Royal Oak

I watched "The Girl From Ipanema: Brazil, Bossa nova and the Beach", a BBC documentary about the rise of Bossa Nova in Brazil around 1960. Interesting enough, but I never need to hear that tune again in my life.

A recent purchase. It has a slight warp which is annoying, but I don't suppose you can complain for 99p

I like both Leo Parker Blue Notes, even though I think they probably make up a really good album between them. One thing which strikes me about them is the sidemen, not a household name among them.

A recent purchase.

Well, the UK Philips version of same.

50p for 5 minutes is the going rate in the UK.

It's what I was spinning at the time; it was merged with the Alan Haven post, against my will...... Yes, it is rather good, isn't it? You see, merged again....

I found an Alan Haven LP a couple of weeks ago - liner notes by Spike Milligan! I read on the net that he married Miss World in 1965. He died in January, in Stockport I think.

My dad said to me once that Lonnie Donegan was "living proof that any bastard could make it in showbiz". I'm not sure it was one of his quotes, however.

When we were small children, my sister and I both liked "Wowie Zowie" from Freak Out (dad's records, obvs) I'd pick some of the prettier songs, where there is perhaps a bit less Frank than usual eg Montana, Peaches, Oh No, Joe's Garage, Lucille, Harder Than Your Husband, Eat That Question etc

Woofers and tweeters.....

Hank Mobley - Dippin' A recent purchase, old hat to many I suppose. This group really cooks, especially in "Recado Bossa Nova". I love Harold Mabern and Billy Higgins in that tune.

He sort of asks you here..

So, did they rename this one too?

Miles - Milestones Never had this before. It's a bit of an old chestnut I know, but what a good record. Red Garland is an absolute MF. As a side note, I never knew the tune "Milestones" was formerly simply "Miles".

I need to get this. I like Grant Green, I like Joe Henderson, I like a bit of soporific music, and I always liked "For All We Know", which makes me wonder why I don't already have it.

Don Rendell & Ian Carr - Phase III. Suits the warm evening after a sweaty day of garden labour

Intastella Paris Angels Northside (continuing the 2nd-division Madchester bands theme)

Yes, point taken.

My interest piqued, I ordered a copy of the Hawes book, which arrived yesterday. I read the first 30 or so pages, and so far, I agree with fasstrack. I read the Art Pepper book about 20 years ago, and it rather put me off him. I should dig it out and try again.