bertrand

Buttercorn Lady will probably never see the light of day as a CD under the Universal umbrella, since it is part of the 'iTunes-only' series. Unless you call an iTunes reissue a reissue. I don't, since there is no physical product. This being said, I'm not totally againts the iTunes-only reissue option, as long as it's done right (see my posting on George Russell a while ago). Bertrand.

Before you delete it, I will just add that I think this is a great record. Really mad that I still can't find a way to purchase the bonus cut. Bertrand.

The Washington Post had a very interesting, somewhat off-center obituary yesterday. Bertrand.

Mine came in yesterday. Listening to 'Peaches' as we speak. It rocks! Off to the beach this morning; I'll post my comments on my return. Bertrand.

'Royal Flush' and 'Nica' are the same Sonny Clark composition. To the best of my knowledge, Sonny records it under the title 'Royal Flush' for the last time on 3/29/59. He first records 'Nica' on 3/23/60. In between, Max Roach records 'Nica' on 3/2/60. Any idea how Max wound up using the new title before Sonny did? I guess it's possible that they hung out together, and Sonny gave him the piece with the new title; Max appears on both the 3/2/60 and 3/23/60 sessions. Alternatively, maybe either of the 1960 recording dates is incorrect. Bertrand.

'Royal Flush' and 'Nica' are the same Sonny Clark composition. To the best of my knowledge, Sonny records it under the title 'Royal Flush' for the last time on 3/29/59. He first records 'Nica' on 3/23/60. In between, Max Roach records 'Nica' on 3/2/60. Any idea how Max wound up using the new title before Sonny did? I guess it's possible that they hung out together, and Sonny gave him the piece wit hth enew title; Max appears on both the 3/2/60 and 3/23/60 sessions. Bertrand.

I've been enjoying Eric's drumming with Jackie Mac for years. He is truly phenomenal. Nasheet is also great, I became aware of him more recently. His father was one of the greatest drummer ever. Bertrand.

Happy Birthday, Lon! Bertrand.

Lee Morgan also played bass with accordionist Leon Sash at Newport in the mid-50s. His first instrument was the vibes, though. Bertrand.

I'm losing track in my old age... The sessions with Mobley have yet to be put on CD except for the Mosaic box, correct? Those I will pick up ASAP, I can never get enough Hank (although I passed on Good Move). Bertrand.

I'm looking forward to getting my copy. I won't spoil my pleasure by checking out the sneak previews! Bertrand.

So there's no risk damaging the iPod due to power/voltage issues? I stopped by a camera store tonight that sold the altecs. Those morons claimed it wouldn't work unless you went through a computer. This made no sense to me, since you can plug in any headphone... Soul Stream, what brand of speakers do you use? I want something small, but the ones on my PC are pretty crappy. I may have to settle for those for this week-end, unless anyone can recommend something I can pick up cheap and quickly at something like radio shack. I saw a pair of Sony speakers last week-end at a wal-mart that were $10. I figured, how bad can Sony sound like? I would prefer to pay $10 than $150. It was a little less compact than the altec, but the price difference just isn't worth it. Thanks to everyone in advance for thier input. I need to resolve this by Friday. Bertrand. PS. I think we have some extra computer speakers in a closet. Spring cleaning is long overdue.

If you send me $10, I'll take item #2.

After you've finished rolling on the floor laughing at my stupidity, please answer this: can I plug in the small speakers I have on my computer into my iPod, or will it destroy the iPod? I'm going on a trip, and I want to be able to listen in the hotel room. My alternative is to buy those mini Altec speakers made especially for this use, but they're $150. Thanks, Bertrand.

The website is not up yet, so details are sketchy. Bertrand.

I love Wyands' playing. Bertrand.

Off to see acoustic Hot Tuna tonight at the Ram's Head Tavern in Annapolis, MD. Showtime 8:30. Bertrand.

Please accept my deepest condolences. Bertrand.

I think it would work in a trio setting - no piano. Bertrand.

A friend of mine is looking for the Lee Morgan Rajah CD to purchase. Any copies out there, or any leads? I have it of course, but it stays with me Thanks in advance, Bertrand.

I've been eyeing this one for a while. So, all you organ nuts out there recommend this unequivocally, or does someone have reservations? My bank account curses/thanks you in advance. Bertrand.

Not feeling piled on at the least. I wrote my initial post in haste (crazy work day, I'm just leaving now), vaguely remembering having read some statement about Lacy. If I had searched AMG 10 seconds, I would not have made the statement. But ultimately, I got the answer I was looking for: had Wayne recorded an entire album of Mokn tunes back in '59, he would have been only the third (if you count Wilen's session). He had what was at the time a very original idea - too bad he didn't pursue it. It's not too late, I guess All this stems from my heavy listening to Monk these days. I made a playlist for my iPod of one version of each of the 70 compositions that Monk recorded. I'm in middle of a second playlist with covers by other artists (including two that Monk didn't record). Some pieces were recorded by Monk only (especially the solo tunes). To answer Mike's question, Wayne has indeed recorded very few Monk tunes in his career. 'Round Midnight' a few times, and 'Evidence/Justice' with Blakey (although never officially). I can't even recall any '52nd Street Theme'. The only other instance I can think of is a version of 'Crepuscule With Nellie' on the 1997 T.S. Monk CD Monk On Monk. Don Sickler (who arranged the session) proudly told me that: a) Wayne was actually present in the studio (not overdubbed, as he often is when he guests these days) b) Wayne takes an actual solo, which according to Sickler was never 'allowed' before on this particular Monk tune, which is usually played straight through. Hearing Wayne play one man's tribute to his wife after having just lost his own under terrible circumstances is quite moving. He sounds incredibly happy and lighthearted, considering this fact. Bertrand.

Forgot to check the recording date for Reflections - I had it confused with Evidence, which is mostly Monk and somewhat later. I also doubted Lacy was really almost the first, but I'm surprised by the number of 'Ruby My Dear' versions. I'll check AMG, as faulty as it is; still don't have the Lord CD-ROM. My statement was based on some puff piece on Lacy that I read and that was obviously an exaggeration. So the first full tribute is the partially issued Wilen session, followed by Reflections, then the Griff/Lockjaw. A Wayne session would have probably fit in between the Lacy and the Griffin. Too bad it never materialized. Wayne also claims somewhere that he made a cold call to Monk's house to offer his services around the late fifties after Griffin left. He got a hold of Nellie, who said that Rouse had just been hired. Don't know how true this story is, or where I even read it. Bertrand.

In an interview with Leroy Jones/Amiri Baraka (which must be from 1959 since Wayne is with Maynard Ferguson at the time), Wayne Shorter says he is thinking about doing an album of Monk compositions. Of course, nowadays, these are a dime a dozen, but back then, they were still a rarity. I know that Steve Lacy was one of the first to record a Monk tune ('Work' 11/1/57) without the composer present, but was there anyone else at that time? If Wayne had actually done this album in '59-'60, would he have been the first to record an all-Monk program? Thanks, Bertrand.

Mike, What's the personnel on this? Thanks, Bertrand.