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Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky Quartett - Just For Fun [FMP]

Richard Price - The Whites I don't think I've ever been disappointed by a Price novel. This one certainly appears to be written with his trademark ear for dialogue and eye for societal detail. I've no idea of knowing how accurate a representation of life in NYPD (or indeed NYC) it is but I'm willing to go for the ride

The Wuppertal Workshop Ensemble - The Family [FMP]

Glad you enjoyed it Bev. Meadows isn't afraid at pulling at the heart strings. He continues to do so through to the finale.

Julia Hulsmann Quartet w.Theo Bleckmann tonight

Barry Guy - Statements V-XI For Double Bass & Violone [Incus] ltd ed, bespoke art cover Great to finally have this music. Seen Guy play solos live many times, good to have him in the home too

Happy Birthday to the O board's own Northern Powerhouse

That's one hell of an evening's programme. Von Schlippenbach trio are my favourite live jazz group now that Brotzmann's Chicago Tentet is no longer). Morris et al will need to be on fire to follow them

Peter Lanyon at Courtauld. Opened my eyes to his work. also Bridget Riley/Seurat. Just six paintings making a very focussed connection

very much looking forward to that one. I thoroughly enjoyed both 'Let The Great World Spin' and 'Transatlantic'

It is indeed. The copy could be cleaner but the music wins out

reports are that at tomorrow's England-France football match the screens at Wembley will display the words to the Marseillaise to encourage the English fans to sing along. If they achieve their aim that'll be an impressive display of solidarity

C.P.U (Cosmic Pulsation Unity - s/t [Denon Jazz] another jump into unchartered Japanese waters

Hozan Yamamoto, David Friesen, Masahiko Satoh - Hozan, Friesen +1 [Next Wave] took a punt on this on the back of a couple of other Yamamoto's I enjoy. Very pleased I did

Didn't see Cassandra Wilson at the Royal Festival Hall last night. Enjoyed the support (Lionel Loueke) sat for an hour and an announce that "Ms Wilson is in her hotel room and will not be performing for you tonight. Her band are currently trying to persuade her to play for us". No further explanation given. Many very angry disappointed fans in the auditorium. I could understand their feeling but did wonder what they felt all the shouting and booing would achieve. You win some..... I hope she's OK. edit to add: appears there was a performance after all if somewhat truncated and starting 45 minutes after the announcement (an hour and 25 minutes after scheduled start). A storm brewing with the promoter https://www.facebook.com/Cassandra-Wilson-361569243871752/

OliverM - I hope that you and your friends remain safe. To be in Paris now must be challenging on so many levels. I can too clearly remember London after 7/7. My thoughts are with you as are those of many others in London I'm sure

two very fine albums there I know I say it every time they're mentioned but those Giuffre Choice sessions really are right up there

A proud and beautiful city attacked by cowards. May its citizens be allowed to mourn without further attacks.

Cicada Music is one of my Chicago favourites as are the Klang releases. That's the good thing about a fertile scene it will produce a range of music that appeals to different tastes I need to catch up with Mazzarella's recordings fine release(and liners), following in the footsteps of his other Delmarks. Delmark, now there's an important factor in this story, surely. I've many of their releases on the shelves

Thanks Larry.That's very interesting and heartening to hear about the socio-economic climate providing at least an opportunity for artists to survive/work. I didn't realise Reed was so involved. He's a great drummer, writer, bandleader from the recorded evidence that's for sure.

certainly sounds so. I don't know anything about Sawano apart from what's on their website. are they generally well regarded? no mistaking for KW on that one

I don't really see the relevance of folks' judgements on KV's musical abilities on this discussion which is about organisational influences on a scene (whenever KV's mentioned there seem a necessity for questioning of his musical abilities). It seems commonly accepted that as a facilitator he's added greatly and generously to the propagation of important strands currently being heard. If the Velvet Lounge was so important what has happened to sustain its influence since its closure? Is the cross-fertilisation across social/racial lines that Chuck mentions above still happening without a focus like the Velvet Lounge - from a very long way away it would seem to be. If so, is that a lasting legacy or are others (people and venues) now doing the work that Anderson and the VL did? apologies for all the questions.....

which are?

Does the North and South sides have distinct musical identities or is it purely geographical?

Brooklyn is a great read as are most of Toibin's novels. He addresses some big themes often in a seemingly gentle way. Real craftsman of language Another contemporary Irish author who's a must-read for me is Sebastian Barry. About time for another novel from him