reminds me a lot of Jim Pepper, too. And now, we're onto something else, but equally tasty. That soprano suggests I was right about the doubling. I like this Coltrane rhythmic feel that develops. Saxophonist shows that Trane/Shorter influence, but seems to have his/her own thing in the attack and vibrato. Now we're into full 'Trane. Could be Azar Lawrence. Very nice. Track 10 - Another Yew. I like this guy's sound and approach, but there are some spots where he rushes a bit, sort of like Jimmy Heath. Maybe Chico Freeman? Wow, really has that Jimmy Heath timing -- could this be later Jimmy? Overall, I like the take on the tune. Not trying to set any sort of records for innovation, but just a quality take on the tune. I'm going to say it's Jimmy -- he's just doing that time thing too much. Track 11 - That's Charlie Rouse, no question. Is this a live Sphere date? Can't hear the bass too well, but that could certainly be Ben Riley, and I've been thinking Kenny Barron. Man... song is driving me nuts... I know it, but can't place the title. Track 12 - It's a Shorter tune from the Messenger years... Contemplation. Could be later Wayne, I suppose. Sounds a bit too brutish to be Wayne. Though, really struggling with the low end, which is certainly true of Wayne in later years (too much time playing the unemployment stick!). Track 13 - Now's The Time. Well, I hear Johnny Griffin there in the head. And there is definitely Von Freeman. Man, that would be a FUN night! After reading thread: Egad. I thought I'd done alright on the latter part, but I just got schooled, hard.

Track 1 - Way before my time, no idea who. It’s interesting to me because I can hear the influence on guys like Jaki Byard and Don Pullen, but it’s not something I would go to. Track 2 - Know not the trumpet, but that’s Jug. Very go-go bar rhythm section, but I’d listen to Gene floss his teeth. Second listen: It’s not Art Farmer… maybe Howard McGee? Track 3 - Definite Jug influence on the tenor, but not him. Could be Gator, but seems to lack his distinct approach. Not certain. Rock ’n’ Roll Illinois? Track 4 - Something familiar about the trumpet, but then just when I think I’m ready to guess, he throws me off. Tenor sounds most like Stubblefield to me, but this is way too old to be him. Touches of Mobley, but not him. The bari sound is pure Charles Davis, but he doesn’t make sense in this context. Second listen: D’oh! That’s Sonny Blount! How’d I miss THAT first time through?!?! Had to paw through the collection: it’s Track B3 from this. That, naturally, was John Gilmore on tenor and, as I heard, Charles Davis on bari. Track 5 - Caravan. It’s trying to swing, but not really pulling it off. I can’t place the players, but the whole things sounds like they’re working out of genre. I don’t know if they’re swing players trying to play Latin music, or Latino players trying to play swing, but something isn’t quite working. Some of Tito’s stuff struck me like this. Track 6 - Another Caravan. Sounds like Abdullah Ibrahim to me. Track 7 - Don’t recognize the pianist. Seems out of the same school as the previous cut, but doesn’t seem quite as strong as track 6. Track 8 - I have this. That’s Ra/Gilmore from this. Track 9 - Lester Bowie! Or more accurately, the AEC From this! Track 10 - Woo-hoo! Track 1 from Air Lore! *SUCH* a great record (and my introduction to Henry Threadgill). Track 11 - Sounds distinctly like Benny Carter on alto, but I don’t recognize the others. Track 12 - Newer. Could be earlier Lovano (my first instinct), but I like this guy’s sound better than the flattish, rubbery sound Lovano gets. Of that generation, though. Don’t recognize the others. Drummer is very heavy, sort of like Tain. Track 13 - Moments Notice. Sure sounds like McCoy on piano, definitely Tony Williams on drums. Contextually, I would guess Ron Carter on bass. Some wholesome goodness in here!

Track 11 - That'll be Hank Mobley's A Baptist Beat (one of my favorite HM tunes/albums). I was completely perplexed as I know of only two versions of this song, so I hit the interwebs and learned that it is track 4 from this [http://www.allmusic.com/album/up-a-step-mw0002375957]. Not somebody I was familiar with. I generally like what he's doing, but like most of the modern players, he needs to do some unlearning of the muscle memory if he is going to have a distinctive identity. I give him massive props for doing an album of Hank Mobley tunes. It's about damned time somebody did. Track 12 - A very herky-jerky take on Moanin'. At times, it seems to burn, but at times, it seems very clunky. Track 13 - Straight, No Chaser. Doesn't seem like a Jazz band so much as either a modern blues or crossover band. Track 14 - I'm in at the bass hook. Sounds like a nice way to get around paying Eddie Harris royalties, but well done. Solos seem to lose the identity of the tune a bit. Again, leaning towards a modern crossover band. Oh mercy! At 3:00 somebody owes Eddie not only royalties but a quote citation. Track 15 - I liked the vamp, but the tenor leaves me cold and the whole thing gets very pensive rather quickly. I enjoy the trumpet solo, but the background isn't quite doing what my ears want it too (which is probably my problem, not theirs). I'm wanting that Billy Harper kind of background and it's much to polite to achieve that. It's solid music, just doesn't reside in my neighborhood. Track 16 - First impressions are midway between two of my faves: Woody Shaw and Charles Tolliver. Newer than either. Sounds an awful lot like Harold Land on tenor, but I assume it’s also someone newer (perhaps studied with Land?). Track 17 - The interviewer sounds like the guy who interviewed Coltrane on that Miles/Coltrane Quintet live double disc (with the interview split between the two sides), in Stockholm, if I recall. Great stuff. Track 18 - Okay... I'll go out on a limb and say both 17 & 18 are Gene Harris (partly because it's been awhile since he's popped up in these parts). Track 19 - Needle drop in sort of rough shape. In general, I like this because of the piano, but the drums are pretty stiff. I'd call this a keeper, but I can't say who it is. Track 20 - This one is kind of stiff off the bat. It's not that I don't like it, it just doesn't feel like it's swinging -- it feels like it's TRYING to swing. No guesses. Track 21 - No idea what this is. Two listens and I've got this weird Sidney Bechet thing nagging at me, but I can't put a name to it. No idea who, but could be Sweets on trumpet. Could be somebody like Red Holloway on tenor. Of the last three, I think I like this one the best upon repeated listening.