Stereojack

Art Farmer is one of my all time favorite musicians. I first became aware of him when I saw his quartet with Jim Hall on TV in the early 60's, but the first time I saw him in person was when he was leading a great quintet with Jimmy Heath. I saw that group a couple of times, first when they had Albert Dailey on piano, and later when Cedar Walton was on board. Over the years I caught him a number times, usually leading a quartet. The last time, I think, was at the DeCordova Museum in the early 90's, as part of a memorable series of outdoor concerts that took place there. I remember it was a scalding hot summer day. Everyone, including the band, was sweltering, but the music was magnificent. Art was a true original.

Distressing news. I've lost a few of my Facebook friends over the years, and it's heartbreaking to be reminded when their birthdays come up.

A marvelous musician whose ears were always wide open. I got to see him with Shepp in 1966 or 67, and had the pleasure of meeting him 40 years later when he was staying at a friend's house while in town for a gig. A nice fellow and a beautiful musical spirit.

A fine musician. I saw him with Monk in the 1960's, and with Ron Carter's group in the 1980's.

This just demonstrates how meaningless the "charts" are. When I was a kid in the 1950's, Fats' music was all over the radio. A statistic that drives this home is that the great Chuck Berry's ONLY #1 hit was "My Ding-a-Ling"!

I saw it on Netflix a couple of weeks ago, and I'm giving it thumps up. I agree with most of what others above have said, and I thought it took a refreshingly objective look at the circumstances surrounding his demise. Hearing the story from the perspective of the musicians and those who knew him is vastly superior than to have to listen to an endless stream of critics. The use of his music underneath was effective throughout, and the film clips were a treat.

Sad news - Valerie has been a notable presence here and on Facebook.

Still regularly lurking around here even though I rarely post. Thanks for the birthday wishes!

I attended again this year. There are always plenty of records, and this year Dave Weiner, who programs the jazz films on Friday night, outdid himself. Didn't stay for Ron Hutchinson's Vitaphone presentation on Saturday, but Ron always comes up with a few goodies.

Hank Mobley replaced Golson, followed by Shorter in 1959. Check out the albums "At the Jazz Corner, Vols. 1 &2" (not to be confused with "Meet You at the Jazz Corner")

This one: http://www.jazzdisco.org/bud-powell/discography/

Have always loved Jaws' sultry contribution to this track!

As I recall, "Live 64" was a vinyl only release. "The Natives Are RestlessTonight" CD first came out on Emerald, as pictured, but later showed up under the title "Re-Entry" on 32Jazz. Both of these are, in my opinion, essential for any Horace fan. "Natives" contains broadcast material from Alan Grant, in stereo.

The jazz community in Boston mourns Steve's passing. He was a true believer, and a great guy.

Many happy returns, old friend!

Here's what an original stereo one looks like.

It is, except this appears to be a mono copy.

There are three: Jazz Experiments (BCP 65) East Coasting (BCP 6019) Modern Jazz Symposium of Jazz and Poetry (BCP 6026)

Also made a great album with Count Basie

Happy birthday, Dan!

Thanks, everyone! Still lurking around here, even though I don't post very often!

While I never actually met him in person, Ruby listened to my late night radio show regularly, and called me many times - during the show, at work, and even at home. He was always warm and complimentary to me, although there was always a certain saltiness to him, particularly when the subject of club owners and bookers came up. Many is the time he praised musicians with whom he had worked, and others he had met. I remember him praising Benny Goodman (who he admired), and raving about Roger Kellaway after they had done a project together, and one time he went on about Dave Brubeck. He also was enthusiastic about a number of the records I played, so we hit it off pretty well. Although I have heard all the stories, I got to know a kinder, gentler Ruby Braff.

In full agreement, from one Merle fan to another.

Only just found out that Andrews (full name Lee Andrews Thompson) was the son of Beachey Thompson, a long time member of the Dixie Hummingbirds 1944-1991. Talk about a musical family!