bertrand

RDK, My point is not that Hackford does not like Monk. In fact, he probably has never heard any Monk. He only has heard the old cliches about his music being far out and Monk being crazy, and he chooses to perpetuate these cliches in a major newspaper. And it does have every thing to do with the film - how on earth can he do a tolerable Ray Charles biopic when he clearly has no understanding of music. He says in the same article that Charles loved jazz the most above all music. Then how can he dismiss Monk and claim that he just made a movie that probes the mind of his subject, if he shows so little respect for something that was important to the subject of his film? It looks like he just did not get Ray at all. Hope this makes more sense. Bertrand.

The Connection movie features complete performances of all 7 Reddie Redd tunes from the BN date with the exact same band. That's the closest we'll ever get. Bertrand.

Leeway, Yes, I will be there Monday. I missed the Elvin/Lacy thing also. On 11/8, there is something with M'Boom - I plan to go to that one. Bertrand.

The following quote from an interview in today's Washington Post with the director Taylor Hackford has decided me to stay miles away from this film. Apparently Charles was trying to challenge Foxx (who was learning to play piano), first by playing some funk, then some blues, then: 'All of a sudden, Ray breaks into Thelonious Monk. There's no rhyme or reason to Thelonious Monk. People thought Monk was mad'. I'll tell you what makes me mad - assholes pontificating about jazz who haven't got a clue about the history of the music. Bertrand.

I got my four-year old hooked on Woody Shaw and the Jefferson Airplane B-) Bertrand.

Coda: You can reserve your seat for the Library of Congress film by calling 202-707-5677. Anyone interested in Schnitter? How is he playing these days? Bertrand.

Jim, You wrote: 'My copy arrived yesterday. I may never get off the john'. Are you there now? Are you viewing organissimo from a laptop? Bertrand.

What is 'Paris In Blue'? Never heard of it. For those who were speculating some time ago on another thread, I received a postcard that indicates that the Mingus big band will now play on Tuesdays at the Iridium AND keep its Thursday gig at the Fez! The more Mingus the better, that's my philosophy. Bertrand.

Joyeux anniversaire! Bertrand.

I plan to see saxophonist Dave Schnitter this week-end in DC. Any comments on his recent playing or new CD? Thanks, Bertrand.

Two jazz events coming up for DC jazz fans which I will attend: 1. Former Messenger Dave Schnitter (ts) at Twins with a great rhythm section (Harry Appelman - Steve Novosel - Steve Williams) - I will most likely be there Saturday. 2. Jazz film at the Library of Congress 7 PM Monday 11/1: Roland Kirk; Horace Silver (United States Of Mind period); Lee Morgan quintet, a month before his death! I will not miss this. Bertrand.

I assume you guys are talking about the bass player who did some dates on Prestige with Jackie. Is he related to pianist Nat Phipps, who is from Newark? Nat is very much with us - David Weiss told me he just saw him in upstate NY. Bertrand.

Well, it took me longer than I thought (as usual) but the verdict is in (drum roll please)... ... and of course Mike was right. I went to the Library of Congress today with a musician friend of mine and we went through the copyright deposits for the tunes from this album. Based on the lead sheets, the tracks are as listed on the CD: Goin' Down South - Prints Tie - Jazz - Ummh - Procession The last one must be Night In Barcelona, for which I found no copyright. Ira Gitler must have been given incorrect titles. Keep the research projects coming - I love doing this stuff. I wish I could read music more than at an elementary level. Bertrand.

I don't know if what you are describing is more pronounced in recent years, but Ricky's mother died in the same 1996 TWA crash that took the life of Wayne Shorter's wife and niece, so there is no doubt that he has been dealing with a lot of emotional issues in the last few years. Perhaps this is connected? Bertrand.

The Michael J. Fox movie is 'Secret Of My Success'. Bertrand.

So Rooster, when do we get a copy of that Wayne Shorter/Woody Shaw/Andrew Hill/Larry Young private tape that you've been tantalizing us with all day today? Bertrand.

I don't think he actually said 'go fuck yourselves', but he did say something like 'I don't owe anybody any explanations'. Bertrand.

Happy birthday! Hope we can hook up again at some gig in the future. Bertrand.

Michelle Mercer did get full cooperation and a lot of input from Wayne. She did get to interview quite a few people, including some from his early days. I doubt, however, that she got a hold of the person I met at Carnegie Hall in June - she was a fellow student at NYU and played one of his compositions at her final recital. I spoke to Mercer a couple of times and never heard from her again. I did e-mail her the inventory I did of all of Wayne's compositions - I wonder if it will show up in some form in the book. Bertrand.

gdogus, Is that the one with Shorter and Zawinul chalupa, I bet the Airto connection is the one my friend came across. He probably found a listing that mentioned Airto as being a former member of WR, and that was what he remembered reading. I would be a bit surprised if Wayne had had anything to do with the dead. I came across an interview once where he expressed some disdain for the Jefferson Airplane, which is funny, because they're one of my favorite rock groups (pre-1971), and you know how I love Wayne's music. Bertrand.

gdogus, Actually, my friend found out about these alleged jams with Weather Report because he was searching for the piece you mention on some list of dead tapes, and stumbled across these in the search engine when typing the words 'Weather Report'. Apparently, these jams took place at some benefit concerts both groups were involved in. Back in the days when I still listened to the dead (I don't really have the urge to do so anymore, although I've been on a massive airplane kick in the last year) and also started listening to jazz, I had always assumed the 'Weather Report Suite' was named in tribute to the group of the same name. Do any of you dead experts have any evidence to support (or infirm) this? Thanks, Bertrand.

He looked good, but he was definitely a bit tired on the second night, Of course, he is 73. Bertrand.

I was told that the Dead may have jammed with Weather Report on a couple of occasions. Any info (especially set lists and dates) would be greatly appreciated. Bertrand.

I didn't know about Yoshi's - this is not good news. He had two gigs this summer - the Gillespie band at Newport and that thing in Baalbek (sp?). Does anyone know if he made those? I'm glad I saw four sets in May at the Iridium. Bertrand.

I was disappointed to see that Jackie is not scheduled to play with Cedar Walton at the Vanguard this year. I know Jackie will be a guest with the Diz tribute band at the Blue Note for three nights next week, but I probably cannot make it. Does anyone know of any other upcoming Jackie gigs (in NYC or elsewhere)? Thanks, Bertrand.