Dave James

For those who said Sonny Clark...I am for you. Up over and out.

Sheffield to the cross town Mets for Mike Cameron and Miquel (didn't we have him last year) Cairo? Holy schnike. Can you spell d-e-s-p-e-r-a-t-e? Up over and out.

How about this? Some of the sessions include Sonny Clark. That would be enough to get me all lathered up with expectation. Up over and out.

Of course, any recommendation is dependent on your particular interests. Myself, I'm pretty much dialed in to the European Theater, and I have a particular fascination with Hitler. That's not to say I haven't read my share of books on the war with Japan. Sitting on my "to read" stack right now is one called "Japan's Longest Day", a product of the Pacific War Research Society. This deals with the little known story of a potential coup d'etat that was undertaken during the last days of the war by a group of fanatical, young Japanese militarists. I can personally recommend the following: Anthony Beevor: "Stalingrad" or "The Fall of Berlin 1945". Max Hastings: "Bomber Command" or "Armageddon". And, if you want to plumb the depths of Adolph Hitler, then try Ron Rosenbaum's "Explaining Hitler." A bit on the academic, "tomey" side, but a fascinating study nonetheless. If you're just starting to scratch the surface of this period in history, you can't go wrong with anything from William L. Shirer or Gordon W. Prange. And, for an insider's look at the rise and fall of Nazi Germany, Albert Speer's "Inside the Third Reich" is indespensible. Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend something on the history of the 1945 campaign for Okinawa. There are many books written from the American perspective, but I'd also suggest getting something from the perspective of the Japanese. If these don't just about curl your hair, I don't know what will. Up over and out.

I have XM mainly for its hook up with major league baseball. I only have it in my car, but, between this, old time radio, some occasional comedy and the mainstream jazz channel, I find I don't listen to traditional AM of FM much, if at all anymore. Sure a great way to pass the time on the was to and from work. Reception has been great, outside about a week where there was some significant signal interference. Other than that, no cut outs whatsoever, even in tunnels and parking garages. The price is right. Satellite radio is the only way to go. Up over and out.

I don't make any representations as to actual availability, so don't shoot the messenger, but the catalog I got from Collector's Choice late last week lists the Byrd Adams Mosaic for $69.95. That's just a few dollars more than Mosaic asks and with CC's lower shipping costs, you could get this or any of the ones listed below for a bit less than you'd pay if you dealt directly with Mosaic. Other sets: Farmer/Golson: $124.95. Dinah Washington: $89.95. Lou Donaldson: $99.95. Elvin Jones: $134.95. Gerald Wilson: $84.95. Gerry Mulligan CJB: $69.95. Hank Mobley: $99.95. Horace Parlan: $84.95. Johnny Smith: $134.95. Joe Pass: $84.95. Max Roach: $119.95. Stanley Turrentine: $84.95. Jazz Piano Moods: $119.95. CC toll free number is 1-800-923-1122. Up over and out.

I have the Jacquet, but it's not one of my favorites. A little bit of r&b goes a long way for me and there's just too much JATP, Flying Home-style blowing on this one for my tastes. On any Mosaic you're likely to find enough good things to make it worth the investment, and, Lord knows when Jacquet toned himself down, he could be a wonderful player, but it's all a matter of balance. I know any of the sets moving to "Running Low" or "Last Chance" status take on an increased patina of desirability, but, frankly, if it was up to me, I would spend what money I had on something else from the catalog. Up over and out.

Breaking ranks for a quick Neverland joke. Q: How do you know when it 's time for bed at Neverland Ranch? A: When the big hand is on the little hand. Up over and out.

Geez, all you guys hurry up and write a book. I love this insider stuff. Paul - Thanks for posing the question. Up over and out.

Oh yeah. The classic quartet is one of my favorite aggregations, at least until they went ditzy towards the end. Being the incredibly strong player he is, McCoy just rounds things out for me. I hear what you're saying about being able to listen to the instruments if there isn't a piano present, but it just leaves too much space for me. The one thing I have enjoyed is the rather massive dose of Joe Farrell, who, IMO, is three kinds of under... underrated, underrecorded and underappreciated. Like I said, I'm not giving up. Up over and out.

I know I'll probably get flamed for saying this, but I've listened twice to the Elvin Jones set and it's just not working for me. Not sure I can put my finger on why that is, although I think the fact that a much of it is done sans piano probably has something to do with it. I'm not giving up on this, but so far I have to say I was expecting more than its been able to deliver. Up over and out.

I think the answer to this question is the same answer to the question, "why does a dog lick his balls?" Because he can. Up over and out.

Needless to say, this is an excercise in futility. There are just too many great Americans in too many different walks of life that to pick just one from this mellange is an impossible task. And exactly what does the term "greatest" mean in the first place? Most influential? Most responsible for the betterment of society? Most home runs? One could certainly argue names like Jefferson, Edison, Salk, MLK, FDR, JFK or even Bill Gates, but to pick just one? Why and with what end in mind? Just another meaningless contribution to society's fixation with how everyone and everything measures up. What I can't handle is even considering people the likes of Oprah Winfrey. Puullleeeze. And, if the original list of nominees I saw is any indication of the brain power some people have brought to bear on thorny issue of greatness, then we're all in trouble. Ellen DeGeneres....Brett Farve? Say it ain't so, Joe. Up over and out.

As Norm Abram always says at the beginning of The New Yankee Workshop, "... and remember there's no more important safey rule that to wear these, safety glasses." Most people wouldn't think twice about putting these on if they were using any other kind of lawn maintenance device, like a trimmer or a tiller, but for some reason, they think a lawnmower can't possibly hurt them. A lesson well, if painfully learned by our associate, Jazz Kat. BTW, Randy's post that shows Moe giving the fingers to Curley is still cracking me up. LOL for sure. Up over and out.

I will bet you The Spaceman (Lee) pitched high quite a number of times. I'd even be willing to bet there were some seasons when he pitched more often stoned than sober. Maybe not acid, but loaded nonetheless. Of course, let's not sell David Wells short in this discussion. He apparently was so hung over on the morning he pitched his perfect game, he could hardly walk to the mound. Up over and out.

Hoisted on my own petard by "News" Twizzle. I stand corrected. Up over and out.

All this talk of unsweetened cereals like Puffed Rice, Cheerios and Kix reminds me of a peculiar and now inexplicable habit of mine when I was a kid. That would be putting melted butter and salt on these cereals. Like popcorn, I guess. Anyone else ever do anything certifiable with their breakfast food? Up over and out.

Well, Ozzie Nelson - yes, that Ozzie Nelson; Eagle Scout, quarterback for the Duke University football team and Juris Doctor - had a semi-popular sweet band in the '30's. His vocalist? Harriet Hillier. Sound familiar? I've seen films of these guys and, while they were pretty derivative, they could swing. Up over and out.

God help me. Up over and out.

Just another in a series of incredibly inept prosecutions. The ironic thing is that Jackson's own tax dollars help pay the salaries of these nincompoops. I'd say that amounts to a pretty solid investment in his own future. Another thought and them I'm done with this. I don't think any of us can even begin to comprehend the power of celebrity. The crowd of Jackson supporters outside the courtroom was dowright scary. These people are completely unable to judge Jackson objectively...all they can see is a pop star who at some point filled their incredibly empty lives with something they perceived as having real and lasting value. The fact that he's most likely a practicing pedophile is of no consequence to them. Something has gone seriously wrong in this country, and it's a helluva lot bigger than just Michael Jackson. Up over and out.

CNN is reporting that a decision has been reached in the Michael Jackson case. The verdict will be read at approximately 4:45 Eastern Time this afternoon. Up over and out.

I'm as excited anyone about a Chu Berry Mosaic. I have nothing of him in my collection, but he's one of those bigger than life, legendary type players whose music I've wanted to explore for some time. However, my understanding (and I hope I'm wrong) has always been that most of his recorded work consists of the kind of section work, occasional solo playing he did with Calloway. So, what all should one expect to see included in a rather massive 7 CD set? Up over and out.

Kevin, Hoisting one with your "name" on it. Hope you have a good one. Up over and out.

Porter was a lyrical genius in every sense of the word. No one has ever, or probably will ever, use language as cleverly and intelligently as he did in the context of popular entertainment. Here's a little chestnut with regard to "Your're the Top". It was the B-side of Edd Byrne's single "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb." If I'm recalling correctly, he sang it as a duet with that one time blonde hottie, Connie Stevens. BTW, I do not believe "Kookie, Kookie" was written by Porter. Up over and out.

I have to think Mosaic has a very loyal customer base and that that loyalty is recpriocal. Point being, the fact that everyone may not have been made aware of the scarcity of the Byrd/Adams set at the same time has resulted in Mosaic's somewhat awkward attempt to level the playing field and give all their customers a fair shot. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Speaking of "wrong" I think it's wrong to extrapolate from this that it's now their policy on all " Last Chance" sets. That remains to be seen. Up over and out.