Dave James

For those who may have formed the impression that I live for the opportunity to trash Keith Jarrett, I should like to report that this very evening I downloaded Fort Yawuh and Treasure Island from iTunes. Up over and out.

I would take something that illustrates the element of risk taking. While Monk is the most obvious choice in this context, I would look elsewhere. Others have suggested Andrew Hill and Larry Young, both of whom fill this bill, but to me, Tina Brooks is most representative of the label's willingness to take chances. His inclusion could lead the session in a number of different, and interesting directions. As to what track, if I'm interpreting the invitation correctly, that should your call. This sounds like fun. Definitely report back if you go. Up over and out.

I'm loathe to admit this, but one of my favorite versions is sung by the 60's British twosome, Chad & Jeremy. P.M. to Bright Moments. I'd remove that picture if you want anyone to read your posts. Once I saw it, I kind of forgot about what's his name...you know, the jazz trumpeter. Who is that gorgeous gal anyway? Up over and out.

I agree. It's amazing that there's such a need among some posters here to deligitimize the entire idea of Keith Jarrett, as if he should be wiped off the face of the earth. There are many other jazz performers who are obnoxious in their own way, Eric Dolphy comes to mind, but when there's a new Eric Dolphy thread, people are left alone to leave positive opinions. Jeez, it's like a dog gnawing a bone. Give it a rest! We get it - you don't like Keith Jarrett. Now go away! If I was to choose one word to describe Jarrett, it would be selfish. He has no respect for his audience. That's unforgivable. I don't care if it's Keith Jarrett or Eric Dolphy or anyone else. And just so we're clear, I have the Standards Trio Blue Note box. Three stars. Five if someone had gagged him before they hit the stage. Up over and out.

Bill - Shouldn't this really read "...nothing created out of music..." No one on the planet can ruin a song quicker than Mr. Jarrett. I won't argue for a minute that he isn't a supremely gifted musician, but that's where it ends. His unnecessary histrionics and incessant warbling are among the most annoying affectations in all of music. Up over and out.

Sad news indeed. Martyn's recording of Solid Air from his album of the same name accompanied me on some rather interesting journeys. It has an outsized place in my musical memories. Up over and out.

Phunkey, Thanks for posting the link to the Cochran(e) discographical analysis. That's as good a musical biography as I've seen. Some of those audio clips, especially the jazz based ones, are very intriguing. One can certainly hear the influence of Cochrane's classical background in his music. FWIW, I did some quick research and found that Head On and Julian Priester's Love, Love are both available from iTunes. Some of his other albums can be downloaded from other sources, but I'm going to have to convince myself that I want to jump through the hoops to make that happen. Again, thanks for the link. Up over and out.

I received a shipment notice today for the Zeitlin Select. I also noted that UPS has replaced DHL. Delivery is not scheduled until February 5th, eight days from now. Sets used to get from Stamford to Portland, Oregon in in as little as 4 days. I'm guessing that Mosaic is trying to cut back on costs by using ground shipping. The longer wait would be fine if they were charging a little less for S&H, but they aren't. Up over and out.

I was watching some DVD's of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson at the beach this past weekend and one of them included an early appearance by Steve Martin. Back in the day, his arrow-through-the-head bit and other similar routines were pretty funny. Now, not so much. As to the Pink Panther remakes, give me a break. I know Hollywood is desperately short of new ideas, but there are things that should be declared off limits. One of those "things" is the Pink Panther franchise. No one will ever come close to Peter Sellers, period, end of story, so don't even try. I have to think that the Martin takes are a cheap and tawdry attempt to cash in with a younger audience that is probably oblivious to or uninterested in the originals. Up over and out.

The only way to listen to the Dead is live. Their studio albums just don't get over. There's nothing quite like getting into one of their extended jams when it moves into truly jazz-like improvisational territory. While some Dick's Picks are certainly better than others, I can't say I have any that have disappointed me. Agree that post-Jerry the GD has little to offer, although I have some of Weir's Rat Dog live recordings that are pretty good, Up over and out

Dan, I don't tend to question unexpected blessings, I just welcome them. Up over and out.

When Red Mitchell was living in Salem, Oregon, his wife would periodically hold events at their home that consisted of a catered dinner following by music from Red and various groups of local or nationally known musicians. This had to have been at least 15 years ago, so the "in-home" concept isn't new even out here in Orygone. Along the same lines, I have a book called Born Under The Sign Of Jazz written by Randi Hultin, a Norwegian music critic. She and her husband would regularly have jazz musicians stay in their home during tours of Scandinavia. The book itself is a bit self-serving, but what makes it interesting is that she recorded a lot of the jam sessions that took place during these billets and included a CD of the recordings with her book. Some of the musicians on the CD include Sonny Clark, Jan Johansson, Ernie Wilkins, Joe Newman, Freddie Green, Anthony Ortega, Stuff Smith, Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Kenny Dorham, Jaki Byard and Monica Zetterlund. Chapters in the book are devoted to the likes of Basie, Coltrane, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, Eubie Blake, Louis Armstrong, Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, Bud Powell and Sonny Rollins, so this gal definitely got around. Up over and out.

I happened to be listening to NPR about a month ago when they interviewed Mahanthappa. During its course, they played several cuts from Kinsmen which, to say the least, were intriguing. As it turns out, this and several of his other recordings are available on iTunes. I downloaded Kinsmen and it has not disappointed. Certainly a new voice in jazz and one worth hearing. Up over and out.

I didn't until about three hours ago, Up over and out.

Dan, The sound on the "Frankly" session is excellent. Of the three distinct pieces on the set, I would rate this #1. The prison session would rank third, but not because of the sound or the musicianship, both of which are remarkably good. The tunes themselves are just OK. This set was recorded in 1980, so it has a bit more of a contemporary feel than I prefer. This is underscored by the annoying presence of a Fender Rhodes, an instrument I can easily live without in a jazz context. The second session is just two cuts done in the studio, so the sound is of - surprise, surprise - studio quality. Those two include Hadley Calliman on tenor. Yes, Lance Evans is singled out in the "Special Thanks" section of the credits. Michael Cuscuna is also mentioned. Up over and out.

I'm just running through the Uptown Dupree Bolton for the first time right now. All I can say is "Wow"! With respect to the "Frankly Jazz" portion of the program, I love Frank Evans' pipes even though I'm sure I'll wish they hadn't included the intros to the tunes after I've listened a few times. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that Malcolm Addey was part of the digital transfer team. No wonder all three sessions sound so good. The usual overstuffed Uptown booklet is included with lots of pictures and other emphemera. It is, however, rather thick so another very minor complaint is my wishing that they'd provided more "room" for it other than just a single CD jewel box. It' a bit difficult to get in under the pegs and out. I'd be interested if anyone else hears shades of "What's Goin' On" in the second cut from the prison session called John's Tune. Anyhow, bottom line...this one is a keeper. Up over and out.

I don't know about where you live, but here in Portland, the GBT&Y supergroup would play to packed houses. That's what's really scary. As the saying goes, no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public. Up over and out.

Interesting interview today on NPR's Fresh Air conducted by Terry Gross. She spoke with Rolling Stone contributing editor Steve Knobber about his new book, Appetite For Self-Destruction, a tome that deals with the music industry's inability to cope with the digital revolution. I only heard about half the interview, but there was a very interesting discussion about the evolution of the Apple iPod and the selling of music on iTunes. It touched on some of the very recent changes in the pricing and piracy policies of Apple that have been discussed right here on this board. Worth a listen. Up over and out.

With respect to Mulligan, it would be interesting to know what his baritone contemporaries thought of his playing. I recall a story about Serge Chaloff noticing Mulligan watching him from the control booth during a recording session and taking the time to deconstruct Mulligan's style right in front of him. The tone of the story made it clear that he didn't care for the way Mulligan played. Not sure where I read this, but I have a very distinct recollection of it. With regard to Wynton, I can take him or leave him. The only thing of his I have is the Vanguard box and I only bought it because the price was so right. It would be interesting to include him in a blindfold test to see if it's Marsalis people don't like or if it's the way he plays. Point being, if you know who to whom you're listening, can you objectively separate the man from the music? Up over and out.

Hello Larry. I represent a little known grammatical policing organization known colloquially as "The Dangling Modifiers". While reading your initial post on this thread, we were troubled to find a reference to "...human beings with stingers and such." As this appears unlikely, we can only assume that a modifier has, in fact, been dangled. We ask that you acknowledge your oversight so that those who are reading your post will not be confused and/or concerned by such a reference. We are cutting you some slack, as we understand that you are an author and appear to be more than capable of conveying your thoughts clearly via the written word. Thank you for your time and consideration. Up over and out.

I'd be surprised if most everyone in the band and probably Lawrence himself knew exactly what the lyrics to that song meant. I don't care how square the show was, if you're around musicians, a toke is a toke is a toke. Besides, the audience demographic was such that I doubt anyone who was watching had a clue, and that's all that mattered. What a special moment. While it's not The Lennon Sisters doing In-A-Gadda-Da-Vita, it will still do quite nicely. Up over and out.

Y-E-S!!!!!!!! Up over and out.

As to the Welk show being live, the band always was, but I'm not sure there was ever a vocal done on that show that wasn't lip-synched. Up over and out.

Going into their last regular season game two Sundays ago, the Eagles' chances of even making the playoffs were beyond microscopic. To think that they are now a win away from playing for the NFC championship and two wins from the Super Bowl almost sounds like a fairy tale. I'm just hoping that no Plaxico Burress makes the difference tomorrow. Not having to double a wide out frees up one more all-important body to attend to the Giant's running game. Will that make the difference? I sure hope so. Right now, I'm wound up tighter than a ten day clock. Up over and out.

If I'm not mistaken, that's Pete Fountain sitting in the reed section. He played clarinet for a season or two with the Welk band on the old Dodge Cavalcade show. Bet it was all he could do to keep from jumping in and blowing a chorus with The Chantays. While I agree this is the last place on earth these guys should have shown up, Pipeline remains one of the better surf tunes from that era. IMO right behind Walk Don't Run and Wipeout. While you're in YouTube, be sure to open up the video of Dick Dale and Stevie Ray Vaughn doing the same tune. First, for Dale's outrageously bad hair, second for SRV who never disappoints and third, for the clips interspersed throughout the tune. Gilligan, the Skipper, Annette...you get the picture. Thanks Jim. Great stuff. Up over and out.